Complete Evaluation Research Articles

Developing and testing a mobile application for imparting knowledge: the positive birth experience guideline to midwifery students

BackgroundGiven the importance of the care provided during labour and childbirth and its impact on the childbirth experience, as well as the fact that proper training of midwives can improve the quality of care, this study aims to design World Health Organization guideline for positive childbirth experience in the form of a mobile application (Phase One) and examine its effectiveness in imparting knowledge among midwifery students (Phase Two).MethodsThis study employed a research and development methodology. In the initial phase, the “Positive Birth Experience Application” was designed based on the WHO recommendations for the intrapartum period. The second phase utilized a one-group pretest-posttest design. After one month of using the application, 30 midwifery students from Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Tabriz, Iran completed knowledge (posttest) and evaluation questionnaires. The data was analyzed using SPSS Version 24 software. A Paired Samples T-test was conducted to assess the students’ knowledge before and after the intervention.ResultsThe results of the pilot study showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) in the mean knowledge scores of the students regarding the WHO guideline before and after the intervention. After the intervention, the students had higher knowledge scores compared to before using the application [(Mean Difference = 4.75; (95% Confidence Interval = 3.56 to 5.93)]. The analysis for the evaluation of the application indicated that the highest mean (SD = Standard Deviation) scores were observed for the information quality and system quality subscales, which were 50.7 (8.03) and 47.9 (11.6), respectively. In contrast, the lowest mean (SD) scores were associated with the service quality and user satisfaction subscales, which were 23.9 (7.43) and 25.6 (6.62), respectively.ConclusionsThe positive birth experience application can be used as an educational method to increase students’ knowledge of the recommendations of the WHO regarding intrapartum care. The evaluation of this application by the students demonstrated that it can provide valuable and high-quality information related to intrapartum care, thus enhancing their knowledge in this area.

Developing palliative care interventions in liver disease using formative and summative qualitative evaluation.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of nascent care delivery interventions to integrate palliative care into end-stage-liver disease (ESLD) is limited. Intervention development and evaluation is a systematic, complex, and time-consuming process. Qualitative research approaches, known as formative and summative evaluations, are recommended during intervention development to explore intervention mechanisms, to determine the need for refinement, and to provide a deeper understanding of intervention efficacy, effectiveness, and implementation barriers and facilitators. Although qualitative formative and summative evaluations are resource-intensive, they provide critical information about intervention feasibility, patient and clinician acceptability, and patient-centeredness. This review summarizes how qualitative formative and summative evaluation methods can inform the design, adaptation, and evaluation of interventions to integrate palliative care into ESLD. We describe the completed qualitative summative evaluation study, embedded within PAL-LIVER, an in progress 19-site cluster randomized trial of hepatologist- vs palliative specialist-led palliative care for patients with ESLD and their caregivers. We include patient, family, and clinician demographic data emphasizing how the sample is representative of the parent RCT and describe how the embedded qualitative study explored patient, family, and clinicians' perspectives on the intervention. Specifically, we sought to understand how the intervention was enacted (fidelity) and to provide a roadmap for future palliative care practice integration in ESLD. In conclusion, formative and summative evaluations play a vital role in improving interventions so that valuable and scarce palliative care resources are applied equitably and effectively and so that patients and their caregivers experience the best possible care and quality of life as they live with ESLD.

Comparison of the retinal segmentation analysis in patients with clinically unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

PurposeTo compare the thicknesses of each retinal layer in patients with clinically unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XFS) versus unaffected fellow eyes and healthy age-matched controls.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a complete ophthalmologic evaluation, including intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, was performed in 40 patients with unilateral XFS-affected and 43 healthy controls. After confirming that fellow eyes were clinically unaffected, all eyes underwent the retinal layer segmentation analysis using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI SD-OCT). The thickness maps were divided into nine subfields (i.e., 1-mm, 3-mm, and 6-mm grids) using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) and were extracted from the software to compare the groups.ResultsIn the 1-mm central subfield, thicknesses of the ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), and inner retinal layer (IRL) were significantly reduced both in XFS-affected and fellow eyes than in controls. Additionally, the thicknesses of the inner nuclear layer (INL) and outer plexiform layer (OPL) were significantly reduced in fellow eyes compared to controls. Comparison of XFS-affected versus fellow eyes in the 1-mm central subfield showed no significant differences in GCL, IPL, IRL, INL, and OPL thicknesses (p > 0.05, for all; Tukey HSD test). In ETDRS subfields, 3-mm temporal and 3-mm inferior IPL thicknesses of fellow eyes and 6-mm temporal INL thickness in XFS-affected eyes were reduced compared to controls (p < 0.05, for all).ConclusionIn clinically unilateral XFS, the consequential thinning of retinal layers in the fellow eye accompanies the significant thinning of retinal layers in the affected eye.

Markers of Inflammation and Hypofibrinolysis Are Associated with Cognitive Dysfunction and Motor Performances in Atrial Fibrillation Patients on Oral Anticoagulant Therapy: Insights from the Strat-AF Study

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common supraventricular arrythmia and one of the most commonly encountered heart conditions in clinical practice. Emerging evidence suggests a significant role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of AF. Population studies have also suggested an association between AF and cognitive impairment and dementia. The aim of this study is therefore to assess, in a population of AF patients on oral anticoagulant therapy, the association between circulating biomarkers involved in the pathogenesis of AF and the cognitive and motor performances of the enrolled patients. Methods: The Strat-AF study is an observational, prospective, single-center, hospital-based study enrolling elderly patients with AF. Results refer to 180 subjects who underwent a complete clinical, biohumoral, cognitive, and functional evaluation. Results: At multivariate logistic regression, Clot Lysis Time (CLT) and circulating levels of von Willebrand Factor (vWF) remained significantly associated with pathological performances at the Stroop test (expressed as execution time) [OR 95% CI 1.54 (1.02–2.35), p = 0.042 and 1.75 (1.08–2.82), p = 0.023, respectively]. With regard to the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), the circulating levels of IL-8 remained significantly associated with the clinical endpoint [OR 95% CI 2.19 (1.13–4.25), p = 0.020]. Conclusions: Our results suggest a potential innovative tool able to identify AF patients at risk of worse prognosis in terms of cognitive and motor performances. The clinical relevance of these results is due to the fact that we have no efficient methods to predict a deterioration in the cognitive performance and, consequently, the possible onset of dementia in AF patients undergoing oral anticoagulant therapy.

Research Progress on the Sinicization of ESG Evaluation System

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards have consistently been a highly researched topic in the field of pursuing sustainable development, but there exists a significant gap in the progress of research and exploration between China and the world in terms of the construction of ESG system, the selection of rating indicators and systematic research. This study aims to clarify the development status and problems of China's ESG rating system by analyzing the articles related to the ESG concept and system retrieved from Science Direct, Web of Science, and CNKI databases. It is found that China's ESG rating system has made preliminary development, yet a complete ESG system and evaluation criteria have not been established, and its evaluation indicators do not align with international standards. In order to facilitate the realization of the deepening of Chinas ESG research, this paper puts forward suggestions on the drawbacks of the current Chinese ESG system, emphasizing that it is necessary to strengthen the integration with the international system and develop an ESG system with high universality and strong practicability in combination with national characteristics.

Predictors of white matter hyperintensities in the elderly Congolese population

IntroductionWhite matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are strongly linked to cardiovascular risk factors and other health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, there is a dearth of research on this topic in low-income countries and underserved populations, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the population is aging rapidly with increasing cardiovascular risk factors and dementia-related diseases. This study evaluates health factors associated with WMH in the elderly Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), specifically Congolese adults.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study of 77 people from the DRC, participants underwent neuroimaging to analyze WMHs volume and completed clinical evaluation, laboratory-based blood exams, self-reported questionnaires, and interviews. A simple linear regression model was conducted to test the association between WMHs and potential predictors (dementia, age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, tobacco abuse, stroke, high cholesterol, cardiovascular medication, and alcohol abuse). Stepwise selection and backward elimination analyses were performed to obtain the final model. Finally, a multiple linear regression model was conducted to assess the association between WMHs and variables retained in the final model (dementia, sex, and age).ResultsOf the 77 individuals, 47 (61%) had dementia, 40 (52.6%) were males, and the mean age was 73 years (± 8.0 years standard deviation). In simple linear regression models, WMHs was significantly associated with dementia (expβ1 = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.14–2.71, p-value = 0.01) though it had a weak association with age (expβ1 = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00–1.05, p-value = 0.05) and sex (male) (expβ1 = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.43–1.01, p-value = 0.05). In multiple linear regression models, WMHs was statistically significantly associated with dementia (expβ1 = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.31–2.95, p-value =0.001), male sex (expβ2 = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.36–0.80, p-value = 0.003), and age (expβ3 = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00–1.06, p-value = 0.03). However, WMHs was not significantly associated with common cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco use, obesity, and high cholesterol levels.DiscussionWMHs is significantly associated with dementia, sex, and age in the Congolese population. Understanding these predictors may improve our ability to diagnose, assess, and develop preventative treatments for white matter disease in SSA/DRC populations, where neuroimaging is difficult to obtain.

A Quality Analysis of the Measurement Properties of the Clinician-Reported Outcome Measures for Vitiligo and of the Studies Assessing Them: A Systematic Review

Background/Objective: Evaluating the measurement properties (MPs) of Clinician-Reported Outcome Measures (ClinROMs) is crucial for selecting appropriate instruments for vitiligo assessment. This review critically appraises the existing evidence on the MPs of the ClinROMs used in vitiligo. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to 20 February 2024, identifying validated ClinROMs in vitiligo. Studies were included if they provided original data on ClinROM development or analysis, excluding those solely validating other instruments. The assessment of ClinROM quality and risk of bias analysis followed COSMIN guidelines, and ClinROMs with the highest number of sufficiently rated MPs supported by a moderate/high Quality of Evidence (QoE) were identified per construct category (extent/repigmentation and evolution/activity). Results: This review included 22 studies evaluating 12 ClinROMs. For extent/repigmentation, the Vitiligo Area and Severity Index (VASI), Vitiligo Extent Score (VES), and VESplus each had four MPs rated sufficient with a moderate/high QoE. For evolution, the Vitiligo Disease Improvement Score (VDIS) and Vitiligo Disease Activity Score (VDAS) similarly had four MPs rated sufficient with a moderate/high QoE. For activity evaluated based on a single time point, the Vitiligo Signs of Activity Score (VSAS), the only validated ClinROM for visible signs of disease activity, had three MPs rated sufficient with a moderate/high QoE. Conclusions: Six ClinROMs demonstrated the highest quality ratings across two key constructs. However, none underwent a complete evaluation of all their MPs, highlighting the need for further validation and refinement.

Graphene for lithium–sulfur batteries: an odyssey from materials optimization to cell prototype

Abstract The purpose of this perspective article is to showcase the different strategies followed in the last years for the integration of graphene into lithium–sulfur batteries. The article will also disclose the limitations and difficulties found out when trying to scale up graphene-based electrodes and their compatibility with novel electrolytes for the development of pre-industrial pouch cells operating under realistic conditions. Representative works and recent results on the use of graphene for Li-S batteries are included to provide context in the path carried out in the last years, underlining every step forward regarding the benefits of using graphene in this technology. Starting with the first graphene integration approaches within the sulfur-based electrodes, addressing the impact of chemical modifications, and going forward with the development of graphene-based binder-free self-standing aerogels and graphene-carbon composites with optimized performances at coin cell level, a complete evaluation of the different initial strategies is carried out. Further on, the efforts are focused on unraveling the synergistic effects of graphene-based electrodes with tuned electrolyte compositions, and finally the strategies to scale-up the systems to prototype pouch cells are also reviewed.

Wearable sensors for measuring spontaneous upper limb use in children with unilateral cerebral palsy and typical development

BackgroundUnilateral Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a clinical condition which mainly involves the movement and muscle tone of one side of the body, often impacting the general manual function. While there are some clinical assessment tools aimed to quantify the Upper Limbs (UpLs) use and the manual abilities, acquiring information regarding the motor abilities outside the clinical environment, such as the UpLs use and their asymmetry during daily life, could provide a more complete evaluation of the child and open a new clinical reasoning. For this purpose, wearable sensors are one of the newest approaches for continuously monitoring UpLs functions without being invasive. The aim of this study was to use wearable sensors to compare spontaneous/daily UpLs usage and asymmetry with the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) test, as well as comparing the daily UpLs usage behavior of children with UCP with respect to Typical Developing (TD) peers.MethodsEighty children (54 with UCP and 26 TD) wore an Actigraph sensor on each wrist during the AHA test and then at least for the following week of daily life. The amount of use of each hand and the asymmetry were analyzed during both the AHA and the following week of daily life using linear regression analysis and ANOVA models.ResultsSignificant relationships were found between the asymmetry detected during the week and both the AHA scores and the asymmetry detected during the test. UCP and TD children week asymmetry distributions were significantly different; moreover, some differences were found when grouping them by MACS levels.ConclusionThis paper proposes a new and easy technological methodology for monitoring UpLs behavior in daily life. Through wearable sensor data analysis, we demonstrate a linear correlation between asymmetry measured during smi-structured assessments and daily life. Additionally, we provide evidence of distinct patterns of UpLs usage between typically developing children and children with UCP in daily life.Trial registrationClinical Trials.gov (NCT03054441).

Spinal Cord Stimulation Failed to Improve Parkinson's Disease Symptoms in Randomized Crossover Double-Blinded Evaluation.

Epidural electrical spinal cord stimulation has been studied for more than a decade for Parkinson's disease symptoms, but compelling evidence for its effectiveness is still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of spinal cord stimulation in Parkinson's disease. Participants had Parkinson's disease diagnosis, gait impairment and freezing of gait, and no pain. Paddle electrodes were implanted at the T2-T4 level. After 6 months of parameter selection, subthreshold and sham stimulation were compared through a double-blinded randomized evaluation and further compared with suprathreshold stimulation. A second 6- to 8-month period of parameter adjustment and a final long-term open evaluation followed. Outcomes were determined via Timed Up and Go (TUG), Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Scale (MDS UPDRS) Part III, Mini BESTest, New Freezing of Gait Questionnaire, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire 39, Fall Efficiency Scale International, and accelerometer-based gait analysis. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was also performed during the double-blind evaluation period. This study was terminated for futility after eight patients underwent implantation and seven completed double-blind evaluations. TUG duration ON stimulation was median 11.59 (19.7-10.9) seconds on medication and 24.49 (48.1-13.7) seconds off medication, which was not statistically different from sham with 12.38 (13.7-11.8) and 16.93 (30-14.4) seconds on respective medication status. Likewise, no significant differences were found for MDS UPDRS Part III scores, respectively, ON active stimulation for 29 (33.5-23) and 42 (51-40) seconds and on sham 28 (30.5-26) and 50 (51.5-44) seconds. No effect from stimulation was identified in any other outcome. No effect of spinal cord stimulation in Parkinson's disease symptoms was identified. © 2025 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Plasminogen as a Marker for Assessing Thrombotic Risk During Hepatitis in Cameroon: Case-Control Study.

The liver synthesizes coagulation factors, anticoagulants, proteins involved in fibrinolysis, and the platelet production regulator, thrombopoietin, from megakaryocytes. Importantly, hepatic dysfunction that arises from hepatitis may perturb the clotting process. This study aims to determine these patients' plasminogen levels and hemostasis disorders to assess the thrombotic risk. An analytical case-control study was carried out over 6 months. The study included hepatitis B, C, and D patients from Bafoussam Regional Hospital and Laquinitie Hospital in Douala-Cameroon, compared to healthy controls, to evaluate differences in hemostasis and thrombotic risk. Control tests were performed using the immunochromatographic and ELISA methods. Blood Count was performed by flow cytometry method. And determination of d-dimer and plasminogen by nephelometry and ELISA respectively; finally the evaluation of the enzymatic activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT and AST) by the spectrophotometric kinetic method. The results were recorded in an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using the statistical software R version 4.1.1. The population size was 340 participants including 162 controls (47.7%) and 178 (52.3%) cases of which 136 cases of hepatitis B (76.4%), 26 cases of hepatitis C (14.6%), and 16 cases of hepatitis D (9%). The sex ratio was 3.15 in favor of men; including 1.7 in cases and 9.1 in controls. All patients had a thrombotic risk characterized by a decrease in plasminogen levels compared to controls (p < 0.001). 13.5% of the population had thrombocytopenia compared to none among controls (p < 0.001). The following parameters are associated with risk of developing thrombosis in this study in particular Hepatitis (aOR = 3; 95% CI [1.01-5.2]; p < 0.03), plasminogen decrease (aOR = 3; 95% CI [1.01-5.2]; p < 0.03), shortening cephalin time activator (CTA) (aOR = 1.5; 95% CI [1.1-5.2]; p < 0.04), and decreased hemoglobin (aOR = 2.1; 95% CI [1.1-5.1;]; p < 0.03). This study shows a decrease in plasminogen in patients during hepatitis. It suggests it is an important element to evaluate the thrombotic risk although the exploration of other coagulation tests should be associated with it for a complete and exhaustive evaluation and a better final diagnosis.

Self-supervised Transformer for 3D point clouds completion and morphology evaluation of granular particle

Self-supervised Transformer for 3D point clouds completion and morphology evaluation of granular particle

Enhancing global cybersecurity: Strategies for mitigating advanced persistent threats (APTS) in a borderless digital landscape

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) evolved into the most advanced persistent cyber threats that plague modern digital infrastructure worldwide. APTs differ from ordinary cyberattacks through their specific and hidden nature, which nation-states, cybers, criminals, and industrial espionage groups undertake for extended periods. The technical growth of digital systems worldwide creates substantial security issues because attackers take advantage of unconnected legal zones and technical vulnerabilities while exploiting differences in regulations across different regions. The adoption of cloud technology, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence enables cyber adversary warfare methods to progress toward more strategic sophisticated operations because these technologies increase the complexity of cybercrime. A review of APT evolution and methodologies within a digital world with no borders demonstrates the necessity of international coordination for threat mitigation. The examination reveals two weaknesses of present cybersecurity systems: standard defensive approaches work only from within borders, and member states lack sufficient ways to exchange information about threats. This study develops sophisticated privacy-preserving solutions that use artificial intelligence, predictive methods, and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) to strengthen worldwide cyber defense capabilities. The study adopts a diverse research method that combines analysis of technical data with case investigations of major APT incidents and complete national cybersecurity policy evaluations. Statistical and thematic analysis of the study shows how present-day defenses perform while spotting new attack procedures and quantifying international cybersecurity project success. Traditional cybersecurity implementations remain important yet insufficient for preventing contemporary APT assaults. Fighting APT risks demands better AI threat identification, uninterrupted networking controls, and expanded international security partnerships. Additionally, the research shows that organizations must establish proactive cybersecurity frameworks that combine Zero Trust architecture with real-time intelligence sharing and strict policy implementation. Strengthening defenses against APTs across the interconnected world requires major recommendations, which the study provides explicitly for cybersecurity professionals, policymakers, and industrial stakeholders.

Difference In Clinical &amp; Biochemical Profile In Patients Of Long Standing Diabetes Having Diabetic Retinopathy &amp; Patients Who Do Not Have Diabetic Retinopathy With Special Reference To Serum Bilirubin

e nanosized-based carrier systems which comprise solid lipid matrix combined with liquid lipids and surfactants. The aim of Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of long-standing diabetes mellitus (DM) and is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide. Mounting evidence suggests that the presence of DR may be associated with alterations in various clinical and biochemical parameters, including serum bilirubin levels. This paper aims to explore the differences in the clinical and biochemical profiles of patients with long-standing DM, with and without DR, with a specific focus on serum bilirubin. Purpose: To study the association between serum bilirubin concentration and different grades of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus Settings and Design: Cross sectional (observational) study Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional (observational) study was conducted among patients with duration of diabetes more than or equal to 3 years. Seventy-six eligible patients were undergone complete ophthalmic evaluation along with detailed Ocular and medical history followed by examination and measurements as described above. Diabetic gradings were done according to International Clinical Disease Severity Scale. All patients were grouped as without and with diabetic retinopathy changes using Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) classification. All patients were investigated to assess their glycaemic control (RBS and HbA1c) and serum bilirubin levels (Diazo method). Findings were recorded in a pre-designed proforma and analysed for relationship of biochemical parameters with various stages of diabetic retinopathy Results: The mean age of the study participants was 59.72 years. Among 7.9% had a duration of diabetes of more than ten years. 55.3% of the study participants had a duration of diabetes less than five years. In the present study, the mean total bilirubin was 0.58 mg/dl among diabetic patients. The mean values of direct and indirect bilirubin were 0.34 mg/dl (SD -0.14mg/dl) and 0.24 mg/dl (SD- 0.07 mg/dl), respectively. Conclusion: The proportion of diabetic retinopathy was significantly higher with long duration of diabetes. The mean values of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin were significantly higher among the patients with no diabetic retinopathy compare to patients having diabetic retinopathy. Independent of conventional risk variables, low blood bilirubin concentrations were significantl related with an elevated risk of DR. Serum bilirubin may be used as a biomarker to identify persons at risk for DR.

Cross-validation of the MMPI dissimulation ADHD scale in a sample of adults presenting for ADHD evaluation

Objective: There are few attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-specific symptom validity tests (SVTs) available. The revised Dissimulation ADHD scale (Ds-ADHD-r) was developed to identify noncredible reporting on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The current study examines whether the Ds-ADHD-r can identify noncredible performance and reporting in a clinical sample. Method: Participants (N = 113) completed neuropsychological evaluations in an university clinic, including the Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS), MMPI-2-RF or MMPI-3, at least one standalone performance validity test (PVT), and at least four embedded PVTs. Noncredible groups were created based on falling above or below the cutoff on at least one PVT or falling above or below the cutoff on one SVT. Results: Those who scored above the SVT cutoffs scored higher on both the RBS and the Ds-ADHD-r compared to those who scored below the SVT cutoffs, while PVT performance groups did not differ on either the RBS or Ds-ADHD-r. The Ds-ADHD-r demonstrated greater utility in identifying symptom overreporting when compared to the MMPI RBS. The Ds-ADHD-r did not show utility in detecting noncredible performance. In correlation analyses, the Ds-ADHD-r was more strongly correlated to MMPI F and F scales as compared to FBS and RBS. Conclusions: Results support the utility of the Ds-ADHD-r to detect symptom overreporting in adults seeking evaluation for ADHD, though validation in additional, more diverse samples are needed.

Completeness Evaluation of Adult-Population-Based Cancer Registries: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aims to identify the methods used by adult population-based cancer registries worldwide to assess the completeness of their data. It also considered the significant role of high-quality data in method selection and the significant challenges of data handling. A comprehensive electronic literature search was conducted across the Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed for studies published from January 2004 to December 2024. The review was written according to PRISMA guidelines, and the risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. The review identified 83 studies from 31 countries, the majority from Europe, especially Nordic and Central European countries. Most studies met high-quality standards, with only one study scoring below 75%. Common approaches include independent case ascertainment (the most used), a capture-recapture analysis, a death-certificate-only analysis, and comparisons with historical rates. While independent case ascertainment is valuable when high-quality auxiliary sources are available, its accuracy varies. Other methods, like capture-recapture or Mortality-to-Incidence ratios, may be more accurate or feasible in some cases. The findings suggest that methods for completeness evaluations vary widely across registries, influenced by data quality and regional practices. The results emphasize the importance of the continuous refinement of these assessment methods to improve the reliability and global comparability of cancer registry data.

Evaluation of Indigenous status completeness in vaccine preventable disease notification data in the NNDSS.

High quality Indigenous status data for vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) in the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) is important for evaluation of immunisation programs and ultimately for improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We evaluated Indigenous status completeness, and factors influencing it, for VPDs in the NNDSS. Literature review (published and grey); descriptive analysis of NNDSS data for selected VPDs over the 2010-2019 period; standardised online survey (containing closed- and open-ended questions) of key informants; semi-structured follow-up interviews. National level Indigenous status completeness for those VPDs with a Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) target of 95% was above that target for Haemophilus influenzae type b, measles, invasive meningococcal disease and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD: < 5 and ≥ 50 years); and was within four percentage points for hepatitis A, newly acquired hepatitis B and pertussis (< 5 years). For VPDs with an 80% target, completeness was ≥ 90% for diphtheria, mumps, rubella and tetanus; ≥ 80% for IPD (≥ 5 to < 50 years); and below target for unspecified hepatitis B (54%), laboratory confirmed influenza (47%), pertussis (≥ 5 years; 60%) and rotavirus (71%). However, completeness was above 90% for all VPDs in the Northern Territory, and all except laboratory confirmed influenza (89%) in Western Australia. Key barriers to Indigenous status completeness include the absence of an Indigenous status field on most pathology request forms and limited public health authority resource capacity to follow up missing data, particularly for high incidence diseases. National level Indigenous status completeness is high for most VPDs but low for others, particularly for high incidence diseases predominantly notified by laboratories. Completeness is uniformly high for all VPDs in the Northern Territory and Western Australia; however, this is due to the resource-intensive public health follow-up of all notifications and manual cross-checking of other databases when Indigenous status is missing. To more efficiently optimise Indigenous status completeness in the NNDSS across all jurisdictions, a mix of additional strategies is needed to ensure accurate identification and recording in primary care, hospital, laboratory and public health settings, and effective transfer between them.

Hearing and Balance Problems in a Chiari-1 Malformation Associated with Communicating Hydrocephalus - A Case Report

Chiari malformation is characterized by an anatomical alteration at the base of the skull, cerebellar herniation, or brainstem herniation via the magnum foramen and up to the cervical spinal canal. It is categorized into five subtypes from type 0 to type IV. The effect of Chiari malformation is reported on the auditory as well as vestibular system due to the nature of the condition. A case of the 36-year-old female came with the complaint of reduced hearing sensitivity and ringing sensation in both ears along with episodes of vertigo, imbalance while walking, and headache and was diagnosed with bilateral cerebellar tonsillar herniation with mild communicating hydrocephalus. Detailed audiological evaluation revealed normal middle ear functioning in both ears, hearing sensitivity within normal limits in the right ear, and severe- profound hearing loss in the left ear, which correlated well with Auditory brainstem response testing. Tinnitus handicap evaluation revealed that catastrophic form of tinnitus and dizziness handicap evaluation revealed a severe form of dizziness. subjective vestibular evaluation revealed nystagmus and instability while testing indicative of vestibular impairment of central origin. The present case report supports the evidence-based practice and the outcomes of a complete audiological evaluation and subjective vestibular evaluation in an adult female with Chiari-1 malformation and communicating hydrocephalus are highlighted in this case report. Hearing loss and balance difficulties can be progressive, thus audiological and vestibular evaluations are vital to understanding pathophysiology, seeking the appropriate therapeutic approach, and enhancing the overall quality of life in these patients. Keywords: Cerebellar Herniation, Tonsillar ectopia, Chiari malformation, Communicating hydrocephalus, Nystagmus, Sensori-neural hearing loss, Fukuda stepping test

Complete preclinical evaluation of the novel antibody mimetic Nanofitin-IRDye800CW for diverse non-invasive diagnostic applications in the management of HER-2 positive tumors

There are well-known limitations associated to the use of antibodies in the non-invasive detection of HER-2 expression. In fact, current procedures recommended for diagnostic purposes of HER-2 status are still invasive techniques. Here, a novel, smaller diagnostic probe, the anti-HER-2 Nanofitin conjugated to the fluorophore IRDye800CW (NF-800), underwent an in vitro/in vivo proof of concept study by Optical Imaging. NF-800 showed high affinity and specificity for the cellular target, and the ability to internalize into HER-2 positive cells. By ex vivo analysis, NF-800 showed a selective tumor accumulation in xenograft tumor models, and also a good tumor targeting efficacy in translational preclinical setups, such as orthotopic and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. In the latter, NF-800 was compared to the anti-HER-2 antibody Trastuzumab, displaying a large diagnostic advantage. Interestingly, NF-800 did not seem to share the same binding site with Trastuzumab and Pertuzumab, opening specific theragnostic opportunities for NF-800 in combination with standard-of-care antibodies.

Quality-of-life assessment instruments for patients with vestibular schwannoma: A systematic review.

Quality-of-life assessment instruments for patients with vestibular schwannoma: A systematic review.