The Short Executive Function Scale.

This study involved a psychometric evaluation of the Short Executive Function Scale (SEFS), a new 15-item self-report questionnaire measuring five constructs: Planning, Inhibition, Working Memory, Shifting, and Emotional Control. Participants included 717 U.S. undergraduate students (M = 18.9 years old, SD = 1.9; 78.8% cisgender female, 81.7% White) who completed the SEFS. A subset of 156 participants (M = 18.8 years old, SD = 0.9; 79.5% cisgender female, 83.3% White) completed the SEFS again at 2- to 3-month retest along with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult (BRIEF-A) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). The five-factor model fit well (CFI = 0.941, RMSEA = 0.079) and each scale had acceptable internal consistency (ω range: .68-.81) and test-retest reliability (ICC range: .75-.89). Apart from Shifting, all SEFS scales had significantly larger convergent validity coefficients with their respective BRIEF-A scales (r range: -.25 to -.70) than discriminant validity coefficients with the PHQ-8 (r range: -.06 to -.28). These findings provide preliminary psychometric support for the SEFS.

Safety climate and safety behaviors: Adapting and validating a positively worded safety climate scale through the time-lagged approach.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary literature raises serious questions about the inclusion of negatively worded items in the safety climate scale. Despite these reservations, limited efforts have been made to address this shortcoming. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to adapt and empirically validate the ten-items group-level safety climate scale with the purpose of replacing negatively worded items with positively worded ones after a thorough validation process. The present study is one of the first to propose an empirically validated group-level safety climate scale that uses positive items to measure the safety climate construct. METHODS: Study 1 was conducted using a sample of 135 participants. Study 2 used a time-lagged approach to validate the scale, with a sample of 173 production workers from six oil and gas organizations in Malaysia. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to test the hypothesized relationships. RESULTS: In Study 1, the results of the exploratory factor analysis showed good reliability for the revised scale. In Study 2, the results of the PLS-SEM analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between safety climate and safety behaviors, thereby validating the revised and translated scale of safety climate. CONCLUSION: The revised safety climate scale will not only improve data quality, but it will also increase response rates. Additionally, the revised scale will assist managers in understanding the true perceptions of safety climate in their organization, regardless of the cultural context in which the scale is used.

Assessment and Correlation between Dactyloscopy and Behavior of Children Undergoing Dental Treatment: A Cross-sectional Study.

Aim: To assess and correlate dactyloscopy and behavior of children undergoing dental treatment. Materials and methods: A total of 30 children aged 4-8 years who needed at least one restoration without administration of local anesthesia were included. Two examiners recorded the behavior of the child as per Frankl's behavior rating scale and after the treatment, the subjects' fingerprints were taken using an ink pad and white paper. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) versions 23 and a Chi-squared test was carried out (p < 0.05). Results: The loop type fingerprint had the highest frequency, while the archtype had the lowest. The child's behavior differed greatly (p < 0.05) based on dermatoglyphic characteristics, with the loop pattern being seen in cooperative children and the whorl pattern in uncooperative children. Conclusion: There is a positive correlation between fingerprint type and children's dental care. Clinical significance: Dactyloscopy can be used to determine the behavior of children coming for dental treatment and hence help in their management. How to cite this article: Janiani P, Subramanian EMG. Assessment and Correlation between Dactyloscopy and Behavior of Children Undergoing Dental Treatment: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(3):444-447.

Parenting stress and interactive engagement behaviors in children with developmental delay.

BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, the importance of interactive engagement behaviors is overlooked in children with developmental problems other than autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parenting stress affects children's development but lacks attention from clinicians. PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of interactive engagement behaviors and parenting stress among non-ASD children with developmental delays (DDs). We also analyzed whether engagement behaviors affect parenting stress. METHODS: At Gyeongsang National University Hospital, between May 2021 and October 2021, we retrospectively enrolled 51 consecutive patients diagnosed with DDs in language or cognition (but not ASD) in the delayed group and 24 typically developing children in the control group. The Korean version of the Parenting Stress Index-4 and Child Interactive Behavior Test were used to assess the participants. RESULTS: The median age of the delayed group was 31.0 months (interquartile range, 25.0-35.5 months); this group included 42 boys (82.4%). There were no intergroup differences in child age, child sex, parental age, parental educational background, mother's employment status, or marital status. Higher parenting stress (P<0.001) and fewer interactive engagement behaviors (P<0.001) were observed in the delayed group. Low parental acceptance and competence had the largest effects on total parenting stress in the delayed group. A mediation analysis revealed that DDs did not directly affect total parenting stress (ß=3.49, P=0.440). Instead, DDs contributed to total parenting stress, which was mediated by children's overall interactive engagement behaviors (ß=57.30, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Interactive engagement behaviors were significantly reduced in non-ASD children with DDs and significantly mediated parenting stress. The importance of parenting stress and interactive behaviors in children with DDs should be further examined in clinical practice.

Validity of the SNAP-IV For ADHD Assessment in South African Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham ADHD Rating Scale (SNAP-IV) in a sample of South African children with neurodevelopmental disorders (n = 201), primarily Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability. We conducted a confirmatory factor analysis to inspect the two-factor structure of the SNAP-IV. We also calculated ordinal coefficient alpha to estimate internal consistency. Fit statistics for the two-factor model approached acceptable levels. The model fit improved slightly after removing an item related to spoken language. The subscales had acceptable internal consistencies. Findings partially support the use of the SNAP-IV in this group of children. However, there are limitations to its performance in this population likely related to the presence of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Internal consistency of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in Amazonian children / Consistência interna do Questionário de Capacidades e Dificuldades em crianças amazônicas

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency of behavioral problems and the internal consistency of the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-P) in Amazonian preschool children during the covid-19 pandemic. METHODS: Data from the Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition in Acre (MINA-Brazil) study, a population-based birth cohort in the Western Brazilian Amazon, were used. The SDQ-P was applied in 2021 at the five-year follow-up visit to parents or caregivers of 695 children (49.4% of which were girls). This instrument is a short behavioral screening questionnaire composed of 25 items reorganized into five subscales: emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, peer relationship problems, and prosocial behavior. Cases of behavioral problems were defined according to the original SDQ cut-offs based on United Kingdom norms. Moreover, cut off points were estimated based on the SDQ-P percentile results of our study sample. Internal consistency was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient and McDonald's omega for each scale. RESULTS: According to the cut-offs based on our studied population distribution, 10% of all children had high or very high total difficulty scores, whereas it was almost twice when the original SDQ cut-offs based on United Kingdom norms, were applied (18%). Differences were also observed in the other scales. Compared to girls, boys showed higher means of externalizing problem and lower means of prosocial behavior. The five-factor model showed a moderate internal consistency of the items for all scales (0.60 ≤ α ≤ 0.40), except for total difficulty scores, which it considered substantial (α > 0.61). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the usefulness of SDQ in our study population and reinforce the need for strategies and policy development for mental health care in early life in the Amazon.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Descrever a frequência de problemas de comportamento e a consistência interna da versão para os pais do Questionário de Capacidades e Dificuldades (SDQ-P) em crianças pré-escolares da Amazônia durante a pandemia de covid-19. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados dados do estudo de saúde e nutrição Materno-Infantil no Acre (MINA-Brasil), uma coorte de nascimentos de base populacional na Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira. O SDQ-P foi aplicado aos pais e cuidadores em 2021 na visita de acompanhamento de cinco anos de 695 crianças (49,4% das quais eram meninas). Esse instrumento é um breve questionário de rastreamento comportamental composto por 25 itens reorganizados em cinco subescalas: sintomas emocionais, problemas de conduta, hiperatividade/desatenção, problemas de relacionamento com colegas e comportamento pró-social. Os casos de problemas de comportamento foram definidos de acordo com os pontos de corte originais do SDQ, baseados nas normas do Reino Unido. Além disso, os pontos de corte foram estimados com base nos percentis dos resultados do SDQ-P da amostra do nosso estudo. A consistência interna foi avaliada pelo cálculo do coeficiente alfa de Cronbach e ômega de McDonald para cada escala. RESULTADOS: De acordo com os pontos de corte baseados na distribuição da população estudada, 10% de todas as crianças apresentaram escores totais de dificuldade elevados ou muito elevados, o que quase dobrou quando os pontos de corte originais do SDQ, baseados nas normas do Reino Unido, foram utilizados (18%). Este estudo também encontrou diferenças nas demais escalas. Comparados às meninas, os meninos apresentaram maiores médias de problemas de externalização e menores médias de comportamento pró-social. O modelo de cinco fatores apresentou consistência interna dos itens moderada para todas as escalas (0,60 ≤ α ≤ 0,40), exceto para a escala de pontuação total de dificuldades, a qual foi considerada substancial (α > 0,61). CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados apoiam a utilidade do SDQ em nossa população de estudo e reforçam a necessidade de estratégias e desenvolvimento de políticas para o cuidado em saúde mental no início da vida na Amazônia.

Item analysis of the Teacher's Gifted Rating Screening Scale / Análise dos itens da Triagem de Indicadores de Altas Habilidades / Superdotação

Objective: The present study aimed to add new evidence of construct validity of the Teacher's Rating Giftedness Screening Scale. The analysis of its items, in relation to the adjustment indices to the Graduated Response Model, as well as to interpret the sense of the scales formed by the items. Method: The sample was composed of 666 students (64.7% males). The instrument consisted of 42 items that assess five areas (general intellectual abilities, leadership, creativity, specific academic abilities, and artistic talent), being answered by 224 teachers. Results: The results indicated that all items had infit/outfit adjustment indexes within the expected value, between 0.5 and 1.5. The factor accuracy, estimated by the graduated response model, varied between 0.74 to 0.85. Conclusion: The results allowed the elaboration of an interpretation proposal referenced in the item, as well as the identification of the most effective items in discriminating individuals with above average ability level.

Objetivo: O presente estudo visou ampliar as evidências de validade de construto do instrumento Triagem de Indicadores de Altas Habilidades/Superdotação, por meio da análise dos seus itens, em relação aos índices de ajuste ao Modelo de Resposta Graduada, bem como interpretar o sentido das escalas formadas pelos itens. Método: A amostra foi composta por 666 estudantes (64,7% meninos). O instrumento, composto por 42 itens que avaliam cinco dimensões (capacidade intelectual geral, liderança, criatividade, habilidades acadêmicas especificas e talento artístico), foi respondido por 224 professores. Resultados: Os resultados indicaram que todos os itens apresentaram índices de ajuste infit/outfit dentro do valor esperado, entre 0,5 e 1,5. A precisão dos fatores, estimada pelo modelo de resposta graduada, variou entre 0,74 e 0,85. Conclusão: Os resultados permitiram a elaboração de uma proposta de interpretação referenciada no item, bem como a identificação dos itens que se mostram mais eficazes em discriminar indivíduos com habilidade acima da média.

The Use of a Dental Storybook as a Dental Anxiety Reduction Medium among Pediatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a specially designed dental storybook in reducing dental anxiety among children. Eighty-eight children (6−8 years old) were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group (received the storybook) and the control group (did not receive the storybook). Three dental visits (screening, examination and cleaning, and treatment) were provided for each child. Anxiety was assessed following each visit using the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) and the Venham clinical anxiety scale (VCAS). The behavior was assessed using the Frankl's Behavior Rating Scale (FBRS). The intervention group showed significantly lower anxiety and more cooperative behavior during treatment than the control group (p < 0.0001). The intervention group showed a significant decrease in anxiety scores and more cooperative behavior across time according to the CFSS-DS (p = 0.001) and Frankl behavior scale OR = 3.22, 95% CI 1.18−8.76. Multivariate models found that using the storybook was a significant independent factor in reducing anxiety and improving behavior after controlling for sex, previous visits, family income, and mother's education. In conclusion, the dental storybook can decrease children's dental anxiety and improve their behavior during dental treatment.

Neurological deficit and neurobehavioral evaluation of non-human primate ischemic stroke model / 国际脑血管病杂志

Because the clinical studies of neuroprotective drugs ended in failure, the Stroke Treatment Academy Industry Roundtable recommended the use of non-human primates for preclinical research on stroke. Non-human primates are the bridge between basic experiment and clinical research, and the experimental results are of great reference value. However, non-human primate stroke models have a variety of neurological deficits and behavioral evaluation methods, and the scoring methods also have their own emphases. It is easy to have differences in the evaluation, or there are deficiencies in the scale itself, resulting in inaccurate scoring, which directly affects the experimental results and the implementation of subsequent research. This article summarizes the neurological deficits and behavioral evaluation methods of non-human primate stroke model.

Lilalva Scale: soft-hard technology to measure clinical competencies in emergencies of nurses / Escala Lilalva: tecnología blanda-dura para medir competencias clínicas en urgencias de enfermeras y enfermeros / Escala Lilalva: tecnologia leve-dura para medir competências clínicas em emergências de enfermeiras e enfermeiros

ABSTRACT Objectives: to present the visual identity of a soft-hard technology; to describe its technical characteristics, standardization and norms of criteria for the interpretation of results, in order to measure clinical competencies in emergencies of nurses. Methods: article developed as a methodological study for the creation of the graphic image of the scale and standardization based on previous studies of validity and reliability evidence. Results: the designed technology was named "Lilalva Scale for Measuring Clinical Competencies in Emergencies of Nurses". The graphic image text is organized by title, instructions on how to fill it out, description of the quality of delivery, and behavioral actions with respective degrees of response. The Scale has 22 items with characterization data. The standardization of the measurement instrument included: instructions for use, calculation protocol, and hypothetical example to calculate scores, the sum of the resulting scores metric for each clinical competence and diagnostic classification. Conclusions: the visual identity and the standardization instrumentalize the use of the Scale for those interested in the theme.

RESUMEN Objetivos: presentar la identidad visual de una tecnología blanda-dura; describir sus características técnicas, estandarización en la aplicación y normalización de criterios para la interpretación de los resultados, a fin de mensurar competencias clínicas en urgencias de enfermeras y enfermeros. Métodos: artículo desarrollado como estudio metodológico de creación de la imagen gráfica de la escala y estandarización calcada en estudios anteriores de evidencias de validad y confiabilidad. Resultados: la tecnología diseñada fue denominada de "Escala Lilalva de Medida de las Competencias Clínicas en Urgencias de Enfermeras y Enfermeros". El texto de la imagen gráfica está organizado por título, instrucciones sobre la forma de relleno, descripción de la calidad de la entrega y acciones comportamentales con respectivos grados de respuesta. La Escala tiene 22 ítems con datos de caracterización. La estandarización del instrumento de medida contempló: instrucciones para uso, protocolo de averiguación, ejemplo hipotético para calcular escores, métrica de la sumatoria de los escores resultantes para cada competencia clínica y clasificación diagnóstica. Conclusiones: la identidad visual y la estandarización instrumentalizan el uso da Escala a los interesados en la temática.

RESUMO Objetivos: apresentar a identidade visual de uma tecnologia leve-dura; descrever suas características técnicas, padronização na aplicação e normatização de critérios para a interpretação dos resultados, a fim de mensurar competências clínicas em emergências de enfermeiras e enfermeiros. Métodos: artigo desenvolvido como estudo metodológico de criação da imagem gráfica da escala e estandardização calcada em estudos pregressos de evidências de validade e confiabilidade. Resultados: a tecnologia desenhada foi denominada de "Escala Lilalva de Medida das Competências Clínicas em Emergências de Enfermeiras e Enfermeiros". O texto da imagem gráfica está organizado por título, instruções sobre a forma de preenchimento, descrição da qualidade da entrega e ações comportamentais com respectivos graus de resposta. A Escala possui 22 itens com dados de caracterização. A estandardização do instrumento de medida contemplou: instruções para uso, protocolo de apuração, exemplo hipotético para calcular escores, métrica da somatória dos escores resultantes para cada competência clínica e classificação diagnóstica. Conclusões: a identidade visual e a estandardização instrumentalizam o uso da Escala aos interessados na temática.

Functional Aging in Male C57BL/6J Mice Across the Life-Span: A Systematic Behavioral Analysis of Motor, Emotional, and Memory Function to Define an Aging Phenotype.

Aging is characterized generally by progressive and overall physiological decline of functions and is observed in all animals. A long line of evidence has established the laboratory mouse as the prime model of human aging. However, relatively little is known about the detailed behavioral and functional changes that occur across their lifespan, and how this maps onto the phenotype of human aging. To better understand age-related changes across the life-span, we characterized functional aging in male C57BL/6J mice of five different ages (3, 6, 12, 18, and 22 months of age) using a multi-domain behavioral test battery. Spatial memory and physical activities, including locomotor activity, gait velocity, and grip strength progressively declined with increasing age, although at different rates; anxiety-like behaviors increased with aging. Estimated age-related patterns showed that these functional alterations across ages are non-linear, and the patterns are unique for each behavioral trait. Physical function progressively declines, starting as early as 6 months of age in mice, while cognitive function begins to decline later, with considerable impairment present at 22 months of age. Importantly, functional aging of male C57BL/6J mouse starts at younger relative ages compared to when it starts in humans. Our study suggests that human-equivalent ages of mouse might be better determined on the basis of its functional capabilities.

Cheiloscopy and Dactyloscopy as Behavior Assessment Tool in Dental Settings: A Cross-sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Assessment of children's behavior in the dental setting and its correlation with thumb print and lip print. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The behavior pattern, lip print pattern, and thumb print pattern of 518 children aged 5-12 years were recorded in their first dental visit. The behavior pattern, lip print pattern, and thumb print pattern were determined using Frankl's Behavior Rating Scale, Tsuchihashi's classification, and Cummin's classification, respectively. The data were tabulated according to the classified criteria and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: It was observed that positive and definitely positive Frankl Behavior was associated with the children bearing an arch pattern of thumb print, whereas their lip pattern had no association with their behavior pattern, particularly in dental sittings. CONCLUSION: Thumb print pattern can aid as a behavior marker before a child's first dental appointment and this can prove beneficial for both the child and the clinician in providing a high quality of dental care and modify behavior for future dental appointments. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Navit S, Pramanik S, Khan SA, et al. Cheiloscopy and Dactyloscopy as Behavior Assessment Tool in Dental Settings: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(2):238-242.

Pediatric Ward Nurses' Caring Self-Efficacy Scale: Development and Validation.

BACKGROUND: No instrument specifically designed to investigate the caring self-efficacy of nurses in pediatric wards was found. The aim of the present study was therefore to develop a scale to evaluate pediatric wards nurse's caring self-efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, an exploratory, sequential, mixed method was used in 2015 in Iran. Data collected from 27 semi-structured interviews with nurses in pediatric wards were analyzed using conventional content analysis. The initial version of the scale was obtained with 65 items. Face validity was determined using impact score and content validity using the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR). The construct validity of the scale was investigated using exploratory factor analysis with 305 nurses in pediatric wards. The concurrent validity of the scale was acquired using the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were also examined. RESULTS: The scale-CVI (S-CVI) (average) was 0.85. The 14 items with a CVR and CVI of less than 0.51 and 0.70, respectively, were deleted and the final 51-item scale was approved. All 51 items had good impact score (>1.50). In the final scale, four subscales were extracted using construct validity. The concurrent validity of the scale was also obtained (r = 0.77, p < 0.001). The total Cronbach's α correlation coefficient of the scale was 0.96 and test-retest reliability was 0.98. CONCLUSIONS: The Pediatric Ward Nurses' Caring Self-Efficacy (PWNCSE) scale developed in this study is a practical, reliable, and valid scale to evaluate pediatric ward nurses' caring self-efficacy.

Measurement of Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents.

This article highlights the breadth of measures available for measuring emotion dysregulation, or facets thereof, in children and adolescents, and reviews in detail a subset of these measures. We describe broadband measures and measures that are specific to emotion dysregulation, including observational tools, clinical interviews, and rating scales. Furthermore, we discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and psychometric properties of each approach and specific contexts or populations in which certain methods may be particularly useful. Finally, recommendations for thorough assessment of emotion dysregulation in future studies are provided.

Construct validity of the Individual Lifestyle Profile scale in times of social distancing / Validade de constructo da escala Perfil do Estilo de Vida Individual em tempos de distanciamento social

The aims of the study were to estimate the level of reliability and factorial validity of the "Individual Lifestyle Profile" scale in times of social distancing, through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Therefore, the "Individual Lifestyle Profile" scale in times of social distancing was used in a study carried out with samples of students and employees of higher education institutions from different Brazilian regions. The final sample consisted of 4,694 adults who have answered the online form. For construct evaluation, internal consistency analysis was performed using Cronbach's Alpha (a) and Spearman's correlation. The CFA was used to test the hypothetical factor structure of the scale. Overall internal consistency was a = 0.778 and there were significant correlations, however, less than ± 0.799 for items from the same constructs and ± 0.499 among items from different constructs. In the CFA, after adjustments to the model structure, all indicators were adequate (Goodness-of-fit Index: 0.976; Comparative Fit Index: 0.937; Normalized Fit Indices: 0.932; Tucker-Lewis Indi-ces: 0.914; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation: 0.047; Root Mean-Square Residual: 0.031; Standardized Root Mean-Square Residual: 0.0337), with the exception for chi-square p values and the ratio between chi-square and degrees of freedom. It is concluded that the "Individual Lifestyle Profile" scale in times of social distancing has shown satisfactory internal consistency and factor structure to guide the assessment of lifestyle (individual or groups) and interventions to promote healthy lifestyles

Os objetivos do estudo foram estimar o nível de confiabilidade e validade fatorial da escala "Perfil do Estilo de Vida Individual " em tempos de distanciamento social, por meio da análise fatorial confirmatória (AFC). Para tanto, a escala "Perfil do Estilo de Vida Individual " em tempos de distanciamento social foi empregada em um estudo realizado com amostras de estudantes e servidores de instituições de ensino superior de diferen-tes regiões brasileiras. A amostra final correspondeu a 4.694 adultos que responderam o formulário on-line. Para a avaliação de constructo foi realizada a análise de consistência interna via Alfa de Cronbach's (a) e correlação de Spearman. Empregou-se a AFC para testar a estrutura fatorial hipotética da escala. A con-sistência interna geral foi de a de 0,778 e houve correlações significativas, porém, inferiores a ± 0,799 para os itens dos mesmos constructos e ± 0,499 entre os itens de constructos diferentes. Na AFC, após ajustes na estrutura do modelo, ocorreu a adequação para todos os indicadores (Goodness-of-fit Index: 0,976; Compa-rative Fit Index: 0,937; Normalized Fit Indices: 0,932; Tucker-Lewis Indices: 0,914; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation: 0,047; Root Mean-Square Residual: 0,031; Standardized Root Mean-Square Residual: 0,0337), com a exceção para os valores de p do Qui-quadrado e razão entre Qui-quadrado e graus de liberdade. Conclui-se que a escala "Perfil do Estilo de Vida Individual " em tempos de distanciamento social, mostrou consistência interna e estrutura fatorial satisfatórias para orientar a avaliação do estilo de vida (individual ou de grupos) e as intervenções para promover estilos de vida saudáveis

The neuroprotective effects of pregabalin after cerebral ischemia by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in rats.

Activation of presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels and glutamate release serves a central role in neuronal necrosis after cerebral ischemia. Pregabalin binds to the α2-δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels and results in reduced glutamate release. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of pregabalin on cerebral outcome following cerebral ischemia using an established rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive oral administration of 5 mg/kg pregabalin for 1 day (PD1 group) or 5 days (PD5 group), or an equal amount of normal saline for 1 day (SD1 group) or 5 days (SD5 group) after 1 day of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion. Behavioral tests were assessed at postoperative days 1 and 7. Cerebral infarct volume was measured using a brain MRI scan on days 1 and 7 following surgery. Using immunohistochemistry to detect brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), histologic examinations of perilesional cortex and ipsilateral hippocampus were performed at postoperative day 7. BDNF-positive immunostaining was more abundant in the perilesional cortex of mice of the PD1 group compared with mice of the SD1 group (P=0.001). In the ipsilateral hippocampus, greater BDNF-positive staining was present in the PD5 group compared with the SD5 group (P=0.04). No statistically significant differences were indicated for behavioral tests or cerebral infarct volume between the PD1 and SD1 groups or the PD5 and SD5 groups. In conclusion, treatment with pregabalin beneficially impacts BDNF expression and histologic cerebral outcome in rats after cerebral ischemia.

Effect of Environmental Tobacco Smoke on Children's Anxiety and Behavior in Dental Clinics, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has been linked to behavioral problems, but no study has assessed its relationship with dental anxiety. Therefore, this study's goal is to assess the relation between ETS and both behavioral problems and dental anxiety among children. METHODS: The study sample was collected from two centres in Jeddah from October 2019 to January 2020. Inclusion criteria included healthy 5-16-year-old children having their first dental visit with no emergency complaint. The questionnaire including general information, ETS exposure, the child's anxiety using the Abeer Children Dental Anxiety Scale (ACDAS) and dental behavior using the Frankl Behavioral Rating Scale. RESULTS: Of 500 children, 337 (67.4% response rate) responded to the questionnaire, among whom 201 (59.6%) had been exposed to passive smoking compared to 136 (40.4%) who had not. Exposed children had a statistically significantly greater tendency to develop anxiety (p = 0.002) and demonstrate uncooperative behavior (p = 0.006). Generalized linear mode and binary regression analyses suggested that ETS has a statistically significant effect on children's dental anxiety and behavior (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Children exposed to ETS demonstrated statistically significantly higher anxiety levels and uncooperative behavior in the dental clinic compared to those who were not exposed.

Validation of the French Version of Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised, Short Form in ADHD-Diagnosed Children and Comparison With Control Children.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine measurement invariance and discriminant validity of the French Lausanne version (FLV) of the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised, Short Form (CPRS-R:S) and assess its convergent validity against the ADHD Symptoms Rating Scale (ADHD-SRS) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Method: A confirmatory factor analysis and Tobit models were used in 108 ADHD children (aged 6-17) vs. 794 controls (aged 9-15) and score correlations were examined between FLV and ADHD-SRS then CBCL. Results: The factorial structure and reliability of the FLV is confirmed in ADHD children. The FLV showed configural invariance, metric invariance, and scalar invariance. FLV scores were significantly higher in ADHD than in control children in all three dimensions (p < .001). There were strong correlations between FLV Hyperactivity and Cognitive problems/Inattention scores and ADHD-SRS scores of Impulsivity/Hyperactivity (r = .90) and Inattention (r = .68) and also strong correlations between FLV Opposition score and the CBCL scores of Aggressive behavior (r = .84) and Rule-breaking behavior (r = .66). Conclusion: The study brings support for validation of the FLV regarding invariance in ADHD children, discriminant validity, and convergent validity.

Capturing motivating versus demotivating self-management support: Development and validation of a vignette-based tool grounded in Self-determination Theory.

BACKGROUND: The trend towards more active involvement of patients in the management of their chronic condition requires professionals to interact in a way that facilitates patients' autonomy and motivation. A self-assessment tool that measures simultaneously motivating and demotivating interaction styles in counselling chronic ill patients is currently not available. OBJECTIVES: Grounded in Self-Determination Theory, this study aimed to develop and validate a self-report tool that captures healthcare professionals' motivating (i.e., autonomy-support and structure) and demotivating (i.e., control and chaos) interaction styles while supporting patients towards self-management. METHODS: The Situations In Self-management support - HealthCare Professionals (SIS-HCP) was developed throughout a five-phased psychometric validation study with (1) construct definition, (2) development of the vignette-based questionnaire, (3) ecological validation and piloting, (4) psychometric evaluation (round 1) by multidimensional scaling analysis, and (5) psychometric evaluation (round 2) by internal and construct validity, and reliability testing procedures in 5 independent samples (total N = 1133), between August 2015 and March 2018. RESULTS: Multidimensional scaling analysis provided evidence for a two-dimensional structure, with motivating, relative to demotivating counselling and high, relative to low, directive counselling representing the two axes. Four styles could be distinguished: autonomy-support (rather motivating and non-directive), structure (rather motivating & directive), control (rather demotivating & directive) and chaos (rather demotivating & non-directive) within self-management support. The SIS-HCP demonstrated good construct validity, and high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. CONCLUSION: The SIS-HCP is a vignette-based tool, which allows to explore, in an integrative way, which motivating (i.e., autonomy-support and structure) and demotivating (i.e., control and chaos) styles healthcare professionals use when counselling patients living with a chronic illness. The SIS-HCP might enhance professionals' awareness of their (de)motivating counselling styles and the extent to which they promote ownership among patients. The SIS-HCP represents an interesting addition to existing instruments which measure what professionals do in the field of self-management support, and how confident they feel doing so. The thorough process of development and validation led to a theoretical underpinned tool, with the identified (de)motivating dimensions yielding strong psychometric properties. The SIS-HCP can be used as a reflective tool for professionals and for tailored training.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Brazilian version of the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: Considering the specificity of the sporting context and the influence of sleep on athletic performance, the "athlete sleep behavior questionnare" (ASBQ) was developed to evaluate sleep behavior in English-speaking athletes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the ASBQ in Brazilian athletes. METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation was processed by procedures of translation and back-translation. Content validity was performed by 9 experts, calculating the coefficient of content validity for the equivalence of the individual items (Cvci) and the total global score (Cvct), in addition we conducted a pilot study using the translated version of the questionnaire. The next phase of the study included 52 athletes completing the translated ASBQ. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM) and by Cronbach's alpha (α). RESULTS: The ASBQ passed the process of cross-cultural adaptation, obtaining the Brazilian Version of the ASBQ (ASBQ-BR), and with acceptable values of Cvci (0.89-1.00) and Cvct (0.96). Additionally, the ASBQ-BR showed acceptable values of reliability (ICC=0.857; Cronbach's α=0.78) and a SEM of 3.05 AU. CONCLUSION: The ASBQ was translated to a newly developed ASBQ-BR, resulting in acceptable values for content validity and reliability. The ASBQ-BR provides a valuable tool for monitoring sleep behaviors in Brazilian athletes.