Initial evaluation of USP apparatus 4 for measuring dissolution profile of man-made vitreous fibers.

We report the successful evaluation of a US Pharmacopeia Apparatus 4 (USP-4) system in measuring the dissolution profiles of man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF)1. Glass and stone wool fibers with different (high- and low-) solubility profiles were tested in closed-loop configuration using a sodium/potassium phosphate buffer solution or an acetate buffer, respectively. Results confirm a need to operate in diluted conditions to avoid silicon saturation in the simulant solution and suppression of fiber dissolution. A clear fiber-to-fiber differentiation with good cell-to-cell reproducibility was achieved. These findings support the continued development of a USP-4 protocol for MMVF in vitro acellular testing.

Segmentation of color images from serous cytology for automated cell classification.

OBJECTIVE: To design an automated system for the classification of cells based on analysis of serous cytology, with the aim of segmenting both cytoplasm and nucleus using color information from the images as the main characteristic of the cells. STUDY DESIGN: The segmentation strategy uses color information coupled with mathematical morphology tools, such as watersheds. Cytoplasm and nuclei of all diagnostic cells are retained; erythrocytes and debris are eliminated. Special techniques are used for the separation of clustered cells. RESULTS: A large set of cells was assessed by experts to score the segmentation success rate. All cells were segmented whatever their spatial configurations. The average success rate was 92.5% for nuclei and 91.1% for cytoplasm. CONCLUSION: This color information-based segmentation of images of serous cells is accurate and provides a useful tool. This segmentation strategy will improve the automated classification of cells.

[A simple method for doubling the cytocentrifugation capacity of the Shandon Cytospin 2]. / Un procédé simple pour doubler la capacité de cytocentrifugation de la cytospin II. Shandon.

The disposable simple cell Cytocell 2 for Cytospin 2 Shandon cytocentrifuge offers the theoretical possibility of making two areas cell deposit on one microscope slide. Unfortunately, this is not realizable because the clip only presses the inferior part of the Cytocell 2. The authors propose a simple mean to resolve this problem.

[Introduction of Astra Blue into the color standards. Value in histopathology]. / Introduction du bleu astra dans la coloration standard. Intérêt en histopathologie.

The introduction of a specific glycoprotein dye in the standard coloration permits the revelation of the epithelial acid mucins. A series of experiments permitted us to retain the Astra Blue and to define its conditions of usage. This simple technic has been routinely used for the last three years in our laboratory. It was particularly useful in the diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia and adenocarcinoma.