Biomphalaria embryotoxicity test (BET): 60 years of research crossing boundaries for developing standard protocols.

Snail's embryotoxicity test is a suitable approach for toxicity assay of traditional and emerging pollutants, environmental risk assessment, as well as screening and development of new molluscicides. Among the snail species, Biomphalaria spp. has been indicated as a promising model system for developing standardized test protocols for assessing the chemical toxicity using early developmental stages. Thus, the current study aimed to review the data available in the scientific literature concerning the experimental approach, type of chemicals and the response of multiple biomarkers (survival, hatching rate, development delays, morphological and behavior changes) in snail embryos applied in toxicity tests. Revised data showed that the use of Biomphalaria embryos to assess chemical toxicity began in 1962. Snail's embryotoxicity test was applied mainly for analyzing the toxicity and development of new molluscicides, while its use in ecotoxicological studies is emerging. Biomphalaria glabrata was the main species analyzed. Embryos exposed to chemicals showed bioaccumulation, mortality, hatching inhibition, development delays, and morphological malformations, which were classified into four categories (hydropic, shell, cephalic and unspecified malformations). Besides, research gaps and recommendations for future research are indicated. Overall, the results showed that the Biomphalaria embryotoxicity test (BET) is a suitable tool for toxicity and health risk assessment.

Exploration of Bacterial Re-Growth as In Vitro Phenomenon Affecting Methods for Analysis of the Antimicrobial Activity of Chimeric Bacteriophage Endolysins.

Drug alternatives to combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in human and animal healthcare are urgently needed. Recently, the recombinant bacteriophage endolysins, PRF-119 and its successor substance HY-133, have proven to be highly active against various S. aureus clonal lineages and to exhibit a very rapid bactericidal effect when standard methods for susceptibility testing are applied. Along with subsequent growth curve experiments, a re-growth phenomenon was observed in vitro necessitating its clarification for the assessment of the agent's stability and activity as well as for methodological aspects of endolysin testing in general. Distinct in vitro parameters were comparatively examined applying also scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence assays and SDS-PAGE analysis. The shape and material of the culture vessels as well as the shaking conditions were identified as factors influencing the in vitro stability and activity of HY-133. The highest function maintenance was observed in plain centrifuge tubes. Based on this, the conditions and parameters of assays for testing the antimicrobial activities of phage endolysins were determined and adjusted. In particular, shear forces should be kept to a minimum. Our results form the basis for both future test standardization and re-growth-independent experiments as prerequisites for exact determination of the antimicrobial activities of engineered endolysins.

A New Test of Irony and Indirect Requests Comprehension-The IRRI Test: Validation and Normative Data in French-Speaking Adults.

OBJECTIVE: Nonliteral language comprehension disorders in individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABI) are frequently reported in the literature but rarely assessed in clinical settings. A major reason is the lack of tools available to clinicians. Therefore, the present study aimed to further promote the pragmatic assessment routine by creating a new nonliteral language comprehension tool for ABI individuals: the IRRI test. This tool is intended to be standardized and capable of directing clinicians to cognitive deficits underlying a poor understanding of nonliteral language-context processing, executive functions, and theory of mind. METHOD: Three studies were conducted. The first study aimed at constructing the two IRRI test tasks: the irony and indirect requests comprehension tasks. These tasks integrate the cognitive processes within them. The second study aimed at analyzing the tasks' psychometric qualities in a sample of 33 ABI participants and 33 healthy participants (HC). Preliminary normative data obtained from 102 healthy French-speaking subjects were collected in the third study. RESULTS: Significant differences in the IRRI test's performances were observed between the ABI and HC individuals. The indirect requests task demonstrated robust convergent validity and good sensibility to discriminate altered participants among ABI participants. Both IRRI test's tasks also showed excellent test-retest and inter-rater reliability. The preliminary norms were stratified according to the conditions of interest in relation to the cognitive mechanisms underlying the understanding of nonliteral language. CONCLUSIONS: The IRRI test is a promising new standardized test of nonliteral language comprehension, which contributes to identifying cognitive-pragmatic profiles to guide therapy.

Biomphalaria embryotoxicity test (BET): 60 years of research crossing boundaries for developing standard protocols

Snail's embryotoxicity test is a suitable approach for toxicity assay of traditional and emerging pollutants, environmental risk assessment, as well as screening and development of new molluscicides. Among the snail species, Biomphalaria spp. has been indicated as a promising model system for developing standardized test protocols for assessing the chemical toxicity using early developmental stages. Thus, the current study aimed to review the data available in the scientific literature concerning the experimental approach, type of chemicals and the response of multiple biomarkers (survival, hatching rate, development delays, morphological and behavior changes) in snail embryos applied in toxicity tests. Revised data showed that the use of Biomphalaria embryos to assess chemical toxicity began in 1962. Snail's embryotoxicity test was applied mainly for analyzing the toxicity and development of new molluscicides, while its use in ecotoxicological studies is emerging. Biomphalaria glabrata was the main species analyzed. Embryos exposed to chemicals showed bioaccumulation, mortality, hatching inhibition, development delays, and morphological malformations, which were classified into four categories (hydropic, shell, cephalic and unspecified malformations). Besides, research gaps and recommendations for future research are indicated. Overall, the results showed that the Biomphalaria embryotoxicity test (BET) is a suitable tool for toxicity and health risk assessment.

Biomphalaria spp. embryotoxicity test (BET): 60 years of research crossing boundaries for developing standard protocols

Snail's embryotoxicity test is a suitable approach for toxicity assay of traditional and emerging pollutants, environmental risk assessment, as well as screening and development of new molluscicides. Among the snail species, Biomphalaria spp. has been indicated as a promising model system for developing standardized test protocols for assessing the chemical toxicity using early developmental stages. Thus, the current study aimed to review the data available in the scientific literature concerning the experimental approach, type of chemicals and the response of multiple biomarkers (survival, hatching rate, development delays, morphological and behavior changes) in snail embryos applied in toxicity tests. Revised data showed that the use of Biomphalaria embryos to assess chemical toxicity began in 1962. Snail's embryotoxicity test was applied mainly for analyzing the toxicity and development of new molluscicides, while its use in ecotoxicological studies is emerging. Biomphalaria glabrata was the main species analyzed. Embryos exposed to chemicals showed bioaccumulation, mortality, hatching inhibition, development delays, and morphological malformations, which were classified into four categories (hydropic, shell, cephalic and unspecified malformations). Besides, research gaps and recommendations for future research are indicated. Overall, the results showed that the Biomphalaria embryotoxicity test (BET) is a suitable tool for toxicity and health risk assessment.

Adaptation of the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) and Determination of Its Normative Values in Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to adapt the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS) and determine its normative values in Turkey. METHODS: After translation and cultural adaptation processes, a population-based study was conducted between February and June 2016 in Ankara with individuals over the age of 55 years. Subjects with a previous diagnosis of dementia along with neuropsychiatric disorders that might affect cognition were excluded. Data analyses were performed to assess the association of sociodemographic variables with 3MS scores. RESULTS: Two versions of the Turkish 3MS (for educated and minimally educated individuals) were developed. A total of 2,235 participants were included in the field study. After exclusion, the data on the final sample of 1,909 individuals were analyzed, where age, gender, and education accounted for variance in 3MS scores. Younger age and higher educational attainment were associated with better 3MS performance. CONCLUSIONS: A widely applicable dementia screening test was adapted to Turkish and its normative values were determined. The test will make it possible to evaluate the cognitive performance of both educated and minimally educated elderly individuals based on their age, gender, and educational level.

Normative data for the Neuropsychological Assessment Battery of Reading, Writing and Cognitive Functions (ENLEF) / Datos normativos para la batería de evaluación neuropsicológica de lectura, escritura y funciones cognitivas (enlef)

Resumen Las dificultades de aprendizaje constituyen una problemática frecuente en las escuelas. Aunque diversos instrumentos de evaluación neuropsicológica han sido creados, la mayoría se han desarrollado y estandarizado para población no colombiana, o no están diseñados para niños menores de seis años y no permiten relacionar claramente las habilidades académicas y los procesos cognitivos subyacentes a ellas. El objetivo de este estudio es construir los datos normativos de la batería ENLEF en población infantil colombiana a partir de la evaluación de la influencia de las variables sociodemográficas en el desempeño de la prueba. Participaron 516 niños y niñas escolarizados de entre cuatro y siete años, quienes fueron evaluados por psicólogos entrenados con la batería ENLEF. Los resultados mostraron una influencia de la edad y el estrato sobre el desempeño de los participantes en la mayoría de las pruebas. Sin embargo, en algunas pruebas de lenguaje y de lectura se observó solo una influencia del estrato socioeconómico. Los resultados del presente estudio permiten el uso de la ENLEF en la población infantil colombiana como una alternativa culturalmente contextualizada para la evaluación de funciones cognitivas y habilidades de lectoescritura. Además, se confirma la influencia de la edad y el nivel socioeconómico sobre el desarrollo cognitivo.

Abstract Learning disabilities are a frequent problem identified at school. Although there are several neuropsychological tests available, most of them have been developed and standardized for non-Colombian population, haven't been designed for children below six years old, and don't allow to clearly relate academic skills with cognitive process. The aim of this study was to develop normative data for the ENLEF test for Colombian children, by assessing the influence of sociodemographic characteristics on the test performance. Trained psychologists assessed 516 school-children aged from four to seven years using the ENLEF test. Results showed an influence of age and socioeconomic status on the participants' performance in most of the subtest. Nevertheless, in some language and reading subtests, only the influence of socioeconomic status showed an influence on the performance. These results allow the use of the ENLEF test for children in Colombia, as a culturally-contextualized option to assess cognitive functions and reading and writing skills. Furthermore, influence of age and socioeconomic status on cognitive development is also confirmed.

Estudo normativo do R-1: Teste não verbal de inteligência para uma região da Bahia-Brasil / Standardization study of R-1: nonverbal intelligence test for a region of Bahia-Brazil / Estudio normativo del R-1: test no verbal de inteligencia para una región de la Bahía-Brasil

O R-1: Teste Não Verbal de Inteligência é um instrumento que foi construído com base no Teste de Matrizes Progressivas de Raven de acordo aos pressupostos teóricos da análise fatorial de Spearman, teoria bifatorial. O presente artigo objetivou apresentar normas para o R-1 para uma amostra de motoristas e candidatos a Carteira Nacional de Habilitação de uma região do sudoeste da Bahia - Brasil. A amostra foi composta de 1507 adultos, de ambos os sexos e três níveis de escolaridade, que realizaram avaliação psicológica em uma clínica credenciada ao DETRAN-BA. Para determinar a influência do sexo e da escolaridade foram realizados testes estatísticos, que indicaram diferenças significativas nas pontuações em função dessas variáveis. Os resultados apontaram a necessidade de estabelecer normas por sexo e por nível de escolaridade para a população estudada. Tais estudos contribuem para o avanço nas pesquisas em avaliação psicológica no contexto do trânsito.

The R-1: Nonverbal Intelligence Test is an instrument that was constructed based on Raven's Progressive Matrices Test according to the theoretical assumptions of Spearman factorial analysis, two-factor theory. The present article aimed to present standards for the R-1 for a sample of drivers and candidates for the National Driver's License for a region of southwestern Bahia - Brazil. The sample consisted of 1507 adults, of both sexes, and three educational levels, who underwent psychological evaluation in a clinic accredited to DETRAN-BA. In order to investigate the influence of sex and educational level was calculated statistic tests that indicated significant differences in scores in relation to studied variables. The results pointed out the need for norms by sex and schooling. Such studies contribute to the advancement of research in psychological assessment in the context of traffic.

El R-1: Prueba no verbal de inteligencia es un instrumento que fue construido con base en el Test de Matrices Progresivas de Reven de acuerdo a los presupuestos teóricos del análisis factorial de Spearman, teoría bifactorial. El presente artículo objetivó presentar normas para el R-1 de una muestra de conductores y candidatos a Cartera Nacional de Habilitación para una región del suroeste de Bahía - Brasil. La muestra fue compuesta de 1507 adultos, de ambos sexos e tres niveles de escolaridad, que realizaron evaluación psicológica en una clínica acreditada al DETRAN-BA. Con el fin de determinar las diferencias entre los grados de escolaridad e sexos fueran realizados testes estadísticos del total de puntos. Los resultados apuntaron la necesidad de normas por sexo y por escolaridad. Tales estudios contribuyen al avance de las investigaciones en evaluación psicológica en el contexto del tránsito.

The clinical significance of 10-m walk test standardizations in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: The 10-m walk test (10MWT) is a widely used measure of gait speed in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it is unclear if different standardizations of its conduct impact test results. AIM OF THE STUDY: We examined the clinical significance of two aspects of the standardization of the 10MWT in mild PD: static vs. dynamic start, and a single vs. repeated trials. Implications for fall prediction were also explored. METHODS: 151 people with PD (mean age and PD duration, 68 and 4 years, respectively) completed the 10MWT in comfortable gait speed with static and dynamic start (two trials each), and gait speed (m/s) was recorded. Participants then registered all prospective falls for 6 months. RESULTS: Absolute mean differences between outcomes from the various test conditions ranged between 0.016 and 0.040 m/s (effect sizes, 0.06-0.14) with high levels of agreement (intra-class correlation coefficients, 0.932-0.987) and small standard errors of measurement (0.032-0.076 m/s). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed similar discriminate abilities for prediction of future falls across conditions (areas under curves, 0.70-0.73). Cut-off points were estimated at 1.1-1.2 m/s. CONCLUSIONS: Different 10MWT standardizations yield very similar results, suggesting that there is no practical need for an acceleration distance or repeated trials when conducting this test in mild PD.

Effects of handcuffs on neuropsychological testing: Implications for criminal forensic evaluations.

Neuropsychological evaluations are increasingly performed in forensic contexts, including in criminal settings where security sometimes cannot be compromised to facilitate evaluation according to standardized procedures. Interpretation of nonstandardized assessment results poses significant challenges for the neuropsychologist. Research is limited in regard to the validation of neuropsychological test accommodation and modification practices that deviate from standard test administration; there is no published research regarding the effects of hand restraints upon neuropsychological evaluation results. This study provides preliminary results regarding the impact of restraints on motor functioning and common neuropsychological tests with a motor component. When restrained, performance on nearly all tests utilized was significantly impacted, including Trail Making Test A/B, a coding test, and several tests of motor functioning. Significant performance decline was observed in both raw scores and normative scores. Regression models are also provided in order to help forensic neuropsychologists adjust for the effect of hand restraints on raw scores of these tests, as the hand restraints also resulted in significant differences in normative scores; in the most striking case there was nearly a full standard deviation of discrepancy.

What standardized tests ignore when assessing individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.

In this article we critique the use of traditional standardized tests for the cognitive assessment of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Limitations stem from the lack of integrating (a) results from research into the psychological functioning of these populations, and (b) the main arguments underlying models of human development. We identify four secondary issues in this discussion: (1) these instruments cannot be used with children who have particularly low cognitive functioning; (2) little or no variance in the scores obtained by individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, because all are at floor, prevent adequate interpretations; (3) measurements do not provide information useful for the design of intervention strategies; and (4) different cognitive and/or neural processes may underlie behavioural scores 'in the normal range'. Rethinking traditional assessment methods in favour of technologically-mediated games yields new cognitive assessment possibilities.