Validity and reliability of a computer-assisted system method to measure axial vertebral rotation

BACKGROUND: Axial vertebral rotation and Cobb’s angle are essential parameters for analysing adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. This study’s scope evaluates the validity and absolute reliability of application software based on a new mathematical equation to determine the axial vertebral rotation in digital X-rays according to Raimondi’s method in evaluators with different degrees of experience. METHODS: Twelve independent evaluators with different experience levels measured 33 scoliotic curves in 21 X-rays with the software on three separate occasions, separated one month. Using the same methodology, the observers re-measured the same radiographic studies three months later but on X-ray films and in a conventional way. RESULTS: Both methods show good validity and reliability, and the intraclass correlation coefficients are almost perfect. According to our results, the software increases 1.7 times the validity and 1.9 times the absolute reliability of axial vertebral rotation on digital X-rays according to Raimondi’s method, compared to the conventional manual measurement. CONCLUSIONS: The intra-group and inter-group agreement of the measurements with the software shows equal or minor variations than with the manual method, among the different measurement sessions and in the three experience groups. There is almost perfect agreement between the two measurement methods, so the equation and the software may be helpful to increase the accuracy in the axial vertebral rotation assessment

Il personale religioso (ministri di culto)

Nell'ottica di una riflessione condotta su una futura (e certo auspicabile) legge in materia di libert\ue0 religiosa lo statuto giuridico dei ministri di culto integra certamente uno dei nodi maggiormente problematici. La ricerca delle soluzioni pi\uf9 opportune viene condotta a partire da uno studio comparato delle norme previste all'interno delle singole leggi sulla libert\ue0 religiosa gi\ue0 esistenti in altri Paesi europei. Completa l'analisi l'esame di questioni particolarmente urgenti come quella relativa alla formazione dei ministri di culto e alla disciplina della mobilit\ue0 degli stessi entro i confini dell\u2019Unione Europea

La funzione della pena nel magistero di Papa Francesco

This article analyses the doctrine about the function of punishment and the criminal justice system in the teachings of Pope Francis. The reflection about punishment is understood in the light of the principles of the Mercy of God and the Integral ecology. The central idea is represented by the concept of reparative justice. Particularly, it will be take in consideration the questions of death penalty, life sentence and torture, and - in the conclusions - a brief comparative analysis with the Italian legal justice system

Protocol for the development of a core outcome set and reporting guidelines for locoregional treatment in neoadjuvant systemic breast cancer treatment trials:The PRECEDENT Project

IntroductionNeoadjuvant systemic anticancer therapy (neoSACT) is increasingly used in the treatment of early breast cancer. Response to therapy is prognostic and allows locoregional and adjuvant systemic treatments to be tailored to minimise morbidity and optimise oncological outcomes and quality of life. Accurate information about locoregional treatments following neoSACT is vital to allow translation of downstaging benefits into practice and facilitate meaningful interpretation of oncological outcomes, particularly locoregional recurrence. Reporting of locoregional treatments in neoSACT studies, however, is currently poor. Development of a core outcome set (COS) and reporting guidelines is one strategy by which this may be improved. Methods and analysisA COS for reporting of locoregional treatment (surgery and radiotherapy) in neoSACT trials will be developed in accordance with COMET (Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials) and COS-STAD (Core Outcome Set- Standards for Development) guidelines. Reporting guidance will be developed concurrently.The project will have three phases:1. Generation of a long list of relevant outcome domains and reporting items from a systematic review of published neoSACT studies and interviews with key stakeholders. Identified items and domains will be categorised and formatted into Delphi consensus questionnaire items.2. At least two rounds of an international online Delphi survey in which at least 250 key stakeholders (surgeons/oncologists/radiologists/pathologists/trialists/methodologists) will score the importance of reporting each outcome.3. A consensus meeting with key stakeholders to discuss and agree the final COS and reporting guidance. Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for the consensus process will be obtained from the Queen’s University Belfast Faculty Ethics committee. The COS/reporting guidelines will be presented at international meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. Dissemination materials will be produced in collaboration with our steering group and patient advocates so the results can be shared widely.Registration: The study has been prospectively registered on the COMET website (https://www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/Details/2854).<br/