APPS-S: A Tool for Measuring the Attitudes Toward Prostitution and Women in Prostitution in the Spanish Population.

This study was designed with the purpose of testing the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Attitudes toward Prostitution and Prostitutes Scale through three studies with different samples. The first one explores the test's dimensional structure or constructs validity through confirmatory factor analysis, as well as internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The second one focuses on discriminant and criteria validity. Finally, the third one examines the scale's convergent validity and its sensitivity to detecting changes. The results support two subscales with an optimal index of internal consistency, structural stability over time, and discriminative power between groups of participants. It is, therefore, an adequate tool for adults as well as young people and teenagers, and for detecting changes in the context of intervention or awareness workshops.

Tripeptidyl peptidase I activity in porcine lumbar spinal ganglia - a histochemical study.

Distribution of tripeptidyl peptidase I (TPPI) activity in the structures of porcine lumbar spinal ganglia (LSG) was studied by enzyme histochemistry on cryostat sections from all the ganglia using the substrate glycyl-L-prolyl-L-methionyl-5-chloro-1-anthraquinonyl hydrazide (GPM-CAH) and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde (NBA) as visualization factor. Light microscopic observations showed TPPI activity in almost all the LSG structures. The enzyme reaction in different cell types was compared semi-quantitatively. Strong reaction was observed in the small neurons, satellite ganglia cells and some nerve fibers. Weak reactivity was found in the large sensory somatic neurons, whereas moderate reaction for TPPI was determined in the middle sensory somatic neurons and some nerve fibers. Statistical analysis by one-way ANOVA showed no significance of difference (when p⟨0.05) for the number of TPPI positive neurons per mm2. The original data obtained by the enzyme histochemistry method give us a reason to presume that TPPI actively participates in the functions of all the neuronal structures in porcine LSG. According to our results, it could be suggested that TPPI activity is important for the functions of autonomic and somatic sensory neurons.

Von-Willebrand factor as a predictor of three-month mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis compared to MELD score.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Endothelial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and in the progression of liver disease. As an indicator of endothelial dysfunction, von Willebrand factor (vWF-Ag) can be a useful mortality predictor in patients with liver cirrhosis. The aim of the study is to compare the predictive value of vWF-Ag with the predictive value of MELD score regarding the three-month mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 70 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension we measured the vWF-Ag concentration and we followed the patients for 90 days. We registered all manifestations and complications of liver cirrhosis and the three-month mortality was the main end-point. RESULTS: We registered mean vWF-Ag of 341.9±155.8%, median 312%, IQR (214-410), vWF-Ag significantly correlated with MELD score (R=0.3713 ; p<0.05) and vWF-Ag median was higher in the uncensored compared to the median in the censored patients (p<0.0067). vWF-Ag and MELD score were significantly associated with three-month mortality, with no significant difference in the diagnostic performance between the two parameters [AUC=0.735, p=0.007 for vWF-Ag ; AUC=0.885, p=0.000 for MELD score], (Z=1.473, p=0.1407). CONCLUSION: In patients with liver cirrhosis vWF-Ag is a relevant predictor of three-month mortality that equals the MELD score.

Patient doses from hybrid SPECT-CT procedures.

The aim of this work is to estimate patient doses from hybrid single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography (CT) procedures. The study involved all four SPECT-CT systems in Bulgaria. Effective dose was estimated for about 100 patients per system. Ten types of examinations were considered, representing all diagnostic procedures performed in the SPECT-CT systems. Effective doses from the SPECT component were calculated applying the ICRP 53 and ICRP 80 conversion coefficients. Computed tomography dose index and dose length product were retrospectively obtained from the archives of the systems, and effective doses from the CT component were calculated with CT-Expo software. Parallel estimation of CT component contribution with the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) conversion coefficients was performed where applicable. Large variations were found in the current practice of SPECT-CT imaging. Optimisation actions and diagnostic reference levels were proposed.

Adaptive changes in photosynthetic performance and secondary metabolites during white dead nettle micropropagation.

The white dead nettle, Lamium album L., is an herb that has been successfully cultivated under in vitro conditions. The L. album micropropagation system offers a combination of factors (light intensity, temperature, carbon dioxide (CO2) level, humidity) that are limiting for plant growth and bioactive capacity. To get a better understanding of the mechanism of plant acclimation towards environmental changes, we performed a comparative investigation on primary and secondary metabolism in fully expanded L. album leaves during the consecutive growth in in situ, in vitro, and ex vitro conditions. Although the genetic identity was not affected, structural and physiological deviations were observed, and the level of bioactive compounds was modified. During in vitro cultivation, the L. album leaves became thinner with unaffected overall leaf organization, but with a reduced number of palisade mesophyll layers. Structural deviation of the thylakoid membrane system was detected. In addition, the photosystem 2 (PS2) electron transport was retarded, and the plants were more vulnerable to light damage as indicated by the decreased photoprotection ability estimated by fluorescence parameters. The related CO2 assimilation and transpiration rates were subsequently reduced, as were the content of essential oils and phenolics. Transfer of the plants ex vitro did not increase the number of palisade numbers, but the chloroplast structure and PS2 functionality were recovered. Strikingly, the rates of CO2 assimilation and transpiration were increased compared to in situ control plants. While the phenolics content reached normal levels during ex vitro growth, the essential oils remained low. Overall, our study broadens the understanding about the nature of plant responses towards environmental conditions.

NonHodgkin's Lymphoma with Peritoneal Localization.

The gastrointestinal tract is the most common extranodal site involved with lymphoma accounting for 5-20% of all cases. Lymphoma can occur at any site of the body, but diffuse and extensive involvement of the peritoneal cavity is unusual and rare. We report a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in a 57-year-old female infiltrating the peritoneum and omentum and presenting with ascites and pleural effusion. The performed examinations did not discover any pathological findings affecting the digestive tract or parenchymal organs, except for diffuse thickening of the peritoneum and omentum. Peripheral, mediastinal, or retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy was not registered. The blood count revealed only elevated leukocytes and on examination there were no immature blood cells in the peripheral blood. The cytology from the ascites and pleural effusion did not detect any malignant cells. Due to the rapid disease progression the patient died after twenty-two days of admission. The diagnosis was discovered postmortem with the histological examination and immunohistochemical study of the material taken during the surgical laparoscopy performed four days before the lethal outcome. Although cytology is diagnostic in most cases, laparoscopy with peritoneal biopsy is the only procedure which can establish the definitive diagnosis of peritoneal lymphomatosis.

Discharge tube with coaxial geometry for efficient production of metal hydrides.

The production of metal hydrides in vapour phase is one of the problems which makes their spectroscopic investigation at high resolution difficult. The molecular densities are usually low and the absorption is often increased by the use of multipass cells or intracavity setups. In this contribution a discharge tube with coaxial geometry is investigated, which is able to produce relatively high densities of NiH (≈10(12) cm(-3)). Additional advantage of the present geometry is that the densities are very homogeneous along the discharge length, 250 mm in our case, which can be made in principle arbitrary long. As a result, reliable absorption was detected even in a single pass experiment. We also present the results of a numerical model which explains the general properties of the plasma in the tube. Based on this understanding, we discuss possible improvements and other applications of this discharge geometry.

Choledochal cysts: diagnosis and treatment.

The aim of this study is to show the different diagnostic procedures and treatment in patients diagnosed with congenital choledochal cysts. Choledochal cysts are congenital anomalies of the bile ducts and include cystic dilatation of the extrahepatic and intrahepatic biliary ducts or both. The study shows ten patients diagnosed as having choledochal cysts. Diagnosis was established by clinical and radiographic findings including: ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatograpy (MRCP), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) and cytological examination of the bile juice. In the study choledochal cysts were classified according to the Todani classification. Most common cysts were type I (six cases); type III (one case), type IVa (one case) and two patients were type V cysts (Caroli disease). The most frequent symptoms were abdominal pain, jaundice and cholangitis. US findings were sensitive for the preliminary diagnosis of choledochal cysts in all the patients. MRCP accurately defined the cyst anatomy and the site of the biliary origin in all the cases with extrahepatic cysts. In three cases ERCP clearly demonstrated the cyst and by PTC smaller cysts were well defined. Cytological examination of the bile juice obtained during the PTC procedure showed malignant cells in one case. Therefore pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed and pathological examination showed associated cholangiocarcinoma. Five years after the operation the patient was well and free of the disease. Five patients underwent surgical treatment with a total cyst excision and Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy while the surgical approach in two patients was partial cyst excision and cystojejunostomy. Patients with Caroli disease were conservatively treated and 3 with interventional endoscopic procedures. Despite US evidence suggesting choledochal cyst diagnosis, other supportive radiographic imaging modalities such as MRCP, ERCP and PTC are required to define the precise cyst anatomy and are essential for the preoperative assessment. Total cyst excision is recommended for reducing cyst-related complications and risk of cholangiocarcinoma.

Acute and chronic effects of marathon running on the retinal microcirculation.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies indicate an association between marathon running and premature atherosclerosis. Retinal vessel diameter alterations, in particular narrower arterioles and wider venules, reflect early stages of atherosclerosis, but the influence of marathon on the retinal microcirculation is unknown. METHODS: Retinal vessel diameters were measured in 85 male runners (age 31-60 years; previous marathons 0-56) and in 45 age-matched healthy controls using a static vessel analyzer. In runners, diameters were also measured immediately and 24h after a marathon. Cardiovascular risk profiles, clinical chemistry and, in a subgroup of 46 runners, peripheral arterial wave reflections were also assessed. RESULTS: Runners had larger arterioles (median 196 µm (IQR 25) vs. 190(25); p = 0.068) and smaller venules (222(25) vs. 224(18); p = 0.063) than controls, resulting in a significantly increased arteriolar-to-venular ratio (AVR; 0.89(0.08) vs. 0.85(0.07); p < 0.001). In runners, retinal vessel diameters were not associated with body mass index, blood pressure, smoking, lipids or training history, and no differences were observed between the lowest (0.71-0.84) and highest (0.95-1.06) AVR quintiles. The marathon run induced a significant increase of AVR (0.91 (0.09); p = 0.007) due to larger arteriolar than venular dilatations, correlating weakly to race duration (r = 0.32; p = 0.003) and to a lower increase in leucocytes (r = -0.35; p = 0.001). Vessel diameters normalized 24h after the race. Augmentation index and pulse pressure decreased significantly after the race, but no associations with retinal vessel diameters were observed. CONCLUSION: Marathon running is not associated with an impairment of the retinal microcirculation. These findings contrast previous reports on atherosclerotic alterations of peripheral vessels.

Iron overload in patients with transfusion dependent myelodisplastic syndrome.

The myelodisplastic syndrome is a heterogeneous group of diseases, characterised by ineffective and dysplastic haematopoesis and pancytopenia in the peripheral blood, followed by progressive disturbance of differentiation of the haematopoetic stem cell, resulting in evolution of the disease towards acute leukaemia. According to the latest WHO classification, the term myelodisplastic syndrome includes diseases with an indolent course, as well as diseases with a fast evolution towards acute leukaemia. Because of this diversity, haematologists base their therapeutic decisions on prognostic scoring systems which incorporate all the significant factors with an influence on survival in this group of patients with myelodisplastic syndrome. Bearing in mind that anaemia is the most frequent form of cytopenia in patients with myelodisplastic syndrome, it is common that at some point of the disease almost every patient with myelodisplastic syndrome is transfusion-dependent. Frequently applied transfusions secure the correction of anaemia in these patients, giving them a good quality of life, but at the same time endangering them with the potential threat of iron overload, when the physiological mechanisms of iron excretion from the organism become insufficient. There is a clear correlation between transfusion dependence and the overall survival in patients with myelodisplastic syndrome. Chelators secure the lowering of the iron surfeit and are indicated in transfusion-dependant patients with myelodisplastic syndrome ( need for two blood units monthly, during one year ), when the ferritin level increases over 1000, in patients who are candidates for transplantation as well as in patients from good prognostic groups with median survival over one year. The therapy with chelators lasts as long as the patient is transfusion-dependant.

Scintimammography and single-photon emission computed tomography for postoperative image guidance for radiation treatment planning in breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate post-surgical tumor-metabolic regions outside of the computed tomography (CT)-defined volume for radiation therapy (RT) planning using functional imaging of scintimammography (SMG) ± single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) in breast cancer (BC) patients. METHODS: 62 operated high-risk BC females, mean age 50.45 years, underwent SMG±SPECT before RT planning. Twenty-one and twelve patients with stage I and IIa respectively had lumpectomy (LT) with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), and modified radical mastectomy (Patay) + ALND was realized in 29 stage IIb-III patients. All SMG images, positive for viable tumor tissue (VTT) or metastatically involved lymph nodes (LNs) were verified cytologically/ histologically. Three early planar and delayed images were acquired after i.v. administration of 550-740 MBq 99mTc- MIBI or 99mTc-TF. Uptake values (UV) > 1.65 revealed VTT. RESULTS: Data in 49 (79%) of 62 patients were characterized as true-negative (TN; UV<1.35). In 13 (21%) patients SMG visualized 22 true-positive (TP) malignant lesions: 2 residual VTT in scars, 1 newly defined BC in the contralateral breast and 18 regional LN metastases (6 axillary, 6 parasternal, 1 sub- and 5 supraclavicular). All 22 TP VTT lesions were imaged by scintigraphy using different tumor-seeking radiopharmaceuticals: 99mTc-MIBI - 17 (77%) and 99mTc- TF - 5 (23%) of the TP lesions. One false-positive (FP) (inflammation: UV>1.65) and one false-negative (FN) (UV<1.35) foci were found. Applying SMG±SPECT for BC restaging after surgery, the RT volume was changed in 13 of 62 (21%) patients. CONCLUSION: SMG is a reliable imaging method for evaluating residual VTT, LN metastases or altered biological activity in the scars after BC surgery and could modify the irradiated volume, optimizing the therapeutic effect and minimizing RT side effects.

Does single-dose cell resistance to the radio-mimetic zeocin correlate with a zeocin-induced adaptive response in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strains?

This study aimed to test whether a correlation exists between single-dose resistance to zeocin and the ability to develop a zeocin-induced adaptive response (AR) in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strains. Three genotypes were used: wild type (WT) strain 137C and two strains (H-3 and AK-9-9), which are highly resistant to radiation based on survival studies. Based on a micro-colony assay, the strains could be arranged according to their single-dose resistance to zeocin as follows: AK-9-9 > H-3 > 137C. However, zeocin induced a similar level of DSB in strains AK-9-9, H-3 and 137C. The radio- and zeocin-resistant strains AK-9-9 and H-3 showed higher DSB rejoining capacity than the WT strain 137C, suggesting that DSB rejoining can at least partly account for different cell survival. Both WT and radio-resistant strains develop zeocin-induced AR involving increased DSB rejoining. The radio- and zeocin-resistant strains AK-9-9 and H-3 again showed higher DSB rejoining capacity than the WT strain 137C. The higher resistance of strains H-3 and AK-9-9 did not abrogate their ability to adapt, albeit with a smaller magnitude as compared to the WT strain. The obtained results characterize new radio-resistant C. reinhardtii strains, which enrich the collection of resistant C. reinhardtii strains.

[Model for early childhood caries risks].

Risk factors of early childhood caries were studied on 406 children of 12-47 months age. The results showed that pathological pregnancy, sleeping with bottle of blend or sweet liquid, use of candy and caramel on sticks and sour-sweet fruit juices were significant factors leading to early childhood caries. During simultaneous action of all these risk factors domination belonged to use of sour-sweet fruit juices. The probability of caries occurrence at simultaneous action of all these risk factors was equal to 62%.

Induction of DNA double-strand breaks by zeocin in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the role of increased DNA double-strand breaks rejoining in the formation of an adaptive response.

This study aimed to test the potential of the radiomimetic chemical zeocin to induce DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) and "adaptive response" (AR) in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain CW15 as a model system. The AR was measured as cell survival using a micro-colony assay, and by changes in rejoining of DSB DNA. The level of induced DSB was measured by constant field gel electrophoresis based on incorporation of cells into agarose blocks before cell lysis. This avoids the risk of accidental induction of DSB during the manipulation procedures. Our results showed that zeocin could induce DSB in C. reinhardtii strain CW15 in a linear dose-response fashion up to 100 microg ml(-1) which marked the beginning of a plateau. The level of DSB induced by 100 microg ml(-1) zeocin was similar to that induced by 250 Gy of gamma-ray irradiation. It was also found that, similar to gamma rays, zeocin could induce AR measured as DSB in C. reinhardtii CW15 and this AR involved acceleration of the rate of DSB rejoining, too. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that zeocin could induce AR in some low eukaryotes such as C. reinhardtii.

Helicobacter pylori and gastric carcinoma.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and gastric cancer and a possible relation with a certain histopathological type of gastric cancer and localization within the stomach. A cross-section study was conducted on 60 consecutive patients (45 men and 15 women) with an established histological diagnosis of gastric cancer. The patients were divided into 2 groups (HP positive and HP negative) and additionally, depending on histopathological type, into intestinal, diffuse and cardia cancer, and localization as cardia carcinoma, proximal and distal carcinoma. HP was detected with a rapid ureasa endoscopic test and a serologic immune essay. Forty-two out of 60 patients 42 (70%) were HP positive. There were 36 intestinal type of gastric cancer, 34 (94.4%) HP positive (statistically significant), 19 patients with diffuse type, and 8 (42.1%) HP positive. The remaining 5 were carcinoma of cardia and all were HP negative. Thirty-seven (61.7%) were distal carcinomas, up to (76.2%) in the HP positive group, there were 18 (30%) proximal carcinomas and 5 (8.3%) localized on the cardia. This study confirmed the high incidence of HP infection in patients with gastric carcinoma, particularly in those with an intestinal type of cancer. Carcinomas were predominantly localized in the distal part of the stomach, especially in the HP positive group of intestinal type. Carcinomas of cardia were negatively associated with HP infection.

99mTc-MIBI myocardial perfusion scintigraphy for assessment of myocardial damage after radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer.

PURPOSE: After radiation therapy (RT) to the thorax, cardiac injuries may be induced involving the myocardial capillaries and causing myocardial fibrosis. The aim of this study was to assess the role of 99mTc-MIBI myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) for mapping the RT-induced cardiac injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study involved 56 patients: 46 with left-sided(study group) and 10 with right-sided (control group) breast cancer who, after breast surgery, received postoperative RT. In the cases of the study group, the anterior wall of the myocardium was included in the target field. All of the patients were asymptomatic and without risk factors concerning heart. 99m Tc-MIBI MPS was performed using Siemens Diacam gamma camera. 555 MBq of tracer was injected in each occasion. MPS was performed 30-60 min after injection and the images were analyzed using a semi quantitative four-point system. RESULTS: MPS was normal in all patients of the control group and in 33 (76%) patients of the study group. In 11 (24%) of the patients in the study group MPS indicated moderately reduced perfusion: 7 of the patients had hypo-perfusion of the anterior wall segments, 4 had hypoperfused septum and apex. Comparison of the 2 groups showed statistically significant difference (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Cardiac injury after irradiation of the thorax is not rare and its early detection may minimize severe cardiac damage. MPS may be a feasible method to that purpose.