Identification of intra-abdominal lymphatics in canine carcasses by laparoscopic fluorescence lymphography with intradermal and intrapopliteal ICG administration

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic fluorescence lymphography (LFL) using indocyanine green (ICG) via intradermal (ID) or intrapopliteal (IPP) administration in an ex vivo canine model. Methods Six thawed adult male dog carcasses were placed in the Trendelenburg position after placing three surgical ports in triangulation. ICG (0.5 mg/ml; 0.05 mg/kg) was administered to five of the carcasses (one carcass was a pilot) via ID in the left torso and IPP (right position, by surgical access) to stain the lymphatic pathway and medial iliac lymph node (MILN). Fluorescence quality, staining time, structures stained, and lymph node histopathology were assessed. Thoracic duct staining was also evaluated. Results ID administration showed staining of parts of the lymphatic pathway of the iliosacral lymph center in all cases using a single dose of ICG, with left MILN visualization in four carcasses. IPP administration showed staining of the right MILN in all cases, using a single dose in four carcasses. ICG reached the thoracic duct in one case. The two administration routes showed similar results in terms of required ICG volume, staining time, and visualization quality, although IPP was more effective in staining the MILN. Conclusions This study confirms the feasibility of staining the iliosacral lymph center (mainly the MILNs) by LFL in thawed dog carcasses via ID or IPP administration of ICG. However, the IPP route showed greater effectiveness in staining the MILN.

The Use of Natural Dyes from Beetroot Skin Extract (Beta Vulgaris) as Teaching Material on Cell Division for Senior High School Students

One of the Basic Competencies (KD) in Biology for Indonesian Senior High School is KD 4.12 which reads "Presents observations of the process of mitosis in the onion root and determines the phases it finds". Based on the basic competency test, students are required to have skills in making and observing mitotic preparations of plant tissue with at least using onion. Observation of mitotic division in plant tissues requires skill in making preparations. Making preparations in observing cells and tissues of plants or animals needs staining. Dyes often used in lab work are synthetic dyes. One of the synthetic dyes commonly used is safranin. However, safranin is quite expensive. This limitation requires teachers to look for alternatives to synthetic dyes that are easily found at a more affordable price, namely with natural dyes. One of the plants that has the potential to overcome this issue is beetroot (Beta vulgaris). The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of plant tissue preparations (Allium cepa) stained with beetroot skin (Beta vulgaris) as a natural coloring agent. The research method used was an experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design consisting of two factors, namely the staining time (1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours) and the type of solvent (aquades and citric acid 10%). The results of the study were analyzed with qualitative descriptive methods which included contrast and clarity of the preparations. Based on the results of the study, the quality of Allium cepa root preparations using beetroot (Beta vulgaris) skin extract with variations in the type of solvent and duration of staining showed good results on the staining time of 1 hour and 2 hours. The staining time of the preparations can affect the contrast and clarity of the preparations.

Comparison of Ultrafast Papanicolaou stain with standard Papanicolaou stain for cervical smear

Background: After the first evolution of Papanicolaou smear, it has been successfully used to screen cervical cancer. With modifications in the staining method of Pap stain, the lesser staining time and unequivocal cell morphology has been achieved by Ultrafast Papanicolaou stain. The aim of this study is to compare the UFP stain and SP stain in cervical pap smears on the basis of background, cell morphology, nuclear details and overall staining.Materials and methods: This is a prospective hospital based study conducted in a tertiary hospital, Nepal Medical College over a period of six months (January 2017 to June 2017). Cervical pap smears received in the department of Pathology is subjected to Standard papanicolaou (SP) stain and Ultrafast papanicolaou (UFP) stain for comparison.Results: Total of 368 cervical pap smears were subjected to SP stain and UFP stain. Mean age of the patient was 36.57+-10.06 years. The quality of UFP stain was assessed by considering the background, cell morphology, nuclear details and overall staining. Difference in regards to the interpretation and background was not significant when SP stain was compared to UFP stain. However, cell morphology, nuclear details and overall staining were far better in smears stained with UFP stain.Conclusion: Pap smear is the simple and effective screening tool for cervical lesions. With modifications in staining method and introduction of UFP stain, the result is lesser staining time and excellent morphological quality. Hence, UFP stain has become the choice of stain and can be used on a regular basis.

Ruggedness Testing of the Official Method for Rot Fragments in Comminuted Tomato Products

The official AOAC method for rot fragments in comminuted tomato products (44.224) has been revised on the basis of Youden's ruggedness testing procedures to provide better control over the sources of variability. Two sets of ruggedness tests were carried out to evaluate the type of balance used to weigh the sample, amount of stain, staining time, sieve design, technique used to transfer stained material from beaker to sieve, washing technique used to accumulate stained material at edge of sieve, diameter of eye dropper used to transfer sample from sieve to graduated tube, number of 0.5 mL portions examined, and magnification used to examine prepared slides. A 3-way analysis of variance conducted on amount of stain, transfer technique, and washing technique showed that the transfer and washing techniques were significant areas of variability.