bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A-126 One Versus Two or More Head Injuries: A Comparison of Cognitive Performance and Emotional Correlates
Authors: Frick Lauren , Bailey Maggie , Balloun Bailey , Wood Lindsay , Pyykkonen Ben , Han Dan
Published: August 2021

Objective

The current study compares performance on measures of executive functioning in individuals with a history of 2 or more mTBI versus those with a single documented mTBI. Specific interaction with emotional distress was explored.

Method

A database from neuropsychological assessment of individuals noting deficits following head injury including 273 individuals provided a sample of 174 males, 98 females (one case missing data); mean age = 21.82 years; mean education = 10.16 years. Executive functioning was measured using the Trails Making Test Form B (TMT-B), Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (DKEFS) Design Fluency, and Semantic Fluency instruments. Emotional distress was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).

Results

MANCOVA was employed to determine the effect of multiple head injuries versus one upon cognitive performance after controlling for depression and anxiety. Group differences between those with one versus 2 or more mTBI were present (Wilk’s η = 0.907, F (3, 125) = 4.256, p = 007, Partial η2 = 0.093). Significant differences were not noted with regard to emotional distress (BAI, p = 0.97 l BDI, p = 0.87). Between subject effects identified significant differences between groups in performance on DKEFS Design Fluency (p = 0.05) and Semantic Fluency (P = 0.04), while significant groups differences were not evident Trailmaking Test B performance (P = 0.20).

Conclusion

Overall, those who had previous concussions performed better on measures of executive functioning. Measures of emotional functioning were not a significant covariate of cognitive performance. Implications and limitations of the current study will be discussed.
A-139 Relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Neurocognitive Performance in a Veteran Population with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptomatology
Authors: Gretler Julie , Jocson Valerie Alipio , Dominguez Christopher , Chen Marcel , Noda Art , Yesavage Jerome A , Kinoshita Lisa M
Published: August 2021

Objective

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is associated with neuropsychological challenges, including attentional difficulties (Kim et al., 2017), and commonly comorbid with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in veteran samples (Yesavage et al., 2014). We further explore the relationship between OSA and cognition in veterans with PTSD symptomatology.

Method

58 veterans (6 females; mean age = 57.53 years, SD = 13.63) with OSA were screened as part of a larger outpatient study at Palo Alto VA Hospital, completing neuropsychological testing and Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) interview. Mean Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) was 23.95 (SD = 15.97). Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) therapy had not started at the time of screening. Domain-specific composite scores were created using z-score transformation of individual test scores and hierarchical regression used.

Results

Initial regression model was significant (F(1,57) = 4.99, p = 0.03, R2 = 0.081) with AHI significantly predicting executive function (EF; β = −0.28, p = 0.03). Attention was then entered into the model (F(2,56) = 22.31, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.44) and significantly predicted EF (β = 0.63, p < 0.01), but AHI was no longer significant. Lastly, CAPS-5 score (last month) was entered as a covariate to control for PTSD symptom severity (F(3,55) = 14.94, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.45); however, attention remained the only significant predictor of EF (β = 0.63, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that EF concerns related to OSA may be driven by decreased attention performance, suggesting areas to highlight when formulating recommendations and treatment planning. Further implications and directions to be discussed.

Funding Acknowledgements

Supported by the Research Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs (Grant Number 1I01RX001799-01A2), VAPAHCS, and Sierra-Pacific MIRECC.
A-145 Tunnel Vision: A Novel Investigation of the Effect of Depression on Field of View
Authors: Bolshin Lisa , Khatri Nasreen , Ryan Jennifer
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study examined the effects of depression on field of view and memory as it relates to cognitive remittance of depression. Depressed individuals possess a negativity bias producing a narrowed field of view, attentional bias, and enhanced memory for negative emotional information.

Methods

The study investigated whether formerly depressed (remitted) individuals are truly cognitively remitted and display the same emotional and attention inhibitions and memory as depressed individuals, specifically under a negatively mood induced state. Female participants aged 39–85 were grouped into non-depressed (healthy) and remitted categories. The study followed a 3-day testing procedure which included diagnostic verification on the first day, and eye-tracking methods on the second and third day looking at a series of emotionally valenced images. The study employed a 2 x 3 x 2 mixed model ANOVA.

Results

Results suggested that remitted individuals possess a narrower field of view, especially when subjected to a negative mood induction as seen in Figure 1. Results also suggested that a negative mood induction results in greater visual exploration (attention) to negatively valenced information for formerly depressed individuals. Results showed that remitted individuals continued to demonstrate significantly different viewing patterns (i.e., saccade amplitudes and number of fixations) to emotionally valenced information under a negative mood induction but, this did not impact recognition memory.

Conclusion

Taken together, the results of the study support the idea that formerly depressed individuals experience a perceptual and cognitive tunnel vision that elaborates on their inhibited negative cognitive schemas and puts them at risk for relapse into further episodes of depression.
A-166 Assuming Fine Motor Impairment in Pediatric Brain Tumor
Authors: Kong Dianne , Carmona Viannae , Whitaker Ashley M
Published: August 2021

Objective

As neuropsychologists adopt virtual assessments in the context of COVID-19, the field is shifting toward teleneuropsychology. Comprehensive remote evaluations are proving to be feasible and reliable across domains, though traditional fine motor (FM) tests cannot be administered virtually. In the absence of direct FM measurement, this cross-sectional study considered whether universal FM recommendations are appropriate for patients with pediatric brain tumor (PBT).

Method

Dominant FM z-scores were obtained from 176 patients with PBT (x- age at diagnosis and evaluation = 7.3 and 12.8 years, respectively). There were no significant differences between Lafayette Grooved and Purdue Pegboard performances. FM differences between tumor location (46% infratentorial), chemotherapy (71.6%), and gender (52.3% male) were analyzed.

Results

The sample as a whole performed over 2 SDs below normative age expectations, t(175) = −14.7, p < 0.0001), with more pronounced deficits among patients with infratentorial (x-= − 2.4) than supratentorial (x-= − 1.7) tumors, F(1,174) = 7.1, p = 0.008. Consistent with prior findings, patients performed worse when treated with chemotherapy (x-= − 2.3) than without (x-= − 1.7), F(1,174) = 16.2, p < 0.0001. Time since diagnosis was negatively correlated with FM performance r = −0.27, p < 0.001. While gender differences were not apparent overall, post-hoc analyses revealed FM impairment in over 89% of males and 75% of females by middle school.

Conclusions

Given the likelihood of FM concerns (particularly by middle school), FM recommendations should be offered even in the absence of direct FM measurement for patients with PBT evaluated virtually. Accommodations (e.g., note copies, typing/dictation, abbreviated assignments, extended time) are free/easy to implement and can be incorporated into medically based Section 504 Plans, while early intervention may mitigate long-term effects.
A-3 History of Traumatic Brain Injury and the Course of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms among those with Autopsy-Confirmed Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Schaffert Jeff , Goette Will , LoBue Christian , Didehbani Nyaz , Hart John , Cullum Munro
Published: August 2021

Objective

We explored the course of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in autopsy-confirmed Alzheimer’s disease (ad) subjects with and without a history of TBI (TBI+ vs. TBI-), expecting that TBI history may be associated with NPS severity over time.

Method

Data from 1532 individuals (age 50+) with autopsy-confirmed ad were obtained from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (Mean visits = 3.69). Those with other tau pathology and significant Lewy pathology were removed. Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q) and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) scores were used to examine NPS. Multilevel zero-inflated binomial regression models assessed if NPS severity differed between TBI+ (N = 154) and TBI- (N = 1378) groups over time. Covariates included: years from baseline visit, demographics, MMSE, Functional Activities Questionnaire score, and psychotropic treatment.

Results

The groups did not differ at baseline in NPI-Q (p = 0.36) or GDS (p = 0.07) scores. NPI-Q scores mildly decreased in the TBI+ group (trend = −0.03), whereas the TBI- group remained stable over time (trend = 0.001), 95% CI for the trend [0.01, 0.07]. GDS scores increased more rapidly in the TBI+ group (trend = 0.08) than the TBI- group (trend = 0.02), 95% CI for the trend [0.02, 0.10].

Conclusions

This preliminary study suggests that NPS course in ad may differ depending on TBI history, though effect sizes were small. Over the course of ad, individuals with a history of TBI may experience less NPS overall (as measured by NPI-Q scores) but may experience marginally more depressive symptoms (as measured by GDS scores). Future investigations evaluating the relationship between TBI and the course of neurodegenerative disease are needed.
A-4 Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma Neurofilament Light in Relation to Longitudinal Objective and Subjective Cognitive Decline in Older Adults
Authors: Thwaites Natalie A , Khan Omair A , Liu Dandan , Steinbach Marilyn , Gilbert Camdyn , Cambronero Francis E , Moore Elizabeth E , Bown Corey W , Acosta Lealani , Spirko Katie Osborn , Pechman Kimberly R , Hohman Timothy J , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Jefferson Angela L , Gifford Katherine A
Published: August 2021

Objective

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma neurofilament light (NFL) concentrations were assessed in relation to longitudinal objective and subjective cognitive outcomes in older adults ranging from normal cognition to mild cognitive impairment. Interactive effects were assessed for apolipoprotein E ϵ4 (APOE4) carriership, a strong genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and molecular moderator of vascular disease.

Method

Vanderbilt Memory & Aging Project participants (CSF n = 149, 72 ± 6 years; plasma n = 333, 73 ± 7 years) underwent fasting blood draw and lumbar puncture at baseline for NFL quantification. Serial neuropsychological assessments and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) questionnaires were completed at 18-month increments. Linear mixed effects regression models adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, APOE4 carriership (for main effect models), and depressed mood. NFL x APOE4 interaction terms were used as predictors in follow-up models.

Results

CSF NFL predicted steeper declines in an executive functioning composite score (β = −0.0001, p = 0.001) and WAIS-IV Coding (β = −0.001, p = 0.001). An APOE4 interaction was present for executive functioning (β = −0.0002, p = 0.005) such that CSF NFL associations with longitudinal decline were stronger among APOE4+ participants. Plasma NFL predicted worsening SCD (β = 0.27, p = 0.002) and objective cognitive decline across all domains (p-values <0.05), with multiple APOE4 interactions (p-values <0.05) suggesting stronger associations with objective cognitive decline among APOE4+ participants.

Conclusions

Both CSF and plasma NFL detect neuropathology associated with cognitive decline among non-demented older adults, especially among APOE4 carriers. Findings further support the value of SCD as reflecting neurodegenerative changes associated with accelerated cognitive aging.
A-6 Cognitive Impairment and SES-Related Differences in Affective Traits
Authors: Andrews Heather E , MacAulay Rebecca K
Published: August 2021

Objective

Recent research has suggested that positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) may be sensitive markers of early pathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, mechanisms underlying this relationship are poorly understood and likely reflect diverse etiological factors.

Method

The present study aimed to determine whether individual differences in NA and PA were related to group differences in global cognition and socioeconomic status (SES). We collected data from a group of adult participants aged 57–87 (N = 120). Participants were categorized as cognitively normal (CN) or MCI based on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) measured PA and NA. Information on SES including education level and household income were collected via interview.

Results

Results indicated that those with psychometrically-defined MCI statistically differed in PA but not in NA compared to CN adults. Additionally, economically insecure older adults were higher in NA than economically secure older adults. Further, examination of this effect suggested that this economically-related group difference was significantly greater in those with evidence of cognitive impairments than CN. Older age was associated with greater positive affect (r = 0.170, p < 0.050) and lower negative affect (r = −0.296, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Results highlight the combined effect of economic insecurity and cognitive impairment on NA, suggesting that economically insecure adults with cognitive impairments may benefit from additional support to reduce its harmful effects on mood. Future research is needed to examine whether heightened NA is a sensitive predictor of depression and MCI.
A-14 Factors Impacting Long-Term Proactive and Reactive Healthcare Utilization in Cognitively Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Stypulkowski Katie , Hansel Jamie , Thayer Rachel
Published: August 2021

Objective

Ongoing preventive healthcare is critical to support physical and cognitive health with aging. Several demographic factors have been identified as impacting older adult’s healthcare utilization (HCU), and cognitive training (CT) may prime for proactive (regular doctor’s visits) versus reactive (emergency department [ED] visits) HCU. This study sought to explore older adults’ HCU patterns, including predictors of CT and demographic factors, in the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) data set.

Method

The full ACTIVE study included 2802 community-dwelling adults age 65+ without cognitive impairment. Available data were comprised of Nf909 across six US sites at baseline and five-year follow up. Multiple linear regression was used to predict five-year doctor’s visits and ED visits from age, race, gender, education, MMSE score, community type, and cognitive training group.

Results

The model significantly predicted doctor’s visits but accounted for a low amount of the total variance [R2 = 0.025, F(7,885) = 3.21, p = 0.002]. Rural setting (β = 0.090, p = 0.012), female gender (β = 0.086, p = 0.012), higher MMSE (β = 0.079, p = 0.031), and higher education (β = 0.076, p = 0.041) predicted more doctor’s visits. Similarly, the overall model accounted for limited variance in ED visits [R2 = 0.016, F(7,888) = 3.21, p = 0.044], and older age was the only significant predictor (β = 0.089, p = 0.009).

Conclusions

CT did not significantly predict HCU at five-year follow up. Those living in a rural setting, of female gender, and with higher MMSE score and education level had higher proactive HCU at five years, whereas only older age predicted higher ED visits. Additional exploration of factors impacting long-term HCU within a diverse sample of healthy older adults is needed.
A-46 The Influence of Acculturation on Mexicans and Guatemalans Cordoba Naming Test Performance
Authors: Sidhu Jasman , Lopez-Hernandez Daniel W , Baez Abril J , Munoz Isabel C , Saravia Sarah , Olmos Winter , Smith Kristina E , Bueno Alexis , Bichlmeier Amy , Cervantes Raymundo , Munoz Raelynn B , Hernandez Juan P , Wright Matthew J , Hardy David J , Fernandez Alberto l
Published: August 2021

Objective

The United States carries a diverse Latinx population. This population largely consists of Mexicans however, there has been a population decrease since 2010. Though, the Guatemalan population has increased since 2010 and has become the third most growing population in the United States. Previous research shows that level of acculturation influences neuropsychological test performance. The Córdoba Naming Test (CNT) is a confrontation naming test created for Spanish-speakers. We examined the relationship between acculturation and CNT performance in a Latinx sample that immigrated to the United States.

Method

The sample consisted of 44 Mexicans and 14 Guatemalans that were neurologically and psychologically healthy residents. All the participants completed the CNT and the Abbreviated Multidimensional Acculturation Scale (AMAS) in Spanish. ANOVAs were used to examine CNT performance and acculturation on the AMAS subscales.

Results

Results revealed the Guatemalan immigrant group outperformed the Mexican immigrant group on the CNT, p = 0.035, ηp2 = 0.08. Additionally, we found that on the English language subscale of the AMAS, the Mexican immigrant group reported higher English language levels than the Guatemalan immigrant group, p = 0.002, ηp2 = 0.16.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that Guatemalans demonstrated better CNT performance compared to Mexicans. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine confrontation naming performance in a Latinx immigrant sample. Furthermore, we found that Mexicans reported higher English language compared to Guatemalans. Future research on the CNT with larger samples should investigate possible interactions between acculturation and other cultural variables (e.g., bilingualism) in the interpretation of test performance in a Latinx immigrant population.
A-49 Construct Validity and Predictive Utility of Cognitive Intraindividual Variability Varies Based on Ethnic Group
Authors: Scott Bonnie M , Royall Donald R , Hilsabeck Robin C
Published: August 2021

Objective

Compare the construct validity and predictive utility of cognitive intraindividual variability (IIV) in a sample of community dwelling Hispanic and non-Hispanic older adults.

Methods

The present study included annual data from 651 older adult control participants (Hispanic = 293; Non-Hispanic = 358) enrolled in the Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium for at least 5 years. Mean composite z-scores were calculated for attention, language, memory and executive function domains. IIV-across domains was calculated as the standard deviation between these composite scores, while IIV-within domain scores were computed as the absolute difference between tests in each domain.

Results

At baseline, Non-Hispanic individuals obtained significantly higher composite scores in each domain than their Hispanic counterparts. They also showed significantly greater variability across and within domains, with the exception of IIV-within the language domain which was significantly larger in the Hispanic group. IIV-across domains was driven primarily by IIV-within the executive function domain in the non-Hispanic cohort and by IIV-within the language domain in the Hispanic cohort. In both groups, the addition of IIV-within and -across cognitive domains at baseline significantly improved prediction of cognitive status (MMSE) after 5 years above and beyond demographic characteristics, genetic risk and vascular integrity. However, IIV-across domains was the strongest predictor in the non-Hispanic group, while IIV-within the attention domain was the strongest predictor in the Hispanic group.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that, while IIV-across domains is a promising preclinical biomarker of subsequent cognitive decline, its construct validity and predictive utility varies based on ethnic group.
A-51 The Effect of Acculturation on Neuropsychological Test Performance; a Systematic Review
Authors: Baker Melissa A , Deng Xinyue , Puente Antonio N
Published: August 2021

Objective

While neuropsychological testing is often seen as an unbiased form of measuring brain function, recent literature has emerged detailing possible effects of cultural competence on test performance (Fernandez, 2018). This systematic review examined the effects of acculturation on neuropsychological tests across domains and populations in existing literature. We anticipated that “verbal” tests would be more affected by acculturation, and we were unsure if specific patient populations or ethnic groups would be more affected.

Data Selection

A preliminary search for articles of acculturation and neuropsychological performance was conducted; Search terms included acculturat* (acculturation, acculturate), cultural assimilation* (assimilate, assimilation), neuropsychological test (test performance), and cognitive domains (cognition, intelligence, learning, memory). Over 10,000 studies were screened; the 39 studies included in analysis had quantitative data only, adult populations (18+), an acculturation measure or proxy (place of birth, length of time in the US, and English language use/proficiency), and relational data between neuropsychological test performance and acculturation.

Data synthesis

A narrative synthesis of included articles was performed prior to data extraction; data extracted from these articles include unadjusted correlation coefficients, partial correlation, regression model outputs, and descriptive statistics. Results are still being compiled but initial findings suggest that generally, increased acculturation leads to better performance.

Conclusion

Initial results show that increased acculturation to “white America,” leads to better neuropsychological test performances. This effect is more noticeable on verbal tests. Results of this review will be beneficial in understanding how cultural bias may negatively influence the accuracy of neuropsychological test results.
A-63 Non-Alcoholic Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome in a Bariatric Surgery Patient
Authors: Mills Chmaika P
Published: August 2021

Objective

Wernicke-Korsakoff’s Syndrome (WKS), caused by thiamine deficiency and characterized by altered mental status, amnestic memory loss, confabulation, and lack of awareness, has a global prevalence rate up to 3% and is most commonly observed in alcoholics. Cases of non-alcoholic WKS are exceptionally rare and often go undiagnosed until after the critical treatment period, resulting in permanent brain damage. Despite the paucity of research in this group, there is some evidence that there may be differences in demographic factors, neuroanatomic changes, and cognitive functioning between alcoholic and non-alcoholic WKS patients. Thus, case studies are necessary to understand how non-alcoholic WKS may present and determine whether regular testing in individuals diagnosed with disorders or undergoing medical interventions that can cause thiamine deficiency should be encouraged.

Methods

Patient is a 65-year-old African American woman with a history of hypothyroidism, obesity, and sleep apnea. She complained of gastrointestinal problems one-month into a pre-bariatric surgery diet. Subsequent medical workups were negative, but she was hospitalized 2–3 months post-symptom onset for thiamine deficiency. Acute neuroimaging was reportedly negative.

Results

Results from a neuropsychological evaluation indicated temporal disorientation, delusions, and hallucinations. Psychometric testing revealed severe impairments in learning and memory. Some variability was noted in other cognitive domains, but attention, processing speed, executive functioning, language, and visuospatial and motor skills were generally intact. Symptoms of minimal depression and moderate anxiety were endorsed.

Conclusion

Thiamine deficiency is easily treatable, but different presentations between alcoholic and non-alcoholic cases may complicate diagnosis, delay treatment, and result in WKS. Increased awareness of these differences can inform clinical recommendations.
A-70 Differences in Cognition and Disease Characteristics in Adult Vs. Late Onset Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Butler Pagnotti Rachel M , Hua Le Hanh , Miller Justin B
Published: August 2021

Objective

Cognitive impairment is a common sequelae of multiple sclerosis(MS), however, relatively little is known about cognitive impairment in late-onset MS (LOMS; symptom onset >50 years old). The present study investigated differences in disease characteristics and cognition in LOMS and adult-onset MS (AOMS).

Methods

Archival medical records and neuropsychological evaluations from an MS specialty center were reviewed. Differences in disease characteristics between 57 LOMS and 124 AOMS patients were compared using chi-square or ANOVA. To investigate differences in cognitive functioning, age-adjusted standardized scores were compared via ANCOVA, using cardiac risk factors and disease duration as covariates.

Results

Compared to AOMS (age range: 21–88; mean age: 49.66 +/−12.83), LOMS patients (age range 42–82; mean age: 61.88 +/− 8.57) had significantly more cardiac comorbidities (mean: 1.12+/−1.1 vs. 0.6+/−0.9; p < 0.01), shorter disease duration (mean years: 13.14+/−7.9 vs. 21.0+/−12.6; p < 0.001), and shorter time to diagnosis (mean years: 3.0+/−4.2 vs 6.5+/−8.5; p < 0.01). LOMS patients had similar Expanded Disability Status Scale scores and number of prescribed disease-modifying therapy as AOMS. LOMS patients demonstrated greater impairment on Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised learning (F(1,169) = 8.03, p < 0.05; d = 0.36) and delayed recall (F(1,169) = 4.44, p < 0.05; d = 0.27), and on Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-4th edition Digit Span Backward (F(1,176) = 5.68, p < 0.05; d = 0.41) and Sequencing (F(1, 176) = 11.90, p < 0.001; d = 0.55) subtests.

Conclusion

Despite a shorter disease duration and quicker diagnosis, LOMS patients demonstrate similar levels of physical impairment. Moreover, even after accounting for differences in disease duration and cardiac risk, LOMS showed a greater burden of cognitive impairment than AOMS, which taken together, suggests an elevated rate of disease progression in LOMS.
A-72 Neuropsychological Functioning in Primary Dystonia: A Multi-Domain Meta-Analysis
Authors: Aita Stephen , Del Bene Victor A , Pizer Jasmin H , Hawley Nanako A , Niccolai Lindsay , Marotta Dario A , Walker Harrison C , Gerstenecker Adam , Martin Roy C , Clay Olivio J , Crowe Michael , Triebel Kristen L , Hill Benjamin D
Published: August 2021

Objective

Primary dystonia is conventionally seen as a motor disorder, though growing literature indicates cognitive dysfunction among persons with primary dystonia (PWD). Here, we completed a meta-analysis comparing cognition on clinical measures between PWD and normal controls.

Method

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PsycINFO using a uniform search-strategy to locate original research comparing cognition between PWD and control samples. All analyses were modeled under random-effects. We used Hedge’s g as a bias-corrected estimate of effect size. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q and I2.

Results

The initial search strategy yielded 866 results. Twenty studies were analyzed (PWD n = 739, control n = 865; 254 effect sizes extracted). Meta-analysis showed a significant combined effect size of primary dystonia across all studies (g = −0.55, p < 0.001), with low heterogeneity (Q = 23.60, p = 0.21, I2 = 19.49). Trim-and-fill procedure estimated 6 studies missing due to publication bias (adjusted g = −0.47, Q = 44.58). Within-domain effects of primary dystonia were: Motor/Non-Motor Speed = −0.76, Global Cognition/Orientation = −0.65, Language = −0.62, Executive Functioning = −0.50, Learning/Memory = −0.46, Visuospatial/Construction = −0.44, and Simple/Complex Attention = −0.36. Heterogeneity was generally low within domains. Effects were comparable between Speed tasks with (g = −0.85) and without (g = −0.80) a motor component. Meta-regressions indicated age, education, gender, and disease duration were not related to effect sizes.

Conclusions

PWD consistently demonstrated lower performances on neuropsychological tests compared to controls. Effect sizes were generally moderate in strength, with smallest effects in Simple/Complex Attention, and largest in Motor/Non-Motor Speed. Within the Speed domain, results suggested cognitive slowing beyond effects from motor symptoms. This quantitative summary indicates that PWD experience difficulties in multiple aspects of cognition, as detected by neuropsychological tests.
A-75 Effects of Rivastigmine on Neurocognitive Deficits in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Roper Carrie , Coelln Rainer , Shulman Lisa , Mordecai Kristen
Published: August 2021

Objective

Cognitive impairments are commonly seen in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, identification and tracking of cognitive deficits are not always part of treatment plans. Cholinergic treatment with rivastigmine has demonstrated beneficial effects on cognition and gait stability in PD-dementia, but less evidence exists in PD-mild cognitive impairment. We investigated the cognitive effects of rivastigmine treatment in a 3-month open-label pilot study.

Method

31 participants with PD and mild–moderate cognitive impairment (24 male; mean age = 71.7; mean years-of-education = 17.2; mean Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score = 21.7) completed pre-testing in a single-site, non-randomized study at the University of Maryland Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center. A subset of 12 patients returned for follow-up after 12 weeks of rivastigmine treatment. A physical examination, the MoCA, and a computerized cognitive measure (NeuroTrax) were completed at each session. It was hypothesized that rivastigmine would benefit cognition, particularly executive functioning.

Results

Rivastigmine benefited global cognitive functioning as measured by both the MoCA (t(10) = −2.5, p < 0.05; M(Time 1) = 22.6(2.2), M(Time 2) = 24.9(3.9)) and NeuroTrax (t(11) = −3.0, p < 0.05; M(Time 1) = 88.7(13.6), M(Time 2) = 95.5(11.6)), though no domain-specific changes were evident. Relationships among the two measures were also examined. Moderate correlations were found between MoCA total scores and NeuroTrax measures including Global Cognitive Scale (r = 0.40, p < 0.05), Visuospatial Functioning (r = 0.39, p < 0.05), Executive Functioning (r = 0.50, p < 0.005), and Motor Response (speed/planning; r = 0.51, p < 0.005).

Conclusions

Although small sample size and practice effects must be considered, results suggest potential global cognitive benefit of rivastigmine for patients with PD experiencing mild–moderate cognitive deficits. Treatment planning for all PD patients should include periodic cognitive screenings and consideration of treatment options.
Inferring causality in biological oscillators
Authors: Tyler Jonathan , Forger Daniel , Kim Jae Kyoung
Published: August 2021

Motivation

Fundamental to biological study is identifying regulatory interactions. The recent surge in time-series data collection in biology provides a unique opportunity to infer regulations computationally. However, when components oscillate, model-free inference methods, while easily implemented, struggle to distinguish periodic synchrony and causality. Alternatively, model-based methods test the reproducibility of time series given a specific model but require inefficient simulations and have limited applicability.

Results

We develop an inference method based on a general model of molecular, neuronal and ecological oscillatory systems that merges the advantages of both model-based and model-free methods, namely accuracy, broad applicability and usability. Our method successfully infers the positive and negative regulations within various oscillatory networks, e.g. the repressilator and a network of cofactors at the pS2 promoter, outperforming popular inference methods.

Availability and implementation

We provide a computational package, ION (Inferring Oscillatory Networks), that users can easily apply to noisy, oscillatory time series to uncover the mechanisms by which diverse systems generate oscillations. Accompanying MATLAB code under a BSD-style license and examples are available at https://github.com/Mathbiomed/ION. Additionally, the code is available under a CC-BY 4.0 License at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.16431408.v1.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Envisioning Future Urinary Tract Infection Diagnostics
Authors: Patel Robin , Polage Christopher R , Dien Bard Jennifer , May Larissa , Lee Francesca M , Fabre Valeria , Hayden Mary K , Doernberg Sarah D B , Haake David A , Trautner Barbara W , Grigoryan Larissa , Tsalik Ephraim L , Hanson Kimberly E
Published: August 2021

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in the United States and are a major driver of antibiotic use, both appropriate and inappropriate, across healthcare settings. Novel UTI diagnostics are a strategy that might enable better UTI treatment. Members of the Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group Laboratory Center and the Infectious Diseases Society of America Diagnostics Committee convened to envision ideal future UTI diagnostics, with a view towards improving delivery of healthcare, patient outcomes and experiences, and antibiotic use, addressing which types of UTI diagnostics are needed and how companies might approach development of novel UTI diagnostics.
Case report of a peculiar aneurysm of the ascending aorta: when there is much more beyond an incidental finding
Authors: Ceschia Nicole , Scheggi Valentina , Marchionni Niccolò , Stefano Pierluigi
Published: August 2021

Background

Aneurysms of the thoracic aorta are common in male patients around the VI–VII decade of life and most have a degenerative aetiology; otherwise, the occurrence of this disease at a younger age should prompt the search of rarer causes. We report a singular case of ascending aortic aneurysm (AAA) in a young man.

Case summary

A large AAA accompanied by multivessel dilatation and renal failure of unknown onset was incidentally found in a 23-year-old male during the diagnostic work-up after a car accident. A systemic disease was therefore suspected, and a full clinical investigation revealed the uncommon diagnosis of sarcoidosis accompanied by large vessel vasculitis.

Discussion

Only a few reports in the literature describe the concurrence of sarcoidosis and large vessel vasculitis (Takayasu arteritis), which may share non-specific immunoinflammatory abnormalities. This case underlines the importance of a multisystem diagnostic approach even in front of an incidental finding that is inconsistent with patient’s age.
Wordsworth’s Self-Composure
Authors: Hart Jack L
Published: August 2021

This essay examines William Wordsworth’s attraction to fractious and perplexing selfhood. Attending to the often overlooked riches of the Cornell edition of Wordsworth’s poetry, I argue that the poet’s sense of the self is more than a straightforward aspiration towards organic creation. Recent scholarship has cast Wordsworth’s processes of revision as an effort to create continuity between his past and present selves. Memory, in this respect, becomes an instrument to invest back into original moments of creation. It is my contention that Wordsworth is instead fascinated by a self that cannot be drawn together neatly. I also consider the psychological contexts of Wordsworth’s writing. Contemporary theorizations of memory were sometimes too quick in reforming the fragmentary aspects of memory into a positive state of unity. Wordsworth’s poetic and compositional practices, then, challenge the stricter divisions in the eighteenth century between undesirable and splintered forms of selfhood and the more unified kinds of self, which usually rely on fulfilling a telos. Teleological views of selfhood, in Wordsworth’s eyes, are insufficient to account for the contingencies and happenstance that are natural and attractive aspects of experience. As this essay suggests, his practice of revision often thrives on the unpredictable elements of composition and drawn on by an attraction to the unknown.
Temporal dissection of Rai1 function reveals brain-derived neurotrophic factor as a potential therapeutic target for Smith–Magenis syndrome
Authors: Javed Sehrish , Lee Yu-Ju , Xu Jin , Huang Wei-Hsiang
Published: August 2021

Haploinsufficiency of retinoic acid-induced 1 (RAI1) is responsible for Smith–Magenis syndrome (SMS), a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder associated with hyperphagia, obesity and autistic features. We previously showed that constitutive inactivation of one or both copies of Rai1 in the germline or developing brain induces SMS-like neurobehavioral deficits and obesity in mice. By contrast, the postnatal function of Rai1 is unclear. Here, we globally deleted one or both copies of Rai1 during two postnatal developmental windows by generating an inducible Rai1 knockout mouse model. We found that delayed Rai1 deletion at 3 or 8 weeks of age had no effect on neurobehavioral functions but resulted in adult-onset obesity and decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) in the hypothalamus. Remarkably, genetic overexpression of human Bdnf in Rai1 heterozygous mice reversed SMS-like obesity, hyperphagia, metabolic syndrome-like features and hyposociability. Increasing Bdnf signaling in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus or the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus was sufficient to mediate the anti-obesity effect. Our work identifies the function of Rai1 in different temporal windows after birth and provides in vivo evidence that increasing Bdnf signaling is therapeutically effective in a preclinical mouse model of SMS.
Arabidopsis thalianaZn2+-efflux ATPases HMA2 and HMA4 are required for resistance to the necrotrophic fungusPlectosphaerella cucumerinaBMM
Authors: Escudero Viviana , Ferreira Sánchez Darío , Abreu Isidro , Sopeña-Torres Sara , Makarovsky-Saavedra Natalia , Bernal María , Krämer Ute , Grolimund Daniel , González-Guerrero Manuel , Jordá Lucía
Published: August 2021

Zinc is an essential nutrient at low concentrations, but toxic at slightly higher ones. It has been proposed that hyperaccumulator plants may use the excess zinc to fend off pathogens and herbivores. However, there is little evidence of a similar response in other plants. Here we show that Arabidopsis thaliana leaves inoculated with the necrotrophic fungus Plectosphaerella cucumerina BMM (PcBMM) accumulate zinc and manganese at the infection site. Zinc accumulation did not occur in a double mutant in the zinc transporters HEAVY METAL ATPASE2 and HEAVY METAL ATPASE4 (HMA2 and HMA4), which has reduced zinc translocation from roots to shoots. Consistent with a role in plant immunity, expression of HMA2 and HMA4 was up-regulated upon PcBMM inoculation, and hma2hma4 mutants were more susceptible to PcBMM infection. This phenotype was rescued upon zinc supplementation. The increased susceptibility to PcBMM infection was not due to the diminished expression of genes involved in the salicylic acid, ethylene, or jasmonate pathways since they were constitutively up-regulated in hma2hma4 plants. Our data indicate a role of zinc in resistance to PcBMM in plants containing ordinary levels of zinc. This layer of immunity runs in parallel to the already characterized defence pathways, and its removal has a direct effect on resistance to pathogens.
A search for satellite galaxies of nearby star-forming galaxies with resolved stars in LBT-SONG
Authors: Garling Christopher T , Peter Annika H G , Kochanek Christopher S , Sand David J , Crnojević Denija
Published: August 2021

We present results from a resolved stellar population search for dwarf satellite galaxies of six nearby (D < 5 Mpc), sub-Milky Way mass hosts using deep (m ∼ 27 mag) optical imaging from the Large Binocular Telescope. We perform image simulations to quantify our detection efficiency for dwarfs over a large range in luminosity and size, and develop a fast catalogue-based emulator that includes a treatment of unresolved photometric blending. We discover no new dwarf satellites, but we recover two previously known dwarfs (DDO 113 and LV J1228+4358) with MV < −12 that lie in our survey volume. We preview a new theoretical framework to predict satellite luminosity functions using analytical probability distribution functions and apply it to our sample, finding that we predict one fewer classical dwarf and one more faint dwarf (MV ∼ −7.5) than we find in our observational sample (i.e. the observational sample is slightly top-heavy). However, the overall number of dwarfs in the observational sample (2) is in good agreement with the theoretical expectations. Interestingly, DDO 113 shows signs of environmental quenching and LV J1228+4358 is tidally disrupting, suggesting that low-mass hosts may affect their satellites more severely than previously believed.
Immune cells and Notch1 signaling appear to drive the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in the development of adenomyosis in mice
Authors: Bourdon M , Santulli P , Doridot L , Jeljeli M , Chêne C , Chouzenoux S , Nicco C , Marcellin L , Chapron C , Batteux F
Published: August 2021

The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in the development of adenomyosis, along with dysregulated immune responses. Inflammation potentially induces Notch signaling, which could promote this EMT. The objective of this study was to investigate the involvement of immune cells and Notch1-mediated EMT in the development of adenomyosis. Adenomyosis was induced in 18 CD-1 mice by neonatal oral administration of tamoxifen (TAM group), while 18 neonates received vehicle only (Control group). Their uteri were sampled at 30, 60 or 90 days of age. Immune cell markers (Cd45, Ly6c1, Cd86, Arginine1, Cd19, Cd4, Cd8), Notch1 and its target genes (Hey1, Hey2, Hes1, Hes5) and biomarkers of EMT (E-Cadherin, Vimentin, Tgfb, Snail1, Slug, Snail3) were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Activated-Notch1 protein was measured by western blot. Aberrant expression of immune cell markers was observed in the uteri of mice as they developed adenomyosis. The expression of inflammatory cell markers, notably M1 macrophages and natural killer cells, was increased from Day 30 in the TAM group compared to controls, followed by an increase in the Cd4 marker (T cells) at Day 60. Conversely, expression of the Cd19 marker (B cells) was significantly reduced at all of the stages studied. Notch1 signaling was also highly activated compared to controls at Day 30 and Day 60. Concomitantly, the levels of several markers for EMT were also higher. Therefore, the activation of Notch1 coincides with aberrant expression of immune and EMT markers in the early development of adenomyosis.
Intentional endometrial injury enhances angiogenesis through increased production and activation of MMP-9 by TNF-α and MMP-3 in a mouse model
Authors: Tu Yi-An , Chou Chia-Hung , Yang Po-Kai , Shun Chia-Tung , Wen Wen-Fen , Tsao Po-Nien , Chen Shee-Uan , Yang Jehn-Hsiahn
Published: August 2021

There have been reports of improved pregnancy rates after performing intentional endometrial injuries, also known as endometrial scratching, in patients with recurrent implantation failure. In our previous study on intentional endometrial injury, we found an increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 following induced injuries to the mice endometrium. In the current study, we further examine whether the rise in MMP-3 could contribute to increased angiogenesis. Female C57B1/6 mice were obtained at 12 weeks of age, and intentional endometrial injuries were induced mechanically in the left uterine horns. Using the appropriate media, uterine-washes were performed on the injured and uninjured (control) horns of the harvested uteri. The uterine tissues were further processed for tissue lysates, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The results show that intentional endometrial injuries caused an increase in secreted LPA in the injured horns, which were detected in the uterine-washes. In addition, LPA induced increased production of TNF-α in human endometrial epithelial cells (hEEpCs). Furthermore, TNF-α appeared to induce differential and cell-specific upregulation of the MMPs: MMP-3 was upregulated in the epithelial (hEEpCs), while MMP-9 was upregulated in the endothelial cells (human endometrial endothelial cells; hEEnCs). The upregulation of MMP-3 appeared to be necessary for the activation of MMP-9, whose active form stimulated the formation of vessel-like structure by the hEEnCs. The results of this study suggest that there may be enhanced angiogenesis following intentional endometrial injuries, which is mediated in part by TNF-α-induced and MMP-3-activated MMP-9 production.
Consciousness and complexity: a consilience of evidence
Authors: Sarasso Simone , Casali Adenauer Girardi , Casarotto Silvia , Rosanova Mario , Sinigaglia Corrado , Massimini Marcello
Published: August 2021

Over the last years, a surge of empirical studies converged on complexity-related measures as reliable markers of consciousness across many different conditions, such as sleep, anesthesia, hallucinatory states, coma, and related disorders. Most of these measures were independently proposed by researchers endorsing disparate frameworks and employing different methods and techniques. Since this body of evidence has not been systematically reviewed and coherently organized so far, this positive trend has remained somewhat below the radar. The aim of this paper is to make this consilience of evidence in the science of consciousness explicit. We start with a systematic assessment of the growing literature on complexity-related measures and identify their common denominator, tracing it back to core theoretical principles and predictions put forward more than 20 years ago. In doing this, we highlight a consistent trajectory spanning two decades of consciousness research and provide a provisional taxonomy of the present literature. Finally, we consider all of the above as a positive ground to approach new questions and devise future experiments that may help consolidate and further develop a promising field where empirical research on consciousness appears to have, so far, naturally converged.