bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
B-37 Examining Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms: A SPECT Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Horne K , Gilmore M , Datoc A , Trinidad B , Golden C , Amen D , Willeumier K , Taylor D 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
To examine regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) differences between those with self-reported high and low levels of depressive symptoms.

Method
Participants were selected from a de-identified archival SPECT database. Depressive symptoms were determined by self-reported factors related to depression which included eight questions rated on a six point Likert scale. Groups were separated into highest and lowest 20% of ratings on this scale. Low reported depressive symptoms group (n = 2453,Mage = 42.85,SD = 18.35,male = 64%,Caucasian = 67%); high reported depressive symptoms group consisted (n = 2673,Mage = 38.52,SD = 13.44,male = 58%,Caucasian = 70%). Differences between groups were assessed across 17 brain regions at baseline.

Results
One-way ANCOVAs were conducted (p < .001) controlling for age and gender across 17 brain regions. Significant differences were found between groups in the left cerebellum (F[1,5122] = 19.396,p < .001),left frontal(F[1,5122] = 17.870,p < .001),right frontal (F[1,5122] = 22.175,p < .001),left motor sensory(F[1,5122] = 28.974,p < .001),and right motor sensory(F[1,5122] = 31.534,p < .001),such that the low depressive symptoms group exhibited higher rCBF in the left and right frontal and left and right motor sensory,whereas, the high depressive symptoms group exhibited higher rCBF in the left cerebellum.

Conclusion
Results indicate increased self-reported depressive symptomatology may be associated with decreased frontal lobe. The motor sensory region can result in deficits involving encoding or motor output showing slower motor/sensory processing in those with increased self-reported depressive symptoms. Research has shown increased activity in the cerebellum during sadness which may explain the higher rCBF in the depressed group. These findings demonstrate that neurological differences exist between varying degrees of self-reported depressive symptom severity. As a result, SPECT may be a useful objective measure to monitor and assess self-reported depressive severity throughout the course of treatment.
B-38 Gamified Mobile Cognitive Tests: Preliminary Feasibility and Acceptability in Persons with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Filip T , Kamarsu S , Lomas D , Eyler L , Depp C , Moore R 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Current measurements of cognitive functioning are time-consuming and costly, often done as point-in-time assessments. We examined the feasibility and acceptability of six newly developed smartphone-based mobile cognitive tests (MCTs), completed in the real-world, among persons with bipolar disorder (BD) and healthy controls (HC).

Methods
Thirteen community-dwelling participants (seven BD and six HC), aged 18-65, completed in-person neurobehavioral assessments at baseline and our MCTs three times daily for the following 14 days. The MCTs measure cognition in the following domains: reaction time, executive functions, attention, processing speed, working memory, and learning and memory. Our protocol delivered 1-2 MCTs per session, and each test was only administered once daily. Timing of the MCTs was adjusted according to individual sleep/wake schedules.

Results
MCT adherence was, on average, high (82.38%). The two groups did not differ in terms of adherence (p = 0.45, 95% CI = -29.51, 13.96) or average completion time (5.21 mins, SD = 1.54 min per each assessment period; t(11) = 1.12, p = .29, 95% CI = -0.91, 2.81). There was no relationship between age and adherence (r = .296, p = .326). Acceptability was measured at follow-up via a Likert-scale rating from 0 = not at all to 4 = very much; mean likeability was high (M = 3.0, SD = 1.28). Most participants noted a high willingness to complete additional MCT testing in the future.

Conclusion
Our preliminary findings indicate mobile cognitive testing is feasible and accepted among bipolar disorder and comparison participants. The implications of using smartphone-based MCTs are far reaching, including increased visibility of cognitive changes over time as well as examining real-time temporal relationships between cognition and other lifestyle and environmental factors.
B-43 Adolescent Recovery Following TBI: Moderators of Change Over Time
Authors: Lima E , Ashwal S , Nichols J , Pivonka-Jones J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The study aimed to assess (1) whether the severity of a TBI affects performance on a measure of memory, and (2) whether FSIQ, VIQ, and PIQ moderate recovery following TBI, over time, after controlling for severity of injury.

Method
TBI patients (n = 60) were recruited from admissions to the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital (LLUCH). Indicators of memory and learning were assessed with the CMS for all the children (ages 6 to 16), while overall cognitive abilities were assessed with the WASI-II. These data are a component of a larger neuropsychology assessment battery collected at 3 and 12 months post-injury.

Results
Simple Linear Regression was conducted in SPSS. Results indicated that severity of injury explained a significant amount of the variance in participant’s performance on overall memory at the initial evaluation (R2 = .154). As severity of injury increased by one-point, general memory declined by .392 points, 95%CI [.820, 3.233] (p < .001). Three moderation analyses using model one of the PROCESS macro for SPSS were conducted to assess whether FSIQ, VIQ, or PIQ moderated recovery from TBI over time. We controlled for the severity of injury. FSIQ, VIQ, and PIQ did not significantly moderate verbal, nonverbal, or general memory recovery of moderate-to-severe TBI over time (ps > .05).

Conclusions
Results of the study suggest that, after controlling for severity of injury, FSIQ, VIQ, and PIQ did not significantly moderate recovery following a TBI. Given that research suggests that higher premorbid IQ is associated with more favorable outcomes, further investigation is warranted.
B-44 An Examination of Balance Measurements in Predicting Post-Concussion Neurocognitive Dysfunction
Authors: DaCosta A , Crane A , Fasciana M , LoGalbo A 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Previous research indicates that athletes experiencing concussions demonstrate acute balance deficits (Guskiewicz, 2011). Although it is hypothesized that balance performance is related to neurocognitive function in athletes experiencing a concussion (Guskiewicz, Ross, & Marshall, 2001; Broglio, Sosnoff, Ferrara, 2009), limited research exists regarding the clinical utility of baseline measures.

Method
68 collegiate athletes (ages 18-23; M = 19.62, SD = 1.44) were evaluated using the Balance error scoring system (BESS) and ImPACT at baseline and post-concussion. Multiple linear regressions were used to determine how BESS performance change across evaluations predicted post-concussion neurocognitive dysfunction compared to post-concussion performance alone.

Results
BESS performance changes from baseline to post-concussion significantly predicted post-concussion Verbal Memory (R² = .06, p = .05), Visual Memory (R² = .135, p = .002), Visual-Motor Speed (R² = .146, p = .001), Reaction Time (R² = .156, p = .001), and Total Symptom Scores (R² = .112, p = .005); while post-concussion BESS scores predicted Visual Memory (R² = .138, p = .002), Visual-Motor Speed (R² = .137, p = .002), and Reaction Time (R² = .145, p = .001). Therefore, assessing change in BESS performance is a more comprehensive predictor of neurocognitive dysfunction than solely post-concussion BESS performance.

Conclusions
Changes in BESS performance from baseline to post-concussion was found to be a more comprehensive predictor of neurocognitive dysfunction than post-concussion BESS scores alone. Therefore, our results support the clinical utility of evaluating balance at pre-participation to better understand neurocognitive risk factors.
B-45 Base Rates of Low Scores on a Traditional Battery of Neuropsychological Tests in Soldiers with and without Acute mTBI
Authors: Ivins B , Arrieux J , Cole W , Schwab K 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
It is not uncommon for healthy individuals to have one or more low scores on a battery of cognitive tests. The number of scores produced by the battery by itself can affect the probability of having low scores. The purpose of this study is to examine the rates of low scores on a battery of commonly used neuropsychological tests in soldiers with and without acute mTBI.

Methods
Data from 246 healthy soldiers and 177 soldiers evaluated within seven days of sustaining a mTBI and who had complete and valid data were used in this analysis. All soldiers completed the TOPF, WAIS-IV, CVLT-II, RCFT, DKEFS, and CPT-II. The CARB was used as a measure of effort. For each group, we determined the proportions of soldiers who had various numbers of scores that were 1.0 or more, 1.5 or more, 2.0 or more standard deviations below the normative means for each score. We used prevalence ratios to compare the proportions with low scores in each group.

Results
Low scores were common in both groups (93.1% and 96.0% of controls and mTBI cases, respectively, had at least one score 1.0+ SDs below norm, 57.7% and 79.1% had at least one score 1.5+ SDs below norm, while 30.5% and 48.0% had at least score 2.0+ SDs below norm). Low scores were more common in the mTBI group.

Conclusion
Examining rates of low scores can help identify clinically meaningful performance decrements across an entire battery when large numbers of scores are available.
B-46 Caring for a Service Member or Veteran following Traumatic Brain Injury Influences Caregiver Mental Health.
Authors: Brickell T , French L , Lippa S , Lange R 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
To examine factors related to poor mental health in a sample of caregivers assisting service members/veterans (SMV) following a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods
Caregivers (N = 201, 96.0% female; 86.1% spouse; Age: M = 39.2 years, SD = 10.2) of SMVs following a mild, moderate, severe, or penetrating TBI were recruited from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Maryland) and community outreach to participate in the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center 15-Year Longitudinal TBI Study (Sec721 NDAA FY2007). Caregivers completed the SF-36v2 Health Survey (SF-36v2), Caregiver Appraisal Scale (CAS), Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 (MPAI-4), and Caregiver Questionnaire. The sample was divided into two mental health groups: Poor (n = 108) and Good Mental Health (n = 93).

Results
A higher proportion of caregivers in the Poor Mental Health group reported worse functioning on the SF-36v2 and CAS scales (d = .43 to d = 2.09), except CAS Ideology; helping with symptoms of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and physical expressions of irritability, anger, or aggression (p’s < .01); less time for themselves (d = .42); more unmet needs (d = .87); an impact on employment (p = .00); and burdensome out-of-pocket caregiving expenses (p = .04). A higher proportion of SMVs of caregivers in the Poor Mental Health group had a mild TBI; worse scores on the MPAI-4 scales (d = .29 to d = .64); PTSD, depression, or other anxiety; received mental health and physical rehabilitation treatment; and did not have significant hospitalization post-injury (p = .04 to p = < .001).

Conclusions
Services for caregivers helping SMVs with comorbid mental health problems are required to ensure the burden of care does not undermine the caregiver’s health and impact the SMV’s recovery and reintegration.
A-13 Sustained Attention, Impulsivity, and Tangentiality of Speech Among Young Adults and Older Adults
Authors: Helphrey J , Smith L , Rodriguez D , Rose III D , Sawyer J , Edzards S , Fierro L , Moore J , Parsons T , Barnett M 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Previous research has linked off-topic verbosity (OTV) among older adults with lower performance on neuropsychological tests tapping attention and executive functioning. However, most of this research has utilized relatively brief neurocognitive measures. Continuous performance tests (CPTs) measure sustained attention and impulsivity. The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between sustained attention, impulsivity, and tangentiality of speech among young adults and older adults.

Method
Young adult college students (age 18-29; n= 61) and healthy, community-dwelling older adults (age 60-99; n = 81) were administered the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test – 3 and provided a sample of speech (one episodic memory and one procedural memory). These speech samples were transcribed and rated for tangentiality by three independent reviewers.

Results
Among all participants, greater tangentiality of speech was associated with omission errors (r = .22, p = .01) but not with commission errors. This same pattern was found among older adults: omission errors (r = .23, p = .04) were associated with greater tangentiality but commission errors were not. Among young adults, these relationships were not statistically significant.

Conclusions
Results suggest that tangentiality of speech is associated with inattentiveness but not impulsivity, and this relationship may be more marked among older adults than young adults. OTV among older adults may stem from difficulty sustaining attention over time rather than diminished capacity for inhibiting impulses.
B-48 Effects of Anxiety on Response to a Subsymptom Threshold Exercise Program for Treatment of Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Meyer J , Briskin S , Tangen C , Hoffer S , Dundr J , Brennan B , Smith P , Lissemore F , Bailey C 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
There is a growing literature to support the use of subsymptom threshold exercise for treatment of both acute and chronic post-concussion symptoms. The present study aimed to explore the influence of anxiety on response to exercise intervention for patients with persistent post-concussive symptoms.

Methods
Sixteen adolescents (ages 14-18) with persistent (>1 month) concussion symptoms were randomized into a light, home exercise group and a subsymptom threshold exercise group performed by PT’s (modeled after Leddy et al.,2019). Participants underwent intervention for 6 weeks and completed evaluations at Baseline, Mid-Point, and Follow-up after treatment; evaluations included State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Post-Concussive Scale-Revised (PCS-R), as well as additional measures of emotional functioning, balance disturbance, and neuropsychological functioning.

Results
Average PCS-R endorsement improved by 21 points from Baseline to Follow-up across treatment groups (PCS-R Total Change M = -21.29,SD = 13.54). There were meaningful Baseline differences between intervention groups in STAI state anxiety (p < .05) and STAI trait anxiety (p = 0.51); STAI variables were used as covariates in an ANOVA comparing mean PCS-R Percent Change between treatment and control groups. After removing the influence of anxiety, the intervention groups significantly differed and showed large effect (F(3,13) = 6.94,p < .05,partial eta2 = .41), with the intervention group improving (PCS-R Percent Change M = -63.3,SD = 17.4) more than the control group (PCS-R Percent Change M = -56.8,SD = 27.8).

Conclusion
Exercise intervention appears to be more effective than standard-of-care light activity in the treatment of persistent symptoms in adolescents; however, anxiety may alter response to intervention. Complimentary mental health treatment may augment response to exercise intervention and optimize concussion recovery trajectory in patients with persisting symptoms.
B-49 Family Expectations regarding Functional Disability following Moderate/Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Fedio A , Sexton J , Dekarchuk M , Roper C , Cummings S , Thomas M , Patel N , Lebedun A , Fedio P 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The present study explored self-concept and treatment motivation in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) based on what their family members recalled having been told by health care professionals to expect about functional changes following brain injury.

Method
Adult family members (76% female) of nineteen individuals with moderate/severe TBI (mean age 38; 4 yrs post) were asked about expected functional changes. Patients completed the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS:2) and Motivation for Rehabilitation Treatment Questionnaire. Patients and families completed the Neurobehavioral Functioning Inventory (NFI). Results of point biserial correlational analyses (p < .05) are reported.

Results
NFI and TSCS:2 results placed within the average range. Patients expressed stronger interest in rehabilitation when their families had been told that they might not have survived or that they would not recover to their premorbid levels (r = .43-.47). When families had not been told to expect changes, patients were more self-critical and evidenced lower personal self-concept if not warned specifically about cognitive problems (r =.44 ). When families were told not to expect recovery, patients acknowledged lower family and personal self-concept (r = .53-.64) and poorer self-satisfaction (r = .66).

Conclusions
Key findings underscore detrimental impact on TBI patients when their families did not expect functional changes during recovery. Patients expressed greater interest in rehabilitation when their families had been told they would not recover to their premorbid baseline. Results suggest that health professionals should inform families about potential physical, cognitive, and emotional changes following moderate/severe TBI; negative residua of not doing so may persist in patients for years into recovery.
B-52 Improvements in Cognitive Functioning in Inactive Professional Fighters
Authors: Bennett L , Bernick C , Ng W 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Repetitive head injuries common in combat sports have been associated with increased risk for cognitive dysfunction. Interestingly, the Professional Fighter’s Brain Health Study (PFBHS) team has observed improvements in fighters’ cognitive performance following their transition to inactive fighting status. As this phenomenon was explored, it was hypothesized that fighters’ cognitive performance will initially improve following their discontinuation of fighting.

Methods
Longitudinal demographic, fighting history, and cognitive functioning data from 31 fighters who discontinued fighting during their participation in the PFBHS. Cognitive functioning was assessed via CNS Vital Signs and C3/iComet computerized batteries. Number of professional fights, as well as inactive fighting status, was determined using published professional online records. Fighters were considered inactive if they had gone two or more years without a professional match.

Results
Paired-samples t test was conducted to evaluate cognitive functioning in fighters at time 1 (actively fighting) and time 2 (inactive fighting status). When comparing cognitive function at across time points, performance on CNS Vital Signs measures of verbal memory, processing speed, psychomotor speed, and reaction time, as well as C3/iComet measures of set-shifting and complex reaction time, significantly improved at time 2 (all p’s < 0.05). Interestingly, performance did not improve across time points on a C3/iComet measure of processing speed (Trailmaking Test Part A).

Conclusions
Cognitive performance improved on most measures when fighters transitioned to inactive fighting status. Given the limited sample size, future analysis is necessary to evaluate the relationship between fighting status and cognitive performance in a larger sample size.
B-53 Inefficient Clock-Checking is Associated with Reduced Prospective Memory Performance in Veterans with Blast-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Sorg S , Walsh M , Werhane M , Holiday K , Clark A , Merritt V , Bondi M , Schiehser D , Delano-Wood L 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
We investigated whether clock-checking frequency during a prospective memory (PM) task differed between Veterans with reported histories of blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and Veteran Controls (VCs) without a history mTBI. We hypothesized that, compared to controls, the mTBI group would less frequently clock check. Additionally, we expected that reduced clock-checking would contribute to poorer time-based PM performance in the mTBI group.

Method
Twenty-seven Veterans (9 mTBI and 18 VC) with sufficient effort testing completed a structured TBI history interview, the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL) and the Memory for Intentions Test (MIST) as a PM task. During MIST administration, examiners recorded clock-checking behavior each time a participant physically turned a digital clock to observe the current time.

Results
Compared to VCs, the mTBI group performed worse on the Time subscale of the MIST [Mean (SD) VC = 6.7 (1.1), mTBI = 5.7 (1.1), p < .05], and demonstrated significantly fewer clock-checks over the duration of the test [VC = 14.2(4.7), mTBI = 10.2 (3.4), p < .05]. Clock-checking significantly correlated with MIST Time subscale performance (r = .38, p < .05). Groups did not significantly differ in PCL scores, and PCL scores did not significantly correlate with clock-checking counts.

Conclusion
Our preliminary results are the first to show that clock-checking behavior may contribute to reduced performance on time-based PM tasks in Veterans with histories of mTBI. Specifically, our findings demonstrate that participants with mTBI employ an inefficient time monitoring strategy wherein infrequent clock checking contributes to poorer test performance. These findings suggest that strategies to improve clock checking may improve PM performance.
B-55 Performance of ImPACT Validity Indices for Athletes with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Hussey J , Kuwabara H , Ng W , Kinsora T , Ross S , Allen D 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Research demonstrates neurodevelopmental diagnoses may increase likelihood of failing scores on ImPACT embedded validity indicators that flag questionable effort. New criteria have been proposed to enhance sensitivity of these indicators although their utility in athletes with neurodevelopmental diagnosis have not been thoroughly examined. This study investigates the effect of neurodevelopmental history on frequency of invalid performance on the standard and three proposed validity indicators.

Methods
Participants included 41,214 high school athletes (Mage = 15.1; 44.2% female; Meducation = 9.1) who completed baseline ImPACT testing. Athletes included these groups: ADHD (3.7%), Learning Disability (LD; 1.5%), Autism (0.2%), ADHD+LD (0.6%), Autism+ADHD/LD (0.1%), athletes with special education history but no diagnosis reported (SpEd; 2.8%), and healthy athletes (91.1%). Odds ratios were calculated to determine differences in invalid performance by both standard and proposed cutoffs.

Results
Neurodevelopmental disorder was associated with increased invalid performance using standard and proposed cutoffs with odds ratios ranging from 1.32 to 3.25. Invalid performance differed significantly across groups for both standard and two sets of proposed criteria (chi square p < .00001). For standard cutoffs, athletes with ADHD, LD, and ADHD/LD were significantly more likely than healthy athletes to have invalid performance. This pattern remained similar across the two sets of proposed criteria.

Conclusions
Results indicate increased incidence of invalid ImPACT performance based on standard and proposed validity indicators in athletes who self-report neurodevelopmental disorders. Findings indicate current and proposed cutoffs may not accurately capture low effort for neurodevelopmental populations. Future research should examine utility of separate cutoff criteria and expanded norms for athletes with neurodevelopmental history.