Normal Cytological Features Research Articles

Cervical-vaginal dysbiosis: Clinical query of infections in selected private medical laboratories in Abakaliki Ebonyi State Nigeria

Cervical-Vaginal Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance or disruption in the microbial communities inhabiting the cervix and vaginal tract, leading to an altered composition of microorganisms, often accompanied by a decline in overall vaginal health. This phenomenon contrasts with the notion of a balanced and stable vaginal microbiome, which is characterized by the predominance of Lactobacillus species, known for their protective properties against infections and maintenance of a low pH environment This study evaluates the potential of cervical-vaginal dysbiosis among patients with clinical presentation of cervical vaginal infection in Private Medical Laboratories with limited diagnostics resources and specialization. It addresses the need for cytological investigation in addition to microbiological techniques. Clinical queries of cervical-vaginal infections of patients in twelve selected private medical laboratories in Abakaliki Ebonyi state Nigeria was studied. A total number of 38 patients who met the eligibility criteria were recruited into this study. Cervical- vaginal smear was collected from each subject, samples were fixed, and stained using Papanicolaou and Diff-Quick staining method. Out of these 38 smear samples, 17 (44.7%) had normal cytological features with no microbial features observed. Out of the remaining 21 smear samples, Trichomonas vaginalis occurred 9 times(42.9%), followed by fungi occurring 6 times (28.5%), Human papillomavirus occurring 4 times (19.1%) and Actinomyces occurring 2 times(9.5%). Notable cytological features were revealed, these included squamous intraepithelial lesions characterized by parabasal cells showing perinuclear halo, hyperchromatic nuclei, and slight nuclei polymorphism. Inflammatory lesions were also observed, characterized by the conspicuous number of superficial cells, inflammatory background, red blood cells, and infiltrating polymorphs. This study has highlighted the need to adopt a more proactive approach by evaluating the microbial profile of the cervical smear, which can be a risk factor for cervical malignancy; it has also buttressed the need to retrain and incorporate cytology services in private laboratories.

Pattern of cervical dysplasia among women of reproductive age in Zaria, Northern Nigeria

Background : Cervical cancer is a preventable and the most common female genital tract cancer despite the availability of screening services for precancerous lesions of the cervix. This study aims to determine the prevalence of cervical dysplasia in women of reproductive age in Zaria. Methodology: A prospective study of 131 women of child bearing age attending the family planning and Gynaecology clinics in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria - Nigeria were recruited for the study after obtaining their consent. Cervical samples were collected and subjected to pap staining and cytological examination by a pathologist and classified using the Bethesda System. The data were processed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. Bivariate analysis was done and the level of significance was set at a P Results: Cervical dysplasia prevalence of 7.0% was found out of which High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL) was 2.3% (n = 3), Low Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (LSIL) was 3.1% (n = 4) and Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance (ASC-US) was 1.6% (n = 2). There were 13% (n = 17) inflammatory features. Normal cytological features for Pap smear testing was present in 77.1% (n = 101). Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of routine screening and early treatment of cervical dysplasia in order to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with cervical cancer.

Correlation between immunocytochemistry of human papilloma virus L1 capsid protein and behavior of low‐grade cervical cytology in Korean women

The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) in Korean women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) in relation to the immunocytochemical detection of the HPV L1 capsid protein. From January 2006 to December 2007, a total of 353 immunocytochemistry tests were performed on specimens from HPV-infected patients with LSIL. Due to exclusions, the study population was reduced to 318. Subjects were monitored at 4-6 month intervals. The regression, persistence, and progression of the cytologic abnormalities of the 318 cases were compared with the results of HPV L1 capsid protein immunocytochemical detection. Of the 137 patients negative for the HPV L1 capsid protein, 38 (27.7%) showed progression to high-grade lesions, 50 (36.5%) showed persistence, and 49 (35.8%) showed regression to normal cytological features. In contrast, of the remaining 181 patients positive for the HPV L1 capsid protein, 15 (8.3%) showed progression to high-grade lesions, 74 (40.9%) showed persistence, and 92 (50.8%) showed regression. The results of immunocytochemical testing for the HPV L1 capsid protein show a linear association with the progression or regression behavior of low-grade cervical cytology in patients infected with HPV (linear by linear association test, P<0.05). Immunocytochemical detection of HPV L1 was significantly related with the biological patterns of LSIL in Korean women. Hence, immunocytochemistry for the detection of HPV L1 is beneficial in providing further information for LSIL.

Cytologic study of normal canine testis

It has been shown that cytology has a role in the diagnosis of canine infertility, but there are few reports dealing with normal cytologic features of the testis. This is in contrast with human medicine, in which the normal testicular cytology has been thoroughly described and assessed both by qualitative and quantitative approaches. This study was performed to provide a description of the normal cells in cytologic specimens of the testis and to establish ratios between cells that quantify testicular function. Six male dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris) with no testicular pathology, aged 3 to 8 yr, were subjected to elected orchiectomy and included in this study. For each testis, six impression smears were obtained, air dried, and stained with a rapid Romanowsky-type stain. Specimens presented low blood contamination and a heterogeneous population of isolated or loosely packed cells, with high pleomorphism and anisokaryosis; naked nuclei, smeared chromatin, and multinucleation were frequent. The morphologic features of the normal testicular cells from spermatogonia to spermatozoa, including Sertoli and Leydig cells, were described. Cells were classified according to slightly modified criteria taken from human cytology. Simultaneously, 500 cells were counted per slide to determine the sperm index (SI) and Sertoli cell index (SEI), which were 26.6 ± 3.8 and 4.2 ± 0.8, respectively. In general, the cells encountered in the dog resemble those of men, although some particularities exist, such as the much larger size of the Sertoli cells, the highly vacuolated appearance of Leydig cells, or the lower SI and SEI in dogs. The descriptions and indexes defined here may assist in the interpretation of a testicular cytology.

Spermatogenesis recovery in the mouse after iron injury.

Alloys used as prosthetic devices for bone/joint replacement include some heavy metals such as chromium, iron, nickel, or titanium. Unfortunately, due to the aggressive nature of the physiological environment, corrosion of these alloys promotes the release of metal ions into the surrounding tissues causing systemic toxic effects. Our previous preliminary studies have demonstrated that iron induced several morphological changes within mice seminiferous epithelium. The aim of the present work was to investigate, over a one-month period, the possibility of recovery of mice seminiferous epithelium, previously damaged by iron. Male Charles River mice were dosed subcutaneously with 0.5 mL of an iron suspension of 538 mg/L +/- 10(-10) mg/L (n = 5) every 72 hours during two weeks, followed by a recovery period of 30 days. Fragments of the seminiferous tubules were fixed in glutaraldehyde and prepared for light and transmission electron microscopy. Regeneration of spermatogenesis was noted after a one-month period, as illustrated by the presence of normal germ cells, in the usual position within the seminiferous tubules. These germinal elements and the Sertoli cells have shown normal cytological features. These results strongly suggest that the deleterious effects induced by iron are reversible. The presence of residual bodies within Sertoli cells cytoplasm indicates that they are able to perform a normal functional activity in a recovered spermatogenesis.

Response of abducens internuclear neurons to axotomy in the adult cat.

The highly specific projection of abducens internuclear neurons on the medial rectus motoneurons of the oculomotor nucleus constitutes an optimal model for investigating the effects of axotomy in the central nervous system. We have analyzed the morphological changes induced by this lesion on both the cell bodies and the transected axons of abducens internuclear neurons in the adult cat. Axotomy was performed by the transection of the medial longitudinal fascicle. Cell counts of Nissl-stained material and calretinin-immunostained abducens internuclear neurons revealed no cell death by 3 months postaxotomy. Ultrastructural examination of these cells at 6, 14, 24, and 90 days postaxotomy showed normal cytological features. However, the surface membrane of axotomized neurons appeared contacted by very few synaptic boutons compared to controls. This change was quantified by measuring the percentage of synaptic coverage of the cell bodies and the linear density of boutons. Both parameters decreased significantly after axotomy, with the lowest values at 90 days postlesion ( approximately 70% reduction). We also explored axonal regrowth and the possibility of reinnervation of a new target by means of anterograde labeling with biocytin. At all time intervals analyzed, labeled axons were observed to be interrupted at the caudal limit of the lesion; in no case did they cross the scar tissue to reach the distal part of the tract. Nonetheless, a conspicuous axonal sprouting was present at the caudal aspect of the lesion site. Structures suggestive of axonal growth were found, such as large terminal clubs, from which short filopodium-like branches frequently emerged. Similar findings were obtained after parvalbumin and calretinin immunostaining. At the electron microscopy level, biocytin-labeled boutons originating from the sprouts appeared surrounded by either extracellular space, which was extremely dilated at the lesion site, or by glial processes. The great majority of labeled boutons examined were, thus, devoid of neuronal contact, indicating absence of reinnervation of a new target. Altogether, these data indicate that abducens internuclear neurons survive axotomy in the adult cat and show some form of axonal regrowth, even in the absence of target connection.

Thyroid nodules in Graves disease and the risk of thyroid carcinoma.

The risk of thyroid carcinoma in patients with Graves disease has been particularly emphasized when nodules coexist with thyroid hyperplasia; a surgical approach has been suggested. To detect thyroid nodules early in patients with Graves disease and to evaluate the risk of carcinoma. The study group included 315 consecutive outpatients with Graves hyperthyroidism not previously treated with surgery or radioiodine therapy. Thyroid ultrasonography was performed at the time of enrollment and repeated annually in all patients; fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was carried out in those patients with nodules and repeated after 2 years or at shorter intervals. One hundred six of 315 patients with Graves disease had thyroid nodules 8 mm in diameter or larger detected by ultrasonography. In 49 patients, nodules were present at the time of the first examination; in 57 patients, nodules developed during follow-up. Fine-needle aspiration cytology results revealed features of carcinoma in only 1 patient; this was confirmed by histologic examination of excised thyroid tissue. The nodules with normal cytologic features at the time of the first examination did not show any clinical and/or cytologic evolution toward malignancy during follow-up. Ultrasonographic evidence of nodules was frequently found among our patients with Graves disease, but malignant FNA cytologic findings of the examined nodules were rare at the time of diagnosis and throughout the course of the disease. When FNA cytologic evaluation does not indicate malignancy, the presence of thyroid nodules in patients with Graves disease does not indicate an aggressive therapeutic approach.

Image-guided aspiration of solitary occult breast 'cysts'.

During the 30-month period from March 1, 1988, through August 31, 1990, image-guided aspirations of 183 solitary occult breast masses, which were considered possible cysts, were performed. Indications for aspiration included (1) mass on mammography, either invisible on ultrasonography or with features atypical of a cyst, in 111 patients; (2) enlarging solitary mass on mammography with ultrasonic features suggesting a cyst in 45 patients; and (3) mammographic mass with features typical of a cyst in 27 patients, with confirmation requested by the referring physician. Of the group, 151 (83%) lesions were fluid-filled and 32 (17%) were solid. All aspirates had normal cytologic features. Of the 32 aspirates found to be solid, 19 were subsequently removed after wire localization and 13 were unchanged on mammography for a minimum of 6 months after aspiration. This is a simple and safe procedure, confirming the innocuous nature of an occult solitary breast cyst, and obviates the need for surgical biopsy.

Abrasive bronchial brushing cytology: A preliminary study of 200 specimens for the diagnosis of neoplastic and nonneoplastic bronchopulmonary lesions

Two hundred subjects with chronic respiratory symptoms with a suspicion of malignancy were selected for bronchial brushing cytology. Prior sputum examination had shown malignant squamous cells in two cases only. The cytologic appearances of the brushing smears were divided into five categories: 41 (20.5%) smears with positively malignant cells; 20 (10%) smears predominantly showing chronic inflammatory features; 31 (15.5%) smears with mainly acute inflammatory changes; 60 (30%) smears with normal cytologic features; and 48 (24%) smears unsatisfactory for cytologic interpretation. Thirteen patients with a positive cytology had a positive tissue biopsy for malignancy. Among the group with chronic inflammatory changes, acid-fast bacilli were identified in nine cases, and one smear showed frank tuberculous granuloma. In the unsatisfactory group, two cases showed malignant cells in the postbrushing sputum. There was one false-negative report for malignancy in the entire study. This study confirms the sensitivity and accuracy of bronchial brushing cytology in the diagnosis of various bronchopulmonary lesions, especially malignancy and pulmonary tuberculosis, in India.

Degeneration and phagocytosis of synaptic endings and axons in the medial trapezoid nucleus of the cat

AbstractThis study deals with the fine structure of the degenerative changes in the axonal calyces of the medial trapezoid nucleus after destruction of their cell bodies of origin in the contralateral cochlear nucleus. Two to four days after such lesions the main calycine processes which normally contain a core of neurofilaments, show a marked hyperplasia of neurofilaments, shrinkage, decrease in number of microtubules and mitochondria, swelling and decrease in number of synaptic vesicles, and the appearance of vesicular debris and coated vesicles. After seven days all of the calyces have degenerated. They are replaced by extracellular accumulations of neurofilaments, surrounded by phagocytic processes of proliferating astroglia and microglia. In contrast, the calycine appendages exhibit a dense mode of degeneration. Thus the different kinds of endings, arising from the very same fibers and synapsing on the very same cell bodies, exhibit two entirely different modes of degeneration. There is a correlation between the normal cytological features of the endings and their modes of degeneration. The preterminal calycine axons undergo filamentous hyperplasia in early degeneration.The observations indicate that both microglia and astroglia may participate in phagocytosis of the preterminal fibers and their endings and that astrocytes undergo mitosis. The microglia in electron micrographs correspond to the classical microglial cells that appear in perivascular locations in Golgi preparations. The disintegration of the calyces is accompanied by mutual invaginations of thin axonal and glial processes, followed by the disappearance of the axolemma. Extracellular break‐up appears to be a regular feature of this process, which may involve the intercellular transfer of soluble breakdown products by calycine and glial vesicles and uptake by tubular elements of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum in the phagocytes. Incisures of Schmidt‐Lanterman occur in the large calyciferous fibers; these fibers are often invaded by phagocytes before the myelin sheath degenerates.