Interquartile Deviation Research Articles

B-118 Comparison of Statistical Methods, Chauvenet Test, and Interquartile Deviation for Urinary Sediment Inter Microscopists Evaluation

Abstract Background Comparison among microscopists is a quality process aimed at achieving comparability of analyses among collaborators who perform microscopy or manual analysis examinations, as in the case of urinary sediment examination. The current laboratory process evaluates red blood cell and white blood cell counts among microscopists within the same unit, aiming to identify discrepant counts through the application of statistical tools, with Chauvenet Statistics and Interquartile Deviation (IQD) being the most common in the literature. The purpose was to systematically compare Chauvenet Statistics and IQD as evaluation criteria for the comparison among microscopists for urinary sediment examination in our laboratories. Methods A total of 45 laboratory units within a total of 684 participants were analyzed throughout 2023. The results reported by microscopists from the same unit were evaluated using Chauvenet Statistics and IQD, calculating the adequacy rate for each type of assessment. Results Adopting IQD as the evaluation criterion, adequacy rates of 94.20% for red blood cell counts and 93.73% for white blood cell counts were observed. Using Chauvenet Statistics, the adequacy rates were 96.20% for red blood cells and 95.65% for white blood cells. This difference stems from 233 results identified as inadequate by the IQD method but deemed adequate by Chauvenet Statistics. In these cases, the results did not exhibit a normal distribution, approaching an expected distribution for categorical (discrete) variables. Additionally, 35 results identified as inadequate by Chauvenet Statistics were evaluated as adequate by the IQD method. These occurrences were observed when the reported results approached a normal distribution. Conclusions Regarding Chauvenet Statistics, IQD is a more efficient statistical tool for use as an evaluation criterion in the comparison among microscopists who perform red and white blood cell counts for urinary sediment examination in the selected laboratory units. However, the present study illustrated that each of the statistical tools will be more efficient in identifying outliers depending on the dataset analyzed. Therefore, it is important to consider the laboratory's epidemiology and population to decide which statistical tool is most suitable for each scenario.

Web-based application of descriptive statistics for data dispersion analysis to support statistic learning

Statistics is a branch of science that studies ways of collecting, processing, presenting, analyzing, interpreting and drawing conclusions from data. Descriptive Statistics is a part of statistics that carries out the tasks of collecting data, classifying, processing and presenting quantitative data. Statistics has a very important and necessary role in various areas of life, so that statistics courses are taught in almost all departments, both exact and non-exact, at various educational institutions. A common problem found in studying statistics courses is that students in non-exact majors are less interested in courses involving numerical data processing, so that learning outcomes for this course are generally relatively low. With advances in information technology, several statistical applications have been developed, but these applications directly present the final results of data processing without displaying the steps to obtain the final results. This is inadequate from a learning perspective, because students do not get a clear picture of the steps for solving problems based on statistics. This research uses the method waterfall [8] [9] or linear sequential, namely a sequential and systematic software development method consist of : Analysis, Design, Coding and Testing. The result of making this application is an analysis of data dispersion measures consisting of Range, Inter Quartile Range, Quartile Deviation, Average Deviation, Standard Deviation, Variance, Coefficient Variation and Coefficient Quartile. This application will show in detail the steps to solve the problem according to theory, formulas and calculation steps to get the final result. These results will make it easier for students to understand and it is hoped that this course will be presented more interestingly and ultimately increase learning outcomes.

The Impact of AI in Sustainable Development Goal Implementation: A Delphi Study

Artificial intelligence emerges as a powerful catalyst poised to reshape the global sustainability landscape by facilitating the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This comprehensive Delphi study meticulously probes the insights of domain experts, shedding light on the strategic utilization of AI to advance these critical sustainability objectives. Employing rigorous statistical techniques, encompassing measures of central tendency and interquartile deviation, this research scrutinizes consensus dynamics among experts and elucidates potential variations in their viewpoints. The findings resoundingly convey experts’ collective positive perspective regarding AI’s pivotal role in propelling the SDGs forward. Through two iterative rounds of extensive discussions, a compelling consensus crystallizes—AI indeed exerts an overall positive impact, exemplified by a robust mean score of 78.8%. Intriguingly, distinct SDGs manifest varied propensities toward AI intervention, with Goals 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, and 15 basking in the radiance of highly positive impacts. Goals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 12 exhibit positive impact scores, indicating a juncture ripe for positive advancements. Meanwhile, Goal 16 and Goal 17 languish with neutral scores, signifying a juncture demanding nuanced deliberations about AI’s impact on peace, justice, and strong institutions as well as on partnerships for the goals, respectively. This paper underscores AI as a formidable instrument poised to address humanity’s most pressing challenges while harmonizing seamlessly with the overarching SDG objectives. It gracefully dovetails into established practices across pivotal domains such as health, education, and resilient infrastructures, amplifying the collective global endeavor to navigate the path toward a more sustainable future.

Influence of emotional intelligence attributes on human resource management practices implementation in the Nigerian construction industry

Purpose The workforce upon which the construction industry relies, known as human resources (HRs), faces challenges such as poor management, inadequate implementation of human resource management practices (HRMPs) and psychosocial issues. This study aims to identify and assess the impact of emotional intelligence (EI) attributes on the implementation of HRMPs in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI) to enhance business performance as well as the performance and productivity of HRs. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods research design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches was used to gather expert perspectives on specific EI attributes. Data analysis involved the use of interquartile deviation, median, standard deviation, mean, Cronbach’s alpha and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Findings The study identified 12 EI attributes that influenced HRMPs implementation, with 1 attribute having a very high impact (9.00–10.00) and 11 scoring high impact (7.00–8.99). Further analysis using EFA resulted in the identification of two major attribute clusters: “team relationship” and “self-management”. Practical implications These findings have significant implications for construction professionals, HRs and policymakers, as they address the challenges faced by construction stakeholders in terms of physical and mental well-being, which can affect their emotions while carrying out construction activities. Construction organizations should consider incorporating support systems into their policies to influence HRMPs implementation in the workplace. Originality/value The study provides valuable insights for developing nations such as Nigeria regarding the essential EI attributes for successful HRMPs implementation.

Research data governance activities for implementation in Malaysia research performing organizations: insights from data practitioners via Delphi study

The rapid growth of research data and its influence on research practices has heightened global awareness of the significance of research data governance (RDG). However, there is a lack of literature explicitly outlining the implementation of RDG and the practices adopted by research performing organizations (RPOs). This study intends to bridge this gap by utilizing a three-round modified Delphi method, which involves a systematic solicitation and collection of feedback from a pool of experts comprising research data practitioners. This is accomplished through a series of carefully designed sequential surveys focused explicitly on RDG activities concerning tasks associated with governance roles, areas and decision domains within RPOs in Malaysia. The objective of this study is to develop consensus among research data practitioners on the importance of RDG activities. Statements were evaluated using a 5-point scale, and consensus was determined as an interquartile deviation (IQD) ≤ 0.5, a median ≥ 4, and a consensus level (CL) ≥ 85%. Analysis of the responses revealed a significant consensus among the experts on 106 out of 119 RDG task statements on various roles, nineteen areas, and eight decision domains deemed significant to the RDG implementation within RPOs. This study can potentially develop an RDG framework based on the consensus achieved. By providing an RDG framework that can be used as a set of best practices, this study can assist RPO leaders in considering implementing RDG and its efforts in their organizations.

Cyber-physical systems for facilities management: a Delphi study on the propelling measures

PurposeThrough its advanced computational capabilities, cyber–physical systems (CPS) proffer solutions to some of the cultural challenges plaguing the effective delivery of facilities management (FM) mandates. This study aims to explore the drivers for the uptake of CPS for FM functions using a qualitative approach – the Delphi technique.Design/methodology/approachUsing the Delphi technique, the study selected experts through a well-defined process entailing a pre-determined set of criteria. The experts gave their opinions in two iterations which were subjected to statistical analyses such as the measure of central tendency and interquartile deviation in ascertaining consensus among the experts and the Mann–Whitney U test in establishing if there is a difference in the opinions given by the experts.FindingsThe study’s findings show that six of the identified drivers of the uptake of CPS for FM were attributed to be of very high significance, while 12 were of high significance. Furthermore, it was revealed that there is no significant statistical difference in the opinions given by experts in professional practice and academia.Practical implicationsThe study’s outcome provides the requisite insight into the propelling measures for the uptake of CPS for FM by organisations and, by extension, aiding digital transformation for effective FM delivery.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, evidence from the literature suggests that no study has showcased the drivers of the incorporation of CPS for FM. Hence, this study fills this gap in knowledge by unravelling the significant propelling measures of the integration of CPS for FM functions.

Performance measurement indicators influential to the espousal of cyber-physical systems for facilities management – a Delphi approach

PurposeThe quest for improved facilities management (FM) delivery is receiving immense focus through the incorporation of innovative technologies such as cyber-physical systems (CPS). The system’s high computational capabilities can aid in the abatement of some of the challenges plaguing FM functions. However, the requisite ingredients for the uptake of the system for FM have still not gained scholarly attention. Because performance measurement is a vital index in determining the outcome of FM methods, this study aims to investigate the influence of performance measurement indicators that are influential to the uptake of CPS for delivering FM functions.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative technique was adopted using the Delphi technique. The panel of experts for the study was selected through a well-defined process based on stipulated criteria. The experts gave their opinions in two rounds before consensus was attained on the identified performance measurement indicators, whereas methods of data analysis were measures of central tendency, inter-quartile deviation and Mann–Whitney U test.FindingsResults from this study showed that 11 of the performance indicators were of very high significance in the determination of the uptake of CPS for FM functions, whereas 5 of the indicators were proven to be of high significance. Furthermore, there was no statistical difference in the opinions of the experts based on their affiliation with academic institutions and professional practice.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study contribute practically by aiding policymakers, facility managers and relevant stakeholders with the vital knowledge of delivery mandates for efficient FM services that can spur the uptake of digital technologies such as CPS.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the body of knowledge as it unveils a roadmap of the expected performance output and its accompanying evaluation that would drive the adoption of a promising technology such as CPS in the delivery of FM tasks.

Business environment as a determinant in the uptake of cyber-physical systems for facilities management – a Delphi study

PurposeIncorporating digital technologies such cyber-physical systems (CPS) for facilities management (FM) functions is fast gaining attention. However, the rudiments for the effective espousal of such an innovative technology for the delivery of FM tasks have not received scholarly attention. In FM, the business environment is a vital component in achieving organisations’ stipulated objectives. Hence, this study aims to assess the influence of business environment factors in the adoption of CPS for FM activities.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative approach was adopted for the study using the Delphi technique. Experts were selected through a well-defined process that involved certain criteria. The opinions of the selected experts were gotten in two iterations that were subjected to analysis using statistics of measure for central tendency, and interquartile deviation to ascertain consensus among the experts, while Mann–Whitney U test was deployed in checking the difference in the views of the experts.FindingsThe results from the study indicated that eight business environment factors were of very high significance in determining the espousal of CPS for FM, while the other eight factors proved to be high significance. Also, there was no significant difference in the opinions of experts from academic institutions and professional practice.Practical implicationsThe findings from the study would provide insight to organisations saddled with FM activities on the prevailing business environment factors that would be influential in adopting a digital technology such as CPS.Originality/valueThe study contributes immensely to the body of knowledge in the quest for digital transformation in FM delivery. It unveils the significant business environment factors that are influential in the drive for incorporating new innovations such as CPS for FM functions.

Harmful and benign work stress and work resilience: A Delphi-study in employees and experts

Background and objectivesIn this study, we introduce the concept of benign versus harmful work stress. Our objectives are to explore how to discern benign work stress from harmful work stress and to identify the factors that promote work resilience. MethodsAn online Delphi study with three rounds, incorporating open-ended questions and statements, was administered to mental health employees and experts. Statements were rated on a 7-point scale: an interquartile deviation (IQD ≤ 1) was considered as consensus. ResultsIn the first round 20 employees and 14 experts were included, in the second round 87 employees and 35 experts, and in the third round 53 employees and nine experts. There was consensus about seven characteristics of harmful stress, eight of benign work stress, 24 individual factors that promote resilience, and eight team factors that promote resilience. ConclusionConsensus was achieved about factors relevant to benign versus harmful work stress and resilience at work

Mobile-based brief interventions targeting cannabis-impaired driving among youth: A Delphi study

IntroductionBrief interventions delivered using mobile technologies have become popular to reduce youth alcohol use, however, few have been applied to cannabis use and driving under the influence of cannabis (DUIC). This Delphi study sought to create and compare consensus among a panel of experts (potential intervention developers) and a panel of youth (intervention audience) on the characteristics to prioritize in a youth DUIC mobile-based brief intervention. MethodsA two-round two-panel Delphi study was conducted among 26 professionals with expertise in youth substance use and impaired driving and 20 youth who use cannabis. Participants ranked the importance of 45 evidence-informed intervention characteristics using a 7-point Likert scale. Characteristics that received an interquartile deviation score ≤ 1 (indicating consensus) and a median score of ≥6 (indicating importance) in both panels were considered shared priorities. Differences in panel rankings were quantified using Mann-Whitney U tests. ResultsConsensus was achieved for 41 characteristics in the professional panel and 34 in the youth panel, with ratings generally higher among professionals. Overall, 16 shared priorities emerged. These include critical theoretical characteristics (e.g., self-efficacy, motivation, overcoming barriers), practical characteristics (e.g., mobile availability, estimates of intervention length, ability to input behaviours) and core contents (e.g., real-life stories, education on the risks/dangers, appropriate messaging). Youth's perceptions on the dangers of DUIC received the most support for an intervention outcome. ConclusionsFindings can inform the development of mobile-based brief interventions for youth, an essential step in reducing DUIC among youth and addressing this public health concern.

Clinical Supervision in Singapore: Allied Health Professional Perspectives from a two-round Delphi Study

Purpose: This study investigated Allied Health Practitioners’ (AHPs) perspectives on and consensus of clinical supervision in an acute tertiary hospital in Singapore. Specifically, AHPs’ views on the benefits of and barriers surrounding engaging in clinical supervision, as well as strategies for enhancing clinical supervision experience. Method: A Delphi approach utilizing a two-round process via online questionnaires was employed. A total of 77 AHPs responded to the first round of the Delphi questionnaire and 55 AHPs completed the second round (71% retention rate). Open-ended responses from the first round underwent thematic analysis and resulted in sixty statements (five themes) describing engagement in clinical supervision. In the second round, AHPs were asked to rate each characteristic of clinical supervision on a 5 point Likert Scale. Results: Consensus was reached on 52 statements using a cut off of greater than 68% positive respondents and an interquartile deviation (IQD) ≤1. The study identified 52 statements considered important for successful clinical supervision for AHP in an acute tertiary hospital in Singapore. Conclusions: The themes and underpinning statements provide insights about clinical supervision in the Singapore hospital setting.

Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Potential anti-inflammatory effect in a model of ovariectomy and temporomandibular joint arthritis induction in rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acid-type omega 3 (ω3) on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of ovariectomized rats (OVX) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). DesignRheumatoid arthritis was induced using complete Freund's adjuvant and type II bovine collagen injected at the base of the tail. Twenty-four adult female rats were treated by gavage and divided into four groups: G1: Sham, treated with 0.9% NaCl; G2: OVX, treated with 0.9% NaCl; G3: OVX+RA treated with 0.9% NaCl; G4: OVX+RA+ω3 treated with omega 3 (300 mg/kg/day). The induction of rheumatoid arthritis in groups G3 and G4 was performed 21 days after OVX, treatments were started 15 days after the induction of rheumatoid arthritis, maintained for 7 days, and killed. Bilateral TMJs were removed and assigned to morphometric analysis by micro-computed tomography and immunoassay to assess levels of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10. ResultsHigher levels of inflammatory cytokines were found in the G2 and G3 (P < 0.05) and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the G1 and G4. TMJ analysis by micro-computed tomography showed a higher percentage of bone volume (median - interquartile deviation) in G1 (96.2–1.1) than in the G2 (91.5–2.0, P = 0.0374) and G3 (85.1–5.2, P = 0.0001) but showed no statistically significant differences with the G4 (93.1–1.7, P = 0.79). ConclusionsOmega 3 successfully reduced TMJ damage in rats caused by ovariectomy and induced rheumatoid arthritis, and is a promising alternative for bone repair and attenuation of inflammatory processes.

Determinants for assessing self-help housing affordability in Ghana’s housing sector: a Delphi approach

Self-help housing is the main route to homeownership acquisition in most developing countries, and it continues to make yearly contribution to these nations’ housing stocks. However, it faces several challenges like; escalating building materials prices, access to land and inadequate housing financing; which affects its affordability. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the key determinants influencing its affordability. Delphi was employed to validate the determinants, with 26 experts selected from Ghana’s housing sector. The experts’ responses were analyzed using various statistical tools. First, mean score was used to rank the determinants, while median and interquartile deviation (IQD) were used to measure consensus on each determinant. Lastly, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance and Chi-square were used to measure respectively, the agreement and consistency among the experts across the rounds. Strong consensus was reached on twenty-eight determinants after the second round. The determinants like income, savings, land cost, building materials cost, and labour and transposition costs were ranked as highest to have influence on its affordability. The outcome of the study will facilitate the development of an appropriate model for measuring its affordability at the household level. Besides, it could engender housing policy for its faster delivery in Ghana.

Desarrollo del consenso de recomendaciones de Cuidados Paliativos durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en Ecuador

Introducción: La pandemia por COVID-19 provocó el trabajo multidisciplinario de diversas ramas de la salud para el beneficio de las instituciones, trabajadores sanitarios, pacientes y sus familias. Además, a nivel mundial se evidenció el trabajo conjunto de investigadores y prestadores de servicios a través de publicaciones, reflexiones y evidencias sobre los avances para frenar la pandemia.&#x0D; Objetivos: Este artículo busca presentar el trabajo realizado por la Asociación Ecuatoriana de Cuidados Paliativos (ASECUP) como aporte al Comité de Operaciones de Emergencia y al Ministerio de Salud Pública del Ecuador para la elaboración de una guía de recomendaciones de Cuidados Paliativos en la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 a través de un consenso multidisciplinario basado en evidencia.&#x0D; Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un consenso utilizando el método Delphi, con un panel de expertos amplio. Se requirieron dos rondas consecutivas sobre una encuesta estructurada, construida y ejecutada en una plataforma online.&#x0D; Resultados y conclusiones: Se plantearon 11 tópicos y 19 preguntas PICO. Los criterios para finalización de ronda fueron: mediana ≥ 7 o ≤ 3 y RIQ ≤ 0,40 y Desviación Intercuartílica menor de 0,5. Se obtuvieron dichos criterios en todas las preguntas planteadas. El documento de recomendaciones fue publicado en la página web del Ministerio de Salud.&#x0D; &#x0D;

A Strength and Weakness of Regression Analysis and Quartile and IQR Deviation by using Test- Driven Development

Test-Driven Development (TDD) derives an evolutionary approach which needs unit test cases to be made before implementation of the code. The goal of this paper is to examine product code quality and programmer productivity using test-driven development approach. This paper establishes regression analysis and quartile &amp; inter-quartile range deviation to evaluate the process effect on external code quality and developer productivity. The results of this paper are that if developer productivity is the actual effect, external code quality will be fewer decreased and external code quality is the actual effect if developer productivity will be fewer reduced. Test-Driven Development can produce the clear of code, simple and bug-release. Defect numbers decreased when automated unit tests are written iteration related to test-driven development. If necessary, the code refactoring is acted TDD. This proposed system evaluates regression analysis and quartile &amp; inter-quartile range deviation based on a fixed time-frame.

Critical success factors for digital partnering of construction organisations – a Delphi study

PurposeThe construction organisations in developing countries are lagging in digital technology usage; hence, they are still characterised by poor project delivery and technological backwardness. To checkmate this problem, partnering with other organisations was proposed, while critical factors needed for successful digital partnering of construction organisations were assessed.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a qualitative research approach. Delphi method was used to get experts' opinion on some identified factors necessary for successful digital partnering. The experts for the study were selected using defined criteria, and a combination of interquartile deviation, Kendall's coefficient of concordance and chi-square was used to achieve robust consensus among respondents. Mann–Whitney U test was also used to ascertain the difference in perception of experts.FindingsThe findings revealed trust in digital partners, top management support and digital partner selection as the three key success factors for partnering. Other factors that can be considered alongside these main factors are the creation of a common goal, a long-term commitment, effective communication, proper conflict resolution and structured as well as continuous digital training, workshops and meetings.Practical implicationsInstead of going through the digitalisation journey alone, construction organisations, particularly in a developing country like South Africa, stand a better chance of surviving the dynamic construction and digital environment by partnering with other organisations within and outside the industry. Carefully selecting the right partner, trusting in their capability and ensuring constant commitment is necessary for the success of the process.Originality/valueThe value of this study lies in its ability to showcase the critical success factors needed for effective digital partnering, an aspect that lacks adequate consideration in the digitalisation of construction industry discourse.

Tomographic characteristics of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms (Frantz tumor).

Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPN), or Frantz tumor, is a rare, low-grade neoplasm that occurs mainly in young women. It was described in 1959 by Virginia Frantz and constitutes 0.2-2.7 % of all pancreatic tumors. Computed tomography (CT) plays an important role in the diagnosis of this pathology of scarce reporting. The objective of the present study is to describe the epidemiological and tomographic characteristics of the SPN in the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN) of Peru. Descriptive cross-sectional study performed with medical records of all patients diagnosed with SPN between 2004 and 2014. The variables described were tumor size, location, shape, borders, thickness of the capsule, composition, calcifications and uptake of contrast. The categorical variables were expressed in absolute and relative frequencies; while the numerical variables were described with median and interquartile deviation (ID). Statistical support STATA Version 12.0 was used. Of all pancreatic cystic tumors (PCT), 51.9% corresponded to confirmed cases of TSP. The median age was 23.5 years. The isolated location in the head predominated (33.3%); the most frequent mixed location was body and tail (16.7%); diameter was more frequent between 5.1-10 cm and the content of the majority was predominantly solid. 30.0% of the NSP presented calcifications. Most cases of INP SPN (2004-2014) have similar characteristics to those reported in the international literature.

抗凝固薬使用患者の重篤出血例に対するプロトロンビン複合体製剤安全使用プロトコルの作成とその有用性(Efficacy of protocol for the safe use of prothrombin complex concentrate in patients with severe bleeding event on anticoagulant therapy)

要旨 抗凝固薬を服用中に大量出血を来した場合，迅速な凝固能の補正が不可欠である。とくにビタミンK拮抗薬関連出血の場合は，プロトロンビン複合体製剤（prothrombin complex concentrate，以下PCC）が凝固能の補正に有効とされる。そこで今回，当院独自の「PCC安全使用プロトコル」を作成し，その有用性を明らかにする。2013年から2018年の6年間で，救急外来でPCCを使用した重篤出血症例102例を，PCCプロトコルの導入前群78例と導入後群24例に分け，PCCの適正使用，PCCの使用頻度，搬入からPCC投与までの時間について比較した。PCCプロトコルの導入により，PCCの適正使用率が向上（導入前78.2% vs導入後95.8%; p=0.047）し，PCC使用頻度の増加傾向（導入前1.44件/月vs 導入後1.71件/月; p=0.393）や，救急搬入からPCC投与までの時間短縮（導入前93.5分 vs 導入後68.0分; p=0.009）を認めた。PCCプロトコルは，多忙な救急現場でのPCCの適正使用および早期投与において有用である。

Plasma Renin in Women Using and not Using Combined Oral Contraceptive

Abstract Backgroud: Recent studies show that women on combined oral contraceptives (COC) present abnormal fasting lipid profile, increased postprandial lipemia, plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood pressure (BP) compared to women not on combined oral contraceptives. Plasma renin is one of the factors responsible for abnormal BP. Objectives: To assess plasma renin levels in women using or not using COC, the correlation between renin and CRP, as well as divergences in lipid profile. Methods: A cross-sectional study with apparently healthy women aged 20 to 30, eutrophic, irregularly active, and with fasting triglycerides < 150 mg/dL. The sample was stratified into two groups: the No Combined Oral Contraceptive Group (NCOCG), comprised of women who did not use any type of hormone contraceptive, and the Combined Oral Contraceptive Group (COCG) comprised of women on low-dose COC for at least one year. After a 12-hour fast, 5 ml of blood was collected for renin dosing and PCR. Data were analyzed by the t-Test and bidirectional Mann-Whitney Test, both with significance < 0.05. Results: We evaluated 44 women equally distributed between the groups, age 23 ± 1.2 years, BMI 21.0 ± 3.2 kg/m2. Median and interquartile deviation of renin in the NCOCG and the COCG were, respectively, 0.5 (0.1-1.0) and 3.0 (2-6) (p < 0.01). A positive correlation between PCR and renin (p < 0.01 and r = 0.68) was found. Conclusion: The plasma renin levels of women using COC were higher, with a strong correlation with CRP.

P139 Flow crossmatch thresholds: Where (and how) do we draw the line?

Aim Flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM) is used to assess pre-transplant immunologic risk. Each laboratory must establish FCXM positive thresholds but the method to do so is not standardized. Many factors affect FCXM and its interpretation. Our aim was to compare methods of calculating FCXM thresholds and evaluate the impact of cell source and pronase. Methods Threshold study (TS) data were collected by FCXM with healthy control sera negative for HLA antibodies (n = 24) vs pronased, negatively selected T & B cells from either peripheral blood (PBL), fresh or frozen spleen (n = 264, 215, and 96, respectively). Non-pronased FCXM were tested in parallel (n = 72). Data normality tests were performed on this and previous TS data. Outlier values were assessed by 1.5 interquartile range (IQR) and standard deviation (SD). Thresholds were calculated by mean or median + varying SD as well as 97.5th percentile. Thresholds were assessed in expected positive FCXM (PBL & spleen) with/without pronase. Results Median channel values (MCV) were not normally distributed in either TS dataset (Fig. 1). Thresholds vary by cell source: fresh spleen Conclusions Non-parametric means of assessing FCXM thresholds may be required. Cell source affects FXCM sensitivity for class I antibodies, perhaps due to number of T vs B cells. We have previously shown that pronase increases class I detection on T cells; these FCXM data support this finding; preliminary thresholds calculated from non-pronased cells do not correct this reduced sensitivity. A thorough understanding of factors that affect FCXM will optimize determination of relevant thresholds and assist in the interpretation of this commonly used assay.