Cell cycle analysis of colorectal brushings collected in liquid-based cytology.

Objective: To evaluate the possibility of robust cell cycle analysis from liquid-based cytology samples.

Study Design: Brushings were obtained after surgical resection of tumor samples. For each patient, one brushing sample was obtained from the macroscopically identified tumor, and a matched sample from a distant normal-appearing site.

KRAS and BRAF mutation analysis from liquid-based cytology brushings of colorectal carcinoma in comparison with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue.

Real-time PCR-based molecular diagnostic techniques were used for the comparative identification of the most common KRAS and BRAF mutations from methanol liquid-based cytology samples and matched, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue samples. Methanol-based fixation and preservation of brushing samples of colorectal carcinomas could contribute to sample collection, short-term storage and subsequent molecular analysis, by improving workflow and enhancing the identification of putative mutations.

Hybrid capture vs. PCR screening of cervical human papilloma virus infections. Cytological and histological associations in 1270 women.

Background: We evaluated two molecular methods of HPV detection and their correlation with cytological and histological diagnosis in a large sample of Greek women.

Methods: All women with liquid-based cytology performed at a University Hospital between 2000 and 2003 were included. The Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) kit and in house Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were used for HPV DNA detection.

Use of flow cytometry as a quality control device for liquid-based cervical cytology specimens.

Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide comprising a major concern of public health. Liquid-based cytology provides significantly more effective detection of low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia or more severe lesions, without loss of diagnostic specificity and reduces the number of cases classified as unsatisfactory. The objective of the study is the evaluation of flow cytometry as a rapid tool for quality control of the liquid specimen adequacy for the purpose of precise cytological diagnosis in detecting cervical abnormalities.

Telecytology: a tool for quality assessment and improvement in the evaluation of thyroid fine-needle aspiration specimens.

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of telecytology as a tool with increased quality standards in the optimal evaluation of thyroid fine-needle aspiration specimens prepared by the ThinPrep(R) technique (Cytyc Co., Boxborough, MA). The study was performed on 252 adequate specimens of 157 patients referred to the Cytopathology Department of University Hospital "Attikon" for preoperative evaluation of thyroid nodules.

The role of liquid-based cytology in the investigation of thyroid lesions.

Objective: This study investigates the role of liquid-based cytology by ThinPrep technique in the detection of thyroid lesions.

Methods: In all, 252 specimens from 157 patients for pre-operative evaluation of thyroid nodules, prepared by the ThinPrep, were examined. In all cases thyroidectomy followed the initial cytological evaluation.

The role of ThinPrep cytology in the investigation of SLN status in patients with cutaneous melanoma.

Introduction: The sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in melanoma assesses reliably the status of the regional lymph node basins, provides valuable prognostic information, facilitates early therapeutic lymphadenectomy and identifies patients who are candidates for different adjuvant treatments. The current study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of cytological specimens being placed in PreservCyt as a practical collection methodology for performing evaluation of the SLN status in patients with melanomas.

Patients And Methods: From January 2004 to December 2006, 70 patients with histologically confirmed cutaneous melanoma underwent intraoperative FNA biopsy of the SLN.

The role of ThinPrep cytology in the evaluation of estrogen and progesterone receptor content of breast tumors.

Introduction: The objective of the current study was to analyze the potential value of immunocytochemical analysis on ThinPrep (TP)-processed smears, from fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies, of breast tumors for the determination of ER and PR content as compared with the immunohistochemical analysis performed on paraffin-embedded breast tumor specimens.

Patients And Methods: Percutaneous FNA biopsy of focal breast lesions in 119 female adult patients during a 31-month period was performed. Subsequently, these patients underwent surgical resection of the tumors.

Potential of radial basis function neural networks in discriminating benign from malignant lesions of the lower urinary tract.

Objective: To investigate the potential value of morphometry and neural network tools for discriminating benign from malignant nuclei and lesions of the lower urinary tract.

Study Design: The study group consisted of 33 cases of lithiasis, 41 cases of inflammation, 66 cases of benign hyperplasia of the prostate, 4 cases of carcinoma in situ, 48 cases of grade 1 transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCCB) and 123 cases of grade 2 and 3 TCCB. Images of routinely processed voided urine smears stained by the Giemsa technique were analyzed by a custom image analysis system.

DNA ploidy as a prognostic factor in muscle invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Radical cystectomy represents the treatment of choice for muscle-infiltrative bladder carcinoma; however, about 50% of patients relapse and die from the disease. In the present study, the prognostic significance of the DNA ploidy in transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder (TCCB) is analyzed. The study was carried out on 66 patients with TCCB who underwent radical cystectomy.

DNA flow-cytometric, histological and hormonal analysis of sertoli cell only syndrome (SECOS).

Sertoli cell only syndrome (SECOS) was identified on histology in 21 cases (16,28%) among 129 testicular biopsies performed in our department for azoospermia over the last 5 years. In these patients history, clinical features, hormonal levels, and histological findings were analyzed. In addition DNA flow-cytometric analysis was performed and showed an almost complete absence of haploid cells.

Outpatient PPS will create hospitals' greatest challenge. Part I.

Medicare's Outpatient Perspective Payment System is scheduled for implementation on July 1, 2000, and most providers will experience a reduction in revenue as a result. Ted Matson and Jim Georgoulakis of Ambulatory Care Advisory Group, Inc. provide an overview of this new reimbursement system and what it will mean for hospitals.

Evaluation of cytological morphologic criteria and AgNOR expression in male breast lesions.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA) breast smears from 81 male patients have been examined in our laboratory between 1988 and 1994. The cytological criteria for diagnosing male breast lesions and the expression of nuclear organizer regions were evaluated. Of the 81 cases examined cytologically, 50 cases were proven cytologically and histologically to be inactive gynaecomastia, two cases showed florid gynaecomastia and there were 10 adenocarcinomas; in the 17 cases in which no cytological evidence of gynaecomastia or malignancy was found, the histological diagnosis was gynaecomastia in 13 and there was one case of mastopathy; in two cases suspicious of malignancy on cytology the histological examination proved to be florid gynaecomastia in one case and the other showed an adenocarcinoma.

Deoxyribonucleic acid flow cytometry in the assessment of spermatogenesis.

Purpose: We compared deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) flow cytometric analysis of testicular tissue to quantitative assessment of spermatogenesis.

Materials And Methods: We studied 35 infertile men with azoospermia or oligospermia. All patients underwent incisional testicular biopsies.

Deoxyribonucleic acid measurements in transitional cell carcinomas: comparison of flow and image cytometry techniques.

Purpose: We compared the results of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) ploidy determinations performed by flow cytometry and image cytometry in transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder.

Materials And Methods: In 81 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder DNA indexes were measured by flow cytometry of bladder washings and tumor tissue samples, and by image cytometry of imprints from tumor tissue samples.

Results: There was good correlation between bladder washings and tissue samples analyzed by flow cytometry in 68 cases but aneuploidy was missed with bladder washings in 13 (16%).

A survey of Army Medical Department personnel beliefs about domestic violence.

Army health care personnel play a key role in the Army's Family Advocacy Program, yet little is known about their beliefs toward domestic violence. This study surveyed the beliefs of selected Army Medical Department personnel concerning the extent, nature, causes, and management of spouse abuse. The study suggests that Army Medical Department personnel would benefit from short courses designed to increase their information about spouse abuse, prevention, identification, education, and intervention procedures.

Development of the U.S. Army Ambulatory Care Data Base.

In providing more than 22 million outpatient visits per year, the U.S. Army Medical Department is one of the largest Health Maintenance Organizations in the world.