Liquid-based cytology versus conventional Papanicolaou smear in an organized screening program

Abstract

Objective Proteomic analysis has previously shown that activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor β family, is produced by human articular cartilage. This study was undertaken to investigate whether activin A affects cartilage matrix catabolism and how its production is regulated. Methods The effect of exogenous activin A on interleukin‐1–induced aggrecanase‐generated neoepitope production was assessed by Western blotting, using medium from human cartilage explants. Levels of activin A production were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. For genes of interest, messenger RNA (mRNA) induction in cartilage explants or primary chondrocyte monolayers was assessed by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Activin A activity in cartilage explant medium was measured by incubating it with human dermal fibroblasts and determining the increase in phospho‐Smad2 by Western blotting. Results Activin A (1–10 ng/ml) suppressed aggrecanase‐mediated cleavage of aggrecan in human articular cartilage. Activin A mRNA and protein secretion were induced by dissection and culture of human or porcine articular cartilage. This activin A was biologically active. Its production was due to an active cellular process and was enhanced in osteoarthritic (OA) tissue. Activin A production on dissection was reduced by 80% by the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor inhibitor PD173074 and by 70% by the IKK inhibitor BMS345541. Conclusion Activin A is potentially an anticatabolic molecule in articular cartilage. Its expression is induced by wounding in an FGF‐2– and NF‐κB–dependent manner. OA cartilage produced more activin A than did normal cartilage in vitro.

Clinicopathologic Importance of Women with Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cytology on Siriraj Liquid-Based Cervical Cytology

“…Liquid-based cytology (LBC) has been proven of higher cost-effectiveness than conventional Pap method (Karnon et al, 2004;Strander et al, 2007). Additionally, the risk of serious histopathology for SCCA cytologic abnormality not only helps clinicians who counsel women but also leads to additional development of management strategies.…”

Comparison of ThinPrep and SurePath liquid‐based cytology and subsequent human papillomavirus DNA testing in China

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Some have shown the relative benefits of LBC, including increased sensitivity and the ability to perform HPV DNA testing on the same specimen; others have reported decreased specificity and lower costeffectiveness. 7,8,12 ThinPrep and SurePath (formerly AutoCyte Prep) are 2 commonly used LBC systems. Each method follows a detailed manufacturer's protocol for sample preservation and slide preparation.…”

Human papillomavirus ‘reflex’ testing as a screening method in cases of minor cytological abnormalities

“…Liquid-based cytology (LBC) has shown higher sensitivity for high-grade cervical lesions than conventional cytology (Strander et al, 2007;Zhu et al, 2007). The proportion of abnormal findings increases when conventional Pap smears are replaced by LBC for screening.…”

“…The proportion of abnormal findings increases when conventional Pap smears are replaced by LBC for screening. However, the positive predictive value (PPV) for advanced lesions increases in laboratories with extensive experience (Strander et al, 2007).…”