Biochip array technology immunoassay performance and quantitative confirmation of designer piperazines for urine workplace drug testing.

Designer piperazines are emerging novel psychoactive substances (NPS) with few high-throughput screening methods for their identification. We evaluated a biochip array technology (BAT) immunoassay for phenylpiperazines (PNP) and benzylpiperazines (BZP) and analyzed 20,017 randomly collected urine workplace specimens. Immunoassay performance at recommended cutoffs was evaluated for PNPI (5 µg/L), PNPII (7.5 µg/L), and BZP (5 µg/L) antibodies. Eight hundred forty positive and 206 randomly selected presumptive negative specimens were confirmed by liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Assay limits of detection for PNPI, PNPII, and BZP were 2.9, 6.3, and 2.1 µg/L, respectively. Calibration curves were linear (R (2) > 0.99) with upper limits of 42 µg/L for PNPI/PNII and 100 µg/L for BZP. Quality control samples demonstrated imprecision <19.3 %CV and accuracies 86.0-94.5 % of target. There were no interferences from 106 non-piperazine substances. Seventy-eight of 840 presumptive positive specimens (9.3 %) were LC-HRMS positive, with 72 positive for 1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP), a designer piperazine and antidepressant trazodone metabolite. Of 206 presumptive negative specimens, one confirmed positive for mCPP (3.3 µg/L) and one for BZP (3.6 µg/L). BAT specificity (21.1 to 91.4 %) and efficiency (27.0 to 91.6 %) increased, and sensitivity slightly decreased (97.5 to 93.8 %) with optimized cutoffs of 25 µg/L PNPI, 42 µg/L PNPI, and 100 µg/L BZP. A high-throughput screening method is needed to identify piperazine NPS. We evaluated performance of the Randox BAT immunoassay to identify urinary piperazines and documented improved performance when antibody cutoffs were raised. In addition, in randomized workplace urine specimens, all but two positive specimens contained mCPP and/or trazodone, most likely from legitimate medical prescriptions. Graphical Abstract Biochip array technology (BAT) immunoassay for designer piperazines detection in urine. In chemiluminescent immunoassay, the labeled-drug (antigen) competes with the drug in the urine. In the absence of drug, the labeled-drug binds to the antibody releasing an enzyme (horseradish peroxidase) to react with the substrate and producing chemiluminescence. The higher the drug concentration in urine, the weaker the chemiluminescent signal is produced. All presumptive positive specimens and randomly selected presumptive negative specimens were analyzed and confirmed by a liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry with limit of quantification of 2.5 or 5 µg/L.

Personality trait similarity between spouses in four cultures.

We examined patterns of trait similarity (assortative mating) in married couples in four cultures, using both self-reports and spouse ratings on versions of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory. There was evidence of a subtle but pervasive perceived contrast bias in the spouse-rating data. However, there was strong agreement across methods of assessment and moderate agreement across cultures in the pattern of results. Most assortment effects were small, but correlations exceeding .40 were seen for a subset of traits, chiefly from the Openness and Agreeableness domains. Except in Russia, where more positive assortment was seen for younger couples, comparisons of younger and older cohorts showed little systematic difference. This suggested that mate selection, rather than convergence over time, accounted for similarity. Future research on personality similarity in dyads can utilize different designs but should assess personality at both domain and the facet levels.

Ethical considerations in geriatric neuropsychology.

The practice of geriatric neuropsychology demands specialized training and experience that enables the practitioner to appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities that are encountered when working with older adults. In addition to maintaining advanced knowledge regarding medical and psychological conditions, assessment issues, and treatment needs specific to older persons, clinicians working with older adults must be prepared to recognize and confront ethical dilemmas that arise. For example, ethical challenges related to professional competence, informed consent, assessment, and privacy and confidentiality may be prominent when working with older persons. Maintaining an emphasis on "positive ethics" and utilizing an ethical decision-making model will promote the practitioner's ability to avoid, identify, and resolve ethical challenges. The present article reviews (1) the concept of positive ethics, (2) a comprehensive ethical decision-making model, and (3) ethical issues that are commonly encountered by geriatric neuropsychologists. A case vignette is presented to illustrate the application of the aforementioned tools to promote ethical practice.

Age trends and age norms for the NEO Personality Inventory-3 in adolescents and adults.

The NEO Personality Inventory-3 (NEO-PI-3) is a modification of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) designed to be more understandable to adolescents. Data from adults aged 21 to 91 showed that the NEO-PI-3 also functions as well or better than the NEO-PI-R in adults. Age trends from combined adolescent (n = 500) and adult (n = 635) samples confirmed previous cross-sectional findings and demonstrated the importance of studying age changes especially at the facet level and during the decade of the 20s. Normative data for self-report and observer rating forms for adolescents, younger and older adults, and all adults are discussed, as well as for a combined-age group. It is argued that combined-age norms may be most appropriate for depicting the personality scores of individuals, but the utility for some purposes of within-age group scores is also acknowledged.

The emergence of sex differences in personality traits in early adolescence: A cross-sectional, cross-cultural study.

Although large international studies have found consistent patterns of sex differences in personality traits among adults (i.e., women scoring higher on most facets), less is known about cross-cultural sex differences in adolescent personality and the role of culture and age in shaping them. The present study examines the NEO Personality Inventory-3 (McCrae, Costa, & Martin, 2005) informant ratings of adolescents from 23 cultures (N = 4,850), and investigates culture and age as sources of variability in sex differences of adolescents' personality. The effect for Neuroticism (with females scoring higher than males) begins to take on its adult form around age 14. Girls score higher on Openness to Experience and Conscientiousness at all ages between 12 and 17 years. A more complex pattern emerges for Extraversion and Agreeableness, although by age 17, sex differences for these traits are highly similar to those observed in adulthood. Cross-sectional data suggest that (a) with advancing age, sex differences found in adolescents increasingly converge toward adult patterns with respect to both direction and magnitude; (b) girls display sex-typed personality traits at an earlier age than boys; and (c) the emergence of sex differences was similar across cultures. Practical implications of the present findings are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

The Inaccuracy of National Character Stereotypes.

Consensual stereotypes of some groups are relatively accurate, whereas others are not. Previous work suggesting that national character stereotypes are inaccurate has been criticized on several grounds. In this article we (a) provide arguments for the validity of assessed national mean trait levels as criteria for evaluating stereotype accuracy; and (b) report new data on national character in 26 cultures from descriptions (N=3,323) of the typical male or female adolescent, adult, or old person in each. The average ratings were internally consistent and converged with independent stereotypes of the typical culture member, but were weakly related to objective assessments of personality. We argue that this conclusion is consistent with the broader literature on the inaccuracy of national character stereotypes.

Stereotypes of age differences in personality traits: universal and accurate?

Age trajectories for personality traits are known to be similar across cultures. To address whether stereotypes of age groups reflect these age-related changes in personality, we asked participants in 26 countries (N = 3,323) to rate typical adolescents, adults, and old persons in their own country. Raters across nations tended to share similar beliefs about different age groups; adolescents were seen as impulsive, rebellious, undisciplined, preferring excitement and novelty, whereas old people were consistently considered lower on impulsivity, activity, antagonism, and Openness. These consensual age group stereotypes correlated strongly with published age differences on the five major dimensions of personality and most of 30 specific traits, using as criteria of accuracy both self-reports and observer ratings, different survey methodologies, and data from up to 50 nations. However, personal stereotypes were considerably less accurate, and consensual stereotypes tended to exaggerate differences across age groups.

Comparison of the photochemistry of organometallic N-heterocyclic carbene and phosphine complexes of manganese.

Time-resolved IR (TRIR) studies on (η(5)-C(5)H(4)Me)Mn(L)(CO) (L = 1,3-diethyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene, PPh(3)) indicate that the rate of reaction with CO is ca. 10(2) slower for the N-heterocyclic carbene intermediate, which DFT calculations suggest is due to the presence of a strong MnH-C agostic bond. The reactivity of these intermediates in alkane solvents is governed by such interactions rather than solvent coordination to the unsaturated metal centre.

Perceptions of aging across 26 cultures and their culture-level associates.

College students (N=3,435) in 26 cultures reported their perceptions of age-related changes in physical, cognitive, and socioemotional areas of functioning and rated societal views of aging within their culture. There was widespread cross-cultural consensus regarding the expected direction of aging trajectories with (a) perceived declines in societal views of aging, physical attractiveness, the ability to perform everyday tasks, and new learning; (b) perceived increases in wisdom, knowledge, and received respect; and (c) perceived stability in family authority and life satisfaction. Cross-cultural variations in aging perceptions were associated with culture-level indicators of population aging, education levels, values, and national character stereotypes. These associations were stronger for societal views on aging and perceptions of socioemotional changes than for perceptions of physical and cognitive changes. A consideration of culture-level variables also suggested that previously reported differences in aging perceptions between Asian and Western countries may be related to differences in population structure.

Testosterone levels among men with spinal cord injury: relationship between time since injury and laboratory values.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the present study were to determine the prevalence of low testosterone among a sample of men with spinal cord injury and to examine the relationship among testosterone, time since injury, and select laboratory values. DESIGN: Participants were 102 men with spinal cord injury participating in inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Data included total serum testosterone level, demographic and injury information, and laboratory values. RESULTS: Sixty percent of men with spinal cord injury had low testosterone levels. The median testosterone level for the entire sample was 220 ng/dl (normal reference range = 241-827 ng/dl). Low testosterone was significantly associated with less time since injury, lower hemoglobin, and higher prolactin in the univariate analyses at P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that men with spinal cord injury are at risk for low serum testosterone. Testosterone levels were also related to time since injury and hemoglobin and prolactin levels. These findings suggest the need for changes to occur in clinical practice. Guidelines are needed for when and how often testosterone monitoring should be conducted. Future research should address the pathophysiology of low testosterone and the outcomes of testosterone treatment.

The ethical and clinical practice of disclosing raw test data: addressing the ongoing debate.

Neuropsychologists are prone to having raw test data requested by colleagues, clients, and attorneys. Although questions of when and to whom neuropsychologists should release raw test data have been debated for years, uncertainty about how to address requests for raw test data persists. Although contradictions within and between ethical and legal guidelines exist, general bioethical principles, most ethical and professional guidelines, and federal copyright law support the responsibility of practitioners to maintain the security of neuropsychological tests, including raw test data. Neuropsychologists are best served by taking a proactive approach regarding the manner in which requests for raw test data are addressed. The purpose of this article is to provide the information necessary to make informed decisions regarding the release of raw test data; however, each neuropsychologist must ultimately choose to pursue a course of action that is simply ethically acceptable or one that is ethically preferable.

The NEO-PI-3: a more readable revised NEO Personality Inventory.

Use of the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R; Costa & McCrae, 1992) in adolescent samples has shown that a few respondents have difficulty with a subset of items. We identified 30 items that were not understood by at least 2% of adolescent respondents and 18 additional items with low item-total correlations, and we wrote 2 trial replacement items for each. We used self-report and observer rating data from 500 respondents aged 14 to 20 to select replacement items. The modified instrument retained the intended factor structure and showed slightly better internal consistency, cross-observer agreement, and readability (Flesch-Kincaid grade level = 5.3). The NEO-PI-3 appears to be useful in high school and college samples and may have wider applicability to adults as well.

Cognitive decline over time following electrical injury.

Electrical injury (EI) is on the rise in the US, with more than 2400 injuries occurring annually. Consequences of EI often include diffuse neurological damage and a myriad of emotional and behavioural sequelae. While delayed onset of cognitive dysfunction is frequently alluded to in the literature, few cases have been published that document the progressive neuropsychological manifestations of EI over time. This paper offers a case study of a 49 year-old female who suffered a high voltage EI and who underwent neuropsychological evaluations at 6 and 56 months post-injury. Comparison of test results suggested a progressive pattern of global decline in cognitive functioning, with particular impairment in memory, verbal learning, abstract reasoning and sensory-motor functions. This case study illustrates the delayed onset and progression of neuropsychological dysfunction that may occur following EI, as well as the importance of long-term follow-up with patients after high voltage EI.

Clinical utility of the trail making test ratio score.

It has been suggested that a ratio score of part B to part A of the Trail Making Test (TMT) may have clinical utility as a measure of cognitive efficiency and/or dissimulation. We investigated the clinical utility of the TMT B/A ratio score in the evaluation of patients with traumatic brain injury. Part B of the TMT demonstrated a statistically significant difference between groups with mild (n = 59) versus moderate-severe (n = 41) injuries. However, the B/A ratio score did not demonstrate sensitivity to injury severity and also failed to discriminate reliably individuals who had independent psychometric indicators of possible dissimulation from those who did not. We conclude that in individuals with traumatic brain injury, the B/A ratio score does not appear to enhance the clinical utility of the TMT and that interpretation of performance on this test should instead involve comparing subtest completion times to established normative data.

Traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's: deficit profile similarities and the impact of normal ageing.

Research has suggested that sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may increase one's risk of developing Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (DAT) later in life. Several neuropathological models have been proposed to explain the association between TBI and DAT and studies using a neuropsychological deficit profile methodology suggest that the pattern and extent of cognitive decline associated with these conditions are similar. This paper presents a new conceptual model, derived from deficit profile methodology, regarding the relationship between TBI and DAT. This model proposes that, for some individuals, TBI may not lead to true DAT neuropathology, but rather produces a profile of neuropsychological deficits similar to DAT, which increasingly mimics the symptoms of true DAT as the TBI survivor ages. Understanding how TBI may contribute to the development of DAT has important social and medical implications, influencing the direction of prevention efforts and contributing to one's understanding of DAT.