Clearing Properties Between Coconut Oil and Xylene in Histological Tissue Processing

Xylene is the commonest clearing agent even though it is hazardous and costly. This study evaluated the clearing properties of coconut oil as an alternative cost-effective clearing agent for histological processes. Ten (10) prostate samples fixed in formalin were taken and each one was cut into 4 before randomly separating them into four groups (A, B, C and D). Tissues were subjected to ascending grades of alcohol for dehydration. Group A was cleared in xylene and Groups B, C, and D were cleared at varying times of 1hr 30mins, 3hrs, and 4hrs in coconut oil respectively before embedding, sectioning, and staining were carried out. Gross and histological features were compared. Results indicated a significant shrinkage in coconut oil-treated specimen compared with the xylene-treated specimen and only the tissues cleared in coconut oil for 4hrs were as rigid as the tissues cleared in xylene (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found in either of the sections when checked for cellular details and staining quality (p > 0.999). Coconut oil is an efficient substitute for xylene in prostate tissues with a minimum clearing time of 4hrs, as it is environmentally friendly and less expensive, but causes significant shrinkage to prostate tissue.

Immunophysiological State of Dogs According to the Immunoregulatory Index of Their Blood and Spleens

In this study, the immunological characteristics of a dog's body were established, allowing for a quick reaction to any changes in the immune status and the development of an immunodeficiency state. The immunoregulatory blood index was determined to indicate the ratio of T-helpers and T-suppressors. The immunoregulatory index of the spleen was determined as the ratio of CD4+ cells to CD8+ cells in the field of view of a microscope (eyepiece 10, objective 40) after obtaining histological preparations according to generally accepted methods. It was found that the number of T-helpers decreased by 0.13 × 1012/L, while the number of T-suppressors increased non-significantly by 0.01 × 1012/L after intensive exercise during tasks. The immunoregulatory blood index of dogs was 2.1 ± 0.1 and 1.7 ± 0.13 before and after intensive exercise, respectively. Lymphocytes with markers CD4+ and CD8+ were located almost all in the white pulp; in the red pulp, they were found alone, and their share was 3.4% and 1.9%, respectively. Lymphocytes with CD4+ markers in the spleen's white pulp were mainly concentrated in lymphoid nodules (60.7%), of which 20.1% were focused on the marginal zone, and slightly less in the light center (19.4%) and the periarterial zone (18.1%). Lymphocytes with CD8+ markers in the spleen's white pulp were also mainly concentrated in lymphoid nodules, but their number was 8.1% higher (68.8%). The immunoregulatory index of the spleen is 1.9. These findings emphasize the need for the assessment of the immunoregulatory index in service dogs to prevent the development of secondary immunodeficiency and allow them to properly perform their official duties.

Drying Habanero Pepper (Capsicum chinense) by Modified Freeze Drying Process

Freeze drying process was applied to habanero pepper and modified, in order to reduce energy expenditure on frozen and dehydration techniques. Six alkaline solutions, olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, grape oil, sesame oil and safflower oil, were used to reduce time on vacuum chamber. Also, frozen step was modified by using dry ice (CO₂) obtaining 43% of energy saving. The final product had high quality, moisture within 3% to 7% range, low microorganisms number, without organoleptic attributes damage and having all the characteristics of a fresh product by rehydrating. Dried sample was rehydrated by immersion in water at 40 °C for 5 min, obtaining 75% of initial humidity.Markedchanges on rehydrated final product was not perceived. The most effective oil to reduce the moisture was safflower followed by coconut and sesame, whilst the least effective were olive, followed by avocado and grape oils.