Validation of the Centrality of Religiosity Scale for the Portuguese Population.

The main aim of this study was to validate and adapt the Centrality of Religiosity Scale to the Portuguese population. A total of 1018 subjects participated in this study. The metric qualities demonstrated in the analyses suggested that the factor structure was based on five dimensions identical to those proposed by its authors. After analysing its psychometric qualities, we concluded that this instrument can be applied to the Portuguese population and is a valuable tool in studies related to the psychology of religion and spirituality.

Battles of the Soul: Validation of the Scale of Religious and Spiritual Struggles (RSS) for the Portuguese Population.

This study aims to adapt and validate the Religious and Spiritual Struggles Scale for the Portuguese population. The sample consisted of 732 participants with various religious affiliations. The exploratory factor analysis showed that it consists of six dimensions, similar to the initial instrument. A KMO of 0.91 was obtained. The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the existence of six factors and showed adequate fit indices. Internal consistency and construct reliability were above 0.70. The analysis of the psychometric qualities of this instrument indicates that it can be applied to the Portuguese population and is a valuable instrument for psychotherapeutic practice and studies in the psychology of religion and spirituality.

Genito Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder (GPPPD) in Spanish Women-Clinical Approach in Primary Health Care: Review and Meta-Analysis.

Sexuality is a component of great relevance in humans. Sexual disorders are a major public health problem representing a high prevalence in the general population. DSM-5 genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD) includes dyspareunia and vaginismus (DSM-IV-TR). To assess the importance of research on these disorders in Spain, we evaluated the Spanish scientific publications of primary and community care. The objective was to quantify the magnitude of the publications of GPPPD in Spanish women in primary and community care. For this, we used the method of conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating GPPPD. As main results, of the 551 items found, we selected 11 studies that met the inclusion criteria. In primary care in Spain, one in nine women has these disorders; the percentage of women with GPPPD in this study (raw data) was 11.23% (95% CI: 0-29%) (vaginismus 5%; penetration pain 8.33%; dyspareunia 16.45%). These percentages can differ of those from other countries, and they are at the top of the data of the European countries (9-11.9%). There is much variability in the studies found in the world with respect to the prevalence of these health problems.

Sexuality, Quality of Life, Anxiety, Depression, and Anger in Patients with Anal Fissure. A Case-Control Study.

Anal fissures (AFs) are lesions located in the lower anal canal. They can be primary (chronic or acute) or secondary to a basic disease. There is high comorbidity of depression and anxiety in patients with chronic AF, with poorer quality of life (QoL) and sexual function. This is a case-control study carried out in the San Juan Hospital (Alicante, Spain). Sixty-seven participants were included in the study, including 35 cases and 32 controls: 36 males and 31 females. This study aims to investigate the association of presenting AFs with sexuality, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and anger. The instruments used were the Spanish validated versions of the validated original selected questionnaires. These instruments were used to assess health-related quality of life, anxiety, anger, depression, and sexual function. Results show higher values in cases than in controls with statistical significance in anxiety state and trait; anxiety and depression; bodily pain, general health, and vitality; and 10 of the 12 anger factors. Higher values in controls than in cases with statistical significance in sexuality and many of the QoL factors were found. Addressing these issues in AF surgical patients would be beneficial for their clinical assessment and intervention.

[Metabolic alterations and stones in patients with orthotopic ileal diversions. Case description.] / Alteraciones metabólicas y litiasis en pacientes con derivación ileal ortotópica. A propósito de un caso.

OBJECTIVE: Bacterial presence, anatomic anomalies and metabolic alterations increase the risk of stone formation in patients with neobladders. These patients sometimes require medical or surgical procedures. The aim of the current work is to analyze those alterations and medical treatment associated to it. METHODS: A case of a 66 yo male who had undergone a cystectomy with neobladder 3 years ago. Currently present with a staghorn stone on the right kidney. Past medical history of stone formation as well as double J calcification. RESULTS: The combination of medical and surgical treatment for stone was performed. Medical therapy will allow prevention of new stones. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic and chronic infections in patients with neobladders treated should decreased the new stone formation in patients with neobladders.

OBJETIVO: La colonización bacteriana, las alteraciones anatómicas y las anomalías metabólicas aumentan el riesgo de litiasis en los pacientes con neovejiga, precisando en muchas ocasiones de un abordaje médico y quirúrgico complejo. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar dichas alteraciones y el tratamiento médico de las mismas. MÉTODOS: Se presenta el caso de un varón de 66 años con antecedente de cistectomía más derivación ortotópica desde hace tres años, el cual presenta litiasis coraliforme en riñón derecho. Antecedentes de varias litiasis, así como calcificación de doble J. RESULTADO: Mediante la combinación de tratamientos médicos y quirúrgicos se tratan las litiasis del paciente, siendo especialmente importante el manejo médico en la prevención de futuros eventos litiásicos. CONCLUSIONES: Diagnosticar y tratar las alteraciones metabólicas y las infecciones crónicas en pacientes con neovejiga puede reducir la aparición de litiasis en los pacientes con neovejiga.

Validation of a Scale of Religious and Spiritual Coping (RCOPE) for the Portuguese Population.

The scale of religious and spiritual coping (RCOPE) is one of the most used measures in the evaluation of coping strategies based on faith. Despite being validated for the Portuguese language in the Brazilian context, there was still no validation for European Portuguese, which seems important considering the cultural differences. We aimed at examining the validity and reliability of the RCOPE with a Portuguese sample. The present study used cross-sectional data from 1103 volunteers that completed the online survey. After randomly splitting the sample (1:1) for cross-validation purposes, an ordinal exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed. McDonald's omega, Cronbach's alpha and mean inter-item correlations were used to determine the internal consistency and homogeneity of the RCOPE. The convergent and discriminant validity of the scale was assessed using standardized factor loadings, the average variance extracted and the squared correlation between latent factors, respectively. In the current study, the final structure of the scale included 17 items aggregated into two correlated latent factors. The Portuguese version of the RCOPE showed acceptable psychometric proprieties, which will be an advantageous instrument for the practice and research of psychology in religion and spirituality.

Alteraciones metabólicas y litiasis en pacientes con derivación ileal ortotópica. A propósito de un caso / Metabolic alterations and lithiasis in patients with orthotopic ileal diversion. About a case

Objetivo: La colonización bacteriana, lasalteraciones anatómicas y las anomalías metabólicas aumentan el riesgo de litiasis en los pacientes con neovejiga,precisando en muchas ocasiones de un abordaje médicoy quirúrgico complejo. El objetivo del trabajo es analizardichas alteraciones y el tratamiento médico de las mismas.Métodos: Se presenta el caso de un varón de 66 añoscon antecedente de cistectomía más derivación ortotópicadesde hace tres años, el cual presenta litiasis coraliformeen riñón derecho. Antecedentes de varias litiasis, así comocalcificación de doble J. Resultado: Mediante la combinación de tratamientosmédicos y quirúrgicos se tratan las litiasis del paciente,siendo especialmente importante el manejo médico en laprevención de futuros eventos litiásicos.Conclusiones: Diagnosticar y tratar las alteracionesmetabólicas y las infecciones crónicas en pacientes conneovejiga puede reducir la aparición de litiasis en los pacientes con neovejiga.(AU)

Objetive: Bacterial presence, anatomicanomalies and metabolic alterations increase the risk ofstone formation in patients with neobladders. These patients sometimes require medical or surgical procedures.The aim of the current work is to analyze those alterationsand medical treatment associated to it.Methods: A case of a 66 yo male who had undergonea cystectomy with neobladder 3 years ago. Currently present with a staghorn stone on the right kidney. Past medicalhistory of stone formation as well as double J calcification.Results: The combination of medical and surgical treatment for stone was performed. Medical therapy will allowprevention of new stones.Conclusions: Metabolic and chronic infections in patients with neobladders treated should decreased the newstone formation in patients with neobladders.(AU)

Adsorption separation of heavier isotope gases in subnanometer carbon pores.

Isotopes of heavier gases including carbon (13C/14C), nitrogen (13N), and oxygen (18O) are highly important because they can be substituted for naturally occurring atoms without significantly perturbing the biochemical properties of the radiolabelled parent molecules. These labelled molecules are employed in clinical radiopharmaceuticals, in studies of brain disease and as imaging probes for advanced medical imaging techniques such as positron-emission tomography (PET). Established distillation-based isotope gas separation methods have a separation factor (S) below 1.05 and incur very high operating costs due to high energy consumption and long processing times, highlighting the need for new separation technologies. Here, we show a rapid and highly selective adsorption-based separation of 18O2 from 16O2 with S above 60 using nanoporous adsorbents operating near the boiling point of methane (112 K), which is accessible through cryogenic liquefied-natural-gas technology. A collective-nuclear-quantum effect difference between the ordered 18O2 and 16O2 molecular assemblies confined in subnanometer pores can explain the observed equilibrium separation and is applicable to other isotopic gases.

Topology of Disordered 3D Graphene Networks.

Disordered carbons comprise graphene fragments assembled into three-dimensional networks. It has long been debated whether these networks contain positive curvature, as seen in fullerenes, negative curvature, as proposed for the schwarzite structures, or zero curvature, as in ribbons. We present a mesh-based approach to analyze the topology of a set of nanoporous and glassy carbon models that accurately reproduce experimental properties. Although all three topological elements are present, negatively curved structures dominate. At the atomic level, analysis of local environments shows that sp- and sp^{3}-bonded atoms are associated with line defects and screw dislocations that resolve topological complexities such as termination of free edges and stacking of low curvature regions into ribbons. These results provide insight into the synthesis of porous carbon materials, glassy carbon and the graphitizability of carbon materials.

Vortex fluidic mediated transformation of graphite into highly conducting graphene scrolls.

Two-dimensional graphene has remarkable properties that are revolutionary in many applications. Scrolling monolayer graphene with precise tunability would create further potential for niche applications but this has proved challenging. We have now established the ability to fabricate monolayer graphene scrolls in high yield directly from graphite flakes under non-equilibrium conditions at room temperature in dynamic thin films of liquid. Using conductive atomic force microscopy we demonstrate that the graphene scrolls form highly conducting electrical contacts to highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). These highly conducting graphite-graphene contacts are attractive for the fabrication of interconnects in microcircuits and align with the increasing interest in building all sp2-carbon circuits. Above a temperature of 450 °C the scrolls unravel into buckled graphene sheets, and this process is understood on a theoretical basis. These findings augur well for new applications, in particular for incorporating the scrolls into miniaturized electronic devices.

Sexual Quality of Life After Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence With Adjustable Tension-free Mesh System in Women Who Were Sexually Active Before Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the sexuality and quality of life of sexually active women with stress or mixed urinary incontinence (SUI or MUI) after surgery with adjustable tension-free suburethral mesh system (transobturator adjustable tape or transvaginal adjustable tape). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This intervention study with 2 years of follow-up (visits at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years) involved 60 women with SUI or MUI who underwent surgery using transobturator adjustable tape or transvaginal adjustable tape during 2008-2014 in a Spanish region. The variables of interest measured pre- and postintervention were the global scores on the following questionnaires: (1) the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12; (2) the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire; and (3) the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire. Mixed linear models were constructed to determine the effect of the intervention on the outcome variables. RESULTS: A significant improvement (P <.001) was seen over time in all the questionnaires, although between the 1- and 2-year visits there was a slight deterioration in all of them. CONCLUSION: The technique provided an improved quality of life and sexuality, which was maintained at all the postoperative visits compared with baseline.

Lateral-based Anterior Vaginal Wall Flap in the Treatment of Female Urethral Stricture: Efficacy and Safety.

BACKGROUND: Female urethral stricture is a rare condition. Different types of urethroplasty have been described. However, high quality studies are sparse. The most common technique used-the Blandy's technique-has resulted in our cases in a retrusive meatus and an inward urinary stream. OBJECTIVE: To show the efficacy and safety of an alternative vaginal wall flap urethroplasty. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional observational study was undertaken in a single University Hospital. Nine female patients previously diagnosed with urethral stricture at our institution underwent open surgery from 1993 to 2015. They were contacted and agreed to undergo a medical examination. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: A ventral lateral-based anterior vaginal wall flap urethroplasty inspired by the Orandi technique for male urethroplasty was performed. MEASUREMENTS: A chart review was performed. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The mean age was 56 yr (41-78 yr). The mean follow-up was 80.7 mo (12-198). All patients had relief of symptoms. The meatus of all patients stayed in an orthotopic position without any impact on the direction of the urinary stream. The average caliber of the urethra increased from 10.8 Fr (6-18 Fr) to ≥20 Fr. Peak flow improved from a mean of 6.8ml/s (3-11ml/s) to 21ml/s (14-35ml/s). No patient developed stricture recurrence or de novo stress urinary incontinence. There were no other immediate or delayed complications. All patients achieved a better score on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Our study, with the same limitations that the few studies published in this field had, that is the few patients included, demonstrates that lateral anterior vaginal wall flap urethroplasty is an effective technique, offering durable results without apparent complications. PATIENT SUMMARY: We studied an alternative surgical technique for the treatment of female urethral stricture. We conclude that it is safe and effective with no apparent complications and good long-term results.

[Renal allograft rupture: case report and bibliographic review]. / Estallido renal. Caso clínico y revisión de literatura.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the knowledge about complications of renal transplantation and, in particular, graft rupture. METHODS: Case report and literature review. OUTCOME: We present the case of a 37 year-old patient receiving a second renal transplant. In the third postoperative day, he suffered an abrupt change from the correct evolution, with intense pain in the left iliac fossa (the side of the implant) and hemodynamic instability. Imaging tests suggested retroperitoneal collection and adjacent to the implant. In this situation we decided reoperation, we found a ruptured renal unit and transplant nephrectomy was carried out. The pathologic study confirmed that the cause of this rupture was acute rejection of the implant. CONCLUSION: The rupture of the graft is one of the most serious complications in renal transplantation. Rapid diagnosis and surgical treatment are required. Conservative management is the treatment of choice for possible preservation of the renal unit, but there are some situations in which it is dangerous and removal of the graft must be carried out.

Estallido renal. Caso clínico y revisión de literatura / Renal allograft rupture: case report and bibliographic review

OBJETIVO: Mejorar el conocimiento acerca de las complicaciones del transplante renal y en concreto la rotura del injerto. MÉTODO: Presentación de caso clínico y revisión de la literatura. RESULTADO: Presentamos un caso de una paciente de 37 años de edad sometida a su segundo injerto renal. En el tercer día del postoperatorio, sufrió un cambio brusco en la correcta evolución, con dolor intenso en fosa iliaca izquierda (donde se había instaurado el injerto) e inestabilidad hemodinámica. Las pruebas de imagen sugieren colección retroperitoneal y adyacente al injerto. En esta situación se decide reintervención donde se objetiva la ruptura de la unidad renal practicándose transplantectomía. El estudio anatomopatológico confirma que la causa de dicha ruptura viene establecida por un rechazo agudo del injerto. CONCLUSIONES: La ruptura del injerto es una de las complicaciones más graves en un transplante renal. Ante este acontecimiento se precisa un diagnóstico rápido y tratamiento quirúrgico. El manejo conservador es la medida a tomar para la posible preservación de la unidad renal, pero existen algunas situaciones en las que la conservación es peligrosa y se debe llevar a cabo la extirpación del injerto (AU)

OBJECTIVE: To improve the knowledge about complications of renal transplantation and, in particular, graft rupture. METHODS: Case report and literature review. OUTCOME: We present the case of a 37 year-old patient receiving a second renal transplant. In the third postoperative day, he suffered an abrupt change from the correct evolution, with intense pain in the left iliac fossa (the side of the implant) and hemodynamic instability. Imaging tests suggested retroperitoneal collection and adjacent to the implant. In this situation we decided reoperation, we found a ruptured renal unit and transplant nephrectomy was carried out. The pathologic study confirmed that the cause of this rupture was acute rejection of the implant. CONCLUSION: The rupture of the graft is one of the most serious complications in renal transplantation. Rapid diagnosis and surgical treatment are required. Conservative management is the treatment of choice for possible preservation of the renal unit, but there are some situations in which it is dangerous and removal of the graft must be carried out (AU)

[Stab wounds of the kidney: conservative management. Two new cases and review of the literature]. / Manejo conservador de los traumatismos renales por arma blanca. Presentación de dos nuevos casos y revisión de la literatura.

INTRODUCTION: Stab wounds of the kidney have traditionally been managed by open surgery. Nowadays the conservative management of stab wounds injuries is extended in order to avoid unnecessaries nephrectomies and laparotomies without increasing morbidity and mortality. Although there is no a strong evidence to recommend when to operate or what sort of follow up we must do. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present two new cases of stab wounds injuries managed conservatively. We performed a systematic review of the literature. RESULTS: Both patients evolved favorably although one of them presented hematuria 7 days after the traumatism and we performed an embolization of an arteriovenous fistula. Most of the articles are based on series of cases or retrosprospective studies. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis and staging of stab wounds of the kidney must be done with clinic and CT scan. Conservative management is required when the patient is not hemodinamically unstable and injuries do not require inmediate repair. These patients require a long-term follow up to prevent the appearance of complications. Randomized prospective multicenter trials are needed to support the optimum management for each kidney injury degree.

Manejo conservador de los traumatismos renales por arma blanca. Presentación de dos nuevos casos y revisión de la literatura / Stab wounds of the kidney: conservative management. Two new cases and review of the literature

Introducción: El tratamiento de los traumatismos renales por arma blanca ha sido tradicionalmente quirúrgico. Desde hace más 20 años se aboga por un tratamiento conservador con el fin de evitar laparotomías innecesarias y preservar unidades renales. Los criterios para intervenir de forma urgente o las pautas de seguimiento no están establecidos debido a la falta de estudios de calidad. Material y métodos: Presentamos dos nuevos casos de traumatismo renal por arma blanca en los que se llevó a cabo un manejo conservador y realizamos una revisión de la literatura. Resultados: Los dos pacientes evolucionaron favorablemente, si bien uno de ellos presentó hematuria durante el postoperatorio inmediato y fue necesaria una embolización selectiva de una fístula arterio-venosa. La mayor parte de los artículo se basan en series de casos o estudios observacionales retrosprospectivos. Conclusiones: En los traumatismos renales por arma blanca el diagnóstico es clínico y el estadiaje de las lesiones radiológico con una tomografía computarizada. El manejo conservador es de elección cuando el paciente está estable hemodinámicamente y las lesiones no requieren reparación inmediata. Estos pacientes requieren un seguimiento a largo plazo para monitorizar la aparición de complicaciones. Son necesarios estudios de mayor calidad que aporten una mayor evidencia científica (AU)

Introduction: Stab wounds of the kidney have traditionally been managed by open surgery. Nowadays the conservative management of stab wounds injuries is extended in order to avoid unnecessaries nephrectomies and laparotomies without increasing morbidity and mortality. Although there is no a strong evidence to recommend when to operate or what sort of follow up we must do. Material and methods: We present two new cases of stab wounds injuries managed conservatively. We performed a systematic review of the literature. Results: Both patients evolved favorably although one of them presented hematuria 7 days after the traumatism and we performed an embolization of an arteriovenous fistula. Most of the articles are based on series of cases or retrosprospective studies. Conclusions: The diagnosis and staging of stab wounds of the kidney must be done with clinic and CT scan. Conservative management is required when the patient is not hemodinamically unstable and injuries do not require inmediate repair. These patients require a long term follow up to prevent the appearance of complications. Randomized prospective multicenter trials are needed to support the optimum management for each kidney injury degree (AU)

[Continued development of public health in public opinion: results of a representative population survey in Munich, Dresden, Vienna and Bern]. / Weiterentwicklung des Gesundheitswesens aus Bürgersicht: Ergebnisse einer repräsentativen Bevölkerungsbefragung in München, Dresden, Wien und Bern.

OBJECTIVES: The presented study deals with the citizen's view on the development of health care systems. It aims to generate research hypotheses as basis for further studies. METHODS: During February through March 2000 computer-assisted telephone surveys were conducted in Munich, Dresden, Berne and Vienna. Respondents were asked for desired changes in the health care system, among others. 502 interviews were completed. The response rate from target person contacts was 43% to 60%. RESULTS: Improvements were desired most frequently for the domains interaction between therapist and patient, systems organisation and finances. Regional differences in the relative importance of these areas were found, gender specific differences were less prominent. Differences between Dresden and Munich point to persistent disparities within Germany. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of systems-related determinants or deficits bears opportunities for a citizen-centered, humane development of health care systems.