Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has revolutionized the identification of microbial species in clinical microbiology laboratories. MALDI-TOF-MS has swiftly become the new gold-standard method owing to its key advantages of simplicity and robustness. However, as with all new methods, adoption of the MALDI-TOF MS approach is still not widespread. Optimal sample preparation has not yet been achieved for several applications, and there are continuing discussions on the need for improved database quality and the inclusion of additional microbial species. New applications such as in the field of antimicrobial susceptibility testing have been proposed but not yet translated to the level of ease and reproducibility that one should expect in routine diagnostic systems. Finally, during routine identification testing, unexpected results are regularly obtained, and the best methods for transmitting these results into clinical care are still evolving. We here discuss the success of MALDI-TOF MS in clinical microbiology and highlight fields of application that are still amenable to improvement.
Classification ; Mass Spectrometry* ; Methods

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to apply alternative standard setting methods for the Korean Medical Licensing Examination (KMLE), a criterion-referenced written examination, and to compare them to the conventional cut score used on the KMLE. METHODS: The process and results of criterion-referenced standard settings (i.e., the modified-Angoff and bookmark methods) were evaluated. The ratio of passing and failing examinees determined using these alternative standard setting methods was compared to the results of the conventional criteria. Additionally, the external, internal and procedural evaluation of these methods were reviewed. RESULTS: The modified-Angoff method yielded the highest cut score, followed sequentially by the conventional method and the bookmark method. The classification agreement between the modified-Angoff and bookmark methods was 0.720 measured by Cohen's κ coefficient. The intra-panelist classification consistency of modified-Angoff method was higher than bookmark method. However, the inter-panelist classification consistency was vice versa. The standard setting panelists' survey results showed that the procedures of both methods were satisfactory, but panelists had more confidence in the results of the modified-Angoff method. CONCLUSION: The modified-Angoff method showed results that were more similar to those of the conventional method. Both new methods showed very high concordance with the conventional method, as well as with each other. The modified-Angoff method was considered feasible for adoption on the KMLE. The standard setting panelists responded positively to the modified-Angoff method in terms of its practical applicability, despite certain advantages of the bookmark method.
Classification ; Licensure* ; Methods*

In this study, we described the new developed method to simultaneously discriminate two herbal drugs of Artemisiae Argyi Folium and Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba using eight marker compounds (1 – 8) on an HPLC-PDA system. The developed method was applied to quantify the major components of two herbal drugs. The pattern analysis successfully discriminated and evaluated different components between Artemisiae Argyi Folium and Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba. Results were used for classification of different species from collected samples.
Artemisia ; Classification ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Methods

The article adopts the BP neural network and probability neural network in classifying four arrhythmias (LBBB, RBBB, Paced Beat, Ventricular Escape Beat) and one normal beat, and their test results of the automatic classification and imitation study are 97.62% and 95.88%, showing an improved efficient classification.
Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; classification ; Electrocardiography ; classification ; methods ; Neural Networks (Computer)

Bone Neoplasms ; classification ; Classification ; methods ; Humans ; World Health Organization

Bacterial Typing Techniques ; methods ; Brucella ; classification

In 2016, the clinical chemistry proficiency-testing program consisted of 21 programs, including the general chemistry program of the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service. The general chemistry program consisted of 28 test items and was conducted using two level control materials four times per year. Based on the information and results for each test item entered by each institution, statistical analysis data according to test method, instrument, and reagent were reported. The report comprised a general statistics report showing the characteristics of all participating institutions and a separate institutional report showing the evaluation data of individual institutions. The statistics included the number of participating institutions and the mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, median, minimum, and maximum values for each group. Each report was composed of a table, histogram, and Levey-Jennings chart showing the statistics for each test item. The results of each institution and the statistics for each classification are presented in the table showing the statistics, and a standard deviation index is presented together with a method classification and a classification by reagent companies. A total of 14 items, including albumin, were evaluated by more than 1,000 institutions. There was no significant difference in the distribution of the measurement methods compared with those used in the previous year. The coefficient of variation showed a tendency to increase as the concentration of the level control material decreased and as the number of participating institutions decreased for each test item. Most of them showed a coefficient of variation within 10%. These statistical data will be useful when interpreting the survey results from the institutions and selecting a test method.
Chemistry ; Chemistry, Clinical* ; Classification ; Korea* ; Methods

In this paper, we focus on classifying cardiac arrhythmias. The MIT-BIH database is used with 14 original classes of labeling which is then mapped into 5 more general classes, using the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation standard. Three types of features were selected with a focus on the time-frequency aspects of ECG signal. After using the Wigner-Ville distribution the time-frequency plane is split into 9 windows considering the frequency bandwidth and time duration of ECG segments and peaks. The summation over these windows are employed as pseudo-energy features in classification. The “subject-oriented” scheme is used in classification, meaning the train and test sets include samples from different subjects. The subject-oriented method avoids the possible overfitting issues and guaranties the authenticity of the classification. The overall sensitivity and positive predictivity of classification is 99.67 and 98.92%, respectively, which shows a significant improvement over previous studies.
Arrhythmias, Cardiac* ; Classification* ; Decision Trees ; Electrocardiography* ; Methods

DNA barcoding is an effective technique in species identification. To determine the candidate sequences which can be used as DNA barcode to identify in Papaver genus, five potential sequences (ITS, matK, psbA-trnH, rbcL, trnL-trnF) were screened. 69 sequences were downloaded from Genbank, including 21 ITS sequences, 10 matK sequences, 8 psbA-trnH sequences, 14 rbcL sequences and 16 trnL-trnF sequences. Mega 6.0 was used to analysis the comparison of sequences. By the methods of calculating the distances in intraspecific and interspecific divergences, evaluating DNA barcoding gap and constructing NJ and UPMGA phylogenetic trees. The sequence trnL-trnF performed best. In conclusion, trnL-trnF can be considered as a novel DNA barcode in Papaver genus, other four sequences can be as combination barcode for identification.
DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; methods ; Papaver ; classification ; genetics

Most proximal humeral fractures respond satisfactorily to conservative treatment. It is only the occasional displaced fracture or fracture-dislocation that demaads special treatment. The purpose of this study is to analysis the results of closed and open reduction of displaced proximal humeral fractures according to Neers classification. Fifty-two cases of these fractures, followed up more than five months, are presented. 1. The average age of patients was 40. I years. 2. The fractures were classified according to Neers method. Nearly half (48.1%) of the cases were one-part fractures. Next, two-part fractures rated 42.3%, while three-part fractures, only one (l.9%). 3. Among the total 52 patients, 42 cases(80.8%) were treated conservatively and 10 were operated. We performed surgical operations in seven cases among 22 two-part fractures, aix were reduced with Kirschner wires and one treated with Kirschner wire and staple. The average age of these seven cases was 26. 6 years and the resulta were good except one. 4. The results of these patients were evaluated by the Neers criteria. Of 52 caaes, 40 had good results, five, fair, and the remaining seven poor results. Twenty-three cases (92%) in 25(100%) one-part fractures were good and 17 cases (77.3%) in 22 (100%) two-part fractures were also good. In three-part and four-part fractures the results were all poor.
Bone Wires ; Classification ; Humans ; Methods ; Shoulder Fractures