Assessment Of Adequacy Research Articles

Isotope-specific breath analysis to track the end-stage renal disease during hemodialysis

The underlying mechanisms towards the progression of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) are poorly understood and it still remains a major clinical stumbling block for early detection of CKD. Most patients with CKD pass through ESRD with the necessity of frequent hemodialysis (HD) treatment. At present, plasma urea and creatinine levels are examined in most CKD patients to monitor their health status after dialysis. But it is impossible to get immediate feedback on the patients’ health as the conventional tests involve the collection of blood samples, laboratory processing for a prolonged period of time and, finally, analysis of those samples. However, the test results are very important in deciding the treatment plan for those ESRD patients. Here, we show that the enzymatic activity of carbonic anhydrase in erythrocytes is distinctly altered in ESRD subjects under HD. This, in turn, leads to the isotopic enrichments of oxygen-18 (18O) and carbon-13 (13C) of CO2 during respiration in HD treatment. High-resolution cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopic measurements show that 18O and 13C-isotopic fractionations of breath CO2 are correlated with Kt/V values, suggesting a novel unifying strategy for ESRD patients that can be used as an isotope-specific methodology for non-invasive assessment of dialysis adequacy and hence 12C18O16O and 13C16O16O could be used as novel markers for tracking the physiological parameters of ESRD individuals. Our findings suggest that the monitoring of 18O and 13C isotopes of breath CO2 may facilitate the proper management of advanced CKD patients. The primary advantage of this isotopic breath test is that it may reduce the valuable time lag between the completion of dialysis and obtaining the clinical report on the status of patients’ health.

Differences in Performance among Test Statistics for Assessing Phylogenomic Model Adequacy.

Statistical phylogenetic analyses of genomic data depend on models of nucleotide or amino acid substitution. The adequacy of these substitution models can be assessed using a number of test statistics, allowing the model to be rejected when it is found to provide a poor description of the evolutionary process. A potentially valuable use of model-adequacy test statistics is to identify when data sets are likely to produce unreliable phylogenetic estimates, but their differences in performance are rarely explored. We performed a comprehensive simulation study to identify test statistics that are sensitive to some of the most commonly cited sources of phylogenetic estimation error. Our results show that, for many test statistics, traditional thresholds for assessing model adequacy can fail to reject the model when the phylogenetic inferences are inaccurate and imprecise. This is particularly problematic when analysing loci that have few informative sites. We propose new thresholds for assessing substitution model adequacy and demonstrate their effectiveness in analyses of three phylogenomic data sets. These thresholds lead to frequent rejection of the model for loci that yield topological inferences that are imprecise and are likely to be inaccurate. We also propose the use of a summary statistic that provides a practical assessment of overall model adequacy. Our approach offers a promising means of enhancing model choice in genome-scale data sets, potentially leading to improvements in the reliability of phylogenomic inference.

F90. Efficacy of simultaneous scalp and intracranial EEG in detecting seizure onset zone

Introduction Recently, we showed that three parameters of seizure onset were pertinent in the comparison of scalp and intracranial EEG: latency (La, pattern (Pa, pattern concordance between scalp and intracranial), and location (Lo) concordance. Discrepancy in these three features was associated with inadequate seizure localization and possibly, lack of electrodes in the SOZ. We evaluated La, Pa, and Lo while individual icEEG contacts are (conceptually) omitted from analysis to assess how these parameters may help identify adequacy of the icEEG montage. Methods Seventeen patients who underwent SSIEEG evaluation were reviewed. The first three seizures of patients (n = 2) whose SOZ were identified on icEEG and had Engel Class 1 outcome post resective surgery were analyzed. The concordance (or discordance) of the La, Pa, and Lo parameters was assessed before and after IEEG electrodes at SOZ were omitted from analysis. Results With complete scalp and icEEG data, the three features were noted as concordant in 100% of the seizures where SSIEEG had detected the SOZ. When icEEG contacts were removed from the SOZ or from areas of seizure spread, two of the three features were discordant in 67% of seizures. La parameter was noted in 100% of seizures with discordant features while Pa and Lo features were noted in 50%. Conclusion Simultaneous scalp and intracranial EEG appear to be complementary in the analysis of SOZ in this small case series. Assessing the concordance between scalp and icEEG for the latency, pattern, and location of seizure onset may be informative in the assessment of icEEG coverage adequacy.

Özel ve Devlet Huzurevleri Menülerinin Kalite ve Yeterlilik Açısından Değerlendirmesi

Amaç: Bu çalışma özel ve devlete bağlı hizmet veren huzurevlerinde uygulanan menülerin kalite kriterlerine uygunluğu ve beslenme yönünden yeterliliğini değerlendirmek amacıyla planlanıp yürütülmüştür.
 Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmada 3 ilde (İstanbul, Ankara, İzmir) 3 özel ve 3 devlet olmak üzere 6 huzurevinin 21 günlük dönüşümlü menülerinin kalite kriterlerine uygunluğu araştırıcılar tarafından geliştirilen bir anket ile değerlendirilmiştir. Menülerin enerji ve besin ögeleri yeterliliklerinin değerlendirilmesinde Diyet ile Referans Alım (DRI) önerilerinin %100’ünü karşılama durumu yeterli olarak kabul edilmiştir.
 Bulgular: Menülerin kalite göstergelerine göre puanlarının ortalaması, özel huzurevleri ve devlet huzurevleri için sırasıyla 6.3±2.52 ve 7.3±0.56 olarak bulunmuştur (p>0.05). Özel ve huzurevi menülerinin kalsiyum, folat, posa ve karbonhidrat yönünden yetersiz, enerji, protein, C vitamini ve demir açısından yeterli olduğu saptanmıştır. Menülerin enerjiden gelen yağ yüzdeleri de yüksek bulunmuştur.
 Sonuç: Menülerin planlandıktan sonra kalite kriterleri ve beslenme yönünden yeterliliklerinin değerlendirilerek gerekli iyileştirmelerin yapılması yaşlılara yönelik verilen beslenme hizmet kalitesini arttırabilir.

Empirical assessment of the future adequacy of value stream mapping in manufacturing industries

PurposeValue stream mapping (VSM) is very common in the manufacturing industry to enhance transparency and support improvements within the production process. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the current status of the method from the user’s point of view and addresses its future sustainability in the context of the ongoing digitalization.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical survey with 170 participants from different branches was conducted. The web-based questionnaire covers the topics Lean Management, respectively, VSM, Industry 4.0, the integration of both approaches as well as a possible need for action to modify the VSM. Results are analyzed in a quantitative way.FindingsBenefits and shortcomings of VSM are already confirmed by previous publications. The serious challenge is the lack of flexibility of the method. In general users appreciate a combination of Lean methods and solutions of Industry 4.0. Moreover 92 percent of the participating experts request further development of the VSM using digitalization to compensate weaknesses.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings are based only on Lean expert’s opinion. Over 95 percent of the participants are from Europe however most of them are from Germany. Although the results are adequate an international expansion of the survey would be advisable in order to distinguish local differences and similarities. In future work researchers need to further develop VSM to overcome the identified gaps.Practical implicationsResults of the study indicate the viewpoint of experts within different branches. This enables users to undertake a self-assessment regarding their own VSM-estimation.Originality/valueThis paper provides a current evaluation of the VSM from an exploratory perspective. The impact of global trends and new opportunities facilitated by digitalization are considered. Shortcomings and fields of actions become clear. Based on that necessity further research activities can be designed.

Assessment of dialysis adequacy: beyond urea kinetic measurements

Adequacy of dialysis is a term that has been used for many years based on measurement of small solute clearance using urea and creatinine. This has been shown in some but not all studies in adults to correlate with survival. However, small solute clearance is just one minor part of the effectiveness of dialysis and in fact ‘optimum’ dialysis, rather than ‘adequate’ dialysis is what most paediatric nephrologists would want for their patients. Additional ways to assess the success of dialysis in children would include dialysis access complications and longevity, preservation of residual kidney function, body composition, biochemical and haematological control, nutrition and growth, discomfort during the dialysis process and psychosocial adjustment including hospitalisation and school attendance. These criteria need to be balanced against a dialysis programme that has the least possible adverse effects on quality of life.

Oral Brush Liquid-Based Cytology: A Study of Concordance between a Cytotechnologist and a Cytopathologist

Objective: Oral cancer accounts for almost 40% of all cancers in the Indian subcontinent. Techniques like oral scrape cytology are helpful in early diagnosis of premalignant lesion and thus prevention of malignant transformation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of cytotechnologists in assessing the adequacy and preliminary diagnostic accuracy of oral brush liquid-based cytology. Study Design: 110 oral brush liquid-based cytology smears were prospectively screened by a cytotechnologist for adequacy assessment, and a preliminary diagnosis was recorded. Smears were subsequently studied by the reporting cytopathologist for the final diagnosis. The performance of the cytotechnologist in the assessment of adequacy and the preliminary diagnosis were compared with the final interpretation rendered by the cytopathologist. Results: There was no significant difference in adequacy assessment between both observers, and good concordance was observed in the identification of frankly malignant lesions; however, in premalignant cases, complete agreement in all the cases was not observed. Maximum numbers of discrepant cases were seen in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, 4/17 were downgraded to low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and 2/17 to negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, respectively. Conclusion: Trained cytotechnologists are capable of assessing the adequacy and identifying the malignancy in oral brush liquid-based cytology smears, and hence there is potential for them to perform initial screening of such cases.

Assessment of Power System Adequacy with Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Storage Systems

The paper deals with the problem of the accounting of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems in assessment of power system adequacy. Development of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems in the present day power systems is one of the main focuses. In power systems of some countries the share of electric energy generated by renewable energy sources is above 50 % in the energy balance. Therefore, the plans on development of the present day power systems must be elaborated with the proper accounting of operation of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems and the sound capacity reserves in terms of these facilities. The paper presents the algorithms for the accounting of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems. The experimental studies performed illustrate feasibility of the suggested algorithms.

Assessment of Hemodialysis Adequacy in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in the Hemodialysis Unit at Sohag University Hospital

introduction evaluation of HD adequacy in patients with ESRD who were being maintained on regular HD in a trial to identify the prevalence and causes of inadequate HD among the patients and the impact of HD adequacy on other parameters. design and setting:prospective study, at sohag university hospital in egypt. METHODS All patients in this study were subjected to laboratory investigations including blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (before dialysis and after dialysis), serum albumin, and hemoglobin (Hb) level. • URR = (1 - [postdialysis BUN ÷ predialysis BUN]) Kt/V was calculated using the second-generation Daugirdas formula • Single-pool Kt/V = −In (R −0.008 × t) + (4 −3.5 × R)×UF/W, R is the ratio of postdialysis to predialysis BUN; t is the length of a dialysis session in hours; UF is the ultrafiltration volume in liters; and W is the patient’s postdialysis weight in kilograms. RESULTS The results shown that 69,64% of patients had adequate HD (KTV >1,2),and only 30,36% of patients had indequate HD (KTV>1,2). CONCLUSION A significant percentage(69,64%) of patients in the HD unit of Sohag University hospital had adequate HD. HD adequacy was influenced by several factors such as duration and frequency of the dialysis session.

System adequacy in the Southern African Power Pool: A case for capacity mechanisms

The requirement for increased investment in electrical energy infrastructure in the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) region is contextualised. Background on the SAPP is provided for reference. A brief assessment of historical capacity adequacy in the SAPP region shows historically sustained levels of inadequacy as well as distinctive investment cycles primarily as a result of administratively determined generation capacity investments within each member country. The introduction of an appropriately designed capacity mechanism is proposed for SAPP to facilitate system adequacy and incentivise long-term capacity investment.

Оценка адекватности физико-математического моделирования динамики бурильной колонны

Оценка адекватности физико-математического моделирования динамики бурильной колонны

The Relationship between Social Support and Subjective Well-Being across the Lifespan

The aim of this study was to examine how social support measured as the subjective assessment of social support adequacy given by family, friends or significant others contributes to well-being (happiness, life satisfaction and domain satisfactions) across the life span. The study was conducted on a representative sample of the Croatian adult population (N = 1.000). For the purpose of analyses the sample was divided into three age groups: 18 to 40 years, 41 to 60 years, and 60+ years. The results were analyzed by means of multiple group structural equation modeling, which was performed separately for two measures of subjective well-being (SWB – a general measure of life satisfaction and happiness, PWI – domain satisfactions). The results showed that in all three age groups, among three sources of social support only the perceived social support from friends was significantly related to both subjective well-being measures. Participants who perceived adequate social support from friends expressed higher levels of subjective well-being.

Applying GRADE-CERQual to qualitative evidence synthesis findings\u2014paper 5: how to assess adequacy of data

BackgroundThe GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approach has been developed by the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) working group. The approach has been developed to support the use of findings from qualitative evidence syntheses in decision-making, including guideline development and policy formulation.CERQual includes four components for assessing how much confidence to place in findings from reviews of qualitative research (also referred to as qualitative evidence syntheses): (1) methodological limitations; (2) coherence; (3) adequacy of data; and (4) relevance. This paper is part of a series providing guidance on how to apply CERQual and focuses on CERQual’s adequacy of data component.MethodsWe developed the adequacy of data component by searching the literature for definitions, gathering feedback from relevant research communities and developing consensus through project group meetings. We tested the CERQual adequacy of data component within several qualitative evidence syntheses before agreeing on the current definition and principles for application.ResultsWhen applying CERQual, we define adequacy of data as an overall determination of the degree of richness and the quantity of data supporting a review finding. In this paper, we describe the adequacy component and its rationale and offer guidance on how to assess data adequacy in the context of a review finding as part of the CERQual approach. This guidance outlines the information required to assess data adequacy, the steps that need to be taken to assess data adequacy, and examples of adequacy assessments.ConclusionsThis paper provides guidance for review authors and others on undertaking an assessment of adequacy in the context of the CERQual approach. We approach assessments of data adequacy in terms of the richness and quantity of the data supporting each review finding, but do not offer fixed rules regarding what constitutes sufficiently rich data or an adequate quantity of data. Instead, we recommend that this assessment is made in relation to the nature of the finding. We expect the CERQual approach, and its individual components, to develop further as our experiences with the practical implementation of the approach increase.

PREGNANCY PLANNING. VITAMIN D DEFICIT – INFERTILITY, CORRECTION OF VITAMIN D DEFICIT

Study objective. To study the efficacy of the drugs vitamin D at the stage of planning of pregnancy in women with infertility of various etiologies, according to domestic and foreign literature.Materials and methods. We conducted a search of the literature sources by the keywords “vitamin D”, “infertility”, “pregravid preparation” in domestic and foreign databases: elibrary, Medline/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL. 23 sources were selected.Study results. Vitamin D plays an important role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and the reproductive health of women. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among women with infertility of various etiologies reaches 69%. It is vital to achieve an adequate level of vitamin D in a woman’s body and to prevent its deficiency.Conclusion. For all women with infertility at the stage of preparation it is recommended to conduct assessment of adequacy of vitamin D by determination of 25(OH)D in serum and correction of its deficit to achieve levels of 25(OH)D more than 30 ng/ml.

Assessment of pain score and specimen adequacy for ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of thyroid nodules.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate pain scores and specimen adequacy for ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (US-FNAB) of thyroid nodules without and with local anesthesia (LA).Materials and methodsThe US-FNAB procedure was performed on 183 patients with and without LA. One puncture was made for solid nodules, and if patients could tolerate it, a two-puncture technique was used for nodules with a cystic change. Four-point verbal rating scores were assessed by a nursing assistant after completion of US-FNAB. To be an adequate specimen, at least six groups of follicular cells are required, and each group should contain at least 10 cells.ResultsImmediately after US-FNAB, 92% of patients with LA and 80% without LA reported no or mild pain (p=0.01). Most patients tolerated the procedure well, with no pain (82.5%) reported 5 minutes after the procedure. In univariate logistic regression, irregular boundary (odds ratio [OR]: 2.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–6.06, p=0.04), calcification (OR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.06–7.76, p=0.04), and LA (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.15–0.86, p=0.02) were significantly associated with immediate moderate or severe pain. Specimen adequacy was significantly associated with age (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92–0.97, p<0.01), heterogeneous echo-texture (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.23–5.17, p=0.01), predominate solid architecture (OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.42–5.41, p<0.01), and the use of LA (OR: 3.34, 95% CI: 1.70–6.56, p<0.01). In multivariate logistic regression, patients receiving LA had lower risk of moderate or severe pain (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.09–0.67, p=0.01) and higher chances of specimen adequacy (OR: 4.84, 95% CI: 2.17–10.7, p<0.01) compared to patients who did not receive LA.ConclusionUS-FNAB is a safe procedure, and most patients report no pain 5 minutes after the procedure. The use of LA was associated with lower immediate pain scales and higher specimen adequacy.

Smartphone-based mobile thermal imaging technology to assess limb perfusion and tourniquet effectiveness under normal and blackout conditions.

Over the past decade, there has been a resurgence of tourniquet use in civilian and military settings. Several key challenges include assessment of limb perfusion and adequacy of tourniquet placement, particularly in the austere or prehospital environments. We investigated the utility of thermal imaging to assess adequacy of tourniquet placement. The FLIR ONE smartphone-based thermal imager was utilized. Ten swine underwent tourniquet placement with no associated hemorrhage (n = 5) or with 40% hemorrhage (n = 5). Experiment 1 simulated proper tourniquet application, experiment 2 had one of two tourniquets inadequately tightened, and experiment 3 had one of two tourniquets inadequately tightened while simulating blackout-combat conditions. Static images were taken at multiple time points up to 30 minutes. Thermal images were then presented to blinded evaluators who assessed adequacy of tourniquet placement. The mean core temperature was 38.3 °C in non-hemorrhaged animals versus 38.2 °C in hemorrhaged animals. Hemorrhaged animals were more hypotensive (p = 0.001), anemic (p < 0.001), vasodilated (p = 0.008), and had a lower cardiac output (p = 0.007) compared to non-hemorrhaged animals. The thermal imaging temperature reading decreased significantly after proper tourniquet placement in all animals, with no difference between hemorrhaged and non-hemorrhaged groups at 30 minutes (p = 0.23). Qualitative thermal image analysis showed clearly visible perfusion differences in all animals between baseline, adequate tourniquet, and inadequate tourniquet in both hemorrhaged and non-hemorrhaged groups. Ninety-eight percent of blinded evaluators (n = 62) correctly identified adequate and inadequate tourniquet placement at 5 minutes. Images in blackout conditions showed no adverse impact on thermal measurements or in the ability to accurately characterize perfusion and tourniquet adequacy. A simple handheld smartphone-based forward looking infrared radiometry device demonstrated a high degree of accuracy, reliability, and ease of use for assessing limb perfusion. Forward looking infrared radiometry also allowed for rapid and reliable identification of adequate tourniquet placement that was not affected by major hemorrhage or blackout conditions.

Forecasting winter wheat yields using MODIS NDVI data for the Central Free State region

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Consumption of wheat is widespread and increasing in South Africa. However, global wheat production is projected to decline. Wheat yield forecasting is therefore crucial for ensuring food security for the country. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the anthesis wheat growth stage is suitable for forecasting dryland wheat yields in the Central Free State region using satellite imagery and linear predictive modelling. A period of 10 years of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index data smoothed with a Savitzky–Golay filter and 10 years of wheat yield data were used for model calibration. Diagnostic plots and statistical procedures were used for model validation and assessment of model adequacy. The period 30 days before harvest during the anthesis stage was established to be the best period during which to use the linear regression model. The calibrated model had a coefficient of determination of 0.73, a p-value of 0.00161 and a root mean squared error of 0.41 tons/ha. Residual plots confirmed that a linear model had a good fit for the data. The quantile-quantile plot provided evidence that the residuals were normally distributed, which means that assumptions of linear regression were fulfilled and the model can be used as a forecasting tool. Model validation showed high levels of accuracy. The evidence indicates that use of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer data during the anthesis growth stage is a reliable, cost-effective and potentially time-saving alternative to ground-based surveys when forecasting dryland wheat yields in the Central Free State.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Significance: &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Developing a cost-effective technique based on satellite imagery for wheat yield forecasting is vital for food security planning in South Africa.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Assessment of light adequacy for vertical farming in a tropical city

The pursuit of urban agriculture as part of a city’s green infrastructure is often a challenge, particularly within compact cities, where there is a limited amount of space between buildings for urban farming and gardening. Instead, such high-rise urban developments present often under-utilized spaces on the vertical surfaces of buildings. A key unknown is the adequacy of light for plant growth. Many leafy vegetables that require high amounts of light form a significant proportion of the staple diet in many Asian countries. We report on the assessment of sunlight adequacy for growing leafy vegetables in a compact tropical city, based on the high-rise and high-density residential environment of Singapore. Leaf physiological traits of seven leafy vegetables were assessed and used to estimate plant light requirements. A survey of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) along exposed corridors showed that the daily light integral (DLI) value ranged from 2 to 35molm−2 d−1 under relatively ideal weather conditions during days with abundant solar insolation, and façades that experienced a minimum of half-day direct insolation matched the light requirements of vegetables within the moderate to very high-light categories. With regard to the building form, PAR increased gradually with height, but remains highly influenced by façade orientation and configuration. Owing to the annual north–south oscillation of the sun’s path, reduced annual PAR variability and higher total annual PAR at façades, buildings with an east–west orientation will better support continuous vegetable cultivation, especially for basic building typologies without self-shading configurations. However, excessive PAR and temperatures during mid-day hours may hinder plant growth. By highlighting such patterns in levels of PAR, this study confirms the potential for high-rise and high-density conditions in the tropics to support farming using typically under-utilized vertical spaces of residential buildings.

Experimental and Numerical Research of Stress-Strain State of Homogeneous Soil Massif at Interaction with Single Barrette

Deep foundations are used for the design of high-rise buildings due to a large pressure transfer on the soil base. The foundations of buildings sometimes use barrettes which are able to perceive significant vertical and horizontal loads due to improved lateral surface. Barrettes have increased load bearing capacity as compared with large diameter piles. In modern practice the interaction between barrettes and soil is investigated by analytical and numerical methods and has no sufficient experimental confirmation. The review of experimental methods for the research of the intense stress-strain state of the uniform soil massif at interaction with elements of a deep foundation is provided in this article. Experimental research are planned with the use of laboratory stand for the purpose of qualitative data obtaining on the interaction barrettes with an assessment of a settlement model adequacy and also at the research of the intense stress-strain state by numerical methods.

Comparison of pancreatic histology specimens obtained by EUS 19G versus 22G core biopsy needles: A prospective multicentre study among experienced pathologists.

Scanty data about inter-observer agreement (IOA) among pathologists in the evaluation of pancreatic samples acquired with EUS histology needle are available. The aim of this study was to determine IOA on adequacy of pancreatic histology specimens obtained with a 22G needle by a panel of experienced pathologist, in comparison with the 19G needle. This multicentre prospective study involved 73 pancreatic specimens prepared using histology needles of different calibres. Five pathologists independently reviewed all the samples, assessing the presence of a core, specimen adequacy and the possibility to perform additional analyses. IOA determined by Fleiss' Kappa statistic was used as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome was to compare 22G versus 19G needle results. A core was present in 57% of pancreatic specimens obtained by 22G needle. The specimens were considered adequate in 72% of cases, with poor agreement among pathologists (p = 0.02, Fleiss' κ = 0.26). The possibility to perform further analyses was rated as 'positive' in 66% of cases without significant difference among observers (p = 0.80). When comparing the results, the presence of a core and the adequacy of tissue slides were significantly better for the 19G needle (57% vs. 84% p = 0.002; 72% vs. 83% p = 0.004, respectively). Reproducibility in the assessment of pancreatic sample adequacy was significantly better with the 19G needle (κ = 0.26 for 22G samples vs. κ = 0.81 for 19G samples). Our results suggest that histology sampling of pancreatic masses should be performed with a 19G histology needle, since is able to provide a core in the majority of cases, with 83% of adequate specimens and excellent results in term of reproducibility among pathologists.