Unpacking the relationship between Big Five personality traits and experimental pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Pain is essential for survival, but individual responses to painful stimuli vary, representing a complex interplay between sensory, cognitive, and affective factors. Individual differences in personality traits and in pain perception covary but it is unclear which traits play the most significant role in understanding the pain experience and whether this depends on pain modality. A systematic search identified 1534 records (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, PubMed and Web of Science), of which 22 were retained and included in a systematic review. Only studies from the pressure pain domain (n=6) could be compared in a formal meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between Big Five traits and experimental pain. Pressure pain tolerance correlated positively with Extraversion and negatively with Neuroticism with a trivial effect size (<0.1). While these findings suggest personality might be only weakly related to pain in healthy individuals, we emphasize the need to consider standardization, biases, and adequate sample sizes in future research, as well as additional factors that might affect experimental pain sensitivity.

[THE FETAL MIDDLE CEREBRAL ARTERY PEAK SYSTOLIC VELOCITY AS A PEDICTOR OF FETAL ANEMIA IN RH-ALLOIMMUNIZED PREGNANCY].

UNLABELLED: Rh-isoimmunization is a pathological condition in which the fetal red blood cells of a Rh (+) fetus are destroyed by the isoantibodies of a Rh (-) woman sensitized in a previous event. Despite of the wide spread implementation of anti D-gammaglobolin prophylaxis this is still the most common cause for fetal anemia. Recently, sonographic measurement of the fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) has been shown to be an accurate non-invasive test to predict low fetal hemoglobin levels. We present a case report of Rh-alloimmunized pregnancy with moderate fetal anemia, followed-up by weekly MCA-PSV measurements. CASE REPORT: A 37-year-old Rh (-) negative gravida 3, para 1, without anti-D gammaglobolin prophylaxis in her previous pregnancies, presented at 27+0 weeks of gestation (w.g.) for a routine third trimester scan. Subsequent ultrasound measurements of MCA-PSV confirmed a progressive increase of the peak systolic velocities from 40 to 80 cm/sec, as well as a gradual rise in the anti-D titers. The evidence of developing fetal anemia necessitated elective Caesarean section performed at 35 wg. The neonate was admitted in the intensive care unit and required resuscitation, one exchange blood transfusion and several courses of phototherapy. The patient was discharged two weeks post partum. CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong correlation between the high peak systolic velocities in the middle cerebral artery (MCA-PSV) and the low levels of fetal hemoglobin. The high sensitivity and positive predictive value concerning the development of fetal anemia, as well as its good repeatability, makes this non-invasive test a valuable asset in the management of all pregnancies complicated by severe Rh-alloimmunization.

[Significance of some colposcopy signs as a marker for severity of histologic atypia].

We present the latest revision of colposcopic terminology accepted by IFCPC. The differences from the previous revision are represented. Colposcopic atypia encompasses a wide range of changes in the cervical mucosa. Therefore to drawa parallel between colposcopic findings and the severity of the histological changes in affected areas is difficult. The objective of the observers is to improve the accuracy of colposcopy as diagnostic method. For this purpose specific signs are searched that increase the degree of coincidence between colposcopic and histological atypia We present examples for the described markers "inner border sign" and "ridge sign", included in the latest nomenclature of IFCPC. Research results show the specificity of "inner border sign" and "ridge sign" for the detection of underlying CIN2/3 reaches 93.1% and 97% respectively. We have illustrated also the recently defined "rag sign" and "umbilication", which could be associated with high-grade CIN. Conclusion. Careful review of the lesion when there is a colposcopic atypia can detect features that guide the examiner to possibly severe changes and therefore have practical significance in selecting a suitable biopsy place and appropriate observing.

[Diagnostic value of TruScreen, cytology and colposcopy].

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of TruScreen with that of already approved in practice methods for detection of precancerous conditions of the cervix. This study reviewed 301 patients; for analysis were included 260 women aged from 16 to 69 years, mean 35.82 years. They were divided into three groups. RESULTS: After statistical analysis of the results we found sensitivity of conventional Pap smear, colposcopy and TruScreen respectively 67.44%, 96.55% and 53.85%, and specificity respectively 83.93%, 45.90% and 78.79%. CONCLUSION: TruScreen is a representative of real time methods for cervical screening. Our results are close to the obtained in other studies: medium value sensitivity and high specificity of the method, which shows that there is a possibility for its use as a primary screening, and also in addition to cytology. TruScreen is especially suitable in places where no cytology laboratories and specialists are available. It is a quick method (result at the moment), does not require special qualification and long training of the operator (as opposed to colposcopy) and is well received by women. Sufficient number of cases remains to be collected for more accurate assessment of the potential of TruScreen. It is appropriate to identify if TruScreen has different diagnostic value in mild and severe cervical changes, and also its efficacy as a primary screening method and in combination with other already approved in practice screening methods.

[Congenital rhabdomyoma--prenatal diagnosis with three-dimensional ultrasound of two cases with different pregnancy outcome].

Congenital rhabdomyoma is the most common benign tumor of the fetal heart. Usually it occurs as a single or multiple lesions located within the ventricles and it is often associated with tuberous sclerosis after birth. We present two cases of congenital rhabdomyoma diagnosed in the third trimester with three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound. Both cases had different pregnancy outcome.

[Empty renal fossa--a prenatal diagnostic dilemma].

AIM: To assess the feasibility of ultrasound for the prenatal diagnosis and the evaluation of prognosis in cases with empty fetal renal fossa. METHODS: A prospective observational longitudinal study from September 2007 till May 2010 was performed with high-resolution ultrasound equipment at MC "MARKOVS" and State University Hospital of Ob/Gyne "Maichin dom", Sofia. Seventeen cases with empty fetal renal fossa (EFRF) were prenatally diagnosed. Renal ectopia or unilateral renal agenesis (URA) were the two major differential diagnoses. Cases with bilateral renal agenesis were excluded from further analysis. The following prognostic factors were analyzed: gestational age at diagnosis, type and location of the defect, obstruction of the urinary tract and presence of associated structural fetal abnormalities. Invasive prenatal diagnosis (genetic amniocentesis) and fetal karyotyping was offered if required. Termination of pregnancy was an option in cases diagnosed at earlier gestational age with pessimistic prognosis. All continuing pregnancies were followed-up sonographically, incl. with fetal echocardiography. Pregnancy outcome was ascertained from hospital records, referring physicians and/or the patients themselves. RESULTS: Overall 17 cases with EFRF were prenatally diagnosed during the study period. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 22+3 w.g. Prenatal detection of EFRF before 24 w.g. was achieved in 82 (14/17). There were 9 cases of ectopic kidney: 7--pelvic, 1--iliac, 1--crossed fused ectopia. The remaining 8 cases had URA. Empty fetal renal fossa was an isolated finding in 16/17 cases. In the last 17th case the anomaly was part of a malformation complex associated with tetralogy of Fallot and single umbilical artery. No cases with urinary tract obstruction were observed. In 16/17 cases there was favorable perinatal outcome. The remaining pregnancy with associated anomalies was terminated. There was one case with missed diagnosis of URA, detected after birth during an abdominal scan performed for another reason. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is the method of choice for prenatal diagnosis and prognostic evaluation in cases with EFRF. Early detection allows adequate consultation and pregnancy follow-up. In cases with associated anomalies termination of pregnancy is an option. All continuing pregnancies with EFRF generally have good prognosis and favorable perinatal outcome.

[First trimester prenatal diagnosis of structural fetal anomalies with three dimensional ultrasound--possibilities and limitations].

AIM: To assess the possibilities of first trimester three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound fetal morphology survey and to analyze its advantages and limitations. METHODS: A retrospective study of 483 singleton pregnancies scanned between 11-14 weeks of gestation (w.g.) was performed in the University Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology "Maichin dom" and MC "Markovs", Sofia between Jan 2009 and Oct 2010. All cases were examined with conventional 2D ultrasound for assessment of fetal number, viability and biometry. In addition, ultrasound screening for chromosomal fetal anomalies by nuchal translucency measurement and nasal bone assessment was also performed. In all cases of structural fetal abnormality several 3D/4D volumes of the region of interest were acquired. The clinical relevance of each volume data set was analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-two cases of structural fetal abnormalities were detected throughout the study period. There were 4 cases of central nervous system anomalies (2--anencephaly, 1--holoprosencephaly, 1--open spina bifida); 6 cases of gastro-intestinal tract anomalies (3--omphalocele, 1--gastroschisis, 1--abdominal cyst, 1--diaphragmatic hernia); 1 case with megacystis, 2 cases with skeletal anomalies (1--club foot, 1--club hand); 2 cases with atrioventricular septal defect; 5 cases with increased NT > 3 MM (1--monosomy 45,XO, 2--rare genetic syndromes, 2--normal perinatal outcome); 2 cases with polymalformation syndromes (1--body stalk anomaly, 1--pentalogy of Cantrell). In most of the cases 3D ultrasound has contributed with additional information in relation to the type and severity of the structural defect. However, in all cases it was not the primary diagnostic tool needed for the establishment of the correct prenatal diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound is a new imaging modality which provides better visualization of the fetal anatomy and has the potential to improve the detection rate of structural fetal abnormalities in early gestation. However, 3D ultrasound in the first trimester only complements, rather than substitutes the conventional gray-scale imaging in B-mode.

Co-precipitative pre-concentration with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate and ICP-AES determination of Se, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Cr and Cd in water.

Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate in the presence of a weak oxidizing agent is used as a co-precipitative agent for the pre-concentration of Se, Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Cr and Cd. A procedure was developed for ICP-AES determination of these elements after pre-concentration in river and waste water (an enrichment factor of 40). The recovery of all the elements tested for was more than 98%. The limits of determination (mg l(-1)) (10 S.D. blank) are 0.001 (Cu, Co, Cr, Mn), 0.0007 (Zn, Cd), 0.003 (Se), 0.004 (Fe), 0.007 (Ni), and 0.01 (Pb).

Immunohistochemical and electron microscope studies of rat islets of Langerhans one month after adult thymectomy.

Ultrastructural and quantitative immunocytochemical studies of rat pancreata were carried out 1 month after adult thymectomy. The proportions of insulin-, glucagon-, and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells in the pancreas were estimated on paraffin sections using the unlabelled peroxidase-antiperoxidase method. Relative islet volume, islet size and number were determined on hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. A moderate increase of the islet volume on account of size was found in the pancreas of the thymectomized rats. The proportion of insulin-immunoreactive cells was also elevated. Ultrastructural studies showed a rich supply of secretory granules in most beta-cells. Mixed beta-endocrine-acinar cells were often observed. Mitotic figures were found in single beta-cells. The blood glucose level was in the normal range. The findings suggest a moderate stimulation of beta-cell secretory activity after thymectomy which is not associated with elevated blood glucose levels.

Heterocyclic dithiophosphates as analytical reagents Indirect extraction-spectrophotometric determination of silver in copper concentrates and ores.

The proposed method is based on the exchange reaction between the complex of copper(II) with 4,7-dimethyl-2-thiol-2-thion-1,3,2-dioxophosphorinan (DOPh(III)) in toluene and an aqueous solution of silver(I). The decrease in the absorbance of the Cu(DOPh(III))(2) solution is proportional to the silver(I) concentration for 5-90 mug of silver in 5 ml of toluene extract and 5-30 mug in 10 ml of toluene extract. The method is applied to the determination of silver in copper concentrates and ores.