Validity Of Methodology Research Articles

Evaluating Validated Diet Quality Indices Used in Pregnant Women in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

Diet quality indices (DQIs) assess the level of adherence to dietary recommendations and a specified dietary pattern in populations; however, there is limited evidence regarding the construct criteria and validation methodology of DQIs used in pregnant women. The objectives of this study were to (i) identify and describe characteristics of DQIs that have been validated for use in pregnant women in high-income countries, and (ii) evaluate criteria used to develop DQIs and validation methodologies employed. CINAHL, Embase, Medline, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were systematically searched for eligible articles published between 1980 and November 2022 that focused on DQIs validated for use in pregnant women from high-income countries. Characteristics, development criteria, and validation methodologies used in the included articles were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second reviewer. A narrative synthesis and descriptive statistics were used to summarize the review findings. Reporting was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. Six articles with 5 validated DQIs were identified. In total, 3777 participants were included - five articles had pregnant women aged 31-50 years and in their second trimester. Food frequency questionnaires were used as the dietary assessment method in all studies, and 3 DQIs were used to assess dietary intake at 1 time point, using 2 different dietary assessment methods. No indices fulfilled preferred features for the DQI development criteria developed by Burggraf et al (2018). Construct validity was assessed by all DQIs, followed by criterion validity (n = 4) and test-retest reliability (n = 2). Limited high-quality validated DQIs for use in pregnant women in high-income countries were identified. Scoring for DQI components were not specific to nutrient requirements for pregnant women. Findings from this review may inform the development of DQIs that evaluate specific dietary requirements and specific food safety considerations applicable to pregnancy. https://osf.io/u2hrq.

Meta‐analysis and systematic review for anomaly network intrusion detection systems: Detection methods, dataset, validation methodology, and challenges

AbstractIntrusion detection systems built on artificial intelligence (AI) are presented as latent mechanisms for actively detecting fresh attacks over a complex network. The authors used a qualitative method for analysing and evaluating the performance of network intrusion detection system (NIDS) in a systematic way. However, their approach has limitations as it only identifies gaps by analysing and summarising data comparisons without considering quantitative measurements of NIDS's performance. The authors provide a detailed discussion of various deep learning (DL) methods and explain data intrusion networks based on an infrastructure of networks and attack types. The authors’ main contribution is a systematic review that utilises meta‐analysis to provide an in‐depth analysis of DL and traditional machine learning (ML) in notable recent works. The authors assess validation methodologies and clarify recent trends related to dataset intrusion, detected attacks, and classification tasks to improve traditional ML and DL in NIDS‐based publications. Finally, challenges and future developments are discussed to pose new risks and complexities for network security.

A prospective study evaluating the correlation between local weather conditions, pollen counts and pruritus of dogs with atopic dermatitis.

Canine atopic dermatitis (cAD) is a hereditary, generally pruritic and predominantly T-cell-driven inflammatory skin disease, involving an interplay between skin barrier abnormalities, allergen sensitisation and microbial dysbiosis. The individual immunological response is predominantly against environmental allergens, including mite antigens; mould spores; and pollen from grasses, trees and weeds. Airborne pollens show fluctuating patterns during the year. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the influence of local pollen concentrations and weather conditions on the clinical signs of atopic dogs, and to investigate any possible correlations with the results of intradermal testing (IDT). Thirty-seven privately owned atopic dogs in Bavaria were surveyed from 1 April to 30 November 2021. Owners were asked to record pruritus using a validated Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) score and the weekly medication of their dog. Furthermore, weather data, including pollen count, rainfall, relative humidity, hours of sunshine and temperature from the dog's location were collected daily. Of the evaluated parameters, only humidity and medication scores correlated positively with the PVAS scores of the atopic dogs. There was no correlation between specific pollen counts and PVAS scores of dogs with positive IDT reactions to that pollen. The outcome of this study highlights the importance of a careful interpretation of positive IDT results in dogs with cAD and questions the validity of airborne pollen trap methodology in representing pollen exposure for dogs at ground level.

Scrutinizing different predictive modeling validation methodologies and data-partitioning strategies: new insights using groundwater modeling case study

Groundwater salinity is a critical factor affecting water quality and ecosystem health, with implications for various sectors including agriculture, industry, and public health. Hence, the reliability and accuracy of groundwater salinity predictive models are paramount for effective decision-making in managing groundwater resources. This pioneering study presents the validation of a predictive model aimed at forecasting groundwater salinity levels using three different validation methods and various data partitioning strategies. This study tests three different data validation methodologies with different data-partitioning strategies while developing a group method of data handling (GMDH)-based model for predicting groundwater salinity concentrations in a coastal aquifer system. The three different methods are the hold-out strategy (last and random selection), k-fold cross-validation, and the leave-one-out method. In addition, various combinations of data-partitioning strategies are also used while using these three validation methodologies. The prediction model’s validation results are assessed using various statistical indices such as root mean square error (RMSE), means squared error (MSE), and coefficient of determination (R2). The results indicate that for monitoring wells 1, 2, and 3, the hold-out (random) with 40% data partitioning strategy gave the most accurate predictive model in terms of RMSE statistical indices. Also, the results suggested that the GMDH-based models behave differently with different validation methodologies and data-partitioning strategies giving better salinity predictive capabilities. In general, the results justify that various model validation methodologies and data-partitioning strategies yield different results due to their inherent differences in how they partition the data, assess model performance, and handle sources of bias and variance. Therefore, it is important to use them in conjunction to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the groundwater salinity prediction model's behavior and performance.

Criterion Measures Are Not Always Continuous: Consequential Validity Ratio for Logistic Regression

Neither the theoretical conceptualization of validity, validation methodologies, nor the relative importance of different aspects of validity in measure development, is static over time. With the evolution of social values, validity evidence based on testing consequences has received greater attention in measurement research and practice. However, the methodological basis for generating this type of validity evidence is relatively underdeveloped compared to other psychometric properties (e.g., dimensionality, content validity, and reliability). The Consequential Validity Ratio (CVR) is a recently developed method for quantifying and representing how well test scores avoid the improper influence of participant demographics in the prediction of a validation criterion. The original CVR can only be applied when the criterion measures are continuous; however, binary criteria are also common in scale validation practice. This study theoretically proposes six candidate formulas for the CVR that can be used with binary criteria in a logistic regression framework (i.e., CVRB). A simulation analysis with a two-factor design was conducted to help determine the final formulation of the CVRB. The final formulation is conceptually aligned with the original CVR, straightforward to calculate, intuitive to interpret, and has adequate efficacy in generating evidence for the consequential basis of validity.

A study on attenuation patterns of acoustic waves in waveguide structures with flexural boundaries

This research article investigates the attenuation patterns of acoustic waves within waveguide structures featuring flexural boundaries. By employing advanced methods in vibrations and controls, the study aims to enhance our understanding of waveguide behavior and offer valuable insights for optimizing acoustic wave propagation in diverse applications. The entire waveguide structure is tuned through cooperative interactions involving elastic plates, membranes, and rigid boundary surfaces. The lower boundary of the expansion chamber consists of a rigid plate, with elastic membranes covering the upper surfaces of the cavity. The problem is formulated in terms of transmission and reflection coefficients of the modes, enabling the solution of the scattering problem. Matching acoustic pressure and velocity at the waveguide junction yields the scattering coefficients. The results reveal that the scattering coefficients are intricately influenced by both the geometric characteristics of the waveguide and the frequency of the incident waves. Notably, the first higher-order mode of the cut-off frequency of the waveguide structure corresponds to the frequency at which the dissipation coefficient reaches its maximum value. This research provides valuable insights into the scattering behavior of acoustic waves in waveguide configurations, contributing to the design of acoustic devices and systems. Rigorous support and justification for all aspects of the mode-matching method, including pressure and velocity matching, eigen properties, physical edge conditions, convergence criteria, and energy conservation, are provided through thorough algebraic and numerical analyses, confirming the validity of the solution methodology.

The equivalence between the Mandarin Chinese and English versions of soundscape attributes: A cross-cultural comparison

Soundscape attributes have become widely utilized across various languages for the assessment of acoustic environments in recent years. The objective of this study is to propose a new set of validated Chinese translations for soundscape attributes. To achieve this, translation and cross-cultural adaptation processes were conducted by soundscape experts and linguists without soundscape backgrounds, resulting in two distinct sets of Chinese soundscape attributes. Subsequently, 33 Chinese participants engaged in a listening experiment adhering to standardized materials and procedures, wherein they provided ratings for 12 translated versions of soundscape attributes across 27 audio stimuli. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used as a validation methodology for comparison of different translations. As seen from the Pearson’s correlation coefficients, r Chaotic (Cn1-Eng) = 0.952 (p < 0.01), the versions of the Chinese attributes translated by soundscape experts showed a higher degree of equivalence with their English counterparts than the versions translated by linguists who lacked a soundscape background. Statistical analysis of the collected data further indicated that the final translation of the 8 soundscape attributes predominantly aligns with their English counterparts. These findings suggest that the soundscape circumplex model, originally developed in English, manifests a comparable applicability within Chinese contexts.

A Study on the Assessment of the Impact of Extreme Weather on the Insurance Industry and Response Strategies Based on SEIR Modeling

This paper investigates the impact of extreme weather on the insurance industry and proposes a new model for assessing the value of insurance underwriting. The study first collected data on nine indicators from 50 regions, categorized these indicators into three categories: extreme weather, insurance, and region, and then used the hierarchical analysis method (AHP), entropy weighting method (EWM), and CRITIC method to calculate the composite weights to derive the Underwriting Value Index (UVI). In addition, underwriting values for St. Louis and Kingman were evaluated using the ALARP criteria and the EIR model. In order to help communities and real estate developers to carry out rational development, the EIR model was improved to form the SEIR model, which was applied to score the development value of nine municipalities in Fujian Province, which showed that Xiamen scored the highest and was recommended to be developed and built in Xiamen. The methodological validation of this study shows that there is a significant correlation between the UVI score and the insurance coverage gap (Pearson correlation coefficient R=0.869), which indicates that the model has good rationality and practicality.

A Novel Proposal for an Adapted Vehicle for Informal Waste Pickers in Ambato – Ecuador

Solid waste management represents a challenge for contemporary cities because it involves various levels of management and processing. At the base of the recycling pyramid, the crucial role of informal recyclers stands out, whose work improves the environmental conditions of cities. Despite its valuable contribution, informality has marked this profession, with deplorable working conditions at a social and economic level and low occupational safety. Recyclers roam the city in search of as much recyclable material as possible, so they can later sell it and continue the chain. However, the operational process of the recyclers is striking due to the inadequate conditions, in terms of personal protection and mobilization. Traditionally, they move with a cart, a product intended for transporting heavy loads over short distances. However, it is used by waste pickers to travel long distances during the daily working day. Through the methodology of early and continuous validation for product design, a vehicle adapted for the work of informal recyclers in the city of Ambato is proposed. It shows a valuable vision of addressing management in an inclusive, effective way for the city, with adequate working conditions at the operational level for waste pickers.

Content validity of an instrument for assessing skin lesions in a mother and child hospital

Objective: To describe the process of validating an instrument for assessing skin lesions in a maternal and child hospital. Methods: A methodological study of evidence of content validity was carried out between May and July 2022 in a mother and child service. The selection criteria for the experts were: being a nurse working in research or assisting patients with skin lesions. The instrument was sent by email via Google® forms, containing 23 items grouped into five topics on patient identification and hospitalization data, location and characterization of the lesions, and nursing care provided. The items were judged in terms of agreement using the Likert scale; qualitative evaluation of the instrument was also allowed, by including suggestions for the items presented. Results: Validation was carried out by 22 nurses using the Delphi technique, followed by reliability tests. All the items assessed obtained a level of agreement above 80%. Based on the score for each item, new tests were carried out to assess agreement with the instrument as a whole, resulting in the validation of its final version. Conclusion: The methodological validation process applied showed a high level of agreement, representing a cohesive instrument in the theoretical a...

The effect of ozone sterilization technology on the quality of Ganmaoling Granule based on HPLC fingerprint, chemometric analyses and multi-component content determination

Ganmaoling Granule (GMLG) is one of the most effective Chinese Patent Medicines (CPMs) which is applied to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms caused by the common cold. In this study, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with chemometric analyses and multi-component content determination were performed to preliminary investigate the effect of ozone sterilization technology on the quality of GMLG. The methodology validation and similarity analysis results showed that the analytical method was capable of complying with the demand of HPLC fingerprints, and 80 batches of GMLGs before and after ozone sterilization in four process stages had a high degree of similarity based on the values of similarity analysis (SA) was greater than 0.98. The results of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the GMLGs before and after ozone sterilization were divided into two categories, and the same batch of GMLGs was clustered into the same group. Meanwhile, the contents of linarin, caffeine, chlorpheniramine maleate and acetaminophen between 24 batches of GMLGs before and after ozone sterilization had no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05), which met the requirements of “Drug Standard of the People’s Republic of China”. In conclusion, the ozone sterilization technology had no obvious influence on the quality of GMLGs in four process stages, which provided a reference for the quality control of GMLG and other Chinese-western medicine compound preparations.

A validation workflow for treatment wetland performance data

ABSTRACT Treatment wetlands (TWs) effectively remove target pollutants and enhance urban water circularity and resilience. They constitute a prominent solution for urban wastewater treatment, thanks to their adaptability across various types of wastewater, scales and climatic conditions. However, the disparity in TW designs and the focus on a restricted set of variables applicable to research studies impede any comprehensive evaluation and comparison of TW performance. Our study introduces a methodology for data validation, in concurrently establishing a workflow specific to TW. This approach is aimed at defining the scope and relationships within the data, implementing checks and concatenating them into a quality flag, as an initial step towards building reliable statistical models. We underscore the importance of both mobilising comprehensive knowledge and identifying customary, yet implicit, choices intertwined in data processing. As for the application workflow, we collected and analysed data sourced from peer-reviewed papers on horizontal and vertical flow TW. Deficiencies were noted in key data elements like dimensions, concentrations and operational conditions. For the data analysis, relationships are highlighted between variables introduced for modelling purposes. These methodologies and workflows assess the quality of the data, in paving the way towards more dependable statistical models for TW design and implementation.

Contributions for the Validation of the European Portuguese Version of the Vascular Quality of Life-6 Questionnaire for Peripheral Artery Disease

Introduction: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an occlusive atherosclerotic disease of the arteries of the extremities of the body that affects more than 230 million people worldwide. The most common symptom is intermittent claudication, described as leg pain which occurs mainly while walking. The symptoms impair the ambulation and functional capacity of patients, leading to loss of mobility, disease deterioration, increased risk of other cardiovasculardiseases, and lower quality of life (QoL). Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the VascuQol-6 questionnaire for the Portuguese population to obtain a quick, sensitive, and easy-to-use way to assess the QoL of Portuguese patients diagnosed with PAD.Methods: The Vascular Quality of Life-6 Questionnaire (VascuQoL-6) was adapted and translated into European Portuguese using standard validation methodology, including 115 patients with a mean age of 64.67 (7.23) years, with PAD with IC stable for more than three months; and ABI &lt; 0.9 at rest. VascuQoL-6, SF-36, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and the PAD Knowledge Questionnaire (PADKQ) were used. Reliability, construct validity analysis through convergent and discriminant validity, known-group validity, and responsiveness analysis were tested.Results: The Cronbach’s alpha was 0.64 and the average inter-item correlation was 0.27, indicating acceptable internal consistency. VascuQoL-6 was positively associated with SF-36 Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary scores (r = 0.64, p &lt; 0.01 and r = 0.42, p &lt; 0.01, respectively). In turn, there was no significant correlation between VascuQoL-6 scores and the PADKQ or IPAQ. A statistically significant difference between groups according to IC severity [F(2.47) = 8.35, p &lt; 0.001] was found. A paired samples t-test showed differences between VascuQol-6 scores before a walking program (M = 15.65, SD = 3.09), and after a walking program (M = 17.41, SD = 2.71), t(67) = 3.94, p ≤ 0.001.Conclusion: The VascuQoL-6 is a six-item instrument to assess the QoL associated with PAD with good psychometric properties, convergent and discriminant validity with SF-36, PADKQ and IPAQ. The instrument proved to have known group validity and responsiveness.

An improved subtraction model applied in supercritical fluid chromatography to characterise polar stationary phases

Herein, an improved subtraction model was proposed to characterise the polar stationary phases in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). Fifteen stationary phases were selected, including two types of aromatic columns, Waters Torus and Viridis series columns, as well as silica and amino columns. Ethylbenzene and Torus 1-AA were defined as the reference solute and column, respectively. Identifying the interaction with the maximum contribution to retention in SFC separation and using it as the initial term is a key step in modelling. The dipole, or induced dipole interaction (θ′P), replaced the hydrophobic interaction (η′H) as the starting term. The improved model was expressed as logα=η′H+β′A+α′B+κ′C+θ′P+ε′E+σ′S, where the term ε′E indicated that anion exchange interaction was intentionally supplemented. A 7-step modelling process, including bidirectional fitting and residual analysis, was proposed. The obtained column parameters had reasonable physical significance, with the adjusted determination coefficient (R2adj) greater than 0.999 and the standard error (SE) less than 0.029. Methodological validation was further performed using the other four columns and 12 solutes that were not involved in the modelling. The result revealed good predictions of solutes’ retention, as demonstrated by R2adj from 0.9923 to 0.9979 and SE from 0.0636 to 0.1088. This study indicated the feasibility of using the improved subtraction model to characterise polar stationary phases in SFC, with the most crucial being the determination of an initial term, followed by the addition of a new descriptor and the selection of an appropriate reference column. The study expanded the application scope of the subtraction model in SFC, which will help gain an in-depth understanding of the SFC separation mechanism.

Methodology Validation: Correlating Adherent Scalp Flaking Score (ASFS) With Phototrichogram for Scalp Dandruff Evaluation in Adult Subjects.

Introduction Scalp dandruff is a common dermatological condition characterized by flaking and itching of the scalp, affecting a significant portion of the population. Effective assessment methods are crucial for evaluating treatment outcomes. This study aimed to establish the reliability and correlation of three assessment techniques: Adherent Scalp Flaking Score (ASFS), phototrichogram using CASLite Nova, and the 60-second hair combing test. Methods This open-label, single-arm, single-center, prospective clinical study enrolled 12 adult subjects with mild to moderate dandruff. Evaluations were conducted before and after a standardized hair-wash intervention using three methods: ASFS, phototrichogram using CASLite Nova, and the 60-second hair combing test. The primary objective was to establish correlations between these assessment techniques. Inter-evaluator and inter-operator reliability were assessed using Fleiss Multirater Kappa. Results Significant reductions in dandruff were observed across all methods post-hair wash. The ASFS decreased from 23.67±2.06 at baseline to 6.67±4.46, showing a mean reduction of 17.00±5.22 (71.40%, p<0.001). phototrichogram analysis revealed that 60.42% of the total (n=96) scalp zones assessed were in normal condition post-hair washcompared to none at baseline. The 60-second hair combing test showed a reduction in non-adherent flakes, with 58.33% of subjects displaying light flakes and 41.67% showing no flakes post-hair wash. The chi-squared test indicated a significant association (p<0.001) between ASFS and phototrichogram results. Inter-evaluator variability for ASFS and the hair combing test demonstrated substantial agreement (Kappa=0.692 and 0.637, respectively, p<0.0001). Inter-operator reliability for phototrichogram also showed substantial agreement (Kappa=0.746, p<0.0001). Conclusion The study confirms the reliability and consistency of ASFS, phototrichogram, and the 60-second hair combing test in assessing scalp dandruff. The significant correlations of ASFS and phototrichogram via CASLite Nova validate their use in clinical settings. Comprehensive training for evaluators and operators is essential to achieve reproducible and accurate results. These findings provide a robust framework for future studies and clinical assessments of scalp dandruff.

Ab initio exploration of A2AlAgCl6 (A = Rb, Cs): unveiling potentials for UV optoelectronic applications.

In this study, we have explored the electronic and optical properties of A2AlAgCl6 (A = Rb, Cs), revealing their potential applications in UV devices. Our investigation demonstrates that Rb2AlAgCl6 and Cs2AlAgCl6 possess remarkable mechanical and thermodynamic stability, alongside direct band gaps of 4.25 eV and 4.20 eV, respectively. The optical properties, including the dielectric function, absorption coefficient, and reflectivity, underscore the suitability of these materials for UV device applications. This work serves as a foundational reference for future experimental endeavors aiming to leverage these characteristics for practical uses in scientific research. The study utilizes first-principles calculations based on the Wien2k code, employing GGA-PBE and mBJ exchange-correlation functional to analyze the cubic structure of the space group Fm-3m. Detailed computational analyses were conducted to investigate the band structure, density of states, and optical properties, particularly focusing on Cs2AlAgCl6. This methodological approach not only confirms the materials' impressive stability and optical characteristics but also provides a robust framework for assessing their potential in UV technology applications. Our computational strategy offers insights into the effectiveness of these methodologies for future experimental validation and practical deployment in the research domain.

Linking an early access program (EAP) to the National Health Data System (NHDS) in France and assessing its performances and potential biases.

11137 Background: Early access programs (EAP) are a unique opportunity to document first use of innovative treatments in real-world settings. The French HTA body requires mandatory patients’ clinical data collection for EAP and since July 2021, has recommended anticipating linkage EAP to the National Health Data System (NHDS). Prior to drug initiation, the collected data is almost complete contrary to follow-up data. To the best of our knowledge, no other study has proposed a methodology to link EAP to the French Cancer cohort (FCC), an extract of the NHDS of over 8 million persons diagnosed or at high risk of cancer, and to assess its assets and downsides. Methods: This cohort study has reused data of informed French EAP patients treated with durvalumab from October 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2018 (n=457) in locally advanced unresectable NSCLC and of patients who received durvalumab at the time of the EAP in the FCC (n=666). The linkage methodology consists in harmonizing available data across sources, defining matching, control and study variables, testing several indirect deterministic linkage algorithms and assessing their performances. Consistency and differences between data sources were described for the best performing algorithm. Results: Proposed linkage algorithms required matches on a combination of data among sex, birth year and month, treating hospital ID and department. Performance started at 80.9% (370/457) patients from the EAP cohort linked to eligible patients from FCC up to 85.3% (390/457) for the best performing algorithm. The consistency of linkage variables between the two sources was substantial (Cohen’s kappa &gt; 0.8) or excellent (intraclass correlation &gt; 0.9). It was the same for control variables. Comparisons between linked patients and unlinked patients from the EAP cohort showed no statistically significant difference on matching and control variables, except for few cases on history of chemotherapy and history of radiation therapy prior to durvalumab. Similarly, no statistically significant difference was found on matching and control variables between linked patients and unlinked patients from FCC, except for history of radiation therapy and treating hospital department. Median of time difference between foreseen date of first durvalumab administration in EAP versus the effective date in FCC was -1 (IQR = [-9 ; 0]) day. Lack of reported diagnosis related to prior radiation therapy administration in out-of-hospital settings refrained from using them as matching or control variables. Conclusions: The study illustrates the feasibility of matching EAP patients to the French NDHS with indirect deterministic linkage. Additional EAP linkages will be required to ensure the validation and reproducibility of such methodology. Further works in progress will document the adequacy of French NHDS data to address effectiveness.

Validation of induction/steering reserve-boosting active power control by a wind tunnel experiment with dynamic wind direction changes

This paper presents an experimental validation of an active power control methodology that combines induction control and wake steering to maximize the power reserve of the wind turbines in a farm. The experiments are carried out on a cluster of three scaled wind turbines in a boundary-layer wind tunnel, by dynamically varying the wind direction, and by considering a time-varying power tracking signal that mimics secondary frequency control of the grid. The methodology is compared with three active power control algorithms sourced from the literature. Results indicate that the instantaneous power reserves are indeed improved by an appropriate handling of wake effects, achieving a more accurate tracking of the power signal.

Adaptación y validación de una versión abreviada de la escala SIPAT de riesgo psicosocial integrado en pacientes con cirrosis hepática candidatos a trasplante hepático (SIPAT-11)

IntroductionPatients with liver cirrhosis who are candidates for liver transplantation must be evaluated both clinically and socially in order to obtain the optimal outcomes and avoid futile therapeutic measures. For the evaluation of the social aspects in these patients, no validated scale in Spanish is available. The SIPAT (Stanford Integrated Psychosocial Assessment for Transplantation) scale is an instrument that measures the social, family and psychological aspects in candidates for solid organ transplantation. The objective of this study is to adapt and validate an abbreviated version of the SIPAT scale in Spanish for patients with liver cirrhosis. Material and methodsProspective observational study carried out in the Hepatology Unit of the La Fe Unversity Hospital in Valencia, by questionnaire validation methodology. To analyze the reliability of the questionnaire, the internal consistency of all variables was calculated, for variability an exploratory factor analysis, and for stability the test-retest test was carried out. Results96 patients who were admitted for decompensated cirrhosis to the Hepatology Unit of the La Fe Hospital in Valencia between November 1, 2017 and January 31, 2017 were selected. 84% were men, the mean age was 60.01 (SD 10.12) years. In 73.2% of those admitted, the etiology of cirrhosis was alcoholic. 14.4% had a Child's stage A, 57.7% B and 27.8% C. The internal consistency of all variables reached a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.766. In the exploratory factor analysis, 6 dimensions of the questionnaire were identified that explain 84.27% of the total variability. To see the stability of the instrument, the measurement was repeated at 2 and 6 months of follow-up, obtaining in the test-retest a kappa agreement of 0.612 and 0.565 respectively. ConclusionThe SIPAT-11 questionnaire has good psychometric characteristics in cirrhotic patients who are candidates for liver transplantation. It is easy to complete and can be administered by professionals who are not specialists in the area of Mental Health.

Single-extracellular vesicle (EV) analyses validate the use of L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule (L1CAM) as a reliable biomarker of neuron-derived EVs.

Isolation of neuron-derived extracellular vesicles (NDEVs) with L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule (L1CAM)-specific antibodies has been widely used to identify blood biomarkers of CNS disorders. However, full methodological validation requires demonstration of L1CAM in individual NDEVs and lower levels or absence of L1CAM in individual EVs from other cells. Here, we used multiple single-EV techniques to establish the neuronal origin and determine the abundance of L1CAM-positive EVs in human blood. L1CAM epitopes of the ectodomain are shown to be co-expressed on single-EVs with the neuronal proteins β-III-tubulin, GAP43, and VAMP2, the levels of which increase in parallel with the enrichment of L1CAM-positive EVs. Levels of L1CAM-positive EVs carrying the neuronal proteins VAMP2 and β-III-tubulin range from 30% to 63%, in contrast to 0.8%-3.9% of L1CAM-negative EVs. Plasma fluid-phase L1CAM does not bind to single-EVs. Our findings support the use of L1CAM as a target for isolating plasma NDEVs and leveraging their cargo to identify biomarkers reflecting neuronal function.