The development and implementation of a computer adaptive progress test across European countries

Longitudinal progress testing promotes self-directed deep learning across a full spectrum of knowledge, enabling early detection of underperformance and opportunities for remediation. Computer adaptive testing (CAT), where the difficulty of a test dynamically adjusts according to a test taker's ability, has benefits in a progress testing context, but significant resource and experience is required to develop appropriate test materials. This study describes how a transnational consortium from eight medical schools in five countries across Europe was formed to develop a computer adaptive progress test applicable across international curricula. 1,212 students from more than 40 nationalities took part in the study, of whom more than 70% were not native English speakers, though nearly all reported competence in English. A content map for an international assessment blueprint was agreed and a substantial bank of 1,127 English language progress test items was successfully calibrated after pilot testing to form the computer adaptive progress test (CA-PT) item bank. Results from the CA-PT pilot showed reliable convergence to stable estimates of ability, low standard errors of measurement and high test reliability for all participants. This study shows that an international collaborative consortium approach enables effective development of progress testing resources appropriate for computer adaptive testing, with potential for application across international borders and in populations where English is not the native language. Pooling resources internationally facilitates the comparison and development of appropriate assessment blueprints and the efficient generation of high-quality assessment items

Riparian ecotones and spatial variation of fish assemblages in Portuguese lowland streams

The first results of a long-term study on the role of riparian ecotones on the population and community dynamics of Iberian stream fish are presented and discussed . Riparian and macrophyte cover, bank slope and depth were among the most important variables affecting fish distribution . In general small fish favoured shallow areas with high macrophyte cover, whereas large fish dominated in deep areas with a high riparian cover . Slight spatial changes in terrestrial prey use were found suggesting a minor role for this resource during autumn . Finally, no significant spatial differences were found for linear growth, although some differences were obtained for the condition facto

Very-short-answer questions: reliability, discrimination and acceptability

Context Single‐best‐answer questions (SBAQs) have been widely used to test knowledge because they are easy to mark and demonstrate high reliability. However, SBAQs have been criticised for being subject to cueing. Objectives We used a novel assessment tool that facilitates efficient marking of open‐ended very‐short‐answer questions (VSAQs). We compared VSAQs with SBAQs with regard to reliability, discrimination and student performance, and evaluated the acceptability of VSAQs. Methods Medical students were randomised to sit a 60‐question assessment administered in either VSAQ and then SBAQ format (Group 1, n = 155) or the reverse (Group 2, n = 144). The VSAQs were delivered on a tablet; responses were computer‐marked and subsequently reviewed by two examiners. The standard error of measurement (SEM) across the ability spectrum was estimated using item response theory. Results The review of machine‐marked questions took an average of 1 minute, 36 seconds per question for all students. The VSAQs had high reliability (alpha: 0.91), a significantly lower SEM than the SBAQs (p < 0.001) and higher mean item–total point biserial correlations (p < 0.001). The VSAQ scores were significantly lower than the SBAQ scores (p < 0.001). The difference in scores between VSAQs and SBAQs was attenuated in Group 2. Although 80.4% of students found the VSAQs more difficult, 69.2% found them more authentic. Conclusions The VSAQ format demonstrated high reliability and discrimination and items were perceived as more authentic. The SBAQ format was associated with significant cueing. The present results suggest the VSAQ format has a higher degree of validity

Histological and functional renal alterations caused by Bothrops alternatus snake venom: Expression and activity of Na+/K+-ATPase

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Background: Acute renal failure is a serious complication of human envenoming by Bothrops snakes. The ion pump Na+/K+-ATPase has an important role in renal tubule function, where it modulates sodium reabsorption and homeostasis of the extracellular compartment. Here, we investigated the morphological and functional renal alterations and changes in Na+/K+-ATPase expression and activity in rats injected with Bothrops alternatus snake venom. Methods: Male Wistar rats were injected with venom (0.8 mg/kg, iv.) and renal function was assessed 6.24, 48 and 72 h and 7 days post-venom. The rats were then killed and renal Na+/K+-ATPase activity was assayed based on phosphate release from ATP; gene and protein expressions were assessed by real time PCR and immunofluorescence microscopy, respectively. Results: Venom caused lobulation of the capillary tufts, dilation of Bowman's capsular space. F-actin disruption in Bowman's capsule and renal tubule brush border, and deposition of collagen around glomeruli and proximal tubules that persisted seven days after envenoming. Enhanced sodium and potassium excretion, reduced proximal sodium reabsorption, and proteinuria were observed 6 h post-venom, followed by a transient decrease in the glomerular filtration rate. Gene and protein expressions of the Na+/K+-ATPase alpha(1) subunit were increased 6 h post-venom, whereas Na+/K+-ATPase activity increased 6 h and 24 h post-venom. Conclusions: Bothrops alternatus venom caused marked morphological and functional renal alterations with enhanced Na+/K+-ATPase expression and activity in the early phase of renal damage. General significance: Enhanced Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the early hours after envenoming may attenuate the renal dysfunction associated with venom-induced damage. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.18109895906Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq