[Comparison of the methods of cytobrush and Ayre spatula in the concentration of endocervical cells]. / Comparação dos métodos de "cytobrush" e espátula de Ayre na concentração de células endocervicais.

A comparison between two sampling methods of cervicovaginal material--cytobrush and Ayre's spatula--was performed to verify the endocervical cell concentration in a group of 163 asymptomatic women. Age ranged from 18 to 57 years, with an average of 30. Smears of both methods showed satisfactory cellularity for study. Cytobrush showed endocervical cells (columnar and/or metaplastic) in 100 cases (61.3%) and Ayre's spatula in 39 (20.2%). Cytobrush showed more efficient results in terms of endocervical cell concentration; according to literature, this can be an important factor in the sensitivity of the cytologic method to detect intraepithelial neoplasia.

Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis cervical infection: a comparison of Papanicolaou and immunofluorescent staining in smears obtained by Ayre's spatula and cytobrush.

Two methods of staining (Papanicolaou versus direct immunofluorescence) and two methods of collection of the samples (Ayre's wooden spatula versus cervical Cytobrush) were compared in order to verify the efficiency in detecting Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections in the female genital tract. Out of 166 asymptomatic patients, 59 were positive for CT by means of direct immunofluorescence: 36 were detected in Cytobrush samples, 16 in Ayre's spatula samples, and 7 in the samples collected by both methods. Papanicolaou smears showed "moth-eaten" features suggestive of CT infection in a great number of metaplastic cells present in 35 cases: 24 collected by Cytobrush, 4 by Ayre's spatula and 7 by both methods. Our data show that Cytobrush is more efficient that Ayre's spatula in concentrating cellular material. It is thus possible to detect CT infection with more accuracy by means of direct immunofluorescence, and to suspect CT infection in smears collected by means of Cytobrush and stained by Papanicolaou's method.

[Clinical evaluation of combined use of the spermicide Nonoxynol-9 and condoms]. / Avaliacao clinica da associacao do espermicida Nonoxinol-9 a preservativos.

PIP: Condoms represent an efficient family planning method. Their use was 1st described by the Italian anatomist Fallopio in 1564. Their effectiveness is considered to result in 0.5-2 births/100 years of marriage. 1st descriptions of vaginal contraceptives, by the Egyptians, date back to 1850 B.C. Their effectiveness is considered to be 5-10/100 years of marriage. A combined usage of condom and spermicides such as Nonoxynol-9 could thus elevate contraceptive effectiveness more than 20 times. A clinical test of such a combination product was conducted involving 2 groups consisting of 30 women each (1 control group) in order to evaluate possible alterations in vaginal mucus. By using questionnaires, women with a history of allergy to condoms or vaginal creams were excluded. However, those with symptoms of vulvovaginitis were not. The 2 groups were subjected to laboratory tests before and after usage: bacterioscopy, culture of vulvovaginal secretions, the saline drop method in order to diagnose Trichomonas, and the potassium hydroxide drop method in order to diagnose Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida albicans. Vaginal colposcopy and measuring of vulvovaginal pH were also performed. The results, before and after use, are listed for both groups in 3 tables, with reference to 2 clinical symptoms (itching of burning sensation), vaginal pH (normal, above, below), and various microorganisms being isolated. The tables do not allow for any interpretation of significant alterations resulting from the use of the combination product, e.g., the elevation of pH in some cases and 1 failure should be attributed to variations of flora not caused by the product, but being due to chance variations occurring in any given population. The absence of traumatic factors is due to the vaginal structure being functionally adapted, with numerous folds and wrinkles, to coitus. The effectiveness of the product is well documented in literature, and data listing decreased sperm motility is presented. It is concluded that no clinical adverse effects result with reference to the vulvovaginal epithelium or the penis.^ieng