Cytological Examination Research Articles

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems Classification in Risk Stratification and in the Management of Thyroid Swelling by Comparing It With Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology and Histopathological Examination

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems Classification in Risk Stratification and in the Management of Thyroid Swelling by Comparing It With Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology and Histopathological Examination

Evaluation of the radial endosonographic image of peripheral lung lesions for choosing the bronchobiopsies in the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis, mycobacteriosis and malignancy

Objective. To evaluate endosonographic images (EGI) for different peripheral lung lesions (PPLs) genesis, to identify patterns of malignancy in the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), mycobacteriosis (NTM), malignancy neoplasm, to compare the main combinations of variants of the echo characteristics of lung lesions visualized during rEBUS navigation with the data of a comprehensive microbiological, cytological and morphological studies. Methods. A cohort retrospective study included 145 patients (81 women (mean age 44.94±0.24 years) and 64 men (mean age 47.91±0.24)), with newly diagnosed PPLs and with negative sputum TB tests, who underwent diagnostic navigational bronchoscopy (rEBUS) and surgical diagnostics, and EGI of PPLs was visualized with rEBUS. Depending on the final verification, were endosonographic images divided into 2 groups: the Neo group (n=63), whose biopsy (during bronchoscopic or surgical diagnosis) verified the malignancy PPls, and the TB+NTM group (n=82) – infectious PPLs caused by mycobacterial infection (73 cases – pulmonary TB, 9 cases – mycobacteriosis). Results. It was established that differences were statistically significant in shape, contour/border, and the presence of inclusions (linear arcs, zones of hypo-anechogenesis) between the comparison groups. If there are echoic features of malignancy PPLs on EGI with rEBUS (irregular shape (found in 60,3%), lobulated shape (in 17,4%), visualized but blurred contour (in 57.2%), fuzzy/poorly visualized contour (in 25.4%), heteroechoic structure, with “linear arcs” (49.2%) with an air bronchogram (in 36,5%)), tissue bronchobiopsy (brush and TBBL) are priority for cytological and histological examination. If there are echoic features of delimited infectious inflammation on EGI of PPLs in rEBUS (round or oval shape (found in 34.1% of cases), definite, closed contour (in 78.0%), homoechoic structure (29,3%), heteroechoic structure with zones of hypo-anechoicity (in 32.9%) with an air bronchogram (in 23.2%)), bronchobiopsy is a priority, allowing to cover the largest area of the lungs (BAL) for microbiological examination (microscopy, PCR-RT, culture) in combination with tissue biopsy (cytological examination). A classification has been created that includes 3 types of EGI to determine rational approaches to bronchobiopsy for the purpose of differential diagnosis of TB, mycobacteriosis and neoplasia. Conclusions. The use of EGI of PPLs assessment during bronchoscopy with rEBUS navigation determines rational approaches to the complex of navigational bronchobiopsies in the differential diagnosis of TB, mycobacteriosis and malignant processes.

Grading Cytologic Epithelial Atypia in Pancreatic Mucinous Cysts Predicts Patient Survival: Correlation With Histologic, Molecular, and Clinical Follow-Up

Cytologic examination of epithelial cells in cyst fluids from pancreatic mucinous cysts is the optimal method for identifying high-grade atypia (HGA), which may represent histologic high-grade dysplasia (HGD) or invasive carcinoma and thereby classify the cyst as high risk, warranting surgical resection. Cytologic features of HGA were previously described at our institution in 2013 and implemented thereafter, but performance of grading with these criteria has not yet been reported. In total, 1322 pancreatic cyst fluid specimens (2014-2021) were identified; all pathology reports and relevant clinical data were reviewed in detail; and 230 unique cysts (217 patients) contained neoplastic mucinous epithelium. Of the 230 cysts, 178 had low-grade atypia (LGA), and 52 had HGA. Ninety-seven cysts had histologic follow-up: 77 (79%) were resections and 20 (21%) were diagnostic surgical biopsies only. Moreover, 92 (95%) were confirmed neoplastic mucinous cysts, 3 were adenocarcinomas, and 2 were benign entities. Among histologically confirmed neoplastic mucinous cysts, 58 had low-grade dysplasia (LGD); 34 had HGD, of which 14 also had invasive carcinoma. A significantly higher proportion of cysts with HGA (63%) demonstrated at least HGD on follow-up compared to those with LGA (26%, P < .001). The sensitivity and specificity of HGA for accurately classifying a high-risk cyst were 54% and 81%, respectively. Of the 230 cysts, 146 (64%) cysts had corresponding next-generation sequencing results; 31% of HGA cysts harbored a high-risk mutation (TP53, CDKN2A, and/or SMAD4) vs 7% of LGA cysts (P < .001). Among cysts without histologic confirmation, 25% of HGA cysts had high-risk mutation vs 7% of LGA cysts. The grade of cytologic atypia was predictive of overall survival and recurrence-free survival (P < .001 and P = .020, respectively). Implementation of cytologic criteria for HGA in pancreatic mucinous cysts has relatively low sensitivity but modest specificity for classifying a high-risk cyst. Although high-risk mutations were more commonly found in cysts with HGA, their frequency is overall low. Thus, evaluating the degree of cytologic atypia, which is predictive of patient survival, provides significant value and informs patient outcomes.

АНАЛИЗ КЛИНИЧЕСКОГО СЛУЧАЯ ВУЛЬГАРНОЙ ПУЗЫРЧАТКИ, АССОЦИИРОВАННОЙ С ХРОНИЧЕСКОЙ ВЭБ-ИНФЕКЦИЕЙ (ГЛОССИТА, ОБУСЛОВЛЕННОГО ВЭБ)

Background. One of the autoimmune diseases is pemphigus, a chronic malignantly occurring autoimmune dermatosis accompanied by the development of blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. Isolated lesions of the SOPR occur in 10–20% of cases, complicating differential diagnosis. Numerous studies have proven the role of herpes virus infection as an aggravating factor in the course of true acantholytic pemphigus. The aim of the study was to determine the features of the clinical course of vulgar pemphigus against the background of reactivation of chronic EBV infection (glossitis caused by EBV). The clinical case of a patient with a diagnosis of “Vulgar pemphigus. Glossitis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus”. The anamnesis of the disease was carefully collected, a clinical and laboratory examination was performed with a cytological examination of a smear taken from a LITTER, a general blood test with an expanded leukocyte formula, C-reactive protein. In order to diagnose the viral load, PCR diagnostics was performed on the DNA of the herpes virus 1, 2, 4, 5 types in saliva, on the DNA of EBV in the blood, quantitatively. Specific antibodies of Ig classes M and G to EBV were determined by the ELISA method. Results. Due to the lifelong persistence of EBV in the structures of the oral cavity, its reactivation leads not only to chronic pastoral infection and the local development of the corresponding glossitis, but also, first of all, to a decrease in the level of local immunity. This fact aggravates the course of pemphigus, shortens the period of absence of relapse. The appointment of antiviral therapy at the first visit allowed to stabilize the symptoms caused by EBV, which led to positive dynamics in the course of pemphigus against the background of average dosages of prednisone in a shorter time. Conclusions. With clinical and laboratory confirmation of chronic EBV infection (glossitis caused by EBV), it is recommended to include antiviral and immunocorrective drugs, systemically and topically, in the complex treatment of pemphigus erythematosus.

The biochemical and cytological examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the number of erythrocytes

The biochemical and cytological examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the number of erythrocytes

Analysis of the diagnostic performance of PAX1/SOX1 gene methylation in cervical precancerous lesions and its role in triage diagnosis.

Methylation panels, tools for investigating epigenetic changes associated with diseases like cancer, can identify DNA methylation patterns indicative of disease, providing diagnostic or prognostic insights. However, the application of methylation panels focusing on the sex-determining region Y-box 1 (SOX1) and paired box gene 1 (PAX1) genes for diagnosing cervical lesions is under-researched. This study aims to examine the diagnostic performance of PAX1/SOX1 gene methylation as a marker for cervical precancerous lesions and its potential application in triage diagnosis. From September 2022 to April 2023, 181 patients with abnormal HPV-DNA tests or cytological exam results requiring colposcopy were studied at Hubei Maternal and Child Health Hospital, China. Data were collected from colposcopy, cytology, HPV-DNA tests, and PAX1/SOX1 methylation detection. Patients were categorized as control, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia Grade 1 (CIN1), Grade 2 (CIN2), Grade 3 (CIN3), and cervical cancer (CC) groups based on histopathology. We performed HPV testing, liquid-based cytology, and PAX1/SOX1 gene methylation testing. We evaluated the diagnostic value of methylation detection in cervical cancer using DNA methylation positivity rate, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC), and explored its potential for triage diagnosis. PAX1/SOX1 methylation positivity rates were: control 17.1%, CIN1 22.5%, CIN2 100.0%, CIN3 90.0%, and CC 100.0%. The AUC values for PAX1 gene methylation detection in diagnosing CIN1+, CIN2+, and CIN3+ were 0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43-0.62), 0.88 (95% CI: 0.80-0.97), and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.75-1.00), respectively. Corresponding AUC values for SOX1 gene methylation detection were 0.47 (95% CI: 0.40-0.58), 0.80 (95% CI: 0.68-0.93), and 0.92 (95% CI: 0.811-1.00), respectively. In HPV16/18-negative patients, methylation detection showed sensitivity of 32.4% and specificity of 83.7% for CIN1+. For CIN2+ and CIN3+, sensitivity was all 100%, with specificities of 83.0% and 81.1%. Among the patients who underwent colposcopy examination, 166 cases had cytological examination results ≤ASCUS, of which 37 cases were positive for methylation, and the colposcopy referral rate was 22.29%. PAX1/SOX1 gene methylation detection exhibits strong diagnostic efficacy for cervical precancerous lesions and holds significant value in triage diagnosis.

MODERN VIEWS OF THE PROGRESSION OF CERVICAL NEOPLASIA AFTER DESTRUCTIVE TREATMENTS FOR CERVICAL DISEASES

Diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in women with a history of exocervix ablation is difficult due to the displacement of the junction of the squamous and prismatic epithelium into the cervical canal. Diagnostic significance in these cases belongs to the data of cytological examination of cells obtained with the help of a cyto-brush from the cervical canal. The diagnosis was clarified by coni biopsy. In 20 (17%) of the 70 women followed, CIN and cervical cancer were detected. Patients with ablation exocervixes have a history of developing intracervical neoplasias with the persistence of highly oncogenic types of HPV (human papillomavirus), so they need endocervix cytological control, viral load, and papillomavirus genotype annually as secondary prevention of cervical cancer.

Cervical cytology and HPV distribution in Cape Verde: A snapshot of a country taken during its first HPV nation-wide vaccination campaign

Cervical cancer ranks as the third most common female cancer in Cape Verde and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the country. While Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, which started in 2021, is anticipated to significantly reduce disease incidence, cervical screening remains crucial for non-vaccinated women. We retrospectively reviewed gynecologic cytology exams and HPV tests performed in Cape Verde between 2017 and April 2023 and processed at IMP Diagnostics. For this study, we considered 13035 women with cytology examinations performed and, 2013 of these, also with an HPV molecular test. Cytology diagnostics comprised 83 % NILM cases; 12 % ASC-US; 2.7 % LSIL; 1.2 % ASC-H; 0.5 % HSIL and 0.1 % SCC. In 505 (25.1 %) high-risk HPV infection was detected. Prevalence of HPV infection varied with age, peaking at young ages - ≤24 years old (55.5 %) and 25-35-year-old women (31.5 %) - and the lowest after 66 years old (9.7 %). Herein we present a comprehensive study regarding Cape Verde's cervical cytology and HPV distribution, aiming to provide a snapshot of the country's cervical cytology results and HPV distribution in recent years. Moreover, these data may contribute to establish a baseline to assess, in the future, the vaccination impact in the country.

The biochemical and cytological examination of the body fluid and the number of erythrocytes

The biochemical and cytological examination of the body fluid and the number of erythrocytes

Renal B-lymphoblastic lymphoma with hematuria as the first symptom diagnosed in urine cytology: A case report and literature review.

Cytological examination of urine sediment is a helpful diagnostic tool for identifying renal involvement by hematological malignancies. We present the case of a 47-year-old man who was diagnosed with extranodal B-lymphoblastic lymphomas after presenting with gross hematuria as his first symptom. The presence of lymphoma cells in the urine led to a diagnosis confirmed through an immunophenotypic study using cell block sections of urine centrifuge sediment and core needle biopsy histology of the right renal pelvis mass. This case highlights the usefulness of a urine cytological study in diagnosing lymphoma involvement in the genitourinary tract. Furthermore, this paper reviews relevant literature on diagnosing lymphoma involvement from urine sediment.

Molecular identification of the bacterium acute conjunctivitis by the method of sequensing gen 16S rRNA

Conjunctivitis is the most common eye disease, characterized by contextual inflammation, which can be caused by bacteria. The diagnosis of conjunctivitis is established based various factors, including the patients’s medical history, onset of eye symptoms, non-ocular symptoms, previous disease history, family medical history, allergies, and physical examination of the eyes, which may include assessments of visual acuity and vision field. Some cases of conjunctivitis require laboratory examinations to confirm the diagnosis. These may include cytological examination with Giemsa staining, Chlamydia Diagnostic Test, Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) or Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and microbiological tests. Microbiological examination helps identify the bacteria responsible for conjunctivitis and aids in treatment by prescribing antibiotics to suppress the growth of the infecting bacteria. While identification tests are not routinely performed, researchers often seek to determine the specific type of bacteria causing conjunctivitis infections, which may require several laboratory tests. Bacterial virulence plays a significant role, with genetic mutations potentially leading to severe infections of varying severity. Virulence genes encode proteins that express pathogenic properties. The species responsible for conjunctivitis can be definitively identified definitively through microbiological examination, utilizing methods such as the 16S Ribosomal RNA Sequencing (rRNA) technique, known for its accuracy and speed. This study aims to analyze the results of rRNA sequencing in cases of acute bacterial conjunctivitis caused by 16S rRNA genotyping. The research employed an exploratory metholodolot, with the results analyzed using the The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) tracking program database on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. The findings revealed that Sphingomonas paucimobilis encoded the 16S rRNA using Universal Primary 27 F and 1492 R, obtained in a sequence size of 1351bp. The isolate demonstrated similarities to Sphingomonas paucimobilis.

The Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Axillary Surgical Management of Patients With Breast Cancer and Positive Axillary Lymph Nodes.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is effective in patients with breast cancer (BC) and positive axillary lymph nodes undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). However, the frequency with which axillary lymphadenectomy (ALND) can be avoided remains debated. This study aimed to identify patient populations that can benefit from this approach. The data of 195 consecutive patients with BC and positive axillary lymph nodes at diagnosis who underwent NAC were retrospectively analyzed. In all cases, the positivity of the lymph nodes was confirmed by cytological examination. Patients converted to ycN0 after NAC were considered eligible for SLNB. Indications for ALND were failed mapping, fewer than three SLNs recovered, and positive SLNs. Of 195 cN1 patients potentially eligible for SLNB, 71 (36.4%) remained clinically ycN+ after NAC and underwent elective ALND, while 124 (83.7%) converted to ycN0 after NAC and SLNB. The lymph node identification rate was 95.9% (119/124 patients) with three or more SLNs recovered in 83 cases (89.8%). One or two lymph nodes were recovered in 36 cases (30.2%). Nodal pathologic complete response (pCR) was found in 34/83 (40.9%) patients with three or more SLNs recovered. Considering all 195 patients initially included in the study, 55 patients (28.2%) achieved lymph node pCR after NAC. Nodal pCR varied based on hormone receptor and HER2 status, with rates ranging from 20.7% for ER+/HER2- patients to 95.3% for ER-/HER2+ patients (p<0.001). More than 80% of cN1 patients in our study were eligible for SLNB after NAC. ALND could be avoided in approximately 30% of cases, supporting the role of NAC in reducing the need for ALND among patients with lymph node metastases.

A comparison of clinical features between neurobrucellosis and tuberculous meningitis

BackgroudThis study aims to compare the clinical manifestations, imaging findings, routine tests, biochemistry indicators and cerebrospinal fluid cytology between neurobrucellosis and tuberculous meningitis. The objective is to evaluate the similarities and differences of these two diseases and improve early diagnosis.MethodsA comprehensive evaluation was conducted by comparing clinical data, imaging results, routine tests findings, biochemistry indicators and cerebrospinal fluid cytology of patients admitted to the Department of Neurology, the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from 2019 to 2021. Statistical analysis was applied to identify significant differences and similarities between the two diseases.ResultsPreliminary analysis demonstrated both diseases commonly present with symptoms such as fever, headache. However, there were no statistical differences between neurobrucellosis and tuberculous meningitis in early clinical data, imaging results, routine tests findings, biochemistry indicators. Further analysis indicates there is a statistically significantly difference in the lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil ratio in the cerebrospinal fluid between the two groups.ConclusionsNeurobrucellosis and tuberculous meningitis share similarities in early clinical manifestations, imaging findings and initial cerebrospinal fluid parametes, making early-stage differentiation challenging. The ratio of lymphocytes and neutrophil in the cerebrospinal fluid and a detailed medical history investigation can provide clues for early clinical diagnosis. So the examination of CSF cytology might be a potential to distinguish these two diseases and become a powerful tool in the future.

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head in combination with septic arthritis of the hip joint

BACKGROUND: The combined course of avascular necrosis of the femoral head and septic arthritis of the hip joint is extremely rare and not always timely diagnosed. Analysis of specialized foreign literature revealed only single descriptions of clinical cases of combined lesions of the hip joint (avascular necrosis of the femoral head and septic arthritis). However, these studies do not describe the surgical treatment algorithms of patients. While analyzing the sources of domestic literature for the last 10 years, we did not encounter descriptions of such clinical cases. CLINICAL CASE DESCRIPTION: A 38-year-old patient was diagnosed with avascular necrosis of the femoral head with concomitant septic arthritis of the hip joint. During the preoperative period, a diagnostic puncture of the hip joint with subsequent cytologic and microbiological examination of synovial fluid was performed. Growth of the Staphylococcus aureus strain was observed. Because primary hip arthroplasty was contraindicated and isolated conservative treatment of bacterial arthritis aggravated the course of avascular necrosis, the patient underwent two-stage surgical treatment. The first stage was femoral head resection with installation of a spherical cement spacer impregnated with antibiotics, and the second stage was total hip arthroplasty after the inflammatory process had subsided. The postoperative period of each surgical stage proceeded without complications. It was possible to achieve microorganism eradication; eliminate the chronic inflammatory process, which was confirmed clinically and laboratory; ensure the possibility of total hip arthroplasty; and restore the limb-bearing capacity, extent of motion in the joint, and quality of life of the patient. CONCLUSION: The clinical observation confirms the need for detailed diagnosis in patients with an atypical course of avascular necrosis of the femoral head and demonstrates a successful treatment option in such cases.

Screening for colorectal cancer: Study on the shedding cells of feces.

The objective of this study was to explore the enrichment efficiency of an improved fecal exfoliated cell enrichment method and its application in colorectal cancer screening. Samples were collected from a cohort of 100 colorectal cancer patients being treated at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2021 to June 2022. Patient samples were equally divided between control and experimental groups corresponding to the enrichment method being applied to the fecal exfoliated cells. Samples consisted of natural stool and bowel cleansing enema solution samples. The control group received the traditional three-layer integrated screen method, and the experimental group used nano-Fe3O4 folic acid magnetic beads to enrich the fecal exfoliated cells. The morphology of the extracted cells was observed by light microscopy through hematoxylin and eosin staining, and the positive rate of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and the detection rate of colorectal cancer was compared between the two groups. The FOBT-positive rates of natural feces and intestinal cleansing liquid in the control group were 74.00% and 90.00%, respectively, and the FOBT-positive rates of natural feces and intestinal cleansing liquid in the experimental group were 76.00% and 92.00%, respectively. The positive FOBT rate was high, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.037 and P = 0.029). The sensitivities of natural fecal exfoliation cytology in the control and experimental groups were 82.00% and 92.00%, respectively. The sensitivity of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.137). The sensitivities of the exfoliated cytology examination of the intestinal cleansing liquid in the control and experimental groups were 88.00% and 98.00%, respectively. The sensitivity of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.050). Cell smear results show that the exfoliated cells collected by the three-layer integrated sieve method are unevenly distributed, with overlapping cells and a large number of impurities blurring the background, seriously affecting the observation of cell morphology. The cell structure is blurred, stained unevenly, and arranged in a disorderly manner. The exfoliated cells collected by the nanofolic acid magnetic bead enrichment method are relatively evenly distributed, with no overlapping of cells in patches. The background is clear, and the morphology of each cell can be clearly observed. The cell structure is relatively clear, stained evenly, and distributed evenly. In the cytological examination of fecal exfoliation of colorectal cancer, the nano-Fe3O4 folic acid magnetic bead enrichment method can enrich more target cells compared with the traditional three-layer integrated screen method, improve the detection rate of colorectal cancer, and ensure the exfoliation The cell smears are of higher quality, providing a better sample for clinical assessment of the exfoliated cells. Nano-Fe3O4 folic acid magnetic beads enrichment method can become a simple, efficient, and relatively safe screening method for colorectal cancer, positively affecting early screening developments and diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Diagnosis of Canine Tumours and the Value of Combined Detection of VEGF, P53, SF and NLRP3 for the Early Diagnosis of Canine Mammary Carcinoma.

The average life of a dog is generally maintained at ten to fifteen years, and tumours are the predominant reason that leads to the death of dogs, especially canine mammary carcinoma. Therefore, early diagnosis of tumours is very important. In this study, tumor size, morphology, and texture could be seen through general clinical examination, tumor metastasis could be seen through imaging examination, inflammatory reactions could be seen through hematological examination, and abnormal cell morphology could be seen through cytological and histopathological examination. In the 269 malignant cases and 179 benign cases, we randomly selected 30 cases each, and an additional 30 healthy dogs were selected for the experiment (healthy dogs: dogs in good physical condition without any tumor or other diseases). We used RT-qPCR and ELISA to determine the relative expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor protein P53 (P53), serum ferritin (SF), and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in 30 healthy dogs, 30 dogs with benign mammary tumours, and 30 dogs with malignant mammary tumours. In the results, the same expression trend was obtained both in serum and tissues, and the expression of the four markers was the highest in malignant mammary tumours, with highly significant differences compared with the benign and healthy/paracancerous groups. By plotting the ROC curves, it was found that the results of combined tests were better than a single test and the combination of the four markers was the best for the early diagnosis. In conclusion, this can assist the clinical early diagnosis to a certain extent, and also provides some references and assistance for the development of tumor detection kits in clinical practice.

Malignant trichoepithelioma in the prepuce of a Pitbull breed dog

AbstractA 12‐year‐old, male Pitbull dog was referred for a voluminous mass in the prepuce. Physical examination revealed an oval mass, cauliflower‐shaped with an alopecic and ulcerated surface. Cytological examination revealed large amounts of neutrophil granulocytes and keratinised cells with several atypic features, such as anisokaryosis, anisocytosis, anisonucleosis, nuclear and cytoplasmic vacuolation, and mitoses. Histopathology of the surgically excised sample showed malignant epithelial cells arranged in trabeculae, islands and cords showing differentiation of all three segments of a hair follicle. In addition, there were foci of trichogenic differentiation with intracytoplasmic trichohyalin granules, and the presence of ghost cells in the epithelial islands. The macroscopic and histological features led to the diagnosis of a malignant trichoepithelioma according to the characteristics reported in the literature, except for the unusual localisation in the canine prepuce.

Chemical characterization of Thymus zygis L. (thyme) and Elettaria cardamomum L. (cardamom) essential oils and investigation of their inhibitory potentials against cervicovaginal Escherichia coli isolates

IntroductionThe cervicovaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in women's well-being and reproductive health. This study initially focuses on identifying the chemical components of the essential oils (EOs) from Elettaria cardamomum L. (cardamom) (Ec) and Thymus zygis L. (thyme) (Tz). Subsequently, this study aims to determine the antimicrobial and biofilm inhibitory effects of these EOs against both cervicovaginal mixed cultures and the microbial strains isolated from them. MethodsThe compositions of EOs were determined by GC–MS analysis using an Agilent 7890B GC/5977A Series MSD System. Cervicovaginal samples were obtained from two women presenting complaints of a strong odor and vaginal discharge. Samples were collected from the cervix using a sterile cytobrush, ensuring no contact with the urethra, rectum, or external parts of the vagina. The cytological examination was conducted using Papanicolaou staining. Isolated microorganisms were identified through 16S Ribosomal RNA Gene Sequence Analysis and characterized using antibiogram tests. Antimicrobial tests of the EOs were performed by broth microdilution and disc diffusion methods. Biofilm formation was assessed using a crystal violet binding assay. ResultsThe major components of Ec EO were α-terpinyl acetate (41.95 %) and eucalyptol (28.58 %), whereas Tz EO contained significant amounts of o-cymene (38.76 %), carvacrol (22.66 %), and thymol (20.69 %). Escherichia coli codes OR651248 and OR651249 were isolated from CV 6 and CV 7 mixed cultures, respectively. E. coli OR651248 demonstrated a higher antibiotic resistance level than E. coli OR651249. Biofilm formation by mixed cultures was significantly higher than that by E. coli isolates (P < 0.05). The Ec EO displayed minimal to no effect against both mixed cultures, showing zero inhibition zone, 500 μL/mL minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and 500 μL/mL minimum microbicidal concentrations (MMCs). However, the Tz EO exhibited antimicrobial activity against both mixed cultures and the E. coli isolates, with inhibition zones > 15 mm and MICs/MMCs < 4 μL/mL (P < 0.05). In all microbial cultures, 0.5 MIC of both EOs inhibited biofilm formation by more than 80 %. ConclusionThe Tz EO exhibits promising potential as an antimicrobial and biofilm inhibitory agent for managing cervicovaginal E. coli infections.

Comparison of Findings of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Histopathological Examination of Thyroid Swelling

Comparison of Findings of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Histopathological Examination of Thyroid Swelling

Cytology of the Urinary Tract: Specimen Sampling, Preparation, Adequacy, and Normal Cellular Components

Urine evaluation is one of the oldest tests used in ancient medicine. Cytologic examination of urine is a simple, non-invasive, cost effective, and reliable method to uncover a wide variety of reactive and neoplastic processes in urothelium. Urinary tract lesions are often multifocal, may be inapparent on cystoscopic examination or inaccessible to directly biopsy. Thus, urine cytology remains one of the most common methods for the initial diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma that may be manageable with early detection. In this article we review indications for urine cytology, sampling techniques, preparatory methods, adequacy, and elements of normal urine.