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Depending on the developments in technology and information, paper-pencil tests leave their place for computerized adaptive tests (CATs). CAT is widely used in the field of health, mainly in psychiatry. Many item response theory models have been proposed in the literature regarding the use of response time focusing on item difficulty and personal characteristics by ignoring the multidimensional interactions, therefore these results may cause bias in estimates of individual ability levels. The present simulation study was conducted to compare the performance of CAT applications of the effort-moderated item response theory (EM-IRT) model, which is based on response time, and the three-parameter logistic (3PL) model. While simulating CAT with the EM-IRT model and the 3PL model, the hybrid method was used for ability estimation and maximum Fisher information (MFI) was used for item selection. The CAT process proceeded until the standard error of the estimation was <0.3 and <0.5, or all items in the item bank were used. The number of individuals was specified as 1000, while the number of items was changed to 50, 100, and 250. All six scenarios were repeated 1000 times. With the increase in the number of items and the decrease in the standard error as a stopping criterion, consistent results were obtained with true ability levels in both methods. The CAT with the EM-IRT model estimated true ability level slightly lower than CAT with the 3PL model. The EM-IRT model enables measuring the response time that could yield additional data to the physician about the mental and cognitive condition of the patient. The CAT method can be a promising method of telemedicine in the era of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disorder associated with disability, diminished physical function, fatigue, pain, and mental health concerns. We assessed minimal detectable changes (MDCs) of the Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index (HAQ‐DI), Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System‐29 Profile version 2.0 (PROMIS‐29v2.0) domains, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)‐8 in people with SSc. Methods: Scleroderma Patient‐Centered Intervention Network Cohort participants completed the HAQ‐DI, PROMIS‐29v2.0 domains, and PHQ‐8 at baseline assessments from April 2014 until August 2023. We estimated MDC95 (smallest change that can be detected with 95% certainty) and MDC90 (smallest change that can be detected with 90% certainty) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) generated via the percentile bootstrapping method resampling 1,000 times. We compared MDC estimates by age, sex, and SSc subtype. Results: A total of 2,571 participants were included. Most were female (n = 2,241; 87%), and 38% (n = 976) had diffuse SSc. Mean (±SD) age was 54.9 (±12.7) years and duration since onset of first non‐Raynaud phenomenon symptom was 10.8 (±8.7) years. MDC95 estimate was 0.41 points (95% CI 0.40–0.42) for the HAQ‐DI, between 4.88 points (95% CI 4.72–5.05) and 9.02 points (95% CI 8.80–9.23) for the seven PROMIS‐29v2.0 domains, and 5.16 points (95% CI 5.06–5.26) for the PHQ‐8. MDC95 estimates were not materially different across subgroups. Conclusion: MDC95 and MDC90 estimates were precise and similar across age, sex, and SSc subtype groups. HAQ‐DI MDC95 and MDC90 were substantially larger than previous estimates of HAQ‐DI minimal important difference from several small studies. Minimally important differences of all measures should be evaluated in large studies using anchor‐based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Information on the current status of oral health and related risk factors is lacking in Turkiye. This study aimed to evaluate dental caries and associated factors among the Turkish population using the findings of the third national oral health survey. Methods: This cross‐sectional epidemiological survey was carried out between March and September in 2018 including five index ages and age groups (5‐, 12‐, 15‐year‐olds, 35–44 and 65–74 age groups). A multistage cluster sampling design was used to obtain a national representative sample of these age groups. Participants were interviewed face‐to‐face using a structured questionnaire, and oral examinations were performed based on the methods and criteria suggested by the World Health Organization. The adjusted prevalence ratio for dental caries was estimated considering sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics by using log‐binomial and robust Poisson regression analysis in R and SAS software. Results: After data cleaning, a total of 11 091 participants remained. The prevalence of dental caries was 76.5% (95% confidence interval: 75.4%–77.7%) and determined to be associated with age, dental visit, and pain or discomfort history during the previous year among the Turkish population. Prevalence was also associated with the mother's education level among 5‐, 12‐ and 15‐year‐olds. For the 35–44 age group, individuals living in urban areas had lower dental caries than those living in rural areas. For 65–74 age group, none of the factors were significantly associated with dental caries. Conclusion: A high prevalence of dental caries was observed in Turkish children and adults. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen current preventive oral health programs. Regular disease surveillance should be maintained. National oral health targets should be formulated in accordance with Turkiye's needs, resources and structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Higher Education / Yüksekögretim Dergisi is the property of Deomed Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Athletic taping has long been a physiotherapeutic application in individuals with patellofemoral pain (PFP). However, the therapeutic effects of local and proximal taping have not been fully determined. Objective: To evaluate the effects of two different taping techniques applied in addition to exercise on patellofemoral alignment, pain, and function in individuals with PFP. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: An outpatient hospital clinic. Participants: Individuals with PFP aged 18–50 years (n = 36). Interventions: Group 1 underwent only the exercise program. Group 2 underwent the exercise plus McConnell patellar taping (MPT), and Group 3 underwent the exercise plus femoral rotational taping (FRT) (6 weeks). Main Outcome Measures: Bisect offset index (BOI) and patellar tilt angle (PTA) were measured in relaxed and maximum voluntary contractions of the quadriceps muscle (MVCq) using magnetic resonance imaging. Pain intensity was assessed by the Visual Analog Scale for three conditions: at daytime rest, during activity, and at nighttime. Functional level was assessed by the Kujala Patellofemoral Scoring System. Results: Significant improvements in the BOI of Group 2 at rest (p =.015; r = 0.593) and in PTA of Group 3 at MVCq (p =.010; r = 0.613) were found. Improvements in pain under all three conditions were significant within groups (all, p values <.050 and r > 0.5). The change in pain was similar between groups (all, p values >.05). All groups showed significant improvement in functional level (all, p values <.010 and r > 0.5). However, the increase in Group 3 was higher than that in Group 1 (p =.019). Conclusion: This study shows that MPT and FRT applications increase functionality and can affect patellofemoral alignment in different ways. In the treatment of PFP, more successful results can be obtained with appropriate taping techniques for the local and proximal region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Karya Journal of Health Science is the property of Karya Journal of Health Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: To determine whether multiple fine-needle passes to the same thyroid nodule in the fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy session affect sufficient and/or atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) cytological result. Methods: Ultrasonography(US) and cyto-histopathology results of the nodules of patients were retrospectively analyzed. The nodules were divided into 2 groups according to the number of needle passes performed in the same FNA session as those with 1 pass (1-pass group) and those with 2 or 3 passes (multiple-pass group). Results: Totally, 1409 (93.9%) nodules were performed 1 pass, and 91 (6.1%) were performed multiple pass(n=91).The rates of cystic/mixed nodule, macrocalcification, and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System 3 score were higher in the multiple-pass group (P=.001, P=.039, P=.006, respectively). Adequacy and AUS/FLUS rates were similar between the 2 groups. When nodules with macrocalcifications and cystic/ mixed structures were evaluated as 2 separate subgroups, the rates of the adequacy and AUS/FLUS were similar between 1-pass and multiplepass groups within each subgroup.The number of passes showed no univariate or multivariate significant effect on sufficient and/or AUS/FLUS cytology results (P > .05). Conclusion: Although more passes are performed in cystic/mixed and macrocalcified nodules estimating that the material would be insufficient with macroscopic on-site evaluation, needle insertion of 2 or 3 times does not affect obtaining sufficient and/or AUS/FLUS cytology compared to 1 pass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ-TR). Included in this study were 248 patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) according to Diagnostic Criteria for TMD Axis I protocol. Construct-related validity was evaluated through internal and external construct validity; convergent and divergent validities were evaluated by the average variance extracted (AVE), composite reliability (CR), and bivariate correlations between factors. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency and test-retest reliability. All items of the MFIQ-TR had content validity and factor loadings above 0.5. The model statistics indicated a good fit. The convergent validity was very good (AVE > 0.5 and CR > 0.7), and the discriminant validity was satisfied. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the MFIQ-TR were excellent. The MFIQ-TR is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the impairment of mandibular function in Turkish patients with TMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Inflammation and acute phase reactions lead to altered high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) concentrations. This study aimed to evaluate HDL-C levels in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and to determine the predictive value of disease severity in CAP. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Diseases. One hundred twenty-five adult patients with CAP were included in the study. Patients were classified into three groups as follows: Group 1; outpatients, Group 2; hospitalized patients and Group 3; patients admitted to the intensive care unit. C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and HDL-C levels were evaluated at baseline, 7th and 30th days in all CAP patients. The relationship between CRP, PCT and HDL-C levels was investigated. Diagnostic performance of baseline HDL-C levels was assessed using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Results: HDL-C levels were found to be decreased in all groups compared to their normal ranges. There was a significantly negative correlation between HDL-C and CRP and PCT (Spearman’s r=-0.557, r=-0.841, respectively; p< 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of HDL-C cut-off value were 0.738 (95% CI=0.580-0.861) and 0.875 (95% CI=0.732-0.958), with an overall accuracy of 0.861 (95% CI=0.728-0.935). Conclusion: HDL-C levels can be used as an acute phase reactant in patients with CAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]