The synovial surface of the articular cartilage.

The articular cartilage has been the subject of a huge amount of research carried out with a wide array of different techniques. Most of the existing morphological and ultrastructural data on the this tissue, however, were obtained either by light microscopy or by transmission electron microscopy. Both techniques rely on thin sections and neither allows a direct, face-on visualization of the free cartilage surface (synovial surface), which is the only portion subject to frictional as well as compressive forces.

Visualizing the Supramolecular Assembly of Collagen.

Among biological macromolecules, collagen enjoys quite a peculiar status. Making up as much as a third of the protein fraction of the body it is the main responsible for the functional properties of the extracellular matrix, which can be efficiently tuned and tailored by modifying the length, volume fraction, and spatial layout of its collagen content. The supramolecular aggregates of collagen are therefore subject to be investigation by several viewpoints and at different scales, from the finest interactions of individual collagen molecules to the spatial layout of fibril bundles.

Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) induced by in an Aldabra giant tortoise ( and confirmed by electron microscopy analysis.

A young female Aldabra giant tortoise () was presented with anorexia, ataxia, severe constipation and bloating. Analysis revealed liver disease and collected biopsy diagnosed infection. Despite Itraconazole treatment, the tortoise got worse and died.