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Background: Cervical cancer being one of the major causes of death in women living in developing countries like India, this study evaluates the spectrum of epithelial cell abnormality while primarily focusing on the prevalence of ASCUS and their correlation with predisposing factors. Materials and Methods: Descriptive type of study was conducted over 456 patients. Patients underwent per speculum examination followed by cervical smear examination. Cervical lesions were categorized according to Revised Bethesda system, 2014.HPV detection & sequencing was done as required. Results and conclusion: ASCUS was most prevalent in the sexually active age group (7.01%). The incidence of intraepithelial lesions among multiparous women was high (50.8%). Early coital age, smoking, poor economic conditions, multiple sexual partners, contraceptive usage and HPV infection were associated with higher chances of squamous cell abnormality. Cervicitis, cervical erosion, and hypertrophic cervix need careful investigation for the presence of ASCUS due to its high prevalence in sexually active females in Eastern India. Henceforth, addressing these factors and spreading awareness about early diagnosis, necessary treatment, HPV vaccination along with the maintenance of proper sexual and menstrual hygiene becomes a cornerstone in the reduction of the overall burden of atypical cervical cytology and finally, cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of TruScreen (TS) for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) in women with abnormal ThinPrep cytologic test (TCT) results. Methods: 466 women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) were enrolled and underwent TS, colposcopy and biopsy examination. Results: Compared with the high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) test for CIN2+, significantly higher specificity of TS, combined TS and hrHPV (69.6 and 75.0 vs 36.8% in ASCUS; 59.0 and 69.9 vs 30.1% in LSIL), significantly higher positive predictive value of combined TS and hrHPV were observed (32.7 vs 24.6% in ASCUS; 47.9 vs 35.6% in LSIL). Conclusion: TS combined with hrHPV showed better performance in diagnosing CIN2+ in ASCUS/LSIL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective To investigate the infection status of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) E6/E7 mRNA in patients with a cytological diagnosis of “atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance” (ASCUS) and to analyze the pathogenic rate of different high-risk HPV subtypes combined with biopsy pathological results to provide a more accurate basis for managing ASCUS patients. Methods A total of 1387 patients with ASCUS and HPV E6/E7 mRNA positivity who were referred for colposcopy were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into HPV16+, 18/45 + and other HR-HPV + groups premenopausal and postmenopausal groups. The pathological results of the biopsy were divided into the LSIL- group (including normal and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions) and the HSIL + group (including high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and higher lesions). SPSS was used for the analysis. Results The age group 31–40 years had the highest level of HPV16+, and HPV18/45 + was the highest in the 41–50 years group. The detection rates of HSIL + in the HPV16+, HPV18/45+, HPV 16/18/45 + and Other HR-HPV + groups were 48.4%, 18.8%, 43.9% and 15.0%, respectively. The infection rates of HPV16/18/45 in postmenopausal and premenopausal women were 42.4% and 34.3%, respectively. In the HPV18/45 group, the incidence of HSIL + was 30.0% in postmenopausal women and 15.0% in premenopausal women (P

Objective: To triage low-grade cervical smears (ASCUS/LSIL) by HPV 16/18 genotyping and dual staining with p16/Ki67 and to compare the sensitivity and specificity of these two triage methods for detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (HGCIN). Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, we evaluated a total of 89 women with low-grade smears (54 ASCUS, 35 LSIL) recruited from a tertiary care hospital. All patients underwent colposcopy guided cervical biopsy. Histopathology was used as gold standard. All samples were subjected to HPV 16/18 genotyping (excluding 9) using DNA PCR and p16/Ki67 dual staining (excluding 4) using Roche® kit. We then compared the two triage methods to detect high-grade cervical lesions. Results: Overall, in all low-grade smears sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of HPV 16/18 genotyping, was found to be 66.7%, 77.1% and 76.2% respectively (p = 0.03). In low-grade smears sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of dual staining, was found to be 66.7%, 84.8% and 83.5% respectively (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Overall, in all low-grade smears the sensitivity of the two tests was comparable. However, dual staining had a higher specificity and accuracy than HPV 16/18 genotyping. It was concluded that both are effective triage methods but dual staining had a better performance than HPV 16/18 genotyping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The persistence of the HPV infection is a risk factor in the integration of viral DNA in the host genome, leading to transforming events. The lack of therapies for HPV-persistent infections determine an unmet medical need. Methods: We enrolled forty patients with persistent HPV infections and cervical lesions and divided them into two groups. The women in the treated group received 200 mg epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), 400 µg folic acid (FA), 1 mg vitamin B12, and 50 mg hyaluronic acid (HA) for 12 weeks. The control group received no treatment. Results: 40 patients completed the study. Fifteen out of 20 women in the control group still had an LSIL at the end of the study. One woman had a decrease in the DNA load, while six had no change and eight had an increase in DNA content. In the treatment group, 17 out of 20 women achieved a full viral clearance. These women showed no cytological or histological evidence of lesions following the treatment. Conclusions: Our data highlight the possible effect of such combination on LSIL. Therefore, the evidence reported here supports the potential to carry out further randomized placebo-controlled studies with an adequate number of patients to verify our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of patients with L-SIL/ASCUS cytology is controversial and not clearly standardized. Objective: To analyze the risk factors associated with H-SIL/CIN2+ in a cohort of patients with ASCUS or L-SIL in a Pap smear. Methods: Between 2012 and 2022, 1259 eligible women with ASCUS/L-SIL were referred for colposcopy. The risk factors associated with H-SIL/CIN2+ were analyzed. The colposcopic study, conventional or assisted with dynamic spectral imaging (DSI), was performed in all cases. Guided biopsies were performed in cases of abnormal examination or random biopsies when no lesions were found. A LEEP was performed in H-SIL/CIN2+ results or persistent LSIL/CIN. Results: A normal or metaplastic specimen was found in 750 women (63.2%), LSIL/CIN1 in 346 (29.1%), and H-SIL/CIN2+ in 92 (7.7%). The presence of HR-HPV (OR = 2.1; IC 95% = 1.4–3.2), smoking habits (OR = 2.2; IC 95% = 1.4–3.5), and the performance of DSI combined with colposcopy (OR = 0.6; IC 95% = 0.37–0.83) were the factors associated with the detection of H-SIL/CIN2+. A summative effect of HR-HPV and smoking habit (OR = 2.9; IC 95% = 1.7–5.0) was observed in the detection of H-SIL/CIN2+. In multivariate analysis, the presence of HPV 16/18 was the unique independent factor associated with H-SIL/CIN2+. Conclusion: In women carrying an ASCUS/LSIL in the Pap smear, the unique independent factor predictive of H-SIL/CIN2+ is the presence of the HPV 16/18 genotype. Smoking women carrying ASCUS/LSIL with HR-HPV should be targeted for stricter follow-up to avoid an unsuspected H-SIL/CIN2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acibadem Saglik Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Acibadem University Medical School and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: We assessed human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype-based risk stratification and the efficacy of cytology testing for cervical cancer screening in patients with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS)/low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL)., Materials and Methods: Between 2010 and 2021, we monitored 1,237 HPV-positive women with ASCUS/LSIL every 6 months for up to 60 months. HPV infections were categorized as persistent (HPV positivity consistently observed post-enrollment), negative (HPV negativity consistently observed post-enrollment), or non-persistent (neither consistently positive nor negative). HPV genotypes were grouped into high-risk (Hr) groups 1 (types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) and 2 (types 35, 39, 51, 56, 59, 66, and 68) and a low-risk group. Hr1 was subdivided into types a) 16 and 18; b) 31, 33, and 45; and c) 52 and 58. Cox regression and machine learning (ML) algorithms were used to analyze progression rates., Results: Among 1,273 participants, 17.6% with persistent HPV infections experienced disease progression versus no progression in the HPV-negative group (p<0.001). Cox analysis revealed the highest hazard ratios (HRs) for Hr1-a (11.6, p<0.001), followed by Hr1-b (9.26, p<0.001) and Hr1-c (7.21, p<0.001). HRs peaked at 12-24 months, with Hr1-a maintaining significance at 24-36 months (10.7, p=0.034). ML analysis identified the final cytology change pattern as the most significant factor, with 14-15 months the optimal time for detecting progression from the first examination., Conclusion: In ASCUS/LSIL cases, follow-up strategies should be based on HPV risk types. Annual follow-up was the most effective monitoring for detecting progression/regression.

True morels (Morchella spp.) are edible mushrooms that are commercially important worldwide due to their rich nutrition and unique appearance. In recent years, outdoor cultivation has been achieved and expanded on a large scale in China. However, the mechanisms of fruiting body development in morels are poorly understood. In this study, the role of mating-type genes in fruiting body development was researched. Fruiting bodies cultivated with different mating-type strains showed no difference in appearance, but the ascus and ascospores were slightly malformed in fruiting bodies obtained from the MAT1-1 strains. The transcript levels of mating-type genes and their target genes revealed that the regulatory mechanisms were conserved in ascomycetes fungi. The silencing of mat1-2-1 by RNA interference verified the direct regulatory effect of mat1-2-1 on its target genes at the asexual stage. When cultivated with the spawn of single mating-type strains of MAT1-1 or MAT1-2, only one corresponding mating-type gene was detected in the mycelial and conidial samples, but both mat1-1-1 and mat1-2-1 were detected in the samples of primordium, pileus, and stipe. An understanding of the mating-type genes' role in fruiting body development in M. sextelata may help to understand the life cycle and facilitate artificial cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study aims to evaluate HR‐HPV viral load in the cervical lesion assessment and its diagnostic value on the triage of ASCUS. The three‐step protocol for cervical cancer screening was carried out in 5171 patients from June 2017 to August 2019, and 1620 histopathological results were obtained. The positive rate of HR‐HPV and TCT increased with the aggravation of pathological grades of cervical lesions. The sensitivity and specificity of HR‐HPV (DH3) to detect CIN II+ were 91.91% and 84.46%, respectively. In comparison, the corresponding results of the cytology test were 80.51% and 83.12%. HPV16/18 viral load was positively correlated with the grade of cervical lesions (p

This study evaluated the clinical performance of the cobas 4800 HPV Test (Roche Molecular Systems, Pleasanton, CA, USA) for high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) testing with individual HPV-16/HPV-18 genotyping in women 21 years or older with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS). Women (N = 47,208) were recruited in the United States during routine screening, and liquid-based cytology and HPV testing were performed. The ASCUS prevalence was 4.1% (1,923/47,208), and 1,578 women underwent colposcopy with valid results. The cobas 4800 HPV Test demonstrated performance comparable to the Hybrid Capture 2 test (QIAGEN, Gaithersburg, MD, USA) for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 or worse and grade 3 or worse. HPV-16/HPV-18+ women had a greater absolute risk of CIN 2 or worse compared with pooled HR-HPV+ and HR-HPV- women (24.4%, 14.0%, and 0.8%, respectively). The cobas 4800 HPV Test is clinically validated for ASCUS triage. HPV-16/HPV-18 genotyping can identify women at highest risk for high-grade cervical disease, and this additional risk stratification may be used in formulating patient management decisions.

Background and Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the common infectious and pathogenic agents, and some of its genotypes have the ability to cause malignant changes in the surface of mucous cells. By examining the prevalence of HPV in atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) Pap smear according to the risk factors, we can make a more correct decision in choosing the evaluation method and directing the patient to report the ASCUS lesion. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the types of human papillomavirus (HPV) in patients with ASCUS Pap smear. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients with ASCUS pap smear results and HPV test referred to the colposcopy clinic of Babol Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital during the last two years. Demographic information, history of obstetrics, history of OCP use, history of STD disease and high-risk behaviors, cervical treatments, HPV typing, Pap smear, colposcopy and cervical biopsy results were recorded and analyzed. Findings: The mean age of the patients was 33.83±8.09 years, and ASCUS pap smear showed 129 cases (64.5%) of high-risk papillomavirus, 16 cases (0.8%) of low-risk papillomavirus and 55 cases (27.5%) of both types. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 was in 18 cases (0.9%), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 in 10 cases (0.5%) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 in 2 cases (0.1%). 17.1% of high-risk viruses caused cervical neoplasm. None of the low-risk viruses led to neoplasms and all of them were inflammatory. In both high-risk and low-risk cases, 14.5% neoplasm was seen. However, the relationship between the type of papillomavirus and the incidence of neoplasm was significant (p=0.058). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the ASCUS pap smear needs more detailed investigation such as colposcopy and cervical biopsy under the supervision of experts because it is associated with the high-risk HPV virus in many cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pamukkale Medical Journal is the property of Pamukkale Journal of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Microorganisms need to sense and adapt to fluctuations in the environmental pH. In fungal species, this response is mediated by the conserved pacC/RIM101 pathway. In Aspergillus nidulans, PacC activates alkaline-expressed genes and represses acid-controlled genes in response to alkaline pH and has important functions in regulating growth and conidia formation. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the PacC homolog Rim101 is required for adaptation to extracellular pH and to regulate transcription of IME1, the Initiator of MEiosis. S. cerevisiae rim101 mutants are defective in sporulation. In Ashbya gossypii, a filamentous fungus belonging to the family of Saccharomycetaceae, little is known about the role of pH in regulating growth and sporulation. Here, we deleted the AgRIM101 homolog (AFR190C). Our analyses show that Rim101 is important for growth and essential for sporulation at alkaline pH in A. gossypii. Acidic liquid sporulation media were alkalinized by sporulating strains, while the high pH of alkaline media (starting pH = 8.6) was reduced to a pH ~ 7.5 by these strains. However, Agrim101 mutants were unable to sporulate in alkaline media and failed to reduce the initial high pH, while they were capable of sporulation in acidic liquid media in which they increased the pH like the wild type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background We evaluated the prognostic and diagnostic ability of p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry, HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing and HPV DNA assay in triaging ASCUS to find a way to manage cervical lesions more effectively. Methods We conducted a prospective study through follow-up. The detection methods of the three factors: p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry conducted by using the CINtec® Plus Kit, E6/E7 mRNA testing by QuantiVirus®HPV E6/E7 mRNA assay and DNA by Hybrid Capture 2 assay. Results One hundred three women with ASCUS satisfied requirements and completed the entire follow-up process. All CIN2+ occurred in women who were mRNA positive at baseline, none in mRNA negative. 100% (6/6) patients with CIN2+ were HPV DNA assay positive, 100% (6/6) were HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing positive and 50.0% (3/6) were p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry positive. The risk ratio of E6/E7 mRNA test was 57.306 (95% CI 0.077–42,400.545). For endpoint of CIN2+, the sensitivity between HPV DNA assay and HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing is no statistical difference, but statistical difference exists between HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing vs. p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry (χ 2 = 5.718, P = 0.023) and HPV DNA assay vs. p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry (χ 2 = 5.718, P = 0.023). The specificity of E6/E7 mRNA testing, p16/Ki-67 and DNA assay in triaging ASCUS was 44.33, 75.26 and 11.34% respectively and is all statistical difference (χ 2 = 26.277, P

Introduction : The incidence of cervical cancer has decreased due to wide spread use of Papanicolaou test (Pap) as a screening method to detect early cervical lesions. According to The Bethesda System 2001, atypical squamous cells are divided into two groups: Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), atypical squamous cells cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H). As it is known, the microscopic interpretation of cytologic specimens is a subjective procedure highly dependent on skills and experience of the investigator. ASC reflects a diagnosis of uncertainty and is used as tool to measure interlaboratory and intralaboratory control for quality control purposes. Aims and Objectives: To determine the inter observer variation in interpreting ASC variants in conventional pap smears based on the Bethesda system of reporting cervical cytology (2001). Materials & Methods: A total of 833 cervical smears were sent for Pap test during the period July 2013 to –June 2014. Slides of all the cases of ASC and appropriate number of smears diagnosed as negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy were collected with relevant history. An observational study was performed with two evaluators blinded to the original reports. The review reports from the evaluators were compared with original reports to detect accuracy of reporting atypical squamous cells. Results : Review of data showed 36 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), 8 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and 17 cases coded as atypical squamous cells (ASCUS and ASC-H). ASCUS/SIL ratio was 0.33. All the agreements were found out to be statistically significant and the agreement between original diagnosis and observer 1 was found out to be stronger compared to others. Conclusion: Interobserver reproducibility in reporting cervical smears according to Bethesda system 2001 is not 100%, even after following strict Bethesda guidelines. Rescreening of smears is one of the best ways to improve quality control of the cytopathology laboratory

If abnormal cytology test results are identified in the users of hormonal methods of contraception, including a vaginal ring, they should adhere to diagnostic algorithms aimed at identifying and treating HPV-associated cervical diseases. NovaRing vaginal ring is an effective, reliable and safe method of hormonal contraception, including for women who have previously undergone surgical treatment of HSIL.

Abstract Background Atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance (ASCUS) is a common cervical cytological diagnosis. At present, HPV DNA assay is used to triage these patients, but its lower specificity brings a series of problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluated the value of p16/Ki67 immunostaining, HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing in triaging women with ASCUS by comparing HPV DNA assay. Methods Liquid based cytology specimens were collected from 300 patients. P16/Ki67 immunocytochemistry using the CINtec® Plus Kit and HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing by QuantiVirus®HPV E6/E7 mRNA assay used the same cytology sample. Detection rates of each test were evaluated against histopathology. Results All assays yielded a high sensitivity for the detection of CIN3+ (100% (86.7–100) for HPV DNA assay, 88.0% (70.0–95.8) for HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing and 100% (86.7–100) for p16/Ki67 immunocytochemistry) and CIN2+ (98.2% (90.2–99.7) for HPV DNA assay, 87.0% (75.6–93.6) for HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing, 98.2% (90.2–99.7) for p16/Ki67 immunocytochemistry). The specificity to detect high grade dysplasia was highest for p16/Ki67 immunocytochemistry (74.2% (68.7–79.0) in CIN3+ and 82.5% (77.3–86.8) in CIN2+), followed by HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing (39.6% (34.0–45.5) in CIN3+ and 42.7% (36.7–48.9) in CIN2+) and HPV DNA assay (16.0% (12.1–20.8) in CIN3+ and 17.5% (13.2–22.7) in CIN2+). Conclusions p16/Ki67 immunostaining and HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing, especially the former, may be promising tools in triage of ASCUS.

Cytology findings of atypical squamous cells of unknown significance (ASCUS) or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) are common among women under 30, but evidence on best management strategy is insufficient. We therefore investigated how different management strategies used in Denmark influenced biopsy rates and detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Register-based cohort study including Danish women aged less than 30 years and born 1980–95, with ASCUS/LSIL as their first abnormal cervical cytology in 2008–16. Rates and relative risks (RR) of biopsy and detection of CIN3+, CIN2 and < CIN2 during two years follow-up were compared between women referred directly to colposcopy after ASCUS/LSIL or undergoing additional testing, including mRNA or DNA test for high risk HPV or repeat cytology. 19,946 women with ASCUS and 19,825 with LSIL were included in the study of whom 92% had adequate information about follow-up. Among women referred directly to biopsy, CIN3+ was detected among 21%, CIN2 in 17%, while 62% had < CIN2. Repeating cytology after 6 months reduced the biopsy rate to 44% of which 53% had < CIN2. Biopsy rates with HPV test were 67% for DNA test, 77% with 14-type mRNA test and 58% with 5-type mRNA test. The detection of CIN3+ was somewhat higher, between 13% and 14% for the three HPV tests vs. 11% with repeat cytology. However, the detection of < CIN2 (not indicating treatment) also increased with RR 2.11 (95% CI 2.01–2.21) for 14-type mRNA test, 1.35 (95% CI 1.29–1.41) for 5-type mRNA test, and 1.86 (95% CI 1.76–1.97) with HPV DNA test. The choice of management strategy influences both the detection rate for severe lesions (CIN3+) and the proportion of women followed up for potentially insignificant findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate HR‐HPV viral load in the cervical lesion assessment and its diagnostic value on the triage of ASCUS. The three‐step protocol for cervical cancer screening was carried out in 5171 patients from June 2017 to August 2019, and 1620 histopathological results were obtained. The positive rate of HR‐HPV and TCT increased with the aggravation of pathological grades of cervical lesions. The sensitivity and specificity of HR‐HPV (DH3) to detect CIN II+ were 91.91% and 84.46%, respectively. In comparison, the corresponding results of the cytology test were 80.51% and 83.12%. HPV16/18 viral load was positively correlated with the grade of cervical lesions (p < 0.001, r = 0.321). The diagnostic efficiency of AUC by applying HPV16/18 viral load was 0.682 for the diagnosis of CIN II+. The optimal HPV16/18 viral load for predicting CIN II+ was 6.80 RLU/CO (relative light units/cut‐off), with corresponding sensitivity of 48.6%, specificity of 79.7%, and Youden index of 0.283. In the ASCUS population, viral loads were statistically different in HPV16/18 and the other 12 HR‐HPV when compared cervicitis group with CIN I group and CIN II+ group (all p < 0.05). Statistical differences were detected concerning HPV16/18 viral load, contact bleeding status, and smoking status when compared cervicitis group with CIN I group and CIN II+ group (p < 0.05), with a corresponding odds ratio of 1.004, 1.533, and 5.513, respectively. Our findings suggest that HR‐HPV viral load can be regarded as a useful tool to predict the grade of cervical lesions for ASCUS triage. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03178136. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

True morels (Morchella spp.) are edible mushrooms that are commercially important worldwide due to their rich nutrition and unique appearance. In recent years, outdoor cultivation has been achieved and expanded on a large scale in China. However, the mechanisms of fruiting body development in morels are poorly understood. In this study, the role of mating-type genes in fruiting body development was researched. Fruiting bodies cultivated with different mating-type strains showed no difference in appearance, but the ascus and ascospores were slightly malformed in fruiting bodies obtained from the MAT1-1 strains. The transcript levels of mating-type genes and their target genes revealed that the regulatory mechanisms were conserved in ascomycetes fungi. The silencing of mat1-2-1 by RNA interference verified the direct regulatory effect of mat1-2-1 on its target genes at the asexual stage. When cultivated with the spawn of single mating-type strains of MAT1-1 or MAT1-2, only one corresponding mating-type gene was detected in the mycelial and conidial samples, but both mat1-1-1 and mat1-2-1 were detected in the samples of primordium, pileus, and stipe. An understanding of the mating-type genes’ role in fruiting body development in M. sextelata may help to understand the life cycle and facilitate artificial cultivation.

Introduction: There are high incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer among females in East Africa. This is exacerbated by limited up-to-date data on premalignant lesions and associated factors in this setting. In this study, we determined the prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesions and associated factors among women attending the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital cervical cancer clinic in Southwestern Uganda., Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 364 participants were recruited from among women attending the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital cervical cancer clinic from 1 April to 30 June 2023. On consent, the study nurse collected demographic data and Pap smears, which were microscopically examined and reported by a laboratory scientist and a pathologist following the Bethesda grading system (2014). Statistical analyses were done in STATA version 17, using proportions, Chi-square, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine associated factors at ⩽0.05 significance level., Results: The mean age of participants was 41.9 years. A third of all study participants (37.6%, 132/351) were contraceptive users, mostly hormonal contraceptives (87.1%, 115/132). Almost 88% (307/351) had an unknown Human Papilloma Virus status. The prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesions among our study participants was 6.6% (23/351), of which 73.9% (17/23) were low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. More than half (9/17, 52.9%) of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were active hormonal contraceptive users. Use of hormonal contraceptives (OR: 3.032, p : 0.0253), use of intrauterine devices (OR: 6.284, p : 0.039), and any family history of cervical cancer (OR: 4.144, p : 0.049) were significantly associated with cervical intraepithelial lesions., Conclusion: The prevalence of cervical intraepithelial lesions was 6.6%, lower than global estimates. Use of hormonal and intrauterine device contraceptives, as well as family history of cervical cancer, were significantly associated with cervical intraepithelial lesions among our study population. Prospective studies are recommended to further understand associations between different types of intrauterine devices and hormonal contraceptives, and cervical lesions., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

Согласно современным данным, заболевания шейки матки возникают неслучайно. Предраковые поражения варьируются от человека к человеку и через определенный период становятся инвазивными. Потребность в специфических диагностических методах для раннего выявления рака шейки матки у женщин репродуктивного возраста всегда остается актуальной. На протяжении многих лет проводятся многочисленные диагностические, цитологические и гистологические исследования для выявления злокачественных поражений шейки матки. Вирус папилломы человека (ВПЧ) — это широко распространенная инфекция, передающаяся половым путем, которая выявляется как у женщин, так и у мужчин во всем мире и играет важную роль в развитии заболевания шейки матки. Это самый распространенный вирус, передающийся половым путем, в Соединенных Штатах Америки. Впервые в 1942 г. Папаниколау подчеркнул возможность использования мазков (PAP-мазки) из шейки матки и из влагалища для диагностики заболевания шейки матки. Препараты PAP-мазков представляют собой в основном многослойные плоские эпителиальные клетки эктоцервикса и влагалища, эндоцервикальные цилиндрические клетки, в том числе мононуклеарные и полинукларные воспалительные клетки, попадающие с помощью диапедеза во влагалище из поверхности эпителиального слоя, смешивающиеся с мукоидной жидкостью, вырабатываемой эндоцервикальным эпителием. Цель — выявить неопластические изменения шейки матки, используя объективные критерии цитологического исследования. Материал и методы. В исследование включены 100 женщин репродуктивного возраста (18–45 лет) в период 2015–2020 гг.: 20 женщин — в контрольную группу (I группа) и 80 — в группу высокого риска рака шейки матки (II группа — основная группа). Женщины II группы также разделены на 2 подгруппы: II A — с патологией шейки матки (n=41); II B — без патологии шейки матки (n=39). В исследование включены пациентыс положительным результатом ВПЧ 16/18, в том числе пациенты, в PAP-мазках которых выявлены внутриклеточные повреждения. PAP-мазки включены в исследование по следующим критериям. В мазках выявлено достаточное количество клеток плоского эпителия и сохранена их целостность. Эндоцервикальные клетки отслежены во всех PAP-мазках. Обследование проведено по меньшей мере с 5 клетками в каждой, неполностью, и с 2 кластерами эндоцервикальных железистых или плоскоклеточных метапластических клеток. Клетки плоского эпителия покрывали не менее 10% препарата. Кровянистые, технически артефактические препараты без клинических данных не изучались. Уровень дефицита не превышал 3%, и высокие процентные ставки по артефактам не были включены в исследование. Несмотря на небольшое количество клеток при наличии аномальных клеток, это однозначно признано достаточным. Результаты. При интерпретации результатов PAP-мазков выявлены 35 пациентов с ASCUS, 24 пациента с LSIL, 21 пациент с HSIL. Серотипы ВПЧ 16, 18 обнаружены у 24 из этих пациентов. У женщин II Б подгруппы при повторном взятии анализов не установлены патологические изменения шейки матки. Выводы. У женщин репродуктивного возраста с позитивным ВПЧ 16, 18 для диагностики предраковых заболеваний шейки матки взятие PAP-мазков является неотъемлемой частью исследования. В результате исследования выявлено, что, несмотря на отсутствие клинической картины, выявляются патологические изменения на уровне клеток.

Background: Pap-smears-based cytology and human papilloma virus testing have their own limitations in detecting cervical precancerous lesions, and still need further standardization. Co-expression of p16ink4a and Ki-67 can be used as additional biomarker. Aims: To study the role of liquid-based cytology and the dual immunostaining for p16/Ki-67 in predicting the presence of significant lesion in cases of mild cytological atypia. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was performed in the Department of Pathology, in collaboration with Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology over 15 months including 545 patients. Immunocytochemistry followed by colposcopy-guided biopsy were performed in 52 cases with epithelial abnormalities. Results: Thirty-five cases (67%) were dual-stain positive among the cases with epithelial abnormalities. In the ASC-US and LSIL group, the sensitivity and specificity of the immunostaining in diagnosing CIN2+ lesions were 100 and 70% and 87.5 and 100%, respectively. p16/Ki-67 positivity also increased with cytological severity which in turn corresponded with histological findings: it reached from 33% in ASC-US to 100% in both HSIL and SCC categories. Conclusion: This dual immunostaining may potentially be a useful tool in the triage of the ASC-US and the LSIL group, considering the high sensitivity and specificity values.

Ashbya gossypii is a filamentous ascomycete belonging to the yeast family of Saccharomycetaceae. At the end of its growth phase Ashbya generates abundant amounts of riboflavin and spores that form within sporangia derived from fragmented cellular compartments of hyphae. The length of spores differs within species of the genus. Needle-shaped Ashbya spores aggregate via terminal filaments. A. gossypii is a homothallic fungus which may possess a and α mating types. However, the solo-MATa type strain is self-fertile and sporulates abundantly apparently without the need of prior mating. The central components required for the regulation of sporulation, encoded by IME1, IME2, IME4, KAR4, are conserved with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nutrient depletion generates a strong positive signal for sporulation via the cAMP-PKA pathway and SOK2, which is also essential for sporulation. Strong inhibitors of sporulation besides mutations in the central regulatory genes are the addition of exogenous cAMP or the overexpression of the mating type gene MATα2. Sporulation has been dissected using gene-function analyses and global RNA-seq transcriptomics. This revealed a role of Msn2/4, another potential PKA-target, for spore wall formation and a key dual role of the protein A kinase Tpk2 at the onset of sporulation as well as for breaking the dormancy of spores to initiate germination. Recent work has provided an overview of ascus development, regulation of sporulation and spore maturation. This will be summarized in the current review with a focus on the central regulatory genes. Current research and open questions will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mersin Üniversitesi sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Mersin University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a preventable disease due to the long preinvasive stage. Early detection and appropriate treatment are possible if robust screening is implemented. The Pap smear has proved valuable for mass screening and enabling lesions detection at an early enough stage. The objective of the study was to evaluate the use of the Pap smear screening method for detection of precancerous lesions. Materials and methods: This prospective study was carried out at Pathology Department, Dhiraj General Hospital, SBKS MI & RC, Waghodia, Gujarat during June to December 2019. We had screened 150 sexually active women who were more than 21 years of age. We stained all the slides with Pap stain and examined according to the new Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical Cytology 2014.The data was collected and analyzed statistically. Results: In our study, 70.66% of the participants were negative for malignancy and 4.66% had Vaginosis. The epithelial abnormalities Atypical squamous cells with undetermined significance (ASCUS), Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were found in 8.67%, 3.34%, and 5.34%, 0.67% of the women, respectively. Unsatisfactory reporting occurred for 6.66%, while the remainder had adequate sample reporting. Conclusion: We can conclude from this study that Pap smear testing is a very useful, simple, economical, and safe tool for detecting precancerous cervical epithelial lesions. Every woman above the age of 30 years should undergo routine cervical cancer screening, even into the postmenopausal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ginecología y Obstetricia de México is the property of Federacion Mexicana de Ginecologia y Obstetricia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Microorganisms need to sense and adapt to fluctuations in the environmental pH. In fungal species, this response is mediated by the conserved pacC/RIM101 pathway. In Aspergillus nidulans, PacC activates alkaline-expressed genes and represses acid-controlled genes in response to alkaline pH and has important functions in regulating growth and conidia formation. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the PacC homolog Rim101 is required for adaptation to extracellular pH and to regulate transcription of IME1, the Initiator of MEiosis. S. cerevisiae rim101 mutants are defective in sporulation. In Ashbya gossypii, a filamentous fungus belonging to the family of Saccharomycetaceae, little is known about the role of pH in regulating growth and sporulation. Here, we deleted the AgRIM101 homolog (AFR190C). Our analyses show that Rim101 is important for growth and essential for sporulation at alkaline pH in A. gossypii. Acidic liquid sporulation media were alkalinized by sporulating strains, while the high pH of alkaline media (starting pH = 8.6) was reduced to a pH ~ 7.5 by these strains. However, Agrim101 mutants were unable to sporulate in alkaline media and failed to reduce the initial high pH, while they were capable of sporulation in acidic liquid media in which they increased the pH like the wild type.

Previamente, se desarrolló una metodología diagnóstica para lesiones preneoplásicas y neoplásicas de células de cuello uterino, a partir de medidas euclidianas y fractales simultáneas. En este trabajo, el objetivo era confirmar la concordancia diagnóstica de la metodología en células normales y en diferentes estadios de lesión celular. Se tomaron fotografías de 60 células del epitelio escamoso cervical: 10 normales, 10 ASCUS, 20 con lesión intraepitelial de bajo grado (LEIBG) y 20 con lesión de alto grado (LEIAG). Se realizaron medidas de dimensión fractal y del espacio de ocupación de la superficie y el borde del núcleo y citoplasma en el espacio fractal de Box Counting, estableciendo su diagnóstico físico-matemático. Las medidas de la superficie del núcleo estuvieron para normalidad, entre 305 y 651; para ASCUS, entre 1293 y 4588; para LEIBG, entre 986 y 4873 y para LEIAG, entre 567 y 2311. La resta de las fronteras Citoplasma-Núcleo, se encontró entre 238 y 477, para normalidad; entre 185 y 417, para ASCUS; entre 131 y 342, para LEIBG y entre 43 y 117, para LEIAG. Fueron hallados valores de sensibilidad y especificidad del 100%; la razón de probabilidad fue de 0 y el coeficiente kappa de 1. Se confirmó la concordancia diagnóstica a nivel clínico del método físico-matemático, cuantificando de manera objetiva y reproducible el grado de lesión de células de cérvix y estableciendo un diagnóstico objetivo para las células ASCUS, a partir de medidas fractales y euclidianas simultáneas, que mejora los métodos cualitativos de clasificación.

High oncogenic risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) promote cervical carcinoma development, the fourth most common feminine cancer. A slow oncodevelopmental phase—defined histopathologically as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) grades 1–3, or cytologically as Low- or High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (LSIL or HSIL)—precedes the malignancy. Cervical carcinoma screenings through HR-HPV genotyping and Pap smears are regularly performed in Western countries. Faulty cytology screening or genotyping or patients' non-compliance with follow-ups can let slip an oncoprogression diagnosis. Novel biomarker tests flanking HR-HPV genotyping and cytology could objectively predict the risk of disease progression thus helping triage LSIL/ASCUS patients. Here, anonymized leftovers of fresh cervical epithelium scrapings from twice (LSIL/ASCUS and HR-HPV DNA)-positive and twice (Pap smear- and HR-HPV DNA)-negative (control) patients in a proteome-preserving solution served to assess the biomarker worth of three cervical carcinoma-related proteins, i.e., B-MYB (or MYBL2), Cancerous Inhibitor of PP2A (CIP-2a), and transketolase-like1 (TKTL1). Leftovers anonymity was strictly kept and storage at −80°C, protein extraction, immunoblotting, and band densitometry were blindly performed. Only after tests completion, the anonymous yet code-corresponding HR-HPV-genotyping and cytology data allowed to assign each sample to the twice-positive or twice-negative group. Descriptive statistics showed that the three proteins levels significantly increased in the twice-positive vs. twice-negative scrapings. Diagnostic ROC curve analysis identified each protein's Optimal Decision Threshold (OTD) showing that TKTL1 and CIP-2a are stronger risk predictive biomarkers (Sensitivity, 0.91–0.93; Specificity, 0.77–0.83) than B-MYB. Logistic Regression coupled with Likelihood-Ratio Tests confirmed that a highly significant relation links increasing TKTL1/CIP-2a/B-MYB protein levels in twice-positive cervical scrapings to the risk of HR-HPV-driven oncoprogression. Finally, a 3 year clinical follow-up showed that 13 patients (50% of total) of the twice-positive group with biomarker values over OTDs compliantly underwent scheduled colposcopy and biopsy. Of these, 11 (i.e., 84.7%) received a positive histological diagnosis, i.e., CIN1 (n = 5; 38.5%) or CIN2/CIN2+ (n = 6; 46,2%). Therefore, TKTL1/CIP-2a/B-MYB protein levels could objectively predict oncoprogression risk in twice (HR-HPV- and Pap smear)-positive women. Further studies will assess the translatability of these findings into clinical settings.

Background: Though Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) are not always precursors of cervical pre-malignancy but they need timely diagnosis and careful periodical follow-up. Aim: The present study was carried out to investigate the incidence of ASCUS and SIL (squamous intraepithelial lesion of cervix) in women under rural setting. Materials and Methods: Cervical cancer screening is in progress in rural population of West Lucknow, India, since May 2013 under auspices of Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Lucknow, and a total of 2478 women have been cytologically examined till October 2017. Results: The incidence of ASCUS was found to be 8.8%, which was approximately less than half of the squamous intraepithelial lesions of cervix (SIL) rate (17.9%). The ASCUS rate was higher in the symptomatic women (9.4%) than (7.4%) seen in women without symptoms. The ASCUS incidence was higher in younger sexually active group up to 40 years after which it declined. The ASCUS rate was higher in all parity groups and was commonly associated with pain in lower abdomen and vaginal discharge. The ASCUS rate was higher with erosion cervix, while the commonly associated sexually transmitted diseases (STD) were found to be Candida albicans (2.4%). Follow-up after 18–24 months was available in 40 cases of ASCUS, and progression to low-grade SIL (LSIL) was seen in 7 (17.5%) and to high-grade SIL (HSIL) in one case (2.5%). Conclusion: The findings suggest that the ASCUS are not always precursors of SIL, but they need periodical follow-up after every 6 months. This will be ideal management of ASCUS under low-resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High oncogenic risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) promote cervical carcinoma development, the fourth most common feminine cancer. A slow oncodevelopmental phase—defined histopathologically as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) grades 1–3, or cytologically as Low- or High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (LSIL or HSIL)—precedes the malignancy. Cervical carcinoma screenings through HR-HPV genotyping and Pap smears are regularly performed in Western countries. Faulty cytology screening or genotyping or patients' non-compliance with follow-ups can let slip an oncoprogression diagnosis. Novel biomarker tests flanking HR-HPV genotyping and cytology could objectively predict the risk of disease progression thus helping triage LSIL/ASCUS patients. Here, anonymized leftovers of fresh cervical epithelium scrapings from twice (LSIL/ASCUS and HR-HPV DNA)-positive and twice (Pap smear- and HR-HPV DNA)-negative (control) patients in a proteome-preserving solution served to assess the biomarker worth of three cervical carcinoma-related proteins, i.e., B-MYB (or MYBL2), Cancerous Inhibitor of PP2A (CIP-2a), and transketolase-like1 (TKTL1). Leftovers anonymity was strictly kept and storage at −80°C, protein extraction, immunoblotting, and band densitometry were blindly performed. Only after tests completion, the anonymous yet code-corresponding HR-HPV-genotyping and cytology data allowed to assign each sample to the twice-positive or twice-negative group. Descriptive statistics showed that the three proteins levels significantly increased in the twice-positive vs. twice-negative scrapings. Diagnostic ROC curve analysis identified each protein's Optimal Decision Threshold (OTD) showing that TKTL1 and CIP-2a are stronger risk predictive biomarkers (Sensitivity, 0.91–0.93; Specificity, 0.77–0.83) than B-MYB. Logistic Regression coupled with Likelihood-Ratio Tests confirmed that a highly significant relation links increasing TKTL1/CIP-2a/B-MYB protein levels in twice-positive cervical scrapings to the risk of HR-HPV-driven oncoprogression. Finally, a 3 year clinical follow-up showed that 13 patients (50% of total) of the twice-positive group with biomarker values over OTDs compliantly underwent scheduled colposcopy and biopsy. Of these, 11 (i.e., 84.7%) received a positive histological diagnosis, i.e., CIN1 (n = 5; 38.5%) or CIN2/CIN2+ (n = 6; 46,2%). Therefore, TKTL1/CIP-2a/B-MYB protein levels could objectively predict oncoprogression risk in twice (HR-HPV- and Pap smear)-positive women. Further studies will assess the translatability of these findings into clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of p16 and Ki-67 immunohistochemistry in women diagnosed with ASCUS in follow-up colposcopy with histology. The relationship between the accuracy of p16, Ki-67 and HR HPV DNA testing as biomarkers of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia was evaluated. Material and methods: 272 women with cytological diagnosis of ASCUS underwent colposcopy and cervical biopsy. Sections were processed for immunohistochemistry with mouse anti-human p16 and anti-Ki-67 monoclonal antibodies. The HPV test was performed in these patients without knowledge of cytology results. Results: Histopathology revealed 143 patients diagnosed with CIN1, 24 as CIN2 and 34 as CIN3. The HR HPV test was positive in 127 cases (70 CIN1, 24 CIN2 and 33 CIN3 patients). p16 positivity was present in 68 cases of CIN1 and HR HPV positive, in 24 CIN2 and HR HPV positive and in 33 of CIN3 HR HPV positive patients. Ki-67 positivity was present in 69 CIN1, 24 CIN2 and 34 CIN3 cases. The sensitivity of the HR HPV test, colposcopy, p16 and Ki-67 was high. The highest specificity was reported for the HR HPV test. Conclusions: Our data show that a combined use of p16INK4a and Ki-67 helps to distinguish true dysplastic transformation from its benign mimics and determine the severity of dysplasia in doubtful cases. The use of both biomarkers may result in better management of women with ASCUS cytology followed by histopathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anal cancer screening has not been adopted by Taiwanese care providers. The study aim was to explore the differences of anal cytology and HPV detection among men with and without HIV. Methodology: In this case-control study, men with HIV who attended one of the outpatient clinics of Taoyuan General Hospital were enrolled as cases. Men who had experienced condomless sex and tested HIV negative were enrolled as controls. Anal swabs were collected for thinpreparation anal cytology and HPV genotyping. Results: A total of 288 men who had tested positive for HIV and 208 who had tested HIV negative were enrolled; 75% of subjects with HIV and 30.3% of those without HIV had tested positive for various types of HPV (P < 0.001). Anal cell dysplasia, including atypical squamous cells with undetermined significance (ASCUS), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), or atypical squamous cells cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H), were noted in 20.8% of men with HIV and 4.8% of those without HIV (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, HIV serostatus, history of sexually transmitted infections, having male sexual partners, and practice of anal sex were correlated significantly with detection of any type of HPV. Additionally, both oncogenic and non-oncogenic HPV types were significantly associated with anal cytology dysplasia. Conclusions: We strongly suggest that there should be awareness of anal HPV infection and related anal cellular dysplasia in at-risk populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance (ASCUS) is a common cervical cytological diagnosis. At present, HPV DNA assay is used to triage these patients, but its lower specificity brings a series of problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluated the value of p16/Ki67 immunostaining, HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing in triaging women with ASCUS by comparing HPV DNA assay.Methods: Liquid based cytology specimens were collected from 300 patients. P16/Ki67 immunocytochemistry using the CINtec® Plus Kit and HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing by QuantiVirus®HPV E6/E7 mRNA assay used the same cytology sample. Detection rates of each test were evaluated against histopathology.Results: All assays yielded a high sensitivity for the detection of CIN3+ (100% (86.7-100) for HPV DNA assay, 88.0% (70.0-95.8) for HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing and 100% (86.7-100) for p16/Ki67 immunocytochemistry) and CIN2+ (98.2% (90.2-99.7) for HPV DNA assay, 87.0% (75.6-93.6) for HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing, 98.2% (90.2-99.7) for p16/Ki67 immunocytochemistry). The specificity to detect high grade dysplasia was highest for p16/Ki67 immunocytochemistry (74.2% (68.7-79.0) in CIN3+ and 82.5% (77.3-86.8) in CIN2+), followed by HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing (39.6% (34.0-45.5) in CIN3+ and 42.7% (36.7-48.9) in CIN2+) and HPV DNA assay (16.0% (12.1-20.8) in CIN3+ and 17.5% (13.2-22.7) in CIN2+).Conclusions: p16/Ki67 immunostaining and HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing, especially the former, may be promising tools in triage of ASCUS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the value of daltonbio hybrid capture 3(DH3) in ASCUS shunt by comparing the second generation of hybrid capture(HC2) and DH3 detection results．Methods The high-risk HPV subtypes were detected by DH3 and HC2 respectively from ASCUS population at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University hospital with 198 cases．Cervical biopsy under colposcope，The coincidence rate of DH3 and HC2 test results and the triage of ASCUS were analyzed. Results (1) The total coincidence rate of high-risk HPV detected by DH3 and HC2 was 96.43%， 96.67% positive and 96.30% negative. (2) The pathological results were as follows: CIN1， CIN2， CIN3，cervical cancer was respectively 23 cases， 30 cases， 3 cases， 1cases，.The detection rate of CIN2+ was 17.17%. (3) CIN2+ were 34 cases ， all of which were positive for HPV infection， of which 29 cases were positive for hpv16/18. Conclusions The coincidence rate between DH3 and HC2 is high.The two high-risk subtypes of DH3 have more important guiding significance for the triage of ASCUS patients， and can be used as an effective method for clinical triage of ASCUS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pap smear is the screening test for the detection of premalignant lesion of the cervix. It should be done annually in all women of age 35 years and above. Pap smear screening of cervix can significantly reduce the deaths due to cervical carcinoma. Materials and methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study done for the period of 6 months from February 2018 to July 2018. A total of 158 women above the age of 21 years and married were included in the study. A Pap smear test was done after clinical examination in all women and sent to the department of Pathology of our tertiary care centre for cytopathological examination. Results: There were 150 cases with inflammatory smear, 2 cases of ASCUS, 3 cases of LSIL and 3 cases of HSIL. Women who were positive for ASCUS, LSIL and HSIL underwent colposcopy and guided biopsy. Most women with inflammatory smear were of age group 20-40 years, 2cases of ASCUS were of ages 35 years and 38 years, 3cases of LSIL were of age group 35-45 years and 3 cases of HSIL were of age group 45-55years. Conclusion: Thus cervical cancer is a preventable cancer if regular Pap smear screening test is done. It is simple, cost effective, non-invasive and easy to perform screening test for precancerous lesions of cervix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A number of screening techniques have been developed to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, most common of which is conventional Pap smear (CPS) being overtaken by liquid-based cytology (LBC) in most of the developed countries. There are a number of studies with conflicting results, and no method has been shown superior in terms of all parameters. LBC was introduced in our hospital in 2014, and we planned to do a study and compare results of the two techniques. This study aims to compare the two methods in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, turnover time, cost-effectiveness, sample adequacy. This study has been done in 100 women with unhealthy cervix to increase the output.Method: This was a prospective observational study. A total of 100 women fulfilling the inclusion criteria were subjected to screening test. In first 50 cases, first conventional Pap smear was taken and then LBC, and in remaining 50 cases, first LBC and then conventional Pap smear were taken; this was done to remove bias.Results: The number of unsatisfactory slides was reduced with LBC, and turnover time was less for LBC. The detection of ASCUS was increased with LBC, but the detection of higher-grade lesions (HSIL and SCC) was equal with both tests.Conclusion: The superiority of LBC with respect to reduction in the number of unsatisfactory slides and less turnover time is being offset with increased detection of low-grade lesions subjecting women to further testing increasing the cost of programme and anxiety among women. It is difficult to say that it can completely replace conventional Pap smear in low-resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ashbya gossypii is a filamentous ascomycete belonging to the yeast family of Saccharomycetaceae. At the end of its growth phase Ashbya generates abundant amounts of riboflavin and spores that form within sporangia derived from fragmented cellular compartments of hyphae. The length of spores differs within species of the genus. Needle-shaped Ashbya spores aggregate via terminal filaments. A. gossypii is a homothallic fungus which may possess a and α mating types. However, the solo-MATa type strain is self-fertile and sporulates abundantly apparently without the need of prior mating. The central components required for the regulation of sporulation, encoded by IME1, IME2, IME4, KAR4, are conserved with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nutrient depletion generates a strong positive signal for sporulation via the cAMP-PKA pathway and SOK2, which is also essential for sporulation. Strong inhibitors of sporulation besides mutations in the central regulatory genes are the addition of exogenous cAMP or the overexpression of the mating type gene MATα2. Sporulation has been dissected using gene-function analyses and global RNA-seq transcriptomics. This revealed a role of Msn2/4, another potential PKA-target, for spore wall formation and a key dual role of the protein A kinase Tpk2 at the onset of sporulation as well as for breaking the dormancy of spores to initiate germination. Recent work has provided an overview of ascus development, regulation of sporulation and spore maturation. This will be summarized in the current review with a focus on the central regulatory genes. Current research and open questions will also be discussed.