Cardiorespiratory fitness is a crucial component for health. However, measuring cardiorespiratory fitness in older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) in practice and in large-scale studies remains challenging. The Two-Minute Step Test (2MST) is a submaximal cardiorespiratory fitness test that is brief, relatively easy to perform, and does not require any expensive materials. However, the clinimetric properties of the 2MST for older adults with ID are unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the feasibility, reliability and convergent validity of the 2MST in older adults with ID. This was a cross-sectional study within the 'Healthy Ageing and Intellectual Disabilities' (HA-ID) cohort study. Participants (n = 180, 70.6 [66-75] years) that participated in the physical fitness assessment were included in this study. Feasibility was defined as a successful completion according to protocol. Test-retest reliability was assessed over two measurements, on the same day, with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Convergent validity was assessed relative to other fitness components (static balance, muscular endurance, comfortable and fast gait speed), with Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients. The 2MST showed moderate feasibility for the first (49.4%) and second (48.3%) measurement. Feasibility was good in participants with borderline, mild and moderate ID (57.1%-80%), but low in participants with severe (15.2%) and profound ID (7.7%). Test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC = 0.88). The 2MST had a moderate correlation with static balance (r = 0.46) and comfortable (r = 0.42) and fast (r = 0.51) gait speed, and a good correlation with muscular endurance (r = 0.63). Based on predefined criteria, all correlations were at least moderate (r > 0.30), supporting good convergent validity (categorised as good if three or more out of four correlations were at least moderate). The 2MST is a feasible, reliable and valid test to use in older adults with ID. Feasibility was especially good in older adults with borderline to moderate ID; however, it was low in adults with more severe ID. The excellent test-retest reliability and good indications for convergent validity show this test is a suitable field test for cardiorespiratory fitness to use in older adults with ID.

Background and Objectives: This study was conducted in order to develop and validate the Latvian version of the Orofacial Aesthetic Scale (OES-LV) and to assess its psychometric properties in patients with aesthetic, functional or no treatment needs. Materials and Methods: The English version of the OES was translated into Latvian following international guidelines for establishing cultural equivalency of instruments. The test group consisted of 101 subjects comprised of those without treatment requirement, with functional impairment (tooth loss) and with aesthetic treatment needs. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability and convergent validity were investigated. Responsiveness was not tested in the current study. Results: The test–retest assessment of this study was performed on 31 subjects and showed intra-class correlation coefficients ranging from 0.80 to 0.81, which was considered to be good. Cronbach’s α was 0.91, demonstrating the strong internal consistency of the scale. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients between the OHIP and OES scores varied across subgroups, ranging from −0.35 to −0.57 and showed a negative correlation between OES-LV and selected OHIP items. Conclusions: The Latvian OES demonstrated strong psychometric properties, supporting its use in assessing self-perceived orofacial aesthetics, clinical research, prosthodontic evaluation and dental education. Further studies on responsiveness are recommended.

This study investigated the Impact of Adjustments on Academic Performance of Senior Secondary School Students in Jere Local Government Area (LGA), Borno State, focusing on academic, social and emotional adjustments. Three (3) research questions were answered and 1 (one) hypothesis was tested in the study. Descriptive survey research design was used in the study. The target population for the study consists of all the 5,543 SS II and SS III senior secondary school students in Jere LGA. A sample of 500 students were selected using stratified simple random sampling technique in accordance with Kriejcie and Morgan (1970). A researcher-developed questionnaire titled ‘Students’ Adjustments and Academic Performance Questionnaire (SAAPQ)’ was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by three (3) experts in the field of educational psychology from University of Maiduguri and Borno State University. The instrument was pilot tested on 50 students and the reliability was calculated through test-retest method and reliability index of .76 was obtained. The instrument consists of four (4) sections and Eighteen (18) items. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count and percentage scores to assess the demographic information of students, descriptive statistics of (mean, standard deviation, frequency) to analyse the impact of adjustment on students’ academic performance and t-test was used to assess the gender difference in adjustment and academic outcomes. The hypothesis was tested at the 0.05 level of significance using the Statistical Package for Social Science. The findings of the study revealed that academic, social and emotional adjustments significantly impact the academic performance of senior secondary school students in Jere LGA, Borno State. Based on the findings, the study recommended that Ministry of Education and SUBEB should enhance counselling services, life skills education, teacher training on psychosocial support and adjustments and increased involvement from parents, communities and NGOs to foster better adjustment and academic success

While numerous tools exist for grip strength measurement, there is a lack of research for assessing the individual finger flexor strength. This study aimed to evaluate the test-retest reliability of measuring individual finger flexion strength in healthy adults using the smallest bulb of the Martin Vigorimeter (MV). Grip strength of 100 adults without hand pathology was measured using the large bulb of the MV, while individual finger flexor strength was assessed using the small bulb. Measurements were repeated after 3 weeks to evaluate test-retest reliability. Contribution of each finger flexor was calculated and compared to the previously reported values obtained using specialized equipment or protocol. The MV showed excellent reliability for grip strength (intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.9) and good-to-excellent reliability for individual finger flexor strength (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.805-0.914). The middle finger contributed the most (approximately 30%), followed by the index and ring fingers (25%-26%), which were comparable to values previously reported using specialized equipment or protocols. Normalized minimal detectable change values for finger flexor strength ranged from 9.7% to 14.2%. These findings suggest that the smallest bulb of the MV is a reliable and accessible tool for measuring individual finger flexor strength in healthy adults, with results comparable to those obtained using specialized equipment or protocols.

A finger pulse monitor (FPM) offers multiple advantages for monitoring heart rate during exercise in comparison to chest worn monitors, including: enhanced testing efficiency; less invasive, particularly for vulnerable populations (e.g. children); and, reduced cost. The purpose of this study was to establish the test-retest reliability of an FPM device for monitoring heart rate during a 3-minute step test (3MST30) to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness in a lab and school setting, and to compare indices of reliability with a chest worn heart rate monitor. Participants (N = 29; male = 16, female = 13; age: 15.8 ± 0.7) completed the 3MST30 on two occasions, in a lab setting (T1) and in a school setting (T2), one week apart. Participants wore a Braun® FPM and a Polar® H7 chest strap heart rate monitor. Heart rate in beats per minute (bpm) was recorded on both devices at 1-minute, 2-minutes, 3-minutes, and one minute following test completion. Equivalence testing was used to analyse the data for differences between the two devices by using the TOSTER R package. Absolute mean differences between devices and settings were clinically insignificant, with the smallest variance at the 1-minute post recording (FPM p = .012; chest strap = 0.041). There were no statistically significant differences in heart rate measurement between settings. This study demonstrates that finger pulse monitoring is a reliable and valid tool for measuring heart rate during sub-maximal exercise in lab and school settings.

The gold standard for measuring hip and knee strength is isokinetic dynamometry. This study evaluated the reliability and concurrent validity of a handheld dynamometer (HHD) and a externally fixated dynamometer (ForceFrame [FF]) against isokinetic dynamometry, considering their practicality, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use in clinical practice. The FF and HHD are reliable and valid for assessing hip and knee strength. Controlled laboratory study. Level 4. Maximal isometric hip strength (extension, flexion, abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation) and knee strength (extension and flexion) of 14 healthy persons (7 men; age, 24.4 ± 3.1 years; height, 176.3 ± 9.7 cm; weight, 68.5 ± 10.8 kg) was assessed with an isokinetic dynamometer, HHD, and FF. Measurements were repeated on 2 different days for test-retest reliability and by 2 different investigators on 1 day for interrater reliability. Intraclass correlations (ICC) were calculated, and Pearson correlation coefficients assessed concurrent validity. Moderate to good test-retest reliability was found for both the HHD (ICC, 0.62-0.88; MDC, 10-21%) and FF (ICC, 0.61-0.82; MDC, 15-38%). Interrater reliability was poor to good (HHD ICC, 0.15-0.80; FF ICC, 0.14-0.77). Concurrent validity was better for the HHD than FF. Both the HHD and FF provide stable measurements of hip and knee strength over a 1-week interval. The calculated MDCs (HHD, 10-21%; FF, 15-38%) suggest that only differences exceeding these thresholds can be interpreted as true changes, rather than measurement errors. Inter-rater reliability was rather low, indicating that repeated evaluations are best performed by the same tester. Poor concurrent validity cautions against substituting the HHD and FF for isokinetic dynamometry. HHD and FF offer practical and cost-effective alternatives for a single tester to evaluate strength changes over time.

Electrophysiological testing of the eye and visual system is important in the diagnosis of some diseases. Unlike the electrocardiogram and other more common tests, the amplitudes of the signals are very small and subject to noise and interference. Innovative signal processing algorithms have been shown to be helpful for the electroretinogram (ERG). In this paper, we extend that work to the pattern ERG (PERG), which has utility in the assessment, diagnosis and management of central retinal and optic nerve disease. The use of the PERG has been limited by the small amplitude signal and low signal-to-noise ratio. The aim of this study was to use adaptive denoising techniques to improve the reliability and utility of the PERG. PERGs were performed on 70 eyes of 36 patients following ISCEV protocols. After a short break of approximately 2-5min, a second recording was obtained to assess test-retest reliability of denoising. Denoising was performed on both recordings using five different adaptive filtering algorithms. Denoising algorithms generally improved test-retest reliability measured with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of repeatability (CoR). Empirical Wavelet Transform provided the best overall improvement in reliability, improving ICC from 0.79 to 0.84 (p = 0.049) and CoR from 2.12 µV to 1.69 µV (p = 0.02). Adaptive denoising algorithms may improve the reliability of PERG.

Patients with fibromyalgia often experience repetitive negative thinking, which contributes to psychological distress. The Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (PTQ) is a tool designed to assess this cognitive pattern. However, its psychometric properties have not been tested in fibromyalgia. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the PTQ in patients with fibromyalgia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients meeting the 2016 revisions to the 2010/2011 fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria. Participants were asked to complete the PTQ, Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), long version of the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), and Short Form-12 (SF-12). Test-retest reliability was assessed over a 15-day interval. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha, and construct validity was examined via Spearman's correlation analyses. The study included 57 patients (55 female, 2 male) with a mean age of 45.1 ± 10.0years. The PTQ demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.996) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.992, 95% CI = 0.986 to 0.996, p < 0.001). Correlation analyses revealed that PTQ scores were strongly correlated with the RRS, HADS total, HADS-anxiety, HADS-depression,and SF-12 mental component scores, and moderately correlated with SF-12 physical component scores. Higher levels of perseverative thinking were associated with poorer physical, psychological, and mental health outcomes. However, a ceiling effect was detected, suggesting limited discrimination at the higher score range. The PTQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing perseverative thinking in patients with fibromyalgia. The strong psychometric properties support its use in clinical and research settings. However, ceiling effects should be considered when interpreting scores. Key Points • The PTQ demonstrated excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability in patients with fibromyalgia. • The PTQ demonstrated moderate-strong correlations with rumination, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. • The PTQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing perseverative thinking in patients with fibromyalgia.

Resilience, the capacity to adapt positively in adversity, is a key protective factor for adolescent well-being, particularly for depression and anxiety, which are highly prevalent among adolescents in Nepal. Accurate measurement across cultural contexts is essential to identify at-risk adolescents and understand protective mechanisms. This study culturally adapted and evaluated the psychometric properties of the Child and Youth Resilience Measure-Revised (CYRM-R) and Rugged Resilience Measure (RRM) in Nepal to ensure cultural relevance, reliability, and validity. This mixed-method study focused on poverty-affected adolescents in Kathmandu, using focus group discussions, cognitive interviews, pilot assessments, and a cross-sectional survey. The findings indicated Nepali versions of CYRM-R and RRM were acceptable, comprehensible, and relevant based on qualitative feedback. Most items showed item-total correlations between 0.2 and 0.5, indicating good discrimination, and internal consistency was satisfactory (α and ω > 0.7). Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a unidimensional structure, with an alternative two-factor solution explored for CYRM-R. Test-retest reliability was moderate overall, with some subscales less consistent. Both tools demonstrated strong psychometric properties, including face, content, convergent, and known-groups validity. The Nepali CYRM-R and RRM provide culturally robust tools for assessing adolescent resilience, supporting researchers, educators, and policymakers in designing targeted interventions.

Abstract Measuring empathy toward nonhuman animals early in life is crucial to advance our understanding of how it develops and how to promote it. This study sought to validate three new measures which ask children how they would feel seeing situations in which animals seem to be suffering or enjoying. Participants were 1,066 children (368 kindergarten; 386 2nd grade; 312 4th grade) from five urban schools in two Colombian cities. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, internal reliability, test-retest reliability, and convergent correlations with related measures were evaluated. Results indicated that the items based on potential suffering constitute different factors from those based on enjoyment situations. Though the subscales based on potential suffering situations had acceptable-to-good results in 2nd and 4th grade, the subscales based on the enjoyment situations and all subscales for kindergarten failed the validation tests. Future studies could explore alternative measures for early childhood.

The affective component of the cerebellar cognitive affective / Schmahmann syndrome (CCAS) reflects neuropsychiatric symptoms across five domains: attentional control, emotional control, autism spectrum, psychosis spectrum, and social skill set, each with overshoot (hypermetric) and undershoot (hypometric) manifestations. The Cerebellar Neuropsychiatric Rating Scale (CNRS) is a 35-item informant-report questionnaire that detects and quantifies these symptoms. We amended the CNRS items to produce Self- and Informant-Report versions, conducted cognitive debrief to evaluate each item's readability, relevance, and importance, and incorporated patient feedback to generate a 50-item CNRS Version 2 (CNRS-2). We conducted psychometric evaluation via online administration in 43 individuals with cerebellar disorder (CD) and 25 healthy controls (HC) and their respective study-partners at baseline and two weeks later. Internal consistency was adequate, and the CD cohort test-retest reliability was moderate-to-good. CNRS-2 scores were unrelated to motor ataxia severity. Group analysis revealed significant differences between CD and HC mean scores (P < 0.05), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined that the groups could be distinguished optimally with scores of 18 and 15 for subjects and study-partners, respectively. There was concordance within subject-partner pairs, however scoring discrepancies were observed for some. CNRS-2 domains correlated highly with other scales, whether conceptually related or not. The CNRS-2 is a comprehensive screening instrument that incorporates the patient perspective and facilitates assessment of the neuropsychiatric component of the CCAS. Its broad scope and ability to detect subclinical symptoms in purportedly HC suggests that it holds promise as a transdiagnostic screening instrument in neuropsychiatry.

Abstract Background This study aimed to validate the Arabic version and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Taste and Smell Tool for Evaluation (TASTE) Questionnaire for patients experiencing loss of smell and taste sensations. Methods The study included 361 participants (311 cases and 50 controls) between September 2023 and November 2024. The TASTE Questionnaire was translated into Arabic and adapted cross-culturally. Participants completed the questionnaire during their visit to the outpatient clinic at our university hospital. A retest was conducted three weeks later to assess any changes in patient response. Results Internal consistency of the Arabic version of the TASTE scale was assessed at baseline (Day 0) and after 21 days (Day 21) using Cronbach's α, yielding values of 0.886 and 0.825, respectively. Each subscale showed a significant (moderate-to-strong) correlation with the total score of the questionnaire. The total score on the TASTE scale exhibited a strong correlation to different subscales with Spearman's r values of 0.534, 0.685, and 0.839 (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion The validation of the Arabic version of the TASTE Questionnaire, with its eight domains, effectively assessed the degree of chemosensory dysfunction and its impact on quality of life. All subscales exhibited good internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and strong correlations across domains. The questionnaire is a valuable tool for use in clinical settings and research trials to improve the quality of life for patients with sensory dysfunctions.

This study sought to validate a community-acceptable Substance Use & Sex Index (SUSI) for use in substance use intervention research. SUSI aims to measure behaviours associated with the transmission of blood-borne viruses (BBV) and sexually transmitted infections (STI) among people who use substances and incorporate contemporary sexual and drug practices. Validation of a self-administered online behavioural questionnaire. An Australian anonymous online questionnaire advertised through health services and social media resulted in 289 respondents with a mean age 35 years (standard deviation [SD] 10.9years). A 26-item scale assessing BBV- and STI-associated behaviours based on previous piloting and expert review was assessed for scale structure using exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic approaches. Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses were applied in decisions to retain and categorise items. Item weightings were defined following expert consensus informed by local BBV, STI and HIV epidemiological profiles. Test-retest reliability was examined on a subsample (n = 98) over three to five days. Criterion validity of the new SUSI-2 scale was examined in comparison to the HIV Risk-taking Behaviour subscale of the Opiate Treatment Index (OTI-HRBS). Factor analysis identified a two-factor model ("sex"; "drugs with sex"), with moderate magnitude correlation (r = 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19-0.54) between factors and acceptable model fit (p = 0.061). IRT discrimination was statistically significant for all items (p < 0.05). Kappa values for test-retest reliability (n = 98 subsample) ranged from 0.66 to 1.00 with high agreement (all above 87%). Free text responses indicated the questionnaire items were acceptable to respondents, with minimal suggestion for improvements. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the SUSI-2 and OTI-HRBS sex subscales (weighted r = 0.63, p < 0.001) and between the SUSI-2 sex with drugs and OTI-HRBS drug subscale (weighted r = 0.21, p < 0.01). Four additional items were retained to reflect local other BBV and STI transmission risk. The Substance Use & Sex Index 2 (SUSI-2) appears to be a valid and acceptable two-factor brief scale for the measurement of behaviours associated with blood-borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections for use in substance use interventional research.

Background Cognitive impairment is one of the most prevalent complications of HIV infection, with significant medical and functional impacts. However, valid, and reliable assessment tools are lacking for the newly emergent ageing population of people living with HIV (PLWH) in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Kenya. Without these tools, critical intervention opportunities, e.g., psychoeducation, treatment and additional support, are missed. To bridge this gap in Kenya, we adapted the Oxford Cognitive Screen Plus (OCSPlus), a tablet-based cognitive assessment tool designed for low-literacy settings, with adults ageing with HIV ≥ 50 years and their uninfected peers. This study examines the acceptability, reliability, and validity of the OCSPlus tool among older Kenyan adults and provides an initial understanding of the cognitive performance of these adults (by HIV status) and the biopsychosocial factors associated with their cognitive performance. Methods In a cross-sectional sample of 440 older adults (257 living with HIV), we administered the OCSPlus tool alongside the Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM), the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS), and health and sociodemographic assessments. Results There was a high level of acceptability of OCSPlus by participants and test administrators. OCSPlus demonstrated good test–retest reliability. Acceptable correlations between individual OCSPlus sub-tasks and conventional tests (RSPM and IHDS) were also observed for convergent validity. Regarding cognitive performance, older adults living with HIV (OALWH) presented with significantly lower scores on language (picture naming task), executive function, and the IHDS overall score compared to their uninfected peers. However, OALWH performed significantly better on memory domain (orientation, word encoding and word recall tasks), non-verbal intelligence and processing speed. There were no differences in attention domain. Cognitive performance as assessed by OCSPlus was significantly associated with behavioural and lifestyle factors (physical activity, sleeping difficulties, obesity, and sexual activity), sociodemographic factors (age, sex, educational status, household income, household size and asset index), medical or treatment factors (self-reported urinary incontinence, hearing problems, history of TB, seeking services of traditional healers, antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen change, being on 3rd line ART treatment) and psychosocial factors including ageism and food insecurity. Conclusion We demonstrated the feasibility of OCSPlus administration by trained lay persons, its acceptability, and preliminary reliability and validity among low-literacy older adults on the Kenyan coast. Mean cognitive scores were mixed across the two groups. Cognitive performance was associated with several biopsychosocial factors spanning behavioural/lifestyle, sociodemographic, psychosocial, medical and treatment factors. Further validation studies and epidemiological research are needed to understand better the utility of OCSPlus and the cognitive function of these adults.

While maximum isometric pressure (MIP) is widely used in clinical and research settings, reduced lingual swallow pressure (LSP) has been observed in patients with dysphagia and in older healthy adults. However, limited evidence exists on the test-retest reliability of LSP across different bolus consistencies. This study assessed the test-retest reliability of LSP measurements in both younger and older adults with healthy swallowing function to identify factors influencing oral swallowing pressure. Participants 18-40 years (younger) and 60+ years (older) were assessed across four separate sessions. Bolus types included trials of saliva, thin, mildly thick and extremely thick water, randomised across study visits. Two-way mixed effects models with absolute agreement were used to calculate intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and evaluate test-retest reliability of LSP for each swallow type (regular or effortful) and bolus type. Linear mixed effects regression modelling was used to examine the factors influencing LSP. A total of 51 participants were included. Test-retest reliability for LSP ranged from good to excellent across both groups (ICC = 0.79-0.98). Reliability was non-significantly higher in the older group (ICC = 0.96) and during effortful swallows (ICC = 0.94). Effort level significantly influenced LSP estimates, with effortful swallows producing about 1.83 times more lingual pressure than regular swallows. There were no significant effects of age, sex, or bolus type on LSP. These findings suggest that LSP measurements are reliable across measurement time points in nondysphagic participants, regardless of age, effort level, or bolus type. Only swallow effort level significantly influenced LSP estimates.

The perception of one's own body through external sensory channels, understood as exteroception, is a central component of various psychological processes and has been associated with different mental disorders. The Exteroceptive Body Awareness Questionnaire (EBA-Q) is an instrument for assessing the ability to perceive one's own body based on exteroceptive signals and to correctly evaluate changes. As no validated German-language version is currently available, the aim of the study was to psychometrically test the German-language version of the EBA-Q. Based on an online study (N=641; n=517 female, n=113 male, n=11 non-binary*/agender*), we examined the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the German-language version of the EBA-Q. After two weeks, a subsample (n=340) was surveyed again to determine test-retest reliability. The originally postulated bifactorial model of the EBA-Q was not confirmed. Instead, a model with an orthogonal general factor and correlated group factors showed acceptable model fit. However, the visuo-tactile awareness subscale showed only weak to inconsistent factor loadings. Multi-group analyses between individuals with and without a mental disorder revealed no differences in the general factor, but significant differences emerged in specific group factors. Internal consistency was good and test-retest reliability proved acceptable. As expected, construct validity analyses showed correlations with measures of public body-awareness and public self-awareness. Overall, the German-language version of the EBA-Q exhibits adequate psychometric properties. Its use in basic research and clinical practice is therefore recommended, though caution is warranted regarding the visuo-tactile body awareness subscale.

BackgroundMalnutrition is prevalent yet frequently under-recognized at hospital admission, particularly among cardiac patients. Current screening tools may need contextual adaptation for use in specific healthcare settings.AimTo assess healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding nutritional screening and to develop and validate a modified nutritional screening tool.MethodsA structured KAP questionnaire was distributed to 50 healthcare professionals. Subsequently, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 173 cardiac patients aged 30-60 years. The modified nutritional screening tool was applied within 24-48 hours of admission. Internal consistency was evaluated using the discrimination index (DI) and Cronbach's alpha, and test-retest reliability was assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficient.ResultsAn online survey with the response rate of 68% highlighted the importance of nutritional screening and the need for a tailored tool. Among patients, 35% were at low nutritional risk, 59% at medium risk, and 7% at high risk. Items with DI < 0.2 were removed. The modified nutritional screening tool demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.70-0.90) and excellent test-retest reliability (r = 0.97).ConclusionThe modified nutritional screening tool is a valid, efficient, and practical tool for identifying malnutrition risk in cardiac inpatients and is suitable for routine use in tertiary care hospitals. Larger comparative studies are recommended to confirm its applicability across diverse clinical settings.

Academic vitality, a dynamic and positive aspect of university life, is crucial for fostering student motivation, academic success, and learning quality, especially in challenging disciplines like nursing. This study, therefore, aimed to design and validate a specific instrument for assessing academic vitality among nursing students. The present study was a methodological investigation focused on instrument design and psychometric evaluation, conducted from March to July 2025 at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences. Instrument development followed both inductive (qualitative interviews with students) and deductive (literature review of existing sources) approaches, leading to the creation of an item pool. To ascertain face and content validity, qualitative and quantitative evaluations were performed with the participation of faculty members and students. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted using SPSS software to determine the instrument's factorial structure. Additionally, internal consistency coefficients, including Cronbach's Alpha, McDonald's Omega, and Average Inter-item Correlation (AIC), were meticulously evaluated. The instrument's reliability was also assessed using the test-retest method (ICC). Statistical analyses revealed that the final instrument comprises 20 items categorized into two dimensions: "Clinical Vitality," and "Research Vitality,". These two dimensions collectively accounted for approximately 82.43% of the total variance in the data. Furthermore, the instrument demonstrated excellent and acceptable internal consistency coefficients (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.991, McDonald's Omega = 0.991, and AIC = 0.765) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.997). The developed instrument exhibits desirable psychometric properties in terms of validity and reliability, rendering it a robust tool for assessing academic vitality in nursing students. Utilizing this instrument can significantly contribute to identifying factors influencing academic vitality and formulating effective educational and clinical interventions to enhance it.

Traditional methods for language assessment in psychiatric and neurological disorders, such as clinical scales, are time and resource intensive, and can be hampered by rater biases and subjectivity. These limitations can compromise their reliability and sensitivity, as well as their practical use to measure change over time, which is of particular importance in clinical trials. Objective methods are required to improve the evaluation of language function across a spectrum of psychiatric and neurological conditions. To address these challenges, we introduce an innovative method that uses an artificial intelligence (AI) model, GPT-4, to provide an objective evaluation of language. As a test case, we focus on measuring expressive communication capabilities in autistic participants as they naturally converse with their study partner during an observational clinical trial. The conversations were recorded, professionally transcribed, and then processed with GPT-4 with the aim of predicting the individuals’ Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS-II) expressive communication scores. The model’s predictions were also compared with several benchmark linguistic features (e.g. the number of words spoken per sentence), to determine the added benefit of using such a complex model. We found that GPT-4’s predictions correlated strongly with the actual VABS-II scores (Pearson’s r > 0.65) and demonstrated high test–retest reliability (ICC(2,1) = 0.97). The model’s predictions also accounted for significantly more variance than that explained by the benchmark linguistic features. These findings demonstrate that GPT-4 can provide a holistic, reliable, objective, and time-efficient assessment of expressive communication abilities. This suggests that generative AI models like GPT-4 could transform the assessment of communicative abilities, to support the assessment of treatment efficacy in clinical trials, and provide a faster and more scalable tool for assessing patients in clinical practice.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-26944-8.

Efficient Whole-Brain Quantitative Magnetization Transfer Imaging at 3T Using Segmented EPI Readout with Variable Power Magnetization Transfer Pulses (EP-vpMT).