Test Characteristics Research Articles

Anthropometric measurements as a key diagnostic tool for familial partial lipodystrophy in women

BackgroundFamilial Partial Lipodystrophy (FPLD) is a disease with wide clinical and genetic variation, with seven different subtypes described. Until genetic testing becomes feasible in clinical practice, non-invasive tools are used to evaluate body composition in lipodystrophic patients. This study aimed to analyze the different anthropometric parameters used for screening and diagnosis of FPLD, such as thigh skinfold thickness (TS), Köb index (Köbi), leg fat percentage (LFP), fat mass ratio (FMR) and leg-to-total fat mass ratio in grams (LTR), by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, focusing on determining cutoff points for TS and LFP within a Brazilian population.MethodsThirty-seven patients with FPLD and seventy-four healthy controls matched for body mass index, sex and age were studied. Data were collected through medical record review after signing informed consent. All participants had body fat distribution evaluated by skinfolds and DXA measures. Fasting blood samples were collected to evaluate glycemic and lipid profiles. Genetic studies were carried out on all patients. Two groups were categorized based on genetic testing and/or anthropometric characteristics: FPLD+ (positive genetic test) and FPLD1 (negative genetic testing, but positive clinical/anthropometric criteria for FPLD).ResultsEighteen (48.6%) patients were classified as FPLD+, and 19 (51.4%) as FPLD1. Unlike what is described in the literature, the LMNA variant in codon 582 was the most common. Among the main diagnostic parameters of FPLD, a statistical difference was observed between the groups for, Köbi, TS, LFP, FMR, and LTR. A cutoff point of 20 mm for TS in FPLD women was found, which is lower than the value classically described in the literature for the diagnosis of FPLD. Additionally, an LFP < 29.6% appears to be a useful tool to aid in the diagnosis of these women.ConclusionCombining anthropometric measurements to assess body fat distribution can lead to a more accurate diagnosis of FPLD. This study suggests new cutoff points for thigh skinfold and leg fat percentage in women with suspected FPLD in Brazil. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

253. CLINICAL USEFULNESS OF ENDOSCOPY, BARIUM FLUOROSCOPY, AND CHEST COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FOR THE CORRECT DIAGNOSIS OF ACHALASIA

Abstract Background The definite diagnosis of esophageal achalasia is established using manometry, which is per- formed in patients with suspected achalasia based on the findings of screening examinations, such as upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, chest computed tomography (CT), or a barium swallow test. However, the exact values of test characteristics in these supportive diagnostic examinations remain unclear. Methods We estimated the sensitivity and specificity of characteristic findings in the supportive diagnostic examinations for achalasia by comparing the data of a large number of achalasia patients and others with digestive symptoms. Patients Achalasia patients (n=119) and non-achalasia patients with suspected achalasia and repeated feelings of chest discomfort (n=37) who were treated in a single university hospital. Results Characteristic findings on chest CT (i.e. dilated esophagus, air-fluid level formation) and barium swallow tests were observed in more than 80% of achalasia patients but in less than 10% of non-achalasia patients. In contrast, conventional characteristic findings of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (i.e. intra- esophageal food debris, feeling of resistance at the esophagogastric junction) were seen in only 40%-70% of achalasia patients. In particular, the feeling of resistance at the esophagogastric junction was observed by the examiner in only 30%-50% of patients. Conclusion Intra-esophageal food debris or resistance at the esophagogastric junction on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy will be positive in only about half of patients with achalasia. Other supportive diagnostic examinations, such as chest CT or barium fluoroscopy, should therefore be included in order to avoid overlooking the disease.

Validation of the ankle-specific pediatric arthritis ultrasound scoring system in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

ObjectiveTo validate the ankle-specific Pediatric Arthritis Ultrasound Scoring System (PAUSS-ankle) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). MethodsPatients with a diagnosis of JIA prospectively underwent a standard clinical assessment and musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) of one or both ankles. B-mode and Power-Doppler mode MSUS images were acquired and scored according to the PAUSS-ankle protocol. A subset of patients received a contrast-enhanced MRI (ceMRI) of the affected ankle. ceMRI scoring for synovitis was performed according to the Rheumatoid Arthritis MRI System (RAMRIS). Test characteristics of the PAUSS-ankle scores were evaluated with ceMRI as reference. Associations between the findings on physical examination, PAUSS-ankle, and RAMRIS were investigated. ResultsThirty-two patients with JIA contributed 63 MSUS and 15 ceMRIs of the ankles. The PAUSS-ankle total B-mode score had a moderate correlation with physical examination findings (correlation (r)=0.43, p < 0.001). The PAUSS-ankle B-mode score ≥1 exhibited a sensitivity of 79 % and specificity of 100 %, demonstrating excellent diagnostic accuracy with an area under the curve (AUC)= 0.89 (confidence intervals, CI, 0.78–1.00) while clinical assessment had a sensitivity of 57 % and AUC= 0.71 (CI: 0.58–0.85). The PAUSS-ankle B-mode score had significant strong correlations (r = 0.68–0.90, p < 0.005) with the RAMRIS for the assessment of disease severity for each joint area and the ankle joint as a whole. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate excellent diagnostic accuracy of the PAUSS-ankle in detecting the presence and severity of ankle synovitis when compared to ceMRI. The PAUSS-ankle holds significant promise as an accurate measurement that may complement current clinical standards.

Machine learning prediction of supercapacitor performance of N-doped biochar from biomass wastes based on N-containing groups, element compositions, and pore structures

N-doped biochar has great potential for development in the field of supercapacitors. In this study, Random Forest and Extreme Gradient Boosting models are used to predict the specific capacitance of N-doped biochar. The prediction is based on several features, including pore structure parameters, element composition, N-containing group of N-doped biochar, and electrochemical testing characteristics. Shapley additive explanations and partial dependency plots are used to explore the impact of the features on specific capacitance. Results show that both the Random Forest and the Extreme Gradient Boosting models exhibited excellent prediction performance, with R2 of 0.95 and 0.96, respectively. N-6 contributes more to the higher specific capacitance among the three N-containing groups. According to the partial dependency plots, when the specific surface area, pore size, and degree of graphitization are around 2200 m2/g, 4 nm, and 1, respectively, the specific capacitance of N-doped biochar is about 303 F/g at 1 A/g. In addition, a procedure for predicting the specific capacitance of N-doped biochar is developed based on the PySimpleGUI library and the Extreme Gradient Boosting model. This study provides a reference for the preparation of high specific capacitance of N-doped biochar.

The Effect of Self-Reported Race on Noninvasive Prenatal Screening Test Characteristics.

Low fetal fraction (FF) on cell-free DNA (cfDNA)-based noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) is a common etiology for indeterminate results. As maternal Black race is implicated as a risk factor for low FF and more indeterminate results, we sought to evaluate this association. This was a single-institution, retrospective cohort study of cfDNA-based NIPS performed between May 2017 and May 2022 with complete clinical data abstraction. We compared FF, indeterminate rates, and total cfDNA concentration among self-reported Black, White, and Other groups from NIPS results from 2017 to 2022 with full clinical data abstraction. Using linear regression and interaction testing, we evaluated associations between self-reported race, FF, indeterminate rate, and total cfDNA concentration. In total, 1,591 participants met the inclusion criteria; 70.8% (n = 1,126) self-identified as White, 6.9% (n = 110) as Black, and 22.3% (n = 355) self-identified with another race. Mean FF was not different between the White, Black, or Other groups (11.8 vs. 11.2 vs. 11.7%, respectively, p = 0.52). This remained true after adjusting for body mass index (BMI), gestational age (GA) at draw, and fetal sex (all p > 0.17). Interaction testing for FF and total cfDNA by race with BMI, GA at draw, and fetal sex demonstrated no effect modification. In our population, maternal self-identified race, particularly Black race, does not affect FF. Biological plausibility for race-based differences on clinical tests requires ongoing thoughtful consideration. · NIPS is widely used to screen for fetal aneuploidy.. · FF is an important test metric, and low FF is associated with adverse outcomes, like aneuploidy.. · In existing studies, Black race is implicated as a risk factor for lower FF.. · Our study found no differences in FF between groups by self-reported race.. · Biological plausibility for race-based differences on clinical tests requires ongoing consideration..

Implant bone screw characteristics of a printed PLA-based material

Abstract ASTM F543 specifies the testing characteristics of bone screws. It consists of 4 phases of separate tests, 3 of which are carried out according to a standard procedure using strictly prescribed material. Testing according to this standard is part of the standardization and certification process for bone implants. The PUR 30 PCF material simulates bone for the respective test. The standardized testing results are primarily used to compare the characteristics of the implants tested. At the same time, the information obtained is essential for the verification of real bone screw implantation procedures. In addition to the design of implants and fixation elements, the purpose of using the results of testing using a surrogate material may be, for example, to teach implantation procedures or to train and simulate real implantation procedures, especially in complicated cases. The advantage of using bodies made of poly lactic acid (PLA) material, prepared by additive technology, lies mainly in the possibility of realizing free shapes corresponding to the shapes of natural bone. The present content introduces the problem of defining the structure of test bodies made of additively prepared PLA material and presents the results of comparative testing with PUR 30 PCF material.

POCUS literature primer: key papers on cardiac and lung POCUS.

Although point of care ultrasound (POCUS) use has become prevalent in medicine, clinicians may not be familiar with the evidence supporting its utility in patient care. The objective of this study is to identify the top five most influential papers published on the use of cardiac POCUS and lung POCUS in adult patients. A 14-member expert panel from the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) Emergency Ultrasound Committee and the Canadian Ultrasound Fellowship Collaborative used a modified Delphi process. Panel members are ultrasound fellowship trained or equivalent, are engaged in POCUS scholarship, and are leaders in POCUS locally and nationally in Canada. The modified Delphi process consisted of three rounds of sequential surveys and discussion to achieve consensus on the top five most influential papers on cardiac POCUS and lung POCUS. A total of 66 relevant papers on cardiac POCUS and 68 relevant papers on lung POCUS were nominated by the panel. There was 100% participation by the panel members in all three rounds of the modified Delphi process. At the end of this process, we identified the top five most influential papers on cardiac POCUS and lung POCUS. Papers include studies supporting the use of POCUS for accurately assessing left ventricular systolic function, diagnosing pericardial effusion, clarifying its test characteristics for pulmonary embolism, identifying pulmonary edema and pneumonia, as well as consensus statements on the use of cardiac and lung POCUS in clinical practice. We have created a list of the top five influential papers on cardiac POCUS and lung POCUS as an evidence-based resource for trainees, clinicians, and researchers. This will help trainees and clinicians better understand how to use POCUS when scanning the heart and lungs, and it will also help researchers better understand where to direct their scholarly efforts with future research.

Clinical performance of existing diagnostic criteria for pneumonia in older emergency patients: A prospective cohort study.

Pneumonia accounts for over half a million older adult emergency department (ED) visits annually, but ED pneumonia diagnosis is inaccurate. Geriatric-specific pneumonia diagnostic criteria exist for other settings; no prospective data exist to determine if application in the older adult ED population is feasible. The objective was to prospectively evaluate the utility of four current diagnostic criteria (Loeb; Modified McGeer; Infectious Disease Society of America/American Thoracic Society; American College of Emergency Physicians) in older adult ED patients. This was a prospective, observational cohort study of older adult ED patients ≥65 years of age in two U.S. EDs with suspected pneumonia defined as having chest radiography ordered and treating physician suspicion. The standard we used for defining the presence, absence, or inability to determine a diagnosis of pneumonia diagnosis was expert physician chart adjudication. We report the summary statistics for demographic characteristics and symptoms/exam findings and sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios with 95% confidence intervals of the existing diagnostic criteria. Pre-specified cutoff values of a positive LR >10 and a negative LR <0.3 were considered clinically significant. Of 135 patients enrolled, 27 had pneumonia by adjudicator review. Typical patient-reported pneumonia symptoms, such as fever (18.5%) and new/worse cough (51.9%), were not consistently present in pneumonia. The IDSA/ATS and ACEP criteria had positive LR >10 and negative LR <0.3; however, all confidence intervals included pre-specified cutoffs. Older adults presented to the ED with low frequency of typical pneumonia symptoms. Although existing diagnostic definitions had promising test characteristics, they may not perform well enough for clinical application without refinement.

Comparing visual and automated urine dipstick analysis in a general practice population

Introduction Urinary symptoms constitute the primary reason for female patients to consult their general practitioner. The urinary dipstick test serves as a cornerstone for diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTIs), yet traditional visual interpretation may be subject to variability. Automated devices for dipstick urinalysis are routinely used as alternatives, yet the evidence regarding their accuracy remains limited. Therefore we aimed to compare concordance between visual and automated urinary dipstick interpretation and determine their test characteristics for the prediction of bacteriuria. Material and methods We conducted a prospective validation study including urine samples originating from adult patients in general practice that were sent to the Maastricht Medical Centre + for urinary culture. Urinary dipstick tests were performed on each sample, which were interpreted visually and automatically. We calculated Cohen’s κ and percentage agreement and used 2 × 2 tables to calculate test characteristics. Results We included 302 urine samples. Visual and automated analysis showed almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.82 and κ = 0.86, respectively) for both nitrite and leukocyte esterase, but moderate agreement for erythrocytes (κ = 0.51). Interpretation of clinically relevant (nitrite and/or leukocyte esterase positive) samples showed almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.88). Urinary dipsticks show similar test characteristics with urinary culture as gold standard, with sensitivities of 0.92 and 0.91 and specificities of 0.37 and 0.41 for visual and automated interpretation respectively. Conclusion Automated and visual dipstick analysis show near perfect agreement and perform similarly in predicting bacteriuria. However, automated analysis requires maintenance and occasionally measurement errors can occur.

Research and Application of Geomechanical Model Test Technology

Geomechanical model test is one of the commonly used experimental methods in the study of slope stability. It constructs the scale model of slope, simulates the geological environment and load, and carries out the corresponding load experiment to study the stability of slope and its influencing factors. This paper introduces the principles and characteristics of geomechanical model test from the aspects of similar principle, model material selection and key simulation technology.

Hyperelastic material models for simulating deformation of silicone ring pessaries

Pessaries are removable gynecological prosthetic devices that provide mechanical support for temporary or long-term symptom relief of pelvic floor disorders, such as pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence. To date, limited mechanical tests have been performed on physical pessary designs to characterize their behaviour under load; however, custom pessary manufacturing is expensive and time consuming. As an alternative, finite element (FE) modeling can provide detailed numerical insight into the response of a pessary design under load but to date has seen limited application, with little data available for pessary silicone materials. This study aimed to identify hyperelastic material models for two silicone materials used in custom pessary cocoon moulded manufacturing towards FE analysis of ring with support (RWS) pessaries. It was hypothesized that hyperelastic material models could be identified to capture the force and deformation response of multiple RWS sizes under different boundary conditions and silicone materials (Shore 60A and 40A). To understand the material characteristics of pessary silicone, uniaxial tension and compression tests were performed then the experimental data was fit with Mooney-Rivlin (MR) material models. To ensure the material models characterize the pessary behaviour, data from mechanical tests representing the RWS pessary folding and modified 3-point bending were compared to FE recreations (FEBio) of the same tests with the MR materials applied to the pessaries. The FE model results demonstrated good agreement in the force-displacement response for the fold and 3-point bending models for different pessary sizes and silicone stiffnesses. This work demonstrates the hyperelastic material models’ efficacy and will enable future studies to improve biomechanical analysis of silicone pessary designs.

Inhibiting efflorescence of alkali-activated slag mortar by improving its hydrophobicity with methyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS): Evidences showing the remained PDMS

This paper proposes to prepare hydrophobic alkali-activated slag (AAS) mortars with methyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a hydrophobic polymer with low surface energy, to minimize its water sorptivity and efflorescence. To depict the efflorescence process of PDMS-modified AAS mortars, visual inspections of efflorescence features, the leaching behavior of sodium ions, water absorption characteristics of mortars and contact angle tests were conducted. Additionally, the hydration process, microscopic morphology, and chemical structure of PDMS-modified AAS mortars and pastes were examined by compressive strength, isothermal calorimetry, TEM, SEM, FT-IR, 29Si NMR, enabling the explanation of PDMS working mechanisms. The results demonstrated that the addition of PDMS successfully mitigated esthetic issues and the spalling of mortars caused by efflorescence. Furthermore, PDMS reduced the risk of long-term durability issues of AAS mortars by restricting the loss of sodium ions after efflorescence. At the same time, the introduction of PDMS with dosage below 5 % did not significant retarder the hydration reaction process or the development of strength of AAS. However, it did alter the micromorphology and chemical structure of the hydration product. PDMS linked to the hydration products through covalent bonds and acted as a bridging role to alter the micromorphology of the hydration products. The resulting multi-structured material exhibited micropapillary and nano-coating layers with hydrophobic methyl functional groups, imparting hydrophobicity to the PDMS-AAS hydration product.

Diagnostic prediction models for bacterial meningitis in children with a suspected central nervous system infection: a systematic review and prospective validation study

ObjectivesDiagnostic prediction models exist to assess the probability of bacterial meningitis (BM) in paediatric patients with suspected meningitis. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these models in a broad population...

Diagnostic Validation of the Updated Pediatric Sepsis Biomarker Risk II for Acute Kidney Injury Prediction Model in Pediatric Septic Shock.

We previously derived the updated Pediatric Sepsis Biomarker Risk for Acute Kidney Injury (PERSEVERE-II AKI) prediction model, which had robust diagnostic test characteristics for severe AKI on day 3 (D3 severe AKI) of septic shock. We now sought to validate this model in an independent cohort of children to the one in which the model was developed. A secondary analysis of a multicenter, prospective, observational study carried out from January 2019 to December 2022. Ten PICUs in the United States. Children with septic shock 1 week to 18 years old admitted to the PICU. None. Seventy-nine of 363 patients (22%) had D3 severe AKI, defined as Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes stage 2 or higher. Patients were assigned a probability of D3 severe AKI using the PERSEVERE-II AKI model. The model predicted D3 severe AKI with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.85-0.93), sensitivity of 77% (95% CI, 66-86%), specificity of 88% (95% CI, 84-92%), positive predictive value of 65% (95% CI, 54-74%), and negative predictive value of 93% (95% CI, 89-96%). These data represent an increase in post-test probability of D3 severe AKI with a positive test from 22% to 65%, and a prevalence threshold of 28%. On multivariable regression, the PERSEVERE-II AKI prediction model demonstrated greater adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for D3 severe AKI (aOR, 11.2; 95% CI, 4.9-25.3) and lesser aOR for failure of D3 renal recovery from early AKI (aOR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13-0.69). The PERSEVERE-II AKI model demonstrates consistently robust performance for prediction of new or persistent D3 severe AKI in children with septic shock. A major limitation is that actual D3 severe AKI prevalence is below the prevalence threshold for the test, and thus future work should focus on evaluating use in enriched populations.

Validation of the encephalitis criteria in adults with a suspected central nervous system infection: An updated score

ObjectivesWe aimed to validate and refine the encephalitis criteria proposed by the International Encephalitis Consortium in a cohort of adults initially suspected of a central nervous system (CNS) infection. MethodsWe included patients from two prospective cohort studies consisting of adults suspected of a CNS infection whom underwent a diagnostic lumbar puncture. We evaluated the test characteristics of the criteria for both possible and probable encephalitis. The reference standard was a final clinical diagnosis of encephalitis. Recalibration of the criteria was done by adjusting the weight of each criterion based on their respective odds. ResultsIn total 1446 episodes were evaluated, of whom 162 (11%) had a clinical diagnosis of encephalitis. Possible encephalitis had a sensitivity of 41% (95% CI 33-49) and a specificity of 88% (95% CI 86-90). Probable encephalitis had a sensitivity and specificity of respectively 27% (95% CI 20-34) and 95% (95% CI 94-96). Through odds-based weighting we recalibrated the weight of each individual criterion, resulting in a model consisting of an altered mental status (weight of 2), seizures (weight of 3), elevated CSF leukocyte count (weight of 5) and abnormalities on neuroimaging (weight of 9). We proposed a cut-off at 5 for possible encephalitis, (sensitivity 93% [95% CI 88-96]; specificity 51% [95% 49-54]), and at 8 for probable encephalitis (sensitivity 51% [95% CI 44-59]; specificity 91% [95% CI 89-92]). ConclusionsWe validated and refined the existing diagnostic criteria for encephalitis, leading to a substantially enhanced sensitivity. These updated criteria hold promise to facilitate the accurate identification of encephalitis.

Methodological Considerations in Evaluating Breast Cancer Screening Studies.

In evidence-based medicine frameworks, the highest level of evidence is derived from quantitative synthesis of double-masked, high-quality, randomly assigned controlled trials. Meta-analyses of randomly assigned controlled trials have demonstrated that screening mammography reduces breast cancer deaths. In the United States, every major guideline-producing organization has recommended screening mammography in average-risk women; however, there are controversies about age and frequency. Carefully controlled observational research studies and statistical modeling studies can address evidence gaps and inform evidence-based, contemporary screening practices. As breast imaging radiologists develop and evaluate existing and new screening tests and technologies, they will need to understand the key methodological considerations and scientific criteria used by policy makers and health service researchers to support dissemination and implementation of evidence-based screening tests. The Wilson and Jungner principles and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force general analytic framework provide structured evaluations of the effectiveness of screening tests. Key considerations in both frameworks include public health significance, natural history of disease, cost-effectiveness, and characteristics of screening tests and treatments. Rigorous evaluation of screening tests using analytic frameworks can maximize the benefits of screening tests while reducing potential harms. The purpose of this article is to review key methodological considerations and analytic frameworks used to evaluate screening studies and develop evidence-based recommendations.

Psychometric characteristics of the numerical ability test for Gulf students

Psychometric characteristics of the numerical ability test for Gulf students

Effects of rosuvastatin on serum asymmetric dimethylarginine levels and incidence of long-term cardiovascular events in patients with hyperlipidaemia and H-type hypertension.

Aims/Background Rosuvastatin is a common lipid-lowering statin on the market, but its impact on the incidence of long-term cardiovascular events is not well clarified. This study aimed to explore the effects of rosuvastatin on serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels and the incidence of long-term cardiovascular events in patients with hyperlipidaemia and H-type hypertension. Methods This retrospective study included 158 patients with hyperlipidaemia and H-type hypertension who were treated in the Hebei Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine from August 2015 to August 2016. The patients were divided into an occurrence group and a non-occurrence group according to the occurrence of long-term cardiovascular events following the resuvostatin treatment. The changes in blood lipids, blood pressure, serum ADMA levels and vascular endothelial function indexes before and after treatment were compared, and the effect of ADMA on the occurrence of long-term cardiovascular events and its predictive efficacy were analysed using the Spearman correlation test and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. Results After treatment, the levels of serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, serum ADMA and blood pressure became significantly lower (p < 0.001), with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol exhibiting no significant difference. Twenty-two cases developed long-term cardiovascular events after the treatment, with an incidence of 13.92%. The occurrence group had significantly higher serum ADMA levels than the non-occurrence group (p < 0.001). The rosuvastatin treatment also lowered the levels of endothelin-1 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and increased the nitric oxide level (p < 0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum ADMA levels were positively correlated with the occurrence of long-term cardiovascular events (r=0.462, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, according to the ROC curve, serum ADMA had a good predictive efficacy for long-term cardiovascular events, with an area under the curve of 0.885 (95% confidence interval 0.808-0.963; p < 0.001). Conclusion Rosuvastatin can reduce ADMA levels and exert vascular protective effects. The increase in serum ADMA levels is closely related to the occurrence of long-term cardiovascular events in patients with hyperlipidaemia and H-type hypertension, serving as a potential clinical predictor to guide disease prevention and treatment.

Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Harboring ROS1 Rearrangement: Real World Testing Practices, Characteristics and Treatment Patterns (ROS1REAL Study).

ROS1 rearrangements are considered rare in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This retrospective real-world study aimed to evaluate first-line treatment with crizotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) standard of care vs. new generation ROS1 anti-cancer agents. Forty-nine ROS1-expressing NSCLC patients, diagnosed with advanced metastatic disease, were included. Molecular profiling using either FISH/CISH or NGS was performed on tissue samples. Twenty-eight patients were treated with crizotinib, while fourteen patients were administered newer drugs (entrectinib, repotrectinib) and seven patients received platinum-doublet chemotherapy in a first-line setting. Overall response rate and disease control rate for the crizotinib and entrectinb/repotrectinib cohort were 68% and 82% vs. 86% and 93%, respectively. Median progression free survival was 1.6 years (95% CI 1.15-2.215) for the crizotinib treatment vs. 2.35 years for the entrectinib/repotrectinib cohort (95% CI 1.19-3.52). Central nervous system progression was noted in 20% and 25% of the crizotinib and entrectinib/repotrectinib cohorts, respectively. This multi-center study presents real-world treatment patterns of ROS1 NSCLC population, indicating that crizotinib exhibited comparable results to entrectinib/repotrectinib in a first-line setting, although both response rate and survival was numerically longer with treatment with newer agents.

Research on the Content Validity of the English Reading Test in Harbin Senior High School Entrance Examination

The Academic Test for the Junior High School Students, as a kind of academic level examination, plays a crucial role in the selection and streaming of talents at the secondary school level in China. Reading is an essential skill that language learners need to master, and it has a large proportion in the English test of the High School Entrance Examination (HSEE). Therefore, studying the validity of English Reading Test in the HSEE can not only provide the examiner of the HSEE with data references for judging the validity of the reading test, but also provide references for English teachers to innovate teaching methods, as well as cultivating the students' English reading strategies and achieving the overall improvement of the reading ability. Focusing on English Reading Test in Harbin HSEE (2019-2023), this research selects the framework of test characteristics proposed by Bachman and Palmer and analyzes discourse input and expected response to explore the content validity by using textual, quantitative and comparative analyses. The results show that English Reading Test in Harbin HSEE (2019-2023) has a certain degree of content validity and basically meet the requirements of the exam syllabus, but problems still exist. The presentation form of the test text is monotonous, the difficulty gradient is unreasonable and the assessment of reading skills is insufficient.