Computerized adaptive test strategies for the matrix reasoning subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 4th Edition (WAIS-IV).

OBJECTIVE: Most neuropsychological tests were developed without the benefit of modern psychometric theory. We used item response theory (IRT) methods to determine whether a widely used test - the 26-item Matrix Reasoning subtest of the WAIS-IV - might be used more efficiently if it were administered using computerized adaptive testing (CAT). METHOD: Data on the Matrix Reasoning subtest from 2197 participants enrolled in the National Neuropsychology Network (NNN) were analyzed using a two-parameter logistic (2PL) IRT model. Simulated CAT results were generated to examine optimal short forms using fixed-length CATs of 3, 6, and 12 items and scores were compared to the original full subtest score. CAT models further explored how many items were needed to achieve a selected precision of measurement (standard error ≤ .40). RESULTS: The fixed-length CATs of 3, 6, and 12 items correlated well with full-length test results (with r = .90, .97 and .99, respectively). To achieve a standard error of .40 (approximate reliability = .84) only 3-7 items had to be administered for a large percentage of individuals. CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-concept investigation suggests that the widely used Matrix Reasoning subtest of the WAIS-IV might be shortened by more than 70% in most examinees while maintaining acceptable measurement precision. If similar savings could be realized in other tests, the accessibility of neuropsychological assessment might be markedly enhanced, and more efficient time use could lead to broader subdomain assessment.

Occurrence of depression and assessment of functional capacity in patients with vascular diseases admitted to a Vascular Surgery Service.

Background: Vascular diseases are associated with significant sequelae and clinical repercussions for the lives of affected patients, which are more serious among the elderly. The consequences of vascular disease, such as limb loss, chronic pain, prolonged hospitalization, and polypharmacy, reduce these patients' autonomy and independence, influencing their wellbeing and quality of life. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression and assess functional capacity in patients with vascular diseases admitted to a Vascular Surgery Service. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study, carried out at the Vascular Surgery Service of a tertiary hospital with a non-random sample of patients selected consecutively. The geriatric depression scale short form (GDS-15) was used to assess depression and the Katz scale was used for functional assessment. Results: The prevalence of depression in these patients was 60.6%. Associations were observed between depression and consultation with a family doctor in the last 12 months, alcoholism, claudication, diabetes, and individuals who had had an amputation. Individuals' Katz index functional capacity scores were significantly associated with sociodemographic variables, conditions related to vascular disease, and hospitalization. Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of depression in patients with vascular diseases admitted to a vascular surgery service and important reductions in functional capacity in some groups, such as individuals with low educational levels, those who had chronic pain in the lower limbs, patients with diabetes, and those who had had an amputation.

Ocorrência de depressão e avaliação da capacidade funcional em pacientes com doenças vasculares internados em um serviço de cirurgia vascular / Occurrence of depression and assessment of functional capacity in patients with vascular diseases admitted to a Vascular Surgery Service

Resumo Contexto As doenças vasculares estão associadas a importantes sequelas e repercussões clínicas nas vidas dos pacientes acometidos e, em maior relevância, entre os idosos. Consequências da doença vascular como a perda de um membro, dor crônica, internamentos prolongados e a polifarmácia geram, nesses pacientes, perda de autonomia e um grau de dependência, que vão influenciar o bem-estar e a qualidade de vida. Objetivos Determinar a ocorrência de depressão e avaliar a capacidade funcional em pacientes com doenças vasculares internados em um serviço de cirurgia vascular. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo observacional, transversal, prospectivo, realizado no serviço de cirurgia vascular de um hospital terciário, com uma amostra não aleatória selecionada de forma consecutiva. Para avaliar a depressão, foi utilizada a escala de depressão geriátrica resumida e, para a avaliação funcional do indivíduo, foi utilizada a escala de Katz. Resultados A prevalência de depressão nesses pacientes foi de 60,6%. Foi observada associação entre depressão e: consulta com médico do Programa de Estratégia de Saúde da Família nos últimos 12 meses, etilismo, claudicação, diabetes e indivíduos que sofreram amputação. Já em relação à capacidade funcional do indivíduo avaliado através do índice de Katz, ocorreram associações significativas entre variáveis sociodemográficas, condições relacionadas a doença vascular e internamento. Conclusões Existem uma alta prevalência de depressão em pacientes com doenças vasculares internados em um serviço de cirurgia vascular e uma redução importante da capacidade funcional em alguns grupos, como os indivíduos de baixa escolaridade, os que sentiam dor crônica nos membros inferiores, os diabéticos e aqueles que sofreram amputação.

Abstract Background Vascular diseases are associated with significant sequelae and clinical repercussions for the lives of affected patients, which are more serious among the elderly. The consequences of vascular disease, such as limb loss, chronic pain, prolonged hospitalization, and polypharmacy, reduce these patients' autonomy and independence, influencing their wellbeing and quality of life. Objectives To determine the prevalence of depression and assess functional capacity in patients with vascular diseases admitted to a Vascular Surgery Service. Methods This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study, carried out at the Vascular Surgery Service of a tertiary hospital with a non-random sample of patients selected consecutively. The geriatric depression scale short form (GDS-15) was used to assess depression and the Katz scale was used for functional assessment. Results The prevalence of depression in these patients was 60.6%. Associations were observed between depression and consultation with a family doctor in the last 12 months, alcoholism, claudication, diabetes, and individuals who had had an amputation. Individuals' Katz index functional capacity scores were significantly associated with sociodemographic variables, conditions related to vascular disease, and hospitalization. Conclusions There was a high prevalence of depression in patients with vascular diseases admitted to a vascular surgery service and important reductions in functional capacity in some groups, such as individuals with low educational levels, those who had chronic pain in the lower limbs, patients with diabetes, and those who had had an amputation.

Foundational Study on the Simple Detection of Impairment Resulting in Dangerous Driving in Patients with Higher Brain Dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: We performed a survey of medical records to reveal the cognitive deficits behind dangerous driving in patients with higher brain dysfunction. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with higher brain dysfunction were included in this study. Patients' basic characteristics, neuropsychological test results, scores on two types of driving aptitude tests, and accident/near miss data from a driving simulator were extracted from medical records. We conducted χ2 tests for independence between comprehensive driving aptitude scores and "traffic accidents" / "being prohibited from driving as defined by the number of traffic accidents and near misses." Backward logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess correlations of "traffic accidents" and "being prohibited from driving as defined by the number of traffic accidents and near misses" with neuropsychological test scores. RESULTS: No significant correlation was observed between the comprehensive driving aptitude score and "traffic accidents" / "being prohibited from driving as defined by the number of traffic accidents and near misses." The score on the Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices test was the only factor identified as a significant predictor of "being prohibited from driving as defined by the number of traffic accidents and near misses." CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that it is important to focus on the decline in problem-solving ability as a predictor of "being prohibited from driving as defined by the number of traffic accidents and near misses."

Physical fitness tests as a requirement for physical performance improvement in officers in the military police of the state of Paraná, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Physical fitness is crucial for the work of military police officers. Over time, officers show a substantial decrease in physical fitness. State military officers must undergo a physical fitness test every year, but prior to 2015, failure on this test had no impact on career advancement. State Law No. 18.659/2015 included passage of the physical fitness test as a requirement for promotion for officers in the Paraná military police (Polícia Militar do Paraná). OBJECTIVES: To verify whether the obligation to undergo the physical fitness test had any effects on the physical performance of military police officers. METHODS: The physical fitness tests results from 2016-2019 (n = 1705) were entered into an electronic spreadsheet and stratified by year. The spreadsheet included scores on individual tests (shuttle run, upper body and 12-minute run) as well as the sum total across all tests. Then, descriptive statistics, normality test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, and post-hoc comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed on all variables in the physical fitness test when compared between the years of 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Mean scores on the shuttle run (96.91 ± 7.54) and upper body tests (82.60 ± 24.81) were highest in 2019, while the mean score on the 12-minute run test was highest in 2017 (60.33 ± 28.38). The effect size of these differences (r) was small. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence suggests that the inclusion of the physical fitness test as a requirement for promotion can contribute to the improvement of physical performance in military police officers.

Predictors of students' academic achievements in allied health professions at King Saud University: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The admissions criteria for colleges of medicine and allied health professions include several cognitive predictors. Little is known of the admissions criteria for the allied health professions and their correlation with students' academic performance. This study investigates predictors for students' academic achievements at allied health colleges at King Saud University. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: College of Applied Medical Sciences, College of Nursing, and Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz College for Emergency Medical Services, Saudi Arabia. PARTICIPANTS: The sample comprised 1634 students. METHOD: The high school grade average (HSGA), aptitude test (APT) score, achievement test (ACT) score, and current grade point average (GPA) were retrieved. The data were analysed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and regression analysis. RESULTS: HSGA, ACT, and APT were significantly positively associated with students' academic performance in colleges for all allied health professions. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the most predictive variable for all allied healthcare professions was HSGA (ß = 0.347), followed by ACT (ß = 0.270) and APT (ß = 0.053) scores. The regression model indicated that the HSGA, APT, and ACT together predicted 26.5% of the variation in students' cumulative GPAs at the time of graduation. CONCLUSION: The admissions criteria for the allied health colleges at King Saud University predicted only 26.5% of the students' cumulative GPA at the time of graduation. Other noncognitive admission criteria should be taken into consideration to improve the prediction of students' academic potential.

Investigating Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) results as predictors for preclinical and clinical scores in dental school.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to determine whether 2 current admission criteria, the perceptual ability test (PAT) and the manual dexterity test (MDT) can predict success in dental school within the Université de Montréal population. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the records of 854 students who graduated between 2005 and 2015. For each student, PAT and MDT scores were compared to 5 preclinical and 3 clinical classes using the Pearson correlation coefficient and regression models. T-tests were used to compare students above and below a 5-point increase in cut-off scores (PAT = 15, MDT = 10). RESULTS: The strongest relationship was found to be between PAT and preclinical scores (r = 0.329, P < 0.01). The regression analysis determined that gender, PAT and MDT predicted more of the variability of preclinical (12.7%) than of clinical scores (2.7%). Students scoring ≥10 on the MDT performed better in preclinical and clinical courses, and those scoring ≥15 on the PAT performed better in preclinical courses. However, when comparing these students to the entire group, only those scoring ≥15 on PAT differed from the group's average for preclinical scores (P = 0.029). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest the PAT and MDT have some power in predicting success in preclinical, and to a lesser extent clinical courses, and supports their use as criteria in the admissions process. There is some evidence that suggests that increasing the cut-off score may decrease the number of students with difficulties in preclinical courses.

Prueba de caminata de seis minutos ¿es posible predecir el consumo de oxígeno en personas con patologías? Una revisión bibliográfica / Six-Minute Walk Test. Is It Possible to Predict Oxygen Consumption in People with Pathologies? A Bibliographic Review / Teste de caminhada seis minutos. É possível prever o consumo de oxigênio em pessoas com patologia? Uma revisão bibliográfica

Resumen La prueba de caminata de seis minutos (PC6M) consiste en recorrer la mayor distancia posible y se caracteriza por ser una prueba de fácil realización. El objetivo de esta revisión fue examinar la relación entre las variables de distancia recorrida, patologías cardíacas, pulmonares y el consumo de oxígeno de una prueba de criterio en cinta rodante y/o cicloergómetro, y las ecuaciones de predicción del VO2 en la PC6M de Maldonado e Ingle (2006), Vanhelst (2013) y Costa (2017) para personas con patologías. El manuscrito es una revisión bibliográfica que utilizó las bases de datos Scopus y WOS, con artículos en inglés, español y portugués entre 2000 y 2017. La distancia es la variable que más se midió y que más se asoció con el VO2, encontrándose correlaciones significativas con valores de 0.01 hasta 0.8, las patologías más relacionadas con el VO2 máx. fueron la hipertensión pulmonar, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva, insuficiencia cardíaca, disfunción sistólica ventricular y accidente cerebro-vascular y el cicloergómetro fue el más utilizado en las pruebas de criterio de VO2 máx. Solo una ecuación fue elaborada para niños que eran obesos la que incluyó distancia e IMC (Vanhelst), otra ecuación fue para adultos con enfermedad cardíaca que además incluía el sexo (Costa), una en pacientes con disfunción sistólica ventricular que aparte incorporó la edad, volumen espiratorio y hemoglobina (Ingle) y otra fórmula fue para adultos con insuficiencia cardíaca que consideró la distancia (Maldonado). Se sugiere utilizar la ecuación más apropiada y elaborar modelos predictivos para personas con diversas características.

Abstract The six-minute walk test (SMWT) consists of walking as far as possible and is characterized by being an easy test to perform. This paper examines the relationship between the variables of distance traveled, cardiac and pulmonary pathologies, and the oxygen consumption of a criterion test on treadmill and/or cycle ergometer, and the prediction equations of VO2 in the SMWT of Maldonado and Ingle (2006), Vanhelst (2013) and Costa (2017) for people with pathologies. The paper is a bibliographic review that used the Scopus and WOS databases containing articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese, published between 2000 and 2017. Distance is the variable that was most measured, and it was most associated with VO2; correlations with values from 0.01 to 0.8 were found. The pathologies most related to VO2 max were pulmonary hypertension, obstructive pulmonary disease, and ventricular heart failure and stroke; and the cycle ergometer was the most commonly used in the VO2 max criterion tests. Only one equation was created for children who were obese; it included distance and BMI (Vanhelst). Another equation was generated for adults with heart disease that also included sex (Costa). Besides, one equation was for patients with ventricular systolic dysfunction that also incorporated age, volume expiratory and hemoglobin (Ingle); another one was created for adults with heart failure, and this formula considered the distance (Maldonado). It is suggested to use the most appropriate equation and create predictive models for people with different characteristics.

Resumo O teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6M) consiste em andar o mais longe possível e é caracterizado como um teste fácil. O objetivo desta revisão foi examinar a relação entre as variáveis distância percorrida, patologias cardíacas, pulmonares e o consumo de oxigênio de um teste de critério em esteira e/ou ciclo ergômetro, e as equações de predição do VO 2 no TC6M de Maldonado e Ingle (2006), Vanhelst (2013) e Costa (2017) para pessoas com patologias. O manuscrito é uma revisão bibliográfica que utilizou as bases de dados Scopus e WOS, com artigos em inglês, espanhol e português entre 2000 e 2017. A distância é a variável mais medida e mais associada ao VO 2, encontrando correlações significativas com valores de 0,01 a 0,8, as patologias mais relacionadas ao VO 2 max. foram a hipertensão pulmonar, doença pulmonar obstrutiva, insuficiência cardíaca, disfunção sistólica ventricular e acidente vascular encefálico e o ciclo ergômetro foi o mais utilizado nos testes do critério VO 2 max. Apenas uma equação foi desenvolvida para crianças obesas, que incluíram distância e IMC (Vanhelst), outra equação foi para adultos com doença cardíaca que também incluiu sexo (Coast), uma em pacientes com disfunção sistólica ventricular que incorporaram a idade, volume expiratório e hemoglobina (Ingle) e outra fórmula foi para adultos com insuficiência cardíaca que considerou a distância (Maldonado). Sugere-se utilizar a equação mais adequada e desenvolver modelos preditivos para pessoas com características diversas.

Avaliação do ensino e aprendizagem de noções básicas de tratamento de queimados entre alunos do curso de medicina / Assessment of teaching and learning burn treatment basics among medical students

Introdução: Agravo de grande importância biopsicossocial, queimadura é um tema crucial na formação médica, uma vez que recém-formados se deparam com pacientes que sofreram queimaduras nos mais variados cenários profissionais. Métodos: Este estudo avaliou o ensino e a aprendizagem do tema queimaduras em alunos do curso de Medicina de uma faculdade pública do Estado de São Paulo; foi aplicado um questionário específico para avaliar o conhecimento sobre o atendimento inicial ao paciente queimado na primeira série (grupo 1 - 54 estudantes), e na sexta série (grupo 2 - 60 estudantes). Resultados: Observou-se, no grupo 1, grande desconhecimento sobre o tema, com média geral de desconhecimento ("erros") de 70,98% e de acertos de 29,02%; no grupo 2, essas taxas foram de 36,66 % e 63,34 %, respectivamente. Somente 63,34% dos alunos do sexto ano conseguiriam conduzir adequadamente o tratamento de um paciente queimado e, consequentemente, oferecer a este paciente um melhor prognóstico. Conclusões: Os dados são preocupantes, uma vez que não se verificou conhecimento nem preparo adequados dos formandos para atendimento de pacientes queimados, e que queimaduras são situações de emergência que exigem intervenção médica rápida, adequada e eficiente, a fim de reduzir a morbimortalidade das vítimas.

Introduction: Burns, an injury of high biopsychosocial importance, are a crucial issue in medical training, and newly graduated students face burn patients in a variety of professional settings. Methods: This study assessed the teaching and learning of burns among medical students at a public facility in the State of São Paulo; a specific questionnaire was applied to evaluate first year (Group 1: 54 students) and sixth year (Group 2: 60 students) medical students' knowledge about the initial care of burn patients. Results: In Group 1, there was a substantial lack of knowledge about the subject, with a general average incorrect answer rate ("errors") of 70.98% and a correct answer rate of 29.02%; in Group 2, these rates were 36.66% and 63.34%, respectively. Only 63.34% of the sixth-year students would be able to adequately conduct the treatment of a burn patient, gauged by their ability to offer a patient a better prognosis. Conclusions: The data are disturbing, since adequate knowledge and preparation of the trainees for the care of burn patients has not been verified, and burns are emergency situations that require prompt, adequate, and efficient medical intervention to reduce patients' morbidity and mortality.

Falls and their association with physical tests, functional capacity, clinical and demographic factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence of falls reported by rheumatoid arthritis patients and its relation to disease activity, functional capacity and physical fitness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study constituted by a sample of 97 rheumatoid arthritis patients from the city of Marília (SP) from 2012 to 2013, were assessed for disease activity. Instruments validated for Brazilian population in order to evaluate physical and functional capacity were used. Data analysis was carried out with descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation and Chi-squared test, considering p<0.05. RESULTS: 88.7% were female subjects with a mean age of 56 (±11.7) years. The median duration of rheumatoid arthritis was 10 years (P25=6 and P75=17) and the mean of disease activity was 3.6 (±1.3), what was considered a moderate activity. In the last 12 months 37.1% of patients experienced at least one fall, with a total of 52 episodes, and fear of falling was reported by 74.2% of them, but this was not associated to the occurrence of a fall (χ2=1.19, p=0.27). Gender, number of medications, age, disease activity, duration of rheumatoid arthritis, functional capacity, and physical tests showed no associations with history of falls in the past year. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the occurrence of falls and the fear of falling are quite common in this population. The occurrence of falls in this sample of rheumatoid arthritis patients bears no relation to disease activity, functional capacity, or physical fitness tests.

Falls and their association with physical tests, functional capacity, clinical and demographic factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis / Ocorrência de quedas e sua associação com testes físicos, capacidade funcional e aspectos clínicos e demográficos em pacientes com artrite reumatoide

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the occurrence of falls reported by rheumatoid arthritis patients and its relation to disease activity, functional capacity and physical fitness. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study constituted by a sample of 97 rheumatoid arthritis patients from the city of Marília (SP) from 2012 to 2013, were assessed for disease activity. Instruments validated for Brazilian population in order to evaluate physical and functional capacity were used. Data analysis was carried out with descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation and Chi-squared test, considering p < 0.05. Results: 88.7% were female subjects with a mean age of 56 (±11.7) years. The median duration of rheumatoid arthritis was 10 years (P25 = 6 and P75 = 17) and the mean of disease activity was 3.6 (±1.3), what was considered a moderate activity. In the last 12 months 37.1% of patients experienced at least one fall, with a total of 52 episodes, and fear of falling was reported by 74.2% of them, but this was not associated to the occurrence of a fall (χ 2 = 1.19, p = 0.27). Gender, number of medications, age, disease activity, duration of rheumatoid arthritis, functional capacity, and physical tests showed no associations with history of falls in the past year. Conclusion: It was observed that the occurrence of falls and the fear of falling are quite common in this population. The occurrence of falls in this sample of rheumatoid arthritis patients bears no relation to disease activity, functional capacity, or physical fitness tests.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a ocorrência de quedas reportadas por pacientes com artrite reumatoide (AR) e sua associação com a atividade da doença, capacidade funcional e aptidão física. Material e métodos: Estudo transversal com uma amostra de 97 pacientes com AR em Marília (SP), entre 2012 e 2013. Foram usados instrumentos validados na população brasileira para avaliar capacidade física e funcional. Análise dos dados com estatística descritiva, correlações de Spearman e qui-quadrado, considerado p < 0,05. Resultados: Dos pacientes, 88% eram mulheres, média de 56, anos (± 11,7), duração mediana da AR de 10 anos (P25 = 6 e P75 = 17) e média da atividade da doença 3,6 (± 1,3). Nos últimos 12 meses, 37,1% tiveram pelo menos uma queda (total 52 episódios), 74,2% relataram medo de cair, porém sem associação com a ocorrência de quedas (χ2 = 1,19, p = 0,27). Sexo, quantidade de medicamentos, idade, atividade da doença, duração da AR, capacidade funcional e testes físicos não estão associados com história de queda no último ano. Conclusões: Observou-se que a ocorrência de quedas e o medo de cair é frequente nessa população. A ocorrência de quedas nessa amostra de pacientes com AR não está relacionada à atividade da doença, à capacidade funcional e a testes de aptidão física.

The n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation Improved the Cognitive Function in the Chinese Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) may protect against mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, there is still a lack of the n-3 PUFAs intervention in the elderly with MCI in China. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on cognitive function in the Chinese elderly with MCI. METHODS: Eighty six MCI individuals aged 60 years or older were randomly assigned to receive either n-3 PUFAs (480 mg DHA and 720 mg EPA per day, n = 44) or placebo (olive oil, n = 42) capsules. The changes of cognitive functions were assessed using Basic Cognitive Aptitude Tests (BCAT). RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 71 years old, and 59% of the participants were men. n-3 PUFA supplementation was associated with improved total BCAT scores, perceptual speed, space imagery efficiency, and working memory (p < 0.01), but not with mental arithmetic efficiency or recognition memory (p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis by sex showed that n-3 PUFAs significantly improved perceptual speed (p = 0.001), space imagery efficiency (p = 0.013), working memory (p = 0.018), and total BCAT scores (p = 0.000) in males. However, in females, the significant beneficial effects can only be observed in perceptual speed (p = 0.027), space imagery efficiency (p = 0.006), and total BCAT scores (p = 0.015)-not working memory (p = 0.113). CONCLUSION: n-3 PUFAs can improve cognitive function in people with MCI. Further studies with different fish oil dosages, longer intervention periods, and larger sample sizes should be investigated before definite recommendations can be made.

The construct validity of HPAT-Ireland for the selection of medical students: unresolved issues and future research implications.

Aptitude tests are widely used in selection. However, despite certain advantages their use remains controversial. This paper aims to critically appraise five sources of evidence for the construct validity of the Health Professions Admission Test (HPAT)-Ireland, an aptitude test used for selecting undergraduate medical students. The objectives are to identify gaps in the evidence, draw comparisons with other aptitude tests and outline future research directions. Our appraisal of the literature found that stakeholder feedback indicates that there is reasonable evidence for test content validity for two of the three sections of HPAT-Ireland. By contrast the Non-Verbal Reasoning section is widely criticised as having limited relevance to medical school performance and future clinical practice. In terms of concurrent validity there is a significant small to medium, negative correlation with school exit examinations, but not consistently so across all studies (r = -0.18, -0.28, 0.017). Likewise predictive validity studies vary, from negative to moderate strength correlations with examination performance during early years at medical school. Five studies indicate that HPAT-Ireland is supported in principle by the majority of stakeholders. While one consequence of its introduction is that successful applicants are now coming from more diverse academic backgrounds, there is no evidence that the socio-economic background of medical school entrants has been altered significantly. Negative perceptions of unfairness relating to gender, coaching and socio-economics remain. The evidence to date suggests that while there are slight gender differences, initially favouring males, these vary year on year. In conclusion, the attitudes towards, and performance of, HPAT-Ireland is not unlike that of other aptitude tests widely used internationally. The main justifications for its introduction have been achieved, in that Ireland no longer relies exclusively on a single measure of academic record for selection to medical school. However a number of areas require further research and exploration.

The Pilot Aptitude Tester e a seleção de pilotos / The Pilot Aptitude Tester and the pilot selection / The Pilot Aptitude Tester y la Selección de Pilotos

Desde a Primeira Guerra Mundial, há um grande investimento na seleção de pilotos militares por parte das Forças Aéreas com o intuito de diminuir os altos custos envolvidos na formação do piloto militar por meio da diminuição do atrito (fracasso) na instrução aérea. Porém, foi na Segunda Guerra Mundial que os testes psicológicos, que mensuravam aptidões psicomotoras e cognitivas, passaram a ser mais efetivos em predizer a aptidão para a pilotagem, contribuindo para a diminuição do atrito encontrado nas instruções aéreas. Um dos poucos testes psicológicos construídos especialmente para a seleção de pilotos é o The Pilot Aptitude Tester (PILAPT), uma bateria de seis testes que avaliam aptidões psicomotoras e cognitivas voltadas para a atividade aérea, adquirido pela Força Aérea Brasileira para ser inserido em sua seleção de pilotos militares.(AU)

Since World War I, the Air Forces has made a major investment in the selection of military pilots with the purpose of reducing the high costs involved in military pilot training by reducing attrition (failure) in flight instruction. But it was in World War II that psychological tests that assess psychomotor and cognitive abilities became more effective in predicting aptitude for piloting, contributing to the reduction of attrition found in flight instructions. One of the few psychological tests designed for selecting pilots is The Pilot Aptitude Tester (PILAPT), a series of six tests that assess cognitive and psychomotor abilities with regard to flight activity, and which was acquired by the Brazilian Air Force to be used in their selection of military pilots.(AU)

Desde la Primera Guerra Mundial hay una gran inversión en la selección de los pilotos militares de la Fuerza Aérea con el fin de reducir los altos costos involucrados en la formación de pilotos militares, reduciendo la deserción (fracaso) en la instrucción de vuelo. Pero fue la Segunda Guerra Mundial que los tests psicológicos que mensuraban habilidades psicomotoras y cognitivas, se hicieron más eficaces en la predicción de la aptitud para pilotar, lo que contribuyen a la reducción de la deserción que se encuentra en las instrucciones de vuelo. Una de las pocas pruebas dirigidas especialmente para la selección de los pilotos es The Pilot Aptitude Tester (PILAPT), una batería de seis pruebas que evalúan las habilidades cognitivas y psicomotoras orientadas hacia la actividad aérea, adquirido por la Fuerza Aérea Brasileña para ser insertado en su selección de pilotos militares.(AU)

Valoración metodológica sobre la confección de exámenes finales de la carrera de Medicina en Cienfuegos / Methodological valuation on the elaboration of final exams in Cienfuegos medicine career

Fundamento: la calidad en la confección de los temarios de exámenes es un eslabón esencial en el sistema de evaluación en ciencias médicas. Objetivo: valorar metodológicamente los temarios de exámenes finales de las asignaturas propias de la carrera de Medicina en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Cienfuegos. Método: se realizó una investigación observacional, descriptiva y transversal en los cursos 2012-2013 y 2013-2014, de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas "Dr. Raúl Dorticós Torrado", en la que se incluyeron 29 asignaturas propias de la carrera de Medicina. Se utilizaron los métodos teóricos de análisis-síntesis e inducción-deducción, y la revisión documental (temarios de exámenes) como método empírico. Se revisaron dos temarios por asignatura, seleccionados al azar. Se contrastaron los objetivos y habilidades declarados en los programas con los contenidos de los exámenes. Resultados: el patrón más generalizado fue abordar un tema por pregunta, el formato más utilizado fue el de ensayo de respuestas cortas. En 49 temarios las raíces de las preguntas estaban correctamente elaboradas; en 30 de ellos la redacción de los ítems y formatos de las preguntas eran adecuadas y las escalas de calificación también. El error más frecuente fue la indicación de tareas imprecisas en preguntas de ensayo modificado. La mayoría de las interrogantes demandaban respuestas reproductivas. Conclusiones: de forma general, los temarios están confeccionados adecuadamente, aunque aún se observaron desaciertos en la elaboración de preguntas y escalas de calificación. El predominio de preguntas con respuestas reproductivas limita la validez conceptual.

Background: the quality in the elaboration of exam sets is an essential aspect in the assessment system in medical sciences. Objective: to value the final exam sets of the core subjects of the Medicine career in Cienfuegos Medical Sciences faculty according to methodology. Methods: it was carried out an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional investigation in the academic years 2012-2013 and 2013-2014, in "MD. Raúl Dorticós Torrado", Medical Sciences Faculty in which 29 core subjects of the Medicine career were included. Theoretical methods were used: analysis and synthesis and induction-deduction, and the documental review of exam sets was used as empiric method. Two exam sets were revised per subject, selected at random. The objectives and abilities declared in the syllabuses were contrasted with the contents of the exams. Results: the most widespread pattern was to approach a topic per question; the used format was that of short answers. In 49 exam sets the questions were correctly elaborated; in 30 of them the writing of the items and question formats were adequate and marking was also correct. The most frequent error was the indication of imprecise tasks in questions of modified trials. Most of the questions required a reproductive answer. Conclusions: in a general way, the exam sets were appropriately elaborated, even though, mistakes were observed in the elaboration of questions and marking. The prevalence of reproductive questions diminish the conceptual validity.

Anthropometric, cardiovascular and functional variables as indicators of health related physical fitness in university professors / Variáveis antropométricas, cardiovasculares e funcionais como indicadores de aptidão física relacionada à saúde em professores universitários

AbstractObjective To verify the behavior of anthropometric, cardiovascular and functional variables as indicators of health-related physical fitness in university professors and perform a comparison of these variables between sexes.Materials and methods We conducted an observational epidemiological cross-sectional study in 145 professors (45.86 ± 9.7 years), 103 men (71.03%), which were evaluated by measuring heart rate (HR) and systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) pressure at rest, body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), handgrip strength (HGS), flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). We proceeded to the descriptive analysis, Student t-test for comparison between sexes and multiple regression analysis to verify the association between the variables analyzed. It was adopted a significance level of p < 0.05.Results The sex affected all variables. Women had better levels of BMI, flexibility, SBP and DBP. The BF% and CRF were associated with SBP and BMI in both sexes.Conclusion The behavior of anthropometric, cardiovascular and functional variables indicated unsatisfactory values for flexibility, HGS and BMI, with the worst levels among men. Furthermore, the variables that showed better association with HRPF were BF% and CRF.

ResumoObjetivo Verificar o comportamento de variáveis antropométricas, cardiovasculares e funcionais como indicadores de aptidão física relacionada à saúde em professores universitários, bem como realizar a comparação dessas variáveis entre os sexos.Materiais e métodos Realizou-se um estudo epidemiológico observacional de corte transversal em 145 professores (45,86 ± 9,7 anos), sendo 103 homens (71,03%), que foram avaliados, por meio de medidas de frequência cardíaca (FCR) e pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD) de repouso, massa corporal, estatura, índice de massa corporal (IMC), percentual de gordura corporal (%GC), força de preensão manual (FPM), flexibilidade e aptidão cardiorrespiratória (ACR). Procedeu-se à análise descritiva dos dados, teste t de Student para comparação entre sexos e análise de regressão múltipla para verificar a associação entre as variáveis analisadas. Adotou-se nível de significância de p < 0,05.Resultados O sexo influenciou todas as variáveis. As mulheres apresentaram níveis melhores de IMC, flexibilidade, PAS e PAD. O %GC e a ACR associaram-se à PAS e ao IMC em ambos os sexos.Conclusão O comportamento de variáveis antropométricas, cardiovasculares e funcionais indicou valores insatisfatórios para flexibilidade, FPM e IMC, com níveis piores nos homens. Além disso, as variáveis que melhor se associaram à AFRS foram o %GC e a ACR.

Correlação entre instrumentos de avaliação da funcionalidade e equilíbrio em pacientes com artrite reumatoide / Correlation among functionality and balance assessment instruments in rheumatoid arthrits patients

A artrite reumatoide (AR) é uma doença autoimune inflamatória sistêmica, crônica e progressiva, que pode causar diminuição da mobilidade, força e atividade física, levando a alterações de propriocepção, equilíbrio postural e marcha, que aumentam o risco de queda nesses pacientes. O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar se existe correlação entre testes de funcionalidade e equilíbrio em pacientes com AR. Para isso foi feito um corte transversal com a amostra composta por 99 pacientes com diagnóstico de AR de ambos os sexos. Os instrumentos de avaliação do risco de queda usados foram: Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (Berg), Teste "Timed Up and Go" (TUG), Teste de Caminhada de 6 Minutos e Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) ou Bateria de Testes de Guralnik. Feito teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov para normalidade de distribuição e correlação de Spearman, com nível de significância de p < 0,05. Os pacientes eram 88,9% do sexo feminino e com idade média de 56,15 anos (± 11,64). A idade apresentou correlação fraca, porém significativa de modo que quanto mais velho, pior o desempenho nos testes. O desempenho médio nos instrumentos não colocou esses pacientes com AR como alto risco de queda, porém não há valores de corte específicos para essa população. Os instrumentos mostraram correlação de moderada a forte entre si (p < 0,01). Conclui-se, portanto, que os testes físicos realizados são correlacionados e representam bem a capacidade física desses pacientes com AR,principalmente entre pessoas a partir dos 41 anos e homens.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease, chronic and progressive, which can cause pain, decreased mobility, physical strength and activity, leading to changes in proprioception, postural balance and gait, which increase the risk of falls in these patients. The present study aimed to verify if there´s correlation among functionality and balance tests in RA patients. This study was conducted with a cross-section sample of 99 patients diagnosed with RA of both sexes. Assessment instruments fall risk were used: Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Test "Timed Up and Go" (TUG), 6 Minutes Walking Test (6MWT) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) or Guralnik Battery Test. Made Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for normality of distribution and Spearman correlation, with significance level of p < 0.05. Patients were 88,9% female with a mean age of 56.15 years (± 11.64). Age showed a weak correlation, but significant o that the older, worse performance on tests. The average performance of the instruments do not put these RA patients as high risk of falling, but there is no specific cut off values for this population. The instruments showed moderate to strong correlation with each other (p < 0.01). We conclude, therefore, that the physical tests are performed and correlated well represent the physical capacity of RA patients, especially among people over 41 years old and men.

Functional fitness in older women from southern brazil: normative scores and comparison with different countries / Aptidão funcional em idosas do sul do brasil: valores normativos e comparação com idosas de diferentes países

Abstract Functional fitness loss during aging may compromise the quality of life and independence of older subjects. It is important to evaluate and diagnose the functional fitness of the elderly population. This study proposed normative functional fitness scores for a sample of elderly women from southern Brazil and compared values to their counterparts in the US, Extremadura (Spain), Taiwan (China) and Spain. The study sample consisted of 1,783 older women aged 60.0 to 84.9 years (mean 68.7 years; standard deviation 6.3 years) who performed the proposed motor tests of the "Senior Fitness Test" for functional fitness in older women. The percentile values specific to each age group were calculated based on the seven functional fitness components: body mass index, 6-minute walk, arm curl, 30-s chair stand, chair sit-and-reach, backscratch, and 8-feet up-and-go. The non-parametric binomial test compared the 50th percentile value of Brazilian older women with those from other countries. Older women´s performance in the functional capacity tests decreased across age groups. The mean BMI varied among age groups from 29.11 to 26.76 kg/m2, 6-minute walk from 572.94 to 486.95 m, arm curl from 17.51 to 15.11 repetitions, 30-schair stand from 15.62 to 14.30 repetitions, chair sit-and-reach from 1.01 to - 0.47 cm, back scratch from -4.92 to -10.52 cm and 8-feet up-and-go from 5.96 to 6.83 sec. Functional fitness scores among older women in different countries differed significantly. However, the direction and magnitude of differences were specific to the functional fitness component. Significant differences were observed in the normative scores, suggesting that the use of international normative scores in Brazilian older women may underestimate or overestimate potential functional limitations.

Resumo A perda da aptidão funcional durante o envelhecimento pode comprometer a independência e qualidade de vida dos idosos. Sua avaliação é uma importante etapa do diagnóstico do estado de saúde dessa população. Objetivou-se propor valores normativos da aptidão funcional em idosas do sul do Brasil e comparar seus valores com idosas dos Estados Unidos, Estremadura (Espanha), Taiwan (China) e Espanha. A amostra do estudo foi composta por 1.783 idosas com idades entre 60,0 e 84,9 anos (média de 68,7 anos; desvio padrão de 6,3 anos), as quais efetuaram os testes motores propostos na "Senior Fitness Test" para a aptidão funcional em idosos. Os valores percentílicos, específicos para cada grupo etário, foram calculados para os sete componentes da aptidão funcional. O teste não paramétrico binomial foi utilizado para comparar o percentil 50 das idosas brasileiras com o das idosas de outras localidades. Foi possível observar que o rendimento das idosas nos testes de capacidade funcional reduziu com o avanço da idade. A média do IMC variou entre os grupos etários de 29,11 a 26,76kg/m2; Andar 6 minutos de 572,94 a 486,95 m, Flexão de antebraço de 17,51 a 15,11repetições, Sentar e levantar de 15,62 a 14,30 repetições, Sentar e Alcançar de 1,01 a -0,47 cm, Alcançar atrás das costas -4,92 a -10,52 cm e Sentado e caminhar de 5,96 a 6,83 seg. Os escores de aptidão funcional apresentaram clara diferença entre os países. Contudo, a direção e a magnitude das diferenças entre idosas de diferentes países variaram de acordo com o indicador de aptidão funcional. Houve importantes distinções entre os valores percentílicos de idosas brasileiras e os de outras localidades, sugerindo que a utilização de valores normativos internacionais pode subestimar ou superestimar limitaçõesfuncionais em idosas brasileiras.

Ability of admissions criteria to predict early academic performance among students of health science colleges at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of admissions criteria at King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to predict students' early academic performance at three health science colleges (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy). A retrospective cohort study was conducted with data from the records of students enrolled in the three colleges from the 2008-09 to 2010-11 academic years. The admissions criteria-high school grade average (HSGA), aptitude test (APT) score, and achievement test (ACT) score-were the independent variables. The dependent variable was the average of students' first- and second-year grade point average (GPA). The results showed that the ACT was a better predictor of the students' early academic performance than the HSGA (ß=0.368, ß=0.254, respectively). No significant relationship was found between the APT and students' early academic performance (ß=-0.019, p>0.01). The ACT was most predictive for pharmacy students (ß=0.405), followed by dental students (ß =0.392) and medical students (ß=0.195). Overall, the current admissions criteria explained only 25.5% of the variance in the students' early academic performance. While the ACT and HSGA were found to be predictive of students' early academic performance in health colleges at KSU, the APT was not a strong predictor. Since the combined current admissions criteria for the health science colleges at KSU were weak predictors of the variance in early academic performance, it may be necessary to consider noncognitive evaluation methods during the admission process.

Defining the biological bases of individual differences in musicality.

Advances in molecular technologies make it possible to pinpoint genomic factors associated with complex human traits. For cognition and behaviour, identification of underlying genes provides new entry points for deciphering the key neurobiological pathways. In the past decade, the search for genetic correlates of musicality has gained traction. Reports have documented familial clustering for different extremes of ability, including amusia and absolute pitch (AP), with twin studies demonstrating high heritability for some music-related skills, such as pitch perception. Certain chromosomal regions have been linked to AP and musical aptitude, while individual candidate genes have been investigated in relation to aptitude and creativity. Most recently, researchers in this field started performing genome-wide association scans. Thus far, studies have been hampered by relatively small sample sizes and limitations in defining components of musicality, including an emphasis on skills that can only be assessed in trained musicians. With opportunities to administer standardized aptitude tests online, systematic large-scale assessment of musical abilities is now feasible, an important step towards high-powered genome-wide screens. Here, we offer a synthesis of existing literatures and outline concrete suggestions for the development of comprehensive operational tools for the analysis of musical phenotypes.