Faculty Bibliography

: Research suggests that language predicts executive function (EF) in the preschool period; however, the relation between language and EF in the transition to formal schooling has not been previously examined. Given that language and EF are both important for school readiness, it is valuable to examine the ways in which they may be interrelated during the start of formal schooling. Research and theory suggest that expressive language in particular may be bidirectionally related to EF. To test this hypothesis, we analysed data from five- and six-year-old children (N = 347) who completed measures of expressive vocabulary and EF in the fall and spring of kindergarten and the fall of first grade. Path analysis revealed significant cross-lagged paths between EF and expressive vocabulary in kindergarten and from kindergarten into first grade, above and beyond stability in these constructs. The findings are discussed in relation to the current understanding of the relation between language and EF and the best ways in which to support and promote school readiness and early school achievement.

Purpose of Review Advances in medical therapy have resulted in a growing population of older adults with advanced heart failure. Frailty is a clinical syndrome that increases in prevalence with age and is highly prevalent in patients with heart failure. This paper reviews the complex relationship between frailty and advanced systolic heart failure in older adults, including the potential for reversal of frailty following advanced cardiac interventions. Recent Findings Frailty is predictive of adverse outcomes, including rehospitalization and mortality, in heart failure patients. Several small studies have shown that mechanical circulatory support can modify, and possibly reverse, functional impairments and the pathophysiologic changes associated with heart failure-related frailty. Summary Frailty is highly prevalent in patients with advanced heart failure and is a powerful prognostic marker. Routine frailty assessment could allow clinicians to define optimal patient-centered care strategies for older adult patients with advanced heart failure.