Challenging trophic position assessments in complex ecosystems: Calculation method, choice of baseline, trophic enrichment factors, season and feeding guild do matter: A case study from Marquesas Islands coral reefs.

Assessments of ecosystem functioning are a fundamental ecological challenge and an essential foundation for ecosystem-based management. Species trophic position (TP) is essential to characterize food web architecture. However, despite the intuitive nature of the concept, empirically estimating TP is a challenging task due to the complexity of trophic interaction networks. Various methods are proposed to assess TPs, including using different sources of organic matter at the base of the food web (the 'baseline'). However, it is often not clear which methodological approach and which baseline choices are the most reliable. Using an ecosystem-wide assessment of a tropical reef (Marquesas Islands, with available data for 70 coral reef invertebrate and fish species), we tested whether different commonly used TP estimation methods yield similar results and, if not, whether it is possible to identify the most reliable method. We found significant differences in TP estimates of up to 1.7 TPs for the same species, depending on the method and the baseline used. When using bulk stable isotope data, the choice of the baseline significantly impacted TP values. Indeed, while nitrogen stable isotope (δ15N) values of macroalgae led to consistent TP estimates, those using phytoplankton generated unrealistically low TP estimates. The use of a conventional enrichment factor (i.e. 3.4‰) or a 'variable' enrichment factor (i.e. according to feeding guilds) also produced clear discrepancies between TP estimates. TPs obtained with δ15N values of source amino acids (compound-specific isotope analysis) were close to those assessed with macroalgae. An opposite seasonal pattern was found, with significantly lower TPs in winter than in summer for most species, with particularly pronounced differences for lower TP species. We use the observed differences to discuss possible drivers of the diverging TP estimates and the potential ecological implications.

A review of assessment methods for measuring individual differences in oral somatosensory perception.

While taste and smell perception have been thoroughly investigated, our understanding of oral somatosensory perception remains limited. Further, assessing and measuring individual differences in oral somatosensory perception pose notable challenges. This review aimed to evaluate the existing methods to assess oral somatosensory perception by examining and comparing the strengths and limitations of each method. The review highlighted the lack of standardized assessment methods and the various procedures within each method. Tactile sensitivity can be assessed using several methods, but each method measures different tactile dimensions. Further investigations are needed to confirm its correlation with texture sensitivity. In addition, measuring a single textural attribute may not provide an overall representation of texture sensitivity. Thermal sensitivity can be evaluated using thermal-change detection or temperature discrimination tests. The chemesthetic sensitivity tests involve either localized or whole-mouth stimulation tests. The choice of an appropriate method for assessing oral somatosensory sensitivity depends on several factors, including the specific research objectives and the target population. Each method has its unique intended purpose, strengths, and limitations, so no universally superior approach exists. To overcome some of the limitations associated with certain methods, the review offers alternative or complementary approaches that could be considered. Researchers can enhance the comprehensive assessment of oral somatosensory sensitivity by carefully selecting and potentially combining methods. In addition, a standardized protocol remains necessary for each method.

A Case Study of Ergonomic Risk Assessment in Slovakia with Respect to EU Standard.

Attention on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) involves statistical surveys showing an increasing trend in the incidence of WMSDs. Technological development has led to new tools and methods for the assessment of physical load at work. These methods are mostly based on the direct sensing of appropriate parameters, which allows more precise quantification. The aim of this paper is to compare several commonly used methods in Slovakia for the assessment of ergonomic risk reflecting current EU and Slovak legislative regulations. A Captiv wireless sensory system was used at a car headlight quality control assembly workplace for sensing, data acquisition and data processing. During the evaluation of postures and movements at work, we discovered differences in the applicable standards: Decree 542/2007 Coll. (Slovak Legislation), the STN EN 1005-4+A1, and the French standards default in the Captiv system. Standards define the thresholds for hazardous postures with significant differences in several evaluated body segments, which affects the final evaluation of the measurements. Our experience from applying improved risk assessment methodology may have an impact on Slovak industrial workplaces. It was confirmed that there is a need to create uniform standards for the ergonomic risk assessment of body posture, including a detailed description of the threshold values for individual body segments.

Non-invasive efficacy assessment of pulsed dye laser and photodynamic therapy for port-wine stain.

Port wine stain (PWS) is a congenital vascular malformation that commonly occurs on the face and neck. Currently, the main treatments for port wine stain are pulsed dye laser (PDL) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, the efficacy evaluation of PWS mostly relies on the subjective judgement of clinicians, and it is difficult to accurately respond to many small changes after treatment. Therefore, some non-invasive and efficient efficacy assessment methods are also needed. With the continuous development of technology, there are currently many visualisation instruments to evaluate PWS, including dermoscopy, VISIA-CR™ system, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT), Photoacoustic imaging (PAI), laser speckle imaging (LSI) and laser Doppler imaging (LDI). Among them, there are simple and low-cost technologies such as dermoscopy and the VISIA-CR™ system, but they may not be able to observe the deeper structures of PWS. At this time, combining techniques such as HFUS and OCT to increase penetration depth is crucial to evaluate PWS. In the future, the combination of these different technologies could help overcome the limitations of a single technology. This article provides a systematic overview of non-invasive methods for evaluating treatment efficacy in port wine stains and summarises their advantages and disadvantages.

Comparison of multi-task ergonomic assessment methods for risk of upper extremity and low back musculoskeletal disorders.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorder of upper extremity multi-task assessment methods (Revised Strain Index [RSI], Distal Upper Extremity Tool [DUET]) and manual handling multi-task assessment methods (Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation [RNLE], Lifting Fatigue Failure Tool [LiFFT]) were compared. RSI and DUET showed a strong correlation (rs = 0.933, p < 0.001) where increasing risk factor exposure resulted in increasing outputs for both methods. RSI and DUET demonstrated fair agreement (κ = 0.299) in how the two methods classified outputs into risk categories (high, moderate or low) when assessing the same tasks. The RNLE and LiFFT showed a strong correlation (rs = 0.903, p = 0.001) where increasing risk factor exposure resulted in increasing outputs, and moderate agreement (κ = 0.574) in classifying the outputs into risk categories (high, moderate or low) when assessing the same tasks. The multi-task assessment methods provide consistent output magnitude rankings in terms of increasing exposure, however some differences exist between how different methods classify the outputs into risk categories.

Training in robotic-assisted surgery: a systematic review of training modalities and objective and subjective assessment methods.

INTRODUCTION: The variety of robotic surgery systems, training modalities, and assessment tools within robotic surgery training is extensive. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively overview different training modalities and assessment methods for teaching and assessing surgical skills in robotic surgery, with a specific focus on comparing objective and subjective assessment methods. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The electronic databases Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched from inception until February 1, 2022. Included studies consisted of robotic-assisted surgery training (e.g., box training, virtual reality training, cadaver training and animal tissue training) with an assessment method (objective or subjective), such as assessment forms, virtual reality scores, peer-to-peer feedback or time recording. RESULTS: The search identified 1591 studies. After abstract screening and full-texts examination, 209 studies were identified that focused on robotic surgery training and included an assessment tool. The majority of the studies utilized the da Vinci Surgical System, with dry lab training being the most common approach, followed by the da Vinci Surgical Skills Simulator. The most frequently used assessment methods included simulator scoring system (e.g., dVSS score), and assessment forms (e.g., GEARS and OSATS). CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides an overview of training modalities and assessment methods in robotic-assisted surgery. Dry lab training on the da Vinci Surgical System and training on the da Vinci Skills Simulator are the predominant approaches. However, focused training on tissue handling, manipulation, and force interaction is lacking, despite the absence of haptic feedback. Future research should focus on developing universal objective assessment and feedback methods to address these limitations as the field continues to evolve.

A Comparison of Additional Benefit Assessment Methods for Time-to-Event Endpoints Using Hazard Ratio Point Estimates or Confidence Interval Limits by Means of a Simulation Study.

BACKGROUND: For time-to-event endpoints, three additional benefit assessment methods have been developed aiming at an unbiased knowledge about the magnitude of clinical benefit of newly approved treatments. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) defines a continuous score using the hazard ratio point estimate (HR-PE). The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) developed methods with an ordinal outcome using lower and upper limits of the 95% HR confidence interval (HR-CI), respectively. We describe all three frameworks for additional benefit assessment aiming at a fair comparison across different stakeholders. Furthermore, we determine which ASCO score is consistent with which ESMO/IQWiG category. METHODS: In a comprehensive simulation study with different failure time distributions and treatment effects, we compare all methods using Spearman's correlation and descriptive measures. For determination of ASCO values consistent with categories of ESMO/IQWiG, maximizing weighted Cohen's Kappa approach was used. RESULTS: Our research depicts a high positive relationship between ASCO/IQWiG and a low positive relationship between ASCO/ESMO. An ASCO score smaller than 17, 17 to 20, 20 to 24, and greater than 24 corresponds to ESMO categories. Using ASCO values of 21 and 38 as cutoffs represents IQWiG categories. LIMITATIONS: We investigated the statistical aspects of the methods and hence implemented slightly reduced versions of all methods. CONCLUSIONS: IQWiG and ASCO are more conservative than ESMO, which often awards the maximal category independent of the true effect and is at risk of overcompensating with various failure time distributions. ASCO has similar characteristics as IQWiG. Delayed treatment effects and underpowered/overpowered studies influence all methods in some degree. Nevertheless, ESMO is the most liberal one. HIGHLIGHTS: For the additional benefit assessment, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) uses the hazard ratio point estimate (HR-PE) for their continuous score. In contrast, the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) use the lower and upper 95% HR confidence interval (HR-CI) to specific thresholds, respectively. ESMO generously assigns maximal scores, while IQWiG is more conservative.This research provides the first comparison between IQWiG and ASCO and describes all three frameworks for additional benefit assessment aiming for a fair comparison across different stakeholders. Furthermore, thresholds for ASCO consistent with ESMO and IQWiG categories are determined, enabling a comparison of the methods in practice in a fair manner.IQWiG and ASCO are the more conservative methods, while ESMO awards high percentages of maximal categories, especially with various failure time distributions. ASCO has similar characteristics as IQWiG. Delayed treatment effects and under/-overpowered studies influence all methods. Nevertheless, ESMO is the most liberal one. An ASCO score smaller than 17, 17 to 20, 20 to 24, and greater than 24 correspond to the categories of ESMO. Using ASCO values of 21 and 38 as cutoffs represents categories of IQWiG.

Measures of preoperative anxiety: Part two.

The current literature indicates that routine evaluation of preoperative anxiety, its determinants, and patient-specific concerns is universally advocated. This aligns with the increasingly acknowledged importance of prehabilitation - a comprehensive process preparing patients for surgery. A crucial component of prehabilitation is assessing patients' mental health. Recommendations for psychological evaluations in prehabilitation encompass, inter alia, determining the severity of anxiety. This work builds on a 2019 article, which presented scales for preoperative anxiety assessment: the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). This article extends the possibilities of preoperative anxiety assessment by introducing four additional methods: the Surgical Fear Questionnaire (SFQ), the Anxiety Specific to Surgery Questionnaire (ASSQ), the Surgical Anxiety Questionnaire (SAQ), and Anesthesia- and Surgery-dependent Preoperative Anxiety (ASPA). The authors provide comprehensive details on these instruments, including scoring, interpretation, availability, and usefulness both in scientific research and clinical practice. The authors also provide the data on the availability of Polish versions of the presented methods and preliminary data on the reliability of SFQ in patients awaiting cardiac surgery. This review seems relevant for professionals in multiple disciplines, including anesthesiology, surgery, clinical psychology, nursing, primary care and notably prehabilitation. It emphasizes the necessity of individualizing anxiety assessment and acknowledging patient subjectivity, which the presented methods facilitate through a thorough evaluation of specific patient concerns. The literature review also identifies concerns and future research avenues in this area. The importance of qualitative studies and those evaluating prehabilitation intervention is emphasized.

Portfólio: percepção de estudantes de graduação da área da saúde / Portafolio: percepción de los estudiantes de pregrado en eláreade la salud / Portfolio: perception of undergraduate students in the healthcare field

Introdução:A formação em saúde norteia a prática profissional, incidindo diretamente na atenção e assistência à saúde ofertada à população. Nesse sentido, o uso de métodos ativos de aprendizagem e avaliação, como por exemplo, o portfólio, podem contribuir para a construção de conhecimentos crítico-reflexivos. Objetivo:Evidenciara percepção de estudantes dos cursos da área da saúde, que cursam a disciplina de Saúde e Cidadania na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte sobre o uso do portfólio enquanto instrumento de avaliação do ensino aprendizagem. Metodologia:Os dados foram obtidos por meio da formação de grupo focaleanalisados pela análise do conteúdo. Definiram-se, então, as categorias temáticas:percepção sobre o portfólio; a elaboração do portfólio e a sua contribuição para a formação; dificuldades para formulação doportfólio;o portfólio como instrumento de avaliação. Resultados:Os estudantes compreendem o portfólio como instrumento de diálogo entre docentes e discentes, através dos relatos das vivências em grupo nos equipamentos sociais e reflexões individuais na construção de conceitos e aprofundamento teórico. Ainda referem inseguranças e dúvidas acerca da estruturação e confecção do instrumento, no entanto, percebem o portfólio como potente e inovador no auxílio aconstrução do conhecimento uma vez que permite oacompanhamento do processo de ensino-aprendizagem, possibilitando maior interação entre educador-educando, com produção de uma aprendizagem significativa.Conclusões:o portfólio estimula a reflexão e a crítica acerca das vivências nos cenários de práticas onde se desenvolve o componente curricular Saúde e Cidadaniacorroborando, sobremaneira, para a construção do conhecimento dos estudantes (AU).

Introduction:A degreein healthcare guides the professional practice, directly affecting the healthcare attention and assistance offered to the population. In this sense, the use of active learning and assessment methods, such as portfolios, can contribute to the construction of critical-reflective knowledge. Objective:To highlight the perception of students from health courses, who study the Health and Citizenship discipline at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, regarding the use of the portfolio as an instrument for evaluating teaching and learning.Methodology:Data were obtained through the formation of a focus group and analyzed using content analysis. Thematic categories were then defined: perception of the portfolio; the preparation of the portfolio and its contribution to training; difficulties in formulating the portfolio; the portfolio as an assessment tool. Results:Students understand the portfolio as an instrument of dialogue between teachers and students, through reports of group experiences in social facilities and individual reflections in the construction of concepts and theoretical deepening. They still report insecurities and doubts about the structuring and creation of the instrument, however, they perceive the portfolio as powerful and innovativein helping to build knowledge as it allows the monitoring of the teaching-learning process, enabling greater interaction between educator and student, with the production of significant learning. Conclusions:The portfolio encourages reflection and criticism about the experiences in the practical scenarios where the curricular component -SACI is developed, greatly supporting the construction of students' knowledge (AU).

Introducción:La formación en salud orienta la práctica profesional, incidiendo directamente en la atención y asistencia sanitaria que se ofrece a la población. En este sentido, el uso de métodos activos de aprendizaje y evaluación, como los portafolios, puedecontribuir a la construcción de conocimiento crítico-reflexivo. Objetivo:Resaltar la percepción de estudiantes de carreras de salud, que cursan la disciplina Salud y Ciudadanía de la Universidad Federal de Rio Grande do Norte, sobre el uso del portafolios como instrumento de evaluación de la enseñanza y del aprendizaje. Metodología:Los datos se obtuvieron mediante la formación de un grupo focal y se analizaron mediante análisis de contenido. Luego se definieron categorías temáticas: percepción del portafolio; la elaboración del portafolio y su contribución a la formación; dificultades para formular el portafolio; el portafolio como herramienta de evaluación.Resultados:Los estudiantes entienden el portafolio como un instrumento de diálogo entre docentes y estudiantes, a través de relatos de experiencias grupales en establecimientos sociales y reflexiones individuales en la construcción de conceptos y profundización teórica. Aún reportan inseguridades y dudas sobre la estructuración y creación del instrumento, sin embargo, perciben el portafolio como poderoso e innovador para ayudar a la construcción de conocimiento ya que permite el seguimiento del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, posibilitando una mayor interacción entre educador y estudiante, con la producción de aprendizajes significativos.Conclusiones: El portafolio incentiva la reflexión y crítica sobre las experiencias en los escenarios prácticos donde se desarrolla el componente curricular -SACI, apoyando en gran medida la construcción del conocimiento de los estudiantes (AU).

Assessing the Prevalence of Cannabis Use Through a Survey About Criminal Activity Versus One About Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs.

Background: The prevalence of cannabis use in the United Kingdom might be underestimated using the Crime Survey of England and Wales. The current study examined whether responding to questions about their cannabis use as part of a crime survey would be less likely to report that they use cannabis compared to those responding to the same questions that are part of a survey about health. Methods: Participants were randomized to be told that the items about cannabis use came from a crime survey versus from a health survey. In addition, the sample was recruited using a representative online sampling method and compared to published rates of self-reported cannabis use collected as part of the Crime Survey for England and Wales. Results: There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the proportion endorsing cannabis use between those told the items came from a crime survey versus a health survey. However, self-reported rates of cannabis use collected as part of the online panel (51.3% ever use; 11.9% past year; age range 18-64 years) appeared higher than those reported based on results from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (37.2% ever and 5.8% past year; age range 18-59 years). Conclusion: The current study did not find evidence that manipulating whether participants were told that the items asking about cannabis use came from a survey asking about criminal activity versus one about health had an impact on self-reported cannabis use. However, as prevalence estimates generated by the Crime Survey of England and Wales do appear to be an underestimate of actual levels of cannabis use in the United Kingdom, further research is merited on this topic.

Progress Testing in UK Medical Education: Evaluating Its Impact and Potential.

This comprehensive review critically examines the UK medical curriculum, with a particular focus on progress testing as an innovative assessment strategy. The curriculum, evolving from foundational sciences to practical applications, is encapsulated in the integrated curriculum model (ICM). This model adeptly combines theoretical knowledge with clinical practice, fostering cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills among medical students. Central to this review is an exploration of progress testing. This method, grounded in constructivist learning theories, emphasises continuous assessment and professional development. Progress testing's regular, comprehensive examinations are instrumental in guiding students through the progressive stages of competence, as outlined in Miller's pyramid, from foundational knowledge to clinical proficiency. The review also addresses the broader impacts of progress testing on teaching approaches, student feedback, academic and pastoral support, and quality assurance. By aligning with the dynamic requirements of 21st-century medical training, progress testing not only nurtures well-rounded professionals but also ensures compliance with regulatory bodies like the General Medical Council. Its emphasis on continuous evaluation aligns with the practical realities of a medical career, driving curricular innovation and aligning with regulatory standards. The implementation of progress testing marks a significant advancement in medical education. Its continuous, holistic nature benefits both students and educators, nurturing a more engaged learning attitude and meeting evolving medical needs. The adoption of this assessment strategy is seen as pivotal in shaping competent medical professionals, ready to face the challenges of modern medical practice.

Evaluating methods of detecting and determining the type of urinary incontinence in adults after stroke: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence (UI) affects over half of people with stroke. It is unclear which methods are accurate in assessing presence and type of UI to inform clinical management. Diagnosis of UI based on inaccurate methods may lead to unnecessary interventions. The aims of this systematic review were to identify, for adults with stroke, clinically accurate methods to determine the presence of UI and type of UI. METHOD: We searched seven electronic databases and additional conference proceedings. To be included, studies had to be primary research comparing two or more methods, or use a reference test. RESULTS: We identified 3846 studies with eight eligible for inclusion. We identified 11 assessment methods within the eight studies. Only five studies had sufficient comparator data for synthesis. Due to heterogeneity of data, results on the following methods were narratively synthesized: Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom Score (CLSS), clinical history and physical examination, Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index, International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICiQ-SF) and urodynamic studies (UDS). Most studies were small and of low to medium quality. All reported differences in sensitivity, and none compared the same assessment methods. CONCLUSION: Current evidence is insufficient to support recommendations on the most accurate UI assessment for adults with stroke. Further research is needed.

A Systematic Review of Assessment Methods for Seafarers' Mental Health and Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Seafarers spend more time at sea than on land, which makes them a hard-to-reach community. Since their mental health and well-being is usually addressed from a land-based perspective, dedicated and validated methods incorporating maritime specificities are lacking. During the COVID-19 pandemic, research into seafarers' mental health and well-being flourished. However, a systematic review of the literature to assess the type and appropriateness of assessment methods pertaining to the mental health and well-being of seafarers has yet to be undertaken. This study reviews 5 databases (ERIC, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar and EBSCO) to assess the methods used to examine seafarers' mental health and well-being during the pandemic. Peer-reviewed literature alongside grey literature that applied quantitative or qualitative instruments to measure seafarers' mental health and/or well-being, published in English between March 2020 and February 2023, was eligible for the review. Studies from all geographic regions and regardless of nationality, rank and ship type of the subjects were explored. Database searches produced 272 records. Five additional records were identified via other methods. We identified 27 studies suitable for review, including 24 published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and 3 reports and surveys produced by the industry or welfare organizations. Assessment methods used to measure seafarers' mental health and well-being vary significantly in the literature. The frequent use of ad hoc questionnaires limits the possibility to replicate and compare the studies due to various inconsistencies. Furthermore, several validation and reliability measures needed more solidity when applied to the seafaring population. Such inadequate measuring and a mix of assessment methods impacted the comparison of results and might inflate the risks of underreporting or overstating mental complaints.

Reporting reimbursement price decisions for onco-hematology drugs in Spain.

Introduction: Even using well-established technology assessment processes, the basis of the decisions on drug price and reimbursement are sometimes perceived as poorly informed and sometimes may be seen as disconnected from value. The literature remains inconclusive about how Health Technology Assessment Bodies (HTAb) should report the determinants of their decisions. This study evaluates the relationship between oncology and hematology drug list prices and structured value parameters at the time of reimbursement decision in Spain. Methods: The study includes all new onco-hematological products (22), with a first indication authorized between January 2017 and December 2019 in Spain and pricing decisions published up until October 2022. For each product, 56 contextual and non-contextual indicators reflecting the structured multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) - Evidence-based Decision-Making (EVIDEM) framework were measured. The relationship between prices and the MCDA-EVIDEM framework was explored using univariate statistical analyses. Results: Higher prices were observed when the standard of care included for combinations, if there were references to long-lasting responses, for fixed-duration treatment compared to treatment until progression and treatment with lower frequencies of administration; lower prices were observed for oral administration compared to other routes of administration. Statistically significant associations were observed between prices and the median duration of treatment, the impact on patient autonomy, the ease of use of the drug, and the recommendations of experts. Discussion: The study suggests that indicators related to the type of standard of care, references to long-lasting responders, the convenience of the use of the drug, and the impact of treatment on patient autonomy, as well as contextual indicators such as the existence of previous clinical consensus, are factors in setting oncology drug prices in Spain. The implementation of MCDA-EVIDEM methodologies may be useful to capture the influence on pricing decisions of additional factors not included in legislation or consolidated assessment frameworks such as the European Network for Health Technology Assessment (EunetHTA) core model. It may be opportune to consider this in the upcoming revision of the Spanish regulation for health technology assessments and pricing and reimbursement procedures.

Quantification of insulin adherence in adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes: A systematic review.

AIMS: This systematic review aims to identify current methods used for the assessment of insulin adherence in adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. The primary goal is to offer recommendations for clinical practice to improve quantification of adherence. METHODS: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 and registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022334134). PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched on 15 November 2022 and included three blocks: Type 2 diabetes, insulin, and adherence. We considered primary full-text studies describing an assessment method and a threshold for assessment of insulin adherence in adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: A final sample of 50 studies were included. Identified methods fell into four categories: self-report, pharmacy claims, inulin count, and data from an insulin pen device. Commonly reported methods included: The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, the (adjusted) Medication Possession Ratio, and the Proportions of Days Covered. A threshold of <80% was used to define non-adherence in nearly half of the studies. Yet, several thresholds were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Most available methods for assessing insulin adherence in adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes are severely limited in providing in-depth insights into timing, dosing size, injection patterns, and adherence behavior. However, recognizing diverse types of non-adherence is crucial, as they denote unique behavioral entities requiring targeted intervention. Employing insulin injection data (e.g., from a smart insulin pen cap) to underlie an assessment method is a potential new approach to objectively assess insulin timing and dosing adherence in adults with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes.

Exploring the Anemia Ecology: A New Approach to an Old Problem.

Our ability to identify anemia and all its permutations demands an approach that integrates the key elements of a complex "ecology," which intertwines biology and mechanistic aspects of nutrients with both the health status and underlying factors-physical, economic, social, behavioral, demographic, and environmental. The complexity of anemia demands an ecologic approach that appreciates systems biology, translates sensitive and specific assessment methodologies and interventions, and ultimately improves clinical and public health outcomes. This series of technical papers on anemia by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Advancing Nutrition Anemia Task Force (ATF) is a first step in translating our ecologic approach to anemia with a view toward balancing research with its translation to effective programs, interventions, and policy. This introductory overview describes the components of our ecologic approach-linking the biology of anemia with its assessment and using the learning from that confluence to devise context-specific interventions. This introductory review briefly discusses the topics that underlie the biology and primary etiologies of anemia and presents a framework for public health assessment of anemia, leading to appropriate public health interventions. The other 3 manuscripts in the supplement provide the details of the arguments laid out in the introduction.

Validity and reliability of Spanish version of the EQ-i: YV[S] in Colombian children and youth.

Introduction: Validity and reliability evaluations of the Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth Version (EQ-i: YV[S]) with children and adolescents from different countries have shown variations in the structural model proposed by Bar-On. Objective: To examine the psychometric properties of EQ-i: YV[S] with a Colombian' sample. Method: We randomly selected a sample of 1355 children and adolescents between 8 and 14 years old (Mage = 10.80; SD = 1.41). We conducted exploratory (n1 = 416) and confirmatory (n2 = 939) factor analyses (EFA, CFA), reliability, internal consistency, and predictive validity. Results: The EFA explained 27.6% of the variance. The AFC indicated a multidimensional structure with four factors and 21 items obtained the best fit (χ2 = 334.358; df = 183; RMSEA=0.030; CFI=.951; TLI=944; NFI=.899) with acceptable internal consistency (ω = .57,.75). EQ-i: YV[S] factors explain 18.5% of the observed variance in problem-centered coping scores. Conclusions: The psychometric fit of the inventory supports evidence of its usefulness for screening processes in clinical or educational assessment.

Introducción: Las evaluaciones de validez y fiabilidad del Inventario de Cociente Emocional: Versión para jóvenes (ICE:NA) con niños y adolescentes de diferentes países han mostrado variaciones en el modelo estructural propuesto por Bar-On. Objetivo: Examinar las propiedades psicométricas del (ICE:NA) con una muestra colombiana. Método: Se seleccionaron 1355 niños y adolescentes entre 8 y 14 años (Medad = 10.80; DE = 1.41) de forma aleatoria. Se realizaron análisis factoriales exploratorios (n1 = 416) y confirmatorios (n2 = 939), de fiabilidad, consistencia interna y validez predictiva. Resultados: El AFE explicó el 27.6% de la varianza. El AFC mostró mejor ajuste para nna estructura multidimensional con cuatro factores y 21 ítems (χ2 = 334.358; df = 183; RMSEA=0.030; CFI=.951; TLI=944; NFI=.899) con índices de consistencia interna aceptables (ω = .57,.75). Los factores EQ-i: YV[S] explican el 18.5% de la varianza observada en las puntuaciones de afrontamiento centrado en el problema. Conclusiones: El ajuste psicométrico del inventario apoya la evidencia de su utilidad para los procesos de cribado en la evaluación clínica o educativa.

Zinc-Bromine Rechargeable Batteries: From Device Configuration, Electrochemistry, Material to Performance Evaluation.

Zinc-bromine rechargeable batteries (ZBRBs) are one of the most powerful candidates for next-generation energy storage due to their potentially lower material cost, deep discharge capability, non-flammable electrolytes, relatively long lifetime and good reversibility. However, many opportunities remain to improve the efficiency and stability of these batteries for long-life operation. Here, we discuss the device configurations, working mechanisms and performance evaluation of ZBRBs. Both non-flow (static) and flow-type cells are highlighted in detail in this review. The fundamental electrochemical aspects, including the key challenges and promising solutions, are discussed, with particular attention paid to zinc and bromine half-cells, as their performance plays a critical role in determining the electrochemical performance of the battery system. The following sections examine the key performance metrics of ZBRBs and assessment methods using various ex situ and in situ/operando techniques. The review concludes with insights into future developments and prospects for high-performance ZBRBs.

Review of measurement of sustainable development goals: a comprehensive bibliometric and visualized analysis.

The global focus on evaluating environmental performance means that sustainable development goals must be prioritized to preserve environmental sustainability. In order to accomplish the SDGs, it is crucial that activities be preferred and that methods be developed to assess their effectiveness. As a result, the techniques used for the measurement and assessment of the SDGs have increased in significance for all countries. Researchers and academics create these technologies through research and invention. By undertaking a bibliometric analysis, this study aims to identify the scholarship in the area of SDG assessment and measurement. The analysis was produced by collecting the related studies from the Web of Science database. The information was retrieved, and a thorough and organized analysis was done to give crucial insights on the chosen issue. The analysis revealed the most often cited articles, important institutions that contributed, leading research-involved nations, and institutions. To evaluate the varied collection of techniques accessible for the goal of evaluating SDGs, a thorough review of the most cited works is conducted and provides a bird's eye view of research on mechanisms for measuring the outcomes of SDGs.

A toolbox for a structured risk-based prehabilitation program in major surgical oncology.

Prehabilitation is a multimodal concept to improve functional capability prior to surgery, so that the patients' resilience is strengthened to withstand any peri- and postoperative comorbidity. It covers physical activities, nutrition, and psychosocial wellbeing. The literature is heterogeneous in outcomes and definitions. In this scoping review, class 1 and 2 evidence was included to identify seven main aspects of prehabilitation for the treatment pathway: (i) risk assessment, (ii) FITT (frequency, interventions, time, type of exercise) principles of prehabilitation exercise, (iii) outcome measures, (iv) nutrition, (v) patient blood management, (vi) mental wellbeing, and (vii) economic potential. Recommendations include the risk of tumor progression due to delay of surgery. Patients undergoing prehabilitation should perceive risk assessment by structured, quantifiable, and validated tools like Risk Analysis Index, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), American Society of Anesthesiology Score, or Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group scoring. Assessments should be repeated to quantify its effects. The most common types of exercise include breathing exercises and moderate- to high-intensity interval protocols. The program should have a duration of 3-6 weeks with 3-4 exercises per week that take 30-60 min. The 6-Minute Walking Testing is a valid and resource-saving tool to assess changes in aerobic capacity. Long-term assessment should include standardized outcome measurements (overall survival, 90-day survival, Dindo-Clavien/CCI®) to monitor the potential of up to 50% less morbidity. Finally, individual cost-revenue assessment can help assess health economics, confirming the hypothetic saving of $8 for treatment for $1 spent for prehabilitation. These recommendations should serve as a toolbox to generate hypotheses, discussion, and systematic approaches to develop clinical prehabilitation standards.