Excessive proliferation of white blood cells (WBCs) in the bone marrow leads to a type of blood cancer known as leukemia. This blood cancer impairs the immune response, and timely detection and diagnosis are crucial for human health. Several manual and automated methods for leukemia diagnosis have emerged recently, with the latter still requiring medical practitioners' attention for leukemia treatment. Microscopy is an essential technique in the diagnosis of leukemia, as it allows examination of blood cells in detail and accurate identification of cancerous cells. But artificial intelligence (AI), especially deep learning, has recently been explored to enhance leukemia detection and classification. This study presents an approach to detect leukemia from microscopic images using a convolutional neural network (CNN). The approach starts with image pre-processing, then enhances the training dataset through data augmentation strategies, increasing the number of image samples from 270 to 1268. The U-Net model is used to segment leukemia and normal cells, allowing for efficient feature extraction from high resolution microscopic images. Then, the ASH dataset is classified using a CNN-based architecture, differentiating between the different subtypes of leukemia. Through 10-fold cross-validation, the proposed model achieves an accuracy rate of 99.06% for binary classification and 98.68% for multi-class classification, with a recall of 96.74%, a precision of 96.83%, and an F1-score of 96.77% ± 1.09%. These results suggest that the proposed model performs similarly to other methods. The framework of microscopic imaging and deep learning in our model shows promise as computer-aided diagnosis of leukemia. But more work is needed to train it on a larger and more diverse dataset. This process can be extended to detect other blood disorders through the inclusion of other deep learning models or potentially investigate robust data augmentation techniques in the future.

In situ scanning electron microscopy is crucial for investigating materials' properties. High-temperature in situ experiments are important for revealing the phase transitions and thermal deformations of materials. However, thermal electrons and noise in the high-temperature environment can cause image distortion. Reducing the influence of thermal electrons and noise is a key means to improve the quality of high-temperature imaging. Rapid scanning emerges as a key strategy to address this challenge, as it minimizes the duration of thermal electron interference on images. This study presents an externally controlled in situ image acquisition system that mitigates thermal electron accumulation through multi-rate scanning, incorporates a dual-stage signal regulator to compensate for signal attenuation during high-speed scanning, and integrates an image fusion algorithm to effectively balance noise suppression and detail preservation. Together, these components constitute a coordinated hardware-algorithm solution for high-temperature imaging. The results show that the acquisition system can obtain high-quality images at 1050°C, with a total image acquisition time of only 1.5 s, which is significantly faster than the 3.5 s of traditional systems. Compared to the conventional acquisition speed of 3.2 μs/pixel, the synthesized images exhibit an increase in SSIM and a decrease in NIQE within the temperature range of 900°C~1050°C. This method provides reliable technical support for the dynamic microstructure characterization of high-temperature materials and promotes the application of in situ SEM in extreme environments.

Electron beam irradiation is well known to induce damage to materials during transmission electron microscope (TEM) characterization, especially for insulating materials. Phase transformation is an important damage phenomenon caused by beam irradiation. Here, we employed in situ TEM combined with electron-energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) to dynamically track the phase transformation of synthetic aragonite. The evolution process and underlying mechanism of the phase transformation in aragonite are systematically discussed. This work reveals that the near-surface region of aragonite undergoes a phase transformation induced by electron beam irradiation, prior to the bulk of aragonite. It provides more possibilities for searching the multiple near-surface properties of materials.

Primulaceae are distributed all over the world, encompassing around 2590 species. The genus Lysimachia is also part of this family. Lysimachia nummularia L., popularly known as moneywort or creeping Jenny, has been used in Europe to treat many diseases. However, there are no reports of a complete morpho-anatomical description for this species. The aim of this study was to characterize the morpho-anatomical features of the plant, as well as to establish High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)-fingerprints of extracts prepared from the plant by decoction and infusion as well as the organic fractions obtained from these extracts. Standard techniques of light and scanning electron microscopy, as well as histochemical tests, were used; a standard method of HPTLC was applied. The species shows simple, opposite, membranaceous leaves, with rounded roots containing a central medulla and a ribbed stem with endoderm. Amphistomatic leaves bear glandular trichomes on the abaxial surface, also found on the petiole, midrib, petal, and filament. Histochemical analyses confirmed the presence of lipophilic compounds, proteins, starch, phenolics, tannins, and lignin. HPTLC analysis showed some differences in the fingerprints of the organic fractions examined, yet it highlighted the need for further studies regarding the chemical composition of the plant.

This study provides a detailed characterization of the macroscopic anatomy and microscopic features (light and scanning electron microscopy) of the lingual papillae in the adult Anatolian wild boar (Sus scrofa libycus). Tissue samples were taken from two adult wild boars found dead in their natural habitat within an average of 1.5 h. Following macroscopic observation, samples underwent routine histological processing, histochemical staining, and high-resolution surface morphology analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Morphological analysis revealed five distinct types of papillae: filiform, fungiform, conical, foliate, and vallate. Filiform papillae, exhibiting either sharp or blunt apices, showed structural adaptations specialized for mechanical function. Fungiform papillae were identified in circular and oval forms; notably, taste buds were restricted to the circular type. Foliate papillae, comprising 3-5 distinct folds, lacked taste buds. A pair of vallate papillae, each demarcated by a prominent trench and housing lateral taste buds, was observed on the caudal tongue. Histochemical evaluation using Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) and Alcian Blue (AB) confirmed the presence of both neutral and acidic mucins within the lingual glands. These findings suggest that the lingual morphology of the Anatolian wild boar is closely adapted to its specific dietary habits and ecological niche. This data serves as a critical baseline for comparative anatomy, forensic veterinary medicine, and future morphological research.

The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders is a major pest of cotton, notorious for its high reproductive potential and rapid evolution of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins. Despite its economic significance, detailed knowledge of its reproductive anatomy and egg ultrastructure has remained limited, constraining the development of advanced molecular control strategies such as CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. The present study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the reproductive system and egg surface morphology of P. gossypiella using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The male reproductive system consists of fused, bean-shaped testes, seminal vesicles, duplex and simplex ejaculatory ducts, and paired accessory glands. The female reproductive system comprises paired ovaries with four polytrophic ovarioles per ovary, lateral and common oviducts, accessory glands, corpus bursae, and spermathecal glands. Eggs are oval, dorsoventrally flattened, exhibit a reticulated chorion with distinct micropylar and aeropylar regions. SEM images revealed 6-9 rosette cells encircling a circular micropylar plate, 14-19 first order and 17-23 s order ribs, and 250-291 polygonal surface cells. The structural features of P. gossypiella eggs reveal key sites for sperm entry, aeropylar respiration, and candidate zones for microinjection in gene editing applications. These findings establish a morphological baseline critical for optimizing embryo manipulation and ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery in lepidopteran genome editing. This study represents a pioneering effort to integrate classical egg morphology with molecular entomology, thereby advancing precision genetic interventions aimed at resistance management and population suppression in P. gossypiella.

Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) analysis is a powerful technique for studying protein-protein interactions; however, manual methods often introduce variability and user dependency. We present the SONLab FRET Analysis Tool, an open-source and automated software that integrates Cellpose for cell segmentation with standardized pipelines for bleed-through correction and FRET efficiency calculation. By minimizing human intervention, the tool improves reproducibility and comparability between experiments. The results demonstrate that the tool achieves FRET efficiencies comparable to those of manual methods but with reduced bias, enabling robust and high-throughput analysis of protein interactions.

A. E. Mercado and E. Jabbari, "Effect of Encapsulation or Grafting on Release Kinetics of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 from Self-Assembled Poly(Lactide-co-Glycolide Ethylene Oxide Fumarate) Nanoparticles," Microscopy Research and Technique 73, no. 9 (2010): 824-833, https://doi.org/10.1002/jemt.20846. The above article, published online on 23 August 2010 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editors-in-Chief, Julia Fernandez-Rodriguez and Paula Sampaio; and Wiley Periodicals LLC. The retraction has been agreed upon following concerns raised by a third party. An investigation identified duplication of the inset image included in Figure 4 with another previously published article, as well as duplication of Figures 6A and 6B in three other earlier articles by overlapping authors, without disclosure of reuse. Furthermore, the images in Figures 6A and 6B are described differently in some of the earlier articles, raising concerns affecting the interpretation of the results. The editors consider the results and conclusions to be unreliable. The authors disagree with the retraction.

This paper analyses hair restoration products currently on the market that treat chemically processed hair. This study measured the restoration of structural integrity in hair samples from both chemically damaged hair (chemically relaxed, bleached, and chemically color-treated) and virgin hair. Hair samples were exposed to two hair restoration products (low- and high-cost), formulated with ingredients from two different price points. This analysis is essential because of the challenges in finding scientific information on treatment protocols for processes that can damage hair. The effectiveness of these treatments was evaluated by assessing the structural damage caused by the chemical processes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicated that chemical processes alter Keratin's conformation, resulting in detrimental effects on the hair fiber. The cumulative impact of these processes chemically and physically modifies the hair's structure. The findings revealed that the most effective treatment was the High Cost (HC) product, which contains coconut oil and glycerol. This treatment was particularly effective for hair that had undergone significant degradation, particularly from bleaching followed by color treatment. Remarkably, this high-cost (HC) product produced a higher level of morphological restoration than expected, even aiding in the recovery of cuticular cells.

Crucianella L. (Rubiaceae) is represented by 31 species worldwide and 14 taxa in Türkiye. Although taxonomic delimitation has traditionally been based on morphological characteristics, the importance of pollen morphology in species differentiation is not yet fully understood. This study was conducted to examine the pollen morphology of Crucianella species in detail using LM and SEM techniques and to assess the taxonomic significance of these details. The pollen grains are stephanocolpate, isopolar, radially symmetrical, and have a circular amb shape. The pollen surface is covered with pollenkitt, and the pollen grains exhibit microreticulate ornamentation. Differences among investigated species were observed in terms of pollen size, exine sculpturing, and aperture characteristics. The number of colpi varies between 6 and 13. Differences in the number of apertures were found among subspecies. Ornamentation was identified as microreticulate. Microechini, perforations and microverrucae were observed on the muri. Pollen size falls within the small class, with the polar axis ranging from 11.41 to 24.85 μm and the equatorial axis ranging from 9.96 to 24.87 μm. The smallest average pollen size was observed in C. kurdistanica (P = 14.90 ± 2.30 μm; E = 13.46 ± 2.11 μm), while the largest was recorded in C. bithynica (p = 21.92 ± 1.86 μm; E = 20.99 ± 2.54 μm). Exine thickness ranged from 0.54 to 1.15 μm, and intine thickness ranged from 0.33 to 0.59 μm. This study demonstrated that palynological characters within the genus Crucianella especially pollen size, aperture details, and the thickness of exine and intine, can provide valuable contributions to the systematic differentiation of closely related species and subspecies.

In the present study, the adhesive organ (AO) of Hara hara, a hillstream catfish, has been investigated using scanning electron microscopy, histology, and glycoprotein, protein, and lectin histochemistry. The AO is a disc-like structure present on the ventral side of the body. It is distinguished into a major flat central region and a narrow flap-like region at the periphery of the central region. The free surface of the AO is characteristically differentiated into plaques separated by furrows. Surface epithelial cells in the plaques are modified into unicellular spine-like unculi. The furrow epithelium contains three types of unicellular gland cells (the mucous goblet cells, the club cells, and the sacciform cells), along with sensory structures such as the taste buds (TBs). Gland cells are involved in the elaboration of various glycoproteins (oxidizable vicinal diols, carboxyl groups, and O-sulphate esters); protein moieties (basic proteins, cysteine-bound sulphydryl groups, keratin, tyrosine, protein bound-NH2 groups, and elastin); and glycans (galactose, N-Acetylgalactosamine, and fucose). Presence of these glycoprotein and protein moieties elaborated by the cellular component of the AO has been associated to play an important role in maintaining structural integrity of the epithelium, keratinization, protection against pathogens, and adhesion of the fish to the substratum. The TBs located at the summit of the tubercles in the furrow epithelium may serve as an adaptation to enhance sensitivity to food selection and environmental perception. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the structural and functional adaptations that enable H. hara to maintain effective attachment and thrive in turbulent hillstream environments.

The olfactory system of parasitoid wasps plays a pivotal role in multiple, essential activities including feeding, mating, oviposition, and host localization. Tetrastichus sp. is a nymphal parasitoid wasp of Agrilus sp. In order to provide morphological basis for further study on behavior of host selection. In the present study, ultrastructure, abundance, distribution and types of the antennal sensilla in both sexes of Tetrastichus sp. were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Antennal sensilla of males and females were compared to those in other hymenopteran parasitoid species and their probable roles were discussed. The antennae of female and male adults of Tetrastichus sp. are similar in shape and belong to geniculate antennae. Antennae consist of radicle, scape, pedicel, anellus, funicle and clava. The female flagellate segment consists of three flagellate subsegments and the male flagellate segment consists of four flagellate subsegments. Six morphologically distinct sensilla types of both sexes of Tetrastichus sp. were observed externally, including Böhm sensilla (BBs), sensilla trichodea (St), sensilla chaetica (SCh), sensilla placodea (Sp), Sensilla mammilliformia (SM), and sensilla styloconicum (Ssty). The phenomenon of sexual dimorphism of antennal sensilla is obvious between the male and female, and the morphological structure, types, number and distribution of the sensilla are different, which could be related to the different functions of the antennal sensilla of male and female. This study is of certain significance to provide the morphological and ultrastructural study of antennal sensilla in Tetrastichus sp. and lays a solid foundation for follow-up functional studies.

The influence of the strain on the formability of 2A97-T3 Al-Li alloy during electric pulse-assisted forming was investigated in the research. Electrically assisted stress relaxation tests were conducted, and a corresponding stress relaxation model was developed and validated. The mechanism of the pulsed current influences stress relaxation in the alloy was revealed based on the analysis of stress relaxation curves and microstructure. Optimal processing performance for the 2A97-T3 Al-Li alloy was obtained at 450 A, 12 ms pulse width, 60% duty cycle, and 50 Hz frequency. A yield strength of 89 MPa and an elongation of 13.2% were obtained under the conditions. Furthermore, a residual stress of only 0.142 MPa was recorded after relaxation at ε = 0.0667. Under combined the strain and the Joule heating, the grains were refined by dynamic recovery and recrystallization. Grains first coarsened and then they were elongated, while the proportion of low-angle grain boundaries increased concurrently. Concurrently, the <101> texture strength increased markedly. Its maximum intensity rose from 2.225 to 4.755, which was attributed to the mechanism of continuous dynamic recrystallization. It was demonstrated that the stress was effectively reduced and the formability of the alloy was significantly improved by means of electric pulse-assisted forming.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) induces endocrine and exocrine dysfunction, including salivary gland impairment. While the sublingual gland (SLG) contributes to saliva production, its involvement in diabetes remains understudied. Agmatine (AGM), a naturally occurring polyamine, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its protective effects on the SLG and pancreas in diabetes have remained largely uninvestigated. This study introduces new insights into SLG injury in diabetes and the dose-dependent protective benefits of AGM through multi-level analysis. Male Wistar rats were rendered diabetic by a single intraperitoneal STZ injection (65 mg/kg) and treated with either low-dose (40 mg/kg) or high-dose (100 mg/kg) AGM for two weeks. SLGs and the pancreas were analyzed by histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical methods. Mucin secretion (MUC-5B) was measured, oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines were quantified, and structural changes were evaluated using H&E, Alcian Blue/PAS, and Mallory's trichrome staining. Immunohistochemistry included α-SMA and CK17 for SLG and insulin receptor for the pancreas. STZ-induced diabetes resulted in a substantial reduction in MUC-5B, increased oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory markers, damage to acinar and myoepithelial cells, and injury to pancreatic β-cells. Agmatine administration enhanced these parameters in a dose-dependent manner, with high-dose treatment reinstating mucin secretion, regulating oxidative and inflammatory indicators, and maintaining histological and immunohistochemical integrity in both the sublingual gland and pancreas. AGM confers dose-dependent protection against SLG dysfunction and pancreatic damage in diabetic rats via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective mechanisms. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of AGM in preventing salivary gland dysfunction and maintaining pancreatic function in diabetes.

S. Dey, S. Singh, S. Dey, S. Chaudhury, R. Chakraborty, R. N. K. Hooroo, and D. K. Sharma, "UV-Reflecting Wing Scales in the Silk Moth Antheraea assamensis: Its Biophysical Implications," Microscopy Research and Technique 74, no. 1 (2011): 28-35, https://doi.org/10.1002/jemt.20869. The above article, published online on 22 December 2010 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editors-in-Chief, Julia Fernandez-Rodriguez and Paula Sampaio; and Wiley Periodicals LLC. The retraction has been agreed due to concerns raised by third parties. Specifically, it has been brought to the attention of the journal that although the title and textual description clearly state that the study pertains to Antheraea assamensis, the research appears to have been conducted on a different species, based on the morphological features discernible in the figures presented. The authors were unresponsive to our requests for clarification. As the misidentification leads to misleading interpretation of the findings, the article has been retracted. The authors have been informed of this decision but were not available for final confirmation.