Cut-off points of neck and waist circumference as predictors of obstructive sleep apnea in the Colombian population: a comparison with polysomnography

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Neck circumference (NC) is a useful anthropometric measure for predicting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Ethnicity and sex also influence obesity phenotypes. NC cut-offs for defining OSA have not been established for the Latin American population. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate NC, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI) as predictors of OSA in the Colombian population and to determine optimal cut-off points. DESIGN AND SETTING: Diagnostic tests were conducted at the Javeriana University, Bogota. METHODS: Adults from three cities in Colombia were included. NC, WC, and BMI were measured, and a polysomnogram provided the reference standard. The discrimination capacity and best cut-off points for diagnosing OSA were calculated. RESULTS: 964 patients were included (57.7% men; median age, 58 years) and 43.4% had OSA. The discrimination capacity of NC was similar for men and women (area under curve, AUC 0.63 versus 0.66, P = 0.39) but better for women under 60 years old (AUC 0.69 versus 0.57, P < 0.05). WC had better discrimination capacity for women (AUC 0.69 versus 0.57, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in BMI. Optimal NC cut-off points were 36.5 cm for women (sensitivity [S]: 71.7%, specificity [E]: 55.3%) and 41 cm for men (S: 56%, E: 62%); and for WC, 97 cm for women (S: 65%, E: 69%) and 99 cm for men (S: 53%, E: 58%). CONCLUSIONS: NC and WC have moderate discrimination capacities for diagnosing OSA. The cut-off values suggest differences between Latin- and North American as well as Asian populations.

Invarianza factorial por sexo y puntos de corte del cuestionario de control de la imagen corporal en fotografías en población mexicana / Factorial invariance by sex and cut-off points of the body image control questionnaire in photographs in Mexican population

RESUMEN La imagen corporal varía a lo largo de la vida. Los cambios físicos que conlleva la adolescencia, pueden influir en el desarrollo de conductas de riesgo para trastornos alimentarios. Aunque los factores sociales y culturales afectan la imagen corporal, las formas de interacción modernas, mediante el uso de tecnología, en particular las redes sociales, permiten controlar la autopresentación de la imagen corporal en las fotografías que son publicadas, lo que podría servir como indicador de conductas de riesgo alimentarias. El objetivo de este trabajo fue establecer la asociación de conductas alimentarias de riesgo con el control de la imagen corporal en fotografías, para analizar su invarianza factorial por sexo y proponer puntos de corte en población mexicana. La muestra estuvo conformada por 1 155 adolescentes (51.3 % hombres y 48.7 % mujeres), con una media de edad de 15.18 años. Se utilizó el cuestionario en español sobre el control de la imagen corporal en fotografías denominado BICP-S, además del cuestionario de conductas alimentarias de riesgo (CAR). Los resultados evidenciaron una relación entre las conductas alimentarias de riesgo y el control de la imagen en fotografías. La estructura factorial del BICP-S varía en función del sexo, por lo que se proponen diferentes puntos de corte del cuestionario, en donde aquellas ubicadas en el percentil 85 indican riesgo acerca de las preocupaciones por la imagen corporal en mujeres, mientras que en hombres se establece en el percentil 92, con una alta confiabilidad en el control de la imagen en ambos sexos (α > 0.90). El cuestionario tiene utilidad clínica para la detección de jóvenes con serias preocupaciones en torno a la imagen corporal que, de continuar, pueden constituirse en un factor de riesgo para trastornos de la conducta alimentaria.

ABSTRACT Body varies throughout life. Physical changes that take place during teenage years may influence the development of risky behaviors related to eating disorders. Although social and cultural factors affect body image, modern forms of interaction with technology, particularly social networks, allow controlling the self-presentation of body image in the photographs that are published, which could serve as an indicator of risky eating behaviors. The aim of this study was to establish the association of risky eating behaviors with the body image control in photographies, to analyze the factorial invariance by sex and to propose cut-off points in the Mexican population. The sample consisted of 1 155 adolescents (51.3 % males and 48.7 % females), with a mean age of 15.18 years. The BICP-S was used, in addition to the risky eating behaviors questionnaire (CAR). The results showed a relationship between risky eating behaviors and image control in photographs. The factorial structure of the BICP-S varies according to sex, so different cut-off points of the questionnaire are proposed, where those located at the 85th percentile indicate risk about body image concerns in women, while in men it is established at the 92nd percentile, with a high reliability in image control in both groups (α > 0.90). It is concluded that the questionnaire has clinical utility for the detection of at-risk youth who may have serious body image concerns, which if continued can be a risk factor for eating disorders.

PCorteSoft - Sistema para la determinación del punto de corte óptimo en escalas predictivas y la categorización de variables continuas

Al desarrollar modelos de predicción para su aplicación en la práctica clínica, los profesionales de la salud suelen categorizar las variables clínicas que son de naturaleza continua. En muchas ocasiones estos modelos constituyen la base para la confección de escalas predictivas, a partir de las cuales se estratifica a los pacientes en varias categorías atendiendo al fenómeno estudiado. En estos casos se requiere la determinación de uno o varios puntos de cortes que permitan dividir el recorrido de la variable, variables continuas o puntuaciones de una escala, en dos o más categorías. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo la automatización de diferentes métodos para dicotomizar variables continuas en modelos de predicción clínica, donde la variable respuesta es dicotómica, y determinar el punto de corte óptimo en la estratificación de pacientes en dos categorías, a partir de escalas de predicción. Para ello se elaboró un software en el lenguaje de programación R, que implementa diferentes métodos para la determinación del punto de corte óptimo, lo cual agiliza el trabajo investigativo de los especialistas de salud en el proceso de elaboración de modelos predictivos y/o escalas de predicción.

When developing predictive models for application in clinical practice, health professionals often categorize clinical variables that are continuous in nature. In many cases, these models are the basis for the development of predictive scales from which patients are stratified into various categories according to the phenomenon under study. In both cases, it is necessary to determine one or more cut-off points that allow dividing the path of the variable, continuous variables, or scores of a scale into two or more categories. The aim of the present work is to automate different existing methods for dichotomizing continuous variables in clinical prediction models where the response variable is dichotomous, as well as to determine the optimal cut-off point for stratifying patients into two categories, based on prediction scales. For this purpose, a software was developed in the R programming language, which implements different existing methods for the determination of the optimal cut-off point, speeding up the research work of health specialists in the process of developing predictive models and/or prediction scales.

Caracterización de los resultados de biopsia por trucut en pacientes con BI-RADS 4 y 5 sin criterio quirúrgico

Introducción: La biopsia percutánea se ha convertido, en nuestros días, en el método diagnóstico más utilizado para la evaluación de las lesiones de mama sospechosas de malignidad. Objetivo: Caracterizar los resultados de biopsia por trucut en pacientes con categorías BI-RADS 4 y 5 sin criterio quirúrgico. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 70 pacientes que presentaron lesión sospechosa de malignidad por ultrasonografía y que requirieron la realización de biopsia por aguja gruesa de la imagen reportada, entre enero de 2019 y diciembre de 2020. Se realizaron en la Consulta de Intervencionismo Mamario del Departamento de Imagenología del Hospital Universitario Clínico Quirúrgico Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández, de Matanzas. Se analizaron las variables edad, categoría BI-RADS, resultado histopatológico, tamaño tumoral y complicaciones. Resultados: El grupo etario predominante fue el de 70-79 años (27,1). Se clasificaron 48 pacientes con categoría BI-RADS 5, para un 68,6 %. El carcinoma ductal infiltrante resulto ser el tipo histológico predominante, con 40 pacientes, representando el 57,1 % del total. Se obtuvo una media de 28,91 mm de diámetro de las lesiones biopsiadas. Todas las muestras resultaron útiles, aun en diámetros transversales inferiores a 2 cm. En la serie, las complicaciones reportadas fueron escasas. Conclusiones: La biopsia realizada con aguja gruesa bajo guía ecográfica con técnica de manos libres, es un método confiable para el diagnóstico de cáncer de mama, seguro y sin complicaciones graves. Se confirma que la categoría BI-RADS 5 coincide con diagnóstico histopatológico de cáncer mamario.

Introduction: Percutaneous biopsy has become, nowadays, the most used diagnostic method to evaluate breast lesions suspected of malignancy. Objective: To characterize the Tru-cut biopsy results in patients with BI-RADS 4 and 5 categories without surgical criteria. Materials and methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out between January 2019 and December 2020 on 70 patients who presented who presented a lesion suspicious of malignancy by ultrasonography and required a thick-needle biopsy of the reported image. They were performed at the Breast Intervention Clinic of the Imaging Department of the Clinical Surgical University Hospital Comandante Faustino Pérez Hernández, from Matanzas. The variables age, BI-RADS category, histopathological result, tumor size and complications were analyzed. Results: The predominant age group was the 70-79 years-old one (27.1). 48 patients were classified with BI-RADS 5 category, for 68.6%. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma resulted the predominant histological type, with 40 patients representing 57.1% of the total. An average diameter of 28.91 mm was obtained from the biopsied lesions. All samples were useful, even in transverse diameters less than 2cm. In the series, few complications were reported. Conclusion: Biopsy performed with thick needle under ultrasound guidance with free-hands technique, is a reliable method for breast cancer diagnosis, safe and without serious complications. It is confirmed that BI-RADS 5 category coincides with breast cancer pathological diagnosis.

Pushing the Boundaries of Hemodialysis: Innovations in Membranes and Sorbents

ABSTRACT Membranes and sorbents play a crucial role in extracorporeal blood purification therapies, which aim to remove harmful molecules and toxins from the blood. Over the years, advancements in hemodialysis (HD) membranes and sorbents have significantly enhanced their safety and effectiveness. This review article will summarize the latest breakthroughs in the development and clinical application of HD membranes and sorbents. We will commence with a concise examination of the mechanisms involved in solute transport across membranes and sorbents. Subsequently, we will explore the evolutionary path of HD membranes, from early cellophane membranes to high-flux membranes, including the development of high-cut-off membranes and the emergence of medium- cut-off membranes. We will discuss each type of HD membrane's advantages and limitations, highlighting the most promising advancements in novel biomaterials and biocompatibility, technologies, research in membrane performance, and their clinical applications. Furthermore, we will delve into the evolution and progress of sorbent technology, tracing its historical development, outlining its key characteristics, examining the mechanism involved in the adsorption process, and exploring its clinical application. This review aims to underscore the growth and future landscape of HD membranes and sorbents in extracorporeal blood purification techniques.

Are Medium Cut-off Membranes the Future, or the Promising Reality for Chronic Hemodialysis Patients?

ABSTRACT The development of hemodialysis (HD) membranes has substantially advanced in the last decade. This has resulted in the manufacturing of medium cut-off membranes (MCO) whose internal architecture is based on greater pore size and a smaller diameter, thus promoting the clearance of particles of greater size as well as retrofiltration. Multiple studies have proven their efficacy in the clearance of uremic mid-sized molecules such as β2-microglobulin, free light chains, and some interleukins; this clearance is far superior with MCO membranes when compared with high-flux HD, and similar to that obtained with online hemodiafiltration. This review summarizes the results of the most relevant clinical studies of this membrane in terms of uremic toxin clearance, as well as the features of some clinical outcomes such as quality of life and hospitalizations.

Determination of a cut-off value for the serological diagnosis of scrub typhus by detecting anti-Orientia tsutsugamushi immunoglobulin M

Background & objectives: The diagnosis of scrub typhus (ST) is usually done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) due to its ease of performance and reading objectivity. The cut-off value for ELISA needs to be calculated for each geographical location as it depends on zonal endemicity of the disease. This study was, therefore, undertaken to calculate the pan-India cut-off for anti-Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT) immunoglobulin M (IgM) by ELISA. Methods: Samples from cases (cases of ST) and controls (voluntary, consenting, healthy adults) were collected by a network of 29 laboratories across India and tested for anti-OT IgM by immunofluorescence assay (IFA), the considered gold standard test. These samples were retested by ELISA for anti-OT IgM and their optical densities (ODs) were used for cut-off estimation by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Anti-OT IgM ELISA ODs from 273 controls and 136 cases were used for the cut-off estimation. The ODs of the anti-OT IgM ELISA on healthy individuals and those of confirmed ST cases ranged from 0.1 to 0.75 and 0.5 to 4.718, respectively. ROC curve-based cut-off for ELISA was calculated as 0.554 at a sensitivity of 95.2 per cent and specificity of 95.1 per cent. A value of >1 was noted to have a specificity of 100 per cent in diagnosing ST. Interpretation & conclusions: The cut-off calculated for India was similar to the previous cut-off that was used until now.

Determinación de valores de corte de 17 hidroxiprogesterona ajustados por edad gestacional para la pesquisa neonatal de la hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita / Assessment of gestational age-adjusted 17-hydroxyprogesterone cut-off values for neonatal screening of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

La pesquisa neonatal de hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita se realiza mediante la determinación de 17 hidroxiprogesterona (17OHP) en gotas de sangre seca en papel de filtro. Los bebés prematuros presentan valores más elevados que los bebés de término, siendo de utilidad contar con límites de corte apropiados. Nuestro objetivo fue actualizar los valores de corte de 17OHP ajustados por edad gestacional para la metodología en uso a nivel nacional por las jurisdicciones asistidas por el "Programa Nacional de Fortalecimiento de la Detección Precoz de Enfermedades Congénitas". La 17OHP se determinó utilizando el kit comercial de enzimo-inmunoanálisis (ELISA competitivo), Elizen Neonatal 17OHP Screening (Zentech, Bélgica). Se obtuvieron límites de corte utilizando percentiles de la distribución de los valores de 17OHP para cada edad gestacional. La sensibilidad obtenida fue 100%, especificidad 98,76 %, tasa de falsos positivos 1,24 % y el valor predictivo positivo 1,12 %. Destacamos la importancia de disponer de límites de corte adecuados a la población. La armonización de los mismos permitirá resultados comparables entre los programas regionales de pesquisa neonatal (AU)

Newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia is performed by the measurement of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) in dried blood spots on filter paper. Premature infants have higher values than full-term infants, and appropriate cutoff values are useful. Our aim was to update the cut-off values of 17OHP adjusted for gestational age for the methodology used at a national level in regions assisted by the "National Program for Strengthening the Early Detection of Congenital Diseases". 17OHP was determined using the commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (competitive ELISA) kit, Elizen Newborn 17OHP Screening (Zentech, Belgium). Cut-off values were obtained using percentiles of the distribution of 17OHP values for each gestational age. Sensitivity was 100%, specificity 98.76%, false positive rate 1.24%, and positive predictive value 1.12%. It is important to have cut-off values that are adjusted to the population. Harmonization will allow for the comparison of results among regional newborn screening programs (AU)

Metabolic syndrome prevalence in military personnel and correlation with anthropometric values in Ecuador

Introduction: Fat excess in the organism can behave as a multifactorial problem and predisposes to the presence of non-transmissible chronic diseases, in which cardiovascular diseases can be mentioned. Objective: To establish the optimal cut-off for anthropometric indices to predict Metabolic Syndrome in army personnel, attended at the primary health care. Method: An analytical, non-experimental study that was carried out in army personnel at the University of the Armed Forces, during the year 2020. The sample was represented by 203 participants, the collection methods were the medical and anthropometric records, taking into consideration variables such as height and weight, hip and waist circumference, body mass index, laboratory tests, among others. All the data was analyzed using international classification criteria. Results: The prevalence of MetSyn was obtained, according to the different criteria: MetSyn ALAD: 4.08% (SD: 0.52), MetSyn ATP III: 7.65% (SD: 0.52), MetSyn HARM: 5.4% (SD: 0.52) and finally, MetSyn OMS: 7.65% (SD: 0.52). Likewise, the predictive anthropometric indices according to the highest AUC are the WC and WHtR in all the criteria studied, in addition, according to MetSyn ATP III, the optimal WC cut-off is 91 cm and the WHtR is 0.53. Conclusions: The optimal cut-off for anthropometric indices that predict Metabolic syndrome in army personnel are WC and WHtR, with an optimal cut off lower than the criteria established by ALAD to the diagnosis of MetSyn.

Introducción: El exceso de grasa en el organismo puede ser un problema multifactorial y predispone a la presencia de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, entre las que se encuentran las cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Establecer el corte óptimo de los índices antropométricos para predecir el síndrome metabólico en personal militar que se atiende en la atención primaria de salud. Métodos: Estudio analítico, no experimental, llevado a cabo en personal militar de la Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas, durante el año 2020. La muestra está representada por 203 participantes, los métodos de colección fueron los registros médicos y antropométricos, tomando en consideración variables como talla y peso, circunferencia de cintura y cadera, índice de masa corporal, pruebas de laboratorio, entre otros. Todos los datos fueron analizados usando criterios de clasificación internacional. Resultado: La prevalencia de síndrome metabólico (MetSyn), según los diferentes criterios es: MetSyn ALAD: 4,08 % (SD: 0,52), MetSyn ATP III: 7,65 % (SD: 0,52), MetSyn HARM: 5,4 % (SD: 0,52) y finalmente, MetSyn OMS: 7,65 % (SD: 0,52). Además, los índices antropométricos predictivos son el WC y WHtR en todos los criterios estudiados, y según MetSyn ATP III, el corte óptimo del WC es de 91 cm y del WHtR es de 0,53. Conclusiones: Los puntos de corte óptimos para los índices antropométricos que predicen el síndrome metabólico en el personal militar son WC y WHtR, con un punto de corte óptimo inferior a los criterios establecidos por ALAD para el diagnóstico de MetSyn.

The-pattern-of-cut-throat-injuries-early-management-and-outcomea-prospective-study-in-a-tertiary-care-hospital

Objective: To analyze pattern, sex and age ratio, common causes, the most common site and extent of the injury in the patients with cut throat injury at our hospital. To compare the same with previous similar studies conducted at other centers in different parts of the world. Also to note the early management and outcome in our study. DepartmentSetting: of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, Gauhati Medical college and Hospital, Guwahati, from January 2022 to January 2023. Methods: A total of 60 cases of cut throat injury were included in our study. Proforma was prepared to collect data. Results: 60 cases of cut throat injury patients were included in the study. Out of 60 cases 51 were males and 9 were females. Simple primary wound closure was done in 58 cases and 2 required secondary wound repair. In 20 patients, tracheostomy with primary repair was done. 32 patients needed psychiatric consultation. In our study,Conclusion: majority were males between 20 years to 40 years from lower middle socioeconomic status. Early and improved management will reduce the mortality and morbidity.

A STUDY OF CORE-CUT BIOPSY AND FNAC FINDINGS IN A CLINICALLY PALPABLE BREAST LUMP

Aims And Objectives To ?nd the sensitivity and speci?city of FNAC and Core-Cut biopsy. To study the ef?cacy of FNAC and Core-Cut biopsy with that of Histopathological (gross specimen) study in diagnosing a breast lump. To ?nd limitations of FNAC and Core-Cut biopsy This is Hospital based Materials and Method: Interventional study at Tertiary care centre in the department of General Surgery. All patients admitted during the period of 24 months with palpable breast lump coming under the eligibility criteria will be subjected for FNAC and Core-Cut biopsy after obtaining informed consents. Data Entry is done by using MS Excel and Analysis is done by using Suitable Statistical tests. Results: Our study of 70 patients, age incidence was ranged from 18 to 70 years.The age incidence for the benign lesions ranged from 18 years to 64 years (Mean age 38.5 years, SD= 12.56 years). The incidence for the malignant lesions ranged from 25 to 70 years (mean age 51.06 years, SD= 10.62 years). Out of total 70 patient, 49 patients had lump in right breast, 21 had lump in left breast. Our study True positive for FNAC was 38(54.28%) True negative was 26 (37.14%) and false positive was 0 and false negative were 6 (0.08%), which lead to the interpretation of sensitivity of 86 % for FNAC and speci?city of 81.12% for FNAC.Our study True positive for Core-Cut biopsy was 42(60%) True negative was 26(38%) and False positive was 0(0%) and false negative was 02(2.85%), which lead to the interpretation of sensitivity of 95% for Core-Cut biopsy and speci?city of 92.85 % for Core-cut biopsy. For Core-Cut biopsy in our study positive and negative predictive value was found to be 100% and 59.09% respectively As Both Sensitivity and Specify of Core-Cut biopsy is far superior than FNAC, and more number of Conclusion: False Negative reports in FNAC, where we can miss the Malignant breast Lump, we conclude that, Core-Cut Biopsy is far superior to FNAC in the diagnostic approach of breast cancer and, especially in cases of doubt, it is preferable to proceed directly with Core Cut biopsy.

Propuesta de Valores de Referencia para el Cuestionario de Evaluación del Apego Adulto: Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR-12), en población adulta chilena / Reference values for the Adult Attachment Assessment Questionnaire: Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR-12) in the Chilean Adult Population

El cuestionario de Experiencias en Relaciones Cercanas (ECR) es un instrumento de auto-reporte ampliamente utilizado para evaluar el apego en la adultez, a partir de dos dimensiones: la ansiedad y la evitación asociadas al apego. Este instrumento ha sido adaptado en múltiples contextos, incluyendo el chileno, del cual existe una versión abreviada (ECR-12), objeto de análisis del presente estudio. Si bien existe consenso en que la seguridad en el apego es mejor descrita en términos dimensionales, hay ámbitos, como en la práctica clínica donde contar con valores de referencia podría ser de utilidad. El objetivo de este estudio es proveer valores de referencia para la interpretación de los valores del ECR-12 en el contexto chileno. Para ello, una muestra de 6779 participantes respondió el ECR-12. Se utilizó el método de puntuación z con normalización para obtener los valores de referencia. Los análisis realizados evidenciaron la necesidad de construir baremos diferenciados por edad. Así, para el grupo de 29 años o menos, el punto de corte en la dimensión de ansiedad es de un promedio igual o superior a 4.4 puntos, y para la evitación, el punto de corte es de un promedio igual o superior a 2.5. En cambio, para el grupo de 30 años o más, el punto de corte en la dimensión de ansiedad es de un promedio igual o superior a 4.2, y para la evitación, es de un promedio igual o superior a 2.9. Estos hallazgos pueden ser relevantes no sólo para identificar a personas que puedan presentar niveles sustancialmente altos de ansiedad y/o evitación en el apego, sino, también puede constituirse como una herramienta clínica complementaria en contextos terapéuticos.

The Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) questionnaire is a widely used self-report measure to assess adult attachment, based on two dimensions: attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. This instrument has been adapted in multiple contexts, including the Chilean, for which there is an abbreviated version (ECR-12), that is the object of analysis in the present study. Although there is consensus that attachment security is best described in dimensional terms, there are areas, such as clinical practice, where having reference values could be useful. The aim of this study is to provide reference values for the interpretation of ECR-12 scores in the Chilean context. To do this, a sample of 6779 participants was evaluated using the ECR-12. The z-score normalization method was used to obtain the reference values. The analyzes carried out showed the need to build scales differentiated by age. Thus, for the group of 29 years or less, the cut-off point in the anxiety dimension is an average equal to or greater than 4.4 points, and for avoidance, the cut-off point is an average equal to or greater than 2.5. On the other hand, for the group aged 30 or older, the cut-off point in the anxiety dimension is an average equal to or greater than 4.2, and for avoidance, it is an average equal to or greater than 2.9. These findings can be relevant not only for identifying people who may present substantially high levels of anxiety and/or avoidance in attachment, but also as a complementary clinical tool in therapeutic contexts.

Predictive validity and cut-off point of the Turkish version of the Infant Colic Scale in the diagnosis of colic

Abstract Objective: To investigate the predictive validity and cut-off point of the Turkish version of the Infant Colic Scale (ICS) in the diagnosis of colic. Methods: This methodological study was carried out in a pediatric outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Turkey with infants aged 6-16 weeks (n = 133). The data were collected using the Mother-Infant Description Form, the ICS, and the Rome IV criteria form. The scale is a 6-point Likert-type scale consisting of 19 items in total. A low total mean score obtained from it indicates that the probability of colic increases, while a high mean score indicates that the probability of colic decreases. The Rome IV criteria were used as the gold standard. Results: The mean score obtained from the ICS was 59.4 ± 13.7. According to the Rome IV criteria, 26.3% of the infants had colic. The area under the ROC curve was 87.4% (95% CI = 0.815-0.934, SE = 0.30, p = 0.001), and the cut-off point for the best sensitivity value (88.6%) and the best specificity value (70.5%) of the ICS was determined to be 60.5. According to the cut-off point, the positive predictive value was 51%, and the negative predictive value was 94%. Conclusion: The predictive validity of the Turkish version of the ICS was found to be at a good level with high sensitivity and acceptable specificity for a cut-off point of 60.5. Healthcare professionals working in the child field can use the ICS to exclude colic in infants.

Ultrasound‑guided tru‑cut biopsy of pelvic tumors: First reported case series in the Philippines / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

@#This paper documents the first reported cases of patients in the country who underwent transvaginal ultrasound‑guided Tru‑cut biopsy of pelvic tumors in a tertiary level health institution in 2019. Different indications for Tru‑cut biopsy were demonstrated highlighting its clinical utility in the diagnosis and management of malignant pelvic tumors. All patients warranted histologic diagnosis for further planning of the most appropriate management. Adequate tissue samples were obtained from all three patients with no procedure‑related complications.

The utility of ultrasound-guided tru-cut biopsy in the diagnosis of occult breast carcinoma presenting as ovarian malignancy with multiple metastases: A case of unknown primary

@#This paper documents the utility of ultrasound-guided tru-cut biopsy in the diagnosis and subsequent management of a case of occult breast carcinoma presenting with multiple distant metastases in the absence of a primary breast lesion. She was initially diagnosed as primary ovarian malignancy with metastatic disease and subsequently underwent transvaginal ultrasound-guided tru-cut biopsy of the right ovarian mass. Histologic and immunohistochemical studies were consistent with a metastatic adenocarcinoma of breast origin. The patient underwent chemotherapy for primary breast carcinoma and has responded well.

Clinical difference analysis and solution of lipid target and goal cut-off point determination of blood lipid management from different detection systems / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:The results of the three lipid detection systems were compared to analyze their influence on risk stratification and clinical treatment in lipid management, especially the target goal cut-off point determination, and to find ways to reduce the impact on target goal determination of various lipid measurement system.Methods:A total of 196 serum samples with triglyceride TG <4.5 mmol/L were collected from people undergoing physical examinations and in-patients in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from August to October 2022. Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were directly detected with Hitachi-Woke (HW), Roche and Mindray detection systems, respectively. The non high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non HDL-C) was calculated by formula (TC-HDL-C) and LDL-C (F-LDL-C) was calculated by Friedewald formula, and results from various methodology were compared. The coefficient of variation ( CV) of these six indicators derived from the three detection systems were calculated to evaluate the consistency of the obtained results from different venders. In addition, the Pearson correlation coefficient was analyzed to evaluate the correlation of each indicator among different systems. According to the Chinese Guidelines for Blood Lipid Management, samples were divided into groups with LDL-C levels of <1.4, 1.4-<1.8, 1.8-<2.6, 2.6-<3.4 and ≥3.4 mmol/L according to the recommended LDL-C levels for different risk stratification levels. The sample size and percentage of LDL-C test results from different systems in the same group were counted to evaluate the impact of LDL-C differences between systems on clinical decision-making of blood lipid management. The correction factor was calculated through two methods: (1) The average deviation of LDL-C between systems was estimated by EP9-A3 method; (2) Multiple linear stepwise regression was used to establish the regression model of LDL-C difference and related indexes between systems. The two correction factors were used to correct the deviation of LDL-C value obtained from various systems, and Chi-square test was used to compare the difference of LDL-C grouping consistency rate before and after correction. Result:The average CV values of TG, TC, LDL-C, F-LDL-C, HDL-C, and non HDL-C among the three detection systems were 4.84%, 1.92%, 11.96%, 3.81%, 5.82% and 2.61%, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that when comparing the three systems in pairs, except for LDL-C derived from HW and Roche′s, and Mindray and Roche′s LDL-C ( R 2=0.938 and 0.947), the R 2 of other indicators were all greater than 0.97. The consistency rates of the three systems on LDL-C and F-LDL-C were 51.0% (100/196) and 90.8% (178/196), respectively, according to the risk stratification standard values and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). When comparing in pairs, the consistency rates of Roche and HW, Mindray and HW, Mindray and Roche system LDL-C grouping were 60.7% (119/196), 82.7% (162/196), and 54.1% (106/196), respectively. After adjusting for mean deviation, the group consistency rate of Roche and HW increased to 73.7%-79.4% ( P<0.05), and the group consistency rate of Roche and Mindray increased to 72.3%-79.0% ( P<0.05). After adjusting for difference regression model, the group consistency rate of Roche and HW increased to 82.5%-84.0%, and the group consistency rate of Roche and Mindray increased to 81.0%-89.2%. However, there was no significant change in the group consistency rate of Mindray and HW after adjusting for both correction methods ( P>0.05) .Conclusions:There are significant differences in LDL-C derived from different detection systems, and the consistency rate of grouping according to the lipid-lowering standard value is relatively low, which may affect clinical decision-making in lipid management. Adjusted by the correction factor, the consistency rate of grouping between Roche and HW, Roche and Mindray systems with large differences in LDL-C can be improved. Using the difference multiple linear regression model as a correction factor is superior to the average deviation.

Comparison of the clinical efficacy of "one-cut" circumcision and traditional circumcision / 现代泌尿外科杂志

【Objective】 To introduce the key techniques of "one-cut" circumcision, and to compare its clinical efficacy with traditional circumcision. 【Methods】 A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 cases of circumcision in our center during Jul.2020 and Jul.2022, including 60 cases in the "one-cut" group and 60 cases in the traditional circumcision group. The operation time, postoperative edema time, satisfaction with cosmetics and improvement of sexual life were compared between the two groups. 【Results】 Compared with the tradition group, the "one-cut" group had shorter operation time [(19.2±7.4) min vs. (23.1±1.7) min, P<0.001] , shorter postoperative edema time [(5.5±3.2) d vs. (9.6±5.5) d, P<0.001] , and higher satisfaction with cosmetics [(3.6±0.5) vs. (3.1±0.8), P<0.001)] , but there was no difference in improvement of sexual life between the two groups (P=0.08). 【Conclusion】 "One-cut" circumcision is easy to operate, with short operation time, fast postoperative recovery, neat incision and satisfactory appearance, which is worth popularizing.

Evaluation and optimization of pre-pregnancy and pregnancy thalassaemia screening programmes in Hainan Province / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To evaluate the free thalassaemia screening programme for preconception and pregnancy in Hainan Province, and to provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the screening process for thalassaemia. Methods From November 2020 to July 2021, a survey was conducted on 10 396 adults with Hainan household registration who participated in the Epidemiological Survey of Thalassemia in Hainan Residents in 19 cities and counties of Hainan Province. All of them underwent routine blood tests, haemoglobin electrophoresis tests and genetic tests for thalassaemia. The optimal diagnostic cut-off values for mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and haemoglobin adult type 2 (HbA2) were determined using screening test indexes such as receiver operating characteristic curve and sensitivity. The diagnostic effectiveness of different primary screening programs for thalassemia gene carriers was evaluated. Results Using the existing MCV single-indicator thalassemia primary screening protocol in Hainan Province, where individuals with MCV<82 fL undergo thalassemia gene testing, resulted in a high missed diagnosis rate (34.06%) and low sensitivity (65.94%). The optimal cut-off values for MCV screening for alpha-and beta-thalassaemia were 84.45 fL and 79.05 fL, respectively; the optimal cut-off values for MCH screening for alpha-and beta-thalassaemia were 27.95 pg and 25.15 pg, respectively. The optimal cut-off value for HbA2 screening for alpha-thalassaemia was less than 2.55% and greater than 3.35% for beta-thalassaemia. The "combined HbA2 or MCH or MCV screening protocol" with the cut-off values recommended in this study had a better performance in primary screening for thalassemia, with the highest sensitivity (92.96%) and negative predictive value (92.67%) and the lowest underdiagnosis rate (7.04%), statistically significant differences compared with the existing protocol (P<0.05). Conclusions The current process of screening for thalassemia in Hainan Province may lead to missed diagnoses. The combined use of MCV, MCH and HbA2 for thalassemia screening, adopting locally suitable cutoff values for primary screening indicators, can improve the incidence of missed reporting of thalassemia and enhance diagnostic effectiveness.

Application of Microfluidic Liver and Kidney Chips in Toxicology Research of Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Microfluidic liver and kidney chips have become preferred model carriers in recent years for new drug development， pharmacological and toxicological research， mechanism exploration， and disease model construction. In the context of the USA. Food and Drug Administration allowing the use of in vitro model data as a substitute for animal model data in new drug applications when animal disease models are difficult to construct， microfluidic chips have received widespread attention due to their high throughput， ability to highly mimic biological characteristics of living organisms， convenient evaluation of drug toxicity in normal or pathological states with repeated dosing， real-time induction and monitoring of culture processes， and real-time data acquisition and analysis. In toxicology research， liver and kidney chips can construct in vitro models suitable for the pharmacological and toxicological detection of different substances by combining 2D monocultures and co-cultures from different species sources， 3D cultures， spheroids/organoid cells， precision-cut liver and kidney slices， immortalized cell lines， or sandwich-cultured cell lines. This model maximally simulates or retains the organ function and in vivo microenvironment of the liver and kidney， including specific physiological tissue structures， multicellular interactions/crosstalk， and multi-organ coordination/feedback， to obtain results similar to or the same as in vivo experimental data， reducing interspecies differences. At the same time， it greatly reduces the use of experimental animals and lowers costs. Microfluidic technology provides necessary shear force microenvironments for the cultivation of contents and solves problems encountered in the cultivation process of liver and kidney chips， such as insufficient tissue oxygen supply， nutrient deficiencies， and accumulation of metabolites， leading to cell apoptosis and even tissue necrosis fibrosis， which make it difficult to maintain long-term structure and function. This article reviewed the application of microfluidic technology combined with liver and kidney chips in Chinese medicine toxicology research. By summarizing the development of microfluidic technology， liver chips， kidney chips， and providing application examples of microfluidic liver and kidney chips in Chinese medicine toxicology research， combined with the characteristics of Chinese medicine administration， the article explored the advantages and future development directions of their application in the field of Chinese medicine toxicology research.

Labeling of ready-to-eat minimally processed vegetables sold in Brazil / Rotulagem de vegetais minimamente processados prontos para consumo comercializados no Brasil

Introduction: Ready-to-eat minimally processed vegetables (RTE-MPV) are vegetables subjected to several steps that modify their natural structure, while maintaining the same freshness and nutritional quality as the fresh produce. Since these products are sold in packages, they must be labeled, even though nutritional labeling is optional. Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the labeling aspects of several brands of RTE-MPV sold in Brazil, determining whether manufacturers adhered to the different types of food labeling legislation. Method: Photographic records of RTE-MPV packages were obtained in different regions of Brazil between October 2020 and August 2021, and labels were analyzed using a checklist that was prepared according to the different types of Brazilian food labeling legislation in force at the time of the study: RDC nº 259/2002, RDC nº 359/2003, RDC nº 360/2003 and Law nº 10,674/2003. Results: The labels of 288 RTE-MPV packages, belonging to 39 brands, were analyzed. Among these, 31 brands showed at least one aspect that was not in accordance with the legislation, such as the lack of information about place of origin, and the presence or absence of gluten. Although optional, most brands (38) adopted nutritional labeling, but the information was incomplete in ten of them. Conclusion: These data indicate that there are flaws in the labeling of RTE-MPV in Brazil, emphasizing the need for manufacturers to comply with the legislation. Moreover, the optional adoption of nutritional labeling by most brands is significantly important for consumers to have additional information about what they consume. (AU)

Introdução: Os vegetais minimamente processados (VMP) são submetidos a etapas que modificam sua estrutura natural, mantendo o frescor e qualidade nutricional dos produtos frescos. Por serem comercializados embalados, esses produtos devem ser rotulados, embora a rotulagem nutricional seja opcional. Objetivo: Este estudo analisou a rotulagem de diferentes marcas de VMP comercializados no Brasil, a fim de determinar a aderência dos produtores às legislações relativas à rotulagem de alimentos. Método: Foram obtidos registros fotográficos de embalagens VMP comercializados em diferentes regiões do Brasil entre outubro de 2020 e agosto de 2021, e os rótulos foram analisados por meio de um checklist elaborado com base nas legislações brasileiras de rotulagem de alimentos vigentes no período em que o estudo foi realizado: RDC nº 259/2002, RDC nº 359/2003, RDC nº 360/2003 e Lei nº 10.674/2003. Resultados: Foram analisados os rótulos de 288 embalagens de VMP, pertencentes a 39 marcas. Dentre essas, 31 marcas apresentaram pelo menos um item que não estava de acordo com as legislações de rotulagem vigentes, como falta de informação sobre o local de origem e a presença ou ausência de glúten. Apesar de opcional, a maioria das marcas (38) adotou a rotulagem nutricional, mas em dez delas as informações estavam incompletas. Conclusão: Esses dados indicam falhas na rotulagem de VMP no Brasil, enfatizando a necessidade das empresas de cumprirem essas regulamentações. Além disso, a adoção opcional da rotulagem nutricional pela maioria das marcas tem grande importância, pois fornece informações adicionais aos consumidores sobre os produtos que consomem. (AU)