Measurement Tools Research Articles

Validity and reliability of Korean version of the nursing staff preparedness for palliative and end-of-life care in long-term care homes: A methodological study

Purpose: Globally, the issue of palliative and end-of-life care (PEOLC) in nursing homes is a common concern, and the need to measure the preparedness of nursing staff for end-of-life care is increasing. This study aimed to verify the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the self-reported scale for the Staff Preparedness for PEOLC in long-term care homes. Methods: A total of 161 staff took part in the study; among them were nine nurses, 19 nursing assistants, 133 care workers at four nursing homes located in Wonju and Suncheon cities, South Korea. The scale was translated according to the guidelines of World Health Organization guidelines and Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments, and its reliability and validity were evaluated through assessing its internal consistency, stability, and construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis, CFA). Results: CFA confirmed that the measurement tool had a good fit (comparative fit index=.96, Turker-Lewis index=.95, root mean-squared error of approximation=.07). The items’ internal consistencies of the items were found to be reliable with Cronbach’s alpha=.94; the Pearson’s correlation coefficient between test and retest of the tool was .86 (p<.001); and the intraclass correlation coefficient value was .91 (95% confidence interval: .85~.96). Conclusion: The Korean version of the Staff Preparedness for PEOLC in long-term care homes was confirmed to be a useful and reliable scale for measuring the preparedness of nursing staff in Korean long-term care facilities in Korea for PEOLC.

VALUES DEVELOPMENT THROUGH GYMNASTIC EDUCATION IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Physical education and sports are at the forefront of many schools of thought when it comes to values education since sport has the power to provide a universal framework for learning values. For this reason, the aim of this study is to examine the development of values in children aged four and five who start their gymnastics education in early childhood. In the experimentally planned study, the children's families filled the values scale as a pre-test and post-test, and the changes were examined. The population of the research group consisted of children aged four to five who attended the gymnastics course opened by a private club in the Akhisar district of Manisa during the summer period. The sample group consisted of 49 children whose consent was obtained after informing their families. The Preschool Values Scale Family Form (PVSFF), developed by Neslitürk and Çeliköz (2015), was used as a measurement tool. Although there was no significant difference between the pre-test and post-test mean scores of the Preschool Values Scale Family Form, a significant difference was found only in the responsibility sub-dimension of the scale. Therefore, it is understood that children can gain values, especially responsibility, through lifelong game-based sports. Considering that learning through game is important in early childhood, it is thought that emphasizing the concept of values in the movement or sports education programs to be structured and to inform the teachers, coaches or consultants working in this field is crucial.

Performance analysis of high-spectral-resolution lidar with/without laser seeding technique for measuring aerosol optical properties

High-spectral-resolution lidar (HSRL) is a powerful tool for aerosol measurements. With/without laser seeding technique in the transmitted laser, the HSRL can be distinguished as the single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) HSRL or the multi-longitudinal-mode (MLM) HSRL, and the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) with periodic transmittance function can be used as the spectral discriminator in both the SLM HSRL and MLM HSRL. To in-depth knowledge of the respective advantages of the SLM HSRL and MLM HSRL for measuring aerosol optical properties, the working principle, optimal parameter setting, and detection performance of the SLM HSRL and MLM HSRL are analyzed and discussed in detail, respectively. The working principle of the SLM HSRL and MLM HSRL indicate that the effective transmittance of MZI is the important parameter of data retrieval, the main source of retrieval uncertainties, and the key factor of MZI optical path difference (OPD) settings. To ensure that the MZI can achieve the preferable separation for aerosol Mie scattering signals and molecular Rayleigh scattering signals, the optimal OPDs of MZI are set at 165 mm and 1000 mm in the SLM HSRL and MLM HSRL from the aspects of the effective transmittance of MZI and the spectral discrimination ratio (SDR). Besides, to analyze the influence of frequency difference and divergence angle for the detection performance of HSRL, the effective transmittance of MZI and SDR are simulated and the results show that the MLM HSRL has higher requirements for the environmental parameters and the echo beam collimation than the SLM HSRL. Moreover, the HSRLs with SLM and MLM transmitted lasers are constructed in Xi'an for measuring aerosol optical properties. The preliminary measurement results show that the range square corrected signal (RSCS) of Rayleigh channel is smaller than that of Mie channel in both the SLM HSRL and MLM HSRL, while the difference between RSCS of Rayleigh channel and RSCS of Mie channel in the SLM HSRL is larger than that in the MLM HSRL, and the detection range of the SLM HSRL is lower than that of the MLM HSRL.

Downscaling atmospheric emission inventories with “top–down” approach: the support of the literature in choosing proxy variables

AbstractThe management and improvement of air quality are global challenges aimed at protecting human health and environmental resources. For this purpose, in addition to legislative and scientific indications, numerous tools are available: measurement methods and tools for estimating and forecasting. As a collection of data presenting an emission of a pollutant (to air), emission inventories support the knowledge of sources impacting air quality by estimating atmospheric emissions within a specific (wide or limited) reference area. There are several methodological approaches for their definition, which can be classified into bottom–up or top–down methods. This paper aims to review the methodological approaches described in the literature that apply the top–down approach for the disaggregation of atmospheric emissions with high spatial and temporal resolution. The proxy variables used to apply this approach are identified, as well as the spatial and temporal resolution obtained by the authors. The results show that population density and land use are the most common parameters with respect to most of the emission sources and for numerous atmospheric pollutants. The spatial resolution of the disaggregation described in the literature varies from a few hundred metres to several kilometres, in relation to the territorial extension of the study areas. The results of the review help support the selection of the best and most popular proxy variables used to scale emissions inventories.

Effectiveness of Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Centers for Improving Physical Fitness for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To synthesise the best available evidence for the effectiveness of interventions delivered in community-based rehabilitation (CBR) centers on physical fitness, for community-dwelling older adults living in Asian countries. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis. Seven English and two Chinese electronic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies that were conducted by centers providing CBR. Independent reviewers screened, quality-appraised and extracted data. The primary outcome was physical fitness measured by validated assessment tools, including the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), gait speed, hand grip strength, Functional Reach Test (FRT), and one-leg standing test. Assessments of activity of daily living and quality of life using tools including the Barthel Index, Short Form (SF)-12, and SF-36 were secondary outcomes. After screening 5,272 studies, 29 studies were included (16 RCTs, 13 quasi-experimental studies) from four countries. Meta-analyses found that CBR programs significantly decreased TUG time (mean difference [MD], -1.89 seconds; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], -2.84 to -0.94; I2=0%; Z=3.90, p<0.0001), improved gait speed (MD, 0.10 m/s; 95% CI, 0.01-0.18; I2=0%; Z=2.26, p=0.02), and increased one-leg standing time (MD, 2.81 seconds; 95% CI, 0.41-5.22; I2=0%; Z=2.29, p=0.02). Handgrip strength and FRT showed no statistically significant improvement in the meta-analyses. CBR may improve aspects of physical fitness for older adults in Asian countries. However, variability in intervention components and measurement tools reduced the ability to pool individual studies. Further trials are required with robust designs including standardised measures of physical fitness.

Credential Method as A Measurement Tool for Nurses' Professionalism in A Hospital

Credentials as an effort to maintain nurse competency and become the basis for granting clinical authority to nurses have not been implemented well. Implementation of processes for achieving goals varies across institutions. This research aims to identify the relationship between credentialing methods and the outcomes of the Ongoing Professional Practice Evaluation (OPPE) by investigating differences in OPPE scores based on years of experience. This is a quantitative research study with a descriptive correlational and comparative approach, involving 66 respondents who meet the criteria: Nurse PK I; less than 5 years of experience. Data analysis was conducted using Rank Spearman correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The credentialing test method used a portfolio, interview, written test, and practical examination. The research results indicate that 48.48% of credentialing is done using these four methods. The majority of OPPE scores are rated as Good, accounting for 66.67%. The longer a nurse works, the better their performance rating. The Spearman rank test obtained a correlation coefficient of 0.353 with p= 0.004 (p&lt;0.05), and the Kruskal-Wallis test obtained a Kruskal-Wallis value of 41.289 with p=0.000 (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: There is a relationship between credentialing methods and OPPE scores. The more credentialing methods used, the better the OPPE scores.

Oral Hygiene Care of Endotracheal Intubated Patients in Korean Intensive Care Units : A Scoping Review

Purpose : This scoping review was designed to identify gaps in knowledge and guide future directions for clinical nursing practices and research on oral hygiene care for endotracheally intubated patients in Korean intensive care units.Methods : We conducted a scoping review using the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. PubMed, CINAHL, RISS, Science On, and DBpia databases were searched. Two reviewers independently selected the studies and extracted data. A total of 445 studies were identified, of which 17 were included in the final analysis.Results : No research has been conducted from 2021 to the present. A total of 12 instruments were utilized in 13 studies to assess the effectiveness of oral hygiene care. All studies investigating the effectiveness of oral hygiene care have consistently documented that chlorhexidine has the most significant effect. The frequency and time of oral hygiene care were each examined in one study.Conclusion : A research study is necessary to develop a measurement tool for assessing the effectiveness of oral hygiene care suitable for endotracheal intubated patients in intensive care units. Interventional studies should be conducted to determine the effects of chlorhexidine and the appropriate frequency and time of oral hygiene care. Thereafter, revision of domestic evidence-based clinical practice guidelines by integrating these results will be necessary.

A conceptual framework for data-driven sustainable finance in green energy transition

As the world grapples with the urgent need for sustainable development, the transition towards green energy stands as a critical imperative. Financing this transition poses significant challenges, requiring innovative approaches that align financial objectives with environmental sustainability goals. This review presents a conceptual framework for leveraging data-driven techniques in sustainable finance to facilitate the transition towards green energy. The proposed framework integrates principles of sustainable finance with advanced data analytics to enhance decision-making processes across the financial ecosystem. At its core, the framework emphasizes the importance of harnessing vast datasets related to energy production, consumption, environmental impact, and financial performance. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and predictive modeling techniques, financial stakeholders can gain deeper insights into the risks and opportunities associated with green energy investments. Key components of the framework include data collection and aggregation, risk assessment, impact measurement, and investment optimization. Data sources range from traditional financial indicators to environmental metrics, social impact assessments, and geopolitical factors. Through comprehensive data analysis, financial institutions can assess the long-term viability and sustainability of green energy projects, while also evaluating potential social and environmental impacts. Risk assessment methodologies within the framework consider both financial risks, such as market volatility and regulatory uncertainty, and non-financial risks, such as climate change impacts and community resilience. By integrating these factors into risk models, investors can make more informed decisions that mitigate potential losses and maximize returns. Furthermore, impact measurement tools enable stakeholders to quantify the environmental and social benefits of green energy investments. By tracking metrics such as carbon emissions reduction, energy efficiency improvements, and job creation, investors can assess the contribution of their portfolios towards broader sustainability objectives. Finally, the framework incorporates investment optimization strategies that align financial goals with environmental objectives. Through portfolio diversification, asset allocation, and innovative financial instruments such as green bonds and impact investing funds, financial institutions can allocate capital more efficiently towards green energy projects. The conceptual framework presented herein offers a systematic approach to integrating data-driven methodologies into sustainable finance practices. By leveraging advanced analytics and comprehensive datasets, financial stakeholders can drive the transition towards green energy while simultaneously achieving financial returns and positive environmental outcomes.

Recent Advances in Clinical Trials in Multiple System Atrophy.

This review summarizes previous and ongoing neuroprotection trials in multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by parkinsonism, cerebellar, and autonomic dysfunction. It also describes the preclinical therapeutic pipeline and provides some considerations relevant to successfully conducting clinical trials in MSA, i.e., diagnosis, endpoints, and trial design. Over 30 compounds have been tested in clinical trials in MSA. While this illustrates a strong treatment pipeline, only two have reached their primary endpoint. Ongoing clinical trials primarily focus on targeting α-synuclein, the neuropathological hallmark of MSA being α-synuclein-bearing glial cytoplasmic inclusions. The mostly negative trial outcomes highlight the importance of better understanding underlying disease mechanisms and improving preclinical models. Together with efforts to refine clinical measurement tools, innovative statistical methods, and developments in biomarker research, this will enhance the design of future neuroprotection trials in MSA and the likelihood of positive outcomes.

Measuring active aging: Development of a active aging measurement tool

In recent years, various debates have emerged in the literature regarding the conceptualization of active aging. However, there is a lack of tools to assess active aging at the individual level. The aim of this paper is to develop a measurement tool and procedure for assessing active aging focused on an individual level, encompassing different elements of people’s lives, and providing an individual quantitative result for each person. To achieve this aim, a representative sample of 404 community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) from Galicia, Spain, was interviewed using a structured survey guided by a questionnaire. The tool is based on an empirically validated model of active aging, which comprises two broad categories (health and participation) as well as a measurement tool. The results presented demonstrate how a region in Spain is actively aging. The discussion highlights the potential of this tool, which integrates different approximations of the concept and underscores its importance in people’s lives.

REVIEW OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ON CORPORATE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE SUB-SECTOR COMPANIES LISTED ON THE INDONESIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as an essential element of corporate operations, signifying a company's dedication to tackling environmental, social, and ethical concerns. This study aims to analyze the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the financial performance of Food and Beverage companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2016 to 2022. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) index is used as a measurement tool for CSR. The independent variable in this study is CSR, while the dependent variable is either Return on Assets (ROA) or Return on Equity (ROE). The research focuses on companies in the food and beverage subsector listed on the IDX during the specified period. The sample for this study is selected using the purposive method, which involves predetermined standards. Secondary data from the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the period 2016 to 2022 is utilized for analysis. The findings of this study indicate that CSR has an insignificant positive impact on ROA, but it does have a significant positive impact on ROE.

The Chinese Adaptation and Validation of the Adolescents' Ageism Toward Older Adults Scale.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to translate and validate the adolescents' ageism toward older adults scale (AGES) in the Chinese cultural context and examine its psychometric properties among Chinese adolescents. Methods: The study consists of two phases with two separate samples. In phase one (sample 1: n = 407), exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is conducted to determine the factor structure of the C-AGES. In phase two (sample 2: n = 379), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is performed to confirm the factor structure and assess the model fit of the C-AGES. Results: EFA reveals a two-factor structure consisting of 17 items for the C-AGES. CFA in sample 2 confirms the factor structure and demonstrates good model fit. The C-AGES also exhibits high criterion validity, internal consistency, and cross-gender invariance. Discussion: The results suggest that the C-AGES is a valid measurement tool for assessing agism among Chinese adolescents.

Deciphering the mechanism of glutaredoxin-catalyzed roGFP2 redox sensing reveals a ternary complex with glutathione for protein disulfide reduction

Glutaredoxins catalyze the reduction of disulfides and are key players in redox metabolism and regulation. While important insights were gained regarding the reduction of glutathione disulfide substrates, the mechanism of non-glutathione disulfide reduction remains highly debated. Here we determined the rate constants for the individual redox reactions between PfGrx, a model glutaredoxin from Plasmodium falciparum, and redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein 2 (roGFP2), a model substrate and versatile tool for intracellular redox measurements. We show that the PfGrx-catalyzed oxidation of roGFP2 occurs via a monothiol mechanism and is up to three orders of magnitude faster when roGFP2 and PfGrx are fused. The oxidation kinetics of roGFP2-PfGrx fusion constructs reflect at physiological GSSG concentrations the glutathionylation kinetics of the glutaredoxin moiety, thus allowing intracellular structure-function analysis. Reduction of the roGFP2 disulfide occurs via a monothiol mechanism and involves a ternary complex with GSH and PfGrx. Our study provides the mechanistic basis for understanding roGFP2 redox sensing and challenges previous mechanisms for protein disulfide reduction.

A single-institution experience with 177Lu RPT workflow improvements and qualifying the SPECT/CT imaging for dosimetry.

Implementing any radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) program requires a comprehensive review of system readiness, appropriate workflows, and training to ensure safe and efficient treatment delivery. A quantitative assessment of the dose delivered to targets and organs at risk (OAR) using RPT is possible by correlating the absorbed doses with the delivered radioactivity. Integrating dosimetry into an established RPT program demands a thorough analysis of the necessary components and system fine-tuning. This study aims to report an optimized workflow for molecular radiation therapy using 177Lu with a primary focus on integrating patient-specific dosimetry into an established radiopharmaceutical program in a radiation oncology setting. We comprehensively reviewed using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, including efficacy and accuracy of delivery and all aspects of radiation safety of the RPT program. The GE Discovery SPECT/CT 670DR™ system was calibrated per MIM protocol for dose calculation on MIM SurePlan™ MRT software. Jaszcak Phantom with 15-20 mCi of 177Lu DOTATATE with 2.5 µM EDTA solution was used, with the main energy window defined as 208 keV ±10% (187.6 to 229.2 keV); the upper scatter energy window was set to 240 keV ±5% (228 to 252 keV), while the lower scatter energy window was 177.8 keV ±5% (168.9 to 186.7 keV). Volumetric quality control tests and adjustments were performed to ensure the correct alignment of the table, NM, and CT gantry on SPECT/CT. A comprehensive end-to-end (E2E) test was performed to ensure workflow, functionality, and quantitative dose accuracy. Workflow improvements and checklists are presented after systematically analyzing over 400 administrations of 177Lu-based RPT. Injected activity to each sphere in the NEMA Phantom scan was quantified, and the MIM Sureplan MRT reconstruction images calculated activities within ±12% of the injected activity. Image alignment tests on the SPECT/CT showed a discrepancy of more than the maximum tolerance of 2.2 mm on any individual axis. As a result of servicing the machine and updating the VQC and COR corrections, the hybrid imaging system was adjusted to achieve an accuracy of <1 mm in all directions. Workflows and checklists, after analysis of system readiness and adequate training for staff and patients, are presented. Hardware and software components for patient-specific dosimetry are presented with a focus on hybrid image registration and correcting any errors that affect dosimetric quantification calculation. Moreover, this manuscript briefly overviews the necessary quality assurance requirements for converting diagnostic images into dosimetry measurement tools and integrating dosimetry for RPT based on 177Lu.

Assessing knowledge about self-regulated learning: validation of a measurement tool for preschoolers

IntroductionSelf-regulated learning (SRL), as the self-directed and goal-orientated control of one’s learning process, is an important ability for academic success. Even at preschool age, when its development is at a very early stage, SRL helps to predict later learning outcomes. Valid test instruments are needed to identify preschoolers who require SRL support and help them to start school successfully.MethodsThe present study aimed to provide an adequate SRL test instrument for preschoolers by revising and optimizing an existing strategy knowledge test and validating the revised version–the SRL Strategy Knowledge Test—in a sample of n = 104 German preschoolers (Mage = 5;11 years; 48.1% girls). For the validation, we used measures of (1) SRL and related constructs, (2) psychomotor development, and (3) academic competence, to determine three levels of validity: (a) convergent, (b) divergent, and (c) criterion. All the correlation analyses controlled for child intelligence.ResultsThe results showed that the test is of moderate difficulty and sufficiently reliable (Cronbach’s α = 0.74), can generate normally distributed data, and has a one-factor structure. In line with our hypotheses, we found significant correlations for the convergent and criterion measures, and numerically smaller and insignificant correlations for divergent measures. The correlations for the criterion measures failed to be significant when controlling for intelligence.DiscussionThe missing evidence for criterion validity when controlling for intelligence may have been due to limitations in the measures used to examine criterion validity. The SRL Strategy Knowledge Test can be used in practice to diagnose the need for SRL support and in future studies and interventions on SRL development.

Modeling individuals' prescription medicine borrowing behavior

BackgroundMedicine-sharing behavior can be divided into two groups: borrowing medicine from someone else and lending medicine to someone else without consulting a doctor or a pharmacist. There are many reasons for the behavior that leads individuals to share their prescription medicines. However, there is a lack in the literature to investigate individuals' medicine-sharing behavior and related antecedents and outcomes of this behavior. Objective(s)The main objective of this study is to model individuals’ prescription medicine borrowing (PMB) behavior via the structural equation model based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). MethodsA measurement tool was developed according to TPB. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine subfactors of PBM behavior. In the second step, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to confirm whether there is a relationship between the observed variables and their underlying latent constructs. Finally, a structural equation model was conducted to specify the relationships between latent variables. IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Software) version 22 and LISREL 8.80 were used for data analysis. ResultsStudy findings reveal that the participants' attitudes and intentions towards PMB are low, and the rate of exhibiting this behavior is also low. In the proposed prescription medicine borrowing behavior model, the positive effect of attitude towards PMB, perceived behavioral control related PMB, and subjective norm about PMB on intention towards PMB were found statistically significant. Intention towards PMB has been found to have a positive statistically significant effect on PMB behavior. ConclusionsBased on the results of this study, it is possible to say that TPB is an appropriate theory for modeling PMB. Thus, this model will shed light on healthcare providers and policy-makers to avoid individuals from the adverse effects of PMB behavior.

Relaxation kinetics of interface states and bulk traps in atomic layer deposited ZrO2/β-Ga2O3 metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors

The study of interface states and bulk traps and their connection to device instability is highly demanded to achieve reliable β-Ga2O3 metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices. However, a comprehensive analysis of the capture/emission behavior of interface states and bulk traps can be challenging due to widespread time constant distribution. In this study, using capacitance transient measurement tools, trap states of the ZrO2/β-Ga2O3 MOS gate stack were explicitly investigated, particularly its bias- and temperature-dependent relaxation kinetics. As forward bias is enlarged, it is observed that the interface state density (Dit) increases by 12.6%. Two bulk traps with discrete levels identified as 0.43 eV (E1) and 0.74 eV (E2) below the conduction band minimum were extracted by deep-level transient spectroscopy. It is further revealed that the emission processes of E1 and E2 are thermally enhanced, while the capture processes remain insensitive to temperature. The electric-field dependence of E1 indicates that the dominant mechanism follows the rule of Poole–Frenkel emission. The capacitance–voltage (C–V) hysteresis deteriorated at a higher forward bias due to the higher trap density and increased population of trapped charges. These findings provide an important framework for future device optimization to improve the reliability and performance of β-Ga2O3 MOS devices.

The repeatability of periodontal imaging with intraoral ultrasound scanning.

Ultrasound is a non-invasive and low-cost diagnostic tool widely used in medicine. Recent studies have demonstrated that ultrasound imaging might have the potential to be used intraorally to assess the periodontium by comparing it to current imaging methods. This study aims to characterize the repeatability of intraoral periodontal ultrasound imaging. Two hundred and twenty-three teeth were scanned from fourteen volunteers participating in this study. One operator conducted all the scans in each tooth thrice with a 20MHz intraoral ultrasound. The repeatability of three measurements, alveolar bone crest to the cementoenamel junction (ABC-CEJ), gingival thickness (GT), and alveolar bone thickness (ABT), was calculated with intercorrelation coefficient (ICC). Measurements were also compared with mean absolute deviation (MAD), repeatability coefficient (RC), and descriptive statistics. ICC scores for intra-rater repeatability were 0.917(0.897,0.933), 0.849(0.816,0.878), and 0.790(0.746,0.898), MAD results were 0.610mm (± 0.508), 0.224 (± 0.200), and 0.067 (± 0.060), and RC results were 0.648, 0.327, and 0.121 for ABC-CEJ, GT, and ABT measurements, respectively. Results of the present study pointed towards good or excellent repeatability of ultrasound as a measurement tool for periodontal structures. Clinicians could benefit from the introduction of a novel chairside diagnostic tool. Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging assessment tool for the periodontium with promising results in the literature. Further validation, establishment of scanning protocols, and commercialization are still needed before ultrasound imaging is available for clinicians.

Reliability of Vertebral Pelvic Angles in Assessment of Spinal Alignment.

Reliability analysis. Vertebral pelvic angles (VPA) are gaining popularity given their ability to describe the shape of the spine. Understanding the reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) is necessary to determine how these measurement tools should be used in the manual assessment of spine radiographs. Our aim is to assess intra- and interobserver intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and the MDC in the use of VPA for assessing alignment in adult spinal deformity (ASD). Three independent examiners blindly measured T1, T4, T9, L1, and L4PA twice in ASD patients with a 4-week window after the initial measurements. Patients who had undergone hip or shoulder arthroplasty, fused or transitional vertebrae, or whose hip joints were not visible on radiographs were excluded. Power analysis calculated a minimum sample size of 19. Both intra- and interobserver ICC and MDC, which denotes the smallest detectable change in a true value with 95% confidence, were calculated. Out of the 193 patients, 39 were ultimately included in the study, and 390 measurements were performed by 3 raters. Intraobserver ICC values ranged from .90 to .99. The interobserver ICC was .97, .97, .96, .95, and .92, and the MDC was 5.3°, 5.1°, 4.8°, 4.9°, and 4.1° for T1, T4, T9, L1, and L4PA, respectively. All VPAs showed excellent intra- and interobserver reliability, however, the MDC is relatively high compared to typical ranges for VPA values. Therefore, surgeons must be aware that substantial alignment changes may not be detected by a single VPA.

Definitions and Measurement Tools for Assessing Parental Reactions to LGB People Coming Out: A Critical Review

ABSTRACT Parental responses to young people’s coming out as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) are a crucial experience in identity formation and subsequent mental health outcomes. However, how parents react to coming out varies and remains relatively imprecise in the literature. The aim of the present critical review was to explore and discuss the different definitions and measurement tools used in studies assessing perceived parental reactions to the coming out of LGB people aged 18 years and over. Following PRISMA guidelines, a review of 14 selected articles was carried out to examine the different tools used. Then, based on this selection of articles, a review of the different proposed definitions of parental reactions was carried out. Analysis revealed that the Perceived Parental Reactions Scale emerged as the most widely used and most appropriate international scale for capturing the diversity of perceived parental reactions. Then, parental responses were often addressed in a dichotomous manner, focusing primarily on acceptance or rejection. Future studies will need to consider a more nuanced approach to understanding parental reactions to coming out.