In vivo electrical conductivity measurement of muscle, cartilage, and peripheral nerve around knee joint using MR-electrical properties tomography

This study aimed to investigate whether in vivo MR-electrical properties tomography (MR-EPT) is feasible in musculoskeletal tissues by evaluating the conductivity of muscle, cartilage, and peripheral nerve around the knee joint, and to explore whether these measurements change after exercise. This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board. On February 2020, ten healthy volunteers provided written informed consent and underwent MRI of the right knee using a three-dimensional balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) sequence. To test the effect of loading, the subjects performed 60 squatting exercises after baseline MRI, immediately followed by post-exercise MRI with the same sequences. After reconstruction of conductivity map based on the bSSFP sequence, conductivity of muscles, cartilages, and nerves were measured. Measurements between the baseline and post-exercise MRI were compared using the paired t-test. Test–retest reliability for baseline conductivity was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. The baseline and post-exercise conductivity values (mean ± standard deviation) [S/m] of muscles, cartilages, and nerves were 1.73 ± 0.40 and 1.82 ± 0.50 (p = 0.048), 2.29 ± 0.47 and 2.51 ± 0.37 (p = 0.006), and 2.35 ± 0.57 and 2.36 ± 0.57 (p = 0.927), respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient for the baseline conductivity of muscles, cartilages, and nerves were 0.89, 0.67, and 0.89, respectively. In conclusion, in vivo conductivity measurement of musculoskeletal tissues is feasible using MR-EPT. Conductivity of muscles and cartilages significantly changed with an overall increase after exercise.

Validation and adaptation of the Spanish version of the systemic lupus activity questionnaire (S-SLAQ) in an Argentinean population

Objectives To validate the systemic lupus activity questionnaire (SLAQ) in Spanish language. Methods The SLAQ questionnaire was translated and adapted in Spanish. Consecutive SLE patients from 8 centers in Argentina were included. A rheumatologist completed a Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM), Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)-2K, and a physician’s assessment. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha), stability by test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient), and construct validity by evaluating the correlation with clinically relevant scores. Sensitivity and specificity for clinically significant disease activity (SLEDAI ≥6) of different S-SLAQ cut-off points were evaluated. Results We included 97 patients ((93% female, mean age: 40 years (SD14.7)). Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.84, p < 0.001), and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.95 ( p < 0.001). Mean score of S-SLAQ was 8.2 (SD 7.31). Correlation of S-SLAQ was moderate with Patient NRS (r= 0.63 p< 0.001), weak with SLAM-no lab ( r = 0.42, p <0.001) and SLAM ( r = 0.38, p < 0.0001), and very weak with SLEDAI-2K ( r = 0.15, p =0.1394). Using the S-SLAQ cutoff of five points, the sensitivity was 72.2% and specificity was 37.9%, for clinically significant disease activity. Conclusions The S-SLAQ showed good validity and reliability. A good correlation, similar to the original instrument, was observed with patient´s global disease activity. No correlation was found between S-SLAQ and gold standard disease activity measures like SLEDAI-2K and SLAM. The S-SLAQ cutoff point of 5 showed a good sensitivity to identify the active SLE population and therefore could be an appropriate screening instrument for disease activity in clinical and epidemiological studies.

The Inventory of Physical Activity Barriers for Adults 50 Years and Older: Refinement and Validation

Addressing physical activity (PA) barriers is an essential component of increasing PA among the 56-73% of community-dwelling adults 50 years and older who are not performing the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA. As there is no feasible, multi-factorial tool to assess PA barriers among this population, we developed and validated a PA barrier assessment tool called the Inventory of Physical Activity Barriers (IPAB). We collected cross-sectional data on 503 adults (mean age 70.1), with 79 participants completing the scale twice for test-retest reliability and 64 completing a cross-over design examining the ability to use two administration formats interchangeably. Our analyses consisted of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman Plot, and t-tests. Using factor analysis, we identified and confirmed an eight-factor solution consisting of 27 items. The 27-item IPAB is internally consistent (alpha= 0.91), has a high test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.99), and can differentiate between individuals who meet the recommended levels of PA and those who do not (p &lt; 0.001). The IPAB scores ranged between 1.00-3.11 for the paper format (mean=1.78) and 1.07-3.48 for the electronic format (mean=1.78), with no statistical difference between the paper and electronic administration formats (p=0.94), resulting in the conclusion that the two administration formats can be used interchangeably. Participant feedback illustrates that the IPAB is easy to use, has clear instruction, and is an appropriate length. The newly validated IPAB scale can be used to develop individualized PA interventions that address PA barriers among patients 50 years and older.

Reliability and Validity of the Thai Version of the Carolinas Comfort Scale

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and validity of the Thai version of the Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS) to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in post-hernia repaired patients. Materials and Methods: Three hundred twenty-eight patients that underwent the inguinal hernia repair procedure in Vajira Hospital were recruited in the present study. The Thai version of CCS (TCCS) was performed entirely by the patient, and the test-retest reliability was conducted at a 2-week interval. Results: The TCCS’s internal consistency reliability was excellent (Cronbach’s alpha 0.89). The inter-rater reliability was found to agree with the intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.90. The test-retest reliability over two weeks was high, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.92. Conclusion: The Thai version of CCS was found to have adequate reliability and validity and could be used to measure HRQoL in Thai patients that undergo inguinal hernia repair. Keywords: Reliability; Validity; Carolinas Comfort Scale; Thai version

Comparing the Self- and External Assessment Versions of the HCL-33 as Screening Instruments for Bipolar Disorder in Older Depressed Patients

Objectives: The misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD) as major depressive disorder (MDD) is common in depressed older adults. The self-rated HCL-33 and its external assessment version (HCL-33-EA) have been developed to screen for hypomanic symptoms. This study compared the screening ability of these two instruments to discriminate BD from MDD.Methods: A total of 215 patients (107 with BD and 108 with MDD) and their carers were recruited. Patients and their carers completed the HCL-33 and HCL-33-EA, respectively. The consistency of the total score and the positive response to each item between the two scales was calculated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cohen's kappa coefficient separately. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were drawn for both instruments. The optimal cut-off points were determined according to the maximum Youden's Index. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of the HCL-33 and HCL-33-EA were calculated separately and compared. The sensitivity and specificity at the optimal cut-off values were also calculated separately for the HCL-33 and HCL-33-EA.Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) between the total scores of the HCL-33 and HCL-33-EA was 0.823 (95% CI = 0.774–0.862). The positive response rate on all items showed high agreement between the two instruments. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the total scores of both HCL-33 and HCL-33-EA differentiated well between MDD and BD, while there was no significant difference in the AUCs between the two scales (Z = 0.422, P = 0.673). The optimal cutoff values for the HCL-33 and HCL-33-EA were 14 and 12, respectively. With the optimal cutoff value, the sensitivities of the HCL-33 and HCL-33-EA were 88.8% and 93.5%, and their specificities were 82.4% and 79.6%.Conclusion: Both the HCL-33 and HCL-33-EA had good screening ability for discriminating BD from MDD in depressed older adults.

Three-dimensional Acetabular Bone Defect Classification System Aided with Rapid Prototyping Model and Reliability and Validity Test

Background: Accurately assessing acetabular defects and designing precise and feasible surgical plans are important before hip revision arthroplasty. With the development of three-dimensional printing, rapid prototyping is a novel technique used to print isometric physical object models. We aimed to propose a three-dimensional acetabular bone defect classification system aided with rapid prototyping and evaluated its reliability and validity.Methods: We reviewed 104 consecutive patients who underwent hip revision arthroplasty in our department between January 2014 and December 2019. Forty five of them had rapid prototyping and were included for reliability and validity test. Three doctors retrospectively evaluated bone defects of these 45 patients with this classification and made surgical plans, and repeated it after 2 weeks. The intra- and inter-observer reliability and the validity to surgical records were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient or Kappa correlation coefficient.Results: The reliability and validity for classification results were high. The mean initial intraclass correlation coefficient for inter-observer reliability was 0.947, which increased to 0.972 when texted second time. As for inter-observer reliability, it ranged from 0.958 to 0.980. The validity showed high Kappa correlation coefficient of 0.951 to 0.967. When considering detailed surgical plans, the reliability and validity were also high with intraclass correlation coefficient and Kappa correlation coefficient all over 0.9.Conclusions: This three-dimensional acetabulum defect classification was of high reliability and convincing validity. With this classification and objective rapid prototyping models, accurate bone defect assessment and reliable surgical plans were achieved. This classification aided with rapid prototyping could serve as a promising tool for surgeons for preoperative evaluation.

Evaluation of the effect of irrigants on the accuracy and repeatability of three electronic apex locators: an ex vivo study

Objective: To evaluate the effect of 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) on the accuracy and repeatability of three Electronic Apex Locators (EALs). Methodology: Thirty one human teeth were connected to a platform, irrigated with 2.0% CHX, and obtained two readings, again irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl and obtained two more readings. The distance between the tip of the file and the apical constriction was measured. Repeatability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and repeatability coefficient (CR). Results: For CHX 2%, with the Mini Apex Locator, 25 of 31 electronic measurements were accurate (80.6%), 28 of 31 measurements for iPex (90.3%) and for Root ZX II 26 (83, 9%). For 2.5% NaOCl, with the Mini Apex Locator, 25 of the 31 measurements were accurate (80.6%), 28 of the 31 measurements for the iPex (90.3%) and for the Root ZX II, 24 (77, 4%). There were no differences between the two irrigants (p>0.05). The values ​​(ICC) were 0.975 and 0.994 for the Mini Apex Locator, 0.981 and 0.971 for the i Pex and 0.994 and 0.995 for the Root ZX II. When using CHX, the (CR) was 0.196 for the Mini Apex Locator, 0.152 for the iPex and 0.088 for the Root ZX II. When using 2.5% NaOCl, the (CR) was 0.088 for the Mini Apex Locator, 0.196 for the iPex and 0.088 for the Root ZX II. Conclusions: The use of 2% CHX and 2.5% NaOCl did not affect the accuracy and repeatability of the three devices.

Kelayakan film dokumenter pada materi jenis-jenis bahan baku pakan Kelas X SUPM Negeri Pontianak

Penggunaan media pembelajaran sebagai sumber belajar sangat penting untuk membantu menjelaskan materi yang diajarkan agar lebih optimal. Pemilihan media juga harus menyesuaikan kebutuhan peserta didik. Permasalahan yang dialami yaitu kebutuhan akan media yang dapat mencakup banyak materi yang banyak dan dapat diterapkan pada peserta didik yang memiliki karakteristik pembelajaran auditori dan visual. Media film dokumenter dibuat bertujuan untuk menjawab permasalahan tersebut sehingga ketercapaian tujuan pembelajaran akan berhasil. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Development Research dan di validasi oleh 5 validator yang diuji dengan validasi Aiken’s V serta uji reliabilitas Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa media film dokumenter layak digunakan dan masih ada kriteria yang harus diperbaiki pada media. Pada uji reliabilitas diperoleh nilai Alpha 0,757 dengan kategori cukup memuaskan dan nilai Intraclass Correlation Coefficient yaitu 0,384 dikategorikan kurang memuaskan. Kata kunci: film dokumenter; kelayakan; media pembelajaran. ABSTRACTFeasibility of documentary film on types of feed raw materials for Class X SUPM Negeri Pontianak. The use of learning media as a learning resource is very important to help explain the material being taught to be more optimal. However, media selection must also match the needs of students. The problem experienced is the need for media that can accommodate a lot of material and can be applied to students who have auditory and visual learning characteristics. Documentary film media is made to aim to answer this problem so that the achievement of the learning objectives will be successful. This research used Development Research method and validated by 5 validators who were tested with Aiken V validation and thereliability test Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. The results of this study indicate that documentary film media is suitable for use and there are still criteria that must be improved on the media. The reliability test shows anvalue of Alpha 0.757 with a satisfactory category and an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient value of 0.384. Keywords: documentary film; feasibility; learning media

Diagnostic Yield of Transabdominal Ultrasonography for Evaluation of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions Compared with Endoscopic Ultrasonography

Detection rates of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) have increased, resulting in greater requirements for regular monitoring using imaging modalities. We aimed to evaluate the capability of ultrasonography (US) for morphological characterization of PCLs as a reference standard using endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). A retrospective analysis was conducted of 102 PCLs from 92 patients who underwent US immediately prior to EUS between January 2014 and May 2017. The intermodality reliability and agreement of the PCL morphologic findings of the two techniques were analyzed and compared using the intraclass correlation coefficient and κ values. The success rates of US for delineating PCLs in the head, body, and tail of the pancreas were 77.8%, 91.8%, and 70.6%, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient for US and the corresponding EUS lesion size showed very good reliability (0.978; p < 0.001). The κ value between modalities was 0.882 for pancreatic duct dilation, indicating good agreement. The κ values for solid components and cystic wall and septal thickening were 0.481 and 0.395, respectively, indicating moderate agreement. US may be useful for monitoring PCL growth and changes in pancreatic duct dilation, but it has limited use in the diagnosis and surveillance of mural nodules or cystic wall thickness changes.