Deep learning-based recognition of stained tongue coating images

Objective To build a dataset encompassing a large number of stained tongue coating images and process it using deep learning to automatically recognize stained tongue coating images.Methods A total of 1001 images of stained tongue coating from healthy students at Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and 1007 images of pathological(non-stained)tongue coat-ing from hospitalized patients at The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine withlungcancer;diabetes;andhypertensionwerecollected.Thetongueimageswererandomi-zed into the training;validation;and testing datasets in a 7:2:1 ratio.A deep learning model was constructed using the ResNet50 for recognizing stained tongue coating in the training and validation datasets.The training period was 90 epochs.The model’s performance was evaluated by its accuracy;loss curve;recall;F1 score;confusion matrix;receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve;and precision-recall(PR)curve in the tasks of predicting stained tongue coating images in the testing dataset.The accuracy of the deep learning model was compared with that of attending physicians of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Results The training results showed that after 90 epochs;the model presented an excellent classification performance.The loss curve and accuracy were stable;showing no signs of overfitting.The model achieved an accuracy;recall;and F1 score of 92%;91%;and 92%;re-spectively.The confusion matrix revealed an accuracy of 92%for the model and 69%for TCM practitioners.The areas under the ROC and PR curves were 0.97 and 0.95;respectively.Conclusion The deep learning model constructed using ResNet50 can effectively recognize stained coating images with greater accuracy than visual inspection of TCM practitioners.This model has the potential to assist doctors in identifying false tongue coating and prevent-ing misdiagnosis.

The superiority and feasibility of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride-stained brain tissues for molecular biology experiments based on microglial properties

Background:TTC(2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride)staining is the most commonly used method in identifying and assessing cerebral infarct volumes in the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model.Given that microglia exhibit different morphologies in different regions after ischemic stroke,we demonstrate the superiority and necessity of using TTC-stained brain tissue to analyze the expression of various proteins or genes in different regions based on microglia character.Methods:We compared brain tissue(left for 10 min on ice)from the improved TTC staining method with penumbra from the traditional sampling method.We identified the feasibility and necessity of the improved staining method using real time(RT)-PCR,Western blot,and immunofluorescence analysis.Results:There was no protein and RNA degradation in the TTC-stained brain tissue group.However,the TREM2 specifically expressed on the microglia showed a significant difference between two groups in the penumbra region.Conclusions:TTC-stained brain tissue can be used for molecular biology experiments without any restrictions.In addition,TTC-stained brain tissue shows greater superiority due to its precise positioning.

Conservation of Stained Glass Windows： An Innovative User-Friendly Portable Device Coming from the EU-VIDRIO Project

An innovative, cost-effective, user-friendly and portable device （dew sensor） to directly detect condensation on glass surfaces was developed within the EC-VIDRIO project （contract No. EVK4-CT-2001-00045）, aimed at finding sustainable solutions to preserve ancient stained glass windows. The results of the research showed that the direct survey of condensation with the new sensor is more accurate and reliable than the traditional indirect microclimatic measurements. Since the construction of the first prototype, the dew sensor was developed further, continuously improved, validated in the laboratory and applied successfully on different surfaces at sites of interest in the field of Cultural Heritage; on the stained glass windows in the Saint Urbain Basilica of Troyes （France）, Sainte Chapelle of Paris （France） and Cologne Cathedral （Germany）; on stone walls in Petrarca＇s Tomb （Padua, Italy） and the Hagar Qim Temple （Malta）. Now the sensor is being used in the Lascaux Caves （France）. The newly built device was patented （PTC/EP2005/050665） and gave such interesting results that the Italian Ministry of University and Research financially supported a spin-off project that has lead to the creation of a new company （R.E.D.s.r.l.） in order to develop the prototype further and to produce the sensor at industrial scale.

Maternal and Fetal Outcomes Following Labour at Term in Singleton Pregnancies with Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is frequently encountered in obstetric practice. Literature on the subject is still poorly documented in the African setting. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the maternal and fetal outcomes in case of meconium stained amniotic fluid observed during term labour. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study enrolling all consenting pregnant women with term singleton fetus in cephalic presentation admitted for labour with ruptured fetal membranes in the maternity units of the Yaoundé Central Hospital (YCH) and the Yaoundé Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital (YGOPH) of Cameroon between December 2014 and April 2015. The exposed grouped was considered as participants having MSAF, while the non-exposed group comprised those with clear amniotic fluid (CAF). The two groups were monitored during labor using the WHO partograph, and then followed up till 72 hours after delivery. Variables studied included the colour and texture of amniotic fluid as well as maternal and fetal complications. Data was analyzed using Epi-info version 3.5.4. The chi-square and Fischer’s exact tests were appropriately used to compare the two groups. A p-value less than 5% was considered statistically significant. Results: 2376 vaginal deliveries were recorded during the study period among which MSAF was observed in 265 cases, hence a prevalence rate of MSAF of 11.15%. Among these cases of MSAF, 52.1% was thick meconium and 47.9% was light meconium. Maternal morbidity was high in the group with MSAF;these included: Higher proportions of caesarean delivery (RR = 2.35 p -4) and prolonged labor (RR = 3 p -4). In this same group, the incidences of chorioamnionitis and puerperal sepsis were low (0.94% and 0.70% respectively), although there was a three-fold higher risk that was not statistically significant (RR = 3, P = 0.31). Fetal and neonatal outcomes were poorer in the MSAF group compared to the CAF group. The complications included fetal heart rate abnormalities, low Apgar score at the 5th minute, need for neonatal resuscitation, neonatal asphyxia and neonatal infection which were significantly higher in the MSAF group (all p < 0.05). Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) was found in 2.34% of MSAF cases. Perinatal mortality was 2.34% and all cases of death occurred in the thick MSAF group. Conclusion: MSAF observed during labour is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. Its detection during labor should strongly indicate very rigorous intra partum and postpartum monitoring. This will ensure optimal management and reduction in the risks of complications.

XPS and FTIR studies of fungus-stained Daemonorops margaritae

We explored the discoloration of rattan cane using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR). XPS analysis showed that after the cane was stained by Lasiodiplodia theobromae, carbon and oxygen elements and the ratio of oxygen to carbon decreased. Considering atomic binding,C_1 and C_4 contents increased, while C_2 and C_3 contents decreased, and the ratio of O_2 to O_1 decreased sharply. The relative contents of lignin, cellulose and polysaccharides increased and new substances with low O_2/O_1 ratio occurred. FTIR analysis showed that the absorption peaks of O–H at 3346 cm^(-1), aliphatic C–H at 2921, 2853 and1464 cm^(-1), and C=O at 1723 cm^(-1), were characteristic peaks of fungal melanin intensified, indicating that cane discoloration was primarily caused by fungal melanin. The absorption peaks characterizing cellulose and lignin like polysaccharides at 800 cm^(-1), C–H at 1374 cm^(-1), C–O at1058 and 1038 cm^(-1), phenolic hydroxyl at 1245 cm^(-1),aromatic ether bonds at 1270 cm^(-1), carbon skeleton at1608 cm^(-1) and benzene ring at 1500 cm^(-1) were enhanced since the fungus mainly consumed the extractives in cane cell lumens and the main composition content increased relatively. Regardless of the discoloration caused by natural fungi or inoculated fungi, the discoloring feature and composition changes were identical except that the fungusinoculated cane had more melanin.

Preparation of Taenia solium Stained Specimens and Morphological Observation

[ Objective ] In order to observe the morphological structure of Taenia solium and improve the dyeing method of Taenia solium. [ Method ] Taenia soli- um was stained by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining method and observed under microscope. Taenia solium specimens with clear structure and bright color were made. [ Results] Male reproductive system and excretory system of Taenia solium segment could be observed under the optical microscope, structures of uterus and eggs in Taenia solium gravid proglottid could also be observed. [ Conclusion] Aiming at providing a reference for the identification of Taenia solium and the diagnosis of the tapeworm disease.

小反刍兽疫LAMP反应结果可视化检测方法比较研究

环介导等温扩增(loop-mediated isothermal amplification,LAMP)技术是一种可应用于各种病原体检测、基因分型等领域的等温扩增技术。该技术所需设备简单且易于操作,因此具有较大的发展潜力。根据目前已经存在的判定LAMP结果的可视化方法,以可能对野生小反刍动物造成威胁的小反刍兽疫病毒(Peste des petits ruminants virus,PPRV)cDNA为检测对象,选择合适的引物组,比较评估均可在日光或紫外光下区分阴阳性结果的SYBR Green I、SYBR Safe Stain和羟基萘酚蓝(hydroxy naphthol blue,HNB)3种指示剂方法的适用性与灵敏度。结果表明:3种方法的灵敏度都很高,均与琼脂糖凝胶电泳相当。其中,SYBR Green I结果区分度高、不受体系成分影响且无须额外设备,但成本较高;SYBR Safe Stain具有良好的结果区分度,成本相对较低,但需要额外的紫外照射设备;HNB成本最低,但颜色区分度较低,且易受多种因素影响。建议在选择LAMP指示剂时,综合考虑成本、使用便利性、结果准确性及实验条件,通过充分的体系优化和验证,确保LAMP检测的准确性和可靠性。研究结果突显了不同方法的特征和适用场景,为研究人员根据不同场所与条件选择高效、便捷的LAMP反应结果可视化方法提供参考。

Predictors of cerebrospinal fluid GeneXpert MTB/RIF positivity in patients with tuberculous meningitis:A prospective cohort study

Objective:To identify the clinical,laboratory,and radiological markers that could predict a positive GeneXpert result in patients suspected of tuberculous meningitis.Methods:In this prospective,observational study,patients with tuberculous meningitis were systematically evaluated.Various clinical,laboratory[including cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)microscopy,culture,and GeneXpert],and neuroimaging factors were examined.All participants were administered anti-tuberculous treatment and corticosteroids.A six-month follow-up was done to evaluate the outcome.Results:Of the 116 patients studied,54(46.6%)tested positive for GeneXpert,while 62(53.4%)were negative.Third cranial nerve involvement(OR 3.71,95%CI 1.052-13.09,P=0.04)and the presence of basal exudates on neuroimaging(OR 5.22,95%CI 2.03-13.42,P=0.001)emerged as independent predictive factors for a positive GeneXpert result.A positive CSF GeneXpert result(P=0.002)and drug resistance(P=0.004)were significantly linked to adverse outcomes.Additionally,a high score on the Medical Research Council stageⅢ(OR 5.64,95%CI 1.18-26.87,P=0.03)and elevated CSF cell counts(OR 1.002,95%CI 1.00-1.001,P=0.03)were identified as independent predictors of poor prognosis.Conclusions:Third cranial nerve involvement and the presence of basal exudates were significant indicators of a positive GeneXpert result.MRC stageⅢdisability and elevated CSF cell counts predicted poor outcomes.

Tissue optical clearing enhances efficacy of vascular targeted photodynamic therapy of mouse dorsal skin

Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy(V-PDT)is an effective treatment for port wine stains(PWS).However,repeated treatment is usually needed to achieve optimal treatment outcomes,possibly due to the limited treatment light penetration depth in the PWS lesion.The optical clearing technique can increase light penetration in depth by reducing light scattering.This study aimed to investigate the V-PDT in combination with an optical clearing agent(OCA)for the therapeutic enhancement of V-PDT in the rodent skinfold window chamber model.Vascular responses were closely monitored with laser speckle contrast imaging(LSCI),optical coherence tomography angiography,and stereo microscope before,during,and after the treatment.We further quantitatively demonstrated the effects of V-PDT in combination with OCA on the blood flow and blood vessel size of skin microvasculature.The combination of OCA and V-PDT resulted in significant vascular damage,including vasoconstriction and the reduction of blood flow.Our results indicate the promising potential of OCA for enhancing V-PDT for treating vascular-related diseases,including PWS.

Early diagnosis of esophageal cancer:How to put“early detection”into effect?

This editorial comments on the article by Qu et al in a recent edition of World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology,focusing on the importance of early diagnosis in managing esophageal cancer and strategies for achieving“early detection”.The five-year age-standardized net survival for esophageal cancer patients falls short of expectations.Early detection and accurate diagnosis are critical strategies for improving the treatment outcomes of esophageal cancer.While advancements in endoscopic technology have been significant,there seems to be an excessive emphasis on the latest high-end endoscopic devices and various endoscopic resection techniques.Therefore,it is imperative to redirect focus towards proactive early detection strategies for esophageal cancer,investigate the most cost-effective screening methods suitable for different regions,and persistently explore practical solutions to improve the five-year survival rate of patients with esophageal cancer.

Broad Hormonal Responses Induced by Aluminum in Roots of Dwarf Transgenics of Solanum lycopersicum L. cv “Micro-Tom”

The spatial pattern distribution of plant hormones in response to aluminum (Al) toxicity in roots remains to be shown. This study was performed to assess the root hormonal accumulation and gene expression in response to Al toxicity in five transgenic miniature dwarf tomatoes cv. Micro-Tom (MT). MT and MT transgenics to acid indole acetic, cytokinin, gibberellin, abscisic acid and ethylene were cultivated in nutrient solutions containing different Al concentrations. Root growth elongation was measured and cellular damage was visualized by staining Evans’s blue. The GUS reporter gene staining technique was used to visualize hormonal changes in MT apex root tissues. Data indicated that the MT is sensitive to Al that induced significant growth inhibition and cellular damage. Al concentration of 27 μM was significantly toxic, inducing root apex darkening and inhibition of root development. The qualitative evaluation of GUS reporter gene expression showed intense crosstalk among all hormones studied, underscoring the complexity of signaling induced by Al in apex roots. Results point out to a major understanding of the hormonal signaling in response to Al toxicity, which may induce a change of root growth and architecture with growth inhibition and cell constraints modulated by all different hormones evaluated.

MICROSPECTROPHOTOMETRIC MEASUREMENT OF DNA IN DIFFERENTIATED CELLS OF Anabaena azollae STAINED WITH FLUOROCHROME DAPI

The fluoroehrome DAPI(4’-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole), possessing binding properties with adenine-thymine-rich DNA of various origins, characterized by its high specificity, sensitivity and simplicity has been used for the in situ studies of both cellular and extra-cellular DNA in various prokaryotie and enkaryotic organisms, but it has not yet been used in blue green algae. This note reports the observations on the variations of DNA in the differentiated cells of Anabaena azollae by means of DAPI staining.

Anti-Diabetic Activity of an Extract of Syzygium Jambolanum - A Review

Syzygium jambolanum is a promising natural treatment for diabetes.The potential benefits of S jambolanum for diabetes include lowering blood sugar levels,increasing insulin sensitivity,protecting pancreatic beta cells,and slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.The anti-diabetic activity of the crude extract of S jambolanum was evaluated in L6 myotubes and the lipid deposition in tissue was measured using Nile red Staining.Nile red staining confirmed that a considerable quantity of lipids had been deposited in the tissue treated with a crude extract of S jambolanum,comparable to the quantity of lipids deposited with a standard drug known as Rosiglitazone.This study analyzed the anti-diabetic activity of a crude extract of S jambolanum to understand its potential as a feedstock for extracting bioactive constituents to screen for bioactive molecules in the treatment of diabetes.

The relationship between the distribution of HBcAg in liver cells and the pathological manifestations of the liver in 429 HBeAg-positive chronic HBV-infected individuals

Background:The natural history of chronic HBV infection is typically characterized by four stages:the immune tolerance period,the immune clearance period,the immune control period,and the immune escape period.These stages are associated with the distribution of HBcAg in liver cells;however,this relationship remains a topic of broad debate within the field of liver disease.To objectively and quantitatively measure the intracellular distribution of HBcAg,this paper aims to design a method referred to as the“layered evaluation method”and to examine its validation.Methods:The distribution of HBcAg in liver cells is assessed using Image Pro Plus image processing software,along with calculations of cytoplasmic and nuclear positive staining rates.Results:The findings indicate that the highest proportion of patients exhibited a positive cytoplasmic expression rate ranging from 0-2.5%.More than 40% of the total sample was categorized within the 0-2.5% positive nuclear expression range.The HBcAg cytoplasmic positive staining rates were classified into five levels:a cytoplasmic HBcAg positive staining rate of less than 0.05% is designated as level 0,indicating negative expression;a staining rate between 0.05% and 5% is classified as level 1;a rate from 5% to less than 10% is classified as level 2;a rate from 10% to less than 20% is classified as level 3;and a nuclear positivity rate exceeding 20% is classified as level 4.Conclusion:The inflammatory activity grade in these patients was positively correlated with the cytoplasmic distribution of HBcAg.Furthermore,the nuclear distribution rate of HBcAg was significantly higher in the G3 group compared to the other groups.

Protective effect of liraglutide on the myocardium of type 2 diabetic rats by inhibiting polyadenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase-1

BACKGROUND In recent years,studies have found that the occurrence and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM)is closely related to an increase in polyadenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase-1(PARP-1)activity.PARP-1 activation could be involved in the pathophysiological process of DCM by promoting oxidative stress,the inflammatory response,apoptosis and myocardial fibrosis.AIM To investigate the mechanism of liraglutide in improving myocardial injury in type 2 diabetic rats,further clarified the protective effect of liraglutide on the heart,and provided a new option for the treatment of DCM.METHODS Forty healthy male SD rats aged 6 wk were randomly divided into two groups,a normal control group(n=10)and a model group(n=30),which were fed an ordinary diet and a high-sugar and high-fat diet,respectively.After successful modeling,the rats in the model group were fed a high-glucose and high-fat diet for 4 wk and randomly divided into a model group and an intervention group(further divided into a high-dose group and a low-dose group).The rats were fed a high-glucose and high-fat diet for 8 wk and then started drug intervention.Blood samples were collected from the abdominal aorta to detect fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles.Intact heart tissue was dissected,and its weight was used to calculate the heart weight index.Haematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the myocardium and the expression of PARP-1 in the heart by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS The body weight and heart weight index of rats in the model group were significantly increased compared with those in the normal control group,and those in the intervention group were decreased compared with those in the model group,with a more obvious decrease observed in the high-dose group(P<0.05).In the model group,myocardial fibers were disordered,and inflammatory cells and interstitial fibrosis were observed.The cardiomyopathy of rats in the intervention group was improved to different degrees,the myocardial fibers were arranged neatly,and the myocardial cells were clearly striated;the improvement was more obvious in the high-dose group.Compared with the normal control group,the expression of PARP-1 in myocardial tissue of the model group was increased,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After liraglutide intervention,compared with the model group,the expression of PARP-1 in myocardial tissue was decreased,and the reduction was more obvious in the high-dose group(P<0.05)but still higher than that in the normal control group.CONCLUSION Liraglutide may improve myocardial injury in type 2 diabetic rats by inhibiting the expression of myocardial PARP-1 in a dose-dependent manner.

Early brainstem hemorrhage progression:multi-sequence magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology

According to clinical statistics,the mortality of patients with early brainstem hemorrhage is high.In this study,we established rat models of brainstem hemorrhage by injecting type Ⅶ collagenase into the right basotegmental pontine and investigated the pathological changes of early brainstem hemorrhage using multi-sequence magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological methods.We found that brainstem hematoma gradually formed in the injured rats over the first 3 days and then reduced after 7 days.The edema that occurred was mainly of the vasogenic type.No complete myelin sheath structure was found around the focus of the brainstem hemorrhage.The integrity and continuity of nerve fibers gradually deteriorated over the first 7 days.Neuronal degeneration was mild in the first 3 days and then obviously aggravated on the 7^(th)day.Inflammatory cytokines,interleukin-1β,and tumor necrosis factorαappeared on the 1st day after intracerebral hemorrhage,reached peak levels on the 3^(rd)day,and decreased from the 7^(th)day.Our findings show the characteristics of the progression of early brainstem hemorrhage.

Invasive breast carcinoma with osteoclast-like stromal giant cells:A case report

BACKGROUND Invasive breast carcinoma with osteoclast-like stromal giant cells(OGCs) is an extremely rare morphology of breast carcinomas.To the best of our knowledge,the most recent case report describing this rare pathology was published six years ago.The mechanism controlling the development of this unique histological formation is still unknown.Further,the prognosis of patients with OGC involvement is also controversial.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 48-year-old woman,who presented to the outpatient department with a palpable,growing,painless mass in her left breast for about one year.Sonography and mammography revealed a 26.5 mm ×18.8 mm asymmetric,lobular mass with circumscribed margin and the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System was category 4C.Sono-guided aspiration biopsy revealed invasive ductal carcinoma.The patient underwent breast conserving surgery and was diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma with OGCs,grade Ⅱ,with intermediate grade of ductal carcinoma in situ(ER:80%,3+,PR:80%,3+,HER-2:negative,Ki 67:30%).Adjuvant chemotherapy and post-operation radiotherapy were initiated thereafter.CONCLUSION As a rare morphology of breast cancer,breast carcinoma with OGC occurs most often in relatively young women,has less lymph node involvement,and its occurrence is not racedependent.

Meta-analysis of statin combined with trimetazidine on the regulation of inflammatory factors in coronary atherosclerotic heart disease and improvement of ventricular remodeling

Objective:To systematically evaluate the effects of statins combined with trimetazidine on the regulation of inflammatory factors and the improvement of ventricular remodeling in coronary atherosclerotic heart disease based on the inflammasomes/immune damage response theory.Methods:Using computer to search for EMbase,The Cochrane Library,Web of Science,MEDLINE,PubMed,WanFang Data,CNKI,China Biomedical Document Service System(CBM),VIP database(VIP),9 databases in total.The search time limit is from the inception of the databases to June 7,2021.All reference documents included in the study were manually searched.According to the Cochrane systematic review method,the information on atorvastatin combined with trimetazidine and conventional treatment(antiplatelet,control blood pressure,diuresis,coronary artery dilation and other expectant treatments)contrast the use of trimetazidine or stains combined with expectant treatment of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease patients in Chinese and English randomized controlled trials(RCT),and conduct the extraction and quality evaluation of the included literature data,using RevMan5.4 software for Meta analysis.Outcome indicators include inflammatory factors:C-reactive protein(CRP),IL-6(interleukin 6),tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α),and ventricular remodeling related outcome indicators:left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left Ventricular end systolic diameter(LVESD).Results:12 randomized controlled trials were included,a total of 1120 patients with coronary heart disease.Meta-analysis results:(1)inflammatory factors:the statin combined with trimetazidine group can significantly reduce the CRP,IL-6,TNF-α’s expression degree in the blood of patients with coronary heart disease compared with the control group(only statins or trimetazidine).CRP[n=770,SMD=-2.70,95%CI(-2.55,-1.40),P<-0.00001],TNF-α[n=678,SMD=-2.25,95%CI(-3.39,-1.12),P<-0.0001],IL-6[n=770,SMD=-2.10,95%CI(-3.10,-1.10),P<0.00001].(2)Ventricular remodeling:Compared with the control group(using statins or trimetazidine alone),the statin combined with trimetazidine group can significantly reduce the left ventricular end-systolic diameter of patients with coronary heart disease before treatment[n=626,SMD=-1.55,95%CI(-2.10,-0.99),P<-0.00001]and leftVentricular end diastolic diameter[n=626,SMD=-1.18,95%CI(-1.56,-0.80),P<-0.00001].Conclusion:Compared with the control group,statins combined with trimetazidine can significantly reduce the level of inflammatory factors based on the inflammasomes/immune injury response theory,and improve the ventricular remodeling in patients with coronary heart disease.

Tectona grandis (Teak Tree) Young Leaf Extract as a Histological Stain

Stains are applied to impart contrast to the tissue and identify particular features of interest. However, the use of synthetic dyes as staining reagents has been associated with significant human health challenges and pollution of the ecosystem. These developments have necessitated a shift towards using natural dyes that are eco-friendlier and readily available. We investigated the staining reaction patterns of teak tree leaves (Tectona grandis) dye extracts and explored their suitability as a cytoplasmic stain in micromorphological assessments. Dye extracts were prepared using acetone, methanol, and ethanol as solvents from air-dried (under shade) teak tree young leaves. The dye extracts were applied as a counterstain and evaluated against eosin in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) bovine tissue sections at varying concentrations and different staining times. Teak tree leaves (Tectona grandis) dye extracts produced relatively varying staining intensities of reddish-brown cytoplasmic coloration when used on bovine tissue at different concentrations and staining times comparable to eosin and with blue-purple hematoxylin nuclear stain. The present study showed that Tectona grandis leaf dye extracts provide an excellent cytoplasmic staining pattern and can be used as an alternative counterstain in routine H&E staining techniques.

Expression of DRD1 mRNA after Spinal Cord Injury Induced Spasticity in Rats

[Objectives]To investigate the spasticity of rat tail and the expression of dopamine receptor-1(DRD1)mRNA in the spinal cord after spinal cord injury(SCI)induced tail spasticity in rats.[Methods]Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into Sham group and SCI group.The second sacral spinal cord(S2)segment of SCI rats was completely transected.60 d after operation,the rat tail spasticity was scored,and then the spinal cord tissues below the level of S2 spinal cord transection were taken.The expression of DRD1 mRNA in the sacrococcygeal spinal cord was detected by qPCR.In addition,3 normal rats were used for DAR/neuronal nuclei(NeuN)and DRD1/choline acetyltransferase(ChAT)immunofluorescence staining to study the distribution of DRD1 in spinal cord and the properties of DRD1 positive cells.[Results]60 d after operation in SCI group,the tail spasticity of rats developed fully,and the symptoms of spasticity were typical.qPCR results showed that the expression of DRD1 mRNA in SCI group was significantly lower than that in Sham group(P<0.05).DRD1 was widely distributed in the dorsal horn,intermediate zone and ventral horn at the sacrococcygeal end of the rat spinal cord.[Conclusions]The decrease of DRD1 mRNA expression after SCI may be related to the occurrence and development of spasticity.