Assess Interobserver Reliability Research Articles

Inter-observer reliability in transect-based observations of environmental waste in greater accra and kisumu: implications for waste management

AbstractTransect surveys are widely used to quantify mismanaged plastic waste discarded to the environment. However, very few studies have quantified inter-observer reliability in environmental waste surveys. The aim of this study was to assess inter-observer reliability for a set of environmental waste indicators derived from transect surveys in slum areas of two sub-Saharan African cities. Pairs of observers independently recorded counts of scattered waste items, large waste piles, and burnt waste along 64 environmental transects in Kisumu, Kenya, and Greater Accra, Ghana. Concordance correlation coefficients were used to measure inter-observer reliability for derived indicators measuring mismanaged waste density, waste composition, waste origins of policy concern, and waste disposal practices. Evidence across all observers consistently showed that single-use disposable diapers, discarded Personal Protective Equipment, and bagged or bottled water are locally important constituents of mismanaged waste in both cities that should be addressed through urban waste management strategies. In both cities, there was generally excellent inter-observer reliability for density of burnt waste and density of large waste piles (concordance correlation coefficient > 0.9 for all but one observer pair), but weak to moderate inter-observer reliability for scattered waste density and densities of specific waste items such as disposable nappies and discarded Personal Protective Equipment. Our study shows that beach litter survey protocols can be adapted for use in slums. However, to generate robust estimates of scattered waste, its composition, and waste origins of policy concern in slums, assessment of inter-observer reliability should be incorporated into field team training.

CRABEL Score Assessment for Oral Surgery Excision Biopsy Case Notes of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background Oral surgical records contain all the information regarding a patient, including their history, clinical findings, diagnostic test results, pre-and postoperative care, progress, and medication. Notes that are properly drafted will help the physician argue that the course of therapy is appropriate. Several tools have been created for auditing clinical records; one such tool that may be used for any inpatient specialty is the CRABEL score system developed by CRAwford-BEresford-Lafferty. Aims This research aimed to evaluate the oral surgical records using the CRABEL scoring system for quality assessment. Materials and methods The case audit was performed from June 2023 to February 2024 for all Excisional biopsy cases of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Relevant data was retrieved from the Dental Information Archival Software (DIAS) of Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai. It was evaluated by two independent oral pathologists trained in CRABEL scores. Two consecutive case records were evaluated. Fifty points were given for each case record. Scoring was given according to initial clerking (10 points), subsequent entries (30 points), consent (5 points), and discharge summary (5 points). The total score was calculated by subtracting the total deduction from 100 to give the final score. The mean scores of the case records were calculated. A descriptive statistical analysis was done with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23.0; IBM Inc., Armonk, New York). Inter-observer agreement and reliability assessment were made using Kappa statistics. Results From the DIAS in that period, the data of 52 cases were retrieved and reviewed. There was no proof of a reference source in the audited records, and one deduction was made to the reference score in the initial clerking, and the effective score was 98 out of 100. The mean values of 52 case records were also 98 out of 100. The observed kappa score was 1.0. There was no inter-observer bias in the scoring criteria. Both observers also gave the same scoring. Conclusion Our study illustrates that oral surgery case records in our institution were found to be accurate, as they maintained 98% of the CRABEL score value. Frequent audit cycles will help in standardizing and maintaining the quality of oral surgery case records.

The Gartland classification for expediting supracondylar humerus fracture triage: a collaborative approach to structured reporting between pediatric radiologists and orthopedists

BackgroundThe modified Gartland classification is an important tool for evaluation of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHF) because it can direct treatment decisions. Gartland type I can be managed outpatient, while emergent surgical consult occurs with type II and III. This study assesses the interobserver reliability of the Gartland classification between pediatric radiologists and orthopedic providers. MethodsA retrospective review of 320 children diagnosed with a SCHF at a single tertiary children's hospital during 2022 was conducted. The Gartland classification documented in the radiographic report by a pediatric radiologist and the classification documented in the first encounter with an orthopedic provider was collected. Kappa value was used to assess interobserver reliability of classifications between radiologists and orthopedic providers. A second group of 76 Gartland type I SCHF from 2015, prior to our institution's implementation of structured reporting, was reviewed for comparison of unnecessary orthopedic consults at initial presentation. ResultsThe Gartland classification has excellent interobserver reliability between radiologists and orthopedic providers with 90 % (289/320) agreement and kappa of 0.854 (confidence interval: 0.805–0.903). The most frequent disagreement that occurred was fractures classified as type II by radiology and type III by orthopedics. There were similar rates of consults for the 2015 and 2022 cohorts (p = 0.26). ConclusionThe Gartland classification system is a reliable and effective tool for communication between radiologists and orthopedic providers. Implementing a structured reporting system has the potential to improve triage efficiency for SCHF.

Reliability of ulnar collateral ligament findings in magnetic resonance imaging.

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears are common in baseball players. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most used imaging modality for UCL injuries, the inter-rater reliability of MRI analyzing specific characteristics of UCL pathology has not been defined. The purpose of this study was to define the inter-rater reliability of MRI for evaluating UCL characteristics. Three surgeons analyzed 45 noncontrast MRIs: 15 without UCL tears, 15 with intraoperatively confirmed partial-thickness tears, and 15 with intraoperatively confirmed full-thickness tears. Findings evaluated included ligament characteristics (periligamentous or osseous edema, ligament hypertrophy, calcifications, and partial- or full-thickness tearing) and location of the pathology (proximal, midsubstance, or distal). Fleiss' κ coefficients were used to assess interobserver reliability. There were high rates of agreement for midsubstance (κ: 0.50) and distal (κ: 0.69) ligament edema and proximal osseous edema (κ: 0.48). There were low rates of agreement for proximal ligament edema (κ: 0.08), ligament thickening (κ: -0.02 to 0.20), and proximal to midsubstance calcifications (κ: -0.04 to 0.10). Midsubstance (κ: 0.55) and distal full-thickness tears (κ: 0.63) demonstrated higher agreement than proximal (κ: 0.29). Proximal partial-thickness tears (κ: 0.45) had higher agreement than midsubstance (κ: -0.02) or distal (κ: -0.02). In our study, there was high inter-rater reliability regarding proximal osseous edema, midsubstance, and distal ligament edema and full-thickness tears. There was no agreement for midsubstance and distal partial-thickness UCL tears, but fair agreement for proximal tears. UCL tissue characteristics including ligament thickening and calcifications demonstrated low agreement. Challenges remain in effectively evaluating UCL tissue characteristics on noncontrast MRIs.

How Does the Subchondral Bone Density Distribution of the Distal Humerus Change Between Early and Advanced Stages of Osteoarthritis?

The distribution of subchondral bone density in a joint represents stress that is applied to the joint. Knowing this information is important for understanding the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA). In the elbow, however, this has not been studied before. (1) Is advanced-stage elbow OA associated with more radially distributed subchondral bone density than earlier stages? (2) What demographic (age and sex) and radiographic (osteophyte location and carrying angle) factors are associated with increased radial shift in subchondral bone density? Between March 2001 and December 2021, we treated 301 patients for elbow OA. We considered patients with plain radiographs and conventional CT scans as potentially eligible. Thus, 68% (206 patients) were eligible; a further 27% (80 patients) were excluded because of a history of any injury or surgery or known inflammatory joint disease, leaving 42% (126 patients) for analysis here. Their mean ± standard deviation age was 60 ± 10 years. Early OA with minimal joint space narrowing and osteophyte formation was found in 33% (42 of 126) of patients, and advanced OA was found in the remaining 67% (84 of 126). Three-dimensional distal humerus subchondral bone models were derived from CT images, and in the central intra-articulating portion, we measured the subchondral bone density in two different sites: where it articulates with the radius (SBD rad ) and with the ulna (SBD ulna ). We further defined the SBD ratio as the percent ratio of SBD rad to SBD ulna . We also evaluated osteophyte severity based on its size at the radiocapitellar and ulnotrochlear joints, and alignment through measuring the carrying angle on radiographs. To assess interobserver reliability, two orthopaedic surgeons took measurements independently from each other. All measurements had excellent intraoberver and interobserver reliabilities. Then, we compared the subchondral bone parameters between early and advanced OA and performed a multivariable analysis of the factors associated with subchondral bone parameters, including age, sex, osteophyte location, and carrying angle. Radial versus ulna subchondral bone density (SBD ratio ) was modestly higher in patients with advanced OA (118% ± 17%) than in patients with early OA (109% ± 17%, mean difference 9% [95% CI 2.3% to 15.3%]; p = 0.01). With increasing radial deviation in subchondral bone density, cubitus valgus had a modest association (β = 0.46 ± 0.23; p = 0.04) and severe osteophytes at the radiocapitellar joint had a large association (β = 9.51 ± 3.06; p = 0.002). According to subchondral bone density distribution, stress concentration was more radially deviated in patients with the advanced stages of elbow OA than in those with the early stages. We also found that an increase in carrying angle is associated with radial deviation of stress. A future study that examines longitudinal changes in the subchondral bone density might be required to confirm changes in stress concentration with OA progression. This study gives us insight into the potential pathophysiology of elbow OA in relation to elbow alignment. Although debridement of osteophytes in the ulnotrochlear joint is the most frequently performed procedure in patients with advanced elbow OA, our finding suggests that some patients with an increased carrying angle might benefit from management of the radiocapitellar joint as well, or from being informed of the future development of OA in the radiocapitellar joint, because stress at this site can be increased with the advancement of OA.

Modification of Domestic Animal Lameness Scales for Use in Asiatic Black Bears (Ursus thibetanus)

Lameness in animals is a welfare concern as it can be an indicator of pain. A standardized bear lameness scale would significantly improve the ability of facilities that house bears to monitor, manage, and treat lameness in their animals. The Animals Asia bear rescue center in Vietnam holds over 180 rescued bears with varying health and mobility conditions as a result of the illegal bear bile trade, and a reliable lameness assessment system was needed. Bear locomotion includes a lumbering gait, which differs from domestic animal locomotion, necessitating the modification of domestic animal lameness scales, and a five-point lameness scale was developed. Professionals from various veterinary-related backgrounds scored bear lameness videos to assess interobserver reliability and the intraclass correlation coefficient indicated good to excellent reliability. A 15-min training video with examples of lameness and grades was provided before assessment. The lameness scale developed herein addresses the lack of a published lameness scale for bears, and, due to the similar locomotion of the genus, can be used on any bear species. This scale is a consistent and reliable tool for evaluating and documenting lameness in addition to monitoring response to treatment. It will benefit bear welfare by indirectly characterizing the level of pain a bear is experiencing due to lameness as well as serving to document trends in pain status.

Application of international system for reporting serous fluid cytology (ISRSFC) in effusion samples-a prospective study in an oncology setting.

Serous fluid cytology is a cost-effective procedure that can help in the diagnosis, staging, and origin of the malignancy. Recently introduced International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytology (ISRSFC) standardizes the reporting of serous fluid cytology in the 5 categories: Category 1: Nondiagnostic (ND), Category 2: negative for malignancy (NFM), Category 3: atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), Category 4: suspicious for malignancy (SFM), and Category 5: malignant (MAL). Here, we present our experience adopting the ISRSFC. We implemented ISRSFC in December of 2019 at our institute and included a cohort of 555 prospective effusion samples. The pertinent surgical pathology, radiology, and clinical follow-up were also extracted to assess the risk of malignancy (ROM) and performance parameters. The assessment of interobserver reliability indicated substantial concordance (κ = 0.717) between the 2 investigators for serous fluid categorization. A total of 555 effusion samples were classified as follows: ND, 14 (2.5%); NFM, 394 (71%); AUS, 12 (2.2%); SFM, 13 (2.3%); and MAL, 122 (22%). The ROM for the ND, NFM, AUS, SFM, and MAL categories was 57.1%, 9.9%, 66.7%, 66.7%, and 97.2%, respectively, in peritoneal effusions and 57.1%, 7.1%, 66.7%, 100%, 100%, respectively, in pleural effusions. The ROM for NFM and MAL was 0% and 100%, respectively, in pericardial effusion. Application of the proposed ISRSFC can help in achieving uniformity and reproducibility in diagnoses and also help in risk stratification in cytology. ISRSFC was successfully adopted by our cytology laboratory and clinicians, with overall diagnostic performance similar to previous studies.

Should nails be locked dynamically or statically in atypical femoral fractures? – A radiological analysis of time to union and reoperations in 236 displaced fractures with 4 years average follow-up

IntroductionAtypical femoral fractures (AFFs) are associated with delayed union and higher reoperation rates. Axial dynamization of intramedullary nails is hypothesized to reduce time-to-union (TTU) and fixation failure as compared to static locking. MethodsConsecutive acutely displaced AFFs fixed with long intramedullary nails across five centres between 2006 and 2021 with a minimum postoperative follow-up of three months were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was TTU, compared between AFFs treated with dynamically or statically locked intramedullary nails. Fracture union was defined as a modified Radiographic Union Score for Tibial fractures score of 13 or greater. Secondary outcomes involved revision surgery and treatment failure, defined as non-union beyond 18 months or revision internal fixation for mechanical reasons. ResultsA total of 236 AFFs (127 dynamically locked and 109 statically locked) were analysed with good interobserver reliability of fracture union assessment (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.82–0.98). AFFs treated with dynamized nails had significantly shorter median TTU (10.1 months; 95% CI = 9.24–10.96 vs 13.0 months; 95% CI = 10.60–15.40) (log-rank test, p = 0.019). Multivariate Cox regression revealed that dynamic locking was independently associated with greater likelihood of fracture union within 24 months (p = 0.009). Reoperations were less frequent in the dynamic locking group (18.9% vs 28.4%), although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.084). Static locking was an independent risk factor for reoperation (p = 0.049), as were varus reduction and lack of teriparatide use within three months of surgery. Static locking also demonstrated a higher frequency of treatment failure (39.4% vs 22.8%, p = 0.006) and was an independent predictor of treatment failure in logistic regression (p = 0.018). Other factors associated with treatment failure included varus reduction and open reduction. ConclusionsDynamic locking of intramedullary nails in AFFs is associated with faster time to union, lower rate of non-union, and fewer treatment failures.

Slow-motion smartphone video improves interobserver reliability of gait assessment in ambulatory cerebral palsy.

Structured visual gait assessment is essential for the evaluation of pediatric patients with neuromuscular conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefit of slow-motion video recorded on a standard smartphone to augment visual gait assessment. Coronal and sagittal plane videos of the gait of five pediatric subjects were recorded on a smartphone, including four subjects with ambulatory cerebral palsy and one subject without gait pathology. Twenty-one video scorers were recruited and randomized to evaluate slow-motion or normal-speed videos utilizing the Edinburgh Visual Gait Score. The slow-motion group (N = 11) evaluated the videos at one-eighth speed, and the normal-speed group (N = 10) evaluated the same videos at normal speed. Interrater reliabilities were determined by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients for each group as a whole, for each Edinburgh Visual Gait Score item, and after stratification by evaluator experience level. The slow-motion group exhibited an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.65 (95% confidence interval: 0.58-0.73), whereas the normal-speed group exhibited an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.57 (95% confidence interval: 0.49-0.65). For less-experienced scorers, intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.53-0.71) and 0.50 (95% confidence interval: 0.40-0.59) were calculated for slow motion and normal speed, respectively. For more-experienced scorers, intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.69 (95% confidence interval: 0.61-0.76) and 0.67 (95% confidence interval: 0.58-0.75) were calculated for slow motion and normal speed, respectively. Visual gait assessment is enhanced by the use of slow-motion smartphone video, a tool widely available throughout the world with no marginal cost. level I, randomized study.

Inter-Observer and Intra-Observer Reliability Assessment of the Established Classification Systems for Periprosthetic Shoulder Fractures.

This study evaluated the reliability and comprehensiveness of the Unified classification system (UCPF), Wright & Cofield, Worland and Kirchhoff classifications and related treatment recommendations for periprosthetic shoulder fractures (PPSFx). Two shoulder arthroplasty specialists (experts) and two orthopaedic residents (non-experts) assessed 20 humeral-sided and five scapula-sided cases of PPSFx. We used the unweighted Cohen's Kappa (κ) for measuring the intra-observer reliability and Krippendorff's alpha (α) for measuring the inter-observer reliability. The inter-rater reliabilities for the Wright & Cofield and Worland classifications were substantial for all groups. The expert and non-expert groups for UCPF also showed substantial inter-rater agreement. The all-rater group for the UCPF and the expert and non-expert group for the Kirchhoff classification revealed moderate inter-rater reliability. For the Kirchhoff classification, only fair inter-rater reliability was found for the non-expert group. Almost perfect intra-rater reliability was measured for all groups of the Wright & Cofield classification and the all-rater and expert groups of the UCPF. All groups of the Kirchhoff and Worland classifications and the group of non-experts for the UCPF had substantial intra-rater reliabilities. Regarding treatment recommendations, substantial inter-rater and moderate intra-rater reliabilities were found. Simple classification systems for PPSFx (Wright & Cofield, Worland) show the highest inter- and intra-observer reliability but lack comprehensiveness as they fail to describe scapula-sided fractures. The complex Kirchhoff classification shows limited reliability. The UCPF seems to offer an acceptable combination of comprehensiveness and reliability.

CT texture analysis reliability in pulmonary lesions: the influence of 3D vs. 2D lesion segmentation and volume definition by a Hounsfield-unit threshold

ObjectiveReproducibility problems are a known limitation of radiomics. The segmentation of the target lesion plays a critical role in texture analysis variability. This study’s aim was to compare the interobserver reliability of manual 2D vs. 3D lung lesion segmentation with and without pre-definition of the volume using a threshold of − 50 HU.MethodsSeventy-five patients with histopathologically proven lung lesions (15 patients each with adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, small cell lung cancer, carcinoid, and organizing pneumonia) who underwent an unenhanced CT scan of the chest were included. Three radiologists independently segmented each lesion manually in 3D and 2D with and without pre-segmentation volume definition by a HU threshold, and shape parameters and original, Laplacian of Gaussian–filtered, and wavelet-based texture features were derived. To assess interobserver reliability and identify the most robust texture features, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for different segmentation settings were calculated.ResultsShape parameters had high reliability (64–79% had excellent and good ICCs). Texture features had weak reliability levels, with the highest ICCs (38% excellent or good) found for original features in 3D segmentation without the use of a HU threshold. A small proportion (4.3–11.5%) of texture features had excellent or good ICC values at all segmentation settings.ConclusionInterobserver reliability of texture features from CT scans of a heterogeneous collection of manually segmented lung lesions was low with a small proportion of features demonstrating high reliability independent of the segmentation settings. These results indicate a limited applicability of texture analysis and the need to define robust texture features in patients with lung lesions.Key Points• Our study showed a low reproducibility of texture features when 3 radiologists independently segmented lung lesions in CT images, which highlights a serious limitation of texture analysis.• Interobserver reliability of texture features was low regardless of whether the lesion was segmented in 2D and 3D with or without a HU threshold.• In contrast to texture features, shape parameters showed a high interobserver reliability when lesions were segmented in 2D vs. 3D with and without a HU threshold of − 50.

Ultrahigh-resolution computed tomography of the cervical spine without dose penalty employing a cadmium-telluride photon-counting detector

PurposeThis cadaveric study compared image quality between a third-generation dual-source CT scanner with energy-integrating detector technology (EID) and a first-generation CT system employing a photon-counting detector (PCD) for the cervical spine in ultrahigh-resolution mode. MethodsThe cervical spine of eight formalin-fixed full-body cadaveric specimens was scanned with both CT systems using 140 kVp scan protocols matched for CTDIvol (full-dose; low-dose; ultralow-dose; 10 mGy; 3 mGy; 1 mGy). Images were reconstructed with 1 mm slice thickness and 0.5 mm increment. Three radiologists rated overall subjective image quality based on an equidistant five-point scale with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) calculated for assessment of interobserver reliability. Contrast-to-noise ratios were calculated individually for bone (CNRbone) and muscle tissue (CNRmuscle) to provide objective criteria of image analysis. ResultsSubjective image quality, as well as CNRbone, and CNRmuscle were each superior for PCD-CT compared to EID-CT among dose-matched scan protocol pairs (all p < 0.05). Between full-dose EID-CT and low-dose PCD-CT, subjective image quality was equal (p = 0.903), while superior quantitative results regarding the latter were ascertained (both p < 0.001). Similarly, objective analysis determined higher CNRbone, and CNRmuscle in ultralow-dose PCD-CT compared to low-dose EID-CT (both p < 0.001), while readers considered the image quality of the respective studies comparable (p > 0.99). Interobserver reliability was good, denoted by an ICC of 0.861 (95 % confidence interval: 0.788 – 0.914; p < 0.001). ConclusionsIn cervical spine examinations, both subjective and objective image quality of PCD-CT were superior to EID-CT in comparison of scan protocols with corresponding dose levels, suggesting potential for significantly reducing the radiation exposure without compromising image quality.

Morphological evaluation of mental foramen using cone-beam computed tomography: A retrospective observational study

ABSTRACT Aim: This study aimed to assess the shape, size, symmetry, and location of mental foramen (MF) in relation to mandibular dental and skeletal landmarks using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: This retrospective observational study was performed on 135 CBCT images of 74 males (mean age 36.16 ± 13.49 years) and 61 females (mean age 37.13 ± 13.53 years). Two independent observers performed the morphometric measurements of MF using CBCT images using Invivo software. Independent t-test and Mann–Whitney test were employed to evaluate the gender differences. A comparison of categorical data was performed using Chi-square test. Intraclass correlation coefficient and Kappa statistics were used to assess interobserver reliability. Results: The most common horizontal and vertical location of MF was the long axis of the second premolars (52.2%) and below the bicuspid root apices (70%), respectively. The most common shape was round (56.6%). Significant gender differences were observed for the MF size (mean width 0.35 mm larger in males), the distance of MF to lower border of mandible (16.10 ± 1.77 mm in males and 14.81 ± 1.48 mm in females), and MF to pogonion (28 ± 2.13 mm in males and 26.62 ± 1.98 mm in females). The horizontal and vertical locations were bilaterally symmetrical in 67.4% and 79.26% of subjects, respectively. Conclusion: Right and left sides of the mandible require separate evaluations since there are differences in the location of the MF on each side. Gender differences were observed in location of MF in the relation to skeletal landmarks. Nevertheless, skeletal landmarks are reliable for locating the MF.

High Acromial Slope and Low Acromiohumeral Distance Increase the Risk of Retear of the Supraspinatus Tendon After Repair.

High Acromial Slope and Low Acromiohumeral Distance Increase the Risk of Retear of the Supraspinatus Tendon After Repair.

Interobserver reliability between pediatric radiologists and residents in ultrasound evaluation of intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants.

Germinal matrix intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) may contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Timely identification and grading of IVH affect decision-making and clinical outcomes. There is possibility of misinterpretation of the ultrasound appearances, and the interobserver variability has not been investigated between radiology resident and board-certified radiologist. To assess interobserver reliability between senior radiology residents performing bedside cranial ultrasound during on-call hours and pediatric radiologists. From June 2018 to June 2020, neonatal cranial ultrasound examinations were performed in neonatal intensive care unit. Ultrasound findings were recorded by the residents performing the ultrasound and the pediatric attending radiologists. In total, 200 neonates were included in the study, with a mean gestational age of 30.9 wk. Interobserver agreement for higher grade (Grade III & IV) IVH was excellent. There was substantial agreement for lower grade (Grade I & II) IVH. There is strong agreement between radiology residents and pediatric radiologists, which is higher for high grade IVHs.

Validity and reliability of the Rosacea Area and Severity Index: A novel scoring system for clinical assessment of rosacea severity.

Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory facial skin disorder. Standardized evaluation of the severity and extent of rosacea is important for baseline assessment and treatment effect. The currently used Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) is unspecific and fails to consider subtypes/phenotypes of rosacea and area involvement. The Rosacea Area and Severity Index (RASI) was developed to give a more nuanced evaluation of rosacea features in four facial skin areas adjusted to the relative importance of each area of the face to obtain an overall severity score. To validate RASI against the IGA and to assess the inter- and intraobserver reliability for RASI. Sixteen dermatologists evaluated photographs of 60 adult patients with rosacea (3 photographs per patient, one from the front and one from each side). IGA and RASI scores were performed for interobserver reliability assessment. To determine intraobserver reliability, 14 dermatologists evaluated 10 other patients twice with at least 1 week interval. The IGA and RASI correlated well (Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC)=0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.72-0.78). Interobserver reliability was moderate for RASI and poor to moderate for IGA. Reliability was strongest for rhinophyma, followed by papules/pustules and erythema, and rather weak for telangiectasia. For area scores, interobserver reliability was strongest for cheeks, followed by nose, chin and forehead. We found a moderate-to-strong intraobserver agreement both for IGA and RASI. We have designed a new practical tool to examine clinical severity of rosacea. RASI proved simple and reliable in scoring clinical severity of rosacea with an agreement comparable to the currently used IGA although RASI will provide a more nuanced view of the current rosacea extent and severity. We suggest that RASI is used in the daily clinical setting as well as in clinical studies assessing the efficacy of rosacea therapies.

Interventions Employed By Licensed Nurses in Nursing Homes: Refinement and Validation of an Existing Omaha System Nursing Intervention Set.

Background and Purpose: Demands on long-term services and supports for older adults are growing, although geriatric workforce shortages have persisted for decades. Methods to define and quantify practice of licensed nurses in nursing homes are needed for work optimization within limited nurse resources available in nursing homes. This study aimed to refine and validate observable nursing interventions for nursing homes, using the Omaha System. Methods: Based on the existing corpus of Omaha System interventions for acute care nursing, this multi-phase, multi-method study included a mapping procedure of interviews from licensed nurses in nursing homes, the evaluation of content validity and coding of the interventions using a survey, and inter-observer reliability assessment using TimeCaT. Results: This study validated 57 observable interventions for nursing homes. Of the previously identified acute care nursing interventions, eight interventions were deemed out of scope. One additional intervention was identified. Refined intervention definitions were related to procedures common in acute care settings such as tracheal intubations/extubations and nasogastric tube insertion that were not performed in nursing homes. Expert agreement for content validity and coding of the interventions was high (S-CVI = 0.97), and inter-observer reliability levels (Cohen's κ value >0.4; proportion agreement >60%) were acceptable for all case studies. Implications for Practice: The validated observable Omaha System nursing interventions for nursing home practice have potential for use in future studies of nursing home practice to understand evidence-based practice, and gaps in care provided. The methodology may be extended to define observable interventions for other roles and settings.

Classification of Alar Dynamic Aesthetic in an Asian Female Population: Experts or Automatic Algorithms?

To provide referenced classifications of alar dynamic aesthetics from both subjective and objective perspectives for determining proper surgical strategies in alarplasty. A total of 150 healthy Asian female participants were instructed to perform two standardized facial movements including a resting pose and a maximum smile while taking care not to show their teeth. The participants were recorded using a dynamic three-dimensional surface imaging system. Frames depicting the resting position and the alar maximum enlargement during the smile were exported separately for anthropometric analysis and classification. The alar dynamic aesthetic was assessed through measurement of the anthropomorphic changes comparing the resting and maximum smile statuses and then transformed into quantitative analysis through the algorithm [Formula: see text]. Subjective classification and evaluation of the subject cosmetic deficiencies and proposals for therapeutic interventions to improve the subjects' alar dynamic aesthetic were performed by three senior plastic surgeons through visualization of the resting and smiling images. The surgeons were asked to divide and classify the subjects into three groups (Class I, Class II and Class III) according to the surgeons' perceptions of degree of the subjects' deficiencies in alar dynamic aesthetic. The more deficiency there was in the aesthetic, the higher the class that the subject was assigned into. The surgeons were presented with the full set of images of the patients on two separate occasions each three months apart, to assess interobserver reliability. Clustering analysis, which is based on machine learning, was applied for objective classification of the images. According to the senior plastic surgeon experts' subjective classification, the subjects' alar flaring mobility was judged as follows: Class I (6.78 ± 3.84%), Class II (10.35 ± 4.18%), and Class III (18.68 ± 4.15%), while alar base mobility was judged as Class I (12.71 ± 7.57%), Class II (20.06 ± 10.06%), and Class III (30.86 ± 13.20%). By clustering analysis, alar flaring mobility was determined to be Class I (7.01 ± 3.51%), Class II (11.18 ± 4.76%), and Class III (12.72 ± 5.66%), while alar base mobility was Class I (9.07 ± 4.23%), Class II (21.88 ± 4.25%), and Class III (38.59 ± 7.08%). No statistical significance was found in the distribution and assignment of classes between the two methodologies. Classifications of alar dynamic aesthetics could arouse attention to facial dynamic aesthetics and provide referenced quantitative parameters for plastic surgeons to determine appropriate treatments for alarplasty. For patients with Class I mobility, treatments are not recommended, while minimally invasive treatments can be deemed to be optional for patients with Class II alar mobility to potentially improve alar dynamic aesthetics. For patients with Class III alar mobility, surgical treatments are strongly recommended as options. Combing subjective classification with automated algorithms can provide a novel perspective and improve reliability for facial aesthetic classification analysis. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Tissue attenuation imaging and tissue scatter imaging for quantitative ultrasound evaluation of hepatic steatosis.

We aimed to assess the feasibility of ultrasound-based tissue attenuation imaging (TAI) and tissue scatter distribution imaging (TSI) for quantification of liver steatosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We prospectively enrolled 101 participants with suspected NAFLD. The TAI and TSI measurements of the liver were performed with a Samsung RS85 Prestige ultrasound system. Based on the magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF), patients were divided into ≤5%, 5–10%, and ≥10% of MRI-PDFF groups. We determined the correlation between TAI, TSI, and MRI-PDFF and used multiple linear regression analysis to identify any association with clinical variables. The diagnostic performance of TAI, TSI was determined based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess interobserver reliability.Both TAI (rs = 0.78, P < .001) and TSI (rs = 0.68, P < .001) showed significant correlation with MRI-PDFF. TAI overperformed TSI in the detection of both ≥5% MRI-PDFF (AUC = 0.89 vs 0.87) and ≥10% (AUC = 0.93 vs 0.86). MRI-PDFF proved to be an independent predictor of TAI (β = 1.03; P < .001), while both MRI-PDFF (β = 50.9; P < .001) and liver stiffness (β = −0.86; P < .001) were independent predictors of TSI. Interobserver analysis showed excellent reproducibility of TAI (ICC = 0.95) and moderate reproducibility of TSI (ICC = 0.73).TAI and TSI could be used successfully to diagnose and estimate the severity of hepatic steatosis in routine clinical practice.

Interobserver and Intraobserver Reliability in Sonoelastographic Assessment of Thyroid Nodules.

Thyroid ultrasonography is the first and perhaps most fundamental step for the radiological distinction of benign and malignant nodules. In this study, 2 radiologists reviewed the sonoelastographic and Doppler images of thyroid nodules and evaluated for the intraobserver and interobserver reliability. We aimed to determine confusing nodule identifiers and sonographic features differently defined by observers. A total of 157 nodules in 91 patients (male/female, 72:19) with ages ranging from 18 to 72 years old were included in the study. Ultrasonographic images and video clips of the nodules were obtained and presented to 2 reviewers unaware of the cytopathology results. Two observers defined the characteristics of the nodules based on previously determined criteria. Then, intraobserver and interobserver correlation coefficients were calculated for each subcategory. In the grayscale ultrasonographic examination, varying degrees from low to high interobserver correlation coefficients were obtained for different subcategories (between κ = 0.359 and κ = 0.821). In color Doppler examination, we obtained medium correlation coefficients ( κ = 0.493 and κ = 0.553). On the other hand, there was a high correlation coefficient in tissue compression elastography ( κ = 0.617 and κ = 0.638).According to our study results, elastographic pattern, shape of the nodule, presence of echogenic foci, and pathological lymph nodes are better predictors to determine the malignant potential of thyroid nodule with higher interobserver correlation. Therefore, these criteria may be used primarily for the evaluation of thyroid nodules. The intraobserver correlation coefficient was higher in the practitioner with longer experience, suggesting the importance of professional practice period on the decision-making process.