Integrated PET/CT for the evaluation of para-aortic nodal metastasis in locally advanced cervical cancer patients with negative conventional CT findings

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of integrated 2-[18F] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for the detection of para-aortic nodal status and to test whether PET/CT change management strategy in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients with negative conventional CT findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen locally advanced (FIGO stage IIB-IVA) cervical squamous cancer patients with negative conventional CT findings were eligible to enter this prospective study. All patients underwent firstly PET/CT scans then extraperitoneal surgical exploration for para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Based on histopathologic confirmation, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the PET/CT for para-aortic lymph node metastasis were estimated.

RESULTS

The median age was 48.7 (range 42-67). The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the PET/CT were 75%, 50%, 83.3%, 50% and 83.3%, respectively. The treatment was modified in four of sixteen (25%) patients; four patients received EFRT in combination with cisplatin chemotherapy instead of standard pelvic field radiotherapy in combination with cisplatin chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Our results, despite our study group is small, suggest that PET/CT is an effective imaging technique in the evaluation of LACC with negative CT findings. It may help planning the management especially selecting radiation field. However, larger controlled studies are needed to recommend PET/CT as an alternative to pre-treatment surgical staging.

The relationship between human papillomavirus infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in Turkish women

To compare the prevalence of cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Turkish women with normal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). In between March 2002 and November 2005, the study was designed as case–control study. Cytologic abnormalities in Pap smears were classified according to the Bethesda System (2001). Identification of the presence of HPV was carried out by the Hybrid Capture II test for all patients. To compare the groups, Chi-square test was used. A total of 1353 reproductive aged women were screened. Of them, 1344 (99.3%) had normal or class I Pap smear. Remaining nine cases (0.7%) had CIN at several degrees (five CIN I, three CIN II, and one carcinomain situ). While all these nine cases with cervical pathologies had HPV, only 20 cases from the other group (1.5%) had HPV (χ2466.1;P= 0.0001). This is the first study of the evaluation of the association between HPV and preinvasive cervical lesions in Turkish population. In spite of low general frequency (2.1%) of cervical HPV colonization in this population, a strong correlation was found between HPV and CIN.

Isolated interrupted inferior vena cava with azygos continuation mimicking paraesophageal lymph node enlargement

We report a case of interrupted inferior vena cava with azygos continuation diagnosed as a isolated finding in a patient with lung carcinoma. Findings of the unopacified CT scan initially simulated a paraesophageal lymphadenopathy. The contrast-enhanced spiral CT scan showed a dilated azygos vein in the absence of definable inferior vena cava.

Cardiac safety profile of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin reaching or exceeding lifetime cumulative doses of 550 mg/m2 in patients with recurrent ovarian and peritoneal cancer

The objective of this study is to evaluate the cardiac safety of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) reaching or exceeding a cumulative dose of 550 mg/m(2) in patients with recurrent ovarian and peritoneal cancer. A total of 14 patients (11 ovarian cancer, 3 primary peritoneal cancer) who received PLD in our center between February 2004 and October 2006 met inclusion criteria of the study. PLD was administered at doses of 30 mg/m(2) together with carboplatin or 50 mg/m(2) as a single agent every 3-6 weeks. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) estimations performed by M Mode ultrasound (General Electric Vivid-3, Milwaukee, Wisconsin) and clinical cardiac status were used to detect PLD-related cardiotoxicity. The median cumulative dose of PLD was 685.5 mg/m(2) (range 552-1015 mg/m(2)) and the median number of PLD courses was 9.5 (range 7-17). One patient had also been previously treated with conventional doxorubicin. LVEF scans were obtained on 10 of the 14 patients at the beginning of the therapy and on all patients at the end of therapy. No clinical evidence (symptoms or physical findings) of cardiac dysfunction had been observed in these patients either during active treatment or follow-up period. Despite small number of patients and lack of control group, our study suggests that the cumulative doses in excess of 550 mg/m(2) of PLD seem to not carry a significant risk of cardiomyopathy as judged by LVEF and clinical follow-up.

[Form stability after ear correction using the anterior scoring technique: a prospective study to compare anterior and the posterior approaches]

BACKGROUND

Protruding ears are usually caused by an overdeveloped concha and the lack of an anthelical fold. To reconstruct this fold, we applied the open anterior cartilage scoring technique. There are two different approaches for this technique, anterior access or posterior access. We have used the latter for years. After finding some minor partial relapses, we started a prospective study to compare the objective results of both techniques.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Forty patients underwent surgery (20 with anterior access and 20 with posterior access). The position of the ear to the head, which was defined by several standardized points of the ear (distance between the helical rim and the mastoid), was measured preoperatively, 3 weeks postoperatively after removing the anchoring splint sutures, and 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The differences between the measurements in the third week and third month show postoperative stability.

CONCLUSIONS

We could achieve the same stability using both techniques, but obtained more symmetrical results with posterior access.

Effects of acidified sodium chlorite, cetylpyridinium chloride and hot water on populations of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus on beef

AIMS

The present study was designed to determine the individual and combined effects of acidified sodium chlorite (ASC, 0.1%, 24 +/- 1 degrees C), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC, 0.5%, 24 +/- 1 degrees C) and hot water (HW, 93 +/- 1 degrees C) treatments on the survival of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Beef samples inoculated with L. monocytogenes and S. aureus were treated with nine different applications singly or in combination. Treatment groups comprised (i) untreated control; (ii) sterile tap water; (iii) 0.1% ASC; (iv) 0.5% CPC; (v) HW; (vi) HW followed by 0.1% ASC; (vii) HW followed by 0.5% CPC; (viii) 0.1% ASC followed by HW; (ix) 0.5% CPC followed by HW. Compared with the untreated control group, the reductions in L. monocytogenes populations were 1.14-2.31 log CFU g(-1), while the reductions in S. aureus populations were 0.83-2.74 log CFU g(-1) on day 0.

CONCLUSION

The reduction effect that occurred after combined treatment with ASC followed by HW, HW followed by ASC, CPC followed by HW and HW followed by CPC was found to be significantly greater (P < 0.05) than after treatment with ASC and CPC alone on days 0, 2 and 4 of storage.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

ASC, CPC and HW treatments can be used to reduce L. monocytogenes and S. aureus, which would provide an additional measure of safety on the production line.

Outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma

14141

Background: Hepatocelluler carcinoma (HCC) related mortality remains high although recent advances in management in cancer therapy. Treatment options of HCC can be surgical resection, percutaneus alcohol injection (PAI), transcatheter arterial embolisation (TAE), radiofrequency ablation (RF), systemic chemotherapy or liver transplantation. However it is unclear how effective are these methods for treating HCC. Methods: We reviewed the treatment results of 56 patients diagnosed with HCC between 1996–2005. Local treatment (PAI or TAE) or systemic chemotherapy or curative surgery (resection or liver transplantation) or no therapy was applied. Our inclusion criteria for transplantation were (independent of tumor size and number of tumor nodules) no invasion of major vascular structures and no extrahepatic disease, negative surgical exploration including hilar lymph node frozen section. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to evaluate outcome. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 57 years (range: 18–90). Of 56 patients 20 (35.7%) are alive, 14 (25%) are loss the follow-up and 22 (39.3%) are died. Sixty-eight percent of patients received therapy, and 32% received no specific therapy. Among patients who received therapy transplantation was the most common procedure (n: 18 patients, 47.4%). Three patients underwent surgery (70.9%); local therapies were applied 13 patients (34.2%). Twenty-three (46.4%) patients have single lesion in the liver, 27 (48.9%) patients have multiple lesions. No statistical difference was found in survival of patients with single lesion or multiple lesions (p > 0.05). Median follow-up of patients is 9 months (range: 1–41 months). Patients who underwent surgery or liver transplantation have statistically significant longer survival than patients treated with local therapies (PAI or TAE) (p < 0.01). Conclusion: HCC is a chemoresistant tumor. None of the used chemotherapy regimen demonstrated marked benefit in survival. Complete surgical excision can be curative but only small percentage of HCCs are resectable at the time of diagnosis. However liver transplantation in selected patients can cure both HCC and underlying cirrhosis. Expanded criteria for liver transplantation in our clinic seems to be beneficial on this disease.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Drug interaction between capecitabine and warfarin: a case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To report on possible adverse interaction between capecitabine and warfarin in a patient with cancer, who developed subconjunctival and nose bleeding during treatment with these drugs and review of the previously reported five cases in the literature.

CASE SUMMARY

In the second week of capecitabine treatment the patient was hospitalized owing to subconjunctival hemorrhage and nose bleeding. Her international normalized ratio (INR) level was found to have increased, and both drugs were discontinued. Fresh frozen plasma replacement was administered. Warfarin and capecitabine treatment were restarted again but the warfarin dose was decreased. The patients INR was kept between 2.5-3 with the reduced dose of warfarin.

DISCUSSION

Capecitabine is an orally active prodrug of fluorouracil (FU) and is extensively used as an antineoplastic agent. It is converted to 5-FU in the liver and tumor tissues. Warfarin is an antithrombolytic agent and is metabolized by liver cytochorom P450 (CYP) isoenzymes in liver. Preclinical in vitro studies using human liver microsomes report no inhibitory effects between capecitabine and substrates of CYP. However, the concomitant administration of capecitabine and warfarin resulted in gastrointestinal, retroperitoneal bleeding and hemorrhagic blisters in the five cases previously reported. The exact mechanism of this interaction is unknown; however, a significant pharmacokinetic interaction between capecitabine and S-warfarin resulting in exaggerated anticoagulant activity has recently been demonstrated. Here, we describe another case and use of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction (ADR) probability scale, which indicated a probable relationship between subconjunctival bleeding and epistaxis in this patient after concomitant warfarin and capecitabine use.

CONCLUSION

Capecitabine is extensively used in outpatient clinics, and physicians should be aware of ADRs arising from combined used of capecitabine and warfarin. In the light of the current data, INR levels should be closely monitored in patients using this medication regimen.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies by Turkish women with gynecological cancer

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prevalence and patterns of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) utilization among Turkish women with gynecological cancer

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 156 patients treated between December 2002 and March 2005 at the Ministry of Health Aegean Obstetrics and Gynecology Teaching Hospital, Department of Gynecologic Oncology were evaluated. Data regarding CAM use were obtained from patients by means of face-to-face interviews.

RESULTS

Sixty women (38.5%) had used CAM having been diagnosed with cancer; herbal medicine was the most common. The age, income, educational level, cancer site, FIGO stage, previous CAM usage, and time since patients were diagnosed with cancer were associated with CAM usage. The most (40%) commonly cited reason for CAM use was to boost the immune system. Although only 8.3% of CAM users received CAM information from health care professionals or CAM practitioners, this group of patients was more likely to discuss their CAM use with physicians.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that physicians should increase their knowledge of CAM therapies and ask cancer patients about previous CAM history.

Serological evidence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mammalian species in Turkey

In this study, the sera collected from a variety of mammalian species (ass-mules, cat, cattle, dog, horse, human and sheep) in 10 representative provinces of Turkey, were surveyed for the presence of neutralizing antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV). Overall, 1 of 40 (2.5%) ass-mules, 4 of 100 (4%) cattle, 43 of 114 (37.7%) dogs, 35 of 259 (13.5%) horses, 18 of 88 (20.4%) humans and 1 of 100 (1%) sheep, tested positive for WNV-neutralizing antibodies. The results indicate that a wide range of mammals are exposed to a West Nile-related virus and this could contribute to the long-term survival of this virus in the absence of overt disease.

Development of uterine sarcoma after tamoxifen treatment for breast cancer: report of four cases

Tamoxifen (TAM) is widely used in the treatment of breast cancer, and its paradoxical effects on female genital system are well known. During the past 10 years, many descriptions of nonepithelial uterine malignancies related to long-term TAM usage have been reported in the literature. Four uterine sarcoma patients who had history of TAM usage for previous breast cancer are presented in this study. The mean time of exposure to TAM was 6 (range 3-11) years, and the mean cumulative dose of drug was 43.82 g. All patients were postmenopausal, and the mean age was 66 (range 61-73) years at the time of the diagnosis of the uterine malignancy. Two (50%) patients had uterine malignant mixed müllerian tumor, and two (50%) had leiomyosarcoma. In one (25%) patient was diagnosed with endometrial biopsy made for a postmenopausal vaginal bleeding; the others (75%) were asymptomatic and their diseases were diagnosed during the pelvic examination and transvaginal ultrasonography. All patients underwent surgery +/- adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy), and two (50%) patients died because of the sarcoma. In consequence, early detection of TAM-related uterine sarcoma is required for orderly gynecological examination in patients having history of TAM usage for previous breast cancer.

Pregnancy in patients with previous successful renal transplantation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk factors affecting pregnancy, perinatal outcomes, and short-term graft condition in women who underwent renal transplantation.

METHOD

Between May 1998 and January 2005, the histories of 20 pregnancies in 17 renal transplant recipients were reviewed retrospectively at the Ministry of Health Aegean Obstetrics and Gynecology Teaching Hospital.

RESULT

There were significant associations between high serum creatinine level (>1.5 mg/dL) prior to pregnancy and preterm delivery (P=0.04), and between short interval between transplantation and pregnancy (<2 years) and increased rate of cesarean sections (P=0.04). There were no significant changes in serum creatinine levels during pregnancy in these women, and there were no acute rejection and graft loss during pregnancy or in the 6 months following delivery.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that, although pregnancy does not adversely affect short-term renal allograft function, the rates of obstetric and perinatal complications are increased. Risk factors present before conception are a short interval between renal transplantation and pregnancy and poor renal function.

Collective motions of RNA polymerases. Analysis of core enzyme, elongation complex and holoenzyme

The anisotropic network model (ANM), a coarse-grained normal mode analysis, is used to study the vibrational dynamics of RNA polymerases (RNAP) around the native states. The theoretical temperature factors obtained from ANM are in conformity with the experimental values for yeast and bacterial RNAP structures in free and complex forms. In the low-frequency collective modes that are related to biological function, both bacterial and yeast RNAPs with a crab claw shape display an opening/closing of the cleft due to the rigid-body motion of the clamp (bottom pincer), which has been also predicted by experiments, together with the motion of the top pincer. Even though slightly lower fluctuations are observed in the elongation complex of yeast RNAP, similar clamp motion still exists in collective modes, which should be concerted with the flexible switches and the bridge helix in driving the transcription process, pointing at the possibility of a ratchet-like mechanism. Two different bacterial holoenzyme (HE) structures are studied, which may have functional significance at different stages of transcription initiation. In a specific closed conformation of the HE, the clamp and top pincer are highly immobilized due to interactions with the sigma subunit. In contrast, the deformation of the top pincer is not inhibited in a relatively open conformation of another HE, which may help load the DNA into the cleft during transcription initiation, even though the clamp motion is still inhibited.

A randomized prospective study of comparison of reservoir ports versus conventional vascular access in advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma cases treated with chemotherapy

Vascular access ports were developed to overcome many of the problems associated with limited peripheral access, combined with the need for frequent venipuncture, in oncology patients receiving long-term intensive therapy. In this study, we compared the effectivity and acceptability of vascular access port with conventional needle application together with complication rates in ovarian cancer patients. Advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma cases under chemotherapy treatment were equally randomized into two groups, implantable vascular access ports applied to one group (22 cases) and conventional vascular access applied to the other (38 cases) as a control group. Anteroposterior thoracic X-rays of implantable port-applied cases were taken before and after the application. Vortex reservoir ports (Horizon Medical Products, Inc., Manchester, GA) were used in the application to the subclavian vein. Classic peripheral venipuncture method (Medikit), Mediflon(trade mark) IV cannula with PTFE radiopaque catheter and injection valve, Eastern Medikit Ltd, Gurgaon, Haryana, India) was used in the control group. Vascular accesses of all cases were controlled just after the application, 12 h after the application, and during each drug or intravenous fluid application. Mean port insertion time was 26.3 min. Total port occlusion was observed in two of the port-applied cases (11.7%) and partial port occlusion was observed in five of the port-applied cases (29%). Heparin and saline combination was used in order to open the port tip, in five cases, two with total occlusion and three with partial occlusion. Infection was observed in only one case (5%) to whom appropriate therapy was given, and the port was taken out. Ports of two cases were also taken out because of skin dehiscence. No change in port tip position was observed in any of the cases. Total occlusion was observed in 16 of the 38 cases (42.1%) with conventional vascular access. In 12 cases (31.5%), a need arose to change the conventional vascular access. No vascular access was found in 13 of the 38 cases (34.2%). Application of reservoir ports especially to cases with advanced-stage carcinomas, under chemotherapeutic drug treatment, leads to minimal anxiety for the patient and his/her family and minimal risk of physical trauma to the patient with only one vascular access. Reservoir ports occlude or cause infection to a lesser extent than classic vascular access methods. Occlusion or infection rates of reservoir ports are statistically significant, lower than those of classic venipuncture.

A randomized prospective study of comparison of reservoir ports versus conventional vascular access in advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma cases treated with chemotherapy

Vascular access ports were developed to overcome many of the problems associated with limited peripheral access, combined with the need for frequent venipuncture, in oncology patients receiving long-term intensive therapy. In this study, we compared the effectivity and acceptability of vascular access port with conventional needle application together with complication rates in ovarian cancer patients. Advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma cases under chemotherapy treatment were equally randomized into two groups, implantable vascular access ports applied to one group (22 cases) and conventional vascular access applied to the other (38 cases) as a control group. Anteroposterior thoracic X-rays of implantable port-applied cases were taken before and after the application. Vortex® reservoir ports (Horizon Medical Products, Inc., Manchester, GA) were used in the application to the subclavian vein. Classic peripheral venipuncture method (Medikit®, Mediflon™ IV cannula with PTFE radiopaque catheter and injection valve, Eastern Medikit Ltd, Gurgaon, Haryana, India) was used in the control group. Vascular accesses of all cases were controlled just after the application, 12 h after the application, and during each drug or intravenous fluid application. Mean port insertion time was 26.3 min. Total port occlusion was observed in two of the port-applied cases (11.7%) and partial port occlusion was observed in five of the port-applied cases (29%). Heparin and saline combination was used in order to open the port tip, in five cases, two with total occlusion and three with partial occlusion. Infection was observed in only one case (5%) to whom appropriate therapy was given, and the port was taken out. Ports of two cases were also taken out because of skin dehiscence. No change in port tip position was observed in any of the cases. Total occlusion was observed in 16 of the 38 cases (42.1%) with conventional vascular access. In 12 cases (31.5%), a need arose to change the conventional vascular access. No vascular access was found in 13 of the 38 cases (34.2%). Application of reservoir ports especially to cases with advanced-stage carcinomas, under chemotherapeutic drug treatment, leads to minimal anxiety for the patient and his/her family and minimal risk of physical trauma to the patient with only one vascular access. Reservoir ports occlude or cause infection to a lesser extent than classic vascular access methods. Occlusion or infection rates of reservoir ports are statistically significant, lower than those of classic venipuncture.

No association between serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-I, vascular endothelial growth factor, prolactin and clinicopathological characteristics of breast carcinoma after surgery

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis is essential for tumour growth and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been suggested as the major angio-genic factor in breast carcinoma. Both insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and prolactin are involved in the progression of breast cancer at least partly by stimulating angiogenesis.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between serum IGF-I, VEGF and prolactin levels and clinicopathological characteristics of breast carcinoma.

METHODS

Serum IGF-I, VEGF and prolactin levels were measured in breast cancer patients and controls and these levels were compared with well-known clinicopathological characteristics of breast carcinoma, including tumour size, axillary lymph node and oestrogen/progesterone receptor status, tumour grade and disease stage.

RESULTS

Serum prolactin, VEGF and IGF-I levels were found to be similar in breast cancer patients and control subjects (P > 0.05). When the patients were divided into groups according to their tumour size, axillary lymph node status, tumour grade, oestrogen/progesterone receptor status and disease stage, no significant differences in serum prolactin, VEGF and IGF-I levels were found among the groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study failed to demonstrate an association between serum levels of VEGF, IGF-I and prolactin and well-known clinicopathological characteristics of breast carcinoma.

Experience with albumin dialysis in five patients with severe overdoses of paracetamol

Five patients in whom the serum paracetamol levels or the amount of ingested paracetamol was high enough to cause severe liver injury were treated with N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and a molecular absorbant recirculating system (MARS). MARS treatment was started as early as possible in order to prevent or retard the development of hepatocyte necrosis. Four of our five patients survived without liver transplantation, and one died due to brain oedema. The early commencement with NAC and MARS treatments in paracetamol intoxication might give enough time for the liver to regenerate and thus avoid liver transplantation.

Effect of different neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens on locally advanced breast cancer

In this retrospective study, we evaluated the results of 91 locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients (30 patients in stage IIIA - 33.0%, 61 patients in stage IIIB - 67.0%) who had been treated with different neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens. Forty-three (47.3%) patients treated with FAC (5-Fluorouracil, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide) or CA (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin), 33 (36.3%) with FEC (5-Fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide) or CE (cyclophosphamide, epirubicin) and 15 (16.5%) with CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-Fluorouracil) combination as neoadjuvant setting. Median follow-up duration was 33 (6-116) months in 91 patients. There was no significant difference in the pretreatment characteristics of patients receiving FAC/CA, FEC/CE and CMF including age, disease stage, menopausal and estrogen/progesteron receptor (ER/PR) status (p>0.05). In CMF group, no patient was treated with taxan as adjuvant setting. However, ten patients (30.3%) in FEC/CE group and 21 patients (48.8%) in FAC/CA group were treated with taxans. Overall response rate was lower in CMF group (60.0%), when compared to FEC/CE (81.9%) and FAC/CA (91.0%) groups (p<0.05). Median overall survival (OS) and diseases free survival (DFS) were similar in three groups; 28.0 months (range: 14.8-41.1) and 12.0 months (range: 5.3-18.6) in CMF, 45.0 months (range: 16.8-73.1) and 23.0 months (range: 0.0-48.6) in FEC/CE, 46.0 months (range: 41.1-50.8) and 22.0 months (range: 11.1-32.8) months in FAC/CA groups, respectively (p>0.05). In conclusion, overall response rates were found to be higher in anthracycline-based combinations than CMF, but these regimens had no additional survival advantage over CMF regimen. Long-term effects of these regimens should be investigated in further randomized trials.

Relationship of sexuality with psychological and hormonal features in the menopausal period

Women may experience some mental and sexual problems between the ages of 40 years and 60 years due to serious changes in the hormonal system. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between the changes in sex hormones, sexual behaviours, depression and anxiety levels of women who were in either the premenopausal, perimenopausal or postmenopausal period. The subjects of this cross-sectional study consisted of 324 women who attended the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Out-Patient Ward of Celal Bayar University Hospital. Of this group, 37.0% (n = 124) were postmenopausal, 27.2% (n = 84) perimenopausal and 35.8% (n = 116) premenopausal. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State and Trait Anxiety Inventories (STAI-I and II) and a questionnaire on sexual behaviour which was prepared for this study by the authors, were applied to all of the attendees and serum sex hormone levels were analyzed. Beck Depression Anxiety, STAI-I and STAI-II scores and sexual behaviours did not show any statistically significant difference among these three groups. The frequency of sexual intercourse was lower in women with high BDI scores. The rate of painful intercourse was higher in women with high STAI-I scores. The frequency of sexual intercourse, sexual desire and orgasm decreased and painful intercourse increased in women with high STAI-II scores. The frequency of sexual intercourse decreased significantly as the age or follicle stimulating hormone level of women increased. These findings have revealed that the menopausal state did not affect the sexual behaviour, and psychological state of women between the ages of 40 and 60 years, but the increase in anxiety and depression scores affected the sexual life in a negative manner.

Immunolocalization of transforming growth factor-beta 3 in pregnant human myometrium

BACKGROUND

Transforming growth factor-beta 3 is a cytokine which is involved in cell growth regulation and differentiation, stimulation of extracellular matrix and modulation of immune responses. The goal of this study was to detect the presence of this cytokine in the myometrium of preterm and term, nonlaboring and laboring patients, and to measure serum levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-6 and IL-8 before cesarean section.

METHODS

In this prospective study, we obtained samples of myometrium from the lower uterine segment during elective and emergency cesarean sections (term non-laboring, n=8; term laboring, n=7; preterm non-laboring, n=3; and preterm laboring, n=19) and stained for transforming growth factor-beta 3. Blood was also sampled from the same patients to determine IL-1 beta, IL-6 and IL-8 levels.

RESULTS

Different intensities of staining were detected in preterm laboring, term nonlaboring and term laboring groups, but there was no staining in preterm nonlaboring group. We also found a statistically significant difference in IL-6 levels between laboring and nonlaboring groups (p=0.028).

CONCLUSION

Different intensities of TGF-beta 3 which appeared in different stages of myometrium made us consider that TGF-beta 3 might prepare myometrium to labor, and IL-6 was more important than the other interleukins in initiation of labor.

Self-radioiodination of iodogen

Iodogen (1,3,4,6-tetrachloro-3alpha,6alpha-diphenylglucoluril) is commonly used for the radioiodination of proteins as an oxidative agent. The oxidative character of iodogen is not clear, but the two carbonyl groups in its structure probably have an essential role in its oxidizing character. In this study, the self-radioiodination of iodogen has been examined. It was observed that about 10-20% of the initial iodine radioactivity was consumed for the self-radioiodination of iodogen itself. On the other hand, the radioiodinated iodogen removed by ethyl alcohol from the iodogen-coated tubes showed clearly that no thyroid uptake was observed and that it was rapidly cleared out from the whole body of a rabbit administered with the radioiodinated iodogen by injection via the ear vein.

Propofol-induced ataxia and hypnosis in rat lines selected for differential alcohol sensitivity

An alcohol-sensitive rat line, selectively bred for high sensitivity to ethanol-induced motor impairment, also exhibits greater sensitivity to gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor agonists, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, than an alcohol-insensitive rat line. We have investigated whether this difference was also maintained for the most recent intravenous anaesthetic, propofol. Propofol (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) induced similar sleep times and produced identical plasma propofol concentrations in alcohol-sensitive and alcohol-insensitive rat lines. At lower doses (50 and 75, but not 25 mg/kg), propofol produced a greater motor impairment in a tilting plane test in alcohol-sensitive than alcohol-insensitive rats shortly after the injection. Binding of a convulsant, [35S]t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate, to cerebellar and cerebrocortical GABAA receptors in the presence of 2 microM GABA was similarly affected by low micromolar propofol concentrations in both rat lines, while in the absence of GABA, propofol was slightly less potent in the alcohol-sensitive than alcohol-insensitive line. These data indicate that alcohol-sensitive rats show transiently enhanced sensitivity to an ataxic, but not to a hypnotic dose of propofol, which cannot be explained by sensitivity differences to propofol in GABAA receptors determined in a binding assay using brain membrane homogenates.