Quality Assessment Questionnaire Research Articles

Age wise comparative analysis of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: a multicenter indigenous experience

Background: This study assesses the mid-term clinical and functional outcomes, implant survivorship and impact of age on patients implanted with either cruciate retaining/posterior stabilized (CR/PS) total knee system (TKS). Method: This is an ongoing, prospective, multicentre, real-world study enrolling 300 patients: younger adults (<55 years; n=69), older adults (55 years to <65 years; n=92) and elders (≥65 years; n=139). Primary safety endpoints: implant survivorship and cumulative revision rate. Secondary endpoints: Knee Society Score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster universities osteoarthritis (WOMAC) score, range of motion (ROM), SF-36 questionnaire for assessment of quality of life (QoL), radiographic analysis, and any adverse events at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1-3 years.  Results: Primary endpoint demonstrated absence of any revision across all age categories during the 3 years study period. Secondary outcomes KSS (clinical and functional) showed non-significant difference among elderly (91.13±7.90 and 98.18±4.62, respectively) in comparison to young adults (91.03±8.61 and 98.91±3.75, respectively). All three age-groups showed significant improvement in ROM (p<0.001) till 3 years 121.05°±7.74°, 123.22°±4.26°, and 122.43°±5.8° respectively, with no differences among the age groups. We observed that WOMAC and SF-36 QoL scores improved with each follow-up (p<0.001) across all age groups. Radiographs showed no implant wear or osteolysis during the investigation. Conclusions: Age seems to play no notable role on the post-TKA outcomes. Over a 3-year period, we observed marked enhancements in patient measures such as ROM, KSS, WOMAC, and QoL indicating and strongly affirming the safety and efficacy of CR/PS TKS prostheses.  

Functional size measurement of postnatal care apps: Morocco case study

ABSTRACT This study empirically evaluates the functionality coverage of 18 mobile applications (apps) for Postnatal care including a recently developed app in Morocco “Mamma&Baby”. This evaluation is based on a comparison of the COSMIC _ISO 19,761 functional size of these apps with the score obtained in a previous evaluation based on functions extraction through a quality assessment questionnaire. This comparison allows to discuss the relationship between the functional size of the 18 apps, their users’ ratings in the Play Store as well as the number of downloads. While for most of the assessed apps, there is only a small shift between the rankings of the two evaluations, for some apps, the shift is huge due to the number of features added and not covered by the score previously obtained. This study illustrates the use of COSMIC as an effective method for corrective or evolutionary updates since it takes into account all the functions and features of postnatal apps. For the “Mamma&Baby” app, efforts are required to boost the number of downloads, optimize its visibility, and attract the highest number of users.

Effects of task shifting from primary care physicians to nurses: a protocol for an overview of systematic reviews

IntroductionTask-shifting from primary care physicians (PCPs) to nurses is one option to better and more efficiently meet the needs of the population in primary care and to overcome PCP shortages....

The association between quality of clinical education and assertiveness in operating room and anesthesia nursing students: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundAssertiveness provides a nurse with the foundation for establishing successful relationships with patients, family members, and healthcare team members. Clinical education creates a unique opportunity to prepare students for professional identity because knowledge alone is not enough to provide safe care, and without clinical education, training efficient and competent people will be very difficult and impossible. This study aimed to determine the association between the quality of clinical education and assertiveness of operating room and anesthesia students. MethodIn this analytical cross-sectional study, 230 students who were in the second year of undergraduate education participated. The research was conducted in the 2022 academic year at the Department of Nursing School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Clinical Education Quality Assessment Questionnaire and Gambler and Ritchie Assertiveness Questionnaire were data collection instruments. Statistical methods used included descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, Chi-square test, and regression analysis. ResultsOut of 230 students participating in this study, 103 were operating room nursing students, and 127 were anesthesia nursing students. One hundred forty-one students were female, and 89 were male, 79 % of whom were aged 18–32 years. A significant relationship was found between the quality of clinical education and interest in the field, the number of children, and employment during education (P = 0.01). Also, a significant relationship was observed between decisiveness and the main variables (P = 0.01). The correlation analysis results showed students who scored higher on assertiveness had reported the quality of their clinical training higher (r = 0.23, p < 0.001). ConclusionAssertiveness as a communication style can play an important role in improving performance and quality of care in tense, stressful care settings. Improving assertiveness can be considered as a useful factor in the clinical training of the operating room and anesthesia nursing students. Therefore, it is suggested that the instructors should include instruction on assertiveness in nursing education courses.

PENGARUH MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN E-ATLAS DENGAN MOTIVASI BELAJAR SISWA SMA

E-Atlas was assessed using an assessment instrument in the form of a product quality assessment questionnaire by 1 media expert, 1 material expert, and paired t-test of 15 class XI students at SMA. The results of the E-Atlas of So (Scleroderma aurantium) Morphological Character assessment by media experts obtained an average score of 83.75% with quality in the feasible category, material experts scored 89.6% with quality in the very feasible category, and the biology teacher's assessment get a value of 96.25% with quality in the very decent category. The results of the paired t-test were found to be Sig.(2-tailed) of 0.000 0.05, so it can be concluded that there is a significant difference between the results of data collection before and after being given E-Atlas media.

Clinical and laboratory results in vaginal wall restoration using a fractional-pixel-CO2 laser: histological findings and changes in the Ki67 protein and telomere length.

Thermal deposition of laser energy in the vaginal epithelium in genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) results in clinical and biological effects, but many cellular and molecular changes indicating cell proliferation or senescence inhibition are unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the fractional-pixel-CO2 laser in the possible improvement of GMS signs and symptoms that can be correlated with histological changes or with cellular or molecular indicators of restoration. A detailed prospective study was designed to assess 17 women diagnosed with GSM who were treated intravaginally with two laser sessions. Seven non-treated women diagnosed with GSM were used as controls. Three validated outcome questionnaires for assessment of quality of sexual life and urinary incontinence were performed. Vaginal biopsies were collected before the first laser treatment and 4months following the second session. Histological status, elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid content of the biopsies were also evaluated. Cell proliferation was assessed by Ki67 staining. Telomere length (TL) was measured by qPCR. The results show an improvement of the clinical symptoms of GSM (p < 0.05), vaginal epithelium recovery and enhancement of collagen (p < 0.05), elastic fibers (p < 0.005), and hyaluronic acid (p < 0.0005) content in the lamina propria after fractional-pixel-CO2 laser treatment. The laser treatment induced a significant rise on the TL of vaginal epithelial cells (VECs), and a positive correlation was found between the improvements of the collagen and hyaluronic acid content and TL changes (r = 0.82, p < 0.05; r = 0.38, p < 0.05). The percentage of proliferative Ki67-positive VECs was increased in patients whose vaginal TL lengthened after laser treatment (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results indicate that laser treatment may induce restoration of the vaginal epithelium which is associated to increased TL and proliferation in the VECs. Performing a TL assay could be a suitable tool to evaluate the efficacy of vaginal laser treatment.

International validation of two EORTC questionnaires for assessment of health-related quality of life for patients with high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (QLQ-NHL-HG29) and low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (QLQ-NHL-LG20).

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a critical aspect to consider when making treatment decisions for patients with non-Hodgkin-lymphoma (NHL). This international study by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) tested the psychometric properties of two newly developed measures for patients with high-grade (HG)- and low-grade (LG)-NHL: the EORTC QLQ-NHL-HG29 and the EORTC QLQ-NHL-LG20 to supplement the core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Overall, 768 patients with HG-NHL (N=423) and LG-NHL (N=345) from 12 countries completed the QLQ-C30, QLQ-NHL-HG29/QLQ-NHL-LG20 and a debriefing questionnaire at baseline, and a subset at follow-up for either retest (N=125/124) or responsiveness to change (RCA; N=98/49). Confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable to good fit of the 29 items of the QLQ-NHL-HG29 on its five scales (symptom burden [SB], neuropathy, physical condition/fatigue [PF], emotional impact [EI], and worries about health/functioning [WH]), and of the 20 items of the QLQ-NHL-LG20 on its four scales (SB, PF, EI, and WH). Completion took on average 10minutes. Test-retest reliability, convergent validity, known-group comparisons, and RCA find satisfactory results of both measures. A total of 31%-78% of patients with HG-NHL and 22%-73% of patients with LG-NHL reported symptoms and/or worries (e.g., tingling in hands/feet, lack of energy, and worries about recurrence). Patients reporting symptoms/worries had substantially lower HRQOL compared to those without. The use of the EORTC QLQ-NHL-HG29 and QLQ-NHL-LG20 questionnaires in clinical research and practice will provide clinically relevant data to better inform treatment decision-making. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group developed two questionnaires. These questionnaires measure health-related quality of life. The questionnaires are for patients with high-grade or low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma. They are called the EORTC QLQ-NHL-HG29 and QLQ-NHL-LG20. The questionnaires are now internationally validated. This study demonstrates that the questionnaires are reliably and valid, which are important aspects of a questionnaire. The questionnaires can now be used in clinical trials and practice. With the information gathered from the questionnaires, patients and clinicians can better evaluate treatments and discuss the best choice for a patient.

Polyhandicap et accès aux soins : le modèle interventionnel des soins palliatifs

In order to improve the care of children with severe psychomotor impairment, this project proposed to apply the interventional model of pediatric palliative care to children without life threatening conditions. An initial semi-directive interview carried out at family homes made an inventory of the situation of the children and their families. The care needs identified led to interventions for 6 to 12 months. A care quality assessment questionnaire and an open satisfaction questionnaire were sent to the families. The 28 families included expressed difficulties and shortcomings in their health course. The needs relate to the medical, psychological, and social spheres, underlining the need for linking the different partners of care. The interventions mainly consisted of coordination, as well as the start of projects for requests for respite and training, particularly in pain assessment. The end-of-study questionnaires particularly show satisfaction with the initial interview, but no impact on quality of life was found. We found that the parents of children with severe psychomotor impairment are asking for an extended interview in their living environment to express their difficulties and their needs, as is usually offered by palliative care teams. The various requests from families can be answered by linking the different care partners, but also by setting up systems dedicated to severe psychomotor impairment.

0289 A PICTURE ON THE SLEEP OF THE PORTUGUESE HEALTH SYSTEM: PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF A WORK IN PROGRESS

Abstract Introduction Sleep difficulties are commonly referred by health care workers that can affect quality of life and productivity, both in patients and healthy individuals. This study firstly aimed to evaluate sleep quality in distinct groups of health care workers as well as the impact of shift work and health related habits on the sleep of such professionals. Methods This prospective, cross sectional, observational study involved health care workers (Physicians, Residents, Nurse Staff, Psychologists and Therapeutic and Diagnostic Technicians - TDT) from the Portuguese Health System (public or private) aged from 25 and 65 years old. A General Health Survey was followed by Standard validated sleep questionnaires for assessment of sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index - ISI), risk of obstructive sleep apnea (STOP-BANG), and excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale - ESS). Results From the pretended pool of 425 health care workers to whom questionnaires where sent, 160 (131: 81.9% females) responded (37.7% of response rate). From those, 30% of those professionals were Residents, 30.6% were TDT, 21.9% Physicians, 10.6% Nurses, and 6.9% Psychologists. 46.5% assumed itself with a morning-type profile whereas 39.5% were intermedium and 14% evening-type persons. From the global sample, 62.5% had poor sleep quality with 37.5% in the insomnia threshold whereas 14.4% presented with either moderate or severe forms of insomnia. Regarding the risk for sleep disordered breathing, 6.5% where at high risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea - OSA, and 15.6% complained from mild to moderately forms of excessive sleepiness (ESS&amp;gt;10). In this sample, psychologists achieved the better sleep quality scores while nurses had the poorest scores for the same parameter. Conclusion This preliminary findings on the sleep of the portuguese health care workers, suggest that such professionals experience a poor sleep quality in general with a prevalence of major sleep disorders similar to the general population. Although the majority seemed to denie a significant degree of daytime sleepiness, those within a shift work regimen are likely to perform worse. Support (if any)  

Adolescents' polycystic ovary syndrome health-related quality of life questionnaire (APQ-20): development and psychometric properties.

Several health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaires for adults with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have been developed so far. However, an adolescent-specific HRQOL questionnaire for PCOS patients is still lacking. Hence, this study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess HRQOL in adolescents with PCOS. This mixed-method study was conducted in Tehran, Iran, from 2018 to 2020. The qualitative phase was conducted on 18 target participants, and in the quantitative phase, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on 200 adolescents with PCOS and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) on the other 200 ones.The item-developing process was finalized with 77 questions. Concerning the optimum cutoff of content validity ratio, content validity index, kappa statistic coefficient, and item impact score, a draft with 55 items was finalized. Then, piloting scale was performed on 40 participants and considering the interitem correlation < 0.3, fifteen items were excluded. Based on the EFA, 20 items in six components (emotion and mood, loss of attractiveness due to the hirsutism, loss of attractiveness due to the acne, self-care, support, and menstrual cycle problem) that explain 60.3% of the variance were extracted. The CFA with acceptable values of goodness-of-fit statistics supports this construct validity. Results of reliability, floor, and ceiling effect were acceptable. Conclusion: Our study showed that the short questionnaire of APQ-20 is valid and reliable for assessment of the HRQOL of adolescents with PCOS. Further studies are needed to assess the feasibility and reliability of APQ-20 for assessing the HRQOL of adolescents with PCOS. It constitutes a significant step forward in the measurement of HRQOL of adolescents with PCOS. What is Known: • There is no disease-specific questionnaire for assessment of the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). What is New: • The short questionnaire of APQ-20 is easy to use, valid, and reliable for the assessment of the HRQOL of adolescents with PCOS. • APQ-20 constitutes a significant step forward in the measurement of HRQOL of adolescents with PCOS.

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the Persian version of the low-vision quality-of-life questionnaire

Most of the vision quality assessment questionnaires are in English. None of the low-vision-related quality-of-life questionnaires have been translated or developed in Persian. It will help Persian optometrists and ophthalmologists to assess improvement of visual function and quality of life during their low-vision rehabilitation programs. In this study, we aimed to translate the low-vision quality-of-life (LVQOL) questionnaire in Persian language and apply exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to assess the construct validity and fit model. Translation and cultural adjustment of the English language LVQOL questionnaire to Persian was undertaken. Overall, 100 low-vision patients were participated to validate and model the assessment questionnaire by both EFA and CFA methods. Complementary EFA and CFA results provide detailed information about item and scale performance of the Persian LVQOL. EFA showed Items 15, 16, and 21 which had factor loadings lower than 0.3. The modified model had the comparative fit index (CFI) and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.89 and 0.06, respectively. The translation, adjustment, and fit analysis of the LVQOL questionnaire into Persian were successful and it will be valuable in both clinical practice and research.

The Quality of Online Education for Theoretical Courses of Audiology from the Perspective of Audiology Students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences during the COVID-19 Pandemic

 &#x0D; Background and Aim: The face-to-face education was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. In such situations, online education method was used. In this study, we aim to assess the quality of online education for theoretical courses of audiology from the perspective of audiology students at Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) during the COVID-19 pandemic.&#x0D; Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 77 audiology students  of the School of Rehabilitation at TUMS. Data collection were a demographic form and two quality and satisfaction assessment questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS version 17.&#x0D; Results: There was a significant difference in all subscales of Shourcheh questionnaire among students with different educational stages (p&lt;0.05), but there was no significant difference between age (except for social solidarity component) and gender (p&gt;0.05) groups. The results of Kruskal-Wallis test showed a statistically significant difference in the quality scores among students with different educational stages (p=0.033), but there was no significant difference between age (p=0.300) and gender (p=0.630) groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: The quality of online education for theoretical courses of audiology at TUMS is high from the perspective of PhD students, while it is low according to BSc and MSc students.&#x0D; Keywords: Audiology; virtual education; COVID-19; pandemic; students

Effects of restoration of cough via spinal cord stimulation on subject quality of life

ObjectivesTo determine participant quality of life before and after use of the cough stimulation system (Cough System). DesignProspective assessment of life quality at 4 timepoints via questionnaire responses. SettingOut-patient hospital, United States. Participants28 subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI) completed life quality assessment questionnaires before and at the 28- 40- and 52-week timepoints following use of the Cough System. ResultsEach subject demonstrated significant clinical improvements in terms of restoration of an effective cough and ability to manage airway secretions with use of the Cough System. Positive airway pressures and peak expiratory airflows approached values associated with a normal cough. Related to cough/secretion management, use of this system also resulted less interference with family life and daily activities, less financial difficulties, less requirement for caregiver assistance, less stress, less embarrassment and greater control of their breathing problems (p < 0.01), for each comparison). There also significant improvements in that their overall health and quality of life (p < 0.01, for each comparison). Subjects also reported greater ease in breathing, restored ability to sneeze and enhanced mobility. The incidence of acute respiratory tract infections fell from 1.3 ± 0.3 to 0.2 ± 0.1 events/subject year (p < 0.01). Ten subjects developed mild hemodynamic effects consistent with autonomic dysreflexia that abated completely with continued use of the Cough System. Some subjects experienced mild leg jerks during SCS, which were well tolerated and abated completely with reduction in stimulus amplitude, No subjects reported bowel or bladder leakage. ConclusionUse of the Cough System by SCI subjects is a safe and efficacious method which significantly improves life quality and has the potential to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with SCI.

IMPLEMENTATION OF CRM SYSTEM IN IMPROVING SERVICE QUALITY AT ZAHRA MART TANJUNGBALAI STORE

Zahra Mart Tanjungbalai is a business that sells various kinds of products ranging from cosmetic products, basic necessities and other goods located on Jl. M. Abbas, No B Lk. VII Ex. Sirantau district. Datuk Bandar Tanjungbalai City. The problem that occurs at Zahra Mart is that it has not implemented a website-based online sales system in marketing its products, and information about the products being sold is still limited, only people around the location know the existence of Zahra Mart Tanjungbalai. Therefore, the application of a CRM system is used to improve service quality at the Zahra Mart Tanjungbalai store which can help buyers find information about the products being sold and make it easier for buyers to place orders without having to come directly to Zahra Mart Tanjungbalai. In this study using qualitative methods that can help researchers to obtain solutions to all problems. The results of this study can help Zahra Mart in marketing their products and expanding sales of the products they market because of the features of rating, promo, discount, cashback, media chat, and service quality assessment (questionnaire). agree with the application of CRM at the Zahra Mart Tanjungbalai store. From the graph, it can be seen that the survey results strongly agree 55.89%, agree 23.72%, disagree 14.12%, strongly disagree 9.42%.

Development of Assessment Sheet for Measuring Students’ Scientific Literacy Level in the Era of Revolution 4.0

This study aims to develop an assessment sheet as a measuring tool for the level of scientific literacy in the 4.0 revolution era for high school students in North Aceh. The development model used in this study is the ADDIE model which consists of 5 steps, namely: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Samples were selected by stratified cluster random sampling and purposive sampling. The instruments used were in the form of a module quality assessment sheet filled out by expert validators and a questionnaire response sheet for teachers and students. The data analysis used is the percentage formula. The average percentage of module quality assessment questionnaire sheets obtained from 6 validators is 93.00% while the responses of teachers and students are 84.65; 83.81%. The results of the research can be concluded that the assessment sheet as a measuring tool for the level of scientific literacy in the 4.0 revolution era for high school students throughout North Aceh which has been developed is suitable for use in chemistry learning and it is hoped that there will be further research for other materials in a wider scope

Factors associated with the intermediate probability of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction on the H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;FPEF score in asymptomatic patients in rotation work conditions in the Arctic

Aim. To study the factors associated with the intermediate probability of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) according to the H2FPEF score (Heavy; Hypertensive; Atrial Fibrillation; Pulmonary Hypertension; Elder; Filling Pressure) in asymptomatic patients in rotation work conditions in the Arctic.Material and methods. In the polar village of Yamburg (68° 21’ 40” northern latitude), 100 men and 80 women with grade 1, 2 hypertension and normotensive persons were examined on the basis of the Medical Unit of OOO Gazprom Dobycha Yamburg. All patients underwent echocardiography using generally accepted methods of imaging and data processing, according to European Society of Echocardiography guidelines. To calculate the probability of HFpEF, the H2FPEF score was used. The Bruce protocol treadmill test was performed. The SF-36 (Health Status Survey) questionnaire for assessment of life quality was used.Results. Group 1 included 95 male and female patients with a low probability of HF (H2FPEF score — 0-1), group 2 — 85 patients of both sexes with an intermediate probability of HF (H2FPEF score — 2-5). Group 2 patients were older (p=0,038), worked longer on a shift (p=0,0143), and had higher ambulatory systolic (p=0,0001) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0,0013) with a higher body mass index (BMI) (p=0,0001). Based on the odds ratio (OR) analysis, the factor most strongly influencing the intermediate probability of HFpEF was BMI (OR=1,261, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1,140-1,393). SF-36 questionnaire revealed intergroup differences only on the role functioning scale (p=0,013) with lower values in group 2. In the logistic regression model, dyspnea during the treadmill test occupied a leading position as follows: OR=8,952; 95% CI: 3,454-15,197 (p&lt;0,0001). The second place was taken by inotropic reserve value (OR=1,020; 95% CI: 1,006-1,035 (p=0,005), which was higher in group 2 and was regarded as one of the compensatory mechanisms for adapting to stress. In the group 2, echocardiography revealed significant differences in terms of left ventricular (LV) myocardial mass (p=0,0002), LV internal area (p=0,0002), isovolumic relaxation time (p=0,003), and ratio of transmitral diastolic flow rate to mean mitral annulus velocity (p=0,0001), which indirectly indicates the presence of LV diastolic dysfunction.Conclusion. There are following factors associated with H2FPEF intermediate probability of HFpEF in asymptomatic patients on shift in the Arctic: BMI, length of shift, dyspnea and an increase in inotropic reserve during exercise due to a decrease in adaptive potential, impaired LV diastolic function. Initiating management strategies that target identified factors in patients with asymptomatic HF may slow symptomatic disease progression in shift workers in the Arctic region.

Model Media Interaktif Articulate Storyline Untuk Menumbuhkan Kemandirian Membaca Permulaan Peserta Didik SD

Obstacles that occur when teaching early reading in low grades are the lack of media used to help students learn to read and the lack of human resources in the use of technological devices, especially in the current pandemic era. This study aims to develop an Android-based interactive learning media for beginning reading with the help of Articulate Storyline software and determine the feasibility of the learning media. The method used is the Research &amp; Development (R&amp;D) method. The data collection technique was done through a questionnaire, the research instrument used a questionnaire sheet. This study resulted in Android-based applications and products assessed from the feasibility of using media as measured by the quality of content and objectives and instructional quality. Assessors are conducted by peers, on the assessment of the quality of content and objectives, the assessor states that the learning media is in the appropriate category, and based on the instructional quality assessment questionnaire on the trial, the learning media is also declared to be in the appropriate category so that the learning media can be used to assist the learning process.

International validation of the EORTC QLQ-CLL17 questionnaire for assessment of health-related quality of life for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Selecting the most appropriate chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) treatment is challenging. Patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is therefore a critical aspect to consider. This international study by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) tested the psychometric properties of a newly developed measure for CLL patients: the EORTC QLQ-CLL17 to supplement the core questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Patients with CLL (n=341) from 12 countries completed the QLQ-C30, QLQ-CLL17 and a debriefing questionnaire. Sociodemographic and clinical data were recorded from medical records. A high percentage (30%-66%) reported symptoms and/or worries (e.g. aches/pains in muscles, lack of energy and worry/fears about health). Confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable to good fit of the 17 items on the three scales (i.e. symptom burden, physical condition/fatigue and worries/fears about health and functioning). Completion took on average 8min. Test-retest and convergent validity was demonstrated. The QLQ-CLL17 differentiated between patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology group (ECOG) performance of 0 versus 1-3 (p's<0.01 and clinically relevant). The newly developed EORTC QLQ-CLL17 will increase sensitivity of HRQoL assessment in patients with CLL. Implementation of this questionnaire both in clinical research and practice will help to generate unique clinically relevant data to better inform CLL treatment decision-making.

Free Mobile Geographic Information Apps Functionalities: A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: Geographic Information System (GIS) is a system designed to capture, store, analyze, and manage all types of geographical data. Mobile GIS has the ability to deliver functionalities, data and services without necessarily requiring a fixed location or wired connection. This paper analyzes the functionalities and potential of free mobile GIS applications available in Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Method: A well-known Systematic Literature Review (SLR) protocol was carried out to study free mobile GIS apps functionalities. A quality assessment questionnaire was developed for this purpose to be applied to the selected mobile GIS apps. Results: A total of 42 mobile GIS apps were selected from Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The results showed that the majority of mobile GIS apps support Global Positioning System (GPS) and were designed to be mainly used in geography, topography, Geo-Positioning, and transport domains. The search also showed that the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) protocols for web services remain less integrated in the apps. Conclusion: The features of mobile GIS were discussed and a set of recommendations to improve the development of mobile GIS applications was proposed.

Current knowledge on the association between cardiovascular and periodontal disease: an umbrella review.

Periodontal disease (PD) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the most common pathologies in the world and their relationship has long been studied. Both conditions lead to a chronic inflammatory process with degenerative characteristics and their biunivocal correlation is now well established. The aim of this umbrella review on cardiovascular and periodontal disease was to evaluate the real degree of association between these two pathological conditions. We conducted a comprehensive literature search on PubMed/Medline and in the Cochrane Library for systematic reviews focused on clinical evidence regarding the relationship between PD and CVD. The internal validity of systematic reviews and meta-analyses was formally analyzed using the Overview Quality Assessment Questionnaire (OQAQ) Tool. The umbrella review was planned in accordance with current international recommendations and was described as specified by the PRISMA Guidelines. Thirty-one systematic reviews, including 8 meta-analyses for a total of 507 clinical studies and over 3,549,966 patients were included. PD resulted to be associated with a higher risk of developing CVD (acute coronary syndrome, acute myocardial infarction) and cerebrovascular diseases (ischemic stroke); however, if the treatment of periodontitis reduces the risk of CVD events related is yet to be investigated. To date, the relationship between CVD and PD provides heterogeneous data. There is an association between PD and CVD, but a causal relationship cannot be established. Further research with properly designed long-term follow-up studies are needed in order to examine various physiopathological aspects of their association.