Routine Hematoxylin Research Articles

Severe Obesity Associated With Pituitary Corticotroph Hyperplasia and Neoplasia

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence of corticotroph hyperplasia (CH) or lymphocyte infiltration in the pituitary of patients with obesity. MethodsThe pituitary and adrenal glands from 161 adult autopsies performed between 2010 and 2019 at our institution were reviewed. The clinical history, body mass index (BMI), and cause of death were recorded. Routine hematoxylin and eosin staining, reticulin staining, and immunohistochemical staining for adrenocorticotropic hormone, CD3, and CD20 were performed. The results were analyzed using the Fisher and chi-square statistics. Decedents were separated into 4 groups based on BMI (kg/m2): (1) lean (BMI, <25.0), (2) overweight (BMI, 25.0-29.9), (3) obesity class I (BMI, 30.0-34.9), and (4) obesity classes II to III (BMI, >34.9). ResultsCH/neoplasia was identified in 44 of 161 pituitary glands. Four (9.1%) of 53 lean patients had pituitary lesions, whereas 27.3% (12) of overweight, 22.7% (10) of obesity class I, and 40.9% (18) of obesity class II patients had hyperplasia (P < .0001). Small corticotroph tumors were identified in 15 patients; only 1 was a lean patient, and the tumor was associated with the Crooke hyaline change of nontumorous corticotrophs. The presence of CH and neoplasia was associated with adrenal cortical hyperplasia and lipid depletion. Microscopic foci of T and B lymphocytes were identified in the pituitaries of patients in each weight category; no independent association between BMI and lymphocyte inflammation was found. ConclusionOur data indicate an association between CH/neoplasia and obesity. It remains unclear whether obesity is the cause or effect of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol excess.

Comparative analysis of oral epithelial malignancies using routine stain and modified Cajal’s trichrome stain: An histopathological study

Diagnosis of initial epithelial pathology maybe difficult in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), early invasive squamous cell carcinoma and other atypical epithelial malignancies, under routine Haematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) stain. In this context, an appropriate differential stain capable of distinguishing epithelial cells in the connective tissue may well prove to be a valuable aid. In the present study, we endeavor to use Modified Cajal's trichrome stain for making diagnosis easier without resorting to expensive diagnostic aids. Aim of present study is to assess both the epithelial and connective tissue elements in early invasive carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma and oral squamous cell carcinoma in tissue sections stained with modified Cajal's trichrome stain (MCTS) and to compare it with H and E-stained sections. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of early invasive SCC (n = 10) Verrucous carcinoma (n = 10) OSCC (n = 10) were stained with MCTS and H&amp;E. The sections were compared based on set histopathological criteria. In SCC cases stained with MCTS, invasion into connective tissue and keratin pearls were strikingly evident. Depth of invasion could be more accurately determined. Thus, CTS is a good differential stain, clearly delineating the epithelial elements from the connective tissue elements visually.

Clinicopathological classification of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis: possible refinement by measuring macrophage abundance

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) myocarditis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. While endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is considered a gold standard for diagnosis, the sensitivity of EMB is not well defined. Additionally, the pathological features that correlate with the clinical diagnosis of ICI-associated myocarditis remain incompletely understood.MethodsWe retrospectively identified and reviewed the clinicopathological features of 26 patients with suspected ICI-associated myocarditis based on institutional major and minor criteria. Seventeen of these patients underwent EMB, and the histopathological features were assessed by routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for CD68, a macrophage marker.ResultsOnly 2/17 EMBs obtained from patients with suspected ICI myocarditis satisfied the Dallas criteria. Supplemental IHC staining and quantification of CD68+ macrophages identified an additional 7 patients with pathological features of myocardial inflammation (> 50 CD68+ cells/HPF). Macrophage abundance positively correlated with serum Troponin I (P = 0.010) and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, P = 0.047) concentration. Inclusion of CD68 IHC could have potentially changed the certainty of the diagnosis of ICI-associated myocarditis to definite in 6/17 cases.ConclusionsWhile the Dallas criteria can identify a subset of ICI-associated myocarditis patients, quantification of macrophage abundance may expand the diagnostic role of EMB. Failure to meet the traditional Dallas Criteria should not exclude the diagnosis of myocarditis.

Abstract P6-04-13: Centralized adequacy assessment of ductal carcinoma in situ samples for the COMET study (AFT-25)

Abstract Introduction COMET (Comparing an Operation to Monitoring, with or without Endocrine Therapy) is a phase III clinical trial randomizing patients diagnosed with low-intermediate grade DCIS to either active monitoring or surgery. The study has a planned accrual goal of 1200 patients and is enrolling until 12/31/22. The protocol requires agreement between two pathologists (who do not need to be at the same institution) that a case fulfills COMET eligibility criteria. If there is disagreement, a third pathology review is required. As per protocol, tissue blocks or unstained slides of biopsies containing DCIS from enrolled patients are sent to a designated central location. While central pathology review is not a pre-requisite of the study, a retrospective review of received materials was performed to determine adequacy for correlative molecular and spatial profiling studies. Methods Sites submit either a tissue block or twenty (20) sequentially numbered, unstained, serial five-micron tissue sections from a diagnostic biopsy of DCIS to the Alliance Foundation Trials (AFT) central biorepository, a CAP-accredited biobank. All submitted biospecimens are de-identified (coded) and investigators are blinded to arm assignment and primary study outcomes. To evaluate the adequacy of specimens for subsequent correlative science studies, one unstained slide from each submitted slide set was stained with routine hematoxylin and eosin by the biobank, scanned at 40X magnification with an Aperio scanner, and provided to one of two expert breast pathologists for adequacy review. Slides were rated as “DCIS present”, “DCIS absent”, or “possible DCIS.” To conserve tissue, submitted tissue blocks are held in abeyance pending future correlative science planning. Results As of May 2022, tissue has been submitted from 789 of 856 eligible patients enrolled in the trial, demonstrating a very high level (92%) of case submission compliance. Despite the limiting size of such lesions and general clinical center hesitancy to release blocks for clinical trial research, tissue blocks were received from 376 of 789 (48%) of cases. Among 359 cases involving slide-only submissions that have been retrospectively reviewed to date, 294 were definite DCIS (82%), 25 (7%) were classified as possible DCIS, and 40 cases (11%) were classified as no DCIS present in the section reviewed. In no case was high grade DCIS or invasive breast cancer observed. Of the cases considered possible DCIS, atypical cells were present, but the lesions were too small or incomplete to confirm DCIS. The small percentage of cases that lacked DCIS or definite DCIS could be attributed to the receipt of a different block or subsequent (deeper) section from the same block used for the initial diagnosis. These cases were previously known to the submitting institutions. Conclusion Interim analysis at 71% accrual demonstrates both the feasibility of obtaining diagnostic biopsy material of limited size and the adequacy of these samples for subsequent correlative science studies that aim to improve pathology diagnostics and patient management. Citation Format: Rachel Factor, Stuart Schnitt, Robert West, Terry Hyslop, Thomas Lynch, Deborah Collyar, Desiree Basila, Lars Grimm, Lorraine King, Jeffrey Marks, Sunil Badve, Mark Watson, Marc Ryser, Anna Weiss, Anna Rapperport, Linda McCall, H. T. Carisa Le-Petross, Ann Partridge, E Shelley Hwang, Alastair M. Thompson. Centralized adequacy assessment of ductal carcinoma in situ samples for the COMET study (AFT-25) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-04-13.

Radiographic Appearance and Root Resorption Caused by Ameloblastoma in pts attending Teaching Institute of Dentistry

Background: Odontogenic tumors represent the heterogeneous organization of lesions with numerous histopathological characteristics and medical manifestations. Ameloblastoma is real neoplasm of odontogenic epithelium, constitute one percentage of oral complete ectodermal tumors &amp;9percentage of an odontogenic tumors4. This tumor is benign, which suggests the insidious slowly increase, regionally aggressive having excessive recurrence rate5 Aim: To evaluate radiographical features and root resorption among patients of Ameloblastoma reporting to Dept. of OMFS Study Design: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study Place and duration of study: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Multan Dental College Multan. Duration of this study was 2 years from 1st Jan 2021 to 31th Dec 2022. Methodology: A descriptive audit including all patient records with a histo-pathologically confirmed report of ameloblastoma based on the routine Hematoxylin and Eosin stain. Consecutive non-probability sampling technique was used. Results: One hundred and forty people with an ameloblastoma were contained within ours study amongst whom 45(32.1%) were female and 95(67.9%) were men. 123(87.9%) lesions were found in the mandible. Swelling was mostly told symptoms in 137(97.8%) of all cases. 76(54.3%) showed root resorption. Radiographically, the multilocular appearance accounted for 97(69.3%) while uni-loculancy was present in 43(30.7%) of the lesions. Practical implication: This study help in diagnosis of amelolastoma. This also guides the clinician to differentiate different forms of aelolastoma and differentially diagnose from other radiolucent lesions. Conclusion: This study pointed that ameloblastoma was seen more in men when compared with females Most cases showed root resorption. Mostly ameloblastomas were of multi-locular form/pattern with posterior are of lower jaw as most frequent site involved. Keywords: Ameloblastoma, features, radiolucency &amp; Multi-locular

Clinico-pathological study of mucormycosis in post-COVID patients at government general hospital, Nizamabad

Background: Mucormycosis is a rare, opportunistic fungal infection with high morbidity and mortality. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated mucormycosis has been increasing in frequency since early 2021, particularly among patients with uncontrolled diabetes and systemic corticosteroid treatment. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study mucormycosis occurrence in COVID-19 patients at Government General Hospital, Nizamabad – A tertiary care center and to correlate mucormycosis with comorbidities and previous treatment modalities among admitted post COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional retrospective study was done for 3 months, from June 2021 to August 2021. Fifty suspected cases of mucormycosis specimens sent to the Department of Pathology, Government General Hospital, Nizamabad for histopathological diagnosis were considered. Clinical history and treatment details were noted. Tissues obtained were fixed in 10% formalin, routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) stains were done. Gomori’s methenamine silver stains were done. Results: Mucormycosis was most common in males 37 (74%) and common in the age group of 41–50 years (26%). Diabetes mellitus is the most common comorbidity (60%). The mean duration between diagnosis of COVID-19 and development of symptoms of mucor was 6–40 days. Out of 50 cases, 46 patients received steroid therapy and 39 cases were given oxygen support. Conclusion: Mucormycosis is a rapidly progressive life-threatening opportunistic infection. Post COVID-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes are more prone to it and an important predisposing factor. Treatment with steroid therapy and oxygen support must be carefully monitored and used in a vigilant manner. Histopathological examination and clinical correlation are essential for early diagnosis and treatment.

Expression of anti - Apoptotic survivin in odontogenic keratocyst, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor and ameloblastoma.

The process of odontogenesis is complex involving epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, along with the molecular signalling pathways triggering the initiating process. The triggering factors and cells precisely involved in the pathogenesis of odontogenic cysts and tumors are unknown. There is a vast array of biomarkers used to stain different sites, thereby helpful in diagnosing and evaluating the prognosis of these cysts and tumors. In the following study, Anti Apoptotic survivin expression patterns were assessed quantitatively in 48 samples (12 each) of Reduced Enamel Epithelium, Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor, Odontogenic Keratocyst and Ameloblastoma. The Aim of this study is to assess the anti-apoptotic survivin expression in Reduced Enamel Epithelium, Adenomatoid odontogenic tumour, Odontogenic Keratocyst and Ameloblastoma. The present study is carried out with 12 samples in each group. Routine hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed for confirmatory diagnosis. Later Immunohistochemistry was performed using survivin antibody. Survivin protein expression was analyzed using the parameters like location, intensity, percentage of cells positivity with survivin protein and extent of staining. With the help of Olympus BX 43 microscope, with ProgRes microscope camera, the 48 slides obtained were examined. The region of interest was selected in each slide and number of cells positively stained was counted. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Descriptive for scale data, results were analysed by using ANOVA with Chi-square test for intergroup comparison. The results showed significant P value <0.05. Expression of survivin was highest in Ameloblastoma, followed by Odontogenic keratocyst, Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, and Reduced Enamel Epithelium. Survivin was involved in the inhibition of apoptosis as well as the detailed understanding of the biological behaviour of odontogenic cysts and tumours, thereby increasing therapeutic approaches.

Efficacy of Kumkum as a Surrogate for Eosin in Routine Histological Sections: An Observational Study

Introduction: Stains are a crucial component of laboratory procedure. They help in highlighting the different tissues, both normal and abnormal, which plays an important role in diagnostic histopathology. Synthetic dyes are utilised for majority of the stains in histology. Among the natural surrogates studied, Kumkum is less researched. Aim: To compare the staining characteristics of Kumkum, which imparts red colour as an alternative to eosin. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted at Histopathology section, Pathology department at Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute for a period of six months from January 2022 to June 2022. In 50 tissue blocks, each was made into two sections and one was stained with routine Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&amp;E), while the other was stained with Haematoxylin and Kumkum solution (H&amp;K). The Cellular Architecture (CA) (based on distinct or indistinct nucleus, cytoplasm) and quality of staining (poor, satisfactory or good) of H&amp;E and H&amp;K solution was compared and a scoring system was given. The scores were analysed with Chi-square test using SPSS software (version 25). Results: Out of 100 slides, 45 (90%) stained with H&amp;E and 48 (96%) with H&amp;K showed distinct CA. A total of 47 slides (94%) stained with H&amp;K and 41 (82%) with H&amp;E showed good quality of staining. Conclusion: Kumkum solution appears to be an efficient counterstain in place of eosin in highlighting the normal structures in histopathological sections. It highlighted the RBCs in the arteries and cytoplasm of the cells in glandular and squamous epithelium better than or equally good as eosin.

Detection of micro-metastasis using cytokeratins (AE1/AE3) in haematoxylin & eosin-stained N0 lymph nodes of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies affecting the head-and-neck region, regional lymph nodes being an important prognostication factor dictating the survival rate. Despite an array of modalities used, clinically, radiographically and routine histopathologically, the detection of micro-metastasis (2-3 mm tumour cell deposits) in the lymph nodes often escapes identification. The presence of few of these tumour epithelial cells in the lymph nodes drastically increases mortality and alters treatment plan. Hence, the identification of these cells is of major prognostic significance for a patient. Thus, the present study was aimed to evaluate and detect the efficacy of the immunohistochemical (IHC) marker [cytokeratin (CK) AE1/AE3] over routine Hematoxylin & eosin (H & E) staining in detecting micro-metastasis in the lymph nodes of OSCC cases. Hundred H & E-stained N0 lymph nodes of OSCC cases treated with radical neck dissection were subjected to IHC with marker AE1/AE3 antibody cocktail for detecting micro-metastasis. The IHC marker CK cocktail (AE1/AE3) did not demonstrate any positive reactivity for the target antigen in all the 100 H & E stained lymph node sections evaluated in the present study. This study was undertaken to check the efficacy of IHC (CK cocktail AE1/AE3) in the detection of micro-metastasis in lymph nodes that are found to be negative in routine H&E stained sections. The findings of this study suggest that the IHC marker AE1/AE3 did not prove to be useful to detect micro-metastasis in this study population.

Isolation, Culture and Morphological Assessment of Primary Cell Lines from Human Primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Explant Technique.

Due to many uses of cell culture in cell biology, biotechnology, and medical research, this technique has evolved into a widely used and accepted methodology. The isolation of primary cells from primary cancer tissue is a crucial step in cell culture technology since it offers a trustworthy source for studying the biology, morphology, and molecular evaluation of cancer cells, just like in the oral cavity tissue of patients. Therefore, the technique used for the isolation, culture, and evaluation of these cells is crucial. The aim of the present study is to isolate and culture the cells from human primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma [OSCC] tissue and evaluate them for morphological variations using an explant method. The patients with OSCC who were undergoing surgery provided the tissue samples. An explant technique was used to achieve the isolation of cells from tissue samples. Following that, the cells were maintained, subcultured, and stored in accordance with the standard American Type Culture Collection [ATCC] protocol. Routine Hematoxylin & Eosin and crystal violet stains were used. These cells were morphologically studied, and the results were assessed for further studies. We were able to successfully isolate and culture cells from 4 different tissue samples using the explant method. Morphological analysis revealed that one tissue had a significantly distinct presentation of epithelial and stromal cells, whereas the other three tissues had only minor morphological differences predominantly stromal cells. Two tissues were discarded after showing contamination. Tissue culture should be done very meticulously specially when oral cavity tissue is used as it is house for millions of microorganisms. The technique must also be thoroughly followed and adjusted accordingly. Using common, inexpensive stains like Hematoxylin and Eosin and crystal violet, which are of great help for examining the morphology of cells routinely.

VSGD-Net: Virtual Staining Guided Melanocyte Detection on Histopathological Images.

Detection of melanocytes serves as a critical prerequisite in assessing melanocytic growth patterns when diagnosing melanoma and its precursor lesions on skin biopsy specimens. However, this detection is challenging due to the visual similarity of melanocytes to other cells in routine Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stained images, leading to the failure of current nuclei detection methods. Stains such as Sox10 can mark melanocytes, but they require an additional step and expense and thus are not regularly used in clinical practice. To address these limitations, we introduce VSGD-Net, a novel detection network that learns melanocyte identification through virtual staining from H&E to Sox10. The method takes only routine H&E images during inference, resulting in a promising approach to support pathologists in the diagnosis of melanoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the detection problem using image synthesis features between two distinct pathology stainings. Extensive experimental results show that our proposed model outperforms state-of-the-art nuclei detection methods for melanocyte detection. The source code and pre-trained model are available at: https://github.com/kechunl/VSGD-Net.

Spectrum of Histopathological Lesions in patients undergoing Gastroduodenal Biopsies in a Tertiary Care Centre in North Karnataka, India

Introduction: Patients with Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms usually present with alarming symptoms. The use of modern flexible gastroduodenoscope and the acquisition of the mucosal biopsy specimens have opened a window to the living tissues and have greatly improved the diagnostic facility for the GI lesions. It provides an in depth visual assessment of GI mucosa and allows sampling of tissue to the pathologist for further assessment. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the spectrum of histopathological incidence of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions in patients undergoing gastroduodenal biopsy. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study of 100 patients conducted over a period of one year and seven months, December 2010 to June 2012 with symptoms of gastroduodenal diseases who attended endoscopic unit of the tertiary care hospital in Bellary North Karnataka, South India. All biopsies done for various upper abdominal symptoms like pain abdomen, dyspepsia, haematemesis, mass per abdomen, and vomiting were included. Routine haematoxylin and eosin, special stains like Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) and Giemsa were done. Histopathological parameters evaluated included mucosa evaluation (ulceration, metaplasia, dysplasia, atrophy), type of inflammatory infiltrate, H.pylori infection and type of tumour. Data was analysed using descriptive analysis. Results: Among 100 patients, 76 were males and 24 were females. Highest percentage of study participants were in the age group of more than 58 years 30 (30%). The most common endoscopic presentation was gastric erythema in 42 (42%) cases followed by benign gastric ulcer 16 (16%) cases, ulcero proliferative growth 15 cases, and duodenal erythema 13 (13%) cases. The most common histopathological diagnosis amongst non-neoplastic lesions were chronic gastritis 44 (44%) cases chronic duodenitis 15 cases, and benign gastric ulcer 11 (11%) cases and amongst neoplastic lesions, most common was gastric adenocarcinoma 15 (15%) cases. Conclusion: Endoscopy gross findings are not disease specific hence, histopathological study of biopsy specimen can help in confirmation of the diagnosis.

Unilateral testicular atrophy and epididymal lithiasis in a Gramasree rooster

Testicular atrophy is a condition impairing the reproductive health of male chicken. Lithiasis or stone formation in testicles or epididymis adds to the gravity of the problem. The present study describes a case of unilateral testicular atrophy with epididymal lithiasis in a one-year-old male Gramasree cock. The carcass, was brought to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode, for postmortem examination. The lesions were recorded and tissues for histopathology were collected in 10% neutral buffered formalin, sectioned, and stained using routine hematoxylin and eosin staining procedure. Grossly, there was diffused congestion of the testicular tunic with atrophy of right testis. The epididymis was congested with multifocal white spots. Histologically, seminiferous tubules were severely degenerated. The efferent ductules of epididymis were dilated with basophilic amorphous and granular liths in multiple locations. Sperm stasis was evident in a few ductules and rete testes. The lith formation might have caused sperm stasis and degeneration and atrophy of the testis.

Protective/preventive effects of quercetin against cyclophosphamide-induced hepatic inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis in rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of quercetin, a potent antioxidant, against hepatotoxicity caused by cyclophosphamide (CYC) in the rat liver using histopathological parameters. Thirty female rats were divided into five groups - control, quercetin (Q), CYC, Q+CYC, and CYC+Q. At the end of the study, the liver tissues were removed and stained with routine histological hematoxylin and eosin, Periodic acid-Schiff, and Masson's trichrome. Caspase-3 (Cas-3), B-cell lymphoma protein 2-associated X (Bax), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) levels were investigated in immunohistochemically stained liver tissues. Histopathological examination showed that CYC caused impairment and degeneration in the structure of the hepatocyte cordon, necrosis in the periportal space, sinusoidal dilatation (p=0.000), congestion and edema (p=0.000), mononuclear cell infiltration, and increased connective tissue density (p=0.000). Cas-3, Bax, TNF-α, and IL-1β immunoreactivities were significantly higher in the CYC group (for all, p=0.000). Q administration gradually reduced histopathological structural damage and Cas-3, Bax, TNF-α (p=0.000), and IL-1β (p=0.000) intensity in the rat liver. The administration of Q protected the liver tissue against CYC-induced damage, and successfully protected the liver against apoptosis, inflammation, and histopathological changes.

Mucuna pruriens Constituted Diet Ameliorates Manganese-Induced Behavioural Deficit and Histological Alterations in the Brains of Rats

Overexposure to manganese (Mn) has been clearly established to trigger neurotoxicity that may result in Parkinson-like symptoms. Mucuna pruriens have been reported to possess constituents that could be neuroprotective. The present study evaluated the effect of M. pruriens constituted diet in Mn-induced memory and motor deficits, as well as on histological changes in the brain. Twenty-four adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups of six rats. Three groups of animals were subjected to Mn-administration and on standard feed, 10% or 20% M. pruriens constituted feeds for a 5-week duration. The remaining group served as control and received standard feed only. Following experimental treatments, rats were subjected to the Y-maze test and the open-field test. Furthermore, brains were excised and evaluated with routine haematoxylin and eosin histological protocol. Result of spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test showed that Mn caused decreased memory performance and decreasing motor and explorative activities, but co-treatment with M. pruriens mitigated behavioural impairments. Additionally, Mn-administration resulted in noticeable neurodegenerative features in the cerebellum, hippocampus and striatum. However, concurrent use of M. pruriens diet slightly attenuated histological alterations. In conclusion, the present study suggests that treatment with M. pruriens may provide ameliorative benefits against Mn-induced neurotoxicity

A study on the morbid histopathological changes in COVID-19 patients with or without comorbidities using minimally invasive tissue sampling.

COVID-19 causes morbid pathological changes in different organs including lungs, kidneys, liver, and so on, especially in those who succumb. Though clinical outcomes in those with comorbidities are known to be different from those without-not much is known about the differences at the histopathological level.To compare the morbid histopathological changes in COVID-19 patients between those who were immunocompromised (Gr 1), had a malignancy (Gr 2), or had cardiometabolic conditions (hypertension, diabetes, or coronary artery disease) (Gr 3),postmortem tissue sampling (minimally invasive tissue sampling [MITS]) was done from the lungs, kidney, heart, and liver using a biopsy gun within 2 hoursof death. Routine (hematoxylin and eosin) and special staining (acid fast bacilli, silver methanamine, periodic acid schiff) was done besides immunohistochemistry.A total of 100 patients underwent MITS and data of 92 patients were included (immunocompromised: 27, malignancy: 18, cardiometabolic conditions: 71). In lung histopathology, capillary congestion was more in those with malignancy, while others like diffuse alveolar damage, microthrombi, pneumocyte hyperplasia, and so on,were equally distributed. In liver histopathology, architectural distortion was significantly different in immunocompromised; while steatosis, portal inflammation, Kupffer cell hypertrophy, and confluent necrosis were equally distributed. There was a trend towards higher acute tubular injury in those with cardiometabolic conditions as compared to the other groups. No significant histopathological difference in the heart was discerned.Certain histopathological features were markedly different in different groups (Gr 1, 2, and 3) of COVID-19 patients with fatal outcomes.

Histomorphological Study of Nail Changes in Various Dermatoses — An Understudied Entity in Dermatopathology

Background: The nail is our most versatile tool and serves a very important function of protecting the distal phalanx. The nail unit shows specific changes that are markers for a wide range of local and systemic conditions. Objectives: The objectives of the study are to identify the spectrum of histomorphological features in various nail lesions and to highlight the role of histopathology in diagnosis of nail diseases. Methods: This is a descriptive study done over a period of 18 months. The nail biopsy specimens were received in 10 % formalin, softened with 10% nitric acid, processed and stained with routine Hematoxylin &amp; Eosin [H&amp;E] stains. Periodic Acid stain[PAS] stain was done wherever necessary. Histopathological examination by light microscopy was done to arrive at a precise diagnosis. Brief patient history and clinical features were also noted. Results: A total of 50 nail punch biopsies were examined. Psoriasis was the most common accounting for 38%. The combined approach of H &amp; E and PAS stain was helpful in diagnosis of onychomycosis in 24%. Pigmentary disorders (14%) , lichen planus (10%) and alopecia areata (6%) were the other conditions observed. In 8% of cases microscopic features were nonspecific. Conclusion: The nail unit has a complex morphology with many peculiarities. Though it is quite accessible, it remains understudied. Histomorphological evaluation of nail punch biopsy is useful in understanding the involvement of nail in various dermatoses and also aids in the accurate diagnosis. Keywords: Dermatoses, Histopathology, Nail biopsy

7T Small Animal MRI Research for Hepatic Alveolar Echinococcosis.

7T small animal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to analyze the growth characteristics of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE). A mouse model of HAE was established by intraperitoneal injection of alveolar Echinococcus tissue suspension. Ten mouse models successfully inoculated by ultrasound screening were selected. The mouse model was scanned with T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequence by 7T small animal MRI. Size, morphology, boundary, signal, and relationship with surrounding tissues of the lesions were recorded as characteristic alterations. Mice were killed at the end of the experiment, and the pathological specimens were taken for routine hematoxylin and eosin staining. Lesions were mainly located in the right lobe of the liver. The multivesicular structure is the characteristic manifestation of this disease. In the liver, lesions invaded the portal vein and were mainly distributed at the hepatic hilum. The left branch of the portal vein was mainly invaded. The mean diameter of the lesions in the left lobe of the liver was larger than in other parts of the liver. The mean diameter of the cystic solid lesions was greater than the multilocular cystic lesions. HAE showed hypointense on T1WI, hyperintense on T2WI, and hypointense on DWI; the marginal zone of the lesion showed hyperintensity on DWI and grew toward the hilum. The MRI features of intraperitoneal lesions were similar to those of intrahepatic lesions. Intraperitoneal lesions increased faster than intrahepatic lesions in the same period. Polyvesicular structure is a characteristic manifestation of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis in mice. The noninvasive monitoring of liver HAE in mice by 7T small animal MRI provides a visual basis for the diagnosis and treatment integration of HAE.

Histological stains and their application in teaching and research

This review aimed to highlight the historical perspectives focused on histological stains and their application in teaching and research. While early histologists used indigenous substances like alizarin, carmine, and saffron to stain tissues, modern histologists utilize techniques that study cellular organelles and substances within tissues. Despite the advent of new staining techniques, the modification of old ones, and decrease in the use of natural dyes in the 20th century, some of the stains used in the past are still very much in use. These techniques are used in teaching and research for the demonstration and display of the different substances within tissues. These include the Giemsa stain for parasites and fungi, the Trichrome stain for collagen, oil red O stain for lipids, periodic acid Schiff for glycogen, Crystal violet for Nissl granules, Golgi stain for neuronal cells, as well as routine hematoxylin, and eosin (H&amp;E) for a general histology. Histological stains can be used to teach histology, cellular pathology, microbiology, and parasitology. They can also be used to study the rate of progression of disease or the healing process of diseased conditions.

Preliminary Experience in Post-COVID-19 Mycoses: A Pathologist's Perspective.

Background Coronavirus disease is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-19. Because of co-morbidities and indiscriminate use of steroids and antibiotics, the incidence of opportunistic fungal infections has increased in COVID-affected individuals. Aims and objectives The aim of the study is to analyze the various tissue reaction patterns of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis in the surgical debridement specimensusing routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain and special stains like periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Grocott-Gomori's methenamine silver (GMS), Masson trichrome (MT) and Prussian blue (PB), and to understand the pathogenesis of COVID-19 sequelae. Materials andmethods This retrospective observational study was conducted after the approval from the Institute Human Ethical Committee (IHEC) on 45 tissue samples of COVID-associated mucormycosis using routine H&E and histochemical stains such as PAS, GMS, MT, and PB. Detailed demographic profiles, clinical information, radiological findings, and relevant microbiological data in available cases, like reports on potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount preparation, and fungal culture reports on Saboraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium were collected.The different histomorphological tissue reaction patterns were observed and analyzed. Results All the surgical debridement specimens from post-COVID cases had histomorphology of mucormycosis displaying broad, aseptate, ribbon-like fungal hyphae with right-angle branching (45/45). Six of the 45 cases also reveal thin, narrow septate, acute angle branching hyphae, indicating co-existing Aspergillosis (6/45). The histological tissue reaction patterns observed were categorized as extensive tissue necrosis (100%), vascular proliferation (82%), angioinvasion (58%), giant cell reaction (53%), fibrin thrombi (47%), septic thrombi and angiodestruction (40%), fungal osteomyelitis (33%), necrotizing granulomas(31%). Conclusion This study infers that post-COVID-19 associated mucormycosis, alterations in the local tissue microenvironment are found to have a favorable effect on colonizing fungi and result in destructive tissue reactions such as angioinvasion, angiodestruction, necrosis, necrotizing granulomas, suppurative inflammation, and iron pigment deposition. The spectrum of morphological changes reflects the host's immune status.