Dose comparisons for mammographic systems.

Dose estimates were made for Kodak Min-R screens combined with Kodak Min-R film and Kodak Ortho M film, both with and without a 5:1 Bucky grid; for standard xeroradiographic techniques in negative development mode; and for the new, higher sensitivity xeroradiographic process of the Xerox 175 System. The estimates were derived from exposure versus depth measurements in phantoms made of BR12 breast simulation material using thermoluminescent detectors. A molybdenum target source with molybdenum filtration, at a half-value layer of 0.37-mm Al, was used for the screen-film measurements. All xeroradiographic measurements were made with a tungsten target source with aluminum filtration at half-value layers of 1.5 to 1.56 mm Al. Mean glandular dose estimates for the Min-R screen/Ortho M film combination with Bucky grid and for the new xeroradiographic process were found to be similar. Dose reduction with the new xeroradiographic system was achieved through a more sensitive photoreceptor and more sensitive development, which also improved the unique imaging characteristics of xeroradiography.

On the mitochondrial aspect of reactive oxygen species action in external magnetic fields.

Some retinoids or porphyrins can form radical pairs, alter transfer of electrons, and increase synthesis of reactive oxygen species in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. This leads to cell damage and apoptosis. We propose that co-application of an external static magnetic field of several to several hundreds miliTesla (mT) can enhance those effects by further alteration of electron flow in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, facilitation of forbidden transitions from the triplet to the singlet state of retinoid or porphyrin radicals, and modification of radical pair amount. Since electron flow in the mitochondrial respiratory chain seems to possess fractal dynamics, the magnetic field can initiate self- organization of the flow into more regular patterns, and create optimal conditions for damage of cancer cells without any detriment for the normal counterparts. External low magnetic field should improve effectiveness and selectivity of retinoid chemoprevention or porphyrin photodynamic therapy.

Imaging properties of intraoral dental xeroradiography.

A prototype imaging system for intraoral dental xeroradiography has been described. In vivo evaluations of image quality show that intraoral xeroradiographs are superior to conventional intraoral film radiographs primarily because of the wide latitude and edge enhancement properties of xeroradiography. In addition, intraoral xeroradiography requires only a third of the radiation dose of corresponding intraoral film techniques.

The serum levels of testosterone and prolactin in patients with prostatic carcinoma treated with various doses of Fostrolin and bromocriptin.

In 45 patients with newly diagnosed carcinoma of the prostate, 1509 radioimmunological assays (RIA) were done for serum testosterone (T), prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH). The patients were divided into 4 groups and treated with gradually lowered doses of Fostrolin and bromocriptin. It was noted that after high doses of Fostrolin, T levels did not markedly decrease, and PRL concentrations increased manifold. Small doses of Fostrolin, however, caused a drop in T and PRL levels. In the light of the results of up-to-date investigations and of the role played by PRL in a higher incidence of prostatic tumours, employment of bromocriptin, a prolactin antagonist, in the treatment of prostatic cancer seems to be justified. Reduction of T concentration below castration level and attainment of trace PRL levels in response to small doses of Fostrolin and bromocriptin had a favourable effect on the clinical course of the malignant disease.

On the transurethral treatment of urethrostenosis in males.

The paper deals with the authors' own experience in endoscopic treatment of urethrostenosis in males. Since 1980, 86 patients have been treated in this manner. Good results were obtained in 60 (70%) after one surgical procedure and in 18 (21%) after two operations. Two patients were operated upon by routine methods. We are of the opinion that transurethral treatment of urethrostenosis in males is an easy and simple method which may yield -- if properly performed -- very good therapeutic results, but requires appropriate equipment and high surgical skills.

Is modified retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (MRLND) still feasible in the treatment of patients with clinical stage I non-seminomatous testicular cancer?

The results of treatment by means of modified RLND in 52 patients with clinical stage I non-seminomatous testicular cancer are presented. Retroperitoneal lymph node metastases were found in 15 patients (28.8%) with clinical stage I (CS-I) diagnosed prior to surgery. They received chemotherapy according to PVB schedule. Ejaculation disturbances persisted in 4 patients (7.7%). Relapses occurred in 4 patients (7.7%) from the group without lymph node metastases, and complete remission occurred after adjuvant PVB chemotherapy. All patients are still alive. Among the analysed factors which might favour development of metastases, only neoplastic invasion of the blood vessels of the primary tumour was statistically significant. In the authors' opinion MRLND may still be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic method in clinical stage I non-seminomatous testicular cancer besides "watch policy" or primary chemotherapy.

Five-year clinical follow-up of prostatic cancer patients treated with fosfestrol and bromocriptine.

A five-year follow-up is presented of 123 patients with recently diagnosed prostatic cancer, confirmed histopathologically and treated with fosfestrol and bromocriptine. The combined treatment has been shown to prevent most of the complications and side effects of therapy, thus it is considered to be worthy of recommendation.

Two-stage surgical treatment for male transsexuals.

A plan for complex treatment of male-to-female transsexuals is presented. On the basis of our experience in the management of 15 patients, two-stage surgical treatment aiming at the change of external genitals, as well as the obtained cosmetic and functional results are described.

[Intraoperative phlebography in the diagnosis of varicocele]. / Flebografia sródoperacyjna w doraznej diagnostyce zylaków powrózka nasiennego.

We studied 42 infertile men, who had been surgically treated with modified Palomo method, with intraoperative phlebography of single or multiple testicular veins. We evaluated the efficacy of the performed procedure as well as the presence of other ways of recoil outflow and the connections between the venous vessels of the right testis. In 42 cases surgically treated men with varicocele only in 4 cases the varicocele have been observed additionally on the right side. We are of the opinion that the intraoperative phlebography allows us to performed the proper and the most effective method of the operation of varicocele.

[Methods of treatment of ureteral stenosis after radiotherapy in patients with gynecological tumors]. / Postepowanie w popromiennych zwezeniach moczowodów u chorych na nowotwory narzadu rodnego.

Authors present methods of treatments at the Clinic of Urology Medical University of Lódz in patients after gynecological tumors with ureteral strictures caused by radiotherapy or progression of cancer.

[Acetylation phenotype in patients with cancer of the bladder. Preliminary report]. / Fenotyp acetylacji u chorych na raka pecherza moczowego. Doniesienie wstepne.

In 23 patients affected by urinary bladder cancer and 22 healthy volunteers, acetylation phenotype was determined in urine, using the Eidus technique involving isoniazid. In the healthy group 10 (45.4%) slow acetylators and 9 (40.9%) fast acetylators were found. Of 23 patients with the bladder cancer 14 (60.9%) were slow acetylators, whereas 5 (21.7%) exhibited fast acetylation phenotype. The studies demonstrate that among the bladder-cancer-affected patients those with slow acetylation phenotype predominates. In those of the affected patients who had been exposed to chemical substances in the past, the percentage of slow acetylators was still higher (62.5%).