Promotion of top performing athletes in both sporting and academic domains

The authors measured the T1 and T2 relaxation times of freshly excised human mediastinal lymph nodes to determine whether the times are clinically useful in distinguishing benign from malignant nodes. All measurements were performed at 20 MHz and 40 degrees C, within 45 minutes of lymph node excision. Mean T1 and T2 relaxation times of 99 benign nodes were 566 msec (standard deviation [SD], 117 msec) and 92 msec (SD, 29 msec), respectively. For the 16 malignant nodes, these times were 640 msec (SD, 138 msec) and 105 msec (SD, 26 msec), respectively (P less than .05 for difference in T1 times, P greater than .05 for difference in T2 times). Histograms showed considerable overlap in the relaxation times of benign and malignant nodes such that absolute measurement of these times will likely be of limited clinical value.

The purpose of this study was to determine the value of echoplanar imaging in characterizing focal hepatic lesions on the basis of image-derived T1 and T2 relaxation times. Forty-six proven hepatic lesions were analyzed: 24 solid (21 metastases, three primary liver tumors) and 22 nonsolid (11 hemangiomas and 11 cysts). Mean lesion size (maximal length) was 4.0 (+/- 3.2) cm, and 16 of 46 lesions were less than 2.0 cm. A commercially available 1.5-T echoplanar-equipped MR scanner was used to obtain fat-suppressed, single-excitation (TR essentially infinite) axial images with a slice thickness of 10 mm. T1-weighted inversion recovery images (TE = 25 msec; TI = 100, 380, 600, or 800 msec) were acquired for 28 of 46 lesions, and T2-weighted spin-echo images (TE = 25, 50, 100, 75 or 150 msec) were acquired for 45 of 46 lesions. For each acquisition (i.e., each different TI or TE), the entire liver was imaged in a single breath-hold of 12 sec or less. The mean T1 was 1004 (+/- 234) msec for solid lesions, 1337 (+/- 216) msec for hemangiomas, and 3143 (+/- 1392) msec for cysts. Although the mean T1 of solid and nonsolid lesions differed (p < .004), overlap precluded the use of T1 as a discriminatory index. Mean T2 times were 80 (+/- 18) msec for solid lesions, 178 (+/- 40) msec for hemangiomas, and 517 (+/- 429) msec for cysts. The mean T2 for hemangiomas is the longest reported to date. A T2 cutoff of 116 msec was 100% accurate for classifying lesions as solid or nonsolid and 93% accurate for characterizing them as benign or malignant. Our study suggests that echoplanar-derived T2 times (but not T1 times) are useful for characterizing focal hepatic lesions. An important use may be to characterize small lesions measuring less than 2.0 cm. The main advantages of echoplanar imaging are the absence of motion-induced volume averaging and phase artifacts, the ability to acquire purely T2-weighted images, and the use of multiple data points to calculate relaxation times.

The student population in the primary schools of the Greek-Cypriot community has for many years been homogenous, consisting nearly exclusively of Greek Orthodox children of Greek origin. During the last decade a noticeable increase has been observed in the number of other-language speaking children or bilingual children attending primary schools in Cyprus, but research on these children is very limited. The purpose of the present study is to provide island- wide information regarding the number of bilingual children attending state schools, their ethnic background, the languages spoken at home and their school performance. Furthermore, the study examines teachers' views on the behaviour of these children as well as their attitudes towards bilingualism and multicultural education in Cyprus.

PurposeMyocardial T1 relaxation time (T1 time) and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) are altered in patients with diffuse myocardial fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to perform an intra-individual assessment of normal T1 time and ECV for two different contrast agents.MethodsA modified Look-Locker Inversion Recovery (MOLLI) sequence was acquired at 3 T in 24 healthy subjects (8 men; 28 ± 6 years) at mid-ventricular short axis pre-contrast and every 5 min between 5-45 min after injection of a bolus of 0.15 mmol/kg gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA; Magnevist®) (exam 1) and 0.1 mmol/kg gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA; Multihance®) (exam 2) during two separate scanning sessions. T1 times were measured in myocardium and blood on generated T1 maps. ECVs were calculated as .ResultsMean pre-contrast T1 relaxation times for myocardium and blood were similar for both the first and second CMR exam (p > 0.5). Overall mean post-contrast myocardial T1 time was 15 ± 2 ms (2.5 ± 0.7%) shorter for Gd-DTPA at 0.15 mmol/kg compared to Gd-BOPTA at 0.1 mmol/kg (p < 0.01) while there was no significant difference for T1 time of blood pool (p > 0.05). Between 5 and 45 minutes after contrast injection, mean ECV values increased linearly with time for both contrast agents from 0.27 ± 0.03 to 0.30 ± 0.03 (p < 0.0001). Mean ECV values were slightly higher (by 0.01, p < 0.05) for Gd-DTPA compared to Gd-BOPTA. Inter-individual variation of ECV was higher (CV 8.7% [exam 1, Gd-DTPA] and 9.4% [exam 2, Gd-BOPTA], respectively) compared to variation of pre-contrast myocardial T1 relaxation time (CV 4.5% [exam 1] and 3.0% [exam 2], respectively). ECV with Gd-DTPA was highly correlated to ECV by Gd-BOPTA (r = 0.803; p < 0.0001).ConclusionIn comparison to pre-contrast myocardial T1 relaxation time, variation in ECV values of normal subjects is larger. However, absolute differences in ECV between Gd-DTPA and Gd-BOPTA were small and rank correlation was high. There is a small and linear increase in ECV over time, therefore ideally images should be acquired at the same delay after contrast injection.

Many talented archers come from Indonesia. They all want to participate in ASIAN-GAMES, SEA-GAMES, or the Olympics. Sometimes, the coach needs to choose the most talented athlete who will take part in the competition. Each athlete has several different advantages and its uniqueness. Based on the reason for the coach’s difficulties, we built a decision support system that can help coaches choose talented archer athletes. It is based on information technology. The method that has the simplest complexity and the fastest computing time is the Weighted Product Method. The parameters/criteria used in the selection of talented archery athletes include mentality, flexibility, endurance, equipment, and technique. The Decision Support Systems are made with the Delphi Programming Language while storing databases using MySQL. We tested the Decision Support System that was built using the Black Box method. Based on the results of the BlackBox test, the Decision Support System for talented Archery Athletes Selection using Weighted Product (WP) Method has a success percentage of 100%.

Background The pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) involves a continuum of structural, hemodynamic, and electrophysical remodeling that coexist in a complex interplay, often involving increased diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Purpose To examine whether low dose spironolactone can reduce the extent of diffuse fibrosis in the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV), evaluated using post-contrast T1 myocardial relaxation time (T1 time) and myocardial strain derived from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF. Methods CMR sub-study population of 100 individuals from INSPIRE-AF, an investigator-initiated, randomized, controlled, double-blind study (NCT02764619). Study participants with paroxysmal (n=49) and persistent (n=51) non-valvular AF and LV ejection fraction ≥45% were randomized to spironolactone 25 mg once daily (SPL-group, n=49) or placebo (PL-group, n=51) in addition to standard treatment. CMR scans were conducted at inclusion and after 12 months of treatment. LA and LV measures, including volumes, ejection fraction, and peak systolic longitudinal strain were assessed using cine CMR feature tracking. T1 times were estimated using a previously validated modified look-locker inversion-recovery sequence. Commercially available software (Circle, Calgary, Canada) was used. All participants were followed for recurrences of AF, and all recurrences were documented with a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram. The associations between changes in mean volume, strain, and T1 times were examined using multivariable linear regression, adjusted for baseline age, sex, and AF type. Results LV post-contrast T1 time increased significantly in the SPL group (mean increase in SPL=1,97 ms [95% CI: 0,169; 3,323] vs. PL=0,21 ms [95% CI: −0,67; 1,11], p=0,027 for difference). However, the mean change of post-contrast LA T1 time did not differ between groups. LV peak longitudinal strain was also significantly improved in the SPL group (mean decrease in SPL: 19,82% [95% CI: −0,85; 40,48] vs. PL: 14,15% [95% CI: −36,21; 7,92], p=0,047). Similarly, LA stroke volume corrected for body surface area increased in the SPL-group (mean SPL: 34,33 ml/m2 [95% CI: −2,17; 42,62] vs. PL: 8,46 ml/m2 [95% CI: −20,13; 5,94], p=0,013). All changes remained significant after adjusting for age, sex and systolic blood pressure. No difference was found in arrhythmia burden between groups (P=0,89). Conclusion Low dose spironolactone may reduce the burden of diffuse myocardial fibrosis in AF. However, there was no reduction in the burden of arrhythmia. Acknowledgement/Funding Region of Southern Denmark, University of Southern Denmark, Danish Heart Association

A systematic evaluation of three different cardiac T2-mapping sequences at 1.5 and 3T in healthy volunteers

BackgroundThe aim of this study was the evaluation of a fast Gradient Spin Echo Technique (GraSE) for cardiac T2-mapping, combining a robust estimation of T2 relaxation times with short acquisition times. The sequence was compared against two previously introduced T2-mapping techniques in a phantom and in vivo.MethodsPhantom experiments were performed at 1.5 T using a commercially available cylindrical gel phantom. Three different T2-mapping techniques were compared: a Multi Echo Spin Echo (MESE; serving as a reference), a T2-prepared balanced Steady State Free Precession (T2prep) and a Gradient Spin Echo sequence. For the subsequent in vivo study, 12 healthy volunteers were examined on a clinical 1.5 T scanner. The three T2-mapping sequences were performed at three short-axis slices. Global myocardial T2 relaxation times were calculated and statistical analysis was performed. For assessment of pixel-by-pixel homogeneity, the number of segments showing an inhomogeneous T2 value distribution, as defined by a pixel SD exceeding 20 % of the corresponding observed T2 time, was counted.ResultsPhantom experiments showed a greater difference of measured T2 values between T2prep and MESE than between GraSE and MESE, especially for species with low T1 values. Both, GraSE and T2prep resulted in an overestimation of T2 times compared to MESE. In vivo, significant differences between mean T2 times were observed. In general, T2prep resulted in lowest (52.4 ± 2.8 ms) and GraSE in highest T2 estimates (59.3 ± 4.0 ms). Analysis of pixel-by-pixel homogeneity revealed the least number of segments with inhomogeneous T2 distribution for GraSE-derived T2 maps.ConclusionsThe GraSE sequence is a fast and robust sequence, combining advantages of both MESE and T2prep techniques, which promises to enable improved clinical applicability of T2-mapping in the future. Our study revealed significant differences of derived mean T2 values when applying different sequence designs. Therefore, a systematic comparison of different cardiac T2-mapping sequences and the establishment of dedicated reference values should be the goal of future studies.

There is a growing awareness that children may experience hyperacusis, a condition that is often associated with behavioral and developmental disorders. This preliminary study was aimed to investigate the effects of hyperacusis alone on various components of speech and language in children without developmental disorders. This study was conducted on 109 children aged between 4 and 7 years attending kindergarten and primary school. Hyperacusis was assessed through behavioral observation of children and questionnaires for parents. Different components of speech and language were assessed through specific tests. Hyperacusis was diagnosed in fifteen children (13.8%); ten (66.7%) were attending primary school and five (33.3%) kindergarten. A significant difference between children with and without hyperacusis was found for tests evaluating the average number of words in a sentence and phonemic fluency; older children appeared to have more difficulties. Several differences in education profiles were found: parents of children with hyperacusis spent less time with their children compared to parents of children without hyperacusis. Our preliminary results suggest some difficulties in lexical access and the use of shorter sentences by children with hypersensitivity to sound; however, the small size of our sample and the largely unknown interactions between hyperacusis and developmental disorders suggest caution when interpreting these results. Further studies on larger samples are necessary to gain additional knowledge on the effects of hyperacusis on speech and language in children without developmental disorders.

Background Borderline intelligence function (BIF) and specific learning disorder (SLD) are common diagnoses in children who are brought up for learning problems and school failure. Objective The aim of our study was to determine whether there were distinctive aspects of cognitive testing routinely used in evaluating SLD and BIF and investigate emotion regulation skills and minor neurologic symptoms. Method Sixty children (30 SLD and 30 BIF) who are currently attending primary school are selected for study. Visual Aural Digit Span Test – Form B, Gessel Figure Drawing Test, Bender Gestalt Visual Motor Perception Test, WISC-R, Emotion Regulation Scale (ERS) and Neurological Evaluation Scale (NES) was administered. Results There was no statistically significant difference between groups in cognitive tests. The emotional regulation ability measured by the emotional regulation subscale was better in the SLD group than the BIF group (p = 0.014). In the NES, sensory integration (p = 0.008), motor coordination (p = 0.047) and other (p < 0.001) subscales showed higher scores in the BIF group. Discussion It has been shown that cognitive tests don’t have distinguishing features in the evaluation of SLD and BIF. Emotion regulation subscale score of ERS and sensory integration, motor coordination, and total scores of NES can be used in both discrimination of groups.

The study analyzed small scale cucumber marketing in Gwagwalada Area Council Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Multistage sampling was used to select the cucumber marketers. Primary data collected through a structured questionnaire was used for the study. Eighty (80) cucumber marketers constitute the sample size. Descriptive and inferential statistics was employed to analyze the data. The result revealed that majority of the small scale cucumber marketers in the study area were male (67.5%), with 61.25% being married. Most marketers (55%) were above forty years old. Personal savings were the primary source of capital (78.75%). Education levels were generally low, with 47.5% attending primary school. The majority of cucumber marketers (60%) considered cucumber marketing as their primary occupation, and 77.5% were not part of any market association. The study identified the market's over-efficiency in both peak and lean seasons, with positive gross margins. However, the peak season had a significantly higher return on investment (ROI) (144.3%) compared to the lean season (40%). Base on the result of this study, the following recommendation were made: Youth should be encouraged to participation in cucumber marketing to inject innovation and energy into the industry, cucumber marketers should form and participate in market-based associations to foster collaboration and information-sharing since most (77.5%) currently do not belong to any association. Training and support program is required to enhance the skills and knowledge of the small scale cucumber marketers.

UNICEF in its 2009 report The State of the World's Children states: 8.8 million children die every year before their fifth birthday due to poverty. 4 million newborns die in the first month of life. 22 million infants do not get routine immunizations. 101 million children (more girls than boys) are not attending primary school. 148 million children under five years of age are underweight. KeywordsRoutine ImmunizationChild Health ServiceMute ResponseBasic SanitationArid DesertThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing sports organizations by enhancing talent scouting, player development, and operational efficiency. This chapter explores the transformative role of AI and machine learning in identifying and nurturing athletic talent. It delves into the evolution of talent scouting, the integration of AI technologies such as predictive analytics and wearable sensors, and the implications for player development. Key sections address AI-driven scouting methods, player performance optimization, and the ethical and legal considerations of using AI. The chapter also discusses practical and managerial challenges in implementing AI systems, including data privacy and bias mitigation. By examining future trends and innovations, it provides a comprehensive overview of how AI is reshaping sports management and offers insights into the ethical and practical considerations that organizations must navigate.

Myocardial iron quantification remains limited to 1.5 T systems with T2* measurement. The present study aimed at comparing myocardial T2* values at 1.5 T to T1 and T2 mapping at 3.0 T in patients with iron overload and healthy controls. A total of 17 normal volunteers and seven patients with a history of myocardial iron overload were prospectively enrolled. Mid-interventricular septum T2*, native T1 and T2 times were quantified on the same day, using a multi-echo gradient-echo sequence at 1.5 T and T1 and T2 mapping sequences at 3.0 T, respectively. Subjects with myocardial iron overload (T2* < 20 ms) in comparison with those without had significantly lower mean myocardial T1 times (868.9 ± 120.2 vs. 1170.3 ± 25.0 ms P = 0.005 respectively) and T2 times (34.9 ± 4.7 vs. 45.1 ± 2.0 ms P = 0.007 respectively). 3 T T1 and T2 times strongly correlated with 1.5 T, T2* times (Pearson's r = 0.95 and 0.91 respectively). T1 and T2 measures presented less variability than T2* in inter- and intra-observer analysis. Native myocardial T1 and T2 times at 3 T correlate closely with T2* times at 1.5 T and may be useful for myocardial iron overload quantification.

Myocardial dysfunction is well described after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), however, the underlying mechanisms are not yet understood. We hypothesised that this dysfunction is associated to a global myocardial oedema. Using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), we assessed the presence of such oedema early after successful resuscitation from OHCA. Comatose patients resuscitated from OHCA and admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit were consecutively included and underwent CMR in general anaesthesia within 36 hours after cardiac arrest with anaesthetic support. To assess global myocardial oedema, T1 and T2 segmented maps were generated from three representative short axis slices, and values from each segment were then used to determine a mean global T1 and T2 time for each patient. Healthy subjects were used as controls. CMR was obtained in 16 patients and compared to 9 controls. The OHCA patients were 60 ± 9 years old, and acute myocardial infarction was diagnosed in 6 cases. On admission, left ventricular ejection fraction assessed by transthoracic echocardiography was 35 ± 15%, and this improved significantly to 43 ± 14% during hospitalisation (p < 0.05). Mean global T1 and T2 time was significantly higher in OHCA patients compared to the control group (1071 ms vs. 999 ms, p = 0.002, and 52 ms vs. 46 ms, p < 0.001, respectively), and this difference remained significant when segments involved in the myocardial infarction were excluded. Assessed with CMR, we for the first time document an early global myocardial oedema in patients successfully resuscitated from OHCA.