scholarly journals Ultrasound Elastographic Features of the Fetlock Joint Capsule in Horses

Author(s):  
Paola Straticò ◽  
Giulia Guerri ◽  
Adriana Palozzo ◽  
Paola Di Francesco ◽  
Massimo Vignoli ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Capsulitis leads to the release of inflammatory mediators into the joint causing capsular fibrosis and osteoarthrosis (OA). Strain elastosonography (SE) measures the elasticity of tissue evaluating its strain to an operator-dependent deformation. Aims of the study were to assess the feasibility of SE for evaluating the distal attachment of the joint capsule (DJC) of fore fetlocks in sound horses and in horses with fetlock OA and to evaluate differences in their elastosonographic aspect. After a whole lameness examination, fore fetlocks DJC were assigned to Group S and Group P and examined by two operators using SE. The inter-rater reliability (IRR), the intraclass (intra-CC) and interclass (inter-CC) correlation coefficients were used to compare colour grading scores, repeatability, reproducibility of elasticity index (EI) and strain ratio (SR). The same parameters were compared between groups. Findings were significant for P < 0.05. Results: Forty-one horses were included, 11 in Group S, 30 in Group P (16 with bilateral OA, 8 left and 6 right OA). IRRs ranged from good to excellent. For transverse and longitudinal scans, the EIs of Group S were 0.57-0.51, SRs were 0.32-0.28. Inter-CC and intra-CC were always > 0.8. In Group P, EI was 1.09-0.89, SRs was 0.78-0.72 with intra-CC and inter-CC >0.57. Significative differences of EI and SR were detected between groups, and between Group S and the affected limb of Group P.Conclusions: SE is a useful technique for evaluating the DJC, with good repeatability and reproducibility. DJC appears softer in sound horses.

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Straticò ◽  
Giulia Guerri ◽  
Adriana Palozzo ◽  
Paola Di Francesco ◽  
Massimo Vignoli ◽  
...  

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Santiago-Nuño ◽  
Patricia Palomo-López ◽  
Ricardo Becerro-de-Bengoa-Vallejo ◽  
César Calvo-Lobo ◽  
Marta Elena Losa-Iglesias ◽  
...  

Abstract The purpose was to evaluate intra and inter-rater reliability, repeatability and absolute accuracy between ultrasound imaging (US) and caliper measures to determine Spring ligament (SL) dimensions in cadavers. SLs were identified from 62 human feet from formaldehyde-embalmed cadavers. Intra and inter-observer reliability, repeatability and absolute accuracy of SL width, thickness and length between US and caliper measurements were determined at intra and inter-session by intraclass correlation coefficients, Pearson´s correlation coefficients, Student t tests, standard errors of measurement, minimum detectable changes, values of normality, 95% limits of agreement, and Bland-Altman plots. Excellent inter-session and inter-rater reliability, adequate absolute accuracy, almost perfect agreement and strong correlations were shown for caliper, US and their comparison for all SL dimensions. US measurements presented higher absolute accuracy than caliper measures for SL length and thickness dimensions, while caliper displayed greater absolute accuracy for SL width dimensions. Good repeatability (P > 0.05) was shown for all SL dimensions by US, caliper and their comparison, except for SL width dimension measured with US (P = 0.019). Both US and caliper could be recommended for all SL dimensions evaluation due to their excellent reliability and absolute accuracy in cadavers, although width dimensions should be considered with caution due to US repeatability differences.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayaka Iijima ◽  
Kimiya Shimizu ◽  
Hidenaga Kobashi ◽  
Aya Saito ◽  
Kazutaka Kamiya

Purpose. To assess the repeatability, reproducibility, and comparability of measurements of subjective and objective forward scattering in healthy subjects.Methods. We prospectively examined twenty eyes of 20 healthy volunteers (7 men and 13 women; ages, 28.4 ± 4.1 years). The logarithmic straylight value (log(s)) and the objective scattering index (OSI) were measured with a straylight meter (C-Quant) and a point-spread function meter (OQAS), respectively.Results. The 95% limits of agreement (LoA) between first and second measurements ranged from −0.211 to 0.207 for the C-Quant and from −0.302 to 0.477 for the OQAS. The intraclass correlation coefficients for the repeatability of the log(s) and OSI measurements were 0.815 and 0.926, respectively. The mean difference between examiners was −0.051 ± 0.133 (95% LoA; −0.311 to 0.209) for the C-Quant and 0.080 ± 0.307 (−0.522 to 0.682) for the OQAS. There was a modest, but significant, correlation between the log(s) and the OSI (Spearman correlation coefficientr=0.498,p=0.026).Conclusions. The C-Quant and the OQAS provide good repeatability and reproducibility, although the OQAS measurement provides a slightly higher ICC than the C-Quant measurement. The subjective forward scattering may be to some extent expressed in the objective forward scattering in healthy subjects.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Zelic ◽  
Francesca Giunchi ◽  
Luca Lianas ◽  
Cecilia Mascia ◽  
Gianluigi Zanetti ◽  
...  

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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian K.C. Lo ◽  
Leia Minaker ◽  
Alicia N.T. Chan ◽  
Jessica Hrgetic ◽  
Catherine L. Mah

Purpose: To adapt and validate a survey instrument to assess the nutrition environment of grab-and-go establishments at a university campus. Methods: A version of the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for grab-and-go establishments (NEMS-GG) was adapted from existing NEMS instruments and tested for reliability and validity through a cross-sectional assessment of the grab-and-go establishments at the University of Toronto. Product availability, price, and presence of nutrition information were evaluated. Cohen’s kappa coefficient and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were assessed for inter-rater reliability, and construct validity was assessed using the known-groups comparison method (via store scores). Results: Fifteen grab-and-go establishments were assessed. Inter-rater reliability was high with an almost perfect agreement for availability (mean κ = 0.995) and store scores (ICC = 0.999). The tool demonstrated good face and construct validity. About half of the venues carried fruit and vegetables (46.7% and 53.3%, respectively). Regular and healthier entrée items were generally the same price. Healthier grains were cheaper than regular options. Six establishments displayed nutrition information. Establishments operated by the university’s Food Services consistently scored the highest across all food premise types for nutrition signage, availability, and cost of healthier options. Conclusions: Health promotion strategies are needed to address availability and variety of healthier grab-and-go options in university settings.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Retrouvey ◽  
Arastoo Vossough ◽  
Alireza Zandifar ◽  
Richard D. Bellah ◽  
Gregory G. Heuer ◽  
...  

Introduction: Ultrasound (US) based indexes such as fronto-occipital ratio (FOR) can be used to obtain an acceptable estimation of ventricular volume. Patients with colpocephaly present a unique challenge due to the shape of their ventricles. In the present study, we aim to evaluate the validity and reproducibility of modified US-FOR index in children with Chiari II-related ventriculomegaly. Methods: In this retrospective study, we evaluated Chiari II patients younger than one year who underwent head US and MR or CT scans for ventriculomegaly evaluation. MR/CT based FOR was measured in the axial plane by identifying the widest diameter of frontal horns, occipital horns, and the interparietal diameter (IPD). US based FOR (US-FOR) was measured using the largest diameter based on the following landmarks: frontal horn and IPD in the coronal plane at the level of the foramen of Monro, IPD just superior to the Sylvian fissures, and occipital horn posterior to the thalami and inferior to the superior margins of the thalami. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to evaluate inter-rater reliability and Pearson correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots were applied to assess agreement between US and other two modalities. Results: Ninety paired US and MR/CT exams were assessed for agreement between US-FOR and MR/CT-FOR measurements. ICC showed an excellent inter-rater reliability for US-FOR (ICC=0.99, p<0.001) and MR/CT-FOR measurements (ICC=0.99, p<0.001). The mean (range) values based on US-FOR showed a slight overestimation in comparison to MR/CT-FOR [0.51 (0.36-0.68) vs 0.46 (0.34-0.64)]. Pearson correlation coefficient showed high cross-modality agreement for the FOR index (r=0.83, p<0.001). Bland-Altman plot showed excellent concordance between US-FOR and MR/CT-FOR with a bias of 0.05 (95% CI, -0.03-0.13) Conclusion: US-FOR in the coronal plane is a comparable tool for evaluating ventriculomegaly in Chiari II patients when compared with MR/CT-FOR, even in the context of colpocephaly.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Xia ◽  
William Ho Cheung Li ◽  
Tingna Liang ◽  
Yuanhui Luo ◽  
Laurie Long Kwan Ho ◽  
...  

Objectives: This study conducted a linguistic and psychometric evaluation of the Chinese Counseling Competencies Scale-Revised (CCS-R).Methods: The Chinese CCS-R was created from the original English version using a standard forward-backward translation process. The psychometric properties of the Chinese CCS-R were examined in a cohort of 208 counselors-in-training by two independent raters. Fifty-three counselors-in-training were asked to undergo another counseling performance evaluation for the test-retest. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted for the Chinese CCS-R, followed by internal consistency, test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, convergent validity, and concurrent validity.Results: The results of the CFA supported the factorial validity of the Chinese CCS-R, with adequate construct replicability. The scale had a McDonald's omega of 0.876, and intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.63 and 0.90 for test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability, respectively. Significantly positive correlations were observed between the Chinese CCS-R score and scores of performance checklist (Pearson's γ = 0.781), indicating a large convergent validity, and knowledge on drug abuse (Pearson's γ = 0.833), indicating a moderate concurrent validity.Conclusion: The results support that the Chinese CCS-R is a valid and reliable measure of the counseling competencies.Practice implication: The CCS-R provides trainers with a reliable tool to evaluate counseling students' competencies and to facilitate discussions with trainees about their areas for growth.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunru Liao ◽  
Zhenlan Yang ◽  
Zijing Li ◽  
Rui Zeng ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
...  

Purpose: Purpose of this study is to evaluate the measuring consistency of central refraction between multispectral refraction topography (MRT) and autorefractometry.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study including subjects in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from September 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, ages 20 to 35 years with a best corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better. All patients underwent cycloplegia, and the refractive status was estimated with autorefractometer, experienced optometrist and MRT. We analyzed the central refraction of the autorefractometer and MRT. The repeatability and reproducibility of values measured using both devices were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).Results: A total of 145 subjects ages 20 to 35 (290 eyes) were enrolled. The mean central refraction of the autorefractometer was −4.69 ± 2.64 diopters (D) (range −9.50 to +4.75 D), while the mean central refraction of MRT was −4.49 ± 2.61 diopters (D) (range −8.79 to +5.02 D). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a high correlation between the two devices. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) also showed high agreement. The intrarater and interrater ICC values of central refraction were more than 0.90 in both devices and conditions. At the same time, the mean central refraction of experienced optometrist was −4.74 ± 2.66 diopters (D) (range −9.50 to +4.75D). The intra-class correlation coefficient of central refraction measured by MRT and subjective refraction was 0.939.Conclusions: Results revealed that autorefractometry, experienced optometrist and MRT show high agreement in measuring central refraction. MRT could provide a potential objective method to assess peripheral refraction.


Author(s):  
Khalil Taherzadeh Chenani ◽  
Farzan Madadizadeh

Introduction: Reliability is an integral part of measuring the reproducibility of research information. Intra-cluster correlation coefficient (ICC) is one of the necessary indicators for reliability reporting, which can be misleading in terms of its diversity. The main purpose of this study was to introduce the types of reliability and appropriate ICC indices.  Methods: In this tutorial article, useful information about the types of reliability and indicators needed to report the results, as well as the types of ICC and its applications were explained for dummies. Results: Three general types of reliability include inter-rater reliability, test-retest reliability, and intra-rater reliability was presented. 10 different types of ICC were also introduced and explained. Conclusion: The research results may be misleading if any of the reliability types and calculation criteria types are chosen incorrectly. Therefore, to make the results of the study more accurate and valuable. Medical researchers must seek help from relevant guidelines such as this study before conducting reliability analysis.  


2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 667-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Duarte Pereira ◽  
Luciane Vieira ◽  
Fernanda Priscila Pompeu ◽  
Isabella De Souza Menezes ◽  
Sarah Monteiro Dos Anjos ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction : The Graded Wolf Motor Function Test (GWMFT) was developed as a modification of the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT), designed to address moderate-to-severe upper-extremity motor impairment, consequent to a stroke or brain injury, by combining time and quality of movement measures in both isolated movements and functional tasks. Objectives : To translate and adapt the GWMFT form and instructions manual to Brazilian Portuguese and evaluate the inter-rater reliability. Materials and methods : Ten individuals, mean age 53.2 ± 11.39 (range: 28-72) years and a mean time since stroke onset of 82.5 ± 85.83 (16-288) months participated in the study. After translation and cultural adaptation, two independent evaluators, based on the instructions manual information, administered GWMFT. Video observations were used to rate the time and the compensatory movements in the Functional Ability Scale (FAS). Intra-class Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman plots were calculated to examine the inter-rater reliability for performance time and FAS. Results : The translated and adapted version obtained a total ICC inter-rater time 0.99 (0.95-1.00), showing less reliability in the task of lifting a pen, with ICC = 0.71 (- 0.15-0.93). The ICC of the total FAS was 0.98 (0.92-0.99) and the task of elbow extension has shown the lowest ICC rate = 0.83 (0.31-0.96). Conclusion : The GWMFT scale reliability proved to be appropriate to evaluate the paretic upper limb in individuals with chronic hemiparesis post severe stroke.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document