Concordance of acid-fast stain result and histopathologic vs clinical diagnosis of leprosy: A three-year retrospective study in a Tertiary Government Hospital and Sanitarium in the Philippines

Objectives@#In the Philippines, there has been a lack of information on the concordance between classifications of Hansen’s disease or leprosy clinically, histopathologically, and with AFS results. The study ultimately aimed to determine the concordance between the clinical diagnosis, histopathological results, and AFS results of patients with leprosy seen at the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium (DJNRMHS). @*Methods@#This is a descriptive, retrospective, single-center study conducted at the DJNRMHS, a tertiary government hospital and one of the last remaining sanitaria in the country located in northern Metro Manila in the Philippines. The study reviewed and included all the patient records from the years 2017-2019 which included skin biopsy results and slit-skin smear with AFS. Leprosy patients were then classified based on the following classifications: World Health Organization (WHO) and Ridley-Jopling classifications; and the concordance of clinical diagnosis vs the histopathologic findings and clinical diagnosis vs AFS results were determined using kappa testing.

Effect of M-wave Amplitude on Inter-evaluator Concordance and Number of Detected Innervation Zones in the Medial Gastrocnemius Using Multichannel Electromyography / Efecto de la Amplitud de la Onda M sobre la Concordancia entre Evaluadores y el Número de Zonas de Inervación Detectadas en el Gastrocnemio Medial Mediante Electromiografía Multicanal

SUMMARY: The Innervation Zones (IZ) correspond to clusters of neuromuscular junctions. The traditional method of locating IZs through voluntary muscle contractions may not be feasible in individuals with motor disorders. Imposed contractions by electrostimulation are an alternative. However, there is limited evidence regarding the factors that affect inter-evaluator concordance and the number of localized IZs when using imposed contraction. The main objective of this research was to determine the effect of the amplitude of compound motor action potentials (CMAPs) containing the M-wave on inter-evaluator agreement. As a secondary objective, was investigate the effect on the number of detected IZs. Twenty-four healthy volunteers (age: 21.2 ± 1.5years, weight: 67.4 ± 13.2kg, height: 1.68 ± 0.80m) participated in the study. Electrostimulation was applied to the tibial nerve to induce contraction of the medial gastrocnemius. The IZ were identified based on the M-wave recorded through multichannel electromyography. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to assess sensitivity and specificity in detecting the IZs. Inter-rater agreement was evaluated using a two-way mixed effects test to determine the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The ROC analysis revealed that for both evaluators, a specificity of 95% was achieved with an amplitude ≥30 %. The area under the ROC curve was 0.980 [0.964, 0.996], indicating a strong influence of CMAP amplitude on detection of IZs. The highest level of agreement (ICC = 0.788 [0.713, 0.844]) among the evaluators was observed with CMAP amplitudes equal to or greater than 80 % of the maximum M-wave. The findings of this study demonstrate that both the number and the inter-evaluator concordance for detecting IZs using imposed contractions are strongly influenced by the amplitude of the M-wave. Higher M-wave amplitudes were associated with improved concordance and increased IZ detection, making it crucial to standardize amplitude settings for reliable outcomes.

Las Zonas de Inervación (IZ) corresponden a grupos de uniones neuromusculares. El método tradicional para localizar IZs mediante contracciones musculares voluntarias puede no ser factible en personas con trastornos motores. Las contracciones impuestas mediante electro estimulación son una alternativa. Sin embargo, existe poca evidencia sobre los factores que afectan la concordancia entre evaluadores y el número de IZs localizadas al usar este tipo de contracciones. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar el efecto de la amplitud de los potenciales de acción motores compuestos (PAMCs) que contienen la onda M sobre la concordancia entre evaluadores. Como objetivo secundario, se investigó el efecto sobre el número de IZs detectadas. Veinticuatro voluntarios sanos (edad: 21.2 ± 1.5 años, peso: 67.4 ± 13.2 kg, altura: 1.68 ± 0.80 m) participaron en el estudio. Se aplicó electroestimulación al nervio tibial para inducir la contracción del gastrocnemio medial. Las IZs se identificaron según la onda M registrada mediante electromiografía multicanal. Se realizó un análisis de curva de las característica del receptor (ROC) para evaluar la sensibilidad y especificidad en la detección de las IZs. La concordancia entre evaluadores se evaluó utilizando una prueba de efectos mixtos de dos vías para determinar los coeficientes de correlación intraclase (ICC). Se consideró un valor de p menor que 0.05 como estadísticamente significativo. El análisis ROC reveló que para ambos evaluadores se logró una especificidad del 95% con una amplitud ≥30 %. El área bajo la curva ROC fue de 0.980 [0.964, 0.996], lo que indica una fuerte influencia de la amplitud del CMAP en la detección de las IZs. El nivel más alto de concordancia (ICC = 0.788 [0.713, 0.844]) entre los evaluadores se observó con amplitudes de CMAP iguales o mayores al 80 % de la onda M máxima. Los hallazgos de este estudio demuestran que tanto el número como la concordancia entre evaluadores para detectar IZs mediante contracciones impuestas están fuertemente influenciados por la amplitud de la onda M. Las amplitudes más altas de la onda M se asociaron con una concordancia mejorada y un aumento en la detección de IZs, lo que hace crucial estandarizar los ajustes de amplitud para obtener resultados confiables.

Concordancia de los hallazgos citológicos, colposcópicos e histológicos en lesiones premalignas del cuello uterino / Concordance in cytological, colposcopic and histological findings in premalignant lesions of the cervix

Resumen OBJETIVO: Determinar la concordancia de los hallazgos citológicos, colposcópicos e histopatológicos en lesiones premalignas del cuello uterino. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal, retrospectivo y comparativo, efectuado en la Clínica de Displasias del Hospital General Regional 1 del estado de Querétaro, México, del 1 de enero a diciembre del 2020, con base en la información de los expedientes de mujeres con reporte citológico, colposcópico e histopatológico (biopsia) de lesión intraepitelial de bajo y alto grado. El plan de análisis estadístico incluyó intervalos de confianza para promedios y porcentajes. Se utilizó el Índice de Kappa ponderado para conocer el nivel de concordancia. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 290 expedientes. La edad promedio de las pacientes fue 36 años, el índice de kappa ponderado fue k = 0.41 (IC95%: 0.33-0.53) para la citología y la colposcopia con un valor moderado (regular). Para la citología y la biopsia fue de k= 0.33 (IC95%: 0.22-0.49) con un valor escaso (medio). En cuanto a la colposcopia y la biopsia fue de k = 0.61 (IC95%: 0.49-0.72) con un valor de buena (sustancial) concordancia. CONCLUSIÓN: Entre la citología y la colposcopia el coeficiente de concordancia fue moderado, para la citología y la biopsia fue escaso, mientras que para la colposcopia y la biopsia fue un sustancial.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the concordance in cytologic, colposcopic and histopathologic findings in premalignant lesions of the uterine cervix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, retrospective and comparative study, carried out in the dysplasia clinic of the Hospital General Regional 1 of the state of Querétaro, Mexico, from January 1 to December 2020, based on information from the records of women with cytology, colposcopy and histopathology (biopsy) report with low- and high-grade intraepithelial lesion. The statistical analysis plan included confidence intervals for averages and percentages. The weighted Kappa Index was used to determine the level of concordance. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety records were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 36 years, the weighted kappa index was k = 0.41 (95%CI: 0.33-0.53) for cytology and colposcopy with a moderate value (fair). For cytology and biopsy, it was k= 0.33 (95%CI: 0.22-0.49) with a poor value (medium). For colposcopy and biopsy, it was k = 0.61 (95%CI: 0.49-0.72) with a value of good (substantial) agreement. CONCLUSION: Between cytology and colposcopy the concordance coefficient was moderate, for cytology and biopsy it was poor, while for colposcopy and biopsy it was a substantial.

Grado de concordancia en una serie de informes de electroencefalogramas ambulatorios del Departamento de Neurofisiología Clínica del Hospital de Clínicas / Coefficient of agreement in a series of reports for ambulatory electroencephalograms at the clinical neurophisiology department of Clinicas Hospital / Grau de concordância em uma série de relatórios de eletroencefalogramas ambulatoriais do Departamento de Neurofisiologia Clínica do Hospital de Clínicas

El electroencefalograma (EEG) es una técnica neurofisiológica encargada de analizar la actividad cerebral utilizada con fines diagnósticos en la epilepsia, pero también en pacientes con encefalopatías agudas y crónicas no epilépticas. Su interpretación debe realizarse por médicos especializados en el área con una formación correcta, actualizada y homogénea para evitar conclusiones disimiles y términos en desuso. Para conocer dentro de una unidad de Neurofisiología Clínica de manera objetiva cómo se interpreta un EEG y su concordancia, comparamos una serie de estudios de EEG ambulatorios a través del grado de concordancia o Kappa entre los observadores. Creemos que es importante conocer las similitudes o diferencias inter observador a fines de corregir los problemas observados y mejorar la calidad asistencial.

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a neurophysiological technique that measures electrical activity in the brain for diagnostic purposes in epilepsy, and in patients with nonepileptic acute and chronic encelopathies. This test must be performed by physicians who are specialized in the area and have the appropriate updated and uniform training, in order to avoid dissimilar conclusions and outdated terms. We compared a series of ambulatory EEG by analyzing the Kappa or coefficient of agreement rate among observers to objectively learn how an EEG is interpreted and about agreement rates at the Neurophisiology Clinic. We believe it is important to learn about interobserver similarities and differences to allow for the correction of problems noticed and improve the quality of care. Coefficient of agreement in a series of reports for ambulatory electroencephalograms at the clinical neurophisiology department of Clinicas Hospital.

O eletroencefalograma (EEG) é uma técnica neurofisiológica utilizada no estudo da atividade cerebral utilizada no diagnóstico em epilepsia, mas também em pacientes com encefalopatias não epilépticas agudas e crônicas. Sua interpretação deve ser realizada por médicos especialistas na área com formação correta, atualizada e homogênea para evitar conclusões díspares e termos obsoletos. Para conhecer como um EEG e sua concordância são interpretados objetivamente dentro de uma unidade de Neurofisiologia Clínica, comparamos uma série de estudos EEG ambulatoriais através do grau de concordância ou Kappa entre observadores. Acreditamos que é importante conhecer as semelhanças ou diferenças interobservadores para corrigir os problemas observados e melhorar a qualidade do atendimento.

Tumor de ovario borderline: concordancia entre biopsia contemporánea y biopsia definitiva / Borderline tumor of the ovary: accuracy of intraoperative frozen section and definitive biopsy

OBJETIVO: Los tumores de ovario borderline (BOT) son un grupo de lesiones neoplásicas de origen epitelial del ovario que presentan características de tumores malignos, pero sin invasión del estroma, y se caracterizan por tener un buen pronóstico. El objetivo del estudio es determinar la concordancia diagnóstica entre biopsia contemporánea y definitiva de los BOT en nuestro centro hospitalario. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio analítico retrospectivo de corte transversal de las biopsias contemporáneas y definitivas de BOT en la base de datos de anatomía patológica del Hospital Padre Hurtado, entre los años 2010 y 2019. El análisis estadístico de concordancia se realizó mediante test de kappa. RESULTADOS: Se revisaron 4546 informes de biopsias entre los años 2010 y 2019. Se pesquisaron 163 tumores malignos de ovario, de los cuales 69 (42,33%) correspondieron a BOT. De estos, 39 fueron serosos (56,2%), 28 mucinosos (40,57%) y 2 (2,8%) de tipo endometrioide. El resultado de concordancia diagnóstica de BOT seroso es moderada, del 75,71% con un índice de kappa de 0,5143 (p = 0,000), y el de BOT mucinoso es débil, del 65,71% con un índice de kappa de 0,2398 (p = 0,0222). CONCLUSIONES: Los BOT corresponden a un gran porcentaje dentro de los tumores malignos del ovario, siendo el subtipo seroso el más común. La concordancia entre biopsia contemporánea y definitiva es de débil a moderada.

OBJECTIVE: Borderline ovarian tumors (BOT) are a group of neoplastic lesions of epithelial origin of the ovary that present characteristics of malignant tumors but without stromal invasion and are characterized by having a good prognosis. The objective of the study is to determine the concordance between frozen section and definitive biopsy of BOT in our hospital center. METHOD: A retrospective, cross-sectional analytical study of the frozen section and definitive BOT biopsies was performed in the pathological anatomy database of the Padre Hurtado Hospital during the years 2010 and 2019. The statistical and concordance analysis was performed using kappa tests. RESULTS: 4546 biopsy reports were reviewed during 2010 and 2018. A total of 163 malignant ovarian tumors were investigated, of which 69 (42%) corresponded to BOT. Of these, the most common subtypes were 39 (56.2%) serous, 28 (40.57%) mucinous and 2 (2.8%) endometroid. The concordance results of serous BOT is moderate, 75.71% with a kappa index of 0.5143 (p = 0.000), and mucinous BOT have fair concordance, 65.71% with a kappa index of 0.2398 (p = 0.0222). CONCLUSIONS: BOT correspond to a large percentage of malignant tumors of the ovary, with the serous subtype being the most common. The concordance between contemporary and definitive biopsy is between fair and moderate.

Evaluation of performance of two monoplex quantitative real time PCR assays in comparison to microscopy for identification of Malaria parasites.

Background: Microscopy is the gold standard for Malaria diagnosis with shortcomings such as false positives, false negatives, errors in species identification, and errors in enumeration of parasites. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) has improved submicroscopic malaria diagnosis. This study evaluated the performance, concordance, correlation and methods agreement of two monoplex qPCR assays against expert malaria microscopy for the detection and enumeration of malaria parasites. Methods: This was a cross sectional study utilizing 127 archived blood samples collected from five provinces in Kenya. Malaria microscopy was conducted by two independent microscopists then 18S-rRNA-qPCR and non-18S-rRNA-qPCR assays were done to identify and quantify the infecting species. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. Cohen Kappa value was used to quantify the method agreement and Bland Altman test was used to assess the bias and limits of agreement. Correlation between microscopy and qPCR parasite densities was determined by the Spearman's rank test. Statistical significance was taken at p<0.05. Results: A higher sensitivity and a lower specificity were observed in all the three plasmodium species in non 18S- rRNA-qPCR compared to 18S-rRNA-qPCR. The sensitivity and specificity of 18S-rRNA-qPCR was 91.3% and 75% in detection of P. falciparum, 67.6% and 88.1% in detection of P. malariae, and 55.8% and 91.4% in detection of P. ovale. The sensitivity and specificity of non 18S-rRNA-qPCR was 99.1% and 66.7% in detection of P. falciparum, 77.9% and 88.1% in detection of P. malariae, and 79.4% and 90.3% in detection of P. ovale. All the positive and negative predictive values were above 70% except the negative predictive value for 18S-rRNA-qPCR (47.4%). Kappa of more than 0.5 was observed between microscopy and both18S-rRNA-qPCR and non-18S-rRNA-qPCR in the detection of all three malaria parasites. The non-18S-rRNA-qPCR method had higher kappa > 0.65, in all the three species compared to 18S-rRNA-qPCR method (kappa < 0.55). There was a clear positive correlation between microscopy parasite density and the parasite densities estimated by the 18S-rRNA-qPCR and Non-18S-rRNA-qPCR (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that both monoplex realtime PCR methods demonstrated a high performance compared to microscopy proving to be better methods in the identification and speciation of malaria parasites especially of low parasitemia. The realtime PCR methods also had a positive correlation with parasite density and hence can be used in accurate determination of parasite densities when compared to microscopy. Therefore, this study recommends the utilization of realtime PCR methods in the detection, speciation and quantification of both microscopic and submicroscopic malaria parasites.

Concordancia de valoraciones del dolor entre la Escala de Conductas Indicadoras del Dolor y Behavioral Pain Scale / Concordance of pain assessment between the Escala de Conductas Indicadoras de Dolor y Behavioral Pain Scale

Introducción: La valoración del dolor del paciente critico se basa en indicadores conductuales. Actualmente existen diversas escalas con diferencias en la forma de puntuar la presencia de dolor. Objetivo: Determinar la concordancia entre mediciones del dolor según la Escala de conductas indicadoras de dolor (ESCID) y la Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS). Métodos: Estudio observacional en pacientes con ventilación mecánica. Se aplicaron la BPS y la ESCID en reposo y durante aspiración de secreciones, a fin de determinar su concordancia mediante el coeficiente Kappa de Cohen y el nivel de dolor de la ESCID. Resultados: La concordancia estadística entre la BPS y la ESCID fue 0.23 según el coeficiente Kappa de Cohen, considerada "regular" de acuerdo con Landis y Koch. La BPS determinó presencia de dolor en 93.4% de pacientes durante la aspiración de secreciones, y la ESCID lo detectó en el 100%, clasificando 80% en nivel moderado­grave. Limitaciones de estudio: Muestra de 15 pacientes. El estudio se realizó en dos momentos. Originalidad: El resultado obtenido no tiene comparación con otro estudio, pues sólo se ha estudiado la concordancia entre observadores. Conclusiones: La concordancia entre las mediciones del dolor con ambas escalas se considera baja. La ESCID muestra mayor sensibilidad, aunque los niveles de puntuaciones bajas pueden ser causados por factores no relacionados con dolor. BPS muestra menor sensibilidad, pues considera la presencia de dolor con puntajes sin clasificaciones intermedias. Este estudio apoya el uso de ESCID como una escala confiable en las valoraciones del dolor.

Introduction: Pain assessment in critical patients is based on behavioral indicators. Currently, there are various scales that differ in their pain-scoring systems. Objective: To determine the concordance between pain measurements according the Behavioural Indicators of Pain Scale (ESCID, by its acronym in Spanish) and Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS). Methods: Observational study in patients subjected to mechanical ventilation. The BPS and the ESCID were applied at rest and during aspiration of secretions, in order to determine their concordance using Cohen's kappa coefficient and pain level according to ESCID. Results: The statistical concordance between the BPS and ESCID was 0.23 according to Cohen's kappa coefficient, considered "regular" as stated by Landis and Koch. BPS determined the presence of pain in 93.4% of patients during aspiration of secretions, and ESCID detected it in 100% of patients, with 80% in the moderate-severe level. Study limitations: Sample of 15 patients. The study was performed two times. Originality: The obtained results have no comparison with other studies, since they only analyze inter-observer concordance. Conclusions: The concordance between pain measurements with both scales is considered low. ESCID shows higher pain sensitivity, although low score levels may be caused by factors not related to pain. BPS shows lower sensitivity, since it considers the presence of pain with scores without intermediate classifications. This study supports the use of ESCID as a reliable scale for pain assessment

Estudio transoperatorio de tumores limítrofes de ovario. Características que pueden repercutir en el diagnóstico / The intraoperative study in borderline ovarian tumors. Characteristics that can impact the diagnosis

Resumen OBJETIVO: Determinar el porcentaje de concordancia del estudio transoperatorio con el diagnóstico definitivo de tumores limítrofes de ovario. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, transversal, retrospectivo y descriptivo efectuado en el Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia 4 Luis Castelazo Ayala, Ciudad de México, en pacientes operadas entre el 1 de enero de 2018 y el 31 diciembre de 2020 de un tumor abdominopélvico, con examen transoperatorio de tumor limítrofe de ovario. El estudio transoperatorio se evaluó como prueba diagnóstica y el diagnóstico definitivo como patrón de referencia para establecer la concordancia del primero con el diagnóstico definitivo de tumores limítrofes de ovario. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 68 tumores limítrofes de ovario, entre los diagnosticados en el estudio transoperatorio y el definitivo. Se encontraron 59 casos con diagnóstico definitivo de tumor limítrofe de ovario. La concordancia con el estudio transoperatorio fue de 63.2%. Se sobrediagnosticaron 2 de 68 pacientes (2.9%) y se subdiagnosticaron 23 de 68 (33.8%). CONCLUSIONES: La concordancia obtenida es semejante a lo reportado en la bibliografía internacional. Los tumores mucinosos mayores de 10 cm son subdiagnosticados con mayor frecuencia debido a su extensión.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the percentage of concordance of the transoperative study with the definitive diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective and des-criptive study performed at the Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia 4 Luis Castelazo Ayala, Mexico City, in patients operated between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2020 for an abdominopelvic tumor, with transoperative examination of borderline ovarian tumor. The transoperative study was evaluated as a diagnostic test and the definitive diagnosis as a reference standard to establish the concordance of the former with the definitive diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumors. RESULTS: Sixty-eight borderline ovarian tumors were analyzed, between those diagnosed in the transoperative study and the definitive one. We found 59 cases with definitive diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumor. The concordance with the transoperative study was 63.2%. Two of 68 patients (2.9%) were overdiagnosed and 23 of 68 (33.8%) were underdiagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: The concordance obtained is like that reported in the international literature. Mucinous tumors larger than 10 cm are most frequently underdiagnosed due to their extension.

Concordancia citocolposcópica con la prueba histopatológica en la identificación de neoplasias intraepiteliales cervicales / Cytocolposcopic concordance with histopathologic testing in the identification of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

Resumen OBJETIVO: Evaluar la concordancia diagnóstica entre la citología y la colposcopia respecto del diagnóstico histopatológico de cáncer cervicouterino en mujeres del estado de San Luis Potosí que acudieron a un hospital de segundo nivel de atención. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio correlacional efectuado en un hospital de segundo nivel de atención del Municipio de San Luis Potosí, entre 2015 y 2017. Criterios de inclusión: reunir tres reportes de las pruebas de Papanicolaou, colposcopia e histopatología basados en la clasificación de Richart, ser usuarias de la clínica de colposcopia del hospital y haber firmado el consentimiento informado. Para evaluar la concordancia diagnóstica, tomando como referencia el resultado histopatológico, se realizó la prueba de Kappa. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 379 pacientes con media de edad de 34.61 años. La sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y negativo de la prueba de Papanicolaou fueron: 95.60, 6.60, 96.13 y 5.82%, respectivamente. La sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y negativo de la colposcopia fueron: 95.98, 33.33, 98.90 y 11.76%, respectivamente. Al hacer la prueba de Kappa el desenlace para el Papanicolaou fue: 0.021 (p = 0.677) y para la colposcopia 0.154 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONES: La sensibilidad de la prueba diagnóstica de Papanicolaou y la colposcopia fue alta al igual que el valor predictivo positivo. Es importante analizar las variables que pudieran estar ocasionando la discordancia diagnóstica entre Papanicolaou-colposcopia-histopatología.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic concordance between cytology and colposcopy with respect to the histopathological diagnosis of cervical cancer in women from the state of San Luis Potosí who attended a second-level care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Correlational study performed in a second-level care hospital in the municipality of San Luis Potosí, between 2015 and 2017. Inclusion criteria: to gather three reports of Papanicolaou, colposcopy and histopathology tests based on Richart's classification, to be users of the hospital's colposcopy clinic and to have signed the informed consent. To evaluate the diagnostic concordance, taking the histopathological result as a reference, the Kappa test was performed. RESULTS: We studied 379 patients with a mean age of 34.61 years. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the Papanicolaou test were: 95.60, 6.60, 96.13 and 5.82%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of colposcopy were: 95.98, 33.33, 98.90 and 11.76%, respectively. When doing the Kappa test the outcome for Papanicolaou was: 0.021 (p = 0.677) and for colposcopy 0.154 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of the Papanicolaou diagnostic test and colposcopy was high as was the positive predictive value. It is important to analyze the variables that could be causing the diagnostic discordance between Papanicolaou-colposcopy-histopathology.

Morphological characteristics, classifications and difficulties in the use of diagnostic criteria for serrated lesions of the large intestine

Abstract: Introduction Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal neoplasm in the world, accounting for 15% of cancer-related deaths. This condition is related to different molecular pathways, among them the recently described serrated pathway, whose characteristic entities, serrated lesions, have undergone important changes in their names and diagnostic criteria in the past thirty years. The multiplicity of denominations and criteria over the last years may be responsible for the low interobserver concordance (IOC) described in the literature. Objectives: The present study aims to describe the evolution in classification of serrated lesions, based on the last three publications of theWorld Health Organization (WHO) and the reproducibility of these criteria by pathologists, based on the evaluation of the IOC. Methods: A search was conducted in the PubMed, ResearchGate and Portal Capes databases, with the following terms: sessile serrated lesion; serrated lesions; serrated adenoma; interobserver concordance; andreproducibility.Articlespublished since 1990were researched. Results and Discussion: The classification of serrated lesions in the past thirty years showed different denominations and diagnostic criteria. The reproducibility and IOC of these criteria in the literature, based on the kappa coefficient, varied in most studies, from very poor to moderate. Conclusions: Interobserver concordance and the reproducibility of microscopic criteria may represent a limitation for the diagnosis andappropriatemanagementof these lesions. It is necessary to investigate diagnostic tools to improve the performance of the pathologist's evaluation, for better concordance, and, consequently, adequate diagnosis and treatment. (AU)

Concordancia interobservador en la clasificación de Paprosky en un hospital de un país de una economía emergente / Inter-observer agreement in the Paprosky classification in a hospital in a country of an emerging economy

Resumen: Introducción: La evaluación y manejo de la pérdida ósea acetabular en la artroplastía total de cadera es un desafío para los cirujanos ortopédicos, deseamos en este estudio determinar la concordancia interobservador en la clasificación de Paprosky para defectos acetabulares. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal, prospectivo. Se realizó utilizando las radiografías anteroposteriores de cadera de pacientes programados para artroplastía total de cadera primaria o de revisión con defecto óseo acetabular, sistema de rayos X local Sinapse, se valoraron 20 radiografías por observador tomadas de manera aleatoria (médicos adscritos al servicio de reemplazos articulares con experiencia mínima de cinco años) utilizando la clasificación de Paprosky de manera espontánea (sin clases previas) de defectos acetabulares, se evaluó la concordancia interobservador mediante el coeficiente de kappa de Cohen. Resultados: Se obtuvo una concordancia interobservador en promedio para la clasificación de Paprosky de defectos acetabulares utilizando el coeficiente de kappa de Cohen, el análisis de concordancia se hizo empleando el programa estadístico Statistical Package for the Social Sciences de 0.237. Conclusiones: Tanto la hipótesis nula (kappa mayor de 0.80 valor considerado óptimo) como la hipótesis alternativa (kappa de 0.41 a 0.80 valor igual a moderada a buena) no concordaron con nuestro estudio (kappa igual a 0.237) valor igual a leve, además se demostró que a mayor defecto acetabular menor es la concordancia interobservador en cirujanos en nuestra institución.

Abstract: Introduction: The evaluation and management of acetabular bone loss in total hip arthroplasty is a challenge for orthopedic surgeons, we wish in this study to determine the inter-observer concordance in the Paprosky classification for acetabular defects. Material and methods: Observational, descriptive, longitudinal, prospective study. It was performed using anteroposterior hip radiographs of patients scheduled for primary total hip arthroplasty or revision with acetabular bone defect, Sinapse local X-ray system, 20 X-rays were assessed per observer taken randomly (doctors assigned to the joint replacement service with minimum experience of five years) using the Paprosky classification spontaneously, (without previous classes) for acetabular defects, inter-observer concordance was assessed using Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Results: An interobserver agreement was obtained on average for the Paprosky classification of acetabular defects using the Cohen's Kappa coefficient, the concordance analysis was done using the statistical program statistical package for the social sciences of 0.237. Conclusions: Both the null hypothesis (Kappa greater than 0.80 value considered optimal) and the alternative hypothesis (Kappa from 0.41 to 0.80 value equal to moderate to good) did not agree with our study (Kappa equal to 0.237) value equal to mild, in addition , it was shown that the greater the acetabular defect, the lower the interobserver agreement in surgeons in our institution.

Polypharmacy simulation and pharmacotherapy perceptions among students from a university in Ceará: a pilot study / Simulação de polimedicação e percepções sobre farmacoterapia em estudantes de universidade no Ceará: estudo-piloto

Abstract: Introduction: Given the high prevalence of polypharmacy patients, it is paramount that they be handled with an effective therapeutic alliance and with safe and feasible treatments. Empathy towards the patient is essential, and the lack of prescriber experience may hamper such bond. Objectives: This study simulates a polypharmacy regimen among medical students, aiming to promote reflections about the daily challenges faced by patients. Methods: It is a prospective study in a single, non-blind group. The participants were medical students and residents from our institution, all of whom followed a 7-day placebo prescription. They answered questionnaires on their perceptions of medication adherence and concordance before and after the simulation. Results: twenty-eight volunteers participated, 27 of which (96.4%) forgot to take at least one pill during the experiment. Among the lower undergraduates, 28.57% interrupted at least one medication. As for the higher undergraduates and residents, this happened with 71.43% of them. There were more adherence failures than predicted by the participants themselves. In realistic dosages, levothyroxine, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and metformin were the drugs reported to be the most difficult. 96% of the volunteers strongly agreed that doctor and patient's agreement regarding the treatment correlates with good adherence. Conclusion: Understanding the factors that affect adherence and how to handle them is essential for a doctor, as well as a good bond with the patient. The teaching of these abilities is very necessary. Further studies are needed to reach more undergraduate students and to highlight the relevance of simulations in the medical education setting.

Resumo: Introdução: Com a prevalência de pacientes polimedicados, é essencial que estes sejam manejados com aliança terapêutica efetiva e tratamentos factíveis e seguros. A empatia com o paciente é indispensável, e a falta de experiência dos prescritores pode impedir esse vínculo. Objetivo: O presente estudo simula um regime polimedicamentoso com acadêmicos de Medicina, para promover reflexões sobre as dificuldades vivenciadas pelos pacientes. Método: É estudo prospectivo em grupo único e não cego. Participaram estudantes de Medicina dos semestres 5 a 7, internos e residentes da nossa instituição, que seguiram regime placebo por sete dias. Antes e depois do período, os voluntários responderam a questionários de percepções sobre aderência medicamentosa e concordância terapêutica. Resultado: Participaram 28 voluntários, dos quais 27 (96,4%) esqueceram-se de utilizar pelo menos uma medicação durante o período. Dos graduandos, 28,57% referiram interrupção do uso de pelo menos uma. Do grupo de internos e residentes, essa porcentagem foi de 71,43%. Houve mais perdas de dose do que o previsto pelos participantes. Seguindo posologias realistas, levotiroxina sódica, inibidor de enzima conversora da angiotensina e metformina foram os fármacos referidos como de maior dificuldade. Do total de participantes, 96% afirmaram com veemência que o tratamento acordado entre médico e paciente deve se correlacionar com a boa aderência terapêutica. Conclusão: A compreensão sobre os fatores que influenciam na aderência e em seus manejos é indispensável na capacitação do médico, bem como o bom vínculo entre médico e paciente. O ensino dessas habilidades é necessário. São necessários estudos adicionais, a fim de alcançar mais graduandos e ressaltar a relevância de simulações no ensino médico.

Valor diagnóstico de las clasificaciones outerbridge e ICRS para la clasificación artroscópica de lesiones condrales de rodilla / Diagnostic value of outerbridge and ICRS classifications for arthroscopic grading of chondral lesions in the knee

OBJETIVOS: Determinar el rendimiento de las clasificaciones de Outerbridge (OB) e International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS). MÉTODO: Estudio de test diagnóstico, diseño y recolección de datos prospectivo. Siete traumatólogos sub-especialistas observaron un mismo video donde se exponían 30 lesiones condrales bajo visión artroscópica, para luego clasificarlas según OB e ICRS y consignar el tratamiento de elección para cada una de las lesiones, eligiendo entre 6 alternativas: observación, debridamiento mecánico o térmico, microfractura, OATS o terapias biológicas. Tras 7 días, los evaluadores debían repetir el mismo procedimiento. RESULTADOS: La concordancia entre los observadores fue débil para clasificación de ICRS (k 0,25 p < 0,001) y moderada para la clasificación de OB (k 0,45 p < 0,001). La concordancia intra-observador para ICRS oscilaba entre moderada y excelente (k promedio de 0,67), y para la clasificación de OB entre buena y excelente (k promedio 0,83). Ninguna de las dos clasificaciones mostró correlación con la experiencia del cirujano. En la elección de tratamiento, la concordancia entre observadores fue débil (k 0,33 p < 0,001), sin embargo, la concordancia intra-observador fue en todos los casos buena o excelente (k 0,82), mostrando una correlación directamente proporcional a la experiencia del cirujano. La capacidad de discriminación terapéutica, evaluada mediante una regresión logística, mostró un área bajo la curva roc en el rango del no-efecto. CONCLUSIÓN: Ambas clasificaciones mostraron una baja correlación inter-observador y una elevada concordancia intra-observador. En ambas categorías, Outerbridge fue más concordante que ICRS. En cuanto al tratamiento, ninguna de las dos clasificaciones logra unificar criterios quirúrgicos. NIVEL DE EVIDENCIA: Nivel I (test diagnóstico).

OBJECTIVES: Assess de diagnostic accuracy of Outerbridge (OB) and ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society) classifications. METHODS: We performed a diagnostic test study, with a prospective design and data collection. Seven knee surgeons were asked to observe a video were the 30 chondral lesions were shown through arthroscopic view. Simultaneously they were asked to classify them according to OB and ICRS. Besides, they had to define how they would manage the chondral lesion, choosing among six treatment options (observation, mechanical or thermic chondroplasty, microfracture, osteochondral autologous transfer system (OATS) or biological therapies). A week later, they repeated the same procedure. Intra and interobserver agreement were characterized by κ statistical analysis, and a logistic regression was used to assess the ability of both classifications to discriminate among treatment options. P values < 0,05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was weak (κ 0.25 p < 0.001) for ICRS classification and moderate for OB classification (κ 0.45 p < 0.001). Intraobserver agreement for ICRS ranged from moderate to excellent (average κ of 0.67), and for the OB classification ranged from good to excellent (average kappa 0.83). Neither classification correlated with the surgeon's experience. Interobserver agreement for therapeutic choice was poor (κ 0.33 p < 0.001). However, intraobserver agreement was good to excellent (κ 0.82) in all cases, showing a direct correlation with the surgeon's experience. Logistic regression used to assess the ability of both classifications to discriminate among treatment options, showed in both cases an area under the roc curve in the no-effect range. CONCLUSION: Both classifications showed low interobserver and high intraobserver agreements for arthroscopic grading of chondral lesions. In both, Outerbridge was more reliable than ICRS. As for guiding therapeutic management, none of the classifications could unify surgical criteria.

¿Son válidos los métodos manuales modificados para determinar la Velocidad de Eritrosedimentación Globular (VSG) en laboratorios clínicos? / Are modified manual methods valid to establish Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) in clinical laboratories? / Os métodos manuais modificados são válidos para determinar a velocidade de hemossedimentação(VHS) nos laboratórios clínicos?

Resumen Se evaluó estadísticamente la validez de cuatro métodos para determinar la Velocidad de Eritrosedimentación Globular (VSG) alternos al de Westergren, el que se tomó como "gold standard". Los métodos evaluados fueron Wintrobe (WB), Wintrobe inclinado (WI) a 45° y dos micrométodos capilares, uno vertical (MM) y otro inclinado a 45° (MMI). Se procesaron 419 muestras por los cinco métodos. Se evaluó la concordancia (C), la sensibilidad (S), especificidad (E), valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y valor predictivo negativo (VPN). Los resultados de S, E, VPP, VPN y C fueron: 93,8%, 93,6, 98,8%, 72,8% y 71% en el de WB; 86,3%, 85,7%, 97,2%, 52,4% y 54% en el de WI; 94,6%, 66,6%, 94,1%, 71,4% y 54% para MM y 91,9%, 72,4%, 94,8%, 60,8% y 55% para MMI. El índice kappa mostró una concordancia "buena" entre el método de Westergren y el método de Wintrobe y "moderada" con los métodos de WBI, MM y MMI. Los resultados del presente estudio muestran que el método de Wintrobe es confiable para su uso en el laboratorio clínico comparado con el de Westergreen.

Abstract Four methods were statistically evaluated for their validity to determine the alternative Erythrocyte sedimentation rate to that of Westergren, which was taken as the "gold standard". The methods evaluated were Wintrobe (WB), Wintrobe inclined (WI) at 45° and two capillary micromethods, one vertical (MM) and one inclined at 45° (MMI). A total of 419 samples were processed by the five methods. Concordance (C), sensitivity (S), specificity (E), positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were evaluated. The results for S, E, PPV, NPV and C were: 93.8%, 93.6, 98.8%, 72.8% and 71% for WB; 86.3%, 85.7%, 97.2%, 52.4% and 54% for WI; 94.6%, 66.6%, 94.1%, 71.4% and 54% for MM and 91.9%, 72.4%, 94.8%, 60.8% and 55% for MMI. The kappa index showed "good" agreement between the Westergren method and the Wintrobe method and "moderate" agreement with the WBI, MM and MMI methods. The results of the present study show that the Wintrobe method is reliable for use in the clinical laboratory compared to the Westergren method.

Resumo Neste trabalho, foi avaliada estatisticamente a validez de quatro métodos para determinar a Velocidade de Eritrosedimentação Globular (VSG) alternos ao Westergren, que foi considerado como o "Método Padrão". Os métodos avaliados foram Wintrobe (WB), Wintrobe inclinado a 45° (WI) e dois micro-métodos capilares, um vertical (MM) e outro inclinado a 45° (MMI). 419 amostras foram processadas pelos cinco métodos. Envalou-se a concordância (C), sensibilidade (S), especificidade (E), assim como os valores preditivos positivos (VPP) e negativos (VPN). Os resultados de S, E, VPN e VPP foram: 93.8%, 93.6%, 98.8%, 72.8% e 71% com o WB; 86.3%, 85.7%, 97.2%, 52.4% e 54% com o WI; 94.6%, 66.6%, 94.1%, 71.4% e 54% para MM e 91.9%, 72.4%, 94.8%, 60.8% e 55% para o MMI. O índice kappa apresentou "boa" concordância entre os métodos de Westergren e Wintrobe, enquanto teve concordância "moderada" com os métodos WBI, MMe MMI. Os resultados deste estudo revelaram que o método de Wintrobe é confiável para seu uso no laboratório clínico comparado com o método de Westergren.

Concordancia entre la tomografía axial computarizada de abdomen, la ultrasonografía endoscópica y la punción por aspiración con aguja fina en el diagnóstico de lesiones sólidas sugestivas de neoplasias malignas de páncreas / Diagnostic concordance of abdominal CT scans, Endoscopic Ultrasonography and Fine Needle Puncture Aspiration for solid pancreatic lesions suggestive of malignant neoplasms

Resumen Introducción y objetivo: la realización de pruebas para el diagnóstico de lesiones sólidas de páncreas conduce frecuentemente a resultados discordantes, lo que genera confusión y retraso en las decisiones terapéuticas. La concordancia entre los resultados de la tomografía axial computarizada de abdomen con contraste (TAC), la ultrasonografía endoscópica (USE) biliopancreática y la punción por aspiración con aguja fina guiada por ultrasonografía endoscópica (PAAF-USE) no ha sido evaluada en nuestro medio. Materiales y métodos: se evaluó una serie de pacientes adultos con masas sólidas del páncreas sospechosas de malignidad, atendidos en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (HUSI) de Bogotá (Colombia), en los cuales se realizaron, por lo menos, dos de las siguientes pruebas: TAC, USE o PAAF-USE. Se evaluó la concordancia de los resultados, definidos como compatibles con neoplasia, no compatibles con neoplasia o resultado no conclusivo. Resultados: se incluyeron 57 pacientes. Un alto porcentaje de estos, con USE compatible con neoplasia, tuvieron resultados discordantes con la TAC (33,3 %) y con la PAAF-USE (52,5 %). La concordancia entre imágenes y PAAF-USE fue mínima (kappa = 0,02; intervalo de confianza [IC] 95 %, 0,04-0,08). La probabilidad de detectar un compromiso vascular fue significativamente mayor en la USE (42,1 % frente a 23,8 %, p = 0,06) a diferencia del compromiso ganglionar, que fue detectado más frecuentemente por imágenes (TAC/resonancia magnética nuclear [RMN]) (23,8 % frente a 7,1 %, p = 0,01). Conclusiones: los resultados de este estudio sugieren un pobre acuerdo entre los diferentes métodos diagnósticos y advierten que es necesario implementar mejoras como la elastografía y medios de contraste, nuevas modalidades de aguja para la toma de muestras o la presencia de un citopatólogo in situ.

Abstract Introduction and objective: Diagnostic tests for solid pancreatic lesions frequently produce discordant results which lead to confusion and delays of therapeutic decisions. Concordance among abdominal computed tomography with contrast, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) pancreatobiliary and EUS guided fine needle aspiration had not previously been evaluated in Colombia. Materials and methods: We evaluated a series of adult patients with solid pancreatic masses suspected of malignancy treated at the San Ignacio University Hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. At least two of the following tests were performed: CT scans, EUS, and EUS guided fine needle aspiration. Results were defined as compatible with neoplasia, not compatible with neoplasia or inconclusive. Concordance of results was then evaluated. Results: Fifty-seven patients were included. A high percentage EUS results compatible with neoplasia were discordant with CT scan results and with EUS guided fine needle aspiration results (33.3% and 52.5%, respectively). Agreement between imaging and EUS guided fine needle aspiration results was minimal (Kappa 0.02; 95% CI:-0.04 to 0.08). The probability of detecting vascular compromises was significantly higher for EUS (42.1% vs. 23.8%, p: 0.06), but lymph node compromises were detected more frequently by imaging (CT or MRI) (23.8% vs. 7.1%, p: 0.01). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest poor agreement between these diagnostic methods implying a need for improvements such as elastography and contrast media, new needle modalities for sampling, and/or the an on-site cytopathologist.

Concordancia entre los diferentes conteos celulares según los parámetros morfológicos y morfométricos del endotelio corneal / Concordance between different cell counts according to morphologic and morphometric parameters of the corneal endothelium

RESUMEN Objetivo: Estimar los valores morfológicos y morfométricos del endotelio corneal según la cantidad de células y evaluar la concordancia interobservadores para los diferentes parámetros, considerados según los diferentes conteos celulares en adultos sin alteraciones corneales. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación observacional, descriptiva y transversal de serie de casos en el Servicio de Cirugía Refractiva del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer" en dos años de estudio. Después de aplicar los criterios de exclusión, la muestra quedó conformada por 200 ojos de 100 pacientes adultos sin alteraciones corneales. Se realizó microscopia endotelial de no contacto SP-3000P, para identificar los valores morfológicos (hexagonalidad y coeficiente de variabilidad) y morfométricos (densidad celular), así como el promedio del tamaño celular corneal según cantidad de células evaluadas. Resultados: Según la cantidad de células endoteliales evaluadas, no existieron diferencias significativas de las variables morfológicas y morfométricas (p> 0,05) en ambos ojos. La concordancia entre los diferentes conteos celulares según los valores de los coeficientes de correlación intraclase fueron todos altos. La concordancia interobservadores (excepto para la hexagonalidad) y los coeficientes de correlación intraclase fueron altos. Conclusiones: Los valores morfológicos y morfométricos del endotelio corneal según cantidad de células evaluadas, son similares en todos los conteos celulares. Se demuestra una buena concordancia entre los diferentes conteos celulares estudiados para los diferentes parámetros estimados(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective: To estimate the morphological and morphometric values of the corneal endothelium according to the number of cells and evaluate the interobserver concordance for the different parameters, estimated according to the different cell counts in adults without corneal alterations. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional case series research was carried out in the Refractive Surgery Service of Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology during two years of study. After applying the exclusion criteria, the sample was made up of 200 eyes of 100 adult patients without corneal alterations. Non-contact endothelial microscopy SP-3000P was performed to identify morphological values (hexagonality and coefficient of variability) and morphometric values (cell density), as well as the average corneal cell size according to the number of cells evaluated. Results: According to the amount of endothelial cells evaluated, there were no significant differences between morphological and morphometric variables (p>0.05) in both eyes. The agreement between the different cell counts according to the values of the interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were all high. The interobserver concordance and ICCs were also high, except for hexagonality. Conclusions: The morphological and morphometric values of the corneal endothelium, according to the number of cells evaluated, are similar in all cell counts. Good concordance between the different cell counts studied for the different estimated parameters is demonstrated(AU)

Concordance between two versions of world health organization/international society of hypertension risk prediction chart and framingham risk score among postmenopausal women in a rural area of Bangladesh

Background: Prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among postmenopausal women with limited resource is a great challenge for a country like Bangladesh. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the level of agreement among different risk prediction tools to find out the cost-effective and suitable one that can be applied in a low-resource setting. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from February through December 2016 among 265 postmenopausal women of 40–70 years age. Data were collected from the outpatient department of a rural health-care center situated in the village Karamtola of Gazipur district, Bangladesh. The CVD risk was estimated using the World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) “with” and “without” cholesterol risk charts and the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Concordance among the tools was evaluated using Cohen's kappa (?), prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK), and first-order agreement coefficient (AC1). Results: The “without” cholesterol version showed 79% concordance against the “with” cholesterol and 75.4% concordance against the FRS. In between the WHO/ISH risk charts, slight-to-substantial levels of agreement (? = 0.14, PABAK = 0.58, and AC1 = 0.72; P = 0.023) were observed. With FRS, the “without” cholesterol version showed higher agreement (? = 0.38, fair; PABAK = 0.50, moderate; and AC1 = 0.60, moderate; P = 0.000) compared to “with” cholesterol version (? = 0.13, slight; PABAK = 0.30, fair; and AC1 = 0.44, moderate; P = 0.013). Predictability of CVD risk positive (?10%) cases was similar for both the versions of WHO/ISH risk charts. Conclusion: In a low-resource setting, the “without” cholesterol version of WHO/ISH risk chart is a good option to detect and target the population with high CVD risk.

Diagnostic value of ultrasound-guided 14 gauge-core needle biopsy in breast nodules / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective@#To analyze the diagnostic value of ultrasound guided 14 gauge coreneedle biopsy (US-CNB) in breast nodules.@*Methods@#We retrospectively analyzed the pathological results of US-CNB and surgical excision from 373 breast nodules in Peking University International Hospital from Sep 2016 to Nov 2018 to evaluate the accuracy of 14g US-CNB.@*Results@#A total of 349 patients(373 nodules)underwent US-CNB. US-CNB reported 282 benign lesions(75.6%, 282/373), 20 high-risklesions(5.4%, 20/373), and 71 malignant lesions(19.0%, 71/373). For 282 CNB reported benign lesions, the surgical pathology confirmed 235 lesions , 46 for high-risk lesions and 1 for malignant lesion with a concordancy of 83.3%(235/282)and the underestimation rate was 16.7%(47/282). US-CNB identified 20 high-risk lesions. According to surgical results, 15 were high-risk lesions and 5 were malignant lesions with a concordancy of 75% (15/20)and the underestimation rate was 25%(5/20). When it comes to malignant lesions, the excision results showed that 70 were malignant lesions and 1was high-risk lesion with a concordancy of 98.6%(70/71)and the overestimation rate was 1.4%(1/71). The concordance of the histological type , calculated for 50 invasive carcinomas, was 92% (46/50) with a kappa value of 0.77.The concordance of the histological grade could be calculated for 38 invasive ductal carcinomas with the Elston-Elllis Method . It was 89.5% (34/38) with a kappa value of 0.57.@*Conclusions@#The pathology result of 14gUS-CNB is in good consistency with surgical excision for breast benign and malignant lesions.

Diagnostic value of ultrasound-guided 14 gauge-core needle biopsy in breast nodules / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective To analyze the diagnostic value of ultrasound guided 14 gauge coreneedle biopsy (US-CNB) in breast nodules.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the pathological results of US-CNB and surgical excision from 373 breast nodules in Peking University International Hospital from Sep 2016 to Nov 2018 to evaluate the accuracy of 14g US-CNB.Results A total of 349 patients (373 nodules) underwent US-CNB.US-CNB reported 282 benign lesions (75.6％,282/373),20 high-risklesions (5.4％,20/373),and 71 malignant lesions(19.0％,71/373).For 282 CNB reported benign lesions,the surgical pathology confirmed 235 lesions,46 for high-risk lesions and 1 for malignant lesion with a concordancy of 83.3％ (235/282)and the underestimation rate was 16.7％ (47/282).US-CNB identified 20 high-risk lesions.According to surgical results,15 were high-risk lesions and 5 were malignant lesions with a concordancy of 75％ (15/20) and the underestimation rate was 25％ (5/20).When it comes to malignant lesions,the excision results showed that 70 were malignant lesions and 1 was high-risk lesion with a concordancy of 98.6％ (70/71) and the overestimation rate was 1.4％ (1/71).The concordance of the histological type,calculated for 50 invasive carcinomas,was 92％ (46/50) with a kappa value of 0.77.The concordance of the histological grade could be calculated for 38 invasive ductal carcinomas with the Elston-Elllis Method.It was 89.5％ (34/38) with a kappa value of 0.57.Conclusions The pathology result of 14gUS-CNB is in good consistency with surgical excision for breast benign and malignant lesions.

Comparison between Medion Vacuon Tube and BD Vacutainer Tube for Clinical Laboratory Practice

BACKGROUND: Most of the blood-test samples are collected and carried in vacuum tubes. We have compared a newly developed vacuum tube, ‘Vacuon’ (Medion, Korea) and ‘BD Vacutainer®’ (BD, USA) in three common clinical assays, i.e., hematological, chemical, and immunological tests. METHODS: A sum of 60 healthy volunteers were recruited in our study and their peripheral blood samples were collected in the tubes of the two brands. EDTA-tube samples were evaluated using 25 hematological tests. Serum separating tube samples were analyzed for 24 chemical parameters and the 3 thyroid hormones. The results were statistically analyzed using the paired t-test and Bland-Altman plot. In addition, the assay outcomes at t=0 hr were compared with those at t=24±2 hr for each of the tubes. RESULTS: The assay results of 22 hematological parameters, 24 chemical parameters, and 3 thyroid hormones had a statistically significant correlation between the 2 brands of vacuum tubes (t=0 hr). Two hematological parameters (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [MCHC] and cell hemoglobin concentration mean [CHCM]) showed higher mean values, while a hematological parameter (lobularity index [LI]) showed lower mean values in Vacuon than BD Vacutainer (t=0 hr). The results after 24 hr showed similarity between the 2 brands, with some inconsistent results in BD Vacutainer (Mean platelet volume [MPV], plateletcrit [Pct], eosinophil, calcium, and triiodothyronine) and Vacuon (MPV, hemoglobin distribution width [HDW], CHCM, Pct, eosinophil, and calcium). CONCLUSIONS: BD Vacutainer and Vacuon tube showed good statistical concordance rate with some exceptions in the hematological parameters (MCHC, CHCM, and LI).