ABSTRACT
AIM: To assess the repeatability and agreement of higher-order aberration obtained by adaptive optics visual simulator(VAO)compared with OPD-Scan Ⅲ.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2023, including a total of 204 patients(204 eyes)with myopia whose right eyes were measured. The examinations were performed by the same skilled examiner using both devices separately. The VAO device was used to measure higher order aberrations of orders 3 to 6 at a pupil diameter of 4.5 mm, while both the VAO and OPD-Scan Ⅲ devices were utilized to measure total higher-order aberration(tHOA), spherical aberration(SA), coma aberration(Coma), and trefoil aberration(Trefoil)of the entire eye at pupil diameters ranging from 3 to 6 mm. Furthermore, the repeatability of whole eye aberration measurements obtained with the VAO device was evaluated and the agreement of the two devices was assessed.RESULTS: The whole-eye higher-order aberrations measured by VAO demonstrated excellent repeatability(0.767≤ICC≤0.941, Sw<0.01 μm, TRT<0.1 μm). There was no statistically significant difference in Coma measured by VAO or OPD-Scan Ⅲ for pupil diameters ranging from 4 to 6 mm(P>0.05), while a statistically significant difference was observed in whole-eye tHOA of other pupil diameters(all P<0.05). The agreement of aberration measurements for each order between VAO and OPD-Scan Ⅲ for 3 mm pupil diameters, SA at 4 and 5 mm pupil diameter and Coma at 4 mm pupil diameter showed a 95% limit of agreement(LoA)<0.1, indicating good agreement; however, poor agreement was found for the remaining aberration measurements at different pupil diameters, with a 95%LoA>0.1, and there were significant differences in higher-order aberrations measured by two devices under a pupil diameter of 3 mm(r=0.218-0.317, P<0.01), 4 mm(r=0.406-0.672, P<0.01), 5 mm(r=0.538-0.839, P<0.01 and r=0.030-0.109, P>0.01)and 6 mm(r=0.369-0.766, P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The VAO demonstrates favorable repeatability when assessing whole-eye higher order aberration under pupil diameters of 3-6 mm. However, there is inadequate agreement and interchangeability in whole-eye higher order aberration at 3-6 mm pupil diameter between VAO and OPD-Scan Ⅲ for clinical purposes.
ABSTRACT
ObjectiveOvarian cancer is the third most common gynecologic cancer worldwide， with the second highest mortality rate among gynecologic cancers， and age-standardized rates are gradually increasing in many low- and middle-income countries. At present， its etiology and pathogenesis are not clear. There are no obvious symptoms in the early stage， and when the symptoms become obvious， it often indicates the advanced stage. The 5-year survival rate of the advanced stage is only 17%， which poses a great threat to women's health. Therefore， an in-depth study of the etiology and pathogenesis of ovarian cancer is very important to the exploration of prevention and treatment methods for ovarian cancer. Based on the clinical characteristics of ovarian cancer in traditional Chinese and Western medicine， and combined with the existing evaluation methods of animal models， this study evaluated the animal model of ovarian cancer， and provided analysis and suggestions. MethodThis study searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）， Wanfang data， VIP information database， and PubMed database using the keywords "ovarian cancer" and "animal model"， excluded the articles that did not meet the criteria， and then classified the remaining studies. Combined with the clinical diagnostic criteria of Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation， the related indicators of ovarian cancer animal models were assigned and the degree of agreement was evaluated. ResultThe use of the transplanted animal model exhibited the highest frequency， followed by that of the induced model. The degree of agreement of traditional Chinese medicine for each model was lower than that of Western medicine. The induced ovarian cancer model had a high degree of clinical agreement and was similar to human ovarian cancer in terms of tumor growth pattern， disease progression and complications， which is an ideal animal model of ovarian cancer. Although this animal model can simulate the etiology and pathogenesis of ovarian cancer to a certain extent and reflect some indicators of traditional Chinese and Western medicine， it lacks differentiation of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes. ConclusionOn the basis of the original model， the animal model of ovarian cancer was added with Qi deficiency syndrome， blood deficiency syndrome， Qi stagnation syndrome， blood stasis syndrome， heat-toxin syndrome， and Yang deficiency syndrome to establish an animal model combining traditional Chinese medicine disease and syndrome of ovarian cancer， which could better simulate the clinical actual situation of traditional Chinese and Western medicine and lay a solid foundation for the study of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
ABSTRACT
This article examines the Colombian legislation against statelessness issued due to the humanitarian emergency in Venezuela in recent years. There have been three waves of Venezuelan migration: the first, in 2005; the second, in 2017; and the last wave, from 2017 to the present day. For this analysis, it was used a qualitative socio-legal method adopting a descriptive approach. The paper affirms that, despite the efforts of Colombian entities to regulate the statelessness of minors born to Venezuelan parents, these regulations contain legal vacua due to a lack of communication between the different State bodies. Such void causes legal contradictions and legal uncertainty in the national system, and, subsequently, violates in a direct manner the fundamental rights of children born to Venezuelan migrants in Colombia.
En el presente artículo se analiza la legislación colombiana contra la apatridia expedida a raíz de la migración ocasionada por la emergencia humanitaria en Venezuela durante los últimos años. La migración venezolana se puede dividir en tres oleadas, la primera en el año de 2005, la segunda en el año de 2010 y la última desde el año de 2017 hasta la actualidad. Para la realización del presente artículo, se utilizó el método cualitativo de carácter sociojurídico con un enfoque descriptivo. Finalmente, se concluye que, a pesar del esfuerzo de las entidades colombianas por regular la apatridia de los menores hijos de padres venezolanos, dicha legislación presenta vacíos normativos por la falta de comunicación de los diferentes órganos del Estado. Dichos vacíos crean contradicciones, generan inseguridad jurídica en el ordenamiento nacional y, ulteriormente, violentan de manera directa los derechos fundamentales de los menores hijos de migrantes venezolanos nacidos en Colombia.
Este artigo analisa a legislação colombiana contra a apatridia emitida como resultado da migração causada pela emergência humanitária na Venezuela nos últimos anos. A migração venezuelana pode ser dividida em três ondas, a primeira em 2005, a segunda em 2010 e a última de 2017 até o presente. Para este artigo, usamos um método sociojurídico qualitativo com uma abordagem descritiva. Por fim, conclui-se que, apesar dos esforços das entidades colombianas para regulamentar a apatridia de menores nascidos de pais venezuelanos, essa legislação apresenta lacunas regulatórias devido à falta de comunicação entre os diferentes órgãos do Estado. Essas lacunas criam contradições, geram insegurança jurídica no sistema jurídico nacional e, consequentemente, violam diretamente os direitos fundamentais das crianças nascidas na Colômbia de migrantes venezuelanos.
ABSTRACT
In 2020, the global prevalence of glaucoma was estimated to be 76 million and it was projected to increase to 111.8 million by 2040. Accurate intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement is imperative in glaucoma management since it is the only modifiable risk factor. Numerous studies have compared the reliability of IOP measured using transpalpebral tonometers and Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to update the existing literature with a reliability and agreement comparison of transpalpebral tonometers against the gold standard GAT for IOP measurement among individuals presenting for ophthalmic examinations. The data collection will be performed using a predefined search strategy through electronic databases. Prospective methods-comparison studies published between January 2000 and September 2022 will be included. Studies will be deemed eligible if they report empirical findings on the agreement between transpalpebral tonometry and Goldmann applanation tonometry. The standard deviation and limits of agreement between each study and their pooled estimate along with weights and percentage of error will be reported using a forest plot. Cochrane’s Q test and the I2 statistic will be used to assess heterogeneity, and the publication bias will be investigated using a funnel plot, Begg’s and Egger’s tests. The review results will provide additional evidence on the reliability of transpalpebral tonometers that, in turn, could possibly assist practitioners to make informed decision about using it as a screening or diagnostic device for clinical practice, outreach camps, or home-based screening. Institutional Ethics Committee registration number: RET202200390. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42022321693.
ABSTRACT
Background & objectives: Chest X-ray (CXR) is an important screening tool for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Accessibility to CXR facilities in difficult-to-reach and underserved populations is a challenge. This can potentially be overcome by deploying digital X-ray machines that are portable. However, these portable X-ray machines need to be validated before their deployment in the field. Here, we compare the image quality of CXR taken by a newly developed handheld X-ray machine with routinely used reference digital X-ray machine through the conduct of a feasibility study. Methods: A total of 100 participants with suspected pulmonary TB were recruited from the outpatient departments of a medical college and a community health centre in Agra. Each participant underwent CXR twice, once with each machine. Both sets of de-identified images were independently read by two radiologists, who were blinded to the type of X-ray machine used. The primary outcome was agreement between image qualities produced by these two machines. Results: The intra-observer (radiologist) agreements regarding the status of the 15 CXR parameters ranged between 74 per cent and 100 per cent, with an unweighted mean of 87.2 per cent (95% confidence interval: 71.5-100). The median Cohen’s kappa values for intra-observer agreement were 0.62 and 0.67 for radiologists 1 and 2, respectively. In addition, on comparison of the overall median score of quality of the image, the handheld machine images had a higher score for image quality. Interpretation & conclusions: The current study shows that a handheld X-ray machine, which is easy to use and can potentially be carried to any area, produces X-ray images with quality that is comparable to digital X-ray machines routinely used in health facilities.
ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Venepuncture procedure is painful and anxiety associated with venepuncture is common. There are many tools for assessing anxiety levels in an outpatient setting. Hence, this study is to compare the degree of agreement between State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory (STAI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for measuring anxiety levels among adult patients before venepuncture procedure. Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among patients while waiting for a venepuncture procedure in the Phlebotomy Unit, UiTMMC in April 2020. The Malay-validated version of the State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory (STAI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to assess the anxiety level. Differences between sets of data were plotted as described by Bland-Altman to determine the agreement between these two assessment tools. Results: A total of 330 patients participated in the study with a mean age of 46.34 ± 14.34 years old and gender was equally distributed. The scores of state-anxiety (STAI-S), trait-anxiety (STAI-T) and BAI score were 30.04 ± 20.74; 29.51 ± 19.11; and 40.98 ± 20.45, respectively. The score of anxiety using BAI was higher compared to STAI-S (p<0.001) and STAI-T (p<0.001). The mean difference between the STAI-S and BAI was -10.94 (95%CI: -53.01, 26.87) and between the STAI-T and BAI was -11.47 (95%CI: -42.26, 19.32). However, very few patients’ scores outside the 95% LOA for both differences. Conclusion: The STAI and BAI are concordances in measuring anxiety levels among these patients. However, the anxiety score using BAI was higher than STAI. Thus, both assessment tools can be used in clinical practice in measuring anxiety in the out-patients setting.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To analyze clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of 36 patients with pyoderma gangrenosum, and to compare and evaluate the applicability and consistency between the PARACELSUS score and Delphi criteria.Methods:From January 2000 to January 2022, clinical data were collected from 36 patients who were diagnosed with pyoderma gangrenosum in the Hospital of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The PARACELSUS score and Delphi criteria were applied to their diagnosis, and the kappa test was used to evaluate the consistency between the two diagnostic criteria.Results:Among the 36 patients, 6 (16.67%) had definite precipitating factors before the onset, and 31 (86.11%) exhibited lesions with different degrees of pain. Ulcerative lesions predominatd in 31 (86.11%) patients, which mostly involved the lower extremities, while 16 (44.44%) presented with multiple lesions all over the body. Four (11.11%) patients were complicated by inflammatory bowel disease, and 3 (8.33%) with inflammatory arthritis. Glucocorticoids, Tripterygium wilfordii, and cyclosporin were the main systemic treatment options, and tumor necrosis factor-α antagonist was used in 8 (22.22%) patients. Twenty-two (64.71%) and 17 (50.00%) patients were diagnosed with pyoderma gangrenosum using the PARACELSUS score and Delphi criteria, respectively. The kappa test showed moderate agreement between the two diagnostic criteria (kappa value = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.19 - 0.76, P = 0.004) . Conclusions:Classic ulcerative subtype was the major subtype in the patients with pyoderma gangrenosum, who were usually complicated by inflammatory bowel disease and inflammatory arthritis. Glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants were the main therapeutic drugs. The PARACELSUS score and Delphi criteria focus on different aspects of pyoderma gangrenosum, and the PARACELSUS score is recommended in the context of absence of typical histopathological manifestations.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To investigate the characteristics of resting energy expenditure (REE) in children with cerebral palsy (CP) graded with different levels of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and to evaluate the accuracy and association of commonly used REE prediction formulas in children with CP.Methods:It was a retrospective study involving 36 children with CP aged 24-144 months who visited the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between September 2021 and August 2022.REE was measured by the indirect calorimetry.Based on the GMFCS, children with CP were divided into grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ group (20 cases), grade Ⅲ group (6 cases) and grade Ⅳ-Ⅴ group(10 cases). During the same period, 11 age-matched healthy children were included in control group.The measured REE (MREE) between children with CP and healthy controls was compared.Predicted REE (PREE) calculated by the Harris-Benedict, WHO, Schofield-W, Schofield-WH and Oxford prediction formulas were compared with MREE in children for their consistency and correlation.Independent samples were analyzed using t-test or Mann- Whitney U test, and categorical data were analyzed using Chi- square test.Using paired t-test and Pearson linear correlation analysis to analyze the correlation between MREE and PREE.The accuracy of PREE values calculated by different formulas was assessed using the root mean square error. Results:The MREE in control group and children with CP were (952.18±270.56) kcal/d and (801.81±201.89) kcal/d, respectively.There was no significant difference in the MREE between grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ group versus control group[(868.30±194.81) kcal/d vs.(952.18±270.56) kcal/d, P>0.05], and grade Ⅲ group versus control group [(813.17±192.48) kcal/d vs.(952.18±270.56) kcal/d, P>0.05]. The MREE was significantly lower in grade Ⅳ-Ⅴ group than that of control group [666.00(513.50, 775.50) kcal/d vs.(952.18±270.56) kcal/d, P=0.011]. There were no significant difference between MREE and PREEs calculated by Harris-Benedict, WHO, Schofield-W, Schofield-WH, and Oxford (all P>0.05). The correct classification fraction calculated by the 5 formulas were 33.3%, 47.2%, 41.7%, 47.2%, and 41.7%, respectively.The r values of the consistency of PREE calculated by the 5 formulas were 0.585, 0.700, 0.703, 0.712, and 0.701, respectively.The Blande-Altman Limits of Agreement were (-297.77, 359.22), (-245.60, 326.94), (-250.62, 316.05), (-242.22, 177.36) and (-241.28, 325.81), respectively.The clinically acceptable range was -80.18 to 80.18 kcal/d.The root mean square error were 168.09 kcal/d, 149.64 kcal/d, 146.24 kcal/d, 144.23 kcal/d and 148.77 kcal/d, respectively. Conclusions:The MREE values decreased significantly in children with CP classified as CMFCS grade Ⅳ and Ⅴ.When REE cannot be regularly monitored by indirect calorimetry to develop nutritional support programs, children with CP may be prioritized to estimate REE using the prediction formula of Schofield-WH.
ABSTRACT
AIM:To evaluate the agreement of corneal high-order aberrations from Topcon KR-1W, i.Profiler and OPD-Scan Ⅲ wavefront aberrometers in myopic adults.METHODS:A prospective clinical study. A total of 92 adult patients(92 eyes)with myopia in the department of optometry, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from June to August 2022 were enrolled. The third-order and fourth-order corneal aberrations at the pupil diameter of 4 and 6mm were measured by Topcon KR-1W, i.Profiler, and OPD-Scan Ⅲ, respectively. The difference and agreement of the three aberrometers were evaluated.RESULTS: The measurements at 6mm pupil diameter were all greater than those at 4mm pupil diameter. Although there were no statistical differences in the measurements of Z-44、Z-24 by the three aberrometers at 4 pupil diameter(P>0.05), there were statistical differences in other measurements(P<0.05). The aberration results measured by the three aberrometers were statistically different at the 6mm pupil diameter(P<0.05). The 95% limit of agreement(95%LoA)of the measurements of higher-order aberration, including the third-order aberrations at 4mm pupil diameter and the third-order and fourth-order aberrations at 6mm pupil diameter(except for the Z-24)were greater than 0.1μm. The concordance correlation coefficient(Pc)was lower than 0.90, indicating a poor consistency. The correlation coefficients of corneal higher-order aberrations were significantly different among the three aberrometers at 4 and 6mm pupil diameter(r4mm=0.215～0.805, P4mm<0.05; r6mm=0.561～0.916, P6mm<0.001).CONCLUSION:There were significant differences in the measurements of the third- and fourth-order corneal aberrations at 4 and 6mm pupil diameter among Topcon KR-1W, i.Profiler, and OPD-Scan Ⅲ, and the agreements were poor, so they are not interchangeably in clinical applications.
ABSTRACT
El objetivo fue evaluar la concordancia entre dife-rentes docentes del Hospital Odontológico Universi-tario de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires en la evaluación de restauraciones dentales en radiografías panorámicas. Se diseñó un formulario ad-hoc basado en los criterios de Ryge modificados. Se construyeron cinco categorías: pre-sencia y tipo (R), extensión (E), y condición (C), de cada restauración; situación respecto de tratamientos endodónticos (EN) y presencia y tipo de anclaje intra-rradicular (A). Después de diferentes reuniones vir-tuales de calibración con ajustes correspondientes en el formulario, se seleccionaron al azar veinticinco radiografías panorámicas de la base de datos de la Cátedra de Diagnóstico por Imágenes. Tres observa-dores aplicaron en forma simultánea e independien-te las categorías a tres piezas (1.1, 1.3 y 1.6) en cada radiografía. La concordancia se evaluó con Kappa de Fleiss por categoría y por diente/categoría. Resulta-dos: categoría/diente(IC95%): R:1.1: 0,96 (0,90-1,2), 1.3: 0,77 (0,56-0,99), 1.6: 0,92 (0,80-1,03); E: 1.1: 0,92 (0,85-1), 1.3: 0,89 (0,73-1,04), 1.6: 0,92 (0,80-1,03); C: 1.1: 0,88 (0,78-0,98), 1.3: 0,74 (0,38-1,10), 1.6: 1 (1-1); EN: 1.1 y 1.3: 1 (1-1), 1.6: 0.90 (0.77-1.04); A: 1.1 y 1.6: 1 (1-1), 1,3: 0,88 (0,71-1,04). En las condiciones de este trabajo el grado de concordancia según Landis & Koch fue de casi perfecto a sustancial en todas las situaciones analizadas (AU))
The aim of this study was to assess agreement among different observers in the evaluation of dental resto-rations in panoramic x-rays at the Dental Hospital of the School of Dentistry, University of Buenos Aires. Materials and methods: an ad-hoc form based on the modified Ryge criteria was designed. Five categories were built: presence and type (R), extension (E), and condition (C), of each restoration, if present, pre-sence and condition of endodontic treatment (EN) and presence and type of intra-root anchorage devices (A). After several virtual calibration meetings among the observers with subsequent adjustments in the form, twenty-five panoramic x-rays were randomly selected and all categories were assessed in three teeth (1.1, 1.3 and 1.6) in each image. The assessment was carried out simultaneously and independently by three evaluators, who registered the data in the de-signed form. Agreement was assessed by category and by category/tooth with Fleiss Kappa. Results: category/tooth (95% CI): R/1.1: 0.96(0.90-1.2),1.3: 0.77(0.56-0.99), 1.6:0.92 (0.80-1.03); E/1.1: 0.92 (0.85-1), 1.3: 0.89 (0.73-1.04), 1.6: 0.92 (0.80-1.03); C: 1.1: 0.88 (0.78-0.98), 1.3: 0.74 (0.38-1.10), 1.6: 1 (1-1); EN: 1.1 and 1.3: 1 (1-1), 1.6: 0.90 (0.77-1.04); A: 1.1 and 1.6: 1 (1- 1), 1.3: 0.88 (0.71-1.04). Within the conditions of this study the degree of agreement ac-cording to Landis & Koch was from almost perfect to substantial in all the situations analyzed (AU)
Subject(s)
Radiography, Panoramic/trends , Dental Restoration, Permanent/methods , Argentina , Schools, Dental , Observer Variation , Data Interpretation, StatisticalABSTRACT
AIM: To compare the differences and agreement of anterior segment biometric parameters of myopic patients measured by domestic Scansys and the imported Sirius based on the principle of Scheimpflug imaging technique.METHODS: In this case series study, 103 cases(103 eyes)that underwent pre-refractive surgery(including small incision lenticule extraction, femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy and implantable contact lens implantation)at Aier Excellent Eye Hospital from May 2022 to October 2022 were recruited. Preoperative keratometry(Km), central corneal thickness(CCT), anterior chamber depth(ACDEndo.), anterior chamber angle(ACA), anterior chamber volume(ACV), white to white(WTW)of patients were recorded.RESULTS: The results of Km, CCT, ACA, and WTW measured by Scansys and Sirius were 42.88(41.54, 44.60)and 42.98(41.56, 44.52)D,(541.52±29.08)and(549.55±29.62)μm, 42.70°±2.67° and 46.63°±5.13°, 12.10±0.60 and 11.98±0.47 mm, respectively, showing the difference was statistically significant(all P<0.01). The ACV measured by Scansys and Sirius was 194.26±31.06 and 191.47±25.65 mm3, and ACDEndo. was 3.40(3.17, 3.57)and 3.43(3.19, 3.56)mm, with no statistically significant difference(all P>0.05). The range of Km, CCT, ACA, ACDEndo., ACV and WTW values measured by the two instruments was small, with an average difference close to zero, and the points percentage of 95% limits of agreement(LoA)was <5%, which is of good consistency.CONCLUSIONS: Scansys and Sirius have small differences and good agreement in the parameters, which can be replaced by each other in clinical practice. Scansys could theoretically be used to extrapolate the implantable contact lens model or could be a new option for anterior segment parameter measurements.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: To evaluate the repeatability of biometry and intraocular lens (IOL) power using Galilei G6 and to determine the agreement of its measurements with those of IOL Master 700 and IOL Master 500. Methods: Hundred mature cataract eyes were examined twice with Galilei G6 and the results were compared with those of other two devices. Axial length (AL), minimum (K1), maximum (K2), and mean keratometry, anterior chamber depth (ACD), white-to-white (WTW) diameter, lens thickness (LT), and the calculated IOL power were the studied parameters. The correlation coefficient, within-subject standard deviation (Sw), Bland–Altman method, and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were used for statistical analysis. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was above 0.9 for all indices, and the LoA ranged from a minimum of 0.08 mm for AL to a maximum of 0.50 D for K1. Sw also ranged between a minimum of 0.02 for AL, ACD, and WTW and a maximum of 0.13 for K1. In the Galilei G6–IOL Master 700 pair, the narrowest and widest LoA were calculated for AL (0.07 mm) and K2 (0.49 D), respectively. In the Galilei G6–IOL Master 500 pair, the narrowest and widest widths of LoA were calculated for AL (0.17 mm) and K2 (0.92 D), respectively. In the first pair, the LoA of IOL power (0.57 D) were the best for Haigis formula and in the second pair, the best agreement (LoA: 0.35 D) was observed for Holladay-1. Conclusion: Galilei G6 provided repeatable biometric measurements. The agreement between biometry and IOL power calculation was better in the Galilei G6–IOL Master 700 pair compared to the Galilei G6–IOL Master 500
ABSTRACT
Aims: The aim of this study is to compare corneal parameters in: central corneal thickness (CCT), thinnest corneal thickness (TCT), mean radius of curvature (Rm) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) obtained from Pentacam Schiempflug and OCT Tomography imaging which are checked preoperatively and six months postoperatively after LASIK surgery.Methodology: Our sample consisted of 40 eyes. Changes in corneal dimensions were monitored before and after LASIK surgery using scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam HR) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The parameters measured were CCT, TCT, Rm and the ACD. The results between the two techniques were compared with the Bland-Altman method.Results: During the analysis of the results, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two techniques in terms of the preoperative CCT as well as the TCT both preoperatively and postoperatively.Scheimpflug tomography gives higher values of the CCT than OCT, up to thickness 530nm, while above this it seems that OCT overestimates the thickness of the cornea. Scheimpflug tomography at the TCT seems to give higher values than OCT tomography, up to thickness 520 nm, while above that it seems that OCT tomography overestimates TCT. We have similar results postoperatively for TCT.The two techniques agree on the ACD and the Rm rating.Conclusion: How converging or different the two imaging devices are because it is important for both clinical practice and research may be a point of reference for starting a new research.
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Background The prevalence of hospitalized elderly patients has grown substantially and has impacted the hospital health services. Thus, it is believed that an investigation of the nutritional status associated with different clinical situations in elderly patients could contribute to multidisciplinary hospital intervention and nutritional care actions suitable for this population. Objective To investigate the relationship between two nutritional screening instruments in hospitalized older patients and to compare clinical variables between these two instruments. Methods Retrospective study with hospitalized older patients (n=277), investigating the agreement between two nutritional screening instruments. The data were analyzed using the McNemar, chi-square, Fisher, Mann-Whitney tests and the kappa coefficient for the agreement assessment. Results There was a significant difference (P=0.0002) between the nutritional risk classifications of the two nutritional screening instruments and moderate agreement (k=0.5430) between them. The association between nutritional risk screening and age (P=0.0255), length of hospital stay (P<0.0001), gender (P=0.0365) and illness (P=0.0001) were assessed. There was an association between Mini Nutritional Assessment and length of stay (P<0.0001), illness (P=0.0001) and body weight evolution (P=0.0479). Conclusion The nutritional risk screening and Mini Nutritional Assessment showed moderate agreement in the assessment of elderly patients.
RESUMO Contexto A prevalência de pacientes idosos hospitalizados tem crescido substancialmente e impactado os serviços de saúde hospitalar. Desta forma, acredita-se que uma investigação do estado nutricional, associado a situações clínicas variadas em pacientes idosos, poderia contribuir para ações de intervenção hospitalar multidisciplinares e de cuidado nutricional adequadas para esta população. Objetivo Investigar a relação entre dois instrumentos de triagem nutricional em pacientes idosos hospitalizados e comparar variáveis clínicas entre estes dois instrumentos. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo com pacientes idosos hospitalizados (n=277), sendo investigado a concordância entre dois instrumentos de triagem nutricional. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes McNemar, qui-quadrado, Fisher, Mann-Whitney e o coeficiente kappa para a avaliação de concordância. Resultados Houve diferença significativa (P=0,0002) entre as classificações de risco nutricional pelos dois instrumentos de triagem nutricional e concordância moderada (k=0,5430) entre eles. Verificou-se associação entre triagem de risco nutricional e idade (P=0,0255), tempo de internação (P<,0001), sexo (P=0,0365) e doenças (P=0,0001). Houve associação entre a Mini Avaliação Nutricional e tempo de internação (P<0,0001), doenças (P=0,0001) e evolução do peso corporal (P=0,0479). Conclusão Triagem de risco nutricional e a Mini Avaliação Nutricional apresentam concordância moderada para a avaliação de pacientes idosos.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To assess the agreement of manual measurement, semi-automatic measurement based on computer-aided diagnosis (CAD), and automatic measurement based on artificial intelligence (AI) in measuring diameters and volumes of solid pulmonary nodules.Methods:The clinical and low dose CT (LDCT) data of 165 participants in lung cancer screening of Sichuan Cancer Hospital from July 2018 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The largest nodule of each participant was selected to analyze, and its diameter and volume were measured by one junior and one senior radiologist using manual measurement, semi-automatic measurement based on CAD, and automatic measurement based on AI. Referring to Lung CT imaging reporting and data system (Lung-RADS, version 1.1), all nodules were classified into Lung-RADS 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 4X categories and low and high risk groups according to the diameter and volume measured by different measurement methods. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and paired t-test were used to compare the differences in the diameter and volume of lung nodules measured by different methods. The consistency of the three methods in measuring nodule diameter and volume was assessed by the correlation coefficient (ICC). Linear weighted Kappa coefficient was applied to assess the consistency of different measurement methods in Lung-RADS classification results; simple Kappa coefficient was applied to assess the consistency of different methods in high and low risk grouping results. Results:Difference in the diameters of pulmonary nodules measured by manual measurement, semi-automatic measurement based on CAD, and automatic measurement based on AI was statistically significant [(14.9±6.3) mm, (17.0±6.7) mm, (15.0±5.7) mm, F=88.39, P<0.001], and the pairwise comparisons showed that there was significant difference between semi-automatic measurement based on CAD and manual measurement method ( t=10.97, P<0.001), semi-automatic measurement based on CAD and automatic measurement based on AI ( t=10.07, P<0.001), but no significant difference between manual measurement method and automatic measurement based on AI method ( t=1.04, P=0.301). There was no significant difference in the measurement of pulmonary nodule volumes between the semi-automatic measurement and the automatic measurement method based on AI ( Z=0.70, P=0.482). The consistency of pulmonary nodules diameter measured by different measurement methods was high (ICC>0.75), and the consistency of semi-automatic and automatic measurement of lung nodule volume was high (ICC=0.927). The consistency of three methods for lung-RADS classification and high-and low-risk grouping according to nodule diameter was good (Kappa>0.80). The agreements between the semi-automatic measurement and the automatic measurement method for Lung-RADS classification and high-and low-risk grouping according to nodule volume were good (Kappa>0.80). Conclusion:In terms of diameter measurement of solid pulmonary nodules, automatic measurement based on AI is more consistent with manual measurement than semi-automatic measurement based on CAD. The agreement between automatic measurement and semi-automatic measurement is high in terms of volume measurement.
ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the difference and agreement of cycloplegic refraction between adaptive optics visual simulator (VAO) and conventional refraction methods.Methods:A diagnostic test study was conducted.Thirty-one eyes of 31 healthy subjects including 15 males and 16 females were enrolled in November, 2019 in Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College.Mean age of the subjects was (20.1±1.0) years, and the right eye was taken for data analysis.Cycloplegic refraction was measured by VAO and conventional refraction methods, respectively.Spherical power, cylindrical power, Jackson cross-cylinder power at axis 90° and 180° (J 0) and Jackson cross-cylinder power at axis 45° and 135° (J 45) vector powers were recorded.Paired t-test was used to compare the refractive parameters between different refraction methods, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement between VAO and conventional refraction methods.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki, and the research protocal was approved by an Ethics Committee of Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College (No.2020ER[A]018). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject prior to any medical examination. Results:For subjective refraction, the ICC for spherical power, cylindrical power, J 0 and J 45 between VAO and phoropter were 0.97, 0.75, 0.84 and 0.09, respectively.For objective refraction, the ICC for spherical power, cylindrical power, J 0 and J 45 between VAO and autorefractor were 0.98, 0.70, 0.74 and 0.61, respectively.The mean differences in spherical power, cylindrical power, J 0 and J 45 between VAO and phoropter were (0.05±0.32), (-0.23±0.28), (-0.10±0.14) and (-0.04±0.16)D, respectively, and the differences in cylindrical power and J 0 were statistically significant (both at P<0.01), whereas no significant differences in spherical power and J 45 were found ( P=0.41, 0.18). The mean differences in spherical power, cylindrical power, J 0 and J 45 measured by VAO and autorefractor were (-0.70±0.26), (-0.07±0.46), (-0.03±0.27) and (0.01±0.12)D, respectively, and the spherical power measurement by VAO was significantly more negative than the autorefractor ( t=15.09, P<0.01), while no significant differences in cylindrical power, J 0 and J 45 were found ( P=0.39, 0.59, 0.63). No significant difference values in spherical power, cylindrical power, J 0 and J 45 were found between the two objective refraction methods and phoropter subjective refraction (all at P>0.05). Conclusions:With cycloplegia, spherical power obtained by VAO objective refraction is more negative compared with autorefractor.There is a good agreement of spherical power and astigmatism vector values measured by VAO and phoropter subjective refraction, and the measurement differences are clinically acceptable.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE To boost access to medical insurance for drugs and improve the accessibility and affordability of drugs. METHODS The current status of the application of international and domestic drug Managed Entry Agreement （MEA）were investigated through literature research method and other methods ，and analyzed comparatively from the aspects of the scope of agreement drugs ，the types of agreements and the content of the agreement ，etc. The problems existing in the application of drug MEA in China were summarized to put forward the suggestions. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS The UK ，Australia and Italy had rich experience in the application of drug MEA ，and the operation management mechanism were complete. The scope of drugs included in MEA in these countries were relatively broad and the types of agreements were relatively diversified. In China ，drugs included in MEA were mainly oncology drugs and rare disease drugs. The types of agreements mainly included “finance-based agreements”and effect guarantee/effect-based payment in individual-level of“performance-based agreements ”. China ’s evidence collection platform was imperfect and lacked standardized process of MEA. It is suggested that stakeholders should consider increasing the types of drugs ，diversified types of agreements ，improving the accuracy and continuity of evidence collection ， establishing a standardized process for MEA.
ABSTRACT
Abstract: Brazil is a signatory to the Paris Agreement and aims to reduce 43% of CO2 emissions by 2030, compared to 2005. However, changes in energy policies are needed to achieve this goal, evaluating the produced effects on emissions. One way to predict these effects is through mathematical modeling. In this paper, we carried out a literature review to identify the most used model types and independent variables to forecasting Brazilian CO2 emissions. The review showed that gray models and artificial neural networks are the most used ones. Furthermore, we also identified that economic growth and energy consumption are the main independent variables.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES@#To understand the legal application and case deposition of assessment opinions of sexual self-defense capability, and to explore the necessity of legal correspondence in the sexual defense capability assessment.@*METHODS@#According to the self-made questionnaire, the cases of sexual self-defense capability assessment completed by the Academy of Forensic Science from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2018 were statistically analyzed through telephone interviews and referrals.@*RESULTS@#Among the 69 cases, 3 cases (4.3%) had complete sexual self-defense capability, 30 cases (43.5%) had weakened sexual self-defense capability, 32 cases (46.2%) had no sexual self-defense capability, and 4 cases (5.8%) were not suitable for assessment. Among the 30 cases with weakened sexual self-defense ability, 15 cases were filed and investigated by public security authorities for rape and 15 cases were not. The inconsistent rate of disposition was 1∶1. Among the 15 rape cases filed and investigated by the public security authorities, 10 cases were arrested and prosecuted by the procuratorate and sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment by the court, while the other 5 cases were not arrested and prosecuted by the procuratorate, with an inconsistent rate of disposition being 2∶1.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The legal application of the assessment opinion on the weakening of sexual self-defense capability is inconsistent, and the judicial disposition is confusing. It is imperative to unify and correspond the classification of sexual self-defense capability with the legal requirements.
Subject(s)
Rape , Forensic Psychiatry , Forensic Medicine , Forensic SciencesABSTRACT
RESUMEN En esta investigación se estudia la política agraria en Colombia y su relación con el conflicto entre campesinos y terratenientes, entorno a los activos productivos rurales. Se aborda la discusión sobre el acceso a la tierra y se examina cada uno de los planes nacionales de desarrollo, para elaborar una trazabilidad histórica de la política agraria en Colombia durante el periodo 1936-2016. El problema de investigación se deriva de la persistencia de la pobreza y marginación social de la población rural, identificada en la Misión Rural y reconocida en el Acuerdo de Paz de 2016. Se concluye que la configuración histórica del Estado fue incorporando los intereses de las estructuras de poder económico y político de cada momento. Cuando el Estado quiso resolver el conflicto por la tierra, la capacidad ejecutiva de las instituciones era limitada y tergiversada por los grupos de interés dominantes que tenían la ventaja de redactar las leyes y aplicarlas de acuerdo con sus preferencias. Por esta razón las condiciones socioeconómicas de los campesinos siguen siendo parecidas a las que tenían hace un siglo. CLASIFICACIÓN JEL P16, P26, O12, O13, O43
ABSTRACT This research studies agrarian policy in Colombia and its relationship with the conflict between peasants and landowners, around rural productive assets. The discussion on access to land is approached and each one of the national development plans is examined, to elaborate a historical traceability of the agrarian policy in Colombia during the period 1936-2016. The research problem stems from the persistence of poverty and social marginalization of the rural population, identified in the rural mission and recognized in the 2016 peace agreement. It is concluded that the historical configuration of the State was incorporating the interests of the economic and political power structures of each moment. When the State wanted to resolve the conflict over land, the executive capacity of the institutions was limited and distorted by the dominant interest groups who had the advantage of writing the laws and applying them according to their preferences. For this reason, the socioeconomic conditions of the peasants continue to be similar to those they had a century ago. JEL CLASSIFICATION P16, P26, O12, O13, O43
RESUMO Esta pesquisa estuda a política agrária na Colômbia e sua relação com o conflito entre camponeses e proprietários de terras em torno dos ativos produtivos rurais. Aborda-se a discussão sobre o acesso à terra e examina-se cada um dos planos nacionais de desenvolvimento, para elaborar uma rastreabilidade histórica da política agrária na Colômbia durante o período 1936-2016. O problema de pesquisa decorre da persistência da pobreza e marginalização social da população rural, identificada na Missão Rural e reconhecida no Acordo de Paz 2016. Conclui-se que a configuração histórica do Estado foi incorporando os interesses das estruturas do poder econômico e político de cada momento. Quando o Estado queria resolver o conflito de terras, a capacidade executiva das instituições era limitada e distorcida pelos grupos de interesse dominantes que tinham a vantagem de redigir as leis e aplicá-las de acordo com suas preferências. Por isso, as condições socioeconômicas dos camponeses continuam semelhantes às de um século atrás. CLASSIFICAÇÃO JEL P16, P26, O12, O13, O43