Concordance study on Y-STRs typing between SeqStudio™ genetic analyzer for HID and MiSeq™ FGx forensic genomics system.

BACKGROUND: Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) allowed an increased number of information to be retrieved from short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, expanding them not only to the size, as already performed in Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), but also to the sequence. MPS requires constant development and validation of the analytical parameters to ensure that the genotyping results of STRs correspond to those obtained by CE. Given the increased frequency of usage of Y-STRs as supplementary markers to the autosomal STRs analysis, it is urgent to validate the concordance of the typing results between CE and MPS analyses. METHODS AND RESULTS: DNA extracted from 125 saliva samples of unrelated males was genotyped using Yfiler™ Plus PCR Amplification Kit and ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit, which were analyzed by SeqStudio™ Genetic Analyzer for HID and MiSeq™ FGx Forensic Genomics System, respectively. For each shared Y-STR, allele designation, number of length- and sequence-based alleles per locus, stutter percentage, and the intra-locus balance of multicopy Y-STRs were screened. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of forensic genetics laboratories that are applying the MPS technique in routine analysis is small and does not allow a global assessment of MPS limitations, this comparative study highlights the ability of MPS to produce reliable profiles despite the generation of large amounts of raw data.

Quantification of Liver Fat Content with the iATT Algorithm: Correlation with Controlled Attenuation Parameter.

Background: The primary aim of our study was to assess the correlation between an improved version of the attenuation coefficient available on the Arietta 850 ultrasound system (iATT, Fujifilm Healthcare, Tokyo, Japan) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). The secondary aim was to assess whether focusing only on iATT acquisition without following the strict protocol for liver stiffness measurements would affect iATT measurement. Methods: Consecutive individuals were enrolled. Pearson's r was used to test the correlation between ATT and CAP values. The concordance between iATT and CAP was tested using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Results: 354 individuals (203 males, 151 females) were studied. The overall Pearson correlation between CAP and iATT values obtained following or not following the liver stiffness measurement protocol, respectively, were r = 0.73 and r = 0.71. The correlation was affected by the interquartile range/median (IQR/M) of the 10 measurements: it was r = 0.75 for IQR/M ≤ 15% and r = 0.60 for IQR/M > 15%. CCC showed that there was a moderate to good concordance between iATT and CAP values. Conclusion: iATT shows a strong correlation with CAP that does not decrease when the protocol for liver stiffness acquisition is not followed. The correlation between iATT and CAP values is higher when the IQR/M ≤ 15%.

Intra- and Interobserver Agreement during the Assessment of the Different Stages of Root Development Using 4 Radiographic Classifications.

INTRODUCTION: This study analyzed intra- and interobserver agreements during radiographic assessment of the different stages of root development using the dichotomous, Moorrees, Demirjian, and Cvek classifications, as well as the effect of the observer's level of experience on the result. METHODS: Two hundred eighty-five digital periapical radiographs were examined via visual inspection by 3 experienced and 3 nonexperienced observers (n = 6) under strict technological and viewing conditions. After observer calibration, determination of the presence or absence of an open apex and the assignment of a root development stage according to the different subdivisions of the 4 indexes were performed. This evaluation was carried out by each observer in duplicate in the first round (n = 8) and repeated in the second round (n = 8). The 16 examinations performed by each observer (N = 96) were analyzed to determine the percentage of concordance followed by intraobserver, interobserver, and global observer agreement using the kappa coefficient and a weighted kappa. Additionally, to determine the level of concordance between the visual determination of an open or closed apex and the apical foramen width measured in millimeters, a dichotomized kappa coefficient was applied. RESULTS: A good level of global observer agreement was found for the dichotomous, Demirjian, and Cvek classifications. However, a significantly low percentage of total concordance and global observer agreement (6.66% and 0.498, respectively) was obtained using the Moorrees classification, which was more pronounced among nonexperienced observers (0.247). Apical foramen width measurements indicated the presence of 143 roots with an open apex (50.2%) and 142 with a closed apex (49.8%), and the dichotomized kappa coefficient test revealed a good level of agreement during the visual determination of an open or closed apex (range, 0.611-0.636). CONCLUSIONS: The classifications of Cvek and Demirjian provided reliable results when determining the different stages of root development. In contrast, the Moorrees classification provided the lowest agreement values, with a significant negative effect among nonexperienced observers. Finally, the visual estimation of the presence (or absence) of an open apex provided a good level of concordance with the radiographic apical foramen width.

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 modelos de SCORE y ramingham y las ecuaciones AHA/ACC como evaluadores de riesgo cardiovascular / Concordance between the SCORE and Framingham models and ACC/AHA equations as cardiovascular risk indicators

Resumen Objetivo: Diferentes modelos de evaluación de riesgo cardiovascular están actualmente en uso en Colombia. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la concordancia entre las ecuaciones AHA/ACC 2013, SCORE y Framingham ajustado, así como el impacto de usar una u otra en la cantidad de pacientes clasificados como de alto riesgo y en la cantidad de pacientes que requerirían manejo farmacológico. Métodos: Se evaluaron 800 pacientes entre 40 y 74 años, de la clínica de prevención primaria del Hospital militar Central en Bogotá (Colombia), libres de eventos cardiovasculares. Se estimaron el riesgo a 10 años de enfermedad arterioesclerótica cardiovascular según las ecuaciones propuestas por las guías AHA/ACC 2013, el riesgo de muerte cardiovascular según la función SCORE de la guía europea y el riesgo coronario según la función de Framingham ajustada, recomendada por la guía colombiana. Se consideró como indicación de manejo farmacológico un cálculo de riesgo AHA/ACC o Framingham ajustado > 7,5%. Un riesgo de Framingham > 20% o SCORE > 5% definía el riesgo alto. Resultados: Según el Framingham había un 5,9% de pacientes de alto riesgo, según las ecuaciones de SCORE para países de bajo riesgo un 18,7% y según las ecuaciones de SCORE para países de alto riesgo, un 31,2%. El coeficiente Kappa mostró baja concordancia entre Framingham ajustado y cada una de las ecuaciones de SCORE (0,28 y 0,22 respectivamente). Según las recomendaciones de la guía AHA/ACC, el tratamiento hipolipemiante estaría indicado en un 40,8% de los pacientes, frente a un 50,6% según la guía colombiana (Framingham ajustado). El coeficiente kappa fue de 0,5735. Conclusiones: En la actualidad existe pobre acuerdo entre las diferentes escalas de evaluación del riesgo cardiovascular usadas en Colombia, hecho que conlleva incertidumbre para la toma de decisiones terapéuticas. Los datos de este estudio demuestran la necesidad de validar los modelos de SCORE y AHA/ACC en Colombia y Latinoamérica.

Abstract Motivation: In Colombia, different models of cardiovascular risk assessment are currently being used. The motivation of this study is to analyse the concordance between the ACC/AHA 2013 equation, SCORE and adjusted Framingham, as well as the impact of using one or another in the amount of patients classified as high risk and the amount of patients requiring pharmacological management. Methods: 800 patients between 40 and 74 years old were assessed, from the primary prevention clinic of the Hospital Militar Central in Bogotá (Colombia), who were free of cardiovascular events. 10-year risk for atherosclerotic vascular disease was estimated according to the equations proposed by ACC/AHA 2013 guides, the risk of cardiovascular death according to the SCORE function of the European guide and the coronary risk according to the adjusted Framingham function recommended by the Colombian guide. The indication of pharmacological management was considered with an ACC/AHA or adjusted Framingham risk of > 7.5%. A >20% Framingham or a >5% SCORE risk were considered high risk. Results: According to Framingham there was a 5.9% of high-risk patients, according to SCORE equations for low-risk countries an 18.7% and according to SCORE equations for high-risk countries, a 31.2%. The Kappa coefficient showed a low concordance between adjusted Framingham and each of the SCORE equations (0.28 and 0.22 respectively). According to the ACC/AHA guide recommendations, hypolipidemic treatment would be indicated in 40.8% of patients, versus a 50.6% following the Colombian guide indications (adjusted Framingham). Kappa coefficient was 0.5735. Conclusions: Nowadays there is a poor agreement between the different cardiovascular risk assessment scales used in Colombia, thus generating uncertainty when it comes to making therapeutic choices. Data from this study show the need to validate the validate the SCORE and ACC/AHA models in Colombia and Latin America.

Relationships Among the Knowledge, Efficacy, and Practices Instrument, Color-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale, Deamonte Driver Survey, and Defining Issues Test 2.

Concordance studies indicate the degree to which instruments measure the same or similar constructs or something different. The aims of this study were to identify the factor structure of the Deamonte Driver Survey and determine the relationship between the Deamonte Driver (a measure of social class stereotyping), the Defining Issues Test 2 (DIT2; a measure of ethical sensitivity), the Color-Blind Racial Attitudes Scale (CoBRAS; a measure of racial stereotyping), and the Knowledge, Efficacy, and Practices Instrument (KEPI; a measure of cultural competence). The results showed a three-factor solution for the Deamonte Driver Survey and significant relationships between CoBRAS and DIT2 subscales and between CoBRAS and Deamonte Driver subscales. Significant relationships between the measures and exploratory variables, underrepresented minority status, age, citizenship, marital status, political stance, English as a first language, and gender were found. The lack of a significant relationship between the KEPI and Deamonte Driver, DIT2, or CoBRAS subscales suggests that the KEPI is measuring a unique construct. These findings showed how these scales contributed to the assessment of cultural competence among dental students and faculty.

Acurácia de informações sobre classes de medicamentos obtidas com questionário postal aplicado a idosos - Rio de Janeiro, RJ / Accuracy of drug class information obtained from a postal questionnaire to elderly respondents

OBJETIVOS: verificar a confiabilidade e a validade das informações sobre medicamentos obtidas em questionário postal, respondido por idosos, sendo a entrevista face a face o padrão-ouro. MÉTODOS: estudo seccional (Perfil de Utilização de Medicamentos por Aposentados Brasileiros), onde foram utilizadas duas abordagens (postal e domiciliar) para coleta de informações de aposentados pelo Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS) com sessenta anos de idade ou mais. Foram utilizadas também as estatísticas kappa (simples (k), ajustado (PABAK) e ponderado), índices de correlação intra-classe, indicadores de sensibilidade e especificidade, e o gráfico de Luiz et al. RESULTADOS: 234 idosos (M = 42 por cento; F = 58 por cento) responderam às duas abordagens (média = 71,7 anos). A concordância entre postal e entrevista domiciliar foi excelente (k = 0,94) para hipoglicemiantes; muito boa (k = 0,83-0,82) para inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina e anti-hipertensivos; boa (k = 0,71) para diuréticos; e razoável (k = 0,47) para antiinflamatórios não esteróides. A concordância foi boa (k = 0,61) para o número total de medicamentos usados. A validade da abordagem postal foi elevada, às vezes total, para os fármacos empregados no tratamento do diabetes (sensibilidade e especificidade = 100 por cento), seguidos dos anti-hipertensivos. Os menores valores obtidos foram para antiinflamatórios não esteróides (sensibilidade = 64 por cento; especificidade = 88 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: a abordagem postal pode ser usada para se obter informações acuradas sobre classes de medicamentos usados por população com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, considerando idosos com perfil social semelhante ao dos beneficiários do INSS.