Table 5 Definition of rating scores used to assess the study strength
Parameter | Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
3 | 2 | 1 | |
Pesticide exposure screening method | Pesticide presence performed by main researcher and tools used to determine load well defined, i.e. GCMS and HPLC | Pesticide load determined by sending samples to a private research company, i.e. lab and CDC | Pesticide exposure done by questionnaire, hospital record etc. |
Neurodevelopment assessment tool | BSII, WSID | MDI, PDI | Assessment performed by questionnaire |
Presence of SNP on PON1 | SNP on the PON1 Q192R and -108TT | SNP on PON1 L55M | SNP on PON1 -126 GC, -162AG, -832GA and -909CG |
Study design | Prospective, longitudinal and epidemiological | Case control study | Cross-sectional |
Sample size | 300 | ≥ 200 | ≥ 50 |
Confounder control | Confounding variables well defined and catered for in the study | Confounding variables are addressed but not all | Confounding variables not defined nor addressed |
Funding statement | Funding sources and role of funders in study well stated in the article | Role of funders not explained | Funding sources not mentioned in the article |