scholarly journals Lesion measurement on a combined “all-in-one” window for chest CT: effect on intra- and interobserver variability

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annemiek Snoeckx ◽  
Jeroen Cant ◽  
Caro Franck ◽  
Elisa Luyckx ◽  
Ken Carpentier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interobserver Agreement ◽  
Interobserver Variability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Processing Technique ◽  
Observer Agreement ◽  
Image Processing Technique ◽  
Measurement Variability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients

Abstract Purpose A newly developed image processing technique fuses conventional windows into a single ‘All-In-One’ (AIO) window. This study aims to evaluate variability of CT measurement of lesions in thoracic oncology patients on this novel AIO-window. Methods Six radiologists with different levels of expertise measured 368 lesions of various size, origin and sharpness. All lesions were measured twice on the AIO-window and twice on the conventional window settings. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess intra- and interobserver variability. Results Overall intra-observer agreement for lesion diameters on the AIO-window and conventional window settings was 0.986 (95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.983–0.989) and 0.991 (95% CI 0.989–0.993) respectively. For interobserver agreement this was 0.982 (95% CI 0.979–0.985) (AIO) and 0.979 (95% CI 0.957–0.982) (conventional). For both the AIO and conventional windows, intra- and interobserver agreement were dependent on size, sharpness and reader experience. Measurement variability decreased with increasing lesion size. Regarding sharpness, inter- and intra-observer agreement ranged from 0.986–0.989 (AIO) and 0.985–0.992 (conventional) for well-defined lesions and from 0.978–0.983 (AIO) and 0.974–0.991 (conventional) for ill-defined lesions. Conclusions Lesion diameters were consistently smaller on the AIO-window compared to conventional window settings. Overall intra- and interobserver variability rates were similar for the AIO-window and conventional window settings. We conclude that the AIO-window offers a reliable and reproducible alternative for measurement of thoracic lesions.

Quantification of fluoroscopic fundoplication anatomy: inter- and intraobserver reliability

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siang Wei Gan ◽  
Natalie Lee ◽  
Siao En Tan ◽  
Suzanne M Edwards ◽  
George K Kiroff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interobserver Agreement ◽  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
Gastroesophageal Junction ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Barium Swallow ◽  
Anatomical Features ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Objectively Measured ◽  
Video Fluoroscopy

SUMMARY The etiology of postfundoplication dysphagia remains incompletely understood. Subtle changes of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) anatomy may be contributory. Barium swallows have potential for standardization to evaluate postsurgical anatomical features. Using structured barium swallows, we aim to identify reproducible, objectively measured postfundoplication anatomical features that will permit future comparison between patients with/without dysphagia. At 6–12 months of postfundoplication, 31 patients underwent structured barium swallow with video–fluoroscopy recording: standing anteroposterior; standing oblique (×2); prone oblique (×2); and prone oblique with continuous free drinking. A primary observer recorded 11 variables of GEJ anatomy for each view, repeated 3 months later, forming two datasets to assess intraobserver consistency. Interobserver reliability was determined using a dataset each from the primary observer and two medical students (after training). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were based on two-way mixed-effects model (ICC agreement: 0.40–0.59 ‘fair’; 0.60–0.74 ‘good’; 0.75–1.00 ‘excellent’). Interobserver reliability was good–excellent for 47 of 66 measurements. Measures of maximal esophageal diameter cf. wrap opening diameter and posterior esophageal angle showed high interobserver reproducibility on all views (ICC range 0.84–0.91; 0.68–0.80, respectively). Interobserver agreement was good–excellent for 5/6 views when measuring anterior GEJ displacement and axis deviation (ICC range 0.56–0.79; 0.41–0.77, respectively). Measures of wrap length showed lower reproducibility. Prone oblique measurements showed highest reproducibility (good–excellent agreement in 19/22 measurements). Intraobserver consistency was excellent for 98% of measurements (ICC range 0.74–0.99). Objective measurements of postfundoplication GEJ anatomy using structured barium swallow are reproducible and may allow further interrogation of anatomical features contributing to postfundoplication dysphagia.

Nerve ultrasound

Neurology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 92 (5) ◽  
pp. e443-e450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan A. Telleman ◽  
Ingrid J.T. Herraets ◽  
H. Stephan Goedee ◽  
Camiel Verhamme ◽  
Stavros Nikolakopoulos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Random Effects ◽  
Interobserver Variability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Nerve Ultrasound ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Time Image

ObjectiveTo determine interobserver variability of nerve ultrasound in peripheral neuropathy in a prospective, systematic, multicenter study.MethodsWe enrolled 20 patients with an acquired chronic demyelinating or axonal polyneuropathy and 10 healthy controls in 3 different centers. All participants underwent an extensive nerve ultrasound protocol, including cross-sectional area measurements of median, ulnar, fibular, tibial, and sural nerves, and brachial plexus. Real-time image acquisition was performed blind by a local and a visiting investigator (reference). Five patients were investigated using different types of sonographic devices. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated, and a random-effects model was fitted to identify factors with significant effect on interobserver variability.ResultsSystematic differences between measurements made by different investigators were small (mean difference 0.11 mm2 [95% confidence interval 0.00–0.23 mm2]). Intraclass correlation coefficients were generally higher in arm nerves (0.48–0.96) than leg nerves (0.46–0.61). The hospital site and sonographic device did not contribute significantly to interobserver variability in the random-effects model.ConclusionsInterobserver variability of nerve ultrasound in peripheral neuropathy is generally limited, especially in arm nerves. Different devices and a multicenter setting have no effect on interobserver variability. Therefore, nerve ultrasound is a reproducible tool for diagnostics in routine clinical practice and (multicenter) research.

scholarly journals Reliability of a rapid hematology stain for sputum cytology

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 250-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jéssica Gonçalves ◽  
Emilio Pizzichini ◽  
Marcia Margaret Menezes Pizzichini ◽  
Leila John Marques Steidle ◽  
Cristiane Cinara Rocha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interobserver Agreement ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Standard Technique ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Induced Sputum ◽  
Cell Counting ◽  
Kappa Statistics ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients

Objective: To determine the reliability of a rapid hematology stain for the cytological analysis of induced sputum samples. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study comparing the standard technique (May-Grünwald-Giemsa stain) with a rapid hematology stain (Diff-Quik). Of the 50 subjects included in the study, 21 had asthma, 19 had COPD, and 10 were healthy (controls). From the induced sputum samples collected, we prepared four slides: two were stained with May-Grünwald-Giemsa, and two were stained with Diff-Quik. The slides were read independently by two trained researchers blinded to the identification of the slides. The reliability for cell counting using the two techniques was evaluated by determining the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intraobserver and interobserver agreement. Agreement in the identification of neutrophilic and eosinophilic sputum between the observers and between the stains was evaluated with kappa statistics. Results: In our comparison of the two staining techniques, the ICCs indicated almost perfect interobserver agreement for neutrophil, eosinophil, and macrophage counts (ICC: 0.98-1.00), as well as substantial agreement for lymphocyte counts (ICC: 0.76-0.83). Intraobserver agreement was almost perfect for neutrophil, eosinophil, and macrophage counts (ICC: 0.96-0.99), whereas it was moderate to substantial for lymphocyte counts (ICC = 0.65 and 0.75 for the two observers, respectively). Interobserver agreement for the identification of eosinophilic and neutrophilic sputum using the two techniques ranged from substantial to almost perfect (kappa range: 0.91-1.00). Conclusions: The use of Diff-Quik can be considered a reliable alternative for the processing of sputum samples.

scholarly journals How to improve image quality of DWI of the prostate—enema or catheter preparation?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolin Reischauer ◽  
Timmy Cancelli ◽  
Sonaz Malekzadeh ◽  
Johannes M. Froehlich ◽  
Harriet C. Thoeny
Keyword(s):  
Image Quality ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Observer Agreement ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Single Center Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Gas Suction

Abstract Objectives To compare the impact of laxative enema preparation versus air/gas suction through a small catheter on image quality of prostate DWI. Methods In this single-center study, 200 consecutive patients (100 in each arm) with either enema or catheter preparation were retrospectively included. Two blinded readers independently assessed aspects of image quality on 5-point Likert scales. Scores were compared between groups and the influence of confounding factors evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Prostate diameters were compared on DWI and T2-weighted imaging using intraclass correlation coefficients. Results Image quality was significantly higher in the enema group regarding the severity of susceptibility-related artifacts (reader 1: 0.34 ± 0.77 vs. 1.73 ± 1.34, reader 2: 0.38 ± 0.86 vs. 1.76 ± 1.39), the differentiability of the anatomy (reader 1: 3.36 ± 1.05 vs. 2.08 ± 1.31, reader 2: 3.37 ± 1.05 vs. 2.09 ± 1.35), and the overall image quality (reader 1: 3.66 ± 0.77 vs. 2.26 ± 1.33, Reader 2: 3.59 ± 0.87 vs. 2.23 ± 1.38) with almost perfect inter-observer agreement (κ = 0.92–0.95). In the enema group, rectal distention was significantly lower and strongly correlated with the severity of artifacts (reader 1: ρ = 0.79, reader 2: ρ = 0.73). Furthermore, there were significantly fewer substantial image distortions, with odds ratios of 0.051 and 0.084 for the two readers which coincided with a higher agreement of the prostate diameters in the phase-encoding direction (0.96 vs. 0.89). Conclusions Enema preparation is superior to catheter preparation and yields substantial improvements in image quality. Key Points • Enema preparation is superior to decompression of the rectum using air/gas suction through a small catheter. • Enema preparation markedly improves the image quality of prostate DWI regarding the severity of susceptibility-related artifacts, the differentiability of the anatomy, and the overall image quality and considerably reduces substantial artifacts that may impair a reliable diagnosis.

scholarly journals Palatal volume and area assessment on digital casts generated from cone-beam computed tomography scans

2018 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 397-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shereef Shahen ◽  
Gennaro Carrino ◽  
Rossella Carrino ◽  
Reham Abdelsalam ◽  
Carlos Flores-Mir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Cone Beam Computed Tomography ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Observer Agreement ◽  
Cone Beam ◽  
P Value ◽  
Maxillary Expansion ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Reproducible Method

ABSTRACT Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop a reproducible method to measure the change of palatal volume and area through superimposition using maxillary expansion digital cast models. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 pre- and 10 postexpansion dental cast models were scanned by the same cone-beam computed tomography machine. Superimposition was performed using a fully automated surface-best fit of the palatal surfaces on the digital cast models. A gingival plane, identified only once on superimposed casts, and a distal plane with the lateral closing border and the palatal surface were used to localize this selection of air. Area and volume were calculated for pre- and postexpansion records. Pre- and postexpansion palatal volume and area were measured by the main investigator and three different observers for inter- and intra-observer reproducibility assessment. Results: The level of intra- and inter-observer agreement was very strong (intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.953; P value < .0001) for all measurements. Conclusions: Palatal volume and area measurements based on the proposed superimposition are reproducible and can be used reliably.

Interobserver Reliability Using the Phonetic Level Evaluation With Severely and Profoundly Hearing-Impaired Children

1991 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 989-999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Shaw ◽  
Truman E. Coggins
Keyword(s):  
Interrater Reliability ◽  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Hearing Impaired ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Assessment Measure ◽  
Impaired Children ◽  
Speech Assessment ◽  
Hearing Impaired Children

This study examines whether observers reliably categorize selected speech production behaviors in hearing-impaired children. A group of experienced speech-language pathologists was trained to score the elicited imitations of 5 profoundly and 5 severely hearing-impaired subjects using the Phonetic Level Evaluation (Ling, 1976). Interrater reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Overall, the magnitude of the coefficients was found to be considerably below what would be accepted in published behavioral research. Failure to obtain acceptably high levels of reliability suggests that the Phonetic Level Evaluation may not yet be an accurate and objective speech assessment measure for hearing-impaired children.

scholarly journals Is there a relationship between the overhead press and split jerk maximum performance? Influence of sex

2021 ◽  
pp. 174795412110204
Author(s):  
Marcos A Soriano ◽  
G Gregory Haff ◽  
Paul Comfort ◽  
Francisco J Amaro-Gahete ◽  
Antonio Torres-González ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Intervals ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
High Reliability ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Training Experience ◽  
Maximum Performance ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients

The aims of this study were to (I) determine the differences and relationship between the overhead press and split jerk performance in athletes involved in weightlifting training, and (II) explore the magnitude of these differences in one-repetition maximum (1RM) performances between sexes. Sixty-one men (age: 30.4 ± 6.7 years; height: 1.8 ± 0.5 m; body mass 82.5 ± 8.5 kg; weightlifting training experience: 3.7 ± 3.5 yrs) and 21 women (age: 29.5 ± 5.2 yrs; height: 1.7 ± 0.5 m; body mass: 62.6 ± 5.7 kg; weightlifting training experience: 3.0 ± 1.5 yrs) participated. The 1RM performance of the overhead press and split jerk were assessed for all participants, with the overhead press assessed on two occasions to determine between-session reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and 95% confidence intervals showed a high reliability for the overhead press ICC = 0.98 (0.97 – 0.99). A very strong correlation and significant differences were found between the overhead press and split jerk 1RM performances for all participants (r = 0.90 [0.93 – 0.85], 60.2 ± 18.3 kg, 95.7 ± 29.3 kg, p ≤ 0.001). Men demonstrated stronger correlations between the overhead press and split jerk 1RM performances (r = 0.83 [0.73-0.90], p ≤ 0.001) compared with women (r = 0.56 [0.17-0.80], p = 0.008). These results provide evidence that 1RM performance of the overhead press and split jerk performance are highly related, highlighting the importance of upper-limb strength in the split jerk maximum performance.

scholarly journals Patient-Reported Dysphagia in Adults with Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Translation and Validation of the Swedish Eosinophilic Esophagitis Activity Index

Dysphagia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofie Albinsson ◽  
Lisa Tuomi ◽  
Christine Wennerås ◽  
Helen Larsson
Keyword(s):  
Eosinophilic Esophagitis ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cronbach’S Alpha ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Cronbach's Alpha ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Eortc Qlq

AbstractThe lack of a Swedish patient-reported outcome instrument for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has limited the assessment of the disease. The aims of the study were to translate and validate the Eosinophilic Esophagitis Activity Index (EEsAI) to Swedish and to assess the symptom severity of patients with EoE compared to a nondysphagia control group. The EEsAI was translated and adapted to a Swedish cultural context (S-EEsAI) based on international guidelines. The S-EEsAI was validated using adult Swedish patients with EoE (n = 97) and an age- and sex-matched nondysphagia control group (n = 97). All participants completed the S-EEsAI, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Oesophageal Module 18 (EORTC QLQ-OES18), and supplementary questions regarding feasibility and demographics. Reliability and validity of the S-EEsAI were evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha and Spearman correlation coefficients between the domains of the S-EEsAI and the EORTC QLQ-OES18. A test–retest analysis of 29 patients was evaluated through intraclass correlation coefficients. The S-EEsAI had sufficient reliability with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.83 and 0.85 for the “visual dysphagia question” and the “avoidance, modification and slow eating score” domains, respectively. The test–retest reliability was sufficient, with good to excellent intraclass correlation coefficients (0.60–0.89). The S-EEsAI domains showed moderate correlation to 6/10 EORTC QLQ-OES18 domains, indicating adequate validity. The patient S-EEsAI results differed significantly from those of the nondysphagia controls (p < 0.001). The S-EEsAI appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for monitoring adult patients with EoE in Sweden.

scholarly journals Diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy using non-ECG-gated 15O-water PET

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Sörensen ◽  
Jonny Nordström ◽  
Tomasz Baron ◽  
Stellan Mörner ◽  
Sven-Olof Granstam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Method Development ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Roc Curves ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Concentric Hypertrophy ◽  
2D Echocardiography ◽  
Positron Emission ◽  
Septal Wall Thickness

Abstract Aim To develop a method for diagnosing left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy from cardiac perfusion 15O-water positron emission tomography (PET). Methods We retrospectively pooled data from 139 subjects in four research cohorts. LV remodeling patterns ranged from normal to severe eccentric and concentric hypertrophy. 15O-water PET scans (n = 197) were performed with three different PET devices. A low-end scanner (66 scans) was used for method development, and remaining scans with newer devices for a blinded evaluation. Dynamic data were converted into parametric images of perfusable tissue fraction for semi-automatic delineation of the LV wall and calculation of LV mass (LVM) and septal wall thickness (WT). LVM and WT from PET were compared to cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR, n = 47) and WT to 2D-echocardiography (2DE, n = 36). PET accuracy was tested using linear regression, Bland–Altman plots, and ROC curves. Observer reproducibility were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Results High correlations were found in the blinded analyses (r ≥ 0.87, P < 0.0001 for all). AUC for detecting increased LVM and WT (> 12 mm and > 15 mm) was ≥ 0.95 (P < 0.0001 for all). Reproducibility was excellent (ICC ≥ 0.93, P < 0.0001). Conclusion 15O-water PET might detect LV hypertrophy with high accuracy and precision.

Intersession reliability of GPS-based and accelerometer-based physical variables in small-sided games with and without the offside rule

2021 ◽  
pp. 175433712098764
Author(s):  
Igor Junio de Oliveira Custódio ◽  
Gibson Moreira Praça ◽  
Leandro Vinhas de Paula ◽  
Sarah da Glória Teles Bredt ◽  
Fabio Yuzo Nakamura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Root Mean Square ◽  
Global Positioning System ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Mean Square ◽  
Physical Demands ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Global Positioning ◽  
High Level

This study aimed to analyze the intersession reliability of global positioning system (GPS-based) distances and accelerometer-based (acceleration) variables in small-sided soccer games (SSG) with and without the offside rule, as well as compare variables between the tasks. Twenty-four high-level U-17 soccer athletes played 3 versus 3 (plus goalkeepers) SSG in two formats (with and without the offside rule). SSG were performed on eight consecutive weeks (4 weeks for each group), twice a week. The physical demands were recorded using a GPS with an embedded triaxial accelerometer. GPS-based variables (total distance, average speed, and distances covered at different speeds) and accelerometer-based variables (Player Load™, root mean square of the acceleration recorded in each movement axis, and the root mean square of resultant acceleration) were calculated. Results showed that the inclusion of the offside rule reduced the total distance covered (large effect) and the distances covered at moderate speed zones (7–12.9 km/h – moderate effect; 13–17.9 km/h – large effect). In both SSG formats, GPS-based variables presented good to excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients – ICC > 0.62) and accelerometer-based variables presented excellent reliability (ICC values > 0.89). Based on the results of this study, the offside rule decreases the physical demand of 3 versus 3 SSG and the physical demands required in these SSG present high intersession reliability.

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