bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A - 50 The Role of Family Functioning on Concussion Recovery in Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Bunker N , Zynda A J , Walzer K , Hirsh M , Guercio H , Burley C , Patel S , Ramirez N , Kegel N , Trbovich A M , Kontos A P 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study examined the role of overall family functioning (FF) in concussion recovery among adolescents and young adults. The authors hypothesized that participants with unhealthy FF would demonstrate prolonged recovery times compared to participants with healthy FF.

Method
A prospective cohort study assessed FF and concussion recovery in a university laboratory setting. Participants completed demographics, medical history, injury characteristics, Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5 (SCAT5), and the General Functioning Scale of the Family Assessment Device (GF-FAD) at two visits. Participants were categorized into healthy (&lt;2) and unhealthy (&gt;2) FF groups based on their GF-FAD composite score.2 Chi-square tests compared categorical data, and Mann–Whitney U tests compared continuous data between groups.

Results
One hundred one participants (52 female; age = 20.5 ¬ ± 2.5 years) were included in the unhealthy FF group. When controlling for demographic and medical history, both days to symptom resolution (F(1, 87) = 4.7, p = 0.03) and days to medical clearance (F(1, 87) = 5.4, p = 0.02) were significantly different between groups. The unhealthy group experienced significantly longer time to symptom resolution (12.5 days vs. 8.0 days, p = 0.004) and time to medical clearance than the healthy group (15.0 days vs. 12.0 days, p = 0.006).

Conclusions
Participants in the unhealthy FF group demonstrated significantly longer times to symptom resolution and medical clearance compared to those in the healthy FF group. Results highlight the importance of a comprehensive clinical interview during the initial visit, as these factors may contribute to prolonged recovery. Future studies should examine how access to healthcare and adherence to treatment moderate the relationship between FF and concussion recovery.
A - 51 Examining the Role of Cognition in Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injury and Concussion Risk in Elite Athletes
Authors: Sewell I J , Romeas T , Deslauriers J , Leclerc S , Wojtowicz M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Recent evidence suggests a relationship between cognitive performance and the risk of lower extremity musculoskeletal (LEMSK) injury, and that concussion may also increase the risk of subsequent LEMSK injury, though these relationships have been largely examined in isolation. This study examined associations between pre-season cognitive performance and the risk of subsequent LEMSK injury and concussion among elite athletes.

Method
An observational study of elite/international-level athletes from a Canadian national sport institute. 146 athletes (female = 87) across six different sports completed pre-season cognitive testing (Vienna Test System) between 2018 and 2023. Subsequent LEMSK injuries and concussions during the year following pre-season cognitive testing were documented via an injury surveillance program.

Results
Pre-season cognitive performance was similar in athletes with (n = 24) and without (n = 122) a subsequent concussion, and those with (n = 100) and without (n = 46) a subsequent LEMSK (ps &gt; 0.05). Athletes with both a subsequent LEMSK and concussion had slower baseline reaction time on a task of stress reactivity (n = 16; median RT = 0.74 s) compared to athletes with only a subsequent LEMSK (n = 84; median RT = 0.69 s; V = 900.5, p = 0.019). Concussion history was a significant predictor of both subsequent LEMSK (B = 0.94, p = 0.017) and the number of subsequent LEMSK (B = 1.23, p &lt; 0.01). Faster RTs on inhibition tests were predictors of subsequent number of LEMSK, while controlling for concussion history (B = -10.21, p = 0.045; B = -10.60, p = 0.017).

Conclusions
Identifying risk factors for LEMSK injuries and concussions is critical for preventing future injuries. These preliminary results suggest a relationship between baseline reaction time performance and combined subsequent LEMSK and concussion injury.
A - 52 Post-Pandemic Mental Health Symptom Presentations In Canadian Varsity Athletes
Authors: Fabiano G F , Wilson A , Wojtowicz M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Mental health (MH) symptoms are often intertwined with concussion symptoms and affect recovery trajectories. Recent studies indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on athletes’MH, further highlighting the need to understand pre-season baseline MH. This study’s objective was to compare MH symptom frequency and profiles of symptomatology between cohorts of athletes captured pre and post COVID-19.

Method
Pre-season baseline data from varsity athletes at a Canadian university was collected in 2019, 2022, and 2023 (n = 444) aged 17–25 years (49.8% female). Athletes completed a series of demographic, concussion history, and psychological questionnaires [i.e., Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Index-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)].

Results
The post-pandemic cohort reported greater numbers of symptoms on the PCSS (M = 4.36, SD = 5.41) compared to the pre-pandemic cohort (M = 2.55, SD = 3.74; p = &lt;0.001); as well as greater symptom severity (M = 7.75 SD = 11.45) compared to the pre-pandemic cohort (M = 4.34, SD = 7.9; p = &lt;0.001). Greatest endorsement differences were observed in anxiety, depression, cognitive, nausea, and “don‚Äôt feel right”symptoms (ps &lt; 0.001). However, frequency of mild to severe symptom reporting was similar on the PHQ-9 (pre-pandemic: 23.6%, post-pandemic: 20.3%) and GAD-7 (pre-pandemic: 20.9%, post-pandemic: 21.6%; ps &gt;0.05).

Conclusions
Post-pandemic athletes appear to endorse greater baseline symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as cognitive and physical symptoms, though these do not appear to meet clinical levels. The study demonstrates a need to improve surveillance in varsity athletes’MH that may help identify athletes at risk of MH illness.
A - 54 Changes in the Blink Reflex after a Sport-Related Concussion: Test–Retest Reliability of a Blink Reflexometer
Authors: Dugan J E , Jo J , Long C C , Williams K L , Zuckerman S L , Terry D P 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The blink reflex may be affected by concussion, but psychometric analyses examining devices that measure the blink reflex are limited. This study assessed the test–retest reliability of the Blinkcns EyeStatTM device at two pre-season baseline time points in a cohort of healthy high school athletes.

Method
During pre-season, high school athletes completed the EyeStatTM scanning twice, 15-minutes apart. Pearson/Spearman correlations and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC, i.e., the measure of test re-test reliability) were calculated across 10 different parameters (e.g., latency, total blink time, oscillations, time to open/close). Additionally, t-tests examined if these parameters differed based on biological sex, sleep status (i.e., &lt;8 vs. ≥8 hours the night before), and prior concussion history (i.e., 0 vs. ≥1 prior concussions).

Results
Of the 48 athletes (age, M = 16.0¬ ± 1.2 years), 35.4% were female. Correlations ranged from 0.45–0.82 (all p-values&lt;0.001) between the two assessments, and ICCs were 0.46–0.87 (all p-values&lt;0.02). Additionally, none of the Eyestat parameters were significantly associated with biological sex, sleep status, or prior concussion history (all p-values&gt;0.05).

Conclusions
This study suggests substantial test–retest reliability of the EyeStatTM device across 10 parameters in a cohort of healthy high school athletes. The findings support the potential utility of the EyeStatTM device as a reliable baseline measure for assessing the blink reflex among young athletes.
A - 55 Pre- to Post-Season Reliability of Blink Reflex Parameters in Non-Concussed Athletes
Authors: Long C C , Dugan J E , Jo J , Williams K L , Zuckerman S L , Terry D P 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Examining quantitative parameters of the blink reflex may improve sport-related concussion (SRC) diagnosis and management because it may serve as an objective measure of injury severity and recovery. However, the psychometric properties of several FDA-cleared devices assessing the blink reflex are understudied. The current study compared blink reflex parameters pre- and post-season using the BlinkTBI EyeStatTM device to assess its reliability in non-concussed athletes.

Method
A cohort of high school athletes underwent pre- and post-season BlinkTBI EyeStatTM testing. Statistical analysis included Spearman correlations, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and interclass correlations for ten blink parameters. Multivariable linear regressions assessed the influence of contact (i.e., soccer, football) vs. non-contact sports (i.e., baseball, softball, basketball) on changes in blink parameters.

Results
Among 32 athletes with pre- and post-season testing (age: mean = 15.3, SD = 1.1; 53.1% female), 19 played non-contact and 21 played contact sports. Most parameters were not statistically different between pre- and post-season, except for delta 30 (W = 229.5, p = 0.015), time under threshold (W = 191.0, p = 0.003), and oscillations (W = 667.0, p &lt; 0.001). Parameters exhibited moderate to excellent reliability (interclass correlations = 0.575–0.872, p-values = 0.001–0.004). Spearman’s rho values ranged from 0.435 to 0.828 (p-values = 001–0.005). Participation in contact vs. non-contact sports was not associated with changes in blink parameters (all p-values&gt;0.05).

Conclusions
Preliminary evidence suggest stable blink parameters across a sports season in non-concussed athletes when measured by the BlinkTBI EyeStatTM device. Contact sport participation was not significantly associated with changes in blink parameters. The findings add to the psychometric evidence that the blink reflex can be reliably measured, warranting further study on its utility in concussion.
A - 56 Acute Psychological Symptom Profiles in High School Athletes Following Sport-Related Concussion
Authors: Jawid M Y , Williams K L , Jo J , Prosak O L , Amedy A , Anesi T J , Fitch R W , Terry D P , Zuckerman S L 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The current study (1) described the proportion of athletes with acute psychological symptoms, (2) identified predictors of higher initial psychological symptoms, and (3) determined whether psychological symptoms affect recovery post-sport-related concussion.

Method
A retrospective study of high-school athletes who sustained a sport-related concussion from 11/2017–04/2022 was performed. The main independent variable was psychological symptom cluster score, calculated by summing the four affective symptoms on the initial Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS). Psychological symptom ratio was defined as the ratio of the psychological symptom cluster score divided by the total initial PCSS score. The outcomes included time to return-to-learn (RTL), symptom resolution, and return-to-play (RTP).

Results
A total of 431 athletes (58.0% female, mean age = 16.2¬ ± 1.3 years) were included and 45% reported at least one psychological symptom. The mean psychological symptom cluster score was 4.2¬ ± 5.2 and the psychological symptom cluster ratio was 0.10¬ ± 0.11. Multivariable regression showed that female sex (B = 2.15, p &lt; 0.001, 95%CI[0.91–3.39]), loss of consciousness (B = 1.91, p = 0.037, 95%CI[0.11–3.72]), retrograde/anterograde amnesia (B = 1.66, p = 0.026, 95%CI[0.20–3.11]), and psychological history (B = 2.96, p &lt; 0.001, 95%CI[1.25–4.70]) predicted increased psychological symptom cluster score. Female sex (B = 0.03, p = 0.031, 95%CI[0.00–0.06]) and psychological history (B = 0.06, p = 0.002, 95%CI[0.02–0.10]) predicted increased psychological symptom ratio. Multivariable linear regression showed that both higher psychological symptom cluster score and ratio were associated with longer times to recovery.

Conclusions
Among the cohort, 45% reported at least one psychological symptom, most commonly irritability. Female sex, loss of consciousness, amnesia, and a psychological history were significantly associated with increased psychological symptom cluster scores. Higher psychological symptom cluster scores and ratios independently predicted longer recovery.
A - 57 Relationship between Exercise Participation and Cognitive/Emotional Symptom Endorsement in Older Former College Athletes
Authors: Shurtz L , Datoc A , Sanders G D , Bunt S C , Didehbani N , Schaffert J , LoBue C , Cullum C M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Exercise participation has been associated with improved physical health, cognition, and psychological well-being as well as reduced risk for chronic illness and mortality. The effects of exercise participation in former athletes are less understood; this study investigated the relationship between current exercise participation and cognitive/emotional symptoms in former college athletes.

Method
Former college athletes aged 50–87 (N = 597, 44.2% female) completed the College Level Aging Athlete Study (CLEAATS) survey including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI), Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified (TICS-m), and self-reported weekly exercise involvement, classified as aerobic exercise (e.g., jogging/cycling), anaerobic exercise (e.g., weightlifting), and “other wellness activities”(e.g., yoga/meditation). Four multiple linear regression models investigated whether current exercise participation predicted mood and cognition, adjusting for demographic factors.

Results
Overall models for PHQ-8 [F(6,590) = 8.87, p &lt; 0.001], GAD-7 [F(6,590) = 4.87, p &lt; 0.001], CFI [F(6,590) = 3.45, p = 0.002], and TICS-m [F(6,590) = 15.99, p &lt; 0.001] were significant. Individually, aerobic exercise was a significant predictor of PHQ-8 (b = −0.35, p &lt; 0.001), GAD-7 (b = −0.18, p = 0.007), CFI (b = −0.12, p = 0.021), and TICS-m (b = 0.18, p = 0.022) scores, such that more exercise predicted lower emotional/cognitive difficulties. Engagement in “other wellness activities”was significantly associated with higher TICS-m (b = 0.18, p = 0.024) scores. Anaerobic exercise was not a significant predictor in any model.

Conclusions
Consistent with research in other populations, participation in aerobic exercise predicted better cognitive/emotional functioning in former college athletes. Involvement in other forms of exercise did not consistently predict greater functioning, though “other wellness activities”was associated with better objective cognition. Results emphasize the importance of recommending aerobic exercise for former athletes.
A - 58 Relationship between Cognitive Impairment Concern and Current Cognitive Functioning in Older Former College Athletes
Authors: Shurtz L , Bunt S C , Didehbani N , Schaffert J , LoBue C , Cullum C M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Concerns regarding cognitive decline due to history of concussions/head injury are common among former athletes, especially as long-term effects of head injury have gained widespread media attention. Examining the association of these concerns with current cognitive functioning may prove beneficial for understanding the prominence of these concerns. This study investigated whether concerns for cognitive problems due to prior concussions/head injury might relate to current cognitive functioning in former college athletes.

Method
Former college athletes aged 50–87 (N = 597, 44.22% female) from the College Level Aging Athlete Study (CLEAATS) completed the Cognitive Function Instrument (CFI) and the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified (TICS-m). Self-reported concern regarding contribution of history of concussions and/or head impacts to the development of “permanent memory or thinking problems”was measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Two multiple linear regressions investigated whether reported concern predicted subjective (CFI) and objective (TICS-m) cognitive functioning, with adjustment for age, gender, education, and mood/anxiety symptoms.

Results
Overall models CFI [F(6,590) = 69.78, R2 = 0.42, p &lt; 0.001] and TICS-m [F(6,590) = 17.78, R2 = 0.15, p &lt; 0.001] were significant. Level of concern for memory/thinking problems significantly predicted CFI scores (b = 0.68, p &lt; 0.001) but not TICS-m scores, such that greater concern predicted higher CFI score.

Conclusions
Concern regarding cognitive problems due to history of concussion/head impacts may be associated with greater perceived cognitive symptoms among former college athletes, but this was unrelated to an objective measure of cognition. Further investigation is necessary to clarify the origin of these concerns, but these results underscore the importance of promoting accurate public information about long-term effects of concussion/head injury.
A - 59 MEG Power Changes in Non-concussed High School Football Players: Implications of Cumulative Head Impact Risk
Authors: Johnson C , Bell N M , Holcomb J , Bunt S , Urban J , Whitlow C , Stitzel J , Maldjian J A , Davenport E M 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine how cumulative repetitive head impacts (RHI) over a single season affects functional brain activity in high school football players that are clinically asymptomatic for concussion.

Method
Pre-season and post-season magnetoencephalography (275 channel CTF MEG) and MRI were acquired for 88 football participant seasons (mean age = 16.09 yrs, mean BMI = 26.32). Helmet-based accelerometer data was collected for each practice and game. Cumulative risk-weighted exposure from linear acceleration (RWELinear) was calculated for each subject. Standard processing and source localization of 8-minutes eyes-open-resting state MEG data was performed using Brainstorm2. Voxel-wise relative power spectral density (PSD) was calculated for the theta frequency band (5-7 Hz). After transformation to MNI space2, pre-season to post-season percent change in PSD (%theta) was calculated and spatial clusters significantly correlated with RWELinear were identified using SPM8 (a = 0.05 and false discovery correction to account for multiple corrections). Mean cluster values were extracted, and linear regression analysis performed in R 3.21 with covariates of BMI, age, and time between scans.

Results
After covariate adjustment, there was a significant positive correlation between RWELinear and %Δtheta PSD in the right postcentral gyrus and inferior parietal lobe (p = 9.342e-05, adj. R2 = 0.2092), with no other significant associations noted.

Conclusions
Changes in functional brain activity may be associated with RHI specifically in the right postcentral gyrus and inferior parietal lobe over a typical football season. Future research will include examining how these affected areas are associated with cognitive performance.
A novel murine model mimicking male genital Neisseria species infection using Neisseria musculi
Authors: Bryan Emily R , McRae Julia , Kumar Vishnu , Trim Logan K , Maidment Toby I , Tickner Jacob A D , Sweeney Emma L , Williams Elizabeth D , Whiley David M , Beagley Kenneth W 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
With ~78 million cases yearly, the sexually transmitted bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an urgent threat to global public health due to continued emergence of antimicrobial resistance. In the male reproductive tract, untreated infections may cause permanent damage, poor sperm quality, and subsequently subfertility. Currently, few animal models exist for N. gonorrhoeae infection, which has strict human tropism, and available models have limited translatability to human disease. The absence of appropriate models inhibits the development of vital new diagnostics and treatments. However, the discovery of Neisseria musculi, a mouse oral cavity bacterium, offers much promise. This bacterium has already been used to develop an oral Neisseria infection model, but the feasibility of establishing urogenital gonococcal models is unexplored.
We inoculated mice via the intrapenile route with N. musculi. We assessed bacterial burden throughout the male reproductive tract, the systemic and tissue-specific immune response 2-weeks postinfection, and the effect of infection on sperm health.
Neisseria musculi was found in penis (2/5) and vas deferens (3/5) tissues. Infection altered immune cell counts: CD19+ (spleen, lymph node, penis), F4/80+ (spleen, lymph node, epididymus), and Gr1+ (penis) compared with noninfected mice. This culminated in sperm from infected mice having poor viability, motility, and morphology. We hypothesize that in the absence of testis infection, infection and inflammation in other reproductive is sufficient to damage sperm quality. Many results herein are consistent with outcomes of gonorrhoea infection, indicating the potential of this model as a tool for enhancing the understanding of Neisseria infections of the human male reproductive tract.
The effectiveness of digital interventions for self-management of chronic pain in employment settings: a systematic review
Authors: Blake Holly , Chaplin Wendy J , Gupta Alisha 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Chronic pain affects over a quarter of the workforce with high economic burden for individuals, employers and healthcare services. Access to work-related advice for people with chronic pain is variable. This systematic review aims to explore the effectiveness of workplace-delivered digital interventions for the self-management of chronic pain.

Source of data
MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, JBI, Open Science Framework, Epistemonikos and Google Scholar. Articles published between January 2001 and December 2023 were included. Searches were conducted between October 2023 and December 2023.

Areas of agreement
Workplace-delivered digital interventions to support self-management of chronic pain at work may improve pain and health-related quality of life in vocationally active adults. Delivering interventions outside of clinical services, through the workplace setting, may help to reduce inequity in access to work-related advice for people with chronic pain, and ultimately reduce the burden on individuals, employers and healthcare services. Interventions include mobile apps and web-based programmes.

Areas of controversy
Studies were moderate-to-low quality. Most studies focused on exercise, few considered other aspects of pain self-management. Given the limited evidence in the current literature, consensus on best intervention format and delivery is lacking.

Growing points
More high-quality studies are needed given the heterogeneity in study design, interventions and outcome measures.

Areas timely for developing research
No interventions included advice on work-related adjustments or support. Few studies included work-related outcomes, despite the known impact of pain on work and work on health.