Validation of the Cognitive Assessment of Later Life Status (CALLS) instrument: a computerized telephonic measure

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Brief screening tests have been developed to measure cognitive performance and dementia, yet they measure limited cognitive domains and often lack construct validity. Neuropsychological assessments, while comprehensive, are too costly and time-consuming for epidemiological studies. This study's aim was to develop a psychometrically valid telephone administered test of cognitive function in aging.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using a sequential hierarchical strategy, each stage of test development did not proceed until specified criteria were met. The 30 minute Cognitive Assessment of Later Life Status (CALLS) measure and a 2.5 hour in-person neuropsychological assessment were conducted with a randomly selected sample of 211 participants 65 years and older that included equivalent distributions of men and women from ethnically diverse populations.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Overall Cronbach's coefficient alpha for the CALLS test was 0.81. A principal component analysis of the CALLS tests yielded five components. The CALLS total score was significantly correlated with four neuropsychological assessment components. Older age and having a high school education or less was significantly correlated with lower CALLS total scores. Females scored better overall than males. There were no score differences based on race.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The CALLS test is a valid measure that provides a unique opportunity to reliably and efficiently study cognitive function in large populations.</p

The clinico-radiological paradox of cognitive function and MRI burden of white matter lesions in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Moderate correlation exists between the imaging quantification of brain white matter lesions and cognitive performance in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This may reflect the greater importance of other features, including subvisible pathology, or methodological limitations of the primary literature.To summarise the cognitive clinico-radiological paradox and explore the potential methodological factors that could influence the assessment of this relationship.Systematic review and meta-analysis of primary research relating cognitive function to white matter lesion burden.Fifty papers met eligibility criteria for review, and meta-analysis of overall results was possible in thirty-two (2050 participants). Aggregate correlation between cognition and T2 lesion burden was r = -0.30 (95% confidence interval: -0.34, -0.26). Wide methodological variability was seen, particularly related to key factors in the cognitive data capture and image analysis techniques.Resolving the persistent clinico-radiological paradox will likely require simultaneous evaluation of multiple components of the complex pathology using optimum measurement techniques for both cognitive and MRI feature quantification. We recommend a consensus initiative to support common standards for image analysis in MS, enabling benchmarking while also supporting ongoing innovation

Using Social Media in Research: New Ethics for a New Meme?

Using Social Media in Research: New Ethics for a New Meme

Observation of rapid atomic motion in solid

We compared liquid and solid $\rm {}^3He-{}^4He$ mixtures at coexistence using NMR imaging of the density of $\rm ^3He$ and of the T2 relaxation time in the two phases. We find that above 1 K, $\rm ^3He$ atoms in a bcc solid are more mobile than in the superfluid liquid. This rapid motion, induced by vacancies, takes place on a microscopic scale and can be explained in terms of $\rm ^3He$-vacancy attraction of quantum origin. We relate our observations to similar effects observed in Sn-Pb alloys

COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among health care workers, communication, and policy-making

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy in healthcare workers (HCWs) contributes to personal and patient risk in contracting COVID-19. Reasons behind hesitancy and how best to improve vaccination rates in HCWs are not clear. Methods: We adapted a survey using the Health Belief Model framework to evaluate HCW vaccine hesitancy and reasons for choosing for or against COVID-19 vaccination. The survey was sent to three large academic medical centers in the Chicagoland area between March and May 2021. Results: We received 1974 completed responses with 85% of HCWs receiving or anticipating receiving COVID-19 vaccination. Multivariable logistic regression found HCWs were less likely to receive COVID-19 vaccination if they were Black (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.15-0.80), Republican (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.31-0.91), or allergic to any vaccine component (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.10-0.70) and more likely to receive if they believed people close to them thought it was important for them to receive the vaccine (OR 5.2, 95% CI 3-8). Conclusions: A sizable number of HCWs remain vaccine hesitant one year into the COVID-19 pandemic. As HCWs are positively influenced by colleagues who believe COVID-19 vaccination, development of improved communication across HCW departments and roles may improve vaccination rates