scholarly journals Repeatability and reproducibility of quantitative cervical strain elastography (E-Cervix) in pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jakub Mlodawski ◽  
Marta Mlodawska ◽  
Justyna Plusajska ◽  
Karolina Detka ◽  
Agata Michalska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Features ◽  
Uterine Cervix ◽  
Intraobserver Variability ◽  
Strain Elastography ◽  
Interclass Correlation ◽  
Good Repeatability ◽  
Quantitative Results ◽  
Repeatability And Reproducibility ◽  
Semiquantitative Evaluation ◽  
Pregnancy Weight

AbstractStrain elastography of the uterine cervix may be useful in the diagnosis and prediction of obstetric complications. The inability to obtain quantitative results, with only the possibility of visual semiquantitative evaluation of the obtained elastograms, has been the limitation of the method thus far. E-Cervix is a software program that uses intrinsic compression to excite tissue and allows the evaluation of quantitative parameters on the basis of pixel distribution in an elastogram. The aim of this study was to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of quantitative cervical strain elastography (E-Cervix) of the uterine cervix and to assess the correlation of the obtained parameters with selected clinical features of patients in the third trimester of pregnancy. In total, 222 patients participated in the study. We assessed 5 ultrasound parameters: elasticity index (ECI), hardness ratio (HR), internal os strain (IOS), external os strain (EOS) and IOS/EOS ratio. Each study was performed according to a predetermined standardized protocol. For all assessed elastographic parameters, we obtained good intra- and interobserver reproducibility. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.77 to 0.838 for intraobserver variability and from 0.771 to 0.826 for interobserver variability. We demonstrated a significant correlation of some obtained elastographic parameters with the basic clinical features of patients, such as age, the number of previous caesarean sections, pregnancy weight and BMI. In each case, the correlation was very low. Quantitative elastographic assessment with the use of E-Cervix is characterized by good repeatability. Some clinical features may affect the value of the parameters obtained. The clinical relevance of this interference requires further investigation.

scholarly journals Elastosonographic features of the metacarpophalangeal joint capsule in horses

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Straticò ◽  
Giulia Guerri ◽  
Adriana Palozzo ◽  
Paola Di Francesco ◽  
Massimo Vignoli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Strain Ratio ◽  
Metacarpophalangeal Joint ◽  
Joint Capsule ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Interclass Correlation ◽  
P 16 ◽  
Good Repeatability ◽  
Repeatability And Reproducibility

Abstract Background Capsulitis leads to the release of inflammatory mediators in the joint, causing capsular fibrosis and osteoarthritis (OA). Strain elastosonography (SE) measures the elasticity of tissue by evaluating its strain in operator-dependent deformation. The aims of the study were to assess the feasibility, repeatability, and reproducibility of SE for imaging the distal attachment of the joint capsule (DJC) of metacarpophalangeal joints in sound horses (Group S) and in horses with metacarpophalangeal OA (Group P) and to evaluate differences in the elastosonographic patterns of these horses. After a whole lameness examination, fore fetlock DJCs were assigned to Group S and Group P and were thereafter examined by two operators using SE. Qualitative (i.e., colour grading score) and semi-quantitative (i.e., elasticity index (EI) and strain ratio (SR)) methods were used to evaluate the elastograms. The inter-rater reliability (IRR), intraclass correlation coefficient (intra-CC) and interclass correlation coefficient (inter-CC) were used to compare colour grading scores and the repeatability and reproducibility of EI and SR outcomes. The same parameters were compared between groups. P < 0.05 indicated a significant finding. Results Forty-one horses were included: 11 were in Group S and 30 were in Group P (16 with bilateral OA, 8 with left OA and 6 with right OA). IRR outcomes ranged from good to excellent. For transverse and longitudinal ultrasound scans, the colour grading score of Group S was significantly higher than the metacarpophalangeal DJCs of Group P. Both Inter-CC and intra-CC were higher in Group S than in Group P, with values always > 0.8. Significative differences in EI and SR were detected between groups and between Group S and the affected limb of Group P; values were lower in Group S than in Group P. Conclusions SE can be a useful technique for evaluating DJCs, with good repeatability and reproducibility. DJCs appear softer in sound horses.

scholarly journals Interchangeability of light and virtual microscopy for histopathological evaluation of prostate cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Zelic ◽  
Francesca Giunchi ◽  
Luca Lianas ◽  
Cecilia Mascia ◽  
Gianluigi Zanetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Virtual Microscopy ◽  
Observer Agreement ◽  
Gleason Grade ◽  
Gleason Grading ◽  
Gleason Pattern ◽  
Inter Observer Variability ◽  
Histopathological Evaluation ◽  
Good Repeatability ◽  
Repeatability And Reproducibility

AbstractVirtual microscopy (VM) holds promise to reduce subjectivity as well as intra- and inter-observer variability for the histopathological evaluation of prostate cancer. We evaluated (i) the repeatability (intra-observer agreement) and reproducibility (inter-observer agreement) of the 2014 Gleason grading system and other selected features using standard light microscopy (LM) and an internally developed VM system, and (ii) the interchangeability of LM and VM. Two uro-pathologists reviewed 413 cores from 60 Swedish men diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer 1998–2014. Reviewer 1 performed two reviews using both LM and VM. Reviewer 2 performed one review using both methods. The intra- and inter-observer agreement within and between LM and VM were assessed using Cohen’s kappa and Bland and Altman’s limits of agreement. We found good repeatability and reproducibility for both LM and VM, as well as interchangeability between LM and VM, for primary and secondary Gleason pattern, Gleason Grade Groups, poorly formed glands, cribriform pattern and comedonecrosis but not for the percentage of Gleason pattern 4. Our findings confirm the non-inferiority of VM compared to LM. The repeatability and reproducibility of percentage of Gleason pattern 4 was poor regardless of method used warranting further investigation and improvement before it is used in clinical practice.

scholarly journals Determination of Cr (VI) Content in Water-Soluble Dyes

2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-94
Author(s):  
M P Sathianarayanan ◽  
Rina Nayak ◽  
Yogesh Hande
Keyword(s):  
Spectroscopic Analysis ◽  
Extraction Procedure ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Load ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Recovery Study ◽  
Good Repeatability ◽  
Repeatability And Reproducibility ◽  
Standard Solution

Abstract Hexavalent chromium detection in the presence of high load of colorants is a challenge, and it is an important area of study. Colorants are a class of interfering substance in many spectroscopic analysis and chromatographic separation and detection. In this study, a method has been developed to separate out Cr (VI) and water-soluble dyes by using activated charcoal as an absorption medium. The extraction procedure was optimized with Cr (VI) standard solution for quantification. The efficacy of the extraction procedure for the removal of water-soluble dyes and detection of Cr (VI) was checked with a spike recovery study. Based on the spike recovery study, the method has been validated as per the international validation protocol. The method is simple, cost effective and has a detection limit down up to 3.0 mg/kg. The recovery rate of Cr (VI) in water-soluble dyes like reactive yellow HE 6G, reactive red 218, turquoise blue HGN, reactive navy blue RX and reactive black 5A was found to be more than 90% with a good repeatability and reproducibility.

Microwave Oven Drying Determination of Total Solids in Processed Tomato Products: Collaborative Study

1985 ◽  
Vol 68 (6) ◽  
pp. 1081-1083
Author(s):  
Henry B Chin ◽  
John R Kimball ◽  
Joyce Hung ◽  
Bradford Allen
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Study ◽  
Microwave Oven ◽  
Drying Method ◽  
Vacuum Oven ◽  
Oven Drying ◽  
Total Solids ◽  
Good Repeatability ◽  
Repeatability And Reproducibility ◽  
Tomato Products ◽  
Solids Content

Abstract Fourteen laboratories analyzed 7 samples of tomato products with total solids content ranging from 6.5 to 40.2%. Samples were analyzed directly with the exception of samples with solids contents greater than 15%, which were diluted with water (1 + 1 for up to 30% solids and 1 + 3 for greater than 30% solids). The 2-4 g samples were dried at 100% power for 4 min. The results of the collaborative study showed good repeatability and reproducibility: 5„ = 0.16 (CV = 0.46%) and S, = 0.36 (CV = 1.06%) for the higher solids samples and S„ = 0.37 (CV = 3.76%) and Sx = 0.14 (CV = 1.41%) for samples with total solids up to 15%. Results were compared with those obtained using vacuum oven drying. No difference was seen in the results by the 2 methods at the 95% level of confidence. The microwave oven drying method has been adopted official first action as an alternative to the vacuum oven drying method for total solids.

scholarly journals Introducing a new method for classifying skull shape abnormalities related to craniosynostosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 179 (10) ◽  
pp. 1569-1577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Otto D. M. Kronig ◽  
Sophia A. J. Kronig ◽  
Henri A. Vrooman ◽  
Jifke F. Veenland ◽  
Mariëlle Jippes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Surface Rendering ◽  
Characteristic Curves ◽  
Novel Technique ◽  
Anterior Plagiocephaly ◽  
Interclass Correlation ◽  
3D Photogrammetry ◽  
Repeatability And Reproducibility

Abstract We present a novel technique for classification of skull deformities due to most common craniosynostosis. We included 5 children of every group of the common craniosynostoses (scaphocephaly, brachycephaly, trigonocephaly, and right- and left-sided anterior plagiocephaly) and additionally 5 controls. Our outline-based classification method is described, using the software programs OsiriX, MeVisLab, and Matlab. These programs were used to identify chosen landmarks (porion and exocanthion), create a base plane and a plane at 4 cm, segment outlines, and plot resulting graphs. We measured repeatability and reproducibility, and mean curves of groups were analyzed. All raters achieved excellent intraclass correlation scores (0.994–1.000) and interclass correlation scores (0.989–1.000) for identifying the external landmarks. Controls, scaphocephaly, trigonocephaly, and brachycephaly all have the peak of the forehead in the middle of the curve (180°). In contrary, in anterior plagiocephaly, the peak is shifted (to the left of graph in right-sided and vice versa). Additionally, controls, scaphocephaly, and trigonocephaly have a high peak of the forehead; scaphocephaly has the lowest troughs; in brachycephaly, the width/frontal peak ratio has the highest value with a low frontal peak. Conclusion: We introduced a preliminary study showing an objective and reproducible methodology using CT scans for the analysis of craniosynostosis and potential application of our method to 3D photogrammetry. What is Known:• Diagnosis of craniosynostosis is relatively simple; however, classification of craniosynostosis is difficult and current techniques are not widely applicable. What is New:• We introduce a novel technique for classification of skull deformities due to craniosynostosis, an objective and reproducible methodology using CT scans resulting in characteristic curves. The method is applicable to all 3D-surface rendering techniques.• Using external landmarks and curve analysis, specific and characteristic curves for every type of craniosynostosis related to the specific skull deformities are found.

scholarly journals Distraction index measurement on the dog's hip joint using a dedicated software

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 1241-1247 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Alves-Pimenta ◽  
A. Santana ◽  
J. Martins ◽  
B. Colaço ◽  
L. Gonçalves ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computer Software ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Measurement Tool ◽  
Specific Training ◽  
Hip Joints ◽  
Index Measurement ◽  
Analysis Center ◽  
Good Repeatability ◽  
Repeatability And Reproducibility ◽  
Measurement Repeatability

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to test the accuracy of a new automated computer software tool for the assessment of passive hip laxity. The hip laxity was estimated using the dedicated computer software by two blinded evaluators, one previously trained and one without specific training for distraction index measurement, in two independent sessions using 230 hip joints from 115 dogs that underwent screening for passive hip laxity using the distraction view. Previously, all of these radiographs were sent to PennHIP Analysis Center for an official distraction index record. The measurement repeatability of the two sessions was adequate for both evaluators. The reproducibility of the official distraction index measurement, mean distraction index±standard deviation 0.44±0.15, was adequate (P>0.05) for the trained evaluator, 0.44±0.15, and non-adequate (P<0.05), for the non-trained evaluator 0.47±0.17. The distraction index measurement tool proposed can be used with confidence for hip laxity evaluation by trained evaluators, as it provided good repeatability and reproducibility of official reports. The simplicity of the process described leads to a less time-consuming and more affordable procedure.

scholarly journals Inter and intraobserver variability in the echocardiographic measurement of vegetations in infective endocarditis

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Lopez Diaz ◽  
P.E Garcia Granja ◽  
M.T Sevilla ◽  
A Revilla ◽  
I Vilacosta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infective Endocarditis ◽  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Intraobserver Variability ◽  
Observer Variability ◽  
Surgical Indications ◽  
Transesophageal Echocardiogram ◽  
Interclass Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Interclass Correlation ◽  
Clinical Scenarios ◽  
Longitudinal Diameter

Abstract Introduction and objectives The indication for surgery to prevent embolism in infective endocarditis includes four clinical scenarios and three different echocardiographic measurements of the maximal vegetation diameter. These cut-off points are completely arbitrary and not evidence-based. Our hypothesis is that the vegetation diameter is not an appropriate surgical criterium. The goal of the study is to analyze the inter and intra-observer variability in this measurement and to compare the surgical indications agreement based on these parameters. Methods Two trained echocardiographers have measured the maximal vegetation diameter by transesophageal echocardiogram in 67 consecutive patients with definite infective endocarditis in an off-line workstation. The inter- and intra-observer variability was calculated by the interclass correlation coefficient and with the Bland-Altman analysis. The relationship between the strength of agreement for the cut-off points of 10 and 15 mm was also calculated. Results Intra and inter-observer interclass correlation coefficient in the measurement of the maximal longitudinal diameter of the vegetations were 0.872 (0.805–0.917) and 0.757 (0.642–0.839) respectively. The strength of agreement of the intra and inter-observer analysis for the cut-off point of 10 mm were 0.674 (0.485–0.862) and 0.533 (0.327–0.759). For the cut-off point of 15 mm they were 0.696 (0.530–0.862) and 0.475 (0.270–0.679). Conclusions The variability in the measurements of the maximal longitudinal diameter by transesophageal echocardiogram between two experimented echocardiographers is good. Nonetheless, surgical indications based on the cut-off points recommended in the European guidelines would have changed in an unacceptable high proportion of patients. Therefore, we suggest that these indications should be revised in the light of our results. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

A retrospective review of adenosquamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 16049-16049
Author(s):  
Y. Kawakami ◽  
K. Takehara ◽  
M. Kumagai ◽  
M. Hanaoka ◽  
Y. Akimoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lymph Node ◽  
Lymph Node Metastasis ◽  
Clinical Features ◽  
Uterine Cervix ◽  
Retrospective Review ◽  
Adenosquamous Carcinoma ◽  
Recurrence Rates ◽  
Node Metastasis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Serum Ca125

16049 Background: Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) of the uterine cervix is a rare mixture of malignant squamous and glandular epithelial elements. Clinical analyses of this disease were hardly performed independently from those of adenocarcinoma (AC) of the uterine cervix since both of the patients with these diseases show poorer outcome, compared with those with squamous cell carcinoma, which is present in the majority of cervical cancer. In this study, we investigated clinical features including diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Methods: During 1980–2006, total of 270 patients, who were diagnosed as carcinoma of the uterine cervix, were included in our analysis. A retrospective review of patients with ASC were preformed in their age, stage, lymph node metastasis, tumor markers (SCC, CEA, CA125 and CA19–9), treatment, relapse rate and its location, and survival. Results: There were total of 17 and 34 patients, who were histologically confirmed as having ASC (6.3%) and AC (12.6%) of the uterine cervix, respectively. All the ASC patients underwent surgery. The average age of the patients was 45.0 (26–78). The distribution of illness stages among the patients were IA, 4; IB, 8; IIA, 2; IIB, 2; IIIB, 1. Lymph node metastasis was seen in two patients (11.8%). There were no significant difference in these indexes between ASC and AC. Elevation of serum CA125 was observed in two ASC patients but no AC patients. The recurrence rates were 17.6% and 14.7% in ASC and AC, respectively. Five-year survival were 77.8% in ASC and 78.0% in AC, whereas 92.2% in SCC. Conclusions: These analyses indicate that clinical behavior and its outcome of ASC is similar to those of AC. The treatment based on these clinical features may be a useful to improve the prognosis of this disease. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Repeatability and reproducibility of corneal biomechanical parameters derived from Corvis ST

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 1287-1294
Author(s):  
Nermin Serbecic ◽  
Sven Beutelspacher ◽  
Lovro Markovic ◽  
Abhijit Sina Roy ◽  
Rohit Shetty
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Coefficient Of Variation ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Diurnal Changes ◽  
Good Reliability ◽  
Good Repeatability ◽  
Repeatability And Reproducibility ◽  
Biomechanical Parameters ◽  
High Intraclass Correlation Coefficient

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate repeatability and reproducibility of newly calculated biomechanical parameters of the cornea, developed by our research group. Methods: One eye from each of the 23 healthy subjects was measured three times consecutively, three times at different daytimes and on three different days. The within-subject standard deviation and coefficient of variation, as well as the intraclass correlation coefficient, were calculated for every parameter in each group. Results: Excellent repeatability and reproducibility (coefficient of variation < 5%, intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.75) was found for corrected values measured at A1, HC, and A2 time points (2nd A2 Time, 2nd A1 Time, 2nd HC Time, 2nd HC Def Amp and 2nd A1 Def Amp). Corneal-specific stiffness parameters, which showed good repeatability and reliability, were DA_cor (coefficient of variation = 4.02%, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.919), KcLinear (coefficient of variation = 4.03%, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.895), areaForceCornea (coefficient of variation = 3.34%, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.853) and E2 (coefficient of variation = 4.1%, intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.78). Overall, most parameters fell into the category of good reliability (high intraclass correlation coefficient) and poor reproducibility (low coefficient of variation), including all the parameters describing extraocular deformation (DA_ext, AEPvED, AUC EDef, areaForceExtra, Kg and μg). Comparing the coefficient of variation values for intrasession, intersession and daytime measurements, there were no indices for diurnal changes. Conclusion: Most parameters showed good repeatability and reliability. The extraocular stiffness parameters showed poor reproducibility. KcLinear can serve as a very reliable and repeatable indicator of corneal stiffness.

scholarly journals Repeatability and Reproducibility of Macular Hole Size Measurements Using Optical Coherence Tomography

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2899
Author(s):  
Carmen Baumann ◽  
Ahmed Almarzooqi ◽  
Katharina Blobner ◽  
Daniel Zapp ◽  
Katharina Kirchmair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Coherence Tomography ◽  
Radial Mode ◽  
Optical Coherence ◽  
Horizontal Meridian ◽  
Linear Mode ◽  
Experience Levels ◽  
Macular Holes ◽  
Good Repeatability ◽  
Repeatability And Reproducibility ◽  
Scan Modes

The purpose of this study was to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of measuring the minimum linear diameter (MLD) of macular holes (MHs) using horizontal linear and radial scan modes in optical coherence tomography (OCT). Patients with concurrent sets of radial and horizontal linear OCT volume scans were included. The MLD was measured twice in both scan modes by six raters of three different experience levels (groups). Outcome measures were the reliability and repeatability of MLD measurements. Fifty patients were included. Mean MLD was 317.21(±170.63) µm in horizontal linear and 364.52 (±161.71) µm in radial mode, a difference of 47.31 (±26.48) µm (p < 0.001). In the radial scan mode, MLD was identified within 15° of the horizontal meridian in 27% and within 15° of the vertical meridian in 26.7%, with the remainder (46.3%) in oblique meridians. The intra-group coefficients of repeatability (CR) for horizontal linear mode were 23 µm, 33 µm and 45 µm, and for radial mode 25 µm, 44 µm and 57 µm for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The inter-group CR, taking group 1 as reference standard for groups 2 and 3, were 74 µm and 71 µm for the linear mode, and 62 µm and 78 µm for radial mode. The radial mode provides good repeatability and reliability for measurement of MLD. In a majority of cases the MLD does not lie in the horizontal meridian and would be underestimated using a horizontal OCT mode.

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