Method For Assessing Function Research Articles

FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT METHODS FOR SPINAL CORD INJURY PATIENTS IN REHABILITATION PROCESS – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to neurological damage that causes motor, sensory and autonomic neurologic functions decrease and/or loss. Evaluating the functionality of persons with SCI, especially in cases of incomplete injury, requires professional experience and skill. Objectives: This study aimed to gain a systematic overview of the functional assessment methods for SCI patients in the rehabilitation process. Search Methods: Systematic electronic searches were carried out using different databases from which 3489 registers were retrieved. Selection criteria: Studies that used tools to evaluate patients with SCI motor function as the manual test, Graded and Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension (GRASSP), ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS), Neuromuscular Recovery Scale (NRS), Walking Index SCI (WISCI), Walking Index SCI II (WISCI-II), functional independence measure (FIM) or Spinal Cord Independence Measurement III (SCIM-III). Reviews, animal studies, articles with more than ten years, theses and dissertations and/or out of the object of study were excluded. Data collection and analysis: Two experienced professionals searched the databases. All titles were read for the first selection. Afterward, the abstracts were read, and another number of articles were excluded. In the end, ten articles met the inclusion criteria of this study. Main results: We identified different tools used for the functional assessment of SCI persons, but 9 out of 10 studies did not detail the results by segment, and none presented a manual test for trunk evaluation. Robotic therapy combined with conventional therapy brings good results. Final Considerations: Ten studies that met inclusion criteria were identified. It was noticed that more in-depth studies are needed detailing the tests by segment, especially on trunk functionality in people with different levels of SCI.

Prognostic role of post-percutaneous coronary intervention quantitative flow ratio

Abstract Background/Introduction Accumulated evidence supports the prognostic value of post–percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) physiological measurement. Quantitative Flow Ratio (QFR) is a well-studied angiography-based method for functional assessment. Purpose To investigate the possible prognostic implications of post-PCI QFR in patients undergoing revascularization. Methods We performed offline QFR analysis in all-comers undergoing PCI in a single center. A cut-off value of 0.8 was used to classify patients in high post-PCI QFR group (>0.8) and low post-PCI QFR group (≤0.8). Patients with at least one vessel with post-PCI QFR ≤0.8 were classified in the low post-PCI QFR group. Primary endpoint was the composite outcome of death, myocardial infraction, ischemia-driven revascularization, and heart failure-related hospitalization. Results We included 297 patients in the study. Mean age was 64 (±11) years and 81% of patients were male. Number of patients presented with chronic coronary syndrome was comparable to that of patients presented with acute coronary syndrome (52.9 vs 47.1 %, respectively). Patients in the low post-PCI QFR group had more often diabetes mellitus, lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and higher SYNTAX score compared to patients in the high post-PCI QFR group. Median follow-up period was 29 (26-34) months. After adjusting for covariates, low post-PCI QFR was independently associated with higher rate of the composite outcome (HR: 2.22 95% CI 1.01-4.88, p=0.047). Conclusions In our study, patients with lower post-PCI value were independently associated with higher risk of cardiovascular adverse events.

Auditory Prognosis of Patients With Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Relation to the Presence of Acute Vestibular Syndrome: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

Hearing recovery following idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is influenced by various prognostic factors, and the presence of acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) may adversely impact auditory outcomes. Evaluating vestibular function in SSNHL patients could offer insights into predicting hearing recovery. This systematic review aims to assess whether the presence of AVS exacerbates the audiological prognosis of ISSNHL. A comprehensive systematic review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Scopus, encompassing articles published in the last decade. Included were retrospective and prospective case-control and cohort studies, as well as randomized clinical trials. Meta-analysis was performed based on the findings from these studies. Among 386 articles identified, six addressed the systematic review's question, all being retrospective studies. These articles collectively involved 393 patients for the meta-analysis. Vestibular function assessment methods varied widely, posing challenges for direct comparisons. The likelihood of unfavorable hearing outcomes was 2.29 times higher in patients with associated AVS. Hearing recovery was 3.22 times more likely to be worse in patients with altered cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials-air-conducted sound. Abnormal caloric test results showed no significant association with worse hearing prognosis, although patients with unaltered caloric tests demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in pure-tone audiometry. Hearing recovery from ISSNHL appears to be diminished in patients with associated AVS and abnormal vestibular test results.

250. CHANGES IN AND CLINICAL UTILITY OF MAXIMUM PHONATION TIME AND REPETITIVE SALIVA SWALLOWING TEST SCORES AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY

Abstract Background Postoperative pneumonia in patients with esophageal cancer occurs due to swallowing dysfunction and aspiration. Recently, intervention by speech-language pathologists (STs) has reported to be important for the prevention of postoperative pneumonia. In this study, we report on the perioperative swallowing rehabilitation led by STs at our hospital. In addition, we focused maximum phonation time (MPT) assessment and repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST) as swallowing function assessment methods that can identify patients as high risk for pneumonia. We aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of MPT assessment and RSST in patients undergoing oncological esophagectomy. Methods ST intervention was started at the induction of preoperative chemotherapy, and pre-surgical swallowing rehabilitation including oral care, incentive spirometry, abdominal breathing, and breath-hold swallowing was started and continued after surgery. MPT is the longest speech duration after maximal inspiration, and RSST is the number of empty swallowing that can be repeated in 30 seconds. In total, 47 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between 2020 and 2023 were eligible. The perioperative changes in MPTs and RSST scores were examined. In addition, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the predictive factors of postoperative pneumonia. Results The median MPTs before surgery and on postoperative days (PODs) 3, 6, and 10 were 18.4, 7.2, 10.6, and 12.4 s, respectively; postoperative MPTs were significantly lower than preoperative MPT. Meanwhile, there were no significant changes in perioperative RSST scores. A short MPT on POD 6 was one of the independent predictive factors for the incidence of postoperative pneumonia (OR: 12.6, 95%CI: 1.29–123, P = 0.03) in the multivariate analysis. Regarding the onset of postoperative pneumonia, the MPT on POD6 was significantly associated with late-onset pneumonia, but not with early pneumonia (P = 0.02 and P = 0.25, respectively). Conclusion The MPT significantly decreased after esophagectomy. However, the RSST score did not. The MPT on POD6 can be a predictor of postoperative pneumonia. Early resumption of oral intake after esophagectomy might be a risk factor of aspiration pneumonia since expectoration function is not restored, especially in patients with a low MPT on POD 6.

Functional assessment in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.

Conventional patient-reported surveys, used for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), are limited by subjectivity and recall bias. Objective functional evaluation, such as gait analysis, to delineate a patient's functional capacity and customize surgical interventions, may address these shortcomings. This systematic review endeavours to investigate the application of objective functional assessments in appraising individuals undergoing THA. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were applied. Eligible studies of THA patients that conducted at least one type of objective functional assessment both pre- and postoperatively were identified through Embase, Medline/PubMed, and Cochrane Central database-searching from inception to 15 September 2023. The assessments included were subgrouped for analysis: gait analysis, motion analysis, wearables, and strength tests. A total of 130 studies using 15 distinct objective functional assessment methods (FAMs) were identified. The most frequently used method was instrumented gait/motion analysis, followed by the Timed-Up-and-Go test (TUG), 6 minute walk test, timed stair climbing test, and various strength tests. These assessments were characterized by their diagnostic precision and applicability to daily activities. Wearables were frequently used, offering cost-effectiveness and remote monitoring benefits. However, their accuracy and potential discomfort for patients must be considered. The integration of objective functional assessments in THA presents promise as a progress-tracking modality for improving patient outcomes. Gait analysis and the TUG, along with advancing wearable sensor technology, have the potential to enhance patient care, surgical planning, and rehabilitation.

The Role of Cardiac MRI and Late Gadolinium Enhancement Grading Protocol in Evaluation of the Right Ventricle in Patients with Repaired Fallot Tetralogy

Abstract Background Tetralogy of Fallot represents 7–10% of congenital heart diseases occurring in 0.5/1000 live births and is the second most common form of complex congenital heart diseases. The four elements of Tetralogy of Fallot: (a) sub-pulmonary obstruction resulting in (b) right ventricle hypertrophy, and (c) malalignment ventricular septal defect resulting in (d) apparent overriding of the aorta over both ventricles. Primary cardiac repair for Fallot Tetralogy patients includes right ventricular out flow tract widening interventions and ventricular septal defect closure. For such patients right ventricular assessment in the postoperative period is essential in aiding further management planning. The purpose of this study is to emphasize the role of cardiac MRI in functional and structural assessment of the right ventricle in Fallot tetralogy patients after surgical management. Results The current study included 30 Fallot Tetralogy patients underwent cardiac MRI after surgical management. The majority of patients 26 out of 30 (86.6%) showed right ventricular dilatation. Four patients had right atrial dilatation. Less than one-third of patients 8 out of 30 (26.6%) had right ventricular systolic dysfunction. The majority of patients 29 out of 30 (96.6%) had main pulmonary artery regurgitation. More than half of the patients 18 out of 30 (60%) had main pulmonary artery stenosis. The majority of patients 25 out of 30 (83.3%) had right ventricular outflow tract late gadolinium enhancement and 18 patients (60%) had base of interventricular septal enhancement. Conclusions MRI is an extremely useful imaging method for functional and structural assessment of the right ventricle after surgical repair of Fallot tetralogy patients with absence of ionizing radiation.

Standardizing a method for functional assessment of neural networks in brain organoids

During the last decade brain organoids have emerged as an attractive model system, allowing stem cells to be differentiated into complex 3D models, recapitulating many aspects of human brain development. Whilst many studies have analysed anatomical and cytoarchitectural characteristics of organoids, their functional characterisation has been limited, and highly variable between studies. Standardised, consistent methods for recording functional activity are critical to providing a functional understanding of neuronal networks at the synaptic and network level that can yield useful information about functional network phenotypes in disease and healthy states. In this study we outline a detailed methodology for calcium imaging and Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) recordings in brain organoids. To illustrate the utility of these functional interrogation techniques in uncovering induced differences in neural network activity we applied various stimulating media protocols. We demonstrate overlapping information from the two modalities, with comparable numbers of active cells in the four treatment groups and an increase in synchronous behaviour in BrainPhys treated groups. Further development of analysis pipelines to reveal network level changes in brain organoids will enrich our understanding of network formation and perturbation in these structures, and aid in the future development of drugs that target neurological disorders at the network level.

Оценка чувствительности методов диагностики в выявлении гемодинамически значимых односторонних стенозов почечных артерий

Objective. Assessment of renal artery stenosis significance in patients with resistant arterial hypertension using non-invasive diagnostic methods and to compare them with the results of selective angiography and methods of physiological assessment of renal artery stenoses.Materials and methods. Prospectively, 156 patients with drug-resistant arterial hypertension and signs of renal artery stenosis detected by doppler ultrasonography of renal arteries were included in the study. Subsequently, 25 patients were excluded from the study due to multiple variant renal blood supply and bilateral renal artery stenosis. The remaining patients (n=131) underwent selective angiography of renal arteries, and 66 of them additionally underwent CTA of renal arteries with intravenous contrast. If the artery narrowing was 90% or more (n=27) in diameter, the stenosis was considered hemodynamically significant and further stenting of the affected artery was performed, and in case of 60-90% stenosis (n=52) additional assessment of functional significance of the stenosis was performed by measuring translesional pressure gradient, fractional blood flow reserve, instantaneous blood flow reserve (iFR) and Pd/ Pa ratio. Results. Among all patients (n=131), in whom the doppler ultrasonography of renal arteries showed signs of unilateral renal artery stenosis, after angiography combined with additional methods of functional significance assessment, hemodynamically significant renal artery stenosis was confirmed in 41% of cases (n=54). Thus, the sensitivity of doppler ultrasonography of renal arteries in detection of hemodynamically significant stenoses was 74%, prognostic value of positive 78% and negative result 64% (p<0,001). According to CTA (n=66) renal artery stenosis was confirmed in 56 patients. The results of CTA of renal arteries in 88% of cases coincided with the results of selective angiography, and using additional functional methods hemodynamically significant stenosis was confirmed in 32 (48%) patients. The sensitivity of CTA in detection of hemodynamically significant stenoses of renal arteries was 69%, specificity 91%, prognostic value of positive and negative results was 91 and 68% respectively. According to selective angiography, out of 131 patients, 24 patients had no renal artery stenosis, 28 patients had stenosis <60%, 27 patients had renal artery stenosis >90% and 52 patients had stenosis 60-90%. Patients with stenosis <60% were not considered candidates for renal artery stenting.

Changes in and clinical utility of maximum phonation time and repetitive saliva swallowing test scores after esophagectomy.

Postoperative pneumonia in patients with esophageal cancer occurs due to swallowing dysfunction and aspiration. Recently, maximum phonation time (MPT) assessment and repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST) have been focused on as swallowing function assessment methods that can identify patients as high risk for pneumonia. We aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of MPT assessment and RSST in patients undergoing oncological esophagectomy. In total, 47 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between August 2020 and July 2023 were eligible. The perioperative changes in MPTs and RSST scores were examined. In addition, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the predictive factors of postoperative pneumonia. The median MPTs before surgery and on postoperative days (PODs) 3, 6, and 10 were 18.4, 7.2, 10.6, and 12.4s, respectively; postoperative MPTs were significantly lower than preoperative MPT. In addition, the MPT of POD 6 was significantly longer than that of POD 3 (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, there were no significant changes in perioperative RSST scores. Overall, 8 of 47 patients (17.0%) developed pneumonia postoperatively. A short MPT on POD 6 was one of the independent predictive factors for the incidence of postoperative pneumonia (odds ratio: 12.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.29-123, P = 0.03) in the multivariate analysis. The MPT significantly decreased after esophagectomy. However, the RSST score did not. The MPT on POD6 can be a predictor of postoperative pneumonia.

Evaluation of the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Using the Video Head Impulse Test in Patients with Unilateral Chronic Otitis Media

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) using the video head impulse test (vHIT) as a vestibular function assessment method in patients with unilateral chronic otitis media (COM). Methods: Twenty-eight patients with unilateral COM scheduled for middle ear surgery, including 12 males and 16 females with a mean age of 54.5 years, successfully underwent preoperative vHIT. vHIT variables, including VOR gain, VOR gain asymmetry, and the incidence of corrective saccades, were compared between the ipsilesional and contralesional ears. Results: Ten (35.7%) patients reported varying degrees of disequilibrium or lightheadedness. The VOR gain in the ipsilesional and contralesional ears was 1.01 ± 0.10 and 1.04 ± 0.11, 0.97 ± 0.12 and 0.94 ± 0.13, and 0.97 ± 0.13 and 1.04 ± 0.15 in the horizontal canal (HC), anterior canal, and posterior canal (PC), respectively. The average VOR gains in the ipsilesional ears were within the predefined range of normal values; however, the gains in HC and PC significantly decreased compared with those in contralesional ears (p = 0.038 in HC and p = 0.015 in PC). The prevalence of corrective saccades, including overt and/or covert saccades, did not differ significantly between the two ears. Conclusion: This study assessed the pathophysiology of the inner ear affected by chronic middle ear infection by quantitatively comparing the VOR using vHIT. It demonstrated that vHIT can be a practical assessment of vestibular function in patients with COM.

Extended characterization of anti-CD19 CAR T cell products manufactured at the point of care using the CliniMACS Prodigy system: comparison of donor sources and process duration

Background aimsThe CliniMACS Prodigy closed system is widely used for the manufacturing of chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells). Our study presents an extensive immunophenotypic and functional characterization and comparison of the properties of anti-CD19 CAR-T cell products obtained during long (11 days) and short (7 days) manufacturing cycles using the CliniMACS Prodigy system, as well as cell products manufactured from different donor sources of T lymphocytes: from patients, from patients who underwent HSCT, and from haploidentical donors. We also present the possibility of assessing the efficiency of transduction by an indirect method. MethodsSeventy-six CD19 CAR-T cell products were manufactured using the CliniMACS Prodigy automated system. Immunophenotypic properties, markers of cell activation and exhaustion, antitumor, anti-CD19 specific activity in vitro of the manufactured cell products were evaluated. As an indirect method for assessing the efficiency of transduction, we used the method of functional assessment of cytokine secretion and expression of the CD107a marker after incubation of CAR-T cells with tumor targets. ResultsThe CliniMACS Prodigy platform can produce a product of CD19 CAR-T cells with sufficient cell expansion (4.6 × 109 cells—median for long process [LP] and 1.6 × 109—for short process [SP]), transduction efficiency (43.5%—median for LP and 41.0%—for SP), represented mainly by T central memory cell population, with low expression of exhaustion markers, and with high specific antitumor activity in vitro. We did not find significant differences in the properties of the products obtained during the 7- and 11-day manufacturing cycles, which is in favor of reducing the duration of production to 7 days, which may accelerate CAR-T therapy. We have shown that donor sources for CAR-T manufacturing do not significantly affect the composition and functional properties of the cell product. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the possibility of using the CliniMACS Prodigy system with a shortened 7-day production cycle to produce sufficient amount of functional CAR-T cells. CAR transduction efficiency can be measured indirectly via functional assays.

Objective nasal airflow measures in relation to subjective nasal obstruction, trigeminal function, and olfaction in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis.

This study aimed to determine how nasal airflow measures and trigeminal function vary among patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) versus healthy controls and whether these measures are correlated with subjective nasal obstruction (SNO), olfactory function, and CRS control. Participants included CRS patients and healthy controls. After a structured medical history, nasal airflow (peak nasal inspiratory flow [PNIF]; active anterior rhinomanometry [AAR]), trigeminal function (trigeminal lateralization test, CO2 sensitivity), and olfactory "Sniffin's Sticks" odor identification test) tests were performed. SNO ratings were also obtained. Sixty-nine participants were included (37 men, 32 women, mean age 51 years). There was no significant difference for objective nasal airflow between patients and controls, but CRS patients had worse SNO, trigeminal function, and olfaction compared to controls. SNO, but not objective nasal airflow tests, was negatively correlated with CO2 sensitivity and odor identification. The perception of nasal obstruction does not only depend on nasal airflow, but may also be modulated by trigeminal function and other factors. Thus, the role of objective nasal airflow measures as a sole method of functional nasal obstruction assessment in CRS remains limited.

A modified intraventricular balloon method for functional assessment of hearts from donation after circulatory death

ObjectiveFunctional assessment of hearts during ex-vivo heart perfusion is not well-established. Conventional intraventricular balloon methods for large animals sacrifice the mitral valve. This study assessed the effectiveness of the modified intraventricular balloon method in comparison with other modalities used during working mode in juvenile pigs. MethodsFollowing asphyxia circulatory arrest, hearts were ischemic for 15 minutes and then reperfused on an ex-vivo device for 2 hours before switching to working mode. Left ventricular pressure was continuously measured during reperfusion by a saline-filled balloon fixated in the left atrium. Spearman Correlation Coefficients with linear regression lines with confidence intervals were analyzed. ResultsMaximum dp/dt at 90 minutes of reperfusion and minimum dp/dt at 60 minutes of reperfusion showed a moderate positive correlation to that in working mode, respectively (Rs = 0.61, P = .04 and Rs = 0.60, P = .04). At 60 minutes of reperfusion, minimum dp/dt showed moderate positive correlation to tau (Rs = 0.52, P = .08). Myocardial oxygen consumption during reperfusion consistently decreased at least 30% compared to working mode (at 90 minutes as the highest during reperfusion, 3.3 ± 0.8; in working mode, 5.6 ± 1.4, mLO2/min/100 g, P < .001). ConclusionsFunctional parameters of contractility and relaxation measured during reperfusion by the modified balloon method showed significant correlations to respective parameters in working mode. This mitral valve sparing technique can be used to predict viability and ventricular function in the early phase of ex-vivo heart perfusion without loading the heart during working mode.

On the variability of dynamic functional connectivity assessment methods.

Dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) has become an important measure for understanding brain function and as a potential biomarker. However, various methodologies have been developed for assessing dFC, and it is unclear how the choice of method affects the results. In this work, we aimed to study the results variability of commonly used dFC methods. We implemented 7 dFC assessment methods in Python and used them to analyze the functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 395 subjects from the Human Connectome Project. We measured the similarity of dFC results yielded by different methods using several metrics to quantify overall, temporal, spatial, and intersubject similarity. Our results showed a range of weak to strong similarity between the results of different methods, indicating considerable overall variability. Somewhat surprisingly, the observed variability in dFC estimates was found to be comparable to the expected functional connectivity variation over time, emphasizing the impact of methodological choices on the final results. Our findings revealed 3 distinct groups of methods with significant intergroup variability, each exhibiting distinct assumptions and advantages. Overall, our findings shed light on the impact of dFC assessment analytical flexibility and highlight the need for multianalysis approaches and careful method selection to capture the full range of dFC variation. They also emphasize the importance of distinguishing neural-driven dFC variations from physiological confounds and developing validation frameworks under a known ground truth. To facilitate such investigations, we provide an open-source Python toolbox, PydFC, which facilitates multianalysis dFC assessment, with the goal of enhancing the reliability and interpretability of dFC studies.

Rat Models of Cardiorenal Syndrome and Methods for Functional Assessment.

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a clinical disorder involving combined heart and kidney dysfunction, which leads to poor clinical outcomes. To understand the complex pathophysiology and mechanisms that lie behind this disease setting, and design/evaluate appropriate treatment strategies, suitable animal models are required. Described here are the protocols for establishing surgically induced animal models of CRS including important methods to determine clinically relevant measures of cardiac and renal function, commonly used to assess the degree of organ dysfunction in the model and treatment efficacy when evaluating novel therapeutic strategies.

Ex Situ Left Ventricular Pressure-Volume Loop Analyses for Donor Hearts: Proof of Concept in an Ovine Experimental Model.

Ex situ heart perfusion (ESHP) has emerged as an important strategy to preserve donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD) donor hearts. Clinically, both DBD and DCD hearts are successfully preserved using ESHP. Viability assessment is currently based on biochemical values, while a reliable method for graft function assessment in a physiologic working mode is unavailable. As functional assessment during ESHP has demonstrated the highest predictive value of outcome post-transplantation, this is an important area for improvement. In this study, a novel method for ex situ assessment of left ventricular function with pressure-volume loop analyses is evaluated. Ovine hearts were functionally evaluated during normothermic ESHP with the novel pressure-volume loop system. This system provides an afterload and adjustable preload to the left ventricle. By increasing the preload and measuring end-systolic elastance, the system could successfully assess the left ventricular function. End-systolic elastance at 60min and 120min was 2.8 ± 1.8mmHg/mL and 2.7 ± 0.7mmHg/mL, respectively. In this study we show a novel method for functional graft assessment with ex situ pressure-loop analyses during ESHP. When further validated, this method for pressure-volume assessments, could be used for better graft selection in both DBD and DCD donor hearts.

Clinical value of questionnaires & physical tests for patellofemoral pain: Validity, reliability and predictive capacity.

To determine the most appropriate method of functional assessment for "patellofemoral pain" (PFP)/"chondromalacia patella" for its diagnostic value, (validity, reliability, sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and clinical applicability); to outline initial interpretations of the questionnaires and their appropriateness, through the cut-off points determined in their scores based on physical test and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI); to establish which methods should be used in conjunction with each other to obtain clinical diagnoses that are robust effective and efficient. (1)Intra- and inter-observer reliability and of the relationship among PFP questionnaires/physical tests validated. (2)Predictive capacity of the questionnaires. Subject: 113 knees with PFP, assessed using "Knee-injury-and-Osteoarthritis Outcome-Score-for-Patellofemoral-pain-and-osteoarthritis" (KOOS-PF), "Kujala-Patellofemoral-Score" (KPS), "Victorian-Institute-of-Sports-Assessment-for-Patellar-tendons-questionnaire" (VISA-P), and the physical tests: "patellar-palpation", "patellar-tilt", "patellar-apprehension", "Clarke" and "squat". Questionnaires correlations themselves was 0.78<r<0.86. Tests intra-rater reliability was "excellent". Squat inter-rater reliability was "excellent"/"good". Palpation, tilt, Clarke and squat showed a statistically significant relationship (p<0.05) with all questionnaires/specific items. AUC of the questionnaires showed a "useful" accuracy, except for Tilt. No statistically significant differences were found between grades 0 and 1 chondromalacia (by MRI) knee scores, but between 1 and ≥2. AUC of the questionnaires showed "useful" accuracy. KOOS-PF, KPS and VISA-P demonstrated their diagnostic value in PFP/chondromalacia (validity, reliability, sensitivity, specificity, predictive value and clinical applicability). KOOS-PF was the most versatile, and the most appropriate in mild cases and for early detection and prevention. Squat was the best due to its reliability and clinical relationship with the questionnaires, which predicted it correctly. The functional assessment tools discussed should be applied by combining them with each other.

Prognostic role of discordance between quantitative flow ratio and visual estimation in revascularization guidance.

Revascularization guided by functional severity has presented improved outcomes compared with visual angiographic guidance. Quantitative flow ratio (QFR) is a reliable angiography-based method for functional assessment. We sought to investigate the prognostic value of discordance between QFR and visual estimation in coronary revascularization guidance. We performed offline QFR analysis on all-comers undergoing coronary angiography. Vessels with calculated QFR were divided into four groups based on the decision to perform or defer percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and on the QFR result, i.e.: Group A (PCI-, QFR > 0.8); Group B (PCI+, QFR ≤ 0.8); Group C (PCI+, QFR > 0.8); Group D (PCI-, QFR ≤ 0.8). Patients with at least one vessel falling within the disagreement groups formed the discordance group, whereas the remaining patients formed the concordance group. The primary endpoint was the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and ischaemia-driven revascularization. Overall, 546 patients were included in the study. Discordance between QFR and visual estimation was found in 26.2% of patients. After a median follow-up period of 2.5 years, the discordance group had a significantly higher rate of the composite outcome (hazard ratio: 3.34, 95% confidence interval 1.99-5.60, P < 0.001). Both disagreement vessel Groups C and D were associated with increased cardiovascular risk compared with agreement Groups A and B. Discordance between QFR and visual estimation in revascularization guidance was associated with a worse long-term prognosis. Our results highlight the importance of proper patient selection for intervention and the need to avoid improper stent implantations when not dictated by a comprehensive functional assessment.

A comparative effectiveness trial of functional behavioral assessment methods.

Clinicians report primarily using functional behavioral assessment (FBA) methods that do not include functional analyses. However, studies examining the correspondence between functional analyses and other types of FBAs have produced inconsistent results. In addition, although functional analyses are considered the gold standard, their contribution toward successful treatment compared with other FBA methods remains unclear. This comparative effectiveness study, conducted with 57 young children with autism spectrum disorder, evaluated the results of FBAs that did (n = 26) and did not (n = 31) include a functional analysis. Results of FBAs with and without functional analyses showed modest correspondence. All participants who completed functional communication training achieved successful outcomes regardless of the type of FBA conducted.

Value function assessment to different RL algorithms for heparin treatment policy of patients with sepsis in ICU

Heparin is a critical aspect of managing sepsis after abdominal surgery, which can improve microcirculation, protect organ function, and reduce mortality. However, there is no clinical evidence to support decision-making for heparin dosage. This paper proposes a model called SOFA-MDP, which utilizes SOFA scores as states of MDP, to investigate clinic policies. Different algorithms provide different value functions, making it challenging to determine which value function is more reliable. Due to ethical restrictions, we cannot test all policies on patients. To address this issue, we proposed two value function assessment methods: action similarity rate and relative gain. We experimented with heparin treatment policies for sepsis patients after abdominal surgery using MIMIC-IV. In the experiments, TD(0) shows the most reliable performance. Using the action similarity rate and relative gain to assess AI policy from TD(0), the agreement rates between AI policy and “good” physician’s actual treatment are 64.6% and 73.2%, while the agreement rates between AI policy and “bad” physician’s actual treatment are 44.1% and 35.8%, the gaps are 20.5% and 37.4%, respectively. External validation using action similarity rate and relative gain based on eICU resulted in agreement rates of 61.5% and 69.1% with the “good” physician’s treatment, and 45.2% and 38.3% with the “bad” physician’s treatment, with gaps of 16.3% and 30.8%, respectively. In conclusion, the model provides instructive support for clinical decisions, and the evaluation methods accurately distinguish reliable and unreasonable outcomes.