Panel Evaluation Research Articles

Evaluation of Liver Markers, Kidney Markers, Electroyte Panel and Protein Profile in Pump Attendants Exposed to Petrol Fumes from Selected Filling Stations in Ihiala, State, Nigeria

Environmental hazard in a work place is an inevitable experience especially when it has to do with working in a filling stations where volatile and combustible substances like petrol, diesel and kerosene are dispensed via PMS and other channels of distribution or outlets and in the process pollute or saturate the air with hydrocarbons. Individuals working in a petrol station pose different risk of exposure to these xenobiotics that enter the body via different means (inhalation, ingestion and skin or eye contact) and could be detrimental to the body system resulting to death if not properly handled. This research was aimed at assessing some biochemical indicators of occupational hazard in fuel pump attendant from selected service stations in Ihiala, Anambra state. A total of eighty apparently healthy subjects (40 males and 40females) aged between 28-35 years volunteers participated in the study. Each gender was further categorized into two groups of 20 each for control (unexposed workers) and exposed pump attendants respectively. The pump attendants that volunteered for this study had spent an average of 5-6 years on the job. Blood samples were collected from the volunteers with their informed consent and selected biochemical parameters such as liver function test (ALP, AST ALT), kidney function test (urea, creatinine and uric acid), protein profile (total protein and albumin), and electrolyte levels were investigated using standard methods. The result of the investigations showed that urea and creatinine level of exposed female pump attendants (5.80±0.02 mg/dl and 82.50±2.15 mg/dl)were significantly higher (P<0.05) than unexposed female pump attendants (5.00±0.45mg/dl and 58.00±0.11 mg/dl respectively). Serum sodium (Na+ ) electrolyte levels of exposed male and female exposed pump attendant (143.00±1.05 and 141.00±1.25 mmol/L respectively) were significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to Na+ electrolyte levels in male and female unexposed workers (138.00±0.14 mmol/L and 139.50±2.11 mmol/L respectively) while the chloride ion level in male and female pump attendants were higher compared to male and female unexposed workers. Alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase (ALT and AST) levels of male and female exposed pump attendant were higher than that in male and female unexposed pump attendant. Petroleum fumes are therefore environmental pollutants that could have serious consequences on biochemical parameters in petroleum product exposed individuals. Therefore, health Safety and Environmental training is recommended for petrol station workers on regular basis to improve their safety and create awareness on the dangers inherent associated with filling station workers exposed to petrol fumes.

The Evaluation of a 5-miRNA Panel in Patients with Periodontitis Disease.

Side by side with tooth decay, periodontitis remains one of the most common oral diseases and is increasingly recognized as a serious public health concern worldwide. The present study aims at comparing the levels of 5 specific miRNAs (miR-29b-3p, miR-34a-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-181a-5p, and miR-192-5p) in patients with periodontal disease and healthy controls. The pathogenic mechanism is related to the activation of immune response and significant alteration of coding and noncoding genes, including miRNA. The study includes 50 subjects (17 with periodontal disease and 33 healthy controls) with a mean age of 45.3 y. In both periodontitis patients and healthy controls, a panel of 5 miRNAs (miR-29b-3p, miR-34a-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-181a-5p, and miR-192-5p) is examined by determining their expression levels with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The periodontitis patients express high levels of all the investigated miRNAs. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis shows an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.69 to 0.74 for individual transcripts with the highest AUC value observed for miR-192, followed by miR-181a. The study indicates that the 5-miRNA panel can be used as biomarker for periodontitis. In this way, all implantology procedures and treatment options for patients diagnosed with periodontitis can be improved for better long-term results, predictability, and follow-up frequency. The discovery of a miRNA panel as a potential biomarker for periodontitis offers major opportunities for practical application. Our study can improve diagnostic accuracy; researchers can develop new theories on molecular mechanisms and biomarker discovery.

Developing an Instrument to Measure Public Health Nurses' Competence Related to Breastfeeding Beyond 12 Months.

Health professionals need adequate competence to support breastfeeding beyond infancy. There is no established instrument to measure health professionals' competence regarding long-term breastfeeding. To respond to this shortcoming, the Long-Term Breastfeeding Competence Scale (LBCS) was developed. To develop and pilot an instrument that measures public health nurses' competence related to breastfeeding beyond 12 months in order to provide adequate breastfeeding counseling for families. This study was conducted as a cross-sectional online survey on public health nurses working in maternity and/or child health clinics. The relevance and clarity of the LBCS were assessed by an expert panel (N = 6). Public health nurses (N = 197) completed the LBCS, which consisted of a knowledge and skills dimension and an attitude dimension. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the study sample. The conceptual validity of the knowledge and skills dimension was assessed using the dichotomous Rasch analysis, and attitude dimension using the exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. The distribution of the items was summarized by descriptive statistics. According to expert panel evaluations, the LBCS was found to meet the requirements for relevance and clarity (S-CVI 0.90). The internal consistency of the instrument was at a good level (α = 0.796) and met the requirements set for a new instrument. The LBCS is appropriate to determine public health nurses' competence related to breastfeeding beyond 12 months. The LBCS can be used to identify the need for education concerning breastfeeding beyond 12 months.

Ophthalmological research in Germany: evaluation by an international expert panel

To evaluate the research performance in ophthalmology in Germany based on the findings of the recent research map of the German Ophthalmological Society ( DOG) and to suggest strategies for future improvements on anational level both to DOG as well as to politics. The focus is on preclinical and translational clinical research. International expert panel evaluation and discussion organized by the Task Force Research of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG). The international view on the German ophthalmological research landscape was generally positive. The value for money relationship was judged as very good. As Germany is facing an aging society and vision impairment will create an ever-increasing socioeconomic burden, the reviewers suggested several lines of future activities: an increased activity of securing intellectual property, more lay audience lobbying, intensified collaboration and critical mass building between "lighthouses" of ophthalmic research in Germany, as well as the establishment of aGerman national eye institute equivalent. The ophthalmological research performance in Germany was rated to be very good by an international expert panel. Nonetheless significant improvements were requested in the fields of translation (clinical trials, IP), synergy between specialized institutions and governmental funding for aGerman center for eye research.

Evaluation of heterogeneous core sandwich panels for energy efficiency and fire safety in warehouse buildings

Sandwich panels are extensively used in the construction industry because of their superior thermal insulation performance and ease of installation. However, panels with combustible cores are prone to fire, whereas those with mineral-based cores exhibit lower thermal insulation capabilities. Therefore, to address these limitations, this study proposed a composite core approach to enhance both fire resistance and thermal insulation performance. A surface layer incorporated phenolic foam (PF), which fulfilled the fire resistance requirements and delivered excellent thermal insulation properties, and 30–40 mm of glass wool (GW) and mineral wool (MW) with exceptional fire resistance were applied. The heterogeneous core sandwich panels exhibited excellent flame-retardant performance, with a maximum peak heat release rate of 0.712 kW/m2 and a total heat release of 0.18 MJ/m2. This satisfied the semi-non-combustible flame retardancy level and ensured sufficient time for residents to evacuate safely. Moreover, based on its low thermal transmittance of 0.114–0.125 W/m2·K, when applied to warehouse-type buildings, heating energy consumption was reduced by approximately 10 % compared to sandwich panels based on inorganic core GW and MW. Heterogeneous core sandwich panels can exhibit excellent flame retardancy and thermal performance owing to the use of inorganic materials and PF, respectively.

Validating a theory of planned behavior questionnaire for assessing changes in professional behaviors of medical students.

Teaching professionalism is a fundamental aspect of medical undergraduate education, delivering important domains of professional attitudes, ethics, and behaviors. The effects of educational interventions can be assessed by measuring the change in such domains, but validated assessment tools for these professionalism domains are lacking. In this study, we constructed and conducted expert validation of a modified theory of planned behavior (TPB) questionnaire to assess changes in professional behaviors (PBs) in medical students. To validate that, we modified an existing TPB questionnaire, and an 18-item questionnaire was subjected to expert panel evaluation using the content validation method. The clarity and relevance of items were assessed using a four-point rating scale (i.e., 1 = not relevant to 4 = highly relevant). Ratings of experts and free-text comments were analyzed. Quantitative evaluation of relevance and clarity was undertaken through analyses of the Item-level Content Validity Index (I-CVI) and Scale-level Content Validity Index (S-CVI). A qualitative assessment of the comments of experts was conducted to refine items, any disagreements were discussed, and a consensus decision was developed among authors for item changes. Quantitative evaluation of the Item-level Content Validity Index (I-CVI) scored 0.9-1 for relevance and 0.7-1 for clarity. Qualitative evaluation resulted in (i) changes to the wording of items (e.g., choices such as "worthless/worthwhile" were replaced with "not important/important"); and (ii) suggestion of the addition of social media in the construct of subjective norms. The proposed tool exhibits content validity and can assess TPB constructs in professionalism education. This study of content validity may help to ensure the modified TPB questionnaire accurately measures the TPB constructs, ensuring its effectiveness in accurately measuring the TPB constructs for PB in diversified educational medical institutions.

Deep Learning Model for Cosmetic Gel Classification Based on a Short-Time Fourier Transform and Spectrogram.

Cosmetics and topical medications, such as gels, foams, creams, and lotions, are viscoelastic substances that are applied to the skin or mucous membranes. The human perception of these materials is complex and involves multiple sensory modalities. Traditional panel-based sensory evaluations have limitations due to individual differences in sensory receptors and factors such as age, race, and gender. Therefore, this study proposes a deep-learning-based method for systematically analyzing and effectively identifying the physical properties of cosmetic gels. Time-series friction signals generated by rubbing the gels were measured. These signals were preprocessed through short-time Fourier transform (STFT) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT), respectively, and the frequency factors that change over time were distinguished and analyzed. The deep learning model employed a ResNet-based convolution neural network (CNN) structure with optimization achieved through a learning rate scheduler. The optimized STFT-based 2D CNN model outperforms the CWT-based 2D and 1D CNN models. The optimized STFT-based 2D CNN model also demonstrated robustness and reliability through k-fold cross-validation. This study suggests the potential for an innovative approach to replace traditional expert panel evaluations and objectively assess the user experience of cosmetics.

Simulation-Based Evaluation of Alumina and Weldox Steel Panels Against National Institute of Justice Type IV Ballistic Threats

Simulation-Based Evaluation of Alumina and Weldox Steel Panels Against National Institute of Justice Type IV Ballistic Threats

Turkish Adaptation, Reliability, and Validity Study of the Vaccine Acceptance Instrument.

This research study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Vaccine Acceptance Instrument (VAI). The VAI is a 20-item Likert-type scale, with responses ranging across seven points. A systematic approach was followed to translate the scale into Turkish, involving translation, expert panel evaluation, back-translation, and pilot testing. The Vaccine Acceptance Instrument and a sociodemographic data form were used for data collection. The reliability of the scale was tested by test-retest analysis, and its internal reliability was examined by Cronbach's alpha test. The factor structure was examined using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was employed to assess the scale's fit. Overall, 229 participants were included in the study. In test-retest reliability analysis, the intraclass correlation coefficient of the scale was 0.992 (95% CI: 0.987-0.996). The Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was 0.824. A four-factor structure was determined. The model had an acceptable fit [χ2/df = 380.04/164 (2,317) p < 0.001, CFI = 0.91, GFI = 0.90, AGFI = 0.906, NFI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.076]. The mean total VAI score was 112.71 ± 17.02. The low education level of the mother, being a housewife, and parents not having the COVID-19 vaccine were statistically significantly associated with a low scale score and low vaccine acceptance (p < 0.05). The Turkish adaptation of the VAI demonstrated satisfactory levels of validity and reliability following rigorous testing.

A mixed-methods review and adaptation of a novel clinical pharmacy tool: The MA2VER2ICK Tool Study

Abstract Introduction The MA2VER2ICK Tool[1] (see Figure 1) is a clinical pharmacy mnemonic developed in 2016 by the pharmacy department of Tallaght University Hospital, through a combination of literature searching and local expert consensus opinion. The intended purpose of the tool was to guide clinical pharmacists in pharmaceutical care planning. Since inception, the tool has not been formally evaluated. Locally, users report the tool as useful; although, there is scope for improvement, to better support clinical pharmacists. Aim Identify and gain consensus on suggestions to adapt the existing tool. Methods A two-stage mixed-methods approach was adopted. This comprised focus groups to facilitate idea generation and appraise contents of the existing tool, followed by a nominal group technique process[2] to agree the content and structure of the final tool. A purposive sample of clinical pharmacists were selected to participate in the focus groups and nominal group technique panel, based on responses to a screening questionnaire pre-circulated to all clinical pharmacists employed at the study site. Thematic analysis of the focus group transcripts was conducted by two independent researchers, with key themes and related recommendations to improve the tool identified. These recommendations were presented to the nominal group technique panel via an anonymous survey, where numerical rating scores were assigned over two rounds, with an intervening panel discussion. An increase in the mean rating score and convergence of the standard deviation indicated consensus for a recommendation. Results Two focus groups (5 participants each) of 45 minutes duration took place. Both focus groups resulted in similar findings, with seven major themes identified relating to adapting the tool. Overall, eight recommendations were formulated, with suggestions to adapt the content, structure, usability and application of the tool. Consensus agreement was reached on seven recommendations, each receiving a panel rating score &amp;gt; 90%. One recommendation was rejected, receiving a panel rating score &amp;lt; 30%. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the MA2VER2ICK Tool is a comprehensive clinical pharmacy resource. Few amendments were required to the original tool, indicating user satisfaction with and the utility of the tool, together with a high degree of consensus for the adaptations made. VTE: venous thromboembolism; Rx: prescription; CRP: C-reactive protein.

Evaluation of an Updated Gene Panel as a Diagnostic Tool for Both Male and Female Infertility.

In recent years, an increasing number of genes associated with male and female infertility have been identified. The genetics of infertility is no longer limited to the analysis of karyotypes or specific genes, and it is now possible to analyse several dozen infertility genes simultaneously. Here, we present the diagnostic activity over the past two years including 140 patients (63 women and 77 men). Targeted sequencing revealed causative variants in 17 patients, representing an overall diagnostic rate of 12.1%, with prevalence rates in females and males of 11% and 13%, respectively. The gene-disease relationship (GDR) was re-evaluated for genes due to the addition of new patients and/or variants in the actual study. Five genes changed categories: two female genes (MEIOB and TBPL2) moved from limited to moderate; two male genes (SOHLH1 and GALNTL5) moved from no evidence to strong and from limited to moderate; and SEPTIN12, which was unable to classify male infertility, was reclassified as limited. Many infertility genes have yet to be identified. With the increasing integration of genetics in reproductive medicine, the scope of intervention extends to include other family members, in addition to individual patients or couples. Genetic counselling consultations and appropriate staffing will need to be established in fertility centres. Trial registration number: Not applicable.

Development and evaluation of a stroke research Public Patient Involvement Panel

Background Public and patient involvement (PPI) is important in stroke research to ensure that research conducted reflects the priorities and needs of people after stroke. Several factors have been found to affect PPI, including location of the research and time requirements for participation. The incidence of stroke is rising, and can result in symptoms including fatigue, depression, and physical/cognitive impairments. Aims 1) Describe the development of a PPI advisory group and a healthcare professional advisory group for stroke rehabilitation research and 2) to explore the perspectives of the members of the PPI groups on being involved in the research process. Methods A stakeholder panel consisting of up to 20 people with stroke, members of the public and healthcare professionals will be formed. A pragmatic purposive sampling technique using snowball sampling will be used to recruit members. The PPI panel will meet four times and will be supported by the guidelines developed from the INVOLVE framework. The PPI panel will be involved as co-researchers in the conceptualisation of future stroke rehabilitation research, the delivery of such studies, the analysis and dissemination of findings. Following the development of the panel, we will conduct semi-structured focus groups to collect qualitative data, examining the perspectives of members. Separate focus groups will be held for people with stroke, family members/cares, and healthcare professionals/researchers. Data will be transcribed and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic Analysis. This will result in a set of themes and subthemes describing participants' opinions and experience of being on a PPI panel in stroke rehabilitation research. Conclusions PPI is an essential part of research in stroke. Stakeholders can provide key insights into the research processes. The results of this qualitative study will provide insight into the barriers and enablers of their participation in PPI in stroke rehabilitation research.

Microbiological diagnosis of pleural infections: a comparative evaluation of a novel syndromic real-time PCR panel.

Current microbial diagnostics for pleural infections are insufficient. Studies using 16S targeted next-generation sequencing report that only 10%-16% of bacteria present are cultured and that 50%-78% of pleural fluids containing relevant microbial DNA remain culture negative. As a rapid diagnostic alternative suitable for clinical laboratories, we wanted to explore a PCR-based approach. Based on the identification of key pathogens, we developed a syndromic PCR panel for community-acquired pleural infections (CAPIs). This was a pragmatic PCR panel, meaning that it was not designed for detecting all possibly involved bacterial species but for confirming the diagnosis of CAPI, and for detecting bacteria that might influence choice of antimicrobial treatment. We evaluated the PCR panel on 109 confirmed CAPIs previously characterized using culture and 16S targeted next-generation sequencing. The PCR secured the diagnosis of CAPI in 107/109 (98.2%) and detected all present pathogens in 69/109 (63.3%). Culture secured the diagnosis in 54/109 (49.5%) and detected all pathogens in 31/109 (28.4%). Corresponding results for 16S targeted next-generation sequencing were 109/109 (100%) and 98/109 (89.9%). For bacterial species included in the PCR panel, PCR had a sensitivity of 99.5% (184/185), culture of 21.6% (40/185), and 16S targeted next-generation sequencing of 92.4% (171/185). None of the bacterial species present not covered by the PCR panel were judged to impact antimicrobial therapy. A syndromic PCR panel represents a rapid and sensitive alternative to current diagnostic approaches for the microbiological diagnosis of CAPI.IMPORTANCEPleural empyema is a severe infection with high mortality and increasing incidence. Long hospital admissions and long courses of antimicrobial treatment drive healthcare and ecological costs. Current methods for microbiological diagnostics of pleural infections are inadequate. Recent studies using 16S targeted next-generation sequencing as a reference standard find culture to recover only 10%-16% of bacteria present and that 50%-78% of samples containing relevant bacterial DNA remain culture negative. To confirm the diagnosis of pleural infection and define optimal antimicrobial therapy while limiting unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, there is a need for rapid and sensitive diagnostic approaches. PCR is a rapid method well suited for clinical laboratories. In this paper we show that a novel syndromic PCR panel can secure the diagnosis of pleural infection and detect all bacteria relevant for choice of antimicrobial treatment with a high sensitivity.

Experimental determination of the charring rate of cross-laminated timber panels

Recent design guides include charring models for cross-laminated plane timber (CLT) members. When the bond line integrity is not maintained, charring is illustrated as a combination of sequenced phases. Significant research has been conducted on the charring behaviour of CLT panels, and the criterion of 300 °C has been an accepted definition for the char front line. The charring rate of a solid wood-based panel is determined by the char depth divided by the time to reach the char depth. In the CLT structure, this method can be applied to the first lamella layer. However, due to the char fall-off, it cannot be directly applied to the lamella layers behind the first layer. In this research, eight fire tests were conducted to investigate how charring rates of different lamella layers can be determined from measured temperatures. An assessment method based on the mean char depth development determined from experimental temperature distributions of CLT panels is introduced. Also, the effects of thermocouple positioning and specimen orientation on the assessment results were analysed. The charring rates determined for both horizontal and vertical specimens align well with the results calculated using the European Charring Model and a post-protection factor k3 of 2.

Determination of drug-related problems according to PAIR criteria in dialysis patients: a cross-sectional study in tertiary care hospital

BackgroundDialysis patients are at high risk for drug-related problems (DRPs), which have significant consequences for their morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. Improved clinical outcomes can be achieved by preventing, identifying, and resolving these problems.MethodsThis is a retrospective observational study. In this study, the PAIR instrument (Pharmacotherapy Assessment in Chronic Renal Disease) was validated for use in Turkish. Validation consisted of three stages: translation back-translation with expert panel evaluation, reliability analysis using the test-retest method, and conceptual validity with both Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) and PAIR used to determine DRPs prevalence.ResultsIn total, 104 patients (mean ± SD age, 54.1 ± 15.8 years; 53.8% male) were included in the study. An expert panel evaluated the items in the criterion based on their intelligibility, service of purpose, differentiation, and cultural suitability during the translation stage. Content validity index (CVI) score was found to be 0.95. The reliability analysis was performed by applying the test-retest method and calculating correlation coefficient on 30 randomly selected patients one month later. Correlation coefficient (p) was found to be 0.8. To evaluate conceptual validity, 104 patients’ pharmacotherapy plans were assessed using both the PAIR and PCNE criteria. The prevalence of DRPs according to PAIR criteria (100.0%) and PCNE (73.1%) were statistically significantly different (p < 0.001).ConclusionsAs a result, PAIR criteria can identify clinically relevant DRPs in patients with CKD and is a new, validated tool to be used in Turkey, but may not be adequate for patients receiving dialysis. Therefore, it needs to be reviewed and updated for dialysis patients.

Advancing human genotyping: The Infinium HTS iSelect Custom microarray panel (Rita) development study

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), as the most prevalent type of variation in the human genome, play a pivotal role in influencing human traits. They are extensively utilized in diverse fields such as population genetics, forensic science, and genetic medicine. This study focuses on the 'Rita' BeadChip, a custom SNP microarray panel developed using Illumina Infinium HTS technology. Designed for high-throughput genotyping, the panel facilitates the analysis of over 4000 markers efficiently and cost-effectively. After careful clustering performed on a set of 1000 samples, an evaluation of the Rita panel was undertaken, assessing its sensitivity, repeatability, reproducibility, precision, accuracy, and resistance to contamination. The panel’s performance was evaluated in various scenarios, including sex estimation and parental relationship assessment, using GenomeStudio data analysis software. Findings show that over 95 % of the custom BeadChip assay markers were successful, with better performance of transitions over other mutations, and a considerably lower success rate for Y chromosome loci. An exceptional call rate exceeding 99 % was demonstrated for control samples, even with DNA input as low as 0.781 ng. Call rates above 80 % were still obtained with DNA quantities under 0.1 ng, indicating high sensitivity and suitability for forensic applications where DNA quantity is often limited. Repeatability, reproducibility, and precision studies revealed consistency of the panel's performance across different batches and operators, with no significant deviations in call rates or genotyping results. Accuracy assessments, involving comparison with multiple available genetic databases, including the 1000 Genome Project and HapMap, denoted over 99 % concordance, establishing the Rita panel's reliability in genotyping. The contamination study revealed insights into background noise and allowed the definition of thresholds for sample quality evaluation. Multiple metrics for differentiating between negative controls and true samples were highlighted, increasing the reliability of the obtained results. The sex estimation tool in GenomeStudio proved highly effective, correctly assigning sex in all samples with autosomal loci call rates above 97 %. The parental relationship assessment of family trios highlighted the utility of GenomeStudio in identifying genotyping errors or potential Mendelian inconsistencies, promoting the application of arrays such as Rita in kinship testing. Overall, this evaluation confirms the Rita microarray as a robust, high-throughput genotyping tool, underscoring its potential in genetic research and forensic applications. With its custom content and adaptable design, it not only meets current genotyping demands but also opens avenues for further research and application expansion in the field of genetic analysis.

Psychometric properties evaluation of the Advance Care Planning Readiness Scale for community-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases residing in suburban counties within the Chinese context.

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Advance Care Planning Readiness Scale (ACPRS-C) within the context of community-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases residing in suburban counties in China. Descriptive, cross-sectional survey. The research method employed in this study is characterized as a methodological study. Self-reported survey data were collected among community-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases residing in suburban counties in China. Including the following psychometric characteristics, item analysis was performed using the decision value method and Pearson's correlation analysis. Content validity was assessed through expert panel evaluation. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was determined by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient and corrected item-total correlation. Additionally, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was utilized to assess the construct validity of the ACPRS-C. A total of 228 older adults participated in this psychometric study from August to October 2023. The item content validity index ranged from 0.80 to 1.00, while the scale content validity index was 0.945. The scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.931), and the correlation between items and total score was satisfactory. The structural validity was deemed robust (CFA model fit: chi-square/df = 1.121, comparative fit index = 0.992). The ACPRS-C is a scale with strong psychometric properties to assess the ACP readiness within the context of community-dwelling older adults with chronic diseases residing in suburban counties in China. Its reliability and validity hold considerable significance for both research and clinical practice.

Performance of a novel eight-color flow cytometry panel for measurable residual disease assessment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Measurable residual disease (MRD) is an important prognostic indicator of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Different flow cytometric panels have been developed for the MRD assessment of CLL in Western countries; however, the application of these panels in China remains largely unexplored. Owing to the requirements for high accuracy, reproducibility, and comparability of MRD assessment in China, we investigated the performance of a flow cytometric approach (CD45-ROR1 panel) to assess MRD in patients with CLL. The European Research Initiative on CLL (ERIC) eight-color panel was used as the "gold standard." The sensitivity, specificity, and concordance rate of the CD45-ROR1 panel in the MRD assessment of CLL were 100% (87/87), 88.5% (23/26), and 97.3% (110/113), respectively. Two of the three inconsistent samples were further verified using next-generation sequencing. In addition, the MRD results obtained from the CD45-ROR1 panel were positively associated with the ERIC eight-color panel results for MRD assessment (R = 0.98, p < 0.0001). MRD detection at low levels (≤1.0%) demonstrated a smaller difference between the two methods (bias, -0.11; 95% CI, -0.90 to 0.68) than that at high levels (>1%). In the reproducibility assessment, the bias was smaller at three data points (within 24, 48, and 72 h) in the CD45-ROR1 panel than in the ERIC eight-color panel. Moreover, MRD levels detected using the CD45-ROR1 panel for the same samples from different laboratories showed a strong statistical correlation (R = 0.99, p < 0.0001) with trivial interlaboratory variation (bias, 0.135; 95% CI, -0.439 to 0.709). In addition, the positivity rate of MRD in the bone marrow samples was higher than that in the peripheral blood samples. Collectively, this study demonstrated that the CD45-ROR1 panel is a reliable method for MRD assessment of CLL with high sensitivity, reproducibility, and reliability.

A comparative study on the cosmetic outcomes of ultrasound-guided versus palpation-guided conservative breast surgery in patients with early palpable breast cancer

Background In conservative breast surgery, a larger volume of resected breast tissue is associated with a poorer cosmetic outcomes. Therefore, the introduction of ultrasonography in the excision of palpable breast cancer aims to minimize the excision of healthy tissue ensuring oncologically safe excision, and hence, a better cosmetic outcome compared with palpation-guided surgery (PGS). Aim To compare ultrasound-guided surgery (UGS) for palpable breast cancer with PGS in terms of safety margin, re-excision rate, and cosmetic outcome. Patients and methods This is a prospective, randomized, controlled study conducted on 79 female patients with early palpable breast cancer. Patients were randomized to undergo either UGS or PGS. The mean distance between the tumor and the resection margin, re-excision rate, operative time, cosmetic outcome, and patient satisfaction were assessed. Statistical analysis used Data management and statistical analysis were done using SPSS, version 28. Quantitative data were assessed for normality using the Shapiro–Wilk test and direct data visualization methods. According to normality, quantitative data were summarized as means and SDs. Categorical data were summarized as numbers and percentages. Quantitative data were compared between the studied groups using independent t test. Categorical data were compared using the χ 2 test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to predict good to excellent patient satisfaction. All statistical tests were two-sided. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Results The UGS group showed significantly higher excellent panel evaluation (48.7 vs. 22.5%, P=0.028) and patient satisfaction (61.5 vs. 30%). The UGS group demonstrated significantly longer operative time but significantly lower re-resection rate and distance from tumor to resection margin (0.62±0.16 vs. 1.72±0.35 cm, P&lt;0.001). The predictors of the outcomes were tumor T stage (T2 stages associated with less satisfaction), tumor to resection margin distance (the more distance the less satisfaction), and ultrasound use. Conclusion The UGS proves to be superior to PGS as it significantly decreases re-excision rates and improves overall cosmetic outcome and patient satisfaction.

Comparative Analyses of Targeted Myeloid Cancer Next-Generation Sequencing Panel in Fresh Blood, Bone Marrow and FFPE Material.

Next-generation sequencing is a vital tool for personalized diagnostics and therapies in cancer. Despite numerous advantages, the method depends on multiple parameters regarding the sample material, e.g., sample fixation. A panel's ability to ensure balanced pre-amplification of the regions of interest is challenging, especially in targeted sequencing approaches, but of significant importance to its applicability across hematological malignancies and solid tumors. This study comparatively evaluated the technical performance of the commercially available OncomineTM Myeloid Panel in fresh and Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) material by using an Ion Torrent™ Personal Genome Machine™ System and Ion GeneStudio S5 System platform. In total, 114 samples were analyzed, including 55 fresh materials and 59 FFPE samples. Samples were sequenced with a minimum of one million reads. Amplicons with coverage below 400 reads were classified as underperforming. In fresh material, 49/526 amplicons were identified as performing insufficiently, corresponding with 18 genes. Using FFPE material, 103/526 amplicons underperformed. Independent of input material, regions in 27 genes, including ASXL1, BCOR and BRAF, did not match quality parameters. Subsequently, exemplary mutations were extracted from the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer database. This technical evaluation of the OncomineTM Myeloid Panel identified amplicons that do not achieve adequate coverage levels and which need to be considered when interpreting sequencing.