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Peeler C, Pitzer CR, Paez HG, Criswell S. Histochemical and morphological evaluation of a glyoxal acid-free fixative. Biotech Histochem 2024; 99:49-58. [PMID: 38164087 DOI: 10.1080/10520295.2023.2300797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The application of most chemical fixatives, such as formalin, in the anatomic pathology laboratory requires safety training and hazardous chemical monitoring due to the toxicity and health risks associated with their use. Consequently, the use of formalin has been banned in most applications in Europe; the primary exception is its use in the histology laboratory in lieu of a suitable and safer alternative. Glyoxal based solutions, several of which are available commercially, are the most promising alternative fixatives, because they are based on a mechanism of fixation similar to that of formalin. Unlike formalin, however, glyoxal based solutions do not dissociate from water and therefore do not require ventilation measures such as a fume hood. A primary barrier to the adoption of commercially available glyoxal based solutions is their low pH, which can produce undesirable morphological and antigenic tissue alterations; however, a recently available neutral pH glyoxal product (glyoxal acid free) (GAF) has been developed to mitigate the challenges of low pH. We compared the morphology and histochemistry among tissues fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, a commercially available acidic glyoxal product (Prefer), and GAF. Tissues fixed in formalin and Prefer exhibited similar morphology and staining properties; tissues fixed with 2% GAF exhibited deleterious effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Peeler
- Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences, College of Health Professions, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Christopher R Pitzer
- Department of Physiology, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hector G Paez
- Department of Physiology, College of Graduate Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sheila Criswell
- Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences, College of Health Professions, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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Ondrašovičová S, Zigo F, Gogoľa J, Lacková Z, Farkašová Z, Arvaiová J, Almášiová V, Rehan IF. The Effects of Humic Acids on the Early Developmental Stages of African Cichlids during Artificial Breeding. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051071. [PMID: 37240716 DOI: 10.3390/life13051071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the effect of humic acid (HA) obtained by extraction from alginate on the incubation of roes and fry development in African cichlids, Labidochormis caeruleus, as well as their influence on the stabilization of the physicochemical parameters of water in an aquarium during artificial breeding. The roes were obtained by extruding from a female buccal cavity immediately after fertilization. For the experiment, 4 groups of 40 roes were formed in an incubator with an artificial hatchery. Groups 1-3 were exposed to 1%, 5%, and 10% concentrations of HA, respectively. The control group C was not exposed to HA. In all groups, the mortality and size differences of the fry, as well as the temperature, pH, hardness, nitrite, and nitrate levels in the tanks, were determined during a 30-day monitoring period until the resorption of the yolk sac. The results of this study indicated the ability of HA in 5% and 10% concentrations to reduce nitrite and nitrate levels in the aquatic environment, which significantly reduced the mortality of roes and the survivability of the fry. The determination of the morphological measurements of the fry revealed an increased body length in the groups exposed to 5% and 10% HA concentrations compared to the control group by the end of the monitored period. It was also noted that the yolk sac was resorbed two days earlier in the same groups than in the control. Thus, the results showed that HAs are suitable for use in the artificial aquarium incubation of roes and fry development, which are increasingly exposed to adverse environmental factors. The knowledge obtained in this study and its transfer into practice can allow even less experienced aquarists to successfully breed aquarium fish species that could not normally be bred under artificial conditions without the addition of HA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ondrašovičová
- Department of Biology and Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - František Zigo
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Breeding, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Július Gogoľa
- Private Veterinary Clinic, Zvolenská Slatina SNP 367/25, 962 01 Zvolen, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Lacková
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Breeding, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Farkašová
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Breeding, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Juliana Arvaiová
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Breeding, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Viera Almášiová
- Department of Morphological Disciplines, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ibrahim F Rehan
- Department of Husbandry and Development of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Alkom 32511, Egypt
- Department of Pathobiochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Yagotoyama 150, Tempaku-ku, Nagoya-shi 468-8503, Japan
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Thomas S, Sadanandan J, Blackburn SL, McBride DW, Dienel A, Hong S, Zeineddine HA, Thankamani PK. Glyoxal Fixation Is Optimal for Immunostaining of Brain Vessels, Pericytes and Blood-Brain Barrier Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7776. [PMID: 35887131 PMCID: PMC9317650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain vascular staining is very important for understanding cerebrovascular pathologies. 4% paraformaldehyde is considered the gold standard fixation technique for immunohistochemistry and it revolutionized the examination of proteins in fixed tissues. However, this fixation technique produces inconsistent immunohistochemical staining results due to antigen masking. Here, we test a new fixation protocol using 3% glyoxal and demonstrate that this method improves the staining of the brain vasculature, pericytes, and tight junction proteins compared to 4% paraformaldehyde. Use of this new fixation technique will provide more detailed information about vascular protein expressions, their distributions, and colocalizations with other proteins at the molecular level in the brain vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Peeyush Kumar Thankamani
- The Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin St. MSB 7.147, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (S.T.); (J.S.); (S.L.B.); (D.W.M.); (A.D.); (S.H.); (H.A.Z.)
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Criswell SL, Altman S, Peeler C, Drake T, Lazar C, Douglas S, DeJarnatt V. Glyoxal fixation: an immunohistochemistry assay evaluation. J Histotechnol 2021; 45:77-84. [PMID: 34878359 DOI: 10.1080/01478885.2021.1996125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of surgical pathology specimens by histological techniques including immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays is a mainstay of disease diagnosis in humans. Neutral buffered formalin (NBF) is currently the primary fixative used, but its use is not without risks due to toxicity and carcinogenicity. Several glyoxal-based fixatives have been commercially produced, are considered safer alternatives to NBF, and produce histochemical staining results comparable to that of tissues fixed in NBF. However, previous studies evaluating IHC assay results in tissues fixed in NBF and glyoxal solutions have indicated mixed results. This study demonstrated that while tissues fixed in NBF were slightly superior to tissues fixed in glyoxal solutions among the 34 antibodies assayed with IHC, all fixative solutions produced results compatible for use in an anatomic pathology laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila L Criswell
- Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Savanna Altman
- Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Chelsea Peeler
- Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Taylor Drake
- Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Cynthia Lazar
- Pathology Department, Methodist University Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Samantha Douglas
- Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Victoria DeJarnatt
- Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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DeJarnatt V, Criswell SL. Glyoxal: a proposed substitute for formalin in H&E and special stains. J Histotechnol 2020; 44:37-45. [PMID: 33174813 DOI: 10.1080/01478885.2020.1830664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Neutral-buffered formalin (NBF) has been used as the primary fixative in anatomic pathology laboratories for decades. Although it yields excellent morphologic and staining results, NBF poses significant health hazards requiring tissue to be grossed under a grossing/chemical fume hood. Glyoxal fixatives offer far less toxic alternatives and do not necessitate use of a grossing hood. Using freshly extracted canine and feline testes, ovaries, and uteri, the effects of glyoxal and NBF fixation were compared. While NBF is still considered the gold standard, some glyoxal fixatives perform as well as NBF in regards to morphology, H&E staining properties, and histochemical staining properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria DeJarnatt
- Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sheila L Criswell
- Department of Diagnostic and Health Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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PFA is superior to glyoxal in preserving oocyte, embryo, and stem cell proteins evidenced by super-resolution microscopical surveys of epitopes. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:369-384. [PMID: 31930433 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01666-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Chemical fixation is a critical step to retaining cellular targets as naturally as possible. Recent developments in microscopy allow sophisticated detection and measuring techniques with which spatio-temporal molecular alterations are conceivable. In this study, we compare two members of aldehyde fixatives [i.e., glyoxal (Gly) and paraformaldehyde (PFA)] to determine whether Gly, a less toxic dialdehyde fixative that is considered to retain immunoreactivity could provide a successful and consistent cell fixation in favor of PFA in various cell preparations and types. METHODS We document the fixation competence of Gly and PFA side-by-side (with or without Triton X-100 permeabilization) in live- and fixed-cell preparations in mouse oocytes, embryos, and human somatic cells (human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells) using protein quantification by Western blot assay and super-resolution microscopy. RESULTS Although Gly seemed to act faster than PFA, catastrophic consequences were found not acceptable, especially in oocytes and embryos. Due to cell lysate and immunocytochemistry surveys, it was obvious that PFA is superior to Gly in retaining cellular proteins in situ with little/no background staining. In many samples, PFA revealed more reliable and consistent results regarding the protein quantity and cellular localization corresponding to previously defined patterns in the literature. CONCLUSION Although the use of Gly is beneficial as indicated by previous reports, we concluded that it does not meet the requirement for proper fixation, at least for the tested cell types and proteins. However, PFA alone with no addition of TX displayed a significant cytoplasmic loss by generating membrane blebs during fixation.
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Rae G, Newman WP, McGoey R, Donthamsetty S, Karpinski AC, Green J. The histopathologic reliability of tissue taken from cadavers within the gross anatomy laboratory. ANATOMICAL SCIENCES EDUCATION 2018; 11:207-214. [PMID: 29024453 DOI: 10.1002/ase.1743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the histopathologic reliability of embalmed cadaveric tissue taken from the gross anatomy laboratory. Tissue samples from hearts, livers, lungs, and kidneys were collected after the medical students' dissection course was completed. All of the cadavers were embalmed in a formalin-based fixative solution. The tissue was processed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at six micrometers, and stained with H&E. The microscope slides were evaluated by a board certified pathologist to determine whether the cellular components of the tissues were preserved at a high enough quality to allow for histopathologic diagnosis. There was a statistically significant relationship between ratings and organ groups. Across all organs, there was a smaller proportion of "poor" ratings. The lung group had the highest percentage of "poor" ratings (23.1%). The heart group had the least "poor" ratings (0.0%). The largest percentage of "satisfactory" ratings were in the lung group (52.8%), and the heart group contained the highest percentage of "good" ratings (58.5%) The lung group had the lowest percentage of "good" ratings (24.2%). These results indicate that heart tissue is more reliable than lung, kidney, or liver tissue when utilizing tissue from the gross anatomy laboratory for research and/or educational purposes. This information advises educators and researchers about the quality and histopathologic reliability of tissue samples obtained from the gross anatomy laboratory. Anat Sci Educ 11: 207-214. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guenevere Rae
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - William P Newman
- Department of Pathology School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Robin McGoey
- Department of Pathology School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | | | - Aryn C Karpinski
- School of Foundations, Leadership, and Administration, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - Jeffrey Green
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
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Proctor A, Sims CE, Allbritton NL. Chemical fixation to arrest phospholipid signaling for chemical cytometry. J Chromatogr A 2017; 1523:97-106. [PMID: 28528682 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2017.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chemical cytometry is a powerful tool for measuring biological processes such as enzymatic signaling at the single cell level. Among these technologies, single-cell capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) has emerged as a powerful tool to assay a wide range of cellular metabolites. However, analysis of dynamic processes within cells remains challenging as signaling pathways are rapidly altered in response to changes in the cellular environment, including cell manipulation and storage. To address these limitations, we describe a method for chemical fixation of cells to stop the cellular reactions to preserve the integrity of key signaling molecules or reporters within the cell and to enable the cell to act as a storage reservoir for the reporter and its metabolites prior to assay by single-cell CZE. Fluorescent phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate reporters were loaded into cells and the cells were chemically fixed and stored prior to analysis. The reporter and its metabolites were electrophoretically separated by single-cell CZE. Chemical fixation parameters such as fixative, fixation time, storage solution, storage duration, and extraction solution were optimized. When cells were loaded with a fluorescent C6- or C16-PIP2 followed by glutaraldehyde fixation and immediate analysis, 24±2% and 139±12% of the lipid was recoverable, respectively, when compared to an unfixed control. Storage of the cells for 24h yielded recoverable lipid of 61±3% (C6-PIP2) and 55±5% (C16-PIP2) when compared to cells analyzed immediately after fixation. The metabolites observed with and without fixation were identical. Measurement of phospholipase C activity in single leukemic cells in response to an agonist demonstrated the capability of chemical fixation coupled to single-cell CZE to yield an accurate snapshot of cellular reactions with the probe. This methodology enables cell assay with the reporter to be separated in space and time from reporter metabolite quantification while preserving assay integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Proctor
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States.
| | - Christopher E Sims
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States.
| | - Nancy L Allbritton
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States.
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Scheepers PTJ, Van Wel L, Beckmann G, Anzion RBM. Chemical Characterization of the Indoor Air Quality of a University Hospital: Penetration of Outdoor Air Pollutants. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14050497. [PMID: 28481324 PMCID: PMC5451948 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14050497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
For healthcare centers, local outdoor sources of air pollution represent a potential threat to indoor air quality (IAQ). The aim of this study was to study the impact of local outdoor sources of air pollution on the IAQ of a university hospital. IAQ was characterized at thirteen indoor and two outdoor locations and source samples were collected from a helicopter and an emergency power supply. Volatile organic compounds (VOC), acrolein, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), respirable particulate matter (PM-4.0 and PM-2.5) and their respective benz(a)pyrene contents were determined over a period of two weeks. Time-weighted average concentrations of NO2 (4.9–17.4 μg/m3) and formaldehyde (2.5–6.4 μg/m3) were similar on all indoor and outdoor locations. The median concentration VOC in indoor air was 119 μg/m3 (range: 33.1–2450 μg/m3) and was fivefold higher in laboratories (316 μg/m3) compared to offices (57.0 μg/m3). PM-4.0 and benzo(a)pyrene concentration were lower in buildings serviced by a >99.95% efficiency particle filter, compared to buildings using a standard 80–90% efficiency filter (p < 0.01). No indications were found that support a significant contribution of known local sources such as fuels or combustion engines to any of the IAQ parameters measured in this study. Chemical IAQ was primarily driven by known indoor sources and activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T J Scheepers
- Research Lab Molecular Epidemiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Luuk Van Wel
- Research Lab Molecular Epidemiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Gwendolyn Beckmann
- Research Lab Molecular Epidemiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Rob B M Anzion
- Research Lab Molecular Epidemiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboudumc, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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d’Ettorre G, Criscuolo M, Mazzotta M. Managing Formaldehyde indoor pollution in anatomy pathology departments. Work 2017; 56:397-402. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-172505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele d’Ettorre
- Local Health Authority, Health Unit of Occupational Prevention and Protection, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Mario Criscuolo
- Department of Anatomy Pathology, “Perrino” Hospital, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Mauro Mazzotta
- Occupational Medicine, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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Burugapalli K, Chan JCY, Kelly JL, Pandit AS. Efficacy of Crosslinking on Tailoring In Vivo Biodegradability of Fibro-Porous Decellularized Extracellular Matrix and Restoration of Native Tissue Structure: A Quantitative Study using Stereology Methods. Macromol Biosci 2013; 14:244-56. [DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201300195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Burugapalli
- Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials (NFB); National University of Ireland; Galway Ireland
- Brunel Institute for Bioengineering; Brunel University; Uxbridge, London UK
| | - Jeffrey C. Y. Chan
- Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials (NFB); National University of Ireland; Galway Ireland
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery; University College Hospital; Galway Ireland
| | - John L. Kelly
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery; University College Hospital; Galway Ireland
| | - Abhay S. Pandit
- Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials (NFB); National University of Ireland; Galway Ireland
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Zanini C, Gerbaudo E, Ercole E, Vendramin A, Forni M. Evaluation of two commercial and three home-made fixatives for the substitution of formalin: a formaldehyde-free laboratory is possible. Environ Health 2012; 11:59. [PMID: 22947094 PMCID: PMC3506558 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-11-59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Formaldehyde (HCHO) is a gas (available as a 37% concentrated solution, stabilized with methanol). The 10% dilution (approximately 4% formaldehyde) has been used as a fixative since the end of the 19th century. Alternative fixatives are also commercially available or may be prepared in-house in laboratories. Statements by the IARC, along with other USA agencies (CalEPA, RoC/NTP) on the carcinogenicity of formaldehyde for humans renders its substitution in Pathology Departments necessary since the annual use of formalin may exceed 3,500 liters for a medium-large laboratory. To achieve a "formalin-free laboratory" we tested straightforward-to-make fixatives along with registered reagents offered as formalin substitutes. METHODS More than two hundreds specimens were fixed in parallel with in-laboratory made fixatives PAGA (Polyethylenglycol, ethyl Alcohol, Glycerol, Acetic acid), two zinc-based fixatives (ZBF, Z7), and commercially-available alternatives (RCL2 and CellBlock). Tissue micro arrays were used for morphological and immunohistochemical comparison. Extraction of RNA was carried out to evaluate preservation of nucleic acids. RESULTS Differences compared to formalin fixation were evident in alcohol-based fixatives, mainly restricted to higher stain affinity and considerable tissue shrinkage. Conversely, nuclear detail was superior with these alcohol-based formulas compared to formalin or glyoxale-based recipes. RNA extraction was superior for Z7, PAGA and RCL2 with regard to concentration but relatively comparable regarding quality. CONCLUSIONS Abolition of the human carcinogen formaldehyde from pathology laboratories is possible even in contexts whereby commercial alternatives to formalin are unavailable or are too expensive for routine use, and aspiration devices are lacking or not adequately serviced. The use of known formulations, possibly with simple and not-noxious ("alimentary grade") constituents, comparable with registered proprietary products, may expand the search for the ideal fixative combining satisfactory morphology with improved preservation of nucleic acids and proteins as well as being easy and safe to dispose of.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zanini
- Research Laboratory of EuroClone S.p.A at Molecular Biotechnology Centre (MBC), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Gerbaudo
- Department of ImmunoHematology, A.O. Ospedale Infantile Regina Margherita (OIRM), S.Anna, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ercole
- Research Laboratory of EuroClone S.p.A at Molecular Biotechnology Centre (MBC), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Vendramin
- Research Laboratory of EuroClone S.p.A, Basovizza, TS, Italy
| | - Marco Forni
- Research Laboratory of EuroClone S.p.A at Molecular Biotechnology Centre (MBC), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Patcas R, Markic G, Müller L, Ullrich O, Peltomäki T, Kellenberger CJ, Karlo CA. Accuracy of linear intraoral measurements using cone beam CT and multidetector CT: a tale of two CTs. Dentomaxillofac Radiol 2012; 41:637-44. [PMID: 22554987 DOI: 10.1259/dmfr/21152480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim was to compare the accuracy of linear bone measurements of cone beam CT (CBCT) with multidetector CT (MDCT) and validate intraoral soft-tissue measurements in CBCT. METHODS Comparable views of CBCT and MDCT were obtained from eight intact cadaveric heads. The anatomical positions of the gingival margin and the buccal alveolar bone ridge were determined. Image measurements (CBCT/MDCT) were performed upon multiplanar reformatted data sets and compared with the anatomical measurements; the number of non-assessable sites (NASs) was evaluated. RESULTS Radiological measurements were accurate with a mean difference from anatomical measurements of 0.14 mm (CBCT) and 0.23 mm (MDCT). These differences were statistically not significant, but the limits of agreement for bone measurements were broader in MDCT (-1.35 mm; 1.82 mm) than in CBCT (-0.93 mm; 1.21 mm). The limits of agreement for soft-tissue measurements in CBCT were smaller (-0.77 mm; 1.07 mm), indicating a slightly higher accuracy. More NASs occurred in MDCT (14.5%) than in CBCT (8.3%). CONCLUSIONS CBCT is slightly more reliable for linear measurements than MDCT and less affected by metal artefacts. CBCT accuracy of linear intraoral soft-tissue measurements is similar to the accuracy of bone measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Patcas
- Clinic for Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, and Department of Diagnostic Imaging, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Plattenstrasse 11, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
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