Ical Analysis Research Articles

Clinical and radiological manifestations associated with triple-negative breast cancer in women from northern Peru. A case-control study.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has an aggressive clinical behaviour, with advanced stages at initial diagnostic evaluation, early recurrences and poor survival, so the purpose was to determine the clinical and radiological manifestations associated with TNBC. A case-control study in women diagnosed with breast cancer from January 2015 to August 2022 at the 'Instituto Regional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas del Norte'. We classified cases (Triple Negative subtype) and controls (Luminal A, Luminal B and HER2) according to immunohistochemistry ical analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The medical reports of 88 cases and 236 controls were reviewed. Cases were more likely to report pain (p = 0.001), nodules on ultrasound (p = 0.01) and mammography (p = 0.003), superior median size (p < 0.05), posterior enhancement (p = 0.001) and moderate density (p = 0.003). Multivariate analysis identified that TNBC was more likely to have a nodular type lesion by ultrasound (OR: 9.73, 95% CI: 1.10-86.16; p = 0.04), ultrasound lesion larger than 36 mm (OR: 4.99, 95% CI: 1.75-14.17; p = 0.003) and moderate density (OR: 3.83, 95% CI: 1.44-10.14; p = 0.007). There are particular clinical and imaging manifestations of TNBC, showing that radiological lesions that presented characteristics in ultrasound as nodular type lesions larger than 36 mm and in mammography moderate grade density, were associated with this subtype of breast tumours in a Peruvian population.

Characterization by polyphasic approach of some indigenous halophilic archaea of Djelfa's rock salt "Hadjr el Meelh", Algeria.

Hadjr El Melh of Djelfa is an example of hypersaline ecosystems, which can harbor a wide variety of microorganisms under hostile physicochemical conditions. Given the importance of the study of halophilic microorganisms present there in terms of fundamental and applied microbiology, the purpose of this study was to characterize some halophilic archaea isolated from the brines of this environment. Eight water samples were chosen randomly and collected for physicochemical and microbiological analyses. Isolation of halophilic archaea was carried out by membrane filter technique. Ten strains were identified by polyphasic approach and tested for enzymes production. Water samples of Djelfa's rock salt were slightly acidic to neutral in pH (6.55-7.36) with salinity ranging from 258.68 g/l to 493.91 g/l. Phenotypic, biochemical, taxonomic and phylogenetic characteristics indicated that all strains were classified within the family of Halobacteiaceae. Based on the comparison of DNA sequences encoded 16S rRNA, it was determined that seven strains were affiliated to the genus Haloarcula, two strains were related to the genus Halobacterium and one strain within the genus Haloferax. Production of different enzymes such as protease, amylase, esterase, lipase, lecithinase, gelatinase and cellulase on solid medium indicated that one strain (S2-2) produced amylase, esterase, lecithinase and protease. However, no strains showed cellulolytic or lipolytic activity. Gelatinase was found in all tested strains. This report constitutes the first preliminary study of culturable halophilic archaea recovered from the brines of Djelfa's rock salt with a promising enzymatic potential in various fields of biotechnology.

Philosophical Discourse for the Development and Improvement of the Intellectualization of Human Nature

The principal goal of the study is to characterize the philosophical discourse of the development and improvement of human nature in the context of its intellectualization. The article uses a set of methods that make it possible to reveal a philosophical analysis of the development and improvement of human nature in the context of its intellectualization, in particular: general scientific methods; logical methods of theoret- ical analysis; technical analysis, clarification. Because of the study, the philosophical aspects of the devel- opment and improvement of human nature in the context of its intellectualization were characterized. The needs of the modern economic, political, spiritual development of society require further, deeper research of the actual problems of the doctrine of man. Therefore, interest in man and humanity is becoming espe- cially acute, prompting to justify social and cultural transformations.

EVALUATION OF THE ORAL SYMPTOMS IN COVID 19 PATIENTS IN KAMRUP METRO- A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

The novel coronavirus are found to affect the ACE2 receptors in the epithelial cells of the lining of the respiratory tract. Since live virus have been found in the saliva of infected patients, and ACE2 receptors are present in epithelial lining of salivary glands and tongue, there are chances that the virus might affect the oral cavity and hence might have oral manifestation. The aim of the study was to determine and evaluate the presence of oral symptoms in the patients infected with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (Covid 19). In this cross sectional descriptive study, a set of questionnaires was MATERIALS AND METHODS: formulated and the patients who have come to covid screening centers in Kamrup Metro region were interviewed for both oral symptoms and general symptoms. A total of 467 patients were evaluated. The samples were divided according to covid positive or negative. Group 1: Covid positive (+ve); Group 2: Covid negative (- ve). Out of which Group 1 had 287 patients whereas Group 2 had 180 patients. Upon statist RESULTS: ical analysis, signicant differences were found with respect to fever, cough, breathing difficulty, sore throat, arthralgia, and asthenia where covid positive patients found to have a high prevalence of these symptoms. On evaluation of the of the oral symptoms in both covid positive and negative patients signicant differences were found viz., burning sensation, swollen gums , changes in taste sensation, pain in the TMJ and bleeding gums with covid positive patients having more predilection of having all these symptoms. On evaluation of the gender predilection between positive patients with symptoms, positive patients without symptoms and negative patients with symptoms , there found to be no signicant difference. oral CONCLUSION symptoms of burning sensation, changes in taste sensation , bleeding gums and pain in the TMJ are found to be more prevalent with patients having corona virus infection.

Eliciting the Truth.Dedicated to the 85th Anniversary of Professor Eduard Germanovich Bykov

Eduard Germanovich Bykov, a famous Russian morphologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Honorary Professor of N.N. Burdenko Voronezh State Medical Academy (VSMA), a founder and leader of Voronezh school of histochemistry would have been 85 years old on June 10, 2021. A key issue of his scientific activity was careful selection of sample preparation protocols for histochem ical analysis in order to increase objectivity of differential diagnosis ofbiopsy material in vivo in clinical practice and to solve urgent problems of pathomorphogenesis of the whole range of diseases. Novelty and perspectives of the conducted research allowed Eduard Germanovich to become a scientific supervisor and consultant of a large number of dissertationists who performed their research in alma mater and in universities of other cities of the USSR. From 1978 to 2008, Prof. Bykov was in charge of the Central Research Laboratory, N.N. Burdenko State Medical University, organizing work of laboratories as connecting elements between fundamental research and practical health care. Scientifically based methods of diagnosis, therapy and rehabilitation were developed an d implemented into practical healthcare in the Central ResearchInstitute. Eduard Germanovich created Voronezh Scientific School "Human Histochemistry. Clinical Histochemistry", which focused on preserving the vital chemical characteristics of the object of study. Prof. Bykov was repeatedly awarded with certificates of honor from the University Administration and the Government of Voronezh Region for achievements in research, teaching and social work. In April 2010 he was awarded by the Russian Federation of Cosmonautics with Academician M.V. Keldysh medal for a significant contribution to the development of Russian cosmonautics. In 2011 Professor Eduard Bykov was awarded the title of "Honorary Professor" of N.N. Burdenko Voronezh State Medical Academy.

Suppression of Conjunctival Scarring by Chymase Inhibitor in a Canine Symblepharon Model

Purpose: To investigate the suppressive effects of a chymase inhibitor (CI) on conjunctival scarring in a canine model of symblepharon induced by alkali burns. Methods: Symblepharon models were made in beagle eyes. A cotton pad soaked in 1 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was placed in the conjunctival sac of each eye for 90 seconds, followed by washing the sac with 100 ml of physiological saline. Immediately post treatment, one eye drop (50 μl) including 1 mM-CI or the vehicle (CI-treated group and vehicle-treated group, respectively) was instilled in 5 eyes of 5 beagles once daily for 5 weeks. Fellow eyes were left untreated and served as the normal group. The severity of symblepharon was graded by macroscopic observation. After the eyes were enucleated, conjunctival and scleral tissue specimens were histologically evaluated. Results: Macroscopic observation revealed that symblepharon was induced in all NaOH-treated eyes, while symblepharon scores were significantly lower in the CI group than in the vehicle-treated group. Histological observation indicated a significant reduction in the adhered area in the CI-treated group compared to the vehicle-treated group. Immunohistochem- ical analysis demonstrated that vimentin-, α-smooth muscle actin-, chymase-, and angiotensin II-positive cells as well as mast cells increased in the vehicle-treated group compared to the normal group, whereas they were reduced in the CI-treated group. Conclusions: Our macroscopic and histological findings indicated that a multiple application of CI eye drops suppressed conjunctival scarring in a canine symblepharon model, suggesting that the topical application of CI may be a promising therapy for symblepharon.

The Doctrinal Method: Incorporating Interdisciplinary Methods in Reforming the Law

textabstractThe doctrinal methodology is in a period of change and transition. Realising that the scope of the doctrinal method is too constricting, academic lawyers are becoming eclectic in their use of research method. In this transitional time, legal scholars are increasingly infusing evidence (and meth- ods) from other disciplines into their reasoning to bolster their reform recommendations. This article considers three examples of the interplay of the discipline of law with other disciplines in the pursuit of law reform. Firstly the article reviews studies on the extent of methodologies and reformist frameworks in PhD research in Australia. Secondly it analyses a ‘snapshot’ of recently pub- lished Australian journal articles on criminal law reform. Thirdly, it focuses on the law reform commissions, those independent government committees that play such an important role in law reform in common law jurisdictions. This examination demonstrates that while the doctrinal core of legal scholarship remains intact, legal scholars are endeavouring to accommodate statistics, comparative per- spectives, social science evidence and methods, and theoret- ical analysis, within the legal research framework, in order to provide additional ballast to the recommendations for reform.

Effectively Acquiring and Using Feedback

CASE STUDIES IN TRAINING AND EDUCATION Effectively Acquiring and Using Feedback David M. Naeger, MD, Aaron Jen, BA, Bren Ahearn, MA, Emily M. Webb, MD DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM Feedback is a vital component of medical education [1,2]. Feedback can hone an educator’s teaching skills, guide the evolution of a cur- riculum, and improve the experience of students [3,4]. However, feedback systems are easily hampered by pit- falls and often implemented without sufficient scrutiny or review [5]. When feedback is not collected properly, it can be difficult to use. For example, collecting too little feedback can provide insufficient information, and too much feedback (or feedback that has accumulated) can be overwhelming. Delays in receiving or processing feedback limit the likelihood of effecting timely change. When feedback is of poor quality, its utility is decreased [6]. The biggest cause of poor feedback is “feedback fatigue” [7], soliciting feedback so frequently that partic- ipation drops and the results are terse and prone to response bias. Additionally, overly vague or spe- cific feedback has been shown to be less effective [6], as has exclu- sively positive or exclusively nega- tive feedback [8]. Off-the-cuff verbal feedback seems to lack crit- ical analysis, compared with writ- ten feedback [9]. Finally, actually doing some- thing with the feedback is required for it to be effective. Commonly, the energy, time, or motivation required to make improvements is lacking, despite the availability of sufficient feedback. Some studies have suggested that physi- cians, as a group, often tend to overestimate their performance [10], thereby limiting their will- ingness to change. In some cases, feedback must be combined with mentorship to effect meaningful change [5,10,11]. Herein, we discuss a multiyear process of critically reviewing and improving our feedback system in the largest course offered by our department—the core medical stu- dent radiology elective, in which approximately 100 students enroll per year. In particular, we focus on how our feedback systems could improve the instruction provided, while promoting educators and the educational program. WHAT WAS DONE Definition of Feedback Goals Our first step was to create a list of goals for our feedback system. Through a collaborative process, all members of the radiology elective’s leadership determined the charac- teristics of an effective feedback sys- tem, which were as follows: 1. All requested feedback should be useful (ie, actionable): n No redundant questions; n No questions about things that cannot be changed; Questions specifically assessing a targeted area of concern should be removed after sufficient in- formation has been acquired. Feedback should be required of all students, to ensure a repre- sentative set of comments and codify the expectation that everyone is responsible for help- ing improve the educational experience. Feedback should be acquired in a timely manner, ideally the same day as the activity. Feedback should be reviewed in a timely manner, ideally within a few days. Feedback should result in changes (except when the feed- back indicates the current state is as good as can reasonably be achieved). Positive feedback should be used to support and promote educators and the educational program. n To achieve the preceding goals, the leadership decided that both daily feedback and “end-of-course” feedback were needed. Acquiring Daily Feedback Students were asked to provide constructive daily feedback on all activities, via the course’s online learning portal. To minimize “feedback fatigue,” the daily online form was parsimonious, including a required attendance verification question and only 2 n a 2015 American College of Radiology http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jacr.2015.05.011

STUDY OF UTTARAVASTHI WITH DHANVANTARI TAILA IN FEMALE INFERTILITY

Female infertility is the most common gynecological problem which many women in t he 21 st century are facing. The increasing rate of infertility has become a challenging issue for the gynecologists. As the allop athic treatment dwell upon hormone supplementation, surgical procedures and A rtificial R eproductive T echniques , it’s the turn o f Ayurveda to give solution and achieve conception by natural method to give a healthy offspring. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of uttaravasthi with dhanvantari taila in cases of female infertility. A study was conducted on 100 female i nfertile patients . All patients were grouped into 4 groups such as P oly C ystic O varian D isease (30 patients ), Tubal obstruction (30 patients ), Anovulation (20 patients) and Menstrual abnormalities (20 patients ). All the patients were given uttaravasti with Dhanwantari taila after giving sneha and sodana vasti consecutively . The study was performed from 5 th day of menstrual cycle after cessation of bleeding in the sequence of sneha vasti, sodhana vasti and uttaravasti for 5 days. The treatment was repeated in the next cycle after cessation of bleeding. The course of treatment was given to all patients for a period of 3 months. Investigations were done before and after the treatment. Results were assessed according to the investigations and concluded by statist ical analysis. The overall conception rate was 75%. The effect of the treatment on PolyCystic Ovarian Disease and tubal block found highly significant than Anovulation and Menstrual irregularities. In all 4 groups , the Danwantari taila uttaravasti was foun d statistically significant.

Mapping prehistoric ghosts in the synchrotron

The detailed chemical analysis of fossils has the potential to reveal great insight to the composition, preserva- tion and biochemistry of ancient life. Such analyses would ideally identify, quantify, and spatially resolve the chemical composition of preserved bone and soft tissue structures, but also the embedding matrix. Mapping the chemistry of a fos- sil in situ can place constraints on mass transfer between the enclosing matrix and the preserved organism(s), and there- fore aid in distinguishing taphonomic processes from origi- nal chemical zonation remnant within the fossils themselves. Conventional analytical methods, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) have serious limitations in this case, primarily, an inability to provide large (i.e., decime- ter) scale chemical maps. Additionally, vacuum chamber size and the need for destructive sampling preclude anal- ysis of large and precious fossil specimens. However, the recent development of Synchrotron Rapid Scanning X-ray Fluorescence (SRS-XRF) at the Stanford Synchrotron Radi- ation Lightsource (SSRL) allows the non-destructive chem- ical analysis and imaging of major, minor, and trace element concentrations of large paleontological and archeological specimens in rapid scanning times. Here we present elemen- tal maps of a fossil reptile produced using the new SRS-XRF method. Our results unequivocally show that preserved bio- logical structures are not simply impressions or carbonized remains, but possess a remnant of the original organismal biochemistry. We show that SRS-XRF is a powerful new tool for the study of paleontological and archaeological sam- ples.

A Study on Fuzzy Systems

In the present paper we use princip les of fuzzy logic to develop a general model representing several processes in a system's operation characterized by a degree of vagueness and/or uncertainty. For this, the main stages of the corresponding process are represented as fuzzy subsets of a set of linguistic labels characterizing the system's performance at each stage. We also introduce three alternative measures of a fuzzy system's effect iveness connected to our general model. These measures include the system's total possibilistic uncertainty, the Shannon's entropy properly modified for use in a fuzzy environment and the centroid method in which the coordinates of the center of mass of the graph of the membership function involved provide an alternative measure of the system's performance. The advantages and disadvantages of the above measures are discussed and a comb ined use of them is suggested for achieving a worthy of credit mathemat ical analysis of the corresponding situation. An application is also developed for the Mathematical Modelling process illustrating the use of our results in practice.

ChemInform Abstract: Spatial Inhomogeneity in Crystalline Materials and Saddle‐type Congruent Melting Points in Ternary Systems

AbstractReview: 104 refs.

769 Is the Eosinophyl Cationic Protein a Predictive Marker of Allergic Risk in Newborns?

Aim: To evaluate Patients and Methods: 27 newborns (13 F, mean GA : 277 days, mean BW: 3890 g) were included ; FHa and IEA was evaluated, a blood sample collected from cord blood to measure serum ECP, nasal and rectal tampons executed at birth to count eosinophyls. Statist ical analysis: Anova test and t-student test. Results: 11 newborns had FHa, and 2 had IEA (group A). We attributed a score from 0 to 3 at the FHa and the IEA. Group A got 11 points, while the group without a family risk of atopy got 4 points. The mean values of ECP value was 65.5 µ/ml in group A and 7.8 µ/ml in group B (p 13,5 µg/l, FHa and IEA) with the assignment of a diagnostic score in clinical practice can be useful to apply early environmental and dietary prevention measures.

Effect of parametric variation on generation and enhancement of chaos in erbium-doped fiber-ring lasers

The simulation and numerical analysis of erbium-doped fiber- ring lasers for generation and enhancement of chaos is presented. The degree of chaos determines the level of security in chaotic optical commu- nication systems. Various parameters such as pump power, modulation index, modulation frequency, decay rate, and cavity gain can be varied as a control in producing higher degree optical chaos. The effect of each pertinent model parameter is analyzed in time-expanded mode using a phase plot direct-observation method and time series analysis of the time domain wave form by calculating its Lyapunov exponents. The mathemat- ical and numerical analysis of the generated chaos helps in generalizing the trend through variation of cavity parameters and driving conditions in achieving a relatively higher degree of chaos. These trends help in op- timizing various parameters for generation of new sequences of optical chaosinrealizingbettersecurity.Togainaninsightintochaoticsignatures, the width and height of individual pulses, relationship of their time periods, gain quenching, shape, formation of bunches, and humps of the chaotic wave forms are also analyzed. The study of individual and cumulative behavior of all the parameters in enhancing optical chaos leads toward a reliable development in designing secure communication systems. C 2010

Complex Singularities and the Lorenz Attractor

The Lorenz attractor is one of the best-known examples of applied mathematics. However, much of what is known about it is a result of numerical calculations and not of mathemat- ical analysis. As a step toward mathematical analysis, we allow the time variable in the three-dimensional Lorenz system to be complex, hoping that solutions that have resisted analysis on the real line will give up their secrets in the complex plane. Knowledge of singularities being fundamental to any investigation in the complex plane, we build upon earlier work and give a complete and consistent formal development of complex singular- ities of the Lorenz system using the psi series. The psi series contain two undetermined constants. In addition, the location of the singularity is undetermined as a consequence of the autonomous nature of the Lorenz system. We prove that the psi series converge, using a technique that is simpler and more powerful than that of Hille, thus implying a two-parameter family of singular solutions of the Lorenz system. We pose three ques- tions, answers to which may bring us closer to understanding the connection of complex singularities to Lorenz dynamics.

Holocene evolution and sedimentation rate of Alikes Lagoon, Zakynthos island, Western Greece: preliminary results

In the present study we present preliminary results from Alikes lagoon in Zakynthos island, an area that is one of the most seismically active regions of Greece. In order to estimate - interpret the Holocene evolution of the area and to reconstruct the palaeoenvironmental changes, we based on data derived from a 21 m sediment core. Sediment types, structure, colour, as well as contact depths and bed character- istics were recorded in the field. Standarised sedimentolog- ical analysis was carried out, on 46 samples including grain size analysis, calculation of moment measures, and micro- and molluscan fossils of 17 selected samples. Moreover, ra- diocarbon age determinations have been made on individual Cardium shells from two horizons and whole - core Mag- netic Susceptibility (MS) measurements were taken. The in- terpretation of depositional environments suggests a coastal environment (restricted-shallow) with reduced salinity such as a lagoon margin and in a tidal flat and/or marsh particu- larly. The maximum age of the studied sediments is about 8500 BP. The rate of sedimentation between 8280 BP while 5590 BP was 5.3 mm/yr and between 5590 BP and modern times is on the order of 1.03 mm/yr. These sedimentation rates results are similar to other coastal areas of western Greece.

Holocene evolution and sedimentation rate of Alikes Lagoon, Zakynthos island, Western Greece – preliminary results

In the present study we present preliminary results from Alikes lagoon in Zakynthos island, an area that is one of the most seismically active regions of Greece. In order to estimate - interpret the Holocene evolution of the area and to reconstruct the palaeoenvironmental changes, we based on data derived from a 21 m sediment core. Sediment types, structure, colour, as well as contact depths and bed character- istics were recorded in the field. Standarised sedimentolog- ical analysis was carried out, on 46 samples including grain size analysis, calculation of moment measures, and micro- and molluscan fossils of 17 selected samples. Moreover, ra- diocarbon age determinations have been made on individual Cardium shells from two horizons and whole - core Mag- netic Susceptibility (MS) measurements were taken. The in- terpretation of depositional environments suggests a coastal environment (restricted-shallow) with reduced salinity such as a lagoon margin and in a tidal flat and/or marsh particu- larly. The maximum age of the studied sediments is about 8500 BP. The rate of sedimentation between 8280 BP while 5590 BP was 5.3 mm/yr and between 5590 BP and modern times is on the order of 1.03 mm/yr. These sedimentation rates results are similar to other coastal areas of western Greece.

Endoscopic and clinicopatholog ical analysis of 172 cases of progressive gastric carcinoma

目的 探讨进展期胃癌的临床内镜病理特点.方法 收集我院胃镜室2002年1月至2006年2月经胃镜及病理确诊的172例进展期胃癌患者,回顾性分析172例进展期胃癌临床表现、内镜、病理资料.结果 胃癌常见临床表现上腹痛,进行性消瘦,食欲减退,贫血.胃癌好发部位胃窦部最多见,其次贲门胃底部.内镜下Borrmann分型Ⅲ型最多,其次Ⅱ型.病理类型腺癌最多,其次低分化腺癌.结论 进展期胃癌多有上腹痛,以胃窦部好发,多为BorrmannⅢ型,以腺癌多见。

Theoretical analysis of 157-nm hard pellicle system purification via a cyclic purge/fill process

Optical lithography with 157-nm light is expected to bridge the gap between 193-nm technology and next-generation lithography. One important practical difficulty facing the implementation of 157-nm tech- nology is gas absorption of 157-nm light. The exposure process for 193-nm technology is carried out in an air environment, but oxygen gas and water vapor severely attenuate 157-nm radiation. However, 157-nm exposure can be carried out in a nitrogen environment, which can be achieved by purging. A challenging aspect of the nitrogen purging pro- cess is the evacuation of the volume delineated by the pellicle frame, and the 800-mm-thick hard pellicle plate, which can fracture when sub- jected to an excessive pressure difference. A technique for pellicle puri- fication via a cyclic purging and filling process is investigated. A theoret- ical analysis of the gas flow and pressure variation in the system is presented. The maximum stress induced in the hard pellicle during the process is predicted using finite element modeling. The minimum time for purification without causing excessive stress in the pellicle plate is estimated for a nominal set of conditions. Finally, a parametric analysis of important geometric variables including the size and number of purg- ing holes as well as the filter resistance is presented. © 2004 Society of

The Middle English Pearl : Figuring the Unfigurable

In her 1968 British Academy lecture, Elizabeth Salter announced that Middle English Pearl invites a criticism which applies the typologi cal or figural method, one that works toward discovering in text a historiography of promise and fulfilment, most completely described and illustrated by Scriptures, but discernible as a constant rhythm in every part of Christian experience, past, present, and to come.1 But Salter's lecture was not occasion for launching a large scale typolog ical analysis, but rather a call for others to start thinking of Pearl differ ently, in line with aesthetic demands of figuralism. Salter was thereby showing a way out of notorious versus allegory debates which had dominated critical reflection on Pearl for first half of our century. The new critical orientation Salter proposed steered a course between, on one hand, historicism and autobiographicalism of elegy hypothesis and, on other hand, reductive abstractions of allegory, while partaking of insights of both approaches to text's meaning: figuralism should direct us accordingly toward an apprehension of spir itual and eternal truths incarnate in concrete, historical facts. For many earlier commentators, however, Pearl in defining instance had either a concrete historical referent (namely, poet's own or perhaps his patron's dead daughter, whom poem supposedly commemorates) or certain symbolic or metaphysical referents (for example, pearl maiden stands for virginity or transformed soul).2 Early twentieth century criticism was thus broadly polarized between an excavative criticism, centered on recovering original historical conditions of text's composition, and an exegetical criticism that was directed solely toward expounding Christian doctrine. Out of context of this criti cal stalemate, Salter attempted a kind of harmonization of elegy-alle gory theories, what amounts to an ideal rapprochement of two determinations of genre by way of Erich Auerbach's distinguished dis cussion of typology. But question needs to be asked, is a typological reading of Pearl finally defensible?