Validity Of Analysis Research Articles

The Association between Non-Alcohol Liver Fatty Disease and Coronary Artery Calcification: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.

Although prior observational studies have suggested that patients with non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may have a higher risk of coronary artery calcification (CAC), these findings remain controversial. This study aimed to explore the causal association between NAFLD and CAC at genetic level by two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Utilizing summary-level data from multiple large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in European populations, a two-sample MR analysis was initially conducted to explore the potential causal association between NAFLD and CAC. The results of the MR analysis were pooled through random-effect meta-analysis. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method served as the primary approach for MR analysis. Additionally, the weighted median, MR-Egger and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) methods was applied for sensitivity analysis. Summary-level data on liver fatty content was utilized for validation analysis, while summary-level data on cirrhosis served as positive control, further ensuring the validity and robustness of our findings. Reverse MR analysis was performed to assess the association between CAC and NAFLD, employing instrument variables derived from CAC. The MR analysis indicated that genetically predicted NAFLD had no effects on the risk of CAC (Beta: 0.01, 95% CI: -0.02 to 0.03, P = 0.74). Likewise, the reverse MR analysis found no significant genetic association between CAC and NAFLD (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.06, P = 0.88). Validation analysis yielded consistent results, showing no significant association between fatty liver content and CAC. Our two-sample MR analysis did not support that there is a causal association between NAFLD and CAC at genetic level. The association between NAFLD and CAC reported in some previous observational studies may rely on NAFLD complicated with metabolic disorders, rather than being directly linked to the hepatic steatosis.

Research on the effectiveness and strategies of new media in promoting voluntary blood donation from a public health perspective in the post-pandemic era.

This study explores the effectiveness of new media in enhancing public enthusiasm for voluntary blood donation in the post-pandemic era and proposes effective publicity strategies to promote the sustainability and healthy development of blood donation activities. A questionnaire survey was widely used to collect public opinions and attitudes toward voluntary blood donation. The sample data underwent rigorous reliability and validity analysis to ensure authenticity and reliability. Statistical methods such as correlation analysis and regression analysis were employed to deeply investigate the underlying relationships between factors like new media publicity, emotional value, social recognition, convenience, information reliability, and willingness to donate blood voluntarily. Based on these analyses, a research model was constructed, and relevant hypotheses were verified through empirical methods. The study found that new media publicity may be associated with increasing the willingness of the public to voluntarily donate blood. Survey participants indicated that they were more likely to consider donating blood after exposure to new media publicity. Among these factors, the emotional value and content conveyed by the publicity appeared to be particularly important. Additionally, our research revealed that social recognition, the convenience of blood donation, and the reliability of promotional information seemed to have a direct impact on the public's willingness to donate blood. At the same time, these factors may indirectly promote actual blood donation behavior by enhancing the public's emotional resonance and acceptance of blood donation. This study suggests that new media may play multiple positive roles in promoting voluntary blood donation. Based on these findings, we propose a series of strategic recommendations, including further optimizing publicity content, striving to enhance the public's emotional resonance, improving the reliability of promotional information, and enhancing service convenience. These suggestions aim to potentially raise public awareness and willingness to participate in voluntary blood donation, providing a scientific basis and strong support for the promotion of voluntary blood donation in the post-epidemic era.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Self-Efficacy Tool for the Ability to Support Breastfeeding Mothers.

The aim of the study is to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Self-Efficacy Tool for the Ability to Support Breastfeeding Mothers. In the current methodological study, research data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form and the Self-Efficacy Tool for the Ability to Support Breastfeeding Mothers. Validity analysis was conducted using the content validity index, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. The Pearson product-moment correlation and Cronbach alpha reliability coefficients were performed for reliability analysis. High scores indicate a higher ability to support breastfeeding mothers. To evaluate the tool's invariance over time, test-retest measurements were made at an interval of at least two weeks and showed no difference in mean scores (p > 0.05). Corrected item-total score correlations varied between 0.43 and 0.77. The Cronbach alpha value was determined to be 0.97, which indicated high internal consistency. The results of the present study show that the Turkish version of the Self-Efficacy Tool for the Ability to Support Breastfeeding Mothers is valid and reliable. It can be utilised as a measurement tool to determine the degree of self-efficacy in the ability to support breastfeeding mothers.

Three-Dimensional Micromechanical Modeling of Martensite Particle Size Effects on the Deformation Behavior of Dual-Phase Steels.

The objective of this study was to examine the influence of martensite particle size on the formation of stress and strain in microstructures of dual-phase steels. In order to achieve this objective, the 3D representative volume element (RVE) method was utilized. Particle size distributions were obtained from the microstructures of DP600 and DP1000 dual-phase steels as they actually exist. Virtual dual-phase steel microstructures were generated according to the above distribution and subsequent validation analyses were performed. In the subsequent phase, microstructures of varying martensite particle sizes (1 µm, 1.98 µm, 3 µm for DP600 and 1.15 µm, 2 µm, 3 µm for DP1000) were formed, and the effects of particle size on deformation behavior under tensile loads were determined. The findings indicated that an increase in martensite particle size resulted in a reduction in tensile strength, accompanied by an increase in deformation amount.

Validity, Reliability and Psychometric Properties of the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire among Physically Active Young Adults

Background: Exercise Dependence (ED) is characterized by excessive and uncontrollable exercise behaviors leading to physiological and psychological symptoms. Valid assessment tools are crucial for identifying ED in understudied populations. The present study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Exercise Dependence Questionnaire (EDQ) among physically active young adults in Iran. Methods: This psychometric validation study used a cross-sectional design with 200 participants aged 18-35 years (49% male, 51% female) recruited through clustered random sampling from sports clubs in Tabriz, Iran. The EDQ was administered between May-July, 2021. Validity was assessed through forward backward translation, content validity analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Reliability was evaluated using internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and testretest (intraclass correlation, ICC) methods. Ceiling and floor effects, Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and smallest detectable change (SDC) were also determined. Results: The EDQ demonstrated good content validity (CVI=0.88, CVR=0.73). EFA yielded a 7-factor model explaining 59.45% of variance. Key factors were withdrawal symptoms, exercise for health/social reasons, positive reward, interference with life, insight into problems, and stereotyped behavior. CFA showed moderate fit. Internal consistency was adequate overall (α=0.8) but lower for some subscales. The ICC confirmed good test-retest reliability (0.80, 95% CI 0.76-0.84). No ceiling and floor effects were detected. SEM and SDC were 0.52 and 1.03, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicated that the Persian version of the EDQ is a valid and reliable scale for assessing ED.

Novel Insights into Causal Effects of Serum Lipids and Apolipoproteins on Cardiovascular Morpho-Functional Phenotypes.

Previous observational studies have explored the association between serum lipids, apolipoproteins, and adverse ventricular/aortic structure and function. However, whether a causal link exists is uncertain. This study employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), colocalization, reverse, and multivariable MR (MVMR) approach to examine the causal associations among five serum lipids, two apolipoproteins, and 32 cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) traits. Utilizing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to serum lipids and apolipoproteins as instrumental variables. CMR traits from seven independent genome-wide association studies served as preclinical endophenotypes, offering insights into aortic and cardiac structure/function. The primary analysis utilized a random-effects inverse variance method (IVW), followed by sensitivity and validation analyses. In the primary IVW MR analyses, genetically predicted low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were positively correlated with increased descending aorta strain (DAo strain) (β = 0.098; P = 2.69E-07) and ascending aorta strain (AAo strain) (β = 0.079; P = 5.19E-05). Genetically predicted high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were positively correlated with left ventricular radial peak diastolic strain rate (LV-PDSRll) (β = 0.176; P = 2.89E-05) and the left ventricular longitudinal peak diastolic strain rate (LV-PDSRrr) (β = 0.059; P = 2.44E-06), and negatively correlated with left ventricular regional wall thickness (LVRWT). While apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels were positively correlated with AAo strain (β = 0.076; P = 1.16E-05), DAo strain (β = 0.065; P = 2.77E-05). A shared causal variant was identified to demonstrate the associations of ApoB with AAo strain and DAo strain using colocalization analysis. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these associations. Targeting lipid and apolipoprotein levels through interventions may provide novel strategies for the primary prevention of CVDs.

Measuring fidelity to manualised peer support for people with severe mental health conditions: development and psychometric evaluation of the UPSIDES fidelity scale

BackgroundPeer support workers provide support for people experiencing mental health conditions based on their own lived experience of mental health problems. Assessing fidelity to core ingredients of peer support is vital for successful implementation and intervention delivery. Modifications to its implementation are needed when scaling up to different socio-economic settings, raising further uncertainty about fidelity. As part of a large multi-centre study on peer support called Using Peer Support In Developing Empowering Mental Health Services (UPSIDES), we developed and evaluated the psychometric properties of the UPSIDES Fidelity Scale.MethodsWe constructed the fidelity scale based on an initial item pool developed through international expert consultation and iterative feedback. Scale refinement involved site-level expert consultation and translation, resulting in a service user-rated 28-item version and a peer support worker-rated 21-item version assessing receipt, engagement, enactment, competence, communication and peer support-specific components. Both versions are available in six languages: English, German, Luganda, Kiswahili, Hebrew and Gujarati. The scale was then evaluated at six study sites across five countries, with peer support workers and their clients completing their respective ratings four and eight months after initial peer support worker contact. Psychometric evaluation included analysis of internal consistency, construct validity and criterion validity.ResultsFor the 315 participants, item statistics showed a skewed distribution of fidelity values but no restriction of range. Internal consistency was adequate (range α = 0.675 to 0.969) for total scores and all subscales in both versions. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable fit of the proposed factor structure for the service user version (χ2/df = 2.746; RMSEA = 0.084) and moderate fit for the peer support worker version (χ2/df = 3.087; RMSEA = 0.093). Both versions showed significant correlations with external criteria: number of peer support sessions; perceived recovery orientation of the intervention; and severity of illness.ConclusionsThe scale demonstrates good reliability, construct and criterion validity, making it a pragmatic and psychometrically acceptable measure for assessing fidelity to a manualised peer support worker intervention. Recommendations for use, along with research and practical implications, are addressed. As validated, multi-lingual tool that adapts to diverse settings this scale is uniquely positioned for global application.Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN26008944. Registered on 30 October 2019.

Distributed Software Build Assurance for Software Supply Chain Integrity

Computing and networking are increasingly implemented in software. We design and build a software build assurance scheme detecting if there have been injections or modifications in the various steps in the software supply chain, including the source code, compiling, and distribution. Building on the reproducible build and software bill of materials (SBOM), our work is distinguished from previous research in assuring multiple software artifacts across the software supply chain. Reproducible build, in particular, enables our scheme, as our scheme requires the software materials/artifacts to be consistent across machines with the same operating system/specifications. Furthermore, we use blockchain to deliver the proof reference, which enables our scheme to be distributed so that the assurance beneficiary and verifier are the same, i.e., the node downloading the software verifies its own materials, artifacts, and outputs. Blockchain also significantly improves the assurance efficiency. We first describe and explain our scheme using abstraction and then implement our scheme to assure Ethereum as the target software to provide concrete proof-of-concept implementation, validation, and experimental analyses. Our scheme enables more significant performance gains than relying on a centralized server thanks to the use of blockchain (e.g., two to three orders of magnitude quicker in verification) and adds small overheads (e.g., generating and verifying proof have an overhead of approximately one second, which is two orders of magnitude smaller than the software download or build processes).

Mandibular second molar impaction: introducing a novel and validated 3D classification system

BackgroundMandibular second molar (M2M) impaction is a clinically significant manifestation of eruption disturbance in dental development. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the three-dimensional (3D) characterization on clinical and therapeutic decisions for M2M impaction. The secondary aim was to introduce a validated 3D classification system incorporating both surgical and orthodontic parameters.MethodsBidimensional (2D) and 3D radiological records of 15 impacted M2M were collected and deidentified. Ten experienced clinicians (5 oral surgeons;5 orthodontists) categorized each case, first based on 2D records and then with 3D scans. The degree of orthodontic and surgical difficulty in treating impacted M2M was evaluated using a novel classification system based on anatomical and radiological features. The primary outcome variable was the assessment of differences in diagnosis and decision-making protocol using 2D or 3D records, where clinical relevance ranged from 0 to 4. The secondary outcome variable was the validation analysis of the proposed 3D classification system to determine the concordance among the clinicians. Descriptive statistics and multivariable inferential analysis based on Akaike information criterion (AIC) were performed (α = 0.05).Results3D examination allowed a better visualization of M2M impaction with higher clinical relevance for diagnosis of M2M root relationship to alveolar nerve and lingual plate, height to alveolar crest, depth, and inclination relative to the first molar and position relative to the third molar (range:2.69–3.43). The proposed 3D classification of M2M impaction changed clinical decisions regarding surgical-orthodontic approach, biomechanics, patient education, and treatment time estimate (range:2.59–3.33). In the validation analysis of the classification, no evidence of inter- or intra-group (surgeon/orthodontist) bias in score attribution occurred: the model with the minimum AIC was the null model (AIC = 718.04).Conclusion3D evaluation of impacted M2Ms could enhance diagnostic accuracy, and a classification system was proposed and validated by a group of experienced surgeons and orthodontists with high concordance.

Plasma-derived extracellular vesicles miR-335–5p as potential diagnostic biomarkers for fusion-positive rhabdomyosarcoma

BackgroundRhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma, with embryonal (ERMS) and alveolar (ARMS) representing the two most common histological subtypes. ARMS shows poor prognosis, being often metastatic at diagnosis. Thus, the discovery of novel biomarkers predictive of tumor aggressiveness represents one of the most important challenges to overcome and may help the development of tailored therapies. In the last years, miRNAs carried in extracellular vesicles (EVs), small vesicles of endocytic origin, have emerged as ideal candidate biomarkers due to their stability in plasma and their tissue specificity.MethodsEVs miRNAs were isolated from plasma of 21 patients affected by RMS and 13 healthy childrens (HC). We performed a miRNA profile using the Serum/Plasma Focus microRNA PCR panels (Qiagen), and RT-qPCR for validation analysis. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) miRNAs were obtained by ANOVA test.ResultsWe identified nine EVs miRNAs (miR-483-5p, miR-132-3p, miR-766-3p, miR-454-3p miR-197-3p, miR-335-3p, miR-17-5p, miR-486-5p and miR-484) highly upregulated in RMS patients compared to HCs. Interestingly, 4 miRNAs (miR-335-5p, miR-17-5p, miR-486-5p and miR-484) were significantly upregulated in ARMS samples compared to ERMS. In the validation analysis performed in a larger group of patients only three miRNAs (miR-483-5p, miR-335-5p and miR-484) were differentially significantly expressed in RMS patients compared to HC. Among these, mir-335-5p was significant also when compared ARMS to ERMS patients. MiR-335-5p was upregulated in RMS tumor tissues respect to normal tissues (p = 0.00202) and upregulated significantly between ARMS and ERMS (p = 0.04). Furthermore, the miRNA expression correlated with the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) grouping system, (p = 0.0234), and survival (OS, p = 0.044; PFS, p = 0.025). By performing in situ hybridization, we observed that miR-335-5p signal was exclusively in the cytoplasm of cancer cells.ConclusionWe identified miR-335-5p as significantly upregulated in plasma derived EVs and tumor tissue of patients affected by ARMS. Its expression correlates to stage and survival in patients. Future studies are needed to validate miR-335-5p as prognostic biomarker and to deeply elucidate its biological role.

Factors Affecting Daily Functioning in Turkish Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Background and Objectives: This study aims to examine the factors affecting the daily functioning of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Materials and Methods: In addition to the polysomnography records of 361 patients, participants completed the Turkish FOSQ-10 (Functional Outcomes of Sleep-10), Medical Outcome Survey Short Form-12, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). First, the psychometrics properties of the Turkish FOSQ-10 were evaluated. Then, factors affecting daily functioning were examined through univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Of all participants, 68.7% (n = 248) were male, and the average age was 47.94 ± 11.08. According to the OSA category, 23% (n = 83) were mild, 22.7% (n = 82) were moderate, 45.2% (n = 163) were severe, and 9.1% (n = 33) were OSA negative. The Turkish FOSQ-10 was found to be a valid and reliable scale through validity and reliability analyses. The moderate and severe OSA patients had different FOSQ-10 Total scores compared to the negative OSA group. Daily functioning was positively associated with overall quality of life while inversely associated with depression, being anxious, and daytime sleepiness in OSA patients. In a multiple regression model, BDI, mental component summary-12, physical component summary-12, and ESS scores were significantly related to the FOSQ-10 Total score in OSA patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The daily functioning of moderate and severe OSA patients was worse than that of the negative OSA group. Depression, quality of life, and daytime sleepiness were simultaneously important variables associated with daily functioning in OSA patients.

Validity and reliability of the Polish version of the Pregnancy Mobility Index (PMI-PL).

Mobility, defined as active, controlled, multi-joint flexibility used in movement, is limited in pregnant women due to problems with low back pain (LBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PGP). The Pregnancy Mobility Index (PMI) is a tool for assessing mobility in relation to LBP/PGP. The lack of a Polish version of the PMI test prompted a transcultural adaptation to the Polish conditions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the measurement properties of the Polish adaptation of the Pregnancy Mobility Index. The study involved 121 pregnant women aged 18-44. The translation process was in accordance with the transcultural adaptation design. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct validity between the Polish version of the PMI (PMI-PL) and the Physical Activity Pregnancy Questionnaire (PPAQ-PL) was assessed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The transcultural adaptation of the PMI test into Polish was satisfactory, with high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.97-0.98, ICC = 0.989). Statistically significant inverse proportional correlations were found for total PA, total PA (light and above), light PA, moderate PA, and vigorous PA in the construct validity analysis between PMI-PL and PPAQ-PL. The Polish version of the PMI is a reliable instrument. The introduction of a questionnaire with a classification system will make it easier for health professionals to monitor the health status of pregnant women and encourage them to engage in physical activity appropriate for their current level of mobility.

Estimating Repetitions in Reserve During the Bench Press Exercise: Should We Consider Sex and the Exercise Equipment?

Estimating repetitions in reserve (RIR) has been established as a valid and practical method for monitoring set configuration concerning proximity to failure in resistance training. However, factors such as sex and exercise equipment could interfere with the estimation process. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the influence of sex (female vs male) and exercise equipment (free-weight vs Smith machine) on the RIR estimation at different relative loads during the bench press exercise. Men would be more accurate than women in the RIR estimation, and participants would better perceive their actual effort at the Smith machine compared with the free-weight bench press exercise. Repeated measures design. Level 3. In a counterbalanced order, recreationally trained participants (12 female, 14 male) performed 2 identical sessions with the free-weight bench press exercise in 1 week and 2 identical sessions with the Smith machine bench press exercise in another week (first session for familiarization and second session for validity analysis). In each session, participants performed single sets of repetitions to failure against 3 relative loads (65%, 75%, and 85% of the 1-repetition maximum [1RM]). Results revealed a significant interaction between RIR and sex at 65% 1RM (P < 0.01; women: -1.2 [-1.7 to -0.6] repetitions; men: -0.1 [-0.6 to 0.3] repetitions), and between RIR and exercise equipment at 65% 1RM (P < 0.01; free-weight: -1.1 [-1.5 to -0.6] repetitions; Smith machine: -0.2 [-0.6 to 0.2] repetitions), but not at 75% and 85% 1RM. RIR estimation is a valid method for monitoring set configuration. However, this method tends to underestimate RIR at 65%1RM with female athletes and in the free-weight exercise for both sexes. Strength and conditioning coaches should help their athletes understand effort awareness in the aforementioned context.

Measuring internalized health-related stigma across health conditions: development and validation of the I-HEARTS Scale.

Health-related stigma and its internalization among individuals with chronic health conditions contribute to impaired mental and physical health and quality of life. Research on health-related stigma has been siloed, with disease-specific measures that may not capture the experiences of individuals with multiple health conditions and that prevent comparisons across health conditions. The current study aimed to develop and test a transdiagnostic measure of internalized health-related stigma for use among adults with different physical health conditions. An existing measure of internalized mental health stigma was adapted to assess stigma due to chronic physical health conditions following COSMIN procedures, with input from advisory boards of community members living with a range of stigmatized health conditions (obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, skin diseases, HIV, chronic pain, and cancers) and of health professionals who specialized in these conditions. The new Internalized Health-Related Stigma (I-HEARTS) Scale was tested in an online sample of 300 adults with these health conditions, recruited from ResearchMatch. Additional psychosocial measures of mental health and quality of life were administered, and participants provided information about their health conditions and demographic characteristics. Exploratory factor analysis and tests of reliability and validity were conducted to determine the psychometric properties of the I-HEARTS Scale, and k-means clustering and receiver of characteristic curve analysis were used to determine a clinically meaningful cutoff score indicating high levels of internalized stigma. Factor analysis results yielded a 25-item scale with a 3-factor solution, with subscales of Perceived and Anticipated Stigma, Stereotype Application and Self-Devaluation, and Stigma Resistance. Psychometric properties for internal consistency, inter-item and item-total correlations, and test-retest reliability were strong. Certain demographics (e.g., younger age) and characteristics related to health conditions (e.g., greater symptom severity) were associated with higher levels of internalized stigma. I-HEARTS Scale scores correlated moderately to strongly with related but distinct psychosocial measures, and a cutoff score of 3.40 or higher on the 1-7 rating scale was determined to indicate clinically meaningful levels of internalized stigma. The I-HEARTS Scale is a reliable and valid measure for the assessment of internalized health-related stigma among adults with varied stigmatized chronic health conditions. STUDY PRE-REGISTRATION: https://osf.io/84c5d/?view_only=87238512f6d6475c87f8f64280a8a15f .

Impacts of water, energy, and food nexus challenges on household vulnerability: the case of Harare City, Zimbabwe

Abstract Water, energy, and food (WEF) are interwoven, and their scarcity in the face of climate change intensifies household vulnerability (HV), particularly in developing countries. The interlinkage is complex; it makes it difficult to make decisions and requires coordinated and integrated approaches. Policymakers face problems when attempting to identify and implement appropriate policy actions at the nexus of these challenges. This study interrogates the contribution of WEF challenges to HV in Harare to create good policies that can enhance synergies. Data was collected from 314 urban households through questionnaires. In addition, 11 in-depth interviews and one focus group discussion were conducted with the Harare Residents’ Association. The stakeholders interviewed included six city council officials, one representative from UNICEF, two from the World Food Program, and two from the Zimbabwe electricity supply authority. Survey data was analysed using both SPSS Statistics and SPSS AMOS software. While SPSS Statistics was used for descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and inferential tests, SPSS Amos was used for construct validation and structural equation modelling (SEM) path analysis. Interviews were recorded, collated, transcribed, and coded through the summative thematic analysis using QSR NVivo v14. SEM was used to test the proposed relationships between WEF challenges and HV. The findings revealed a positive relationship between the WEF constructs and HV among Harare residents. Socioeconomic factors were also found to have a statistically significant effect on the relationship between Climatic Change and HV. Most climate impacts were found to be water-related, meaning, interventions to address water challenges can boost energy and food production. This will enable policymakers to allocate resources for positive results.

A data science approach to optimize ADHD assessment with the BRIEF-2 questionnaire.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder. A key challenge associated with this condition is achieving an early diagnosis. The current study seeks to anticipate and delineate the assessments offered by both parents and teachers concerning a child's behavior and overall functioning with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2 (BRIEF-2). Mothers, fathers, and teachers of 59 children diagnosed or in the process of being assessed for ADHD participated in this study. The responses provided by 59 mothers, 59 fathers, and 57 teachers to the BRIEF-2 questionnaire were collected. The performance of various feature selection techniques, including Lasso, decision trees, random forest, extreme gradient boosting, and forward stepwise regression, was evaluated. The results indicate that Lasso stands out as the optimal method for our dataset, striking an ideal balance between accuracy and interpretability. A repeated validation analysis reveals an average positive correlation exceeding 0.5 between the inattention/hyperactivity scores reported by informants (mother, father, or teacher) and the predictions derived from Lasso. This performance is achieved using only approximately 18% of the BRIEF-2 items. These findings underscore the usefulness of variable selection techniques in accurately characterizing a patient's condition while employing a small subset of assessment items. This efficiency is particularly valuable in time-constrained settings and contributes to improving the comprehension of ADHD.

Transitioning from Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose to Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Combination with a mHealth App Improves Glycemic Control in People with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes.

Introduction: Integrating mobile health (mHealth) apps into daily diabetes management allows users to monitor and track their health data, creating a comprehensive system for managing daily diabetes activities and generating valuable real-world data. This analysis investigates the impact of transitioning from traditional self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) to real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM), alongside the use of a mHealth app, on users' glycemic control. Methods: Data were collected from 1271 diabetes type 1 and type 2 users of the mySugr® app who made a minimum of 50 SMBG logs 1 month before transitioning to rtCGM and then used rtCGM for at least 6 months. The mean and coefficient of variation of glucose, along with the proportions of glycemic measurements in and out of range, were compared between baseline and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months of rtCGM use. A mixed-effects linear regression model was built to quantify the specific effects of transitioning to a rtCGM sensor in different subsamples. A novel validation analysis ensured that the aggregated metrics from SMBG and rtCGM were comparable. Results: Transitioning to a rtCGM sensor significantly improved glycemic control in the entire cohort, particularly among new users of the mySugr app. Additionally, the sustainability of the change in glucose in the entire cohort was confirmed throughout the observation period. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes exhibited distinct variations, with type 1 experiencing a greater reduction in glycemic variance, while type 2 displayed a relatively larger decrease in monthly averages.

The Flu-ID: A New Evidence-Based Method of Assessing Fluency in Aphasia.

Assessing fluency in aphasia is diagnostically important for determining aphasia type and severity and therapeutically important for determining appropriate treatment targets. However, wide variability in the measures and criteria used to assess fluency, as revealed by a recent survey of clinicians (Gordon & Clough, 2022), results in poor reliability. Furthermore, poor specificity in many fluency measures makes it difficult to identify the underlying impairments. Here, we introduce the Flu-ID Aphasia, an evidence-based tool that provides a more informative method of assessing fluency by capturing the range of behaviors that can affect the flow of speech in aphasia. The development of the Flu-ID was based on prior evidence about factors underlying fluency (Clough & Gordon, 2020; Gordon & Clough, 2020) and clinical perceptions about the measurement of fluency (Gordon & Clough, 2022). Clinical utility is maximized by automated counting of fluency behaviors in an Excel template. Reliability is maximized by outlining thorough guidelines for transcription and coding. Eighteen narrative samples representing a range of fluency were coded independently by the authors to examine the Flu-ID's utility, reliability, and validity. Overall reliability was very good, with point-to-point agreement of 86% between coders. Ten of the 12 dimensions showed good to excellent reliability. Validity analyses indicated that Flu-ID scores were similar to clinician ratings on some dimensions, but differed on others. Possible reasons and implications of the discrepancies are discussed, along with opportunities for improvement. The Flu-ID assesses fluency in aphasia using a consistent and comprehensive set of measures and semi-automated procedures to generate individual fluency profiles. The profiles generated in the current study illustrate how similar ratings of fluency can arise from different underlying impairments. Supplemental materials include an analysis template, extensive guidelines for transcription and coding, a completed sample, and a quick reference guide. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.27078199.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Intermittent Self-Catheterization Questionnaire (ISC-Q).

The intermittent self-catheterization questionnaire (ISC-Q) is a valid and reliable tool to assess the quality of life (QOL) in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) who engage in ISC. The aim of this research is to culturally adapt the ISC-Q and evaluate its psychometric properties within the Chinese patient population. The cross-sectional research was meticulously conducted in two pivotal stages: initially, the focus was on cross-cultural adaptation, followed by an extensive phase of psychometric testing. This comprehensive analysis involved 405 Chinese patients with NLUTD who use ISC. Various analyses, including evaluations of the floor and ceiling effects, item analysis, content validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA and CFA), assessments of convergent, discriminant, and criterion validity. Additionally, Cronbach's alpha was utilized to determine internal consistency, and test-retest reliability was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). No floor and ceiling effects were observed. The content validity index was 0.967. The EFA identified four factors, accounting for 64.953% of the total variance, and this four-factor structure was confirmed by the CFA. The fit indices in CFA were favorable, with χ2/df = 1.999, root mean square error of approximation = 0.070, comparative fit index = 0.916, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.900, goodness-of-fit index = 0.863, and incremental fit index = 0.917. The average variance extracted for the four factors ranged from 0.466 to 0.565, with composite reliability values ranging from 0.776 to 0.859. The ISC-Q showed a positive correlation with the intermittent self-catheterization acceptance questionnaire (r = 0.557, P < 0.001). The ICC overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the questionnaire was 0.821, and the for test-retest reliability was 0.951 (95% CI [0.900-0.976] P < 0.001). The validity and reliability of the Chinese version of the ISC-Q have been verified, making it suitable for measuring the QOL in NLUTD patients who practice ISC.

Validity of the multidimensional reputation perception scale in private universities

University reputation is the result of the assessments that the stakeholders make of the university, especially the user of the education service, the student. The literature has shown an important impact of reputation on the student’s perception of the university, and it has been related to success, competitiveness, sustainability, stakeholder decision-making and the differential of the value offer. Therefore, its evaluation has been the subject of several studies that seek to measure and assess reputation in higher education to understand how to manage it. This article evaluates the psychometric properties of the reputation scale in students at private universities in Colombia. The methodology used included an adaptation of the scale to the Spanish language, content validity analysis, reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The results showed the validity and reliability of the scale and, through the analyses carried out, provided evidence of the scale’s robustness.