List Sorting Research Articles

Associations Among Body Mass Index, Cortical Thickness, and Executive Function in Children

A total of 25.7 million children in the United States are classified as overweight or obese. Obesity is associated with deficits in executive function, which may contribute to poor dietary decision-making. Less is known about the associations between being overweight or obese and brain development. To examine whether body mass index (BMI) is associated with thickness of the cerebral cortex and whether cortical thickness mediates the association between BMI and executive function in children. In this cross-sectional study, cortical thickness maps were derived from T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance images of a large, diverse sample of 9 and 10-year-old children from 21 US sites. List sorting, flanker, matrix reasoning, and Wisconsin card sorting tasks were used to assess executive function. A 10-fold nested cross-validation general linear model was used to assess mean cortical thickness from BMI across cortical brain regions. Associations between BMI and executive function were explored with Pearson partial correlations. Mediation analysis examined whether mean prefrontal cortex thickness mediated the association between BMI and executive function. Among 3190 individuals (mean [SD] age, 10.0 [0.61] years; 1627 [51.0%] male), those with higher BMI exhibited lower cortical thickness. Eighteen cortical regions were significantly inversely associated with BMI. The greatest correlations were observed in the prefrontal cortex. The BMI was inversely correlated with dimensional card sorting (r = -0.088, P < .001), list sorting (r = -0.061, P < .003), and matrix reasoning (r = -0.095, P < .001) but not the flanker task. Mean prefrontal cortex thickness mediated the association between BMI and list sorting (mean [SE] indirect effect, 0.014 [0.008]; 95% CI, 0.001-0.031) but not the matrix reasoning or card sorting task. These results suggest that BMI is associated with prefrontal cortex development and diminished executive functions, such as working memory.

NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery in Young and Older Adults: Reliability and Relationship to Adiposity and Physical Activity.

Executive function in normal aging may be modulated by body habitus and adiposity, both factors modified by physical therapist prescriptions. This study measured between-day reliability of executive function metrics in young and older individuals and examined associations between cognition, adiposity, and physical activity. Forty-three young and 24 older participants underwent executive function assessment via the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery (Dimensional Change Card Sort, Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention [Flanker], and List Sorting Working Memory [List Sorting]) at 7-day intervals. Between-day reliability was assessed via intraclass correlation (ICC). Responsiveness was assessed via between-day effect size and Cohen's d. Forward stepwise linear regression examined associations between cognition and age, body mass index, percent body fat, and a self-report measure of physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form). Executive function scores were higher for young participants than for older participants (all P < .002), consistent with typical age-related cognitive decline. Reliability of cognitive metrics was higher for older participants (ICC = 0.483-0.917) than for young participants (ICC = 0.386-0.730). Between-day effect sizes were approximately 50% smaller for older participants. Percent body fat significantly correlated with the Flanker Unadjusted Scale (P = .004, R2 = 0.0772). Neither vigorous nor total physical activity correlated with any cognitive metric. Older participants demonstrated greater between-day reliability for executive function measures, while young participants showed greater capacity to improve performance upon repeat exposure to a cognitive test (especially Flanker). Percent body fat correlated significantly with Flanker scores, while body mass index (an indirect measure of body fat) did not. Self-reported physical activity did not correlate with executive function. Cognitive response to physical therapist-prescribed exercise is a fertile ground for future research.

Comparative peptidomic profile and bioactivities of cooked beef, pork, chicken and turkey meat after in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion

This study was designed to investigate the potential contribution of bioactive peptides to the biological activities related to the consumption of pork, beef, chicken and turkey meat following in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion. After extraction of the peptidic fractions from digested samples, the bioactivities were evaluated by in vitro antioxidant activity as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibition assays. Pork and turkey meat appeared to be the best sources of antioxidant peptides. Pork was found to be the best source of DPP-IV-inhibitory peptides whereas chicken meat supplied peptides with the highest ACE-inhibitory activity. The comprehensive analysis of the peptidomic profile of digested samples was performed by nano-LC-ESI-QTOF MS/MS analysis. A total of 217, 214, 257 and 248 peptides were identified in digested pork, beef, chicken and turkey meat, respectively. Chicken and turkey meat showed the highest similarity in peptide sequences with 202 common peptides. Sixty-two peptides matched with sequences with previously demonstrated biological activity. In particular, 35 peptides showed ACE-inhibitory activity and 23 DPP-IV inhibitory activity. Twenty-two bioactive peptides were commonly released from the different types of meat. The relative amount of identified bioactive peptides were positively correlated to the biological activities of the different digested meats. Biological significanceThe present study describes for the first time a comprehensive peptide profile of four types of meat after in vitro gastro-intestinal digestion. The peptide inventory was used to identify 62 bioactive peptides with ACE- and DPPIV-inhibitory and antioxidant activities. The bioactivity analysis revealed interesting and significant differences between the studied meats. The originality of this work lay in the description of intrinsic differences in physiological functions after the ingestion of meat proteins from different species. In a context in which the current research scene relates meat consumption to the onset of chronic pathologies, this peptide profiling and bioactivity analysis shed light on the possible health benefits of peptides released from meat proteins. In fact, this paper represents a sort of detailed peptide list that may help to predict which peptides could be generated after meat intake and detectable at gastro-intestinal level. It also provides a thorough investigation of novel biological activities associated to meat protein hydrolysates, giving a new positive aspect to meat consumption.

Associations Between Drinking and Cortical Thickness in Younger Adult Drinkers: Findings From the Human Connectome Project.

Previous neuroimaging studies examining relations between alcohol misuse and cortical thickness have revealed that increased drinking quantity and alcohol-related problems are associated with thinner cortex. Although conflicting regional effects are often observed, associations are generally localized to frontal regions (e.g., dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC], inferior frontal gyrus [IFG], and anterior cingulate cortex). Inconsistent findings may be attributed to methodological differences, modest sample sizes, and limited consideration of sex differences. This study examined neuroanatomical correlates of drinking quantity and heavy episodic drinking in a large sample of younger adults (N=706; Mage =28.8; 51% female) using magnetic resonance imaging data from the Human Connectome Project. Exploratory analyses examined neuroanatomical correlates of executive function (flanker task) and working memory (list sorting). Hierarchical linear regression models (controlling for age, sex, education, income, smoking, drug use, twin status, and intracranial volume) revealed significant inverse associations between drinks in past week and frequency of heavy drinking and cortical thickness in a majority of regions examined. The largest effect sizes were found for frontal regions (DLPFC, IFG, and the precentral gyrus). Follow-up regression models revealed that the left DLPFC was uniquely associated with both drinking variables. Sex differences were also observed, with significant effects largely specific to men. This study adds to the understanding of brain correlates of alcohol use in a large, gender-balanced sample of younger adults. Although the cross-sectional methodology precludes causal inferences, these findings provide a foundation for rigorous hypothesis testing in future longitudinal investigations.

Efficacy Of A Recess-based Intervention On Academic And Health Outcomes In Elementary School Children

Both cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness are important for overall health and may benefit academic related outcomes in children. However, few intervention studies have examined the impact of an intervention that has emphasized both components on academic or cognitive outcomes. Furthermore, school recess may be an ideal time to promote physical activity and fitness and has been a relatively understudied setting in relation to these outcomes. PURPOSE: To evaluate the preliminary efficacy of a 3-month recess-based combined fitness intervention (INT; consisting of both aerobic and muscular fitness activities) on cognition (inhibition and working memory), classroom behaviors (engaged and off-task behaviors), fitness (cardiorespiratory and muscular), and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in elementary school-age children. METHODS: Schools (n=2) were randomized to either the INT (n=27, sex: 66.7% male, age: 8.8±0.1 years) or control group (CON; n=27, sex: 42.3% male, age; 9.4±0.1 years). Baseline and post-intervention measures included a flanker test (inhibition), list sorting test (working memory), classroom behavior observation (on- and off-task behaviors), 20-meter shuttle run (cardiorespiratory fitness), muscular fitness battery (muscular fitness), and accelerometry (MVPA). Process evaluation measures were recorded daily, weekly, and post-intervention. ANCOVA models were adjusted for baseline score, age, and other covariates. An independent samples t-test was used to compare percent of time spent in MVPA during recess between schools. RESULTS: Percent of time spent in MVPA during recess was significantly higher in the INT compared to the CON group (INT=41.7±2.1%; CON=30.4±0.2, p<0.001). No other significant differences were observed. Although participant enjoyment and INT acceptability was high, the average participation in INT sessions was 19.4% (ranging from 0 to 95.6%). CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrated some preliminary support that offering a combined fitness program is feasible and can increase percent of time spent in MVPA during recess. Future research is warranted to determine if the INT can impact academic or cognitive outcomes. Supported by: University of Massachusetts Amherst Graduate School Dissertation Research Grant

Motor demands of cognitive testing may artificially reduce executive function scores in individuals with spinal cord injury

Objective: To determine whether the motor demands of cognitive tests contribute to differences in cognitive function scores in participants with and without spinal cord injury (SCI). Design: Cohort study. Setting: Rehabilitation research laboratory. Participants: 68 individuals without SCI (“NON”) and 22 individuals with motor complete SCI (“SCI”). Interventions: None. Outcome Measures: NIH Toolbox cognitive assessments, including two with motor demands and reaction-time based scoring (Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS), Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention (Flanker) and two without timed scoring (List Sorting Working Memory (List Sorting), Picture Sequence Memory Test (Picture Sequence). Tests were administered with and without the assistance of a proctor on two randomly-determined days (>24 hr interval). For DCCS and Flanker, the motor-task score offset was estimated as the difference between the proctored and non-proctored scores. Results: For demographically-corrected data, proctoring reduced DCCS and Flanker scores (P < 0.001) but mitigated apparent differences between SCI and NON (all P > 0.403). SCI and NON did not differ for List Sorting (P > 0.072) but did differ significantly for Picture Sequence (P < 0.001). Significant practice effects existed for memory-based tests (List Sorting and Picture Sequence); all P < 0.015, effect size>0.645. Conclusions: DCCS and Flanker scores for individuals with SCI may be artificially reduced consequent to secondary motor demands of the tests. Proctoring and computation of a motor-response score offset enables comparisons to be made between individuals with SCI and a Non-SCI control cohort; however, further work is needed to determine whether offset-adjusted scores can be compared to standardized normative values.

The Specter of 1966, or Speculative Realism and the Phantom of Deconstruction

The Specter of 1966, or Speculative Realism and the Phantom of Deconstruction Peter Szendy Translated by Jacob Levi Certain events have become landmarks in the history of contemporary thought. The conference held in October 1966 at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore was one such event: with Derrida's contribution entitled "Structure, Sign, and Play in the Discourse of the Human Sciences," as Benoît Peeters writes in his biography of the philosopher, "the whole programme of deconstruction was set out" (Derrida: A Biography 168). Forty years later, in April 2007, a workshop held at Goldsmiths College in London brought together Quentin Meillassoux and three other participants under the banner of "speculative realism," an event whose impact has been compared with that of deconstruction at the Baltimore conference.1 This is one version or sequence of the legend, of the legendary history of contemporary French thought, according to which speculative realism would have recently taken over from poststructuralism. (Or, if we prefer to adopt the maximalist version of the legend: speculative realism has overtaken all post-Kantian philosophy and its supposed "correlationism.") [End Page 992] The problem with this legend is that, on closer inspection, it does not hold up. I am not talking about its media impact (which functions perfectly well), but rather about its philosophical mechanics. Because it seems to me that speculative realism is still haunted by the specter of many of the motifs and concepts of deconstruction, and it is far from even beginning to take this spectral presence into account. I will refer to three indications of this spectral proximity, which will serve as a preamble or program for a debate to come: first, the remarkable absence of Derrida's name in After Finitude (although the book covers the entire history of post-Kantian philosophy); second, the unsettling—and unquestioned—proximity of the notion of the archefossil (with which After Finitude opens) and the Derridean arche-trace; third, the notion of spectrality itself, which plays an important role not only in Derrida's thought, but also, surprisingly, in Meillassoux's own theologico-political speculations. 1 Derrida's name is an absence all the more glaring in After Finitude, as the book produces great movements of philosophical convergence or agglomeration that fall under the heading of the correlationism it intends to overcome. Thus we find matching pairs, such as the coupling of Wittgenstein and Heidegger under the banner of a correlationist discourse which "makes no positive pronouncements whatsoever about the absolute," and "confines itself to thinking the limits of thought" (41). But we also come across veritable lists inventorying different ways of "absolutizing the correlation" and indexing the different "forms of subjectivity" which are thereby "hypostatized" in the affirmation that "nothing can be unless it is some form of relation-to-the-world": "Hegelian Mind; Schopenhauer's Will; the Will (or Wills) to Power in Nietzsche; perception loaded with memory in Bergson; Deleuze's Life, etc." (37). But in these grand philosophical maneuvers where we see the style—and often the strength—of Meillassoux's thought, deconstruction is always missing. One could object that it is at least mentioned, and even explicitly confronted in some of his other texts. But then it is in contexts that are either far from the philosophical ambition or consistency of After Finitude (I am specifically thinking of an interview where we find the same sort of list or inventory, and the same sort of nomenclature which this time groups Freud, Marx, Derrida, and [End Page 993] Lacan)2; or, it is found in a manuscript whose status remains problematic (to the extent that, though unpublished, it has been widely circulated), namely, Meillassoux's doctoral thesis entitled L'Inexistence divine.3 2 I will return to the manuscript of L'Inexistence divine without delay. Despite its impublication (if I dare say so), it should be the point of departure for any attempt to explain the relation of spectral proximity connecting speculative realism (or "speculative materialism," as Meillassoux prefers to say4) and deconstruction. A spectrality whose second sign, indication, or symptom is the notion of the arche-fossil, which is central to After Finitude. Certainly, at first glance and despite the apparent...

Moral Conscience through the Ages

Moral Conscience through the Ages

Explore Texas: A Nature Travel Guide by Mary O. Parker

Reviewed by: Explore Texas: A Nature Travel Guide by Mary O. Parker Michelle M. Haggerty Explore Texas: A Nature Travel Guide. By Mary O. Parker. Photographs by Jeff Parker. Foreword by Carter P. Smith. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 2016. xi + 302 pp. Illustrations, maps, index. $28.00 paper. Explore Texas: A Nature Travel Guide is a wonderful companion for the naturalist and nature enthusiast taking a trip across Texas. Author Mary O. Parker focuses on nearly 100 nature-related venues and events statewide organized by the seven official regions of Texas: Big Bend Country, Gulf Coast, Hill Country, Panhandle Plains, Piney Woods, Prairies and Lakes, and South Texas Plains. This guide serves as a sort of life list for what to see, when to see it, and why we should take the time to explore the natural landscapes, destinations, and events of each Texas region. Beautiful photographs by Jeff Parker [End Page 93] enhance each section. Each entry contains a map, travel directions, and tips for how to make the most of your adventure. Helpful activity icons like "wildlife watching," "geology gems," and more accompany each venue to help you see which nature activity is available. But what sets this book apart from other nature travel guides is the excellent education sections for each venue. It offers fascinating facts and intriguing details about specific aspects of each particular location. For example, the entry for the Brazos Bend State Park and George Observatory details the site's American alligators, Anhinga birds, and northern raccoons. This serves to enhance the explorer's experience and, one hopes, spark in that person an appreciation of the need for continued conservation and protection for these areas. Michelle M. Haggerty Texas Master Naturalist State Program Coordinator Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Copyright © 2018 Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Barriers to treatment adherence of tuberculosis patients: A qualitative study in West Bengal, India

Background: Defaulter (loss to follow-up) tuberculosis (TB) patients present a challenge to TB program by increasing drug resistance and transmission. Knowing factors contributing to non-adherence to TB treatment might help the program implementers to develop appropriate strategies to tackle the problem. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to explore factors contributing to non-adherence among defaulter TB patients and to delve into the perceived barriers to adherence according to directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) providers and staffs of TB unit (TU) at Burdwan Municipality. Materials and Methods: A total of 14 in-depth interviews of defaulter TB patients, 4 focus group discussions with 30 DOTS provider, and 4 key informant interviews with staffs of TU were conducted from May to November 2017 at Burdwan Municipality, West Bengal. The analysis of free list and pile sort data obtained was undertaken using Anthropac 4.98.1/X Software. Results: Key reasons contributing to default appeared to be addiction, improvement and non-improvement of symptoms, side effect and pill burden with long regime of the drugs, loss of daily wages, lack of awareness, stigma, poverty, non-referral by private practitioner, familial problem, negative counseling by friends, and perceptions of government medicines are bad. Conclusion: Triangulation of the response from patients, DOTS providers, TB health visitors, and senior treatment supervisor divulged certain contributing factors for non-adherence to TB treatment in the municipality such as addiction and side effect of the drug. Policymakers may consider inclusion of causality analysis and psychological counseling in the program for assessing true burden of drug-related adverse effects and for fighting the effect of addiction, respectively.

Pengelolaan Supervisi Pembelajaran Berbasis Kurikulum 2013 di SMK

The purposes of this study are: (1) Describing the supervision planning of learningbased on Curriculum 2013 in SMK Pancasila 3 Baturetno Wonogiri Regency. (2)Describing the supervision implementation of learning based on Curriculum 2013in SMK Pancasila 3 Baturetno Wonogiri Regency. (3) Describing the evaluation andfollow-up of supervision of learning based on Curriculum 2013 in SMK Pancasila3 Baturetno Wonogiri Regency. The Type of the research is qualitative research withphenomenological design which conducted in SMK Pancasila 3 Baturetno. Thetechniques data collection with in-depth interviews, observation and documentation.Data analysis using descriptive - qualitative analysis model.The results of the study are : (1) Supervision activity of learning at SMK Pancasila3 Baturetno conducted by good planning. The principal and the vice principal ofcurriculum make a concept of supervision schedule according to applicable scheduleand List Sort Rank (DUK). Then, this concept is coordinated to all teachers as a meansof information about the supervision activity of learning and its schedule. Threeaspects which supervised by principal are instructional administration, learningimplementation and assessment administration. (2) Supervision of learning is doneby observation technique. The principal supervises the class based on the schedule.The assessment is set out in a supervisory instrument and principal’s notebook in theform of scores and descriptions. (3) The evaluation of supervision is conducted afterthe supervised teacher has no teaching duty. The evaluation discusses the resultsof supervision, especially the strength and weaknesses of the supervised teachingin carrying out teaching and learning duties. In general, the results of supervisionsummarized from supervision evaluation activities showing that teachers of SMKPancasila 3 Baturetno are completed in administration, competent in deliveringlessons and completed in assessment administration. However, there are someteachers still having different perceptions in understanding the implementation ofthe Curriculum 2013. Therefore, the principal facilitates to hold MGMP and IHT asa follow-up of supervision.

Associations Between Microbiota, Mitochondrial Function, and Cognition in Chronic Marijuana Users.

Marijuana (MJ) use is associated with cognitive deficits. Both mitochondrial (mt) dysfunction and gut dysbiosis also affect cognition. We examined whether cognition is related to peripheral blood mononuclear cells' (PBMCs) mt function and fecal microbiota in chronic MJ users. Nineteen chronic MJ users and 20 non-users were evaluated using the Cognition Battery in NIH Toolbox, their mt function for ATP production, and basal and maximal respirations were measured in PBMCs using the Seahorse XFe96 Analyzer, and the abundances of Prevotella and Bacteroides (associated with plant-based and animal product-based diet, respectively) were calculated from stool microbiota analysis. Average Prevotella:Bacteroides ratio was ~13-fold higher in nonusers than users. Lifetime MJ use correlated inversely with Prevotella:Bacteroides ratio (p=0.05), mt function (p=0.0027-0.0057), and Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention (p=0.041). Prevotella abundance correlated positively, while Bacteroides abundance correlated inversely, with mt function across all participants (p=0.0004-0.06). Prevotella abundance also correlated positively with scores of Fluid Cognition, Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention, List Sorting, and Dimension Change Card Sort in MJ users, but not in non-users (interaction-p=0.018-0.05). Similarly, mt function correlated positively with scores of Fluid Cognition and Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention in MJ users, but not in non-users (interaction-p=0.0018-0.08). These preliminary findings suggest that MJ use is associated with alterations of gut microbiota and mt function, which may further contribute to cognitive deficits. We posited that MJ-associated low vegetable/fruit intake may contribute to these changes. Future studies are needed to delineate the relationships among diet, microbiota, mt function, and cognition in MJ users.

Cultural Consensus About Happiness Among the Elderly

The purpose of this study was to analyze cultural consensus about happiness among the elderly by identifying meanings and conceptual dimensions of the concept. A qualitative study was made with an exploratory descriptive design in two successive phases, with free list and pile sorting by a non-random purposive sampling of 76 elderly adults with an average age of 65.35. The results evidenced cultural consensus in the two conceptual models of happiness, one for men and another for women, with high concordance in individual and group answers. The models consisted of two conceptual dimensions of happiness: economic stability and support. The models show limited happiness due to constant concerns of having employment and money to eat, live and buy medicine, which they can overcome thanks to the family support net. Specifically, men were more concerned about economic support for household expenses and for helping their siblings. On the other hand, women had a vision more focused on themselves and on their religious beliefs. The cultural meaning of happiness for women included children and tranquility while for men it meant health, children, wellbeing and family. The conclusion is that the elderly we studied are aware of the importance of their happiness and how to reach it. The looming limiting factor was being excluded from Social Security benefits and not having money or government support. We recommend the State lend support to these people with medical care and free medicine, offer sufficient stable economic support after their 60th birthday, and promote knowledge and experiences to women beyond religious beliefs as well as the practices of laughter and peace among men for the purpose of widening their expectations by traveling, enjoying themselves and with leisure and recreational activities.

Changes in Cognition and Power Output in Adults Following High-Velocity Circuit Resistance and Treadmill Training

Previous studies report that increases in aerobic capacity produce improvements in cognition. However, the effects of power training on cognitive domains are not well understood. PURPOSE: To compare the effects of high-velocity circuit resistance (CRT), treadmill (TM) training and no exercise (CONT) on cognitive domains and power output in older adults. METHODS: Fifteen subjects (2M, 13F; 71.3 ± 2.5 yr) participated in 12-wks of CRT, TM or CONT. Executive function (EF)/attention, EF, episodic memory, working memory, processing speed and overall cognition were measured by the flanker (FL), dimensional card sort (DCS), picture sequence (PS), list sorting (LS), pattern comparison (PC), and composite score (CS), respectively, using the NIH Cognition Battery. The walking response and inhibition test (WRIT) also assessed EF. A global score (GS) was determined by the WRIT. Aerobic power (AP) was determined from a peak oxygen consumption test, and lower body power (MP) by a chair stand. RESULTS: A between-groups analysis revealed significant decreases in MP (MD= -269.3, SE= 91.6, p=.04) for TM compared to CONT and a decrease approaching significance compared to CRT (MD= -213.7, SE= 81.9, p=.07). There was a significant main effect for AP (p=.05, n2p=.448) with a trend towards an increase for TM compared to CONT (MD=2.4, SE=1.0, p=.09) and CRT compared to CONT (MD=2.5, SE=1.0, p=.07). No significant interactions were present for cognitive measures. Within-group analyses revealed a significant increase in PC (MD=12.6, SE=4.9, p=.04), a decrease in MP (MD=-205.3, SE=56.9, p=.01), and a trend towards an increase in LS (MD=9.8, SE=4.7, p=.08) and GS (MD=33.1, SE=16.2, p=.07) for TM. For CONT, there was a significant decrease in PC (MD=-12.8, SE=4.9, p=.04) and AP (MD=-2.4, SE=.8, p=.02). Correlation analyses revealed a strong positive association between AP and FL (r=.99, p=.008), MP and GS (r=.97, p=.03), and an inverse correlation between MP and AP (r=-.97, p=.03) and MP and FL (r=-.93, p=.02) for CRT. A strong positive correlation was observed for AP and FL (r=.96, p=.03) for TM, and an inverse correlation between MP and FL (r=-.99, p=.04) for CONT. CONCLUSION: TM and CRT resulted in an increase in AP compared to CONT that corresponded to improvements in EF and WRIT performance, however, only TM exhibited significant decreases in MP.

Executive functioning in a racially diverse sample of children who are overweight and at risk for eating disorders

Difficulties with executive functioning may underlie both overweight and loss of control (LOC) eating behavior across the age spectrum, but there is a relative paucity of research in children with both conditions. This study aimed to characterize general executive functioning among children with overweight and LOC eating as compared to their overweight and normal-weight peers. Participants were 75 racially diverse children (58.7% female; 81.3% African-American), aged 9-12y (M age = 10.5 ± 1.1), of whom 26 were overweight/obese and endorsed LOC eating (OW-LOC), 34 were overweight controls (OW-CON), and 15 were normal-weight controls (NW-CON). All children completed interview-based measures of eating pathology, and behavioral measures of executive functioning. Parents reported on behavioral facets of children's executive functioning. Groups were compared across parent-report measures and behavioral tasks using analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) and multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVAs) which adjusted for general intellectual functioning. Significant group differences were revealed on a behavioral measure of planning, the Tower of London task [F (5,65) = 3.52; p = 0.007], and a behavioral measure of working memory, the List Sorting task [F (2,71) = 6.45; p = 0.003]. Post-hoc tests revealed that OW-LOC and OW-CON performed worse than NW-CON on the Tower of London, with relative decrements in accuracy rather than performance time. Further, OW-LOC performed worse than both OW-CON and NW-CON on the List Sorting task. Overweight with or without concomitant LOC eating in children may characterize a unique pattern of executive dysfunction. Interventions for eating- and weight-related problems in youth should address underlying deficits in planning and working memory.

A Prospective Evaluation of Neurocognitive Function and Neurologic Symptoms in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Undergoing Anti-CD22 Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapy

Introduction:Neurocognitive deficits and neurologic toxicity are known complications of ALL therapy, and cumulative therapy may make those with multiply relapsed disease more vulnerable. Novel targeted immunotherapies, such as blinatumomab or anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), despite promising results, are associated with neurologic toxicity, potentially related to cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Neurologic symptoms may include encephalopathy, seizures, and aphasia, but subtle toxicity is not easily captured by current grading systems. On our anti-CD22 CAR trial (NCT02315612), we prospectively evaluated neurocognitive function, developed a CAR-specific neurological symptom checklist, and incorporated CNS imaging to comprehensively assess for CAR related neurotoxicity. We describe the results in the first 9 consecutively enrolled subjects.Methods:Children and young adults with relapsed/refractory CD22+ ALL enrolled on a phase I dose escalation study of anti-CD22 CAR therapy were evaluated for neurotoxicity pre (baseline) and post-therapy (day 21-28 following infusion). Neurocognitive assessment was performed by psychologists who administered a brief (<1 hour), focused test battery to patients. The domains of attention (Flanker Attention and Inhibitory Control Test), working memory (List Sorting Working Memory Test), and cognitive flexibility (Dimensional Change Card Sort Test) were evaluated with the computerized NIH Toolbox, and processing speed was assessed with the Wechsler Processing Speed Index. Our neurologic symptom checklist, developed specifically to assess for CAR therapy related neurotoxicity, evaluated the severity (mild, moderate, severe) and duration (<24 hours, 24-48 hours, and >48 hours) of symptoms, including fever, visual and auditory hallucinations, responsiveness to commands, disorientation, depressed mood, and pain. The caregiver was asked to complete the checklist at baseline and then at approximately 14 and 21-28 days post-infusion; occasionally if the caregiver was not available, the adult patient completed it. Additionally, subjects underwent standard disease evaluation, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis at pre and post-therapy and a baseline brain MRI when feasible.Results:All 9 subjects, median age 20 years (range 7-22 years), had multiply relapsed ALL and had undergone at least one allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, with 8 receiving prior total body irradiation. All were classified as CNS1 at enrollment. Baseline brain MRI was normal in 6 of 7 subjects, with one noted to have slight volume loss for age. Six of 9 developed CRS and 4 attained a complete remission (Table). Follow-up CSF studies performed in 8 subjects demonstrated CNS1 disease with anti-CD22 CAR-T cells detected in the CSF of 5 subjects. Seven of 9 subjects completed the baseline and 1-month follow-up neurocognitive evaluations (one patient had significant disease progression and was unable to complete the follow-up testing; one declined the follow-up assessment). At the 1-month follow-up assessment, all patients with completed evaluations exhibited stable cognitive functioning in all domains; a few had improved test scores. Seven patients had neurological symptom checklists completed at all time points, and two had the follow-up checklists completed based on medical record notes. As rated on the checklist, the symptoms developing between 7-14 days after CAR-T cell infusion were new onset of fever (n=5), pain (n=3), visual hallucinations (n=1), mild unresponsiveness to commands (n=1), and mild disorientation (n=1). No CAR related seizures, aphasia or encephalopathy was observed, and most symptoms had returned back to baseline or were mostly resolved by 28 days. There was no correlation between degree of neurotoxicity and CAR-T cell presence in CSF.Conclusions: In contrast to more severe neurologic toxicity seen with CD19 targeted therapy, repeated cognitive testing and observer-reported outcomes identified only mild-to-moderate symptoms of neurotoxicity related to CD22 CAR T cells, which were self-limited-including in those who attained remission with circulating CAR cells in the CSF. These systematic prospective neurocognitive assessments were feasible and allowed us to identify subtle symptoms of this new therapy. Further evaluation with more patients and longer-term follow-up is ongoing. [Display omitted] DisclosuresLee:Juno: Honoraria. Mackall:NCI: Patents & Royalties: B7H3 CAR.

NCOG-04. IMPAIRED FLUID COGNITION IN PATIENTS WITH GLIOMA OF THE FRONTAL AND PARIETAL LOBES

Patients with gliomas are known to have baseline cognitive impairment. However, the characteristics of these cognitive effects have not been well defined. Intellectual ability can be dichotomized into fluid and crystallized components. The objective of this pilot study was to assess the difference between measures of fluid and crystalized cognition in patients with frontal and parietal brain tumours. Seven healthy control subjects and ten patients with gliomas of the frontal or parietal lobes, completed all tests within the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery (NTCB). The NTCB consists of seven tasks: Dimensional Change Card Sort, Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention, Picture Sequence Memory, Picture Vocabulary, Oral Reading Recognition, Pattern Comparison Processing Speed, and List Sorting Working Memory. From these tests, three composite scores are calculated. The Fluid cognition composite score is comprised of the Flanker, Dimensional Change Card Sort, Picture Sequence Memory, List Sorting, and Pattern Comparison tasks. The Crystallized Cognition Composite Score is comprised of the Picture Vocabulary Test and the Oral Reading Recognition Test. These tests are validated, normed, and corrected for age and education. Unpaired two sample t-test was used for statistical analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between the overall composite cognitive score in patients compared to controls (49.10 vs 57.29; p=0.21). However, compared to controls, patients demonstrate lower scores of fluid cognition (41.34 vs 57.57; p=0.036), whereas there was no difference in measures of crystalized cognition (57.34 vs 54.94; p=0.61). Within groups, patients had significantly lower scores of fluid cognition compared to crystalized cognition (p=0.021). Control subjects demonstrated no difference between these measures (p=0.55). Patients with gliomas of the frontal and parietal lobes demonstrate impaired fluid cognition with preserved crystallized cognition. This may be due to differential disruption in the underlying neural networks sub-serving these abilities.

From Framework to Practice: Person‐Directed Planning in the Real World

Person-directed planning (PDP) is an approach to planning supports that aims to redistribute power from the service system to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and natural supports, improve relationships and build community. To do this, the right people with the right attitudes engaging in the right actions are needed. This paper examines how key elements in PDP contribute to successes in planning. Researchers worked with three planning teams from different community service agencies using participatory action research techniques (i.e. free list and pile sort, Socratic wheel, whys/hows exercise). Most key elements of PDP were relevant to each team. Perceptions of which had most contributed to planning successes differed. The various elements of PDP are used by and useful to planning teams, although some may be more relevant to some successes than others because of specific goals, or the person's strengths and needs.

Giving Children a Voice: Exploring Preschool-age Children's Beliefs about Eating

Childhood obesity is often attributed to behaviors related to eating. However, little is known regarding what preschool-age children believe about eating or methodological approaches best suited to elicit their beliefs. The purpose of this study is twofold: first, to explore preschool-age children's beliefs about eating with those children who are obese and those of healthy weight; second, to evaluate three methodological approaches (ethnographic interview, free list, and unconstrained card sort) used with this age group for data collection. Childhood obesity affects nearly 10% of preschool children placing them at risk for adverse health consequences. Obesity is often attributed to eating (a behavior) either large quantities and/or energy dense, non-nutritious foods. Behavior (eating) may be partly explained by personal beliefs. Exploring preschool-age children's beliefs about eating using ethnographic methods offers a unique approach to uncover cognitive representations that may underpin and motivate their eating behavior. This insight is critical since eating behaviors are established by preschool and being obese at that age is predictive of becoming obese as an adult. This study aims to: (1) describe similarities and differences in the beliefs of four to six year old Caucasian children who are obese and those of healthy weight about eating, and (2) examine the extent to which each methodological approach reveals preschool-age children's beliefs about eating by weight status. This descriptive study combines ethnography and narrative research to capture beliefs shared by those of similar weight status and language used by preschool-age children to talk about eating. Ethnographic interview, free list, and unconstrained card sort are triangulated to discover preschool-age children's beliefs about eating. A purposive sample to reach saturation or up to 30 obese and 30 healthy weight four to six year old Caucasian children are being recruited from a pediatric office in northwest Ohio. This study has been approved by the University of Michigan IRB. Data collection and analysis are in process. Aim 1. To describe similarities and differences in the beliefs of preschool-age children who are obese and those of healthy weight about eating, data will be analyzed by weight status. Interviews are being analyzed using Spradley's developmental research sequence. Data from free lists will be analyzed using Anthropac, a computer software program, to determine frequency, order, and salience of food items. Data from card sorts will be analyzed using Anthropac to determine relationships among children, food items, and attributes. Aim 2. To examine the extent to which each methodological approach reveals preschool-age children's beliefs about eating, results from analysis of each weight status group's data will be compared heuristically. Preliminary findings suggest that preschool-age children utilize multiple cognitive frameworks in constructing their beliefs about eating. Giving children a voice would create new possibilities in developing interventions to empower preschool-age children to eat healthy foods and assist parents with their child's eating behaviors. This study contributes to identifying an efficient methodology for collecting data with preschool-age children for future research.

Risk Analysis of a Large-Scale Construction Project

Huge investment, long construction period, many risk factors are existed in large-scale construction project. They are faced with various risks intervened with each other. this study using analytic hierarchy process and fuzzy evaluation method, conducts the comprehensive analysis of project risk level, and by combining list sorting method with subjective evaluation method grade the risk factors according to their likelihood of occurrence, the degree of serious consequences, and the controllability of occurrence, so that by the multiplication of three scores, the level of risks can be obtained and corresponding strategies can be established according to these different risks.