scholarly journals Going Back to Kahlbaum’s Psychomotor (and GABAergic) Origins: Is Catatonia More Than Just a Motor and Dopaminergic Syndrome?

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dusan Hirjak ◽  
Katharina M Kubera ◽  
R Christian Wolf ◽  
Georg Northoff
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Clinical Syndrome ◽  
Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Glutamatergic Transmission ◽  
Mechanistic Insight ◽  
The Difference

Abstract In 1874, Karl Kahlbaum described catatonia as an independent syndrome characterized by motor, affective, and behavioral anomalies. In the following years, various catatonia concepts were established with all sharing the prime focus on motor and behavioral symptoms while largely neglecting affective changes. In 21st century, catatonia is a well-characterized clinical syndrome. Yet, its neurobiological origin is still not clear because methodological shortcomings of hitherto studies had hampered this challenging effort. To fully capture the clinical picture of catatonia as emphasized by Karl Kahlbaum, 2 decades ago a new catatonia scale was developed (Northoff Catatonia Rating Scale [NCRS]). Since then, studies have used NCRS to allow for a more mechanistic insight of catatonia. Here, we undertook a systematic review searching for neuroimaging studies using motor/behavioral catatonia rating scales/criteria and NCRS published up to March 31, 2019. We included 19 neuroimaging studies. Studies using motor/behavioral catatonia rating scales/criteria depict cortical and subcortical motor regions mediated by dopamine as neuronal and biochemical substrates of catatonia. In contrast, studies relying on NCRS found rather aberrant higher-order frontoparietal networks which, biochemically, are insufficiently modulated by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic and glutamatergic transmission. This is further supported by the high therapeutic efficacy of GABAergic agents in acute catatonia. In sum, this systematic review points out the difference between motor/behavioral and NCRS-based classification of catatonia on both neuronal and biochemical grounds. That highlights the importance of Kahlbaum’s original truly psychomotor concept of catatonia for guiding both research and clinical diagnosis and therapy.

D-test: A New Test for Analyzing Scale Invariance Using Symbolic Dynamics and Symbolic Entropy

Methodology ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 88-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose A. Martínez ◽  
Manuel Ruiz Marín
Keyword(s):  
Symbolic Dynamics ◽  
Scale Invariance ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Marketing Research ◽  
Response Patterns ◽  
Measurement Scales ◽  
Improve Measurement ◽  
Entropy Measures ◽  
The Difference

The aim of this study is to improve measurement in marketing research by constructing a new, simple, nonparametric, consistent, and powerful test to study scale invariance. The test is called D-test. D-test is constructed using symbolic dynamics and symbolic entropy as a measure of the difference between the response patterns which comes from two measurement scales. We also give a standard asymptotic distribution of our statistic. Given that the test is based on entropy measures, it avoids smoothed nonparametric estimation. We applied D-test to a real marketing research to study if scale invariance holds when measuring service quality in a sports service. We considered a free-scale as a reference scale and then we compared it with three widely used rating scales: Likert-type scale from 1 to 5 and from 1 to 7, and semantic-differential scale from −3 to +3. Scale invariance holds for the two latter scales. This test overcomes the shortcomings of other procedures for analyzing scale invariance; and it provides researchers a tool to decide the appropriate rating scale to study specific marketing problems, and how the results of prior studies can be questioned.

scholarly journals A Rasch-Based Validation of ELT Certificate-LORT

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Xin Qu
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
High Stakes ◽  
Efl Teacher ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Group Interviews

The present study was executed with the purpose of validating ELT Certificate Lesson Observation and Report Task (ELTC-LORT), which was developed by China Language Assessment to certify China’s EFL teachers by performance-based testing. The ELT Certificate has high-stakes considering its impacts on candidates’ recruitment, ELT in China and quality of education, so it is crucially important for its validation so as to guarantee fairness and justice. The validity of task construct and rating rubric went through a process suited for many-facet Rasch measurement supplemented with qualitative interviews. Participants (N = 40) were provided with a video excerpt from a real EFL lesson, and required to deliver a report on the teacher’s performance. Two raters graded the records of the candidates’ reports using rating scales developed to measure EFL teacher candidates’ oral English proficiency and ability to analyze and evaluate teaching. Many-facet Rasch analysis demonstrated a successful estimation, with a noticeable spread among the participants and their traits, proving the task functioned well in measuring candidates’ performance and reflecting the difference of their ability. The raters were found to have good internal self-consistency, but not the same leniency. The rating scales worked well, with the average measures advancing largely in line with Rasch expectations. Semi-structured interviews as well as focus group interviews were executed to provide knowledge regarding the raters’ performance levels and the functionalities of the rating scale items. The findings provide implications for further research and practice of the Certificate.

scholarly journals The Validity of Teacher Rating Scales for the Assessment of ADHD Symptoms in the Classroom: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
pp. 108705472091683
Author(s):  
Anouck I. Staff ◽  
Jaap Oosterlaan ◽  
Saskia van der Oord ◽  
Pieter J. Hoekstra ◽  
Karen Vertessen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Teacher Rating ◽  
Impulsive Behavior ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Clinical Interviews ◽  
Scale Scores

Objective: To assess attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in the classroom, most often teacher rating scales are used. However, clinical interviews and observations are recommended as gold standard assessment. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the validity of teacher rating scales. Method: Twenty-two studies ( N = 3,947 children) assessing ADHD symptoms using teacher rating scale and either semi-structured clinical interview or structured classroom observation were meta-analyzed. Results: Results showed convergent validity for rating scale scores, with the strongest correlations ( r = .55–.64) for validation against interviews, and for hyperactive–impulsive behavior. Divergent validity was confirmed for teacher ratings validated against interviews, whereas validated against observations this was confirmed for inattention only. Conclusion: Teacher rating scales appear a valid and time-efficient measure to assess classroom ADHD; although validated against semi-structured clinical interviews, there were only a few studies available. Low correlations between ratings and structured observations of inattention suggest that observations could add information above rating scales.

scholarly journals Functional Rating Scales in Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis and Critical Appraisal of their Measurement Properties

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agessandro Abrahao ◽  
LIANE PHUNG ◽  
Eliza Freitas ◽  
Cornelia M Borkhoff ◽  
Lorne Zinman
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Muscular Atrophy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Motor Dysfunction ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Spinal Bulbar Muscular Atrophy

Tracking disease progression and treatment effect of spinal bulbar muscular atrophy, or Kennedy's disease, is challenging given its slowly progressive nature. To achieve success in SBMA clinical trials, a reliable, responsive, and validated patient-reported motor function scale must capture progression of SBMA-specific motor dysfunction. Here, we conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis, and appraisal of core measurement properties of the SBMA functional rating scale (SBMAFRS). We established that the SBMAFRS has satisfactory internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, and construct validity for measuring progressive motor dysfunction over similar neurodegenerative motor function scales but inadequate sensitivity to change over time. Further development to validate and improve the SBMAFRS' ability to capture longitudinal responsiveness in larger cohorts is warranted.

Nonadjectival Rating Scales in Human Response Experiments

1973 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 275-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald A. Hess
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Input Signal ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Analog Computer ◽  
Error Signal ◽  
Human Response ◽  
Oscilloscope Screen ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Degree Of Instability

Twenty-two subjects participated in two tracking experiments for the purpose of determining the utility of a nonordinal, nonadjectival rating scale. The scale was devised in an effort to allow a human to quantify his subjective opinions of the characteristics of a system in situations where an adjectival scale would be inappropriate. The tracking task in both experiments was a compensatory one in which the human operator attempted to minimize the difference between a random-appearing input signal and the output of an unstable, controlled element. The system dynamics and input signal were mechanized on an analog computer. The error signal was viewed by the operator on an oscilloscope screen. Control was effected by a small isometric manipulator. In the first experiment, ratings were generated by changing the degree of instability of the controlled element. In the second, the manipulator sensitivity was varied. The nonadjectival rating concept shows definite potential for use in a wide variety of situations in which human opinion is elicited.

scholarly journals Antiosteoporosis Effect and Possible Mechanisms of the Ingredients of Fructus Psoraleae in Animal Models of Osteoporosis: A Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Zhou Lin ◽  
Junju Zheng ◽  
Jiaru Chen ◽  
Mangmang Chen ◽  
Shuangxia Dong
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Elasticity Modulus ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Maximum Load ◽  
Nuclear Factor Κb ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Nuclear Factor ◽  
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Receptor Activator

Objective. Fructus Psoraleae (FP) and its ingredients (IFP) have a variety of biological activities and are widely used to treat osteoporosis (OP). Herein, we conducted a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of IFP for an animal model of OP from the current literatures. Potential mechanisms of IFP in the treatment of OP were also summarized. Materials and Methods. We carried out a search for electronic literature in the PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, EMBASE, Wanfang, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Cochrane Library, as well as Chinese VIP databases targeting articles published from inception to June 2021. The inclusion criteria were animal studies that assessed the efficacy and safety of IFP for OP, regardless of publication status or language. The exclusion criteria included (1) other types of studies (in vitro studies, case reports, clinical trials, reviews, abstracts, comments, and editorials), (2) combination with other compounds, (3) compared with other traditional Chinese medicine, (4) not osteoporosis or bone loss model, (5) studies with insufficient data, (6) lack of a control group, and (7) duplicate publications. The modified Collaborative Approach to Meta-Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Stroke (CAMARADES) 10-item quality checklist was used to evaluate the risk of bias of included studies. We computed the relative risk (RR) and the standard mean difference (SMD) for dichotomous outcomes and continuous outcomes, respectively. When heterogeneity was detected or there was significant statistical heterogeneity ( P < 0.05 or I 2 > 50 % ), a random-effects model was employed, followed by further subgroup analysis and metaregression estimations to ascertain the origins of heterogeneity. Otherwise, we used a fixed-effects model ( P ≥ 0.05 or I 2 ≤ 50 % ). The primary outcome measures were bone mineral density (BMD), serum osteocalcin(S-OCN), bone volume over total volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), bone maximum load, and elasticity modulus. The secondary outcome measure was the antiosteoporosis mechanisms of IFP. The STATA 12.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results. Overall, 16 studies focusing on 379 animals were enrolled into the study. The risk of bias score of included studies ranged from 4 to 7 with an average score of 5.25. The present study provided the preliminary preclinical evidence that administration of IFP could significantly increase the S-OCN, BMD, BV/TV, and Tb.N while Tb.Th and Tb.Sp were remarkably decreased by IFP in OP model animals ( P < 0.05 ). Moreover, IFP could significantly improve the bone biomechanical indicator bone maximum load and elasticity modulus ( P < 0.05 ). In terms of the possible mechanisms of treatment of OP, IFP exerts anti-OP effects in animal models probably through osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of the nuclear factor-κB ligand/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (OPG/RANKL/RANK), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ)/Axin2/Wnt, antioxidative stress via forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a)/Axin2/Wnt, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), estrogen-like effect, and gamma-aminobutyric acid/gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABA/GABABRI) signaling pathway. Conclusion. Taken together, the findings suggest the possibility of developing IFP as a drug or an ingredient in diet for the clinical treatment of OP. We recommend that rigorous, as well as high-quality, trials involving large sample sizes should be conducted to confirm our findings.

Catatonia

2020 ◽  
pp. 437-446
Author(s):  
Max Fink
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Separate Entity ◽  
Treatment History ◽  
Past Half Century ◽  
Chemically Induced ◽  
Grand Mal ◽  
History Of ◽  
Past Half

For more than a century, catatonia has been considered a marker of the Kraepelin/Bleuler concept of schizophrenia. However, over the past half-century, it has been increasingly recognized as a separate entity, independently diagnosable and treatable. This chapter explores the diagnosis, treatment, and biological underpinnings of catatonia. Initially, it lists certain motor behaviours whose presentation might indicate catatonia, according to the Catatonia Rating Scale (CRS) such as mutism, delirium, and repetitive rhythmic acts. Through the intravenous administration of certain drugs, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonists, the effect on the patient’s CRS score is used to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment history of catatonia prior to the discovery of the efficacy of benzodiazepines and induced grand mal seizures (electroconvulsive therapy) is broached, such as chemically induced seizures and amobarbital. Finally, its different presentations are discussed, along with its consideration as a biological fear response.

scholarly journals Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of minocycline in schizophrenia

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 415-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Solmi ◽  
Nicola Veronese ◽  
Nita Thapa ◽  
Silvia Facchini ◽  
Brendon Stubbs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Positive Symptom ◽  
Adjunctive Treatment ◽  
Tolerability Profile ◽  
Efficacy And Safety

ObjectiveOur aim was to perform an updated systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of adjunctive minocycline as a treatment of schizophrenia.MethodsWe conducted a PubMed/Scopus database search from inception to 3 February 2016 for randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs), open non-randomized studies, and case reports/series evaluating minocycline in patients with schizophrenia. Random-effects meta-analysis of positive, negative, depressive, and cognitive symptom rating scales, discontinuation and adverse effects rates calculating standardized mean difference (SMD), and risk ratios±95% confidence intervals (CI95%) were calculated.ResultsSix RCTs were eligible (minocyclinen=215, placebon=198) that demonstrated minocycline’s superiority versus placebo for reducing endpoint Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total scores (SMD=–0.59;CI95%=[1.15, –0.03];p=0.04), negative (SMD=–0.76;CI95%=[–1.21, –0.31];p=0.001); general subscale scores (SMD=–0.44;CI95%=[–0.88, –0.00];p=0.05), Clinical Global Impressions scores (SMD=–0.50;CI95%=[–0.78, –0.22];p<0.001); and executive functioning (SMD=0.22;CI95%=[0.01, 0.44];p=0.04). Endpoint PANSS positive symptom scores (p=0.13), depression rating scale scores (p=0.43), attention (p=0.47), memory (p=0.52), and motor speed processing (p=0.50) did not significantly differ from placebo, before execution of a trim-and-fill procedure. Minocycline did not differ compared to placebo on all-cause discontinuation (p=0.56), discontinuation due to inefficacy (p=0.99), and intolerability (p=0.51), and due to death (p=0.32). Data from one open-label study (N=22) and three case series (N=6) were consistent with the metaanalytic results.ConclusionsMinocycline appears to be an effective adjunctive treatment option in schizophrenia, improving multiple relevant disease dimensions. Moreover, minocycline has an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. However, more methodologically sound and larger RCTs remain necessary to confirm and extend these results.

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