bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C-46 Assessing Global Delays in Corpus Callosum Agenesis: Infants and Toddlers
Authors: Andrews G , Eddy K , Gibson A 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Corpus callosum agenesis (ACC) is a congenital birth defect in which the corpus callosum fails to fully form (Badaruddin, et al., 2007). The partial or complete absence of a corpus callosum affects specific functioning (Brown, Jeeves, Dietrich, & Burnison, 1999) resulting in behavioral, social, and cognitive difficulties (Badaruddin, et al., 2007). We evaluated the development of infants and toddlers with ACC in cognition, language, and motor functioning.

Methods
Boys (n = 6) and girls (n = 4) ages 3 to 41 months were assessed utilizing the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition, a test designed to assess the developmental functioning in 5 domains: motor, social-emotional, adaptive behavior, cognitive, and language (Bayley, 2006). Volunteers were assessed during ACC conferences.

Results
Cognitive, language and motor index scores were significantly correlated but not age. Moderate to large effect sizes (Cohens d) were found. Girls had lower Cognitive Index scores and were below average; boys mean score was within the average range. Large effect sizes for receptive and expressive language. Boys scored within the low average range; girls below average for receptive language. For expressive language, girls fell in the borderline range, boys were low average. Gross motor was very low compared to age norms. Girls showed deficits in fine motor skill development; boys within the average range.

Conclusions
Global developmental deficits and gender differences occurred for infants and toddlers with ACC. Girls show more delays than boys. Outcomes suggest that delays can be measured well before entering school and supports early intervention services.
C-48 Attachment and SES at Newborn, Two, and Four Months Related to Communication Development at Nine and Twelve Months
Authors: Oard K , Goldstein S , Flores A , Swick C , Reed R , Brooks J , Lukomski A , Huth-Bocks A , Lajiness-O'Neill R 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Previous literature linked secure infant attachment to subsequent communication competency (Murray & Yingling, 2000). Less is known about that relationship in families of varying SES. This study explores how attachment and income at newborn, two, and four months correspond with communication development at nine and twelve months.

Methods
Longitudinal (n = 30) and cross-sectional (n = 102) reports from PediaTrac□, a parent-report web-based survey to track development (Lajiness-O’Neill, et al., 2018), were collected at newborn (NB; n = 41), two (2m; n = 38), four (4m; n = 37), nine (9m; n = 38), and twelve months (12m; n = 36). The cross-sectional sample had higher income (p = .01). Attachment was measured using PediaTrac□ and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ; Brockington, Fraser & Wilson, 2006). Communication was measured using PediaTrac□.

Results
A linear regression model predicted communication development at 9m and 12m from attachment and income at NB, 2m, and 4m. PBQ attachment at 2m significantly predicted communication at 9m (b = 0.12, t = 2.28, p = .049). However, income was not significant, and neither attachment nor income at NB, 2m, or 4m predicted communication at 12m.

Conclusions
More secure attachment at two months was related to better communication outcomes at nine months regardless of SES. This finding highlights the importance of parent-infant relationships at two months of age on development, indicating further research on methods to promote secure attachment and positive parent-infant interaction in families of varying SES.
C-50 Influence of Childhood Maltreatment on Decision-Making in Adolescents
Authors: Olsen A , Marr M , De Boer D , Jackson E , Mackiewicz Seghete K 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Decision-making requires weighing potential gains and losses. Adolescents who have experienced maltreatment may be more sensitive to potential gains or losses than other adolescents. The aim of these analyses was to examine trajectories of decision-making over time in adolescents based on maltreatment history and severity.

Method
The study included 69 adolescents 13 to 17 years old (M = 14.9). Maltreatment history and severity were assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Adolescents also completed a modified Iowa Gambling Task (mIGT). Outcomes of interest were the percentage of advantageous responses and net score (measure of overall performance integrating advantageous and disadvantageous plays) for each of three blocks.

Results
The trajectory of performance across blocks was defined using a conditional linear growth curve model with factor loadings fixed at block 1, block 2, and block 3. Greater maltreatment severity was associated with less increase in net score over time (M = -4.453, p < .001). In contrast, abuse severity (M = 6.675, p = .002) and the presence of neglect (M = 13.058, p = .002) were associated with sharper increases in net score. A regression revealed maltreatment severity, presence of abuse, presence of neglect, and abuse severity significantly predicted the percentage of advantageous plays only during the second block of the mIGT (R2 = .180, p = .030).

Conclusions
This study provides evidence that maltreatment history and severity are associated with the trajectory of decision-making over time. It also provides support for the importance of examining performance trajectory and heterogeneity in maltreatment regarding cognitive processing.
C-55 Normal Brain Cells in Abnormal Places: Contributions of Conjoint Neuropsychological, Pediatric, Neurologic, and Psychiatric Assessment in the Diagnosis and Behavioral Management of Pediatric Subependymal Heterotopia
Authors: Lewandowski A , Brown S , Lewandowski C , Jacob J , Tross B 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Subependymal heterotopia (SH) is a development brain malformation from abnormal neuronal proliferation and migration resulting in developmental delays and focal childhood epilepsy (Barkovich, 2000). SH results from the interruption of normal gray matter migration beneath the ependyma of the lateral ventricles. Most males are spontaneously aborted, and although there is some genetic uncertainty, affected females are thought to be X-linked (Xq28) recessive (Mitchell, et.al., 2000). SH prevalence in epileptic children with brain dysgenesis is between 13-20% and manifests in motor, visual-spatial, cognitive, and psychological deficits (Data, et.al., 2018).

Method
We present a case study of a seventeen-year-old female who was diagnosed at age eight with ADD and LD by self-report check-lists and achievement tests. Behavioral irregularities and seizure onset lead pediatrics to request neuropsychological testing. Findings revealed cognitive and emotional impairment and consequently further medical evaluation was recommended. Pediatric, neurological, and psychiatric examination, EEG, and MRI confirmed SH along the lateral margin of the right lateral ventricle.

Results
Psychometric testing revealed low average FSIQ, PRI, and PSI, impaired arithmetic operations and problem solving, graphomotor deficits, motor speed and executive/planning difficulties, emotional dysregulation, age-inappropriate interpersonal skills, and social-behavioral regression.

Conclusions
Neuropsychological assessment provided clear evidence of cognitive impairment beyond the initial diagnoses, suggested lateralized dysfunction, and implicated frontal and subcortical behavioral correlates not explained by other dispositional variables. Comprehensive neuropsychological assessment provided detailed information toward conjoint treatment planning by pediatrics, neurology, psychology, psychiatry, and teachers. Findings provided meaningful diagnostic clarification of SH and furthered clinical understanding of this adolescent’s social, academic, neuropsychological, and psychiatric needs.
C-56 Predictors of Social Outcomes for Individuals with RASopathies: A Systematic Literature Review with Implications for Assessment, Intervention and Education
Authors: Mission P , Foy A , Pierpont E 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
This review sought to provide a better understanding of the factors that contribute to social functioning outcomes in individuals with these RASopathies (i.e., genetic syndromes caused by disruption to the RAS-MAPK cellular signaling pathway).

Data Selection
A systematic literature search in the PubMed electronic database yielded 462 articles on social functioning in individuals with RASopathies. An additional five articles were identified through hand searches. Two researchers reviewed each article abstract, resulting in 58 full-text articles to be assessed for eligibility. Thirty-one articles met full criteria for inclusion in the review. For inclusion, studies were required to include at least three participants with a common RASopathy and had to examine the relationship between an aspect of social functioning and a factor that might influence social functioning.

Data Synthesis
The 31 articles meeting inclusion criteria were classified based on the predictors studied. Components examined during full review included: the syndrome(s) studied, participants, the aspect of social functioning assessed, the factor(s) studied in relation to social functioning, study measures, and key findings and limitations. Predictor variables were classified into the following categories: cognitive, affective, communicative, medical, and environmental.

Conclusions
Individuals with RASopathies are at higher risk of social functioning deficits. The majority of studies examined social functioning in NF1. Though a number of neuropsychological, medical, and environmental risk factors correlate with social deficits in this population, the majority of research has focused on cognitive and affective predictors. Symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and social processing difficulties had the most evidence as predictors of social outcomes.
A-22 Interference from Alcohol Stimuli Predicts Executive Control Performance in Alcohol Users
Authors: Von Nordheim D , Cortese M , Heaps-Woodruff J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
To investigate cognitive impairments associated with binge drinking, 78 college undergraduates (ages 18 to 50, M = 21, SD = 5.23) were recruited and categorized into alcohol use groups based on their reported consumption patterns (non-drinking, social drinking, or binge drinking).

Method
Participants completed a modified Stroop task to examine differential interference between alcohol and neutral targets and an attention network task (ANT) to measure within and between group variance in attentional performance across the alerting, orienting, and executive control networks.

Results
There were no significant performance differences between alcohol use groups on either task. However, a significant negative association between alcohol Stroop interference and executive control performance was observed for both the binge and social drinking groups, β = .033, t(48) = 3.81, p < .001, 95% CI [.016, .051]. This was a moderately large effect (η2p = .23) which was not significant for non-drinking individuals.

Conclusions
This experiment provides evidence that attentional interference from alcohol stimuli indicates broader executive control impairment in alcohol users, further illustrating the role of this domain in problematic drinking behaviors. Our findings affirm the significance of executive control assessment in the screening and treatment protocol for alcohol use disorders.
C-58 Reliable Change Index to Monitor Executive, Adaptive and Behavioral Functioning in Children with Perinatal Complications
Authors: Hill D , Gore C , Lee S 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Research demonstrates that children with perinatal complications (i.e., extreme prematurity, hemorrhage, hypoxic-ischemic injury) are at increased-risk for behavior, executive functioning, and adaptive independence problems in their everyday life. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the importance of monitoring for changes in these domains as these children reach school-age.

Method
The current study reviewed retrospective neuropsychological evaluations for a sample of 8 children (ages 5-10 years) evaluated in an outpatient neurodevelopmental follow-up program for children with perinatal complications. Re-evaluation was completed 1-2 years later. Children with the following standardized parent-report measures were included: Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-2,3), Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF, 2), and Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS-3). A reliable change index was calculated for each child to compare individual change in subscales/indices using gender/age standard error of measurement from test manuals.

Results
BRIEF subscale RCI values (≥ 1.96) indicated that most children showed increased problems with inhibition, shifting, working memory, and planning/organizational (range -13 to 13), whereas most showed improved emotional control (range -12 to 3). BASC indices revealed stability in behavioral and externalizing symptoms (range -3 to 2). ABAS RCI values indicated that children tended to improve across skills (range -19 to 27). Figures and tables will be displayed.

Conclusions
This study highlights the utility of RCI values in monitoring neuropsychological changes during the early school years, as this sample of children showed changes across several developing skills. Early identification of behavioral or adaptive deficits allows providers to make recommendations for clinical management and academic planning.
C-64 The Verbal Shift Social Assessment: Examining Differences in Emotion Recognition, Attention, and Event Prediction Between Children with HFASD, ADHD, and Typically Developing Peers
Authors: Ryan T , Wexler D , Wawrzonek A , Mahdavi S , Westdal J , Fine J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
A pilot study of an experimental instrument extending the ‘verbal shift’ hypothesis indicating HFASD bias towards language over nonverbal cues (Grossman, Klin, Carter & Volkmar, 2000). We hypothesized HFASD differentiates from ADHD in social video interpretation in the degree of reliance on semantic content for correct responses.

Method
68 children ages 7-13 were recruited from the community (21 HFASD, 20 ADHD, 27 Control). Children viewed video pairs of social interaction. A “masked” version preserved prosody and visual cues, but not words. An “unmasked” version was naturalistic, with interpretable spoken language. Three questions were asked following each video scene (masked presented first): 1) the emotion of an actor, 2) a question to verify child was attending, 3) prediction about what might happen next. MANCOVA with post-hoc analysis was used to examine the between-group differences on performance as measured by the number of correct responses gained when the videos were unmasked.

Results
There were no group differences in age, gender, and WASI PRI. With WASI VCI controlled, emotion recognition and prediction questions differed significantly between groups (F = 3.907, p = .025, pEta2 = .109; F = 4.725, p = .012, pEta2 = .129), with ASD having the largest unmasked>masked correct gain compared to ADHD (p = .05; p = .029) and controls (p = .009; p = .004) There were no differences between ADHD and controls. The attention question did not differ among groups; focus on the details of the videos was similar in participants regardless of diagnosis.

Conclusions
Results of this pilot study indicate that emotion recognition and event prediction may be useful diagnostic predictors when differentiating HFASD from ADHD using naturalistic video stimuli.
C-70 Neuropsychological Profiles of Patients With SCN8A-Related Epilepsy
Authors: Medlin L , Bello-Espinosa L , Desire N , MacAllister W 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Two cases of SCN8A-related epilepsy (a sodium-channelopathy) are presented. SCN8A-related epilepsy with encephalopathy (SCN8A-REE), the most common form, is typically characterized by refractory seizures, developmental delays, and intellectual disability (ID) but recently discovered variants have shown broadly normal cognition. Current cases highlight the heterogeneity seen with differing de-novo pathogenic variants.

Method
Case 1, a 6-year-old right-handed girl, presented with SCN8A-REE and a missense pathogenic variant (c.802A>C), not previously documented. History includes speech and motor delay, with focal motor seizures starting at 4-months. Early EEG showed bilateral centroparietal epileptiform discharges. Case 2, an 8-year-old right-handed girl, presented with SCN8A-related epilepsy with c.5630A>G pathogenic variant with seizure onset at 5-months. Initial EEG showed right occipital spikes.

Results
Case 1 currently shows motor and language delays and prominent motor tics. Testing documented ID with fairly global neuropsychological deficits (i.e., academics, attention/executive functions, memory, visual-spatial skills, fine motor, language). In contrast, Case 2 shows low average intellect and average academics, but evaluation documented attention deficits, fine motor delays, and behavioral issues in addition to tics; she was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Tourette’s.

Conclusion
These cases expand limited knowledge regarding neuropsychological functioning of children with SCN8A-related epilepsy with unique de-novo pathogenic variants. While SCN8A-REE is clearly associated with ID, other pathogenic variants may show better preserved intellect, despite other neuropsychological and behavioral concerns.
A-26 Performance on Design Fluency and Visuoperception Measures is Related to Single and Dual Task Treadmill Gait Parameters in Healthy Adults
Authors: Wadia L , Higginson C , Bifano M , Seymour K , Orr R , DeGoede K , Higginson J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Research suggests a link between gait and cognition. Executive functions have been related to gait speed, however the relation between design fluency and visuoperception and other spatiotemporal gait characteristics that are related to falling is unclear. The objective of the study was to determine whether performance on design fluency and visuoperception tasks is related to spatiotemporal gait parameters during single and dual task treadmill walking in a sample of healthy adults.

Method
Nineteen healthy adults averaging 40 years of age completed cognitive measures of design fluency, visual attention, and visuoperception. They underwent gait analysis while walking on an instrumented treadmill in single task and dual task conditions.

Results
Performance on Spatial Span significantly correlated with single task stride length, r = 0.47, p = 0.043. Performance on Block Design significantly correlated with dual task stride length, r = 0.46, p = 0.049. Performance on Design Fluency significantly correlated with single task stride length variability, r = -0.50, p = 0.030, dual task stride length variability, r = -0.62, p = 0.005, and dual task step width variability, r = -0.56, p = 0.012. Performance on Picture Completion also correlated with dual task step width variability, r = -0.54, p = 0.017.

Conclusions
Design fluency and visuoperception appear related to spatiotemporal gait parameters in healthy adults. Worse cognitive performance was related to greater variability in dual task stride length and step width, gait characteristics associated with falling in aging and neurological populations.
A-38 Examining Cognitive Differences of Pre- and Post- Surgery in Pediatric Epilepsy
Authors: Cernokova I , Bearden D , Gordon A , Ono K 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Intractable epilepsy is often associated with cognitive difficulties in the language domain. Few studies examining verbal domains of cognitive functioning indicate a small increase of verbal skills post-surgery. The current study compared Verbal IQ and Performance IQ domains in pediatric populations before and after open resection surgery.

Method
Participants included 31 epilepsy patients (age 5-20 years old; M = 12.23 years pre-surgery; M = 14.72 years post-surgery; 20 males, 11 females) who underwent neuropsychological evaluations prior to and following an open brain resection surgery (i.e., temporal lobectomy, temporal resection, frontal lobectomy). Cognitive ability was assessed by Weschler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI) in order to analyze differences between pre-surgical and post-surgical cognitive function, specifically verbal comprehension and perceptual reasoning ability.

Results
No statistically significant differences were found, using a One-way ANOVA, between the two groups; however, a downward trend was noted for the Verbal IQ (VIQ) domain, F(1, 25) = 2.624, p = 0.118, including the verbal subtests vocabulary, F(1, 23) = 2.203, p = 0.151, and similarities, F(1, 24) = 1.678, p = 0.207. No differences or trends were noted within the Performance IQ (PIQ) domain, block design, or matrix reasoning.

Conclusions
Findings indicated that participants verbal ability decreased after epilepsy surgery when compared to prior evaluations. This is not consistent with previous research, which stated an increase in verbal abilities following surgical resection. Variable time between surgery and re-evaluation might account for discrepancies. Further, no differences in nonverbal reasoning abilities were noted. Results indicated a need for further research in open brain resection surgeries and the outcome of verbal processing.
A-41 Verbal Fluency and Switching Accuracy Differences in Pediatric Epilepsy Pre- and Post- Surgery
Authors: Gordon A , Cernokova I , Bearden D , Ono K 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
In patients with epilepsy, research is variable with regard to language difficulties. Previous research generally focuses on phonemic and semantic verbal fluency in pediatric populations post-surgery; however, few studies examine category switching accuracy. This study compared phonemic fluency, categorical fluency, switching accuracy, and the number of switches among pre-surgical and post-surgical groups.

Methods
Participants included 31 epilepsy patients (age 5-20 years old; M = 12.23 years pre-surgery; M = 14.72 years post-surgery; 20 males, 11 females) who underwent neuropsychological evaluations prior to and following open brain resection surgery (i.e., temporal lobectomy, temporal resection, frontal lobectomy). Verbal Fluency was assessed by the Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning System (D-KEFS), measuring phonemic fluency, categorical fluency, switching accuracy, and the number of switches.

Results
Statistically significant differences were found between groups on the D-KEFS Verbal Fluency subtest using a one-way ANOVA. Specifically, switching accuracy decreased following surgery, F(1,25) = 6.470, p = 0.02 (M = 104.44 pre-surgery, M = 89.44 post-surgery). Further, a downward trend was noted regarding the number of switches between the two groups, F (1, 26) = 3.172, p = 0.09; however, no differences were found in phonemic, F(1,34) = 0.854, p = 0.63, and categorical, F(1,35) = 0.828, p = 0.37, fluency tasks.

Conclusions
Results from this study revealed a decrease in the participants ability to accurately switch between verbal categories following brain resection surgery. Similarly, a downward trend was noted for number of switches completed pre- and post- surgery. Consistent with previous research, phonemic and semantic verbal fluency tasks remain unchanged post-surgery. Implications of this study highlight the need to assess executive functioning after surgery as it has an impact on treatment outcome and school planning.