Mean Congruence Research Articles

Financial Literacy of Customers of the Selected Slovak Bank as a Basis for Managerial Decision-Making

Abstract Research purpose. The main goal of the article is to determine the current level of financial literacy among clients of the selected bank in Slovakia. This finding will be compared with the average level in the country. In the survey, we focused on determining their financial literacy level. Currently, a lot of attention is paid to the issue of financial literacy. In connection with financial literacy, a lot is said about education. Therefore, in the paper, we focused on finding out the relationship between financial literacy and the level of education as such. We also compared the financial literacy of the survey sample with the overall financial literacy in Slovakia. Design / Methodology / Approach. For the purposes of this article, an anonymous online questionnaire survey focused on the financial literacy of customers of the selected bank was conducted. By analysing theoretical knowledge and existing surveys, we established hypotheses, which we subsequently verified statistically. When analysing theoretical knowledge and surveys in the Slovak Republic, we found that there is a large number of surveys focused on financial literacy. The output and support of each of them are primarily focused on increasing financial literacy through education. We, therefore, assumed, given that financial literacy has been in the curriculum of primary and secondary schools for several years, that financial literacy is related to the availability of goods. We also assumed that financial literacy in the Slovak Republic is increasing. To verify the hypothesis, we used two statistical methods - the Chi-Square test and the Mean Congruence Test. The reason for choosing customers of a specific bank for the purposes of our survey was the number of respondents' answers. We managed to collect the most answers for the bank mentioned. Findings. Through the selected statistical method, we found that in our survey, the number of correct answers is not affected by the level of education. It was also interesting to find that the level of financial literacy of the selected region in 2022 is not higher than the overall level of financial literacy of the Slovak Republic determined on the basis of a survey from 2012. Originality / Value / Practical implications. The proposals and recommendations that emerged from the survey relate to increasing the financial literacy of customers of the selected bank. We focused our recommendations on education and conducting surveys, both for customers and for the bank's management. The bank can use these recommendations as a basis for managerial decisions. It is necessary to increase the financial literacy of customers. It is also necessary to support the field of marketing, especially communication with customers. It is only up to the management of the bank to decide which customers it will have and how it will retain or expand them.

Expert evaluation of ergonomics and cultural influence on employees’ choice of work

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has long been in a relationship with ergonomics, as a user is expected to have a suitable environment to display a good user experience. This study aimed to identify how organizational or employers' ergonomic values and culture influence employees’ choice of organization to work for. A survey questionnaire, containing 30 items with a Likert Scale (Strongly disagree -1 and 5 for strongly agree) was adopted. A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed and a sample of 250 full-time employees from various companies was used. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive means and correlation via SPSS.21. Results show that a significant dependent relationship exists between employee values and the organization’s ergonomic values (r=0.947; p<0.01), and between employee’s values and mean congruence between values (r=0.829; p<0.01). No significant relationship was found between organizational values and mean congruence between values (r=0.096; p>0.05). The findings in this study may provide direction on how organizations should adopt a better ergonomic design approach for mutual benefits with present and prospective employees.

Определение конгруэнтности стандартного полусферического вертлужного компонента и посттравматически деформированной вертлужной впадины при первичном эндопротезировании тазобедренного сустава (экспериментальное исследование)

Introduction An original ASPID classification was developed for primary total hip arthroplasty in the presence of post-traumatic acetabular deformity at the Vreden National Medical Research Centre for Traumatology and Orthopaedics. We aimed to explore how the extent of displacement and localization of acetabular deformity as classified by the original ASPID grading system can affect the coverage area of the acetabular component. The purpose of the study was to determine the congruence of the standard hemispherical acetabular component and the post-traumatic acetabular deformity in the experiment. Material and methods Computer 3D models of 92 post-traumatic acetabulums were formed, followed by simulated implantation of a standard hemisphere of the appropriate size in compliance with permissible values of the spatial orientation of the acetabular cup in total hip replacement. The congruence of the deformed acetabulum and the standard hemisphere of the corresponding size was determined with simulated implantation. Formula for the acetabular deformity was determined for each case using the original classification. With formula identified for each acetabular deformity and the magnitude of congruence, the data were compared to determine the relationship between congruence, bone displacement and the extent of bone displacement. Results The mean congruence value in the group was 59.5 ± 16.83 %. The sum of the scores A+S+P+I+D was compared with the percentage of congruence. The statistical analysis showed that the congruence of the hemispherical acetabular component and the post-traumatic acetabulum was less than 70% with a sum of parameters greater than four. The continuation of the study will allow for a more global analysis and identification of more patterns to improve surgical approaches to primary total hip arthroplasty in specific cases. Conclusion Screws can be recommended for reliable primary mechanical fixation of the pelvic component in target patients, and cavitary bone defects can be repaired with autobone chips to allow greater congruence at the bone-implant interface.

Clinical outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using FiberTape and knotless SwiveLock anchors

BackgroundWe aimed to prospectively investigate the clinical outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction using polyester high-strength suture tape with knotless anchors. MethodForty-three patients (65 knees) were followed for at least 1 year postoperatively, with 27 patients (43 knees) followed for 2 years postoperatively. All patients underwent MPFL reconstruction using polyester high-strength suture tape (FiberTape®; Arthrex) with knotless anchors (SwiveLock®; Arthrex). Repeated dislocation and residual patellar apprehension signs were recorded, and congruence and tilting angles were measured. Changes in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scale (KOOS) scores and their associations with the preoperative tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance were analyzed. ResultsNo repeat dislocations (0%) were observed. One (2.4%) residual positive patellar apprehension sign was noted. The mean tilting angle decreased from 24.8° to 10.7° (P < 0.001), and the mean congruence angle decreased from 24.9° to 4.3° (P < 0.001). At 2 years follow up, all KOOS subscales had improved: pain (92.0 ± 12.9), symptoms (90.2 ± 11.9), activities of daily living (95.7 ± 7.3), sports activity (85.7 ± 16.9), quality of life (87.7 ± 12.9), and patellofemoral (89.0 ± 9.6) outcomes. KOOS subscale scores improved regardless of the preoperative TT-TG distance (21.1 ± 3.5 mm; range, 13.8–29.9 mm). ConclusionsMPFL reconstruction using FiberTape and knotless SwiveLock anchors was performed without sacrificing autologous tissue. No recurrent patellar dislocation was observed during the 2-year follow up period. All KOOS subscale scores improved using FiberTape and SwiveLock anchors in MPFL reconstruction.

Results and Factors Affecting Clinical Efficacy of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Using a Gracilis Tendon Suture Technique.

BackgroundThis study evaluated the outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction using a gracilis tendon suture technique for patients with patellar instability. Potential factors affecting clinical efficacy were also evaluated.MethodsThis study included 22 patients diagnosed with patellar instability, who underwent MPFL reconstruction using a gracilis tendon. Their mean age was 21.5 years (range, 15–48 years), and the mean follow-up period was 26.8 months (range, 12–66 months). Clinical evaluation included the determination of Kujala, Lysholm, and Tegner scores. Radiographic evaluation included changes in congruence angle and arthritic changes in the patellofemoral joint. Additionally, patients were examined for any complications, including recurrent dislocation. Factors affecting clinical efficacy were also evaluated.ResultsAll clinical scores improved at final follow-up. The mean congruence angle improved from 23.6° before surgery to –6.5° at final follow-up. Two of 15 patients developed osteoarthritic changes in the patellofemoral joint. Dislocation recurred in 2 patients with type C trochlear dysplasia, which showed a statistically significant association with recurrent dislocation when compared to type A and B dysplasia (p = 0.026). Kujala scores were significantly lower among patients with abnormal patellar tilts (p = 0.038), and Lysholm scores were significantly lower among patients with femoral internal rotation deformity (p = 0.024).ConclusionsSatisfactory results were obtained after MPFL reconstruction using a gracilis tendon suture technique for patients with patellar instability. However, dislocation recurred in patients with type C trochlear dysplasia, and clinical efficacy was lower among patients with femoral internal rotation and patellar tilt.

Longer is Not Always Better: Optimizing Barcode Length for Large-Scale Species Discovery and Identification.

New techniques for the species-level sorting of millions of specimens are needed in order to accelerate species discovery, determine how many species live on earth, and develop efficient biomonitoring techniques. These sorting methods should be reliable, scalable, and cost-effective, as well as being largely insensitive to low-quality genomic DNA, given that this is usually all that can be obtained from museum specimens. Mini-barcodes seem to satisfy these criteria, but it is unclear how well they perform for species-level sorting when compared with full-length barcodes. This is here tested based on 20 empirical data sets covering ca. 30,000 specimens (5500 species) and six clade-specific data sets from GenBank covering ca. 98,000 specimens ($>$20,000 species). All specimens in these data sets had full-length barcodes and had been sorted to species-level based on morphology. Mini-barcodes of different lengths and positions were obtained in silico from full-length barcodes using a sliding window approach (three windows: 100 bp, 200 bp, and 300 bp) and by excising nine mini-barcodes with established primers (length: 94-407 bp). We then tested whether barcode length and/or position reduces species-level congruence between morphospecies and molecular operational taxonomic units (mOTUs) that were obtained using three different species delimitation techniques (Poisson Tree Process, Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery, and Objective Clustering). Surprisingly, we find no significant differences in performance for both species- or specimen-level identification between full-length and mini-barcodes as long as they are of moderate length ($>$200 bp). Only very short mini-barcodes (<200 bp) perform poorly, especially when they are located near the 5$^\prime$ end of the Folmer region. The mean congruence between morphospecies and mOTUs was ca. 75% for barcodes $>$200 bp and the congruent mOTUs contain ca. 75% of all specimens. Most conflict is caused by ca. 10% of the specimens that can be identified and should be targeted for re-examination in order to efficiently resolve conflict. Our study suggests that large-scale species discovery, identification, and metabarcoding can utilize mini-barcodes without any demonstrable loss of information compared to full-length barcodes. [DNA barcoding; metabarcoding; mini-barcodes; species discovery.].

Patellar Resurfacing versus Nonresurfacing with Patellaplasty in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background:Anterior knee pain following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains one of the important reasons for patient dissatisfaction. The management of patellofemoral joint is controversial and a decision whether to resurface the patella or not, is important. The present study compares the clinical and radiological outcomes between patellar resurfacing and nonresurfacing in patients undergoing bilateral TKA.Materials and Methods:This is a prospective comparative study with 60 patients undergoing bilateral simultaneous TKA (120 knees) with posterior stabilized Hi flex fixed bearing knee (Zimmer, Warsaw, Indiana), by two surgeons. The patients were allocated to the two groups of resurfacing versus nonresurfacing of patella. In nonresurfacing group, patellaplasty was done. Patients with clinicoradiological signs of tricompartmental arthritis were included in the study. Exclusion criteria included unilateral TKA, rheumatoid arthritis, postseptic arthritis, previous high tibial osteotomy, or unicondylar knee arthroplasty cases. Patients were assessed using Knee Society Score (KSS), Modified Samsung Medical Centre Score (MSMCS), Feller patellar score. Radiological evaluation was performed at 1 year using congruence angle and patellar tilt angle.Results:Mean followup was 19 months (range 12–25 months). Mean KSS, MSMCS, Feller patellar scores in resurfacing group were 82.67, 10.68, and 25.97, respectively and in nonresurfacing group were 82.93, 10.48, and 24.90, respectively. Mean congruence angle in resurfacing group was −12.83° and in nonresurfacing group was −12.383° (P = 0.917) and mean patellar tilt angle in resurfacing is 8.07 and nonresurfacing group is 7.97 (P = 0.873).Conclusion:There was no statistically significant difference in short-term clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes in the two groups and therefore, routine patellar resurfacing for patient undergoing TKA is not advantageous.

Comparisons among several methods for handling missing data in principal component analysis (PCA)

Missing data are prevalent in many data analytic situations. Those in which principal component analysis (PCA) is applied are no exceptions. The performance of five methods for handling missing data in PCA is investigated, the missing data passive method, the weighted low rank approximation (WLRA) method, the regularized PCA (RPCA) method, the trimmed scores regression method, and the data augmentation (DA) method. Three complete data sets of varying sizes were selected, in which missing data were created randomly and non-randomly. These data were then analyzed by the five methods, and their parameter recovery capability, as measured by the mean congruence coefficient between loadings obtained from full and missing data, is compared as functions of the number of extracted components (dimensionality) and the proportion of missing data (censor rate). For randomly censored data, all five methods worked well when the dimensionality and censor rate were small. Their performance deteriorated, as the dimensionality and censor rate increased, but the speed of deterioration was distinctly faster with the WLRA method. The RPCA method worked best and the DA method came as a close second in terms of parameter recovery. However, the latter, as implemented here, was found to be extremely time-consuming. For non-randomly censored data, the recovery was also affected by the degree of non-randomness in censoring processes. Again the RPCA method worked best, maintaining good to excellent recoveries when the censor rate was small and the dimensionality of solutions was not too excessive.

Admixture in Argentina

Analyses of the relationships between cognitive ability, socioeconomic outcomes, and European ancestry were carried out at multiple levels in Argentina: individual (max. n = 5,920), district (n = 437), municipal (n = 299), and provincial (n = 24). Socioeconomic outcomes correlated in expected ways such that there was a general socioeconomic factor (S factor). The structure of this factor replicated across four levels of analysis, with a mean congruence coefficient of .96. Cognitive ability and S were moderately to strongly correlated at the four levels of analyses: individual r=.55 (.44 before disattenuation), district r=.52, municipal r=.66, and provincial r=.88. European biogeographic ancestry (BGA) for the provinces was estimated from 25 genomics papers. These estimates were validated against European ancestry estimated from self-identified race/ethnicity (SIRE; r=.67) and interviewer-rated skin brightness (r=.33). On the provincial level, European BGA correlated strongly with scholastic achievement-based cognitive ability and composite S-factor scores (r's .48 and .54, respectively). These relationships were not due to confounding with latitude or mean temperature when analyzed in multivariate analyses. There were no BGA data for the other levels, so we relied on %White, skin brightness, and SIRE-based ancestry estimates instead, all of which were related to cognitive ability and S at all levels of analysis. At the individual level, skin brightness was related to both cognitive ability and S. Regression analyses showed that SIRE had little detectable predictive validity when skin brightness was included in models. Similarly, the correlations between skin brightness, cognitive ability, and S were also found inside SIRE groups. The results were similar when analyzed within provinces. In general, results were congruent with a familial model of individual and regional outcome differences.

Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Combined With Distal Realignment for Recurrent Dislocations of the Patella: 5-Year Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Tibial tubercle transfer (TTT) and medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction have both shown, either in isolation or in combination, to provide improved patellofemoral joint (PFJ) stability. There are few studies that provide evidence that this remains true in the long term. Purpose: To compare the long-term results of patellar instability after TTT with and without MPFL reconstruction in 2 randomized groups. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 34 patients (36 knees) were randomized to 2 groups. The first group underwent lateral release (LR) and TTT for confirmed maltracking of the patella (control group). The second group underwent MPFL reconstruction in addition to TTT and LR (reconstruction group). Patients were followed up with validated questionnaires (Kujala score, Tegner activity score), a visual analog scale (VAS) assessing their insecurity, and a clinical assessment at a minimum of 5 years postoperatively. Participants also underwent quantitative computed tomography (CT) at 1 year for comparison. Two patients in the control group and 1 patient in the reconstruction group were lost to follow-up at 5 years. Results: There were no significant differences in the Kujala (P = .75), Tegner (P = .36), or VAS (P = .75) scores at any time period. One patient in the control group sustained a patellar redislocation at 3 years. Five patients in the control group and 2 in the reconstruction group had functional failures and required reoperations; however, this was not statistically significant (P = .30). There were no significant differences between groups in the time to return to school or work (P = .65) or sports (P = .38) after surgery. Overall patient satisfaction was higher in the reconstruction group compared with the control group (P = .04), and quantitative CT scans showed that the reconstruction group had a statistically significant improvement in the mean patellar tilt (6° vs −8°, respectively; P = .03) and mean congruence angle (13° vs −11°, respectively; P = .03) in the quadriceps-contracted state compared with the control group. Conclusion: Reconstruction of the MPFL in addition to TTT and LR resulted in improved alignment parameters (congruence angle, patellar tilt angle) as well as patient satisfaction. The Kujala and Tegner scores were no different between the 2 groups at any time period. There was insufficient evidence to conclude that the addition of MPFL reconstruction to TTT results in fewer redislocations or reoperations. This study concludes that MPFL reconstruction improves PFJ alignment and patient satisfaction; however, further studies with larger patient numbers are required to satisfy its significance with respect to redislocation rates and functional scores in the long term.

The double-pulley technique for anatomical double-bundled medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction

IntroductionMajority of the current medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction techniques vary with respect to methods of fixation on the patella. In an effort to maximise the area of patellar footprint coverage and minimise the complication of patellar fracture, we developed a procedure that implemented the double-pulley suture anchors technique. DesignProspective case series. SettingA primary medical centre in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Patients and methodsEighteen consecutive patients (18 knees) who met the inclusion criteria underwent the aforementioned operation between January 2010 and March 2012. Patients were evaluated using functional scores (Kujala and Tegner–Lysholm scores), apprehension test, and radiographic examination (congruence angle and patellar tilting angle) preoperatively and at the follow-up. ResultsThe mean follow-up was 35 months. A firm endpoint to lateral patellar translation was noted in all patients at the last follow-up with a mean lateral translation quadrant of 1.5 (improved from 3.5 preoperatively, p<0.001). Both clinical and radiographic assessment improved significantly (p<0.001); the mean Kujala score improved from 55.3±6.8 preoperatively to 95.2±3.5 at the last follow-up; TegnerLysholm from 43.6±8.1 to 93.6±6.8; the mean congruence angle improved from 20.6°±2.1° preoperatively to −5.2°±2.4° at the last follow-up; and the patellar tilting angle from 23.8°±2.3° to 9.6°±1.3°. ConclusionThe double-pulley patellar fixation technique, by having a result that is comparable with those of other studies that used aperture fixation techniques, can be a promising surgical option for anatomically reconstructing the medial petellofemoral ligament.

Does Degree of Trochlear Dysplasia and Position of Femoral Tunnel Influence Outcome After Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction?

Background: The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the main restraining force against lateral patellar displacement. It is disrupted after patellar subluxation or dislocation. Reconstruction of the MPFL is frequently performed when nonoperative management fails and the patient experiences recurrent patellar dislocation. Purpose: To determine the relationship between the degree of trochlear dysplasia and femoral tunnel position and outcome after MPFL reconstruction. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 68 patients (72 knees) with recurrent dislocation of the patella underwent MPFL reconstruction. The mean follow-up was 31.3 months (range, 13-72 months). Clinical and functional outcomes were recorded using the Kujala, Lysholm, and Tegner scores. Postoperative complications, participation in sporting activity, and overall patient satisfaction were determined. Radiographs were analyzed to evaluate congruence angle, lateral patellofemoral angle, patellar height, trochlear dysplasia, trochlear boss height, and position of the femoral tunnel. Results: The mean Kujala, Lysholm, and Tegner scores postoperatively were 76.2, 73.8, and 3.6, respectively (n = 61). The mean congruence angle (n = 30) improved from 22.5° to 1.0° postoperatively (P = .000038), the lateral patellofemoral angle (n = 30) improved from 7.4° to 7.8° postoperatively (P = .048), and the patellar height (n = 46) using the Caton-Deschamps method improved from 1.1 to 1.0 postoperatively (P = .000016). Mild trochlear dysplasia grade A/B was found in 89% of patients (n = 54), and 11% of patients (n = 7) had severe grade C/D dysplasia. The mean distance from the anatomic insertion of the MPFL to the center of the tunnel was 9.3 mm (range, 0.5-28.2 mm), with 71.7% thought to be within 10 mm of the anatomic position defined by Schottle (n = 46). When patients with high-grade trochlear dysplasia were excluded, anatomically placed femoral tunnels demonstrated significantly better clinical scores than did tunnels not placed anatomically (Kujala score, P = .028; Lysholm score, P = .012). A multivariate logistic regression analysis also demonstrated that the distance of the femoral tunnel from the anatomic position predicted clinical outcome (Kujala score, P = .043; Lysholm score, P = .028). All of the patients with severe trochlear dysplasia (n = 7) suffered from recurrent dislocations postoperatively, compared with only 9.3% of patients (n = 5) with mild trochlear dysplasia (P = .0001). Four patients had patellar fractures postoperatively. Of patients with mild dysplasia, 83% were either very satisfied or satisfied with the outcome of their surgery compared with only 57% with severe dysplasia (P = .05). Of patients with mild trochlear dysplasia, 56% returned to sport postoperatively compared with only 43% of patients with severe trochlear dysplasia (P = .526). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of restoration of the anatomic insertion point of the MPFL when performing MPFL reconstruction and proposes that this procedure should not be performed in isolation in patients with high-grade trochlear dysplasia.

Results of Medial Retinacular Imbrication in Patients with Unilateral Patellar Dislocation

Many surgical methods are used for treating malaligned patella after patellar dislocation, but one surgical method may not be appropriate for all patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the radiographic and subjective outcomes of patients who underwent imbrication of redundant medial structures. A total of 42 patients met the inclusion criteria of suffering a traumatic, unilateral patellar dislocation and had no J-sign, no patella alta, asymmetry on Merchant view radiograph with normal patella alignment on the noninvolved side, and MRI showing injury to the medial retinaculum. Patients were prospectively evaluated. A total of 38 patients (mean age 19.2 years) completed follow-up evaluations at a mean of 31.7 months postoperatively. Mean congruence angle improved from 19.7° preoperatively to 5.4° postoperatively (p < 0.001) and was not statistically significantly different than the noninvolved knee of 4.1 (p = 0.5194). The mean linear displacement measurement improved from 6.0 mm preoperatively to 1.6 mm postoperatively (p < 0.001) and was not statistically significantly different than the noninvolved knee of 1.4 mm (p = 0.6294). Total 33 of 38 patients (87%) returned to their preinjury activity level including sports. Three patients had recurrence of patellar dislocation after surgery while playing sports. For patients who have the specific indications for imbrication of the medial retinaculum, surgery can be successful for re-establishing normal patellofemoral alignment and restoring function.

Representation in the European Union: Congruence Between Citizens and Elites in the European Parliament's Two-Level Setting

Hitherto, the study of representation in the European Union (EU) and its member states focused on either the national or the European level. Yet, in the EU, the representation channels operate via a multi-level institutional and party organisational structure, which is likely to impact upon ideological congruence achieved between represented and their representatives. Here we ask: does congruence vary across levels of representation? To provide a first exploratory answer to this question, we employ two measures of congruence, namely absolute mean congruence and relative congruence, utilizing voter, expert and party manifesto data for Austria and Germany in the context of the 2004 European Parliament (EP) elections. Our findings demonstrate that the exclusion of either level from analyses of congruence may provide an inaccurate picture of representation in the EU.

Anatomical transverse patella double tunnel reconstruction of medial patellofemoral ligament with a hamstring tendon autograft for recurrent patellar dislocation

The purpose of this study was to describe our transverse patella double tunnel technique to reconstruct the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) with a hamstring tendon autograft in patients who suffered recurrent dislocation of the patella, and to evaluate the intermediate-term outcomes of reconstruction treatment. Fifty-nine consecutive knees (52 patients) with recurrent dislocation of the patella without marked predisposing anatomic abnormalities and radiographically documented moderate/severe osteochondral lesions were included in the study. Outcomes were assessed with physical and radiographic examination, the Kujala and the modified Cincinnati scores preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 6, 12, 36, 60 and 84months. There were 19 male and 33 female patients with up to 7.1-year follow-up (mean 5.7years). The mean age was 24.3years. A comparison of preoperative scores with those obtained at most recent follow-up revealed a significant improvement for all outcomes measured: range of motion (30±2° vs. 125±5°, P<0.01), the mean Kujala scores (41.4 vs. 82.6, P<0.001), the mean modified Cincinnati scores (50.6 vs. 88.7, P<0.01), the mean congruence angle (12.2° vs. -2.4°, P<0.01) and the mean tilt angle (11.4° vs. 8.4°, P<0.05). No recurrent episodes of dislocation or subluxation were postoperatively reported, although there were seven knees with an occasional unstable feeling without redislocation. MPFL reconstruction with the double-transverse tunnels technique is safe and effective in patients of all ages, without marked predisposing anatomic abnormalities and moderate/severe osteochondral lesions, who suffered recurrent dislocation of the patella.

Promoting evidence-based management of anemia in cancer patients: concurrent and discriminant validity of RESPOND, a web-based clinical guidance system based on the EORTC guidelines for supportive care in cancer

The goal of this study is to test the validity of RESPOND, a web-based decision support system to assess and manage anemia in cancer patients as per the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) guidelines. The intraclass correlation metrics for the algorithmic definitions were reported previously. Reported here are the concurrent validity, the extent to which clinicians' anemia management is guidelines-congruent when using the system; and discriminant validity, the extent to which clinicians practice in congruence with guidelines when vs. when not using the system. Hybrid matched design with precohort (retrospective; clinicians not using RESPOND) and postcohort (prospective; clinicians using RESPOND) of anemic patients matched on cancer type and chemotherapy regimen and followed up over 4 months after treatment initiation with erythropoietic proteins (34 patients per cohort; total N = 68). Congruence scores quantified the extent to which anemia management was congruent with the EORTC guidelines (range 0-10). Hemoglobin (Hb) increased significantly for both cohorts, but the postcohort group showed more rapid rate of Hb increase over time (p < 0.006), higher Hb by visit 4 (p = 0.007), and greater Hb increase by visit 4 (p = 0.006). Concurrent validity was high with mean postcohort congruence scores of 8.18 +/- 1.38. Discriminant validity was inferred from statistically significant differences in mean congruence scores between cohorts (p < 0.001) and from the postcohort having odds ratios of 3.64 for patients to reach Hb >or= 11 g/dL and 2.91 to achieve Hb >or= 12 g/dL. RESPOND, a validated computerized clinical guidance system with an incremental effect beyond the pharmacotherapeutic effect of erythropoietic proteins, offers clinicians accurate and safe guidance in managing anemia in cancer patients.

A Cross-Cultural Study of the Higher-Order Structures Underlying Personality Disorders in French-Speaking Africa and Switzerland

Most studies about the higher-order dimensions to be considered in order to parsimoniously describe Personality Disorders (PDs) have identified between two and four factors but there is still no consensus about their exact number. In this context, the cultural stability of these structures might be a criterion to be considered. The aim of this study was to identify stable higher-order structures of PD traits in a French-speaking African and Swiss sample (N = 2,711). All subjects completed the IPDE screening questionnaire. Using Everett's criterion and conducting a series of principal component analyses, a cross-culturally stable two- and four-factor structure were identified, associated with a total congruence coefficient of .98 and .94, respectively, after Procrustes rotation. Moreover, these two structures were also highly replicable across the four African regions considered, North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, and Mauritius, with a mean total congruence coefficient of .97 and .87, respectively. The four-factor structure presented the advantage of being similar to Livesely's four components and of describing the ten PDs more accurately.

Axial Linear Patellar Displacement

Background The tools for measuring the congruence angle with digital radiography software can be difficult to use; therefore, the authors sought to develop a new, easy, and reliable method for measuring patellofemoral congruence. Hypothesis The linear displacement measurement will correlate well with the congruence angle measurement. Study Design Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods On Merchant view radiographs obtained digitally, the authors measured the congruence angle and a new linear displacement measurement on preoperative and postoperative radiographs of 31 patients who suffered unilateral patellar dislocations and 100 uninjured subjects. The linear displacement measurement was obtained by drawing a reference line across the medial and lateral trochlear facets. Perpendicular lines were drawn from the depth of the sulcus through the reference line and from the apex of the posterior tip of the patella through the reference line. The distance between the perpendicular lines was the linear displacement measurement. The measurements were obtained twice at different sittings. The observer was blinded as to the previous measurements to establish reliability. Measurements were compared to determine whether the linear displacement measurement correlated with congruence angle. Results Intraobserver reliability was above r2 = .90 for all measurements. In patients with patellar dislocations, the mean congruence angle preoperatively was 33.5°, compared with 12.1 mm for linear displacement (r2 = .92). The mean congruence angle postoperatively was 11.2°, compared with 4.0 mm for linear displacement (r2 = .89). For normal subjects, the mean congruence angle was —3° and the mean linear displacement was 0.2 mm. Conclusion The linear displacement measurement was found to correlate with congruence angle measurements and may be an easy and useful tool for clinicians to evaluate patellofemoral congruence objectively.

Homosemiosis, mimicry and superficial similarity: notes on the conceptualization of independent emergence of similarity in biology

Independent phenotypic emergence of superficially similar traits is a phenomenon frequently reported from investigations in the whole biota. Superficial similarity (including mimicry) is frequently explained as results of selective forces (predation or external environment). However, the mechanisms underlying independent (polyphyletic) emergence of similar phenotypic features remain largely unknown. A part of superficial similarity may emerge due to the occasional re-activation of latent genetic and/or developmental precursors. A specific kind of superficial similarity is represented by the phenomenon of mimicry that presupposes the attendance of a particular animal-interpreter. Despite diversity of ways how mimetic patterns are generated, they are structurally similar and often bear a common semantic message for an interpreter (predator); therefore, the term "homosemiosis" is proposed for such cases of sign-mediated correspondences where congruence of meaning appears.

An Empirical Test of the Modified C Index and SII, O*NET, and DHOC Occupational Code Classifications

The present study investigated new approaches for assessing Holland's congruence hypothesis by (a) developing and applying four sets of decision rules for assigning Holland codes of varying lengths for purposes of computing Eggerth and Andrew's modified C index; (b) testing the modified C index computed using these four approaches against Brown and Gore's C index; and (c) comparing the validity of SII, O*NET, and DHOC taxonomies for assigning Holland codes to work environments. Results obtained from an archived sample of 239 employed young adults suggested that the modified C index performed as well as, but not better than, the standard C index. The SII was associated with larger mean congruence scores and stronger congruence-satisfaction relations than was the O*NET, which in turn was associated with larger mean congruence scores and stronger congruence-satisfaction relations than was the DHOC. Implications for research and practice related to Holland-type congruence are discussed.