Research methods in performance validity testing studies: Criterion grouping approach impacts study outcomes

Objective: Performance validity test (PVT) research studies commonly utilize a known-groups design, but the criterion grouping approaches within the design vary greatly from one study to another. At the present time, it is unclear as to what degree different criterion grouping approaches might impact PVT classification accuracy statistics. Method: To analyze this, the authors used three different criterion grouping approaches to examine how classification accuracy statistics of a PVT (Word Choice Test; WCT) would differ. The three criterion grouping approaches included: (1) failure of 2+ PVTs versus failure of 0 PVTs, (2) failure of 2+ PVTs versus failure of 0–1 PVT, and (3) failure of a stand-alone PVT versus passing of a stand-alone PVT (Test of Memory Malingering). Results: When setting specificity at ≥.90, WCT cutoff scores ranged from 41 to 44 and associated sensitivity values ranged from .64 to .88, depending on the criterion grouping approach that was utilized. Conclusions: When using a stand-alone PVT to define criterion group status, classification accuracy rates of the WCT were higher than expected, likely due to strong correlations between the reference PVT and the WCT. This held true even when considering evidence that this grouping approach results in higher rates of criterion group misclassification. Conversely, when using criterion grouping approaches that utilized failure of 2+ PVTs, accuracy rates were more consistent with expectations. These findings demonstrate that criterion grouping approaches can impact PVT classification accuracy rates and resultant cutoff scores. Strengths, weaknesses, and practical implications of each of the criterion grouping approaches are discussed.     

Depression and glioblastoma,complicated concomitant diseases: a systemic review of published literature

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain cancer. Depression is a common co-morbidity of this condition. Despite this common interaction, relatively little research has been performed on the development of GBM-associated depression. We performed a literary search of the PubMed database for articles published relating to GBM and depression. A total of 85 articles were identified with 46 meeting inclusion criteria. Depression significantly impacts care, decreasing medication compliance, and patient survival. Diagnostically, because depression and GBM share intricate neuro-connectivity in a way that effect functionality, these diseases can be mistaken for alternative psychological or pathological disorders, complicating care. Therapeutically, anti-depressants have anti-tumor properties; yet, some have been shown to interfere with GBM treatment. One reason for this is that the pathophysiological development of depression and GBM share several pathways including altered regulation of the 5-HT receptor, norepinephrine, and 3′:5′-cyclic monophosphate. Over time, depression can persist after GBM treatment, affecting patient quality of life. Together, depression and GBM are complicated concomitant diseases. Clinicians must be aware of their co-existence. Because of overlapping molecular pathways involved in both diseases, careful medication selection is imperative to avoid potential adverse interactions. Since GBMs are the most common primary brain cancer, physicians dealing with this disease should be prepared for the development of depression as a potential sequela of this condition, given the related pathophysiology and the known poor outcomes.     

Regional specificity of cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effects on spatial-numerical associations: Comparison of four stimulation sites

Based on a theory of impulsive and reflective human behavior, we test the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting either prefrontal or parietal cortex in either hemisphere. In a confirmatory registered report, cathodal tDCS is administered to conceptually reproduce tDCS modulations of implicit spatial-numerical associations, numerical distance effects, and response inhibition. Those cognitive operations are hypothesized to draw on left prefrontal, parietal, and right prefrontal activations, respectively, thereby susceptible to inhibitory, cathodal tDCS across those regions. Vice versa, the mutual regional and behavioral specificity of tDCS effects on these behavioral indices is examined and expected to produce double dissociations. In a mixed within-subjects (baseline, during tDCS, post-tDCS) and between-subjects (target electrode: left/right prefrontal cortex/posterior parietal cortex, or sham tDCS) design, we collect (a) confirmatory data on the robustness of cathodal tDCS effects on three behavioral effects and (b) differential data on the specificity of regional targets in male and female human participants. Results will provide crucial tests of theories of cortical organization implied by implicit associations and explicit regulation, which can direct future brain stimulation studies.     

Identification of periodontal pathogens in atherosclerotic vessels

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies have shown that periodontitis may be associated with presence of atherosclerosis. DNA from periodontal pathogens has been detected in atherosclerotic lesions, but viable oral bacteria have not yet been isolated from atherosclerotic plaques. The purpose of the present study was to determine if viable oral bacteria could be isolated from atherosclerotic lesions and if DNA from periodontal pathogens could be detected by use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. METHODS: Seventy-nine specimens of atherosclerotic plaque removed from carotid or femoral arteries during surgery were immediately transferred to reduced transport fluid and brought to the laboratory. The calcified tissue was meticulously cut into fine pieces and used for cultivation of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, P. nigrescens, Campylobacter rectus, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythensis, and oral streptococci. The material from 24 of the specimens was homogenized, DNA was extracted, and PCR amplification of 16S rDNA with universal and specific primers was carried out. Finally, the PCR products were sequenced. RESULTS: None of the samples yielded growth of the oral bacteria under investigation. In all the 24 specimens bacterial DNA was detected and likewise DNA of P. intermedia was found in the samples. P. nigrescens and P. gingivalis were found sporadically. CONCLUSIONS: Viable oral bacteria could not be isolated from the atheromas, but the data confirm that DNA of periodontal pathogens can be detected in atherosclerotic plaques. However, the finding that DNA from P. intermedia constantly occured in the examined samples was new. Further studies may focus on the simultaneous occurrence of identical clones of this species in subgingival plaque and atherosclerotic plaques.     

The relationship between diabetes and oral health status,and dental visits among American Indian,Alaska Native,and Native Hawaiian elders

BackgroundAmerican Indian (AI), Alaska Native (AN), and Native Hawaiian (NH) populations report higher rates of diabetes, poorer oral health, and fewer dental visits than their peers. The authors aimed to identify relationships between oral health and dental visits and diabetes diagnosis among AI, AN, and NH elders.MethodsData were obtained from a national survey of AI, AN, and NH elders 55 years and older (April 2014-2017) and included 16,136 respondents. Frequencies and χ² tests were used to assess the relationship between oral health and dental visits, and diabetes.ResultsNearly one-half of the elders reported receiving a diagnosis of diabetes (49.2%). A significantly (P < .01) greater proportion of elders with diabetes reported a dental visit in the past year (57.8%) than those without. Differences (P < .01) were found between reported diabetes and need for extraction, denture work, and relief of dental pain. The authors found lower dental visit rates among elders with diabetes who were low income, older, unemployed, not enrolled in the tribe, lived on the reservation, and had only public insurance.ConclusionsThere is a need to increase oral health literacy and dental visits among elders with diabetes and, more urgently, a need to focus on providing care for subpopulations reporting lower visit rates.Practical ImplicationsDental providers must serve as a referral resource for at-risk elders and must work with and educate about the importance of oral health those who assist tribal elders with diabetes management, including primary care physicians, certified diabetes educators, nutritionists and dietitians, and public health care professionals.     

Gagging as a symptom of induced anxiety reactions]

In the light of personal studies and relevant reports in the literature, the authors deal with gagging during dental treatment and after denture insertion. In this connection, aetiopathologic and therapeutic aspects of the gagging syndrome are analysed. It is postulated that the gagging reaction is a conditioned anxiety reaction.