Equivalent Results Research Articles

The role of analytical performance specifications in international guidelines and standards dealing with metrological traceability in laboratory medicine.

The goal of metrological traceability is to have equivalent results for a measurand in clinical samples (CSs) irrespective of the in-vitro diagnostic medical device (IVD-MD) used for measurements. The International Standards Organization standard 17511 defines requirements for establishing metrological traceability of values assigned to calibrators, trueness control materials and human samples used with IVD-MDs. Each step in metrological traceability has an uncertainty associated with the value assigned to a material. The uncertainty at each step adds to the uncertainty from preceding steps such that the combined uncertainty gets larger at each step. The combined uncertainty fora CS result must fulfil an analytical performance specification (APS) for the maximum allowable uncertainty (umax CS). The umax CS can be partitioned among the steps in a metrological traceability calibration hierarachy to derive the APS for maximum allowable uncertainty at each step. Similarly, the criterion for maximum acceptable noncommutability bias can be derived from the umax CS. One of the challenges in determining if umax CS is fulfilled is determining the repeatability uncertainty (u Rw) from operating an IVD-MD within a clinical laboratory. Most of the current recommendations for estimating u Rw from internal quality control data do not use a sufficiently representative time interval to capture all relevant sources of variability in measurement results. Consequently, underestimation of u Rw is common and may compromise assessment of how well current IVD-MDs and their supporting calibration hierarchies meet the needs of clinical care providers.

A New 2D Formulation of Modified General Relativity

AbstractIt is well known that the Einstein–Hilbert action in two dimensions is topological and yields an identically vanishing Einstein tensor. Consequently one is faced with difficulties when formulating a non‐trivial gravity model. The authors present a new, intrinsically two‐dimensional, approach to this problem based on the Einstein action. This yields a well defined variational approach which results in new field equations that break diffeomorphism invariance. This proposed approach does not require the introduction of additional scalar fields, nor the use of conformal transformations. However, how including conformal counter terms leads to equivalent results is shown. In doing so, an explanation for why previous approaches worked can be provided. Solutions to the field equations are briefly discussed.

Coronary Artery Tree Description and Lesion Evaluation (CatLet) score for functional evaluation of coronary stenosis: a comparison study with pressure wire fractional flow reserve.

Pressure wire fractional flow reserve (FFR) and its derivatives, such as quantitative flow ratio (QFR), computational pressure flow-derived FFR (caFFR), coronary angiography-derived FFR (FFRangio), and computed tomography-derived FFR (FFRCT), have been validated for identifying functionally significant stenosis and guiding revascularization strategy. The limitations of using these methods include the side effects of hyperemia-induced agents, additional costs, and vulnerability to microvascular resistance. FFR is related both to the degree of a stenotic coronary artery and to its subtended myocardial territory. Coronary Artery Tree Description and Lesion Evaluation (CatLet) score (also known as Hexu) is a product of the degree of a stenosis and the weighting of the affected coronary artery (myocardial territory). Hence, we hypothesized that the CatLet score could predict hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis. We retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients with stable coronary artery disease. They attended Sichuan Science City Hospital with at least one lesion of 50-90% diameter stenosis in a coronary artery of 2 mm or larger. FFR measurement was obtained during invasive coronary angiography. The CatLet score was obtained by multiplying a fixed value of 2.0 (for non-occlusive lesions) and the weight of the affected coronary artery. The primary endpoint was the CatLet score's diagnostic accuracy in identifying hemodynamically significant coronary stenosis, with a pressure wire FFR of ≤0.80 being used as reference. We analyzed the FFR and CatLet scores from 206 vessels in 175 patients with stable coronary disease and intermediate coronary lesions. The per-vessel analysis revealed an overall good correlation between the CatLet score and the FFR [r=-0.61; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -0.69 to -0.52; P<0.01]. We also noted a significant CatLet score-FFR correlation for each of the left anterior descending artery (LAD), left circumflex (LCX), and right coronary artery (RCA). With a CatLet score ≥10 as a predictor of FFR ≤0.80, the overall diagnostic accuracy included a sensitivity of 78.80% (95% CI: 67.00-87.90%), a specificity of 85.00% (95% CI: 78.00-90.50%), a positive likelihood ratio of 5.25, a negative likelihood ratio of 0.25, and an area under the curve of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85-0.94). Equivalent vessel-specific results were also achieved for each of the LAD, LCX, and RCA. The CatLet score, solely based on visual estimation of the results of coronary angiography, demonstrated good diagnostic performance with respect to myocardial ischemia. Its clinical values in guiding revascularization warrant further investigation.

Volumetric Analysis of Peri-implant Tissue Change Over Time: Validating an Innovative 3D Method.

To validate an innovative 3D volumetric method of evaluating tissue changes proposed by Lee et al in 2020 by comparing the results of this method-in which the scanned peri-implant surfaces were transformed, visualized, and analyzed as 3D objects-to the results reported by an existing method based on calculation of the mean distance between measured surfaces. The null hypothesis was that there was no statistically significant difference between the two methods. Additionally, the present study evaluated peri-implant tissue changes 5 years after single implant placement in the esthetic zone. Both methods were applied to 11 oral implant site casts (6 maxillary central incisor sites, 5 maxillary lateral incisor sites) taken from 11 patients at crown placement and at follow-up examinations 5 years later. The methods are based on digital workflows in which the reference and 5-year casts are scanned and the resulting STL files are superimposed and analyzed for three regions of interest (mesial papilla, central area, and distal papilla). The volumetric changes reported by the Lee et al method and the mean distance method were calculated and compared using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (P < .01) and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (P < .05). The correlation between the two sets of measurements was very high (Spearman rank correlation coefficient = 0.885). The new volumetric method indicated a mean volume loss of 2.82 mm3 (SD: 5.06), while the method based on the measurement of mean distance showed a mean volume loss of 2.92 mm3 (SD: 4.43; Wilcoxon signed-rank test result: P = .77). No statistically significant difference was found. The two methods gave equivalent results, and the null hypothesis was accepted. The new volumetric method was validated and can be considered a trustworthy tool.

Delegated quantum neural networks for encrypted data

Quantum machine learning is expected to utilize the potential advantages of quantum computing to advance the efficiency of machine learning. However, with the help of quantum cloud servers, ordinary users may confront the threat of privacy leakage of input data and models when performing the training or inference of quantum neural networks (QNNs). To address this problem, we present a new framework that allows the training and inference of delegated QNNs to be performed on encrypted data to protect the privacy of users’ data and models. This framework contains two models that are alternately trained: an encryptor and a predictor. The classical client first trains the encryptor defined by a classical neural network to map plaintext input data to vastly different ciphertext data. The ciphertext data is sent to the quantum cloud server to train the predictor defined by a QNN, which can indirectly predict the labels of plaintext data. With the trained encryptor and predictor, the client can send the encrypted data to the server for prediction and obtain almost equivalent prediction results. The proposed framework is applied to three types of QNN models, each dealing with low-dimensional tabular data, image data, and one-dimensional time series data, respectively. Experimental results show that the privacy protection method based on our framework can protect data and model privacy without degrading the performance of QNNs. The framework does not require users to have quantum capabilities and is suitable for protecting data and model privacy for various QNN models.

Performance of a vaginal self-collection device versus clinician collected cervical samples for the detection of high-risk human papillomavirus

ObjectiveScreening for cervical cancer requires the participation of target women. Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing can be performed on vaginal self-samples and self-sampling can improve this participation. This study aims to validate the performance of the vaginal self-sampling device (Vitroveil®) to detect high risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) in comparison to clinician collected samples and evaluate the degree of acceptability of the Vitroveil® device. MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was carried out in a cohort of 385 participating women (median age of 44 ± 10.47 years) attending primary care centers and cervical pathology services of Granada, Spain. Two paired samples (vaginal self-sample and clinician collected cervical sample) where collected from each participant to compare the detection of HPV with the Vitro HPV Screening assay (Vitro, Granada, Spain). A questionnaire was also provided to the participants to analyze the degree of satisfaction with the device and the preference for sampling method. ResultsOverall concordance for hrHPV detection was substantial (ĸ 0.804). The prevalence of any hrHPV infection was higher in self-collected samples (30.6%) than in clinician-collected samples (24.3%). The participants found the self-sampling device easy to use and preferred self-collection as the collection method. ConclusionThe Vitroveil® self-sampling device enables safe and accruable hrHPV testing, obtaining equivalent results to those of the clinician collected samples. High acceptability of the device has been demonstrated among women in the study. Nevertheless, additional studies are necessary to verify the efficacy and reliability of the device's performance.

Study on equivalent mechanical properties of U-shaped bellows based on novel implementation of asymptotic homogenization method

As typical metal thin-walled structure, bellows are used widely in various engineering fields, especially in storage and transportation of floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) system on the sea. While the shapes of the bellows are relatively complex with the characteristics of geometric nonlinearity in the structure, it is quite challenging to calculate basic mechanical properties of the bellows accurately through theoretical analysis. Concurrently, both numerical simulation and experiments also require high computational and economic cost. Given the typical one-dimensional periodicity of the structure of U-shaped bellows, novel implementation of asymptotic homogenization (NIAH) method was secondary developed in finite element software and unit-cell model of the whole structure with periodic boundary conditions was established, realizing equivalent analysis of the overall mechanical properties of the bellows accurately and efficiently. By comparing the NIAH equivalent results with the fine finite element model results, it was found that the relative error was within 3.00 % and the calculation cost was reduced by 40 times. Compared with the experimental results, the error of NIAH equivalent results was also less than 6.00 %, which verified the accuracy and high efficiency of the NIAH equivalent method. Furthermore, the influence of unit-cell model with different structural sizes on the prediction accuracy of the NIAH equivalent stiffness results of the bellows was also discussed. This study provides a new effective method for the design and analysis of the structure of bellows.

HyperEditor: Achieving Both Authenticity and Cross-Domain Capability in Image Editing via Hypernetworks

Editing real images authentically while also achieving cross-domain editing remains a challenge. Recent studies have focused on converting real images into latent codes and accomplishing image editing by manipulating these codes. However, merely manipulating the latent codes would constrain the edited images to the generator's image domain, hindering the attainment of diverse editing goals. In response, we propose an innovative image editing method called HyperEditor, which utilizes weight factors generated by hypernetworks to reassign the weights of the pre-trained StyleGAN2's generator. Guided by CLIP's cross-modal image-text semantic alignment, this innovative approach enables us to simultaneously accomplish authentic attribute editing and cross-domain style transfer, a capability not realized in previous methods. Additionally, we ascertain that modifying only the weights of specific layers in the generator can yield an equivalent editing result. Therefore, we introduce an adaptive layer selector, enabling our hypernetworks to autonomously identify the layers requiring output weight factors, which can further improve our hypernetworks' efficiency. Extensive experiments on abundant challenging datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.

Порядковая оценка популярности публикаций для задач мониторинга онлайновых социальных медиа

The paper examines the possibility of using various methods for generating ranking estimates of the popularity of messages in online social media. Using experimental data collected from the VKontakte network as an example, it is shown that using quantitative indicators of likes, reposts and comments as the basis for an ranking assessment of popularity gives an equivalent result. The need to use popularity metrics, normalized by the number of views or the size of the community audience, is noted when analyzing several online communities at the same time.

Using Decomposed Error for Reproducing Implicit Understanding of Algorithms.

Reproducibility is important for having confidence in evolutionary machine learning algorithms. Although the focus of reproducibility is usually to recreate an aggregate prediction error score using fixed random seeds, this is not sufficient. Firstly, multiple runs of an algorithm, without a fixed random seed, should ideally return statistically equivalent results. Secondly, it should be confirmed whether the expected behaviour of an algorithm matches its actual behaviour, in terms of how an algorithm targets a reduction in prediction error. Confirming the behaviour of an algorithm is not possible when using a total error aggregate score. Using an error decomposition framework as a methodology for improving the reproducibility of results in evolutionary computation addresses both of these factors. By estimating decomposed error using multiple runs of an algorithm and multiple training sets, the framework provides a greater degree of certainty about the prediction error. Also, decomposing error into bias, variance due to the algorithm (internal variance), and variance due to the training data (external variance) more fully characterises evolutionary algorithms. This allows the behaviour of an algorithm to be confirmed. Applying the framework to a number of evolutionary algorithms shows that their expected behaviour can be different to their actual behaviour. Identifying a behaviour mismatch is important in terms of understanding how to further refine an algorithm as well as how to effectively apply an algorithm to a problem.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a recycled raw material for particleboards produced from pinus wood and biopolymer resin

Considering the significant demands for construction products and the increasing disposals of plastic and agroforestry residues, this research evaluated the influence of recycled particles of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) inserted in the manufacture of five particleboard prototypes based on Pinus elliottii wood and castor-oil-based polyurethane resin (CPUR). The following panel traits were obtained: 100% pine wood, 0% PET and 10% CPUR (M100P-0PET-10C); 70% pine, 30% PET, and 10% CPUR (M70P-30PET-10C); 50% pine, 50% PET, and 10% CPUR (M50P-50PET-10C); 70% pine, 30% PET, and 5% CPUR (M70P-30PET-5C); and, 50% pine, 50% PET, and 5% CPUR (M50P-50PET-5C). Panels were evaluated according to physical (density, moisture content, thickness swelling, and water absorption), mechanical (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, perpendicular tensile), and morphological tests (scanning electron microscope). M50P-50PET-10C particleboards revealed the best performance in the physical and mechanical tests, as well as M70P-30PET-10C and M50P-50PET-5C panels showed equivalent results. The findings suggested a notable environmental contribution and a great economic feasibility. Thus, it is possible to obtain wood-based particleboards manufactured from recycled PET, reusing this highly discarded non-biodegradable plastic and using a smaller volume of adhesive, with physical-mechanical properties that meet the expected performance for this bioresource-based product.

Efficacy and safety of a submucosal injection solution of sodium alginate for endoscopic resection in a porcine model

Endoscopic resection techniques require the use of submucosal injection. Normal saline and sodium hyaluronate solutions are mainly used for this purpose, but an ideal solution has not yet been developed. The aim of this study was to assess a new solution, MC-003—a novel submucosal injection solution developed with sodium alginate as the main ingredient. Normal saline, a commercial sodium hyaluronate solution (Endo-Ease), and MC-003 were examined. A total of 18 gastric submucosal cushions were created in the stomachs of six pigs. The height of mucosal elevation was measured sequentially using endoscopic sonography. After euthanizing the animals either 2 h or 5 days after the procedure, pathologic examination was performed for each injection site. Although not statistically significant over the entire study period, MC-003 showed a superior result to normal saline and an equivalent result to Endo-Ease in the submucosal cushion height and its rate of decrease. There were no adverse outcomes after injection of the three solutions and there was no pathologically identified detrimental change in the resected specimens. MC-003 creates a sufficient submucosal fluid cushion without apparent tissue damage. It can be considered as an effective submucosal injection material.

Comparison of elastic stable intramedullary nailing versus Kirschner wires in treatment of pediatric radial neck fractures.

The aim of the study was to compare the different internal fixations between elastic stable intramedullary nailing and Kirschner wires in treatment of angulated radial neck fractures. We retrospectively reviewed the patients with radial neck fracture without associated injuries who underwent surgery approach in our department during April 2011-March 2020. There were 62 patients meeting all the criteria with complete clinical data, with median age of 7.5 (IQR 5.8-9.5) years, 34 males and 28 females. The preoperative fracture pattern was assessed according to the Judet classification system. Depending on the materials implanted and fixation strategy, the patients could be divided into a Kirschner wire group and an elastic stable intramedullary nailing group. Final functional outcomes of patients were assessed by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and Tibone-Stoltz functional evaluation classification. The Kirschner wire group included 37 patients, with 4.8 years median follow-up. The elastic stable intramedullary nailing group included 25 patients with 5.9 years median follow-up. There were no significant differences in gender, age, Judet classification, average operative time, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Tibone-Stoltz classification, or length of hospital stay between groups. However, the time to union in the Kirschner wire group was significantly shorter than that in the elastic stable intramedullary nailing group (p < 0.05). Both groups achieved satisfactory functional and cosmetic results. In the management of pediatric radial neck fractures, both elastic stable intramedullary nailing and Kirschner wire internal fixation have shown equivalent therapeutic results, leading to satisfactory functional outcomes. The selection of the internal fixation approach can be influenced by the patient's fracture characteristics and the surgeon's preferences. Level III; Retrospective Comparison; Treatment Study.

Some results on ultradifferential convolution property of ultradistributions

We consider some sequential conditions for the convolvability of two ultradistributions, specifically the Roumieu ultradistributions defined on the space of all ultradifferentiable functions Dn{M_p} in the space Dn'{M_p} and show the similarities between these conditions in the sense of Mincheva-Kaminska S. The sequential conditions are based on the use of approximate identities which satisfy certain conditions to be a Banach algebra for the space Dn{M_p} . We present an equivalent result involving the convolution of the differentiability of two Roumieu ultradistributions with equivalent norm condition. &#x0D;

A pilot randomized controlled trial of online written exposure therapy delivered by peer coaches to veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

This pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) sought to examine the preliminary efficacy of an internet-based version of written exposure therapy delivered to veterans through an online program supported by peer coaches. Veterans (N = 124) with clinically significant posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were randomly assigned to imaginal exposure either via writing (written exposure) or verbal recounting (verbal exposure). The online treatment involved four to eight sessions of imaginal exposure preceded and followed by an online chat with a peer coach. Participants completed assessments at baseline, posttreatment, and 3-month follow-up. Half of the participants never started treatment; among those who started treatment, the mean number of sessions completed was 4.92. At posttreatment, participants in both conditions reported clinically meaningful improvements in PTSD symptoms, d = 1.35; depressive symptoms, d = 1.10; and functioning, d = 0.39. Although participants in both treatment conditions demonstrated significant improvements in PTSD symptom severity, equivalence results were inconclusive, as the 95% confidence interval of the change score difference exceeded the specified margin and overlapped with 0. Estimated mean change scores demonstrated that both conditions showed significant reductions at posttreatment and follow-up. Although engagement with the online program was a significant challenge, the findings suggest that written exposure therapy is effective for improving PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and functioning when adapted for internet-based delivery and facilitated by peer coaches. Using technology to deliver exposure therapy and task-shifting the role of the therapist to peer coaches are promising strategies to increase access to effective PTSD care.

All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Had Clinical Outcome Similar to the Transtibial Technique Except for Improved Side-to-Side Difference and Tegner Activity Scale: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PurposeTo compare clinical outcomes of the all-inside technique with the transtibial technique in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction based on available literature on this topic. MethodsAccording to the PRISMA checklist, we conducted a systematic search for randomized controlled trials and Cohort studies. Our comprehensive search encompassed PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. We included RCTs and cohort studies that compared the two techniques with a minimal one-year follow-up. Two independent authors assessed RCTs using the risk of bias tool developed by the Cochrane Collaboration, and evaluated the quality of cohort studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Assessing the Quality of Nonrandomized Comparative Trials. The subjective and objective outcomes, complication, and graft failure were obtained. The R software was used to perform the analysis. ResultsThe present analysis enrolled 9 RCTs (n= 687) and 11 cohort studies (n= 910) . After a minimal one-year follow-up in RCTs, functional outcomes such as IKDC subjective score, Lysholm score, Tegner activity scale, Knee society score, and Hop test were found to be similar between two techniques. The laxity outcomes including the IKDC objective grade and Pivot-shift test, were suggested to be comparable. There was a significant difference favoring the transtibial technique in terms of side-to-side difference (P=0.04, 95% CI= 0.08 to 0.90). The pooled data from cohort studies indicated equivalent results in terms of IKDC subjective score, Lysholm score, Side-to-side difference, IKDC objective grade, Complication, and Graft failure, with the exception of statistical difference in the Tegner activity scale (P=0.03, 95% CI= -0.50 to -0.04). ConclusionOur findings suggest that there is no difference in most outcome scores between the all-inside and transtibial techniques for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. There are statistically significant differences in side-to-side difference and Tegner activity scale favoring all-inside technique.

Minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy: efficiency of robotic assistance compared to standard laparoscopy

Minimally invasive abdominal sacrocolpopexy (SC) is the treatment of choice for symptomatic, high-grade, apical or multi-compartmental pelvic organ prolapse (POP), in terms of anatomical correction and treatment durability. Robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RASC) could be an attractive alternative to the gold standard laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC), for its ergonomic advantages in such a technically demanding procedure. However, it has not yet proven its superiority, consequently raising cost-effectiveness issues. Our primary objective was to assess if RASC can achieve better overall operative time (OOT) over LSC, with at least equivalent perioperative results. This was a single-center retrospective study including 100 patients (58 consecutive RASC cases and 42 LSC within the same time-period), with primary endpoint the OOT in both groups. Secondary results included complication rate, hospital stay, short-term anatomic results and OOT within and beyond the RASC learning curve. A multivariate linear regression was carried out for our primary outcome. The groups had comparable characteristics, except for BMI, which was lower in RASC group. The mean OOT was significantly lower in the RASC group (188 vs. 217 min, p ≤ 0.01), even after adjusting for possible confounders. Short-term anatomic results, complication rate, and blood loss were similar in the two groups. Mean hospital stay was significantly longer in the RASC group. Average RASC OOT was significantly shorter after the first 20 cases realized. This study demonstrated a significant reduction of OOT for RASC compared to LSC, with similar perioperative results, encouraging further use of the robotic technology for this indication.

Development of the Children's English and Spanish Speech Recognition Test: Psychometric Properties, Feasibility, Reliability, and Normative Data.

The Children's English and Spanish Speech Recognition (ChEgSS) test is a computer-based tool for assessing closed-set word recognition in English and in Spanish, with a masker that is either speech-shaped noise or competing speech. The present study was conducted to (1) characterize the psychometric properties of the ChEgSS test, (2) evaluate feasibility and reliability for a large cohort of Spanish/English bilingual children with normal hearing, and (3) establish normative data. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate speech perception in children (4-17 years) and adults (19-40 years) with normal hearing using the ChEgSS test. In Experiment 1, data were collected from Spanish/English bilingual and English monolingual adults at multiple, fixed signal-to-noise ratios. Psychometric functions were fitted to the word-level data to characterize variability across target words in each language and in each masker condition. In Experiment 2, Spanish/English bilingual adults were tested using an adaptive tracking procedure to evaluate the influence of different target-word normalization approaches on the reliability of estimates of masked-speech recognition thresholds corresponding to 70.7% correct word recognition and to determine the optimal number of reversals needed to obtain reliable estimates. In Experiment 3, Spanish/English bilingual and English monolingual children completed speech perception testing using the ChEgSS test to (1) characterize feasibility across age and language group, (2) evaluate test-retest reliability, and (3) establish normative data. Experiments 1 and 2 yielded data that are essential for stimulus normalization, optimizing threshold estimation procedures, and interpreting threshold data across test language and masker type. Findings obtained from Spanish/English bilingual and English monolingual children with normal hearing in Experiment 3 support feasibility and demonstrate reliability for use with children as young as 4 years of age. Equivalent results for testing in English and Spanish were observed for Spanish/English bilingual children, contingent on adequate proficiency in the target language. Regression-based threshold norms were established for Spanish/English bilingual and English monolingual children between 4 and 17 years of age. The present findings indicate the ChEgSS test is appropriate for testing a wide age range of children with normal hearing in either Spanish, English, or both languages. The ChEgSS test is currently being evaluated in a large cohort of patients with hearing loss at pediatric audiology clinics across the United States. Results will be compared with normative data established in the present study and with established clinical measures used to evaluate English- and Spanish-speaking children. Questionnaire data from parents and clinician feedback will be used to further improve test procedures.

Comparison of hearing performance in patients with borderline indication for active middle ear or cochlear implants: clinical outcomes to guide preoperative counseling and decision making

PurposeThe aim of the presented study was to compare the audiological benefit achieved in cochlear implant (CI) patients who, in principle, could still have been treated with an active middle ear implant (AMEI) with a group of AMEI users.MethodsResults of 20 CI patients with a pure-tone average (PTA) of 70 dB HL prior to surgery were compared with a group of 12 subjects treated with a Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB). Pre-surgical comparison included PTA for air conduction and bone conduction, maximum speech recognition score for monosyllabic words (WRSmax), and aided monosyllabic word recognition at 65 dB SPL. One year after surgery, aided monosyllabic speech recognition score at 65 dB SPL was compared.ResultsMean PTA for air conduction in the VSB group was significantly lower than in the CI group (4.8 dB, Z = − 2.011, p < 0.05). Mean PTA for bone conduction in the VSB group was also significantly lower than in the CI group (23.4 dB, Z = − 4.673, p < 0.001). WRSmax in the VSB group was significantly better than in the CI group (40.7%, Z = − 3.705, p < 0.001). One year after treatment, there was no significant difference in aided speech perception in quiet between both subject groups.ConclusionComparison of the two methods showed equivalent results for both treatments in subjects with a borderline indication. Not only pure-tone audiometry results but, particularly, speech perception scores pre-surgery should be taken into account in preoperative counseling.

Rapid, high-throughput, cost-effective whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 using a condensed library preparation of the Illumina DNA Prep kit.

Sequencing has played an invaluable role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ongoing work in this area, however, demands optimization of laboratory workflow to increase sequencing capacity, improve turnaround time, and reduce cost without compromising sequence quality. This report describes an optimized DNA library preparation method for improved whole-genome sequencing of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pathogen. The workflow advantages summarized here include significant time, cost, and consumable savings, which suggest that this new method is an efficient, scalable, and pragmatic alternative for SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing.