Seven-day Intervals Research Articles

Silver Nanoparticles Reduce Anthracnose Severity and Promote Growth of Bean Plants (Phaseolus vulgaris)

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the development of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, the progression of anthracnose symptoms, and the growth of common bean plants. For this purpose, the fungal mycelial growth and conidial germination were assessed at AgNP concentrations of 0, 10, 30, and 50 mg·L−1 after seven days of incubation, as well as at 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 10, 30, and 50 mg·L−1 after 72 h, respectively. Bean plants of the IPR Uirapuru cultivar were sprayed at the V3 growth stage with AgNPs at 0, 10, 30, or 50 mg·L−1, either two days before, on the day of, or two days after inoculation. Conidial germination and appressoria melanization were measured on the leaf discs collected 24, 48, and 72 h after inoculation, and disease severity was assessed at 7 and 12 days post-inoculation. Another set of bean plants grown under the same conditions was used to evaluate growth promotion by AgNPs. For this, the plants were sprayed twice (with a seven-day interval), starting at the V3 growth stage, with AgNPs at 0, 10, 30, or 50 mg·L−1. Seven days after the second treatment, plant length and the fresh and dry weights of shoots and roots were measured, and the foliar pigments were quantified. The AgNPs did not reduce mycelial growth but completely inhibited the germination of C. lindemuthianum conidia. The severity of anthracnose decreased with the AgNPs in a dose- and application time-dependent manner, with the highest reduction (90%) observed when applied on the same day as an inoculation at 50 mg·L−1. This was strongly linked to a 70% decline in conidia germination and appressorium melanization on bean leaves. AgNPs at 50 mg·L−1 promoted plant growth by increasing the total length by 3%, as well as the fresh weights of bean shoots and roots by 17% and 90%, respectively, but did not affect the content of leaf pigments.

Safety in the application of high-velocity low-amplitude technique in upper cervical in elderly: Preliminary study

Background: The literature is still controversial regarding the safety of applying high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) techniques to the upper cervical spine, as well as the effects on heart rate variability (HRV) in the elderly. To date, there are no studies reporting the safety of applying these techniques to elderly. Objective: To verify the safety and immediate effects on HRV after applying an HVLA technique to elderly, for the purpose of conducting a future clinical trial. Materials and Methods: This is a preliminary, randomized, crossover study. Six physically active elderly individuals without cardiovascular disease were recruited. The subjects underwent two interventions, with a seven-day interval between them: intervention one consisted of an HVLA technique to the upper cervical spine, while intervention two was a simulated (sham) technique. Data on self-reported symptoms after applying the techniques were collected, in addition to HRV, to assess autonomic function. Results: There were no records of immediate adverse effects after applying the intervention techniques. However, a significant increase in the root means square difference between adjacent normal RR intervals over a time interval (RMSSD) and in the instantaneous beat-to-beat heart rate recording (SD1) was observed in the HVLA group when compared to the sham group. Conclusion: The application of the HVLA technique in the upper cervical spine did not produce self-reported adverse effects in elderly. The HVLA technique increased the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, producing adjustments in HRV, thus indicating that there may be a significant parasympathetic stimulation in elderly.

Determining the effect of high hydrostatic pressure on the refrigerated stability of avocado puree

The present study aimed to extend refrigerated stability of locally grown avocado fruit by applying High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) treatment. HHP was applied at 600 MPa for 3 min to avocado puree and stored at 4 °C for 28 days. Physicochemical (colour CIE L*, a*, b*, total oil amount, chlorophyll, pH, moisture) and microbiological (mesophilic, yeast-mould) analyses were performed at seven-day intervals on both control (untreated) and HHP-treated sample packs. It could be judged that HHP treatment effectively controlled the colour indices, preventing undesired changes during the cold storage period of avocado puree. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that HHP-processed avocado puree exhibited stability for 28 days compared to unprocessed puree at 4 °C. The shelf-life stability of avocado puree under chilled conditions was extended from 7 to 28 days.Graphical

New standard area diagram set for assessing black sigatoka in bananas

Black sigatoka, or black leaf streak (BLS), is caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis and is the most important foliar disease in Musa production. Our goal was to develop a new standard area diagram set (SADs) with high-resolution digital images to aid in visual classification using a quantitative ordinal scale representing six disease severity ranges: 0 (0%), 1 (0 – 5%], 2 (5 – 13%], 3 (13 – 23%], 4 (23 – 40%], 5 (40 – 65%] and 6 (65—100%] and compare visual estimates of BLS severity on banana leaves with those using a previously developed ordinal scale. Three evaluations were conducted by thirteen evaluators and each evaluation was performed at seven-day intervals. The first assessment was done without a SADs. Evaluators subsequently performed two assessments with each the old ordinal scale and the novel SADs. Using the new SADs, evaluators precision, accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility, and residual distributions were improved. The proposed SADs is a tool that helps users in more accurately estimating the severity of BLS.

Effectiveness of acute aerobic exercise in regulating emotions in individuals with test anxiety

High levels of test anxiety can cause negative emotional interference and have adverse effects in multiple aspects. It is currently unclear whether acute aerobic exercise can effectively reduce a series of negative emotions triggered by test anxiety. This study investigates the impact of 30 min of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on the subjective emotional responses and frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) in individuals with high test anxiety. Forty-four college students with high test anxiety were randomly assigned to an aerobic exercise group and a control group. Each group underwent two tests, involving subjective scale measurements and resting-state EEG recordings, with a seven-day interval between tests. Results showed that after 30 min of moderate-intensity acute aerobic exercise, the intervention group had significantly reduced scores in subjective negative emotional experiences, and FAA indicators significantly increased. The study suggests that acute aerobic exercise can enhance the emotional regulation ability of college students with high test anxiety and reduce their negative emotions.

Assessment of Reliability, Agreement, and Accuracy of Masseter Muscle Ultrasound Thickness Measurement Using a New Standardized Protocol.

There is no validated method of assessing masseter muscle thickness (MMT) by ultrasound imaging (US). However, this is important to ensure study and measurement quality of MMT by US in future studies, as MMT differs depending on the examined area. Thus, this study's aim was to present a new standardized method for assessing the MMT by US and to evaluate the reliability, consistency, and accuracy of its measurements. We also compared the results of MMT measurements obtained by US and computer tomography (CT). The study included nine healthy adults. The US and CT scans were collected in a supine rest position with the mandible in relaxed position. US measurements were determined according to a new standardized protocol (with precise probe location). The MMT measured by CT and US over a seven-day interval showed excellent intra-rater reliability. The mean MMT measured by CT was 12.1 mm (1.74) on the right side and 11.9 mm (1.61) on the left side. The mean MMT measured by US was 12.7 mm (2.00) on the right side and 11.5 mm (1.37) on the left side. The mean percent error in MMT measurement between CT and US was below 6%. A strong linear relationship was found between the CT and US measurements of the MMT on both body sides (p < 0.001, r ≥ 0.93). The proposed method of MMT measurement using US demonstrated excellent reliability, yielding results similar to those obtained from CT images. We recommend the use of this standardization protocol in further studies where precise assessment of MMT by US is expected.

Development of the Sensory-Motor Dysfunction Questionnaire and Pilot Reliability Testing.

Both chronic and recurrent spinal pain alter sensorimotor integration (SMI), which is demonstrated using complex neurophysiological techniques. Currently, there is no patient-reported outcome measure that documents and/or assesses SMI in populations with spinal problems. The purpose of this study was to develop the Sensory-Motor Dysfunction Questionnaire (SMD-Q) and assess its test-retest reliability and internal consistency in individuals with recurrent spinal pain. The SMD-Q was developed based on the existing literature on motor control disturbances associated with disordered SMI. The initial SMD-Q drafts underwent review by two separate panels of subject matter experts and a focus group with subclinical spine pain. Their suggestions were incorporated into the questionnaire prior to reliability testing. The questionnaire was administered twice at a seven-day interval using QualtricsTM. A total of 20 participants (14 females and 6 males; 20.95 ± 2.46 years of age) completed the study. Quadratic weighted kappa (Kw) was used to assess test-retest reliability and Cronbach's alpha (α) was used to assess internal consistency. Four items had a Kw < 0.40, seven had a 0.40 < Kw < 0.75, and one had a Kw > 0.75 (excellent agreement), with excellent internal consistency (α > 0.90). The pilot SMD-Q appears to reliably measure altered SMI, suggesting that revisions and testing with a larger sample are worth pursuing.

Administering Fluralaner in Drinking Water for Treatment of Dermanyssus gallinae Infestation in Hy-Line W80 Laying Hens

Background: Poultry red mites, or Dermanyssus gallinae, pose a threat to the welfare and productivity of laying hens. Moreover, the increasing resistance of these mites to conventional miticides highlights the urgent need for alternative treatment options. There are also documented cases of poultry red mite infestations in humans. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fluralaner against Dermanyssus gallinae infestation in hens. Methods: Fluralaner was selected as a novel treatment for poultry red mite due to its effectiveness and safety profile. The presence of live mites in the drinking water tank served as the indicator of infestation. Live mites were counted on nine occasions throughout the study. Fluralaner was administered at three doses of 0.5 mg/kg in drinking water with a seven-day interval between each dose. The efficacy of fluralaner was assessed, with an efficacy percentage exceeding 90% considered indicative of antiparasitic efficacy. Results: The overall efficacy of Fluralaner in the current study exceeded 90% by day 5 and reached 100% by day 17. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that fluralaner is an effective alternative treatment, achieving efficacy rates exceeding 90% against poultry red mite infestation in laying hens.

New proposed of standard area diagram for assessing Black Sigatoka in bananas

Black sigatoka, or black leaf streak (BLS), is caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis and is the most important foliar disease in Musa production. Our goal was to develop a new standard area diagram (SAD) with high-resolution digital images with six disease levels: 0 (0%), 1 (0.1 – 5.0%), 2 (5.01 – 13.0%), 3 (13.01 – 23.0 %), 4 (23.01 – 40.0%), 5 (40.01 – 65.0%), and 6 (&gt;65.0%) and compare BLS severity results in banana leaves with those based on another SAD. Five evaluations were conducted by thirteen different evaluators, and each evaluation was performed at seven-day intervals. The first assessment was done without a SADs. Evaluators performed two assessments with each SAD. The statistics were analyzed with linear regression and Lin’s concordance correlation. With the proposed SAD, the evaluators improved the precision, accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility and reduced the residual distribution, as compared using the other SAD. The proposed SAD is a tool that aids users in producing a disease estimate that is close to the real value of BLS in banana leaves.

Effect of Wet Cupping with Rasayana Chikitsa in Management of Alopecia Areata (Indralupt)

Abstract: Alopecia areata, or Indralupt in Ayurveda, is a dermatological condition characterized by localized, non-scarring hair loss. It presents as circular or oval patches of baldness, primarily affecting the scalp. While its exact cause remains unclear, autoimmune factors are thought to play a significant role. Management typically involves a combination of topical and systemic treatments, including corticosteroids and immunomodulators which is not fully preventive or curative. Thus, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha Dosha i.e., Tridosha and Rakta Dushya are the causative factors of Indralupta. Materials and Method: Cup, Cupping pump, cotton ball or Swab, antiseptic solution, sterile lancets or scalpel, gloves. The patient was scheduled for wet cupping therapy, with a seven-day interval between each of the three sessions. Significant hair growth was observed after just one session. Raktamokshan, particularly Prachchanna (blood-letting, primarily scraping) is beneficial for removing vitiated Rakta if it is located in a specific area of the body, such as hair follicles. Result : After undergoing Wet Cupping and internal Rasayan drug for duration of one month, two patches of hair loss affected by alopecia areata were completely removed. Conclusion: This case report investigates the effectiveness of Raktmokshan, a traditional Ayurvedic therapy involving wet cupping, and Rasayan chikitsa in the management of alopecia areata (Indralupt). The case presents a patient with alopecia areata who underwent Raktmokshan therapy and observed outcomes over a defined period.

Treating a Challenging Giant Aneurysm of Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) with a Staged Procedure of Endovascular Coiling and Flow Diverter (FD): Case Report

Background: Giant intracranial aneurysms pose significant challenges in treatment due to a high risk of postoperative complications, including delayed rupture, cerebral edema, and aggravation of mass effect. Endovascular approaches, such as adjunctive coiling and flow diverter (FD) procedures, have become increasingly recommended for wide-necked, large, and giant aneurysms. Case Description: In this report, we present a challenging case of a staged coiling and FD procedure in a giant unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm. The patient, a 26-year-old adult female, was admitted to our hospital with a history of convulsions. Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) revealed a massive aneurysm measuring 40 mm × 27 mm in the M1 segment of the MCA. To mitigate the risk of mass effect aggravation, we performed a two-staged procedure with a seven-day interval between the interventions. The first step involved partial endovascular coiling to shrink the aneurysm, followed by successful flow diversion. The patient did not experience further convulsions or neurologic deficits, and the follow-up angiogram showed no residual flow to the aneurysm. Conclusion: We report one of the very first cases of adjunctive coiling and FD in ‘unruptured’ giant aneurysms. Our neurovascular intervention provides valuable insights into the approach and treatment of unruptured giant aneurysms in cerebral arteries. By employing a staged procedure, effective flow diversion can be achieved even in giant unruptured aneurysms. Although further research is necessary to confirm its superiority and address critical issues, our findings may contribute to the future management of giant aneurysms and inspire avenues for research in the neurosurgical community. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2023; 12(2): 129-136

Stock Market Prediction Using Machine Learning Techniques

The prediction of stock market prices holds significant importance within the contemporary economic landscape. Consequently, there has been a notable surge in scholarly interest directed towards exploring novel avenues for enhancing stock market prediction capabilities. Recent research endeavors have illuminated the potential predictive value inherent in various data streams, including historical stock data and user-generated content sourced from platforms such as Twitter and web news. These investigations have revealed a discernible relationship between social mood, as reflected in online discourse, and future stock price movements. However, prior studies have often overlooked the incorporation of such sentiment-derived information, thus presenting an information gap. In the present study, we address this gap by proposing an effective methodology for the integration and analysis of multiple information sources to facilitate more accurate stock price predictions. Leveraging Long Short-Term Memory Recurrent Neural Network (LSTM-RNN) models, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of disparate data sources. Furthermore, we employ an ensemble approach, incorporating Weighted Average and Differential Evolution techniques, to refine the predictive accuracy of our models. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed methodology in generating highly accurate stock price predictions across varying future time horizons, including one-day, seven-day, 15-day, and 30-day intervals. These predictions offer valuable insights for investors seeking to make informed decisions regarding their investment strategies and enable companies to gauge their anticipated performance within the stock market landscape.

Óleo de semente de uva no tratamento de ferida grave em cão - relato de caso

The aim of this study is to describe, for the first time, the use of grape seed oil in the treatment of a severe wound in a dog. A 10-year-old Dalmatian female dog presented with an abscess in the cervical region that progressed to cutaneous necrosis, resulting in a large wound. Samples were collected for culture and antimicrobial sensitivity testing (TSA). Staphylococcus pseudointermedius and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli were isolated from the wound. The lesion was surgically debrided, and topical treatment with grape seed oil was initiated. The patient was followed until complete healing, which occurred in 28 days. The wound area was measured at seven-day intervals until complete healing (D0, D7, D14, D21, and D28), with the respective measurements being 11204.8 mm2, 4348.0 mm2, 2414.9 mm2, 120.2 mm2, and 0.00 mm2. The wound contraction potential was calculated for the intervals of 0 to 7, 7 to 14, 14 to 21, and 21 to 28 days, and it was -61.19%, -44.45%, -95.02%, and -100.00%, respectively. The complete healing of the wound at 28 days post-debridement indicates that grape seed oil is an alternative for wound treatment in dogs.

Soil burial-induced degradation of cellulose films in a moisture-controlled environment

In this study, the biodegradability of cellulose films was evaluated in controlled-moisture soil environments. The films were prepared from low-quality cotton fibers through dissolution in DMAc/LiCl, casting, regeneration, glycerol plasticization, and hot-pressing. Two soil burial degradation experiments were conducted in August 2020 (11th August to 13th October) and March 2021 (24th March to 24th July) under controlled moisture conditions to assess the biodegradation behavior of cellulose films. The films were retrieved from soil beds at seven-day intervals, and morphological and physicochemical changes in the films were investigated. The results indicated that the cellulose films exhibited gradual changes starting on Day 7 and major changes after Day 35. Stereomicroscopy images showed the growth and development of fungal mycelia on the surface of the films, and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of biomolecules originating from microorganisms. The tensile strength and elongation of cellulose films were significantly reduced by 64% and 96% in the first experiment and by 40% and 94% in the second experiment, respectively, during the degradation period. Degradation also significantly impacted the thermal stability (14% and 16.5% reduction, respectively, in the first and second studies) of the films. The cellulose-based films completely degraded within 63 days in late summer and 112 days in spring. This study demonstrates that, unlike synthetic plastics, films prepared from low-quality cotton fibers can easily degrade in the natural environment.

Soil properties and quinoa yield as affected by irrigation and vermicompost application under a drip-tape irrigation system

IntroductionQuinoa a crop with high nutritional value has the widespread adaptability to different climates and there is an increased demand for this product in the world. Characterized by roots with extensive penetration capabilities and wide, alternate leaves giving rise to diverse inflorescences, quinoa plants exhibit variable heights ranging from 20 to 300 cm. The duration of their growth phase spans 95 to 125 days’ contingent upon cultivar selection and prevailing climatic conditions.Materials and methodsIn order to reduce chemical fertilizers consumption through using organic fertilizers a two-year study was conducted at the Research Farm of the University of Kurdistan, Iran, during the 2021–2022 growing seasons. In this study the effects of varying levels of irrigation and vermicompost application on soil characteristics and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) yield were investigated. The experiments were arranged as split plots within a randomized complete block design. The main factor consisted of four irrigation levels (50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% of quinoa’s water requirement), while the sub-factor encompassed four vermicompost application rates (0, 5, 10, and 15 tons per hectare). The irrigation method employed was a drip-tape irrigation system with a seven-day interval between irrigations, and water quantities were measured using a volumetric meter on the main pipeline.ResultsThe results demonstrated that the highest levels of available soil phosphorus (21.83 mg kg−1) and soil ammonium (36.08 mg kg−1) were observed in the treatment receiving 50% of quinoa’s water requirement combined with 15 tons per hectare of vermicompost. Additionally, the application of 15 tons per hectare of vermicompost led to the highest concentrations of soil nitrate (14.16 mg kg−1), available potassium (144.62 mg kg−1), and quinoa seed yield (1784.01 kg ha−1)). Over both years, the greatest activity of alkaline and acid phosphatase enzymes was noted in the treatment receiving 125% of quinoa’s water requirement in combination with 15 tons per hectare of vermicompost. Vermicompost application was found to enhance yield and ameliorate drought stress by enhancing soil physical and chemical properties and improving soil moisture retention.

Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia in chronic neck pain patients (TSK-neck): structural and construct validity and reliability in a Brazilian population

BackgroundTo date, there are no studies in the literature that define the internal structure of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) in patients with chronic neck pain based on factorial analysis. As such, we aimed to verify and identify the best structure of the Brazilian version of the TSK in patients with chronic neck pain.MethodsWe included Brazilian participants aged ≥18 years, both sexes, with self-reported neck pain for more than 3 months and pain intensity ≥3 on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Dimensionality and number of TSK items were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We tested the following internal structures: structure 1 (1 domain and 17 items), structure 2 (1 domain and 11 items), structure 3 (2 domains and 11 items), and structure 4 (2 domains and 9 items). We used the Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale (PCTS) and the NPRS for construct validity. In addition, we assessed test-retest reliability for the seven-day interval using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,1), Cronbach’s alpha to assess internal consistency, and ceiling and floor effects.ResultsThe study sample included of 335 patients. Most were women (77.6%), young adults (~ 34 years), single (48.4%), with complete primary education (57.3%), physically inactive (66.6%), with a mean pain duration of 46 months and a mean pain intensity of ~ 5 points on the NPRS. Redundancy was found in the following items: item 1 with item 2 (modification indices = 21.419) and item 13 with item 15 (modification indices = 13.641). Subsequently, based on these paired analyses, the items with the lowest factor loadings (items 2 and 15) were excluded. As such, TSK structure 4 was composed of two domains (“somatic focus” and “activity avoidance”) and 9 items, which showed adequate fit indices and lower AIC and SABIC values. We observed significant values (p < 0.05) with a correlation magnitude greater than 0.142 to 0.657 between the two domains of the TSK-neck and the other instruments (PCTS and NPRS). We found excellent reliability (ICC2,1 ≥ 0.96) and adequate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha ≥0.98) of the TSK-neck. Finally, ceiling and floor effects were not observed.ConclusionThe TSK-neck structure with two domains (somatic focus and activity avoidance) and nine items is the most appropriate for patients with chronic neck pain.

Enhanced Productivity of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) by Fermented Cardaba Banana in a Hydroponic Cultivation System

The study entitled “Enhanced Productivity of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) by Fermented Cardaba Banana in a Hydroponic Cultivation System." The study aimed to determine the productivity and financial feasibility of cultivating lettuce using soilless agricultural methods with the supplemental foliar application from the fermented cardaba banana (FCB). The study was analyzed using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of three (3) blocks and four (4) treatments - FCB – 0, 30, 45, 60. Lettuce seeds were sown in a seedling tray and hardened until it was transplanted (21DAS) in the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). Seven-day interval application of FCB was applied until it was harvested (26 DAT). The data collected the following data - weight at harvest, marketable and non-marketable, yield per cycle, and net income. The results show that FCB-45 (p&lt;0.05) has the highest non-marketable lettuce. On the other hand, FCB-60 (p&lt;0.05) has the highest yield and marketable. Moreover, the FCB-60 shows the highest net income of Php 42,038.51.

Gujarati translation, validity and reliability of Walking Impairment Questionnaire in people with intermittent claudication due to peripheral artery disease

IntroductionThe Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) is a common and easy-to-use assessment of walking incapacity in people with claudication due to peripheral artery disease (PAD). It has four subscales: pain severity, walking distance, walking speed, and ability to climb stairs. It has not been translated into Gujarati, which limits its use in Indian subjects. AimThis study aims to translate and assess the validity and reliability of a Gujarati version of WIQ. Materials and MethodsThis study had three phases: 1. Forward and backward translation and Cultural adaptation of WIQ into the Gujarati language by two independent translators, 2. Face and content validation by six clinical reviewers and 10 participants with PAD and Type II diabetes, 3. Concurrent and construct validity, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency of Gujarati, the WIQ was assessed on 160 participants with PAD and Type II diabetes who had a mean Ankle Brachial Index (standard deviation) <0.40 (0.1). The concurrent and construct validity of the WIQ was analyzed by correlating the WIQ distance and speed score with 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and speed and WIQ total score with the Medical Outcome Study Questionnaire Short Form 36 (SF-36) score using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Test-retest reliability was analyzed using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with a seven-day interval between two questionnaire applications. Internal consistency of the total WIQ score was determined using Cronbach's alpha. ResultsFollowing translation, the Gujarati WIQ was considered acceptable and understandable by people with PAD. There was excellent correlation between the WIQ distance score and 6-minute walk test distance (r = 0.95, P < .05)) , the WIQ speed score and 6-minute walk test speed score (r = 0.89, P < .05)) and the Gujarati WIQ total score and total score of physical functioning domain of SF- 36 (r = 0.99, P < .05). There was excellent test-retest reliability over 7 days for total WIQ score (ICC = 0.94). The Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency of 0.97 for total WIQ score were excellent. This demonstrates the sufficient homogeneity of the total questionnaire. ConclusionThe Gujarati version of the WIQ is reliable and valid and can be used to assess self-reported walking impairment in Gujarati-speaking people with PAD and Type II Diabetes.

43 Application of the Moroccan Arabic Bedside Western Aphasia battery-Revised in Acute Stroke Care

Objective:Despite the prevalence of aphasia in Morocco, standardized quick assessment tools are not available for use with patients in acute stroke care. The present study set out to (1) describe the processes of linguistic adaptation of a Moroccan Arabic (MA) version of the Bedside Western Aphasia Battery-Revised (WAB-R), (2) examine the test’s sensitivity to the detection of aphasia in an acute clinical setting, and (3) measure the instrument’s ability to detect improvement in language ability in the acute period.Participants and Methods:To achieve the first objective, the English Bedside WAB-R was adapted to Moroccan Arabic by a group of linguists. The instrument’s psychometric properties were established by (1) ascertaining the test’s sensitivity to the presence of aphasia, and (2) verifying the tool’s validity and reliability. Participants included a group of age- and education-matched non-brain-damaged individuals (N = 106), a group of right hemisphere brain-lesioned patients (N = 20), and a group of left hemisphere aphasic patients (N = 52). To accomplish the second and third objectives, the Bedside MA-WAB-R was administered to a group of aphasic participants in the acute period (less than three months post-stroke), and a group of age- and education-matched participants (N = 20). Aphasic patients in the acute stage were tested twice on a seven-day interval (3 days and 10 days post-onset). All data were collected from the Neurology department at the University Medical Hospital Hassan II, and the study received approval from the ethics committee of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah.Results:Regarding the first objective, the results indicated that the MA-WAB-R is sensitive to the presence of aphasia, as revealed by the significantly worse performance of the aphasic group on all subtests relative to matched normal and right-hemisphere participants (p = .000). Analyses revealed excellent content and construct validity (correlations between subtests and AQ ranging from .5 to .8) as well as high inter-rater reliability, intra-rater reliability and test-retest reliability (ICC (2,1) &gt; .9). For the second and third objectives, the results supported the test’s sensitivity to the detection of aphasia in the acute phase, as confirmed by the significantly worse performance of aphasic patients relative to matched normal controls (p = .000). The instrument also proved as a reliable measure of language improvement in the acute period, as supported by better scores on the second testing point relative to the first across all subtests.Conclusions:The MA-WAB-R is the first standardized assessment tool that can be used for a quick but reliable screening of aphasia in both chronic and acute clinical settings. The test can inform the initial diagnosis of aphasia, and guide a more comprehensive assessment of patients’ spared and impaired linguistic abilities within a context receiving little attention in the aphasia literature.

Cultural adaptation and validation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the PROactive Physical Activity in COPD-clinical visit instrument for individuals with COPD.

To adapt the PROactive Physical Activity in COPD-clinical visit (C-PPAC) instrument to the cultural setting in Brazil and to determine the criterion validity, test-retest reliability agreement, and internal consistency of this version. A protocol for cultural adaptation and validation was provided by the authors of the original instrument and, together with another guideline, was applied in a Portuguese-language version developed by a partner research group from Portugal. The adapted Brazilian Portuguese version was then cross-sectionally administered twice within a seven-day interval to 30 individuals with COPD (57% were men; mean age was 69 ± 6 years; and mean FEV1 was 53 ± 18% of predicted) to evaluate internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Participants also completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the modified Medical Research Council scale, the COPD Assessment Test, and Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire to evaluate criterion validity. The C-PPAC instrument showed good internal consistency and excellent test-retest reliability: "amount" domain = 0.87 (95% CI, 0.73-0.94) and "difficulty" domain = 0.90 (95% CI, 0.76-0.96). Bland & Altman plots, together with high Lin's concordance correlation coefficients, reinforced that agreement. Criterion validity showed moderate-to-strong correlations of the C-PPAC with all of the other instruments evaluated, especially with the IPAQ (rho = -0.63). The Brazilian Portuguese version of the C-PPAC is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating the experience of Brazilian individuals with COPD with their physical activity in daily life.