scholarly journals Analysis of the type material of Gomphosphenia tackei (Bacillariophyceae) and comparison to epizoic diatom populations on freshwater snails

2021 ◽  
Vol 154 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-263
Author(s):  
Mateusz Rybak ◽  
Łukasz Peszek ◽  
Anita Poradowska

Background and aims – Hustedt (1942) originally described Gomphosphenia tackei from Germany under the name Gomphonema tackei. Because of the small cell size and the lack of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images from the type material, it is often confused with other species from this genus, especially with G. stoermeri. The aim of this paper was to present detailed morphological characteristics of G. tackei based on the analysis of the type material and of several epizoic populations from Central Europe. Material and methods – The material in this study was collected from the shells of the freshwater snails Lymnaea stagnalis, Planorbarius corneus, and Planorbis planorbis. Additionally, for an unambiguous species identification, the type material for Gomphosphenia tackei was analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopes.Key results – The presence of Gomphosphenia tackei was confirmed in the studied material. The largest population (up to 19%) was recorded on the shell surfaces of living snails, whereas on empty shells, the diatom did not seem to be present or only in very low numbers. Valves are typically clavate with rounded apices. Valves are frequently observed in girdle view, often joint together in pairs. The valves in the studied populations had a valve length of 7–29 µm, a valve width of 3–4 µm, and a stria density of 25–29 striae in 10 µm. In the type population, valve length ranged from 7.5 to 27 µm with a valve width of 3.0–4.0 µm and a stria density of 23–29 striae per 10 µm. Striae were composed of 2–4 elongated to rounded areolae per stria. At the apices, the striae were composed of one single areola. The cells were attached to the substratum by their footpole.Conclusion – Published illustrations of Gomphosphenia tackei do not always correctly represent this species. Individual cells are attached to the substratum by secreted mucilage, probably via their areolae or girdle band pores located on the footpole.

Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Michela Relucenti ◽  
Giuseppe Familiari ◽  
Orlando Donfrancesco ◽  
Maurizio Taurino ◽  
Xiaobo Li ◽  
...  

Several imaging methodologies have been used in biofilm studies, contributing to deepening the knowledge on their structure. This review illustrates the most widely used microscopy techniques in biofilm investigations, focusing on traditional and innovative scanning electron microscopy techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), variable pressure SEM (VP-SEM), environmental SEM (ESEM), and the more recent ambiental SEM (ASEM), ending with the cutting edge Cryo-SEM and focused ion beam SEM (FIB SEM), highlighting the pros and cons of several methods with particular emphasis on conventional SEM and VP-SEM. As each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, the choice of the most appropriate method must be done carefully, based on the specific aim of the study. The evaluation of the drug effects on biofilm requires imaging methods that show the most detailed ultrastructural features of the biofilm. In this kind of research, the use of scanning electron microscopy with customized protocols such as osmium tetroxide (OsO4), ruthenium red (RR), tannic acid (TA) staining, and ionic liquid (IL) treatment is unrivalled for its image quality, magnification, resolution, minimal sample loss, and actual sample structure preservation. The combined use of innovative SEM protocols and 3-D image analysis software will allow for quantitative data from SEM images to be extracted; in this way, data from images of samples that have undergone different antibiofilm treatments can be compared.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Guilherme da Cunha ◽  
Marcelo Franchin ◽  
Lívia Câmara de Carvalho Galvão ◽  
Bruno Bueno-Silva ◽  
Masaharu Ikegaki ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the bioactive nonpolar fraction of geopropolis onStreptococcus mutansbiofilm. The ethanolic extract ofMelipona scutellarisgeopropolis was subjected to a liquid-liquid partition, thus obtaining the bioactive hexane fraction (HF) possessing antimicrobial activity. The effects of HF onS. mutansUA159 biofilms generated on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs were analyzed by inhibition of formation, killing assay, and glycolytic pH-drop assays. Furthermore, biofilms treated with vehicle control and HF were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). HF at 250 μg/mL and 400 μg/mL caused 38% and 53% reduction in the biomass of biofilm, respectively, when compared to vehicle control (P<0.05) subsequently observed at SEM images, and this reduction was noticed in the amounts of extracellular alkali-soluble glucans, intracellular iodophilic polysaccharides, and proteins. In addition, theS. mutansviability (killing assay) and acid production by glycolytic pH drop were not affected (P>0.05). In conclusion, the bioactive HF of geopropolis was promising to control theS. mutansbiofilm formation, without affecting the microbial population but interfering with its structure by reducing the biochemical content of biofilm matrix.


Author(s):  
Debbie G. Jones ◽  
Albert P. Pisano

A novel fabrication process is presented to create ultra thick ferromagnetic structures in silicon. The structures are fabricated by electroforming NiFe into silicon templates patterned with deep reactive ion etching (DRIE). Thin films are deposited into photoresist molds for characterization of an electroplating cell. Results show that electroplated films with a saturation magnetization above 1.6 tesla and compositions of approximately 50/50 NiFe can be obtained through agitation of the electrolyte. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that NiFe structures embedded in a 500 μm thick silicon wafer are realized and the roughening of the mold sidewalls during the DRIE aids in adhesion of the NiFe to the silicon.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 3773-3778
Author(s):  
Keon-Young Kim ◽  
Se-Min Jeong ◽  
Chang-Yull Lee

This paper proposes a new mechanism for detecting microscopic damage of structures based on imitating the sensory organs of spiders. Therefore, it is essential to manufacture sensors that can react sensitively to the micro deformations of structures. Numerous cracks were intentionally generated to improve the sensitivity of the proposed sensor, and an increase in the gap of the crack was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. Electrohydrodynamic technology is used to detect deformations in a structure of depositing Ag nano paste on a polyethylene terephtha-late (PET) substrate. Ag nano lines are also observed by SEM images. The sensor is constructed as a grid structure, by forming layers patterned horizontally and vertically. An impact tester is used to verify the mechanism for structural health monitoring using the developed sensor. The resistance changes of the sensors are applied to estimate the structure’s damaged location. The intersections of the lines with varying resistance can be used to accurately detect crack initiation. The proposed mechanism is a powerful methodology for estimating and detecting microscopic deformations and damage to structures.


Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 479 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-274
Author(s):  
Q.M. YOU ◽  
K. ZHAO ◽  
Y.L. WANG ◽  
P. YU ◽  
J.P. KOCIOLEK ◽  
...  

Four new monoraphid diatoms are examined and described from a high-altitude (> 3000 m) region of western Sichuan, China.  The descriptions are based on light and scanning electron microscopy observations, and the four new species are compared with similar taxa worldwide.  Achnanthidium sichuanense sp. nov. has small, lanceolate-elliptical valves, with rounded apices. The outline and central area differentiate it from similar species.  The unique characteristic of Eucocconeis undulatum sp. nov. is that it has valves that are undulate along the apical axis, forming an “H”-shaped area on both raphe and rapheless valves as seen in light microscope (LM).  Platessa mugecuonesis sp. nov. and Platessa lanceolata sp. nov. are two small species, whose valve outlines and central areas make them different from other species in this genus.  A. sichuanense sp. nov. and E. undulatum sp. nov. are discussed in terms of the relationship between “Achnanthidium & Psammothidium” and “Eucocconeis & Psammothidium”, as these genera are difficult to separate according to morphological characteristics.


2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 1447-1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando de Freitas Fernandes ◽  
Ana Cristina Bahia ◽  
Nágila Francinete Costa Secundino ◽  
Paulo Filemon Paolucci Pimenta

Abstract The ultrastructure of the mouthparts of Haematobia irritans (L.) was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The morphological characteristics of the maxillary palps, labium (prementum and postmentum), labrum, hypopharynx, haustellum, and labellar lobes are described, as well as of the sensilla evidenced on all the surface of the mouthparts, and the set of different positions assumed by the mouth apparatus of this fly. Based on their morphology, 12 well-differentiated sensilla were identified, among three types of cuticular sensilla: trichoidea, coeloconica, and campaniformia. A slight sexual dimorphism in the sensilla patterns found in the mouthparts of H. irritans was evidenced. These observations are discussed with reference to the current literature on the functional morphology of sense organs of Insecta. These results could facilitate the recognition of the chemosensory sensilla by electrophysiological techniques, and foment future taxonomic and phylogenetic studies to better elucidate the evolution of Diptera, Muscomorpha.


2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (24) ◽  
pp. 2050249
Author(s):  
L. Yoosefi ◽  
V. Setoodeh

High sensitivity and response ratio of magnetoimpedance (MI) sensors have raised interest for using them in different environments for detection of weak magnetic fields of magnetic elements even though the high dependence of the MI response to the surface condition of the MI sensor has limited its application in some environments. In this study, we investigate the effects originating from the MI measurement in moisturized air. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, it is observed that the surface of an Fe-based MI sensor has become rough and granular after the presence of moisture on its surface. Results can be useful for developing MI sensors for use in different environmental conditions.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalini Kulandaivalu ◽  
Zulkarnain Zainal ◽  
Yusran Sulaiman

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxyhiophene) (PEDOT), polyaniline (PANI), and polypyrrole (PPy) were prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate via potentiostatic from aqueous solutions containing monomer and lithium perchlorate. The concentration of monomers was varied between 1 and 10 mM. The effects of monomer concentration on the polymers formation were investigated and compared by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. FTIR and Raman spectra showed no changes in the peaks upon the increment of the concentration. Based on the SEM images, the increment in monomer concentration gives significant effect on morphologies and eventually affects the electrochemical properties. PEDOT electrodeposited from 10 mM solution showed excellent electrochemical properties with the highest specific capacitance value of 12.8 mF/cm2.


2019 ◽  
Vol 187 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petra Sierwald ◽  
Derek A Hennen ◽  
Xavier J Zahnle ◽  
Stephanie Ware ◽  
Paul E Marek

Abstract The species of the eastern North American millipede genus Pseudopolydesmus are reviewed. Synonyms and comprehensive literature citations are provided for each of the eight recognized species. Diagnostic morphology of the genus, including clarification of male gonopod terminology, is reviewed and defined using scanning electron microscopy and high-quality macrophotographic images, including those in which ultraviolet fluorescence was induced to produce detailed images of morphological structures. Based on the examination of available type material, the following eight species are recognized: (1) Pseudopolydesmus erasus; (2) Pseudopolydesmus canadensis; (3) Pseudopolydesmus collinus; (4) Pseudopolydesmus pinetorum; (5) Pseudopolydesmus minor; (6) Pseudopolydesmus caddo; (7) Pseudopolydesmus paludicolus; and (8) Pseudopolydesmus serratus. The species names Polydesmus neoterus and Polydesmus euthetus are here placed as junior subjective synonyms of Ps. minor (both syn. nov.), and Polydesmus natchitoches is placed as a junior subjective synonym of Ps. pinetorum (syn. nov.).


Cancers ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Afroditi Nanou ◽  
Mateus Crespo ◽  
Penny Flohr ◽  
Johann De Bono ◽  
Leon Terstappen

To explore morphological features of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (tdEVs), we developed a protocol for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of CTCs and tdEVs. CTCs and tdEVs were isolated by immunomagnetic enrichment based on their Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) expression or by physical separation through 5 μm microsieves from 7.5 mL of blood from Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (CRPC) patients. Protocols were optimized using blood samples of healthy donors spiked with PC3 and LNCaP cell lines. CTCs and tdEVs were identified among the enriched cells by fluorescence microscopy. The positions of DNA+, CK+, CD45− CTCs and DNA−, CK+, CD45− tdEVs on the CellSearch cartridges and microsieves were recorded. After gradual dehydration and chemical drying, the regions of interest were imaged by SEM. CellSearch CTCs retained their morphology revealing various shapes, some of which were clearly associated with CTCs undergoing apoptosis. The ferrofluid was clearly distinguishable, shielding major portions of all isolated objects. CTCs and leukocytes on microsieves were clearly visible, but revealed physical damage attributed to the physical forces that cells exhibit while entering one or multiple pores. tdEVs could not be identified on the microsieves as they passed through the pores. Insights on the underlying mechanism of each isolation technique could be obtained. Complete detailed morphological characteristics of CTCs are, however, masked by both techniques.


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