bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Academic Outcome in Pediatric Stroke: A Multifaceted Approach to Exploring Challenges and Achievements
Authors: Champigny C , Deotto A , Westmacott R , Desrocher M 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
An important cause of acquired brain injury in children, pediatric stroke can engender sequelae across a wide range of cognitive domains, including language, attention, memory, and processing speed. As a result, survivors are especially vulnerable to academic difficulties and face unique challenges compared to their peers. Despite this knowledge, pediatric stroke remains an understudied neurological condition, and its impact on school functioning is poorly understood. Addressing this gap in knowledge, the present clinical research study assesses academic outcome with a multifaceted approach.

Methods
This study evaluated youth with (n = 23) and without (n = 18) histories of stroke. Families were recruited at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Participants were administered an extensive battery of neuropsychological and psychoeducational tests, quality of life questionnaires, and behavior rating scales. Medical records and school report cards provided additional data.

Results
Compared to their peers, youth with stroke exhibited more deficits in processing speed and core academic skills and were more likely to have a learning disability, an Individual Education Plan, school accommodations, and access to assistive technologies. Controlling for the effects of intelligence, a hierarchical regression suggested that processing speed and reading skills predicted grades for youth with stroke. Finally, quality of life was similar between groups, indicating comparable experiences in school environment, peer support, and social acceptance.

Conclusions
This study makes a meaningful contribution to the field of pediatric stroke and promotes a nuanced understanding of the struggles that patients encounter, what impairments they tend to incur, and how these difficulties impact academic achievement.
The Colorado Cognitive Assessment (CoCA): Development of an Advanced Test of Cognitive Status
Authors: Gurnani A , Gavett B 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Current brief tests of cognition provide a rough indication of overall cognitive functioning that assist with making gross clinical judgments (e.g., demented vs. not demented). The purpose of the present study was to develop and preliminarily validate a brief tool, The Colorado Cognitive Assessment (CoCA) to facilitate early and accurate diagnosis of mild and atypical presentations of dementia. A related goal was to compare its psychometric properties with The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

Method
Participants were 150 community dwelling adults over the age of 50 without a known mental health or neurological condition. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to assess model fit of the CoCA and MoCA. Measurement invariance (MI) was evaluated using the multiple-indicators multiple-causes modeling (MIMIC) approach.

Results
The CFA model of the CoCA revealed excellent fit; χ2(44) = 47.506, p = .332; CFI = 0.987; TLI = 0.983; RMSEA = 0.023 (90% CI [0.000, 0.061]); SRMR = 0.048. MI analyses revealed that items on the CoCA were invariant to sex, age, education, and mood. In comparison, a CFA model of the MoCA had worse fit; χ2(14) = 28.536, p = .012; CFI = 0.817, TLI = 0.725; RMSEA = 0.083 (90% CI [0.038, 0.127]); SRMR = 0.062; and was biased by age, education, and depressive symptomatology. The global factor score reliability of the CoCA (r = .84) was better than the MoCA (r = .74).

Conclusion
Results provide preliminary evidence for the CoCA as a reliable and comprehensive cognitive instrument with further cross-sectional and longitudinal research needed for its validation.
Treatment using the Progressive Return to Activity Clinical Recommendation may return individuals with elevated symptomatology to normal levels at an expedited rate
Authors: Remigio-Baker R , Gregory E , Cole W , Ettenhofer M , Mullins L , Bailie J 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
To determine whether the use of a clinical recommendation (CR) for activity progression to treat concussion will benefit symptom profile months post-injury beyond what is seen with usual care.

Methods
This study included 58 individuals who participated in the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center Progressive Return to Activity (PRA) Study. Eligibility included sustaining a concussion within 72 hours of study enrollment and no previous concussion within 12 months of injury. Poisson regression with robust error variance was used to evaluate the relationship between treatment group assignment (usual care versus PRA-CR) and having normal symptomatology (Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory score below the upper 10th percentile) at the 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up. Participants with normal symptomatology within 72 hours post-injury were excluded from analyses.

Results
Among participants with abnormal symptoms within 72 hours post-concussion, those receiving the PRA-CR to treat concussion had a 70% (CI = 1.06, 2.72) greater prevalence of normal symptomatology by 1 month post-injury, and a 39% (CI = 1.04, 1.87) greater prevalence of normal symptomatology by 3 months post-injury compared to those receiving usual care. By 6 months post-injury, there was no difference in the prevalence of having normal symptoms between groups.

Conclusion
The findings of this study show that participants with abnormal symptomatology decreased in symptom level to normal at a faster rate among those receiving the PRA-CR compared to those receiving usual care, providing evidence for the use of the PRA-CR as a means to enhance treatment of patients with concussion.
The Role of Potentially Malleable Factors in Post-Concussive Symptoms and Objective Cognitive Outcomes in Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans with History of Mild TBI
Authors: Jurick S , Merritt V , Crocker L , Iverson G , Hoffman S , Keller A , Jak A 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
We examined whether potentially malleable factors are associated with post-concussive symptoms (PCS) and cognition in Veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) histories.

Method
Combat-exposed Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans with remote history of mTBI (N=48) completed a neuropsychological assessment and self-report questionnaires. Hierarchical linear regressions predicting PCS (Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire) and objective cognition included relevant demographic, injury, and psychiatric symptom variables in the first block and five malleable factors (TBI knowledge, self-efficacy, coping style, attribution of symptoms to mTBI, and uncommonly-endorsed symptoms [mild Brain Injury Atypical Symptoms (mBIAS) scale]) in the second block. Those with valid performance validity tests (n = 42) were included in the cognitive test analyses.

Results
With psychiatric symptoms and lifetime history of mTBIs entered first, malleable factors accounted for 14-17% of additional variance in PCS (p < .001). Lower self-efficacy (B = -.53, p < .001) and greater attribution of symptoms to mTBI (B = .21, p = .05) were associated with higher PCS, whereas an approach style of coping, TBI knowledge, and the mBIAS were not (p’s>.05). Regarding cognition, the malleable factors block accounted for 25% of additional variance in executive functioning (p = .04) with premorbid intelligence entered first. Specifically, higher mBIAS scores significantly predicted worse executive functioning (B = -.50, p = .004). No significant associations emerged when predicting attention/processing speed or memory (p’s>.05).

Conclusions
In combat-exposed Veterans with mTBI histories, potentially malleable factors contribute to clinical outcomes even after accounting for psychiatric symptoms. These malleable features are prime targets to augment during psychoeducation (e.g., uncommonly-endorsed symptoms, attribution of symptoms) and cognitive behavioral therapy (e.g., self-efficacy) in the context of chronic PCS.
Culturally Sensitive Normative Data for the Color Trails Test in the Indian Population
Authors: Indorewalla K , Lanca M , Osher J , Kartik R , Vaidya N , Moncata S 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
The Color Trails Test (CTT) is a neuropsychological measure tapping into frontal and executive functioning, while at the same time minimizing the cultural and language barriers inherent in similar neurocognitive measures such as the Trail Making Test (TMT). This study generates culturally-appropriate normative data for the CTT in an adult Indian population.

Method
Six-hundred and sixty-nine cognitively healthy, community dwelling Indian individuals between ages 18 and 69 participated in the study. Eligible participants were stratified on the basis of age, gender, and educational attainment. Participant performance on the CTT and TMT were correlated to establish concurrent validity.

Results
Significant correlations were found between TMT-part A and CTT-part 1 (r = .61) and between TMT-part B and CTT-part 2 (r = .66). In addition to generating culturally-appropriate normative data, the current study found that age and educational attainment significantly impacted participant performance on CTT-Part 1 [F(4, 649) = 4.395, p = .002], whereas gender, along with age, and educational attainment significantly impacted performance on CTT-Part 2 [F(4,649) = 2.446, p = .045]. In general, younger participants with more educational attainment performed better on both parts of the CTT. Interestingly, older female participants with lower educational attainment performed better than their younger counterparts on CTT-Part 2, whereas no such findings were noted for male participants.

Conclusions
Age, gender, and educational attainment are important factors to consider when interpreting CTT completion times in the Indian population. Normative data generated from this study has important clinical implications and contributes to the growing body of culturally-appropriate normative data available for the Indian population.
Demographically Adjusted Norms for the Trail Making Test in Native Spanish Speakers from the U.S.-Mexico the U.S.-Mexico Border Region.
Authors: Suarez P , Diaz-Santos M , Marquine M , Umlauf A , Franklin D , Rivera-Mindt M , Heaton R , Cherner M 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
Despite the wide use of the Trail Making Test when assessing Spanish-speakers in the United States (US), there is a lack of normative data to interpret level of performance in this population. Here we describe the generation of regional norms for the Trail Making Test for native Spanish-speakers residing in the Southwest Mexico-Border Region of US.

Method
Participants were 252 healthy native Spanish speakers, 58% women, between the ages of 19 and 60, and ranging in education from 0-20 years, recruited in San Diego, CA and Tucson, AZ. All received instructions translated into Spanish. Demographic effects on test performance were examined univariably. T-scores were calculated using fractional polynomial equations to account for linear and any non-linear effects of age, education, and sex.

Results
Older age and lower education were associated with worse scores on both Trails A and Trails B. The newly derived T-Scores showed no association with demographic variables and displayed the expected 16% rates of impairment using a -1 SD cutpoint based on a normal distribution. By comparison, published norms for English-speaking non-Hispanic whites yielded impairment rates of 28% for Trails A and 35% for Trails B while norms for African Americans resulted in 18 % impairment for Trails A and 20% impairment for Trails B.

Conclusions
Demographically adjusted regional norms improve the utility and diagnostic accuracy of the TMT for use with native Spanish speakers in the US-Mexico Border region.
African Enculturation and Performance on the African Neuropsychological Battery
Authors: Ikanga J , Braggs P , Howard C , Stringer A 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Objective
To test a core assumption of the African Neuropsychology Battery (ANB) that greater African enculturation is associated with better performance.

Method
Subjects were 27 African immigrants to the U.S. [mean age = 39 (SD = 11.5), mean education = 16.3 years (SD = 2.9)], 32 African-Americans [mean age = 34.0 (SD = 11.2), mean education = 16.2 (SD = 2.5)], and 21 U.S. Caucasians [mean age = 45.7 (SD = 13.8), mean education = 17.2 (SD = 2.3)]. All subjects completed a questionnaire on familiarity with elements of African culture. The ANB was administered one-on-one, by trained technicians, in English, in a single session. ANB tests measured visuospatial perception, naming, memory, and abstract reasoning utilizing content drawn from sub-Saharan African cultures.

Results
Groups differed significantly in age (p < .05), but not education or gender, and age was used as a covariate in subsequent group comparisons. African immigrants showed highest African enculturation, followed by African Americans, and Caucasians [F(2, 74) = 36.16, p < .000], with all groups differing significantly from one another in post-hoc comparisons (p < .02). African enculturation correlated significantly only with ability to identify pictures of African fruits (Pearson r = .58, p < .001) and objects (r = .25, p < .03). Analysis of Covariance followed by Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons confirmed that African immigrants were superior to Caucasians (p < .001) and African-Americans (p < .001) in identifying fruits, with the latter two groups not differing significantly from one another. African immigrants were superior to Caucasians in object identification (p < .05), but did not differ significantly from African-Americans.

Conclusions
African enculturation influences performance on some ANB tests and results support the potential of the ANB to assess performance in a less culturally-biased manner in African immigrants.
Atrophy of Basal Forebrain Initiates with Tau Pathology in Individuals at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Cantero Jose L , Atienza Mercedes , Lage Carmen , Zaborszky Laszlo , Vilaplana Eduard , Lopez-Garcia Sara , Pozueta Ana , Rodriguez-Rodriguez Eloy , Blesa Rafael , Alcolea Daniel , Lleo Alberto , Sanchez-Juan Pascual , Fortea Juan ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Evidence suggests that the basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic system degenerates early in the course of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), likely due to the vulnerability of BF cholinergic neurons to tau pathology. However, it remains unclear whether the presence of tauopathy is the only requirement for initiating the BF degeneration in asymptomatic subjects at risk for AD (AR-AD), and how BF structural deficits evolve from normal aging to preclinical and prodromal AD. Here, we provide human in vivo magnetic resonance imaging evidence supporting that abnormal cerebrospinal fluid levels of phosphorylated tau (T+) are selectively associated with bilateral volume loss of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (nbM, Ch4) in AR-AD individuals. Spreading of atrophy to medial septum and vertical limb of diagonal band Broca (Ch1–Ch2) occurred in both preclinical and prodromal AD. With the exception of A+, all groups revealed significant correlations between volume reduction of BF cholinergic compartments and atrophy of their innervated regions. Overall, these results support the central role played by tauopathy in instigating the nbM degeneration in AR-AD individuals and the necessary coexistence of both AD proteinopathies for spreading damage to larger BF territories, thus affecting the core of the BF cholinergic projection system.
Non-invasive monitoring of adrenocortical physiology in a threatened Australian marsupial, the western quoll (Dasyurus geoffroii)
Authors: Jensen Melissa A , Moseby Katherine E , Paton David C , Fanson Kerry V 
Published: August 2019

We monitored faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) in 53 western quolls following capture. Using this stressor, we validated an assay for monitoring FGM in quolls. On average, FGM peak 24 hours after capture. Females exhibit higher baseline and peak FGM levels than males. Individuals vary in their physiological response to capture.
Seasonal and daily variations in primary and secondary metabolism of three maquis shrubs unveil different adaptive responses to Mediterranean climate
Authors: Gori Antonella , Tattini Massimiliano , Centritto Mauro , Ferrini Francesco , Marino Giovanni , Mori Jacopo , Guidi Lucia , Brunetti Cecilia 
Published: August 2019

Abstract
Maquis species play a central role in the maintenance of coastal ecosystems thanks to anatomical, physiological and biochemical features evolved to cope with severe stress conditions. Because the seasonal and daily dynamics of physiological and biochemical traits of maquis species are not fully addressed, we performed a field study on three coexisting Mediterranean shrubs (Pistacia lentiscus L. and Phillyrea latifolia L., evergreen schlerophylls, and Cistus incanus L., semi-deciduous) aiming at detecting the main adaptive differences, on a seasonal and daily basis, in primary and secondary metabolism along with the principal climatic determinants. These species differed in their physiological and biochemical responses especially on a seasonal level. In P. latifolia, a great investment in antioxidant phenylpropanoids contributed to maintain high photosynthetic rates throughout the whole growing season. In C. incanus, high carotenoid content associated with chlorophyll (Chl) regulation alleviated oxidative damage during the hot and dry summers and help recover photosynthesis in autumn. In P. lentiscus, high abscisic acid levels allowed a strict control of stomata, while fine Chla/Chlb regulation concurred to avoid photoinhibition in summer. Temperature resulted the most important climatic factor controlling the physiological and biochemical status of these coexisting shrubs and, thus, in determining plant performances in this Mediterranean coastal habitat.
Non-coding RNA in endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Hulshoff Melanie S , del Monte-Nieto Gonzalo , Kovacic Jason , Krenning Guido 
Published: August 2019

AbstractEndothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is the process wherein endothelial cells lose their typical endothelial cell markers and functions and adopt a mesenchymal-like phenotype. EndMT is required for development of the cardiac valves, the pulmonary and dorsal aorta, and arterial maturation, but activation of the EndMT programme during adulthood is believed to contribute to several pathologies including organ fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs, modulate EndMT during development and disease. Here, we review the mechanisms by which non-coding RNAs facilitate or inhibit EndMT during development and disease and provide a perspective on the therapeutic application of non-coding RNAs to treat fibroproliferative cardiovascular disease.
High-density lipoprotein remodelled in hypercholesterolaemic blood induce epigenetically driven down-regulation of endothelial HIF-1α expression in a preclinical animal model
Authors: Ben-Aicha Soumaya , Escate Rafael , Casaní Laura , Padró Teresa , Peña Esther , Arderiu Gemma , Mendieta Guiomar , Badimón Lina , Vilahur Gemma 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Aims
High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are circulating micelles that transport proteins, lipids, and miRNAs. HDL-transported miRNAs (HDL-miRNAs) have lately received attention but their effects on vascular cells are not fully understood. Additionally, whether cardiovascular risk factors affect HDL-miRNAs levels and miRNA transfer to recipient cells remains equally poorly known. Here, we have investigated the changes induced by hypercholesterolaemia on HDL-miRNA levels and its effect on recipient endothelial cells (ECs).

Methods and results
Pigs were kept on a high-fat diet (HC; n = 10) or a normocholesterolaemic chow (NC; n = 10) for 10 days reaching cholesterol levels of 321.0 (229.7–378.5) mg/dL and 74.0 (62.5–80.2) mg/dL, respectively. HDL particles were isolated, purified, and quantified. HDL-miRNA profiling (n = 149 miRNAs) of HC- and NC-HDLs was performed by multipanel qPCR. Cell cultures of porcine aortic ECs were used to determine whether HDL-miRNAs were delivered to ECs. Potential target genes modulated by miRNAs were identified by bioinformatics and candidate miRNAs were validated by molecular analysis. In vivo effects in the coronary arteries of normocholesterolaemic swine administered HC- or NC-HDLs were analysed. Among the HDL-miRNAs, four were found in different amounts in HC- and NC-HDL (P &lt; 0.05). miR-126-5p and -3p and miR-30b-5p (2.7×, 1.7×, and 1.3×, respectively) were found in higher levels and miR-103a-3p and miR-let-7g-5p (−1.6×, −1.4×, respectively) in lower levels in HC-HDL. miR-126-5p and -3p were transferred from HC-HDL to EC (2.5×; P &lt; 0.05), but not from NC-HDL, by a SRB1-mediated mechanism. Bioinformatics revealed that HIF1α was the miR-126 target gene with the highest predictive value, which was accordingly found to be markedly reduced in HC-HDL-treated ECs and in miR126 mimic transfected ECs. In vivo validation confirmed that HIF1α was diminished in the coronary endothelial layer of NC pigs administered HC-HDL vs. those administered NC-HDL (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusion
Hypercholesterolaemia induces changes in the miRNA content of HDL enhancing miR126 and its delivery to ECs with the consequent down-regulation of its target gene HIF1α.
A city-wide health promotion programme evaluation using EQUIHP: Jerusalem Community-Academic Partnership (J-CAP)
Authors: Besor Omri , Manor Orly , Paltiel Ora , Donchin Milka , Rauch Orly , Kaufman-Shriqui Vered 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Background
While health promotion initiatives are common, too little is known about their quality, impact and sustainability. Fragmentation between sectors exists and programme evaluation initiatives lack consistency, making comparison of outcomes challenging.

Methods
We used a ‘snowball’ methodology to detect health promotion programmes (HPPs) in the Municipality of Jerusalem, excluding those in schools. The European Quality Instrument for Health Promotion (EQUIHP) was adapted and used to examine programme quality. The tool was pre-tested among stakeholders, and translated into Hebrew and Arabic between March and December 2017. Trained research assistants collected information on four domains using in-person interviews: (i) compliance with international principles of HPPs, (ii) development and implementation, (iii) project management and (iv) sustainability of programmes.

Results
Overall, 93 programmes, including 33 670 participants, were ascertained and evaluated. The majority of HPPs (54.8%) addressed nutrition and physical activity, with 58.1% targeting the non-orthodox Jewish population and 68.8% aimed at both sexes. Cronbach’s alpha scores were 0.968 for the entire EQUIHP tool and 0.802, 0.959, 0.918 and 0.718 for the subdomains of Framework, Project Development, Project Management and Sustainability, respectively. Median domain scores were 0.83, 0.61, 0.76 and 0.75. Median score of the entire tool was 0.67. HPPs operated by the Municipality scored lower than those of non-governmental organizations and health providers/organizations in every domain except for Project Management.

Conclusion
A systematic city-wide evaluation of HPPs is feasible and uncovers strengths and weaknesses, including sustainability and variability by programme provider. Academic-community partnerships may assist planning and improving HPPs in the city.