A Cross-Sectional Reproducibility Study of a Standard Camera Sensor Using Artificial Intelligence to Assess Food Items: The FoodIntech Project

Having a system to measure food consumption is important to establish whether individual nutritional needs are being met in order to act quickly and to minimize the risk of undernutrition. Here, we tested a smartphone-based food consumption assessment system named FoodIntech. FoodIntech, which is based on AI using deep neural networks (DNN), automatically recognizes food items and dishes and calculates food leftovers using an image-based approach, i.e., it does not require human intervention to assess food consumption. This method uses one-input and one-output images by means of the detection and synchronization of a QRcode located on the meal tray. The DNN are then used to process the images and implement food detection, segmentation and recognition. Overall, 22,544 situations analyzed from 149 dishes were used to test the reliability of this method. The reliability of the AI results, based on the central intra-class correlation coefficient values, appeared to be excellent for 39% of the dishes (n = 58 dishes) and good for 19% (n = 28). The implementation of this method is an effective way to improve the recognition of dishes and it is possible, with a sufficient number of photos, to extend the capabilities of the tool to new dishes and foods.

Building Reliable Radiomic Models Using Image Perturbation

Radiomic model reliability is a central premise for its clinical translation. Presently, it is assessed using test-retest or external data, which, unfortunately, is often scarce in reality. Therefore, we aimed to develop a novel image perturbation-based method (IPBM) for the first of its kind toward building a reliable radiomic model. We first developed a radiomic prognostic model for head-and-neck cancer patients on a training (70%) and evaluated on a testing (30%) cohort using C-index. Subsequently, we applied the IPBM to CT images of both cohorts (Perturbed-Train and Perturbed-Test cohort) to generate 60 additional samples for both cohorts. Model reliability was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) to quantify consistency of the C-index among the 60 samples in the Perturbed-Train and Perturbed-Test cohorts. Besides, we re-trained the radiomic model using reliable RFs exclusively (ICC>0.75) to validate the IPBM. Results showed moderate model reliability in Perturbed-Train (ICC:0.565, 95%CI:0.518-0.615) and Perturbed-Test (ICC:0.596, 95%CI:0.527-0.670) cohorts. An enhanced reliability of the re-trained model was observed in Perturbed-Train (ICC:0.782, 95%CI:0.759-0.815) and Perturbed-Test (ICC:0.825, 95%CI:0.782-0.867) cohorts, indicating validity of the IPBM. To conclude, we demonstated capability of the IPBM toward building reliable radiomic models, providing community with a novel model reliability assessment strategy prior to prospective evaluation.

Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory (PSI)

The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of pregnancy symptoms inventory. A methodological study. This study was conducted on 220 pregnant women. Construct validity was measured by exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was measured by intra-class correlation coefficient and internal consistency. Since the items 12 (snoring) and 16 (thrush) failed to obtain the minimum principal axis factoring in exploratory factor analysis, they were removed from the Persian version. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit for the extracted model. Cronbach’s alpha was .94 for the frequency items and .95 for the limitation items. Intra-class correlation coefficient was between .58 and 1 for frequency items and between .73 and 1 for limitation items. The Persian version of pregnancy symptoms inventory was a valid and reliable scale to be used for Iranian pregnant women.

Reproducibility and Reliability of Pancreatic Pharmacokinetic Parameters Derived from Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objectives Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) with Extended Tofts Linear (ETL) model has been used in tissue and tumor evaluation. However, its reliability and reproducibility in pancreatic evaluation has been unclear. It is also unclear whether pancreatic DCE-MRI pharmacokinetic parameters were consistent and stable among different pancreatic regions, ages and genders. Methods Pancreatic pharmacokinetic parameters of 54 volunteers were calculated using DCE-MRI with ETL model. Firstly, Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CoV). Secondly, subgroup evaluation of pancreatic DCE-MRI pharmacokinetic parameters was performed. 54 subjects were divided into three groups in virtue of pancreatic region, three groups according to age, two groups according to gender, which pharmacokinetic parameters among and between different groups were calculated and compared. Results There was excellent agreement and low variability of intra- and inter-observer to pancreatic DCE-MRI pharmacokinetic parameters. The intra- and inter-observer ICCs of Ktrans, kep, ve, vp were 0.971, 0.952, 0.959, 0.944 and 0.947, 0.911, 0.978, 0.917, respectively. The intra- and inter-observer CoVs of Ktrans, kep, ve, vp were 9.98%, 5.99%, 6.47%, 4.76% and 10.15%, 5.22%, 6.28%, 5.40%, respectively. There were no significant differences of Ktrans, kep among different pancreatic regions, among different age groups, between male and female groups (P all > 0.10). Only, pancreatic ve of old group was higher than that of young and middle-aged groups (P = 0.042, 0.001), and vp of pancreatic head was higher than that of pancreatic body and tail (P = 0.014, 0.043). Conclusions DCE-MRI with ETL model is reliable and reproducible for quantitative assessment of pancreatic pharmacokinetic parameters. ve varies with age and vp varies with pancreatic region, which can provide guidance for the selection of normal reference in the pharmacokinetics study of pancreatic diseases.

Test-Retests Reliability of Digital Photography in Measuring Quadriceps-Angle and Pelvic Tilt Angle in Healthy Population

Aim: Capturing body images through digital photography method for calculation of quadriceps angles and pelvic position in clinical assessment is an inexpensive method. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of measuring Q-angle and pelvic tilt angle with digital camera and Microdicom software. Place and duration: University of Lahore and Tehran University of medical sciences, from June 2020 to June 2021 Methods: Bilateral lower limbs of fifteen healthy asymptomatic subjects were considered for calculations of desired angles. A 13-megapixel camera was used to capture images of quadriceps angle (q-angle) measurement in an anterior view and for pelvic angle measurement image in lateral view along with specific landmark markers on the body were captured. Images were transferred to Microdicom software for calculating desire angles. Three trails of procedures and Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI), Munro’s classification for reliability coefficients were used for the description of degrees. Standard error of measurement (SEM) was also calculated. Results: The Intra-class correlation coefficient values for right side Q- angle was 0.949(0.878-.981) and for left side it was 0.924(0.819-0.972) and <0.005 significant p-value. The ICC results for measuring pelvic title angle in the right side .990 (.975-.996) and left legs were .991 (.974-.997). Showing that the results were highly reliable and significant (p<0.005). Conclusions: The q-angle and pelvic angle measured with digital image have excellent consistency and reliability. Keywords: angle, asymptomatic, Images, pelvic, quadriceps

Evaluation of Transabdominal and Transperineal Ultrasound-Derived Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Density and Clinical Utility Compared to MRI Prostate Volumes: A Feasibility Study

PurposeTo investigate the accuracy of surface-based ultrasound-derived PSA-density (US-PSAD) versus gold-standard MRI-PSAD as a risk-stratification tool. MethodsSingle-centre prospective study of patients undergoing MRI for suspected prostate cancer (PCa). Four combinations of US-volumes were calculated using transperineal (TP) and transabdominal (TA) views, with triplanar measurements to calculate volume and US-PSAD. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used tocompare US and MRI volumes. Categorical comparison of MRI-PSAD and US-PSAD was performed at PSAD cut-offs <0.15, 0.15-0.20, and >0.20 ng/mL2 to assess agreement with MRI-PSAD risk-stratification decisions.Results64 men were investigated, mean age 69 years and PSA 7.0 ng/mL. 36/64 had biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer (18 Gleason 3+3, 18 Gleason ≥3+4). Mean MRI-derived gland volume was 60 mL, compared to 56 mL for TA-US, and 65 mL TP-US. ICC demonstrated good agreement for all US volumes with MRI, with highest agreement for transabdominal US, followed by combined TA/TP volumes. Risk-stratification decisions to biopsy showed concordant agreement between triplanar MRI-PSAD and ultrasound-PSAD in 86-91% and 92-95% at PSAD thresholds of >0.15 ng/mL2 and >0.12 ng/mL2, respectively. Biopsy-decision making at threshold >0.12 ng/mL2, demonstrated sensitivity ranges of 81-100%, specificity 85-100%, PPV 86-100% and NPV 83-100%. Transabdominal US provided optimal sensitivity of 100% for this clinical decision, with specificity 85%, and transperineal US provided optimal specificity of 100%, with sensitivity 87%.ConclusionTransperineal-US and combined TA-TP US-derived PSA density values compare well with standard MRI-derived values and could be used to provide accurate PSAD at presentation and inform the need for further investigations.

Development of a System for Measurement on Asymmetric Sitting Posture

Sitting posture measurement system using the unstable board with accelerometer was developed. And, postural balance was assessed to determine the effect of asymmetry on sitting posture between patients with pelvic asymmetry and healthy subjects. 10 subjects (pelvic asymmetry patients:5, healthy controls:5) were participated in this study. We performed experiment under static and dynamic sitting condition. Angular variation in the anterior-posterior and left-right direction was measured in both two conditions. Also, intra class correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the reliability of the system. The value of angle of pelvic asymmetry patients was more tilted significantly to the left side than right side during static and dynamic sitting. The reliability of the system was excellent. This paper suggested that a system for measurement on asymmetric sitting posture can be utilized to provide useful information about patients with pelvic asymmetry in rehabilitation medicine. Furthermore, results from this study can be used to develop the new clinical quantitative measurement system.

Convergent validity and reliability of a novel repeated agility protocol in junior rugby league players

Background: : Rugby league involves repeated, complex, and high intensity change-of-direction (COD) movements with no existing test protocols that specifically assesses these multiple physical fitness components simultaneously. Thus, the current study examined the convergent validity of a repeated Illinois Agility (RIA) protocol with the repeated T-agility protocol, and the repeatability of the RIA protocol in adolescent Rugby League players. Furthermore, aerobic capacity and anaerobic and COD performance were assessed to determine whether these physical qualities were important contributors to the RIA protocol. Methods: Twenty-two junior Rugby League players completed 4 sessions with each separated by 7 days. Initially, physical fitness characteristics at baseline (i.e., Multi-stage Shuttle test, countermovement jump, 30-m sprint, single-effort COD and repeated sprint ability [RSA]) were assessed. The second session involved a familiarisation of RIA and repeated T-agility test (RTT) protocols. During the third and fourth sessions, participants completed the RIA and RTT protocols in a randomised, counterbalanced design to examine the validity and test-retest reliability of these protocols. Results: For convergent validity, significant correlations were identified between RIA and RTT performances (r= >0.80; p<0.05). For contributors to RIA performance, significant correlations were identified between all baseline fitness characteristics and RIA (r = >0.71; p < 0.05). Reliability of the RIA protocol was near perfect with excellent intra-class correlation coefficient (0.87-0.97), good ratio limits of agreement (×/÷ 1.05-1.06) and low coefficient of variations (1.8-2.0%). Conclusions: The current study has demonstrated the RIA to be a simple, valid and reliable field test for RL athletes that can provide coaches with information about their team’s ability to sustain high intensity, multi-directional running efforts.

Comparison of Region-of-Interest Delineation Methods for Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy

Background Diffusion tensor imaging is a promising technique for determining the responsible lesion of cervical radiculopathy, but the selection and delineation of the region of interest (ROI) affects the results. To explore the impact of different ROI sketching methods on the repeatability and consistency of DTI measurement values in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). Methods This was a retrospective study that included CSR patients who underwent DTI imaging. The images were analyzed independently by two radiologists. Four delineation methods were used: free-hand method, maximum roundness, quadrilateral method, and multi-point averaging method. They re-examined the images 6 weeks later. To investigate the consistency between the two measurements and the reproducibility between two radiologists, the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used. Results A total of 42 CSR patients were enrolled in this study. The distribution of compressed nerve roots was five C4, eight C5, sixteen C6, eleven C7, and two C8. No difference was found among the four methods in fractional anisotropy (FA) or apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), irrespective of radiologists. (all P>0.05). Similar results were observed between the first and second measurements (all P>0.05), but some significant differences were observed for radiologist 2 for the four-small rounds method (P=0.033). Between the two measurements and the two radiologists, the free-hand and single largest circle methods were the two methods with the highest ICC (all ICC >0.90). Conclusion For the delineation of DTI ROI in patients with CSR, the free-hand and single largest circle methods were the most consistent methods.

Design of a Tennis-Specific Agility Test (TAT) for Monitoring Tennis Players

Agility is an important ability for tennis players. To be successful in the rallies, players must perform rapid, multidirectional movements in response to the ball and/or the position of the opponent. For a test to be representative in monitoring agility performance, it should capture a combination of the physical and cognitive agility performance. Considering that literature reports no reliable and valid sport-specific agility test for tennis, the aim of this article was to design and evaluate the measurement properties of a Tennis-specific Agility Test (TAT). To evaluate the TAT, test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and feasibility were assessed. For reproducibility, a two-way mixed ANOVA was performed. Concurrent validity was assessed using Pearson correlations. A total of 69 tennis players participated in this study of whom 16 competed at the international (22 ± 3.7 years, playing level (Dynamic Rating System): .8 ± .3), 43 at the national (14 ± 1.4 years, playing level: 4.6 ± 1.4), and 10 at the regional level (15 ± 0.8 years, playing level: 4.9 ± 1.1). Test-retest reliability was found to be moderate with an Intra-Class Correlation coefficient (ICC) of .74 (p < .01) and a percentual minimal detectable change (%MDC) of 6.2%. Concurrent validity was found to be moderate by comparison with a recognised agility test, the Spider Drill, which measures only the physical component (.70; p < .01), and by comparison with tennis performance for both boys (r = .67; p < .01) and girls (r = .72; p < .01). The feasibility was high with short time for preparation (five to ten minutes) and time per participant (<5 minutes). In conclusion, the TAT shows promising results for assessing sport-specific agility performance in tennis making it likely to be used in the practical setting.