Development and characterization of an automated behavioral assessment platform for the Göttingen minipig.

The Göttingen minipig is fast becoming the standard for assessing dermal chemical hazards because, like most swine, its skin is predictive of human skin response and because this strain's smaller size makes laboratory manipulations and husbandry easier. Unfortunately, standard behavioral tests and apparatus have not been developed for behavioral assessments of this swine strain. Indeed, computer-controlled automated behavioral testing procedures are much needed. The present research advanced this goal by producing a home-cage behavioral testing system that could accommodate minipigs of various sizes (ages). An aluminum frame housed three levers for recording operant responses, and LEDs above and below each lever served as discriminative stimuli. A commercially available food pellet dispenser was attached to a specialized pellet receptacle capable of measuring pellet retrieval. Two behavioral tests were selected and adapted from our commonly used non-human primate behavioral assessments: delayed match-to-sample (a memory test) and temporal response differentiation (a time-estimation test). Minipigs were capable of learning both tests and attaining stable performance. Next, scopolamine was used to validate the sensitivity of the behavioral tests for gauging behavioral perturbations in this swine strain. Scopolamine dose-effect functions were comparable to those observed in other species, including non-human primates, wherein 37.5 µg/kg of scopolamine (administered intramuscularly) reduced responding approximately 50%. Thus, we were successful in developing the apparatus and automated operant behavioral tests necessary to characterize drug safety in this swine strain. This capability will be valuable for characterizing chemical agent toxicity as well as the safety and efficacy of medical countermeasures.

Formative behavioral assessment across eight constructs: Dependability of direct behavior ratings and formative behavior rating measures.

Due to their promise as a feasible tool for evaluating the effects of school-based interventions, Direct Behavior Ratings (DBR) have received much research attention over the past 2 decades. Although DBR methodology has demonstrated much promise, favorable psychometric characteristics only have been demonstrated for tools measuring a small number of constructs. Likewise, although a variety of methods of DBR have been proposed, most extant studies have focused on the use of single-item methods. The present study examined the dependability of four methods of formative behavioral assessment (i.e., single-item and multi-item ratings administered either daily [DBR] or weekly [formative behavior rating measures or FBRM]) across eight psychological constructs (i.e., interpersonal skills, academic engagement, organizational skills, disruptive behavior, oppositional behavior, interpersonal conflict, anxious depressed, and social withdrawal). School-based professionals (N = 91; i.e., teachers, paraprofessionals, and intervention specialists) each rated one student across all eight constructs after being assigned to one of the four assessment conditions. Dependability estimates varied substantially across methods and constructs (range = 0.75-0.96), although findings of the present study support the use of the broad set of formative assessment tools evaluated.

Neurotoxicity Assessment in Adult Danio rerio using a Battery of Behavioral Tests in a Single Tank.

The presence of neuropathological effects proved to be, for many years, the main endpoint for assessing the neurotoxicity of a chemical substance. However, in the last 50 years, the effects of chemicals on the behavior of model species have been actively investigated. Progressively, behavioral endpoints were incorporated into neurotoxicological screening protocols, and these functional outcomes are now routinely used to identify and determine the potential neurotoxicity of chemicals. Behavioral assays in adult zebrafish provide a standardized and reliable means to study a wide range of behaviors, including anxiety, social interaction, learning, memory, and addiction. Behavioral assays in adult zebrafish typically involve placing the fish in an experimental arena and recording and analyzing their behavior using video tracking software. Fish can be exposed to various stimuli, and their behavior can be quantified using a variety of metrics. The novel tank test is one of the most accepted and widely used tests to study anxiety-like behavior in fish. The shoaling and social preference tests are useful in studying the social behavior of zebrafish. This assay is particularly interesting since the behavior of the entire shoal is studied. These assays have proven to be highly reproducible and sensitive to pharmacological and genetic manipulations, making them valuable tools for studying the neural circuits and molecular mechanisms underlying behavior. Additionally, these assays can be used in drug screening to identify compounds that may be potential modulators of behavior. We will show in this work how to apply behavioral tools in fish neurotoxicology, analyzing the effect of methamphetamine, a recreational drug, and glyphosate, an environmental pollutant. The results demonstrate the significant contribution of behavioral assays in adult zebrafish to the understanding of the neurotoxicological effects of environmental pollutants and drugs, in addition to providing insights into the molecular mechanisms that may alter neuronal function.

Stroke in children and adolescents: Analysis of electrophysiological and behavioral assessment findings of auditory processing.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the auditory processing behavior of children and adolescents diagnosed with stroke and compare it with that of typically developing individuals. METHODS: This was an analytical cross-sectional study involving 48 participants aged between 7 and 17 years with adequate schooling for age and grade, allocated equally to two groups: Stroke (SG) and Control Groups (CG). For the SG, cases identified between 2003 and 2018 were considered. In the CG, school-aged participants with typical development were randomized. After screening for differential audiological assessment and confirmation of auditory pathway integrity at the brainstem level, binaural analyses of the auditory processing behavior were conducted using the Dichotic Digit Test (DDT), Frequency Pattern Test (FPT), and electrophysiological assessment (P300). The Shapiro-Wilk test for normality was conducted, followed by the T and Mann-Whitney tests, with a 95 % confidence level and significance offset at p < 0.05, using the SPSS software (IBM®, v. 22.) RESULTS: The CG performed better in terms of auditory processing. These differences were significant (p < 0.0001) for the binaural integration of DDT, FPT humming and Labeling, and P300 latency. The P300 results were similar; however, with a greater amplitude in the SG. CONCLUSION: This study showed that children and adolescents with stroke performed worse in electrophysiological and behavioral tests of auditory processing assessed using the auditory evoked potentials. These data reinforce the hypothesis that stroke-related lesions compromise the neural mechanisms underlying auditory processing.

Behavioral assessment of auditory processing in adulthood: population of interest and tests - a systematic review. / Avaliação comportamental do processamento auditivo na idade adulta: população de interesse e testes - uma revisão sistemática.

PURPOSE: To identify the behavioral tests used to assess auditory processing throughout adulthood, focusing on the characteristics of the target population as an interest group. RESEARCH STRATEGIES: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scielo, databases were searched with descriptors: "auditory perception" or "auditory perception disorders" or "auditory processing" or "central auditory processing" or "auditory processing disorders" or "central auditory processing disorders" with adults OR aging. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies with humans included, the adult population from 18 to 64 years old, who performed at least one behavioral test to assess auditory processing in the absence of hearing loss. DATA ANALYSIS: Data extraction was performed independently, using a protocol developed by the authors that included different topics, mainly the behavioral auditory tests performed and the results found. RESULTS: Of the 867 records identified, 24 contained the information needed to answer the survey questions. CONCLUSION: Almost all studies were conducted verify performance in one or two auditory processing tests. The target target population was heterogeneous, with the most frequent persons with diabetes, stuttering, auditory processing disorder, and noise exposure. There is little information regarding benchmarks for testing in the respective age groups.

OBJETIVO: Identificar os testes comportamentais utilizados para a avaliação do processamento auditivo ao longo da vida adulta, com enfoque nas características da população alvo enquanto grupo de interesse. ESTRATÉGIA DE PESQUISA: As bases de dados consultadas foram o PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science e Scielo, a partir dos descritores: "auditory perception" or "auditory perception disorders" or "auditory processing" or "central auditory processing" or "auditory processing disorders" or "central auditory processing disorders" com adults OR aging. CRITÉRIOS DE SELEçÃO: Incluiu-se estudos com humanos, que abordaram a população adulta de 18 a 64 anos, que realizaram pelo menos um teste comportamental para avaliação do processamento auditivo, na ausência de perda auditiva. ANÁLISE DOS DADOS: Realizou-se a extração de dados de forma independente, a partir de um protocolo desenvolvido pelos autores incluindo diferentes tópicos, principalmente os testes auditivos comportamentais realizados e os resultados encontrados. RESULTADOS: Dos 867 registros identificados, 24 foram selecionados como contendo as informações necessárias para responder às perguntas de pesquisa. CONCLUSÃO: Quase a totalidade dos estudos foi conduzida com objetivo de verificar o desempenho em um ou dois testes de processamento auditivo; a população alvo foi heterogênea, as mais frequentes foram diabetes, gagueira, transtorno do processamento auditivo e exposição ao ruído. Há poucas informações sobre os padrões de referência para os testes na respectiva faixa etária.

Atualidades e perspectivas futuras da comissão consultiva em avaliação psicológica / Current affairs and future perspectives of the consultative commission on psychological assessment (CCAP) / Actualidades y perspectivas de futuro de la comisión consultiva en evaluación psicológica

A Comissão Consultiva em Avaliação Psicológica (CCAP), atrelada ao Sistema de Avaliação de Testes Psicológicos (SATEPSI) do Conselho Federal de Psicologia (CFP), tem como objetivos emitir pareceres acerca de solicitações advindas da avaliação psicológica(AP), elaborar e propor atualizações de documentos técnicos e normativos do CFP relativos à AP, elaborar e propor diretrizes para o ensino e formação continuada em AP, conduzir o processo de avaliação dos instrumentos submetidos ao SATEPSI e discutir temas e propor ações no âmbito da AP. Nos últimos 20 anos, a CCAP vem buscando atender a esses objetivos, indicando novos caminhos para a área. Nesse sentido, este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar as principais atualidades e movimentos da CCAP, indicando caminhos possíveis e perspectivas futuras para a área de AP. São discutidas as ações atuais que vêm sendo desenvolvidas pela CCAP, bem como as ações futuras delineadas que buscam promover uma AP cada vez mais democrática. Concluímos que a AP é uma prática do(a) psicólogo(a) que deve ser operacionalizada com compromisso ético, atrelada aos direitos humanos e à justiça, com embasamento científico e alinhada às mudanças sociais.(AU)

The Consultative Commission on Psychological Assessment (CCAP), affiliated with the Psychological Test Evaluation System under the Federal Council of Psychology (CFP), has the following objectives: to provide expert opinions on requests stemming from psychological assessments (PA), to draft and propose updates to the CFP technical and normative documents pertaining to PA, to formulate and recommend guidelines for education and ongoing professional development in PA, to oversee the evaluation process of instruments submitted to SATEPSI, and to engage in discussions and propose initiatives within the PA. Over the past two decades, CCAP has diligently worked to achieve these goals, charting new avenues in the field. In this context, this study aims to describe the most current developments and initiatives of CCAP and outline prospective directions and future outlooks for the PA. This study delves into the current initiatives undertaken by CCAP and the prospective actions delineated to foster a progressively more inclusive PA. Thus, we claim that PA is a practice inherent to psychologists that demands ethical commitment, alignment with human rights and justice, a solid scientific foundation, and adaptation to evolving social dynamics.(AU)

La Comisión Consultiva en Evaluación Psicológica (CCAP), vinculada al Sistema de Evaluación de Pruebas Psicológicas (SATEPSI) del Consejo Federal de Psicología (CFP), tiene como objetivo emitir opinión técnica sobre solicitudes derivadas de la evaluación psicológica (EP), elaborar y proponer actualizaciones de documentos técnicos y normativos del CFP relacionados con EP, desarrollar y proponer lineamientos para la enseñanza y la formación continua en EP, conducir el proceso de evaluación de los instrumentos presentados al SATEPSI y discutir temas y proponer acciones en el ámbito de EP. Durante los últimos veinte años, la CCAP ha buscado alcanzar estos objetivos indicando nuevos caminos para el área. En este sentido, este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar las principales actualidades y movimientos de la CCAP indicando posibles caminos y perspectivas de futuro para el área de EP. Se discuten las acciones actuales que ha desarrollado la CCAP, así como las acciones futuras perfiladas que buscan promover una EP cada vez más democrática. Se concluye que la EP es una práctica del psicólogo que debe ponerse en práctica con compromiso ético, vinculada a los derechos humanos y la justicia, con base científica y alineada con los cambios sociales.(AU)

Integrated assessment of children's cognitive and creative abilities: psychometric studies / Avaliação integrada das habilidades cognitivas e criativas de crianças: estudos psicométricos / Evaluación integrada de las habilidades cognitivas y creativas de los niños

It is essential that intelligence assessment be integrated with creativity, although no instruments in Brazil do so. This research investigated the item difficulty and validity and reliability of the Bateria de Avaliação Intelectual e Criativa Infantil (BAICI) to address this gap. The first sample consisted of 612 children (54% M) aged 7 to 12 years, and the second sample consisted of 377 students (56% M), some of whom (N = 164) were already identified as exhibiting high skills/giftedness. Item analysis indicated the need to adjust the BAICI items. The results of a MANCOVA indicated that the BAICI exhibits evidence of validity with external variables because the group of gifted children was significantly distinguished from the group of students attending regular schools on tests of vocabulary, speed, logical thinking, and creativity. The study concludes that the BAICI has psychometric qualities that can be used in the psychological assessment of children. (AU)

É essencial que a avaliação da inteligência seja integrada com a criatividade embora não existam instrumentos no país para essa finalidade. Esta pesquisa investigou a dificuldade dos itens e as evidências de validade e precisão da Bateria de Avaliação Intelectual e Criativa Infantil (BAICI) para oferecer uma avaliação mais completa do potencial infantil. A primeira amostra foi composta por 612 crianças (54% M), idade sete a 12 anos e a segunda de 377 estudantes (56% M), uma parte (N = 164) já identificadas com altas habilidades/superdotação. A análise pela TRI indicou a necessidade de ajuste de itens da BAICI. Os resultados pela MANCOVA indicaram que a BAICI possui evidências de validade com variáveis externas, pois o grupo de crianças superdotadas se distinguiu significativamente de estudantes de escolas regulares nos testes de vocabulário, rapidez, pensamento lógico e criatividade. Conclui-se que a BAICI possui qualidades psicométricas para ser utilizada na avaliação psicológica infantil. (AU)

Es fundamental que la evaluación de la inteligencia se integre con la creatividad, aunque en el país no existen instrumentos para este fin. Esta investigación analizó las evidencias de validez y precisión de la Batería de Evaluación Intelectual y Creativa Infantil (BAICI) para proporcionar una evaluación más completa del potencial de los niños. La primera muestra estuvo compuesta por 612 niños (54% M), de 7 a 12 años, a su vez, la segunda por 377 estudiantes (56% M), una parte (N = 164) ya identificada con altas habilidades/superdotación. El análisis de la TRI indicó la necesidad de ajustar los ítems de la BAICI. Los resultados de MANCOVA indicaron que BAICI tiene evidencias de validez con variables externas, ya que el grupo de niños superdotados se distinguió significativamente de niños de escuelas regulares en las pruebas de vocabulario, velocidad, pensamiento lógico y creatividad. Se concluye que la BAICI tiene cualidades psicométricas para ser utilizada en la evaluación psicológica infantil. (AU)

Assessment of Agreement Between Human Ratings and Lexicon-Based Sentiment Ratings of Open-Ended Responses on a Behavioral Rating Scale.

To date, there is a paucity of research conducting natural language processing (NLP) on the open-ended responses of behavior rating scales. Using three NLP lexicons for sentiment analysis of the open-ended responses of the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Third Edition, the researchers discovered a moderately positive correlation between the human composite rating and the sentiment score using each of the lexicons for strengths comments and a slightly positive correlation for the concerns comments made by guardians and teachers. In addition, the researchers found that as the word count increased for open-ended responses regarding the child's strengths, there was a greater positive sentiment rating. Conversely, as word count increased for open-ended responses regarding child concerns, the human raters scored comments more negatively. The authors offer a proof-of-concept to use NLP-based sentiment analysis of open-ended comments to complement other data for clinical decision making.

Concordance of the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, second and third editions.

BACKGROUND: Adaptive functioning is an important area of assessment with implications for differential diagnosis, educational placement, service eligibility and criminal sentencing. While periodic normative and content updates of adaptive functioning measures are necessary to keep measures relevant, knowledge of equivalence between versions is also required if adaptive measures are to be used to track the stability of adaptive functioning skills over time. METHOD: This paper presents two studies that used between-group and within-group comparison designs to examine the equivalence of the second and third editions of the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS) in a mixed clinical sample. In study 1, ABAS-2 scores for children assessed between 2014 and 2015 (n = 1036; mean age = 10.24, SD = 3.44) were compared with ABAS-3 scores for children assessed between 2015 and 2016 (n = 1291; mean age = 10.51, SD = 3.70). Study 2 examined a separate sample of clinically referred children (n = 572) for whom parent ratings had been obtained on both the ABAS-2 (mean age = 9.65, SD = 2.80) and ABAS-3 (mean age = 13.33, SD = 2.95) in the course of repeated assessment. RESULTS: For Study 1, while no intelligence quotient score differences were observed between the ABAS-2 group (mean Verbal Comprehension Index = 93.67, SD = 16.95) and the ABAS-3 group (mean Verbal Comprehension Index = 93.08, SD = 17.42), ABAS-2 scores were lower than ABAS-3 scores on the Conceptual, Practical, and General Adaptive Composite scales. In study 2, a similar pattern was observed (ABAS-2 < ABAS-3 on the Conceptual, Practical, and General Adaptive Composite scales), and concordance correlation coefficients ranged from 0.54 [0.49, 0.58] (Practical composite) to 0.68 [0.64, 0.72] (Conceptual composite). The Practical composite had the lowest concordance correlation coefficient value and the largest mean score difference between ABAS versions. CONCLUSIONS: The ABAS-3 scores may be higher than ABAS-2 scores in clinical populations. Knowledge of these potential discrepancies will be critical when interpreting standard score changes across ABAS versions in the course of clinical, educational and forensic assessments.

Development and Psychometric Properties of a New Questionnaire to Assess Mental Health and Concerning Behaviors in Children and Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): The Assessment of Concerning Behavior (ACB) Scale.

Although 70% of autistic children and young people meet criteria for co-occurring psychiatric conditions, there are few screening measures specifically for autistic individuals. We describe the development and validation of the Assessment of Concerning Behavior (ACB), an instrument co-developed with the autistic community to assess mental health and problematic/risky behaviors. Items include descriptions to facilitate symptom recognition by autistic people, and carers/professionals. The ACB was completed by 255 parents, 149 autistic children and young people and 30 teachers. Internal consistency, stability and validity was assessed. The ACB parent-version fit a two-factor model (internalizing and externalizing problems) and showed adequate test-retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity. The ACB is a promising new measure for research and clinical use in autism.

Systematic Review of Disparities and Differences in the Access and Use of Allied Health Services Amongst Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often benefit from allied health services such as occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, and applied behavioral analysis. While there is consistent evidence of disparities in access and use of medical services (e.g. dentistry), no such systematic review has examined disparities and differences in allied health use amongst children with ASD. In this systematic review, we examine disparities and differences in service access and use for children with ASD. Our findings suggest that children who are older, have less severe ASD symptoms, are from minority groups, and those from particular geographic regions are less likely to receive allied health services. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Delirio en el paciente crítico pediátrico: impacto de las escalas de valoración en la detección y manejo precoz / Delirium in the pediatric critical care patient: impact of screening tools on early detection and management

En Chile la valoración del delirio en las unidades pediátricas de paciente crítico es una actividad dependiente de cada profesional de enfermería por lo que la prevención, valoración y el manejo viene siendo un desafío para enfermería. OBJETIVO: Analizar la efectividad de la aplicación de la escala Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium (CAPD) en la detección y el manejo precoz del delirio. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica sistematizada utilizando las siguientes bases de datos Cochrane, Biblioteca digital Universidad de Chile, PubMed, Lilacs, EBSCOHost y Epistemonikos, en idioma inglés y español, entre los años 2012 y 2020. Los resultados fueron analizados con matrices CASPe o STROBE según el tipo de estudio. Se utilizaron 13 artículos que cumplen con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. RESULTADOS: La evidencia muestra por un lado que la utilización de escalas de valoración contribuye a una detección precoz del delirio y, por otro lado, que la escala CAPD es un instrumento con alta evidencia que sustenta su utilización por sobre otras escalas. CONCLUSIÓN: La utilización de la escala CAPD genera un impacto positivo en la detección y el manejo precoz del delirio, sin embargo, se recomienda que además exista un proceso de educación y acompañamiento a los profesionales de enfermería sobre prevención, detección y manejo del delirio.

In Chile, the assessment of delirium in pediatric critical care units is a dependent activity from nurses, thus prevention, assessment and management it comes challenging to this units. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of the application of the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium (CAPD) scale in the detection and early management of delirium. METHODOLOGY: A systematic bibliographic search was carried out using the following databases: Cochrane, Biblioteca digital Universidad de Chile, PubMed, Lilacs, EBSCOHost and Epistemonikos, in English and Spanish, between 2012 and 2020. The results were analyzed with CASPe or STROBE tools according to the study type. 13 articles that meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria were used. RESULTS: The evidence shows, on the one hand, that the use of screening tools contributes to an early detection of delirium and, on the other hand, CAPD scale is an instrument with high evidence that supports its use over other scales. CONCLUSION: The use of the CAPD scale has a positive impact on the detection and early management of delirium, however, it is recommended that there is also an education process and support for nurses on prevention, detection and management of delirium.

Updates in technology-based interventions for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Technological advancement has led to the development of novel treatment approaches for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This review aims to review recent studies which employ the use of technology to treat ADHD, with particular focus on studies published during a 1-year period from February 2019 to February 2020. RECENT FINDINGS: Most recent studies involved children aged 12 years and below. Interventions included cognitive training through games, neurofeedback and a combination of several approaches. More novel approaches included trigeminal nerve stimulation and brain-computer interface, and studies had utilized technology such as X-box Kinect and eye tracker. There was a shift towards delivering intervention at home and in school, enabled by technology. The study outcomes were variable and mainly included executive functioning measures and clinical ratings. These interventions were generally safe with few reported adverse events. SUMMARY: Technology has enabled interventions to be delivered outside of the clinic setting and presented an opportunity for increased access to care and early intervention. Better quality studies are needed to inform on the efficacy of these interventions.

Methods for assessment of patient adherence to removable orthoses used after surgery or trauma to the appendicular skeleton: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Patient adherence to treatment is a key determinant of outcome for healthcare interventions. Whilst non-adherence has been well evidenced in settings such as drug therapy, information regarding patient adherence to orthoses, particularly in the acute setting, is lacking. The aim of this systematic review was to identify, summarise, and critically appraise reported methods for assessing adherence to removable orthoses in adults following acute injury or surgery. METHODS: Comprehensive searches of the Ovid versions of MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, CINAHL, Central, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and SPORTDiscus identified complete papers published in English between 1990 and September 2018 reporting measurement of adherence to orthoses in adults following surgery or trauma to the appendicular skeleton. Only primary studies with reference to adherence in the title/abstract were included to maintain the focus of the review. Data extraction included study design, sample size, study population, orthosis studied, and instructions for use. Details of methods for assessing adherence were extracted, including instrument/method used, frequency of completion, number of items (if applicable), and score (if any) used to evaluate adherence overall. Validity and reliability of identified methods were assessed together with any conclusions drawn between adherence and outcomes in the study. RESULTS: Seventeen papers (5 randomised trials, 10 cohort studies, and 2 case series) were included covering upper (n = 13) and lower (n = 4) limb conditions. A variety of methods for assessing adherence were identified, including questionnaires (n = 10) with single (n = 3) or multiple items (n = 7), home diaries (n = 4), and discussions with the patient (n = 3). There was no consistency in the target behaviour assessed or in the timing or frequency of assessment or the scoring systems used. None of the measures was validated for use in the target population. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement and reporting of adherence to orthosis use is currently inconsistent. Further research is required to develop a measurement tool that provides a rigorous and reproducible assessment of adherence in this acute population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42016048462. Registered on 17/10/2016.

Rodent models of post-traumatic stress disorder: behavioral assessment.

Although the etiology and expression of psychiatric disorders are complex, mammals show biologically preserved behavioral and neurobiological responses to valent stimuli which underlie the use of rodent models of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a complex phenotype that is difficult to model in rodents because it is diagnosed by patient interview and influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. However, given that PTSD results from traumatic experiences, rodent models can simulate stress induction and disorder development. By manipulating stress type, intensity, duration, and frequency, preclinical models reflect core PTSD phenotypes, measured through various behavioral assays. Paradigms precipitate the disorder by applying physical, social, and psychological stressors individually or in combination. This review discusses the methods used to trigger and evaluate PTSD-like phenotypes. It highlights studies employing each stress model and evaluates their translational efficacies against DSM-5, validity criteria, and criteria proposed by Yehuda and Antelman's commentary in 1993. This is intended to aid in paradigm selection by informing readers about rodent models, their benefits to the clinical community, challenges associated with the translational models, and opportunities for future work. To inform PTSD model validity and relevance to human psychopathology, we propose that models incorporate behavioral test batteries, individual differences, sex differences, strain and stock differences, early life stress effects, biomarkers, stringent success criteria for drug development, Research Domain Criteria, technological advances, and cross-species comparisons. We conclude that, despite the challenges, animal studies will be pivotal to advances in understanding PTSD and the neurobiology of stress.

Severity assessment using three common behavioral or locomotor tests after laparotomy in rats: a pilot study.

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether behavioral or locomotor tests (Open Field (OF), rotarod (RR), and CatWalk (CW)) can help assess the severity of laparotomy in rats.The new EU Directive (2010/63/EU) mandates severity assessment in experiments involving animals. However, validated and objective methods are needed to relate trial-specific monitoring results to the degree of distress caused to individual animals. Therefore, we focused on non-invasive or minimally invasive, simple, and convenient severity assessment methods in a surgical model.To evaluate surgical severity in this model, we compared moving velocity among three commonly used behavioral test methods (OF, RR, and CW) after midline laparotomy within postoperative 7 days.In this study, 30 adult male Wistar Han rats (n = 10 per test) were trained in their assigned test method and subsequently subjected to surgery. Severity scoring was performed daily using a modified score sheet developed previously. In addition, blood and fecal samples were collected to analyze surgical and postoperative corticosterone metabolite levels. We found significant differences among the experimental groups in terms of the analyzed parameters. In this context, the OF test was found to be the most suitable method for severity assessment after laparotomy in rats.

Assessing Cannabis Demand: A Comprehensive Review of the Marijuana Purchase Task.

The marijuana purchase task (MPT) is a behavioral economic measure of individualized cannabis value (i.e., demand). The MPT follows purchase tasks for other substances (e.g., alcohol, tobacco), though presents with unique caveats due to its mixed illicit status, non-uniform units of purchase and use, and substantial within substance variability in strain, potency, and quality. As the regulatory climate surrounding purchase and use of cannabis continues to evolve in the USA and globally, rigorous assessment of cannabis use and value are of the utmost importance. This study represents the first comprehensive review of investigations utilizing the MPT. Searches through PubMed and Web of Science databases by two independent coders identified 15 empirical articles referencing the use of an MPT and were published through the year 2019. Articles were coded for demographic and procedural characteristics, structural characteristics of the MPT itself, data analytic characteristics, and relationships with cannabis-related outcomes. Rigorous assessment of demand for cannabis is essential with respect to the broad public health issues surrounding cannabis legalization. We have synthesized the research presented herein and comment on vital considerations for subsequent MPT work, including recommendations for a unified approach to using the MPT in subsequent research.

Linking the behavioral assessment screening tool to the international classification of functioning, disability, and health as a novel indicator of content validity.

Purpose: To use the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) to classify and describe the concepts of the Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool (BAST), a measure of behavioral disruptions after traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods: Meaningful concepts in the BAST were linked to the International Classification of Functioning to (1) further explore the validity of the conceptual model of behavior; (2) demonstrate ICF linking as a novel indicator of the content validity; (3) identify International Classification of Functioning concepts that characterize behavior; (4) determine the comprehensiveness of the BAST.Results: The body functions component and the activities and participation component were most frequently addressed in the BAST. The majority of the TBI Core Set categories were included in the BAST and the manifest and latent coders agreed 85% of the time.Conclusions: Linking BAST concepts to the International Classification of Functioning demonstrated the BAST's content validity and comprehensiveness. This approach provides a model for how ICF coding could be used to assess content validity.Implications for RehabilitationICF coding can be used to assess content validity and refine rehabilitation measures.The Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool can be used for clinical and research purposes to assess behavior as it relates to a wide range of ICF TBI Core Set categories.

Comparison of Self-Reported and Behavioral Pain Assessment Tools in Critically Ill Patients.

BACKGROUND: Self-reported and behavioral pain assessment scales are often used interchangeably in critically ill patients due to fluctuations in mental status. The correlation between scales is not well elucidated. The purpose of this study was to describe the correlation between self-reported and behavioral pain scores in critically ill patients. METHODS: Pain was assessed using behavioral and self-reported pain assessment tools. Behavioral pain tools included Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) and Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS). Self-reported pain tools included Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scales. Delirium was assessed using the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit. Patient preference regarding pain assessment method was queried. Correlation between scores was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were included: 67 patients were nondelirious and 48 patients were delirious. The overall correlation between self-reported (NRS) and behavioral (CPOT) pain scales was poor (0.30, P = .018). In patients without delirium, a strong correlation was found between the 2 behavioral pain scales (0.94, P < .0001) and 2 self-reported pain scales (0.77, P < .0001). Self-reported pain scale (NRS) and behavioral pain scale (CPOT) were poorly correlated with each other (0.28, P = .021). In patients with delirium, there was a strong correlation between behavioral pain scales (0.86, P < .0001) and a moderate correlation between self-reported pain scales (0.69, P < .0001). There was no apparent correlation between self-reported (NRS) and behavioral pain scales (CPOT) in patients with delirium (0.23, P = .12). Most participants preferred self-reported pain assessment. CONCLUSION: Self-reported pain scales and behavioral pain scales cannot be used interchangeably. Current validated behavioral pain scales may not accurately reflect self-reported pain in critically ill patients.

Are hazardous drinkers more impulsive than light drinkers? A comprehensive assessment in young adults.

Those with alcohol dependence are characteristically impulsive. It is unclear whether the same is true of hazardous drinkers (i.e., women routinely drinking more than 14 units in a typical week but fewer than 35, and men drinking more than 14 units but fewer than 50). Yet, it is important to understand the mechanisms involved in such drinking, since it places the drinker at risk for future harm. The present study thus comprehensively assessed whether impulsivity was elevated in hazardous drinkers, compared to lighter drinkers. An opportunity sample of 57 light and 49 hazardous drinkers was assessed on the following impulsivity subdomains (via the measures in parentheses): (i) trait impulsivity (the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Version 11); (ii) temporal impulsivity (the Monetary Choice Questionnaire); (iii) stopping impulsivity (the Stop-Signal Task); (iv) waiting impulsivity (the Continuous Performance Task or CPT); (v) reward-sensitivity (the Behavioural Activation Scales); and (vi) risk-taking (the Balloon Analogue Risk Task). Alcohol- and other drug-dependent individuals were excluded from the study, while socio-demographics (age, gender, and socio-economic status), mood, binge drinking, and nicotine intake were all controlled for. The groups were compared via a series of Bonferroni-corrected, independent-measures t tests. The results revealed that hazardous drinkers were more impulsive than light drinkers on the CPT; there were no other statistically significant group differences. Consistent with the above, a logistic regression, with drinking group as the dependent variable and the impulsivity indices as independent variables, revealed that only CPT performance was a significant predictor of drinking status. Other than gender, none of the control variables significantly correlated with CPT performance. A sequential linear regression revealed that drinking status continued to predict CPT performance, after first accounting for gender. Thus, from a battery of impulsivity measures, only waiting impulsivity (i.e., CPT score) was elevated in hazardous drinkers, relative to lighter drinkers. Waiting impulsivity may thus be important in the maintenance of hazardous drinking.