bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
19 Preseason Neurocognitive Test Performance and Symptom Reporting Among Student Athletes with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Cook Nathan E. , Iverson Ila A. , Maxwell Bruce , Zafonte Ross , Berkner Paul D. , Iverson Grant L. 
Published: December 2023

Objective:Participation in sports likely confers multiple benefits for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Adolescent student athletes often undergo preseason testing as part of a broader concussion management program for schools. This study compares preseason neurocognitive functioning and symptom reporting between high school athletes with and without ASD.Participants and Methods:Participants were derived from a database of 60,751 adolescent student athletes from Maine (aged 13-18) who completed preseason testing between 2009 and 2019 and did not have missing data on the history question relating to ASD. There were 425 students (0.7%) who self-reported having been diagnosed with ASD in their health history. Cognitive functioning was measured by ImPACT, and the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) was used to obtain symptom ratings. Group differences between the ASD and the population control group on the five ImPACT cognitive test composite raw scores and the total symptom score from the PCSS were examined using Mann-Whitney U tests.Results:Compared to the population control sample, those with ASD reported much greater rates of comorbid conditions: attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (50.1% vs. 10.3%), special education (39.2% vs. 4.4%), learning disabilities (43.8% vs. 4.4%), and prior treatment for a psychiatric condition (23.4% vs. 7.5%). Groups differed significantly across all neurocognitive composites (p values <.002). However, all differences were negligible in terms of the magnitude of the effects (r values range from 0.01-0.03). The groups also differed significantly on the PCSS total symptom score (p<.001), but the magnitude of the difference was negligible (r=.031). Among boys, the ASD group endorsed 21 of the 22 symptoms at a greater rate. Among girls, the ASD group endorsed 11 of the 22 individual baseline symptoms at a greater rate than the control group. Examples of symptoms that were endorsed at a higher rate among both boys and girls with ASD: sensitivity to noise (girls: odds ratio, OR=4.38; boys: OR=4.99), numbness or tingling (girls: OR=3.67; boys: OR=3.25), difficulty remembering (girls: OR=2.01; boys: OR=2.49), difficulty concentrating (girls: OR=1.82; boys: OR=2.40), sleeping more than usual (girls: OR=1.94; boys: OR=1.97), sensitivity to light (girls: OR=1.82; boys: OR=1.76), sadness (girls: OR=1.72; boys: OR=2.56), nervousness (girls: OR=1.80; boys: OR=2.27), and feeling more emotional (girls: OR=1.79; boys: OR=2.84).Conclusions:Students with ASD participating in organized sports are likely high functioning, on average. There were small differences in their cognitive test scores compared to the population control sample. They endorsed more symptoms, however, during baseline preseason testing. If they sustain a concussion, their clinical management should be more intensive to maximize the likelihood of swift and favorable recovery.
58 Parent Ratings of Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors in Children with NF1 Across Childhood: A Longitudinal Investigation
Authors: Pardej Sara K , Lee Kristin M , Klein-Tasman Bonita P 
Published: December 2023

Objective:The purpose of the present study is to characterize the trajectory of internalizing and externalizing behaviors in children with NF1 longitudinally from the early childhood period to the school age period on a broad psychosocial norm-referenced measure using linear mixed model growth curves.Participants and Methods:Children with NF1 (n=28) were seen at least once between the ages of 3-8 years old and then again between the ages of 9-13 years old. Parents completed the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) Second Edition; the version of the BASC administered depended on age (i.e., preschool form or child form). Linear mixed model growth curve analyses were used to examine the developmental trajectories of children with NF1 on the following scales, which were selected due to findings in the literature: Externalizing Problems, Internalizing Problems, Hyperactivity, Anxiety, Depression, Attention, and Executive Function. T-scores (M=50, SD=10) were used. Higher scores indicate more challenges.Results:By using loess lines to qualitatively describe the patterns of ratings across time, it is evident that most scales (Externalizing Problems, Internalizing Problems, Hyperactivity, Attention Problems, Executive Function) demonstrated curvilinear trajectory patterns, with scores peaking in the 8-10-year-old range, then decreasing again. However, there was no statistically significant effect of age on any of the scales. Notably, trajectories largely included standard scores within the normative range (T-scores between 45-55).Conclusions:Overall, the models also suggest that most children with NF1 are within the average range of functioning on all scales examined across the childhood period. Furthermore, with the exception of the Depression and Anxiety scales, ratings tend to peak around the 8-10-year period, and then decrease into early adolescence. Thus, when working with patients with NF1, it may be the case that clinicians note relative increases in challenges across these domains in late childhood, though these challenges may decrease over time during this age range. Linear growth curve modeling identified that the developmental trajectories of internalizing and externalizing behaviors of children with NF1, as rated by parents, remain stable across the childhood period. Importantly, low power may have contributed to the lack of observed age effects. Longitudinal research would be beneficial to capture patterns that may emerge in adolescence or adulthood.
3 Associations Between Exercise Type, Fluid Intelligence, and Processing Speed in the Oldest-Old
Authors: Ho Brian , Gullett Joseph , Anton Stephen , Alexander Gene , Jessup Cortney , Levin Bonnie , Rundek Tatjana , Visscher Kristina , Woods Adam , Cohen Ronald 
Published: December 2023

Objective:Exercise elicits a variety of physiological responses in the body. In the brain, exercise can modulate levels of neurotransmitters and other neurochemicals as well as sparking neurogenesis and structural changes. Downstream psychological effects of exercise include changes in mood and cognition. These changes vary depending on the type of exercise conducted (e.g., running versus strength training). While much is known about the effects of exercise in animals and adult humans, literature on the oldest-old (>= 85 years old) is sparse. The present cross-sectional study explores the relationship between exercise and cognition in the oldest-old.Participants and Methods:The final sample includes 194 cognitively healthy participants (106 females, MoCA mean score = 24.75) aged 85 to 99 years old (mean = 88.48). Each participant completed the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire and a cognitive battery comprising of the NIH Toolbox, digit coding, symbol search, verbal fluency, and Stroop task. Three groups (sedentary, cardio, and cardio plus strength training) were derived from responses on CHAMPS.Results:The cardio plus strength training group performed significantly better on the cognitive measures compared to the sedentary group. For two measures, digit coding and symbol search, the cardio plus strength training group also performed significantly better than the cardio group. Cardio group did not significantly differ from the sedentary group on the cognitive measures. All at p < 0.05 and adjusted for multiple comparisons.Conclusions:Our findings suggest exercise in the oldest-old is linked with higher fluid intelligence and better performance on cognitive measures of processing speed and that there may be an additive effect of exercise types on cognition.
5 Large-Scale Network Connectivity and Cognitive Function after Exercise Training in Older Adults
Authors: Smith J. Carson , Nielson Kristy A. , Won Junyeon 
Published: December 2023

Objective:Despite growing evidence regarding the association between exercise training (ET) and functional brain connectivity, little is known about the effects of ET on within- and between-network functional connectivity (FC) of core brain networks. We investigated the effects of ET on within- and between-network functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN), frontoparietal network (FPN), and salience network (SAL) in older adults with intact cognition (CN) and older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We further examined whether the ET-induced changes in FC were associated with changes in cognitive performance.Participants and Methods:33 older adults (78.0±7.0 years; 16 MCI and 17 CN) participated in the present study. Before and after a 12-week walking ET intervention, participants underwent cardiorespiratory fitness tests, the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning test (RAVLT), a narrative memory test (logical memory; LM), and a resting-state fMRI scan. We examined the within- and between-network connectivity of the DMN, FPN, and SAL before and after ET. We also used linear regression to examine associations between ET-related changes in the within- and between-network connectivity and cognitive function.Results:There were significant improvements in VO2peak, COWAT, RAVLT, and LM after ET across participants. Significant increases in within-network connectivity of the DMN and SAL were observed in response to ET across participants. FC between the DMN-FPN, DMN-SAL, and FPN-SAL were also increased after ET. Moreover, greater SAL within connectivity and FPN-SAL between connectivity were associated with enhanced LM immediate recall performance after ET. There were no significant interactions between Time (before vs after ET) and Group (CN vs MCI) for network connectivity or cognitive function.Conclusions:Our findings suggest that increased within- and between-network connectivity following 12-weeks of walking exercise may subserve improvements in memory performance in older individuals with intact cognition and in those diagnosed with MCI.
23 The Wandering Mind: Variability in Mindfulness is Associated with Improved Aspects of Executive Functioning.
Authors: Campbell Ivan A , Ikonomou Vasilios C , Myers Melissa A , Hawley Nanako A , Pizer Jasmin H , Wagaman Bailey , Hill Benjamin D 
Published: December 2023

Objective:Research evaluating mindfulness and cognition has produced mixed results. However, variability in mindfulness has not been previously evaluated as a predictor of cognitive ability. This study evaluated the relation between intra-individual variability (IIV) in mindfulness and cognitive performance.Participants and Methods:274 university participants (M=19 years old, SD=1.5; 72.6% female, 67.2% White, 25.6% African American, 3.3% Asian American, 1.1% Hispanic American) completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the CNS Vital Signs computerized test battery. IIV was computed from the FFMQ facet T-scores. Additionally, high and low cognitive performance groups were formed from the top and bottom 16% of the sample using the neurocognition index (NCI) score from CNS Vital Signs (N=52 high NCI performance and N=46 low NCI performance).Results:Pearson r correlations were used to evaluate the relation between mindfulness IIV and CNS Vital Signs domains. Mindfulness IIV was negatively associated with performance on the domains of psychomotor speed [r=-.18; p=.003], composite memory [r=-.14; p=.023] and verbal memory [r=-.15; p=.015]. For the high NCI group, IIV mindfulness was positively associated with cognitive flexibility [r=.31; p=.024], executive functioning [r=.33; p=.016] and was negatively related to visual memory [r=-.28; p=.043]. For the low NCI group, IIV mindfulness was negatively related to psychomotor speed [r=-.49; p<.001], composite memory [r=-.32; p=.033] and verbal memory [r=-.31; p=.038]. There was no relation found for individual FFMQ facet scores and CNS Vital Sign domains.Conclusions:Increased consistency in self-reported mindfulness (lower IIV) was associated with greater processing speed and memory performance in the overall sample. However, the relation been mindfulness IIV and cognitive performance changed greatly in high NCI performers compared to low NCI performers. The low NCI group may be a proxy for poor effort which would explain why more variable self-reported mindfulness was associated with worse performance for processing speed and memory and this could be driving the results for the overall sample. However, our findings for the high NCI performance group are unique and suggest an association between increased variability in mindfulness facets and improved cognitive flexibility and executive functioning. Further study of mindfulness variability and aspects of executive functioning is warranted.
74 Embedded Performance Validity Utilizing the WISC-V Figure Weights Subtest
Authors: Butt Sakina , Sellers Austin , Ghazarian Sharon , Katzenstein Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Objective:This study aimed to explore the possibility of using the Figure Weights subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fifth Edition (WISC-V) as an embedded validity test (EVT).Participants and Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients seen in the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (JHACH) Neuropsychology program between 2015 and 2019. Patient age ranged from 6-15 years (median age 11 years). All patients were administered the WISC-V as a portion of their neuropsychological evaluation. The sample included 75 patients who were generally male (63%), White (77%), English dominant (97%), and right-handed (81%).Results:Effort determination based on RDS identified more patients as having invalid effort. Clinicians identified only 7% of patients with invalid effort; whereas, 16% of patients with invalid effort were identified using the WISC-V RDS. Although patients having valid effort generally performed better on all WISC-V subtests, no significant differences between groups were found. Over 90% of patients were able to get items 1-10 correct on the WISC-V Figure Weights subtest regardless of their effort determination. WISC-V Figure Weights item analysis showed participants in the invalid group sometimes answered more difficult questions correctly while failing easier items which supports inconsistent effort. Further statistical analyses, including discriminant validity tests, were unable to be completed given the study was underpowered due to significant disparity between effort groups.Conclusions:This study shows support for WISC-V Figure Weights subtest items 1-10 as an embedded EVT given these items were sufficiently easy to pass regardless of whether participant gave valid or invalid effort. As this is an exploratory study, results will need to be replicated in other pediatric samples. Additionally, the discriminant ability of the WISC-V Figure Weights subtest EVT will need to be further investigated.
88 Determining the Eye-Tracking Strategies Used in the Game “Spot the Missing Object (SMO)” by Simulator Malingerers, ADHD, and Non-ADHD
Authors: Aguerrevere Luis E , Gerhold Maximilian , Austin Stephen F. 
Published: December 2023

Objective:Typical evaluations of adult ADHD consist of behavior self-report rating scales, cognitive or intellectual functioning measures, and specific measures designed to measure attention. Boone (2009) suggested monitoring continuous effort is essential throughout psychological assessments. However, very few research studies have contributed to malingering literature on the ADHD population. Many studies have reported the adequate use of symptom validity tests, which assess effortful performance in ADHD evaluations (Jasinski et al., 2011; Sollman et al., 2010; Schneider et al., 2014). Because of the length of ADHD assessments, individuals are likely to become weary and tired, thus impacting their performance. This study investigates the eye movement strategies used by a clinical ADHD population, non-ADHD subjects, and malingering simulators when playing a common simple visual search task.Participants and Methods:A total of 153 college students participated in this study. To be placed in the ADHD group, a participant must endorse four or more symptoms on the ASRS (N = 37). To be placed in the non-ADHD, participants should have endorsed no ADHD symptoms (N = 43). Participants that did not meet the above criteria for ADHD and not-ADHD were placed in an Indeterminate group and were not included in the analysis. A total of 20 participants were instructed to fake symptoms related to ADHD during the session. A total of twelve Spot the Difference images were used as the visual picture stimuli. Sticky by Tobii Pro (2020) was used for the collection of eye-movement data was utilized. Sticky by Tobii Pro is an online self-service platform that combines online survey questions with an eye-tracking webcam, allowing participants to see images from their home computers.Results:Results indicated on the participants classified as Malingering had a significantly Visit Count (M = 17.16; SD= 4.99) compared to the ADHD(M = 12.53; SD= 43.92) and not-ADHD groups (M =11.51; SD=3.23). Results also indicated a statistically significant Area Under the Curve (AUC) = .784; SE = .067; p -.003; 95% CI = .652-.916. Optimal cutoffs suggest a Sensitivity of 50% with a False Positive Rate of 10%.Conclusions:Results indicated that eye-tracking technology could help differentiate simulator malingerers from non-malingerers with ADHD. Eye-tracking research’ relates to a patchwork of fields more diverse than the study of perceptual systems. Due to their close relation to attentional mechanisms, the study’s results can provide an insight into cognitive processes related to malingering performance.
CE Workshop 12: Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for in vivo Assessment of Neurochemistry in Neuropsychology Research
Authors: Near Jamie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract & Learning Objectives:Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an imaging technique closely related to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that allows non-invasive measurement of tissue chemistry and metabolism in vivo. One important application of MRS is in the human brain, where few alternative methods for neurochemical/metabolic measurement are available. MRS has demonstrated clinical value in several brain conditions, including the diagnosis and staging of cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and creatine deficiency disorder. But beyond its clinical value, MRS has tremendous potential as a research tool. In the context of neuropsychological research, MRS provides an important tool to help understand how neurochemistry and metabolism are associated with everyday cognitive functions including sensory and motor function, perception, memory, decision making, and mood. In this educational workshop, I will focus on magnetic resonance spectroscopy and its use in neuropsychology research. I will begin by introducing the basics of how MRS data are collected, processed, and analyzed I will discuss the advantages of MRS as well as its limitations. Finally, I will provide a selected summary of current literature involving the use of MRS in neuropsychological research. Upon conclusion of this course, learners will be able to:
1.Describe how magnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments are conducted, including methods of data acquisition, processing, analysis and interpretation.2.List examples from recent literature of how MRS has been used in neuropsychological research.3.Apply and devise new experiments involving the use of MRS for neuropsychological research.
3 Towards Detecting a Pre-clinical Signature of Dementia: Accelerated Forgetting in Healthy Older Samples -Implications for Methodology, Future Ageing Studies and Early Identification of Dementia
Authors: Jansari Ashok 
Published: December 2023

Objective:Accelerated long-term forgetting (ALF) has been reported in healthy older individuals, and is a possible early marker for risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The Verbal Associative Learning & Memory Test (VALMT; McGibbon & Jansari, 2013) addresses methodological weaknesses in existing clinical tests and has detected ALF in epilepsy within an hour. We used VALMT to investigate learning and forgetting in healthy older participants.Participants and Methods:Older (60-69yrs) and Younger (19-31yrs) participants were compared. Using VALMT, unrelated word-pairs were learned to criterion, then cued-recall was tested at delays of 5, 30 and 55 minutes. Unique pairs were tested at each delay. Subjective memory complaints data were gathered, and the Wechsler Memory Scale Logical Memory test (WMS-LM; a standard clinical measure) was administered.Results:VALMT identified a significant difference in delayed recall between Younger and Older groups by 55 minutes (d = 1.32). While 'fast-learning’ Older participants scored similarly to Younger participants, 'slow-learning’ Older participants were impaired at all delays. Forgetting rates suggested degradation of memory starts during early synaptic consolidation rather than later system-level consolidation. Increased subjective memory complaints were associated with reduced VALMT scores. By contrast, WMS-LM failed to identify significant differences between any groups, and did not correlate with memory complaints.Conclusions:We conclude VALMT may be better able than WMS-LM to identify subtle impairments in healthy older adults within a single clinical visit, and VALMT results better reflect subjective experience. Older slow-learners forget faster and report more subjective memory complaints, which may indicate a group at risk of developing AD.