Cytological screening--the technique of cytological specimen taking and its influence on the quality of the method

The aim of our research work was to evaluate if the way of taking material influence the quality of the Pap smear test. 2300 patients were examined by taking Pap smear test for 7 years period from 2000 till 2007. In 1000 patients endocervical brush /Cytobrush/ was used and after that Ayre spatula for taking ectocervical material. In 1300 patients Ayre spatula was used first and after that endocervical brush applied. The number of the Pap smears contaminated with blood, the Pap smears without endocervical component and the Pap smears with bad fixation were examined. There were more contaminated with blood pap smears in the group where endocervical brush was used first /156 patients vs 100, p = 0.004/. There was no significant difference in the number of bad fixated pap smears, the "thick" pap smears, the inflamated Pap smears in both groups. The quality of the technique for taking pap smears when Ayre spatula is used first and after that endocervical brush is better than the reverse way of obtaining cytological material from the cervix. With this technique we find more squamous intraepithelial lesions.     

Genetic thrombophilic defects (Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, MTHFR C677T) in women with recurrent fetal loss

Maternal thrombophilia (inherited and acquired) has recently been identified as a major cause of thrombembolism, but it may also contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes and recurrent pregnancy loss. To determine the association of specific inherited thrombophilias and recurrent fetal loss (RFL), three gene mutations (Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, MTHFR C677T) were investigated. The prevalence of the thrombophilic markers was compared in 156 women with history of fetal loss in different trimester of pregnancy and 80 matched controls. At least one thrombophilic defect was found in 28.2% of total study group women compared with 16.2% in controls (p=0.06; OR-2.02) and in 50% of women with RFL in third trimester (p=0.008; OR-5.15). Factor V Leiden was more common in the group of women with fetal loss in third trimester (37.5%) compared to the controls (6.2%) (p=0.002; OR-9.0). Presence of FVL was associated with a significant increased risk for RFL in second and third trimester (OR-6.25; P<0.001) and significant protection for RFL in first trimester (OR-0.16; P<0.001). Mutation prothrombin G20210A or MTHFR C677T was more common in group of women with fetal loss in first trimester compared to the controls (28.3% vs. 11.2% respectively; p=0.009; OR-3.11). The presence of either of these mutations was associated with no significant increased risk for RFL in first trimester (OR-2.5). Genetic thrombophilic defects are common in women with RFL and are associated with late fetal loss. This association is manifest by FVL rather than total number of defects involved.     

Genetic variant C677T in the MTHFR in women with recurrent early fetal loss

The aim of this study was to evaluate correlation of carrier status for thrombophilic gene mutation--C677T in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and recurrent early pregnancy loss. Recently inherited thrombophilia was discussed as a predisposed factor for early recurrent fetal loss (ERFL). We investigated carrier status for C677T genetic variant in 54 women with ERFL before 10 week of gestation and 67 women with one or more successful pregnancy. It was found significant prevalence of C677T genetic variant in MTHFR in women with ERFL compared with controls (p = 0.005). The significant high prevalence of C677T genetic variant in women with ERFL suggests that thrombophilia have an increased risk of early pregnancy loss and possibly, although the definition of the magnitude of risk will require prospective longitudinal studies.     

The first amorphous and crystalline yttrium lactate: synthesis and structural features

The synthesis and crystal structure of the first molecular yttrium lactate complex, Y(Lac)₃(H₂O)₂, is reported, where the coordination sphere of yttrium is saturated with lactate ligands and water molecules, resulting in a neutral moiety. In Y(Lac)₃(H₂O)₂, hydrogen bonding between α-hydroxy groups and water molecules allows for the formation of 2D layers. A subtle variation in synthetic conditions, i.e. a slight increase in pH (5.5 instead of 4.5) promoted the formation of a semi-amorphous fibrous material with a presumed chemical composition of Y₄(OH)₅(C₃H₅O₃)₇·6H₂O. The flattened fibres in this material are responsible for its good flexibility and foldability.

The synthesis and crystal structure of the first molecular yttrium lactate complex, Y(Lac)₃(H₂O)₂, is reported, where the coordination sphere of yttrium is saturated with lactate ligands and water molecules, resulting in a neutral moiety.