bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A-166 The Beery VMI in focal Pediatric Epilepsy: Clinical Correlates and Lateralizing Value
Authors: Velázquez Paola , MacAllister William S 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: The Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI) is a commonly used test of visuoconstruction. While many assume this task has lateralizing value in focal epilepsy, this remains untested. The present study investigated the utility of the VMI in children and adolescents with focal, well-lateralized epilepsy.
Methods: One hundred and one children and adolescents with focal epilepsy (ages 4–18, 47 males, 54 females) completed the VMI as part of their neuropsychological evaluation. Pearson and Spearman correlations assessed relations between VMI scores and epilepsy severity factors (age of onset, number of antiepileptic drugs [AEDs], seizure frequency, IQ). T-tests assessed VMI differences between left (n=56) and right (n=45) hemisphere cases and Chi-square analyses tested differences in impairment rates across groups (defined as standard scores ≤79).
Results: VMI correlated significantly with IQ (r=.673, p&lt;.001), but not age of onset (r=-.080, p=.428), seizure frequency (r=.013, p=.895), or number of AEDs (r=-.181, p=.071). Further, VMI scores did not differ between left (84.43 [16.06]) and right (81.89 [14.31]; t=.839, p=.403) sided seizures, nor did impairment rates differ (left 35.7%, right 46.7%, chi-square=1.24, p=.265).
Conclusion: While the VMI is related to IQ, relations with other epilepsy variables were minimal and despite popular belief, VMI does not strongly lateralize left and right hemisphere cases likely due to functional reorganization/crowding effects that may occur in left hemisphere epilepsy.
A-169 Utilizing the Rivermead Post Concussion Questionnaire (RPQ) during Post-Covid-19 Patient Follow-up
Authors: Benjamin Tyler B , Nahmias Leeron , Gibson Douglas , Chhabria Sharvan , Beaulieu Ashleigh , Taylor Gabriella 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: To examine the utility of The Rivermead PCS Questionnaire (RPQ) for patients endorsing persistent cognitive and psychiatric symptoms after COVID infection. The RPQ is a self-report measure of persistent symptoms in those suffering a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) beyond the typical recovery period of 10-21 days. Like mTBI, a considerable percentage of patients who have had COVID-19 report persistent cognitive, somatic, and emotional symptoms after recovering from the disease.
Data Selection: Literature reviewed included up to date peer-reviewed research examining the following key terms: prevalence of long-COVID, constellation of symptoms, overlap with Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), and assessment. Articles were excluded if they examined severe illnesses requiring mechanical ventilation, or if participants had comorbid neurocognitive and/or comorbid psychiatric conditions.
Data Synthesis: The “other” category allows for assessment of additional COVID-19 symptoms such as anosmia. Factor analysis demonstrated the existence of cognitive, somatic, and emotional factors with a high degree of covariation. Post-COVID patients endorsed issues with word-finding, attention, fatigue, migraines, anxiety, and depression; symptoms which are also frequently noted in PCS. These symptoms were also commonly reported in the general population, orthopedic patients, and other medical populations, suggesting non-specificity.
Conclusions: Given the similar symptom constellation between PCS and persistent-COVID, the RPQ may be an adequate tool for identifying patients suffering from actual or perceived symptoms. As many of these patients may benefit from treatment outside traditional medicine, including sleep hygiene training, stress management, behavior modification, and counseling, the RPQ could also be used for progress monitoring and/or identifying those requiring further cognitive assessment.
A-183 Fear-Avoidance Correlated with Prolonged Symptomology Following mTBI
Authors: Milano Jordan , Sandino Adriana , Bauer Russell M , Bove Jessica 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) represents a significant public health concern, with approximately 1.7 million injuries annually in the U.S. While most mTBIs resolve within the first month post-injury, approximately 10-15% of patients suffer persistent, chronic symptoms. We evaluate how individual coping strategy affects severity of symptom burden in patients with prolonged recovery from mTBI.
Method: We included 50 individuals (age 39.6 ± 19.0, 68% female) who sustained a mTBI at least one month prior to study assessment. Participants completed the Brain Injury Dispositions (BIRDS) scale to assess fear avoidance (FA) and endurance (END) behaviors during mTBI recovery, along with the SCAT5 symptom severity questionnaires. Pearson correlations measured the association of FA and END behaviors with number and severity of persisting concussive symptoms.
Results: FA subscores showed a strong, positive correlation with total number of symptoms (r = .71, p &lt; .001) and symptom severity (r = .66, p &lt; .001). END subscores also showed significant, positive correlation with total number of symptoms (r = .46, p &lt; .001) and symptom severity (r = .36, p &lt; .001); however, this correlation was weaker than FA.
Conclusions: Individuals employing extreme FA or END coping behaviors were found to report a greater number and severity of concussive symptoms after one-month since sustaining mTBI. Findings suggest that being either too avoidant or too aggressive in return to activity during recovery may result in worse symptomology and prolonged recovery following mTBI. Early detection of END or FA behaviors allows for more personalized treatment plans to improve patient recovery.
A-186 Injury Mechanism, Premorbid Intelligence, and Psychological Outcomes Post Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: DeBoer Adam B , Amitrano Nicholas R , Pyykkonen Ben A , Balloun Bailey A , Barwegen Kearston C 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to explore psychological outcomes of individuals who sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) as impacted by injury mechanism and premorbid intelligence. Cognitive outcomes post mTBI are well-researched, and the impact of premorbid intelligence has routinely been shown in the literature to impact cognitive outcomes, but type of injury and psychiatric outcomes have received much less attention.
Method: All 108 participants were referred for outpatient neuropsychological evaluation following presentation to the emergency room with head injury. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used to explore the relationship of injury mechanism (motor vehicle accident (MVA) or fall) to psychological outcomes as measured by the major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol abuse/dependence, drug abuse/dependence, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) scales on the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ). Premorbid intelligence as assessed using WRAT—4 Reading was the covariate. A binary logistic regression was also used to determine which PDSQ scales were predictors of injury mechanism.
Results: In the MANCOVA analysis, alcohol abuse/dependence was the sole variable approaching significance (p = .068). The logical regression equation model accurately classified 98.9% of MVA cases, wherein alcohol abuse/dependence emerged as the lone significant predictor (p = .028).
Conclusions: Contrary to literature on cognitive outcomes, premorbid intelligence was not associated with psychological outcomes post mTBI. Independent of injury mechanism, no significant differences among PDSQ outcome scales were discovered. Finally, those with mTBI due to MVA had a higher probability of alcohol abuse/dependence compared to those with those suffering a mTBI from a fall.
A-187 Prior Concussion History and Recovery Time Following Sport-Related Concussion in High School Athletes
Authors: Gaudet Charles E , Iverson Grant L , Zafonte Ross , Berkner Paul , Cook Nathan E 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: To examine whether adolescents with prior concussions take longer to return to school and/or sports following a subsequent sport-related concussion.
Method: Injury surveillance data for 780 adolescents (M age=16.3, SD=1.3 years) were analyzed. Adolescents were divided into three groups: (a) no prior concussion history (69%; n=538), (b) history of one prior concussion (19.2%; n=150), and (c) history of two or more prior concussions (11.8%; n=92). We analyzed between-group differences in time to return to school and sports.
Results: Groups did not differ in time to return to school (K-W: χ2(2)=0.95, p=.62; Log Rank: χ2 (2)=2.83, p=.24) or sports (K-W: χ2(2)=2.19, p=0.33; Log Rank: χ2 (2)=3.95, p=.14). However, a greater proportion of student athletes with two or more prior concussions had not returned to their sport at 28 days postinjury compared to those with no prior concussions (23.5% vs. 12.7%; OR=2.10, 95% CI 1.18-3.73). Of note, the two or more prior concussion group contained a higher proportion of adolescents with potential pre-injury risk factors for complicated recovery, namely, depression and migraines.
Conclusions: Prior concussion history was not associated with longer time to return to school nor return to sport when examined as a continuous variable. However, at 28 days postinjury, a greater proportion of athletes with two or more prior concussions remained out of sports compared to those with no prior concussions.
A-192 A Virtual Reality-Based Stroop as a Predictor of Neurocognitive Disorder among Older Adults
Authors: Prentice Kailee , Dube Jeanne M , McKinney Brandee A , Morales Yenifer L , Hardesty Danielle R , Guillory Logan A , Parsons Thomas D , Barnett Michael D 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: Virtual reality-based neuropsychological tests allow for immersive stimuli, which may increase ecological validity, and allows for the inclusion of standardized distractors. The Virtual Apartment Stroop test has demonstrated evidence of construct validity among healthy older adults, but no extant research has investigated its use among clinical populations. The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate the Virtual Apartment Stroop test as a predictor of neurocognitive disorder among older adults.
Method: The Virtual Apartment Stroop test was administered to older adults (n = 34; aged 61-90, M = 72.15, SD = 7.15; 44.1% men, 55.9% women) with (n = 7) or without (n = 27) a neurocognitive disorder as determined by a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. In the Virtual Apartment, the participant is situated in a home environment and Stroop test stimuli occur in single-item presentation on the television screen. Participants were administered the Virtual Apartment Stroop test both with and without distractors, with the order counterbalanced. In the distractor condition, distracting stimuli appear in various locations in the participant’s field of view.
Results: A total score was created by summing the total correct in the distractors and no distractors conditions. Binary logistic regression found that this score explained 17.5-27.5% of the variance in neurocognitive diagnosis, (Χ2 = 6.56, df = 1, p = .01, odds ratio: 0.97) and the model was able to correctly classify 85.3% of cases.
Conclusion(s): These results provide preliminary evidence that the Virtual Apartment Stroop task is sensitive to neurocognitive diagnosis among older adults.
A-193 Median- and Robust Statistics-based Attention Indices Outperform Mean-based Counterparts in Predicting Anxiety
Authors: Baker Essence , Tytler Caitlin , Yaroslavsky Ilya 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objectives: Eye-tracking paradigms may measure attentional process with greater precision than parallel reaction-time-based methods by reducing construct-irrelevant systematic error (e.g., motor activity). However, the benefits of increased sensitivity offered through eye-tracking are offset by their potential susceptibility for eye-movement outliers due to instrumentation and related effects. Arithmetic means are commonly used to index attention in multi-trial tasks but are known to be biased in the presence of outliers. Median-based indices and robust mean estimators reduce outliers’ influence but are not commonly used in the literature. This study compares the value of mean-, median-, and robust-mean based eye-tracking attention shifting indices in predicting social and generalized anxiety symptoms among community-dwelling adults with various psychiatric histories.
Methods: Participants (N=148) completed self-report measures (SIAS & PSWQ) and a visual attention shifting task via E-prime 3.0 and Tobii x3-120 eye-tracking system. Participants viewed 72 same-actor face pairs (sad-neutral & happy-neutral), and motivated attention shifting speed away from sad- or happy-valenced faces towards neutral faces served as predictors of interest. Arithmetic means, medians, and Tukey’s bisquare function-based robust means summarized attention shifting trials.
Results. Arithmetic-mean-based indices did not predict anxiety, while median-based and robust-mean indices did: slow disengagement from sad faces predicted elevated social anxiety (b[Mdn]=.02, p=.02; b[robust-M] = .021, p =.004), and robust-mean-based indices reached trend-levels when predicting worry (ps=.055-.076), while arithmetic-mean- and median-based indices did not (ps=.43-98).
Conclusion: Findings support the utility of quantifying attention processes via robust statistical approaches that attenuate outlier influence.
A-198 Manic Symptoms and Working Memory as Predictors for Applied Mathematical Problem- Solving
Authors: Arias Brittny , Harrigan D’Shawn , Peart Zachary , Perez Sophia G , Heavens Brittany , Golden Charles J 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: To determine the extent to which manic symptoms and working memory predict applied mathematical problem-solving abilities after controlling for age, gender, and education.
Method: Data was selected from an ongoing de-identified database of clinical adults. The sample chosen (N=136) comprised of mixed psychiatric adults consisting of Caucasians (N=65, M_edu=13,41.5% male & 58.5% female), African Americans (N=19, M_edu=12, 47.3% males & 52.7% females), Hispanics (N=39, M_edu=13,43.5% male & 56.5% female), and Other (N=13, M_edu=13,38.4% male & 61.6% female). All participants were administered the Key Math 3 Applied Problem-Solving Subtest, MMPI-2 Hypomania Scale, and WAIS-IV Working Memory Index (WMI).
Results: The WAIS-IV WMI was a significant predictor accounting for approximately 3.8% of the variance and the Hypomania scale was a significant predictor, accounting for approximately 4.4% of the incremental variance. Overall, both the hypomania scale and WMI account for 12.3% of the variance, adding an additional 4.5% of the variance over gender, age, and education.
Conclusions: The results indicate that participants’ endorsement of increased energy and working memory predict a small role in applied mathematical problem-solving. The findings highlight differences between the mental computations needed for the WMI and the ecological validity associated with applied computational skills. Previous studies have examined the effect of sleep and medications in the assessment process. The current study highlights the importance of accounting for energy level and working memory when assessing applied mathematical ability.
A-207 Spatial Working Memory in Periadolescent Children: Preliminary Findings from the PRANK Study and Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease & Down Syndrome
Authors: Sexton Jennifer , Ramirez Meghan , Phipps Connor , Heller Abi , Behm Lillian , Zatkalik Abigail , Nickolas Kristen , Maerlender Arthur , Phatak Vaishali , Cramer Justin , Blair James , Murman Daniel , Warren David 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: Investigate spatial working memory (SWM) in typically developing periadolescent children (TDPC) as it relates to age and hippocampal volume (HV).
Method: Using preliminary data from the Polygenic Risk for Alzheimer’s disease in Nebraska Kids study (PRANK, R01 AG064247), we investigated the association between SWM, age, and HV. Our sample included TDPC (N=80, age 8-13 years), recruited from the community and tested at University of Nebraska Medical Center; demographics were consistent with the recruitment area. SWM was measured using the Spatial Working Memory task between error term from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Battery. Structural MRI data were collected using a 3T Siemens Prisma instrument. HV was measured using automated segmentation in Freesurfer (Fischl, 2012).
Results: SWM was associated with age, r(80) = -.334, p = .002, such that older children showed fewer SWM errors than younger children. HV was not significantly associated with SWM, controlling for age, r(77) = -.027, p = .813. However, the direction of the relationship between HV and SWM (larger HV associated with fewer SWM errors) was consistent with previous literature (Faridi et al., 2015).
Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that increasing age is associated with better SWM in TDPC; findings for HV were non-significant. Although outside the scope of this analysis, we expect that our study’s full sample will provide greater statistical power to test the association of SWM with HV. In future efforts, we will investigate this association as it relates to polygenic risk for Alzheimer’s disease and whether these results generalize to children with Down syndrome.
A-208 Assessing Workload via the NASA-TLX: A Validation Study with the Trail Making Test and Grooved Pegboard
Authors: Agbaroji Hannah A , Hatch Oliver J , Valencia Estefania , Moore David J , Wright Matthew J , Hardy David J 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: Workload is a useful construct in human factors and neuroergonomics research that describes “the perceived relationship between the amount of mental processing capability or resources and the amount required by the task”. We assessed workload in relation to performance on two standard neuropsychological tests, the Trails Making Test and the Grooved Pegboard.
Method: Eight college students completed the Trail Making Test (TMT) and the Grooved Pegboard (GP). Workload was assessed with the NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), a self-report measure including several subscales (we focused on Mental Demand and Physical Demand). Specifically, the NASA-TLX was completed immediately after each portion of each test.
Results: For the TMT, completion time was greater for Part B versus A, as usual. Mental demand was greater in Part B (M = 44.38, SD = 21.45) versus Part A (M = 10.63, SD = 7.76) (p = .003). There was no difference in physical demand. For the GP, no difference in completion time was evident between DH and NDH. While there was no difference in mental workload, as expected, physical demand did differ between DH (M = 31.88, SD = 27.51) and NDH (M = 43.13, SD = 27.38) (p = .035).
Conclusion(s): We validated the NASA-TLX with two standard neuropsychological tests. As expected, mental workload was greater in the more difficult TMT condition. A similar pattern was found with physical workload with the GP. We propose that workload, not normally considered in neuropsychology, might be a valuable tool in the assessment of cognitive status.
A-224 Relatively Undervalued: Comparing the Work Relative Value Units of Neuropsychological Evaluation to Other Services
Authors: Davis Jeremy , Rolin Summer 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: The work relative value units (wRVUs) assigned to current procedural technology (CPT) codes reflect the time, technical skill, effort, judgment, and stress involved in the procedures. This project compared the work RVUs for CPT codes used by neuropsychologists to codes used by other healthcare providers.
Method: CPT codes were collected for evaluation and management (E&M) services (99202 to 99215), psychological evaluation (PE; 90791, 96130/1, 96136/7, 90785), psychotherapy (THER; 90791, 90832 to 90837, 90785), and neuropsychological evaluation (NPE; 96116, 96132/3, 96136/7). The CMS physician fee schedule look-up tool was used to gather the wRVUs for each CPT code.
Results: E&M wRVUs vary by complexity from straightforward (0.7-0.93) to highly complex (2.8-3.5) cases. Per unit wRVUs showed a wide range in the other procedure groups: PE (0.45-3.84), THER (1.7-3.84), and NPE (0.45-2.56). PE and NPE codes are comparable except for greater wRVUs for the interview (3.84 versus 1.86). With the complexity modifier, PE and THER wRVUs increase (2.03-4.17).
Conclusions: E&M code wRVUs increase with case complexity reflecting greater demands on time, skill, effort, and judgment. Similarly, a modifier to PE and THER codes captures additional effort required for complex cases. In contrast, NPE codes lack a complexity modifier, and NPE wRVUs are lower than those of THER codes, which can be billed by master’s level therapists in many states. It is unclear why wRVUs for NPE are not higher than those for PE given the greater training requirements in neuropsychology and the higher level of specialized knowledge, effort, and technical complexity involved in competent NPE.
A-226 The reliability of the Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic for Presurgical Bariatric Weight Loss Evaluations
Authors: Greenman Kyle E , Dadashadeh Sharon , Robertson Sean , Pipitone Olivia , Fallows Robert , Watts Ashley Smith , Vasoya Bella 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: The Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic (MBMD) is routinely used in presurgical bariatric evaluations to evaluate individuals’ experience of their health, response to medical concerns in relation to treatment recommendations, history of adherence to treatment plans, and typical coping skills. Researchers (Walfish, Wise, & Streiner, 2008) raised concern that 16 of the 32 scales did not meet minimal standards of use (as defined by a Cronbach’s Alpha of &gt;.69) within bariatric populations, and 13 of the remaining scales lacked strong evidence of reliability. The present study aimed to assess MBMD scale consistency examining a bariatric population independent of the original sample.
Method: Archival data from an independent sample of adult bariatric surgery candidates included 759 patients (Age: 46.1 [SD=12.0]; 84% female; 87% White, Non-Hispanic). We estimated internal consistency for each of the 32 scales of the MBMD. Our study sample size was adequately powered (80%) at an alpha of 0.05 for scale sizes ranging from 5 to 25 items to test a null hypothesis.
Results: Of the 32 scales, 19 (59%) had a Cronbach’s Alpha value ≥0.70, primarily including bariatric patients’ psychiatric indications (e.g., depression, anxiety) and stress moderation (e.g., social isolation, future pessimism).
Conclusion: These findings suggest 13 of the 32 scales in the MBMD are not consistently measuring unified concepts. Immediate future steps include further examination of internal consistency on the scale and item level. Additionally, examining internal consistency at the item level would be helpful in the development of a reliability index for individual response styles.