Component Scoring Research Articles

P294 ArgesUCEIS: A high-performance, generalizable AI models for scoring Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS) component scores in endoscopy videos

Abstract Background Ulcerative Colitis (UC) endoscopic disease severity assessment is crucial in drug development and impacts clinical outcomes. We developed ArgesUCEIS, a set of three AI algorithms, to estimate UCEIS component scores that quantify the degree of bleeding, ulceration/erosion, and vascular obliteration in endoscopy videos. Our goal is to validate the locked algorithms that automate UCEIS component scoring using prospective UC clinical trial data. Methods We trained three distinct AI algorithms (ArgesUCEIS) to estimate degree of bleeding, ulceration/erosion, and vascular obliteration, respectively, based on human readings using endoscopy videos from a UC clinical trial (UNIFI: NCT02407236, Phase 3, 965 subjects, 3128 videos) where 20% of the total data was kept as a holdout set. The AI-model training had two steps: 1) training a feature extraction module using self-supervised learning (SSL); 2) training a supervised small transformer network with attention-based classifier using SSL features to estimate corresponding UCEIS component scores, with the attention layer potentially identifying representative frames. We validated the locked AI-models for UCEIS component scores using an independent UC trial (QUASAR: NCT04033445, Phase 2b induction study, 313 subjects, 615 videos), scoring baseline and week 12 endoscopic visits. AI model scores were compared to human read UCEIS component scores using AUC, Accuracy, and F1 score. Additionally, a Spearman correlation analysis assessed the relationship between UCEIS component model scores and human-read Mayo endoscopic subscores (MES) at both visit weeks. Results The locked AI models were evaluated on independent QUASAR data for all three component models, showing moderate to high performance with AUC, Accuracy, and F1 score, comparable to the UNIFI holdout set results (Table 1), indicating their generalizability. Figure 1 shows representative frames ("high attention") for each model, providing insights into the frame-level features used by ArgesUCEIS to estimate disease severity. Spearman correlation analysis indicated small to moderate correlations of bleeding, ulceration/erosion, and vascular AI models with human-read MES at baseline (0.22, 0.48, 0.37) and week 12 (0.50, 0.66, 0.61) visits, respectively, all with p-values below 0.05. Conclusion ArgesUCEIS, a set of three AI models for estimating UCEIS component scores, were validated using prospective UC clinical trial data and holdout data. They showed good performance with moderate to high AUC and accuracy, automating endoscopic disease severity assessments. They can be used alongside or independently of MES. They have potential to improve quality, efficiency, and enhance our understanding of drug's endoscopic impact in UC clinical trials.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) websites: systematic appraisal of content, quality, readability and suitability of websites for SCAD survivors

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Solve CHD NHMRC Synergy Grant Background Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is estimated to account for 4% of acute coronary syndrome presentations but is a distinctly different disease and demographic from typical atherosclerotic heart attacks. Survivors of SCAD typically turn to the internet for information. However, websites are not subject to stringent quality regulation. Purpose This study identified and appraised websites containing SCAD information using a variation of a systematic review study design. Quality, suitability, readability and content accuracy and scope were assessed. Methods Keywords related to SCAD definition, rarity, treatment, support and life after SCAD were searched in Google. Results were screened and evaluated systematically. Information content was assessed using a point-scoring tool based on current SCAD consensus literature. Quality and suitability of the websites was assessed using the Suitability Assessment of Materials, Quality Component Scoring System (QCSS), the Health-Related Website Evaluation Form (HRWEF), and adherence to the Health on the Net code. Readability was assessed using the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook, Flesch-Kincaid, and a readability generator. Results Of the 600 screened, n=316 duplicates were removed and n=50 eligible websites were included. Websites were most frequently made by hospital groups (34%), independent organisations (20%) and survivors (24%). The most frequent grading of quality was poor (32%) or good (30%) using the QCSS and adequate using the HRWEF (74%). Suitability of materials was overall adequate (64%). Content, scope and depth across websites had a mean score of 47.5 (SD 25.0) and was rated poor. The websites with highest scores for factually accurate content were survivor made (57.9%) and national foundations (56.3%) versus professional associations (34.6%) and hospital groups (35.2%) which had the lowest. The emotional impact of SCAD was addressed in 52% and content regarding family or partners support was given in 40%. Survivors had input in 63% and survivor groups were recommended in 50%. Most websites were rated fairly difficult (46%) or difficult to read (42%), with a mean readability grade of 11.6 (SD 2.3). Conclusions Despite high availability and fair quality, websites for SCAD survivors to access have poor content depth and require higher reading proficiency to understand. Almost half neglect the emotional impact of SCAD on the survivor and their families. Given the generally poor content of information available online, it is essential that SCAD survivors are provided high quality information on discharge from hospital and during cardiac rehabilitation. Health authority website are considered authoritative sources and for SCAD need to be improved. Survivor and national foundation websites may be the most appropriate to recommend for SCAD information currently due to higher factually correct content scores, broader scope of information, and demographically contextual material.

Interactivity, Quality, and Content of Websites Promoting Health Behaviors During Infancy: 6-Year Update of the Systematic Assessment.

BackgroundAs of 2021, 89% of the Australian population are active internet users. Although the internet is widely used, there are concerns about the quality, accuracy, and credibility of health-related websites. A 2015 systematic assessment of infant feeding websites and apps available in Australia found that 61% of websites were of poor quality and readability, with minimal coverage of infant feeding topics and lack of author credibility.ObjectiveWe aimed to systematically assess the quality, interactivity, readability, and comprehensibility of information targeting infant health behaviors on websites globally and provide an update of the 2015 systematic assessment.MethodsKeywords related to infant milk feeding behaviors, solid feeding behaviors, active play, screen time, and sleep were used to identify websites targeting infant health behaviors on the Google search engine on Safari. The websites were assessed by a subset of the authors using predetermined criteria between July 2021 and February 2022 and assessed for information content based on the Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines and National Physical Activity Recommendations. The Suitability Assessment of Materials, Quality Component Scoring System, the Health-Related Website Evaluation Form, and the adherence to the Health on the Net code were used to evaluate the suitability and quality of information. Readability was assessed using 3 web-based readability tools.ResultsOf the 450 websites screened, 66 were included based on the selection criteria and evaluated. Overall, the quality of websites was mostly adequate. Media-related sources, nongovernmental organizations, hospitals, and privately owned websites had the highest median quality scores, whereas university websites received the lowest median score (35%). The information covered within the websites was predominantly poor: 91% (60/66) of the websites received an overall score of ≤74% (mean 53%, SD 18%). The suitability of health information was mostly rated adequate for literacy demand, layout, and learning and motivation of readers. The median readability score for the websites was grade 8.5, which is higher than the government recommendations (<grade 8). Overall, 74% (49/66) of the websites obtained a poor rating for interactivity, measuring active control, 2-way communication, and synchronicity. The most common features found on websites were social media links (61/66, 92%), frequently asked questions (48/66, 73%), and videos (44/66, 67%). Only 14% (9/66) of websites presented culturally responsive information.ConclusionsQuality, content, readability, and interactivity of websites promoting health behaviors during infancy ranged between poor and adequate. Since the 2015 systematic assessment, there was a slight improvement in the quality of websites but no difference in the Suitability Assessment of Materials rating and readability of information. There is a need for researchers and health care providers to leverage innovative web-based platforms to provide culturally competent evidence-based information based on government guidelines that are accessible to those with limited English proficiency.

Effect Of Stress on Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis

Stress symptoms affect one’s body, thoughts and feelings. Stress may decrease an individual’s self-esteem, increasing anxiety and sadness, and adversely affecting the general quality of life (QoL) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Objective: To determine the effect of stress on quality of life in patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 196 participants at The University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. Stress in RA patients was measured using a perceived stress score (PSS). PSS scores were calculated by inverting replies to the four positively stated items (items 4, 5, 7, and 8) and then accumulating all scale items (e.g., 0 = 4, 1 = 3, 2 = 2, 3 = 1 &amp; 4 = 0). The SF-36 questionnaire was used to measure QoL. The lower the score, the greater the degree of impairment; for example, a score of zero equals maximum disability and a score of 100 equals no disability. A non-probability convenient sampling strategy was used to compute sample size. Results: The results showed that the average value of age was 44.14± 6.842 years with a lowest value of 32.00 and a highest value of 58.00 years. Male had a frequency of 13 (6.6%) and patients with a frequency of 183 (93.4%). According to the results, the average value of physical health component scoring was 37.12± 9.96 and the average value of mental health component scoring was 44.00± 5.738. The results showed that the average value of perceived stress score was 25.32± 7.47. The significant value of 0.000 was smaller than the p-value in the study, indicating that there is a link between stress and quality of life. Conclusion: These findings led to the conclusion that stress had an impact on RA Patient's quality of life.

What Glaucoma Patients Are Reading on the Internet: A Systematic Analysis of Online Glaucoma Content

To systematically assess the content, quality, accuracy, navigability, and readability of the highest ranked online information regarding glaucoma. Internet-based, cross-sectional study. Not applicable. The top 15 Google websites that resulted from the search term "glaucoma" were independently evaluated by 3 glaucoma specialists for content, accuracy (1-4 scale), and navigability (1-3 scale) in March 2020. Content was evaluated by answers to 25 questions regarding information most relevant to glaucoma patients (0-2 scale). Readability (Flesch-Kincaid grade level) and quality (Quality Component Scoring System) were also analyzed. Overall content, accuracy, navigability, quality component scores, and reading grade level as described. Additional analyses included type of websites, presence and type of graphic content. The mean (standard deviation) content score for all websites was 28 (7.6) of 50 possible points (range, 15-45). Inter-rater reliability for content score was good (0.619, 0.746, 0.872 for 3 pairwise comparisons between graders). Mean accuracy score was 9.8 (2.2) of 12 possible points (range, 5-12). Mean navigability score was 7.5 (1.4) of 9 possible points (range, 5-9). Mean reading grade level was 9.3 (1.7) with a range of 7-13 reading grades. Mean quality component score was 7.7 (2.6) of 13 possible points (range, 3-11). Six websites (40%) attempted to visually simulate glaucoma symptoms as tunnel vision (n= 5) and black spots (n= 1). Google rank did not correlate with any of the measures. The most readily accessible online information about glaucoma varies in content, quality, accuracy, navigability, and readability. This systematic analysis identifies potential areas of improvement.

Semi-quantitative seismic risk screening tool for existing buildings in Canada

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) recently developed a semi-quantitative seismic risk screening tool (SQST) for existing buildings in Canada. The SQST is intended to supersede the Manual for Screening of Buildings for Seismic Investigation developed by the NRC in the early 1990s. The SQST consists of three key components: (i) a structural scoring system that quantitatively assesses the structural seismic risk based on probability of collapse; (ii) a nonstructural component scoring system that qualitatively assesses the seismic risk of nonstructural components based on seismic demand; and (iii) a ranking procedure that prioritizes potentially hazardous buildings for seismic evaluations and possible upgrading. The intent of the SQST is to inexpensively identify and exempt buildings with acceptable life safety risk and optimize the allocation of resources to assess the seismic risks to portfolios of buildings. Seismic screening with the SQST can be completed with either paper-based screening forms or a web-based application. The applicability of the SQST was demonstrated with a pilot study for 33 existing buildings across Canada.

Evaluating the Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Midfoot Scale.

The use of a valid and reliable outcome scoring system is crucial for evaluating the result of different treatment interventions. The aims of this study were to translate and culturally adapt the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot scoring system into the Persian language and assess its validity and reliability. In total, 57 patients with midfoot injuries were enrolled. Forward-backward translation and cultural adaptation methods were used to develop the Persian version of AOFAS midfoot scoring system. Reliability and internal consistency were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's alpha. The discriminant and convergent validities of the scoring system were assessed using the total score of the mental and physical component of SF-36. The mean age of the participants was 46.2 ± 16.3 years. The intra-observer reliability of the totals core of the Persian version of AOFAS midfoot scoring system was 0.96 (confidence interval [CI]: 0.92-0.97) and the inter-observer reliability of the scoring system was 0.90 (CI: 0.86-0.95). The Persian version of AOFAS midfoot scoring system had acceptable convergence with physical component scoring system of SF-36 and its subscales (0.57); moreover, it had acceptable discriminant validity with the mental component of SF-36 and its subscales (0.36). The Persian version of AOFAS midfoot is a reliable and valid instrument and could be used by Persian language clinicians and researchers. 3.

Identifying Doxycycline Hydrochloride and Tylosin in Chicken Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Because antibiotics are regularly used for chicken, food safety is of utmost importance, and health experts pay attention to the effect antibiotics could have on human health. This study examines how surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was used to identify two antibiotic residues in chicken, doxycycline hydrochloride (DCH) and tylosin (TYL). A single-factor experiment method was adopted to optimize the SERS detection conditions. Results show that the SERS intensities of the chicken samples containing DCH and TYL had greater effectiveness in the peaks of 672 and 771 cm-1 under gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) as the enhancement substrate at 10 min of the optimal adsorption time. The original SERS spectra were pretreated using the method of adaptive iterative penalty least square (air-PLS) and the second derivative, where the feature vectors were extracted by principal component analysis (PCA). The first four principal component scoring was selected as the input values of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) with an overall classification accuracy of 100% for the test set. The experimental results show that SERS technology can identify DCH and TYL in chicken.

The Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) for CLTI: Improving Inter-Observer Agreement.

Objective: The 2020 Global Vascular Guidelines aim at improving decision making in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI) by providing a framework for evidence-based revascularization. Herein, the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) serves to estimate the chance of success and patency of arterial pathway revascularization based on the extent and distribution of the atherosclerotic lesions. We report the preliminary feasibility results and observer variability of the GLASS. GLASS is a part of the new global guideline and posed as a promising additional tool for EBR strategies to predict the success of lower extremity arterial revascularization. This study reports on the consistency of GLASS scoring to maximize inter-observer agreement and facilitate its application. Methods: GLASS separately scores the femoropopliteal (FP) and infrapopliteal (IP) segment based on stenosis severity, lesion length and the extent of calcification within the target artery pathway (TAP). In our stepwise approach, we used two angiographic datasets. Each following step was based on the lessons learned from the previous step. The primary outcome was inter-observer agreement measured as Cohen’s Kappa, scored by two (step 1 + 2) and four (step 3) blinded and experienced observers, respectively. Steps 1 (n = 139) and 2 (n = 50) were executed within a dataset of a Dutch interventional RCT in CLTI. Step 3 (n = 100) was performed in randomly selected all-comer CLTI patients from two vascular centers in the United States. Results: In step 1, kappa values were 0.346 (FP) and 0.180 (IP). In step 2, applied in the same dataset, the use of other experienced observers and a provided TAP, resulted in similar low kappa values 0.406 (FP) and 0.089 (IP). Subsequently, in step 3, the formation of an altered stepwise approach using component scoring, such as separate scoring of calcification and adding a ruler to the images resulted in kappa values increasing to 0.796 (FP) and 0.730 (IP). Conclusion: This retrospective GLASS validation study revealed low inter-observer agreement for unconditioned scoring. A stepwise component scoring provides acceptable agreement and a solid base for further prospective validation studies to investigate how GLASS relates to treatment outcomes.

Methodology for seismic risk screening of existing buildings in Canada: Non-structural component scoring system

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has recently developed a Semi-Quantitative Seismic Risk Screening Tool (SQST) to supersede the 1993 NRC Manual for Screening of Buildings for Seismic Investigation. The proposed screening tool incorporates a methodology for estimating global seismic risk of existing buildings associated with failure of their non-structural components. The methodology assesses global seismic risk using a qualitative yet comprehensive scoring system. The scoring system consists of a global non-structural component score and acceptable threshold scores. The global score is based on the most critical components. It combines a basic score with score modifiers for key parameters affecting the seismic response of non-structural components. The acceptable threshold score is based on the building’s consequence of failure, the building’s importance category, and the component factor. The scoring system is calibrated to be consistent with the seismic risk acceptance criteria previously developed for preliminary seismic risk screening of existing buildings, based on Canadian seismicity, building age, remaining occupancy time, and consequences of failure.

Preoperative Mental Health Component Scoring Is Related to Patient Reported Outcomes Following Lumbar Fusion.

Retrospective cohort review. The objective of this study was to identify depression using the Mental Component Score (MCS-12) of the Short Form-12 (SF-12) survey and to correlate with patient outcomes. The impact of preexisting depressive symptoms on health-care related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes following lumbar spine fusion is not well understood. Patients undergoing lumbar fusion between one to three levels at a single center, academic hospital were retrospectively identified. Patients under the age of 18 years and those undergoing surgery for infection, trauma, tumor, or revision, and less than 1-year follow-up were excluded. Patients with depressive symptoms were identified using an existing clinical diagnosis or a score of MCS-12 less than or equal to 45.6 on the preoperative SF-12 survey. Absolute HRQOL scores, the recovery ratio (RR) and the percent of patients achieving minimum clinically important difference (MCID) between groups were compared, and a multiple linear regression analysis was performed. A total of 391 patients were included in the total cohort, with 123 (31.5%) patients reporting symptoms of depression based on MCS-12 and 268 (68.5%) without these symptoms. The low MCS-12 group was found to have significantly worse preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI), visual analogue scale back pain (VAS Back) and visual analogue scale leg pain (VAS Leg) scores, and postoperative SF-12 physical component score (PCS-12), ODI, VAS Back, and VAS Leg pain scores (P < 0.05) than the non-depressed group. Finally, multiple linear regression analysis revealed preoperative depression to be a significant predictor of worse outcomes after lumbar fusion. Patients with depressive symptoms, identified with an MCS-12 cutoff below 45.6, were found to have significantly greater disability in a variety of HRQOL domains at baseline and postoperative measurement, and demonstrated less improvement in all outcome domains included in the analysis compared with patients without depression. However, while the improvement was less, even the low MCS-12 cohort demonstrated statistically significant improvement in all HRQOL outcome measures after surgery. 3.

Scoring of Leisure Activities for Older Adults According to Cognitive, Physical, and Social Components.

Participation in leisure activities may be cognitively protective for older adults. However, there is no comprehensive scoring system for analyzing data related to the effectiveness of leisure activity engagement on cognitive decline risk. The authors developed a component scoring system to determine the typical amount of cognitive, physical, and social effort required for participation in common leisure activities. Fifty-nine leisure activities were scored on the three activity effort components in two rounds of expert panel review using a modified Delphi technique. Consensus on the component scores was esta blished. Interrater reliability (IRR) was acceptable across all three components (0.72). IRR was adequate for the cognitive component (0.75) and excellent for the physical (0.94) and social (0.95) components. Component scores can be used to examine how the level of cognitive, physical, or social effort required for engagement in specific leisure activities is associated with risk for cognitive decline and other poor outcomes. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 13(1), 13-20.].

A Biology Core Concept Instrument (BCCI) to Teach and Assess Student Conceptual Understanding.

Instruments for teaching and assessing student understanding of the five core concepts in biology from Vision and Change are needed. We developed four Biology Core ­Concept Instruments (BCCIs) that teach and assess students’ ability to describe a concept in their own words, identify concepts represented in biological phenomena, and make connections between concepts. The BCCI includes a narrative, followed by a series of 10 true-false/identify (TF/I) and three open-ended questions. The TF/I questions are aligned with Cary and Branchaw’s Conceptual Elements Framework and were iteratively developed with feedback from biology experts and student performance and feedback obtained during think-aloud interviews. A component scoring system was developed to discriminate between a student’s ability to apply and identify each core concept from his or her ability to make connections between concepts. We field-tested the BCCIs (n = 152–191) with students in a first-year course focused on learning the five core concepts in biology and collected evidence of interrater reliability (α = 0.70) and item validity. With component scoring, we identified examples in which students were able to identify concepts singularly, but not make connections between concepts, or were better able to apply concepts to one biological phenomenon than another. Identifying these nuanced differences in learning can guide instruction to improve students’ conceptual understanding.

Generalizability of Frequency Weighting Curve for Extraction of Spectral Drowsy Component From the EEG Signals Recorded in Eyes-Closed Condition

One of the critical barriers to reducing the threats of sleep loss to public health, safety, and productivity is a lack of practical tools for quick identification of objective level of sleepiness. We examined a novel sleepiness measure named "spectral drowsy component score" to provide evidence for generalizability of a frequency weighting curve required for calculation of this measure. Each spectral drowsy component score is a sum of 16 weighted ln-transformed single-Hz power densities (1-16 Hz) obtained by the fast Fourier transformation of an electroencephalographic signal recorded during the first minute after closing the eyes. A set of 16 weights (frequency weighting curve) is derived empirically. One type of such curve is a correlation spectrum. It consists of 16 coefficients of correlation of a group-averaged experimental time course of sleepiness with16 time courses of single-Hz power densities. Sleepiness is determined either subjectively (by self-scoring on the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale) or objectively (as sleep latency). Another type is a differential spectrum reflecting difference between 2 sets of 16 power densities obtained for either distant phases of sleep deprivation experiment or distinct alertness-sleepiness substates. Analysis of 3 datasets collected in sleep deprivation experiments with, in total, 160 participants showed that, despite differences in the protocols of these experiments and ages of their participants, the forms of frequency weighting curves always resembled one another. Such resemblance led to practical identity of scoring results. We concluded that spectral drowsy component scoring might be implemented into quick, simple, direct, transparent, and objective test of sleepiness.

CRISP: Catheterization RISk score for Pediatrics: A Report from the Congenital Cardiac Interventional Study Consortium (CCISC).

We sought to develop a scoring system that predicts the risk of serious adverse events (SAE's) for individual pediatric patients undergoing cardiac catheterization procedures. Systematic assessment of risk of SAE in pediatric catheterization can be challenging in view of a wide variation in procedure and patient complexity as well as rapidly evolving technology. A 10 component scoring system was originally developed based on expert consensus and review of the existing literature. Data from an international multi-institutional catheterization registry (CCISC) between 2008 and 2013 were used to validate this scoring system. In addition we used multivariate methods to further refine the original risk score to improve its predictive power of SAE's. Univariate analysis confirmed the strong correlation of each of the 10 components of the original risk score with SAE attributed to a pediatric cardiac catheterization (P < 0.001 for all variables). Multivariate analysis resulted in a modified risk score (CRISP) that corresponds to an increase in value of area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) from 0.715 to 0.741. The CRISP score predicts risk of occurrence of an SAE for individual patients undergoing pediatric cardiac catheterization procedures.

A Prospective Interventional Study on Quality of Life in Tuberculosis Patients

BACKGROUND : Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest infections known toaffect humans and in spite of the new treatment strategies and observations; it remains one of the most substantial causes of death in the world. Studies focusing on the QOL among TB patients are limited and no such investigation has been considering the fact that improvement in health-related QOL is an important factor for better response for treatment among TB patients. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life including physiological, general health perception and social role functioning among patients with tuberculosis. METHODOLOGY : A prospective interventional study for a period of 6 months has been carried out in a tertiary care hospital. Prior permission has been obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, VelsUniversity. Tuberculosis patients of both sex, aged between 18-65 years on anti-tubercular therapy were included. SF-12 Questionnaire was used to assess the Mental Component Scoring (MCS) and Physical Component Scoring (PCS).The patient was counselled after 14 days, again MCS and PCS were assessed. RESULTS : A total of 109 patients were taken for the study. There was an improvement in physical and mental status of TB patients. DISCUSSION : HRQL or health related quality of life is a relatively new index for TB patients. The QoL assessed for the cases when compared with that of the control group helped in the evaluation of the impact of TB on QoL of patients. Our study included assessment of Socio-psychological & exercise adaptation score on 12 parameters (SF-12 Scale) to evaluate a health status in patients at the start of treatment and after the IP phase of treatment.HRQL scoring was sensitive to changes in the quality of life of patients as demonstrated by statistically significant differences in score changes observed at the end of treatment. The present study revealed that there was a significant difference between the scores of physical component scoring (PCS) and mental component scoring (MCS) patient. In the present study, it was concluded that the scores of the men were significantly higher than those of the women in the dimensions of SF 12 in active cases. CONCLUSION : This study illustrates that the HRQL scoring for tuberculosis (SF-12 Scale) patients shows the changes in the quality of life after giving counselling to the patients and this should be made mandatory for all TB patients during their treatment course which would help the patients for the betterment of their treatment and improves their quality of life.Improved physical and mental status of the TB patients in this study implies the positive impact of patient counselling which will improve success rate of the treatment.

Principal component scoring of the resting EEG spectrum provides further evidence for age-associated disinhibition of the wake drive

Background: Aging is often accompanied by increasingly occurrence of profound sleep–wake disturbances. However, normal ‘sleep aging’ can also be advantageous to older people, for example, they have a better ability to tolerate sleep deprivation than to younger people. In previous work, we compared the principal component structure of the electroencephalographic (EEG) spectra of Non-Rapid-Eye-Movement (NREM) sleep in young and elderly people, and found that the decrease in slow-wave activity, which is the most earliest and most obvious age-related modification of the sleep EEG spectrum, can be viewed as a consequence of a reduced rise of the first principal component score combined with an insufficient fall of the second principal component score. It was suggested that such changes in principal component scores can be caused by disinhibition (i.e. strengthening) of the wake drive due to weakening of the sleep drive. It is possible that the second principal component score remains higher in older people compared to younger people not only during NREM sleep, but also during normal and extended wakefulness. Methods: To test this suggestion, principal component analysis was applied to the spectra of resting EEG signals obtained with a three-hour interval during the course of sustained wakefulness of 130 and 33 participants of two independent sleep deprivation experiments. Results: The second principal component score was positively linked to participants’ age. Conclusions: Elevation of score can reflect age-associated strengthening of the sleep drive, which predisposes older people to develop certain disturbances of their sleep–wake cycle and, on the other hand, to tolerate sleep deprivation better than younger people.

Wearability assessment of a wearable system for Parkinson's disease remote monitoring based on a body area network of sensors.

Wearable technologies for health monitoring have become a reality in the last few years. So far, most research studies have focused on assessments of the technical performance of these systems, as well as the validation of the clinical outcomes. Nevertheless, the success in the acceptance of these solutions depends not only on the technical and clinical effectiveness, but on the final user acceptance. In this work the compliance of a telehealth system for the remote monitoring of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients is presented with testing in 32 PD patients. This system, called PERFORM, is based on a Body Area Network (BAN) of sensors which has already been validated both from the technical and clinical point for view. Diverse methodologies (REBA, Borg and CRS scales in combination with a body map) are employed to study the comfort, biomechanical and physiological effects of the system. The test results allow us to conclude that the acceptance of this system is satisfactory with all the levels of effect on each component scoring in the lowest ranges. This study also provided useful insights and guidelines to lead to redesign of the system to improve patient compliance.

Trauma’12 Winning Abstract - End Product Assessment in Microsurgery Simulation Training - A New Insider View

Background There are various assessment methods that allow the evaluation of skills acquisition in microsurgery simulation training such as global rating scores and check lists. The present scoring systems are used to analyse the process of conducting an anastomosis. This paper presents a novel quantitative method based on assessing the intimal surface of the anastomosis to analyse the end product. Method 24 candidates were recruited for a five day microsurgical skills acquisition course. The cohort ranged from undergraduate medical students to experts microsurgeons. On days three and five, the trainees performed two assessment anastomoses on cryopreserved rat aortas (average diameter = 1.75 millimeter). These were cut open to expose the intimal surface of the anastomosis and a high magnification photo was taken. The photos were then analysed using ImageJ. The perfect anastomosis was defined as having equidistant insertion points, equal suture lengths across the anastomosis line, and a single axis meaning that there is no torsion in the vessel edges. In turn, 4 parameters were measured: 1) distance between the proximal insertion points, 2) distance between the distal insertion points, 3) length of sutures placed, 4) number of axes. Using these parameters, a 10 component scoring system was produced by a 3 point linkert scale giving 0, 5, and 10 points for scores between the range of 0–50th, 51st to 75th and above the 75th centile respectively. The maximum score achievable is 100. Results The thresholds of this scoring system were defined based on the population performance. In our cohort the scores ranged from 0–95. This system demonstrated both concurrent and construct validity (p Conclusion This novel scoring system satisfies an area of microsurgical skills acquisition assessment that has not yet been covered in great depth. The system allows objective assessment of the anastomosis's quality thus paving the way for identifying clinical safe threshold of microsurgery simulated training. In the future we can correlate this system to physiological anastomosis outcome measures such as patency rate and other methods of microsurgery assessment skills to establish the predictive validity of this system in discriminating trainees who have reached clinically competent standards in microsurgery.

Sistem Nilai dengan Bobot Komponen yang Dinamis Studi Kasus Binus Internasional

Every institution must have an assessment system to determine the graduation of the students. Commonly universities implement static scoring systems to simplify the counting and operational process. Similarly, Bina Nusantara University implements a static scoring system. Along with the development of business models, the need for cooperation with foreign universities and quality improvement, Binus International requires a dynamic component scoring which results in changes in database design and information systems. This research uses literary study, database designing and system designing. This research aims to analyze and design a database and a scoring system at Binus International in order to support the assessment process with a dynamic component scoring. The results are a design of a dynamic scoring system. It can be concluded that the scoring system with dynamic value components is more suitable for Binus International. For further development the scoring systems is expected to be created using the online scoring data collection by the lecturers with a simpler process that considers the encription element.