Aortic root measurement on CT: linear dimensions, aortic root area and comparison with echocardiography. A retrospective cross sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 94 (1121) ◽  
pp. 20201232
Author(s):  
Kai'En Leong ◽  
Henry Knipe ◽  
Simon Binny ◽  
Heather Pascoe ◽  
Nathan Better ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Root ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Maximal Dimension ◽  
Short Axis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Root Area ◽  
Linear Dimensions ◽  
Root Measurement ◽  
Better Than ◽  
Excellent Reproducibility

Objective: We sought to assess the different CT aortic root measurements and determine their relationship to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Methods: TTE and ECG-gated CT images were reviewed from 70 consecutive patients (mean age 54 ± 18 years; 67% male) with tricuspid aortic roots (trileaflet aortic valves) between Nov 2009 and Dec 2013. Three CT planes (coronal, short axis en face and three-chamber) were used for measurement of nine linear dimensions. TTE aortic root dimension was measured as per guidelines from the parasternal long axis view. Results: All CT short axis measurements of the aortic root had excellent reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC 0.96–0.99), while coronal and three-chamber planes had lower reproducibility with ICC 0.90 (95% CI 0.84–0.94) and ICC 0.92 (0.87–0.95) respectively. CT coronal and short axis maximal dimensions were systematically larger than TTE (mean 2 mm larger, p < 0.001), while CT cusp to commissure measurements were systematically smaller (CT RCC-comm mean 2 mm smaller than TTE, p < 0.001). All CT short axis measurements had excellent correlation with aortic root area with CT short axis maximal dimension marginally better than the rest (Pearson’s R 0.97). Conclusion: Systematic differences exist between CT and TTE dependent on the CT plane of measurement. All CT short axis measurements of the aortic root had excellent reproducibility and correlation with aortic root area with maximal dimension appearing marginally better than the rest. Our findings highlight the importance of specifying the chosen plane of aortic root measurement on CT. Advances in knowledge: Systematic differences in aortic root dimension exist between TTE and the various CT measurement planes. CT coronal and short axis maximal dimensions were systematically larger than TTE, while CT cusp to commissure measurements were smaller. CT readers should indicate the plane of measurement and the specific linear dimension to avoid ambiguity in follow-up and comparison.

scholarly journals Development and evaluation of a diet quality screener to assess adherence to the Dutch food-based dietary guidelines

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-28
Author(s):  
Mariëlle G de Rijk ◽  
Anne I Slotegraaf ◽  
Elske M Brouwer-Brolsma ◽  
Corine WM Perenboom ◽  
Edith JM Feskens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diet Quality ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Maximum Score ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Excellent Reproducibility

Abstract The Eetscore FFQ was developed to score the Dutch Healthy Diet index 2015 (DHD2015-index) representing the Dutch food-based dietary guidelines of 2015. This paper describes the development of the Eetscore FFQ, a short screener assessing diet quality, examines associations between diet quality and participants’ characteristics, and evaluates the relative validity and reproducibility of the Eetscore FFQ in a cross-sectional study with Dutch adults. The study sample consisted of 751 participants, aged 19-91 y, recruited from the EetMeetWeet research panel. The mean DHD2015-index score based on the Eetscore FFQ of the total sample was 111 (SD 17.5) out of a maximum score of 160 points and was significantly higher in women than in men, positively associated with age and education level, and inversely associated with BMI. The Kendall’s tau-b coefficient of the DHD2015- index between the Eetscore FFQ and the full-length FFQ (on average 1.7-month interval, n=565) was 0.51 (95% CI 0.47, 0.55), indicating an acceptable ranking ability. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between DHD2015-index scores derived from two repeated Eetscore FFQs (on average 3.8-month interval, n=343) was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.89, 0.93) suggesting a very good reproducibility. In conclusion, the Eetscore FFQ was considered acceptable in ranking participants according to their diet quality compared with the full-length FFQ and showed good to excellent reproducibility.

Within-Session Reliability and Minimum Detectable Differences for Discrete Lower-Extremity Angles and Moments During Walking

2021 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 477-480
Author(s):  
Jillian L. Hawkins ◽  
Clare E. Milner
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Joint Angles ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Intraclass Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Walking Biomechanics ◽  
Lower Extremity Biomechanics ◽  
Better Than

Differences in walking biomechanics between groups or conditions should be greater than the measurement error to be considered meaningful. Reliability and minimum detectable differences (MDDs) have not been determined for lower-extremity angles and moments during walking within a session, as needed for interpreting differences in cross-sectional studies. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine within-session reliability and MDDs for peak ankle, knee, and hip angles and moments during walking. Three-dimensional gait analysis was used to record walking at 1.25 m/s (±5%) in 18 men, 18–50 years of age. Peak angles and moments were calculated for 2 sets of 3 trials. Intraclass correlation coefficients (3, 3) were used to determine within-session reliability. In addition, MDDs were calculated. Within-session reliability was good to excellent for all variables. The MDDs ranged from 0.9° to 3.6° for joint angles and 0.06 to 0.15 N·m/kg for joint moments. Within-session reliability for peak ankle, knee, and hip angles and moments was better than the between-session reliability reported previously. Overall, our MDDs were similar or smaller than those previously reported for between-session reliability. The authors recommend using these MDDs to aid in the interpretation of cross-sectional comparisons of lower-extremity biomechanics during walking in healthy men.

Characterization of Rh/Si multilayer structure by HREM and HAADF

1992 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-123
Author(s):  
Y. Cheng ◽  
J. Liu ◽  
M.B. Stearns ◽  
D.G. Steams
Keyword(s):  
Normal Incidence ◽  
High Resolution Electron Microscopy ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Beam Direction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Optical Elements ◽  
Resolution Electron ◽  
Point To Point ◽  
Better Than

The Rh/Si multilayer (ML) thin films are promising optical elements for soft x-rays since they have a calculated normal incidence reflectivity of ∼60% at a x-ray wavelength of ∼13 nm. However, a reflectivity of only 28% has been attained to date for ML fabricated by dc magnetron sputtering. In order to determine the cause of this degraded reflectivity the microstructure of this ML was examined on cross-sectional specimens with two high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM and HAADF) techniques.Cross-sectional specimens were made from an as-prepared ML sample and from the same ML annealed at 298 °C for 1 and 100 hours. The specimens were imaged using a JEM-4000EX TEM operating at 400 kV with a point-to-point resolution of better than 0.17 nm. The specimens were viewed along Si [110] projection of the substrate, with the (001) Si surface plane parallel to the beam direction.

STUDY ON THRIVE SCORE IN THE PROGNOSIS OF ISCHEMIC STROKE

2017 ◽  
pp. 22-24
Author(s):  
Thi Thao Nhi Tran ◽  
Dinh Toan Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Vascular Events ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Key Words Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Outcome Mortality ◽  
Better Than

Background and Purpose: Stroke is the second cause of mortality and the leading cause of disability. Using the clinical scale to predict the outcome of the patient play an important role in clinical practice. The Totaled Health Risks in Vascular Events (THRIVE) score has shown broad utility, allowing prediction of clinical outcome and death. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducting on 102 patients with acute ischemic stroke using THRIVE score. The outcome of patient was assessed by mRankin in the day of 30 after stroke. Statistic analysis using SPSS 15.0. Results: There was 60.4% patient in the group with THRIVE score 0 – 2 points having a good outcome (mRS 0 - 2), patient group with THRIVE score 6 - 9 having a high rate of bad outcome and mortality. Having a positive correlation between THRIVE score on admission and mRankin score at the day 30 after stroke with r = 0.712. THRIVE score strongly predicts clinical outcome with ROC-AUC was 0.814 (95% CI 0.735 - 0.893, p<0.001), Se 69%, Sp 84% and the cut-off was 2. THRIVE score strongly predicts mortality with ROC-AUC was 0.856 (95% CI 0.756 - 0.956, p<0.01), Se 86%, Sp 77% and the cut-off was 3. Analysis of prognostic factors by multivariate regression models showed that THRIVE score was only independent prognostic factor for the outcome of post stroke patients. Conclusions: The THRIVE score is a simple-to-use tool to predict clinical outcome, mortality in patients with ischemic stroke. Despite its simplicity, the THRIVE score performs better than several other outcome prediction tools. Key words: Ischemic stroke, THRIVE, prognosis, outcome, mortality

Distribution and Characteristics of Intrathoracic Lymphadenopathy in TB/HIV Co-Infection

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 414-420
Author(s):  
Payam Mehrian ◽  
Abtin Doroudinia ◽  
Moghadaseh Shams ◽  
Niloufar Alizadeh
Keyword(s):  
Lymph Nodes ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Short Axis ◽  
Mediastinal Lymph Nodes ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hilar Adenopathy ◽  
The Right ◽  
Pulmonary Abnormalities

Background: Intrathoracic Lymphadenopathy (ITLN) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected patients may have various etiologies and prognoses. Etiologies of ITLN can be distinguished based on the distribution of enlarged lymph nodes. Sometimes tuberculosis (TB) is the first sign of underlying HIV infection. Objective: We sought to determine ITLN distribution and associated pulmonary findings in TB/HIV co-infection using Computed Tomography (CT) scan. Methods: In this retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study, chest CT scans of 52 patients with TB/HIV co-infection were assessed for enlarged intrathoracic lymph nodes (>10 mm in short axis diameter), lymphadenopathy (LAP) distribution, calcification, conglomeration, the presence of hypodense center and associated pulmonary abnormalities. LAP distribution was compared in TB/HIV co-infection with isolated TB infection. Results: Mediastinal and/or hilar LAP were seen in 53.8% of TB/HIV co-infection patients. In all cases, LAP was multinational. The most frequent stations were right lower paratracheal and subcarinal stations. Lymph node conglomeration, hypodense center and calcification were noted in 25%, 21.4% and 3.5% of patients, respectively. LAP distribution was the same as that in patients with isolated TB infection except for the right hilar, right upper paratracheal and prevascular stations. All patients with mediastinal and/or hilar adenopathy had associated pulmonary abnormalities. Conclusion: All patients with TB/HIV co-infection and mediastinal and/or hilar adenopathy had associated pulmonary abnormalities. Superior mediastinal lymph nodes were less commonly affected in TB/HIV co-infection than isolated TB.

scholarly journals The measurement performance of the EQ-5D-5L versus EQ-5D-3L in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Bató ◽  
Valentin Brodszky ◽  
L. Hunor Gergely ◽  
Krisztián Gáspár ◽  
Norbert Wikonkál ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Hidradenitis Suppurativa ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Life Quality ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Health State ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Purpose Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects up to 1% of the population in Europe. The EQ-5D is the most commonly used generic instrument for measuring health-related quality of life among HS patients. This study aims to compare the measurement properties of the two adult versions of EQ-5D (EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L) in patients with HS. Methods We recruited 200 consecutive patients with HS (mean age 37 years, 38% severe or very severe HS) to participate in a multicentre cross-sectional survey. Patients completed the EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-5L, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex-16 questionnaires. Results More than twice as many different health state profiles occurred in the EQ-5D-5L compared to the EQ-5D-3L (101 vs. 43). A significant reduction in ceiling effect was found for the mobility, self-care and usual activities dimensions. A good agreement was established between the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.872 (95% CI 0.830–0.903; p < 0.001) that was confirmed by a Bland-Altman plot. EQ-5D-5L improved both the absolute and relative informativity in all dimensions except for anxiety/depression. EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L demonstrated similar convergent validity with DLQI and Skindex-16. EQ-5D-5L was able to better discriminate between known groups of patients based on the number of comorbidities and disease severity (HS-Physician's Global Assessment). Conclusion In patients with HS, the EQ-5D-5L outperformed the EQ-5D-3L in feasibility, ceiling effects, informativity and known-groups validity for many important clinical characteristics. We recommend using the EQ-5D-5L in HS patients across various settings, including clinical care, research and economic evaluations.

scholarly journals Augmenting the Clinical Data Sources for Enigmatic Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study of Self-Tracking Data and Clinical Documentation in Endometriosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (05) ◽  
pp. 769-784
Author(s):  
Ipek Ensari ◽  
Adrienne Pichon ◽  
Sharon Lipsky-Gorman ◽  
Suzanne Bakken ◽  
Noémie Elhadad
Keyword(s):  
Additional Data ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
The Self ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
Data Source ◽  
Daily Function ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Self-tracking through mobile health technology can augment the electronic health record (EHR) as an additional data source by providing direct patient input. This can be particularly useful in the context of enigmatic diseases and further promote patient engagement. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the additional information that can be gained through direct patient input on poorly understood diseases, beyond what is already documented in the EHR. Methods This was an observational study including two samples with a clinically confirmed endometriosis diagnosis. We analyzed data from 6,925 women with endometriosis using a research app for tracking endometriosis to assess prevalence of self-reported pain problems, between- and within-person variability in pain over time, endometriosis-affected tasks of daily function, and self-management strategies. We analyzed data from 4,389 patients identified through a large metropolitan hospital EHR to compare pain problems with the self-tracking app and to identify unique data elements that can be contributed via patient self-tracking. Results Pelvic pain was the most prevalent problem in the self-tracking sample (57.3%), followed by gastrointestinal-related (55.9%) and lower back (49.2%) pain. Unique problems that were captured by self-tracking included pain in ovaries (43.7%) and uterus (37.2%). Pain experience was highly variable both across and within participants over time. Within-person variation accounted for 58% of the total variance in pain scores, and was large in magnitude, based on the ratio of within- to between-person variability (0.92) and the intraclass correlation (0.42). Work was the most affected daily function task (49%), and there was significant within- and between-person variability in self-management effectiveness. Prevalence rates in the EHR were significantly lower, with abdominal pain being the most prevalent (36.5%). Conclusion For enigmatic diseases, patient self-tracking as an additional data source complementary to EHR can enable learning from the patient to more accurately and comprehensively evaluate patient health history and status.

scholarly journals Six ultraviolet minutes for cleaner operating theatres

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Bosco ◽  
S Gambelli ◽  
V Urbano ◽  
G Cevenini ◽  
G Messina
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Operating Theatres ◽  
Cleaning Procedures ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Contamination Levels ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Better Than ◽  
Final Cleaning

Abstract Background Sanitizing the operating theatres (OT) is important to minimize risk of post-operative infections. Disinfection procedures between one operation and another is less aggressive than final cleaning procedures, at the end of the day. Aim was assessing the difference of contamination: i) between different levels of disinfection; ii) before and after the use of a UVC Device (UVC-D). Methods Between December 2019/February 2020 a cross sectional study was conducted in OT in a real clinical context. 94 Petri dishes (PD) were used in 3 OT. Three different sanitation levels (SL1-3) were compared pre- and post-use of UVC-D: i) No cleaning after surgery (SL1); ii) after in-between cleaning (SL2); iii) after terminal cleaning (SL3). UVC-D was employed for 6 minutes, 3 minutes per bed side. PD were incubated at 36 °C and colony forming unit (CFU) counted at 48h. Descriptive statistic, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were performed to assess the contamination levels in total, pre/post use of UVC-D, and between different sanitation levels, respectively. Results In total we had a mean of 3.39 CFU/PD (C.I. 2.05 - 4.74) and a median of 1 CFU/PD (Min. 0 - Max. 39), after UVC-D use we had a mean of 2.20 CFU/PD (C.I. 0.69 - 5.09) and a median of 0 CFU/PD (Min. 0 - Max. 133). The UVC-D led to a significant reduction of CFU (p &lt; 0.001). Without UVC-D we had a significant CFU drop (p &lt; 0.05) between SL1 and SL3. Using UVC-D, we observed significant reductions of contamination (p &lt; 0.05) between SL3 and SL1. Comparing SL1 (median 0) post UVC-D use vs SL2 pre UVC-D use (median 0.5), and SL2 post UVC-D use (median 0) vs SL3 pre UVC-D use (median 1) we had a significant reduction of contamination (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions UVC-D improved environmental contamination in any of the three sanitation levels. Furthermore, the use of UVC-D alone was better than in-between and terminal cleaning. Although these encouraging results, the cleaning procedures executed by dedicated staff has to be considered. Key messages UVC are efficient to decrease contamination in operating theatres regardless of sanitation levels. The additional use of UVC technology to standard cleaning procedures significantly improves sanitation levels.

scholarly journals Is T2 mapping reliable in evaluation of native and repair cartilage tissue of the knee?

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasan Banitalebi ◽  
Christian Owesen ◽  
Asbjørn Årøen ◽  
Hang Thi Tran ◽  
Tor Åge Myklebust ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T2 Mapping ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Cartilage Tissue ◽  
Intraobserver Agreement ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Repair Tissue ◽  
Native Cartilage ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Imaging Plane

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effect of imaging plane and experience of observers on the reliability of T2 mapping of native and repair cartilage tissue of the knee. Methods Fifteen consecutive patients from two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients with an isolated knee cartilage lesion were randomised to receive either debridement or microfracture (RCT 1) or debridement or autologous chondrocyte implantation (RCT 2). T2 mapping was performed in coronal and sagittal planes two years postoperatively. A musculoskeletal radiologist, a resident of radiology and two orthopaedic surgeons measured the T2 values independently. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) with 95% Confidence Intervals was used to calculate the inter- and intraobserver agreement. Results Mean age for the patients was 36.8 ± 11 years, 8 (53%) were men. The overall interobserver agreement varied from poor to good with ICCs in the range of 0.27– 0.76 for native cartilage and 0.00 – 0.90 for repair tissue. The lowest agreement was achieved for evaluations of repair cartilage tissue. The estimated ICCs suggested higher inter- and intraobserver agreement for radiologists. On medial femoral condyles, T2 values were higher for native cartilage on coronal images (p < 0.001) and for repair tissue on sagittal images (p < 0.001). Conclusions The reliability of T2 mapping of articular cartilage is influenced by the imaging plane and the experience of the observers. This influence may be more profound for repair cartilage tissue. This is important to consider when using T2 mapping to measure outcomes after cartilage repair surgery. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02637505 and NCT02636881, registered December 2015. Level of evidence II, based on prospective data from two RCTs.

scholarly journals The Iranian version of theory-based intention for cesarean section (IR-TBICS) scale: development and first evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seyed Abolhassan Naghibi ◽  
Maryam Khazaee-Pool ◽  
Mahmood Moosazadeh
Keyword(s):  
Cesarean Section ◽  
Content Validity ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Factor Analyses ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Delivery Method ◽  
Northern Iran ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analyses

Abstract Background The rate at which mothers experience a cesarean section in the absence of medical signs is growing worldwide. Women’s beliefs and intentions play an essential role in the request or choice of a delivery method. At present, there is no comprehensive, validated scale for assessing pregnant women’s beliefs about cesarean section in the Iranian population. This study was performed to develop and assess the validity and reliability of the intention-based cesarean section scale using the theory of reasoned action (TRA) constructs as a theoretical framework for measuring intention toward the selection of a delivery method. Methods In this cross-sectional validation study, 480 pregnant women were recruited from Sari, in northern Iran, through a multistage random sampling approach. Content validity was examined using the content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR). Furthermore, both exploratory factor analyses (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were applied to assess the construct validity of the developed scale. Reliability was measured by internal consistency and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Quality criteria for floor and ceiling effects were derived from existing guidelines and consensus within our research group. Results The results obtained from the factor analysis showed that the data were fit to the model (χ2 = 2298.389, P < 0.001). The TRA comprised 24 items assessing five domains, which described 62.46% of the common variance. The CFA showed a model with suitable fitness for the data. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the domains of the scale ranged from 0.609 to 0.843, and the ICC value ranged from 0.71 to 0.84, which is within the satisfactory range. The IR-TBICS scale had no floor or ceiling effect on the total score or any of the dimensions. Conclusions The belief-based cesarean section scale appears to be a reliable instrument. It is considered suitable and can be applied in other research in Iran.

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