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This article delves into the structure of Iupiter Dolichenus temples, focusing on its sanctuaries in the Danubian Provinces of Dacia, Pannonia Inferior, Pannonia Superior, Raetia, and Noricum. It emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of the cult’s role in the religious landscape, cautioning against oversimplified theoretical approaches. Eight Dolichenus cult structures had archaeologically been identified in these provinces (Mehadia, Porolissum, Brigetio, Vetus Salina, Carnuntum I, Carnuntum II, Virunum, Vetoniana), showcasing the cult’s manifestation on a broader scale. The study focuses on analyzing these temples’ architectural features and functionalities, highlighting both differences and similarities. The article aims to provide a detailed examination of each sanctuary, considering phases of construction, alterations, and factors contributing to variations, through the analysis of archaeological finds and architectural characteristics related to the sanctuaries, it seeks to establish patterns and understand the role of specific chambers within these sacred precincts.

In clinical practice, dogs are screened for subaortic stenosis (SAS) using two-dimensional (2DE) and Doppler echocardiography. There is no accepted antemortem diagnostic criterion to distinguish between mild SAS and unaffected, therefore additional means of evaluating the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and aorta may be desirable. This study sought to determine and compare LVOT and aortic orifice areas using 2DE and three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in apparently healthy dogs of various breeds and somatotypes. Sixty-nine healthy, privately-owned dogs. The LVOT and aortic orifice areas were determined using 2DE aortic valve (AV) diameter-derived area; the continuity equation (CE); and 3DE planimetry of the LVOT, AV, sinus of Valsalva, and sinotubular junction. Orifice areas were indexed to body surface area (BSA). Obtaining 3DE images and performing planimetry were feasible in all dogs. The mean indexed area measured using the 2DE AV diameter (2.85 cm2/m2) was significantly lower than that derived from 3DE AV planimetry (3.85 cm2/m2; mean difference, 1.00 cm2/m2; P<0.001). There was poor agreement between the effective area calculated using the CE and the anatomic areas calculated using 2DE AV diameter and 3DE planimetry. The area calculated using the CE was less than all other calculations of area. Interobserver and intraobserver repeatability and reproducibility for 3DE planimetry were excellent. Methods for determining aortic orifice areas in dogs are not interchangeable, and this must be taken into account if these methods are investigated in the evaluation of dogs with SAS in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Denture plaque, a biofilm that develops on denture surfaces, could contribute to many oral and systemic afflictions. Hence, a quantitative assessment of denture plaque is important to evaluate the denture hygiene of denture wearers, particularly to prevent plaque biofilm-associated diseases. The aim of this systematic review, therefore, was to review and summarize the visual denture hygiene assessment methods using denture plaque indices and with planimetries published in the literature. English language studies published up to March 2022 in four electronic databases, PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched, followed by a manual search of Google Scholar by two assessors. The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) whenever possible. Details of the visual assessment methods, including the types of denture assessed, its materials and its surfaces, as well as the use of a disclosing agent, were the main outcomes. Of 492 screened studies, 74 were included per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 60 studies utilized various denture plaque indices while 18 used planimetries. 43 out of 60 studies with indices and 17 out of 18 studies with planimetries used disclosing agents for visual evaluation of plaque. A total of 21 indices were described in the included studies, of which seven graded a divided denture surface, while the remainder graded entire denture surface. Of the 18 planimetric assessments, one study quantified squares of the disclosed plaques on denture images, 16 studies quantified such pixels with computer programs, and a single study quantified points, pixels, and contour of plaque areas. In summary, denture plaque indices appear to be popular in denture plaque assessment due to their simplicity. Computerized planimetric assessment, though more time-consuming, provides a more accurate assessment of plaque load as it is less prone to subjectivity and assessor errors.

This communication study integrates composite multimodal research on postmortem human submandibular glands, based on macromorphometry. The normal ductographic sialograms were pairwise analyzed using linear morphometry, whole-gland planimetry and fractal properties, such as main duct length, caliber and tortuosities, side branches and accessory ducts/lobes. All the examined parameters presented a significant correlation, i.e., symmetry between the left and the right submandibular glands. The morphometric data presented can serve as a valuable reference in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work intends to understand the spatial variation of channel morphological adjustment over 30 years (1987–2017). This region lacks an understanding of local variation in structural setup and its relative impact on channel morphological development as well as the direct control of channel hydrology in shaping the channel morphology. Besides measuring the reach-specific morphodynamics, this study is also engaged in understanding the impact of the allogenic processes (tectonics and gradient) and their local variations along with the response of autogenic processes and its reflection on channel morphological adjustment. Reach-specific channel morphodynamics is measured through training the observed dataset using the autoregressive integrated moving average model where the root mean squared error found at the best-fit model scenario was considered as the measure of relative variations in the morphometric variables. Channel reaches under direct structural control are morphologically most unstable where the faultline-induced possible sedimentation controls the fluvio-geomorphic processes intensively. The nature of morphological adjustment varies on different surface gradients but local variations in structural setup determine its spatial nature. The temporal variations of channel morphological parameters are responsive to peak discharge strength coupled with controls of channel gradient. Moreover, channel morphological change to hydrological variation is more sensitive on the piedmont surface compared to low gradient plain. This research contributes towards a close understanding of reach-specific channel morphological behaviour which is important while predicting its future and implementation of any river management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various MRI markers—including midbrain and pons areas (Marea, Parea) and volumes (Mvol, Pvol), ratios (M/Parea, M/Pvol), and composite markers (magnetic resonance imaging Parkinsonism Indices 1,2; MRPI 1,2)—have been proposed as imaging markers of Richardson's syndrome (RS) and multiple system atrophy–Parkinsonism (MSA-P). A systematic review/meta-analysis of relevant studies aiming to compare the diagnostic accuracy of these imaging markers is lacking. Methods: Pubmed and Scopus were searched for studies with >10 patients (RS, MSA-P or CBS) and >10 controls with data on Marea, Parea, Mvol, Pvol, M/Parea, M/Pvol, MRPI 1, and MRPI 2. Cohen's d, as a measure of effect size, was calculated for all markers in RS, MSA-P, and CBS. Results: Twenty-five studies on RS, five studies on MSA-P, and four studies on CBS were included. Midbrain area provided the greatest effect size for differentiating RS from controls (Cohen's d = −3.10; p < 0.001), followed by M/Parea and MRPI 1. MSA-P had decreased midbrain and pontine areas. Included studies exhibited high heterogeneity, whereas publication bias was low. Conclusions: Midbrain area is the optimal MRI marker for RS, and pons area is optimal for MSA-P. M/Parea and MRPIs produce smaller effect sizes for differentiating RS from controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venous leg ulcers are chronic wounds that are difficult to cure. The aim of the study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of two methods of physical medicine – magneto-LED therapy and magnetostimulation, applied as adjuvant treatment in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. The study included 81 patients, 37 male (45.6%) and 44 female (54.3%) ones, age range between 45 and 90 years, with venous leg ulcers. The patients were assigned to two study groups: magneto-LED therapy (group 1) or magnetostimulation (group 2). In both groups, a total of 40 daily procedures were performed. Wound healing was evaluated using computerized planimetry and the pain intensity on numeric rating scale. After treatment, the decrease in healing rate in group 1 was statistically significantly higher in comparison to group 2 (p < 0.001), while a statistically significant reduction in the surface area of ulcers was obtained, amounting on the average from 6.34 ± 1.29 cm2 to 2.31 ± 1.25 cm2 in group 1 (p < 0.001), and from 6.52 ± 1.20 cm2 to 4.79 ± 1.17 cm2 in group 2 (p < 0.001). The percentage changes of ulcers area in group 1 (64.21 ± 17.94%) were statistically significantly greater as compared to group 2 (25.87 ± 14.07%) (p < 0.001). After treatment, the decrease in pain relief in group 1 was statistically significantly higher in comparison to group 2 (p = 0.006), while pain intensity after treatment decreased statistically significantly in both compared groups of patients (p < 0.001). Magneto-LED therapy and magnetostimulation caused significant reduction of surface area of the treated venous leg ulcers and pain intensity, yet magneto-LED therapy was more efficient. Both evaluated methods also significantly reduced pain intensity. Chronic wounds are wounds, which despite ongoing treatment, do not heal within 6–8 weeks. A wound that occurs as a result of an ongoing disease process is called an ulcer. Leg ulcers are still a significant challenge for modern medicine because they are characterized by complex etiology, chronic pain and require specific diagnostic and therapeutic measures. In many cases, the inability to heal ulcers quickly is associated with social isolation, long-term suffering and deterioration of the quality of life of treated patients. In addition to standard treatment including surgery, pharmacotherapy and compression therapy, new more effective methods of ulcer therapy are still being sought. Nowadays, physical treatment methods are increasingly used as a supporting treatment the healing of chronic wounds. In the study, variable magnetic fields and low-energy light were used in the treatment of 81 patients (including 44 women and 37 men) in aged 45–90 years. All patients had chronic, non-healing of venous leg ulcers accompanied by severe pain. After completion of treatment, both groups of patients experienced a significant reduction of surface area of treated ulcers and a reduction in the intensity of pain ailments. According to our study results, the use of magnetic field and light therapy can be an important supportive treatment option in patients with venous leg ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Targeted drug delivery to visceral organs offers the possibility of not only limiting the required dose, but also minimizing drug toxicity; however, there is no reliable method for delivering drugs to the surface of visceral organs. Here, we used six color tracers and the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model to investigate the use of the heteropolysaccharide pectin to facilitate tracer diffusion across the glycocalyceal charge barrier. The color tracers included brilliant blue, Congo red, crystal violet, indocyanine green, methylene blue, and methyl green. The direct application of the tracers to the CAM surface or embedding tracers into linear-chain nanocellulose fiber films resulted in no significant diffusion into the CAM. In contrast, when the tracers were actively loaded into branched-chain pectin films, there was significant detectable diffusion of the tracers into the CAM. The facilitated diffusion was observed in the three cationic tracers but was limited in the three anionic tracers. Diffusion appeared to be dependent on ionic charge, but independent of tracer size or molecular mass. We conclude that dye-loaded pectin films facilitated the diffusion of color tracers across the glycocalyceal charge barrier and may provide a therapeutic path for drug delivery to the surface of visceral organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vertebral heart scale (VHS) is the most common method used for the objective evaluation of heart size, however, VHS cannot evaluate the entire heart area. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the development and feasibility of vertebral heart area ratio (VHAR=heart area/the fourth thoracic vertebra [T4] body area) as a new cardiac measurement method. A total of 125 dogs considered without clinical heart abnormalities in the pre-anesthetic examination, measurements of the VHS and VHAR using thoracic radiography were compared with computed tomography measurements of the vertebral cardiac volume ratio (VCVR=cardiac volume/T4 body volume) and investigate whether the VHAR values differed between observers. The mean cardiac and T4 body volumes were 116.99 ± 108.07 cm³ and 0.92 ± 0.91 cm³, respectively. The mean values of observers 1 and 2 were 9.9 ± 0.7 v (VHS), 42.64 ± 27.94 cm² (heart area), and 1.37 ± 0.96 cm² (T4 body area). Intraclass coefficients were the highest for the heart area, followed by the T4 body area and VHS. The VHAR showed a moderate correlation with VHS in observers 1 (r=0.671) and 2 (r=0.633). The VCVR showed a more positive correlation with VHAR (r=0.573) than with VHS (r=0.426). These results indicated that VHAR could be used as a complement to VHS for heart size measurement, and the high degree of observer agreement for the measurements indicated the measurement reproducibility of VHAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various MRI markers—including midbrain and pons areas (Marea, Parea) and volumes (Mvol, Pvol), ratios (M/Parea, M/Pvol), and composite markers (magnetic resonance imaging Parkinsonism Indices 1,2; MRPI 1,2)—have been proposed as imaging markers of Richardson’s syndrome (RS) and multiple system atrophy–Parkinsonism (MSA-P). A systematic review/meta-analysis of relevant studies aiming to compare the diagnostic accuracy of these imaging markers is lacking. Methods: Pubmed and Scopus were searched for studies with >10 patients (RS, MSA-P or CBS) and >10 controls with data on Marea, Parea, Mvol, Pvol, M/Parea, M/Pvol, MRPI 1, and MRPI 2. Cohen’s d, as a measure of effect size, was calculated for all markers in RS, MSA-P, and CBS. Results: Twenty-five studies on RS, five studies on MSA-P, and four studies on CBS were included. Midbrain area provided the greatest effect size for differentiating RS from controls (Cohen’s d = −3.10; p < 0.001), followed by M/Parea and MRPI 1. MSA-P had decreased midbrain and pontine areas. Included studies exhibited high heterogeneity, whereas publication bias was low. Conclusions: Midbrain area is the optimal MRI marker for RS, and pons area is optimal for MSA-P. M/Parea and MRPIs produce smaller effect sizes for differentiating RS from controls.

Objective: To evaluate accuracy of mitral leaflet separation index for the determination of mitral stenosis severity in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis. Method: The prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, from March 2021 to February 2022, and comprised patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis detected on echocardiography. The best end-diastole parasternal long axis and apical four-chamber views were acquired and Mitral leaflet separation was measured as the distance between the inner edges of the tip of mitral leaflets. Pearson correlation coefficient was computed for mitral leaflet separation index and mitral valve area. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the cut-off value of the mitral leaflet separation indexto categorise mitral stenosis. Data was analysed using SPSS 19. Results: Of the 277 patients, 205(74%) were females and 72(26%) were males. The overall mean age was 39.93±11.22 years. The mean mitral leaflet separation index value was 7.65±2.23. The correlation was significant and strong between mitral leaflet separation index and mitral valve area on planimetry (p

Objectives. Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) mitigates acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We hypothesized that RIPC reduces the size and severity of AMI and explored molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Design. In two series of experiments, piglets underwent 60 min of the circumflex coronary artery occlusion, resulting in AMI. Piglets were randomly assigned into the RIPC groups (n = 7 + 7) and the control groups (n = 7 + 7). The RIPC groups underwent four 5-min hind limb ischemia-reperfusion cycles before AMI. In series I, the protective efficacy of RIPC was investigated by using biomarkers and echocardiography with a follow-up of 24 h. In series II, the heart of each piglet was harvested for TTC-staining to measure infarct size. Muscle biopsies were collected from the hind limb to explore molecular mechanisms of RIPC using qPCR and Western blot analysis. Results. The levels of CK-MBm (p = 0.032) and TnI (p = 0.007) were lower in the RIPC group. Left ventricular ejection fraction in the RIPC group was greater at the end of the follow-up. The myocardial infarct size in the RIPC group was smaller (p = 0.033). Western blot indicated HIF1α stabilization in the skeletal muscle of the RIPC group. PCR analyses showed upregulation of the HIF target mRNAs for glucose transporter (GLUT1), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), enolase 1 (ENO1), lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA) and endothelial nitric oxidate synthase (eNOS). Conclusions. Biochemical, physiologic, and histologic evidence confirms that RIPC decreases the size of AMI. The HIF pathway is likely involved in the mechanism of the RIPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuropathic and venous leg ulcers are chronic wounds associated with devitalized tissue and recurrent infection. Management should be guided by accurate tissue assessment, including the use of planimetry, which provides tissue types as a percentage of the total wound bed surface area. This innovative study aimed to assess and identify the wound bed tissues, as a percentage, of neuropathic and venous ulcers using digital planimetry, providing support to nurses optimize the management of necrotic tissues and, consequently, to avoid wound infection. This cross-sectional study enrolled 24 patients with chronic wounds who were assessed from January to March 2021 at the Wound Outpatients Clinic. The wound photographs were analyzed using Image J 1.53e and a smartphone with WoundDoc Plus® 2.8.2 via digital planimetry. Statistical analyses were performed using the binomial test, t-test, and Mann-Whitney. Median wound areas (p=0.3263) did not differ between the group with 2 or 3 risk factors for delayed healing (Md: 31.7) and the group with up to 1 risk factor (Md: 5.3). A low exudate level was associated with the up-to-1-risk-factor-for-delayed-healing group (p=0.0405), while a medium level was associated with the two-or-three-risk-factor group (p=0.0247). A heat map displayed the tissue percentages in the wound bed. In the group with 2 or 3 risk factors for delayed healing, 91.7% (11/12) had less than 70% granulation tissue, which was the primary factor for this group (p<0.0001). Additionally, 66.7% (8/12) of patients with 2 or 3 risk factors for delayed healing exhibited discolored and/or dark red granulation tissue as the primary factor (p=0.0130). This novel identification of wound area and tissue types as a percentage, using digital planimetry, can play a crucial role in assisting nurses in decision-making related to the appropriate management of devitalized tissues. Furthermore, this measurements may facilitate the conducting of virtual wound consultations and offer valuable support in the development of protocols aimed at preventing infection and biofilm formation in the wound bed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most prevalent degenerative valvular disease in western countries. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is considered, nowadays, to be the main imaging technique for the work-up of AS due to high availability, safety, low cost, and excellent capacity to evaluate aortic valve (AV) morphology and function. Despite the diagnosis of AS being considered straightforward for a very long time, based on high gradients and reduced aortic valve area (AVA), many patients with AS represent a real dilemma for cardiologist. On the one hand, the acoustic window may be inadequate and the TTE limited in some cases. On the other hand, a growing body of evidence shows that patients with low gradients (due to systolic dysfunction, concentric hypertrophy or coexistence of another valve disease such as mitral stenosis or regurgitation) may develop severe AS (low-flow low-gradient severe AS) with a similar or even worse prognosis. The use of complementary imaging techniques such as transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), multidetector computed tomography (MDTC), or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) plays a key role in such scenarios. The aim of this review is to summarize the diagnostic challenges associated with patients with AS and the advantages of a comprehensive multimodality cardiac imaging (MCI) approach to reach a precise grading of the disease, a crucial factor to warrant an adequate management of patients.

This communication study integrates composite multimodal research on postmortem human submandibular glands, based on macromorphometry. The normal ductographic sialograms were pairwise analyzed using linear morphometry, whole-gland planimetry and fractal properties, such as main duct length, caliber and tortuosities, side branches and accessory ducts/lobes. All the examined parameters presented a significant correlation, i.e., symmetry between the left and the right submandibular glands. The morphometric data presented can serve as a valuable reference in clinical practice.

Aim: To develop a simple and reproducible method for semi‐automated planimetric quantification of dental plaque. Materials and Methods: Plaque from 20 healthy volunteers was disclosed using erythrosine, and fluorescence images of the first incisors, first premolars, and first molars were recorded after 1, 7, and 14 days of de novo plaque formation. The planimetric plaque index (PPI) was determined using a semi‐automated threshold‐based image segmentation algorithm and compared with manually determined PPI and the Turesky modification of the Quigley–Hein plaque index (TM‐QHPI). The decrease of tooth autofluorescence in plaque‐covered areas was quantified as an index of plaque thickness (TI). Data were analysed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlations. Results: The high contrast between teeth, disclosed plaque, and soft tissues in fluorescence images allowed for a fast threshold‐based image segmentation. Semi‐automated PPI is strongly correlated with manual planimetry (r = 0.92; p <.001) and TM‐QHPI recordings (r = 0.88; p <.001), and may exhibit a higher discriminatory power than TM‐QHPI due to its continuous scale. TI values corresponded to optically perceived plaque thickness, and no differences were observed over time (p >.05, ANOVA). Conclusions: The proposed semi‐automated planimetric analysis based on fluorescence images is a simple and efficient method for dental plaque quantification in multiple images with reduced human input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains the mainstay management of symptomatic obstructive stable coronary artery disease (despite optimal medical treatment) and acute coronary syndrome. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has emerged as an adjunct to angiography, permitting better assessment of the coronary lesion and stent apposition. Data from multiple studies have demonstrated improved clinical and procedural outcomes with IVUS-guided PCI. This review discusses the use of IVUS, with emphasis on technique, parameters, and applications during coronary interventions. In addition, the clinical outcomes data are highlighted with IVUS compared with conventional angiography-guided PCI.

Este estudio se centra en el análisis de un caso concreto de patrimonio arquitectónico desaparecido en España durante la primera mitad del siglo XX, como fue la residencia perteneciente a la familia Navarro Pérez ubicada en la localidad vasca de San Sebastián, durante el periodo conocido como La belle époque. Una construcción de estilo modernista, situada en las faldas del monte Igueldo, obra del arquitecto Miguel Ángel Navarro Pérez (Zaragoza 1883 - 1956), un año después de titularse en la Escuela de Arquitectura de Barcelona. Todo ello ha sido posible gracias a la existencia de diversas fuentes gráficas (fotografías y sobre todo planos), conservadas y localizadas en diferentes archivos de carácter público y privado que nos han permitido paliar el testimonio de dicha construcción conocida en origen con el nombre de Villa Pura y posteriormente denominada Rocaforte.

On 4 July, 2020, we discovered unpublished paintings in Jebel Ousselat. The toponym of the site is Zamla. The paintings seem to represent topographical elements relating to an agrarian planimetry. The comparison of these paintings with other rock art documents and with the data of the current landscape, analysed alongside data from the local oral tradition, allow us to propose hypotheses on their significance.

Several digital image analysis systems have been developed for surface calculation of vitiligo lesions. Critical assessment of their measurement properties is crucial to support evidence‐based recommendations on the most suitable instruments and will reveal the need for future research. A systematic review was performed to systematically summarize, compare, and critically assess the measurement properties of digital and analogue analysis systems for surface calculation of vitiligo lesions following the Consensus‐Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) recommendations. Nineteen clinical trials were selected including 25 different instruments. Manual tracing on transparent sheets (contact planimetry) combined with digital measurement or point counting can be considered as the best validated method for the evaluation of target lesions taking into account the skin curvatures. Two‐dimensional digital imaging analysis on photographs seems also robust although confirmatory data of different research groups using the same digital instrument in a wide range of skin types are missing. Analysis based on 3D photography is still in its early stage but is promising for whole‐body analysis. However, the reported data on the quality of the instruments for surface area calculation of vitiligo lesions were in general rather limited. Therefore, future high‐quality validation studies are required also including full body evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Venous ulcers are difficult to heal chronic wounds. Most challenging are the non-healing and recurrent ulcers, because of which we are seeking for therapies that stimulate and support their healing. Aim: To assess the efficacy of fish collagen and its impact on the process of healing of venous leg ulcers. Material and methods: This 12-week randomized single-centre study included a total of 97 adults with venous leg ulcer, randomized into two groups: the study group (n = 48) and the control group (n = 49). All patients received specialist medical care including skin and limb care, wound development according to the TIME scheme (tissue debridement, infection and inflammation control, moisture balance, edge) and short-stretch bandage compression (compression class II). In addition, the study group received tropocollagen gel applied to the skin around the wound. Every 2 weeks we evaluated the wound surface and temperature distribution on the shin (average temperature, median, minimum and maximum) - symmetrically on the sick and healthy limb. Results: We observed a greater number of complete ulcer healing in the study group (week 12: 29.2% vs. 22.4%; week 24: 52.1% vs. 36.7%). Faster healing time in the study group was observed in both big and small ulcers. The thermographic analysis showed statistically significant reduction in periwound inflammation among patients from the study group (p < 0.05). Statistically significant reduction in mean as well as maximum values of limb temperature occurred only in the study group (Tx: R = 0.37, p < 0.001; Tmax: R = 0.40, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Thermographic analysis showed better wound healing effects in the group using tropocollagen. Significant impact of collagen on the healing process was observed only after 8 weeks of application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article represents a research of the traditional houses from the Republic of Moldova specific to the period XVIII - XX centuries. Life, always conditioned by life, is a major program that, in the vernacular architecture of the Republic of Moldova, plays the role of the function of continuity. The main objectives of this article are to bring in heritage practice, beneficial information, both for the historical monument and for architects, specialists and the general public interested in the future of heritage objects, locally or nationally and how they influence the factors of decision involved. The slow transformations, recorded over the last two thousand years, in which we distinguish evidence of its evolution, are the result of slow transformations, both of techniques and instructional materials, as well as of the specific occupations and way of life sec. XVIII - XX. Starting from the semi-buried dwellings, the surface houses with a single level, constituted the architectural solutions with the widest spread on the whole territory of the country, until the middle of the century. XX. The architecture of traditional residential buildings - plan, size and appearance - were influenced by physical, social, historical, geographical conditions, the natural environment and the specifics of the household. The knowledge of the architecture of the traditional house contributes to the reconstruction of some aspects of the ancient culture, inextricably linked to the problem of the continuity of the local population on these lands. In the architecture of the traditional house, the normative thinking, common at the technical level of the society, is combined with the adaptation to the individual requirements. The lack of this information, especially important for those interested in the fate of the architectural heritage, can cause serious damage to the historical monument, namely the loss of structural elements, functional and stylistic elements, elements of composition, volume and structure. The ambiguities can distort the real value of the monuments and even the loss of the value of architectural heritage, so the historical monument becomes vulnerable in the future.

Magdy Ragab,1 Omneya El zagh,2 Carmen Farid1 1Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; 2Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Ministry of Health Hospitals, Alexandria, EgyptCorrespondence: Carmen FaridDepartment of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Champollion Street, Al Mesallah Sharq, Al Attarin, Alexandria Governorate, EgyptTel + 00201222966670Fax + 002035925427Email KARMIN.FRED@alexmed.edu.egBackground: Repigmentation remains the primary target in vitiligo treatment. Melanocyte transfer procedures are often required for repigmenting stable, resistant vitiligo lesions necessitating procedural optimization and comparative evaluation. In the current study, we aimed to assess the additive value of weekly transverse needling sessions after mini-punch grafting for repigmenting stable non-segmental vitiligo lesions versus either procedure alone.Methods: Eighty lesions, included in 20 stable non-segmental vitiligo patients, were randomly allocated to each of the three treatment groups (line-1, mini-punch grafting; line-2, needling; and line-3, combined grafting and needling) and to a fourth control group receiving non-procedural treatment (line-4). Oral mini-pulse steroids and narrow-band ultraviolet-B sessions were administered to all patients for 3 months before and 6 months after the interventions. The extent of repigmentation was assessed using planimetry. Secondary outcomes were the time to first repigmentation response, cosmetic matching, and patient satisfaction. Blinding and allocation concealment were not feasible owing to the intervention nature and within subject design.Results: Mini-punch grafting followed by weekly needling for 6 months achieved the fastest response and highest extent of repigmentation. Mini-punch grafts and transverse needling alone provided better results than the control group. No steroid-associated side effects were reported.Conclusion: Weekly needling sessions after mini-punch grafting hastened and improved the repigmentation extent of stable, resistant, non-segmental vitiligo lesions and should be considered during treatment planning.Keywords: vitiligo surgery, oral mini-pulse steroid, planimetry, narrow-band UVB, stability

Most investigations on Parkinson's disease (PD) focus on the basal ganglia and brainstem, whereas the cerebellum has often been overlooked. The cerebellum is critical for motor control and increasing evidence suggests that it may be associated with the pathophysiology of PD. The aim of this study was to describe cerebral and cerebellar volumes in patients with PD and to compare results with healthy subjects. In the present study, 18 patients with PD (8 female, 10 male) and 19 controls (9 females, 10 males) were included. Structural magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed in both groups with a 1.5 Tesla scanner. The images were analyzed using ImageJ software. Volumes were estimated via planimetry and threshold stereological methods. The mean total cerebral volumes were 943.19 ± 91.67 cm³ in control group and 909.83 ± 95.88 cm³ in patients. The mean total cerebellar volumes and the volume fractions were found 140.44 ± 21.68 cm³, 14.94 ± 2.17 % in control group and 140.52 ± 15.96 cm³, 15.52 ± 1.73% in patients, respectively. There were no significant differences found in terms of cerebral and cerebellar parameters. Our knowledge about cerebellum and PD interaction remains limited, although, the cerebellum is a potential target for some parkinsonian symptoms. Further investigations are needed to understand the role of cerebellum in PD using newly developing imaging techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Malnutrition is known to impair the wound healing process, contributing to wound chronicity. Venous leg ulcers (VLU) represent the most common chronic leg wounds and become epidemiologically relevant in an ageing society. Aim: This study investigated the effects of a complex treatment, including a specialized oral nutritional supplementation, on the dynamics of the VLU healing. Material and methods: This 12-week prospective study included 35 individuals with VLU. The patients received professional wound care including specialized dressings. To ensure an optimal nutritional status for wound healing, the patients were asked to drink three times per day 200 ml of an energy-dense protein-rich formula containing arginine, zinc, and vitamins. The healing dynamics were assessed by planimetry. Results: Complete wound healing was achieved in 6 patients, and the median ulcer area decreased from 26.5 cm2 to 14.8 cm2 (p = 0.0001). Both the highest healing rates and most marked increase in prealbumin levels were observed in the first 6--8 weeks. The progress in wound healing was associated with a decreased pain intensity and an improved quality of life. Supplementation was well accepted by the patients. Conclusions: This study shows that a complex intervention involving nutritional support contributes to a significant progress in VLU healing and promotes the well-being of affected individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents stereometry (prism) using the software “FMSLogo”, as well as its application and implementation in mathematics teaching. The introductory section describes how to approach mathematical problems according to George Polya. The following describes the creation, installation and use of the “FMSLog” software. At the very end of the paper are the research settings and its results, which through the empirical model shows the current state of affairs and therefore provides recommendations for its improvement.

Objectives: Venous crural ulcer is a serious medical problem indeed, which is connected with patients' suffering and long term treatment generating high cost. The prognosis is unfavourable in many cases, as complete treatment of ulceration, when it is profound or really extensive is difficult to achieve, and sometimes impossible altogether. The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of treatment of venous crural ulcers with the use of multifunctional device LASEROBARIA–S, designed for combined physical therapy procedures. Method: 147 succeeding patients (67 women and 80 men) diagnosed with venous crural ulcer participated in the study, with age varied between 41 and 79 years (average age – 70.2 years). The patients underwent a 60 day cycle of combined physical therapy, with the use of multifunctional device LASEROBARIA–S, during which therapy the lower extremity of the patient was placed in the therapeutic chamber and simultaneously subjected to the action of: local oxygen hyperbaria, low-frequency variable magnetic field and low energy light radiation emitted by semiconductor LED diodes. Prior to the therapeutic cycle and after its completion, planimetric measurements of the area of ulcer and the assessment of pain intensity with use of VAS scale were performed, in relation to selected factors potentially affecting therapeutic effects of applied therapy, as: sex and age of patients, as well as initial size of the ulcer and duration of the ulcer presence. Results: After the completion of therapeutic cycle, statistically significant reduction of the area of treated ulcer was found, by 5.4 cm2 on the average (16.3 cm2 vs 10.5 cm2) (p < 0.05). Moreover, as a result of the combined therapy procedures performed, the statistically significant lowering of the intensity of pain sensation experienced by patients, assessed by means of VAS scale, was obtained (2.55 points vs 0.48 points) (p < 0.05). The obtained improvement was not dependent statistically significantly on any of analysed selected factors potentially affecting regenerative and analgesic effect of applied therapy. Conclusions: The application of combined physical therapy with the use of LASEROBARIA–S device results in significant reduction of the area of the venous crural ulcer surface, as well as reduction of the intensity of accompanying pain complaints and this therapeutic effect was not dependent on sex and age of patients, as well as initial size of the ulcer and duration of the ulcer presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista La Tadeo de Arte is the property of La Fundacion Universidad de Bogota Jorge Tadeo Lozano and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: The article is devoted to the analysis of methods for evaluation of the course of wound process. The problem of the treatment of wounds of various etiology is one of the complex sections of clinical medicine. Currently, there is an increase in the proportion of traumatic injuries that can cause wounds. Also common are vascular diseases and endocrine pathology, associated with the development of complications with the formation of tissue defects. The presence of tissue destruction and an infectious agent in the wound determine the development of purulent-inflammatory process in it. The current direction is determination of the criteria for diagnosis and methods of prevention of general and local complications. The purpose of the study was to determine the clinical and laboratory parameters used to reveal the stage of the wound process and to predict the development of complications. The factors that determine the wound healing process and the appropriate techniques for assessing the wound process were studied. Subjective and objective methods are identified among the control methods. The article describes techniques that reflect the condition of tissues forming the wound walls or wound surface; techniques enabling to characterize bacterial flora by qualitative and quantitative indicators; methods allowing to determine the state of local and general body resistance. A brief description of standard techniques – cytological examination of wound exudate, assessment of cytograms, planimetric and bacteriological tests – is given. The data on determination of pH of wound medium and liquid volumetric vulnerometry, estimation of the state of granulation tissue are given. The value of the use of computerized diagnostics and computerized monitoring of the wound process was studied. The importance of methods for objective assessment of the course of the wound process for control of the treatment efficacy and in experimental studies during preclinical trials of medicinal products and medical devices has been demonstrated.

Between Etel and Penerf rias, passing through the shores of the Carnac plateau, the Quiberon peninsula and the estuary of Auray and Vannes rivers, just over 1.500 submerged monoliths are recorded in Morbihan, divided into 34 sites, all located between 0 and -5 m NGF. In addition to these monumental works, there are some funeral mounds and passage tombs dating from the 7th and 6th millennia BP. This brief synthesis will present the results obtained from submarine domain surveys using various geophysical tools

The purpose of this study was to optimize healing and prevent the formation of unaesthetic scars of the maxillofacial region by transplanting xenogenic dermal fibroblasts (XDFs) into a fresh surgical wound. Materials and Methods: A total of 26 patients were selected with formations located on the skin of the face and neck, which could be compared with symmetrical areas of the healthy side. The patients were divided into 2 groups—the main group (Group 1) and the control group (Group 2). In Group 2 (n=12), a neoplasm was dissected, followed by grafting with local tissues, and in the Group 1 (n=14), a culture suspension of XDFs was injected by a tunnel method into the wound edges before stitching. The area of scar formation was determined using the LesionMeter program for the Android operating system. Contact thermography was carried out using thermo indicator films (CelluVision kit, IPS Italy). Results: The analysis of the parameters of the young scar formation on Day 30 after the operation makes it possible to state that the introduction of cell culture of XDFs in the wound edges has a positive effect on the healing rate of surgical wounds, decreases the inflammatory response and contributes to the development of a distinctively positive scar in terms of its quality and functional characteristics. By Day 30, the primary surgical wound area was reduced by 67.69%, and 71.43% of patients had soft and thin aesthetic scars with microcirculation that were not distinguishable from the surrounding skin and the skin of symmetrical areas of the face or neck. In patients of the control group, without fibroblast transplantation, the area decreased by only 50.0% and aesthetic scars were formed only in 41.67% of cases. In 16.67% of patients, the presence of wide, dense, cold (due to weak vascularization) hypotrophic scars was noted. Hyperthermia persists around these scars, indicating a weak inflammatory response. Conclusion: The use of a cell culture suspension of XDFs in the treatment of postoperative surgical wounds opens up new real possibilities for reducing the incidence of inflammatory reactions, stimulates healing processes and contributes to the development of more functionally and aesthetically acceptable scars on the face and neck.

200 years ago in Vilnius the famous Elements by Euclid was set in print in the Polish language. The translationwas made by professorof mathematics Jozef Czech (1762–1810) and published in J. Zawadski’s printing house in 1807. This publication consisted of 8 books, i.e., the first six, eleventh and twelfth books on planimetry and stereometry. In 1817 the Elements was published once more. The fact that Euclid’s Elements appeared in print inVilnius can be discussedfrom two viewpoints. First, the society of the former Commonwealth of the Two Nations could get access to the heritage of antiquity. Second, the treatise was translated and published later then in other European countries. As a result, the Elements did not become the only textbook on geometry.

• An effective area of 1 cm² corresponds to a geometric area of 1.2 cm². • For very severe stenoses, both areas are interchangeable. • Patients with a geometric area between 1 and 1.2 cm² should be thoroughly evaluated. Planimetry of aortic stenosis can be performed when Doppler measurements are unavailable. We sought to evaluate if, as advised in guidelines, the geometric orifice area (GOA) threshold value of 1 cm² was concordant with the threshold of 1 cm² of the effective orifice area (EOA), and the factors influencing the contraction coefficient (EOA/GOA ratio). In an in vitro mock circulatory system, we tested 6 degrees of AS severity (3 severe and 3 non-severe), and 3 levels of flow (<150 ml/s, 150−200 ml/s, >250 ml/s). The EOA was calculated by Doppler-echocardiography, and the GOA was measured with dedicated software after camera acquisition. In all but the very low flow condition, an EOA of 1 cm² corresponded to a GOA of 1.2 cm². The contraction coefficient increased with both the flow and the stenosis severity. For very severe stenoses, the EOA and the GOA were interchangeable. As observed in clinical studies, the GOA was larger than the EOA, and a GOA between 1 and 1.2 cm² should not discard the possibility of severe aortic stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Quantitative MR planimetric measurements were reported to discriminate between progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and non-PSP parkinsonism, yet few data exist on the usefulness of these markers in early disease stages.Methods: The pons-to-midbrain area ratio (P/M) and the Magnetic Resonance Parkinsonism Index (MRPI) as well as new indices, termed P/M2.0 and MRPI2.0, multiplying the former by a ratio of the third ventricle (3rdV) width/frontal horns (FH) width, were calculated on T1-weighted images in 84 patients with clinically unclassifiable neurodegenerative parkinsonism (CUP) at the time of imaging. Areas under the curve (AUCs) of these markers for predicting future PSP was determined. The final clinical diagnosis was made after at least 24 months of follow-up.Results: Final diagnosis was Parkinson's disease in 55 patients, multiple system atrophy in 12 cases, and PSP in 17. At baseline imaging, patients with a final PSP diagnosis had significantly higher MRPI, P/M, MRPI2.0 and P/M2.0 values compared to the other groups. AUCs in discriminating between future PSP and non-PSP parkinsonism were 0.91 for both the P/M and the MRPI and 0.98 for the P/M2.0 and the MRPI2.0.Conclusions: Brainstem-derived MR planimetric measures yield high diagnostic accuracy for separating PSP from non-PSP parkinsonism in early disease stages when clinical criteria are not yet fully met. Consistent with the underlying pathology in PSP, our study suggests that inclusion of 3rdV width makes P/M2.0 and MRPI2.0 more accurate in diagnosing early stage PSP patients than the P/M and MRPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, mathematics plays a huge part of our everyday life. But due to the poor school education and lack of open access resources, many students find it difficult to be fully prepared for the independent external evaluation in mathematics, especially geometry. Although much has already been done to conduct higher knowledge results, lots of students still have gaps in understanding simple problem solving. Clearly, geometry requires a more fundamental and visual implementation to the studying process than algebra in order to increase the overall knowledge level of Ukrainian applicants for higher education. Students often do not have access to innovative studying instruments in their schools necessary for successful completion of geometry classes, which is why they receive weak results in tests. In the research, we are concentrating on the planimetry problems, because they can be easily produced in a written form. After analyzing all types of describing a problem, the best option for the system is the open-type problems with the short answer. The article concentrates on creating a graphical interface module, implementing it to the existing language processing module, and introducing a recommendation system that demonstrates a new fundamental instrument that can change the learning technique and give a comprehensive way of explaining geometry problems. The created system receives an open-type planimetry problem in Ukrainian language, processes it using the NLP module, and transfers the data directly to the interface module, which creates an image of the problem. Then the student can try to draw all the required figures, while the system continuously checks the progress. Recommendations (hints) can be applied during the process by the system. Interface and the NLP modules were created separately, independently, and using different programming languages. For that purpose, we use an intermediate stage - JSON file, which is used to transfer the processed information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anales de Geografía de la Universidad Complutense is the property of Universidad Complutense de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Wound area is a primary outcome measure in wound healing studies. This method comparison study evaluates differences of wound area measurements of a newly developed image analysis method based on wound edge contour to an existing method based on contrast tolerance. Digital images of 64 wounds were taken immediately after wounding matured in vitro 3D organotypic tissues with a biopsy punch. Wound area measurements were calculated using each image analysis method and then normalized. The method comparison study evaluates the difference of each paired measurements for all 64 wound areas. Measurement differences are demonstrated and evaluated in normalized data boxplots, scatter plots with a line of equality, data histogram and Normal probability plots, and a Bland-Altman plot of paired measure difference against mean. The measured wound areas using the tolerance method have large variability in comparison to the contour method measures. The tolerance method measures often underestimate and overestimate what is assumed to be an approximately repeatable initial wound size. Skewness in comparison plots are due to the ‘fat tails’ introduced by the variability of measurements of the tolerance method. In contrast, the contour method results in larger wound area measurements on average at a statistically significant level of difference. The relatively less variable range of contour method measurements suggest this method has more potential to agree with the ‘true’ wound area. Future work to improve the method are proposed for application of image analysis methods to distinguish true wound area and measurement error in time for wound healing treatment-control experiments.

The mitral valve orifice area is a reliable measure for evaluating mitral valve stenosis (MS) severity, which is obtained by the planimetry of the mid‐diastole frame in the echocardiography sequences. Since the manual method for determining this frame is time‐consuming and user‐dependent, a novel automatic method has been proposed in this study. First, the region of interest (ROI) containing the mitral valve orifice region is detected using circular Hough transform and k‐means algorithms. Then, the dimension reduction method is applied to the ROI of each frame to map it into a point in a 2D space. The performance of the local linear embedding (LLE), isometric mapping, kernel principal component analysis (PCA), and linear PCA algorithms has been evaluated in this study. Finally, a distance curve is obtained by calculating the Euclidean distance between consecutive points in 2D space, and the mid‐diastole frame is determined by interpreting this curve. The proposed algorithm was validated using 2D echocardiography of the 20 MS patients. Finally, the LLE method showed the best result, and the average frame difference for 20 cases using the proposed method compared with the gold standard (the echo‐cardiologist opinion) was 1.40. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) uses higher atmospheric pressure air or pure oxygen on the human body to facilitate wound healing. Usually, planimetry and oximetry are used in the quantitative evaluation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy effects. However, a noninvasive, quick and easy-to-perform method of evaluation is still required. Thus, the main aim of our study was to assess the usefulness of thermal imaging in evaluating the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on hard-to-heal wounds and to compare these results with that of parameters obtained from planimetry. The studies were performed at the Burn Treatment Center in Siemianowice Slaskie. The study included 60 patients (28 women and 32 men) aged between 48 and 82 who had hard-to-heal wounds localized on their lower extremities. Thermal images were carried out during three stages (I: 0–10 sessions, II: 10–20 sessions and III: more than 20 sessions of HBOT) of the treatment cycle, before entering and after leaving the hyperbaric chamber, respectively. The results showed that the temperature of the regions of interest decreased with the number of completed treatments. Moreover, obtained isotherm area of crura as well as temperature differences between the regions of interest surrounding the wound decreased with the duration of treatment, which suggests an improvement in microcirculation through neovascularization. Our research may lead to planning of a new diagnostic device that uses and correlates several imaging techniques. It seems that the combination of thermal imaging with planimetry can give the physician an additional diagnosis information, as well as information about the effects of therapy at the structural and metabolic level. In addition, both methods are noninvasive, painless, fast and safe, which is very important in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents stereometry (prism) using the software "FMSLogo", as well as its application and implementation in mathematics teaching. The introductory section describes how to approach mathematical problems according to George Polya. The following describes the creation, installation and use of the "FMSLog" software. At the very end of the paper are the research settings and its results, which through the empirical model shows the current state of affairs and therefore provides recommendations for its improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Journal of Wound Management / Leczenie Ran is the property of Evereth Publishing Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)