bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Invited Commentary: Is DNA Methylation an Actionable Mediator of Prenatal Exposure Effects on Child Health?
Authors: Ladd-Acosta Christine , Fallin M Daniele 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
A substantial body of literature has shown robust associations between prenatal smoking exposure and DNA methylation levels. The pattern of DNA methylation can be used as a molecular signature of past prenatal smoking exposure and might also provide mechanistic insights into associations between prenatal smoking exposure and adverse health outcomes. In this issue of the Journal, Cardenas et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2019;188(11):1878–1886) evaluated whether DNA methylation mediates the association between prenatal smoking and low birth weight in a tissue that is mechanistically relevant to birth weight—the placenta—using formal mediation analyses. They found that methylation levels, at 5 loci, mediated smoking exposure effects on birth weight but only among children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy. Given the use of formal mediation methods and measurement in a mechanistically relevant tissue, this work has the potential to inform novel directions for intervention. Replication of these findings in larger and more racially and ethnically diverse samples, repeated measures to better tease apart the timing of DNA methylation changes with respect to exposure and birth weight, and continued use of intervention-focused mediation methods are needed before the impact of these findings will be fully realized.
A-10 Conners Continuous Performance Test-3 in the Evaluation of ADHD Among Veterans
Authors: Stern M , Shura R 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this study was to compare performance on the Conners Continuous Performance Test, third edition (CPT-3), between veterans with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and between presentation types.

Method
This is a retrospective chart review of 226 consecutively referred veterans who completed a standardized, ADHD assessment at a Mid-Atlantic VA Medical Center. ADHD status was determined from a structured interview; all included subjects completed the CPT-3 and validity measures. ANOVA was used to evaluate group differences in T scores across 9 CPT-3 variables. Chi square was used to further evaluate group differences using impairment ranges in the CPT-3 manual.

Results
Final valid sample included 85 veterans with and 54 without ADHD. Veterans with ADHD only showed significantly higher T scores on Hit Reaction Time Standard Deviation, F(1, 137) = 7.7, p = .006, η2 = 0.05, and Hit Reaction Times Inter-Stimulus Interval Change (HRT-ISIC), F(1, 137) = 12.8, p < .001, η2 = 0.09. Veterans diagnosed with ADHD showed higher percentages of scores classified in the impaired ranges for Commissions χ2(1) = 4.3 (p < .039, V = 0.18) and HRT-ISIC χ2(1) = 4.5 (p < .035, V = 0.18). Neither ANOVA or χ2 analyses revealed group differences between ADHD presentations for any CPT-3 measures.

Conclusions
Performance on the CPT-3 was poorer in the ADHD group only for 2 of 9 scores. The CPT-3 was consistently unable to differentiate inattentive from hyperactive/combined ADHD. Diagnostic utility of the CPT-3 in ADHD evaluations may be limited in veteran populations.
B-18 Executive Functioning Best Predicts Performance-Based Financial Skills in Non-Demented Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Nakhla M , Filoteo J , Pluim C , Cabrera Tuazon A , Whiteley N , Zlatar Z , Lessig S , Litvan I , Schiehser D 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) frequently experience cognitive and functional difficulties, even in the absence of dementia. However, there is limited understanding of the relationship between specific cognitive abilities and functional skills, such as financial management, in these individuals. Understanding the potential impact of cognition on financial skills in non-demented PD will help discern neuropsychological predictors of real-world performance. 171 non-demented PD patients were administered a comprehensive neuropsychological battery including a measure of financial skills (University of California San Diego Performance-Based Skills Assessment; UPSA). Composite scores were created for five cognitive domains: [1] memory, [2] language, [3] executive function, [4] attention, and [5] visuospatial function. Bivariate correlations and hierarchical regressions were conducted to evaluate the associations between UPSA and cognition. There was a significant, positive association between financial skills performance and executive function, memory, attention, and language (r = .165 – .265; all p’s < .04), but not visuospatial function (r = .071, p = .37). Controlling for demographic factors, multiple linear regressions revealed that higher levels of executive function significantly predicted better UPSA performance (B = .323, p < .01). Findings suggest that several cognitive abilities are associated with adequate financial management, but that executive function, above and beyond other cognitive abilities, is the best predictor of this particular skill in non-demented PD. The assessment of cognition – specifically executive function – may be useful in identifying PD patients who may be at risk for financial management difficulties. Furthermore, findings have implications for the implementation of executive function-based interventions for the enhancement of everyday financial tasks in non-demented PD.
B-19 Intelligence and Memory in Neurofibromatosis Type I
Authors: Myers M , Maddigan A , Santa Maria M 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
An investigation into memory and intellectual functioning of 18 individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) was undertaken.

Method
Ten children [mean age=8.9 (SD = 3.4; range = 5-16), 54.5% male, 81.9% Caucasian, 9.1% African American, 9.1% mixed race] and 9 adults [mean age = 55.7 (SD = 23.9; range = 19-88), 63.6% male, 90.9% Caucasian, 9.1% African American] completed neuropsychological assessments. One individual completed initial assessment as a child and underwent re-evaluation as an adult, and 1 child and 2 adults completed re-evaluations.

Results
For adults, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-4/3) was administered. For children, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-5/4), Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-3), Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales (SB-5), and WAIS-3 were utilized. Mean Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) in adults was 83.4 (SD = 12.8; range 69-98) and in children was 83.8 (SD = 11.6; range 65-102). Visual and verbal memory was assessed with a variety of instruments, and performance ranged from impaired to high normal across immediate recall (percentile range < 1-98), delayed recall (percentile range < 1-91), and delayed recognition (percentile range < 1-91).

Conclusions
Mean intelligence among persons in this NF-1 clinical sample was found to be in low average range. Many persons with NF-1 showed mean immediate and delayed verbal recall in normal range, though a subset of individuals demonstrated impaired range verbal memory. Overall, children with NF-1 tend to show memory performance at levels above their own IQ level. Adults with NF-1 frequently perform at levels equivalent to or above their IQ level, albeit with exceptions evidenced among a subset of adults.
B-24 Objective and Subjective Sleep Measures are Associated with Neurocognition in Middle-Aged and Older Adults With and Without HIV
Authors: Campbell L , Kohli M , Heaton A , Higgins M , Lee E , Kaufmann C , Heaton R , Moore D , Moore R 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Poorer sleep quality is related to worse cognitive functioning in the general population and people living with HIV; however, many studies use self-report sleep questionnaires that rely on retrospective recall. This study aimed to examine the relationship between objective (wrist actigraphy) and subjective sleep quality with neurocognitive functioning.

Method
Eighty-five adults aged 50-74 years with and without HIV (HIV+ n = 53, HIV- n = 32) were recruited from the community and ongoing studies at UC San Diego. Participants completed comprehensive neuropsychological testing assessing global and domain-specific cognition. Participants wore actigraphy watches for 14 nights after neuropsychological testing to objectively assess sleep quality (i.e., total sleep time (TST), efficiency, wake after sleep onset, and sleep fragmentation). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index assessed subjective sleep quality.

Results
After adjusting for demographic variables and use of sleep medications, there were no differences in any sleep quality measures by HIV status (p’s>0.05). In separate adjusted linear regression models, lower sleep efficiency (p = 0.02; 95% CI: -9.5, -1.1) and greater sleep fragmentation (p = 0.02; 95% CI: -0.82, -0.09) were associated with worse learning. Less TST was associated with worse working memory (p = 0.02; 95% CI: -9.2, -0.8). In contrast, worse subjective sleep quality was associated with worse executive function (p < 0.01; 95% CI: -1.18, -0.23) and working memory (p = 0.03; 95% CI: -1.22, -0.07).

Conclusion
Both objective and subjective sleep quality were associated with cognition in both persons with and without HIV; however, subjective and objective sleep quality were associated with different cognitive domains. Therefore, both objective and subjective sleep quality are important health behaviors to assess.
B-25 Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Improves Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Whiteley N , King H , Cabrera Tuazon A , Pluim C , Nakhla M , Mills P 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by debilitating motor and non-motor symptoms. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) has been shown to alleviate stress, mood, and sleep in musculoskeletal conditions and older adults, as well as improve gait and balance in PD and elderly patients, respectively. Research on the efficacy of OMT in reducing PD symptoms is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate changes in mood, cognitive, and motor symptoms in a sample of non-demented PD patients following 6-weeks of OMT. Sixteen non-demented individuals with PD received 6 weekly 30-minute OMT by an osteopathic physician. Participants were administered measures of cognition (Parkinson’s Disease-Cognitive Rating Scale; PD-CRS), anxiety (Geriatric Anxiety Inventory; GAI), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; PSQI), stress (Perceived Stress Scale; PSS), and motor function (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale-Part 3) before and after treatment. Paired-samples t-tests were used to examine changes in symptoms pre and post-OMT. Results revealed significant improvement in cognition (PD-CRS; p = .015) and perceived stress (PSS; p = .02) from pre- to post-intervention. There was a trend towards improvement in anxiety (GAI; p = .064) and sleep quality (PSQI; p = .08). There was no change in motor symptoms from pre- to post-OMT (p = .56). Findings suggest that OMT may improve non-motor symptoms – particularly cognition and stress - in PD. Future research is needed to determine if these effects can be replicated within a randomized-control-trial and maintained over time. With further research, OMT may prove to be a beneficial non-invasive treatment for non-motor symptoms in PD.
B-26 Predictors of Cognitive Decline Over a 2-year Follow up: Olfaction and Scans Without Evidence of Dopaminergic Deficit Status (SWEDD)
Authors: Lopez F , Rohl B , Wagle Shukla A , Bowers D 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Given the high discriminatory power of olfaction assessments in movement disorders, the current study sought to determine whether olfaction dysfunction differentially predicted cognitive decline in patients who have scans without evidence of dopaminergic deficit (SWEDD). Dopamine depletion is a major neuropathological feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, 15% of patients with a clinical PD diagnosis have neuroimaging evidence of intact dopaminergic function. Recent work has suggested that patients with SWEDD are at a greater risk of cognitive impairment relative to those with PD.

Methods
Archival data were obtained from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative database. The total sample included three groups: PD (n = 401), SWEDD (n = 51), and HC (n = 175). Participants were categorized into non-impaired (-) or impaired (+) olfaction groups based on performance on the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, corrected for age and gender. Participants were administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment twice and change scores were calculated to examine changes in cognition over time (baseline – two-year follow-up).

Results
A bootstrapped analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the SWEDD+ group had lower MoCA scores than PD+ and HC+ groups at baseline (ps < .05). A bootstrapped ANOVA indicated that group differences were not significant at follow-up; rather, impaired baseline olfaction predicted cognitive decline across all study participants (p < .05), regardless of diagnosis.

Conclusions
Future studies are needed to assess whether the profile of motor and non-motor symptoms in SWEDD patients, including olfaction, is deserving of its own syndrome, or whether individual patients may fit better under alternative, existing diagnoses.
A-11 Fatigue and Errors in Aeromedicine (FEAr) Pilot Study
Authors: Nosker J , Cornelius A , Lassen M , Bragg T 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The FEAr pilot study was conducted to evaluate the construct validity of an instrument that measures self-reported fatigue levels among air medics (the Flight Risk Assessment [FRA] measure).

Data Selection
The population of interest, flight medics, is highly specialized and relatively small. As a result, non-probability, convenience sampling was used (N = 27). The participants were recruited from one air medical company with bases located across ten western states. Medics took two measures, the FRA and the PVT, three times a day, for three days.

Data Synthesis
To establish construct validity, scores on the FRA were compared to scores on the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT), which is a widely used and validated measure to detect fatigue in field settings. The results of the study indicate that a total of five questions on the FRA was significantly and moderately correlated with the PVT efficiency score (r = -.49, p = .01). The mean reaction time was also significantly correlated with the total FRA score (r = .59, p = .001). Notably, perceived fitness for duty was poorly correlated with fatigue levels as measured by the FRA (r < .01).

Conclusions
The results of this study contribute to a very limited body of research on fatigue among air medical providers. Specifically, the study contributes to the knowledge about the construct validity of the Flight Risk Assessment, which can be used to evaluate fatigue among air medics. Further analysis can assist in determining appropriate cutoff scores to inform time-out policies for medics.
B-28 Prognostic Utility of a Prediction Model for Memory Decline in Epilepsy Following Selective Amygdalohippocampectomy
Authors: Bono A , Lee G 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
It is important to evaluate risk for post-surgical cognitive decline in a systematic and reliable fashion due to the variable risk of memory decline following epilepsy surgery. Mathematical risk models have been developed to predict post-surgical memory decline (e.g., Stroup et al., 2003), but few studies have evaluated their prognostic utility. This study evaluated the predictive value of the Stroup et al., (2003) multivariate risk factor model in predicting postoperative verbal memory outcome among epilepsy patients who underwent left selective amygdalohippocampectomy.

Method
This retrospective study included 16 left-sided localization-related epilepsy surgery patients who underwent neuropsychological evaluation pre- and post-surgery. Patients were assigned to two risk groups: mild to moderate risk (15 to 60%) and severe risk (>61%) for postoperative memory decline, which was based on Stroup et al., (2003) criteria, suggesting that individuals with the highest risk had dominant hemisphere resections, no hippocampal sclerosis, normal Wada memory, and normal preoperative immediate and delayed memory scores. Memory decline was determined by pre- minus post-surgery memory test difference scores with 1.5 SD denoting a significant decline.

Results
The formula predicted postoperative memory decline with 75% accuracy for patients in the high risk group and no significant decline with 92% accuracy for patients in the mild to moderate risk group.

Conclusion
The results suggest that Stroup’s predictive formula for verbal memory outcome following epilepsy surgery may be useful for patients undergoing left selective amygdalohippocampectomy surgery, consistent with prior research suggesting prognostic utility with left temporal lobectomy patients (e.g., Johnson-Markve et al., 2009).
B-31 The Experience of Shame in Individuals with Epilepsy
Authors: Roper C , Fedio A , Fedio P 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
This study explored the impact of shame on individuals with epilepsy and its relationship with seizure characteristics, other self-conscious emotions, quality of life, and multiple psychosocial factors.

Method
Fourteen participants diagnosed with epilepsy (57% female, mean age 42, mean epilepsy duration 16 years) were recruited from a private neurology practice and local epilepsy support groups. All were interviewed about their history of epilepsy. Measures included the Compass of Shame Scale, State Shame and Guilt Scale, and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy–10. Results of Pearson and Spearman’s rho correlations as well as mean comparison analyses are reported (p < .05).

Results
Participants generally scored higher on measures of shame than standardization samples. Quality of life related negatively to overall seizures (r = -.71) and positively to pride (r = .56). Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were positively related to state-shame (r = .61) and negatively related to pride (r = -.77). State-shame related positively to guilt (r = .57) and negatively to pride (r = -.76). Overall trait-shame related to personal traits of withdrawal (r = .64), attacking self (r = .78), and attacking others (r = .66). Participants with previous neurosurgical treatment for epilepsy endorsed fewer shame withdrawal traits (t[12] = -3.19) than nonsurgical patients. Participants currently working endorsed lower levels of state-shame (t[12] = -2.36) and higher quality of life (t[12] = 3.58) than unemployed participants.

Conclusions
Shame presented as a strong factor in individuals with epilepsy as it related to seizure type and frequency, history of neurosurgical intervention, and employment status. Findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive treatment of patients with epilepsy, including consideration of potential shame feelings, in order to achieve optimal overall quality of life.
B-35 Differences in Blood Flow Perfusion at Baseline in Individuals with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Gilmore M , Horne K , Datoc A , Ailes E , Golden C , Amen D , Willeumier K , Taylor D 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
To examine differences in blood flow perfusion, measured by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), at baseline between individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and healthy controls.

Method
The participants were part of an archival de-identified SPECT database. The sample (N = 160) had a Mage = 38.85, was primarily male (53.1%) and Caucasian (55%). The sample consisted of individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder using DSM-IV criteria (n = 80, Mage = 36.06, SD = 15.453, 61.3% male) and no DSM-IV diagnosis (n = 80, Mage = 41.64, SD = 16.473, 45% male).

Results
One-way ANOVAs showed hypoperfusion in the following areas: left (F[1,158] = 19.100,p < .001) and right Limbic region (F[1,158] = 16.938,p < .001) and left (F[1,158] = 41.959,p < .001) and right Basal Ganglia region (F[1,158] = 35.768,p < .001 and hyperperfusion in the following areas: left (F[1,158] = 20.639,p < .001) and right (F[1,158] = 15.645,p < .001) Cerebellum region.

Conclusion
Results of this study do not support previous research which has consistently found hypoperfusion in the temporal and parietal lobes across depressive and manic episodes. Furthermore, hypoperfusion of the right Limbic region is generally seen in those experiencing a depressive episode, while hyperperfusion of the left is seen during a manic episode. It is possible that participants of this study were not experiencing a depressive or manic episode at baseline. Results may be suggestive of euthymia which is distinguishable from healthy controls. It is also possible that these results are indicative of rCBF when a manic or depressive episode ends and transition into a euthymic state begins. Overall, little is known about rCBF in euthymia and this study is limited by unknown diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder I or II.
A-12 Neuroticism and Extraversion are Related to Dual Task Postural Stability in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: Kennedy C , Higginson C , Valenti M , Ibrahim K , Knarr B , Ryan R , Higginson J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The relation between personality and postural stability has received little attention. This study addressed whether neuroticism and extraversion are related to changes in postural stability and cognitive functioning during a standing balance task.

Method
Thirty-two healthy young adults completed a personality measure and two cognitive tasks, a 2-back task and a weather prediction task (WPT), both while seated and in tandem stance on a foam mat. Sway was quantified via normalized path lengths, and correlation coefficients were calculated between neuroticism, extraversion and dual task changes in postural stability and cognitive functioning.

Results
Consistent with predictions, higher neuroticism was related to increased dual task sway during the 2-back task, r = 0.40, p = 0.023, and lower extraversion was related to increased dual task sway during the WPT, r = -0.43, p = 0.013.

Conclusions
The results suggest that personality is related to postural stability in healthy young adults and that personality should be considered in the prediction of individuals at risk for falling or in the treatment of individuals with balance difficulties. The task-specific nature of the relation is discussed and may be due to differences in anxiety or underlying brain mechanisms between high neuroticism and low extraversion.