Exploring the interplay of dopaminergic genotype and parental behavior in relation to executive function in early childhood

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Daphne M. Vrantsidis ◽  
Caron A.C. Clark ◽  
Auriele Volk ◽  
Lauren S. Wakschlag ◽  
Kimberly Andrews Espy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Parental Behavior ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Reward Sensitivity ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Differential Sensitivity ◽  
Negative Reactivity ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Composite Scores

Abstract Child genotype is an important biologically based individual difference conferring differential sensitivity to the effect of parental behavior. This study explored dopaminergic polygenic composite × parental behavior interactions in relation to young children’s executive function. Participants were 135 36-month-old children and their mothers drawn from a prospective cohort followed longitudinally from pregnancy. A polygenic composite was created based on the number of COMT, DAT1, DRD2, and DRD4 alleles associated with increased reward sensitivity children carried. Maternal negative reactivity and responsiveness were coded during a series of structured mother–child interactions. Executive function was operationalized as self-control and working memory/inhibitory control. Path analysis supported a polygenic composite by negative reactivity interaction for self-control. The nature of the interaction was one of diathesis-stress, such that higher negative reactivity was associated with poorer self-control for children with higher polygenic composite scores. This result suggests that children with a higher number of alleles may be more vulnerable to the negative effect of negative reactivity. Negative reactivity may increase the risk for developing behavior problems in this population via an association with poorer self-control. Due to the small sample size, these initial findings should be treated with caution until they are replicated in a larger independent sample.

scholarly journals ‘I’m doing it for myself’: Using a smartphone-based exercise service during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Demitri Constantinou ◽  
Georgia Torres ◽  
Natalia Neophytou ◽  
Peter Fourie ◽  
Xenia Buntting ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The University

Background: Sufficient physical activity (PA) lowers poor health outcomes, with data showing these protective effects in populations under varying levels of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. The advent of online PA programmes has created novel opportunities to offset the deleterious effects of inactivity. However, data are limited and the readiness and acceptance of such technology is unknown. These authors nevertheless noted an opportunity to investigate this approach based on promising emerging data at the time of the hard lockdown in South Africa. Objective: This exploratory study investigated the engagement and perceptions of a smartphone application to promote health and fitness in a sample of employees at a South African university. Methods: Employed members of staff (n=15) of the University of the Witwatersrand were recruited through email invitation during the hard Level 5 COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Individualised home-based PA programmes were prescribed through a mobile application for a period of eight weeks. Researchers qualified in Biokinetics provided online supervision of the exercise sessions during the intervention. Participants were asked to complete a self-reported questionnaire about their use of the application. Thematic analysis was used to understand these responses. Results: Lack of motivation was perceived to have a negative effect on participation in the online PA programme. Only one participant reported using the mobile application consistently during the study period, while half of the participants reported having trouble with the usage of the application. The participants frequently mentioned the need for technical support and further engagement from the clinicians supervising the PA programme to ensure use and progression. Staff identified issues with connectivity and already having too many phone applications (apps) amongst the reasons for the technical difficulties. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the challenges and potential for the uptake of online PA interventions during COVID-19 and, despite its small sample size, the data provide important lessons learned that will be used as information in further investigations.

scholarly journals Drumming Motor Sequence Training Induces Apparent Myelin Remodelling in Huntington’s Disease: A Longitudinal Diffusion MRI and Quantitative Magnetization Transfer Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 303-320
Author(s):  
Chiara Casella ◽  
Jose Bourbon-Teles ◽  
Sonya Bells ◽  
Elizabeth Coulthard ◽  
Greg D. Parker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Huntington's Disease ◽  
Huntington’S Disease ◽  
Diffusion Tensor ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Magnetization Transfer ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Motor Sequence ◽  
Longitudinal Diffusion ◽  
Microstructural Changes

Background: Impaired myelination may contribute to Huntington’s disease (HD) pathogenesis. Objective: This study assessed differences in white matter (WM) microstructure between HD patients and controls, and tested whether drumming training stimulates WM remodelling in HD. Furthermore, it examined whether training-induced microstructural changes are related to improvements in motor and cognitive function. Methods: Participants undertook two months of drumming exercises. Working memory and executive function were assessed before and post-training. Changes in WM microstructure were investigated with diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI)-based metrics, the restricted diffusion signal fraction (Fr) from the composite hindered and restricted model of diffusion (CHARMED) and the macromolecular proton fraction (MPF) from quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) imaging. WM pathways linking putamen and supplementary motor areas (SMA-Putamen), and three segments of the corpus callosum (CCI, CCII, CCIII) were studied using deterministic tractography. Baseline MPF differences between patients and controls were assessed with tract-based spatial statistics. Results: MPF was reduced in the mid-section of the CC in HD subjects at baseline, while a significantly greater change in MPF was detected in HD patients relative to controls in the CCII, CCIII, and the right SMA-putamen post-training. Further, although patients improved their drumming and executive function performance, such improvements did not correlate with microstructural changes. Increased MPF suggests training-induced myelin changes in HD. Conclusion: Though only preliminary and based on a small sample size, these results suggest that tailored behavioural stimulation may lead to neural benefits in early HD, that could be exploited for delaying disease progression.

scholarly journals A CONSUMER TENDENCY SURVEY ON RURAL TOURISM IN ANKARA, TURKEY

2017 ◽  
pp. 136-147
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Collaborative Work ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Probit Model ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
City Center ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Rich Flora

With its underground resources, rich flora and natural beauties Ankara has one of Turkey’s most outstanding rural areas. Yet, these beauties are recognized neither by natives nor by foreigners. The main aim of this research is to determine the factors which affect the choice of the population who lives in Ankara city center to visit rural areas as well as general preferences of visitors. Ankara city center population is assumed approximately 5 million and with 99% confidence interval and 5% error margin the sample size is found as 661. Before the application of surveys in the field, surveys are shared with 10 people and proper adjustments made according to the feedbacks received. Face-to-face interviews with 661 people are applied. During the data evaluation process, surveys which contain missing and inconsistent data are excluded from the sample size. Missing and inconsistent surveys which was 7% of total are removed and ultimately with 616 surveys analyses continued. Probit model is preferred due to the small sample size. The model in which independent variables affecting decisions of people who visit rural Ankara biweekly are investigated, whereas people who prefer guide and have a connection with current rural settlement have a positive effect and birthplace has a negative effect. In consequence of the survey research it came out that citizen’s awareness level about rural and tourism destinations in Ankara is low. To increase awareness it is needed that institutions and organizations conduct collaborative work for rural area. As continuation of the research, people living in the country side and their expectation from tourism are going to determine more reliable deductions

Memantine in the Treatment of Executive Function Deficits in Adults With ADHD

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 343-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Biederman ◽  
Ronna Fried ◽  
Laura Tarko ◽  
Craig Surman ◽  
Thomas Spencer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Stimulant Medication ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Adjunct Treatment ◽  
Behavior Rating Inventory ◽  
Executive Function Deficits

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of memantine hydrochloride as an adjunct to stimulant pharmacotherapy for treating executive function deficits (EFDs) in adults with ADHD. Method: This was a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of memantine added to open-label treatment with stimulant medication. Because of the small sample size, we considered a standardized mean difference (equivalent to effect size) of ≥0.5 and odds ratios ≥2 as indicators of trend improvements. Results: Twelve participants received memantine and 14 received a placebo. Trend improvements favoring memantine were observed on Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions–Adult Inhibition and Self-Monitor subscales when compared with Placebo. No significant changes were noted on the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. Conclusion: Among adults with ADHD and EFDs, adjunct treatment with memantine to osmotic release oral system-methylphenidate (OROS-MPH) was associated with improvements in selective areas of executive functioning, supporting the need for further research.

Aging and Executive Function Skills: An Examination of a Community-Dwelling Older Adult Population

1997 ◽  
Vol 84 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1187-1197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Brennan ◽  
Marilyn C. Welsh ◽  
Celia B. Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Tower Of Hanoi

The purpose of the present study was to employ the Tower of Hanoi task to the study of possible changes in executive function skills in older adults. The study used a quasi-experimental design, with age group (i.e., young adult, young elderly, or older elderly), being the independent variable in examining performance differences between younger and older adults. Data were analyzed cross-sectionally by age group. Nineteen elderly men and women comprised two groups; nine Young Elderly with an average age of 65 years and ten Older Elderly with an average age of 75 years. Two men and ten women served as a Young Adult comparison group having an average age of 19 years. Performance on the Tower of Hanoi was measured by efficiency scores (number of trials to consecutive solutions), frequency of error types, self-correction scores (completing the goal configuration in twenty or fewer moves after committing an error precluding a “correct” solution), and error perseveration (committing the same error on two consecutive trials of a problem). Analysis of variance and chi-squared tests suggested similar executive capacities among the 9 young adult and the 8 young elderly participants as compared to their 7 older elderly peers on the 3–disk task. However, on the 4–disk task where problem complexity increased by the addition of another disk and longer move sequences, young adult participants showed superior performance on the average than either young elderly or older elderly participants. Although the present study is limited by the small sample size and the use of cross-sectional analyses to examine age differences, these findings are consistent with the hypothesis of age differences in executive function.

A-146 Parent Responses on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2 Are more Reflective of Child Cognitive Functioning than Teacher Responses

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1200-1200
Author(s):  
Kera Larson ◽  
Jessica Wilbur ◽  
Elizabeth Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Auditory Processing ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Rural School ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Behavior Rating ◽  
Fourth Edition ◽  
Intellectual Performance ◽  
Behavior Rating Inventory ◽  
Moderate Relationship

Abstract Objective The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2) is widely used to assess executive processes in children and adolescents. The BRIEF-2 manual (2015) indicates small correlations between executive functioning and intellectual performance on the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children, Fourth Edition, but no studies have evaluated the BRIEF-2 and the Woodcock Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities, Fourth Edition (WJ-IV-Cog). The current study examined whether parent and teacher BRIEF-2 responses were linked to WJ-IV-Cog indices in a rural school-based sample. Method A sample of (n = 18) students attending rural school districts was extracted from an archival dataset. Participants (age range 7–17, M = 12.9, SD = 2.5) included 15 males and 3 females, who were referred for psychoeducational assessment. Results Correlational analyses indicated a moderate relationship between the BRIEF-2 parent Global Executive Composite (GEC) and the WJ-IV-Cog domains of comprehension-knowledge (Gc), fluid reasoning (Gf), and auditory processing (Ga) (p < 0.05). Subsequent analyses of the three BRIEF-2 indices showed that the Parent Behavioral Regulation Index (BRI) was related to both Gc and Gf (p < 0.05), while the Parent Cognitive Regulation Index (CRI) was significantly associated with Gc, Gf, and Ga (p < 0.05). Teacher ratings of GEC, BRI, and CRI were independent from child intellectual performance. However, Teacher Emotion Regulation Index (ERI) was moderately related with GIA (p < 0.05). Conclusion Current findings support a moderate relationship between parent ratings on the BRIEF-2 and specific cognitive domains on the WJ-IV-Cog. Results should be interpreted within the context of both a small sample size and the designation of subjects for psycho-educational assessment evaluations.

Probing the ultrastructure of the mitotic and meiotic spindle in eggs: An expeditious approach based on semi-thin (0.25 μm) serial sections

1983 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 552-555
Author(s):  
Conly L. Rieder ◽  
S. Bowser ◽  
R. Nowogrodzki ◽  
K. Ross ◽  
G. Sluder
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Meiotic Spindle ◽  
Serial Sections ◽  
Mitotic Apparatus ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Cell Cycles ◽  
Ultrastructural Studies

Eggs have long been a favorite material for studying the mechanism of karyokinesis in-vivo and in-vitro. They can be obtained in great numbers and, when fertilized, divide synchronously over many cell cycles. However, they are not considered to be a practical system for ultrastructural studies on the mitotic apparatus (MA) for several reasons, the most obvious of which is that sectioning them is a formidable task: over 1000 ultra-thin sections need to be cut from a single 80-100 μm diameter egg and of these sections only a small percentage will contain the area or structure of interest. Thus it is difficult and time consuming to obtain reliable ultrastructural data concerning the MA of eggs; and when it is obtained it is necessarily based on a small sample size.We have recently developed a procedure which will facilitate many studies concerned with the ultrastructure of the MA in eggs. It is based on the availability of biological HVEM's and on the observation that 0.25 μm thick serial sections can be screened at high resolution for content (after mounting on slot grids and staining with uranyl and lead) by phase contrast light microscopy (LM; Figs 1-2).

Validating the Factor Structure of the Stigma of Suicide Scale–Short Form Spanish Version Among Healthcare Students

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ruthmarie Hernández-Torres ◽  
Paola Carminelli-Corretjer ◽  
Nelmit Tollinchi-Natali ◽  
Ernesto Rosario-Hernández ◽  
Yovanska Duarté-Vélez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Factor Structure ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Spanish Version ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Students ◽  
Spanish Speaking

Abstract. Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among Spanish-speaking individuals. Suicide stigma can be a risk factor for suicide. A widely used measure is the Stigma of Suicide Scale-Short Form (SOSS-SF; Batterham, Calear, & Christensen, 2013 ). Although the SOSS-SF has established psychometric properties and factor structure in other languages and cultural contexts, no evidence is available from Spanish-speaking populations. Aim: This study aims to validate a Spanish translation of the SOSS-SF among a sample of Spanish-speaking healthcare students ( N = 277). Method: We implemented a cross-sectional design with quantitative techniques. Results: Following a structural equation modeling approach, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the three-factor model proposed by Batterham and colleagues (2013) . Limitations: The study was limited by the small sample size and recruitment by availability. Conclusion: Findings suggest that the Spanish version of the SOSS-SF is a valid and reliable tool with which to examine suicide stigma among Spanish-speaking populations.

An Initial Investigation of Suicide Attempt Disclosures Among US Veterans

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Brooke A. Ammerman ◽  
Sarah P. Carter ◽  
Heather M. Gebhardt ◽  
Jonathan Buchholz ◽  
Mark A. Reger
Keyword(s):  
Suicide Attempt ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Romantic Partners ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Professional Care ◽  
Patient Disclosure ◽  
Previous Suicide Attempt

Abstract. Background: Patient disclosure of prior suicidal behaviors is critical for effectively managing suicide risk; however, many attempts go undisclosed. Aims: The current study explored how responses following a suicide attempt disclosure may relate to help-seeking outcomes. Method: Participants included 37 veterans with a previous suicide attempt receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment. Veterans reported on their most and least helpful experiences disclosing their suicide attempt to others. Results: Veterans disclosed their suicide attempt to approximately eight individuals. Mental health professionals were the most cited recipient of their most helpful disclosure; romantic partners were the most common recipient of their least helpful disclosures. Positive reactions within the context of the least helpful disclosure experience were positively associated with a sense of connection with the disclosure recipient. Positive reactions within the most helpful disclosure experience were positively associated with the likelihood of future disclosure. No reactions were associated with having sought professional care or likelihood of seeking professional care. Limitations: The results are considered preliminary due to the small sample size. Conclusion: Findings suggest that while positive reactions may influence suicide attempt disclosure experiences broadly, additional research is needed to clarify factors that drive the decision to disclose a suicide attempt to a professional.

Investigating the Dynamics of Suicidal Ideation

Crisis ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Hallensleben ◽  
Lena Spangenberg ◽  
Thomas Forkmann ◽  
Dajana Rath ◽  
Ulrich Hegerl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Unipolar Depression ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
History Of ◽  
Severity Of Depression ◽  
Ecological Momentary ◽  
Depressive Episodes ◽  
Ema Method ◽  
Shed Light

Abstract. Background: Although the fluctuating nature of suicidal ideation (SI) has been described previously, longitudinal studies investigating the dynamics of SI are scarce. Aim: To demonstrate the fluctuation of SI across 6 days and up to 60 measurement points using smartphone-based ecological momentary assessments (EMA). Method: Twenty inpatients with unipolar depression and current and/or lifetime suicidal ideation rated their momentary SI 10 times per day over a 6-day period. Mean squared successive difference (MSSD) was calculated as a measure of variability. Correlations of MSSD with severity of depression, number of previous depressive episodes, and history of suicidal behavior were examined. Results: Individual trajectories of SI are shown to illustrate fluctuation. MSSD values ranged from 0.2 to 21.7. No significant correlations of MSSD with several clinical parameters were found, but there are hints of associations between fluctuation of SI and severity of depression and suicidality. Limitations: Main limitation of this study is the small sample size leading to low power and probably missing potential effects. Further research with larger samples is necessary to shed light on the dynamics of SI. Conclusion: The results illustrate the dynamic nature and the diversity of trajectories of SI across 6 days in psychiatric inpatients with unipolar depression. Prediction of the fluctuation of SI might be of high clinical relevance. Further research using EMA and sophisticated analyses with larger samples is necessary to shed light on the dynamics of SI.

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