Laboratory assessment by combined z score values in proficiency tests: experience gained through the European Union proficiency tests for pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables.

The obligation for accredited laboratories to participate in proficiency tests under ISO 17025, performing multiresidue methods (MRMs) for pesticide residues, involves the reporting of a large number of individual z scores making the evaluation of the overall performance of the laboratories difficult. It entails, time and again, the need for ways to summarise the laboratory's overall assessment into a unique combined index. In addition, the need for ways to continually evaluate the performance of the laboratory over the years is equally acknowledged. For these reasons, following 14 years of the European Union Reference Laboratory for Pesticide Residues in Fruits and Vegetables (EUPT-FV), useful formulas have been designed to globally evaluate the assessment of the participating laboratories. The aim is to achieve a formula which is easy to understand, which can be applied and which fits the purposes of long-term evaluation detecting positive and negative trends. Moreover, consideration is needed for a fair compensation of bad results in MRM, taking into account the large number of compounds that are covered. It is therefore important to be aware of the difficulties in getting satisfactory values from a wide range of compounds. This work presents an evaluation of the main well-established combined z score formulas together with those new ones developed here which have been applied to the European proficiency test results (EUPTs) over the years. Previous formulas such as the rescaled sum of z score (RSZ), the sum squared of z score (SSZ) and the relative laboratory performance (RLP) are compared with the newer ones: the sum of weighted z scores (SWZ) and the sum of squared z scores (SZ2). By means of formula comparisons, conclusions on the advantages, drawbacks and the most fit-for-purpose approach are achieved.

Association between late-onset hypogonadism syndrome plus metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer and its aggressiveness. / Asociación del síndrome de hipogonadismo tardío y síndrome metabólico con el cáncer de próstata y su agresividad.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between prostate cancer (PC) and the presence of metabolic syndrome and late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted on 686 patients who underwent prostate biopsy. We analysed the demographic variables, clinical data and biopsy results. To diagnose metabolic syndrome, we employed the criteria of the American Heart Association. For the diagnosis of LOH syndrome, we employed the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male questionnaire and testosterone levels (TT). We evaluated the relationship between free testosterone (FT) and bioavailable testosterone (BT) on one hand and PC and its aggressiveness on the other, as well as the usefulness of the TT to prostate specific antigen (TT/PSA) ratio in the PC diagnosis. RESULTS: The patient's median age was 65 years. Metabolic syndrome is not associated with PC (39.4% vs. 35%; P=.1) but is associated with a PC Gleason score >7 (50.4% vs. 29.44%; P=.002). LOH, low FT and low BT are associated with an increased presence of PC (51% vs. 35%, P=.02; 44.86% vs. 33.33%, P=.03; and 46.46% vs. 33.08%, P=.01, respectively) and with an increased probability of a PC Gleason score >7 (61.54% vs. 37.5%, P=.02; 54.17% vs. 34.12%, P=.02; 54.35% vs. 34.48%, P=.02, respectively). Additionally, the median TT/PSA ratio was significantly lower in patients with positive biopsies (P=.022). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome was not associated with the probability of having PC but was associated with a PC Gleason score >7. Moreover, LOH syndrome had a higher percentage of PC and a greater presence of PC Gleason scores >7, as did low levels of FT and low levels of BT.

Urinary tract symptoms and erectile function in patients at risk of prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: We estimate that more tan 63000 prostate biopsies are performed in our country each year. There are no functional status data of those patients and if there is a relationship between biopsy result and functional status. In order to solve that question we have performed this study. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 1,128 prostate biopsies were included. Patients fill in the IPSS, IIEF-5 and ICIQ-SF questionnaires before the prostate biopsy was performed. A prospective data collection of clinical, pathological and questionnaires results was done. A descriptive analysis was carried out. IPSS and IIEF-5 results were categorized. Results were compared depending on the biopsy result. In the subgroup of patients with prostate cancer, questionnaires results were stratify according to the clinical risk group. RESULTS: The mean age of the sample was 65. Prostate cancer detection rate was 32,71%, 52,2% of the sample had mild lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and 13,4% had severe LUTS at the time of the biopsy. Regarding the impact of LUTS on quality of life (QOL), only 12,6% showed a perfect QOL. More than 50 percent of patients suffered from some degree of erectile dysfunction at the time of the biopsy. According to ICIQ-SF, 24% of the sample experienced some kind of urinary incontinence, although it is true that most of them classified it as small amount. Patients with a positive biopsy had a lower IPSS and IIEF-5 average score. There were no differences in the prostate cancer detection rate stratified by the severity of LUTS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing prostate biopsy have, with a high probability, LUTS. Approximately 50% suffer from some degree of erectile dysfunction and 24% had some kind of urinary leakage.

Determination and degradation of methomyl in tomatoes and green beans grown in greenhouses.

A liquid chromatographic (LC) method using UV detection at 233 nm was used to study the degradation of methomyl in tomatoes and green beans grown in greenhouses. A liquid-liquid extraction with CH2Cl2-methanol (90 + 10, v/v) and a cleanup step with Florisil were combined with LC to isolate, recover, and quantitate the pesticide. Average recoveries obtained at spike levels of 0.03 and 0.40 mg/kg were 83.2-84.7% for tomatoes and 83.3-87.5% for green beans. Determination limits were 0.03 mg/kg for tomatoes and 0.01 mg/kg for green beans. Levels of methomyl residues were studied in tomatoes and green beans grown in an experimental greenhouse to establish the effect of the kind of greenhouse, application dose, species grown, and climatic conditions on the degradation of this pesticide. Analysis of variance showed that doses did not affect the response. The half-life, however, is greater in a flat-roof greenhouse than in an asymmetric-roof greenhouse and is significantly longer for green beans than for tomatoes and longer in winter than in spring. A preharvest time of about 5 days may be suitable for green beans sprayed with methomyl. Tomatoes show residue levels at the time of application lower than Spanish minimum residue levels.

Nephrometry scores: interobserver reproducibility and perioperative factors prediction.

OBJECTIVES: To validate the relation of the nephrometry scores in a series of patients who underwent partial nephrectomy with perioperative parameters and the urologist-radiologist reproducibility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy patients performed between 2005 and 2012 registered in prospective filled out database. An urologist and a radiologist calculated the R.E.N.A.L., PADUA and C-index for 86 patients. We carried out a comparative study of the results using the Spearman and Pearson correlation indexes. RESULTS: Distribution according to the complexity of the tumors with the RENAL calculation was: 42 (49%) low, 35 (41%) moderated and 9 (11%) high complexity. According to PADUA: 35 (41%) low complexity, 32 (37%) intermediate and 19 (22%) high. No statistically significant correlation was found for the appearance of operative complications and the pathology results in case of RENAL and PADUA. A correlation was found in the case of PADUA in relation to the warm ischemia time. Positive correlation according to Spearman's index was found in RENAL, PADUA and C-index between urologist and radiologist evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: Nephrometry scores can be a useful tool to plan the surgical technique or approach. However, it is not clear if they are really predictors of surgical or pathologic parameters. The correlation between the urologist and radiologist seems to be sufficient to recommend their use by both specialties.

Asociación del síndrome de hipogonadismo tardío y síndrome metabólico con el cáncer de próstata y su agresividad / Association between late-onset hypogonadism syndrome plus metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer and its aggressiveness

Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre el cáncer de próstata (CaP) y la presencia de síndrome metabólico (SM) y síndrome de hipogonadismo tardío (SHT). Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo de 686 pacientes sometidos a biopsia prostática. Analizamos: variables demográficas, datos clínicos y resultados de la biopsia. Para diagnosticar el SM se utilizaron los criterios de la American Heart Association. Para el diagnóstico de SHT se utilizó el cuestionario ADAM y los niveles de testosterona (TT). Evaluamos la relación de la testosterona libre (TL) y testosterona biodisponible (TB) con el CaP y su agresividad y la utilidad de la ratio TT/PSA en el diagnóstico de CaP. Resultados: Mediana de edad 65 años. El SM no se asoció al CaP (39,4% vs 35% p = 0,1) pero sí a un CaP Gleason > 7 (50,4% vs 29,44% p = 0,002). El SHT, TL baja y TB baja se asociaron a una mayor presencia de CaP (51% vs 35% p = 0,02; 44,86% vs 33,33%, p = 0,03; 46,46% vs 33,08%, p = 0,01 respectivamente) y a mayor probabilidad de CaP Gleason >7 (61,54% vs 37,5% p = 0,02; 54,17% vs 34,12%, p = 0,02; 54,35% vs 34,48% p = 0,02 respectivamente). Además, la mediana de la ratio de TT/PSA fue significativamente menor en los pacientes con BxP positiva (p = 0.022). Conclusiones: el SM no se asoció con la probabilidad de tener CaP, pero sí con el CaP Gleason > 7. Por otro lado, el SHT presentó un mayor porcentaje de CaP y una mayor presencia de CaP Gleason > 7, al igual que los niveles bajos de TL y los niveles bajos de TB

Objective: To assess the relationship between prostate cancer (PC) and the presence of metabolic syndrome and late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) syndrome. Material and method: A retrospective study was conducted on 686 patients who underwent prostate biopsy. We analysed the demographic variables, clinical data and biopsy results. To diagnose metabolic syndrome, we employed the criteria of the American Heart Association. For the diagnosis of LOH syndrome, we employed the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male questionnaire and testosterone levels (TT). We evaluated the relationship between free testosterone (FT) and bioavailable testosterone (BT) on one hand and PC and its aggressiveness on the other, as well as the usefulness of the TT to prostate specific antigen (TT/PSA) ratio in the PC diagnosis. :Results The patient's median age was 65 years. Metabolic syndrome is not associated with PC (39.4% vs. 35%; P = .1) but is associated with a PC Gleason score > 7 (50.4% vs. 29.44%; P = .002). LOH, low FT and low BT are associated with an increased presence of PC (51% vs. 35%, P = .02; 44.86% vs. 33.33%, P = .03; and 46.46% vs. 33.08%, P = .01, respectively) and with an increased probability of a PC Gleason score > 7 (61.54% vs. 37.5%, P = .02; 54.17% vs. 34.12%, P = .02; 54.35% vs. 34.48%, P = .02, respectively). Additionally, the median TT/PSA ratio was significantly lower in patients with positive biopsies (P = .022). Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome was not associated with the probability of having PC but was associated with a PC Gleason score > 7. Moreover, LOH syndrome had a higher percentage of PC and a greater presence of PC Gleason scores > 7, as did low levels of FT and low levels of BT

Síntomas del tracto urinario inferior y función eréctil en pacientes con sospecha de cáncer de próstata / Urinary tract symptoms and erectile function in patients at risk of prostate cancer

Introducción y objetivo: Estimamos que en España se llevan a acabo alrededor de 63.000 biopsias de próstata. No hay datos al respecto del estado funcional de los pacientes que acuden a realizarse dicha prueba, ni de si el resultado de la biopsia responde a un patrón funcional concreto. Planteamos un estudio que resuelva el anterior planteamiento. Material y método: Se incluyeron 1.128 biopsias. Los pacientes cumplimentaban, antes de la biopsia, los cuestionarios: IPSS, IIEF-5 y ICIQ-SF. Se recopilaron de forma prospectiva las variables clínicas, patológicas y los resultados de los cuestionarios. Se procedió a un análisis descriptivo de la muestra a estudio, incluyendo el resultado de los cuestionarios. Se comparó el resultado medio de los cuestionarios en función de la presencia de cáncer en la biopsia. Los síntomas del tracto urinario inferior (STUI) y de disfunción eréctil se categorizaron en grados de severidad, y se calculó la distribución de los mismos en función del resultado de la biopsia y, cuando la biopsia era positiva, del grupo de riesgo clínico. Resultados: La edad media de los pacientes era de 65 años. La tasa de biopsias positivas fue del 32,71%. El 52,2% refirió padecer síntomas del tracto urinario inferior (STUI) moderados y el 13,4% severos. En cuanto a la influencia de los STUI en la CV de los pacientes solo un 12,6% refería que su vida no estaba influenciada por los STUI. El 50,76% padecía algún grado de disfunción eréctil. Según los resultados del ICIQ-SF un 24% de la muestra refería padecer algún tipo de incontinencia urinaria, si bien es cierto que la mayor parte de ellos lo etiquetaba como escapes de escasa cuantía. Los pacientes con cáncer de próstata tenían un IPSS y un IIEF-5 medio menor. No se encontraron diferencias de la tasa diagnóstica de cáncer en función de la seriedad de los síntomas del tracto urinario. Conclusiones: Los pacientes a quienes indicamos una biopsia de próstata padecen con una alta probabilidad STUI, aproximadamente un 50% tiene cierto grado de disfunción eréctil y un 24% problemas de escapes urinarios

Introduction and objective: We estimate that more tan 63000 prostate biopsies are performed in our country each year. There are no functional status data of those patients and if there is a relationship between biopsy result and functional status. In order to solve that question we have performed this study. Material and method: 1,128 prostate biopsies were included. Patients fill in the IPSS, IIEF-5 and ICIQ-SF questionnaires before the prostate biopsy was performed. A prospective data collection of clinical, pathological and questionnaires results was done. A descriptive analysis was carried out. IPSS and IIEF-5 results were categorized. Results were compared depending on the biopsy result. In the subgroup of patients with prostate cancer, questionnaires results were stratify according to the clinical risk group. Results: The mean age of the sample was 65. Prostate cancer detection rate was 32,71%, 52,2% of the sample had mild lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and 13,4% had severe LUTS at the time of the biopsy. Regarding the impact of LUTS on quality of life (QOL), only 12,6% showed a perfect QOL. More than 50 percent of patients suffered from some degree of erectile dysfunction at the time of the biopsy. According to ICIQ-SF, 24% of the sample experienced some kind of urinary incontinence, although it is true that most of them classified it as small amount. Patients with a positive biopsy had a lower IPSS and IIEF-5 average score. There were no differences in the prostate cancer detection rate stratified by the severity of LUTS. Conclusions: Patients undergoing prostate biopsy have, with a high probability, LUTS. Approximately 50% suffer from some degree of erectile dysfunction and 24% had some kind of urinary leakage

Nefrometrías: reproducibilidad interobservador y predicción de factores perioperatorios / Nephrometry scores: Interobserver reproducibility and perioperative factors prediction

Objetivos: Validar la relación de las nefrometrías en una serie de pacientes a los que se les realizan nefrectomías parciales con parámetros perioperatorios. Demostrar la reproducibilidad urólogo-radiólogo en cuanto a los resultados de las nefrometrías. Material y métodos: Revisión retrospectiva de los pacientes intervenidos mediante nefrectomía parcial abierta y laparoscópica entre 2005 y junio de 2012 registrados en una base de datos de cumplimentación prospectiva. A un total de 86 pacientes se les calculan las nefrometrías RENAL, PADUA y C-index por parte de un urólogo y una radióloga. Procedimos a un estudio comparativo de los resultados mediante índices de correlación de Spearman y Pearson. Resultados: La distribución según la complejidad de los tumores al calcular RENAL fue: 42 (49%) baja, 35 (41%) moderada y 9 (11%) alta. Según PADUA: 35 (41%) de baja complejidad, 32 (37%) intermedia y 19 (22%) alta. No se encontró correlación estadísticamente significativa en cuanto a la aparición de complicaciones operatorias y el resultado anatomopatológico en el caso de RENAL y PADUA, encontrando correlación en el caso de PADUA en relación con el tiempo de isquemia caliente. Se encontró en todas una correlación positiva según el índice de Spearman en la valoración por el urólogo y la radióloga. Conclusiones: El cálculo de las nefrometrías previo a la cirugía de los tumores renales puede ayudar en la planificación quirúrgica, pero surgen dudas sobre la utilidad para la previsión de parámetros quirúrgicos y anatomopatológicos. La correlación entre urólogo y radiólogo parece suficente

Objectives: To validate the relation of the nephrometry scores in a series of patients who underwent partial nephrectomy with perioperative parameters and the urologist-radiologist reproducibility. Materials and methods: A retrospective study of open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy patients performed between 2005 and 2012 registered in prospective filled out database. An urologist and a radiologist calculated the RENAL, PADUA and C-index for 86 patients. We carried out a comparative study of the results using the Spearman and Pearson correlation indexes. Results: Distribution according to the complexity of the tumors with the RENAL calculation was: 42 (49%) low, 35 (41%) moderated and 9 (11%) high complexity. According to PADUA: 35 (41%) low complexity, 32 (37%) intermediate and 19 (22%) high. No statistically significant correlation was found for the appearance of operative complications and the pathology results in case of RENAL and PADUA. A correlation was found in the case of PADUA in relation to the warm ischemia time. Positive correlation according to Spearman's index was found in RENAL, PADUA and C-index between urologist and radiologist evaluations. Conclusions: Nephrometry scores can be a useful tool to plan the surgical technique or approach. However, it is not clear if they are really predictors of surgical or pathologic parameters. The correlation between the urologist and radiologist seems to be sufficient to recommend their use by both specialties