Repeatability and comparison of Corvis ST parameters before and after accelerated transepithelial corneal cross-linking in keratoconus eyes

AIM: To evaluate the repeatability and comparison of corneal visualization scheimpflug technology (Corvis ST) parameters in keratoconus eyes before and after accelerated transepithelial corneal cross-linking (ATE-CXL). METHODS: Thirty eyes of 30 progressive keratoconus patients were included in the prospective study. Three repeated corneal biomechanical measurements were performed preoperatively and one month postoperatively by Corvis ST. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% confidence interval (CI), Cronbach’ α, repeatability coefficient (RC), and coefficient of variation (CV) were used to evaluate the repeatability of Corvis ST parameters. Paired t test or Wilcoxon rank test was used to evaluate the differences between preoperative and postoperative data. RESULTS: At preoperative, 26 of 39 (66.67%) parameters showed good to excellent repeatability, 6 (15.38%) showed moderate, and 7 (17.95%) showed poor repeatability. Similarly, 34 (87.18%) parameters showed good to excellent repeatability, 3 (7.69%) showed moderate, and 2 (5.13%) showed poor repeatability after ATE-CXL. After ATE-CXL 1mo, the intraocular pressure (IOP), biomechanical corrected IOP (bIOP), first applanation time (A1T), Radius, deformation amplitude at the first applanation (A1DA), deflection length at the maximum deformation (HCDLL) and stiffness parameter at first applanation (SP A1) parameters increased, while the steep keratometry (Ks), flat keratometry (Kf), mean keratometry (Kmean), second applanation time (A2T), DA Ratio Max (2 mm) and integrated radius parameters decreased (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The repeatability of the Corvis ST parameters before and 1mo ATE-CXL follow up were both acceptable, and the corneal stiffness was improved after 1-month ATE-CXL.

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.

A comparison of liver fat fraction measurement on MRI at 3T and 1.5T

Purpose Volumetric liver fat fraction (VLFF) measurements were made using the HepaFat-Scan® technique at 1.5T and 3T to determine the agreement between the measurements obtained at the two fields. Methods Sixty patients with type 2 diabetes (67% male, mean age 50.92 ± 6.56yrs) and thirty healthy volunteers (50% male, mean age 48.63 ± 6.32yrs) were scanned on 1.5T Aera and 3T Skyra (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) MRI scanners on the same day using the HepaFat-Scan® gradient echo protocol with modification of echo times for 3T (TEs 2.38, 4.76, 7.14 ms at 1.5T and 1.2, 2.4, 3.6 ms at 3T). The 3T analyses were performed independently of the 1.5T analyses by a different analyst, blinded from the 1.5T results. Data were analysed for agreement and bias using Bland-Altman methods and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). A second cohort of 17 participants underwent interstudy repeatability assessment of VLFF measured by HepaFat-Scan® at 3T. Results A small, but statistically significant mean bias of 0.48% was observed between 3T and 1.5T with 95% limits of agreement -2.2% to 3.2% VLFF. The ICC for agreement between field strengths was 0.983 (95% CI 0.972–0.989). In the repeatability cohort studied at 3T the repeatability coefficient was 4.2%. The ICC for agreement was 0.971 (95% CI 0.921–0.989). Conclusion There is minimal bias and excellent agreement between the measures of VLFF using the HepaFat-Scan® at 1.5 and 3T. The test retest repeatability coefficient at 3T is comparable to the 95% limits of agreement between 1.5T and 3T suggesting that measurements can be made interchangeably between field strengths.

Repeatability coefficient estimates and optimum number of harvests in graft/rootstock combinations for 'tahiti' acid lime

Combining longitudinal data and statistical models from perennial crops enabled us to estimate the optimum number of measures (harvests), implying accurate discrimination of superior genotypes in those crops. Herein, the goal of this study was to determine the optimum number of harvests based on yield traits and recommend a superior graft/rootstock combination (GRC) for Citrus latifolia Tanaka. Twenty-four GRCs of 'Tahiti' acid lime were evaluated from July 2017 to August 2018 for fruit yield per plant (FYP), number of fruits per plant (NFP), and longitudinal (LFD) and transversal fruit diameter (TFD). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 4 replications. The experimental unit consisted of three individuals, totalling 244 individuals. The GRCs were composed of (i) two hybrids that were used as rootstock, citrumelo ‘Swingle’ (Citrus paradisi x Poncirus trifoliata) and cintrandarin ‘Riverside’ (Citrus sunki x Poncirus trifoliata); and (ii) 12 different C. latifolia genotypes that were used as grafts: Bello Fruit, Eledio, Iconha, Itarana, Santa Rosa, Bearss lime, CNPMF 01, CNPMF 02, CNPMF 2001, CNPMF 5059, BRS Passos, and Persian 58. Mixed models were employed to estimate the variance components. The optimum number of harvests was determined based on selective efficiency values above 0.9. The estimated repeatability coefficients presented values of 0.14 (LFD), 0.16 (TFD), 0.36 (FYP), and 0.38 (NFD). Based on the results, four harvests were able to choose genotypes based on FYP and NFP, whereas LFD and TFD were considered inefficient traits for recommending superior GRCs.

Diagnostic Performance and Radiation Dose of the EOS System to Image Enchondromatosis: A Phantom Study

Background: Radiation doses and capability of EOS, conventional radiography (CR), and computed tomography (CT) to detect and measure enchondromas in a dedicated five-year-old anthropomorphic phantom were compared. Methods: To simulate enchondromas, minced pieces of chicken bone and cartilage were packed in conventional kitchen plastic foil to create ovoidal/rounded masses and randomly hung on the phantom. The phantom was imaged five times with CR, CT, and EOS, each time changing the number and position of inserts. All images were reviewed by a senior radiologist and a radiology resident. Results: EOS and CR detected all inserts in 4/5 cases (80%), while in one case 1/17 inserts was not seen. Excellent agreement of EOS with CR (88% reproducibility; bias = 14 mm; repeatability coefficient (CoR) 2.9; 95% CI from −2.8 to 3.1 mm; p = 0.5) and CT (81% reproducibility; bias = 15 mm; CoR 5.2; 95% CI from −5.5 to 5.2 mm; p = 0.7) was found. EOS showed 71% interobserver reproducibility (CoR 7.2; bias = 0.6 mm; 95% CI from −6.6 to 7.8 mm; p = 0.25). The EOS-Fast radiation dose was also significantly lower than the median radiation dose of CR (644.7 (599.4–651.97) mGy•cm2, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Low-dose EOS has the same capability as CR to detect and measure enchondroma-like inserts on a phantom and may be considered to monitor patients with multiple enchondromas.

Use of transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess relaxation rates in unfatigued and fatigued knee-extensor muscles

We examined whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) delivered to the motor cortex allows assessment of muscle relaxation rates in unfatigued and fatigued knee extensors (KE). We assessed the ability of this technique to measure time course of fatigue-induced changes in muscle relaxation rate and compared relaxation rate from resting twitches evoked by femoral nerve stimulation. Twelve healthy men performed maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVC) twice before (PRE) and once at the end of a 2-min KE MVC and five more times within 8 min during recovery. Relative (intraclass correlation coefficient; ICC2,1) and absolute (repeatability coefficient) reliability and variability (coefficient of variation) were assessed. Time course of fatigue-induced changes in muscle relaxation rate was tested with generalized estimating equations. In unfatigued KE, peak relaxation rate coefficient of variation and repeatability coefficient were similar for both techniques. Mean (95% CI) ICC2,1 for peak relaxation rates were 0.933 (0.724–0.982) and 0.889 (0.603–0.968) for TMS and femoral nerve stimulation, respectively. TMS-induced normalized muscle relaxation rate was − 11.5 ± 2.5 s−1 at PRE, decreased to − 6.9 ± 1.2 s−1 (− 37 ± 17%, P < 0.001), and recovered by 2 min post-exercise. Normalized peak relaxation rate for resting twitch did not show a fatigue-induced change. During fatiguing KE exercise, the change in muscle relaxation rate as determined by the two techniques was different. TMS provides reliable values of muscle relaxation rates. Furthermore, it is sufficiently sensitive and more appropriate than the resting twitch evoked by femoral nerve stimulation to reveal fatigue-induced changes in KE.

Day-to-day variability of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 accumulation in primary prostate cancer: effects on tracer uptake and visual interpretation

Purpose Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) agents, such as [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11, have an unprecedented accuracy in staging prostate cancer (PCa) and detecting disease recurrence. PSMA PET/CT may also be used for response monitoring by displaying molecular changes, instead of morphological changes alone. However, there are still limited data available on the variability in biodistribution and intra-prostatic uptake of PSMA targeting radiotracers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the repeatability of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 uptake in primary PCa patients in a 4-week interval. Methods Twenty-four primary PCa patients were prospectively included, who already were scheduled for [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT scan on clinical indication (≥ cT3, Gleason score ≥ 7 or PSA ≥ 20 ng/mL). These patients received two [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT scans with a 4-week interval. No treatment was started in between the scans. Semiquantitative measurements (SULmax, SULmean, and SULpeak) were determined in the prostate tumor, normal tissues, and blood pool. The repeatability coefficient of every region was determined. All scans were visually analyzed by two nuclear medicine physicians. Results Within-subject coefficient of variation of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 uptake between the two scans was on average 10% in the prostate tumor, normal tissues (liver, kidney, parotid), and blood pool. The repeatability coefficient of the prostate tumor was 18% for SULpeak and 22% for SULmax. Lesion uptake was visually different in 5 patients, though not clinically relevant. Conclusion Results of test-retest [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT scans in a 4-week interval show that [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 uptake is repeatable, with a clinical irrelevant variation in tumor and physiological distribution. Based on the presented repeatable uptake, [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT scans can potentially be used for disease surveillance and therapy response monitoring. Changes in uptake larger than the RC are therefore likely to reflect actual biological changes in PSMA expression. Trial registration NL8263 at Trialregister.nl retrospectively registered on 03-01-2020. https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8263

EFFICIENCY OF USING BULLS EVALUATED BY THE QUALITY OF OFFSPRING AND GENOME IN FARMS OF THE LENINGRAD REGION

Показана эффективность использования быков, оцененных по качеству потомства и геному, в хозяйствах Ленинградской области. В среднем повышение молочной продуктивности в условиях региона от использования импортной спермы 84 проверенных по качеству потомства быков составило +19 кг молока (10138 кг молока, 3,83% жира, 3,20% белка), 68 геномно оцененных быков — +24 кг молока (10568 кг молока, 3,85% жира, 3,23% белка). Наилучшие результаты при оценке по качеству потомства в хозяйствах Ленинградской области получены от импортных производителей с племенной ценностью более +600 кг молока (+218 кг молока по быкам, оцененным по качеству потомства, +120 кг молока по геномно оцененным быкам). Уровень племенной ценности по удою улучшателя Дэвиса 138027041 варьирует от +297 до +615 кг молока. В высокопродуктивных (10000 кг и выше) стадах превышение удоя над сверстницами было больше, чем в стадах с продуктивностью 8000 кг молока при коэффициенте повторяемости 0,85. Быки с высокой геномной оценкой (от +719 кг до +1137 кг молока) повысили удой дочерей, по сравнению со сверстницами, в хозяйствах Ленинградской области от +274 кг (Стерлинг 69701759) до +1063 кг (Салун 70358061). С увеличением геномной племенной ценности производителей наблюдается рост продуктивности дочерей в хозяйствах области на 1469 кг молока. Между оценками племенной ценности быков разными методами (в США метод BLUP, в Ленинградской области — «дочери—сверстницы») выявлена положительная связь по удою для быков, проверенных по качеству потомства, +0,54, имеющих геномную оценку — +0,52; по содержанию жира в молоке — +0,48 и +0,57, белка — +0,66 и +0,61, соответственно. Применение современных методов оценки быков (как по качеству потомства, так и по геному) и использование ценных генотипов быков позволят повысить генетический потенциал скота. This article shows the effectiveness of using bulls evaluated by the quality of offspring and genome in the farms of the Leningrad region. On average, the increase in milk productivity in the region from the use of imported sperm of 84 bulls tested for the quality of offspring was +19 kg of milk (10138 kg of milk, 3.83% fat, 3.20% protein), 68 genomically evaluated bulls — +24 kg of milk (10568 kg of milk, 3.85% fat, 3.23% protein). The best results in assessing the quality of offspring in the farms of the Leningrad region were obtained from imported producers with a breeding value of more than +600 kg of milk (+218 kg of milk for bulls evaluated for the quality of offspring, +120 kg of milk for genomically evaluated bulls). The level of breeding value for the milk yield of the improver Davis 138027041 varies from +297 to +615 kg of milk. In highly productive (10,000 kg and higher) herds, the excess of milk yield over peers was greater than in herds with a productivity of 8000 kg of milk with a repeatability coefficient of 0.85. Bulls with a high genomic rating (from +719 kg to +1137 kg of milk) increased the milk yield of their daughters compared to their peers in the farms of the Leningrad region from +274 kg (Sterling 69701759) to +1063 kg (Saloon 70358061). With the increase in the genomic breeding value of producers, there is an increase in the productivity of daughters in the farms of the region by 1469 kg of milk. A positive relationship was found between the estimates of the breeding value of bulls by different methods (in the United States, the BLUP method, in the Leningrad region — «daughters—peers» method) for bulls tested for the quality of offspring +0.54, with a genomic score of +0.52; in terms of fat content in milk — +0.48 and +0.57, protein — +0.66 and +0.61, respectively. The use of modern methods for evaluating bulls (both by the quality of offspring and by genome) and the use of valuable genotypes of bulls will increase the genetic potential of livestock.

The occurrence of mycotoxins in food collected from some northern provinces of Vietnam in 2019

This study investigated the content of aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol and fumonisin B1 in some food product. Samples were extracted and cleaned by QUEChERS approach. The extract was measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The positive samples were reconfirmed by standard methods using immunoaffinity extraction. The detection limit of the method for aflatoxin, fumonisin B1, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone were 0.5, 30, 0.5, 60, and 3.0 &micro;g/kg, respectively. The recoveries of all analytes were in the range of 70 - 110%. The repeatability coefficient of variation were in the range of 5,1 - 13%. Among the 300 food samples tested, there were 43 samples detected with studied mycotoxins, accounting for 14.3%, mainly focusing on unprocessed cereals. In which, 10 spice samples, 04 peanuts and sesame samples, 01 candy sample, 01 sample of nutritious cereal flour, and 01 food supplement sample were found to be contaminated with aflatoxin, ochratoxin A exceeding the maximum level of Ministry Of Health according to QCVN 8-1 : 2011/BYT.

Value of dynamic contrast perfusion MRI to predict early response to bevacizumab in newly diagnosed glioblastoma: results from ACRIN 6686 multicenter trial

Background In Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0825, a phase III trial of standard therapy with bevacizumab or without (placebo) in newly diagnosed glioblastoma, 44 patients underwent dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) and/or dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI in the American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) trial 6686. The association between early changes in relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) and volume transfer constant (Ktrans) with overall survival (OS) was evaluated. Methods MRI was performed at postop baseline (S0), immediately before (S1), 1 day after (S2), and 7 weeks after (S3) bevacizumab or placebo initiation. Mean normalized and standardized rCBV (nRCBV, sRCBV) and Ktrans were measured within contrast-enhancing lesion. Wilcoxon rank sum tests compared parameter changes from S1–S2 and S1–S3. Association with OS and progression-free survival (PFS) were determined using Kaplan–Meier and log-rank tests. Treatment response for groups stratified by pretreatment nRCBV (S0, S1) was explored. The intraclass correlation coefficient and repeatability coefficient for the placebo arm (S1–S2) were used to assess repeatability. Results Evaluable were 27–36 datasets per time point. Significant differences between treatment arms were found for changes in nRCBV and sRCBV from S1–S2 and S1–S3, and in Ktrans for S1–S3. Improved PFS (P = 0.05) but not OS (P = 0.46) was observed. High pretreatment rCBV predicted improved OS for bevacizumab-treated patients. Based on the intraclass correlation coefficient, sRCBV (0.92) was more repeatable than nRCBV (0.71) and Ktrans (0.75), consistent with repeatability coefficient values. Conclusions Bevacizumab significantly changes rCBV but not Ktrans as early as 1 day posttreatment in newly diagnosed glioblastoma unrelated to outcomes. Improvements in clinical trial design to maximize rCBV benefit are indicated.