bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of oral Dydrogesterone and 17-α hydroxyprogesterone caprate in the prevention of preterm birth
Authors: Alizadeh Fahimeh , Mahmoudinia Malihe , Mirteimoori Masoumeh , pourali Lila , Niroumand Shabnam
Published: March 2022

Background

Preterm birth (PTB) remains a significant problem in obstetric care. Progesterone supplements are believed to reduce the rate of preterm labor, but formulation, type of administration, and dosage varies in different studies. This study was performed to compare oral Dydrogesterone with intramuscular 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17α-OHPC) administration in prevention of PTB.

Methods

In this randomized clinical trial, we studied 150 women with singleton pregnancy in 28Th-34Th Gestational week, who had received tocolytic treatment for preterm labor. Participants were divided to receive 30 mg oral Dydrogesterone daily, 250 mg intramuscular 17α-OHPC weekly, or no intervention (control group). All treatments were continued until 37Th Week or delivery, whichever occurred earlier. Obstetric outcomes, including latency period, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and neonatal mortality were recorded. All patients were monitored biweekly until delivery.

Results

Baseline gestational age was not significantly different between groups. Latency period was significantly longer in the progesterone group compared with Dydrogesterone and control groups (41.06 ± 17.29 vs. 29.44 ± 15.6 and 22.20 ± 4.51 days, respectively; P < 0.001). The progesterone group showed significantly better results compared with the other two groups, in terms of gestational age at delivery, birth weight, and Apgar score (P < 0.001). None of the participants showed severe complications, stillbirth, or gestational diabetes.

Conclusion

Progesterone caproate can strongly prolong the latency period and improve neonatal outcomes and therefore, is superior to oral Dydrogesterone in the prevention of PTB.
The prevalence and parameters of fabella and its association with medial meniscal tear in China: a retrospective study of 1011 knees
Authors: Zhong Jingyu , Zhang Guangcheng , Si Liping , Hu Yangfan , Xing Yue , He Yaohua , Yao Weiwu
Published: March 2022

Background

Fabella is a sesamoid bone of knee that has potential biomechanical function. We aimed to examine the fabellar prevalence and parameters in Chinese population and test the hypothesis that fabellar presence and morphology were associated with meniscus tear or ligament injury.

Methods

A total of 1011 knee magnetic resonance imaging scans from 979 patients with knee pain were analyzed retrospectively. The exclusion criteria are postsurgical scans, difficulty in fabella discrimination, conditions not suitable for measurement, and unsatisfied image. The fabellar presence and its parameters (length, width and thickness) were documented. The association between fabellar presence and meniscus tear or ligament injury were assessed by chi-square test, in all knees and subgroups (age, gender, side, lesion part). The correlation of fabellar presence and parameters with advancing age was assessed by Spearman correlation analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to investigate whether factors related with meniscus tear or ligament injury. Diagnostic performance of risk factors was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

The overall prevalence of fabellae was 39.8% (402/1011 knees) and increased with the increasing age (r = 0.237, P < 0.001). The size of the fabellae differed according to genders, age, and presence of articulating grooves. Fabella presented more often in knees with medial meniscus (MM) tears (66.7% vs 33.8%; P < 0.001) with a multivariate OR of 2.960 (95% CI, 1.853–3.903). The association remained in all tear parts (anterior, middle, and posterior), and in younger (age < 50 years) and older patients (age ≥ 50 years). Age, fabellar length, width, length/thickness ratio and width/thickness ratio yielded an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.604–0.766 to predict an MM tear. In combination with age, fabellar width and length/thickness ratio, the AUC was improved 0.791 (95% CI, 0.744–0.837), with a sensitivity of 73.0% and a specificity of 74.6%.

Conclusion

The presence of fabellae, increased fabellar length and width as well as flatter fabellar morphology, are significantly associated with an increased risk for MM tear. These findings might aid clinicians in identifying patients at risk for a MM tear and informing them.
Brain barriers virtual: an interim solution or future opportunity?
Authors: Holder Brianna M. , Tolan Shaina E. , Heinrich Kaleb K. , Miller Kaitlin C. , Hudson Natalie , Nehra Geetika , Pizzo Michelle E. , Storck Steffen E. , Elmquist William F. , Engelhardt Britta , Loryan Irena , Toborek Michal , Bauer Bjoern , Hartz Anika M. S. , Kim Brandon J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Scientific conferences are vital communication events for scientists in academia, industry, and government agencies. In the brain barriers research field, several international conferences exist that allow researchers to present data, share knowledge, and discuss novel ideas and concepts. These meetings are critical platforms for researchers to connect and exchange breakthrough findings on a regular basis. Due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, all in-person meetings were canceled in 2020. In response, we launched the Brain Barriers Virtual 2020 (BBV2020) seminar series, the first stand-in virtual event for the brain barriers field, to offer scientists a virtual platform to present their work. Here we report the aggregate attendance information on two in-person meetings compared with BBV2020 and comment on the utility of the virtual platform.

Methods

The BBV2020 seminar series was hosted on a Zoom webinar platform and was free of cost for participants. Using registration- and Zoom-based data from the BBV2020 virtual seminar series and survey data collected from BBV2020 participants, we analyzed attendance trends, global reach, participation based on career stage, and engagement of BBV2020. We compared these data with those from two previous in-person conferences, a BBB meeting held in 2018 and CVB 2019.

Results

We found that BBV2020 seminar participation steadily decreased over the course of the series. In contrast, live participation was consistently above 100 attendees and recording views were above 200 views per seminar. We also found that participants valued BBV2020 as a supplement during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Based on one post-BBV2020 survey, the majority of participants indicated that they would prefer in-person meetings but would welcome a virtual component to future in-person meetings. Compared to in-person meetings, BBV2020 enabled participation from a broad range of career stages and was attended by scientists in academic, industry, and government agencies from a wide range of countries worldwide.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a virtual event such as the BBV2020 seminar series provides easy access to science for researchers across all career stages around the globe. However, we recognize that limitations exist. Regardless, such a virtual event could be a valuable tool for the brain barriers community to reach and engage scientists worldwide to further grow the brain barriers research field in the future.
Synergistic effects of modified atmosphere packaging and cinnamaldehyde on bioactive compounds, aerobic mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria of pomegranate arils during cold storage
Authors: Ranjbar Azam , Ramezanian Asghar
Published: March 2022

Background

Ready-to-eat pomegranate arils are very perishable. In this research, the effect of packaging with two kinds of films fumigated with cinnamaldehyde (0, 100, 150, and 200 μL L−1), evaluated on bioactive compounds and microbial contamination of pomegranate arils during cold storage.

Results

Polyethylene + polyester (PE + PES) film containing cinnamaldehyde, preserved lightness (L*), and chroma index (C*) as compared with biaxial-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film containing cinnamaldehyde. Anthocyanin content and phenolic compounds decreased during storage. PE + PES film containing cinnamaldehyde caused a significant delay in decreasing the trend of total antioxidant activity (TAA) during storage. The lowest number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria and psychrophilic bacteria were related to PE + PES film containing cinnamaldehyde.

Conclusions

Packaging with PE + PES film containing 200 μL L−1 cinnamaldehyde was the best treatment for preservation of bioactive compounds and extending the shelf life of pomegranate arils up to 25 days. This new packaging technique is promising for the preservation of pomegranate ready-to-use arils.

Graphical Abstract
Safely disposing unused and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications: a public health, housing, and safety partnership in Framingham, MA
Authors: Calise Tamara Vehige , Martin Sarah Levin , Wingerter Chloe
Published: March 2022

Background

The improper disposal of unused drugs can harm the environment and living beings. Programs such as drug take-back bins encourage people to dispose of unused medication at designated locations have increased. Unfortunately, awareness and participation is low, especially in ethnically and culturally diverse communities. The purpose of this paper is to describe the implementation of the Knock Talk and Toss (KTT), a drug take-back program aimed at taking unused drugs out of circulation and building police-resident connections in the housing authority of Framingham, MA.

Methods

Multi-lingual brochures on the dangers of unused drugs and safe disposal were distributed on residents’ doors via the police department and/or listservs to residents living in the housing authority. Awareness efforts were then followed-up by teams of individuals, including the police, going door-to-door to collect any unused drugs, no questions asked. During the visits, one team member observed resident characteristics, whether drugs were disposed, including the estimated quantity and type, and police/resident interactions. Interviews were conducted with key staff and Chi-square analyses were used to assess socio-demographic differences in proportions of individuals willing to toss drug(s).

Results

A total of 27 h were spent going door-to-door and 33 pounds of drugs were disposed. Households with observed adults aged 65 years or older and children/teenagers were twice as likely to dispose drugs compared to households, where these populations were not present.

Conclusion

Initiatives, such as KTT, where police go door-to-door in areas with a higher concentration of families and elderly may help take unused drugs out of circulation while also enabling the police to have a positive presence in the community.
The impact of a multicomponent-functional training with postural correction on functional balance in the elderly with a history of falling
Authors: Sedaghati Parisa , Goudarzian Maryam , Ahmadabadi Somayeh , Tabatabai-Asl Seyed Mojtaba
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Good posture plays a significant role for the elderly in achieving optimal quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of multicomponent functional training with postural correction on functional balance in the elderly with a history of falling.

Methods

This study was a randomized controlled, single-blind study. Subjects (n = 28, mean age = 70 years) with a history of falling were selected and randomly allocated to either a multicomponent functional training (n = 14) or a control group (n = 14). The experimental group exercised for 8 weeks, three days per week for 60 min per day. The training program with strength, endurance, and balance parts was conducted in the multi-task conditions to stimulate the physical and cognitive abilities focusing on the attentional-correct posture. The control group received conventional care. The Berg balance and short physical performance battery tests were used in the pre-test and post-test. The adjusted post-test means of experimental and control groups were analyzed using the ANCOVA test to eliminate any pretest effects.

Results

This study found a significant effect of training on Berg balance test (P = 0.001), Timed Up and Go with D-T (P = 0.01), Timed Up and Go (P = 0.002), and Short Physical Performance Battery (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Eight weeks of multicomponent exercise training has beneficial effects on balance and physical function and results in improved equilibrium and a decreasing probability of falling. Therefore, practitioners can use this 8-week training program for older adults.
How does Covid-19 affect global equity markets?
Authors: Hui Eddie C. M. , Chan Ka Kwan Kevin
Published: March 2022

This study applies OLS, panel regression and Granger causality test to investigate the impact of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak on the global equity markets during the early stage of the pandemic. We find that the Covid-19 outbreak has a significant negative impact on the overall equity index return of the eight economies even at 0.1% significance level. Furthermore, the pandemic has a more significant impact on the European countries than on the East Asian economies. The results have three main implications. Firstly, policy makers should react fast to mitigate the impact of a crisis. Secondly, investors should be aware of an outbreak of disease or other risks and adjust their investments accordingly. Furthermore, the Covid-19 outbreak results in a shift of power from the west to the east.
Operational risk assessment of third-party payment platforms: a case study of China
Authors: Yao Yinhong , Li Jianping
Published: March 2022

Operational risk events have severely impacted the development of third-party payment (TPP) platforms, and have even led to a discussion on the operational risk capital charge settlement by relevant international regulators. However, prior studies have mostly focused on qualitative mechanism analysis, and have rarely examined quantitative risk assessment based on actual operational risk events. Therefore, this study attempts to assess the operational risk on TPP platforms in China by constructing a systematic framework incorporating database construction and risk modeling. First, the operational risk database that covers 202 events between Q1, 2014, and Q2, 2020 is constructed. Then, specific causes are clarified, and the characteristics are analyzed from both the trend and loss severity perspectives. Finally, the piecewise-defined severity distribution based-Loss Distribution Approach (PSD-LDA) with double truncation is utilized to assess the operational risk. Two main conclusions are drawn from the empirical analysis. First, legal risk and external fraud risk are the two main causes of operational risk. Second, the yearly Value at Risk and Expected Shortfall are 724.46 million yuan and 1081.98 million yuan under the 99.9% significance level, respectively. Our results are beneficial for both TPP platform operators and regulators in managing and controlling operational risk.
Integrating genre with ethnography as methodology in understanding L2 writing instruction in a Chinese university
Authors: Zhang Yimin , Pramoolsook Issra
Published: March 2022

With a growing recognition of the need to go beyond text and look into the context where the writing (or the teaching/learning of it) takes place, the ethnographic perspective has been fruitfully adopted in academic writing research. The present study, integrating the perspective of genre and ethnography as methodology, probed into the context of L2 English writing instruction in a Chinese university where three writing-related courses were offered to English majors throughout the curriculum. Through a sustained engagement in the courses under focus, we collected multiple types of data, such as the students’ writing samples, documents, teaching materials, and semi-structured interviews with students and course instructors, in an attempt to give a rich account of the core participants’ real-life experiences in teaching and learning L2 English writing. Results demonstrated that, although informed by the same national syllabus, the L2 writing instruction in reality consisted of a pedagogical “mosaic” that included the traditionalist, process-based and genre-based approaches, as well as various strategies chosen and practiced by individual instructors based on their own theoretical and pedagogical orientations. Future research may explore L2 writing instruction in analogical contexts more extensively through the suggestions offered in this paper.
Efficacy of hyaluronic acid, absorbable collagen sponge, and their combination in minimizing bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) after dental extraction: a preliminary animal histomorphometric study
Authors: Sarkarat Farzin , Modarresi Alireza , Riyahi Arefeh , Mortazavi Pejman , Tabandeh Fatemeh , Rakhshan Vahid
Published: March 2022

Introduction

There is no study on the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid (HA) placement either with or without absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) in reducing or preventing bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ). This preliminary animal study examined the efficacy of this clinically important treatment.

Methods

For simulating BRONJ, zoledronic acid was administered to 40 rats for 5 weeks. Two weeks later, a right first molar was extracted from each rat. The rats were randomized into four groups of socket treatments: control (empty extraction socket) or with sockets filled with ACS, HA, or HA+ACS (n=4×10). After 2 weeks, 5 rats in each group were sacrificed and subjected to histopathologic and histomorphometric evaluation. Eight weeks post-surgically, the rest of rats were euthanized and histologically examined. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the four treatments at each time point (α=0.05).

Results

Six rats were lost overall. In the second week, vascularization was higher in ACS group (P<0.05); osteoclast activity was not different between groups (P>0.05); empty lacunae were the most and fewest in control and HA+ACS groups, respectively (P<0.05); eosinophil infiltration was maximum in HA group (P<0.05); lymphocyte counts were maximum and minimum in the HA+ACS and ACS groups, respectively (P<0.05); the highest and lowest neutrophil counts were seen in ACS and control groups, respectively (P<0.05); and the extent of live bone did not differ between groups (P>0.05). In the eighth week, vascularization was not different in groups (P>0.05); the highest and lowest osteoclast activities were seen in the control and HA+ACS groups, respectively (P<0.05); empty lacunae were the most and fewest in control and HA+ACS, respectively (P<0.05); maximum and minimum numbers of eosinophils were in control and HA+ACS groups, respectively (P<0.05); HA and control groups exhibited the highest and lowest lymphocyte counts, respectively (P<0.05); the lowest and highest neutrophil counts were observed in HA+ACs and control groups, respectively (P<0.05); and the highest and lowest extents of the live bone were observed in HA+ACS and control groups, respectively (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this preliminary animal study, HA and especially HA+ACS seem a proper method for preventing or treating BRONJ.
Generation of a BAC transgenic mouse strain that expresses CreERT and a fluorescent protein under the transcriptional control of the Fzd5 locus
Authors: Miyagi Satoru , Kato Yuko , Watanabe Ayako , Miyamoto Kenichi , Yoshikawa Rintaro , Hagiya Keita , Hirano Daisuke , Matsuzaki Yumi
Published: March 2022

Background

The expression of FZD5 distinguishes immature human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) in cultures, and the function of FZD5 is crucial for maintaining the proliferation and multilineage differentiation capacity of human MSC. We herein investigated whether Fzd5 expression also marks undifferentiated MSC in animals.

Methods

We generated a transgenic mouse strain (Fzd5-CreERT-tFP635) that expresses CreERT and the fluorescent protein, TurboFP635 (tFP635), under the transcriptional control of the Fzd5 gene using the BAC transgenic technique, and identified cells expressing tFP635 by flow cytometry. We also conducted lineage tracing with this strain.

Results

In the bone marrow of transgenic mice, tFP635 was preferentially expressed in MSC, Leptin receptor-expressing MSC (LepR+MSCs), and some Pdgfrα+ Sca1+ MSC (PαS). Inducible lineage tracing using the Fzd5-CreERT-tFP635; CAG-CAT-EGFP strain at the adult stage showed that Fzd5-expressing cells and their descendants labeled with GFP were progressively dominant in LepR+MSC and PαS, and GFP+ cells persisted for 1 year after the activation of CreERT. Adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs), osteoblast progenitor cells (OPCs), and Cd51+ stromal cells were also labeled with GFP.

Conclusions

Our transgenic mouse marks two different types of MSC, LepR+MSC and PαS.
Comparison of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT with fluoride PET/CT for detection of bone metastatic disease in prostate cancer
Authors: Regula Naresh , Kostaras Vasileios , Johansson Silvia , Trampal Carlos , Lindström Elin , Lubberink Mark , Iyer Victor , Velikyan Irina , Sörensen Jens
Published: March 2022

Background

18F-NaF positron emission tomography/computed tomography (fluoride PET/CT) is considered the most sensitive technique to detect bone metastasis in prostate cancer (PCa). 68Ga-PSMA-11 (PSMA) PET/CT is increasingly used for staging of PCa. This study primarily aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of fluoride PET/CT and gallium-based PSMA PET/CT in identifying bone metastasis followed by a comparison of PSMA PET/CT with contrast-enhanced CT (CE-CT) in identifying soft tissue lesions as a secondary objective.

Methods

Twenty-eight PCa patients with high suspicion of disseminated disease following curative treatment were prospectively evaluated. PET/CT examinations using fluoride and PSMA were performed. All suspicious bone lesions were counted, and the tracer uptake was measured as standardized uptake values (SUV) for both tracers. In patients with multiple findings, ten bone lesions with highest SUVmax were selected from which identical lesions from both scans were considered for direct comparison of SUVmax. Soft tissue findings of local and lymph node lesions from CE-CT were compared with PSMA PET/CT.

Results

Both scans were negative for bone lesions in 7 patients (25%). Of 699 lesions consistent with skeletal metastasis in 21 patients on fluoride PET/CT, PSMA PET/CT identified 579 lesions (83%). In 69 identical bone lesions fluoride PET/CT showed significantly higher uptake (mean SUVmax: 73.1 ± 36.8) compared to PSMA PET/CT (34.5 ± 31.4; p < 0.001). Compared to CE-CT, PSMA PET/CT showed better diagnostic performance in locating local (96% vs 61%, p = 0.004) and lymph node (94% vs 46%, p < 0.001) metastasis.

Conclusion

In this prospective comparative study, PSMA PET/CT detected the majority of bone lesions that were positive on fluoride PET/CT. Further, this study indicates better diagnostic performance of PSMA PET/CT to locate soft tissue lesions compared to CE-CT.
Geophysical Tutorial: The significance of negative frequencies in Fourier transforms
Authors: Hertweck Thomas
Published: March 2022

Negative frequencies play a fundamental role in Fourier transforms, although they are often neglected in practice when displaying spectra of seismic traces. We can study their role quite easily when looking at the relationship of a seismic trace and its analytic counterpart that has no negative frequency components. This analytic trace, comprising the original trace and its Hilbert transform, is well known and used frequently to calculate attributes for seismic interpretation. Using Python code snippets and a simple Ricker wavelet as exemplary seismic signal, this tutorial explores and demonstrates the significance of negative frequencies in both a mathematical and a graphical way.
COVID-19 Disease in Syrian Patients With Cancer: Clinical Manifestations, Laboratory Findings, Treatment, and Outcomes
Authors: Najjar Michel , Albuaini Sara , Fadel Mohammad , Aljbawi Ahmed , Mohsen Fatema , Sulaiman Seham , Koudsi Abir
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

This study aims to describe the clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment, and outcomes of patients with cancer with COVID-19 infection in Syria. The primary objective was to identify the overall survival (OS) time, and the secondary objectives were to identify factors associated with severe COVID-19 infection.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study was undertaken at four hospitals in Damascus, Syria, between March 28, 2020, and March 29, 2021. Data extracted from medical records included clinical manifestations, radiologic findings, laboratory results, treatment, and outcomes. Survival analysis was done by using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model for follow-up and anticancer treatment patients to study the effect on OS time. The effects of potential risk factors of developing severe COVID-19 were studied by multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 114 patients included, 61 (53.51%) were male. Smokers represented 29 (25.44%), and 63 (55.26%) patients had a history of coexisting chronic diseases. The most common cancer type was breast cancer 17 (14.91%). Sixty-eight (59.65%) patients were receiving anticancer treatment within 1 month of being diagnosed with COVID-19 infection and 46 (40.35%) were outpatient follow-ups. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that comorbidities (odds ratio: 2.814, P = .044) and anticancer treatment (odds ratio: 8.790, P < .05) were risk factors linked to severe to critical COVID-19 infection. OS time was 245 (95% CI, 217.96 to 272.47) days, lower among patients with cancer with COVID-19 infection receiving anticancer treatment compared with follow-up patients ( P value < .05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with cancer with COVID-19 infection receiving anticancer treatment had a lower OS time. It may be worth considering stopping anticancer treatment in patients with cancer with COVID-19 when possible in search of better outcomes.
Fractionated Proton Radiation Therapy and Hearing Preservation for Vestibular Schwannoma: Preliminary Analysis of a Prospective Phase 2 Clinical Trial
Authors: Saraf Anurag , Pike Luke R. G. , Franck Kevin H. , Horick Nora K. , Yeap Beow Y. , Fullerton Barbara C. , Wang Irene S. , Abazeed Mohamed E. , McKenna Michael J. , Mehan William A. , Plotkin Scott R. , Loeffler Jay S. , Shih Helen A.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND:

Local management for vestibular schwannoma (VS) is associated with excellent local control with focus on preserving long-term serviceable hearing. Fractionated proton radiation therapy (FPRT) may be associated with greater hearing preservation because of unique dosimetric properties of proton radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate hearing preservation rates of FPRT in adults with VS and secondarily assess local control and treatment-related toxicity.

METHODS:

A prospective, single-arm, phase 2 clinical trial was conducted of patients with VS from 2010 to 2019. All patients had serviceable hearing at baseline and received FPRT to a total dose of 50.4 to 54 Gy relative biological effectiveness (RBE) over 28 to 30 fractions. Serviceable hearing preservation was defined as a Gardner–Robertson score of 1 to 2, measured by a pure tone average (PTA) of ≤50 dB and a word recognition score (WRS) of ≥50%.

RESULTS:

Twenty patients had a median follow-up of 4.0 years (range 1.0-5.0 years). Local control at 4 years was 100%. Serviceable hearing preservation at 1 year was 53% (95% CI 29%-76%), and primary end point was not yet reached. Median PTA and median WRS both worsened 1 year after FPRT (P < .0001). WRS plateaued after 6 months, whereas PTA continued to worsen up to 1 year after FPRT. Median cochlea D90 was lower in patients with serviceable hearing at 1 year (40.6 Gy [RBE] vs 46.9 Gy [RBE]), trending toward Wilcoxon rank-sum test statistical significance (P = .0863). Treatment was well-tolerated, with one grade 1 cranial nerve V dysfunction and no grade 2+ cranial nerve dysfunction.

CONCLUSION:

FPRT for VS did not meet the goal of serviceable hearing preservation. Higher cochlea doses trended to worsening hearing preservation, suggesting that dose to cochlea correlates with hearing preservation independent of treatment modality.
A reproducible dynamic phantom for sequence testing in hyperpolarised 13C-magnetic resonance
Authors: Chowdhury Rafat , Papoutsaki Marianthi-Vasiliki , Müller Christoph A , Smith Lorna , Gong Fiona , Bullock Max , Rogers Harriet , Mathew Manju , Syer Tom , Singh Saurabh , Retter Adam , Caselton Lucy , Ryu Jung , Oliver-Taylor Aaron , Golay Xavier , Bainbridge Alan , Gadian David G , Punwani Shonit
Published: March 2022

Objective

To develop a phantom system which can be integrated with an automated injection system, eliminating the experimental variability that arises with manual injection; for the purposes of pulse sequence testing and metric derivation in hyperpolarised 13C-MR.

Methods

The custom dynamic phantom was machined from Ultem and filled with a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and lactate dehydrogenase mixture dissolved in phosphate buffered saline. Hyperpolarised [1-13C]-pyruvate was then injected into the phantom (n = 8) via an automated syringe pump and the conversion of pyruvate to lactate monitored through a 13C imaging sequence.

Results

The phantom showed low coefficient of variation for the lactate to pyruvate peak signal heights (11.6%) and dynamic area-under curve ratios (11.0%). The variance for the lactate dehydrogenase enzyme rate constant (kP) was also seen to be low at 15.6%.

Conclusion

The dynamic phantom demonstrates high reproducibility for quantification of 13C-hyperpolarised MR-derived metrics. Establishing such a phantom is needed to facilitate development of hyperpolarsed 13C-MR pulse sequenced; and moreover, to enable multisite hyperpolarised 13C-MR clinical trials where assessment of metric variability across sites is critical.

Advances in knowledge

The dynamic phantom developed during the course of this study will be a useful tool in testing new pulse sequences and standardisation in future hyperpolarised work.
Radiologist opinions regarding reporting incidental coronary and cardiac calcification on thoracic CT
Authors: Williams Michelle C , Weir-McCall Jonathan , Moss Alastair J , Schmitt Matthias , Stirrup James , Holloway Ben , Gopalan Deepa , Deshpande Aparna , Hughes Gareth Morgan , Agrawal Bobby , Nicol Edward , Roditi Giles , Shambrook James , Bull Russell
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

Coronary and cardiac calcification are frequent incidental findings on non-gated thoracic computed tomography (CT). However, radiologist opinions and practices regarding the reporting of incidental calcification are poorly understood.

Methods:

UK radiologists were invited to complete this online survey, organised by the British Society of Cardiovascular Imaging (BSCI). Questions included anonymous information on subspecialty, level of training and reporting practices for incidental coronary artery, aortic valve, mitral and thoracic aorta calcification.

Results:

The survey was completed by 200 respondents: 10% trainees and 90% consultants. Calcification was not reported by 11% for the coronary arteries, 22% for the aortic valve, 35% for the mitral valve and 37% for the thoracic aorta. Those who did not subspecialise in cardiac imaging were less likely to report coronary artery calcification (p = 0.005), aortic valve calcification (p = 0.001) or mitral valve calcification (p = 0.008), but there was no difference in the reporting of thoracic aorta calcification. Those who did not subspecialise in cardiac imaging were also less likely to provide management recommendations for coronary artery calcification (p < 0.001) or recommend echocardiography for aortic valve calcification (p < 0.001), but there was no difference for mitral valve or thoracic aorta recommendations.

Conclusion:

Incidental coronary artery, valvular and aorta calcification are frequently not reported on thoracic CT and there are differences in reporting practices based on subspeciality.

Advances in knowledge:

On routine thoracic CT, 11% of radiologists do not report coronary artery calcification. Radiologist reporting practices vary depending on subspeciality but not level of training.
In-Output microclimatico outdoor
Authors: Σκούφαλη Ιωάννα
Published: March 2022

To πεδίο της έρευνας εντάσσεται στις αστικές αναπλάσεις, ειδικότερα σε υφιστάμενες υλοποιημένες παρεμβάσεις υπαίθριων χώρων στην περιοχή της Μεσογείου και επιχειρεί να αναδείξει στρατηγικές μετριασμού ως προς την κλιματική αλλαγή με την χρήση των “ψυχρών” υλικών σε οριζόντιες επιφάνειες. Η διατριβή επικεντρώνεται στην ιεράρχηση αποτελεσματικών σχεδιαστικών επιλογών, μεθόδων, ανάλυση, αξιολόγηση, επαλήθευση και πρακτικών για τη ρύθμιση και βελτίωση των μικροκλιματικών συνθηκών και της θερμικής άνεσης του ανθρώπινου ενεργειακού ισοζυγίου στον αστικό χώρο. Η μελέτη αναπτύσσεται σε τρεις άξονες: 1) αρχικά, παρουσιάζονται οι βασικές στρατηγικές για τον μετριασμό και μια διεθνής βάση δεδομένων (database) των ψυχρών υλικών που έχουν εφαρμοστή σε διαφορετικές κλίμακες, τόσο στο κέλυφος των κτιρίων όσο και στους δημόσιους χώρους - 2) ακολουθεί, η παρουσία της μεθοδολογίας αξιολόγησης και της ιεράρχησης στοιχείων μέσω της ποσοτικής εκτίμησης σε σχέση με τα οφέλη του μικροκλίματος σε ‘πραγματικούς’ αστικούς χώρους πρίν και μετά την υλοποίηση της ανάπλασης και με σενάρια βελτίωσης. Συγκεκριμένα η ανάλυση αφορά τρεις “γειτονίες” (Καισαριανή-Αθήνα, Παύλου Μελά- Θεσσαλονίκη και Σέρρες) σε τρεις διαφορετικές κλιματικές ζώνες της Ελλάδας και τo εργαλείo που χρησιμοποιήθηκε είναι η παραμετρική ανάλυση με μοντελοποιήσεις και προσομοιώσεις εξειδικευμένου δυναμικού λογισμικού με σκοπό την αξιολογήση και επαλήθευση των θετικών αποτελεσματών των συμβούλων στο πρόγραμμα «Βιοκλιματικές Αναβαθμίσεις Δημοσίων Ανοικτών Χώρων» το οποίο χρηματοδοτήθηκε από το ΕΣΠΑ και ΕΠΠΕΡΑΑ. Εν προκειμένω, διαπιστώθηκε απόκλιση από τους αρχικούς στόχους που είχαν τεθεί όμως υπήρξε βελτίωση του μικροκλίματος και της θερμικής άνεσης – 3) επιπλέον, μελετάται η διερεύνηση της γήρανσης των θερμοφυσικών ιδιοτήτων των ψυχρών υλικών στους αστικούς χώρους μετά από τρία έτη από την εφαρμογή τους με επιτόπιες και εργαστηριακές μετρήσεις. Ακόμα, επιχειρείται μέσα από βιβλιογραφική επισκόπηση, πειράματα και υπολογισμούς η ανάδειξη της μετρήσιμης επίδρασης του σχεδιασμού, του τρόπου προσέγγισης και εκτίμησης του μικροκλίματος και της θερμικής άνεσης. Τέλος, η παρούσα διατριβή αντιμετωπίζει συνθετικά τους συσχετισμούς μεταξύ των παραμέτρων ως προς το μέγεθος της επιρροής τους αλλά και ως πρός την ισχύ του σχεδιασμού τους μέσω γραμμικών σχέσεων που αποτελεί το βασικό εύρημα της μελέτης και συγχρόνως ένα πρακτικό εργαλείο συγκριτικής αξιολόγησης με στόχο να συνοψίζει τις σχεδιαστικές επιλογές.
Euripides in Albion
Authors: Τσιχριτζή Γεωργία
Published: March 2022

Η παρούσα διατριβή αφορά τις ευρωπαϊκές λογοτεχνικές και θεατρικές επεξεργασίες του έργου του Ευριπίδη Κρεσφόντης, και κυρίως τις αγγλικές μεταφράσεις και διασκευές τους κατά τη διάρκεια του 18ου και του 19ου αιώνα. Η έμφαση της διατριβής στις μεταγενέστερες επεξεργασίες οφείλεται στο γεγονός ότι το έργο του Ευριπίδη έχει ουσιαστικά χαθεί, εκτός από λίγα αποσπάσματα. Ως εκ τούτου, η διατριβή δεν εστιάζει στον Κρεσφόντη, τον κύριο χαρακτήρα του χαμένου έργου του Ευριπίδη, αλλά τη σύζυγό του Μερόπη, έναν από τους χαρακτήρες που επεξεργάστηκαν οι Ευρωπαίοι δραματουργοί. Ο Κρεσφόντης ήταν ο πρώτος βασιλιάς της Μεσσηνίας, μετά την Κάθοδο των Δωριέων, ο οποίος δολοφονήθηκε από τον σφετεριστή του θρόνου Πολυφόντη, μαζί με δύο από τα τρία παιδιά του. Το τρίτο φυγαδεύτηκε από τη Μερόπη έως ότου ενηλικιωθεί και επιστρέψει γα να εκδικηθεί τον θάνατο του πατέρα του και ανακαταλάβει τον πατρικό θρόνο. Η ιστορία της Μερόπης, αν και γνωστή στους αρχαίους συγγραφείς, έγινε πολύ δημοφιλής στην ευρωπαϊκή σκηνή. Κατά τη διάρκεια της ύστερης Αναγέννησης, διασκευάστηκε από τρεις γνωστούς Ιταλούς συγγραφείς του 16ου αιώνα και ξαναδουλεύτηκε από αρκετούς διακεκριμένους Γάλλους θεατρικούς συγγραφείς του 17ου αιώνα. Το αποκορύφωμά της, ωστόσο, ήταν κατά τη διάρκεια του 18ου αιώνα, όταν κέρδισε μεγάλη δημοτικότητα μέσω τριών ακόμη διασκευών (δύο ιταλικών και μιας γαλλικής) από τους Maffei (1714), Alfieri (1783) και Βολταίρο (1744) αντίστοιχα.Λόγω της υπόθεσής της αλλά και της φήμης των τριών αυτών συγγραφέων, δεν άργησε να εμφανιστούν αγγλικές μεταφράσεις και διασκευές των έργων τους. Ορισμένα έργα είναι πιστές μεταφράσεις, ενώ άλλα είναι διασκευές που προορίζονται για τη σκηνή. Οι μεταφράσεις και διασκευές έγιναν από εξέχουσες λογοτεχνικές προσωπικότητες της εποχής. Ο William Ayre (βιογράφος του Alexander Pope) μετέφρασε το έργο του Maffei το 1740, ο Aaron Hill (σύμβουλος του Samuel Richardson) διασκεύασε το έργο του Βολταίρου το 1749 και ο Charles Lloyd (φίλος του William Wordsworth) μετέφρασε το έργο του Alfieri το 1815. Οι αγγλικές μεταφράσεις και διασκευές γνώρισαν αρκετές επανεκδόσεις, ενώ μέχρι σήμερα παρέμεναν ελάχιστα γνωστές. Η διατριβή προσπαθεί επομένως να διορθώσει αυτή την έλλειψη, συγκεντρώνοντας και αναλύοντας τις αγγλικές λογοτεχνικές μεταμορφώσεις της ιστορίας της Μερόπης. Οι κύριοι στόχοι της διατριβής είναι τρεις. Ο πρώτος είναι να φωτίσει το ιστορικό και πολιτισμικό υπόβαθρο της δημιουργίας των έργων και τις αφορμές της συγγραφής τους. Ο δεύτερος είναι να προσφέρει νέες πληροφορίες για με την ταυτότητα των Άγγλων συγγραφέων, που απουσιάζουν από τη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία. Ο τρίτος είναι να εντοπίσει τα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά των έργων, μέσω της σύγκρισης τους με τα ιταλικά και γαλλικά πρότυπά τους, που συγκροτούν τη δική τους λογοτεχνική αυτοτέλεια.
Ανάπτυξη φασματοχημικών μεθόδων στη μελέτη του αντιοξειδωτικού αποτυπώματος τροφίμων
Authors: Ανδρέου Βασιλική
Published: March 2022

Η διατριβή αυτή ασχολείται με την ανάπτυξη και την εφαρμογή φασματοχημικών αναλυτικών μεθόδων εκτίμησης των αντιοξειδωτικών ιδιοτήτων τροφίμων. Τα τρόφιμα και κυρίως τα βότανα είναι γνωστό ότι εμφανίζουν ισχυρές αντιοξειδωτικές ιδιότητες. Σπάνιες είναι οι αναφορές για μεθόδους εκτίμησης της αντιοξειδωτικής ικανότητας των αποσταγμάτων από κριθάρι. Σκοπός της διδακτορικής διατριβής ήταν η μελέτη του αντιοξειδωτικούαποτυπώματοςαποσταγμάτων από κριθάρι, καθώς και η παρασκευή ενός νέου βελτιωμένου προϊόντος βασισμένο σε αποστάγματα και βότανα και η διερεύνησητης αντιοξειδωτικής ικανότητας του. Στα πλαίσια αυτής της εργασίας τροποποιήθηκε, επικυρώθηκε και εφαρμόστηκε η μέθοδος εκτίμησης της αναγωγικής ικανότητας τροφίμων με τη χρήση νανοσωματιδίων αργύρου (SNPAC), ενώ εφαρμόστηκε και επικυρώθηκεη μέθοδος εκτίμησης της αναγωγικής ικανότητας τροφίμων με τη χρήση ιόντων χρωμίου (CHROMAC).Στα αποστάγματα από κριθάρι, καθώς και σε άλλα 5 υποστρώματα εφαρμόστηκαν 9 φασματοφωτομετρικές μέθοδοι εκτίμησης του αντιοξειδωτικού τους αποτυπώματος και από αυτά επιλέχτηκαν τα αποστάγματα από στέμφυλα σταφυλής για να εμπλουτιστούν με βότανα και να παρασκευαστεί ένα νέο βελτιωμένο προϊόν.Στα εμπλουτισμένα αποστάγματα που παρασκευάστηκαν εφαρμόστηκαν 3 φασματοφωτομετρικές μέθοδοι εκτίμησης της αντιοξειδωτικής τους ικανότητας και οι τεχνικές της υγροχρωματογραφίας (HPLC) συνδυασμένη με φασματομετρία μάζας, οι φασματοσκοπίεςNMRκαι IR και η οργανοληπτική εξέταση. Σε αυτά τα πλαίσια ταυτοποιήθηκαν συνολικά 46 ενώσεις, οι περισσότερες από τις οποίες ήταν φαινολικές ενώσεις και οι υπόλοιπες σάκχαρα και άλλες οργανικές ενώσεις.Προέκυψαν τελικά τα νέα εμπλουτισμένα αποστάγματα με βελτιωμένες ιδιότητες, μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον στη γεύση και πολλές δυνατότητες εξέλιξης και ως προς την περιεκτικότητα σε βότανα, αλλά και ως προς τον συνδυασμό βοτάνων για την επίτευξη καλύτερων οργανοληπτικών ιδιοτήτων.
Currencies of recognition: What rewards and recognition do Canadian distributed medical education preceptors value?
Authors: Johnston Aaron , Malhi Rebecca , Cofie Nicholas , Jokic Ruzica , Goertzen James , Smith-Windsor Tom , Makwarimba Edward , Girouard Marie-Hélène , Badcock Sandra , Bell Amanda
Published: March 2022

Background: Medical schools spend considerable time, effort, and money on recognition initiatives for rural and distributed medical education (DME) faculty. Previous literature has focused on intrinsic motivation to teach and there is little in the literature to guide institutional recognition efforts or to predict which items or types of recognition will be most appreciated.

Methods: To better understand how rural and DME faculty in Canada value different forms of recognition, we asked faculty members from all Canadian medical schools to complete a bilingual, national online survey evaluating their perceptions of currently offered rewards and recognition. The survey received a robust response in both English and French, across nine Canadian provinces and one territory.

Results: Our results indicated that there were three distinct ways that preceptors looked at recognition; these perspectives were consistent across geographic and demographic variables. These “clusters” or “currencies of recognition” included: i) Formal institutional recognition, ii) connections, growth and development, and iii) tokens of gratitude. Financial recognition was also found to be important but separate from the three clusters. Some preceptors did value support of intrinsic motivation most important, and for others extrinsic motivators, or a mix of both was most valued.

Conclusions: Study results will help medical schools make effective choices in efforts to find impactful ways to recognize rural and DME faculty.
The Temple and Its Surroundings on Fabrika Hill, Paphos: Preliminary Results of the French-Polish Excavations (2018–2019)
Authors: Balandier Claire , Młynarczyk Jolanta
Published: March 2022

The field research conducted in Paphos in the framework of a joint project of the Université d’Avignon and the University of Warsaw focuses on the southern part of Fabrika hill with the aim to understand its role in the urban life of ancient Nea Paphos. Two seasons of the fieldwork (2018–2019) yielded evidence for the arrangement and chronology of a temple site of the Hellenistic and early Roman period. A preliminary exploration of underground chambers strongly suggests that they may have been a part of the same sacred area as the temple. Moreover, several burials as well as some walls and floors testify to the use of the site during the Byzantine and Medieval period.
Villa of Theseus at Nea Paphos (Cyprus). Fourth–Early Fifth Century Numismatic Evidence for Architectural Transformations and Seismic Events
Authors: Lichocka Barbara
Published: March 2022

This paper presents coins unearthed in three separate places at the Villa of Theseus at Nea Paphos (Cyprus). With just a few exceptions they date to the fourth–early fifth centuries AD. Even though only some specimens are precisely identifiable, they deserve presentation since they may suggest termini post quem for the reconstructions and enlargement of the Villa of Theseus. At the same time, the numismatic evidence helps to support the hypothesis that more than one earthquake occurred in the late Roman period at Nea Paphos and caused the destruction of its residences in the whole or in part of the area.
Ancient Portrait Busts of Marcus Aurelius in the National Museum in Poznań
Authors: Mroczek Diana
Published: March 2022

The article addresses the collection of Roman portrait busts in the National Museum in Poznań, Poland. The paper focuses on three busts attributed to Marcus Aurelius as an example of durable adaptations and modifications of the originals. It aims to explain frequent misconceptions and interpretations of the sculptures by exploring history and conservation practices.
Terracotta Pipelines at Maloutena: Remarks on the Water System in the Residential District of Ancient Nea Paphos, Cyprus
Authors: Romaniuk Marcin M.
Published: March 2022

This paper presents the results of studies on the ancient terracotta pipelines discovered during excavations conducted since 1965 by the Polish Archaeological Mission of the University of Warsaw in the so-called Maloutena area, the residential district of the Hellenistic-Roman capital of Cyprus, Nea Paphos. The pipelines were examined in terms of the pipe types they were composed of, their construction and maintenance aspects, chronology, function and structural interrelations to recognise the role they played in the water management system of Maloutena and Nea Paphos over time.
Pomiędzy klasycznością a romantycznością: Młodzi autorzy Wilna, Krzemieńca i Lwowa wobec przemian w literaturze polskiej lat 1817-1828
Authors: Stankiewicz-Kopeć Monika
Published: March 2022

”The task which I set before myself is to show the picture of the so-called Polish romantic breakthrough, not from the perspective of great actors of the then literary stage, as it has been presented until now […], but from the standpoint of less important authors […] stemming from the literary environments of pre-uprising Vilnius, Krzemieniec, Lviv and Warsaw. Basically, such a picture has not existed in the history of literature to date […] a view on the romantic breakthrough and pre-uprising literature exactly from the perspective of minor authors sets the situation of transition from the Enlightenment to Romanticism in completely different light, unknown until now.” (from Introduction) This attitude allows, most of all, to emphasise many currents of the above-- mentioned period, and to depart thereby from viewing pre-November literature only as a series of advances of the dominant current, i.e. Romanticism – such viewing ignores everything outside of this current; everything that is “unromantic” (for example classicism, sentimentalism, proto-realism, late rococo), and considers it anachronistic, thereby not worthy of closer attention. However, most of these ”unromantic” aspirations were not anachronistic at all, as some of the current aesthetics (mainly classicistic and sentimental) underwent renewal. The legitimacy of discussing these issues results from both vagueness in the presentation of phenomena of the Enlightenment and Romanticism breakthrough in the syntheses of Polish literature, and from selectivity or anachronistic nature of source literature in this respect.
Nonasymptotic Analysis of Monte Carlo Tree Search
Authors: Shah Devavrat , Xie Qiaomin , Xu Zhi
Published: March 2022

In “Nonasymptotic Analysis of Monte Carlo Tree Search,” D. Shah, Q. Xie, and Z. Xu consider the popular tree-based search strategy, the Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS), in the context of the infinite-horizon discounted Markov decision process. They show that MCTS with an appropriate polynomial rather than logarithmic bonus term indeed leads to the desired convergence property. The authors derive the results by establishing a polynomial concentration property of regret for a class of nonstationary multiarm bandits. Furthermore, using this as a building block, they demonstrate that MCTS, combined with nearest neighbor supervised learning, acts as a “policy improvement” operator that can iteratively improve value function approximation.