bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
B - 106 Case Illustration of an Adolescent with Nonverbal Learning Disability and Mosaic Turner Syndrome: Neuropsychological and Personality Assessment
Authors: Soomro Amal , Schwartz Eliezer 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Nonverbal Learning Disability (NLD) is a controversial diagnosis which continues to lack an agreed upon diagnostic taxonomy despite its long existence and overlap with other disorders. NLD is considered a dysfunction of the right hemisphere with neuropsychological, academic, and social–emotional/adaptation deficits along with poor motor coordination. This case study reviews an adolescent diagnosed with NLD and Mosaic Turner Syndrome (MTS) and discusses challenges encountered to emphasize importance of an early diagnostic accuracy and the effect of developmental conditions.

Methods
A 17-year-old female presented for neuropsychological evaluation for a mental health diagnosis and possible academic accommodations. Chief complaints included lifelong functionally interfering difficulties with attention, organization, and emotional and social functioning. Medical history was significant for MTS.

Results
The patient’s VCI was in the high-average range (VCI = 114), while her PSI was in the low-average range (PSI = 81). She demonstrated high-average to average visual–spatial, construction abilities, and language skills, while performance ranged low-average for perceptual-motor processing and processing speed. Performance on delayed visual-graphic figures was significantly weaker compared to her superior performance on verbal memory for meaningful information. Finally, her delayed visual-graphic was significantly impaired compared to her general performance visual–spatial and construction abilities.

Conclusion
The constellation of symptoms reported by the patient, combined with the results of neuropsychological assessment, was highly congruent with prototypical nonverbal learning disability, except for difficulties in mathematical skills. This case demonstrates the importance of proper diagnosis during childhood, the role of neuropsychological evaluation in specific learning disability (SLD) assessment, and lasting effects of a developmental condition on adult functioning.
H - 02 Unveiling the Effects of Bilingualism on Autobiographical Memory in Hispanics: Implications for Cognitive Aging
Authors: Acevedo-Molina Mónica , Deffner Austin , Hernandez Daniel , Grilli Matthew D 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Episodic autobiographical memory (EAM) may be particularly sensitive to age-related cognitive decline and risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Virtually nothing is known about EAM specificity in Hispanic individuals. Bilingualism is a cognitive factor that may influence EAM specificity among Hispanics. The present study aimed to 1) examine if EAM is sensitive to age in Hispanics and 2) reveal whether bilingualism influences EAM specificity in Hispanics.

Methods
A sample of 150 young and middle-aged/older adults (50 English-Spanish bilingual Hispanics; 50 monolingual English-speaking Hispanics; 50 monolingual English speaking Non-Hispanic Whites) narrated EAMs using the established Autobiographical Interview (Levine et al., 2002). Using the scoring protocol of the Autobiographical Interview, we evaluated the narratives for episodic and non-episodic detail.

Results
We replicated the often-found age-related reduction in episodic detail generation in Hispanics. Bilingual Hispanics’ memories were more episodically specific than monolingual Hispanics and Non-Hispanic Whites. We also found that, among bilingual Hispanics, the language used at encoding versus language used at memory retrieval was not associated with episodic specificity.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that episodic autobiographical memory is sensitive to age and bilingualism in Hispanics, making it a culturally appropriate cognitive measure among this population.
H - 21 ¿Habla Español? Increasing Access to Clinical and Educational Materials for Non-English Speakers
Authors: Caicedo Mariana Rincon , Gordon Chandra , Punt Stephanie E , Schuttler Jessica 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Effective communication is an essential factor in successful health care delivery. However, Hispanic-Americans, many of whom are non-English speakers, face disparities related to a lack of multilingual providers and resources in their preferred language. The goal of this quality improvement project was to increase access to clinical and educational materials for non-English speakers at an outpatient pediatric clinic.

Method
A survey assessing the availability of bi- or multilingual providers and staff as well as Spanish materials utilized by providers was disseminated to all staff working at the Pediatrics Department, including the Division of Developmental/Behavioral Sciences, of an academic medical center. Participants uploaded resources they use to assist in the development of a departmental repository of Spanish materials.

Results
Data was collected November 2022–January 2023. Sixty-five participants completed the survey with 28% speaking Spanish, and 23% reporting they provide health care services in Spanish. Forty-six different kinds of resources were identified, and eight were uploaded and compiled into a repository with the goal of being distributed across the department to be used by providers and staff.

Conclusions
Although valuable work has been done to develop culturally-appropriate materials in Spanish for health care use, the availability and use of these resources appears to be limited. Building an infrastructure for sharing these materials department-wide, and broader within healthcare systems is essential. Further research is needed to understand the cultural appropriateness of health-related materials translated into Spanish, and in developing guidelines for the translation and adaptation of materials for a growing culturally-diverse patient population.
H - 30 California Surveillance of Mental Health Disparities in Survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): a Randomized & Representative Sample
Authors: Ignacio Daniel , Degeneffe Charles , Serpas Dylan G , Clay Kiana , Liu Yingying , Berges Victoria , Shinoda Katie 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a silent public health epidemic that begins as a medical condition (“neurometabolic cascade”) that may develop into significant psychiatric symptoms that negatively impact community reintegration for survivors following injury (“neuropsychosocial cascade”). However, survivors may not seek medical attention for a variety of reasons (e.g., anosognosia, fear of retaliation, no insurance). Therefore, medical incidence does not necessarily reflect the community prevalence of TBI.

Method
The California Department of Rehabilitation, the Department of Public Health, and the State Survey Panel collected data from a randomized and representative sample of Californians (N = 1057) using three probability-based techniques, such that every Californian registered with the United States postal service had a non-zero chance of being selected. Respondents were evaluated using psychometrically established methods for screening history and symptoms of TBI.

Results
California rates of community prevalence ranged between 15% (estimated 4.2 million Californians) and 42%, depending on the definition of TBI used, highlighting significant disparities in operationalization. These rates were compared to the annual medical rates (&lt; 1%) derived from the California Department of Public Health (2016–2020).

Conclusions
This study revealed significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and neurocognitive disorders over three decades, on average, relative to the general California population: illustrating a disease process. Neuropsychiatric disparities were associated with dysfunctional community reintegration (e.g., home insecurity, justice system involvements, employment instability).
H - 32 Elevated Neurobehavioral Symptoms Detected in Greater Lifetime Subconcussive Exposure Frequency in Spanish-Speakers
Authors: Krch Denise , Lequerica Anthony , Arango-Lasprilla Juan Carlos , Corrigan John 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
To examine whether individuals who have had one exposure to lifetime subconcussive impacts differ from those who have had multiple subconcussive exposures or those who have never had any injury to the head or neck in their report of neurobehavioral symptoms.

Method
458 adults from the continental U.S., Spain, and Latin America participated in an online survey that included the Ohio State University Traumatic Brain Injury Identification Method Self- Administered-Brief (OSU TBI-ID SAB), which assesses lifetime exposure to Traumatic Brain Injury, and the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI), a measure of symptoms commonly observed after head injury. Questions from the OSU TBI-ID SAB allow for categorization of a No Exposure group, and Single and Multiple Subconcussive Exposure groups. General linear models were fitted with NSI scores as the dependent variable and the exposure groups as the independent variable. Sex, current age, and other central nervous system compromise were covariates.

Results
A significant Group difference with small effect size was found F(2,452) = 9.3, p &lt; 0.001, ηp2 = 0.40. The Multiple Exposure group scored significantly higher on the NSI versus the Single Exposure (p = 0.004) and No Exposure (p &lt; 0.001) groups. The Single Exposure group did not differ significantly from the No Exposure group (p = 0.084).

Conclusions
The Spanish OSU TBI-ID SAB is sensitive to differentiating cumulative subconcussive exposures from those with only one subconcussive exposure and those with none. These data support the feasibility of deriving a subconcussive exposure index from the OSU TBI-ID SAB, and also provide preliminary justification for inclusion of a neurobehavioral symptom measure in subconcussive research and clinical practice.
H - 37 Impact of Barriers to Healthcare Access on Cognition and Accelerated Brain Aging in Diverse Persons with Multiple Sclerosis: Preliminary Pilot Data
Authors: Román Cristina A F , DeLuca John 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Racially/ethnically diverse persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) have worse outcomes than their white counterparts. Barriers to healthcare access may contribute to these disparities, though much remains unknown. The current pilot study investigates the impact of barriers to healthcare on cognition and accelerated brain aging in diverse pwMS. We hypothesize that greater barriers to healthcare will be associated with poorer cognitive performance and increased brain aging.

Method
Eighteen middle-aged pwMS (40–60 years) were included. Barriers to healthcare access was evaluated using total and subscale (skills, marginalization, expectations, knowledge, and pragmatics) scores of the modified Barriers to Care Questionnaire. Cognition was measured using raw scores from the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R), and California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II). Accelerated brain aging was calculated by subtracting chronological age from predicted brain age based on the brainageR paradigm.

Results
Given established directional hypotheses, one tailed correlations were conducted. Greater marginalization-related barriers to healthcare were associated with poorer performance on the SDMT (r = −0.409, p = 0.046). Greater knowledge-based barriers to healthcare were associated with increased brain aging (r = −0.615, p = 0.004). Lastly, brain age was significantly related to immediate (r = −0.653, p = 0.003) and delayed (r = −0.549, p = 0.014) visual memory, such that increased brain age was associated with poorer visual memory.

Conclusion
To the authors’ knowledge, this is among the first studies to examine the impact of barriers to healthcare on cognition and brain health in diverse pwMS. It demonstrates the importance of sociocultural determinants when examining outcomes in MS. This work has implications for culturally informed research and clinical care.
H - 45 Preliminary Teleneuropsychological Normative Data for the Mini Mental State Examination for Puerto Rican Adults
Authors: Roman Carolina Fernanda Serrano , Zambrana Bonaparte Hjalmar M , Irizarry Walter Rodriguez 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Established guidelines for teleneuropsychology (TeleNP) indicate that normative studies are warranted for future regular use of TeleNP practice (Bilder et al., 2020). Consequently, this study aims to explore the impact of demographic factors to provide preliminary normative data for the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) via TeleNP for Spanish-speaking Puerto Ricans.

Method
A TeleNP version of the MMSE was administered as part of a larger neuropsychological battery to 102 cognitively healthy Puerto Ricans (69% female) between 55–78 years old, 4–23 years of education (Age: M = 63.2, SD = 6.1; Education: M = 16.3, SD = 3.5) and residing on the island. A thorough neurological/psychiatric history and the CERAD Wordlist were used to exclude (&lt; 2 SD; 1 removed case) any dementia-suspicious case. Multiple regression analysis was used to clarify if age, education, or sex significantly predicted MMSE total score. Normative data was generated and stratified by statistically significant demographics. Frequency of the most missed item was reviewed.

Results
Age and education explained 26% of the variance of the MMSE score (p &lt; 0.001). The total sample had an average raw score of M = 29.08 (SD = 1.16). Normative scores are presented according to age and education level. Most frequently missed item was delayed recall (35%; ≤2/3).

Conclusions
This study provides preliminary normative data for cognitively healthy and community-dwelling Puerto Rican adults, which can improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce rates of false negatives while providing clinicians a TeleNP-appropriate screening tool. Future research with the MMSE via TeleNP should include a larger sample, including a clinical population.
H - 46 The Importance of Cultural Context and Colonialism in the Bilingual Neurocognitive Advantage Debate: a Systematic Literary Review
Authors: Velo Samantha G 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Using an adaptation of the PRISMA checklist, this interdisciplinary systematic literary review synthesizes forty peer-reviewed research papers and neuropsychological theoretical publications about the bilingual cognitive advantage debate. The objectives of this study were to (1) analyze the neurocognitive and methodological discussion behind bilingualism studies, and (2) explore how a better understanding of cultural context and colonialism can help contribute to the bilingual cognitive advantage debate. Research with quantitative and qualitative designs were considered, as long as they studied the bilingual population (regardless of what languages the participants knew or their age). Although most papers were from the field of cognitive neurosciences, articles from different scientific disciplines were considered for analysis. Results showed that there doesn’t appear to be a consensus on bilinguals holding a significant cognitive advantage over monolinguals, yet some studies found that bilinguals had higher scores in inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. While bilinguals show an increase in grey matter and activity in areas of the frontal lobe, the precise mechanisms of control between languages have yet to be identified. However, most of these studies did not have diverse samples and showed methodological discrepancies when measuring bilingualism. Although heritage language of immigrated people is a known factor in this area of study, linguistic cultural sensibilities of colonized lands haven’t been properly assessed in the cognitive advantage debate. Based on these findings, a research proposal and scale regarding executive functioning and the perceptions of Puerto Rican bilingualism are in development.
H - 58 Medical Competency and Translational Fallouts: a Need for Advocacy for Ethnic Minorities
Authors: Gomez Jazmin , Miranda Michelle , Arias Franchesca 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Despite a growing ethnically and linguistically diverse population, the medical system in the U.S. continues to lack the cultural sensitivity needed to provide patients from underrepresented groups with culturally relevant care. This case study of a 32-year-old Mexican woman, by the pseudo name of Ella, will be reviewed to describe her family’s journey through the medical system. Ella was referred for neuropsychological testing to determine medical capacity for kidney transplant. She’s an example of how our health care system has inadequately adapted to our diversification and how lower literacy and disempowerment has led to misinformed ideas about illness and higher risk of health complications.

Method
This case study will review Ella’s medical, developmental, and psychosocial history, will illustrate the important considerations relevant to providing culturally, ethically, and linguistically informed neuropsychological and medical evaluations.

Results
Through neuropsychological testing, Ella was diagnosed with a severe intellectual disability, solidifying that she doesn’t have the capacity to make medical decisions. Her mother, a monolingual Spanish speaker, bringing another daughter as she’s the only fluent English speaker in the family. After having her kidney transplant surgery halted due to an allergic reaction, Ella’s life is at risk due to translational fallouts in communication between Ella’s providers and family, and misinformation regarding her medical diagnoses and treatments.

Conclusions
Advocacy for a healthcare system that adapts to language, lower health literacy, socioeconomic/legal statuses will ensure that our ethnic minorities are informed of their medical conditions and management, and receive the lifesaving care they need, when the need it.
H - 59 The Utility of Neuropsychology in the U.S. Naturalization Process: an Unexplored Opportunity in Multicultural Practice, Training, and Advocacy
Authors: Greth Zach , Judd Tedd , Lafo Jacob 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
This project reviewed literature related to evaluating U.S. citizenship applicants seeking exemption from the naturalization exams due to cognitive and/or psychological impairment. U.S. Naturalization rates are rising, and neuropsychologists are especially qualified to conduct evaluations to determine eligibility for test waiver. Exploring this topic may contribute to improvements in service provision and advocacy for citizenship applicants, a historically underserved group.

Data Selection
Data extraction occurred in April of 2023. Sources derived from The Clinical Neuropsychologist, PsycNet, Google Scholar, and Widener University’s library database. Search phrases combined “neuropsychology” with (1) “U.S. citizenship tests,” (2) “U.S. citizenship exemption,” and (3) “Form N-648.” Result pages one through five were examined, and any source referencing “neuropsychology” and “citizenship,” “exemption,” “Form N-648,” “U.S. citizens,” “U.S. citizenship,” and/or “waiver” was selected.

Data Synthesis
Ten scholarly articles, two book chapters, two presentations, and one poster abstract fit the above criteria for review. Information was limited to brief statements about naturalization and acknowledgment that test exemption exists, and case illustrations where exemption was considered. However, none of the results provided specific strategies to help guide neuropsychologists who are less familiar with this process, but still called upon to evaluate and determine eligibility for test waiver.

Conclusions
There is a marked absence of neuropsychology literature regarding assessment for exemption from the U.S. citizenship exams. Given the socioeconomic benefits afforded with naturalization, this absence seems to represent a gap in the field. Future research and collaboration with allied networks may pose a novel way to broaden neuropsychology’s relevance and optimize services for citizenship applicants.
H - 61 Towards a Clinical-Cultural Neuropsychological Science: a Case Study of a Bilingual Spanish-Speaker with Untreated Sleep–Wake Disturbance
Authors: Hernandez-Vallant Alexandra , Decruz-Dixon Naila , Burks Alexis , Edwards Katie , Gillezeau Christina , Mullins Teagan , Schodt Kaitlyn , Shendo Macaiah , Abrams-Silva Lynette 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
Access to neuropsychological services for bilingual individuals remains limited and more research is needed to clarify benefits of testing in both languages. Additionally, certain disorders remain underdiagnosed in the Hispanic/Latinx population. This case study describes the use of a comprehensive culturally and linguistically appropriate neuropsychological evaluation to leverage linguistic, cognitive, and social context to assist with establishing needed care and diagnostic clarity.

Method
The patient was a 40-year-old right-handed Spanish-bilingual Hispanic male community-referred to rule out attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He learned English at the age of 4. History was remarkable for parasomnias in childhood, sleep disturbance, multiple closed head injuries, cannabis use, and chronic pain. He completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery with measures in both Spanish and English.

Results
Cognitive findings revealed deficits in verbal memory, variable executive functioning, and better performances in English relative to Spanish. Findings from the evaluation supported a diagnosis of mild neurocognitive disorder secondary to untreated sleep–wake disturbance. Recommendations included reasonable occupational accommodations, sleep study, pain management, brief psychotherapy to address sleep hygiene, and re-evaluation in one year. Following the evaluation, the patient received 6-sessions of a highly structured treatment for insomnia and is no longer endorsing clinically significant levels of sleep disturbance.

Conclusion
Sleep–wake disorders are underdiagnosed among Hispanic/Latinxs, and these disorders can manifest with similar symptoms to ADHD. Without culturally and linguistically appropriate services, the likelihood of misdiagnosis and issues of access to treatment will persist. Importantly, the present evaluation was able to identify cognitive and linguistic strengths and weaknesses to best direct referral needs.