Histological Techniques for the Study of the Dentogingival Junction: A Scoping Review Using the Anatomical Quality Assurance Checklist (AQUA) / Técnicas Histológicas para el Estudio de la Unión Dentogingival: Una Revisión de Alcance Utilizando el Anatomical Quality Assurance Checklist (AQUA)

SUMMARY: The dentogingival junction (DGJ) is an adaptation of the oral mucosa composed of epithelial and connective tissues intimately related with the mineralised tissues of the tooth. The histological evidence available is mainly based on studies in animals, separate evaluations of hard and soft tissues, and studies using conventional histological techniques that eliminate the enamel from preparations. The aim of this study was to carry out a review of the existing evidence on histological techniques available for study of the tooth and periodontium in conjunction in humans. A scoping review was carried out of the available literature referring to study of the tooth and the periodontium in conjunction in humans, in the Web of Science (WoS), EMBASE, Scopus and SciELO databases, using the terms "Histological Techniques"[Mesh]) and "Epithelial Attachment"[Mesh]. One hundred and fifty-nine articles were found, of which 54 were selected for full- text reading. Ten were finally included in the qualitative synthesis, and we applied the Anatomical Quality Assurance (AQUA) checklist for analysis the methodological quality of the selected articles. The results showed that the only articles with a low risk of bias in all five domains according to the AQUA criteria corresponded to Silva et al. (2011) and Agustín-Panadero et al. (2020). Finally, we conclude that the quality of the histological sections to observe tissues that simultaneously contain the tooth and the periodontium, is conditioned by the selected technique and by the care required in certain specific tasks during the histological processing of the samples.

La unión dentogingival (DGJ) es una adaptación de la mucosa oral compuesta por tejidos epitelial y conectivo íntimamente relacionados con los tejidos mineralizados del diente. La evidencia histológica disponible se basa principalmente en estudios en animales, evaluaciones separadas de tejidos duros y blandos y estudios utilizando técnicas histológicas convencionales que eliminan el esmalte de las preparaciones. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar una revisión de la evidencia existente sobre las técnicas histológicas disponibles para el estudio del diente y el periodonto en conjunto en humanos. Se realizó un scoping review de la literatura disponible referente al estudio del diente y el periodonto en conjunto en humanos, en las bases de datos Web of Science (WoS), EMBASE, Scopus y SciELO, utilizando los términos "Histological Techniques"[Mesh]) y "Epithelial Attachment"[Mesh]. Se encontraron 159 artículos, de los cuales 54 fueron seleccionados para lectura de texto completo. Diez fueron finalmente incluidos en la síntesis cualitativa, y se aplicó la lista de verificación Anatómica Quality Assurance (AQUA) para el análisis de la calidad metodológica de los artículos seleccionados. Los resultados mostraron que los únicos artículos con bajo riesgo de sesgo en los cinco dominios según los criterios AQUA correspondían a Silva et al. (2011) y Agustín-Panadero et al. (2020). Finalmente, concluimos que la calidad de los cortes histológicos para observar los tejidos que contienen simultáneamente el diente y el periodonto, está condicionada por la técnica seleccionada y por el cuidado requerido en ciertas tareas específicas durante el procesamiento histológico de las muestras.

Utilidad de la coloración de Giemsa para diagnosticar Helicobacter pylori en pacientes con lesiones preneoplásicas / The usefulness of Giemsa staining to diagnose Helicobacter pylori in patients with preneoplastic lesions

Resumen Introducción: Helicobacter pylori es una bacteria asociada con enfermedades gastroduodenales inflamatorias y neoplásicas. La histopatología es uno de los métodos diagnósticos empleados para su detección, la cual tiene sensibilidad del 90% al 95% cuando hay alta densidad de H. pylori; sin embargo, la bacteria puede pasar desapercibida en infecciones de baja densidad porque la coloración de rutina de hematoxilina y eosina (H&E) no es una tinción específica para su detección y presenta variabilidad interobservador. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la utilidad de la tinción complementaria de Giemsa para el diagnóstico de H. pylori en lesiones preneoplásicas en las que la bacteria se encuentra en baja densidad. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo y prospectivo que incluyó a 65 pacientes con diagnóstico de lesiones preneoplásicas. Las biopsias gástricas se tiñeron con H&E y Giemsa, y fueron evaluadas por dos patólogos. Resultados: la coloración de Giemsa diagnosticó 20,3% de casos más de infección por H. pylori que la H&E, la mayoría de ellos con baja densidad de la bacteria. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en el diagnóstico de H. pylori de acuerdo con el tipo de muestra. Conclusión: este estudio encontró que la tinción de Giemsa mejora el diagnóstico histopatológico de H. pylori en pacientes con lesiones preneoplásicas.

Abstract Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium associated with inflammatory and neoplastic gastroduodenal diseases. Histopathology is one of the diagnostic methods used for its detection, which has a sensitivity of 90% to 95% when there is a high density of H. pylori; however, the bacterium may be missed in low-density infections because routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining is not specific for its detection and has interobserver variability. This study aimed to determine the usefulness of complementary Giemsa staining for diagnosing H. pylori in preneoplastic lesions where the bacterium was found in low density. Materials and methods: A retrospective/prospective descriptive study was carried out that included 65 patients diagnosed with preneoplastic lesions. Gastric biopsies were stained with H&E and Giemsa and evaluated by two pathologists. Results: Giemsa staining analyzed 20.3% more cases of H. pylori than H&E, most with a low density of the bacteria. There were no statistically significant differences in the diagnosis of H. pylori according to the sample type. Conclusion: This study found that Giemsa staining improves the histopathological diagnosis of H. pylori in patients with preneoplastic lesions.

Detection of antigens in paraffin sections of worms and snails infected by Angiostrongylus cantonensis by immunofluorescence reaction / Detecção de antígenos em cortes parafinados de vermes e caramujos infectados por Angiostrongylus cantonensis pela reação de imunofluorescência

The Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) was used to identify stage-specific antigenic structures in paraffin sections of female larvae and worms and snails tissues, infected with third stage larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Sera from eosinophilic meningitis cases were used to assess reactivity. Non-reactive sera from patients with other parasitic diseases and from individuals without other etiologies were used as controls for cross-reactivity. Larvae and worms showed high reactivity to IgG antibodies. IgM antibodies reacted with low intensity only to larvae. Fluorescent reactions were observed in the cuticles and internal structures on worms sections, with a marked reaction in the uterus content. In the snail tissues, the larvae were found exclusively inside the granulomas, with fluorescent markings in the cuticles of the larvae and inside the granulomatous tissues. This fluorescent pattern suggests the presence of excretory/secretory antigens distributed throughout the granulomas. Expressive cross-reactivity occurred in sera from patients with other parasitic diseases, especially strongyloidiasis. The use of IFA applied to paraffin sections to identify structures with antigenic potential and the study of new serological markers, can contribute to the improvement of the laboratory diagnosis of eosinophilic meningitis. (AU)

A Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI) foi utilizada para localizar antígenos em estruturas estágio-específicas em cortes parafinados de vermes fêmeas e em tecidos de caramujos do Gênero Biomphalaria infectados com larvas de terceiro estágio de Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Soros de casos confirmados de meningite eosinfílica foram usados para avaliação da reatividade. Soros não reagentes de casos suspeitos; de pacientes com outras parasitoses e de indivíduos sem outras etiologias foram utilizados como controle de reatividade cruzada. Anticorpos da classe IgG foram reativos para antígenos presentes nos dois estágios e, anticorpos IgM somente para o estágio larvário. Nos cortes de vermes, as marcações fluorescentes foram assinaladas nas cutículas e estruturas internas, com acentuada marcação para os conteúdos uterinos. Nos tecidos dos caramujos as larvas foram encontradas exclusivamente no interior dos granulomas, com marcações fluorescentes nas cutículas das larvas e no interior dos tecidos granulomatosos. O padrão de fluorescência no granuloma sugere a marcação de antígenos excretores/secretores. Reatividade cruzada mais expressiva ocorreu com anticorpos presentes em soros de pacientes com outras parasitoses, com destaque para estrongiloidíase. A RIFI em cortes parafinados abre novas perspectivas para identificação de antígenos e de marcadores sorológicos, que possam ser aplicados no aprimoramento do diagnóstico laboratorial da meningite eosinofílica. (AU)

Videoteca para el desarrollo de habilidades prácticas sobre técnicas histológicas básicas / Video Library for the Development of Practical Skills on Basic Histological Techniques

Se desarrolló una investigación de innovación tecnológica con el objetivo de contribuir, a través de videos y enlaces a páginas con elementos teóricos, al desarrollo de habilidades prácticas sobre técnicas histológicas básicas que incluye el procesamiento de los tejidos para ser observados en el microscopio óptico; así como la tinción de éstos con Hematoxilina y eosina. Para su diseño se empleó una plantilla web (boostrap, html5, CCS). En cuanto a los aspectos metodológicos: se tuvo en cuenta el programa de formación de residentes en la especialidad de Histología y de pregrado de la asignatura de Células, tejidos y tegumentario, propuesto por la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana (UCM H). Se validó el producto a través del criterio de expertos y de usuarios; obteniéndose un elevado nivel de aceptación; permitiendo el desarrollo de habilidades prácticas, de forma amena y científica en los estudiantes y residentes de la especialidad de Histología(AU)

A technological innovation research was developed with the aim of contributing, through videos and links to pages with theoretical elements, to the development of practical skills on basic histological techniques that includes the processing of tissues to be observed in the optical microscope; as well as staining of these with Hematoxylin and eosin. For its design a web template (boostrap, html5, CCS) was used. The methodological aspects taking into account were: the training program for residents in the specialty of Histology and undergraduate program of the Cells, Tissues and Integumentary subject, proposed by the UCM H. The product was validated through the criteria of experts and users; obtaining a high level of acceptance; allowing the development of practical skills, in an entertaining and scientific way in students and residents of the specialty of Histology(AU)

Complete enucleation surgical treatment and histological analysis of a mucocele in lower lip in a child: case report / Tratamiento quirúrgico de enucleación completa y análisis histológico de un mucocele en el labio inferior en un niño: reporte de caso

Objective: The aim of this case report is to describe the surgical removal of a mucocele and its histological analysis, in a child. Case Report: An 11-year-old female patient attended the Pediatric Dentistry clinic complaining of a lower lip lesion. During the anamnesis, the mother reported that the child had a habit of biting and sucking the spot frequently. Clinical examination showed the lesion was compatible with a mucocele. The proposed treatment was a complete enucleation of the lesion under local anesthesia. The incision and tissue divulsion were performed for maximum preservation of the mucosa, avoiding a possible recurrence. Total adjacent glands removal was also performed. The lesion was placed in 10% formaldehyde for histopathological analysis (H&E Staining), which showed dense connective tissue presenting chronic inflammatory infiltrate and extravasated mucin, presence of granulation tissue delimiting the area of extravasated mucin and presence of minor salivary glands. The patient was advised to quit the habit, and after seven days the sutures were removed. At the one-year follow-up there was no recurrence of the lesion. Conclusion: The proposed treatment proved to be effective without recurrence of the lesion.

Objetivo: El objetivo de este reporte de caso es describir la extirpación quirúrgica de un mucocele y su análisis histológico en un niño. Informe del caso: una paciente de 11 años de edad asistió a la clínica de Odontopediatria quejándose de una lesión en el labio inferior. Durante la anamnesis, la madre informó que el niño tenía la costumbre de morder y chupar el lugar con frecuencia. En el examen clínico, la lesión fue compatible con un mucocele. El tratamiento propuesto fue una enucleación completa de la lesión bajo anestesia local. La incisión y la divulgación del tejido se realizaron para la máxima preservación de la mucosa, evitando una posible recurrencia. También se realizó la extracción total de las glándulas adyacentes. La lesión se colocó en formaldehído al 10% para el análisis histopatológico (tinción H&E), que mostró tejido conectivo denso que presenta infiltrado inflamatorio crónico y mucina extravasada, presencia de tejido de granulación que delimita el área de mucina extravasada y presencia de glándulas salivales menores. Se aconsejó al paciente que abandonara el hábito, y después de siete días se retiraron las suturas. En el seguimiento de un año no hubo recurrencia de la lesión. Conclusión: El tratamiento propuesto demostró ser efectivo sin recurrencia de la lesión.

Tissue microarray: physical and chemical parameters involved in the construction of recipient blocks / Microarranjo de tecidos: parâmetros físicos e químicos envolvidos na construção dos blocos receptores

ABSTRACT Introduction: Tissue microarray (TMA) is considered an innovative method in several fields, with a great diversity of applications and advantages over traditional histomorphometric techniques. The most important advantage that TMA offers is the simultaneous evaluation of a large number of specimens from a limited source of material. However, TMA exhibits a high rate of non-viable samples in the final stages of the process, which compromise their use in analyzes that can not be repeated. Objective: Considering this disadvantage, the objective of this study was to optimize the methodology to maximize the viability of the samples, as well as to increase the efficiency of the technique. Material and methods: For this purpose, several variables involved in the construction of the recipient blocks, including paraffin composition, diameter, spacing distance, localization and type of the tissue samples in the block were tested in order to establish correlations between the quality of the values and the parameters studied. Results: The results showed that the blocks built with polymer-enriched paraffin, subjected to the fusion protocol at 37ºC, associated to a tempering, and constructed with one millimeter diameter samples and 1000 µm spacing between tissues, produced slides whith superior features. Conclusion: The data obtained from the physical and chemical adjustments of the TMA recipient blocks provided vital information that, when applied in TMA research projects, may reduce the losses associated with the method.

RESUMO Introdução: O microarranjo tecidual (MAT) é considerado um método inovador em vários campos, com uma vasta diversidade de aplicações e vantagens em relação às técnicas histomorfométricas clássicas. A vantagem mais importante que o MAT oferece é a avaliação simultânea de um grande número de espécimes de uma fonte limitada de material. Contudo, ele apresenta uma taxa elevada de amostras não viáveis nos estádios finais do processo, o que compromete sua utilização em análises que não podem ser repetidas. Objetivos: Considerando essa desvantagem, o objetivo deste estudo foi otimizar a metodologia para maximizar a viabilidade das amostras, bem como aumentar a eficiência da técnica. Material e métodos: Para tanto, foram testadas várias variáveis envolvidas na construção dos blocos receptores, como composição da parafina, diâmetro, distância de espaçamento, localização e tipo das amostras de tecido no bloco, a fim de estabelecer correlações entre a qualidade dos valores e os parâmetros estudados. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que os blocos construídos com parafina enriquecida em polímero, submetidos ao protocolo de fusão a 37ºC, acoplados a ciclos de aquecimento e resfriamento e construídos com amostras de um milímetro de diâmetro e espaçamento entre os tecidos de 1000 µm, produziram lâminas com características superiores. Conclusão: Os dados obtidos dos ajustes físicos e químicos dos blocos de receptores de MAT forneceram informações vitais que, quando aplicadas em projetos de pesquisa de MAT, podem reduzir as perdas associadas ao método.

Collagenous matrix as a predictor for bone formation: a digital technique for collagen quantification

The collagenous matrix plays a fundamental role in the process of bone regeneration, so it is essential to study how it is primarily formed in situations in which critical bone defects are created. Objective: this study seeks to quantify the collagenous matrix formed in critical bone defects in the calvaria of mice over the process of bone regeneration promoted by the association of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) porous scaffolds and stem cells from deciduous teeth (SCDT). In addition, this study attempted to establish a precise protocol for the digital quantification of collagen through a histological method. Materials and method: Nine Wistar rats were used, in which critical defects of 8.0 mm of diameter were made in their calvarium. The animals were divided into three groups (n = 9): I ­ PLGA scaffolds; II ­ PLGA scaffolds/SCDT; III ­ PLGA scaffolds/SCDT maintained in osteogenic medium for 13 days. Within sixty postoperative days, calvaria were removed for histometric analysis following a digital protocol. A specific digital analysis method was designed for this study, in which a more precise quantification and differentiation between collagen fibers and non-collagenous tissue was possible, excluding factors that would normally alter the results. Results: it was noted that the association of PLGA scaffolds and SCDT maintained in osteogenic medium resulted in collagen matrix formation statistically higher than the other groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: the protocol designed for collagen quantification was precise and efficient, producing methodologically standardized results.

Tumor neuroendocrino de la mama. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura

Los carcinomas neuroendocrinos primarios de mama son neoplasias raras que representan entre un 2 y un 5 % de los tumores mamarios. Para su diagnóstico se requiere que más del 50 % del tumor presente marcadores neuroendocrinos. Estos tumores que se observan principalmente en mujeres de edad avanzada se presentan como una masa bien delimitada, generalmente no acompañada de adenopatías axilares. El pronóstico de este tipo de cáncer todavía no está muy claro, aunque estudios recientes demuestran que es similar al de los carcinomas ductales infiltrantes convencionales. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 76 años que acudió a consulta por presentar gran tumoración que ocupaba prácticamente toda la mama derecha sin adenopatías axilares y la cual fue informada mediante biopsia por parafina como un carcinoma neuroendocrino. Este es el primer tumor de esta característica histológica diagnosticado en Cienfuegos, por lo cual se considera de interés científico su publicación.

Primary neuroendocrine carcinomas of the breast are rare neoplasms, accounting for 2 to 5 % of breast tumors. For their diagnosis it is required that more than 50 % of the tumor present neuroendocrine features. These tumors which are observed mainly in elderly women, present as a well-defined mass, usually unaccompanied by axillary lymphadenopathy. The prognosis for this type of cancer is not enough clear yet, although recent studies show that it is similar to that of conventional infiltrating ductal carcinomas. We present the case of a 76-year-old patient who came to the clinic for having a large tumor that occupied almost all of the right breast without axillary lymphadenopathy and which was informed by paraffin biopsy as a neuroendocrine carcinoma. This is the first tumor of this histological characteristic diagnosed in Cienfuegos, reason why its publication is considered of scientific interest.

Histological response to platelet-rich plasma added to polypropylene mesh implemented in rabbits

ABSTRACT Introduction: The platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is part of a set of biotechnologies, providing some growth factors that promote repair of different tissues. The polypropylene meshes (PPM) are applied in the correction of abdominal defects, pelvic floor and urinary incontinence, however, they induce many significant complications, as a result of an inappropriate inflammatory response. Purpose: To investigate the changes caused by PRP associated with the implantation of PPM in the abdomen of female rabbits, in the production of collagen I and III and the inflammatory infiltrate (ININ). Materials and Methods: We performed implant meshes with and without PRP in adult rabbits (n=30) and euthanasia at 7, 30 and 90 days. Two plates were prepared from each animal and analyzed in five different fields. The ININ was evaluated by quantification of inflammatory cells using hematoxylin-eosin and the collagen by Sirius red method. The results were analyzed applying the Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, Junckheere and Friedmann tests. Results: There was a significant difference in the number of inflammatory cells between the groups with and without PRP (p=0.01) at 90 days. There was increased production of collagen I, III and total with the use of PRP, at seven days. Conclusion: The PPM coating with PRP was associated with increased ININ at the implant area, and an increasing trend during the process of tissue repair. The PPM coated with PRP was related to increased concentration of collagen I, collagen III and the concentration of total collagen increased after seven days of implantation.

Optical Biopsy of Peripheral Nerve Using Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy: A New Tool for Nerve Surgeons?

Peripheral nerve injuries remain a challenge for reconstructive surgeons with many patients obtaining suboptimal results. Understanding the level of injury is imperative for successful repair. Current methods for distinguishing healthy from damaged nerve are time consuming and possess limited efficacy. Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an emerging optical biopsy technology that enables dynamic, high resolution, sub-surface imaging of live tissue. Porcine sciatic nerve was either left undamaged or briefly clamped to simulate injury. Diluted fluorescein was applied topically to the nerve. CLE imaging was performed by direct contact of the probe with nerve tissue. Images representative of both damaged and undamaged nerve fibers were collected and compared to routine H&E histology. Optical biopsy of undamaged nerve revealed bands of longitudinal nerve fibers, distinct from surrounding adipose and connective tissue. When damaged, these bands appear truncated and terminate in blebs of opacity. H&E staining revealed similar features in damaged nerve fibers. These results prompt development of a protocol for imaging peripheral nerves intraoperatively. To this end, improving surgeons' ability to understand the level of injury through real-time imaging will allow for faster and more informed operative decisions than the current standard permits.

Immunohistochemical profile of stromal constituents and lymphoid cells over the course of wound healing in murine model

PURPOSE: To assess the evolution profile of the immunohistochemical expression of stromal constituents over the time-course of wound healing in a murine model. METHODS: Surgical wounds were performed in the back of 24 Wistar rats. After three, seven, 14 and 21 days, six rats were euthanized and the wounded histologically processed to assess the immunohistochemical expression of CD3, CD20, CD31, α-SMA and type-I collagen. Non-injured skin samples (NSS) were used as control. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA and Tukey test. RESULTS: The mean of CD3 and CD20 positive cells in the wounds was significantly higher than in NSS at seven and 14 days (p<0.001). The blood vessels content was significantly lower than in NSS (p<0.05) at three days, but increased at seven and 14 days (p<0.01). The mean of α-SMA positive cells at seven, 14 and 21 days was higher than in NSS (p<0.05). The relative content of type I collagen increased from three to 21 days, but remained lower than in NSS (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lymphoid cells, myofibroblasts and microvessels contents varied over the time-course of wound healing, with peak at seven days and progressive reduction until 21 days. The type I collagen content increased over time. .

Increased Tissue Factor Expression is an Independent Predictor of Mortality in Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney

Purpose Increased expression of tissue factor (TF), a primary initiator of the extrinsic coagulation pathway, has been associated with a worse prognosis in a variety of solid tumors. We report for the first time the correlation of the immunohistochemical expression of tissue factor with clinical and pathological outcomes in clear cell carcinomas of the kidney. Materials and Methods immunohistochemical expression of tissue factor was evaluated in 58 paraffin-embedded samples of clear cell carcinomas of the kidney treated at the same university hospital, that was correlated with clinical and pathological variables and with overall survival. Results high intensity tissue factor expression (TF area > 10µm2) was observed in 22.4% of the tumors (13 patients), and was an important predictor of overall mortality, both in univariate and multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). Median overall survival for both groups was 66 months; 78.2 months for patients in the group of lower TF expression and 27.5 months for patients in the group of higher TF expression (log rank p < 0.001). The hazard ratio for mortality was 9.7 (CI 3.7-25.6) for tumors with increased TF expression. Conclusions Increased immunohistochemical expression of TF was an important independent predictor of mortality in a contemporary cohort of patients with clear cell carcinoma of the kidney. Further studies are necessary to define the role of TF in clinical practice. .

Correlação da composição de placas à histologia virtual com proteína C-reativa / Correlation between plaque composition as assessed by virtual histology and C-reactive protein

FUNDAMENTOS: Estudos prévios demonstram que o principal determinante de vulnerabilidade da placa aterosclerótica é a sua composição. Recentemente, diversos métodos de imagens e marcadores laboratoriais têm sido investigados visando identificar lesões vulneráveis. O ultrassom com Histologia Virtual® (HV) permite a diferenciação e quantificação dos componentes da placa. Por sua vez, a proteína C-reativa (PCR) é apontada como importante preditor de eventos adversos. A correlação entre este marcador e as características da placa não é bem estabelecida. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a constituição da lesão culpada em pacientes com síndrome coronária aguda (SCA) - conforme caracterizada pela HV - e investigar a relação dos componentes da placa com o marcador inflamatório PCR. MÉTODOS: Cinquenta e dois pacientes com SCA e com indicação de intervenção coronária percutânea foram submetidos a dosagens de PCR de alta sensibilidade antes e 24 horas após a ICP. Análise por ultrassom HV da lesão-alvo foi realizada antes da ICP. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 55,3 ± 4,9 anos, sendo 76,9% homens, 67,3% hipertensos e 30,8% diabéticos. A área luminal mínima foi de 3,9 ± 1,3 mm², e a carga de placa de 69 ± 11,3%. Os componentes da placa foram assim identificados: fibrótico (59,6 ± 15,8%), fibrolipídico (7,6 ± 8,2%), cálcio (12,1 ± 9,2%), necrótico (20,7 ± 12,7%). Não observamos correlação entre os níveis basais de PCR ou a variação dentre os valores pré e pós-ICP com os componentes da placa. CONCLUSÃO: Neste estudo, a composição das placas pela HV foi predominantemente fibrótica, com alto conteúdo necrótico. Não foi encontrada correlação entre a PCR e os componentes da lesão culpada em pacientes com SCA.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that coronary plaque composition plays a pivotal role in plaque instability, and imaging modalities and serum biomarkers have been investigated to identify vulnerable plaque. Virtual histology IVUS (VH-IVUS) characterizes plaque components as calcified, fibrotic, fibrofatty, or necrotic core. C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an independent risk factor and a powerful predictor of future coronary events. However, a relationship between inflammatory response indicated by CRP and plaque characteristics in ACS patients remains not well established. OBJECTIVE: To determine, by using VH-IVUS, the relation between coronary plaque components and plasma high-sensitivity CRP levels in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHODS: 52 patients with ACS were enrolled in this prospective study. Electrocardiographically-gated VH-IVUS were performed in the culprit lesion before PCI. Blood sample was drawn from all patients before the procedure and after 24 hours, and hs-CRP levels were determined. RESULTS: Mean age was 55.3±4.9 years, 76.9% were men and 30.9% had diabetes. Mean MLA was 3.9±1.3 mm², and plaque burden was 69±11.3%, as assessed by IVUS. VH-IVUS analysis at the minimum luminal site identified plaque components: fibrotic (59.6±15.8%), fibrofatty (7.6±8.2%), dense calcium (12.1±9.2%) and necrotic core (20.7±12.7%). Plasma hs-CRP (mean 16.02±18.07 mg/L) did not correlate with necrotic core (r=-0.089, p = 0.53) and other plaque components. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective study with patients with ACS, the predominant components of the culprit plaque were fibrotic and necrotic core. Serum hs C-reactive protein levels did not correlate with plaque composition.

A análise morfométrica para avaliar a taxa de progressão da fibrose hepática na hepatite C crônica após o transplante renal: uma série de casos / Morphometric analysis to evaluate hepatic fibrosis progression rate in chronic hepatites C after kidney transplantation: a case serie study

O verdadeiro papel do transplante renal na progressão da fibrose hepática causada pelo vírus da hepatite C ainda é imprevisível. A avaliação histológica do fígado é a melhor forma para estimar a evolução da fibrose, embora a análise semiquantitativa traz limitações importantes. Objetivo: aplicar um ensaio morfométrico quantitativo sobre a progressão da fibrose hepática em pacientes renais crônicos com hepatite C. Métodos: trinta pacientes foram inicialmente avaliados, mas apenas sete foram incluídos. Eles foram submetidos à primeira biópsia perto da data do transplante e a segunda biópsia, pelo menos, quatro anos mais tarde. A terapia imunossupressora adotada em todos os casos foi a azatioprina e micofenolato. A taxa de progressão da fibrose (FPR) foi calculada antes e após a data da cirurgia de cada paciente, de acordo com a classificação de Metavir pontuação e análise morfométrica. Resultados: a FPR calculada pelo escore Metavir não mostrou diferença estatística entre pré e pós-transplante (p = 0,9). A FPR calculada pela análise morfométrica foi de 0,58 ± 0,78 antes do transplante e 3,0 ± 3,3 após a cirurgia, com significância estatística entre estes valores (p = 0,0026). Conclusão: na amostra avaliada, a progressão da fibrose hepática foi documentada e quantificada apenas pela análise morfométrica, que é uma abordagem promissora para avaliação histológica desses pacientes.

The real role of renal transplantation in hepatic fibrosis progression caused by hepatitis C virus is still unpredictable. Histological evaluation of the liver is the best form to estimate fibrosis evolution, although semiquantitative analysis carries important limitations. Objective: to apply a morphometric quantitative assay on hepatic fibrosis progression in renal recipients with hepatits C. Methods: thirty patients were initially evaluated, but only seven were included. They underwent the first biopsy near the transplantation date and the second biopsy at least 4 years later. The immunosuppressant therapy adopted in all cases was azatioprine and micofenolate. Fibrosis progression rate (FPR) was calculated before and after the surgery date in each patient according to Metavir score and morphometric analysis. Results: the FPR calculated by Metavir score showed no statistical difference between pre- and post-transplantation (p=0.9). The FPR calculated by the morphometric analysis was 0.58 ± 0.78 before transplantation and 3.0 ± 3.3 after the surgery, with statistical signifycance between these values (p=0.0026). Conclusion: in the sample assessed, the progression of hepatic fibrosis was documented and quantified only by the morphometric analysis, which is as a promising approach to histological evaluation of these patients.

Role of dilute alcohol in the removal of fine wrinkles from paraffin sections, a histo-technical study / Rol del alcohol diluido en la eliminación de arrugas finas desde secciones de parafina, un estudio histotécnico

Histotechnology is concerned with processing and preparing of the body tissue in such a manner as to enable a satisfactory study of it. Section cutting is an integral part of histology and histopathology. It is an art by itself requiring skill and knowledge on the part of technician or the person who needs to do section cutting. In the routine method of preparing paraffin sections, it is often encountered by the presence of artefacts like fine wrinkles or folds. Attempts have been made to remove the wrinkles by floating the sections in the warm water bath. However this method has not been able to remove all the wrinkles from the sections. We have designed a simple and reliable method, in which the paraffin sections were floated over the ethyl alcohol diluted with water (1:15) before they were placed in the water bath. Through this method, we have been able to get the wrinkle free sections of superior quality. The advantage of our method is that, it is easy to prepare the dilute alcohol and is cost effective. This method can be used by the histology and pathology technicians and the researchers.

Histotecnología se refiere a la elaboración y preparación de los tejidos del cuerpo de tal forma que permitan un estudio satisfactorio de éste. El corte seccionado es una parte integral de la histología y la histopatología. Es un arte por sí mismo que requiere habilidad y conocimiento por parte del técnico o la persona que tiene que hacer el corte de la sección. En el método de rutina de la preparación de las secciones de parafina se encuentra a menudo la presencia de artefactos como arrugas finas o pliegues. Se han hecho intentos para eliminar las arrugas por flotación de las secciones en el baño de agua tibia. Sin embargo, este método no ha sido capaz de eliminar todas las arrugas de las secciones. Hemos diseñado un método sencillo y fiable, en el que las secciones de parafina fueron colocadas por flotación sobre alcohol etílico diluido con agua (1:15) antes de ser colocado en el baño de agua. A través de este método, hemos sido capaces de obtener secciones sin arrugas de calidad superior. La ventaja de nuestro método es que, es fácil de preparar el alcohol diluido y es rentable. Este método puede ser utilizado por los técnicos de histología, patología e investigadores.

Tissue array technique for p53 expression in human ovarian neoplasms / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of p53 in human ovarian neoplasms by tissue array technique Methods The expression of p53 protein in various ovarian tissues was studied by tissue array and immunohistochemistry Results The expression rate of p53 was 33% in ovarian cancers There were no expressions in normal ovarian tissues, benign ovarian neoplasms and borderline ovarian neoplasms( P 0 05) while p53 expression was associated with tissue types( P