Visual Criteria Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT OF CLEANING METHOD VALIDATION TECHNIQUES FOR PIROXICAM AND TELMISARTAN

To determine effectiveness of cleaning, analytical methods were validated for piroxicam and telmisartan. The drugs were selected on the basis of solubility in water. Water is the major solvent used for cleaning of equipments. These drugs are practically insoluble in water, so they may leave product residue even after cleaning of the equipments and necessitate lot of water for cleaning. So, any analytical method used to determine the cleanliness should be effective. During analytical method validations, following parameters were evaluated i.e. linearity, specificity, LOQ, LOD, and recovery studies by swab sampling and rinse sampling techniques. The visual cleanliness criteria was also evaluated by spiking known amount of samples on SS plates. From the results it was concluded that the developed analytical method was sensitive and accurate. For piroxicam: UV spectrophotometric analytical method was developed which showed an absorption maxima λmax at 356 nm wavelength and linearity range 0 to 25 µg/mL. Recovery of drug from swab sampling and rinse sampling techniques were found satisfactory and within the acceptance criteria. For telmisartan, UV spectrophotometric analytical method was developed which showed an absorption maxima λmax at 226 nm wavelength and linearity range 0 to 10 µg/mL. Recovery of drug from swab sampling and rinse sampling techniques were found satisfactory and within the acceptance criteria

The prognostic value of end-of-treatment FDG-PET/CT in diffuse large B cell lymphoma: comparison of visual Deauville criteria and a lesion-to-liver SUVmax ratio-based evaluation system.

The aim of this study was to determine a better criterion for end-of-treatment PET (EoT-PET) assessment and prognostic evaluation of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). EoT-PET scans were assessed using the visual Deauville 5-point scale (5PS) and LLR, the maximum standard uptake value ratio between the lesion and the liver. The cutoff value of LLR was obtained by receiver operator characteristic curve analysis. Patient outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Prognostic indexes of different criteria were compared. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic factors. Four hundred forty-nine newly diagnosed DLBCL patients who received rituximab-based immunochemotherapy were included, and the median follow-up duration was 41.4months. Patients with Deauville score (DS) 4 displayed significantly longer PFS and OS compared with patients with DS 5 (both p < 0.001), and they had significantly shorter PFS (p < 0.01) but similar OS (p = 0.057) compared with patients with DS 1-3. The differences in PFS and OS between groups were all significant whether positive EoT-PET was defined as DS 4-5 or DS 5 (all p < 0.001). The optimal cutoff of LLR was 1.83, and both PFS and OS were significantly different between EoT-PET-positive and EoT-PET-negative patients as defined by the cutoff (both p < 0.001). LLR-based criterion displayed higher specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy than 5PS-based criterion in the prediction of disease progression and death events. In the multivariate analysis, positive EoT-PET (as defined by LLR) was related to unfavorable PFS and OS (both p < 0.001). Additional treatment was not correlated with outcomes of EoT-PET-negative patients either defined by LLR or 5PS or EoT-PET-positive patients classified by 5PS, but it was the only beneficial factor for OS (p < 0.05) in EoT-PET-positive patients with LLR ≥ 1.83. The optimal cutoff of LLR may be superior to Deauville criteria in identifying low-risk DLBCL patients with negative EoT-PET after the first-line immunochemotherapy and sparing them the cost and toxicity of additional treatment.

Classification of Landscape Physiognomies in Rural Poland: The Case of the Municipality of Cekcyn

&lt;p&gt;This article presents a methodology and the results of the classification of the rural landscapes physiognomies conducted on the study area located in the municipality of Cekcyn, Poland. The study aimed to develop a landscape identification method that would combine natural, cultural, and visual criteria with which to implement the provisions of the European Landscape Convention. The realization of the European Landscape Convention in Poland is incomplete due to the lack of practical application of landscape assessment in land management and spatial planning at the commune level. The research was intended at helping to fill this void. The study develops a method using which it will be possible to protect the diversity and beauty of Europe’s rural landscapes more effectively. The goal has so far been of little scientific interest in Poland. The physiognomy of the studied area was analyzed with the use of commonly available spatial data and by means of field studies. Physical-geographical units and cultural characteristics have been designated based on spatial databases. Landscape patterns were identified by analyzing visual fields with the use of both GIS applications and field studies. This practice made it possible to determine physiognomic units of the landscape which are internally coherent and relatively homogeneous in terms of physical-geographical, cultural, and visual features. Identifying the landscape physiognomy within the designated landscape physiognomic units serves to harmonize spatial alterations in the area of rural communes in processes of land management and planning.&lt;/p&gt;

Computational approaches to detect small lesions in 18 F-FDG PET/CT scans.

PurposeWhen physicians interpret 18F‐FDG PET/CT scans, they rely on their subjective visual impression of the presence of small lesions, the criteria for which may vary among readers. Our investigation used physical phantom scans to evaluate whether image texture analysis metrics reliably correspond to visual criteria used to identify lesions and accurately differentiate background regions from sub‐centimeter simulated lesions.MethodsRoutinely collected quality assurance test data were processed retrospectively for 65 different 18F‐FDG PET scans performed of standardized phantoms on eight different PET/CT systems. Phantoms included 8‐, 12‐, 16‐, and 25‐mm diameter cylinders embedded in a cylindrical water bath, prepared with 2.5:1 activity‐to‐background ratio emulating typical whole‐body PET protocols. Voxel values in cylinder regions and background regions were sampled to compute several classes of image metrics. Two experienced physicists, blinded to quantified image metrics and to each other's readings, independently graded cylinder visibility on a 5‐level scale (0 = definitely not visible to 4 = definitely visible).ResultsThe three largest cylinders were visible in 100% of cases with a mean visibility score of 3.3 ± 1.2, while the smallest 8‐mm cylinder was visible in 58% of cases with a significantly lower mean visibility score of 1.5±1.1 (P < 0.0001). By ROC analysis, the polynomial‐fit signal‐to‐noise ratio was the most accurate at discriminating 8‐mm cylinders from the background, with accuracy greater than visual detection (93% ± 2% versus 76% ± 4%, P = 0.0001), and better sensitivity (94% versus 58%, P < 0.0001).ConclusionImage texture analysis metrics are more sensitive than visual impressions for detecting sub‐centimeter simulated lesions. Therefore, image texture analysis metrics are potentially clinically useful for 18F‐FDG PET/CT studies.

Lighting Enhancement of Classrooms in Heritage School Buildings Based on the Greenship Rating Tools

This study aims to suggest some strategies for improving the quality of lighting in adaptive reuse buildings. Recently, several concerns have been raised about the lighting environment of heritage buildings that have been adaptively reused for a different function. These changes may lead to a problem for the occupants of the building, particularly on the indoor lighting quality. It is regarded as one of the most affected variables in the building of heritage that is adaptively reused. Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI) has been concerned about this issue, particularly to the requirements related to lighting power density and control, visual comfort, outside view, and daylight. The purpose of this research is therefore to suggest some strategies for improving the quality of lighting in the two classrooms of two heritage schools in Surabaya, Indonesia, based on the Greenship Interior Space rating tool. There are three credits for lighting power density and control, and one credit for visual comfort criteria. By performing light mapping measurements, calculations, and computer simulation, this analysis is qualitative. To capture the condition of the classrooms examined, building observation was also performed. The observation shows that the existing condition gains four credits only. If adopted, the strategies proposed could achieve eight credits, which is covers 80% of the assessment points. The higher credits achieved reflect a better lighting environment and better value for energy efficiency and conservation.

Speed controller-based fuzzy logic for a biosignal-feedbacked cycloergometer

Nowadays, fuzzy-logic systems are implemented to control machinery or processes that previously required human manipulation. The main objective of this research is to propose a controller based on fuzzy-logic that uses bio-signals for decision making. The study presents the implementation of a fuzzy-speed controller for a therapeutic machine called cycloergometer. It is used in patients who require rehabilitation therapy to improve their mobility in the lower body or to increase their relaxation or flexibility. Basic controllers have been developed where the speed is decided through a user interface, and the therapist must constantly increase or decrease the speed according to the condition of the patient. In this paper, the speed of the therapy equipment is adjusted using the heart rate of the patient. In this way, a bio-signal is used to determine whether a person is tired or relaxed. Therefore, a mechanism is obtained that is not subject to the visual criteria of the therapist. A detailed review of the literature illustrates that one of the main limitations of electroencephalography and electromyography recordings is the low signal-to-noise ratio and the fact that the signals captured at the electrodes are a mixture of sources that cannot be observed directly with noninvasive methods. Therefore, it was decided to work with electrocardiogram-based signals for better robustness of the proposed system. The controller output is a voltage signal in PWM, which is determined by the membership and error functions. The behavior of the implemented controller is validated by different experimental tests based on the increase and decrease of the simulated and real heart rate of a patient. Finally, the results obtained and the possible areas of opportunity for the proposed design are discussed.

Brolucizumab in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Indian Real-World Experience: The BRAILLE Study.

PurposeTo assess the short-term efficacy and safety profile of intravitreal brolucizumab injection in Indian eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) under real-world conditions.Patients and MethodsThis was a multicenter, retrospective chart review of 94 eyes of 94 patients with nAMD (treatment-naïve and switch-therapy) undergoing brolucizumab therapy. Re-treatment as per pro-re-nata protocol was performed based on fixed visual and tomographic criteria. The main outcome measures were changes in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraretinal fluid (IRF), subretinal fluid (SRF), central subfield thickness (CST), and pigment epithelial detachment (PED) along with safety analysis.ResultsOf the 94 eyes, 20 eyes (21.3%) were treatment-naïve, whereas the rest 74 eyes (78.7%) underwent switch therapy. One hundred and twenty-six injections were given over a mean follow-up of 7.3 ± 2.2 (range 5–30) weeks. The BCVA improved significantly from 0.82 ± 0.5 LogMAR at baseline to 0.66 ± 0.5 LogMAR at the final visit (p < 0.0001). Significant reduction in CST was simultaneously noted (Baseline: 408.45 ± 65.63 µm; Final: 281.14 ± 37.74 µm; p < 0.0001). On qualitative analysis, resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF), intraretinal fluid (IRF), and pigment epithelial detachment (PED) was observed in 15.5%, 39.29%, and 23.81% of the eyes, respectively. The mean interval of repeat injection was 10.2 ± 2.1 weeks. Three episodes of ocular adverse drug reaction were reported, including two patients developing subretinal hemorrhage while one having a retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tear. Notably, no intraocular inflammation (IOI) was seen in any of the eyes, and no systemic side effects were identified.ConclusionIn a real-world scenario, brolucizumab therapy is efficacious and safe in the management of nAMD over the short term. Further long-term studies are warranted to validate these findings. Additionally, lack of ocular inflammation after 126 brolucizumab injections in our Indian data is peculiar and underlines the necessity to explore the role of race and genetics in predisposing to/safeguarding against brolucizumab-related IOIs.

MP16-04 LASER VERSUS ELECTRICAL E-BLOC RESECTION OF BLADDER TUMORS FOR TREATMENT OF NON-MUSCLE INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER; CRITICAL APPRAISAL THROUGH A RANDOMIZED TRIAL

You have accessJournal of UrologyBladder Cancer: Non-invasive II (MP16)1 Sep 2021MP16-04 LASER VERSUS ELECTRICAL E-BLOC RESECTION OF BLADDER TUMORS FOR TREATMENT OF NON-MUSCLE INVASIVE BLADDER CANCER; CRITICAL APPRAISAL THROUGH A RANDOMIZED TRIAL Ahmed Elshal, Mohamed Bahy, Mahmoud Laymon, Abdelwahab Hashem, Ahmed Mosbah, and Adel Nabeeh Ahmed ElshalAhmed Elshal More articles by this author , Mohamed BahyMohamed Bahy More articles by this author , Mahmoud LaymonMahmoud Laymon More articles by this author , Abdelwahab HashemAbdelwahab Hashem More articles by this author , Ahmed MosbahAhmed Mosbah More articles by this author , and Adel NabeehAdel Nabeeh More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002001.04AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Laser En-bloc resection of bladder tumors (ERBT) has been reported as a safer procedure with less residual tumor and better specimen quality when compared to conventional resection. In this trial, we tested the non-inferiority of electrical versus laser ERBT invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) METHODS: Between June 2019 and December 2020, 106 patients with cystoscpic visual criteria of NMIBC were randomly allocated to laser and electrical enbloc resection. The primary endpoint was to assess the need of conversion to conventional TURBT. Operative parameters, quality of specimen, perioperative complications and completeness of resection as indicated by residual tumors in restaging TUR (2-6 weeks after ERBT) Trial ID NCT04029948 RESULTS: Patients` and tumor`s baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. More resection time was reported during laser ERBT, p= 0.04. Technical failure with conversion to conventional resection was in 2 cases during electrical ERBT and none during Laser ERBT, P=0.146 Detrusor muscle was sampled in 59.3% and 53.8% (p=0.574) in Laser ERBT and electrical ERBT, respectively. Lamina propria invasion was 85.1%% and 84% in Laser ERBT and electrical ERBT, respectively (p=0.111). Intraoperative complications were reported in 17.3% after electrical ERBT in the form of obturator kick, bladder perforation and with no complications reported in the laser group (p=0.002). Table 1 There was no statistical difference between laser and electrosurgical ERBT regarding urethral catheter duration and hospital stay with p value 0.2 & 0.9 in the 2 groups respectively. Residual tumors at second look were detected in 6.5% and 2.6% Laser ERBT and electrical ERBT, respectively (p=0.391). CONCLUSIONS: Laser ERBT seems to be safer procedure for bladder tumor resection with longer resection time when compared to electrical ERBT. Source of Funding: no © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e297-e297 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Ahmed Elshal More articles by this author Mohamed Bahy More articles by this author Mahmoud Laymon More articles by this author Abdelwahab Hashem More articles by this author Ahmed Mosbah More articles by this author Adel Nabeeh More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Determination of the Standard Visual Criterion for Diagnosing and Treating Presbyopia According to Subjective Patient Symptoms.

Presbyopia treatments using various modalities have been developed recently; however, no standard criteria exist for the diagnosis and treatment endpoint. This study assessed the relationship between the near visual acuity (NVA) and the subjective symptoms of phakic presbyopia and determined the numerical NVA threshold to diagnose phakic presbyopia and evaluate the effectiveness of presbyopia treatment. The binocular distance, NVA with habitual correction, and monocular conventional VA were measured. Patients were asked about their awareness of presbyopia and difficulty performing near tasks. This prospective observational study included 70 patients (mean age, 56 years; range, 32–77). Most patients became aware of presbyopia in their late forties, although some had difficulty with vision-related near tasks before becoming aware of presbyopia. Eighty three percent of patients (20/24) experienced difficulty with near vision-related tasks even with excellent NVA at 40 cm with habitual correction of 0.0 logMAR (20/20 in Snellen VA). In conclusion, the current study showed that patients became aware of presbyopia in their late forties, although some had difficulty with near vision-related tasks before becoming aware of presbyopia. Further investigation should include the proposal of appropriate diagnostic criteria for presbyopia and better management for patients with presbyopia.

Prognostic Relevance of 18F-FDG-PET/CT-Guided Target Volume Delineation in Loco-Regionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinomas: A Comparative Study.

IntroductionAn optimal approach to define tumor volume in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) remains unclear. This retrospective study aimed at comparing the outcomes and toxicities of different FDG-PET/CT-guided techniques for primary tumor volume delineation in locoregionally advanced NPC.MethodsFrom August 2015 to February 2018, 292 patients with stage III-IVB NPC received FDG-PET/CT-guided IMRT. Three PET/CT-based techniques were used to determine the gross tumor volume (GTV) as follows: visual criteria (group A; n = 98), a standard uptake value (SUV) threshold of 2.5 (group B; n = 95), and a threshold of 50% maximal intensity (group C, n = 99) combined with a dose-painting technique.ResultsIn groups A, B, and C, the 5-year LRFS rates were 89.4%, 90.0%, and 97.8%, respectively (p = 0.043). The 5-year DMFS rates were 75.1%, 76.0%, and 87.7%, respectively (p = 0.043). The 5-year DFS rates were 70.9%, 70.3%, and 82.2%, respectively (p = 0.048). The 5-year OS rates were 73.5%, 73.9%, and 84.9%, respectively (p = 0.038). Group C showed significantly higher 5-year LRFS, LRRFS, DMFS, DFS, and OS than those in groups A and B (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between the three study groups in the cumulative incidences of grade 3-4 acute and late toxicities. Multivariate analyses showed that the PET/CT-guided technique for target volume delineation was an independent prognostic factor for 5-year LRFS, DFS, DMFS, and OS (p = 0.039, p = 0.030, p = 0.035 and p = 0.028, respectively), and was marginally significant in predicting LRRFS (p = 0.080).ConclusionsThe 50% SUVmax threshold regimen for GTV delineation with dose-painting appeared to be superior to the visual criteria or SUV2.5 threshold in locoregionally advanced NPC, and there was no increased toxicity.

Enhancing Performance of SSVEP-Based Visual Acuity via Spatial Filtering.

The purpose of this study was to enhance the performance of steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based visual acuity assessment with spatial filtering methods. Using the vertical sinusoidal gratings at six spatial frequency steps as the visual stimuli for 11 subjects, SSVEPs were recorded from six occipital electrodes (O1, Oz, O2, PO3, POz, and PO4). Ten commonly used training-free spatial filtering methods, i.e., native combination (single-electrode), bipolar combination, Laplacian combination, average combination, common average reference (CAR), minimum energy combination (MEC), maximum contrast combination (MCC), canonical correlation analysis (CCA), multivariate synchronization index (MSI), and partial least squares (PLS), were compared for multielectrode signals combination in SSVEP visual acuity assessment by statistical analyses, e.g., Bland–Altman analysis and repeated-measures ANOVA. The SSVEP signal characteristics corresponding to each spatial filtering method were compared, determining the chosen spatial filtering methods of CCA and MSI with a higher performance than the native combination for further signal processing. After the visual acuity threshold estimation criterion, the agreement between the subjective Freiburg Visual Acuity and Contrast Test (FrACT) and SSVEP visual acuity for the native combination (0.253 logMAR), CCA (0.202 logMAR), and MSI (0.208 logMAR) was all good, and the difference between FrACT and SSVEP visual acuity was also all acceptable for the native combination (−0.095 logMAR), CCA (0.039 logMAR), and MSI (−0.080 logMAR), where CCA-based SSVEP visual acuity had the best performance and the native combination had the worst. The study proved that the performance of SSVEP-based visual acuity can be enhanced by spatial filtering methods of CCA and MSI and also recommended CCA as the spatial filtering method for multielectrode signals combination in SSVEP visual acuity assessment.

La traducción intersemiótica como forma de apropiación creativa: el caso de Augusto de Campos

Augusto de Campos (Sao Paulo, 1931), one of the founders of the Brazilian Concretist Movement of the fifties, has distinguished himself for using translation procedures on foreign texts, instituting a mode of extreme appropriation. His declared affiliation to the claims of the anthropophagic tradition has served a function of demystification of the original texts in order to resignify the foreign towards an integration to the local. Therefore, there is a shift in the figure of the translator, from that of a subaltern, invisible role of mere mediation towards one of active, creative creation of a new piece. De Campos introduces the concept of intranslations to refer to these intersemiotic translations in which visual criteria external to the translated text operate. Thus, by means of the analysis of the procedures used for these rewritings, a new, more radicalized autonomy is revealed, generating the crisis of certain concepts such as author / translator, source text / target text, fidelity / infidelity.

TRLS-01. Trial in Progress: A Prospective, Multicenter Phase 2b Study to Establish Image Interpretation Criteria for 18F-Fluciclovine PET in Detecting Recurrent Brain Metastases after Radiation Therapy (PURSUE)

BackgroundBrain metastases are the most common intracranial tumor in adults, occurring in 10–40% of patients with cancer. Despite multimodal treatment approaches, the prognosis remains poor and post-treatment follow-up with conventional MRI (CE-T1-weighted and FLAIR/T2-weighted) of the brain is recommended to monitor for disease recurrence. However, owing to the similar appearance of treatment-related changes like radiation necrosis with that of true recurrence, conventional MRI has low specificity.Given the high mortality of patients with brain metastases and the considerable treatment-associated morbidity, a need remains for an imaging modality that accurately differentiates recurrence from treatment-related changes. Accurate imaging could help physicians identify patients for whom non-effective or unneeded treatments can be ceased in order to minimize treatment-associated morbidity, and to avoid erroneous premature cessation of potentially effective therapy.18F-Fluciclovine is a synthetic amino acid-based PET imaging agent that has potential to evaluate primary and metastatic brain cancers owing to its low normal background uptake in the brain and increased uptake in brain tumors.MethodsNCT04410367 is a prospective, open-label, single-arm, single-dose (185 MBq ± 20%) study with a primary objective to establish visual image interpretation criteria for 18F-fluciclovine PET studies of recurrent brain metastases. Forty subjects with solid tumor brain metastases who have undergone radiation therapy will be enrolled across 8 US sites if they have a reference lesion considered equivocal on MRI for recurrent brain metastasis and are planned for craniotomy. Subjects will undergo 18F-fluciclovine PET <28 days after the equivocal MRI and 2–21 days before planned craniotomy. Outcome measures comprise diagnostic performance of 18F-fluciclovine PET at different thresholds of 18F-fluciclovine uptake compared with histopathology, subject- and lesion-level diagnostic performance based on application of the established image interpretation criteria, and safety evaluations. Enrolment began in August 2020 and the trial is open at the time of submission.

Evaluation of the Effects of Tecar Therapy on Acute Symptoms of Athletes Following Lateral Ankle Ligament Sprain

Background and Objectives: Tecar therapy as a modality has been considered due to its reported effects on reducing pain and swelling and finally increasing range of motion and improving function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tecar therapy on acute symptoms of athletes following lateral ankle ligament sprain in the treatment and control groups between pre-treatment periods, after 6 sessions, and after 12 sessions of treatment. Methods: In this study, 23 patients in each group including athletes with an acute lateral ankle ligament sprain in the acute stage in Tehran. The participant of this study were divided into 2 groups of control with normal treatment and the second group with normal treatment + tecar treatment. Participants were homogenized in terms of age, height, weight, and level of exercise. To evaluate the pain intensity of patients in the two groups and to measure the swelling of the ankle joint, a tape measure (mm) was used. A goniometer was used to measure the degree of ankle motions. The Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) questionnaire was also used to collect data. Results: Statistical analyzes showed that the mean numerical visual criterion of pain in both groups was significantly lower after 6 and 12 sessions of treatment (P&lt;0.001). The results of the analysis of variance showed that the mean swelling in the treatment group and in the control group after 6 and 12 sessions of treatment (P&lt;0.001) was significantly lower than the mean swelling before treatment. Also, the mean swelling after 12 sessions of treatment was significantly lower than after 6 sessions of treatment (P&lt;0.001). Regarding daily life activities and the percentage of athlete satisfaction in performing the activity, the test results showed that the athlete’s scores after 6 and 12 sessions of treatment (P&lt;0.001) were significantly higher than before treatment. Also, their scores after 12 sessions of treatment were significantly higher than 6 sessions (P&lt;0.001). The performance scores in both groups after 6 and 12 sessions of treatment (P&lt;0.001) were significantly higher than performance scores before treatment. Also, the performance scores after 12 sessions of treatment were significantly higher than 6 sessions of treatment (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that tecar therapy in patients with lateral ligament sprain of the ankle joint improves the condition of symptoms after an injury, including swelling, pain, daily life activities, percentage of athlete satisfaction with daily activities, and finally his performance and it can be used as a complementary treatment along with common therapies.

Mineralogy and short wavelength infrared spectral analysis of white mica in the No. 782 REE–Nb–Zr deposit, NE China

The No. 782 deposit is one of the rare earth elements (REEs), niobium and zirconium resources of NE China and contains ~17 million tons of ore @ 0.23 wt% total REEs and Y oxides, @ 0.12 wt% Nb2O5, and @ 1.00 wt% ZrO2. The REE–Nb–Zr minerals are hosted mainly in the late Ordovician porphyritic alkali-feldspar granite, which intrudes in a late Cambrian monzogranite. Zirconium is present mainly in zircon aggregates, niobium and heavy REEs mainly in fergusonite-(Y), and light REEs dominantly in bastnäsite-(Ce) and parisite-(Ce). Most of these economic minerals are hydrothermal in origin, occurred as replacement textures and fracture-filled veins. Six types of phyllosilicate mineral (muscovite, illite, phengite, montmorillonite, chlorite, and halloysite), which cannot be distinguished confidently by visual criteria, were detected using short wavelength infrared (SWIR) analysis. Given that white mica (i.e., muscovite, illite, and phengite) is a pervasive mineral throughout the pluton, SWIR spectroscopy on drill cores from two profiles (II and IV) of the deposit was carried out to decipher the distribution of alteration assemblages that are characterized by subtle variations in the alteration products. The illite Al–OH absorption position (Pos2200) and illite crystallinity (IC) display regular patterns, with Pos2200 values < 2,203 nm and IC > 1.26, coinciding with the high grades of REE–Nb–Zr mineralization. The phengite is limited to the mineralized zone of profile II. Such regular patterns of white mica might have been induced by the relatively high temperature fluids surrounding the center of alteration. Our results suggest that combinations of the SWIR spectral parameters of hydrothermal alteration products can be used as potential vectors to economic ores, tracing the pathways of hydrothermal fluids, and quantifying the ore grades of the No. 782 deposit. The super-enrichment of rare metals in granitic systems is controlled predominantly by extensive hydrothermal activity, and our results show that these REE deposits can be usefully assessed using the SWIR method, which has implications for future metal exploration.

Dual-time point brain FDG PET to differentiate tumor progression from radionecrosis after stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastases

Dual phase 18[F]-FDG brain PET (dual-PET) is useful to distinguish tumor recurrence (TR) from radionecrosis (RN) after stereotaxic radiosurgery (SRS) of brain metastases, when contrast-enhanced MRI is inconclusive. We aimed to compare six different visual and quantitative interpretation criteria to enhance diagnostic performances. In this retrospective french multicentric study (Clermont-Ferrand, Montpellier, Rennes), we evaluated 45 patients previously treated with SRS for BM, addressed for a dual-PET by the local neuro-oncological committees for an evolving lesion on MRI inconclusive between TR and RN, at least 3 months after the last SRS session. Dual-PET included both an “early” and a “delayed” acquisition, respectively 30 to 60 minutes and 4 to 5 hours after 18[F]-FDG injection. After measuring SUVmax values of both lesion (L) and mirror contralateral grey matter (GM) at early (1) and delayed (2) acquisitions, three quantitative metrics were calculated: ratios of L SUVmax to GM SUVmax at “early” (L1/GM1) and “delayed” (L2/GM2) acquisitions and the retention index which is the variation over time of the standardized SUVmax ratio (RI = [(Delayed-Early)/Early]). Visual analysis was also conducted using a subjective 6 points visual scale of the lesion uptake at both acquisitions. The five interpretation criteria were compared according to their area under the ROC curve (AUC), and to their diagnostic accuracy applying the best cut off value (maximizing the Youden's index) by the Cochran Q test. The final diagnosis was based on pathology, or by default radiological and clinical follow-up criteria after at least 6 months. Final diagnoses were TR for 24 patients and RN for 21 patients. There was no statistically significant difference regarding AUC between the different interpretation methods. AUC ranged from 0,78 [95 %CI 0,63; 0,89] with the L1/GM1 Ratio, to 0.85 [95 %CI 0.72; 0.94] with the L2/GM2 ratio. Visual analyses AUC were excellent at both early (0.835 [95 %CI 0.7; 0.93]) and delayed acquisitions (0.83 [95 %CI 0.69; 0.92]). There was no statistically significant difference between accuracies ( p = 0.87) ranging from 0.71 with the RI ratio to 0.80 with both the “delayed” visual and quantitative analyses. Dual-PET protocol distinguishes RN and TR after SRS with robust diagnostic performances in case of doubtful MR, with an accuracy up to 80 %.

Effect of Hydro- abrasion versus Conventional Cavity Preparation on the Clinical Performance of Composite Resin Restoration

Aim: To evaluate the effect of hydro abrasion versus the conventional drill method of cavity preparation on the clinical performance of composite restoration over one year follow up period. Materials and methods: Twenty patients with occlusal carious lesions were selected and examined with DIAGNO cam and ICDAS visual criteria to select teeth having ICDAS Code 3 or 4. Forty lesions were randomly divided into two groups (n=20) according to the method of caries removal. Cavities were prepared by the conventional drill method in group I and by hydro-abrasion in group II. Cavities of both groups were restored by self-etch adhesive (Adper Easy Bond) and nano- filled composite (Filtek Z350XT). All restorations were evaluated after 24 hours, after 9 and 12 months according to (USPHS) criteria for retention, marginal adaptation, postoperative sensitivity, marginal discoloration, and secondary caries. Results: Mild, moderate - severe and very severe pain was recorded in group I While in group II, only mild pain was recorded in (40%) of cases. The st. analysis of the collected data related to the tested USPHS criteria revealed 100% Alpha scoring regarding retention, marginal adaptation and secondary caries in both groups throughout the study period. The gap width measured under SEM was found increased sig. by time in both groups. Marginal discoloration was observed in the two groups after nine and 12 months. Post-operative hypersensitivity was found only in group I in 100% of cases at the base line and was disappeared during the next follow up period.

가구디자인에 관한 감성평가연구 - 접이식 의자를 중심으로 -

This study, which started with the curiosity about the criteria and basis for evaluating the visual design evaluation criteria of users for furniture and the emotional evaluation based on perception, is based on a questionnaire by using a linguistic semantic discrimination technique using emotional evaluation vocabulary It was studied by statistical analysis method. When the study contents based on the analysis result were summarized, the visual design evaluation criteria for the folding chair as the study object were summarized in about six dimensions from users. Among them, four dimensions of the common evaluation criteria appearing in the four models were identified, and the four named factor dimensions were organized into ‘uniqueness’, ‘efficiency’, ‘sensitivity’ and ‘variability’. In addition, as a result of examining the actual evaluation contents of users according to each named dimension, the difference was confirmed by the discrimination and evaluation criteria of the visual design for each model. Therefore, it was possible to confirm the achievements suitable for the purpose of this study, and through these results, it was possible to organize the user’s perception criteria and judgment variables. Based on the research results of this study, it is expected that it will be used as basic data for more advanced emotional research in the future.

Visual Quality Analysis of Educational Institutions and Their Surroundings: A Case Study of Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey

The study aimed to analyze the visual quality of the Educational Institutions and their Surroundings (EITS) in the campus of Ataturk University in Erzurum city of Turkey. Visual Quality Analysis Questionnaire was applied to 74 students studying at the Faculty of Architecture and Design. The questionnaire consisted of 21 EITS. Results were analyzed using Variance and Duncan multiple comparison. It was determined that Faculty of Fishery (EITS13) had the highest visual quality score (3.243), followed by Agriculture Faculty (EITS1: 3.134) and the Divine Faculty (EITS2: 2.906). The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine had the lowest visual quality score (EITS11: 2.165), followed by High-Tech Research Centre (EITS20: 2.243) and Faculty of Law (EITS16: 2.315). Statistically significant relationship was found between the department of the students and the scores they gave to Sports Science Faculty (EITS1), Education Faculty (EITS4), Faculty of Medicine (EITS10), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (EITS11), Faculty of Fine Arts and Tourism (EITS15), and Rectorate Building (EITS19). Among the Visual Quality Criteria (VQC) of EITS, accessibility to the structure (VQC12) was the most effective criterion (2.927, p&lt;0.05). This study recommended the correction of design deficiencies to compensate for the lack of visual quality of new buildings or to improve the entire landscape of the campus.

FDG-PET Utilizing Deauville Scoring Is Superior to Conventional Imaging for Staging and Response Assessment in Pediatric and Adult Patients with Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Introduction:Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is an uncommon subtype of Hodgkin lymphoma. Data are limited regarding FDG-PET-CT scan (PET-CT) use in NLPHL. We are reporting our experience with PET-CT utility in staging and response assessment of patients with NLPHL and compare this with conventional contrast enhanced CT scan (CT).Methods:Using prospectively collected lymphoma data base and Hospital Tumor Registry, all pediatrics and adult patients with NLPHL seen at our institution from 2003 to 2016 were captured. Patients who underwent pre-treatment CT and PET-CT, during the course of chemotherapy, at the end of planned treatment or for relapsed /refractory disease prior to have new treatment were included in this study. PET-CT response was assessed using both visual assessment method (mediastinal blood pool activity was used as a reference for normal uptake) and Deauville criteria. Both methods were compared (5-point Deauville Criteria; a score of 1-3 as negative-disease and 4-5 as positive-disease).ResultsWe identified 67 NLPHL who met the inclusion criteria. Median age at diagnosis was 27 years (6-56 years) and median follow-up was 30.7 months (5.95-157.4) with a male: female ratio of 4.1:1. Median SUV-max was 8.8 (2.0 to 18.8). In 30 pediatrics patients (age <21 years), median SUV-max was 8.7 (4.0 to 18.8).In the per-scan analysis, the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of pre-treatment PET-CT was 100 %, 99% and 98% respectively. Among the total of 79 pre-therapeutic PET-CT, 948 sites were analyzed, 238 sites were true-positive (1 bone/3 bone marrow involvement, 4 parotids, 4 nasopharynx, 3 liver, 2 lungs, and 221 nodal involvement), 5 were false positive (4 were progressive transformation of germinal center and 1 was reactive lymph node) and 705 sites were true negative. In 5 patients, PET-CT revealed extra nodal disease that was subsequently confirmed on follow-up, but was not picked by CT. There was an agreement between the CT and the PET-CT staging in 68 scans (86%). The staging was changed in 11 (14%) patients; 8 (10%) were upstaged (7 nodal and 1 bone marrow) and 3 (4%) were down staged by PET-CT.A total of 33 bone marrow biopsies (BMBx) were performed and PET-CT confirmed all BMBx results (32 BMBx negative and PET-CT negative, 1 patient BMBx positive and PET-CT positive) showing 100% concordance and suggesting a positive PET-CT for bone or bone marrow is adequate to designate advanced stage. In 2 patients, pre-therapeutic PET-CT revealed bone marrow involvement that was unsuspected before the PET-CT examination.A total of 83 end of treatment PET-CT were carried out, 72 scans were negative (score 1-3) and 11 scans were positive (score 4-5). Treatment consisted of local treatment in the form of surgery/radiation in 7 patients, 2-4 cycles of ABVD +/- radiotherapy in 43 patients, and 6-8 cycles of ABVD +/- radiotherapy in 17 patients. Of the 238 previously involved sites, 204 became true negative, 31 remained true positive, and 3 sites had false negative results with no false positives, showing the negative predictive value of 98.6% with specificity of 100%. Deauville criteria correlated very well with visual assessment criteria. 83 post treatment CT scans showed that out of 238 previously involved sites, 180 became true negative, 24 sites were false positive with specificity of 88%. Two year progression free survival of the entire cohort was 83%.Twenty one patients with stage II, III and IV patients whom were planned to receive 6-8 cycles of chemotherapy underwent mid-treatment PET-CT that were assessed based on Deauville Criteria. 13 patients had negative-disease with none failed primary treatment. 8 had positive-disease; out of which 4 failed primary treatment (numbers are too small for statistics) (Table1).Conclusion:Our data suggest that baseline PET scan is far superior to CT staging. A negative pre-therapy PET-CT for bone/bone marrow is sufficient to omit BMBx. Mid-treatment PET-CT response may have a prognostic role. The validity of the Deauville Score for interpretation of the end of treatment response assessment scans in adult and pediatric patients has been confirmed by the present study. PET-CT has much better specificity for response assessment than CT. Deauville criteria are in concordance with visual assessment criteria and can be applied in real practice. [Display omitted] DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.