Detailed morphological analysis of axolotl sperm

The axolotl has extraordinary regeneration capacity compared to other vertebrates. This remarkable potential has been attributed to its life-long neoteny, characterized by the exhibition of embryonic characteristics at the adult stage. A recent study provided a detailed morphological analysis of the sperm morphology of the Ambystoma mexicanum using routine and detailed histological techniques. The primary purpose of the present study is to describe a simple and inexpensive method for evaluating the morphology of axolotl sperm. In this study, spermatophore structures were collected and spread on slides and air-dried. The slides were stained with periodic acid Schiff, toluidine blue, Masson’s trichrome, Giemsa, Spermac, and Diff-Quik dye for a morphological examination. The slides were coated with gold/palladium for a scanning electron microscopy examination. The sperm of the axolotl consisted of an elongated head, a neck, and a flagellum covered with an undulating membrane. The lengths of the midpiece, tail, and head were 8.575 µm, 356.544 µm, and 103.661 µm, respectively. In the flagellum part, the wavy membrane structure, whose function has not been explained, surrounds the tail. The data obtained from this study will constitute an important step in designing future research on the reproductive and regeneration capacity of the axolotl.

Effect of rK39 testing in guiding treatment initiation and outcome in patients with visceral leishmaniasis in Ethiopia: A prospective cohort study

Background The rapid diagnostic test (RDT) rK39 is currently being used for routine diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in East Africa. However, continuous monitoring of the performance of the assay, in particular its impact on the clinical decision in initiating anti-leishmanial treatment and outcomes remains needed as there are concerns about the diagnostic performance of this test. Methods VL patients prospectively enrolled in a diagnostic trial and with rK39 RDT were included. We evaluated the effect of rK39 testing in guiding treatment initiation and outcome. On the basis of rK39 RDT test result as well as clinical case definition for VL and microscopy examination, the clinicians decide whether to initiate VL therapy or not. Poisson regression models were used to identify factors associated with a decision to initiate VL therapy. In addition, treatment outcomes of those who received VL therapy were compared to those who received non-VL treatment. Results Of 324 VL suspects enrolled, 184 (56.8%) were rK39+ and 140 (43.2%) were rK39‒. In addition, microscopy exam was done on tissue aspirates from a sub-population (140 individuals), which is 43.2% of the suspected cases, comprising of 117 (63.6%) rK39+ and only 23 (16.4%) rK39‒ cases. Of those with microscopy examination, only 87 (62.1%) were found positive. Among 184 (56.8%) patients without microscopy, 67 (36.4%) were rK39+, of whom 83 (65.9%) were positive by microscopy, 21 (16.7%) were negative by microscopy and 22 (17.5%) had no microscopy results. On the other hand, of those who did not receive VL treatment 58/189 (30.7%) were rK39+ and 131 (69.3%) were rK39‒. Of the rK39+ cases who did not receive VL therapy, only 1 (1.7%) patient was microscopy positive, 12 (20.7%) were negative and 45 (77.6%) patients had no microscopy result. Of the rK39‒ cases (n = 131) who did not receive VL treatment, 16 were microscopy negative and 115 without microscopy exams. Whereas positive rK39 result [adjusted Relative Risk (aRR) 0.69; 95% CI: 0.49–0.96, p = 0.029] and positive microscopy results (aRR 0.03; 95% CI: 0.00–0.24, p = 0.001) were independently associated with VL treatment, having confirmed diagnosis other than VL (aRR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.09–2.46, p = 0.018) was independently associated with initiation of non-VL therapy. The proportion of rK39+ patients who received non-VL treatment with no improvement outcome was significantly higher when compared to those who received VL treatment (24.1%, 95% CI: 14.62–37.16 vs. 11.9%, 95%CI: 7.26–18.93; p<0.0001). Conclusion The study shows that a significant proportion of patients with rK39+ results were undertreated. Failure to do microscopy was associated with lack of improved clinical outcome. Including an additional simple point-of-care assay in the diagnostic work-up is urgently needed to correctly identify VL cases and to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with the disease.

Isolation and Production of Nanocrystalline Cellulose from Conocarpus Fiber

Conocarpus fiber is a lignocellulosic biomass rich in cellulose potentially used for producing nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), a biomaterial extensively employed in various application fields. In the present work, different hydrolysis times of 10, 20 and 30 min were applied to chemically pre-treated Conocarpus fiber to produce CPNC1, CPNC2, and CPNC3 particles. With acid hydrolysis treatment, the yield of NCC product was successfully retained at 17–19%. Individual, rod-like shapes of NCC particles could be clearly observed under microscopy examination. From chemical composition analysis, a relatively pure cellulose compartment was produced for all NCC samples with substantial removal of lignin and hemicellulose. The physicochemical analysis proved that each nanoparticle sample possessed strong cellulose crystalline structure. For thermal analyses, the heat resistance of NCCs was gradually enhanced with the increased hydrolysis times. Therefore, the extracted NCC product from Conocarpus fiber could be a green nano-filler for developing nanocomposite material in the future.

Study on Microstructure and Properties of 12Ag–Cu–Zn–Sn Cadmium-Free Filler Metals with Trace in Addition

The effect of different In contents on the melting characteristics, mechanical properties, and microstructure of 12Ag–Cu–Zn–Sn filler metal was investigated in this paper, and flame brazing of 304 stainless steel and copper plates was done using the 12Ag–Cu–Zn–Sn–xIn filler metal. The results indicate that adding appropriate amount of In can evidently decrease the solidus and liquidus temperatures and improve the wettability of the low silver based filler metals. In addition, the shear strength of 304 stainless steel and copper plates joint brazed by 12Ag–Cu–Zn–Sn–1In are satisfactory due to the solution strength effect, and scanning electron microscopy examination of the braze-zone revealed that more relatively sound joints were obtained when brazing was done with 12Ag–Cu–Zn–Sn–xIn filler metal than with Indium free one; its performance is comparable to that of the joint brazed with the 20Ag–Cu–Zn–Sn filler metal, having a remarkable silver-saving effect.

Partial characterization of Prunus Necrotic Ringspot Virus on apple in EGYPT

A severe isolate of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) was isolated from apple orchards in the vicinity of Nubaria city, Beheira governorate, Egypt. Infected-apple trees showed chlorotic, necrotic ringspots, and shoot holes on leaves. Severely infected- trees withered, became useless, and were removed causing severe economic losses. Reverse transcriptase (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR), RT-PCR, using degenerate primer pair for the coat protein (CP) gene of Ilarvirus amplified products similar to those produced from peach and apricot isolates of PNRSV-infecting stone fruits). Dot blotting immuno-binding assay (DBIA showed a positive reaction between PNRSV-infected apple sap and an Egyptian antiserum for PNRSV. Purified preparation from infected leaves, using the electro-elution technique yielded nucleoprotein, which had Amax and Amin at 260 and 240 nm respectively. Electron microscopy examination showed spherical virions with ca. 26 nm in diameter.

Actinomyces causing chronic tonsillitis: a retrospective study

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Actinomyces is often overlooked and hence reported as rare infection of palatine tonsils. It can often lead to chronic tonsillitis and can masquerade as oropharyngeal malignancy. Objectives were to estimate the proportion of actinomyces causing chronic tonsillitis using histopathological evidence and to describe the histopathology of tonsillectomy specimens.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Total 33 patients had undergone tonsillectomy in the study period of June 2018 to September 2020. Tonsil biopsy specimens stained with haematoxylin-Eosin stain and gram Stain were evaluated by light microscopy examination for the presence of actinomyces. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Total 4 Patients (8 tonsillectomy specimens) had evidence of actinomycosis on histopathological examination constituting 12.12 % of the total specimens examined, the mean age was 17 years (ranging from 5 to 42 years). One of the specimens had unilateral tonsillar cyst which revealed colonies of actinomyces.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Actinomycosis of tonsil is a common condition which is usually missed as routine histopathological examination of excised tonsils is not done. Hence, we recommend routine histopathological examination of all tonsillectomy specimens irrespective of age.</p>

Application of Renewable Kenaf Cellulose Nanofiber as a Temephos Nanocarrier for Control of Aedes Aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae

Larviciding is an effective control method in managing mosquito-borne diseases. However, current carrier materials used in larvicides formulation raised environmental concerns due to its non-renewable origin. Herein, our study aimed to evaluate the application of the renewable source kenaf cellulose nanofiber (KCNF) impregnated with temephos for the control of Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. The morphology of KCNF+T was examined using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) while the quantity of temephos impregnated, released, and retained on the fibers upon dispersion in water were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Subsequently, the bioefficacy of the KCNF+T was evaluated against Ae. aegypti larvae. The FESEM and TEM micrograph verified the presence of temephos on the KCNF after the impregnation. HPLC analysis showed the amount of temephos impregnated on KCNF was 97 % of the 0.1 mg temephos. Upon dispersion in water, KCNF+T released 53% temephos and the retention of temephos on KCNF+T gradually decreased to 30, 17 and 7 % on the first, third and fifth month, respectively. The exposure of Ae. aegypti larvae to KCNF+T at concentration 0.006 to 0.01 mg/L was effective at 17 - 25 folds in killing Ae. aegypti larvae compared to temephos without KCNF. Microscopy examination revealed accumulation of the KCNF on the larval appendages. Overall, our study demonstrated that KCNF made from renewable source is an effective nanocarrier of temephos for the control of Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae.

First case of Phthirus pubis and Demodex co-infestation of the eyelids: a case report

Background Phthirus pubis is an obligate parasite of human beings. Demodex spp. is a much more common parasite of human beings. However, P. pubis infestation accompanied by Demodex mite infestation in eye has not been reported. Case presentation We report the first case of Phthirus pubis and Demodex co-infestation on a 48-years-old woman. She presented to the hospital with itching and burning at her right eye for 2 weeks. Slit lamp examination revealed multiple nits and adults of P. pubis anchored to both upper and lower eyelashes. Eyelashes were trimmed, moxifloxacin eye ointment and fluorometholone eye drops were initiated daily. However, itching didn’t improve after 2 weeks of treatment. Light microscopy examination of eyelashes revealed infestation with Demodex. The patient was treated with lid scrubs with 25% tea tree oil daily for 4 weeks and was completely cured. Conclusion Our report shows the importance of an early and comprehensive diagnosis, because both phthiriasis palpebrarum and demodicosis can be confused with blepharitis.

Identification of 16SrII-V Phytoplasma Associated with Mungbean Phyllody Disease in Taiwan

Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek), an important legume crop in Asia, is primarily cultivated in the central-southern region of western Taiwan. In 2020, mungbean exhibiting typical phytoplasma-induced disease symptoms, such as witches’ broom, phyllody, virescence, and proliferation, was observed in Yunlin County, Taiwan. Moreover, the seeds harvested from diseased plants displayed premature germination. Transmission electron microscopy examination of leaf veins prepared from symptomatic mungbeans demonstrated that the occlusion of sieve tubes resulted from the accumulation of phytoplasma-like bodies in sieve elements along with filament-like structures in sieve pores. The association of phytoplasma in symptomatic mungbean was confirmed by PCR analyses of the 16S rRNA and immunodominant membrane protein genes. Further analyses of the 16S rRNA-based phylogenetic tree and the iPhyClassifier-based virtual RFLP study demonstrated that the phytoplasma-associated mungbean phyllody disease identified in this study belongs to the 16SrII-V subgroup. BLAST analysis and the phylogenetic analysis indicated that the SAP11-like protein identified in mungbean phyllody disease is identical to PnWB phytoplasma SAP11, which explains the witches’ broom phenotype observed in symptomatic mungbean. The results described in this report confirm that the 16SrII-V phytoplasma, a widely distributed phytoplasma associated with peanut witches’ broom disease in Taiwan, has also infected mungbean. This is not only the first instance of mungbean phyllody disease found in Taiwan, but also the first instance of mungbean phyllody disease causing by 16SrII-V subgroup phytoplasma.