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In the present study, a set of quality equivalent points, that is, points where the retention of a particular quality attribute at the end of a thermal process is equal to the volume average quality retention, was determined for conduction heating products in cylindrical containers. For this, initially, the temperature distribution inside the product during the thermal process was numerically calculated, assuming uniform initial product temperature, constant heating and cooling medium temperatures, and infinite heat transfer coefficient between the cylinder walls and the heating or cooling medium. Next, remaining concentration data at the end of the process were obtained at various points within the container for a heat labile quality factor following 1st-order degradation kinetics. Thereafter, the volume average remaining concentration for the quality parameter under consideration was calculated and the quality equivalent points were identified. The influence of product, quality factor, and process characteristics on the location of the quality equivalent points, was examined. For every case investigated, the entirety of quality equivalent points was modeled by the use of a single parameter, the empirical j value. For most cases of common practice, a j value between 0.34 and 0.40 was found appropriate for volume average quality retention calculations. Thus, by collecting temperature data during processing at a quality equivalent point, product quality at the end of the process can be assessed.

Fear of pain and avoidance are psychological factors of primary importance when assessing chronic musculoskeletal pain, which are often measured with the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). Both two- and three-subscale versions have been described. The aims of this study were: to assess the cognitive traits of musculoskeletal pain patients using a newly validated Greek version of the FABQ, and to further examine the construct validity and responsiveness of the measure. Factor analysis yielded three factors that accounted for 65% of the total variance. Physical activity explained 12.3% of the variance and was identical to the original version, unlike the work subscale which split into two: the FABQ work1 related to "work as cause" (15.2% of the variance) and the FABQ work2 related to "work as prognosis" (37.5% of the variance). Internal consistency was good (0.72-0.90). Test-retest reliability was satisfactory and close to the original version both for individual items and the subscales. Responsiveness of the 3-factor model was satisfactorily assessed as the ability to detect: (A) change in general - (paired t test, effect size); (B) clinically important change (paired t test, standardised effect size), and (C) real change in the concept being measured (ROC analysis). Construct validity of the FABQ was shown through the interaction with anxiety and depression, pain control and responsibility, psychological distress and pain intensity, and criterion-related validity through the association with another fear-avoidance measure (TSK). New aspects of responsiveness and construct validity were demonstrated for the FABQ, using a three-subscale validated Greek version.

Background: The short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire (SFMPQ) is a widely used instrument for assessing the quality of pain where use of the full form is not possible. To date however, this instrument has not been translated into the Greek language. Aims: It is the aim of this study to validate an adopted Greek version of the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Methods: A systematic translation procedure was followed before development of the final version. Sixty spinal and osteoarthritis chronic musculoskeletal pain patients completed the questionnaire. A large percentage of the subjects (43%) was of elementary educational level. Results: The analysis of the results indicated that an internally consistent (Cronbach’s α=0.71) and content valid (all 15 descriptors were used at least by the 33% of the subjects) instrument has been developed. It has been shown to be suitable, easy to understand and administer for this sample of chronic musculoskeletal patients. Conclusions: A Greek version of the SFMPQ (the GR-SFMPQ) has been constructed which has the properties of internal validity and consistency. It is easy to administer, easy to understand even for an elementary educational level and it is capable of describing multidimensionally the pain experience of chronic musculoskeletal pain patients. © 2000 European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain

Purpose To report the use of Ranibizumab monotherapy versus Ranibizumab combined with additional photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the management of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). Methods The data from a non-randomised series of 25 patients with RAP lesions attending the Bristol Eye Hospital age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treatment clinic from April to October 2008 was analysed. The RAP lesions were classified according to Yannuzzi’s system as stage 1, 2 or 3 based on clinical, ocular coherence tomogram and angiographic features. Two treatment regimes were identified (1) Lucentis monotherapy and (2) Lucentis monotherapy with additional photodynamic therapy (PDT). The main outcome measures were the % of eyes losing < 15 letters, % of eyes gaining ≥ 15 letters and the mean change in visual acuity. Results Mean LogMAR visual acuity was 52.8 letters before treatment. Mean follow-up time is 9.5 months. Fourteen eyes had been treated with PDT before or after the use of Ranibizumab. Two eyes received PDT+IVT only (Stage 2 patients). 77% of eyes had an improvement in visual acuity. 18.5 % of eyes have had improvement of 15 or more letters. Mean change in visual acuity was +7.2 letters. 57% and 60% of patients with stage 1 & 2 disease respectively, received PDT. Conclusion Combined therapy is effective in improving visual acuity and reducing central retinal thickness (CRT) in all patients with stage 1 lesions and most of patients with stage 2 lesions. Combined therapy offered greater gain in visual acuity in all treated patients. Stage 1 and 2 patients benefit more from the treatment if the condition is recognised and treated early.