Different Methods Of Measurement Research Articles

Apelin, a Circulating Biomarker in Cancer Evaluation: A Systematic Review.

Simple SummaryDespite advances in science and technology for the care of patients with cancer, providing effective treatment remains challenging. The lack of sensitive markers for early diagnosis and monitoring of cancer progression leads to suboptimal outcomes and decreased survival. There is a need to identify objective and reliable biomarkers that can be used in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating cancer. Apelin as a protein plays a role in cancer development and may predict treatment response and prognosis; however, research is limited. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on associations of apelin circulating in blood with cancer and highlight knowledge gaps to direct future research. Results showed significant variations in methods of measuring apelin in the blood among various cancer studies and indicated inconsistent associations between apelin and clinical characteristics such as BMI, tumor pathology, and survival. Future research warrants more studies to advance in standardized measurement methods, produce a body of evidence based on the cancer types, and define the optimal cutoff points of apelin for accurate and early detection of cancer for personalized treatment.Apelin is a promising biomarker for the detection and prognosis of cancer. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on associations of circulating apelin with cancer, illustrate knowledge gaps, and discuss future research. Following PRISMA guidelines, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched using terms “cancer AND apelin” between 2011 and 2021, full text, and English language. Inclusion criteria: measured circulating apelin in adults 18 years or older with cancer, and observational, cross-sectional, longitudinal, case–control, cohort, quasi-experimental, or randomized control trials. Excluded were studies with animal models, tissue samples only, secondary data analyses, systematic reviews, literature reviews, grey literature, and conference abstracts. 16 articles were included. There were significant variations in measurement methods between studies. Comparison of circulating apelin between cases and controls and associations of circulating apelin with clinicopathological characteristics were inconsistent. Variations in results suggest that the relationship between circulating apelin and cancer differs among cancer types. Differences in measurement methods between studies highlight the need for consistency in future research to draw meaningful conclusions. Future research should seek to standardize methods of detecting circulating apelin and examine its associations with specific cancer types to determine what role that circulating apelin may play in cancer development and progression.

Comparative analysis of Modified Thorington to the prism cover, von Graefe and Maddox rod tests

Background: Heterophoria measurement is important in the evaluation of binocular vision. There are many different methods of heterophoria measurement. There are various methods of heterophoria measurements, and studies have compared different methods, some reporting little difference between the methods while others reported that measures can be significantly different.Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare heterophoria measurements obtained using four clinical methods, that is, the modified Thorington test (MTT) on the Bernell Muscle Imbalance Measure (MIM) with those obtained from the prism cover test (PCT), Von Graefe test (VGT) and Maddox rod test (MRT), and thereby to establish their interchangeability.Setting: The study was performed at an optometric clinic within a South African university.Methods: Dissociated near horizontal heterophoria was measured on a sample of 30 optometry students (ages 19–25 years) using the PCT, VGT, MRT and MTT. Three measurements for each of the four tests per participant were obtained, and thereafter the means were applied in analysis of the results. Agreement between paired tests was assessed using Bland–Altman plots.Results: The means for near or proximal heterophoria obtained using the four tests were −2.63 ± 1.9Δ, −2.90 ± 1.7Δ, −3.37 ± 2.0Δ and −2.47 ± 1.9Δ, with a strong correlation for each pair (p = 0.00) (minus signs indicate exophoria [XOP]). Among the different combinations of tests, the MTT and PCT showed the best agreement, although the reliability was good for all four tests.Conclusion: The measurement of near heterophoria can best be quantified either using the MTT or PCT because they showed the greatest level of agreement.

Teacher Education Interventions on Teacher TPACK: A Meta-Analysis Study

Teacher education is an important strategy for developing teachers’ technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK). Many schools in the world have incorporated the training into teacher education plans. However, there has been controversy in academic circles concerning the effects of teacher education intervention in promoting the development of teacher TPACK. Therefore, this study used a meta-analysis approach to review the published literature on teacher education programs to determine the impact on TPACK. The results showed that teacher education intervention positively affected TPACK (d = 0.839, p < 0.0001). Besides cultural background, experimental participants, types, sample types, intervention durations, differences in measurement methods, intervention types, and learning environments are the reasons for the differences in the effects of the interventions. The research design using random experiments had a significant positive effect on the size, which was significantly higher than that of the quasi-experiment. The longer the duration of teaching intervention, the stronger the improvement effect of teachers’ TPACK. There are significant differences in improving TPACK between teaching interventions, and the effect is more obvious. Teacher education intervention has a greater and slightly smaller impact on theoretical and practical knowledge. However, cultural background, experimental participant, sample type, and learning environment have no significant effect on teacher education intervention.

How the Chinese people understand democracy: a multi-method study based on four waves of nationwide representative surveys

ABSTRACT Different methods of measurement for survey research have been developed to explore how the public understands democracy. In the existing research on the democratic understanding of the Chinese people, closed-ended questions are often used to measure this understanding. However, the results obtained can only prove whether the democratic understanding of the Chinese people deviates from or is close to liberal democracy. This article applied grounded theory to classify respondents’ answers to an open-ended question. Unlike previous research findings, this article’s findings showed that even Chinese people’s democratic understanding has certain procedural or substantive elements. However, this understanding consists of only emphasizing their rights and interests under the Communist Party of China-led system rather than being more inclined toward liberal democracy. Additionally, the higher effective response rates for closed-ended questions suggested that Chinese people need a higher level of political knowledge and engagement in public affairs to form their own understanding of democracy when answering an open-ended question. We argue that although closed-ended questions are more convenient for statistical analysis, open-ended questions with the classification method developed in this study can paint a more accurate picture of respondents’ understanding of democracy in China.

Comparison of Different Methods of Blood Pressure Measurements from the Arm and the Ankle in Young and Elderly People: A Cross-Sectional Study

Comparison of Different Methods of Blood Pressure Measurements from the Arm and the Ankle in Young and Elderly People: A Cross-Sectional Study

Fractal Dimension of Streetscape as a Proxy to the Design Dimension of the Built Environment in Walkability Research

Multidisciplinary nature of walkability research accelerated its growth through the participation of different disciplines. Different methods of measurement and analysis from varying disciplines created disagreements about how to characterize the built environment dimensions by using appropriate attributes, especially attributes which are used to represent the design dimension of the built environment. Fractal dimension value of streetscape provides solutions to these arguments as it makes the use of both micro-scale and macro-scale attributes of the built environment, especially micro-scale attributes of its design dimension as it relates to the quality of walking. Walkability indices were created then validated by a survey conducted at Dutluk station in Keçiören, Ankara. Results show that using fractal dimension value of streetscape as a variable in the walkability index can identify the factors that influence walking behavior.

Evaluation of simple and multivariate linear regression models for exchangeable base cation conversion between seven measurement techniques on South African soils

Conversions of exchangeable base cation concentrations between different analytical methods are required for comparisons of soil test results with norm values developed using specific methods. Different methods vary in extraction efficiency due to underlying chemical mechanisms of cation exchange. There is a lack of knowledge pertaining to the combined effects of soil physicochemical properties on the accuracy and parsimony of conversion models. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop equations for conversion of exchangeable base cation (Ca, Mg, K and Na) concentrations between seven different methods of measurement for soils dominated by moderate-activity clays. Additional objectives included the discussion of chemical mechanisms influencing nutrient extraction efficiency, development of root mean square error (RMSE) thresholds for model selection, and evaluation of the effects of soil physicochemical properties on model performance. The ammonium acetate (1 M and 0.2 M, pH = 7), compulsive exchange, Ambic-I, Mehlich-III, Bray-II and Citric acid (1%) soil test methods were performed on 57 soils from a Mediterranean climatic zone. Simple linear regressions (SLR) as well as multivariate linear regressions (MLR) incorporating soil physicochemical properties as parameters were developed. The accuracy of cross-validated models was comparable to accuracy of predictions for samples included in calibration. MLR equations (RMSECV = 1.4–1.6 cmolc kg−1, 0.4 cmolc kg−1, 16–20 mg kg−1 and 25–40 mg kg−1 for Ca, Mg, Na and K, respectively) were generally more accurate than SLR models. Relationships between Ca content extracted by different methods depended on soil alkalinity. Use of the developed SLR or MLR models to convert nutrient quantities between different methods should be chosen based on contextual accuracy requirements.

A Robust and Quantified Analysis of Mass Transport and Its Application in Designing Next Generation Architecture for Polymer Electrolyte Water Electrolysis Cells

Investigations to better understand the nature of mass transport and two-phase flow within a polymer electrolyte water electrolyzer (PEWE) have gained popularity as researchers strive to improve system performance and efficiency. Along with traditional polarization experiments, the use of in-situ spatial and temporal current distribution measurement techniques has proven to be very attractive. Different methods for spatial current distribution measurements include the use of resistor networks, potential probes, and printed circuit boards (PCB) [1–3]. Using such techniques, Mench and co-workers have previously demonstrated [4–7] that, under mass transport limited conditions for any combination of flow-field and diffusion media, the current density distributions consistently exhibit a gradient – with high current towards the inlet and low towards the outlet. These contour plots showed certain dissimilarities; however, they serve as a qualitative picture to gauge cell performance and characterize mass transport. Therefore, in this work a robust analysis was developed that provides a quantitative understanding and better characterization of the mass transport limitation within the electrolyzer. A mass transport number (MTN) was defined and used to further characterize the influence of mass transport limitation experienced within an electrolyzer.Applying this new analysis to our the investigations revealed that the PEWE system performance using high-performance micro-patterned Ti-foil liquid-gas-diffusion-layer (LGDL) [8,9] was highly sensitive to the cell architecture and exhibited poor mass transport behavior using traditional channel based flow-fields. Compared with the conventional porous transport layer (PTL) morphology, the lack of in-plane permeability of the LGDLs caused faster onset of mass transport limitations at lower flowrates, local increase in HFR, and poor area utilization. Therefore, a unitized single flow-field-LDGL component that mitigates these problems has been designed. Through this work it will be shown that the flow-field is designed to have pins that allow for greater in-plane transport. The staggered pattern reduces pressure drop and promotes exchange in-between channels that assist in efficient bubble removal. Additionally, the cross-section of the pin, the pitch, and aspect-ratios are adjustable to maximize porosity for different LGDLs. Finally, making this into a single unitized component having a permanently attached LGDL will decrease interfacial contact resistances and improve cell performance (as shown in Figure 1).[1] T. V. Reshetenko, G. Bender, K. Bethune, R. Rocheleau, A segmented cell approach for studying the effects of serpentine flow field parameters on PEMFC current distribution, Electrochim. Acta. 88 (2013) 571–579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2012.10.103.[2] A. Phillips, M. Ulsh, J. Porter, G. Bender, Utilizing a Segmented Fuel Cell to Study the Effects of Electrode Coating Irregularities on PEM Fuel Cell Initial Performance, Fuel Cells. 17 (2017) 288–298. https://doi.org/10.1002/fuce.201600214.[3] C. Immerz, B. Bensmann, P. Trinke, M. Suermann, R. Hanke-Rauschenbach, Local Current Density and Electrochemical Impedance Measurements within 50 cm Single-Channel PEM Electrolysis Cell, J. Electrochem. Soc. 165 (2018) F1292–F1299. https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0411816jes.[4] F.H. Roenning, A. Roy, D. Aaron, M.M. Mench, Spatially-Resolved Current Distribution Measurements in Polymer Electrolyte Water Electrolyzers, ECS Meet. Abstr. MA2020-02 (2020) 2457–2457. https://doi.org/10.1149/MA2020-02382457mtgabs.[5] A. Roy, F. Roenning, D. Aaron, M.M. Mench, Quantifying Lateral Current Spread While Measuring Performance Using a Segmented Polymer Electrolyte Water Electrolysis Cell, ECS Meet. Abstr. MA2020-02 (2020) 2458–2458. https://doi.org/10.1149/MA2020-02382458mtgabs.[6] A. Roy, F. Roenning, D. Aaron, M.M. Mench, Local Two-Phase Flow and Performance in Polymer Electrolyte Water Electrolysis Cells, ECS Meet. Abstr. MA2021-01 (2021) 1190–1190. https://doi.org/10.1149/MA2021-01381190mtgabs.[7] A.Z. Weber, R.L. Borup, R.M. Darling, P.K. Das, T.J. Dursch, W. Gu, D. Harvey, A. Kusoglu, S. Litster, M.M. Mench, R. Mukundan, J.P. Owejan, J.G. Pharoah, M. Secanell, I. V. Zenyuk, A Critical Review of Modeling Transport Phenomena in Polymer-Electrolyte Fuel Cells, J. Electrochem. Soc. 161 (2014) F1254–F1299. https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0751412jes.[8] J. Mo, Z. Kang, S.T. Retterer, D.A. Cullen, T.J. Toops, J.B. Green, M.M. Mench, F.-Y. Zhang, Discovery of true electrochemical reactions for ultrahigh catalyst mass activity in water splitting, Sci. Adv. 2 (2016) e1600690. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.1600690.[9] Y. Li, Z. Kang, X. Deng, G. Yang, S. Yu, J. Mo, D.A. Talley, G.K. Jennings, F.-Y. Zhang, Wettability effects of thin titanium liquid/gas diffusion layers in proton exchange membrane electrolyzer cells, Electrochim. Acta. 298 (2019) 704–708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2018.12.162. Figure 1

Clinical Validation of the Differences Between Two-Dimensional Radiography and Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Image Measurements of the Spine in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences between measurements of spine on two-dimensional (2D) radiography and three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images taken of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Standard preoperative CT images and posteroanterior (PA) and lateral radiography images were collected prospectively from 43 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in whom selective spinal fusions were performed. The parameters of interest were the thoracic Cobb angle, lumbar Cobb angle, T4-T12 kyphosis angle, and L1-S1 lordosis (LL) angle. The parameters were measured using 3 separate methods: 3D measurement of CT images (3D measurement), 2D measurement of radiography images (2D measurement), and 2D measurement of radiography images generated by the projection of CT images (2D XP measurement). Significant differences among the results were assessed by comparison T test. The mean difference between the 2D and 2D XP measurements for the thoracic Cobb, lumbar Cobb, T4-T12 kyphotic, and L1-S1 lordotic angles was 8.38°, 7.67°, 8.77°, and 10.18°, respectively. The mean difference between the 2D XP and 3D measurements was -2.81°, -2.78°, -1.29°, and -2.36°, respectively. The mean difference between the 2D and 3D measurements was 5.16°, 4.51°, 6.49°, and 7.37°, respectively. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among the spinal parameters measured using the 2D, 2D XP, and 3D measurement methods on both the coronal and sagittal plane. Significant differences among the 2D, 2D XP, and 3D measurement methods were observed on both the sagittal plane and coronal plane of the scoliotic spines as a result of variations in posture during imaging and differences in measurement methods.

Relationship between maternal heavy metal exposure and congenital heart defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are one of the major causes of death in infants and young children, and heavy metal exposure during pregnancy is one of the possible risk factors. However, the effect of heavy metal exposure on CHDs is still controversial. We searched English (PubMed, Web of Science) and Chinese (CNKI and WanFang database) databases for relevant articles. The summarized effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by pooling estimates using the random-effects model. Egger's test was used to estimate publication bias. Heterogeneity among studies was indicated by p-values and I2. Finally, we conducted subgroup analyses to elucidate the causes of heterogeneity. Thirteen studies were included in this meta-analysis. A positive association between maternal exposure to heavy metals and CHDs was found. Pooling odds ratios (ORs) for arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead were 2.12, 1.30, 1.22, and 2.30, respectively for total CHDs. Regarding CHD subtypes, arsenic was associated with an increased risk of septal defects (OR: 1.82), barium with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) (OR: 1.15) and septal defects (OR: 1.21), and lead with conotruncal defects (OR: 2.34) and LVOTO (OR: 1.93). A heterogeneous relationship was found between studies using different methods of measurement, which were mainly due to differences in actual exposure levels to heavy metals. This meta-analysis suggests significant associations between arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead exposure during pregnancy and an increased risk of specific CHDs in offspring. These findings underscore the importance of heavy metal exposure during pregnancy in the risk of CHDs in offspring.

Verification and analysis of a Battery Energy Storage System model

Energy Storage System modelling is the foundation for research into the deployment and optimization of energy storage in new and existing applications. The increasing penetration of renewable energy into electrical grids worldwide means energy storage is becoming a vital component in the modern electrical distribution system. In this paper, a model for a Battery Energy Storage System developed in MATLAB/Simulink is introduced and subsequently experimentally verified against an existing 2 MW installation operated by The University of Sheffield (Willenhall). The model presented in this paper achieved average Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values of 1.29% and 1.05% when comparing the state of charge (SOC) of the model with two different methods of SOC measurement at the Willenhall installation. The methodology behind fine tuning the model to decrease the average RMSE is presented and discussed.

Evaluating changes in catchment‐scale evapotranspiration after 50% strip‐thinning in a headwater catchment

AbstractWe examined changes in catchment‐scale annual and seasonal evapotranspiration after 50% strip thinning, using runoff data from headwater catchments. The short‐term water balance (STWB) method between periods from 8 to 100 days was applied to the treated (KT) and control (KC) catchments. The estimated evapotranspiration during the pre‐ and post‐thinning periods were 840 and 910 and 780 and 860 mm/year in the catchments KT and KC, respectively. According to a paired catchment analysis of estimated evapotranspiration, monthly evapotranspiration increased from 3 to 20 mm from June to December, while it decreased from 7 to 31 mm from January to May. The estimated annual and monthly evapotranspiration was compatible with the values monitored in the plot‐scale interception, canopy transpiration, and ground surface evapotranspiration. Our findings showed that the decreases in evapotranspiration due to 50% thinning were similar or different in different methods of measurement when compared with thinning in the other catchments around the world. The STWB model can evaluate the effects of timber harvesting on changes in evapotranspiration (ET), including the reproduction of seasonal patterns of ET.

Relevant issues of determining total organic carbon in water

Introduction. Total organic carbon (TOC) is a generalized indicator characterizing the pollution of water bodies with organic substances. In accordance with SanPiN 2.1.3864-21 for drinking water, the standard value of TOC content is set equal to 5 mg/dm3. Currently, total carbon analyzers are widely used to determine TOC. Despite its undoubted advantages, the determination of TOC on analyzers has many bottlenecks. Purpose of the study. Analysis of the TOC values of water samples of various origins, obtained using different methods and measurement conditions. Materials and methods. Determination of TOC was carried out with a total carbon analyzer TOC-VCHP (Shimadzu) in accordance with the operation manual of the difference measurement method (TOC) and non-blown organic carbon (NPOC). The objects of study were the water of natural sources, the centralized water supply system of various districts of Moscow, standard solutions of organic compounds. Results. It has been established that during the operation of the analyzer in the analysis of natural and drinking water, incomplete disclosure of humic and fulvic compounds is observed, which cannot be established by standard tests provided for carbon analyzers. The lack of standardized procedures for degassing sparkling water can lead to TOC errors of thousands of percent. Limitation. The limit of determined TOC values was 0.5 mg/dm3. Conclusion. To control the correctness of the determination of TOC in drinking, natural and waste waters, standard samples of humic compounds are required that are characteristic of a particular area with a certified TOC value. It is required to develop and implement a standard procedure for degassing gaseous samples when determining TOC, since the lack of control of this stage of analysis can lead to unacceptable errors in the determination.

A Novel Phase Difference Measurement Method for Coriolis Mass Flowmeter Based on Correlation Theory

Aiming at the poor precision problem in phase difference measurements with unknown frequencies in engineering practice, a new phase difference measurement method is proposed for Coriolis mass flowmeter based on correlation theories. Firstly, the signal frequency was estimated by using an adaptive notch filter, which was applied to filter the waves and determined the integer period of the sampling signals, and the non-integer period sampling signals needed to be extended. Then, the Hilbert transformation was conducted relative to the extended signals, and the correlation functions of these extended signals with the transformed signals can be computed. Finally, the formula of phase difference can be obtained by utilizing the sinusoidal function. Compared to traditional methods, such as the correlation method, the Hilbert transformation method, and sliding Goertzel algorithm, the proposed method is suitable for both integer period and non-integer period sampling signals, and its accuracy, real-time, and dynamic performance is superior. Simulation and experiment results validate the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed method.

A novel AC loss measurement method for HTS coils based on parameter identification

In the presence of AC current or AC magnetic field, superconductors will suffer AC loss. The measurement of AC loss is of great significance for applied superconductivity field. There are three main different methods for AC loss measurement. Among them, electrical measurement methods are widely researched by different laboratories. The existing electrical measurement method mainly has two shortcomings: it is difficult to be used in High temperature superconductivity (HTS) coils with high inductance and only available for periodic current conditions (only obtains average value of AC loss for one or several current periods and cannot obtain AC loss at any instant). In this paper, a novel AC loss measurement method based on parameter identification is proposed to solve the second shortcoming (only available for periodic current conditions). This novel method measures AC loss by identifying HTS coils’ resistance and inductance at any moment, which is completely different from previous measurement methods. The theoretical basis of this novel method mainly contains three parts: equivalent circuit of HTS coils, instantaneous power identification from Poynting theorem and parameter identification based on recursive least squares with fixed forgetting factor. Compared with AC loss measurement results of previous electrical method (integral method), the validity of this novel measurement method is demonstrated. In theory, this novel method can measure AC loss for any current waveform (periodic and aperiodic current), which greatly widens measurement range of previous electrical method. The principle of this novel method and detailed experimental results are discussed and analyzed in this paper.

A Method Based on Muon System to Monitor LHCb Luminosity

LHCb is one of the four main experiments running at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) of the European Organization for Nuclear Research. Since 2010, it has been collecting data to study the Physics of b and c quarks. For the past three years, the experimental apparatus underwent significant upgrades to be ready for a new round of data collection, expected to start in June 2022. The new apparatus is designed to be able to run at an instantaneous luminosity five times larger than the previous one, which was 2.0×1032 cm−2s−1, and the whole detector readout will be at a 40 MHz rate. It is worth noticing that the luminosity at the LHCb interaction point, for the characteristics of the detector, needs to be reduced with respect to the luminosity provided by LHC. Major changes in the different subdetectors were required, along with complete modifications of the trigger schemes. The LHCb collaboration is developing and studying different methods for the on-line measurement of luminosity at the LHCb impact point, crucial for the monitoring of correct machine operation and for most experimental physics studies. The present work describes a procedure based on hit counting in the muon detector for an on-line luminosity monitor. The performance and the precision achieved with this method in tests carried out on past data collected are presented, together with proposals for future upgrades.

Differences in Mean Values and Variance in Quantitative Analyses of Foveal OCTA Imaging.

Multiple approaches for quantifying parameters such as vessel density (VD) and vessel length density (VLD) in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) en-face segmentations are currently available. While it is common knowledge that data gathered from different methods should not be directly compared to each other, a comparison of the different methods can help to further the understanding of differences between different methods of measurement. Here we compare a common method of semiautomatically quantifying VD and VLD with an automated method supplied by the manufacturer of an OCTA device and report on differences in performance in order to probe for and highlight differences in values gathered by both methods. OCTA was performed using the swept source PLEX Elite 9000 device, software version 2.0.1.47652 (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., Dublin, CA, USA). Scans of 3 mm × 3 mm from healthy volunteers centred on the fovea were acquired by a well-trained certified ophthalmologist. Scans with a signal strength of 8 out of 10 or higher were included. Quantitative parameters of the 3 mm × 3 mm cube scans were automatically generated and segmented into superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) layers using layer segmentation produced by the instrument software and prototype analysis VD quantification software (Macular Density v.0.7.1, ARI Network Hub, Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., Dublin, CA, USA) supplied by the manufacturer. An alternative approach of quantitative analysis of VD and VLD was performed manually with ImageJ (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA), as previously reported. VD was assessed as the ratio of the retinal area occupied by vessels. VDL was measured as the total length of the skeletonised vessels using 1-pixel centre line extraction of the blood vessels. We report differences in standard deviation (SD) in OCTA parameters obtained using different methods. The standard deviation of VD and VLD measurements was statistically significantly different in VD of 3 mm × 3 mm DCP (p = 0.009), VLD of 3 mm × 3 mm SCP (p = 0.000), and VLD of 3 mm × 3 mm DCP (p = 0.021). No statistically significant differences were found in VD of 3 mm × 3 mm SCP (p = 0.128) or VLD of 3 mm × 3 mm SCP (p = 0.107). As expected, we were able to demonstrate significant differences in quantitative OCTA parameters gathered from the same images using different methods of quantification. Values gathered using different methods are not interchangeable. In scientific studies and in situations where long-term follow-up is necessary, the same device and the same method of quantification should be used to maintain retrospective comparability of measurements.

A Review of Outcome Reporting Practices after Flexor Tendon Repair in Zones 1 and 2.

Background: Outcome reporting following flexor tendon repair has historically concentrated on range of movement. Recently, there has been an increase in the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). At present, there is no agreed set of outcomes to report following flexor tendon repair. The aim of this study is to review outcome reporting practices after flexor tendon repair in zones 1 and 2. Methods: A search of Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) between 1 January 1980 and 31 December 2019 was performed to identify the studies that reported outcomes following the repair of flexor tendons in zones 1 and 2. Study characteristics and data with regard to the reporting of eight outcome domains was extracted: functional outcome (quantitative), functional outcome (subjective), activities of daily living (ADL), satisfaction/quality of life, post-treatment recovery, resources, aesthetics and safety. Results: A total of 94 out of 4,118 articles identified were included in the review. All studies reported range of motion using 17 different methods of measurement. Eleven studies defined measurement methods incorrectly or unclearly. Only 16 studies reported PROMs, with only one reporting data on assessment of quality of life. Eighteen studies reported time away from employment. Minimal data on resource utilisation and aesthetics were included. Conclusion: This review highlights wide heterogeneity and paucity of data reporting clinical outcomes of flexor tendon surgery. The development of a core outcome set that would ensure essential outcomes are correctly defined, measured and reported is required. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Prognostic).

Comparison of three different HbA1c measurement methods – the Atellica®CH930, Capillary 3 Tera, and BioRad Variant Turbo II

Aim HbA1c measurement is very useful for the follow-up and detection of glycemic disorder, since it is easier and faster test and is independent of the patient's fasting status. In this study, we aimed to perform the comparative evaluation of 3 different methods for HbA1c measurement including capillary electrophoresis, immunoturbidimetric assay and high-performance liquid chromatography-HPLC. Materials and methods This study comprised 134 leftover whole blood samples obtained from the subjects submitted for routine HbA1c testing. All blood samples were collected in EDTA-containing vacutainer tubes. The HbA1c levels were measured simultaneously using three different methods. Bias estimation, method agreement and concordance between the pairwise methods comparisons were evaluated by Bland–Altman plot and Passing–Bablok regression test. Results HbA1c levels ranged from 3.8% to 13.4% and measured by three different methods to make the comparison. The median values of samples based on immunoturbidimetric method (6.05%, IQR = 1.80) were higher than capillary electrophoresis method (5.90%, IQR = 1.80) and HPLC (5.85%, IQR = 1.80) method. The study group was classified into three subgroups based on the HbA1c levels measured with the HPLC method: Group 1 (n = 57) was composed of subjects with HbA1c levels less than 5.7%, Group 2 (n = 35) had HbA1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4%, Group 3 (n = 42) had HbA1c levels equal and more than 6.5%. Conclusion To our knowledge, there is no study evaluating the HbA1c measurement on the Atellica® CH 930 Analyzer. We compared the Atellica®CH930 Analyzer with both HPLC and capillary electrophoresis. The Atellica®CH930 Analyzer showed acceptable performance and a strong correlation with both mentioned methods.

Critical assessment of methods for measurement of temperature profiles and heat load history in microwave heating processes-A review.

Limitations of microwave processing due to inhomogeneities of power input and energy absorption have been widely described. Over- and underheated product areas influence reproducibility, product quality, and possibly safety. Although a broad range of methods is available for temperature measurement and evaluation of time/temperature effects, none of them is sufficiently able to detect temperature differences and thermally induced effects within the product caused by inhomogeneous heating. The purpose of this review is to critically assess different methods of temperature measurement for their suitability for different microwave applications, namely metallic temperature sensors, thermal imaging, pyrometer measurement, fiber optic sensors, microwave radiometry, magnetic resonance imaging, liquid crystal thermography, thermal paper, and biological and chemical time-temperature indicators. These methods are evaluated according to their advantages and limitations, method characteristics, and potential interference with the electric field. Special attention is given to spatial resolution, accuracy, handling, and purpose of measurement, that is, development work or online production control. Differences of methods and examples of practical application and failure in microwave-assisted food processing are discussed with a special focus on microwave pasteurization and microwave-assisted drying. Based on this assessment, it is suggested that infrared cameras for measuring temperature distribution at the product surface and partially inside the product in combination with a chemical time/temperature indicator (e.g., Maillard reaction, generating heat-induced color variations, depending on local energy absorption) appear to be the most appropriate system for future practical application in microwave food process control, microwave system development, and product design. Reliable detection of inhomogeneous heating is a prerequisite to counteracte inhomogeneity by a targeted adjustment of process and product parameters in microwave applications.