OBJECTIVE: Since the inflammatory process has been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorder, an important issue emerging is to assess the test-retest reliability of cytokine measurement in healthy individuals and patients with schizophrenia. The objective of the present study was to investigate the test-retest reliability of bead-based multiplex immunoassay technology (BMIT) for cytokine measurement by using a Bland-Altman plot (BAP). METHODS: Twenty healthy individuals and twenty patients with schizophrenia were enrolled, and a 17-plex cytokine assay was used to measure inflammatory biomarkers at baseline and two weeks later. The test-retest reliability was examined by BAP, 95% limits of agreement (LOA), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and coefficient of repeatability (CoR). RESULTS: In the healthy controls, only interleukin (IL)-2, IL-13, IL-10, IL-17, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β showed excellent ICC. The BAP with 95% LOA determined that 13 cytokines showed acceptable 95% LOA for a 2-week test-retest reliability, and only IL-1β, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α had significant test-retest bias. The CoR of cytokines varied significantly, ranging from 1.72 to 218.1. Compared with healthy controls, patients with schizophrenia showed significantly higher levels of IL-5, IL-13, and TNF-α and significantly lower levels of IL-4, IL-12, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Of these six cytokines, IL-12 and TNF-α were considered suboptimal reliability. CONCLUSION: The findings from ICC and CoR implied that the test-retest reliability of BMIT for cytokine measurement were suboptimal. However, the BAP with 95% LOA confirmed that BMIT can reliably distinguish schizophrenia from healthy individuals in cytokine measurement, while significant within-subject variation and between-group overlapping were evident in cytokine expression.
Bias (Epidemiology) ; Biomarkers ; Cytokines ; Humans ; Immunoassay ; Inflammation ; Interferon-gamma ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-12 ; Interleukin-13 ; Interleukin-17 ; Interleukin-4 ; Interleukin-5 ; Interleukins ; Loa ; Macrophages ; Reproducibility of Results ; Schizophrenia ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Blood pressure (BP) measurement plays a pivotal role in veterinary medicine for diagnosing cardiovascular disorders and monitoring anesthesia of animals. Although indirect BP measurement has been widely applied to monitor BP because of its convenience and non-invasiveness, it is still unclear whether indirect BP measurement is compatible with direct BP measurement in minipigs. In addition, the effect of animal posture during BP measurement is not well understood in minipigs despite its importance to cardiovascular performance. Therefore, both systolic and diastolic arterial BPs in minipigs were measured via femoral artery catheterization for direct BP measurement and using a compressive cuff as an indirect BP measurement under the dorsal or right lateral recumbent postures. Numerical values were processed by the Bland-Altman method to calculate the bias ± SD and the limits of agreement (LOA). In accordance with the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine guidelines, the results between direct and indirect BP measurements were determined as apparent disagreements in both systolic and diastolic arterial BPs under all postures because of large bias ± SD and wide LOA. The results of the present will help prevent misinterpretation of the anesthetized patient's condition during monitoring of BP by indirect measurement.
Anesthesia ; Animals ; Bias (Epidemiology) ; Blood Pressure ; Catheterization ; Catheters ; Diagnosis ; Femoral Artery ; Internal Medicine ; Loa ; Methods ; Posture ; Swine, Miniature ; Veterinary Medicine

OBJECTIVE: The reliability of size measurements of liver metastases from neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) phases made by different readers may be hampered due to transient, variable rim enhancement in arterial phase (AP) or portal venous phase (PVP) images. We aimed to assess the reliability of tumor size measurements in pre- and post-contrast scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study coordinator selected target lesions according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 guidelines in 44 consecutive patients with pathologically confirmed NET liver metastases. Two blinded readers measured the longest diameters of target lesions on pre-contrast, AP, and PVP images twice with a 4-week interval. Inter- and intra-observer agreements were evaluated using Bland-Altman plots and 95% limit of agreement (LOA) calculations. RESULTS: Of the 79 target lesions (approximate mean size of 3 cm), 45 showed rim enhancement. Inter-observer agreement assessed based on LOA was highest in pre-contrast CT images (−6.1–5.7 mm), followed by PVP (−7.9–7.1 mm) and AP (−8.5–7.4 mm) images. Intra-observer agreement showed the same trend: −2.8–2.9 mm and −2.9–2.9 mm for readers 1 and 2, respectively, on pre-contrast CT, −2.8–2.9 mm and −3.0–3.2 mm, respectively, on PVP, and −3.2–4.2 mm and −3.4–3.2 mm, respectively, on AP images. Mean tumor diameters differed significantly among the phases in the following increasing order: pre-contrast CT, PVP, and AP images. CONCLUSION: There was better inter- and intra-observer agreement in size measurements of NET liver metastases on precontrast scans than on AP and PVP scans. Pre-contrast CT may be the optimal for measuring NET liver metastases if its accuracy is proven.
Humans ; Liver* ; Loa ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neuroendocrine Tumors* ; Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reliability and validity of a new method for isometric back extensor strength measurement using a portable dynamometer. METHODS: A chair equipped with a small portable dynamometer was designed (Power Track II Commander Muscle Tester). A total of 15 men (mean age, 34.8±7.5 years) and 15 women (mean age, 33.1±5.5 years) with no current back problems or previous history of back surgery were recruited. Subjects were asked to push the back of the chair while seated, and their isometric back extensor strength was measured by the portable dynamometer. Test-retest reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). For the validity assessment, isometric back extensor strength of all subjects was measured by a widely used physical performance evaluation instrument, BTE PrimusRS system. The limit of agreement (LoA) from the Bland-Altman plot was evaluated between two methods. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC=0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.65–0.91). The Bland-Altman plots demonstrated acceptable agreement between the two methods: the lower 95% LoA was −63.1 N and the upper 95% LoA was 61.1 N. CONCLUSION: This study shows that isometric back extensor strength measurement using a portable dynamometer has good reliability and validity.
Back Muscles ; Female ; Humans ; Isometric Contraction ; Loa ; Male ; Methods* ; Muscle Strength Dynamometer ; Reproducibility of Results*

PURPOSE: In the present study, the repeatability and reproducibility of the corneal power and astigmatism measurements using placido-based video keratography were evaluated and the agreement with other keratometers were compared. METHODS: This prospective study included 45 patients (45 eyes) scheduled to undergo cataract surgery between November 2015 and January 2016. Three sets of corneal power and astigmatism were measured using placido-based video keratometer (Keratograph® 5M), automatic keratometer (KR-8900®), manual keratometer (B×L manual keratometer®), Placido-scanning-slit keratometer (ORBscan II®), Scheimpflug keratometer (Pentacam®), and low coherence interferometry (Lenstar LS900®). Reliability of each device was analyzed using the coefficient of variation, standard deviation and intraclass correlation coefficient. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the interdevice comparison of mean absolute difference. The agreement between the devices was evaluated with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: The mean corneal power, astigmatism and power vector analysis (J₀, J₄₅) were not significantly different among devices (p > 0.05). In the Bland-Altman plot analysis, the 95% LoA of corneal power, J₀, and J45 when comparing Keratograph® 5M with others ranged from -0.78 to 0.55 D, from -0.42 to 0.45 D, and from -0.39 to 0.47 D, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Keratograph® 5M showed good repeatability and reproducibility of corneal power and astigmatism measurements and was interchangeable with other keratometers.
Astigmatism* ; Cataract ; Corneal Topography* ; Humans ; Interferometry ; Loa ; Prospective Studies

PURPOSE: To assess the degree of agreement of two rotating Scheimpflug cameras, Galilei G6 and Pentacam HR, in measuring corneal refractive power (K), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and central corneal thickness (CCT). METHODS: Measurement agreement was assessed in 40 eyes of 40 outpatients at our hospital. Measurements of anterior and posterior corneal refractive power (K), ACD, and CCT were compared between the Galilei G6 and Pentacam HR. RESULTS: For Galilei G6 (4 mm), Pentacam HR (3 mm) and Pentacam HR (4 mm), the anterior corneal refractive powers (K) were 44.35 ± 1.38 D, 44.09 ± 1.32 D, and 44.12 ± 1.35 D, respectively, and the posterior corneal refractive powers (K) were 6.39 ± 0.23 D, 6.45 ± 0.23 D, 6.45 ± 0.22 D. The differences in the results were statistically significant. The average ACD measurements using Galilei G6 and Pentacam HR were 3.26 ± 0.42 mm and 3.17 ± 0.42 mm, respectively, and the average CCT measurements were 556.65 ± 30.12 µm and 553.78 ± 29.42 µm. The differences in the measurements were statistically significant. In addition, ACD 95% limits of agreement (LoA) between Galilei G6 and Pentacam HR were in the range of -0.14~0.32 mm, and CCT 95% LoA were in the range of -12.54~18.29 µm. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences in measurements of anterior and posterior corneal refractive power (K), ACD, and CCT between the two cameras. Agreement analysis suggests that Galilei G6 and Pentacam HR should not be used interchangeably.
Anterior Chamber ; Humans ; Loa ; Outpatients

PURPOSE: To assess the degree of agreement of two rotating Scheimpflug cameras, Galilei G6 and Pentacam HR, in measuring corneal refractive power (K), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and central corneal thickness (CCT). METHODS: Measurement agreement was assessed in 40 eyes of 40 outpatients at our hospital. Measurements of anterior and posterior corneal refractive power (K), ACD, and CCT were compared between the Galilei G6 and Pentacam HR. RESULTS: For Galilei G6 (4 mm), Pentacam HR (3 mm) and Pentacam HR (4 mm), the anterior corneal refractive powers (K) were 44.35 ± 1.38 D, 44.09 ± 1.32 D, and 44.12 ± 1.35 D, respectively, and the posterior corneal refractive powers (K) were 6.39 ± 0.23 D, 6.45 ± 0.23 D, 6.45 ± 0.22 D. The differences in the results were statistically significant. The average ACD measurements using Galilei G6 and Pentacam HR were 3.26 ± 0.42 mm and 3.17 ± 0.42 mm, respectively, and the average CCT measurements were 556.65 ± 30.12 µm and 553.78 ± 29.42 µm. The differences in the measurements were statistically significant. In addition, ACD 95% limits of agreement (LoA) between Galilei G6 and Pentacam HR were in the range of -0.14~0.32 mm, and CCT 95% LoA were in the range of -12.54~18.29 µm. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences in measurements of anterior and posterior corneal refractive power (K), ACD, and CCT between the two cameras. Agreement analysis suggests that Galilei G6 and Pentacam HR should not be used interchangeably.
Anterior Chamber ; Humans ; Loa ; Outpatients

PURPOSE: To compare measurements of central corneal thickness (CCT) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) obtained using Galilei(TM), Pentacam(R) (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) and Lenstar(R) (Haag-Streit, Koeniz, Switzerland) and analyze the measurement agreements. METHODS: CCT and ACD were measured using Galilei(TM), Pentacam(R) and Lenstar(R) in 47 eyes of 25 healthy subjects. The measurements were compared among the 3 devices. RESULTS: The average CCT measurements using Galilei(TM), Pentacam(R) and Lenstar(R) were 552.6 +/- 29.41 microm, 543.9 +/- 30.50 microm and 537.5 +/- 30.26 microm, respectively. The measurements significantly correlated with each other (r > 0.9, p < 0.001), but were statistically significantly different (p < 0.001). The average ACD measurements using Galilei(TM), Pentacam(R) and Lenstar(R) were 3.23 +/- 0.360 mm, 3.22 +/- 0.403 mm and 3.19 +/- 0.367 mm, respectively. The measurements significantly correlated with each other (r > 0.9, p < 0.001), but were statistically significantly different (p = 0.034). The CCT 95% limits of agreement (LoA) between Galilei(TM) and Pentacam(R), Pentacam(R) and Lenstar(R) and Lenstar(R) and Galilei(TM) were 31.95 microm, 44.76 microm and 46.57 microm, respectively and 95% ACD LoA were 0.46 mm, 0.32 mm and 0.28 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CCT and ACD measured using the 3 devices were highly correlated with each other but the measurements were statistically different. Therefore, the measurements were not interchangeable and these differences should be considered in clinical use.
Anterior Chamber* ; Loa

As our population ages and the rate of spine surgery continues to rise, the use epidural lysis of adhesions (LOA) has emerged as a popular treatment to treat spinal stenosis and failed back surgery syndrome. There is moderate evidence that percutaneous LOA is more effective than conventional ESI for both failed back surgery syndrome, spinal stenosis, and lumbar radiculopathy. For cervical HNP, cervical stenosis and mechanical pain not associated with nerve root involvement, the evidence is anecdotal. The benefits of LOA stem from a combination of factors to include the high volumes administered and the use of hypertonic saline. Hyaluronidase has been shown in most, but not all studies to improve treatment outcomes. Although infrequent, complications are more likely to occur after epidural LOA than after conventional epidural steroid injections.
Constriction, Pathologic ; Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ; Hyaluronoglucosaminidase ; Loa ; Radiculopathy ; Spinal Stenosis ; Spine

Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease that shows a young age of onset (less than 40 years old), inflammatory back pain, sacroiliitis and a strong association with HLA-B27. Yet some recently reported cases have presented with a late age of onset (more than 55 years old), atypical clinical presentations and a low response to NSAIDs, and this has also been named late onset spondyloarthropathy (LOSPA). As compared with early onset spondyloarthropathy (EOSPA), the LOSPA patients more frequently suffer with combined peripheral arthritis and inflammatory systemic symptoms and a high ESR and CRP level, but they lack the typical axial symptoms. Yet there have been few reports about late onset ankylosing spondylitis (LOAS). The previous cases of LOSPA and LOAS were managed with NSAIDs, steroids, methotrexate and sulfasalazine, but none were managed with TNF antagonists. LOAS is rare and difficult for management because of the patients' older age and the lack of experiences with this malady, so we report here on the four cases of LOAS that were successfully treated by TNF antagonists.
Age of Onset ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; Arthritis ; Back Pain ; HLA-B27 Antigen ; Humans ; Loa ; Methotrexate ; Sacroiliitis ; Spondylarthropathies ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing ; Steroids ; Sulfasalazine