Assessment Instrument Research Articles

Adaptation and validation of a social information processing assessment procedure for research.

Biases and deficits in social information processing (SIP) skills are associated with social maladjustment in children and adolescents. There is much literature on the association between processing skills and their relationship to aggressive behavior, but there is limited knowledge about their association with other types of antisocial behavior. In this study we conducted a Spanish adaptation and validation of the Sociale Informatie Verwerkings Test, a Dutch research assessment and diagnostic instrument. For this purpose, construct, content and criterion validity were analyzed through their association with antisocial behaviors. Exploratory factor analysis supported the structure of the measure in a sample of 364 adolescents aged 12-18 years (55.2% female) from a high school in Spain. Constructs underlying the items of the new assessment were associated with SIP steps and profiles from SIP theory. SIP steps in the data of the new adaptation were related to each other being consistent with the theoretical conceptualization. The results showed associations between self-reported antisocial behaviors in adolescents with a greater tendency to aggressive SIP processing style. Treatment and training of such behaviors starts with valid assessment of the specific skills and steps that are biased or deficient, to which the current study contributes.

УПРАВЛЕНИЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИМ ПРОЦЕССОМ КОПЧЕНИЯ РЫБНОЙ ПРОДУКЦИИ НА ОСНОВЕ ОЦЕНКИ ЕЕ КАЧЕСТВА

The purpose of the study is a control system for the technological process of smoking fish products based on instrumental assessment of its quality. The object of research is the technological process of smoking fish products. Theoretical and practical research was carried out on the basis of the department of Management of Technical Systems of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education Dalrybvtuz (Vladivostok, Primorsky Region). Organoleptic evaluation scales were built according to the recommendations of GOSTISO 11036-2017 “Organoleptic analysis. Methodology. Characteristics of the structure". Models were built using IDEF0 methodology tools. Organoleptic and instrumental methods for assessing the quality of smoked fish products, methods of structural and functional modeling of processes were used. Research was carried out in several stages: development of a methodology for measuring the color characteristics of smoked fish products, identification of ranges of values of the color characteristics of smoked fish products, development of a model for controlling the technological process of smoking fish products, development of a model for controlling the technological process of smoking fish products, development of a control system for the technological process of smoking fish products. The results of the study made it possible to develop patent № 217961 “Device for controlling the readiness of smoked fish products”, priority date – 12/16/2022. The developed method can serve as the basis for automation of both developed and existing smoking equipment. Its use minimizes the subjectivity of organoleptic methods for monitoring the readiness of smoked fish products, optimizes the duration of the process of processing fish raw materials with smoking means and thereby the energy consumption of the technological process. Further development of this research is possible by improving the data analysis stage at the stage of quality control of smoked fish products using a neural network, which, by analyzing color characteristics data, will offer the operator to vary the ranges of color characteristics values. The relevance of the proposals of a recurrent neural network can be realized using Markov chains.

Language assessment in primary progressive aphasia: Which components should be tested?

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a dementia syndrome whose onset and course manifests with language deficits. There is a lack of instruments for clinical assessment of language in dementia and further research in the area is needed. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to identify language tasks that can aid the process of clinically diagnosing PPA and to determine those tasks most impaired in this population. A sample of 87 individuals comprising 2 groups was assessed: a PPA group (PPAG) of 29 PPA patients; and a control group (CG) of 58 healthy subjects matched for age and education. All participants underwent a brief cognitive battery followed by a comprehensive language assessment using the MTL-BR Battery. A statistically significant performance difference was found between the PPAG and CG on the following tasks: structured interview, oral comprehension of phrases, oral narrative discourse, written comprehension of phrases, written dictation, sentence repetition, semantic verbal fluency, oral naming of nouns and verbs, object manipulation, phonological verbal fluency, body part recognition and left-right orientation, written naming of nouns, oral text comprehension, number dictation, written narrative discourse, written text comprehension and numerical calculations (mental and written). The results revealed that performance of PPA patients was poorer compared to healthy subjects on various language tasks. The most useful subtests from the MTL-BR battery for aiding clinical diagnosis of PPA were identified, tasks which should be prioritized when assessing this patient group.

Assessment of everyday functioning in Swedish forensic mental health services

Individuals in forensic mental health services (FMHS) commonly exhibit greater cognitive deficits and unmet health needs than those in general psychiatric care. Despite the central role of functional disability in FMHS treatment objectives, the assessment in this domain remains underexplored. This study examines current practices of functional assessment in Swedish FMHS through the combination of a survey and analysis of register data. The survey covered the presence and content of procedure manuals regarding functional assessment and the clinical use of assessment results. Frequency of assessment and relation to individual factors (age, gender, place of birth, psychiatric diagnosis, and history of addiction) and contextual factors (FMHS site, size and security level at the site, and administrated risk assessment) were investigated through statistical analysis of register data. Results indicate significant variability in functional assessment practices across different FMHS sites. Contextual factors such as site and the use of risk assessment instruments demonstrate a positive association with assessment frequency. Functional assessments were primarily used with in-patients, raising concerns about applicability beyond hospital settings and preparation for community re-entry. Despite professionals’ belief in the potential benefits of functional assessment for tailoring interventions, its impact on individual treatment plans was limited. The study underscores the need for improved assessment accuracy and ongoing monitoring of functioning, particularly considering the disparate practices observed across FMHS sites. Moreover, there is a call for national coordination and evidence-based guidelines to enhance functional assessment practices in Swedish FMHS.

Trends in the Utilization of Quality of Life Assessment Instruments in Clinical Practice

Introduction: Quality of life (QoL) evaluations are now an important part of clinical practice because they give doctors important information about how well their patients are doing. With more and more focus on patient-centered care, it is important to look at how QoL measurement tools are being used in different professional situations. The point of this study is to look into how quality of life (QoL) tools are used in regular clinical practice and how they affect decisions about healthcare.Method: all peer-reviewed studies released in the last 20 years that looked at measuring quality of life in healthcare settings were found through a thorough literature review. We looked through databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for applicable papers. We focused on the types of tools used, how often they were used, and the patient groups that were evaluated. It was thought about to use both qualitative and quantitative study methods.Results: the study shows that QoL rating tools are being used more and more in many medical fields, especially in cancer, heart, and psychiatry. A lot of people have used instruments like the EQ-5D, SF-36, and WHOQOL-BREF. Integration with electronic health records (EHR) systems is also becoming more widespread. This lets data be collected and analysed in real time.Conclusion: Quality of life (QoL) measurement tools are very important for improving patient care because they help doctors decide how to treat patients and make sure they get better results. As healthcare moves towards a more patient-centered approach, these tools will likely be used more.

Summer Research Internship Curriculum to Promote Self-Efficacy, Researcher Identity, and Peer-to-Peer Learning: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Common barriers to students' persistence in research include experiencing feelings of exclusion and a lack of belonging, difficulties developing a robust researcher identity, perceptions of racial and social stigma directed toward them, and perceived gaps in research skills, which are particularly pronounced among trainees from groups traditionally underrepresented in research. To address these known barriers, summer research programs have been shown to increase the participation and retention of undergraduate students in research. However, previous programs have focused predominantly on technical knowledge and skills, without integrating an academic enrichment curriculum that promotes professional development by improving students' academic and research communication skills. This retrospective pre-then-post study aimed to evaluate changes in self-reported ratings of research abilities among a cohort of undergraduate students who participated in a summer research program. The Human BioMolecular Atlas Program (HuBMAP) piloted the implementation of a web-based academic enrichment curriculum for the Summer 2023 Research Internship cohort, which was comprised of students from groups underrepresented in biomedical artificial intelligence research. HuBMAP, a 400-member research consortium funded by the Common Fund at the National Institutes of Health, offered a 10-week summer research internship that included an academic enrichment curriculum delivered synchronously via the web to all students across multiple sites. The curriculum is intended to support intern self-efficacy, researcher identity development, and peer-to-peer learning. At the end of the internship, students were invited to participate in a web-based survey in which they were asked to rate their academic and research abilities before the internship and as a result of the internship using a modified Entering Research Learning Assessment instrument. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test was performed to assess the difference in the mean scores per respondent before and after participating in the internship. A total of 14 of the 22 undergraduate students who participated in the internship responded to the survey. The results of the retrospective pre-then-post survey indicated that there was a significant increase in students' self-rated research abilities, evidenced by a significant improvement in the mean scores of the respondents when comparing reported skills self-assessment before and after the internship (improvement: median 1.09, IQR 0.88-1.65; W=52.5, P<.001). After participating in the HuBMAP web-based academic enrichment curriculum, students' self-reported research abilities, including their confidence, their communication and collaboration skills, their self-efficacy in research, and their abilities to set research career goals, increased. Summer internship programs can incorporate an academic enrichment curriculum with small-group peer learning in addition to a laboratory-based experience to facilitate increased student engagement, self-efficacy, and a sense of belonging in the research community. Future research should investigate the impact of academic enrichment curricula and peer mentoring on the long-term retention of students in biomedical research careers, particularly retention of students underrepresented in biomedical fields.

Comparison of Anterior Shoulder Pain and Internal Rotation Dysfunction after Anatomic and Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis.

There is controversy regarding whether reverse shoulder arthroplasty and anatomic shoulder arthroplasty lead to equivalent outcomes in the setting of glenohumeral osteoarthritis. RSA changes the shoulder's anatomy and biomechanics, altering soft tissue tension and arm length. The effects of these changes to the anatomy are incompletely understood and may lead to anterior shoulder pain and dysfunction. In addition, decreased internal rotation is a known limitation of RSA that is less frequently seen in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA). Differences in anterior shoulder pain and internal rotation dysfunction may not be apparent on standardized instruments of outcomes assessment. This study aims to develop a novel anterior shoulder pain and dysfunction survey (ASPDS) to classify anterior shoulder dysfunction and use an existing questionnaire, the functional internal rotation (FIR) score, to quantify internal rotation (IR) deficiency following RSA compared to aTSA when performed for osteoarthritis. A retrospective review of a single-institution database was conducted of patients two years postoperative from aTSA or RSA for glenohumeral osteoarthritis. Exclusion criteria included shoulder arthroplasty for indication other than osteoarthritis, subscapularis not repaired, or signs of rotator cuff tearing preoperatively. Walch glenoid morphology was classified based on CT scan or X-ray. A novel 7-question ASPDS survey was developed to target actions that require anterior deltoid function. The previously published 10-question FIR score was used to assess actions that necessitate IR function. Outcomes included scores for the ASPDS, FIR score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), visual analogue pain scale (VAS), and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). Internal reliability of the questionnaires was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Twenty-six patients were included in each aTSA and RSA group per the a priori power analysis. Demographic factors were not significantly different between groups (p>0.05). Mean ASPDS scores were lower in the RSA group (29.1 ± 5.1) compared to the aTSA group (32.7 ± 4.5) (p=0.001). Mean FIR score was also worse in the RSA group (43.1 ± 6.5) compared to the aTSA group (46.8 ± 7.3) (p=0.004). No difference was observed between RSA and aTSA groups for ASES, SANE, and VAS scores (p>0.05). Cronbach's alpha was 0.889 for the ASPDS questionnaire and 0.935 for the FIR score. The ASPDS is a reliable questionnaire for characterizing anterior shoulder pain and dysfunction following shoulder arthroplasty. Initial findings suggest that anterior shoulder pain and dysfunction and decreased internal rotation are more common in RSA compared to aTSA when performed for osteoarthritis, with differences observed at two years postoperatively. These differences in outcomes were not captured by traditional shoulder outcomes questionnaires.

STANDARDIZED ADAPTED CARDIAC REHABILITATION AT AN INPATIENT REHABILITATION FACILITY

https://youtu.be/hXlMMThneUU INTRODUCTION Inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) serve as an interim level of care for many patients with cardiac dysfunction but are not included among the three phases of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). The education on modifiable risk factors, cardiovascular exercise, and flexibility training given to patients with cardiac diseases are delivered in the acute hospital (phase I) and the outpatient setting (phase II). Our hypothesis was that adapting phase II components to this interim setting would improve outcomes and bridge the gap between phases. In this study, the feasibility of a standardized adapted CR protocol for IRFs and effect on functional outcomes was assessed. METHODS This prospective cohort study screened 60 patients over a 6-month period. Patients with primary cardiac diagnoses were screened for inclusion. Both surgical and non-surgical candidates were included. Exclusion criteria were based on the phase II CR criteria of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Patients received continuous ECG monitoring and physician clearance prior to participation. The standardized adapted CR protocol included individual prescription for cardiopulmonary endurance exercise consistent with ACSM Phase II CR guidelines, flexibility training, and education on modifiable risk factors. Standardized outcome measures included the 6-minute walk test, Borg rating of perceived exertion scale (6-20), EQ-5D-5L quality of life measure, and Section GG (mobility) scores of the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Patient Assessment Instrument. A one-month follow-up evaluated attendance to phase II CR, and quality of life (including maintenance of functional gains). Physical therapy staff were surveyed to identify limitations. RESULTS Forty-one patients were deemed eligible to participate. Thirty-two patients participated in at least one endurance session with an average of 3 (+ 1) 20-minute sessions completed. Borg scores (14 + 1) reached the recommended range (somewhat hard to hard) during sessions. Participants demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in their GG mobility scores. Sixty-nine percent reached the 6-minute walk minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and 59% met the quality-of-life MCID, despite their short length of stay in the IRF setting (11 + 4 days). Survey results indicated short length of stay, the need to address functional goals over exercise, inability to tolerate 20 minutes of cumulative aerobic exercise, and compliance of protocol amongst therapists were limiting factors to endurance protocol adherence. CONCLUSIONS A standardized adapted CR protocol was feasible within an IRF setting, providing targeted education, increased awareness of phase II CR options, and clear and specific guidelines for creation of individualized exercise programs. Patients demonstrated improvements in functional mobility, cardiovascular endurance, and quality of life.

Assessment Tools for Evaluating Pharmacy Students' Knowledge on HIV Prophylaxis: A Scoping Review.

This study aims to identify and evaluate instruments used to measure pharmacy students' knowledge of HIV prophylaxis, focusing on both Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Understanding these educational tools is essential for improving knowledge in health promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Embase. Article screening was independently performed by two reviewers. Studies assessing pharmacy students' knowledge of HIV prophylaxis were included. Data were extracted and organized into two categories: study characteristics (author, year, country, objectives, design, sample size, duration, and outcomes) and instrument characteristics (authors, year, country, instrument name, objective, description, type of assessment, mode of assessment, validation processes, and experimental phase). Eight studies were identified, including one from Malaysia and seven from the United States, involving 1,797 students. All studies employed cross-sectional designs, and only one assessed knowledge retention through an intervention. Eight assessment instruments were identified: six focused on PrEP, one on PEP, and one on both. Some studies demonstrated substantial knowledge and confidence in PrEP, but significant gaps were found in PEP awareness, access to prophylaxis, and familiarity with prescribing guidelines. There is a notable shortage of assessment tools for PEP. Further research is needed to develop validated instruments that measure knowledge and address educational gaps. Longitudinal studies with pre- and post-tests are crucial to evaluate educational interventions and enhance pharmacy students' preparedness for HIV prophylaxis.

Assessing bronchiolitis severity: a comparative analysis of two commonly used clinical scoring systems.

BSS demonstrated superior discriminative ability compared to RDAI in identifying severe bronchiolitis. New cutoff points enhanced BSS's ability to classify severe cases while establishing a cutoff for RDAI. Additional studies are required to validate these revised cutoffs. • Bronchiolitis severity score (BSS) and Respiratory Distress Assessment Instrument (RDAI) helps in determining bronchiolitis severity. • BSS has superior discriminatory ability as compared to RDAI in determining bronchiolitis severity. • This study also highlights that neither BSS nor RDAI is perfect, emphasizing the importance of clinical judgment over scoring systems.

A survey of prescribing philosophy in childhood hyperopia among optometrists in Ghana

ABSTRACT Clinical Relevance Hyperopia is a common refractive error in young children and has the potential to affect their visual, educational and general development. Management of childhood hyperopia presents significant intra-and inter-professional differences partly because evidence-based guidelines to inform when and how to prescribe for hyperopia are insufficient. Purpose This study investigated the prescribing philosophy in childhood hyperopia among optometrists in Ghana and the challenges faced in managing childhood hyperopia. Methods An online questionnaire was distributed to optometrists in Ghana to evaluate the prescribing philosophy in childhood hyperopia. The questionnaire assessed factors, which could influence prescribing patterns in participants including age, symptoms, emmetropisation, and magnitude of hyperopia in patients. Challenges encountered in the management of childhood hyperopia in children were also investigated. Results Ninety-one optometrists responded to the questionnaire with the mean age of participants being 32.3 ± 5.6 years. Most participants (67,(74%)) surveyed reported using some clinical guidelines in the management of childhood hyperopic refractive errors. The magnitude of bilateral hyperopia that practitioners were willing to prescribe decreased with increasing age of the patient (p < 0.0001). Most participants preferred modification of the amount of bilateral hyperopia found during cycloplegic refraction and also indicated a preference for prescribing a lesser amount of astigmatism. Lack of instrumentation for paediatric assessment was the main challenge reported in the management of hyperopic refractive errors. Conclusion The spectacle prescribing philosophies in childhood hyperopia amongst optometrists in Ghana largely follow existing clinical guidelines, although, in some instances, there were mismatches between the existing guidelines and their preferred pattern. Regular continuing professional development, which highlights emerging evidence on prescribing in childhood hyperopia, would be desirable.

Analysis of Student Creativity Assessment Instruments: Supporting SDGs and MBKM in Higher Education

Analysis of Student Creativity Assessment Instruments: Supporting SDGs and MBKM in Higher Education

A narrative review of psychopathy research: current advances and the argument for a qualitative approach

ABSTRACT Psychopathy has interested researchers since its conceptualization by Cleckley in 1941. This interest has come almost exclusively in the form of quantitative inquiries. Quantitative studies have provided valuable insights into the etiology, heterogeneity, and treatment of the disorder. At the same time, rich phenomenological descriptions of psychopathy have a role to play in the field since they can inform the development of variant-specific assessment instruments, as well as the development or tailoring of psychological interventions. Qualitative methods offer distinct advantages, since their flexibility and explorative nature allow the capture of unanticipated, novel, or nuanced psychopathy aspects, which can be overlooked when using pre-set hypotheses and structured measures. In light of these considerations, the present narrative review aims to (a) provide an overview of the state-of-the-art in psychopathy research, by combining insights from both quantitative and qualitative studies and (b) draw attention to the need for a qualitative approach in the field. It dives into conceptualization, etiology, youth psychopathy and temporal stability of psychopathic traits, the distinction between variants (primary versus secondary), and treatment, before reviewing qualitative studies and formulating an argument in favor of exploring the lived experience of psychopathy. The most recent developments in the field are also examined, including the first contemporary theory on secondary psychopathy etiology and the first-ever treatment studies exploring differential outcomes between variants.

Development and validation of an MMPI-3 Antagonism scale.

Antagonism is a personality domain located in most major trait models and is central to multiple personality disorders. This construct has been linked to many societally harmful externalizing behaviors (e.g., criminal conduct). Consequently, accurate assessment of this trait is important in both research and clinical settings. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-3 (MMPI-3) is among the most widely used personality assessment instruments, and both researchers and clinicians using it can benefit from proper assessment of antagonism. Although the Personality Psychopathology Five measures aggressiveness (AGGR), a conceptual cognate to antagonism, its content is restricted. Thus, the current studies aimed to develop and validate a new MMPI-3 Antagonism (ANT) scale using six different samples drawn from university, community, and mental health settings (ns = 289-1,660). Scale development (Study 1) was approached using criterion validity and latent modeling methods with a series of conceptually indicated candidate items. The resulting scale had improved content coverage of antagonism when compared to the AGGR scale. Subsequent validation analyses (Study 2) examined the ANT scale in terms of convergent and incremental validity against antagonism criteria, as well as its discriminant validity against disinhibition criteria. The results largely supported superior construct validity of ANT scale scores over those of AGGR, indicating that the ANT scale has promise as meaningful addition to the MMPI-3 in the assessment of this construct. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Instrumental balance assessment in Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism. A systematic review with critical appraisal of clinical applications and quality of reporting

IntroductionPatients with Parkinson's disease (pwPD) and atypical parkinsonism usually complain of impaired balance. Instrumental posturography is widely used to quantitatively assess static balance in pwPD but many posturographic parameters and protocols have been suggested. We aimed to appraise the use of static posturography in pwPD and atypical parkinsonism, and identify gaps hindering its translation into clinical routine.MethodsA systematic review on four databases. Study methodology, clinical aspects, assessment protocol, technical aspects, and transferability to clinical practice were critically appraised by a set of quality questions, scored on three levels (0, 0.5, 1). Total scores were used to assess overall studies' quality.Results132 studies were included. The majority (105/132) was rated medium-quality. The domains “transferability to clinical practice” and “assessment protocol” received the lowest scores. The main flaw hindering portability to clinical settings was the lack of a stated rationale behind the choice of a specific protocol and the selection of the posturographic parameters. Missing reporting about the technical aspects employed to manage posturographic data and comprehensive instructions given to the patients further contributed to lower quality.DiscussionWe provided recommendations for enhancing the clinical transferability of studies on static posturography to assess pwPD, including (1) discussing the rationale for choosing the assessment protocols and posturographic parameters, (2) detailing the inclusion criteria and select appropriate samples, and (3) reporting all the technical information to replicate the procedures and computations.Systematic review registrationInternational Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 6th February 2024 (ID CRD42024500777), https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024500777.

Turkish validation of the Hernia-Specific Quality of Life Assessment Instrument

Objective: In this study, we aimed to verify the validity of the Hernia Specific Quality of Life (HERQL) questionnaire, which measures functional performance and postoperative quality of life, in the Turkish language and also to evaluate the quality of life of our patients. Patients and Methods: One hundred and one patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair at Kayseri City Training and Research Hospital, Department of General Surgery between July 2021 and September 2021 were prospectively included in this study. The HERQL questionnaire was administered to patients preoperatively, then on the first day and at the third month postoperatively. Quality of life, summative pain and satisfaction scores were determined as a result of the data. These scores were used for the validation of the questionnaire in Turkish. Additionally, preoperative and postoperative scores were compared with each other. Results: The internal consistency analysis was performed and it was determined that the questionnaire had good reliability in all scales. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that all values had a good fit to the established model. Conclusion: Our finding suggest that the HERQL questionnaire has a good reliability and can be used in the Turkish population.

P-688. Pediatric Pneumonia trapped in ‘NET’ (Neutrophil Extracellular Traps)

Abstract Background Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were initially recognized for their role in the immune system, primarily immobilizing and sometimes killing microorganisms. However, further research has revealed their involvement in various diseases due to the harmful effects of their components on surrounding tissues. The innate immune system's role in pneumonia pathogenesis has been emphasized in several studies. Investigating the involvement of NETs in pulmonary infections and their potential as biomarkers for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) outcomes has been explored in adult patients. Current data suggests that controlled NET release and clearance are beneficial in pneumonia, but any imbalance in this process could lead to harmful inflammation or increased risk of infection dissemination and sepsis. However, there is a gap in understanding NET activity in pediatric lung infections. Therefore, this study aimed to assess NET activity in pediatric pneumonia patients and correlate it with blood culture results and viral panels for respiratory infections. Methods It was a Cross sectional Observational study at a tertiary care hospital and all children diagnosed to be suffering from pnuemonia. 30 Pediatric pneumonia patients were assessed at the time of presentation and evaluated clinically, radiologically and severity was scored based on Modified respiratory distress assessment instrument score (mRDAI). NET values were checked at the time of presentation and at the time of recovery. These values of NET were correlated with blood culture results, Respiratory viral panel and mRDAI score. Results Higher levels of Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) correlated with increased disease severity (mRDAI score) and with a poor prognosis and higher hospital stay and increased mortality. There was no statistical significance in the NET score of bacterial and viral pneumonia. Conclusion An increase in Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) levels is a common occurrence during severe respiratory infections. It is plausible to hypothesize that their migration to the lungs and subsequent activation could worsen tissue damage and contribute to the progression of the disease. NET has been identified as one of the markers linked with poor prognosis and severe pediatric respiratory symptoms. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Integrating Sports Massage into Pre-training Routines Can Enhance Athletic Preparedness and Performance Capacity in Kabaddi Players

The purpose of the study. The primary objective of this investigation is to assess the efficacy of pre-training sports massage in enhancing warm-up protocols for kabaddi athletes, focusing on its influence on various physiological parameters, performance metrics, and psychological preparedness. Materials and methods. A quasi-experimental design was employed involving a cohort of 20 elite kabaddi athletes (15 males and 5 females) aged between 18 and 30 years, hailing from professional teams in Medan City. The intervention spanned 8 weeks and consisted of a 15-minute pre-training sports massage regimen administered prior to standard warm-up sessions. Data were collected at baseline, after 4 weeks, and following 8 weeks of intervention, encompassing measurements of muscle temperature, range of motion, reaction time, performance indicators, and perceived readiness, utilizing standardized assessment instruments. Results. The intervention yielded statistically significant enhancements across multiple evaluated parameters. Muscle temperature exhibited an average increase of 2.3°C, while range of motion demonstrated a 12.5% improvement in hip flexibility; additionally, performance metrics revealed a 22% augmentation in defensive maneuver efficiency. Reaction time was reduced by 0.3 seconds, and participants indicated a decrease in perceived exertion alongside an enhancement in psychological readiness. All observed improvements were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001) and characterized by large effect sizes. Conclusions. The implementation of pre-training sports massage emerges as a potentially beneficial intervention for the optimization of warm-up protocols among kabaddi athletes. The extensive advantages noted across physiological, biomechanical, and psychological realms imply that the incorporation of sports massage into pre-training routines may significantly bolster athletic preparedness and performance capacity, particularly in high-intensity contact sports such as kabaddi.

Pengembangan Instrumen Penilaian Berbasis Proficiency Test Untuk Pendidikan Kesetaraan Paket C

The Community Learning Center (PKBM), through its Paket C program, plays a vital role in providing equality education for individuals unable to access formal schooling. This study aims to develop a proficiency test -based assessment instrument designed to holistically evaluate the competencies of Paket C learners. The instrument assesses mastery of academic material, functional skills, and entrepreneurial abilities, which are distinctive features of the Paket C program. The research adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing observation to create test specifications, blueprints, and items tailored to appropriate difficulty levels, discrimination indices, and distractor functions. The findings indicate that proficiency test s address the limitations of the current assessment system, which primarily focuses on standardized examinations, by offering a more comprehensive, valid, and relevant evaluation aligned with workforce demands. Moreover, the flexible scheduling and needs-based approach of Paket C education provide broader access for working individuals or those who have not completed formal education. Proficiency test s also ensure the fulfillment of Graduate Competency Standards (Standar Kompetensi Lulusan or SKL) through assessments that integrate Competency Credit Unit (SKK)-based curricula and the evaluation of applied skills. The study recommends the adoption of proficiency test s as an integral part of Paket C's educational evaluation system to create a more inclusive, adaptive, and relevant assessment model that aligns with the learners' needs and the challenges of the modern workforce.

What are family caregivers' experiences of coordinating end-of-life care at home? A narrative review.

People with life-limiting diseases, who are no longer receiving active or curable treatment, often state their preferred place of care and death as the home. This requires coordinating a multidisciplinary approach, using available health and social care services to synchronize care. Family caregivers are key to enabling home-based end-of-life support; however, the 2 elements that facilitate success - coordination and family caregiver - are not necessarily associated as being intertwined or one and the same. This narrative review explores family caregiver experiences of coordinating end-of-life care in the home setting. Studies were identified systematically following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search of 5 databases (CINAHL, AMED, MEDLINE, Joanna Briggs Institute for Systematic Reviews, and the Cochrane Database) was conducted using Medical Subject Headings search terms and Boolean operators. Seven hundred and eighty papers were screened. Quality assessment was conducted using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. Characteristics of included studies were extracted using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI) extraction tool. Ten qualitative studies were included. A meta-aggregative approach was used to assemble findings and categories extracted from the included papers, which led to identification of 3 overall themes: (1) family caregiver identity, (2) strategies for care, and (3) practicalities of care. Research suggests there should be a designated care coordinator to support people nearing the end of life at home. However, this review shows that family caregivers intrinsically take on this role. Their experiences, frequently share commonalities across different cultures and regions, highlighting the universal nature of their challenges. Difficulties associated with providing home-based care are evident, but the undertaking of care coordination by relatives highlights a need for a change in approach. Future studies could explore the impact of having a designated "facilitator" or single point of contact for families, as well as the development of tailored communication strategies.