bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
H - 24 The Role of Bilingual Neuropsychologists in Presurgical Epilepsy Evaluations: La Evaluación Comprensiva en Español
Authors: Winstone-Weide Laura K , Chiang Jenna A , DeLeon Rosario C 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
As neuropsychologists continually work to establish clinical standards of practice for evaluation of linguistically and culturally diverse children with epilepsy (Berrios-Siervo et al., 2023), this case study supports efforts to document complex assessment procedures with an adolescent who recently immigrated from Mexico to the U.S.

Method
A 16-year-old, right-handed, primarily Spanish-speaking, Hispanic male with intractable epilepsy (complex partial seizures) was referred for a presurgical neuropsychological evaluation. Medication was initiated in Mexico at age 11 years, but increased frequency and severity of seizures prompted immigration to the U.S. at age 14 for further treatment. EEG and brain MRI indicated left hemisphere involvement. Magnetoencephalography results indicated right-hemisphere dominance for receptive language. Functional MRI (fMRI) indicated left-hemisphere dominance. Subsequent Wada and bilateral language mapping results supported left-hemisphere dominance. Personal history was significant for anxiety and depressed mood. Bilingual neuropsychologists completed a presurgical evaluation, fMRI, stereo EEG language mapping, and Wada in Spanish. He was seizure-free 6 months post selective left temporal resection. He recently completed his1-year post-op evaluation.

Results
Baseline testing indicated average neurocognitive functioning, with select relative weaknesses lacking strong evidence for lateralization/localization. Post-operative consultation/ evaluation at 6 and 12 months, respectively, revealed the patient was doing well academically with perceived improvements in attention and memory and minimal language difficulties. Reported improvements in mood were attributed to family reunification and increased social engagement.

Conclusions
In addition to pre/post-surgical assessment in Spanish, bilingual neuropsychologists are uniquely positioned to contribute to the establishment of culturally-informed, standardized approaches to essential aspects of the presurgical workup (e.g., language mapping, Wada).
H - 27 TBI and PTSD in an Indigenous Patient: It’s Complicated
Authors: Burks Alexis , Solis Isabel , Shendo Macaiah , Decruz-Dixon Naila , Edwards Katherine , Gillezeau Christina , Hernandez-Vallant Alex , Mullins Teagan , Schodt Kaitlyn , Abrams-Silva Lynette 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Neuropsychological assessment of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients presents challenges due to limited normative data, stigma, possible differential validity of measures, and limited access to healthcare. Additionally, differentiating traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is increasingly important for proper diagnosis and treatment of indigenous patients. This case study describes the use of comprehensive neuropsychological testing across two timepoints to assist with treatment planning.

Methods
The patient was a 38-year-old Native American male referred by primary care to assist in educational, career, and treatment planning. His history was remarkable for TBI status post craniotomy and craniectomy. The patient completed initial and follow-up comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations. Follow-up was completed at 9-months following cranioplasty.

Results
On initial evaluation, the patient demonstrated deficits in immediate learning, delayed recall, executive functioning, processing speed, and fine motor abilities consistent with major neurocognitive impairment due to TBI. On follow-up evaluation, the patient demonstrated variable processing speed and executive functioning. Follow-up testing showed improvements in encoding of verbal information and immediate learning of visual information. Modest improvements were noted in processing speed, executive functioning, and fine motor skills. Follow-up testing evidenced declines in immediate learning, spontaneous recall, verbal fluency, and worsening PTSD symptoms.

Conclusion
While TBI and PTSD can co-occur, understanding how to differentiate cognitive profiles of each, while considering linguistic, sociocultural, and educational differences, is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment. Adherence to treatments following TBI can promote physical and cognitive improvements, though certain symptoms may worsen due to psychological symptoms, which may present differently across cultures.
H - 33 Lesión Cerebral Traumática: Calidad de Vida en Un Grupo de Pacientes puertorriqueños
Authors: Sanchez Zuleyka Lorenzo , Guzmán Yazdel , Vega Mairim 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objetivos
Adultos con lesión cerebral traumática (LCT) pueden sufrir de una disminución en calidad de vida (CAL) asociada al desarrollo de diagnósticos comórbidos. En Puerto Rico (PR), la información sobre esta población es limitada. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir las características sociodemográficas, diagnósticos comórbidos y CAL reportados por un cohorte de pacientes con LCT en PR.

Metodología
En este estudio de tipo no experimental transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo y alcance descriptivo, participaron 40 adultos puertorriqueños (23–63 años de edad) con historial de LCT y al menos un año de recuperación. La muestra fue reclutada a través de anuncios virtuales en las redes sociales, anuncios presenciales en reuniones de un grupo de apoyo para personas con LCT, y un Hospital de Trauma. Su participación consistió en completar un cuestionario sociodemográfico y la Escala CAVIDACE-Autoinforme, diseñada para evaluar CAL en adultos con LCT.

Resultados
La mayoría de los participantes reportó estar soltero, divorciado o separado (72.5%). Veintisiete participantes (59.5%) reportaron tener bachillerato o grado asociado, y el restante reportó tener un nivel de educación de escuela superior o menor; el 65% reportó estar desempleado. De los participantes, 47.5% reportó LCT severa, 22.5% moderada y 30% leve. Trastornos psiquiátricos comórbidos reportados incluyeron depresión (47.5%), trastornos de ansiedad (40%), trastorno bipolar (10%), trastornos del sueño (32.5%), abuso de alcohol o drogas (10%), psicosis (5%), entre otros. El 70% de los participantes reportó tener CAL a nivel promedio en comparación con la norma (M = 96.58, SD = 13).

Conclusiones
Esto datos ayudarán a guiar servicios y futuros estudios con esta población.
H - 34 Impact of Education, Mood and Anxiety on Self-Management and Self-Efficacy in Spanish-Speaking People with Epilepsy
Authors: Morales Jill , Gomez Jaqueline Abrisqueta , Castillo Ana , Johnson Erica K , Fraser Robert T , Smith Jason A D 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Explore relationships between the years of education, mood, and anxiety with self-efficacy and self-management in Spanish-speaking people with epilepsy (PWE). Higher education was hypothesized to be associated with higher Epilepsy Self-Efficacy Scale (ESE) and Epilepsy Self-Management (ESM) scores, while lower mood and anxiety may be linked to lower ESE and ESM scores.

Method
Spanish-speaking PWE completed the ESE, ESM, PHQ-9 andGAD-7. Participants were primarily monolingual, immigrant patients at a public, safety-net hospital in Dallas, TX enrolled in a self-management intervention study, PACES in Español.

Results
Participants (n = 19, &gt;18 years-old) had an average age (M = 41.6 years, SD = 13.1) and reported years of education (M = 9.79, SD = 3.3). Participants were mostly male (73.7%) and born in Mexico (83.9%). Pearson and Spearman correlations were run for comparisons, as appropriate, after determining variable normality of distribution. Education was negatively correlated to GAD-7 (M = 5.1, SD = 4.3), r(17) = −0.48, p = 0.04. ESM was negatively correlated to PHQ-9 (M = 5.8, SD = 4.8), r(17) = −0.46, p = 0.04. Predictable significant correlations between PHQ and GAD; r(17) = 0.71, p = 0.00, and the ESE and ESM r(17) = 632, p = 0.004 were observed. Moderate to Severe levels of depression (21.1%) and anxiety (15.8%) were observed.

Conclusion(s)
Education was not related to ESE or ESM; however, higher education was associated with lower anxiety severity. Higher ESM was associated with lower depression symptoms. While initial results are limited by the sample size, further exploration between level of education, mood, and anxiety and PWE’s and their epilepsy self-management.
H - 35 Anti-N-Methyl D-Aspartate Receptor (Anti-NMDAR) Encephalitis in a Spanish Monolingual Immigrant Adjudicated Incompetent to Stand Trial
Authors: Piña Niko N , Andresen Elizabeth 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Anti-N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a rare, recently discovered condition that typically presents initially with psychiatric disturbances followed by neurological and neuropsychological symptoms. Little is known about neuropsychological outcomes with this condition. This poster will expand our knowledge by presenting a monolingual Spanish male who emigrated to the US from Latin America and was arrested on multiple offenses during psychiatric symptom onset of anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Methods
He was diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis while incarcerated and experienced severe medical complications while hospitalized during the acute phase. He was subsequently adjudicated incompetent to stand trial (ICST) and sent to a state hospital for competency restoration. During the patient’s sub-acute recovery phase in the state hospital, he was administered a limited neuropsychological battery in Spanish to characterize his cognitive functioning and assist in the competency restoration process.

Results
Most cognitive scores were in the below average range, consistent with neuropsychological profiles of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Virtually all scores on measures of executive functioning were in the exceptionally low range. While immediate and delayed memory were low to below average, recognition memory was qualitatively better. He was diagnosed with major neurocognitive disorder due to anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Conclusions
This case study highlights a case of anti-NMDAR encephalitis with multiple intersecting factors (i.e., immigrant status, monolingual Spanish speaking, &lt; 12 years of education, adjudicated ICST, etc.) that made it difficult to judge the true etiology of the patient’s deficits, or even whether some of the weaknesses found actually represent normal cognition given his background and limited availability of appropriate norms.
H - 39 Clinical Utility of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT) and Neuropsi a & M Semi-Complex Figure in Spanish Language Neuropsychological Evaluations
Authors: Saldana Daniel G , Magana Tatiana , Ruiz Kevin , Suarez Paola 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT) is a widely administered neuropsychological instrument. The clinical utility of using the RCFT to assist with interpretation of cognitive profiles has been well-documented; however, the utility of Spanish-language administrations is less well-known. One common adaptation for patients with lower educational attainment is the use of a simpler, semi-complex figure. These adaptations are notable for differences in administration (i.e., copy and delay with no immediate trial) and more lenient scoring criteria.

Methods
This qualitative case series comparison samples both the construction of the RCFT and semi-complex figure in three adult patients with lower education. All administrations of the RCFT and semi-complex figure were given in Spanish as part of a larger comprehensive neuropsychological battery. One example is a 56-year-old, monolingual, Spanish-speaking man with six years of education. He presented with a history of right frontal glioblastoma resection and diffuse cerebral volume loss and hyperintensities; alcohol use, and poor adherence to antiseizure medications.

Results
His performance on the RCFT was well below expectations in the less than 1st percentile. Qualitative analysis of his construction revealed a piecemeal approach with poor approximation to the gestalt. Overall, his construction implicated non-dominant hemisphere and was consistent with other neurodiagnostic and neuropsychological data.

Conclusion
Research to replicate the clinical utility of the RCFT and semi-complex figure in Spanish-language administrations is helpful for improving diagnostic sensitivity in minority patient populations. Through case examples, this case series illustrates the clinical utility of the RCFT and semi-complex figure as comparable across languages (i.e., English versus Spanish-language administrations).
H - 40 The Role of Neuropsychology in Solid Organ Transplantation Candidacy in a Patient with a Diverse Linguistic and Sociocultural Background
Authors: Basurto Karen , Jennette Kyle 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Candidates for transplantation with end stage organ failure (ESOF) undergo extensive pre-surgical medical and psychosocial evaluations, however neuropsychology is rarely required. This is concerning, as patients with ESOF often have cognitive deficits that may impact their ability to safely manage post-transplant care and are at increased risk for morbidity/mortality. This case highlights the novel perspective a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation provides, especially in patients of diverse sociocultural backgrounds.

Method
The patient is a 37-year-old monolingual Spanish-speaking woman referred for evaluation in the context of liver transplant candidacy due to apparent inability to follow medical guidance, medication adherence, and continued alcohol consumption. Medical history includes autoimmune hepatitis, multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma, and diabetes. The patient reported problems with remembering information from providers even with compensatory strategies. Her family assists heavily with scheduling and transportation. When asked about alcohol use, she reported recent use of a few beers due to very hot weather, limited access to clean water, and the death of a family member despite providers urging her to remain abstinent. She was not aware of the hazard that even minimal alcohol use presented to her candidacy.

Results
She did not meet criteria for a neurocognitive disorder. The etiology of her noncompliance was secondary to poor social support, limited coping skills, and feeling overwhelmed by team instructions.

Conclusions
Conducting a culturally informed evaluation in the patient’s native language provided clear evidence of intact cognition and a nuanced understanding of her limitations that would not be appreciated in a more limited evaluation.
H - 41 Examining Cross-Phasic Mechanisms of Verbal Working Memory Capacity Consumption in Monolingual Spanish-Speakers of Latin American Descent
Authors: Celaya Roberta D , Moore Raeanne C , Lincoln Alan J , Perez Veronica B 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Cross-linguistic evidence suggests that the word length effect (WLE; rate of syllables, phonemes, or pronunciation times per word) significantly contributes to capacity estimates in the storage, but not manipulation, phase of verbal working memory (WM). However, the role of the WLE on WM limits across these phases has not been reported in monolingual Spanish-speakers.

Method
Latin American-born, monolingual Spanish-speakers (N = 84) age 18–65 were administered forward and backward directions of the digit span test across three cognitive load conditions of Spanish syllabic word length: Mexican WAIS-IV Digit Span (“Standard Load”), and two modified measures with relative ~20% decrease (“Low Load”) or ~ 20% increase (“High Load”) in total syllables/digit.

Results
A reverse WLE was observed during storage WM (digit span forward), where Spanish-speakers attained higher capacity estimates (p &lt; 0.01) in High Load relative to Low Load syllabic word length. The WLE was detected during manipulation WM (digit span backward), where lower capacity limits (p &lt; 0.001) were observed in the High Load, compared to Standard Load, condition.

Conclusions
Unexpectedly, high loads did not yield a WLE in the storage phase, but evidence of the WLE was present in the manipulation phase. Executive-function mnemonic strategies (chunking) may have superseded the role of a WLE on storage memory, whereas a traditional WLE was observed when chunking strategies were more difficult to implement during manipulation memory. These findings aim to reduce cultural disparities in estimates of WM performance in neurocognitive and neuropsychological research with Hispanics.
H - 44 Relationship between Symptoms of Anxiety and Neurocognitive Functions of Attention and Working Memory in Trauma-Exposed Puerto Rican Adolescents: a Preliminary Data Analysis
Authors: Rodriguez Rosanna , Polanco-Frontera Norka , Cordero-Arroyo Giselle , Bermonti-Pérez Mario , Mercado-Nieves Fabiola C , Rodríguez-Beato Johanna N , Vélez-Báez Gina M , Méndez-González Geraldine M , Vega-Tirado Kiara M , Moreno Mary A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Examine the relationship between symptoms of anxiety [ANX] and neurocognitive functions of attention [ATT] and working memory [WM] in trauma-exposed Puerto Rican adolescents.

Method
Secondary data analysis was performed of the study’s sample, “Exploring the relationship between Traumatic Exposure on Neurocognitive Processes and Academic Achievement in a sample of Puerto Rican Youth”. This study’s design is a quantitative within-subjects, correlational-causal transactional non-experimental method. Spanish speaking adolescents who reside in Puerto Rico ages 12–17 were recruited. Without serious mental or motor disorders who self-reported exposure to more than one traumatic event. A non-probabilistic convenience sample (N = 21; M = 13; F = 8; Age: M = 15; SD = 1.6) was recruited from clinics (81%) and schools (19%) in different regions of Puerto Rico. To measure traumatic exposure, the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen (CATS), which is a 15-item self-report trauma screening, was used. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), a 7-item self-report assessment used to explore anxiety symptoms. Lastly, cognitive variables ATT and WM, were measured using subtests of the standardized neuropsychological battery, Cognitive Assessment System-2: Español (CAS2:ES).

Results
A Linear Regression analysis revealed that total ANX could explain 18% variability of ATT and 56% of WM and were not statistically significant (p = 0.534, IC 95%; 0.53–1.93; p = 0.245, IC 95%: −2.64-0.75) consecutively.

Conclusion
Preliminary data suggest some variability of WM can be explained by ANX experienced in trauma-exposed Puerto Rican adolescents. Confounding variables of complex trauma may exist. A larger clinical sample, including ANX severity and a control group, is recommended to explore cognitive, learning, and mental health consequences.
H - 47 Bilingual Auditory Naming Test Performance in an Epilepsy Sample
Authors: Wright Madison E , Schulte Tilman , Florentino Nicole L , Kopald Brandon E 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
The growing multilingual population in the United States calls for culturally adapted norms for neuropsychological tools. Language testing, for example, is paramount in pre-surgical assessment in patients with dominant temporal lobe epilepsy. The Boston Naming Test (BNT) and the Auditory Naming Test (ANT) are frequently used in pre-surgical epilepsy evaluations; yet, while bilingual norms exist for the BNT, these are lacking for the ANT. To parse out how much of a bilingual patient’s language performance is accounted for by bilingualism versus language deficits, we studied whether there is a significant difference in ANT performance between bilingual and monolingual English-speaking epilepsy patients.

Method
Our sample of patients with localized epilepsy from the UCSF Epilepsy Center included 22 bilingual (English-dominant; non-dominant languages included Spanish, Arabic, Dutch, Taiwanese, and Japanese) and 61 monolingual English-speakers (39% female, M age = 36.3). All patients took anti-seizure medication and completed the ANT and BNT as part of a pre-surgical neuropsychological assessment.

Results
Compared to monolingual English-speaking patients, bilingual patients had significantly lower scores on the ANT (Bilingual M = −4.03 [SD = 5.6], Monolingual M = −0.7 [SD = 1.9]; t(81) = 3.89, p &lt; 0.001) and BNT (t(77) = 2.76, p = 0.007). This performance difference was significantly greater for the ANT than BNT (F(1,77) = 7.71, p = 0.007).

Conclusion
These results highlight the importance of considering multilingualism in neuropsychological assessments. This is especially needed for pre-surgical language mapping in epilepsy surgical candidates. Future research should establish bilingual normative standards for neuropsychological language-based tests such as the ANT.
H - 49 Neuropsychological Testing of a Bilingual Patient: Should you Test in the Native, Preferred, or Dominant Language?
Authors: Zambrana-Bonaparte Hjalmar M , Puente Antonio E 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Testing of bilingual individuals still poses a challenge among neuropsychologists. Self-reported language proficiency and objective measures differ considerably. Consequently, we present a literature review on the neuropsychological testing of bilinguals and a case study to guide the discussion.

Data Selection
A narrative literature review approach to identify and describe variables that pose challenges in the neuropsychological testing of bilinguals. Interfaced search terms include (not limited to) biculturalism, acculturation, oppression, testing, bilingualism, types of bilingualism, and mastery of languages. The case study constitutes a bilingual/bicultural 68-year-old male native from Cuba who migrated to the United States at 14 years old and was referred secondary to memory concerns. The patient asked and insisted on being tested in English.

Data Synthesis
The following elements will be discussed: fairness in testing, the language of tester and testee, and optimal language for testing (i.e., native, preferred, or dominant) while considering the referral question. Challenging variables include age and method of languages acquisition, language of schooling, frequency and contexts of both languages, and personal/social/cultural attitudes toward each language.

Conclusion
This review presents 1) factors influencing bilingualism, 2) potential challenges in determining a neuropsychologically fair testing battery for bilinguals, and 3) highlights the importance of using a qualitative historic-sociocultural approach and quantitative measurements to inform this process. Hence, reducing the possibility of misdiagnosis. Lastly, based on the review, we will discuss the influence of various sociocultural variables that might have influenced the patient’s decision to be tested in English, such as, acculturation, cultural perception, and geographical location.