Healthy Cervix Research Articles

DCE-Qnet: deep network quantification of dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI.

Quantification of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI has the potential to provide valuable clinical information, but robust pharmacokinetic modeling remains a challenge for clinical adoption. A 7-layer neural network called DCE-Qnet was trained on simulated DCE-MRI signals derived from the Extended Tofts model with the Parker arterial input function. Network training incorporated B1 inhomogeneities to estimate perfusion (Ktrans, vp, ve), tissue T1 relaxation, proton density and bolus arrival time (BAT). The accuracy was tested in a digital phantom in comparison to a conventional nonlinear least-squares fitting (NLSQ). In vivo testing was conducted in ten healthy subjects. Regions of interest in the cervix and uterine myometrium were used to calculate the inter-subject variability. The clinical utility was demonstrated on a cervical cancer patient. Test-retest experiments were used to assess reproducibility of the parameter maps in the tumor. The DCE-Qnet reconstruction outperformed NLSQ in the phantom. The coefficient of variation (CV) in the healthy cervix varied between 5 and 51% depending on the parameter. Parameter values in the tumor agreed with previous studies despite differences in methodology. The CV in the tumor varied between 1 and 47%. The proposed approach provides comprehensive DCE-MRI quantification from a single acquisition. DCE-Qnet eliminates the need for separate T1 scan or BAT processing, leading to a reduction of 10 min per scan and more accurate quantification.

Field-of-view optimized and constrained undistorted single shot intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging of the cervix during the menstrual cycle: A prospective study

ObjectiveTo provide insight into the biological characteristics of the healthy cervix by defining intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) parameters across the menstrual cycle. MethodsForty-three females of reproductive age (18–45 years old) were included in this prospective study. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and IVIM-DWI scans were performed at multiple time-points across the menstrual cycle: T1 (menses), T2 (follicular phase), T3 (luteal phase). Intra- and interobserver repeatability of the IVIM-DWI values were evaluated with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and D* was excluded from the analyses due to poor repeatability. Differences in each IVIM-DWI parameter among T1, T2, and T3 were explored. Subjects were stratified by age and parity for subgroup analyses (younger [18 - < 30 years] vs. older [≥30–45 years]; parity 0 vs. parity 1 and 2). Correlations between subject age and IVIM-DWI parameters were assessed. The overlap for each IVIM-DWI parameter among T1, T2, and T3 was evaluated. ResultsADC and D values of the cervix were significantly lower at T3 compared with T1 (p = 0.02 and 0.03) or T2 (p < 0.01 and < 0.01). In younger subjects (n = 26), ADC and D values were significantly lower at T3 compared with T1 (p < 0.01 and p = 0.02) or T2 (p = 0.03 and p = 0.04). In older subjects (n = 17), ADC values were significantly higher at T2 compared with T1 (p = 0.01) or T3 (p = 0.01). There were significant differences in ADC values at T1 in subgroup analyses stratified by age and parity (both p < 0.01). There was a moderate correlation between age and ADC values at T1. Overlap for IVIM-DWI parameters across the menstrual cycle was >50%. ConclusionADC and D values of the heathy cervix differed across the menstrual cycle. Age and parity may influence the ADC value.

Evaluation of Visual Inspection of Cervix with Acetic Acid in Detecting Precancerous Lesions

Background: Cervical cancer is a major public health problem in Bangladesh without widespread organized cervical screening programs. The acetic acid visual inspection of the cervix (VIA) is an efficient, low-cost screening test that can be paired with easy treatment procedures for early cervical lesions provided by skilled health workers. To evaluate the effect of any prevention program on cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates, women aged 25 to 50 must be adequately covered. VIA is a cost-saving method of screening, according to mathematical modeling of the expenses of various screening procedures in Bangladesh. Methods: Total 100 eligible woman who randomly came to the VIA centre of BSMMU were examined by VIA detection of well defined, opaque, acetowhite lesions close to the squamocolumner junction or in transitional zone or dense acetowhitening of ulcero proliferative growth on the cervix constitute a positive VIA Those who had abnormal results in screening test and those who had clinically suspicions lesion were sent for colposcopic evaluation and directed biopsy were taken from colposcopically suspected area. The final diagnosis was based on histology. Results: Healthy cervix was in 11 cases (11%) suspected inflammation was 4 cases (4%), CIN-I was 58 cases (58%), CIN-II was in 14 cases (14%), CNN-III was in 10 cases (10%), and invasive carcinoma was in 3 case (3%). Out of 100 patients biopsied, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia found among 81% cases of which CIN was in 52.5%, CIN II was in 17% and CIN III was in 8.5%. Invasive carcinoma found in 3% and inflammation was in 4% cases. Conclusion: VIA was as effective as colposcopy at detecting various grades of intraepithelial cervix lesions. Here, VIA was suitable for the diagnosis, follow-up care, and epidemiological research of cervical cancer, as well as for the detection of precancerous lesions in low resource settings.

Comparison Of Pap Smear With Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid In Screening Of Carcinoma Cervix

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common among women globally. In most cases of Ca Cervix is detected late due to lack of effective screening programme.&#x0D; &#x0D; Aim: Present aim is to detecting the efficacy of visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid with Pap smear in early detection of carcinoma of cervix.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The cross sectional study conducted in 100 women attending GYN OPD were included in the study. They were screened with Pap smear and VIA, those positive with either of the method were subjected to biopsy. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were calculated using biopsy report as the reference standard.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the study subjects and those with screen positivity were 39.04 yrs and 39.96yrs respectively. Multipara constituted majority of the screened positive cases. Among the study group, white discharge was the predominant complaint. Cervix was clinically healthy in (45%) of the patients and unhealthy in rest of the patients. 21.4 %( 3 out of14) of the cases having healthy cervix on examination had dysplasia. VIA was positive in all the 3 cases and Pap smear was positive in only one case. 25% of the patients had positive VIA. 29% of the patients had mild dysplasia, 16.1% of the patients had moderate and severe dysplasia. Pap smear missed 5 cases of dysplasia and VIA missed 1 case of dysplasia. The VIA sensitivity-92.8%, specificity-29.4%, PPV-52% and NPV-83%. In pap smear sensitivity-64.2%, specificity-76.4%, PPV-69.2% and NPV-72.2% respectively.&#x0D; Conclusions: Thus VIA was more sensitive than cytology. Whereas Pap smear was more specific.

A Recent Systematic Review of Cervical Cancer Diagnosis: Detection and Classification

Women around the world are frequently diagnosed with cervical cancer. In the beginning, there were no symptoms for the fourth most common cause of fatality in women. Cells of cervical cancer develop gradually at the cervix. Several studies have mentioned that the initial detection of cervical tumours is essential for cancer to be properly treated and to make sure cancer can be successfully treated while minimizing deaths due to cervical cancer. The diagnosis of such cancer before it spreads fast is currently a pressing issue for healthcare professionals. This also provides an extensive understanding with respect to the physical characteristics of the healthy and unhealthy cervix and aids in early treatment planning by giving detailed information about one another. Utilizing image segmentation, several techniques are employed to find malignancy. The dataset contains four distinct pathological pictures, including normal, malignancy, and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). While pap tests are the most popular way to diagnose cervical cancer, their accuracy depends a lot on how well cytotechnicians can use brightfield microscopy to spot abnormal cells on smears.

Colposcopic Findings for Detecting Pre-invasive Lesion of Cervix Among Visually Inspected Acetic Acid Positive Cases

Background: Cervical cancer-a preventable disease, is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among women of developing countries. Paps smear is the gold standard screening method worldwide. But a low-cost test, visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid (VIA) has been emerged as an alternative for use in lowresource settings. VIA is simple and easy to perform by auxiliary health professionals. Colposcopy is an essential procedure in the evaluation of screen positive cervix though it requires considerable training and experience. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the VIA positive cases by colposcopy, colposcopy guided biopsy and histopathological examination. Methods: This was a cross sectional observational study conducted among 100 VIA positive cases attended at GOPD of Dhaka Medical College Hospital from July 2014 to December 2014. Colposcopy was performed in all VIA positive cases. Subsequent biopsy and histopathological examinations were done for those with colposcopic abnormal findings. Results: The mean age of the study population was 37.9±9.3 years. Among VIA positive cases 66.0% had complaints of whitish vaginal discharge. Among the study population, colposcopically 46.0% had healthy cervix (normal) and 54.0% had abnormal findings. Colposcopy guided biopsy was taken from those with abnormal findings. Histopathological findings were normal in 38.9% cases, chronic cervicitis in 20.37% cases, squamous cell metaplasia in 3.7% cases, CIN I in 16.7%, CIN II in11.11%, CIN III in 5.6% and 3.7% cases were carcinoma cervix. True positive value was 20, false positive value 34 and positive predictive value of colposcopy was 37.03%. Conclusion: This study concluded that VIA is effective in detection of CIN and invasive carcinoma of cervix. It also suggests the role of colposcopy in the evaluation of CIN and other cervical diseases in screen positive cases. VIA can be used as a screening tool in low and middle income countries like Bangladesh, not only in rural areas and small health centres, but also in hospitals, cancer institutes, and other health facilities with better resources. Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2022; 48(1): 27-32

Study of NFKB Polymorphism with HPV Infection in Women of Reproductive Age Group

Background: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is highly prevalent, with around 80% of women thought to be infected at some point. They are thought to produce proteins which inhibit the tumour suppressor protein p53 in cervical epithelial cells, allowing for uncontrolled cell division. The persistent HPV infection changes a premalignant lesion to cancerous state and this seems to be accompanied by a progressive loss of responsiveness to the NFƙB mediated growth inhibitory signal. This study was undertaken to provide a more precise evaluation of association of NFƙB -94ins/del ATTG promoter polymorphism and cancer risk. Methods: The study included 75 cases (unhealthy cervical pathology) and 75 controls (healthy normal cervix) belonging to reproductive age (15-44years) group. Cervical swab for HPV genotyping was performed in cobas x 480 and cobas z 480 analysers. DNA was extracted from EDTA blood sample using cobas DNA sample preparation kit. NFƙB gene polymorphism was seen by PCR-RFLP method in gel electrophoresis. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 20. Results: Among the healthy normal cervical cytology, HPV infection rate was found to be 6.6%. In cases, maximum HPV positivity was for HPV 16. Among the study population, insertion allele was seen more in both the study groups compared to deletion allele. We found del/del genotype contribution maximum among the cases with cervical pathology. Ins/del genotype was found in cases group. In unhealthy cervix, we found that ins/ins genotype was prevalent among all the HPV strain except HPV 18 followed by del/del genotype. But, among HPV 18 strain, del/del was seen more common.

Cervical cancer screening by simple visual inspection after acetic acid

Background: Naked-eye visual inspection of the cervix with acetic-acid wash (VIA), or cervicoscopy, is an alternative to cytology in screening for cervical cancer in poorly resourced locations. Aims: This study were to determine whether visualization of cervix after acetic acid can identify early cancer, and to detect lesions in symptom free women. Results: In present study mean age of cancer cervix is 35-39 yrs. Low socio-economic status, early age of marriage, early age at first child birth, high parity was associated with cervical cancer. Patients who had erosions, leukoplakia or unhealthy cervix should take as high-risk group and subject to screening procedures. 26.8% patients with healthy cervix had positive acetowhite areas and were proven for cervical cancer by biopsy. Most common symptom with which the patients presented were white discharge per vagina, menorrhagia. These symptoms correlated with the associated cervical cancer in 90% of cases. All patients with positive biopsy showed acetowhite areas. Conclusion: All the patients with acetic acid positive areas should be subjected to colposcopy and biopsy before treating them directly to avoid false positive cases, since biopsy is the gold standard.

Evaluation of Pre-malignant Lesions of the Uterine Cervix by Shear Wave Elastography: A New Diagnostic Tool

The objective of the study was to evaluate the difference in the stiffness between a healthy cervix (no pre-invasive lesions [NPILs]) and a cervix with a pre-invasive lesion (PIL). In the PIL group, we determined whether there was a difference in stiffness between the cervix with persistent low-grade lesions (>2 y, LSIL-persistent) and that with high-grade lesions (HSILs). Evaluation was performed using 2-D shear-wave elastography (SWE) in the midsagittal-plane of the uterine cervix (UC) at 0.5 cm (cervical canal, anterior and posterior cervical lips). In this prospective observational study (consecutive series), we evaluated 96 non-pregnant women: a group with PIL (LSIL-persistent, 22 cases; HSIL, 26 cases) with indications for cervical conization (48 cases) and a group without UC pathology (NPIL, 48 cases). Although we did not observe statistically significant differences (SSDs) in epidemiological characteristics, we did find an SSD in the speed and stiffness between the PIL versus NPIL groups at all evaluated depths (speed: 4.1 m/s vs 3.0 m/s, stiffness: 58.6 and 34.5kPa in the PIL and NPIL groups, respectively, p < 0.001). An SSD in speed and stiffness (speed: 4.9 m/s vs. 3.2 m/s, and stiffness: 76.1 and 38.0 kPa) between the HSIL (26 cases) and LSIL-persistent (22 cases) groups, respectively, was also detected (p < 0.001). The area under the curve of speed differentiation between a cervix with HSILs and without lesions was 73.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 63.1–83.7), and the best cutoff of speed was 3.25 m/s (sensitivity = 62.5%, 95% CI: 47.3–76.0), with a specificity of 75.5% (95% CI: 60.4–87.1).

MicroRNA Biomarkers of High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Liquid Biopsy.

New prevention strategies are needed to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The microRNA expression analysis has already been reported as molecular biomarkers in the early detection of cervical cancer (CC) through minimally invasive samples, such as liquid biopsy, obtained through collection using liquid-based cytology (LBC). In this study, we aimed to identify molecular signatures of microRNAs in cervical precursor lesions from LBC cervical and the molecular pathways potentially associated with the CC progression. We analyzed 31 LBC cervical samples from women who underwent colposcopy. These samples were divided into two groups: the first group was composed of samples without precursor lesions of CC, considering the control group, referred to as healthy female subjects (HFS; n = 11). The second group corresponded to women diagnosed with cervical interepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN 3; n = 20). We performed microRNA and gene expression profiling using the nCounter® miRNA Expression Assays (NanoString Technology) and PanCancer Pathways (NanoString Technology), respectively. A microRNA target prediction was performed by mirDIP, and molecular pathway interaction was constructed using Cytoscape. Bidirectional in silico analyses and Pearson's correlation were performed for associated the relation between genes, and miRNAs differentially expressed related cervical cancer progression were performed. We found that the expression of nine microRNAs was significantly higher, two were downregulated (miR-381-3p and miR-4531), and seven miRNAs were upregulated (miR-205-5p, miR-130a-3p, miR-3136-3p, miR-128-2-5p, let-7f-5p, miR-202-3p, and miR-323a-5p) in CIN 3 (fold change ≥ 2 and p ≤ 0.05). The miRNA expression patterns were independent of hr-HPV infection. We identified four miRNAs (miR-205-5p, miR-130a-3p, miR-4531, and miR-381-3p) that could be used as biomarkers for CIN 3 in LBC samples through multiple logistic regression analyses. We found 16 genes differentially expressed between CIN 3 and HSF samples (fold change ≥ 2 and p ≤ 0.05). We found the correlation between miR-130a-3p and CCND1(R = −0.52; p = 0.0029), miR-205-5p and EGFR (R = 0.53; p = 0.0021), and miR-4531 and SMAD2 (R = −0.54; p = 0.0016). In addition, we demonstrated the most significant pathways of the targets associated with cervical cancer progression (FDR-corrected p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that miRNA biomarkers may distinguish healthy cervix and CIN 3 and regulate important molecular pathways of carcinogenesis.

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH STATUS OF MARRIED WOMEN PARTICIPATING IN CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING IN KATHMANDU

Background: Reproductive health of women has been the central agenda of Cairo conference since its inception in 1999. As a signatory country for Cairo Conference, Nepal government is also committed for reproductive rights for Nepalese women. Despite this, reproductive health challenges do exist in Nepal. This prompted us to determine the reproductive health status of married women attending in cervical cancer screening in Kath­mandu.&#x0D; Methods: Cross sectional study was designed to include retrospective data of married women, obtained during cervical cancer screening camp conducted by KIST Medical College at Laga Khala Clinic, Lagan, Kathmandu on 12-02- 2017. Among married women (131) attended cervical 100 wom­en’s records with complete set of data for reproductive health variables required for the study were included in this study. Statistical analysis was done descriptively.&#x0D; Results: Participant’s age is between 21 years to 61years, 83% are liter­ate and 46% are employed. Adolescence marriage and pregnancy were two main problems noted. Cervical examination in relation showed 3% (3) VIA positive, 33% (33) Cervicitis, 10% (10) cervical polyp, 7% (7) atrophic vaginitis, 4% (4) cervical erosion and 43% (43) healthy cervix. Regarding Knowledge about risk factor majority 92% (92) had either no knowledge or only some extent of knowledge.&#x0D; Conclusions: Married women who lives in Kathmandu has significant re­productive health problem. Urban health program should address these issues.

Impact of different scanners and acquisition parameters on robustness of MR radiomics features based on women\u2019s cervix

MR Radiomics based on cervical lesions from one single scanner has achieved promising results. However, it is a challenge to achieve clinical translation. Considering multi-scanners and non-uniform scanning parameters from different centers in a real-world medical scenario, we should first identify the influence of such conditions on the robustness of MR radiomics features (RFs) based on the female cervix. In this study, 9 healthy female volunteers were enrolled and 3 kiwis were selected as references. Each of them underwent T2 weighted imaging in three different 3.0-T MR scanners with uniform acquisition parameters, and in one MR scanner with various scanning parameters. A total of 396 RFs were extracted from their images with and without decile intensity normalization. The RFs’ reproducibility was evaluated by coefficient of variation (CV) and quartile coefficient of dispersion (QCD). Representative features were selected using the hierarchical cluster analysis and their discrimination abilities were estimated by ROC analysis through retrospective comparison with the junctional zone and the outer muscular layer of healthy cervix in patients (n = 58) with leiomyoma. This study showed that only a few RFs were robust across different MR scanners and acquisition parameters based on females’ cervix, which might be improved by decile intensity normalization method.

Hegde's Modification of Fothergill Surgery for Cervical Elongation: A 7-Year Retrospective Review.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Hegde's modification of Fothergill surgery, an innovative procedure for cervical elongation (CE), and to report perioperative challenges and follow-up. This is a retrospective review of data from 12 patients who underwent successful repair of CE by Hegde's modification of Fothergill surgery from June 2012 to May 2019. Primary outcomes were cervical viability and stenosis. Secondary outcomes were perioperative complications, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification system (POP-Q) measurement and staging, recurrence, conception rates, and World Health Organization Quality of Life (QOL) BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scores. All women had a viable, patent cervix at 1-month follow-up. Perioperative complications included total intraoperative blood loss (>50 mL) and febrile morbidity (both 16.7%) and urinary tract infections (8.3%). The mean reduction of point C was 5.78 cm (2.87 ± 0.13 cm to -2.91 ± 1.55 cm). Recurrence was noted in 1 patient (8.3%) who had POP-Q stage 2 prolapse at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. The conception rate was 8.3% at 12 months. All women conceived spontaneously. Mean preoperative WHOQOL-BREF scores improved in all 4 domains, with major improvement seen in the physical domain, from 24.66 ± 8.18 to 70.91 ± 11.01, 19.0 ± 6.48 to 54.92 ± 8.21, 9.33 ± 7.46 to 59.33 ± 14.33, and 19.0 ± 4.89 to 47.07 ± 7.14, for the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains, respectively. Hegde's modification of Fothergill surgery can be considered as a surgical option for the repair of isolated CE with a healthy cervix in women who desire uterine preservation with the major advantage of preventing cervical stenosis.

Maternal Fetal Health

Maternal Fetal Health

Influence of epidemiological characteristics (age, parity and other factors) in the assessment of healthy uterine cervical stiffness evaluated through shear wave elastography as a prior step to its use in uterine cervical pathology.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate stiffness changes occurring in the healthy uterine cervix according to age, parity, phase of the menstrual cycle and other factors by shear wave elastography (SWE). Evaluations of cervical speed and stiffness measurements were performed in 50 non-pregnant patients without gynaecological pathology using SWE transvaginal ultrasound. We performed the evaluation in the midsagittal plane of the uterine cervix with measurements at 0.5, 1 and 1.5cm from external cervical os, at both anterior and posterior cervical lips. We evaluated 44 patients by SWE and obtained a total average velocity of 3.48 ± 1.08m/s and stiffness of 42.39 ± 25.33kPa. We found differences in speed and stiffness according to the cervical lip and depth evaluated; thus, we observed a velocity of 2.70m/s at 0.5cm of depth in the anterior lip and 3.53m/s at 1.5cm of depth in the posterior lip (p < 0.05). We observed differences according to parity, obtaining a wave transmission speed of 2.67m/s and 4.41m/s at the cervical canal of nulliparous and multiparous patients, respectively (p < 0 0.002). We observed differences according to patient age (from a speed of 2.75m/s at the cervical canal in the age group of 20-35years to 5.05m/s in the age group > 50years) (p < 0.008). We did not observe differences in speed or stiffness according to the phase of the menstrual cycle, BMI, smoking status or the presence or absence of non-HPV infections. The wave transmission speed and stiffness of the uterine cervix evaluated by SWE varies according to the cervical lip and depth of the evaluation as well as according to the parity and age of the patient.

Post coital bleeding is a risk for cervical cell abnormality

Postcoital bleeding is a worrying, for both women and health care provider. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of abnormal cervical cytology among patient with PCB in the private outpatient care setting, and to identify risk-factors for cervical pathology among these patients. A cross sectional study of 90 patients presented to the privet clinic, during the period 1st feb-1st Des. 2019. Inclusion criteria include married women presented with post coital bleeding, non-pregnant, all patients undergo Pap Smear Cytology. The commonest age presented with PCB was 40-44 years old 22(24.4%), followed by (45-49) years and (25-29) years 18(20%). Those aged ≥40 years 44(48.9%), and those aged ≤34 34(37.8%). The mean parity was 4.7±2.8, hormonal contraception was commonly used by those with PCB followed by intra uterine contraceptive device (IUCD), 30(33.3%), 18(20) respectively. Most of the patient were House wives 78(86.7%), The physical examination show that most patient had cervical erosion 68(75.5%), followed by healthy cervix in 12(13.3%), while suspicious features was found among 6(6.7%), Moderate and sever dysplasia was found more among those aged ≥40 years 10(22.7%), while it was 4(8.7%) among those aged &lt; 40 years. there is higher prevalence of High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions among females with PCB, and non- significant difference among those aged less or more than 40 years. Therefore it’s important to examine any patient complaining of PCB with PAP smear cytology and colposcopy examination.

Synthesis of novel dimeric compounds containing triazole using click method and their selective antiproliferative and proapoptotic potential via mitochondrial apoptosis signaling

In this study, the main aim was synthesis of dimeric compounds, which contain lithocholic acid and a triazole structure to investigate the selective cellular and molecular antiproliferative and proapoptotic potential of these products in healthy embryonic fibroblast (MEF), cervix cancer (HeLa), and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. Four ester (5a–d) and five dimeric (6a–d, 7) out of nine novel compounds were obtained. First of all, lithocholic acid was converted to methyl lithocholate and then it was reacted with certain alkynoic acids (a–d) to obtain its alkynoate derivatives (5a–d). Finally, these compounds were converted to dimers (6a–d) by using 2,6-bis(azidomethyl)pyridine via the click method. Our result indicate that, treatment with dimeric compounds can selectively decrease the cell viability and proliferation in cervix cancer HeLa and breast cancer MCF-7 cells, except 7 which caused a strong cytotoxicity on healthy MEF cells. According to MTT assay, Nucblue cell stain and Annexin V/Propodium iodide molecular probe staining, 100 µM concentrations of the dimeric compounds was sufficient in inducing death and apoptotic cell ratio in HeLa and MCF-7 breast cancer cells selectively. In brief, the present study indicates that most effective dimeric compounds are 6a and 6b, which have the highest IC50 (345.8–342.6 µM) value on healthy cell and the lowest IC50 value in both cervix (49.2–36.9 µM) and breast (23.0–66.1 µM) cancer cells especially long-term treatment and which triggers apoptosis pathway specifically.

Shear wave elastography of the uterine cervix under different conditions with inter-operator agreement analysis.

PurposeShear wave elastography (SWE) is a relatively new technique for measuring tissue elasticity. Its implementation for assessing the tissue of the cervix is evolving, and SWE analyses of healthy, nonpregnant cervixes is the first step in understanding other SWE changes related to cervical pathologies; nevertheless, some challenges in the use of the technique still require investigation. We aimed to target the consistency of healthy cervix shear wave elastography measurements and examine the changes induced by patient-related factors.Material and methodsElastograms were obtained at the internal and external os in the anterior (IA, EA) and posterior (IP, EP) portions of the cervix using a transvaginal approach in eight postmenopausal and 25 premenopausal women. Measurements with a standard deviation of over 20% and patients who presented with colour loss or heterogeneity were excluded from the study. Shear wave elastography assessments were performed using a Toshiba Aplio 500 version 6. Statistical significance was defined as a p value less than 0.10, due to the small number of patients.ResultsThe mean speeds obtained at the external os on the anterior and posterior aspects was 3.17 ± 0.85 m/s and 3.18 ± 0.84 m/s, respectively, and at the internal os, the results on the anterior and posterior aspects were 3.38 ± 0.73 m/s and 3.53 ± 0.81 m/s, respectively. The difference in speed among all regions was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Fifteen patients were also analysed by a second radiologist with a similar experience level as that of the first. Nine measurements for IP, 13 measurements for IA, 11 measurements for EP, and 15 measurements for EA were performed. The correlation coefficients between the two sets of measurements were 0.46, 0.30, 0.67, and 0.51, respectively. There was no difference in the SWE values with respect to age, parity, and gravidity for any of the regions. The SWE values at the IA, IP, and EA regions between the postmenopausal and premenopausal women were significantly different (p = 0.038, p = 0.059, p = 0.065).ConclusionsThe posterior portion of the internal os is most likely to undergo inaccurate SWE measurement among the different anatomical positions. The correlation between radiologists was found to be different for different locations in the cervix. More studies are needed to determine the SWE values of the healthy cervix and the agreement levels between radiologists.

Corrections to “Rapid, Label-Free and Highly Sensitive Detection of Cervical Cancer With Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy”

In the above paper, the description of negative control (normal) samples in Section II-A “General tissue samples preparation” was incomplete. The correct and precise description is as following. We sincerely regret the error. For patients who had hysterectomies for benign uterine leiomyoma or adenomyosis, the negative control (normal) samples were obtained from healthy cervix without detectable pathologic change (n=10, Patient No. 1-10).

IL-2 Induces Transient Arrest in the G1 Phase to Protect Cervical Cancer Cells from Entering Apoptosis.

Interleukin 2 (IL-2) has been used for the treatment of different types of cancer that express the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R). However, the effect of IL-2 on cervical cancer cells is unknown. IL-2R is present in normal cells of the immune system but not in the healthy cervix. We report that IL-2R is expressed in cervical cancer cells. IL-2 decreases cervical cancer cell proliferation via transient arrest of the G1 phase, which does not result in apoptosis or senescence. IL-2 upregulates the expression of p53 and p21 and downregulates cyclin D. In addition, we report the resistance of cervical cancer cells to treatments that induce apoptosis in HeLa and INBL cells. When arrested cells were treated with cisplatin, the cytokine protected cells from apoptosis induced by cisplatin. The effects of IL-2 on the cell cycle do not induce cellular senescence or activate the proapoptotic protein Bax. The cell arrest induced by IL-2 is conferring protection to cells against apoptosis.