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The View of Context (VOC) is a survey instrument designed to detect the content of generalized affect-laden meanings embedded within large-scale cultural milieus. Generalized affect-laden meanings work as basic embodied system of assumptions channelling the way of feeling, thinking, making decision. The paper outlines the theoretical and methodological framework of VOC Semiotic Cultural Psychology - and reports a first study of validation, aimed at analysing the VOC's construct validity. The study tests 5 hypotheses, each of them focused on a characteristic of the generalized affect-laden meanings that the instrument is designed to map: their a-semantic (HP1) and affective (HP2) valence; the regulative function (HP3) they exercise on the sensemaking; the assumption that these meanings are transversal to different domains of experience (HP4); the assumption that there is a plurality of these meanings embedded in a certain cultural milieu (HP5). In order to test these hypotheses, a combination of a multidimensional procedure of data analysis and a Path Modeling has been applied on a survey responses obtained from a UK representative sample (N=765). Results are consistent with hypotheses, in that providing evidence of the VOC's construct validity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed neoplasm in men. This neoplasm has usually excellent prognosis, mostly consequent to the early diagnosis and the effective hormonal therapy. However, significant percentages of patients treated with total androgen blockade therapy, escape to treatment and evolve toward a more aggressive type of cancer. This clinical entity, named castration-resistant prostate cancer, has few and less effective therapeutic opportunities. Therefore, any additional information concerning possible biological targets to therapy is welcome. Here we describe two cases in which 68 Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT evidenced the somatostatin receptor overexpression by prostate metastases. The presence of these receptors may support with a more strong evidence the possibility to administer somatostatin analogs as an adjuvant therapy.