Identifying ethical values for guiding triage decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic: an Italian ethical committee perspective using Delphi methodology.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the guiding ethical principles that should be considered for critical resource allocation during pandemic emergency situations, and especially for the COVID-19 outbreak. The secondary objective was to define the priority to be assigned to each principle.

Setting: The study was conducted from March to June 2020 within the context of an ethical committee (EC) in Northern Italy.

P981Lvot area measurement using gated ct data reclassifies aortic stenosis severity as graded by echocardiography.

Background: Measurement of left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) diameter and area for estimation of aortic valve area (AVA) using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and the continuity equation assumes circular LVOT. The use of direct planimetric measurement of LVOT area by gated-CT can theoretically improve accuracy of AVA calculation.

Purpose: We aim to assess reproducibility of LVOT echo measurement and its correlation and agreement with Gated CT measurements.

Using pathology-specific laboratory profiles in clinical pathology to reduce inappropriate test requesting: two completed audit cycles.

Background: Systematic reviews have shown that, although well prepared, the Consensus Guidelines have failed to change clinical practice. In the healthcare district of Castelnovo né Monti (Reggio Emilia, Italy), it became necessary for the GPs and Clinical Pathologists to work together to jointly define laboratory profiles.

Methods: Observational study with two cycles of retrospective audit on test request forms, in a primary care setting.

[The use of occupational therapy in upper limb amputees].

Since pre-history until modern times, the ever more refined use of the hand has been fundamental to the progress of mankind. The list of functions of this incredible part of the body would fill several pages and show its fundamental importance in all our actions; in fact, there is very little that humans do that does not involve the use of the hands. The hand offers points for unlimited dissertation and is the executive organ par excellence, carrying out directly or participating in almost all our actions; it is an organ for communication and an instrument of well-being as well as being the main site of one of the five senses: touch.

[Sincerity of effort: isokinetic evaluation of knee extension].

The aim of this study was to find a reliable method to evaluate the sincerity of the muscular maximal effort performed in a dynamometric isokinetic test of knee flexion-extension. The coefficient of variation of the peak torque (CV) and 3 new indices were analysed: (1) the average coefficient of variation calculated on the complete peak torque curve (CVM); (2) the slope of the regression line in an endurance test (PRR); (3) the correlation coefficient of the peak torques in the same endurance test (CCR). Twenty healthy subjects underwent assessment in two different trials, maximal (MX) and 50% submaximal (SMX), with 20 minutes of rest between trials.

Molecular and Biological Characterization of Tomato chlorotic mottle virus Suggests that Recombination Underlies the Evolution and Diversity of Brazilian Tomato Begomoviruses.

ABSTRACT Tomato chlorotic mottle virus (ToCMoV) is an emerging begomovirus species widely distributed throughout tomato-growing regions of Brazil. ToCMoV appears to have expanded its geographic range recently, invading tomato-growing areas that were free of begomovirus infection before 2004. We have determined the first complete genome sequence of an infectious ToCMoV genome (isolate BA-Se1), which is the first begomovirus species isolated in the northeast of Brazil.

Rasch analysis of the Locomotor Capabilities Index-5 in people with lower limb amputation.

The aim of this study was to perform a Rasch analysis on the 5-level ordinal scale version of the Locomotor Capabilities Index (LCI-5), in order to investigate rating scale quality and conduct reliability and validity assessments. A questionnaire was mailed to 144 subjects who had undergone lower limb amputation (LLA) in the previous five years and completed a rehabilitation and prosthetic training programme. A total of 123 persons (85%) responded to the questionnaire, a self-report assessment of prosthetic capability and performance which included the LCI-5, the Mobility Section of the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ-MS) and other variables associated to prosthetic wear and use.

[Tests of hand functionality in upper limb amputation with prosthesis].

The need for standardized instruments for clinical measurements has become pressing in the fields of occupational rehabilitation and ergonomics. This is particularly the case for instruments that allow a quantitative evaluation of upper limb function, and especially hand function in patients who have undergone an amputation and then application of an upper limb prosthesis. This study presents a review of the main tests used to evaluate hand function, with a critical analysis of their use in subjects with an upper limb prosthesis.

Measuring mobility in people with lower limb amputation: Rasch analysis of the mobility section of the prosthesis evaluation questionnaire.

Objective: To assess the psychometric properties of the Mobility Section of the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ-MS).

Design: A postal survey, including self-report assessment of prosthetic capability and performance with the PEQ-MS and the Locomotor Capabilities Index, and of other variables associated with prosthetic wear and use. The PEQ-MS data underwent Rasch analysis for rating scale diagnostics and a reliability and validity study.

Measuring long-term outcome in people with lower limb amputation: cross-validation of the Italian versions of the Prosthetic Profile of the Amputee and Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire.

Aim: Recently 2 questionnaires have been developed for people with lower limb amputation to determine, in follow-up studies, the level of function and extent of prosthetic use, to measure major life domains connected with prosthesis function, and to study the factors potentially related to prosthetic use the Prosthetic Profile of the Amputee (PPA) and the Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire (PEQ). The purpose of the present study was: a) to produce Italian versions of both PPA (PPA-it) and PEQ (PEQ-it), using a validated procedure of cross-cultural translation; b) to analyse and discuss the internal consistency and construct validity of the main sections of the 2 questionnaires, in an Italian population.

Methods: The PPA questionnaire consists of 44 questions arranged in 6 sections.

Reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the locomotor capabilities index in adults with lower-limb amputation undergoing prosthetic training.

Objective: To assess the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of both the standard and revised Locomotor Capabilities Index (LCI) in people with lower-limb amputation who undergo prosthetic training.

Design: Reliability and validity study.

Setting: Two freestanding rehabilitation centers.

Is the Rivermead Mobility Index a suitable outcome measure in lower limb amputees?--A psychometric validation study.

Objective: To examine the internal consistency, validity, responsiveness and test scalability of the Rivermead Mobility Index.

Design: Methodological research (consecutive sampling, prospective longitudinal study).

Patients: 140 unilateral lower limb amputees (79 above-knee and 61 below-knee).

Evaluation of a structured alcohol education course in a secondary school system in north Italy.

The authors describe the results of an alcohol education course given to 2166 high school students in the area of Padua, Italy. An evaluation was performed, utilizing a before and after technique: it was shown that baseline knowledge of relevant information on alcohology was similar among younger and older teenagers; also, baseline information and course gain varied according to question content.