A Rapid Reliable Silver Technic for the Demonstration of Reticulin Fibers in Liver Biopsies

Abstract

The details of a method for staining reticulin which is both rapid and reproducible is presented. Much of the basic chemistry and theory of silver staining is examined, with several new concepts being presented. Among the most important is a silver complex which can be prepared in large volumes, stored for long periods, is very stable and gives consistent reproducible staining results. Also presented are new ideas on the use of oxidizers, sensitizers, reducers and the role of gold chloride as a toning reagent.     

Use of Heat to Improve Connective Tissue Stains: Modifications of Masson,Movat, and Fibrin Stains

Abstract

Three connective tissue methods are presented: modifications of Masson trichrome, Movat pentachrome and a fibrin method. A modified Verhoeff hematoxylin preheated and applied in the 60°C paraffin oven was used for all methods. The Movat pentachrome modification additionally included staining with alcian blue before application of Verhoeff hematoxylin, and the fibrin method was stained with lissamine fast yellow before application of the working red stain. All sections were stained with a working dilution of Biebrich scarlet and acid fuchsin, rinsed, and differentiated with phosphotungstic acid in a 60°C paraffin oven. Demonstration of collagen in the modifications of Masson and fibrin was done with either light green or aniline blue; saffron was used in the Movat pentachrome.

All 3 techniques were improved in quality and precision with the aid of heat. Although fibrin was demonstrated in all techniques, minute quantities were better seen in the fibrin stain because the red cells were stained in a different color. These modified stains demonstrated several entities in a single slide preparation in about 20 min. (The J Histotechnol 16:349, 1993)     

Influential Variables Associated with Outcomes in Patients with Cervicogenic Headache

Abstract

Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a common sequela of upper cervical dysfunction with a significant impact on patients. Diagnosis and treatment have been well validated; however, few studies have described characteristics of patients that are associated with outcomes of physical therapy treatment of this disorder. A retrospective chart review of patient data was performed on a cohort of 44 patients with CGH. Patients had undergone a standardized physical therapy treatment approach that included spinal mobilization/manipulation and therapeutic exercise, and outcomes of treatment were determined by quantification of changes in headache pain intensity, headache frequency, and self-reported function. Multiple regression analysis was utilized to determine the relationship between a variety of patient-specific variables and these outcome measures. Increased patient age, provocation or relief of headache with movement, and being gainfully employed were all patient factors that were found to be significantly (P<0.05) related to improved outcomes.     

RSS: A Brief Introduction

Abstract

The JMMT website has recently added an RSS feed. This technology allows users to keep track of changes to websites of interest without having to regularly visit those sites. This article briefly discusses the history of RSS, explains how to access RSS feeds, and provides step-by-step information on using this new feature on the JMMT website.