bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A - 170 Neuropsychological Findings after Treatment for Recurrent Left Fronto-Temporal Gemistocytic Astrocytoma
Authors: Harness James Edward , Reis Jacqueline , Ismail Hajar , Rossing John , Bylsma Frederick W 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Astrocytoma tumors originate from astrocytes and are the most common brain tumors represented in adults. Gemistocytic astrocytoma is classified as a low-grade astrocytoma and data reflects that it has poorer prognosis than other matched WHO grade II astrocytic tumors. The goal of this study is to investigate the neurocognitive deficits following astrocytoma treatment.

Participants and Methods
A 60-year-old male was referred for neuropsychological assessment (2017) after resection of a left fronto-temporal gemistocytic astrocytoma (2011) and after chemotherapy and photon radiation treatments for tumor reemergence (2021). Seizure was the initial symptom in 2011; increased seizure frequency (3–5/week) signaled the tumor’s regrowth in 2021. Seizure frequency has reduced after treatment (1/10 days), but cognitive deficits persist.

Results
Neuropsychological testing in 2017 revealed superior general intellect, average motor abilities, attention (auditory and visual), and visual perception/discrimination – but a discrete verbal memory deficit consistent with lesion location. Reassessment in 2022 revealed declines in intellect (superior to average) with decreased visual perceptual reasoning and processing speed abilities (superior to average), confrontational naming (average to moderate), verbal fluency (average to moderate), simple auditory attention (average to mild), and both verbal and visual memory abilities (mild to severe impairment). Reliable change findings will be analyzed and discussed.

Conclusions
Though tumor regrowth was limited to the left fronto-temporal region and radiation treatments were “targeted” to that area, more generalized cognitive deficits are apparent after those treatments. This case highlights the importance of neuropsychological assessment for delineating deficits related to chemotherapy and radiation treatments for recurrent tumors.
A - 174 The Clinical Utility of RBANS Coding Compared to WAIS-IV PSI in Community Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Kent George , Kern Jen , Wenzel Ben , Ramirez Amanda , Fawcett Maddie , Pyykkonen Benjamin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Fatigue and cognitive performance are important considerations in assessment with older adults. Utilization of a shorter cognitive battery may provide similar results to lengthier batteries in older adults diagnosed with various degenerative diseases (Mooney et al., 2007). Studies have identified implications for both normative and abnormal cognitive decline with regard to task-related fatigue (Campbell et al., 2022; Hess & Knight, 2021). When examining processing speed and mental fatigue, research has identified strong associations in clinical populations (Andreasen et al., 2010; Hess & Knight, 2021; Banerjee et al., 2020). The current study compares longer and shorter measures of cognitive processing speed in a community dwelling older adult sample.

Methods
bThe current sample consists of 60 community dwelling participants (female n = 54; Caucasian n = 52); mean education 13.83 years; mean age = 76 years. Measures: Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) Coding; Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) Symbol Search (SS) and Coding (CD) subtests.

Results
Linear regression identified that 82.7% of the variance in RBANS Coding was accounted for by WAIS-IV SS and CD (Adjusted R Squared = 0.827). The specific correlations for RBANS Coding were strong for SS (r = 0.794, p &lt; 0.001) and CD (r = 0.907, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
RBANS Coding appears to map on strongly to the WAIS PSI in community dwelling older adult populations. RBANS Coding may be considered as an alternative to longer measures of processing speed due to the strong correlation to better established PSI measures on the WAIS.
A - 177 The Self-Concept Scale of Conners Adult Rating Scale in the Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
Authors: Ramirez Amanda M , Kent G Whitman , Kern Jennie , Pyykkonen Ben , Shepardson Kati , Wenzel Ben 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Self-report scales are beneficial in identifying symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adults (Hayashi et al., 2021; Hull et al., 2019). Symptoms of ASD and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) overlap significantly even without dual-diagnosis (Nakagawa et al., 2021). The Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS) is a reliable and valid screening tool when identifying ADHD in adults, 78% sensitivity and 56% specificity (Abbass et al., 2021). Distinguishing features of ASD include restricted repetitive behaviors (RRB) and social interaction and communication deficits (SIC) (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). In adults, CAARS has shown a moderate correlation of RRB with the inattention (IA) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI) of ADHD; SIC moderately correlates with IA and mildly with HI. This study explores group differences when comparing Self-Concept (SC) Scale of CAARS in those diagnosed with ASD from clinical comparisons.

Data Selection
Data composed of 93 adult participants, 7 diagnosed with ASD, were extracted from a midwest neuropsychological outpatient clinic and analyzed to determine the sensitivity of CAARS-SC in diagnosing ASD.

Data Synthesis
Independent t-Test identified no significant effect for diagnosis, t(91) = −0.301, p = 0.764, despite those in the ASD group (M = 62.00, SD = 12.432) endorsing more concerns than those without the diagnosis (M = 60.47, SD = 12.996).

Conclusion
This study did not identify significant group differences on the CAARS-SC when comparing those diagnosed with ASD to the clinical comparisons. Further implications and limitations will be explored to distinguish ASD from overlapping diagnoses to employ appropriate treatment and future psychometric research directions.
A - 179 AI-Driven Diagnostics for Child Neuropsychology: Promising but Insufficient
Authors: Stuart Elizabeth M , Torres Samantha , Gutierrez Brian 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
This research tested the capacity of a current generative AI model (i.e., ChatGPT-4) to accurately diagnose neuropsychological issues in children. The secondary aim was to explore the AI’s potential in assisting in cognitive functioning evaluation, with the goal of improving the accessibility, efficiency, and accuracy of diagnosis.

Method
The study had three phases. First, the diagnostic information of 15 children (including the results of a standard neuropsychological battery and basic demographic information) was provided to the generative AI model to suggest a diagnosis. These results were then compared with the child’s confirmed diagnoses. Next, a logistic regression was conducted using a large dataset on the most commonly missed diagnosis by the AI model, which identified the common factors not initially included, but necessary for a more accurate diagnosis by ChatGPT-4. The third phase involved re-analyzing the initial datasets in the same manner as the first, but with the addition of salient information determined by the logistic regression.

Results
The results of this study suggest that current generative AI models perform well interpreting scores under sanitized conditions. However, AI also struggles to interpret the effect of context. Although the model performed marginally better with the use of additional scores and information, it still struggled to capture the nuances of context-sensitive conditions.

Conclusions
AI technology can assist diagnosis, but due to failures of understanding in-situ symptomatology, the use must remain limited. Further advancements can enhance neuropsychological assessment for more accuracy and accessibility. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.
A - 183 Novel Performance Validity Indicators for Frequently Used Memory Tests Using Infrequent Patterns of Memory Performance
Authors: Parks Adam , Reinhart Clare , Ecklund-Johnson Eric , Brunette Amanda , Spresser Carrie , Stroescu Ioan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Determining performance validity is an imperative part of neuropsychological assessment in concussion management. Several existing embedded performance validity tests (PVTs) have been developed for popular measures of memory, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test Revised (HVLT-R) and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test Revised (BVMT-R). However, many PVTs utilize cognitive performance measures to classify performance invalidity, which increases the likelihood of false positives, especially in clinical populations. To reduce this possibility, a novel embedded PVT was developed utilizing infrequent patterns of performance in a primarily amnestic, dementia population.

Method
Neuropsychological data for 50 adult outpatients (Mean Age = 73, Range = 50–97) who met criteria for Major Neurocognitive Disorder (MND) were reviewed. Infrequent patterns of performance (IPOP) were identified on the HVLT-R and BVMT-R, including inconsistency between recall and recognition, unusually high intrusions, exceedingly poor learning, and lack of primary effect. Scaled scores were developed from the IPOP scores (0 = 0–74%, 1 = 75–94%, 2 = 95–99%). Total IPOP scaled scores were compared to existing embedded PVTs, which utilized recognition discrimination and percent retention scores, to examine classification rates.

Results
Failure rates on the embedded PVTs for the HVLT-R were 16–42% and BVMT-R 38–58% whereas elevated IPOP scaled scores were identified in less than 15% of the sample.

Conclusions
High frequencies of embedded PVT failures were found in a clinical sample of patients with MND, which is concerning for false positive misclassification. Infrequent patterns of memory performances identified in a dementia population were less frequent and could potentially be utilized to examine performance validity in persons suspected of producing invalid memory performances.
A - 185 Validating 10 Critical Items of the Word Choice Test (WCT-CI-10)
Authors: Collier Marissa N , Beach Jameson , Bain Kathleen M , Valencia Julianna M , Marceaux Janice C , Soble Jason 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of the study was to identify ten critical items of the Word Choice Test (WCT) and validate the items as an abbreviated PVT (WCT-CI-10).

Method
The study included a diverse sample of veterans (M age = 55.87, SD = 14.10; M education = 13.89, SD = 2.55; 85.4% Male; 49.4% White, 33.7% Hispanic, 12.4% African American, 2.2% Multiracial, 1.1% American Indian, 1.1% Other). Chi-square analyses were used to determine the 10 critical items (WCT-CI-10) from the full WCT. A receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was then conducted to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the WCT-CI-10 as well as identify an optimal cut score. The relationship between the WCT-CI-10 and other established PVTs was conducted by using bivariate correlations.

Results
WCT-CI-10 total scores were found to be significantly correlated with widely used and validated PVTs at the p &lt; 0.001 level ranging from.48 to 0.70. ROC curve analysis for the WCT-CI-10 indicated optimal cutoff of ≥2 errors, with 68% sensitivity and 97% specificity (AUC = 0.907, p &lt; 0.001) which is comparable to standard 50-item WCT which indicated an optimal cutoff of ≥8 errors with 70% sensitivity and 91% specificity (AUC = 0.890, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
In this study we have identified 10 critical items of the WCT with adequate sensitivity and specificity for the detection of invalid performance. These results provide preliminary evidence for future research including these ten critical items as a theoretical basis for validating them as an abbreviated PVT measure.
A - 187 A Comparison of Reliable Digit Span and Reliable Digit Span - Revised Failure Rates among a Highly Educated Sample of Bilingual Hispanics
Authors: Ramirez Nathan , Boone Lutavious , Parma David R 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Patient’s bilingual status has significant implications for neuropsychological assessment, namely, performance validity. However, linguistic diversity has made the evaluation of non-credible performance difficult for clinicians and researchers alike. The goal of this research is to supplement the current understanding of Hispanic bilingual individuals’ performance on a commonly administered working memory task.

Method
Participants included 82 Hispanic, Spanish-English bilingual adults. (Age: Education: M = 15.68, SD = 2.26; Gender: Female (n = 44; 53.7%). Measures included the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale –Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV) Digit Span subtest and Language and Social Background Questionnaire (LSBQ). Participants were collected via snowball sampling method within the general community and social media, i.e., Twitter, LinkedIn. Participants were administered Digit Span in English.

Results
Statistical analyses indicate 2.4% of participants met failure rate criteria for Reliable Digit Span (RDS; ≤ 7) and 1.2% of participants for Reliable Digit Span - Revised (RDS-R; ≤ 11).

Conclusion(s)
Results suggest highly educated Hispanic Spanish-English bilingual individuals perform within the expected range when using traditional cut-off scores of embedded performance validity measures for the Digit Span subtest.
A - 189 Subjective Response to a Social Stressor in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Shoemaker Katherine , Bienko Nicholas , Krafft Lilly Adair , Kirby Mackenzie , Clark Phoebe A , Pierre Mersania Jn , Horn Samantha , Munro Cynthia A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Because stress is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (ad), characterizing individual differences in the stress response could help identify those who might be targeted in risk-prevention efforts. Studies measuring the stress response in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), however, are lacking, in part due to concerns that doing so would be too distressing to these individuals. In this study, we aimed to characterize the subjective response to an acute stressor in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Method
This study consisted of 20 community-dwelling individuals (9 with MCI and 11 cognitively normal individuals; 11 women) 60 years and older (Mean = 70.1, SD = 5.6) who underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Subjects rated their subjective distress using a standardized visual analog scale at prespecified intervals 3 points prior to, and 6 points following, the TSST. Data were subjected to repeated measures analysis with sex as a covariate.

Results
Subjects with MCI rated the TSST as less stressful than their cognitively normal peers (p = 0.04), due to group differences in both post-TSST ratings of subjective distress (p = 0.013) and an increase from pre-TSST to post-TSST ratings of subjective distress (p = 0.04). No individuals withdrew from the study while participating in the TSST.

Conclusion(s)
Our finding that individuals with MCI reported experiencing lower distress than their cognitively normal peers in response to a laboratory-based stressor may help alleviate concerns regarding the risks of studying stress in this population. Future research with larger samples will be valuable in studying other determinants of the stress response in these individuals.
A - 190 Neuropsychological Profile of an Adolescent with Primary Mitochondrial Disorder
Authors: Meier Lauren M , Holder Christen M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
This case describes a 16-year-old Hispanic male presenting with progressive brain atropy and upper motor neuron symptoms. He was diagnosed with a primary mitochondrial disorder (MT-TL1; variant m.3255 G &gt; A). Language and history produced difficulties in establishing onset. There is no literature describing the neuropsychological outcomes of this rare disorder.

Method
The patient spoke Spanish exclusively until 4. At 12, the patient had a CT after a fall noting ventriculomegaly without transependymal migration of fluid. MRIs, neurological examinations, and whole exome sequencing were ordered. An unknown neurodegenerative process was suspected. Parents felt cognitive changes started with the fall, but care team suspected onset as early as kindergarten due to reports of difficulty learning to read.

Results
Neuropsychological evaluation found IQ scores in the exceptionally low range, with relatively preserved adaptive skills. Significant fine motor and language deficits were noted, with low average to below average verbal memory, reading, and spelling, and exceptionally low visual memory and calculation. Executive functioning skills were variable. Extensive history-taking revealed that while the patient had struggled to learn to read English in kindergarten, he had taught himself to read in Spanish at home without difficulty concurrently.

Conclusions
Although m.3255G &gt; A mutation is the most frequent of MT-TL1 mutations, literature has only described its mutation associated with myopathy, maternal inherited diabetes and deafness, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS). No literature has defined neuropsychological outcomes of this rare disorder. Further, this case highlights the importance of understanding how language and education intersect in English Language Learner children.
B - 02 The Impact of Cardiovascular Surgeries on Attention and Executive Functioning Outcomes in Children with Congenital Heart Defects with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Diagnoses
Authors: Bean Akanksha M , Robinson Mary L , Krapf Erica M , Hassara Kathleen E , Schneider Bruna M 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) exhibit attention and executive functioning (EF) difficulties resulting in increased risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Anesthesia events are also associated with worsened cognitive outcomes. This study aims to elucidate how ADHD and cardiovascular surgeries (CVS) in children with CHDs impact attention and EF performance.

Method
Attention and EF measures (Continuous Performance Test, 3rd edition [CPT-3], Delis Kaplan Executive Function System [DKEFS], Test of Everyday Attention in Children [TEA-Ch], A Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment, 2nd edition [NEPSY-II]) were used in 58 children ages 8–17 years (mean = 11.44 years; 48.3% male; 70.7% Caucasian) with CHDs. MANOVAs were utilized to assess if children with ADHD diagnoses demonstrated poorer cognitive outcomes. Correlations were performed within subgroups to assess the relationship between number of CVS and measures.

Results
ADHD subgroups did not statistically differ on attention and EF outcomes. Number of CVS approached significance with DKEFS Verbal Fluency Category Accuracy for children without ADHD diagnoses but was significantly negatively correlated with NEPSY Auditory Attention (r = −0.628, p &lt; 0.05) and Response Set (r = −0.601, p &lt; 0.05) for those with ADHD.

Conclusions
Results suggest clinical ADHD diagnoses are not related to worse attention and EF outcomes in a pediatric CHD population. The number of cardiovascular surgeries impacted performance on different measures irrespective of diagnosis. Discrepancies may reflect use of multiple data points in deciding on a diagnosis, the behavioral nature of ADHD, poor construct validity of measures, patient medical comorbidities, and/or differences in clinical judgment. Future studies should explore weightage of objective measures in clinical decision-making in medically complex populations.
B - 03 Inhibitory Control and Saccadic Eye Movement in Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: an Eye-Tracking Analysis
Authors: Conrad Alexis , Brunt Jason , Williams John 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
The objective of this study was to investigate oculomotor differences between adults with and without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during a computerized response inhibition task, utilizing eye-tracking technology.

Method
Twenty-nine adults with ADHD and 35 controls (ages 18–32) were recruited from Sona Systems and the Learning Center at a university. Participants completed 120 randomized trials of the flanker task while their eye movements were monitored. Saccadic eye movement was investigated, while reaction time and performance errors were recorded from the flanker task. Participants with ADHD were required to refrain from taking stimulant medication the day of the experiment.

Results
A linear mixed-effects regression model was fitted. Having ADHD resulted in significantly slower response times, t(57) = 2.73, p &lt; 0.005, 95% CI [0.04, 0.27], but not significantly more errors than control participants on the flanker task. There were no significant differences in the number of saccades between groups. Further analysis demonstrated that adults with ADHD had a significantly higher number of saccades as the number of trials increased, t(7019) = 3.69, p &lt; 0.001, 95% CI [0.00105, 0.00314].

Conclusions
Slower reaction time in adults with ADHD during the flanker task indicates slower processing, but this did not affect their accuracy. While no differences were found in the number of saccades between groups, higher saccades as trial number increased in adults with ADHD suggests possible fatigue contributing to oculomotor differences. Further research is necessary to investigate potential gaze differences during a task that necessitates increased saccadic eye movement.
B - 04 Evaluating the Efficacy of a Virtual Reality Neuropsychological Assessment in Detecting ADHD Subtypes
Authors: Stuart Elizabeth M , Torres Samantha , Gutierrez Brian 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using a virtual reality (VR) continuous performance test (CPT) (i.e., Nesplora Aula) to evaluate various aspects of attention and executive functioning, compared to current assessment tools and diagnostic criteria. The study assessed the validity and reliability of the VR CPT in measuring attentional abilities, and examined whether VR CPT can provide complementary/supplementary information to existing assessment methods.

Method
Data was collected from children aged 6–16 with a known or suspected diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In addition to the VR CPT, the battery included standard measures of attention and executive functioning, general cognitive function, and comprehensive corroborating reports completed by their families. Domain correlations were then conducted to determine the convergent and construct validity. Data was also correlated with general functioning domains to attempt to replicate past studies.

Results
The study found that results demonstrated moderate-to-strong convergent validity, suggesting acceptable construct validity for VR CPT. Overall, the results were consistent enough to support the concept. Furthermore, post-hoc tests explored convergent and construct validity for each subtype of ADHD, including combined, primarily inattentive, and primarily hyperactive–impulsive.

Conclusions
In conclusion, VR CPT (Nesplora Aula) remains a viable tool for assessing ADHD symptoms, particularly in the hyperactive–impulsive subtype. Our findings support the use of VR technology in neuropsychological assessment, as it shows moderate to strong convergent validity with established assessment tools. However, further research is needed to fully evaluate the practicality of using VR CPT as a stand-alone diagnostic tool.