Linfoma de Hodgkin clásico: diferentes caras, una misma entidad / Classic Hodgkin lymphoma: different faces, same entity

El linfoma de Hodgkin clásico es una neoplasia linfoide maligna derivada de las células B del centro germinal, que corresponde aproximadamente al 85 % de los casos de linfoma de Hodgkin. Esta entidad afecta principalmente a pacientes jóvenes, y cuenta con un excelente pronóstico gracias a los avances en los métodos diagnósticos para su estadificación y tratamiento. Su enfoque diagnóstico correcto y completo requiere de una historia clínica exhaustiva y una biopsia de ganglio linfático adecuada para el análisis e identificación de los hallazgos histopatológicos e inmunohistoquímicos característicos, ya que a diferencia de otros linfomas donde las células neoplásicas son una población importante o dominante, las células de Hodgkin y Reed-Sternberg generalmente representan menos del 10 % de la lesión tumoral. Aunque todavía falta mucho por entender sobre la naturaleza biológica de este linfoma y sus diferentes subtipos, en los últimos años se ha avanzado considerablemente en la comprensión de su linfomagénesis, especialmente cuando está relacionada con la infección por el virus de Epstein-Barr. Su alta heterogeneidad y posible superposición morfológica, obligan a continuar su estudio para poder identificarlo, al igual que a sus posibles diagnósticos diferenciales en aquellos casos donde se presente con una variante o patrón infrecuente. Este artículo pretende ofrecer una descripción integral resumida y actualizada sobre la fisiopatología, la clínica, el diagnóstico histopatológico con énfasis en aquellos patrones raros que podrían llegar a ser factores distractores y de confusión, y el pronóstico del linfoma de Hodgkin clásico, buscando lograr una mejor comprensión de la enfermedad

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma is a malignant lymphoid neoplasm derived from B cells in the germinal center, and accounts for approximately 85% of all Hodgkin lymphoma cases. This disease mainly affects young patients and has an excellent prognosis due to advances in diagnostic methods for staging and treatment. A correct and complete diagnostic approach requires a thorough clinical history and an adequate lymph node biopsy for the analysis and identification of characteristic histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. Unlike other lymphomas where neoplastic cells are an important or dominant population, Reed-Sternberg/ Hodgkin cells generally represent less than 10% of the tumor lesion. Although much remains to be understood about the biological nature of this lymphoma and its different subtypes, considerable progress has been made in understanding its lymphomagenesis in recent years, especially when it is related to Epstein-Barr virus infection. Its high heterogeneity and possible morphological overlap require ongoing study to identify it and its possible differential diagnoses in cases where it presents with a rare variant or pattern. This article aims to provide a comprehensive updated summary on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, histopathological diagnosis, with emphasis on rare patterns that could become distracting and confusing factors, and prognosis of classic Hodgkin lymphoma, seeking to achieve a better understanding of the disease

Wound healing activity of Allium cepaL. bulbs in a second-degree burn wound model in Holtzman rats / Actividad cicatrizante de los bulbos de Allium cepa L. en un modelo de quemadura de segundo grado en ratas Holtzman

Background: The bulb of Allium cepa Linnaeus (onion) is used in traditional medicine as an antidiabetic, antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperlipidemic, among others. The lack of information or little knowledge about the effects of Allium cepa L. on skin lesions, specifically burn wounds, arouses interest in studying its effects on these skin disorders. Objective: This study assessed the wound healing activity of Allium cepa L. on second-degree burns induced in Holtzman rats. Method: Thirty-two albino rats were randomly distributed into four groups of 8 rats each, including the Healthy group, the Control group, the Experimental group (Alliumcepa L.), and the Standard group (1% silver sulfadiazine). Burn wounds were induced, and topical treatments were performed daily for 21 days. The reduction of the burned body area (mm2) was determined during the experimental time. Albino rats were sacrificed with an excess of surgical anesthesia to obtain tissue samples for histopathological analysis. Results: Standard and experimental groups significantly reduced burned body area (p<0.01) compared to the control group. Histopathological studies showed hyperemic chorion in the Control group, fibroblasts, and collagen in the Standard group, and dermis composed of a reticular stratum of fibroblasts, collagen, and few blood vessels in the Experimental group. Conclusion: Allium cepa L. revealed wound-healing activity on burns induced in Holtzman rats and reduced the damage produced by burns

Antecedentes: El bulbo de Alliumcepa L. (cebolla) se utiliza en medicina tradicional como antidiabético, antioxidante, antihipertensivo, antiinflamatorio, anti hiperlipidémico entre otros. La falta de información o muy poco conocimiento acerca de los efectos de Allium. cepa L. en lesiones cutáneas, específicamente en las heridas por quemaduras, despierta el interés por estudiar sus efectos en estas afectaciones cutáneas. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actividad cicatrizante de Allium. cepa L. en quemaduras de segundo grado inducidas en ratas Holtzman. Método: Se utilizaron treinta y dos ratas albinas distribuidas al azar en cuatro grupos de ocho ratas cada uno, incluyendo el Grupo sano, el Grupo Control, el Grupo Experimental (Allium cepa L.) y el Grupo Estándar (Sulfadiazina de plata al 1%). Se indujo la herida por quemadura, y los tratamientos tópicos se realizaron diariamente durante 21 días. La reducción del área corporal quemada (mm2) se determinó durante el tiempo de experimentación, luego los animales fueron sacrificados con exceso de anestesia quirúrgica para obtener las muestras de tejidos para el estudio histopatológico. Resultados: Los grupos estándar y experimental mostraron reducción significativa en el área corporal quemada (p<0,01) comparadas al grupo control. El estudio histopatológico evidenció corion hiperémico en el grupo control; fibroblastos y colágeno en el grupo estándar y dermis integrada por un estrato reticular de fibroblastos, colágeno y pocos vasos sanguíneos en el grupo experimental. Conclusión: Alliumcepa L. reveló actividad cicatrizante en quemaduras inducidas en ratas Holtzman, y disminuyó el daño producido por las quemaduras

Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa), compared with cellulose and psyllium, influences the histology and mucus layer of the gastrointestinal tract in the growing pig.

Kiwifruit (KF) fiber, a mixture of soluble and insoluble fibers, elicits mucosal changes in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This study aimed to define the nature of these changes in mucosal features throughout the GIT of the growing pig in response to semi-synthetic iso-fiber diets containing cellulose (CEL, low GIT luminal functionality) as the sole fiber source (4.5%), or diets where half of the CEL was replaced by either PSY fiber (PSY husk, high GIT luminal functionality) or KF fiber (consumed as intact fruit). Entire male growing pigs (n = 24, 21 kg bodyweight) received the three diets (n = 8) for 42 d. GIT tissues, digesta, and feces were sampled. The partial replacement of CEL increased (P≤ 0.05) the ileal (KF 22% and PSY 33%) and colonic (PSY 86%) mucus layer thickness, whereas it decreased the rectal crypt depth (KF -26%), and small intestinal (duodenum to ileum) villus length (PSY -17%). The number of duodenal goblet cells was 77% higher (P≤ 0.05) for KF than CEL. Pigs fed the KF-containing diet had greater (P≤ 0.05) apparent ileal organic matter digestibility and apparent total tract organic matter digestibility compared with CEL, but the lowest amount of fermented organic matter in the large intestine. In conclusion, partial substitution of CEL with PSY or KF at a constant, practically-relevant dietary fiber intake, affected several measures of GIT functionality with effects being specific to the added fiber.

Eosinophilic metaplasia in transurethral resection of the prostate.

BACKGROUND: To investigate prostatic eosinophilic metaplasia (EM) in a large series of cases and their relationship with the basic prostate pathology in TURP-material: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), National Institutes of Health category IV prostatitis (also called histologic prostatitis or HP), and prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCa). AIM: The relation between EM and basic prostate pathology: BPH, PCa, and HP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Around 61 consecutive TURP-specimens were reviewed for the presence of EM. The tissue sections were stained routinely with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), hematoxylin-phloxine-saffron (HPS), and periodic acid-Schiff's procedure. Simultaneously BPH, HP, and PCa were evaluated. RESULTS: We found EM in 55.7% of TURP-specimens. EM is located more often in the ductal epithelium (58.8%) and is usually focal (73.5%) and in small groups (88.2%) of secretory luminal cells. They are associated with BPH and with a variable degree of HP in all cases. However, there is no association with PCa. Eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules in EM are better visualized with HPS. Zones induced by tissue electrocoagulation which mimic EM, are seen in the periphery of TURP-fragments. CONCLUSION: EM in prostate is presented by the presence of eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules in benign secretory epithelium. The study presents the first attempt to investigate EM in a large series of patients. Our results enrich the available information about the histoepidemiology of prostatic EM. Moreover, EM is more common in a focal lesion, found in small groups of ductal secretory epithelial cells while EM in TURP-specimens is associated with BPH and HP in all the cases.

Sarcocornia perennis pectic polysaccharides orally administered to mice: Holistic histological evaluation of xenobiotic protection.

Sarcocornia perennis subsp. perennis is an edible halophyte with reported potential health benefits. To disclose the potential contribution of its polysaccharides to health benefits, in this work, hot water extracts were prepared and a holistic approach was performed, relating the simultaneous effects on different organs and molecular components administered orally, using the extract and the purified polysaccharides. The material rich in polysaccharides extracted with hot water was separated into two fractions by dialysis, allowing to obtain the pectic polysaccharides and the low molecular weight compounds. Oral administration of the extract and its fractions (120 mg/kg/day, 30 days) in mice was evaluated by histopathological analysis of liver, lymphoid (thymus and spleen) and reproductive organs (testis and epididymis). Extract and purified polysaccharides promoted a megakaryocytes increase in spleen, while low molecular weight compounds affected the reproductive organs (vacuolation and germ cells release in lumen), causing hydropic change in liver and degeneration of seminiferous tubules. This is the first study on polysaccharides from Sarcocornia. These pectic polysaccharides were shown to protect the immune and reproductive systems against toxic chemicals inducers of oxidation reactions. Their purification is a fundamental step, since the low molecular weight compounds of the edible parts may contribute to lesions in reproductive organs.

Histochemical Analysis of Anthocyanins, Carotenoids, and Flavan-3-ols/Proanthocyanidins in Prunus domestica L. Fruits during Ripening.

As a result of the high variability of fruit properties in the European plum Prunus domestica, a histochemical analysis of fruits at different stages of development was performed to understand the ripening process in cv. 'Colora' (yellow-red skinned) and cv. 'Topfive' (purple skinned). Histological analysis showed that carotenoids in the fruit had two different origins. In the fruit flesh, they derived from chloroplasts that turned into chromoplasts, whereas carotenoids in the fruit skin derived probably from proplastids. Flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins showed differential localization during ripening. They were visible in the vacuole in different fruit tissues or organized in tannosomes in the fruit flesh. Tanninoplasts were observed only in hypodermal cells of 'Colora'. Toward maturity, anthocyanins were detected in the epidermis and later in the hypodermis of both cultivars. The study forms a basis for the analysis of the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in European plums and their biological effects.

Oral Administrations of Hancornia speciosa Gomes Latex Do Not Increase Bone Neoformation / Administrações Orais do Látex da Hancornia speciosa Gomes não aumentam a neoformação óssea

Abstract Objective The present work aimed to evaluate the systemic effect of H. speciosa latex on bone neoformation. Methods For this, the latex was collected and diluted to 3% and 50%. A total of 28 Wistar rats were submitted to surgery to create a 5 mm diameter defect in the parietal bone. This experiment was conducted in 2 different periods: 1 and 2. For each period, the rats were divided into 3 groups: Control Group, Latex3 Group, and Latex50 Group, which received, respectively, daily administrations of 0.5 mL of distilled water, latex to 3% and latex to 50% by gavage, orally. The rats of periods 1 and 2 were euthanized, respectively, 15 and 30 days after the surgery, and the calvaria was collected. The results were analyzed using the ANOVA and Tukey tests; the significance level was 0.05. Results We show that, in each analyzed period, the experimental groups had the same amount of newly formed bone in the calvaria defect. Conclusion We conclude that daily and oral administrations of H. speciosa latex to 3% and to 50% over a period of 15 and 30 days does not contribute to the increase of the area of the newly formed bone in the calvaria defect.

Resumo Objetivo Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito sistêmico do látex de H. speciosas obre a neoformação óssea. Métodos Para isso, o látex foi coletado e diluído a 3% e a 50%. Um total de 28 ratos Wistar foi submetido a cirurgia para a criação de um defeito de 5 mm de diâmetro no osso parietal. Esse experimento foi conduzido em dois períodos distintos: 1 e 2. Para cada período, os ratos foram divididos em 3 grupos: Grupo Controle, Grupo Látex3 e Grupo Látex50 que receberam, respectivamente, administrações diárias de 0,5 mL de água destilada, látex a 3% e látex a 50% por gavagem, via oral. Os ratos dos períodos 1 e 2 foram eutanasiados, respectivamente, 15 e 30 dias após a cirurgia e a calvária foi coletada. Os resultados foram analisados utilizando os testes ANOVA e Tukey; o nível de significância estabelecido foi 0,05. Resultados Mostramos que, em cada período analisado, os grupos experimentais tiveram a mesma quantidade de osso neoformado no defeito da calvária. Conclusão Portanto, concluímos que administrações diárias e orais do látex de H. speciosa a 3% e a 50% durante um período de 15 e 30 dias não contribui para o aumento da área do osso neoformado no defeito da calvária.

Comparing the accuracy of PCR-capillary electrophoresis and cuticle microhistological analysis for assessing diet composition in ungulates: A case study with Pyrenean chamois.

The study of diet composition is required to understand the interactions between animal and plant ecosystems. Different non-invasive techniques applied on faecal samples have commonly been used for such purposes, with cuticle microhistological analysis (CMA) and emerging DNA-based methods being the most relevant. In this work, we refined and optimized a qualitative DNA-based approach combining PCR amplification of long trnL(UAA) and ITS2 fragments and capillary electrophoresis (PCR-CE), instead of short trnL(UAA) fragments and massive sequencing technologies commonly reported. To do so, we developed a controlled diet assay using a stabled Pyrenean chamois specimen (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica), which included representative herbaceous and shrubby plant species. We also assessed the impact of sample freshness on the diet determination of this mountain caprinae by exposing faecal samples to the outdoor environment for three weeks. Faecal samples from both experiments were analysed by qualitative PCR-CE and semi-quantitative CMA in order to compare the pros and cons of both approaches. Our results show that all of the offered plant species were detected by both methodologies although CMA over-detected shrubs compared to herbaceous species. At the same time, sample degradation due to sustained climate exposure is a limiting factor for molecular analysis, but not for CMA. Taken all together, our results suggest that the qualitative information obtained by CMA and PCR-CE can be interchangeable when faecal samples are fresh (less than one week after deposition) but, afterwards, molecular analysis underestimates diet composition probably due to DNA degradation. CMA, however, can accurately be used at least three weeks after defecation. Moreover, by combining the results of simultaneous PCR amplification of two complementary genes, this optimized PCR-CE methodology provides a reliable, feasible and more affordable alternative for multiple and routine analyses of complex samples. Neither CMA nor PCR-CE seems to solve comprehensively the quatification of herbivore diets and thus further research needs to be done.

Análise histológica do fêmur de camundongos suíços fêmeas ovariectomizadas e não ovariectomizadas suplementadas com extrato de Tribulus terrestris L / Histological analysis of the fem of female swiss mice ovariectomized and not ovariectomized supplements with extract of Tribulus terrestris L

Introdução: a incapacidade de gerar filhos é chamada de infertilidade, e acomete grande parte da população, principalmente mulheres entrando no período da menopausa. Tal condição afeta a qualidade de vida, pois aumenta o desgaste ósseo, fazendo com que a busca por tratamentos de reposição hormonal aumente exponencialmente. Entretanto, tais tratamentos possuem efeitos colaterais, o que apresenta plantas medicinais como tratamentos alternativos. Objetivo: avaliar a histologia do fêmur de camundongos suíços fêmeas ovariectomizadas e não ovariectomizadas tratadas ou não com Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) Métodos: Foram utilizados 28 camundongos suíços fêmeas divididos em 4 grupos, sendo dois controles com e sem suplementação e dois que sofreram o processo de ovariectomia bilateral, com e sem suplementação. O extrato da planta foi administrado por 21 dias por gavagem. Ao final do tratamento, os animais foram eutanasiados e o fêmur coletado para análise histológica. Resultados: o TT não foi capaz de alterar significativamente o diâmetro do osso. A castração, como esperado, mostrou possível osteopenia. A planta pode ter efeito protetor aos ossos devido a efeito antiartrítico. Conclusão: na análise histológica descritiva do fêmur, foram evidenciadas alterações que se associam à osteopenia nos animais castrados e efeito ósseo-protetor nos animais suplementados com o extrato dos frutos do Tribulus terrestris L.

Introduction: inability to generate children is called infertility and affects a large part of the population, especially women entering the menopausal period. Such a condition affects the quality of life, including the use of the bone system, causing the search for hormone replacement services exponentially. However, such treatments shave light collectors, such as medicinal plants as alternative treatments. Objective: to evaluate the histology of the treatment of pairs of ovariectomized and non-ovariectomized women treated with or without Tribulus terrestris L. (TT). Methods: twenty-eight Swiss mice were divided into four groups, two controls with and without supplementation, and two with bilateral ovariectomy, with and without supplementation. The plant extract was administered for 21 days by way of gavage. After the evaluation, the animals were eutanasiated and their femur was collected for histological analysis. Results: the TT was not able to change the diameter of the bone. Castration, as expected, allowed for osteopenia. The plant may have a protective effect on bones because of an anti-arthritic effect. Conclusion: in the descriptive histological analysis of phosphorus, there were evidences alterations that associate the osteopenia in the animals and the bony-protective effects in the animals supplemented with the extract of the fruits of Tribulus terrestris L.

Changes in pancreatic histology, insulin secretion and oxidative status in diabetic rats following treatment with Ficus deltoidea and vitexin.

BACKGROUND: The potential application of Ficus deltoidea and vitexin for the management of symptomatologies associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) has gained much attention. However, less firm evidence comes from data to augment our understanding of the role of F. deltoidea and vitexin in protecting pancreatic ß-cells. The aim of this study was to assess histological and oxidative stress changes in the pancreas of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats following F. deltoidea extract and vitexin treatment. METHODS: F. deltoidea and vitexin was administrated orally to six-weeks STZ-induced diabetic rats over 8 weeks period. The glucose and insulin tolerances were assessed by intraperitoneal glucose (2 g/kg) tolerance test (IPGTT) and intraperitoneal insulin (0.65 U/kg) tolerance test (IPITT), respectively. Subsequently, insulin resistance was assessed by homeostasis assessment model of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and the insulin/triglyceride-derived McAuley index. The histological changes in the pancreas were then observed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Further, the pattern of fatty acid composition and infrared (IR) spectra of the serum and pancreas were monitored by gas chromatography (GC) method and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. RESULTS: F. deltoidea and vitexin increased pancreatic antioxidant enzymes and promoted islet regeneration. However, a significant increase in insulin secretion was observed only in rats treated with F. deltoidea. More importantly, reduction of fasting blood glucose is consistent with reduced FT-IR peaks at 1200-1000 cm-1. CONCLUSIONS: These results accentuate that F. deltoidea and vitexin could be a potential agent to attenuate pancreatic oxidative damage and advocate their therapeutic potential for treating DM.

Glucomannan or Glucomannan Plus Spirulina-Enriched Squid-Surimi Diets Reduce Histological Damage to Liver and Heart in Zucker fa/fa Rats Fed a Cholesterol-Enriched and Non-Cholesterol-Enriched Atherogenic Diet.

Glucomannan-enriched squid surimi improves cholesterolemia and liver antioxidant status. The effect of squid surimi enriched with glucomannan or glucomannan plus spirulina on liver and heart structures and cell damage markers was tested in fa/fa rats fed highly saturated-hyper-energetic diets. Animals were fed 70% AIN-93M rodent diet plus six versions of 30% squid surimi for 7 weeks: control (C), glucomannan (G), and glucomannan plus spirulina (GS). The cholesterol-control (HC), cholesterol-glucomannan (HG), and cholesterol-glucomannan plus spirulina (HGS) groups were given similar diets that were enriched with 2% cholesterol and 0.4% cholic acid. G and GS diets versus C diet significantly inhibited weight gain and lowered plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, liver steatosis, lipogranulomas, and total inflammation and alteration scores. The hypercholesterolemic agent significantly increased the harmful effects of the C diet. Liver weight, the hepatosomatic index, all damage markers, and total histological scoring rose for HC versus C (at least P < .05). The addition of glucomannan (HG vs. HC) improved these biomarkers, and non-additional effects from spirulina were observed except for the total liver alteration score. In conclusion, glucomannan and glucomannan plus spirulina blocked the highly saturated-hyper-energetic diet negative effects both with and without added cholesterol. Results suggest the usefulness of including these functional ingredients in fish products.

The "flipped classroom" approach: Stimulating positive learning attitudes and improving mastery of histology among medical students.

Traditional medical education methodologies have been dramatically impacted by the introduction of new teaching approaches over the past few decades. In particular, the "flipped classroom" format has drawn a great deal of attention. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of the flipped model remains limited due to a lack of outcome-based studies. In the present study, a pilot histology curriculum of the organ systems was implemented among 24 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) students in a flipped classroom format at Jinan University. As a control, another 87 TCM students followed a conventional histology curriculum. The academic performance of the two groups was compared. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to the flipped classroom group. The test scores for the flipped classroom participants were found to be significantly higher compared to non-participants in the control group. These results suggest that students may benefit from using the flipped classroom format. Follow-up questionnaires also revealed that most of the flipped classroom participants undertook relatively more earnest preparations before class and were actively involved in classroom learning activities. The teachers were also found to have more class time for leading discussions and delivering quizzes rather than repeating rote didactics. Consequently, the increased teaching and learning activities contributed to a better performance among the flipped classroom group. This pilot study suggests that a flipped classroom approach can be used to improve histology education among medical students. However, future studies employing randomization, larger numbers of students, and more precise tracking methods are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn. Anat Sci Educ 10: 317-327. © 2016 American Association of Anatomists.

Histopathological effects and immunolocalization of periplocoside NW from Periploca sepium Bunge on the midgut epithelium of Mythimna separata Walker larvae.

Periplocoside NW (PSNW) with pregnane glycoside skeleton is a novel insecticidal compound isolated from the root bark of Periploca sepium Bunge. This compound has a potent stomach poisoning activity against several insect pests. In this study, we observed the intoxication symptoms, investigated the histopathological effects and carried out immuno-electron microscopic localization of PSNW on the midgut epithelium of oriental armyworm Mythimna separata Walker larvae for better understanding its action mechanism against insects. Ultrastructural observations showed that cell damages caused by PSNW in the midgut of M. separata larvae are related to the degeneration of brush border microvilli. The dissolution of cytoskeletal structures in the interior and on the surface of microvilli was responsible for the decrease in size and eventual disappearance of microvilli when bubbles of cytoplasmic substances protrude into the midgut lumen of M. separata, thus resulting in cell death. The immuno-electron microscopic localization research showed that gold particle appeared on the microvilli layer of the midgut of M. separate larvae firstly. The density of gold particle gradually added with the time, and finally microvilli layer was destructed severely. Meantime, the gold particles were also presented to the intracellular organelle membrane and the organelles also were destructed. Therefore, we proposed that this membrane system on insect midgut epithelium cells is the initial acting site of PSNW against insects.

[Histological and histochemical studies on mouthpart of Whitmania pigra at different months age].

Mouthpart developmental histology of Whitmania pigra at different month of age were studied by paraffin section, HE staining combined alcian blue and periodic acid schifts reaction procedure (AB-PAS). The following results was obtained: Change ranges: oral width 0.6 mm (1-3 month), 1.2 mm (34 month); oral diameter 0.3 mm (1-3 month); 1.2 mm (34 month), the oral size reached maximum during 4-6 months and unchanged thereafter. Oral lip had a thin protective film located in the front of the mouthpart. The W. pigra possessed three jaws in oral cavity, the big one was in dorsum, the other two separated on both side of abdomen respectively. Jaws and muscular pharynx were interrelated closely. The jaws were composed by cuticle, epithelial layer, muscularis and jaw cavity from outside to inside. In the front of jaws had mastoid abdomen with function of secreting acidophilic granule from 2 month age. Oral cavity was composed by mucosa, submucosa and muscularis inside and outside. Oral cavity was rich of peristomial nerves. And pharynx was composed of mucosa, muscularis, adventitia from inside to outside. The folds height and width become heighten and thicken. Mucosa epithelium from complex flat epithelium changed into columnar epithelium, muscularis gradually developed into thickened along with growing. Muscular thickness reached maximum at 4 months. Mucous cells of W. pigra were classified into I-IV types based on different staining and two mainly morphological shapes (Tubular, Pear-shaped). Jaws, oral cavity, pharynx by AB-PAS staining showed little changes at different month of age. Mucous cells were few at 1 month age, and type II cells were increased rapidly in 2-3 month age in oral lip. Oral cavity contains more mucous gland cells type I. Under the muscularis there were connective tissues which distributed a few of mucous cells type II.

A novel non-toxic xylene substitute (SBO) for histology.

Xylene has been generally used as a clearing and deparaffinizing agent in histology. Because of the potential toxic and flammable nature of xylene, its substitutes have been introduced into some laboratories. In this study, we introduced a novel, non-toxic xylene substitute (SBO), which was generated through a mixture of 86% of white oil No.2 and 14% of N-heptane. SBO had a high boiling point (188°C) and flash point (144°C) coupled with a scentless and decreased volatility. To compare the effectiveness of SBO and xylene in histology, a wide range of tissue samples from rats and human beings were processed in parallel in SBO and xylene, subjected to various staining procedures. Similar to the xylene-processed paraffin blocks, the SBO-processed counterparts were easy to section without any evidence of cell shrinkage. Assessment of the SBO-treated sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin revealed a good maintenance of cell morphology and structure, and a clear definition of the cytoplasm and the nucleus. Moreover, comparable good results were achieved between the SBO- and xylene-processed tissues in other histochemical and immunohistochemical stainings. Six-month clinical applications at one department of pathology supported the potentials of SBO as a xylene substitute. In conclusion, we suggest that SBO is a safe and efficient substitute of xylene and may probably replace xylene without losing valuable diagnostic information.

Ameliorative effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Azadirachta indica on renal histologic alterations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

We studied the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Azadirachta indica (AIE) on the microanatomy of the kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Thirty male Wistar rats (161-190 g) were randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups of six animals each: control, diabetic, diabetic + AIE, diabetic + metformin, AIE only. Diabetes was induced with a single intraperitoneal dose of streptozotocin (70 mg/kg body weight). AIE and metformin were administered orally for 50 days (50 d) at 500 mg/kg bw/d and 350 mg/kg bw/d, respectively. Blood glucose was estimated by glucose oxidase method; plasma urea and creatinine were assayed; and paraffin sections of the kidney were stained by periodic acid-Schiff technique. Untreated diabetic rats exhibited marked hyperglycemia. Renal histopathology of these animals showed features of diabetic nephropathy, with nodular glomerulosclerosis and vacuolation of proximal tubule cells (Armanni-Ebstein phenomenon). These feature were absent in the diabetic rats treated with AIE. Besides, plasma urea and creatinine were not significantly different from the control in this group (p > 0.05), in contrast to the untreated diabetic rats, where significant increases in these markers (p < 0.05). These findings showed that the leaf extract of Azadirachta indica ameliorates hyperglycemia and diabetic nephropathy in rats.

Waxholm space: an image-based reference for coordinating mouse brain research.

We describe an atlas of the C57BL/6 mouse brain based on MRI and conventional Nissl histology. Magnetic resonance microscopy was performed on a total of 14 specimens that were actively stained to enhance tissue contrast. Images were acquired with three different MR protocols yielding contrast dependent on spin lattice relaxation (T1), spin spin relaxation (T2), and magnetic susceptibility (T2*). Spatial resolution was 21.5 mum (isotropic). Conventional histology (Nissl) was performed on a limited set of these same specimens and the Nissl images were registered (3D-to-3D) to the MR data. Probabilistic atlases for 37 structures are provided, along with average atlases. The availability of three different MR protocols, the Nissl data, and the labels provides a rich set of options for registration of other atlases to the same coordinate system, thus facilitating data-sharing. All the data is available for download via the web.

Histology without xylene.

After the hazardous effects of xylene became indisputable in the 1970s, many potential substitutes became available, some with as many if not more hazards. This article discusses the inadequacy of 5 vegetable oils as substitutes, as well as the characteristics of 22 D-limonene-based substitutes, all less effective in their chemical role, some capable of inducing health problems, and costing more than twice as much as xylene. Some of the 35 alkane-based substitutes discussed are effective for tissue processing, less toxic, with a cost about the same as xylene, but are not very effective for dewaxing and other staining tasks. Isopropanol (2-propanol) alone or mixed with molten paraffin is a technically acceptable and cost-effective substitute for xylene for tissue processing, but in this study, we demonstrate that the best clearing agents from the sectioning quality and diagnostic value point of view, with automated or manual protocols, are mixtures of 5:1 and 2:1 isopropanol and mineral oil, followed by undiluted mineral oil, all at 50 degrees C, making them a safer and cheaper substitute than xylene. Using a 1.7% dishwasher soap aqueous solution at 90 degrees C to dewax before staining and oven drying the stained sections before coverslipping will eliminate xylene from the staining tasks. Tissue processors retorts and conduits can be dewaxed with a 2% solution of a strong glassware laboratory detergent. These 4 methodologies will make the histology laboratory xylene-free but, due to the natural resistance to change, many histotechs will be reluctant to adopt them if they think that their technical expertise could be jeopardized, and the only way these changes will succeed is if the pathologists, as stewards of the histology laboratory, commit to their implementation.