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Introduction: Bluing is the process which changes the initial soluble reddish-purple hematoxylin into an insoluble darker bluish-purple. After differentiation with acid, the tissue sections are subsequently treated with an alkaline solution or vapors to neutralize the acid and restore the blue color to the tissue. Commonly used bluing agents in histopathology are tap water, Scott's tap water, and ammonium hydroxide water. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of 0.5% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide as an alternative to ammonium hydroxide water as a bluing agent. Materials and Methods: About 0.5% of aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide was freshly prepared by dissolving 0.5g of sodium hydroxide powder in 100 ml of distilled water. Ammonium hydroxide water was prepared by adding 5 ml of ammonium hydroxide solution to 100 ml of distilled water. From each of the ten blocks procured, two sections were cut using soft-tissue microtome. After staining with hematoxylin, the ten test group slides and ten control group slides were dipped once in 0.5% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide water, respectively, for bluing. After counterstaining with eosin and dehydration with graded alcohol, the slides were mounted and rated by two blinded observers. Results: The nuclear intensity and morphology, cytoplasmic staining intensity, bluing, and clarity were better when ammonium hydroxide water was used as a bluing agent. Conclusion: About 0.5% of aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide cannot be used as an alternative to ammonium hydroxide water for bluing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an important application of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to determine the tissue distribution of an antigen of interest in health and disease. IHC is widely used for diagnosis of cancers; specific tumor antigens are expressed de novo or up-regulated in certain cancers. Cytokeratins (CKs) are intermediate filaments of the cytoskeletons found in all types of epithelial cells. Thus, they are specific for epithelial cell lineage. CKs are over-expressed in Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) compared to normal mucosa because cancerization of normal oral epithelium could lead to variation of degree of differentiation of epithelium. Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), a product of Mucin 1 gene, is widely distributed in epithelial and mesothelial tissues and tumors arising from them. Squamous cell carcinomas show positive EMA staining of cytoplasmic membranes. Aim: The aim of the study was to formulate a standard operating protocol for immunohistochemical epithelial markers, CK, and EMA. Materials and Methods: Two tissue blocks of known histopathological diagnosis were procured from the archives of the department of oral and maxillofacial pathology. Four sections of 2.5 µm were cut from each block. Eight lysin coated slides were thus prepared and incubated overnight. The slides used were positive controls of CK and EMA. Three variations were tried and compared with the normal immunohistochemical protocol. Results: The staining intensity, uniformity of staining intensity, and specificity of variation 3 were better, compared to the normal protocol for CK and EMA. Variation 3 showed minimal background staining compared to other variations. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the variation in which deparaffinization was done for 35 min, antigen retrieval for 1 whistle, incubation time increased to 80 min, and 3,3' Diaminobenzidine chromogen to buffer ratio altered to 1:25, showed better result and can be used as a standard operating protocol for immunohistochemical epithelial markers, CK, and EMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oral and maxillofacial pathology is a branch of dentistry that deals with the clinical, radiographic, and microscopic diagnosis of the diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial region. Setting up an oral pathology laboratory is a difficult task. Right from gathering Funds, Sample collection to staffing and accreditation, all the necessary steps must be undertaken to set up an oral pathology laboratory. Hence, in comparison to general pathology laboratories, the number of oral pathology laboratories in India is minimal. In this study, we aim to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception among oral pathologists about setting up an oral pathology laboratory in India. Materials and Methods: A validated questionnaire containing ten questions was created using Google Forms. The link to this questionnaire survey was circulated to oral and maxillofacial pathologists all over the country by E-mail. 106 responses were received, which were tabulated. The frequencies and percentages were calculated. Based on these calculations, the results were represented using two-dimensional bar chart and pie chart. Results: Nearly 99% of the participants agreed that there are very few oral pathology laboratories in India. 50.94% of participants attributed it to the lack of dentist’s knowledge about the importance of histopathological evaluation of tissues. Conclusion: The decreased number of oral pathology laboratories is attributed to lack of dentist’s awareness. Educating the dentist along with proper promotional measures and recruitment of adequate and qualified staff can help in setting up the oral pathology laboratory in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hematoxylin is the most commonly used stain in histological laboratory. It is obtained from the heartwood of logwood tree, Haematoxylon campechianum. Durability, easy differentiation, and comparative permanency make it the most popular nuclear stain. However, there is apparent worldwide shortage of hematoxylin. Most commonly used counterstain with hematoxylin is eosin. Eosin is a synthetic xanthene dye. Although it is very efficient, it is hazardous to human and animal health and the environment. The worldwide shortage of hematoxylin and the hazardous effects of chemicals and synthetic dyes like eosin has led to the development of alternative organic and eco-friendly dyes from these natural sources. The use of these non-allergic, non-toxic, and biodegradable stains has become the need of the hour due to the increased environmental awareness. The aim of this study is to systematically review the use of various natural organic stains in histopathology. Materials and Methods: Comprehensive electronic and manual search of literature was done and 13 articles were included in the systematic review, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The systematic review was done and the data extracted from the studies were tabulated. Results: The results suggested that aqueous and alcoholic extracts of various parts from the plant source can be used as alternative natural dyes, replacing routinely used hematoxylin and eosin stain in histopathology. Conclusion: Dyes from naturally occurring plant sources can be used as organic stains in histopathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a highly complex disease. The challenges encountered in cancer detection and management include delayed detection, invasive investigation methods such as biopsy, comorbidity due to non-specific systemic distribution, inadequate drug concentration, and inability to monitor therapeutic responses. Through this article, we would like to throw some light on the use of nanotechnology and nanoparticles in the early detection and management of cancer, their advantages, limitations, and the various recent advancements in the field of nanomedicine and their use for the treatment of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]