Determining Sex from Thai Radius: Discriminant Function Analysis Including the Dry Bone Weight as an Effective Variant / Determinación del Sexo a Partir del Radio Tailandés: Análisis de Función Discriminante que Incluye el Peso del Hueso Seco como Variante Eficaz

SUMMARY: In forensic anthropology, the radius bone has been shown to determine the sex of human remains in a number of different populations. The dry mass and growth of long bones, including the radius, are associated with sex hormone levels; however, the use of bone weight to determine sex has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to apply bone morphometric parameters, including maximum length of radius (MLR), circumference at the midshaft of radius (CMR), and weight of radius (WR), to 400 sample radii from a Northeastern Thai population. Univariate and multivariate discriminant functions of all parameters were systemically applied. Equations for calculating sex classification were also determined. Descriptive data analysis showed significant sexual dimorphism in all variables (p < 0.05). The canonical correlation was highest in CMR (0.772) and the ratio of weight to length (0.747). Multivariate discriminant function analysis showed that the measured indices of the right radius were slightly greater than those of the left radius. The parameters demonstrating the highest values of the standardized canonical discriminant function coefficients were CMR (Rt. = 0.496, Lt. 0.431) and WR (Rt. = 0.681, Lt. = 0.715). Moreover, the results of the multivariable (stepwise method) indicated that the best accuracy rates for using combinations of CMR and WR were 94 % (right side) and 92 % (left side). In conclusion, the weight of the radius (rather than the length) is an effective parameter in determining sex.

En antropología forense, se ha demostrado que el hueso radio determina el sexo de los restos humanos en varias poblaciones diferentes. La masa seca y el crecimiento de los huesos largos, incluido el radio, están asociados con los niveles de hormonas sexuales; sin embargo, el uso del peso de los huesos para determinar el sexo no se ha investigado suficientemente. El objetivo de este estudio fue aplicar parámetros morfométricos óseos, incluida la longitud máxima del radio (LMR), la circunferencia en la mitad del radio (CMR) y el peso del radio (PR), a 400 radios de muestra de una población del noreste de Tailandia. Se aplicaron sistémicamente funciones discriminantes univariadas y multivariadas de todos los parámetros. También se determinaron ecuaciones para calcular la clasificación por sexo. El análisis descriptivo de los datos mostró un dimorfismo sexual significativo en todas las variables (p < 0,05). La correlación canónica fue mayor en CMR (0,772) y la relación peso-longitud (0,747). El análisis de función discriminante multivariante mostró que los índices del radio derecho eran ligeramente mayores que los del radio izquierdo. Los parámetros que demostraron los valores más altos de los coeficientes de la función discriminante canónica estandarizada fueron CMR (Rt. = 0,496, Lt. 0,431) y PR (Rt. = 0,681, Lt. = 0,715). Además, los resultados del método multivariable (método paso a paso) indicaron que las mejores tasas de precisión al usar combinaciones de CMR y PR fueron del 94 % (lado derecho) y del 92 % (lado izquierdo). En conclusión, el peso del radio (más que la longitud) es un parámetro eficaz para determinar el sexo.

[The quality of the anthropometric data on children under five years of age in information systems in the State of São Paulo, Brazil]. / Qualidade dos dados antropométricos de crianças menores de cinco anos em sistemas de informação no estado de São Paulo, Brasil.

This paper involves the analysis of the quality of anthropometric data on children under five years of age in two information systems in the State of São Paulo. The sample included 2,117,108 children from the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN), and 748,551 from the State Milk Project (VIVALEITE). Initially, we evaluated the frequency of missing values and others outside the equipment spectrum and calculated the digit-to-weight preference index. After calculating height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and body mass index-for-age (BAZ), we flagged the biologically implausible values (BIV) and calculated the standard deviation (SD). For each municipality, we calculated the mean and the SD of HAZ, WAZ, and BAZ; and plotted the SD values as a function of the mean. The digit-to-weight preference index was greater among children aged between 24 and 59 months in SISVAN. The frequency of BIV for HAZ (SISVAN 2.56%; VIVALEITE 0.98%) was higher than for WAZ (SISVAN 2.10%; VIVALEITE 0.18%). For HAZ, variations among municipalities were more pronounced in VIVALEITE than in SISVAN. The height variable presents low reliability in both systems. The weight variable reveals satisfactory quality in VIVALEITE and unsatisfactory quality in SISVAN.

O objetivo foi analisar a qualidade dos dados antropométricos de crianças menores de cinco anos em dois sistemas de informação no estado de São Paulo. A amostra compreendeu 2.117.108 crianças do Sistema de Vigilância Alimentar e Nutricional (Sisvan) e 748.551 do Projeto Estadual do Leite (Vivaleite). Inicialmente, avaliamos a frequência de valores faltantes e fora do espectro do equipamento, e calculamos o índice de preferência de dígito para peso. Após calcular os índices de altura para idade (A-I), peso para idade (P-I) e índice de massa corporal para idade (IMC-I), identificamos os valores biologicamente implausíveis (VBI) e calculamos o desvio-padrão (DP). Para cada município, calculamos a média e o DP de A-I, P-I e IMC-I; e plotamos os valores de DP em função da média. A preferência de dígito no peso foi maior em crianças de 24 a 59 meses no Sisvan. A frequência de VBI para A-I (SISVAN 2,56%; Vivaleite 0,98%) foi maior do que para P-I (Sisvan 2,10%; Vivaleite 0,18%). Para o índice A-I as variações entre os municípios foram mais acentuadas no Vivaleite do que no Sisvan. A variável altura apresentou baixa confiabilidade nos dois sistemas. A variável peso apresentou qualidade satisfatória no Vivaleite e insatisfatória no Sisvan.

Data quality in Brazilian population-based cancer registries for gastrointestinal cancers.

BACKGROUND: Population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) are the primary source of information for cancer surveillance and monitoring. Currently, there are 30 active PBCRs in Brazil. The objective of this study was to analyze the data quality of five gastrointestinal cancers (esophagus, stomach, colorectal, liver, and pancreas) according to the criteria of comparability, validity, completeness, and timeliness in Brazilian cancer registries. METHODS: This study included data from Brazilian PBCRs with more than ten years of historical data starting in the year 2000, regardless of the type of defined geographical coverage (state, metropolitan region, or capital), totaling 16 registries. Brazilian PBCRs were evaluated based on four international data quality criteria: comparability, validity (accuracy), completeness, and timeliness. All cancer cases were analyzed, except for nonmelanoma skin cancer cases (C44) and five gastrointestinal tumors (esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer) per cancer registry and sex, according to the available period. RESULTS: The 16 Brazilian PBCRs represent 17% of the population (36 million inhabitants in 2021) according to data from 2000 to 2018. There was a variation in the incidence in the historical series ranging from 12 to 19 years. The proportion of morphologically verified (MV%) cases varied from 74.3% (Manaus) to 94.8% (Aracaju), and the proportion of incidentally reported death certificate only (DCO%) cases varied from 3.0% (São Paulo) to 23.9% (Espírito Santo). High-lethality malignant neoplasms, such as liver and pancreas, had DCO percentages greater than 30% in most cancer registries. The sixteen registries have more than a 48-month delay in data release compared to the 2022 calendar year. CONCLUSION: The studied Brazilian cancer registries met international comparability criteria; however, half of the registries showed indices below the expected levels for validity and completeness criteria for high-lethality tumors such as liver and pancreas tumors, in addition to a long delay in data availability and disclosure. Significant efforts are necessary to ensure the operational and stability of the PBCR in Brazil, which continues to be a tool for monitoring cancer incidence and assessing national cancer control policies.

Accuracy, potential, and limitations of probabilistic record linkage in identifying deaths by gender identity and sexual orientation in the state of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Globally, the counting of deaths based on gender identity and sexual orientation has been a challenge for health systems. In most cases, non-governmental organizations have dedicated themselves to this work. Despite these efforts in generating information, the scarcity of official data presents significant limitations in policy formulation and actions guided by population needs. Therefore, this manuscript aims to evaluate the accuracy, potential, and limits of probabilistic data relationships to yield information on deaths according to gender identity and sexual orientation in the State of Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: This study evaluated the accuracy of the probabilistic record linkage to obtain information on deaths according to gender and sexual orientation. Data from two information systems were used from June 15, 2015 to December 31, 2020. We constructed nine probabilistic data relationship strategies and identified the performance and cutoff points of the best strategy. RESULTS: The best data blocking strategy was established through logical blocks with the first and last names, birthdate, and mother's name in the pairing strategy. With a population base of 80,178 records, 1556 deaths were retrieved. With an area under the curve of 0.979, this strategy presented 93.26% accuracy, 98.46% sensitivity, and 90.04% specificity for the cutoff point ≥ 17.9 of the data relationship score. The adoption of the cutoff point optimized the manual review phase, identifying 2259 (90.04%) of the 2509 false pairs and identifying 1532 (98.46%) of the 1556 true pairs. CONCLUSION: With the identification of possible strategies for determining probabilistic data relationships, the retrieval of information on mortality according to sexual and gender markers has become feasible. Based on information from the daily routine of health services, the formulation of public policies that consider the LGBTQ + population more closely reflects the reality experienced by these population groups.

Data quality review of the Brazilian nosocomial infections surveillance system.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is an essential component of hospital infection prevention and control systems. We aimed to assess the quality of the data compiled by the Brazilian HAI Surveillance System from pediatric (PICUs) and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), between 2012 and 2021. METHODS: Data Quality Review, including adherence, completeness, internal consistency, consistency over time, and consistency of population trend, were computed at both national and state levels based on quality metrics from World Health Organization Toolkit. Incidence rates (or incidence density) of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) were obtained from the Brazilian National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) system. Data on sepsis-related mortality, spanning the period from 2012 to 2021, were extracted from the Brazilian National Health Service database (DATASUS). Additionally, correlations between sepsis-related mortality and incidence rates of VAP or CLABSI were calculated. RESULTS: Throughout the majority of the study period, adherence to VAP reporting remained below 75%, exhibiting a positive trend post-2016. Widespread outliers, as well as inconsistencies over time and in population trends, were evident across all 27 states. Only four states maintained consistent adherence levels above 75% for more than 8 years regarding HAI incidence rates. Notably, CLABSI in NICUs boasted the highest reporting adherence among all HAIs, with 148 periods out of 270 (54.8%) exhibiting reporting adherence surpassing 75%. Three states achieved commendable metrics for CLABSI in PICUs, while five states demonstrated favorable results for CLABSI in NICUs. CONCLUSIONS: While adherence to HAI report is improving among Brazilian states, an important room for improvement in the Brazilian NNIS exists. Additional efforts should be made by the Brazilian government to improve the reliability of HAI data, which could serve as valuable guidance for hospital infection prevention and control policies.

A new R package to parse plant species occurrence records into unique collection events efficiently reduces data redundancy.

Biodiversity data aggregators, such as Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) suffer from inflation of the number of occurrence records when data from different databases are merged but not fully reconciled. The ParseGBIF workflow is designed to parse duplicate GBIF species occurrence records into unique collection events (gatherings) and to optimise the quality of the spatial data associated with them. ParseGBIF provides tools to verify and standardize species scientific names according to the World Checklist of Vascular Plants taxonomic backbone, and to parse duplicate records into unique 'collection events', in the process compiling the most informative spatial data, where more than one duplicate is available, and providing crude estimates of taxonomic and spatial data quality. When GBIF occurrence records for a medium-sized vascular plant family, the Myrtaceae, were processed by ParseGBIF, the average number of records useful for spatial analysis increased by 180%. ParseGBIF could therefore be valuable in the evaluation of species' occurrences at the national scale in support for national biodiversity plans, identification of plant areas important for biodiversity, sample bias estimation to inform future sampling efforts, and to forecast species range shifts in response to global climate change.

Influence of the addition of nanohydroxyapatite to scaffolds on proliferation and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells: a systematic review of in vitro studies.

One of the main challenges of tissue engineering in dentistry is to replace bone and dental tissues with strategies or techniques that simulate physiological tissue repair conditions. This systematic review of in vitro studies aimed to evaluate the influence of the addition of nanohydroxyapatite (NHap) to scaffolds on cell proliferation and osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells. In vitro studies on human stem cells that proliferated and differentiated into odontogenic and osteogenic cells in scaffolds containing NHap were included in this study. Searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, OpenGrey, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were performed. The total of 333 articles was found across all databases. After reading and analyzing titles and abstracts, 8 articles were selected for full reading and extraction of qualitative data. Results showed that despite the large variability in scaffold composition, NHap-containing scaffolds promoted high rates of cell proliferation, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity during short culture periods, and induced differentiation, as evidenced by the high expression of genes involved in osteogenesis and odontogenesis. However, further studies with greater standardization regarding NHap concentration, type of scaffolds, and evaluation period are needed to observe possible interference of these criteria in the action of NHap on the proliferation and differentiation of human stem cells.

Image quality assessment of retinal fundus photographs for diabetic retinopathy in the machine learning era: a review.

This study aimed to evaluate the image quality assessment (IQA) and quality criteria employed in publicly available datasets for diabetic retinopathy (DR). A literature search strategy was used to identify relevant datasets, and 20 datasets were included in the analysis. Out of these, 12 datasets mentioned performing IQA, but only eight specified the quality criteria used. The reported quality criteria varied widely across datasets, and accessing the information was often challenging. The findings highlight the importance of IQA for AI model development while emphasizing the need for clear and accessible reporting of IQA information. The study suggests that automated quality assessments can be a valid alternative to manual labeling and emphasizes the importance of establishing quality standards based on population characteristics, clinical use, and research purposes. In conclusion, image quality assessment is important for AI model development; however, strict data quality standards must not limit data sharing. Given the importance of IQA for developing, validating, and implementing deep learning (DL) algorithms, it's recommended that this information be reported in a clear, specific, and accessible way whenever possible. Automated quality assessments are a valid alternative to the traditional manual labeling process, and quality standards should be determined according to population characteristics, clinical use, and research purpose.

Análise da aplicabilidade da ultrassonografia no diagnóstico de sialolitíase nas glândulas salivares maiores / Analysis of the applicability of ultrasound in the diagnosis of sialolithiasis in the major salivary glands

Sialolitíase é caracterizada pela formação de estruturas calcificadas (sialolítos ou cálculos) nos parênquimas ou ductos das glândulas salivares maiores (GSM). Exames radiográficos ou de tomografia computadorizada (TC) podem ser utilizados na detecção dessas estruturas, embora apresentem limitações para a detecção de sialolítos pouco mineralizados, assim como para a diferenciação de tecidos moles. A ressonância magnética (RM) apresenta boa acurácia para o diagnóstico de alterações em GSM ou de cálculos salivares mineralizados ou não, porém, seu uso na prática clínica é limitado devido ao seu alto custo financeiro e a baixa disponibilidade. A ultrassonografia (US) tem sido descrita como uma ótima alternativa de exame por imagem para a avaliação das GSM, devido ao seu custo reduzido, obtenção de imagem em tempo real, boa resolução da imagem e pela não utilização da radiação ionizante. O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a aplicabilidade da ultrassonografia na detecção de sialolitíase em GSM. Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura sobre o uso da US na avaliação de sialolitíase. Nesta revisão foram coletados dados sobre os autores, ano de publicação, tipo de estudo realizado, qual GSM foi avaliada, o valor diagnóstico da US (acurácia, sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo, valor preditivo negativo), principais características ultrassonográficas das sialolitíases, dados clínicos relevantes e outras informações adicionais. Cálculos salivares, únicos ou múltiplos, com tamanho maior que 2 mm, foram bem detectados pela US, assim como tampões mucosos não mineralizados. Cálculos menores que 1 mm foram mais difíceis de serem visualizados na US sendo a técnica de sonopalpação, associada com o uso de suco de limão ou ácido ascórbico intraoral importante nesses casos. A acurácia, sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e valor preditivo e negativo foram satisfatórias. Eventuais alterações parenquimais foram bem visualizadas através da US. Dados clínicos e ultrassonográficos foram importantes no estabelecimento dos diagnósticos diferenciais. A ultrassonografia, portanto, pode ser considerada como um método de imagem adequado para a avaliação inicial das sialolitíases nas GSM, tanto em indivíduos adultos como em crianças.

Sialolithiasis is characterized by the formation of calcified structures (sialoliths or stones) in the parenchyma or ducts of the major salivary glands (GSM). Radiographic or computed tomography (CT) examinations can be used to detect these structures, although they present limitations for the detection of poorly mineralized sialoliths, as well as for the differentiation of soft tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has good accuracy for diagnosing alterations in GSM or mineralized or non-mineralized salivary stones, however, its use in clinical practice is limited due to its high financial cost and low availability. Ultrasonography (US) has been described as an excellent imaging alternative for the evaluation of GSM, due to its reduced cost, real-time image acquisition, good image resolution and the non-use of ionizing radiation. The objective of this work is to analyze the applicability of ultrasound in detecting sialolithiasis in GSM. A literature review was carried out on the use of US in the evaluation of sialolithiasis. In this review, data were collected about the authors, year of publication, type of study carried out, which GSM was evaluated, the diagnostic value of US (accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value), main ultrasound characteristics of sialolithiasis, relevant clinical data and other additional information. Salivary stones, single or multiple, larger than 2 mm in size, were well detected by US, as well as non-mineralized mucous plugs. Stones smaller than 1 mm were more difficult to visualize in the US, with the sonopalpation technique, associated with the use of lemon juice or intraoral ascorbic acid, being important in these cases. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were satisfactory. Any parenchymal alterations were clearly visualized using US. Clinical and ultrasound data were important in establishing differential diagnoses. Ultrasonography, therefore, can be considered as a suitable imaging method for the initial assessment of sialolithiasis in GSM, both in adults and children.

Comparison between the ion-specific electrode and SPADNS methods for analysis of fluoride concentration in the water supply

The maintenance of adequate fluoride (F) concentration in the public water supply is fundamental for ensuring that the community use of F can reach the maximum benefit for caries control and minimum risk for dental fluorosis. Thus, surveillance systems must use accurate and valid analytical methods to determine F concentration and, according to the literature, give preference to the ion-specific electrode (F- ISE) analysis. Aim: The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of the ISE and SPADNS methods in the determination of the F concentration in the same water sample. Methods: Duplicate water samples were taken from 30 sampling sites in the municipality of Maringá, state of Paraná, monthly for 12 months, totaling 276 samples. An aliquot was analyzed by the FOP-UNICAMP Oral Biochemistry laboratory, using the F- ISE method, and the other one, by the SANEPAR laboratory in Maringá/PR, using the SPADNS method. Descriptive analysis and Pearson's correlation test were applied, with a significant level of p<0.05. Results: Results were expressed as ppm F (mg F/L), and a very strong positive correlation (r= 0.91; p<0.001) was detected between the two methods of analysis. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the determination of f luoride concentration in water can be made with accuracy by the SPADNS method, a standardized analysis protocol

Is the Bland-Altman plot method useful without inferences for accuracy, precision, and agreement?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE This study aims to propose a comprehensive alternative to the Bland-Altman plot method, addressing its limitations and providing a statistical framework for evaluating the equivalences of measurement techniques. This involves introducing an innovative three-step approach for assessing accuracy, precision, and agreement between techniques, which enhances objectivity in equivalence assessment. Additionally, the development of an R package that is easy to use enables researchers to efficiently analyze and interpret technique equivalences. METHODS Inferential statistics support for equivalence between measurement techniques was proposed in three nested tests. These were based on structural regressions with the goal to assess the equivalence of structural means (accuracy), the equivalence of structural variances (precision), and concordance with the structural bisector line (agreement in measurements obtained from the same subject), using analytical methods and robust approach by bootstrapping. To promote better understanding, graphical outputs following Bland and Altman's principles were also implemented. RESULTS The performance of this method was shown and confronted by five data sets from previously published articles that used Bland and Altman's method. One case demonstrated strict equivalence, three cases showed partial equivalence, and one showed poor equivalence. The developed R package containing open codes and data are available for free and with installation instructions at Harvard Dataverse at https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/AGJPZH. CONCLUSION Although easy to communicate, the widely cited and applied Bland and Altman plot method is often misinterpreted, since it lacks suitable inferential statistical support. Common alternatives, such as Pearson's correlation or ordinal least-square linear regression, also fail to locate the weakness of each measurement technique. It may be possible to test whether two techniques have full equivalence by preserving graphical communication, in accordance with Bland and Altman's principles, but also adding robust and suitable inferential statistics. Decomposing equivalence into three features (accuracy, precision, and agreement) helps to locate the sources of the problem when fixing a new technique.

Usefulness, Reliability, Quality, and Content of Portuguese Language YouTube Videos on COVID-19

Abstract Objective: To investigate the usefulness, reliability, quality, and content of Portuguese-language YouTube videos on COVID-19. Material and Methods: Three keywords selected on Google Trends were searched on YouTube, and the 60 first videos listed with each term were analyzed. Two calibrated researchers evaluated the reliability (DISCERN Modified Scale), the quality (Global Quality Score - GQS), and the usefulness of videos for the users (COVID-19 Specific Score - CSS). The number of views, likes, and engagement were also analyzed. The data were evaluated by the Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation (α=5%). Results: 59 videos were included. The average scores of quality, reliability, and usefulness were 3.0 (±1.1), 3.2 (± 0.8), and 1.5 (± 0.9), respectively. Two-thirds of the videos (64.4%) had low/moderate quality, and the majority (76.2%) were about signs and symptoms. The numbers of views (p=0.005), likes (p=0.006), and engagement (p=0.014) were significantly higher in moderate/good quality videos. The number of comments (p=0.007), duration of videos (p=0.004), and the DISCERN score (p<0.001) were significantly higher in videos made by health professionals. The general quality of the videos was positively correlated to the CSS scores, number of views, likes, and engagement (p<0.05). Conclusion: Most videos had moderate quality and reliability and low usefulness for the users.

A code for clinical trials centralized monitoring, sharing open-science solutions to high-quality data.

Monitoring of clinical trials is critical to the protection of human subjects and the conduct of high-quality research. Even though the adoption of risk-based monitoring (RBM) has been suggested for many years, the RBM approach has been less widespread than expected. Centralized monitoring is one of the RMB pillars, together with remote-site monitoring visits, reduced Source Data Verification (SDV) and Source Document Reviews (SDR). The COVID-19 pandemic promoted disruptions in the conduction of clinical trials, as on-site monitoring visits were adjourned. In this context, the transition to RBM by all actors involved in clinical trials has been encouraged. In order to ensure the highest quality of data within a COVID-19 clinical trial, a centralized monitoring tool alongside Case Report Forms (CRFs) and synchronous automated routines were developed at the clinical research platform, Fiocruz, Brazilian Ministry of Health. This paper describes how these tools were developed, their features, advantages, and limitations. The software codes, and the CRFs are available at the Fiocruz Data Repository for Research-Arca Dados, reaffirming Fiocruz's commitment to Open Science practices.

Data Quality in Health Research: Integrative Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Decision-making and strategies to improve service delivery must be supported by reliable health data to generate consistent evidence on health status. The data quality management process must ensure the reliability of collected data. Consequently, various methodologies to improve the quality of services are applied in the health field. At the same time, scientific research is constantly evolving to improve data quality through better reproducibility and empowerment of researchers and offers patient groups tools for secured data sharing and privacy compliance. OBJECTIVE: Through an integrative literature review, the aim of this work was to identify and evaluate digital health technology interventions designed to support the conducting of health research based on data quality. METHODS: A search was conducted in 6 electronic scientific databases in January 2022: PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Digital Library, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist and flowchart were used to visualize the search strategy results in the databases. RESULTS: After analyzing and extracting the outcomes of interest, 33 papers were included in the review. The studies covered the period of 2017-2021 and were conducted in 22 countries. Key findings revealed variability and a lack of consensus in assessing data quality domains and metrics. Data quality factors included the research environment, application time, and development steps. Strategies for improving data quality involved using business intelligence models, statistical analyses, data mining techniques, and qualitative approaches. CONCLUSIONS: The main barriers to health data quality are technical, motivational, economical, political, legal, ethical, organizational, human resources, and methodological. The data quality process and techniques, from precollection to gathering, postcollection, and analysis, are critical for the final result of a study or the quality of processes and decision-making in a health care organization. The findings highlight the need for standardized practices and collaborative efforts to enhance data quality in health research. Finally, context guides decisions regarding data quality strategies and techniques. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1101/2022.05.31.22275804.

The art of empathy: Teaching empathy through art.

BACKGROUND: The instruction of empathy is challenging. Although several studies have addressed how art-based education can foster empathy, there is a need for more evidence showing its impact and students' perceptions, especially in graduate education. APPROACH: We designed and implemented a virtual art-based curriculum focused on fostering empathy-The Art of Empathy. This novel curriculum used diverse art-based education methodologies to promote meticulous and collaborative observation and reflection, building on constructivism. Thirty-six interns at the Brigham and Women's Hospital were invited to participate in the curriculum, while 34 served as control. EVALUATION: We used mixed methods to explore interns' perceptions of the curriculum and assess its impact on their empathy. We used two quantitative instruments with known psychometric characteristics: the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) and the Jefferson Scale of Physicians Empathy (JSPE), which were distributed in a survey and completed by 31/99 (31.3%). We collected qualitative data from four interns using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis showed how The Art of Empathy promoted interns' reflections and actions toward empathy. This was partially supported by the quantitative data that showed significantly higher scores on the 'Compassionate Care' subscale of the JSPE (p = 0.039) when compared with interns in the control group. The thematic analysis showed that interns appreciated the curriculum and valued its benefits while highlighting the limitations of the virtual delivery approach. IMPLICATIONS: Our curriculum was well received by interns and showed the potential of art-based methodology to promote empathic capacities in graduate students.

Development of a novel workflow method to characterize and validate clinical data quality acquired through the Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry.

OBJECTIVE: To generate and apply a novel workflow method to assess the quality of data from the Veterinary Committee on Trauma (VetCOT) registry. ANIMALS: Canine and feline trauma patient data entered by identified and verified Veterinary Trauma Centers into the VetCOT registry between April 2017-December 2018 were retrieved for analysis. METHODS: Analysis software (RVetQual) was created in the R programming language to compare 5,000 cases exported from the VetCOT registry with samples of original corresponding records from 6 veterinary trauma centers. In addition, an evaluation of the consistency and completeness of the trauma registry was conducted. RESULTS: The utilization of this analysis tool allowed an assessment of the VetCOT trauma registry. Some of the variables effecting the accuracy, consistency, and completeness of the VetCOT trauma registry were canine and feline age, weight, trauma time entered, and mismatches in blood glucose. However, the completeness of the database was minimally affected. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: RVetQual is an efficient, accessible, and adjustable tool that facilitates the assessment of the data quality of the VetCOT registry. Such an assessment can lead to improvement of the quality of information serving to guide further trauma patient care.

From Raw Data to FAIR Data: The FAIRification Workflow for Brazilian Tuberculosis Research.

Among the main factors that negatively influence the decision-making process, it is possible to highlight the low quality, availability, and integration of population health data. This study aims to highlight the difficulty of research based on tuberculosis data available in Brazil. The FAIR methodology is a solution for standardizing data and sharing information about the disease. All the main actors involved, including those who generate data and administrators of information systems, should be encouraged to know their strengths and weaknesses. Continuously fostering strategies to promote data quality is, therefore, a strong stimulus for strengthening national health information systems and can potentially benefit from recommendations on how to overcome the inherent limitations of these information systems. Data quality management in Brazilian tuberculosis information systems is still not carried out organized and systematically. According to the FAIR principles, the evaluation demonstrates only 37.75% of compliance.

A Computational Infrastructure for Analyzing Tuberculosis Research Data in Brazil.

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the infectious diseases that currently causes the most deaths, with 6.4 million new cases recorded in 2021. Although it is a curable disease, drug-resistant strains emerge due to a lack of hygiene and low-quality or inappropriate medications, among other factors. With this in mind, the World Health Organization initiated the End TB Strategy campaign to improve the health system in the fight against tuberculosis. For this, reliable and high-quality health data is necessary to create effective public policies. However, despite technological advancements such as emerging concepts like Big Data and the Internet of Things, generating health information faces several obstacles. Therefore, the present work aims to describe a pipeline for TB research in Brazil to contribute to obtaining high-quality data.

[Validation of an instructional therapeutic tool to demonstrate cardiac catheterization]. / Validação de brinquedo terapêutico sobre cateterismo cardíaco.

The scope of this work was to validate a toy and a narrative as an instructional tool to present to children who are to be submitted to cardiac catheterization. Content validation was performed by 23 specialist judges (storytellers, child educators, nurses, medics, educational psychologists, occupational therapists, and a psychologist), by using a form considering the following topics: goals, structure and presentation, as well as relevance. Quantitative data was analyzed through the Content Validation Index (CVI) and a cutoff of 0.80 was adopted. Qualitative data was then submitted to thematic content analysis. The toy is composed of: figurines representing the child, the healthcare team, and the person responsible for the child, prototypes of the angiography equipment and the anesthesia equipment, and objects used in hospital for anesthetic induction and vein puncture. The narrative addresses the physical structure of the Hemodynamics room and all steps comprising pre-, trans- and post-cardiac catheterization in a playful way. The technology was validated by the judges with a total CVI of 0.95. The validated toy and narrative constitute a dialog between health, education and art that may contribute to integral and humanized care to the child.

Este trabalho visou validar um brinquedo e história como tecnologia educacional direcionada à orientação de crianças que serão submetidas ao cateterismo cardíaco. A validação de conteúdo foi realizada por 23 juízes especialistas (contadores de história, educadoras infantis, enfermeiros, médicos, psicóloga, psicopedagogas e terapeutas ocupacionais) através da utilização de formulário considerando os domínios: objetivos, estrutura e apresentação além de relevância. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados por intermédio do Índice de Validação de Conteúdo (IVC) e adotado o ponto de corte 0,80. Os dados qualitativos foram submetidos à análise temática de conteúdo. O brinquedo é composto por bonecos representativos da criança, equipe de saúde e responsável, miniatura de angiógrafo e de aparelho de anestesia e objetos de uso hospitalar para indução anestésica e punção venosa. A história aborda de forma lúdica a estrutura física da sala de Hemodinâmica e todas as etapas que compreendem o pré, trans e pós-cateterismo cardíaco. A tecnologia foi validada pelos juízes com um IVC total de 0,95. O brinquedo e a história validados constituem um diálogo entre saúde, educação e arte que poderá contribuir para uma assistência integral e humanizada à criança.

Improving the quality of external cause of death data in Brazil: evaluation and validation of a new form to investigate garbage codes.

Garbage codes, such as external causes with no specific information, indicate poor quality cause of death data. Investigation of garbage codes via an effective instrument is necessary to convert them into useful data for public health. This study analyzed the performance and suitability of the new investigation of deaths from external causes (IDEC) form to improve the quality of external cause of death data in Brazil. The performance of the IDEC form on 133 external garbage codes deaths was compared with a stratified matched sample of 992 (16%) investigated deaths that used the standard garbage codes form. Consistency between these two groups was checked. The percentage of garbage codes from external causes reclassified into valid causes with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was analyzed. Reclassification for specific causes has been described. Qualitative data on the feasibility of the form were recorded by field investigators. Investigation using the new form reduced all external garbage codes by -92.5% (95%CI: -97.0; -88.0), whereas the existing form decreased garbage codes by -60.5% (95%CI: -63.5; -57.4). The IDEC form presented higher effectivity for external-cause garbage codes of determined intent. Deaths that remained garbage codes mainly lacked information about the circumstances of poisoning and/or vehicle accidents. Despite the fact that field investigators considered the IDEC form feasible, they suggested modifications for further improvement. The new form was more effective than the current standard form in improving the quality of defined external causes.