The contribution of executive functions to the process of return to work after brain injury: A systematic review.

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is a worldwide public health issue for its high prevalence rate and the disability it produces. The consequences of ABI, including cognitive deficits, may impact return to work. This review focuses on the association between executive functions (EFs) and return to work after ABI. A systematic review of the literature between 1998 and 2023 was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The articles were retrieved from the Pubmed, Medline and Web of Science databases. A total of 49 studies were finally selected. Impairments of EF were consistently shown to have a negative impact on return to work after an ABI. There is evidence that specific executive functions and neurobehavioral variables may affect return to work Studies showed a significant theoretical and methodological heterogeneity, representing an important limitation to understand the relation between EFs and work. There is a robust association between EFs and return to work after brain injury. Findings in this systematic review raise the need for further research on the role of specific EF profiles in the process of returning to work after brain damage.

Standardization and diagnostic utility of the Frontal Assessment Battery for healthy people and patients with dementia in the Chilean population.

The Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) is a screening test that measures executive functions. Although this instrument has been validated in several countries, its diagnostic utility in a Chilean population has not been studied yet. Objectives: This study aimed to (1) adapt FAB in a Chilean population; (2) study the psychometric properties of the FAB in a Chilean population; (3) assess the sociodemographic influence in the performance of the FAB in a sample of healthy controls (HC); and (4) develop normative data for this healthy group. Methods: A HC (n=344) and a group of patients with dementia (n=156) were assessed with the Chilean version of FAB. Results: FAB showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.79) and acceptable validity based on the relationship with other variables. Factor analysis showed the unidimensionality of the instrument. Significant differences were found in the total FAB value between the HC and dementia groups. With the matched sample, the established cutoff point was 13.5, showing a sensitivity of 80.8% and a specificity of 90.4%. Regression analysis showed that education and age significantly predicted FAB performance in the healthy group. Finally, normative data are provided. Conclusions: This study shows that FAB is a useful tool to discriminate between healthy people and people with dementia. However, further studies are needed to explore the capacity of the instrument to characterize the dysexecutive syndrome in people with dementia in the Chilean population.

A Bateria de Avaliação Frontal (FAB) é um teste de rastreio que mede as funções executivas. Embora esse instrumento tenha sido validado em vários países, sua utilidade diagnóstica em uma população chilena ainda não foi estudada. Objetivos: (1) Adaptar a FAB para uma população chilena; (2) estudar as propriedades psicométricas da FAB em uma população chilena; (3) avaliar a influência sociodemográfica no desempenho da FAB em uma amostra de controles saudáveis; e (4) desenvolver dados normativos para este último grupo. Métodos: Um grupo controle saudável (n=344) e um grupo de pacientes com demência (n=156) foram avaliados com a versão chilena da FAB. Resultados: A FAB apresentou boa consistência interna (alfa de Cronbach=0,79) e validade aceitável com base na relação com outras variáveis. A análise fatorial mostrou a unidimensionalidade do instrumento. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas no valor total da FAB entre os grupos controle saudável e demência. Com a amostra pareada, o ponto de corte estabelecido foi de 13,5, que apresentou sensibilidade de 80,8% e especificidade de 90,4%. A análise de regressão mostrou que a escolaridade e a idade predisseram significativamente o desempenho da FAB no grupo saudável. Finalmente, os dados normativos são fornecidos. Conclusões: O presente estudo mostrou que a FAB é uma ferramenta útil para discriminar entre pessoas saudáveis e aquelas com demência. No entanto, mais estudos são necessários para explorar a capacidade do instrumento para caracterizar a síndrome disexecutiva em pessoas com demência na população chilena.

Social isolation after acquired brain injury: Exploring the relationship between network size, functional support, loneliness and mental health.

Social isolation can be a consequence of acquired brain injury (ABI). Few studies have examined the relationship between social isolation and mental health after ABI. In this cross-sectional and case-control study, we compared 51 ABI survivors and 51 matched healthy controls on measures of social isolation (network size, social support and loneliness) mental health and mental health problems. We explored the relationship between structural, functional and subjective components of social isolation and examined whether they were associated with mental health outcomes. No group differences were found on size of the network and perceived social support. The ABI group exhibited marginally higher levels of loneliness. The ABI group presented higher levels of depression, lower levels of quality of life and emotional wellbeing. In both groups, perception of social support was inversely related to subjective experience of loneliness. The relationship between network size and loneliness was only significant in the ABI group. Only loneliness significantly predicted quality of life, emotional wellbeing, depression and anxiety in people with brain injury. The relationship between social isolation variables in ABI is discussed, as well as the theoretical and clinical implications of focusing on loneliness to improve mental health after brain injury.

Functionalization of Gold Nanostars with Cationic ß-Cyclodextrin-Based Polymer for Drug Co-Loading and SERS Monitoring.

Gold nanostars (AuNSs) exhibit modulated plasmon resonance and have a high SERS enhancement factor. However, their low colloidal stability limits their biomedical application as a nanomaterial. Cationic ß-cyclodextrin-based polymer (CCD/P) has low cytotoxicity, can load and transport drugs more efficiently than the corresponding monomeric form, and has an appropriate cationic group to stabilize gold nanoparticles. In this work, we functionalized AuNSs with CCD/P to load phenylethylamine (PhEA) and piperine (PIP) and evaluated SERS-based applications of the products. PhEA and PIP were included in the polymer and used to functionalize AuNSs, forming a new AuNS-CCD/P-PhEA-PIP nanosystem. The system was characterized by UV-VIS, IR, and NMR spectroscopy, TGA, SPR, DLS, zeta potential analysis, FE-SEM, and TEM. Additionally, Raman optical activity, SERS analysis and complementary theoretical studies were used for characterization. Minor adjustments increased the colloidal stability of AuNSs. The loading capacity of the CCD/P with PhEA-PIP was 95 ± 7%. The physicochemical parameters of the AuNS-CCD/P-PhEA-PIP system, such as size and Z potential, are suitable for potential biomedical applications Raman and SERS studies were used to monitor PhEA and PIP loading and their preferential orientation upon interaction with the surface of AuNSs. This unique nanomaterial could be used for simultaneous drug loading and SERS-based detection.

Revisión de dos instrumentos de simulación neurocognitiva y su utilidad en el contexto forense / Review of the neurocognitive malingering instrument and its useful in a forensic contex

Gran parte de la precisión de la evaluación neuropsicológica, depende que los instrumentos que utiliza, sean medidas estandarizadas, válidas y confiables. Sin embargo, la simulación, la exageración y el bajo esfuerzo son aspectos que pueden interferir en los resultados de los test. El objetivo de esta revisión pretende describir y analizar dos instrumentos en el contexto de la Neuropsicología Forense que evalúan simulación de síntomas cognitivos: el Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) y el Victoria Symptoms Validity Test (VSVT). Se realizó una búsqueda dirigida no exhaustiva, en diversas bases de datos y libros afines. El criterio de inclusión fue la utilización o revisión de los test. Se seleccionaron 68 trabajos publicados. Cada uno de los cuales fue analizado en base a las características técnicas de los instrumentos. La revisión ha demostrado que el TOMM y el VSVT son instrumentos pertinentes para valorar simulación y exageración de sintomatología cognitiva. Estos instrumentos cuentan con un cúmulo de investigaciones que avalan sus propiedades, pero también las limitaciones y restricciones de su utilización.

Most of the accuracy in neuropsychological assessment depends that the instruments used are standardized, valid and reliable measures. However, malingering, exaggeration and poor effort are aspects that can interfere with the interpretation of the results. The aim of this review was to describe and analyze two instruments in the context of forensic neuropsychology that assess malingering of cognitive symptoms: Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM) and Victoria Symptoms ValidityTest (VSVT). Several scientific databases and related books were searched non-exhaustively. The criterion for inclusion in this review was the use of test. We selected 68 documents, each one was analyzed based on the technical characteristics of the instruments. Review showed that the TOMM and VSVT are relevant instruments for assessing malingering and exaggeration of cognitive symptoms. These instruments have several evidence that support their psychometric properties but also limitations and restrictions on their use.

Vibrational and scaled quantum chemical study of O,O-dimethyl S-methylcarbamoylmethyl phosphorodithioate, dimethoate.

Infrared and Raman spectra of O,O-dimethyl S-methylcarbamoylmethylphosphorodithioate, dimethoate, have been recorded. Density functional theory, DFT, with the B3LYP functional was used for the optimization of the ground state geometry and simulation of the infrared and Raman spectra of this molecule. Calculated geometrical parameters fit very well with the experimental ones. Based on the recorded data, the DFT results and a normal coordinate analysis based on a scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) force field approach, a complete vibrational assignment was made for the first time.

Raman study of the shockwave effect on collagens.

The Raman spectra (1800-200 cm(-1)) of isolated dried collagen types I and III were recorded at different times after shockwave (SW) application in aqueous media. SWs were applied in a single session. One week after the SW application the vibrational data analysis indicates changes in the conformation of the collagens; orientational changes are also inferred. During the next three weeks collagens tended to recover the conformation and orientation existing before SW application.

Percepción parental temprana y experiencias del desarrollo en violadores / Perception of earlier parental relationship and developmental experiences in rapists

El estudio tiene como objetivo explorar si la percepción parental y grado de adaptación temprana en un grupo de violadores se relaciona con la experiencia temprana de agresión física y sexual o haber convivido en un entorno familiar disfuncional. La investigación se realizó en una muestra de 42 reos condenados por el delito de violación cumpliendo condena en el Centro de Detención Preventivo Santiago Sur (Chile). Se aplicó a los participantes una entrevista semi-estructurada creada para este estudio, recopilándose antecedentes sociodemográficos, biográficos y de sus relaciones interpersonales tempranas. Los datos configuran un entorno familiar disfuncional marcado por el alcoholismo, violencia intrafamiliar y delincuencia. El abuso sexual es ligeramente más frecuente que en población general, y se observan altas tasas de abuso físico y psicológico, experiencias que se relacionan significativamente con la percepción parental. Los datos concuerdan con los hallazgos que encuentran disfunciones parentales en las familias de origen de agresores sexuales. En este sentido, la experiencia temprana para el futuro agresor no se manifiesta específicamente por la presencia de agresión sexual, sino por un contexto generalizado de abuso físico y psicológico.

Explore the perception of earlier parental relationship and early adaptability in convicted rapist and his relationship with sexual and physical abuse or dysfunctional family environments. The study was carry out in a Sample of 42 confined rapists in the Module B of the Preventive Detention Center of Southern Santiago, Chile. A semi-structured interview was created for this study, allowing us to compile socio-demographic, biographic, and early interpersonal relationship backgrounds. Data shows a family history of alcoholism, domestic violence and criminal behavior. Sexually abused is slightly superior to the general population but the physical and psychological mistreatment is generalized in this sample. Both experiences were significantly related with abusive early parental perception. These results are consistent with several investigations on parental dysfunctions, among sex-offenders families. The early experience of the future aggressor is not showed by the specific presence of sexual abuse but a generalized context of abuse.

Immunodominant role of CCHA subunit of Concholepas hemocyanin is associated with unique biochemical properties.

Hemocyanin, the oxygen transporter metallo-glycoprotein from mollusks, shows strong relationship between its notable structural features and intrinsic immunomodulatory effects. Here we investigated the individual contribution of CCHA and CCHB subunits from Concholepas hemocyanin (CCH) to in vivo humoral immune response and their pre-clinical evaluation as immunotherapeutic agent in a mice bladder cancer model, in relation to their biochemical properties. To this end, subunits were purified and well characterized. Homogeneous subunits were obtained by anionic exchange chromatography, and its purity assessed by electrophoretic and immunochemical methods. While each CCH subunit contains eight functional units showing partial cross reaction, the vibrational spectral analysis showed several spectral differences, suggesting structural differences between them. In addition, we demonstrated differences in the carbohydrate content: CCHA had a 3.6% w/w sugar with both N- and O-linked moieties. In turn, CCHB had a 2.5% w/w sugar with N-linked, while O-linked moieties were nearly absent. Considering these differences, it was not possible to predict a priori whether the immunogenic and immunotherapeutic properties of subunits might be similar. Surprisingly, both subunits by itself induced a humoral response, and showed an antitumor effect in the bladder carcinoma cell line MBT-2. However, when immunologic parameters were analyzed, CCHA showed better efficiency than CCHB. No allergic reactions or any toxic effects were observed in mice treated with CCHA, sustaining its potential therapeutic use. Our study supports that CCHA subunit accounts for the most important features involved in the immunogenicity of CCH, such as better hydrophilicity and higher content of carbohydrates.

Seasonal variation of sexual abuse in Santiago de Chile.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal variations of sexual crime have been seldom studied in the world. Santiago, a city situated at 33 degrees south latitude with a well defined four season climate, has a reliable forensic registry, providing a good opportunity for the assessment of seasonality in this type of crime. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After studying monthly records of sexual abuse from the registry of the Servicio Médico Legal of Santiago between 1990 and 2001, a ratio of observed to expected monthly frequency was obtained, allowing the assessment of the seasonal character of the phenomenon. RESULTS: A total number of 11,844 cases of sexual abuse were recorded during 12 years of the study. Statistically significant differences could be demonstrated between spring and autumn, with a peak in November and a nadir in June. CONCLUSIONS: A distinct seasonal pattern can be set forth for sexual abuse in Santiago, Chile.