Performance-based Tests Research Articles

The use and reporting practice of psychological tests in German risk and criminal responsibility expert reports

ABSTRACT Assessment reports about individuals charged/convicted of offenses have an influence on significant personal consequences for examinees by sentencing decisions regarding placement in a forensic hospital or prison. As there is evidence that unstructured clinical judgments have limited accuracy, research-based practice recommendations call for the use of standardised measures and for experts to base their assessments on empirically supported psychological tests. Previous findings on the actual use of psychometric tests indicate an increasing but still heterogeneous use of psychological tests, highlighting the continued relevance of a professional debate on best diagnostic practice. A potential shortcoming, however, is that these studies almost exclusively relied on clinicians’ self-reports. The present paper presents an analysis based on the actual (retrospectively assessed) usage in German risk (n = 489), criminal responsibility assessment reports (n = 272), and corresponding psychological test reports (n = 313) between 1990 and 2016. In accordance with previous survey data, results showed a frequent usage of a diverse range of psychological tests. Contrarily, performance-based personality tests, typically subsumed under so-called (semi-)projective personality tests, are still implemented regularly in forensic-clinical practice, although the number and frequency seem to be decreasing. Taken together, the findings gain an important insight into the psychological testing practive in forensic settings.

Performance evaluation of cold in-place recycling materials through a simple semi-circular bending test

Cold in-place recycling (CIR) is a method of recycling existing Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) pavements. In this study, a new performance-based test method, called Fracture Index Value for Energy (FIVE), is developed to capture the fracture energy of the CIR materials. Furthermore, various stabilisation agents were used including engineered emulsion (EE), high float asphalt emulsion (HFMS-2s), commodity asphalt emulsion (CSS-1) and foamed asphalt. The FIVE test was first validated using disk-shaped compact tension (DCT) test and then was implemented on the study mixtures at their optimum stabilisation agent contents. The ranking of the mixtures and reproducibility of the FIVE test was proved to be true through inter-lab comparisons of the test results between two independent testing laboratories. The statistical testing results postulate that the FIVE test is a simple test method that is capable of characterising the cracking performance of the CIR mixtures.

Controlling Examination Malpractice in Senior High Schools in Ghana through Performance-Base Assessment

The purpose of the study was find out the perceive impact performance-based assessment on examination malpractice at the SHS level. This study employed descriptive design. A performance-based test was developed by the researcher. The population for the study were mathematics examiners and teachers and public SHS three students in in the western region of Ghana. A multistage sampling procedure was used for the selection of respondents for the study. The study made use of stratified, simple random and census techniques for selecting participates for the study. In all, sample of 240 examiners and 150 mathematics teachers in the western region of Ghana was selected for the study. The instrument for the data collection of the study was questionnaire. Data collected was analysed with means and standard deviation. It was found that mensuration, set, equations and inequalities, business mathematics and algebraic expressions were expressed to attract much malpractice whiles graphs, angles and construction were found to least attract malpractice. The result also showed that PBA could reduce examination malpractice at the SHS level. It was therefore recommended that the West African Examination Council should give a try-out of PBA in the SHS for some selected schools to further ascertain the strength and weaken of the developed PBA.

Use of Standardized Outcome Measures for People With Lower Limb Amputation: A Survey of Prosthetic Practitioners in the United States

ObjectiveTo assess the clinical resources available for the assessment of health outcomes in people with lower limb amputation and to understand barriers and facilitators associated with use of standardized outcome measures in clinical practice. DesignCross-sectional survey. SettingGeneral community (online). ParticipantsA volunteer sample of prosthetic practitioners was recruited through national professional organizations. Eligible participants were practitioners certified by a professional prosthetics organization and currently practicing as a prosthetist, prosthetist-orthotist, or prosthetic assistant. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresA custom-designed online survey on clinical use of patient-reported and performance-based standardized outcome measures to assess patients with lower limb amputation. ResultsA total of 375 participants completed the survey. Most participants (79%) reported that they are encouraged or required to administer standardized outcome measures in their clinic or facility. Most participants reported that use of patient-reported and performance-based outcome measures are within their scope of practice (88%) and that they have the knowledge required for outcomes measurement (84%). Few participants agreed that outcomes measurement is standardized across the profession (30%). Most participants had access to small spaces and equipment for outcomes measurement, such as short hallways (65%-94%), stairs (69%), and tablets with wireless internet connection (83%). Most participants reported that they would be willing to spend between 5 (36% of participants) and 10 (43% of participants) minutes on self-reported surveys, and between 10 (41% of participants) and 20 (28% of participants) minutes on performance-based tests. ConclusionsOutcomes measurement is encouraged or expected in contemporary prosthetic practice. Strategies to improve standardization and efficiency of administration are needed to facilitate routine use of outcome measures in clinical care.

Seismic fragility estimates of steel diagrid structure with performance-based tests for high-rise buildings

During seismic performance-based design for building structures, the accuracy of limit states criteria is directly related to its real damage state and retrofitting measures after the earthquake. As a new type of structures, diagrid structure has a special way of bearing force. Firstly, in order to accurately estimate the deformation capacity and energy dissipation mechanism under horizontal loads, four plane specimens of steel diagrid structure are designed and seismic performance-based tests under horizontal quasi-static cyclic load are carried out. Secondly, according to the yield strength and horizontal ultimate deformation capacity of diagrid structure, combined with pushover method, the limit state values of four performance levels of diagrid structure are determined. Finally, the seismic fragility of a diagrid structure for high-rise building is analyzed. The results suggest that the bottom tilted columns have obvious deformation visible to the naked eye before failure, and some failure warnings can be given in advance. It is difficult to realize the “beam hinge” mechanism in diagrid structure, and the cumulative damage of “column hinge” is its main failure mode. The bottom tilted column is the first place where plastic hinge occurs. In addition, the recommended value of inter-story drift ratio for judging the yield of steel diagrid structure is 1/128 by these experimental results, and the recommended value of inter-story drift ratio for collapse resistance is 1/85. Based on these experimental results, the probability of diagrid structure in each performance state can be estimated reasonably and effectively.

Premorbid intellectual ability in schizophrenia influence family appraisal related to cognitive impairments: a cross-sectional study on cognitive impairment and family assessments

BackgroundPatients with schizophrenia are unaware of their cognitive impairments. Misperception of cognitive impairment is an important factor associated with real-world functional outcomes in patients with schizophrenia. The patient’s family member plays a crucial role in detecting patients’ cognitive impairments when the patients are unaware of their own cognitive impairments. Previous studies have reported that not only the patient’s subjective rating, but also the patient’s family members’ rating of their cognitive impairment may not be precise. However, it is unclear why family ratings are inaccurate, and which factors impact family ratings. This study investigated whether family ratings differed significantly from the patients’ subjective ratings of the patients’ cognitive impairments and sought to determine the reason for the differences between the family ratings and the patients’ neurocognitive performances. We investigated the relationship between patients’ subjective ratings, family ratings for patients’ cognitive impairments, neuropsychological performance, and other aspects, including premorbid IQ and clinical symptoms.MethodWe evaluated 44 patients with schizophrenia for cognitive function using neuropsychological tests; in addition, both the patients and their families rated the patients’ cognitive impairments through questionnaires. We used the Mann–Whitney U test to examine whether the family ratings differed significantly from the patients’ self-reported ratings of their cognitive impairment. We conducted multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling to determine why the patients’ subjective ratings and the family ratings were not definitively associated with the patients’ neurocognitive performances. We performed multiple regression analysis with a stepwise method with neurocognitive performance, premorbid IQ, positive symptoms, and negative symptoms as independent variables and family ratings of patients’ cognitive impairments as dependent variables.ResultsWe found that the family ratings differed significantly from the patients’ subjective self-reported ratings of their cognitive impairments. Our results showed that the premorbid IQ of patients is the strongest predictor of family ratings. Furthermore, among the neurocognitive domains, only the processing speed of patients was associated with family ratings.ConclusionsWe found that the family ratings were not consistent with the patients’ subjective self-reported ratings and the family ratings were most affected by the patients’ premorbid intellectual abilities. These results suggest that the families’ current assessments of the patients’ current cognitive impairments were affected by the patients’ premorbid intellectual ability rather than the patients’ current neurocognitive performance. Patients’ processing speed predicted family ratings; however, family members' ratings were not related to verbal learning/memory, executive function, and language of patients. Therefore, our findings highlight that patients’ family ratings may differ from patients’ subjective ratings, results of performance-based neuropsychological tests, and clinician ratings.

Total Knee Arthroplasty Assessments Should Include Strength and Performance-Based Functional Tests to Complement Range-of-Motion and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures.

Range of motion (ROM) and pain often define successful recovery after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but these routine clinical outcomes correlate poorly or not at all to functional capacity after TKA. The purpose of this Perspective is to underscore the importance of muscle strength and performance-based functional tests in addition to knee ROM and patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures to evaluate outcomes after TKA. Specifically: (1) muscle strength is the rate-limiting step for recovery of function after TKA; (2) progressive rehabilitation targeting early quadriceps muscle strengthening improves outcomes and does not compromise ROM after TKA; (3) ROM and PROs fail to fully capture functional limitations after TKA; and (4) performance-based functional tests are critical to evaluate function objectively after TKA. This Perspective also addresses studies that question the need for or benefit of physical therapy after TKA because their conclusions focus only on ROM and PRO measures. Future research is needed to determine the optimal timing, delivery, intensity, and content of physical therapy.

Patterns of Attention and Anxiety in Predicting Arithmetic Fluency among School-Aged Children.

Although the interaction between anxiety and attention is considered crucial for learning and performance in mathematics, few studies have examined these cognitive and affective predictors in a single framework or explored the role of sustained attention in promoting children’s arithmetic performance, using traditional linear analyses and latent profile analysis (LPA). In this paper, state anxieties (in a math test and in an attention test situation), general anxiety traits, sustained attention (performance-based test and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) self-ratings) and math achievement of 403 fourth and fifth graders (55.8% girls) were assessed. A negative correlation between state anxiety prior to the math test and arithmetic achievements was identified, even when controlling for other non-math related state anxieties and general anxiety. Sustained attention was a strong predictor of arithmetic achievement and functioned as a moderator in the anxiety-performance link. LPA identified six distinct profiles that revealed a complex relationship with arithmetic fluency. The weakest achievement was found for a specific math anxiety subgroup. The findings highlight the important role of the interaction of anxiety and sustained attention in children’s ability to perform math and enable new conclusions about the specific nature of math anxiety. Implications for future research are discussed.

Correlation between Stiffness and Fatigue Behavior at Asphalt Mastic and Asphalt Mixture Level

Abstract Performance-based tests on asphalt mix level to assess performance behavior are already state of the art, including the fatigue test with the 4-point bending beam. However, this test method requires high effort in material, time, and manpower, making it less practical for routine quality control. This study aims to partially substitute the performance-based tests on asphalt mix level with a practical test method on asphalt mastic level. The tests on asphalt mastic level were carried out with a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) by time sweep tests on hyperbolic specimens. Fourteen different asphalt mixtures and the corresponding asphalt mastic mixtures were tested. We used a wide range of different asphalt binders and types of aggregates to extend the validity range of the developed model. Correlations between the asphalt mastic performance and asphalt mix performance were investigated using simple and multiple linear regression models. The correlations show that the dynamic modulus |E*|30Hz at asphalt mix level can be linked to the complex shear modulus |G*|initial at mastic level by a simple linear regression model. On the other hand, no correlation could be found between the phase angles of both mix levels. However, the characteristic fatigue value of the asphalt mix ε6 can be linked with high accuracy (R² = 0.92) to the characteristic fatigue value τ6 and complex shear modulus |G*|initial of the asphalt mastic using a multiple linear regression model. In summary, a reliable prediction of the fatigue behavior and stiffness of an asphalt mixture through simple fatigue tests with the DSR on asphalt mastic is feasible.

The Effects of Subliminal Emotional Priming on Rorschach Responses

Abstract. The Rorschach is one of the most popular performance-based tests and it is thought to provide information on relatively stable individual differences, including respondent inclinations and preferences. To investigate the extent to which minor, nonconscious, emotional fluctuations in the respondent’s mind could influence Rorschach scores, we used a backward masking paradigm. More specifically, each Rorschach card was presented on a computer screen twice, once under a neutral and once under an emotional priming condition. In the neutral priming condition, the target stimulus of the backward masking procedure was a neutral face; in the emotional priming condition, the target stimulus of the backward masking procedure was an angry face. A sample of 182 healthy, adult volunteers contributed to this study. Statistical analyses revealed that Rorschach scores obtained from the neutral versus emotional conditions were similar to each other.

Feasibility of performance-based and self-reported outcomes in self-managed falls prevention exercise interventions for independent older adults living in the community

BackgroundLittle is known about associations between performance-based measurements and self-reported scales, nor about ceiling effects or sensitivity to change to evaluate effects in the target population for self-managed exercise interventions. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of using performance-based outcomes for gait speed, functional leg strength and balance, and self-reported outcomes of falls-efficacy and functional ability in two self-managed falls prevention exercise interventions for community dwelling older adults.MethodsIndependent living, community-dwelling older adults (n = 67) exercised with one of two self-managed falls prevention exercise programmes, a digital programme (DP) or a paper booklet (PB) in a 4-month participant preference trial. Pre- and post-assessments, by blinded assessors, included Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and 30s Chair stand test (30s CST). Participants completed self-reported questionnaires: Activities-specific and Balance Confidence scale (ABC), Iconographical Falls Efficacy Scale (Icon-FES), Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument Function Component (LLFDI-FC). In addition, improvement in balance and leg strength was also self-rated at post-assessment. Participants’ mean age was 76 ± 4 years and 72% were women.ResultsCeiling effects were evident for the balance sub-component of the SPPB, and also indicated for ABC and Icon-FES in this high functioning population. In SPPB, gait speed, 30s CST, and LLFDI-FC, 21–56% of participants did not change their scores beyond the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID). At pre-assessment all performance-based tests correlated significantly with the self-reported scales, however, no such significant correlations were seen with change-scores. Improvement of performance-based functional leg strength with substantial effect sizes and significant correlations with self-reported exercise time was shown. There were no differences in outcomes between the exercise programmes except that DP users reported improved change of leg strength to a higher degree than PB users.ConclusionThe LLFDI-FC and sit-to-stand tests were feasible and sensitive to change in this specific population. The balance sub-component of SPPB and self-reported measures ABC and Icon-FES indicated ceiling effects and might not be suitable as outcome measures for use in a high functioning older population. Development and evaluation of new outcome measures are needed for self-managed fall-preventive interventions with high functioning community-dwelling older adults.

Assessment of Executive Function in Everyday Life-Psychometric Properties of the Norwegian Adaptation of the Children's Cooking Task.

Background: There are few standardized measures available to assess executive function (EF) in a naturalistic setting for children. The Children’s Cooking Task (CCT) is a complex test that has been specifically developed to assess EF in a standardized open-ended environment (cooking). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, sensitivity and specificity, and also convergent and divergent validity of the Norwegian version of CCT among children with pediatric Acquired Brain Injury (pABI) and healthy controls (HCs).Methods: The present study has a cross-sectional design, based on baseline data derived from a multicenter RCT. Seventy-five children with pABI from two university hospitals with parent-reported executive dysfunction and minimum of 12 months since injury/completed cancer therapy, as well as 59 HCs aged 10–17 years, were assessed with CCT using total errors as the main outcome measure. The pABI group completed tests assessing EF (i.e., inhibition, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and planning) on the impairment level within the ICF framework (performance-based neuropsychological tests and the Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome for Children), and on the participation level (questionnaires). In addition, they completed tests of intellectual ability, processing speed, attention, learning, and memory. Finally, overall functional outcome (pediatric Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended) was evaluated for the children with pABI.Results: Acceptable internal consistency and good inter-rater reliability were found for the CCT. Children with pABI performed significantly worse on the CCT than the HCs. The CCT identified group membership, but the sensitivity and specificity were overall classified as poor. Convergent validity was demonstrated by associations between the CCT and performance-based tests assessing inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory, as well as teacher-reported executive dysfunction (questionnaires). Divergent validity was supported by the lack of association with performance-based measures of learning and memory, attention, and verbal intellectual ability. However, there was a moderate association between the CCT and performance-based tests of processing speed. Lastly, better performance on the CCT was associated with a better functional outcome.Conclusion: Our study with a relatively large sample of children with pABI and HC’s demonstrated good psychometric properties of the CCT. CCT performance was associated with the overall level of disability and function, suggesting that CCT is related to the level of activity in everyday life and participation in society. Hence, our study suggests that the CCT has the potential to advance the assessment of EF by providing a valid analysis of real-world performance. Nevertheless, further research is needed on larger samples, focusing on predictors of task performance, and evaluating the ability of CCT to detect improvement in EF over time. The patterns of error and problem-solving strategies evaluated by the CCT could be used to inform neuropsychological rehabilitation treatmentand represent a more valid outcome measure of rehabilitation interventions.

An Experiential Learning Activity Using an Online Judgment-Based Pediatric Functional Measure During Hybrid Instruction With Doctor of Physical Therapy Students

Background and Purpose. Mandated remote instruction provided an opportunity to introduce Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students to online judgment-based measures used in clinical practice. In this method/model presentation, we report the operational feasibility, educational outcomes, and student satisfaction of a new learning activity providing entry-level DPT students with the experience to administer, score, and interpret the results of a pediatric, online, judgment-based functional assessment. Method/Model Description and Evaluation. Following introduction and demonstration, student pairs completed the web-based Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT) using written case information detailing a child's typical functional mobility performance. Students then completed a course assignment to interpret test results, identify a complementary performance-based test, and develop intervention goals. Operational feasibility (time, technical, and economic needs), educational outcomes (PEDI-CAT scoring accuracy, assignment results), and student survey feedback were retrospectively evaluated. Outcomes. Within a 3-semester hour course, 2 hours (13%) were devoted to this activity, which was completed using a free test application and the university-supported learning management system. Student-generated PEDI-CAT normative scores were 100% consistent with instructor scores, and 43 of 46 student pairs (94%) generated scaled scores within the 95% confidence interval for the instructor's PEDI-CAT-generated score. Assignment results (mean grade = 45.7/50) indicated comprehension of material evidenced by test result interpretation and development of a physical therapist (PT) Evaluation and intervention goals. Student feedback was positive for the use of case-based learning and web-based test administration experience as a learning activity. Discussion and Conclusion. Use of a written case and an online judgment-based assessment proved feasible and successful for exposing entry-level DPT students to test administration, item content, normative and standard scoring differences, and developing a PT Evaluation statement and intervention goals setting. During mandated hybrid instruction, this learning activity addressed the curriculum objectives related to PT examination in preparation for clinical practice.

Longitudinal associations of physical fitness and affect with depression, anxiety and life satisfaction in adult women with fibromyalgia.

This study analysed the longitudinal associations of physical fitness and affect with depression, anxiety and life satisfaction at 2- and 5-year follow-up. In 312 adult women with fibromyalgia, physical fitness was measured by performance-based tests and affect, depression, anxiety and life satisfaction were self-reported using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), Beck Depression Inventory-second edition (BDI-II), State Trait Anxiety Inventory-I (STAI) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), respectively. We conducted sequential linear regression analyses adjusted for baseline levels of depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, age, body fat percentage and education. At the 2-year follow-up, all the associations under study were significant. At the 5-year follow-up, a number of associations remained significant. First, lowering negative affect was independently associated with lower depression, anxiety and higher life satisfaction (β's from 0.14 to 0.31). Second, favourable changes in positive affect were independently associated with lower anxiety (β = 0.21) and higher life satisfaction (β = 0.28). Third, enhancing physical fitness was related to higher life satisfaction (β = 0.16). Reductions in negative affect were associated with more favourabledepression, anxiety and life satisfaction at the 2- and 5-year follow-up. Improvements in positive affect were associated with more favourable anxiety and life satisfaction and enhancements in physical fitness were associated with higher life satisfaction. If corroborated in clinical-experimental research, these findings may guide the development of interventions that are tailored to the levels of physical fitness, affect and the outcome of interest (i.e. depression, anxiety or life satisfaction) in women with fibromyalgia.

Criterion Validity and Applicability of Motor Screening Instruments in Children Aged 5-6 Years: A Systematic Review.

The detection of motor developmental problems, especially developmental coordination disorder, at age 5–6 contributes to early interventions. Here, we summarize evidence on (1) criterion validity of screening instruments for motor developmental problems at age 5–6, and (2) their applicability. We systematically searched seven databases for studies assessing criterion validity of these screening instruments using the M-ABC as reference standard. We applied COSMIN criteria for systematic reviews of screening instruments to describe the correlation between the tests and the M-ABC. We extracted information on correlation coefficients or area under the receiver operating curve, sensitivity and specificity, and applicability in practice. We included eleven studies, assessing eight instruments: three performance-based tests (MAND, MOT 4–6, BFMT) and five questionnaires (DCD-Q, PQ, ASQ-3, MOQ-T-FI, M-ABC-2-C). The quality of seven studies was fair, one was good, and three were excellent. Seven studies reported low correlation coefficients or AUC (<0.70), four did not report these. Sensitivities ranged from 21–87% and specificities from 50–96%, with the MOT4–6 having the highest sensitivity and specificity. The DCD-Q, PQ, ASQ-3, MOQ-T-FI, and M-ABC-2-C scored highest on applicability. In conclusion, none of the instruments were sufficiently valid for motor screening at age 5–6. More research is needed on screening instruments of motor delay at age 5–6.

Working memory among children following acquired head injuries: parents' and teachers' reports and performance-based test

Working memory among children following acquired head injuries: parents' and teachers' reports and performance-based test

Identifying Prosthetic Capabilities That Define Functionality of Individuals With Amputation

ABSTRACT Introduction Although the physical abilities associated with activity, exercise, and fitness within the general population of individuals without disabilities have been well established, it is unclear if these abilities define the physical function of individuals with lower-limb amputations (LLAs) who use a prosthesis. A multidimensional definition of the physical function of people with LLA must consider what abilities are necessary and relevant. Objectives This literature review aimed to identify common abilities used to evaluate the physical function of people with LLA. A secondary aim was to evaluate if each identified ability had been indirectly addressed by existing questionnaires and performance-based tests. Study Design Literature Review. Methods Ten common physical abilities associated with measuring the physical function of LLA were identified through literature review. These identified abilities were used to assess what aspects had been indirectly addressed by existing questionnaires and performance-based evaluations of LLA physical function. Results and Conclusions Abilities identified through literature review included agility, balance, comfort, endurance, flexibility, load, maneuverability, power, strength, and symmetry. These 10 abilities are important and commonly used as outcome measures associated with the physical function of people with LLA. Although each ability was addressed by multiple assessments, no assessment addressed all 10 identified abilities. The Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility, Prosthetic Profile of the Amputee, Rivermead Mobility Index, and the Amputee Mobility Predictor addressed most (8–9 of 10) of the identified abilities. There were clear differences and gaps in the abilities addressed by current assessments, possibly because they rely on an incomplete definition of what is required for LLA physical function. We propose that these 10 abilities are unique and underlie the definition of LLA physical function. However, future work must assess the validity of this proposed framework. Clinical Relevance A multidimensional definition of LLA physical function is necessary to enable more appropriate prosthetic design, prescription, and use. Promoting greater mobility and physical activity levels within this population will improve health of people with LLA.

Need to review anaesthesia curriculum and education!

Need to review anaesthesia curriculum and education!

A Potential Notion on Alzheimer’s Disease: Nanotechnology as an Alternative Solution

Alzheimer’s disease is an eventually destroying disease of the overaged people featured by the dynamic and gradual brain erosion because of construction of extracellular plaques in the hippocampus. It is an undertreated and underrecognized disease that is becoming a major public health concern. From the study, it is known that production of plaques takes place twenty years back, before the commencement of clinical syndromes. As per report, in 2019, above 50 million people got into Alzheimer’s disease. Recent developments include improved clinical diagnostic guidelines and improved treatment of both cognitive disturbance and behavioral problems. Treatment majorly focus on cholinergic therapy has been clinically evaluated by different studies including randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group studies measuring performance‐based tests of cognitive function, activities of daily living, and behavior. The presence of extracellular plaques of insoluble β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) containing hyperphosphorylated tau protein (P‐tau) in the neuronal cytoplasm is a remarkable pathophysiological cause in patients’ brains. The graph of increasing patients, suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, is being ascended. The outcome of this turn into fatal, deadly situation. So, there is a possibility of breaking down world economics and human strength. There is a different kind of organic as well as inorganic nanocomponent group, those have been pursued with satisfaction. By studying and researching over pathogenesis specifically, diagnosis of this AD as per its symptoms is possibly done. Treatment of this neurodisease is under processing. The experts are playing an extremely appreciable role for displacing this disease completely. The present review summarizes the pathophysiology and role of the nanoparticle in the diagnosis and treatment of AD.

An oleuropein-based dietary supplement may improve joint functional capacity in older people with high knee joint pain: findings from a multicentre-RCT and post hoc analysis.

Objectives:To investigate a 6-month intervention with an olive leaf extract (OLE) on knee functionality and biomarkers of bone/cartilage metabolism and inflammation.Design:This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centric trial included 124 subjects with knee pain or mobility issues. Subjects received twice a day one capsule of placebo or 125 mg OLE (Bonolive™, an OLE containing 50 mg of oleuropein) for 6 months. The co-primary endpoints were Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and serum Coll2-1NO2. The secondary endpoints were the subscales of the KOOS, knee pain VAS at rest and at walking, OARSI core set of performance-based tests and multiple inflammatory and bone or cartilage remodeling serum biomarkers and concentration of oleuropein’s metabolites in urine.Results:At 6 months, OLE group was not efficient on global KOOS score, changes of inflammatory and cartilage remodeling biomarkers compared to placebo. Post hoc analyses demonstrated a large and significant treatment effect of OLE in a sub-group of subjects with high walking pain at baseline (p = 0.03). This was observed at 6 months for the global KOOS score, and each different subscale and for pain at walking (p = 0.02). OLE treatment was well tolerated.Conclusion:OLE was not effective on joint discomfort excepted in a sub-group of subjects with high pain at treatment initiation. As oleuropein is well tolerated, OLE can be used to relieve knee joint pain and enhance mobility in subjects with articular pain.