bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Informed consent: do information pamphlets improve post-operative risk-recall in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy: Prospective randomized control study
Authors: Alsaffar Hussain , Wilson Lindsay , Kamdar Dev P. , Sultanov Faizullo , Enepekides Danny , Higgins Kevin M.
Published: February 2016

Background

Informed consent consists of basic five elements: voluntarism, capacity, disclosure, understanding, and ultimate decision-making. Physician disclosure, patient understanding, and information retention are all essential in the doctor-patient relationship. This is inclusive of helping patients make and manage their decisions and expectations better and also to deal with any consequences and/or complications that arise. This study investigates whether giving patients procedure-specific handouts pre-operatively as part of the established informed consent process significantly improves overall risk-recall following surgery. These handouts outline the anticipated peri-operative risks and complications associated with total thyroidectomy, as well as the corrective measures to address complications. In addition, the influence of potential confounders affecting risk-recall, such as anxiety and pre-existing memory disturbance, are also examined.

Methods

Consecutive adult (≥18 years old) patients undergoing total thyroidectomy at a single academic tertiary care referral centre are included. Participants are randomly assigned into either the experimental group (with pamphlets) or the control group by a computerized randomization system (Clinstat). All participants filled out a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and they are tested by the physician for short-term memory loss using the Memory Impairment Screen (MIS) exam. All patients are evaluated at one week post-operatively. The written recall questionnaire test is also administered during this clinical encounter.

Results

Forty-nine patients are included - 25 of them receive verbal consent only, while another 24 patients received both verbal consent and patient education information pamphlets. The overall average of correct answers for each group was 83 % and 80 % in the control and intervention groups, respectively, with no statistically significant differences. There are also no statistically significant differences between the two groups, in both interview duration, in time between interviews, and in recall tests. No correlation is also apparent between the pre-op HADS score and the recall questionnaire overall score.

Conclusions

A pre-operative thyroid surgical information pamphlet alone might not be sufficient to enhance patient test scores and optimally educate the patient on their expected care pathway in thyroid surgery. Supplementation with alternative means of patient education perhaps using emerging technologies needs to be further investigated.
Movement vectors and deformation mechanisms in kinematic restorations: A case study from the Colombian Eastern Cordillera
Authors: Carrillo Emilio , Mora Andrés , Ketcham Richard A. , Amorocho Ricardo , Parra Mauricio , Costantino Diego , Robles Wilmer , Avellaneda William , Carvajal Juan S. , Corcione Miguel F. , Bello Wladimir , Figueroa Juan D. , Gómez José F. , González José L. , Quandt Dennis , Reyes Martín , Rangel Ana M. , Román Ignacio , Pelayo Yasmin , Porras José
Published: February 2016

We have developed a new method to assess the movement of particles in different steps of a well-calibrated sequential kinematic restoration. Calibration included correct assessment of amounts of overburden, sedimentation, erosion, and thermal behavior through time. Our method allowed a better understanding of the mechanisms of deformation and uplift in different geologic provinces. In our pilot case study in the Colombian Eastern Cordillera, we have used movement vectors in balanced cross sections to document an initial phase of dominant vertical uplift and a final phase of dominant tangential horizontal shortening. Our findings challenged the common assumptions related to folding and deformation mechanisms in fold-and-thrust belts used for cross-section balancing and palinspastic reconstructions. Thus, we found that the movement vectors in cross sections can be used to test and validate a complete procedure to obtain calibrated sequential kinematic restorations and represent a powerful tool to better understand deformation mechanisms in different settings.
ReCAP: Treatment Patterns and Cost of Care Associated With Initial Therapy Among Patients Diagnosed With Operable Early-Stage Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Overexpressed Breast Cancer in the United States: A Real-World Retrospective Study
Authors: DaCosta Byfield Stacey , Buck Philip O. , Blauer-Peterson Cori , Poston Sara A. , DaCosta Byfield Stacey , Buck Philip O. , Blauer-Peterson Cori , Poston Sara A.
Published: February 2016

QUESTION ASKED:

This study assessed real-world treatment patterns, health care use, and costs associated with initial treatment of resected nonmetastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–overexpressing (HER2+) breast cancer in the United States.

SUMMARY ANSWER:

Although trastuzumab-based therapy is considered standard of care among patients with HER2+ early-stage breast cancer, approximately 28% of these patients did not receive HER2-targeted therapy; in addition, receipt of HER2-targeted therapy differed by hormone receptor status.

METHODS:

Oncology registry data linked to a large US commercial administrative claims database were used to identify and examine treatment patterns, health care use, and costs of commercially insured patients with operable HER2+ breast cancer during the initial phase of care.

BIAS, CONFOUNDING FACTOR(S), DRAWBACKS:

Claims data are appropriate for evaluating treatment patterns and health care costs; however, they typically lack important clinical information (eg, history of cardiac disease) that may influence treatment decisions and, ultimately, study outcomes. The follow-up period for many patients was censored, which limited the ability to determine when the initial phase of care should be considered completed. Also, newer therapies may not have been adequately captured. For example, pertuzumab was approved for neoadjuvant use after the end of the study period. Finally, the results of this study are limited to the patient sample examined and may not be generalizable to other populations such as patients older than 65 years, those with no or different types of insurance coverage, or patients outside the United States.

REAL-LIFE IMPLICATIONS:

Although HER2-targeted therapy is the standard of care for patients with HER2+ breast cancer, HER2-based therapy may be underused among patients with nonmetastatic HER2+ breast cancer in the United States. [Table: see text]
Impact of a Palliative Care Checklist on Clinical Documentation
Authors: de la Cruz Maxine , Reddy Akhila , Vidal Marieberta , Tanco Kimberson , Azhar Ahsan , Silvestre Julio , Liu Diane D. , Wu Jimin , Bruera Eduardo
Published: February 2016

Purpose:

Checklists are used in many different settings for the purpose of standardization and reduction of preventable errors in practice. Our group sought to determine whether a palliative care checklist (PCC) would improve the clinical documentation of key patient information.

Methods:

An initial review of 110 randomly selected medical records dictated by 10 physicians was performed. The authors identified portions of the dictated medical records that were included regularly, as well as those that were frequently missed. A PCC was drafted after final approval was obtained from the 13 faculty members. Dictations from 13 clinical faculties in the supportive care center were reviewed. A χ2test or Fisher’s exact test was applied to assess the difference in overall checked rates before and after checklist use. A paired t test was used to examine the difference in the average complete rate and checked rates before and after checklist use.

Results:

There were improvements in the documentation before and after the checklist for scores on the Cut-down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener questionnaire for alcoholism (79% v 94%; P ≤ .0001), psychosocial history (69% v 95%; P ≤ .0001), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (38% v 81%; P ≤ .0001), advance care planning (28% v 41%; P = .0008), and overall (78% v 95%; P ≤ .0001). There was no significant improvement in the documentation for opioid-induced neurotoxicity (37% v 37%; P = .9492) or the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (98% v 99%; P = .4511).

Conclusion:

Our study showed that the use of a PCC improved the quality of the documentation of a patient visit in an outpatient clinical setting.
Improving Chemotherapy Ordering Process
Authors: Bryant-Bova Jill N.
Published: February 2016

Purpose:

Chemotherapy is a high-risk medication and is the second most common cause of fatal medication errors. The ordering process can be unsafe and inefficient, putting patients at risk for medication errors. The aim of this project was to decrease the number of chemotherapy order forms with at least one deviation by 50% within 5 months.

Methods:

A multidisciplinary team identified causes for variance in form completion, deficits in knowledge of ordering processes, and acceptance of incomplete orders by the staff. The Plan, Do, Study, Act improvement methodology evaluated the chemotherapy ordering process and found different types of deviations on order forms. Interventions consisted of educating physicians on entering complete information on orders, instituting same-day laboratory work on the day of the physician’s visit, standardizing laboratory parameters, performing audits of the order forms manually, and educating nurses on not accepting orders with deviations.

Results:

All order forms were reviewed, and data were collected on different types of deviations. The following deviations were identified: laboratory test results were not being entered into the order form within 7 days, physicians were not providing their name and pager number, and the days of the chemotherapy cycle were missing from the order forms. Before the intervention, 70.1% of the chemotherapy order forms had at least one deviation. After 5 months of interventions, there was a reduction of 19% in the number of order forms with at least one deviation. Follow-up at 6 months and 1 year showed continuing reductions in the number of chemotherapy orders with at least one deviation.

Conclusion:

Improvement was a result of collaboration between interdisciplinary departments. The original goal was surpassed as a result of educating physicians and staff and standardizing the ordering process. If the number of deviations in chemotherapy order forms is decreased, oncology patients will receive safe, efficient, and quality care.
ReCAP: ASCO Core Curriculum for Cancer Survivorship Education
Authors: Shapiro Charles L. , Jacobsen Paul B. , Henderson Tara , Hurria Arti , Nekhlyudov Larissa , Ng Andrea , Surbone Antonella , Mayer Deborah K. , Rowland Julia H. , Shapiro Charles L. , Jacobsen Paul B. , Henderson Tara , Hurria Arti , Nekhlyudov Larissa , Ng Andrea , Surbone Antonella , Mayer Deborah K. , Rowland Julia H.
Published: February 2016

CONTEXT AND QUESTION(S) ASKED:

The number of cancer survivors is increasing exponentially. Currently there about 15 million cancer survivors, and by 2025, there will be nearly 20 million. Who will provide survivorship care, what are evidenced-based or best care practices, what are best methods to disseminate this information and assess its impact on physician practice, and what are the most cost-effective health care delivery models to serve the majority of survivors?

SUMMARY ANSWER:

The ASCO Survivorship Committee in collaboration with the ASCO Professional Development Committee developed a core curriculum and core competencies for physicians, allied health professionals, training programs, and policymaking organizations. Adapted from Institute of Medicine recommendations for survivorship care, the core curriculum and competencies include the following subheadings: surveillance for recurrence and second malignancies, long-term and late effects, health promotion and prevention, psychosocial well-being, special populations including adolescent and young adult survivors, older adult cancer survivors, caregivers of cancer survivors and communication and care coordination.

METHODS:

An environmental scan (a process that systematically surveys and interprets relevant data to identify opportunities and barriers) for survivorship was performed. Although survivorship content exists in various courses, conferences, guidelines, and Web-based applications, the information is incomplete and not easily found. Hence, there was a need for this content to be easy to access and available in one place. Content experts formulated the individual sections based on the environmental scan and their knowledge of the various subheadings.

BIAS, CONFOUNDING FACTOR(S), DRAWBACKS:

Both an environmental scan and a comprehensive literature review have standard methodologies. The differences are in scope; an environmental scan is more like an overview, and the standard literature review is more granular. For this article, we felt that environmental scan better served the purpose of developing a survivorship core curriculum and competencies.

REAL-LIFE IMPLICATIONS:

Survivorship care is one the most challenging problems oncologists face today and in the near future. Fundamental to the relatively new field of survivorship care is this core curriculum and competencies, which provide the framework necessary to generate appropriate referrals depending on local practices and expertise.
Breast Cancer in Women Older Than 80 Years
Authors: Shachar Shlomit Strulov , Hurria Arti , Muss Hyman B.
Published: February 2016

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with an incidence that rises dramatically with age. The average age at diagnosis of breast cancer is 61 years, and the majority of woman who die of breast cancer are age 65 years and older. Major improvements in public health and medical care have resulted in dramatic increases in longevity. The oldest old (those age 80 years and older) are a rapidly expanding group and now comprise 9 million members of the US population. The treatment of individuals who are age 80 years and older is complex and involves clearly defining the goals and value of treatment while also weighing risks, such as the potential effects of treatment on functional loss and quality of life. Limited evidence-based treatment guidelines exist for the caring of this older cohort of patients with breast cancer. Data from clinical trials that enroll primarily younger patients lack the information needed to estimate the likelihood of toxicities that can be life changing in older adults. Clinicians who make treatment recommendations should place the available evidence in the context of the patient’s life expectancy and geriatric assessment results that include an evaluation of a patient’s functional status, comorbidities, cognition, social support, nutritional status, and psychological state. Furthermore, these decisions should be placed in the context of the patient’s goals for treatment, preferences, and values. This review summarizes the current literature and focuses on the role of geriatric assessment in treatment recommendations for patients age 80 years and older with early and metastatic breast cancer.
“A Woman's Place Is in the Umwa”: Women Miners and the Struggle for a Democratic Union in Western Pennsylvania, 1973–1979
Authors: Kahle Trish
Published: February 2016

Women reentered the American coal mines in 1973 and quickly made an impact in the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) as union members struggled with the meaning and future of union democracy. Although existing scholarship has pointed to the end of union democracy in the UMWA after the decline of the Miners for Democracy in 1973–74, this article argues that newly hired women miners took up the mantle of union democracy and, in the process of forging space for themselves in the workplace and the union, became leaders among the UMWA's rank and file as workers attempted to cope with neoliberal transformation across the 1970s.
HDAC6 regulates the dynamics of lytic granules in cytotoxic T lymphocytes
Authors: Núñez-Andrade Norman , Iborra Salvador , Trullo Antonio , Moreno-Gonzalo Olga , Calvo Enrique , Catalán Elena , Menasche Gaël , Sancho David , Vázquez Jesús , Yao Tso-Pang , Martín-Cófreces Noa Beatriz , Sánchez-Madrid Francisco
Published: February 2016

HDAC6 is a tubulin deacetylase involved in many cellular functions related to cytoskeleton dynamics, including cell migration and autophagy. In addition, HDAC6 affects antigen-dependent CD4+ T cell activation. In this study, we show that HDAC6 contributes to the cytotoxic function of CD8+ T cells. Immunization studies revealed defective cytotoxic activity in vivo in the absence of HDAC6. Adoptive transfer of wild-type or Hdac6−/− CD8+ T cells to Rag1−/− mice demonstrated specific impairment in CD8+ T cell responses against vaccinia infection. Mechanistically, HDAC6-deficient cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) showed defective in vitro cytolytic activity related to altered dynamics of lytic granules, inhibited kinesin-1–dynactin-mediated terminal transport of lytic granules to the immune synapse and deficient exocytosis, but not to target cell recognition, T cell receptor (TCR) activation or interferon (IFN)γ production. Our results establish HDAC6 as an effector of the immune cytotoxic response that acts by affecting the dynamics, transport and secretion of lytic granules by CTLs.
Το νοτιοανατολικό κτήριο της Μονής Οσίου Λουκά
Authors: ΜΠΟΥΡΑΣ Χαράλαμπος
Published: February 2016

Ἡ μεγάλη δίκλιτη αἴθουσα πού βρέθηκε σέ ἀνασκαφή νοτίως τῆς Τραπέζης τοῦ Ὁσίου Λουκᾶ πιθανῶς ἀποτελοῦσε τίς ὑποδομές μιᾶς νέας πτέρυγας κελλιῶν. Μορφικά καί κατασκευαστικά στοιχεῖα χρονολογοῦν τό κτήριο στή μεσοβυζαντινή περίοδο. Ἡ οἰκοδόμηση τοῦ κτηρίου ἴσως σχετίζεται μέ τήν αὔξηση τοῦ ἀριθμοῦ τῶν μοναχῶν κατά τό ἴδιο χρονικό διάστημα.
Το μαγκιπείο της Μεγίστης Λαύρας του Αγίου Όρους
Authors: ΘΕΟΧΑΡΙΔΗΣ Πλούταρχος , ΜΑΜΑΛΟΥΚΟΣ Σταύρος
Published: February 2016

Η μελέτη εξετάζει το κτήριο του μαγκιπείου (χώρος παρασκευής του ψωμιού) της Μεγίστης Λαύρας στο Άγιον Όρος, ένα από τα ελάχιστα σωζόμενα παλαιά μοναστηριακά μαγκιπεία. Ύστερα από την εξέταση των οικοδομικών φάσεων και των διαφόρων χαρακτηριστικών του, προτείνεται η χρονολόγηση του κτηρίου στο 16ο αιώνα, καθώς και η γραφική αποκατάσταση της αρχικής του μορφής.
Πρώτη παρουσίαση των τοιχογραφιών του ναού των Αγίων Θεοδώρων στον Αρχάγγελο Ρόδου (1372)
Authors: ΓΙΑΚΟΥΜΑΚΗ Χαριστούλα
Published: February 2016

Ο ναός των Αγίων Θεοδώρων στον Αρχάγγελο Ρόδου, χρονολογημένος με επιγραφή στα 1372, αποτελεί ένα από τα σημαντικότερα μνημεία της περιόδου της ιπποτοκρατίας (1309-1522) όχι μόνον για το νησί της Ρόδου αλλά και για τα υπόλοιπα νησιά του δωδεκανησιακού συμπλέγματος. ∆ιατηρεί πλήρες εικονογραφικό πρόγραμμα, κτητορική επιγραφή και παράσταση κτητόρων. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δίνεται στην ομάδα των στρατιωτικών αγίων που απεικονίζονται με τη στρατιωτική περιβολή και τον οπλισμό τους. Από τους κτήτορες ενδιαφέρον παρουσιάζει η ασυνήθιστη προσωνυμία της κτητόρισσας Ειρήνης ως Ατούμισσα και ο αριθμός των σκουλαρικιών που φορεί.
Ο Ξένος ∆ιγενὴς στὴν Ἤπειρο
Authors: ΒΟΚΟΤΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ Παναγιώτης Λ.
Published: February 2016

Ὁ πελοποννήσιος ζωγράφος Ξένος ∆ιγενὴς διεκόσμησε μὲ τοιχογραφίες τυπικὲς τῆς κρητικῆς σχολῆς τοὺς ναοὺς τῶν Ἁγίων Πατέρων στὰ Ἀπάνω Φλώρια Σελίνου Kρήτης (1470) καὶ τῆς μονῆς Mυρτιᾶς στὴν Aἰτωλία (1491). Ἕνα τρίτο σύνολο τοιχογραφιῶν, στὴν Παναγία Kάτω Mερόπης στὴν Ἤπειρο, διατηρεῖται σὲ πολὺ κακὴ κατάσταση μετὰ ἀπὸ πυρκαϊά, ποὺ κατέστρεψε καὶ τὴν ἐπιγραφὴ μὲ τὴν χρονολογία. Oἱ σωζόμενες τοιχογραφίες ἀκολουθοῦν καὶ αὐτὲς τὴν κρητικὴ εἰκονογραφία καὶ τεχνοτροπία, ἔχουν ὅμως ἐπηρεασθεῖ σὲ μικρὸ βαθμὸ στὴν εἰκονογραφία ἀπὸ τὴν τέχνη τῆς Ἠπείρου καὶ τῆς Mακεδονίας (Ἐμπαιγμὸς τοῦ Xριστοῦ) καὶ στὴν ἀπόδοση τῶν γεροντικῶν μορφῶν ἀπὸ τὸ ἀντικλασσικὸ ρεῦμα τῆς ζωγραφικῆς τοῦ ὄψιμου 15ου αἰῶνος στὴν ∆υτικὴ Mακεδονία (ἱεράρχαι ἀψίδος). Tέτοιες ἐπιδράσεις δὲν ὑπάρχουν στὴν μονὴ Mυρτιᾶς, καὶ συνηγοροῦν γιὰ μεταγενέστερη χρονολόγηση τοῦ διακόσμου τῆς Kάτω Mερόπης.
Οι τοιχογραφίες του καθολικού της μονής Προφήτη Ηλία στους Γεωργουτσάτες ∆ρόπολης στη βόρεια Ήπειρο (1585/6) και το έργο του ζωγράφου Νικηφόρου, ενός από τους τελευταίους εκπροσώπους της κρητικής σχολής
Authors: ΧΟΥΛΙΑΡΑΣ Ιωάννης Π.
Published: February 2016

«∆ια χειρός Νικηφόρου μοναχού» φιλοτεχνήθηκαν οι τοιχογραφίες του κυρίως ναού του καθολικού της μονής Προφήτη Ηλία στους Γεωργουτσάτες ∆ρόπολης (1585/6). Στο εργαστήριό του αποδίδεται και το μεγαλύτερο τμήμα του διακόσμου των μονών ∆ρυάνου και ∆ούβιανης. Ο Νικηφόρος ακολουθεί τις εικονογραφικές και εκφραστικές επιλογές της κρητικής σχολής και κατά συνέπεια πρέπει να τον θεωρήσουμε ως έναν από τους τελευταίους εκπροσώπους της, που πιθανώς να μαθήτευσε από μικρή ηλικία κοντά σε κρητικά συνεργεία κυρίως των Μετεώρων.
∆ύο ιδιότυπες παραστάσεις από το βίο του Μεγάλου Βασιλείου και του Ιωάννου του Χρυσοστόμου στη μονή των Αγίων Τεσσαράκοντα, Χρύσαφα Λακωνίας, έργο Γεωργίου Μόσχου (1620)
Authors: ΠΑΠΑΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΥ Τζούλια
Published: February 2016

Στο διάκοσμο του καθολικού της μονής των Αγίων Τεσσαράκοντα στα Χρύσαφα Λακωνίας, έργο του σημαντικού ζωγράφου Γεωργίου Μόσχου του 1620, περιλαμβάνονται δύο σπάνια απεικονιζόμενες παραστάσεις από τους βίους των μεγάλων Πατέρων της Εκκλησίας και συγγραφέων των δύο σημαντικότερων θείων λειτουργιών Μεγάλου Βασιλείου και Ιωάννου του Χρυσοστόμου. Πρόκειται για τη θαυματουργική παρέμβαση του Μεγάλου Βασιλείου στη διένεξη Ορθοδόξων – Αρειανών στη Νίκαια της Βιθυνίας, στα χρόνια του αυτοκράτορα Ουάλη και για την επανενθρόνιση του λειψάνου του Χρυσοστόμου στον αρχιερατικό του θρόνο στο ναό της Αγίας Ειρήνης, μετά την ανακομιδή των λειψάνων του στην Κωνσταντινούπολη από τα Κόμανα της Τραπεζούντας. Στην παρούσα μελέτη διατυπώνονται, με αφορμή τις δύο αυτές παραστάσεις, παρατηρήσεις στην εικονογραφία του βίου των δύο ιεραρχών, ακολούθως δε επιχειρείται η εικονογραφική ανάλυση των δύο παραστάσεων και η ένταξή τους στο πλαίσιο των βιογραφικών κύκλων του Μεγάλου Βασιλείου και του Ιωάννου του Χρυσοστόμου, όπως αυτοί διαμορφώνονται στη βυζαντινή και μεταβυζαντινή ζωγραφική.
Αδημοσίευτη εικόνα του έφιππου αγίου Θεοδώρου από την Αγχίαλο (Pomorie) της Μαύρης Θάλασσας
Authors: TRIFONOVA Alexandra Ph.
Published: February 2016

Στο ναό της Μεταμορφώσεως του Χριστού στην Αγχίαλο (σημ. Pomorie) φυλάσσεται μια αδημοσίευτη εικόνα μεγάλων διαστάσεων (107x77x3 εκ.) του έφιππου αγίου Θεοδώρου δρακοντοκτόνου. Η εικόνα αποτελεί, πιθανότατα, έργο ενός ανώνυμου ντόπιου καλλιτέχνη, ο οποίος δραστηριοποιείται στο δεύτερο μισό και πιθανότατα στα τέλη του 15ου αιώνα και ο οποίος εμπνέεται από έργα της κρητικής σχολής του 15ου αιώνα, με τα οποία ανανεώνει την τοπική καλλιτεχνική παράδοση.
Οι επιγραφές και η λειτουργία τους στις βυζαντινές εικόνες
Authors: ΚΑΖΑΝΑΚΗ-ΛΑΠΠΑ Μαρία
Published: February 2016

Οι επιγραφές που συνοδεύουν πρόσωπα ή σκηνές στην εικονογραφία αποτελούν συνήθεια της αρχαίας τέχνης που συνεχίστηκε στη χριστιανική. Στις φορητές εικόνες, που μας απασχολούν εδώ, επιγραφές ταυτίζουν τα πρόσωπα, υπομνηματίζουν τις παραστάσεις ή περιέχουν αιτήματα των πιστών προς το θείο. Ακολουθούν δηλαδή και υπογραμμίζουν τις τρεις κύριες λειτουργίες της εικόνας: τη διατήρηση της μνήμης και την απόδοση τιμής στο απεικονιζόμενο θείο ή ιερό πρόσωπο, τη διδαχή του πιστού, τη διαμεσολάβηση προς το θείο. Ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον παρουσιάζουν οι επιγραφές που ταυτίζουν τα πρόσωπα, καθώς η χρήση τους φαίνεται ότι γίνεται συστηματική μετά την Eικονομαχία και συνδέεται με τις θεωρίες για την απεικόνιση του θείου που αναπτύχθηκαν την περίοδο αυτή. Σύμφωνα με τους εικονόφιλους θεολόγους, αυτές οι επιγραφές αποτελούν ένα είδος σφραγίδας που συνδέει την απεικόνιση με το πρότυπό της, επικυρώνοντας τη μεταφορά των ιδιοτήτων του προτύπου στην απεικόνιση και καθιστώντας δυνατή την επικοινωνία προς αυτό.
Ξυλόγλυπτα της ύστερης περιόδου των Παλαιολόγων από ναούς της δυτικής Μακεδονίας
Authors: ΛΟΒΕΡΔΟΥ-ΤΣΙΓΑΡΙΔΑ Κάτια
Published: February 2016

Με αφορμή τη φωτογραφία ενός εκκλησιαστικού ξυλόγλυπτου αναλογίου από τη Βέροια από το αρχείο του Ανδρέα Ξυγγόπουλου, συγκεντρώσαμε και παρουσιάζουμε εκκλησιαστικά ξυλόγλυπτα, κυρίως αναλόγια ψαλτών και επιστύλια τέμπλων από ναούς της Καστοριάς, της Μεγάλης Πρέσπας, ελληνικής και αλβανικής, και του Κοσσυφοπεδίου. Τα έργα αυτά που έχουν κοινά χαρακτηριστικά ανήκουν σε ίδιους κατασκευαστικούς τύπους. Χρονολογούνται στο δεύτερο μισό του 14ου αιώνα και πρέπει να προέρχονται από εργαστήρια της περιοχής, πιθανότατα από την Καστοριά.
Ο ναός της Παναγίας Χιλιαδούς στην Εύβοια
Authors: ΒΟΓΙΑΤΖΗΣ Σωτήρης
Published: February 2016

Ο ναός της Κοιμήσεως Θεοτόκου Χιλιαδούς είναι μικρών διαστάσεων (9×9 και ύψους 7,30 μ.) και βρίσκεται στην κεντρική Εύβοια. Αποτελεί ένα unicum που προέκυψε από διαδοχικές παρεμβάσεις, που μοιάζει περισσότερο με ένα είδος τρίκλιτης βασιλικής με τυφλό τρούλο, ενώ αναφέρεται ως σταυρεπίστεγος από τους μελετητές. Στη στέγη υπάρχουν κρύπτες κλεισμένες με ελαφρύ τοίχο. Κατά τις εργασίες αποκατάστασης καθαιρέθηκαν τα επιχρίσματα και αποκαλύφθηκε ότι είναι κατασκευασμένος σε δύο φάσεις. Η χρονολόγηση των δύο φάσεων είναι δύσκολη χωρίς την ύπαρξη εξωτερικών μαρτυριών. Ο αρχικός ναός ήταν σταυροειδής εγγεγραμμένος τετράστυλος και μπορεί να χρονολογηθεί γενικά στα μέσα του 11ου αιώνα. Ήταν κατασκευασμένος με ατελές πλινθοπερίκλειστο σύστημα δομής. Διέθετε μεγάλα παράθυρα στο ιερό που στη συνέχεια κλείστηκαν. Κατέρρευσε, ίσως από σεισμούς και με τα υλικά δομής του κατασκευάστηκε στην περίοδο της Τουρκοκρατίας, η δεύτερη φάση, που έφθασε ως σήμερα.
Τα χτιστά τέμπλα της Κρήτης (14ος-15ος αιώνας). Επαρχιακή λύση ή ομολογία πίστεως;
Authors: ΜΑΪΛΗΣ Αθανάσιος
Published: February 2016

Tο θέμα της παρούσας μελέτης αφορά στην εδραίωση του τοιχογραφημένου χτιστού τέμπλου στις εκκλησίες της Κρήτης κατά το 14ο και το 15ο αιώνα. Η συγκεκριμένη μελέτη περιλαμβάνει υλικά τεκμήρια που εντοπίστηκαν μέσα από τη διαδικασία της αρχαιολογικής έρευνας πεδίου κυρίως στη δυτική Κρήτη και δεν αποτελεί έναν εξαντλητικό κατάλογο ναών με χτιστά τέμπλα. Κύριος στόχος της είναι η ερμηνεία της ύπαρξης του χτιστού τέμπλου ως τμήμα της ευρύτερης μετάπλασης των λατρευτικών μορφών, δίνοντας ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στην ερμηνεία αυτής της κατασκευής ως υλικού τεκμηρίου «ομολογίας πίστης» στις εκκλησίες του νησιού κατά την περίοδο της πρώιμης Eνετοκρατίας.
Η εικόνα «Ἐπὶ σοὶ χαίρει» του Βυζαντινού Μουσείου Αθηνών και η κρητική εικονογραφία
Authors: ΑΧΕΙΜΑΣΤΟΥ-ΠΟΤΑΜΙΑΝΟΥ Μυρτάλη
Published: February 2016

Η σπουδαία εικόνα, από την Καππαδοκία, με κεντρικό θέμα το λειτουργικό ύμνο «Ἐπὶ σοὶ χαίρει», μάλλον των αρχών του 15ου αιώνα, διακρίνεται για την πρωτότυπη σύνθεση και τη λεπτολόγο μικρογραφική τέχνη της. Η εικονογραφική ανάλυση δείχνει τη στενή συγγένεια των ιστορουμένων με υστεροβυζαντινές και μεταβυζαντινές τοιχογραφίες και εικόνες της Κρήτης και εντοπίζει την πιθανή ζωγράφηση του έργου στον Χάνδακα, όπου οδηγούν, επίσης, τα λίγα δυτικά δάνεια και άλλα στοιχεία. Ορισμένες σιναϊτικής εικονογραφίας παραστάσεις και μορφές και η παρουσία του μοναχού Θεολήπτου, κατόχου ή αφιερωτή της εικόνας, υποδηλώνουν σύνδεση με το σιναϊτικό μετόχι της Αγίας Αικατερίνης στο Ηράκλειο. Ως προς την αρχέτυπη παράσταση του «Ἐπὶ σοὶ χαίρει», τα δε- δομένα επιτρέπουν την υπόθεση ότι αυτή φιλοτεχνήθηκε στην Κωνσταντινούπολη μετά το 1360, με πρωτοβουλία του Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου.
Εισηγμένη ιταλική κεραμική στην Πάτρα (13ος-18ος αιώνας)
Authors: ΒΑΣΙΛΑΚΗΣ Νικόλαος
Published: February 2016

Το θέμα που πραγματεύεται το παρόν άρθρο αφορά στην παρουσίαση και μελέτη αντιπροσωπευτικών τύπων εισηγμένης ιταλικής κεραμικής, που προήλθε από σωστικές ανασκαφές οικοπέδων στην Άνω Πόλη της Πάτρας. Στο υλικό περιλαμβάνεται εφυαλωμένη και μη κεραμική, που αποτελεί παραγωγές εργαστηρίων της νότιας, κεντρικής και βόρειας Ιταλίας και χρονολογείται από το 13o έως το 18o αιώνα. Η εύρεση εισηγμένης ιταλικής κεραμικής στην Πάτρα αποδεικνύει την έντονη εμπορική δραστηριότητα στο λιμάνι της την εποχή του Πριγκιπάτου της Αχαΐας, η οποία συνεχίστηκε και κατά τη διάρκεια της οθωμανικής κυριαρχίας.
Silk, Culture and Being in Byzantium: How far did Precious Clothe Enrich “Memory” and Shape “Culture” Across the Empire (4th-15th centuries)?
Authors: MYTHESIUS Anna
Published: February 2016

Στη μελέτη διερευνάται η σχέση του «πολιτισμού» με την «υπόσταση» και τη «μνήμη», έτσι όπως εκφράσθηκε στα μεταξωτά βυζαντινά υφάσματα από τον 4ο έως το 15ο αιώνα. Η μέθοδος για την έρευνα των μεταξωτών περιλαμβάνει την εφαρμογή θεωριών σχετικά με το σύγχρονο υλικό πολιτισμό. Το γεγονός αυτό επιτρέπει να αναλυθούν μηνύματα σχετικά με την πολιτική ιδεολογία, τη θρησκευτική πίστη και τους κοινωνικούς κανόνες, τα οποία ήταν συνδεδεμένα με τα μεταξωτά υφάσματα και, επιπλέον, εκπέμπονταν μέσω αυλικών και θρησκευτικών τελετών. Η γενική εντύπωση από τα μεταξωτά είναι ότι αυτά αποτελούσαν σημαντικό εργαλείο μετάδοσης της παράδοσης του πολιτισμού και ότι ο πρωταρχικός σκοπός τους ήταν να ενισχύσουν την εικόνα του Βυζαντίου, τόσο στο εσωτερικό, όσο και στο εξωτερικό, ως μιας ιδεατής χριστιανικής αυτοκρατορίας που διέπεται από «τάξιν».
Diagnosis, prognosis, and management of cryptogenic stroke
Authors: Zhang Cen , Kasner Scott
Published: February 2016

Despite many advances in our understanding of ischemic stroke, cryptogenic strokes (those that do not have a determined etiology) remain a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Previous classification approaches to cryptogenic stroke have led to inconsistent definitions, and evidence to determine optimal treatment is scarce. These limitations have prompted international efforts to redefine cryptogenic strokes, leading to more rigorous diagnostic criteria, outcome studies, and new clinical trials. Improvement in our ability to detect paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke has strengthened the idea that these strokes are embolic in nature. Further, better understanding of acute biomarkers has helped to identify otherwise occult mechanisms. Together, these strategies will inform long-term outcomes and shape management.
Neural repair in the adult brain
Authors: Jessberger Sebastian
Published: February 2016

Acute or chronic injury to the adult brain often results in substantial loss of neural tissue and subsequent permanent functional impairment. Over the last two decades, a number of approaches have been developed to harness the regenerative potential of neural stem cells and the existing fate plasticity of neural cells in the nervous system to prevent tissue loss or to enhance structural and functional regeneration upon injury. Here, we review recent advances of stem cell-associated neural repair in the adult brain, discuss current challenges and limitations, and suggest potential directions to foster the translation of experimental stem cell therapies into the clinic.
Sequence and intramolecular distance scoring analyses of microbial rhodopsins
Authors: Asano Miki , Ide Shunta , Kamata Atsushi , Takahasi Kiyohiro , Okada Tetsuji
Published: February 2016

Recent accumulation of sequence and structural data, in conjunction with systematical classification into a set of families, has significantly advanced our understanding of diverse and specific protein functions. Analysis and interpretation of protein family data requires comprehensive sequence and structural alignments. Here, we present a simple scheme for analyzing a set of experimental structures of a given protein or family of proteins, using microbial rhodopsins as an example. For a data set comprised of around a dozen highly similar structures to each other (overall pairwise root-mean-squared deviation < 2.3 Å), intramolecular distance scoring analysis yielded valuable information with respect to structural properties, such as differences in the relative variability of transmembrane helices. Furthermore, a comparison with recent results for G protein-coupled receptors demonstrates how the results of the present analysis can be interpreted and effectively utilized for structural characterization of diverse protein families in general.
Ion-molecular memory model. Associative and emotional memory аnd the production of information in the system memory
Authors: Герасимов  , Gerasimov I. , Яшин  , Yashin A.
Published: February 2016

In the article the research object is an associative and emotional memory, as well as the extreme importance of the question of the production of information in the system memory. These kinds of memory are category specific and peculiar. With regard to the production of information in the system memory, the question is about the completion of the memory by memory means. An associative or mechanically-associative memory is the remembering of the fact, which isn’t a target designation of the search, but the essence is a random access to information. You can (and should) be separate from the associative memory the emotional memory: an affective memory, the memory of the senses, is considered as a special kind of memory, although the mechanisms of its occurrence and the implementation don’t have a particularly fundamental difference from the mechanisms of an associative memory. The definition of "a special kind of memory” is fair in the sense that it is a memory exclusively on mood, emotions, experiences, etc. In the case of an emotional memory, only the associations are carried out on an emotional level. But it is necessary to repeated exposure to irritants, contributing to the primary emergence of emotional states, as for associative and emotional memory. Psycho-emotional sphere doesn’t exist apart from the other events taking place in the organism and “is not controlled” by certain molecules and ions. It is obvious that at emotional arousal there is a change in the activity of hydrogen ions, which contributes to the implementation of emotional memory.
The combined intravenous laser light of blood in complex treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Шнайдер  , Shnayder D. , Утц  , Utts S. , Москвин  , Moskvin S. , Гуськова  , Guskova O.
Published: February 2016

One of the known methods of treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis is laser therapy, however, the task of improving the efficiency of this method is still relevant. The objective of this study was the evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment technique of patients with atopic dermatitis, including alternation in a day the intravenous laser light of blood by low-intensity laser radiation with a wave length of 365 nm and 525 nm (green spectrum). 37 patients with atopic dermatitis (10 women and 27 men) aged 18 to 56 years (the average age 36,2), having a disease duration of 17 to 54 years, were observed. In the complex of therapeutic measures of the main group the laser therapy was included. It is the original technique by means of laser therapeutic apparatus "Lasmik- VLOK" (Registration certificate № RZN 2014/1410 from 06.02.2014) with the laser emitting heads KLVLOK- 365-2 (for LUFOK®) and KL-VLOK-525-2 for intravenous laser light of blood. For this technique the disposable sterile lights KIVL -01 on TU 9444-005-72085060-2008 made in Research centre "Matrix" (Russia, Moscow) were used. It is shown that the combined intravenous laser light of blood with a wavelength of 365 nm (VLOK-365 or LUFOK®) and radiation with a wavelength of 525 nm (green spectrum, VLOK-525) in a day, 10 sessions in combined treatment of patients with atopic dermatitis – allows to achieve complete regression of all acute inflammatory symptoms of disease - erythema, papules, desquamation, excoriations in 87,5% of patients with moderate-severe disease (the average SCORAD index – 57,5±4,0) and to lower at 3,4 times the average SCORAD index (to 21,3±4,0) in patients with severe disease (initial value – 72,8±3,0) with an overall positive dynamics.
Environmental Assessment of Soil Along Highways (Novosibirsk)
Authors: Благодатнова  , Blagodatnova Anastasiya
Published: February 2016

These studies were performed for the first time at the territory of Novosibirsk. Some of the methods have not been

previously used in environmental assessment along the major highways. The approbation of these methods can make

a certain contribution to the theory of bioindication and biological testing (including the data on the environmental

identity of individual species of plants and soil photoautotrophs). Using biological methods has allowed to evaluate

the effects of living systems’ exposure to chronic pollution by vehicles’ emissions, which is impossible to achieve with

traditionally used physicochemical methods that determine the concentration of certain pollutants only at a given time

in a given sample. in the soils of Novosibirsk were found: 63 species of soil algae and cyanobacteria belonging to 42

geniuses, 38 families, 19 orders of 7 classes, 4 groups. Changes of taxonomic and phytocenological organization algocyanobacterial

groups can serve as indicators of the environmental conditions, in particular, they can diagnose the

degree of stress. The article demonstrates the possibility of applying biological methods to estimate the ecological state

of technospheric territories.
The significance of biologically active zones of the skin in the electric exchange of the body with the external environment (on the example, operational damage)
Authors: Новикова  , Novikova E.
Published: February 2016

This work is devoted to the phenomenon occurring in long-term damage to the biologically active

zones (BAZ) by metal spokes and leading to local and general disorders of the organism corresponding to

the specific damaged BAZ.

On a large clinical material of the application of the apparatuses for external trans-osseous fixation for the

treatment of injuries of bones and joints, the author found the phenomenon of energetic exchange between the

organism and environment, occurring through BAZ and representing a link of the functional system of adaptive

regulation.

This allows to attribute the disorders of the normal energetic exchange due to the skin damage, to important

pathogenetic factors that must be considered in the treatment of trauma patients.

For the first time, the nature of some complications developing in long-term trauma of BAZ, is established

and scientifically proven.

For the first time in academic medicine, the position on the role of BAZ as a functional system of adaptive

regulation of the human body, is proposed and experimentally substantiated.
The state of autonomic regulation and systolic and diastolic function of left ventricle in patients with atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries of the lower limbs during the application of various complex programs of rehabilitation treatment
Authors: Яменсков  , Yamenskov V.
Published: February 2016

The article reflects the results of applying the complex programs of rehabilitation treatment of

patients with atherosclerosis of lower limb arteries. The authors have proved that the use of complex programs of

rehabilitation treatment in patients with atherosclerosis of lower limb arteries improves autonomic regulation of

the cardiovascular system, this proved by the elimination of hypersympathicotonia to values of eutonia according

cardio-intervalography. This is confirmed by the values of the integral index of autonomic regulation - the tension

index, mainly due to the magnetic effects. It was also defined the improvement of systolic and diastolic

function of left ventricle in patients according to echocardiography, which reflects the improvement in the functioning

of the heart. The research was conducted on 200 patients with atherosclerosis of lower limb arteries.
The efficacy of the programs of balneo- and physiotherapy in patients with atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries of lower extremities
Authors: Яменсков  , Yamenskov V.
Published: February 2016

The article presents the results of treatment of 200 patients with atherosclerotic changes of

lower limb vessels after realization of the developed complex non-pharmacological programs. The authors studied

the effects of complex rehabilitation treatment program and its individual components on clinical symptoms

in patients with atherosclerosis of lower limb arteries taking into account the pain intensity and the distance of

painless walk.

It is proved that the application of the developed complex program in patients with atherosclerosis of peripheral

arteries of the lower extremities allows to eliminate the clinical symptoms and to increase the distance

walk without pain.
Clinical and hemodynamic predictors of atrial fibrillation recurrence in hypertensive with different pulse wave velocity
Authors: Шаваров  , Shavarov A. , Балабаненко  , Balabanenko I. , Киякбаев  , Kiyakbaev G.
Published: February 2016

The article presents own experience of treating patients with atrial fibrillation. Asymptomatic

lesion of the target organ is detected in patients with arterial hypertension in the early stages of the disease before

obvious clinical manifestations. The question of studying the mutual influence of arterial hypertension and atrial

fibrillation is important, because this combination significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular events. The

study included 55 patients with hypertension and recurrent atrial fibrillation by the prescription of an average of

11 months with an average frequency of 2 episodes a year. All were performed applanation tonometry,

echocardiography and daily monitoring of blood pressure. The patients were allocated on the 3 groups. Groups

differed significantly by age, the risk of thromboembolic complications on a scale CHA2-DS2-VASc score,

creatinine level. Patients with increased arterial stiffness had the highest heart rate, a shorter return time of the

pulse wave and a higher augmentation index at comparable values of peripheral and central systolic and diastolic

blood pressure. Multivariate regression analysis found that independent predictors of recurrent relapses of atrial

fibrillation in patients with arterial hypertension were age, higher the index on a scale CHA2-DS2-VASc score

and the creatinine levels, the return of the reflected wave. In the group of patients with arterial hypertension and

normal arterial stiffness the positive correlation of the recurrence of atrial fibrillation with age, scale CHA2-DS2-

VASc score, creatinine level, and the maximum daily heart rate. It is necessary to highlight the role of the reflected wave in the modification of arterial stiffness in patients with arterial hypertension and the velocity of

propagation of pulse wave ≥10 m/s, making rational control of heart rate in case reduced elastic properties of

arteries.
Regression analysis forecasting pririrodno focal infections
Authors: Евстегнеева  , Evstegneeva V. , Честнова  , Chestnova Tatyana , Смольянинова  , Smolyaninova O.
Published: February 2016

Regression analysis - a set of statistical methods for processing of experimental data to a condition

of stochastic dependence study of the value of non-random or random variables to define this relationship.

Statement of the problem of regression analysis is formulated as follows. There is a set of observational results.

Requires a quantitative relationship between the index and factors.

In this paper, we try to establish a quantitative relationship between the incidence of natural - focal infections

and biotic and abiotic factors of the environment. By biotic factors include: the number of infection and the

major carriers and vectors to abiotic factors - weather (average monthly air temperature, the monthly average

rainfall, snow depth in December, January, February, March).

When studying the effect of 22 factors on the incidence of leptospirosis using multiple regression the mathematical

model, which has a low level of trust, and when using the stepwise regression established the influence

of one factor - infection of the common vole of the 22 factors. Level of trust models and model coefficients

are significant. This method allows to determine only the linear relationship between the incidence and natural

factors, as in the case of the nonlinear coupling tightness does not install.

Natural foci of infection is a complex ecological system. Based on the terms of modeling complex systems,

which may include: the possible impact of non-linear elements in the output parameter, synergy and reciprocity

under the joint influence of individual factors, the need to address in some cases categorical factors and

multiple output parameters of a complex system, it is necessary to choose an artificial neural network (ANN),

allowing to realize these conditions in the preparation of a mathematical model of the system.
Spectral Analysis in Solving Problems of Managing Accident Rate in Aviation
Authors: Попов  , Popov Yuriy , Куменко  , Kumenko A.
Published: February 2016

Based on the analysis of statistical data on the number of aviation accidents per 100 thousand flight hours for the period

of 1960-2012, the article proposes the use of periodogram as a method of spectral analysis to detect cycles and determine

whether there is any indication of flight safety management system at different time intervals. It shows that strategic

influences on safety system (within stable and well-functioning management structure) directly and extensively shape the

trend of relative safety indicator.
Environmental Risks and Factors for Green Areas
Authors: Потапова  , Potapova Elena
Published: February 2016

Green areas perform many ecosystem services for increasing and supporting the quality of urban environment. Thus, most factors

of people’s welfare depend on and are defined by preservation of greeneries, especially in urban areas with their dense population

and intensive anthropogenic impact that create increased ecological risk. Risk is a qualitative or quantitative estimation of a

hazard linked to undesirable consequences and losses. Risk estimation consists of several stages: risk identification, analysis,

assessment. The paper is based on long-term field studies of green areas in several dozen settlements (predominantly urban).

The field data was recorded in standard geobotanical descriptions and forms as well as in author’s specially developed ecological

assessment charts and defect lists. The main reasons, tendencies and factors of degradation and destruction of green areas were

analyzed. A green area’s inability to fulfill its functions was estimated as the main risk. Nine event groups or secondary risks were

described in the structure of the main risk: destruction and loss of species diversity, its substitution, simplification of vertical and

horizontal structure, diseases, infliction of harm, inhibition and loss of decorative value. Classification and estimation of the risks

are proposed, the main factors that cause a green area’s inability to fulfill its ecological functions are described: construction

works, works for housing and public utilities, car runovers, recreational activities, trampling down, damaging and littering. The

calculation of probabilities for the risk factors was carried out and their patterns were defined.