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Conventional selection of pre-ictal EEG epochs for seizure prediction algorithm training data typically assumes a continuous pre-ictal brain state preceding a seizure. This is carried out by defining a fixed duration, pre-ictal time period before seizures from which pre-ictal training data epochs are uniformly sampled. However, stochastic physiological and pathological fluctuations in EEG data characteristics and underlying brain states suggest that pre-ictal state dynamics may be more complex, and selection of pre-ictal training data segments to reflect this could improve algorithm performance. We propose a semi-supervised technique to select pre-ictal training data most distinguishable from interictal EEG according to pre-specified data characteristics. The proposed method uses hierarchical clustering to identify optimal pre-ictal data epochs. In this paper we compare the performance of a seizure forecasting algorithm with and without hierarchical clustering of pre-ictal periods in chronic iEEG recordings from six canines with naturally occurring epilepsy. Hierarchical clustering of training data improved results for Time In Warning (TIW) (0.18 vs. 0.23) and False Positive Rate (FPR) (0.5 vs. 0.59) when evaluated across all subjects (p

Rationale: Acute cellular rejection (ACR) after lung transplant is a leading risk factor for chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Prior studies have demonstrated dynamic microbial changes occurring within the allograft and gut that influence local adaptive and innate immune responses. However, the lung microbiome's overall impact on ACR risk remains poorly understood. Objectives: To evaluate whether temporal changes in microbial signatures were associated with the development of ACR. Methods: We performed cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses (joint modeling of longitudinal and time-to-event data and trajectory comparisons) of 16S rRNA gene sequencing results derived from lung transplant recipient lower airway samples collected at multiple time points. Measurements and Main Results: Among 103 lung transplant recipients, 25 (24.3%) developed ACR. In comparing samples acquired 1 month after transplant, subjects who never developed ACR demonstrated lower airway enrichment with several oral commensals (e.g., Prevotella and Veillonella spp.) than those with current or future (beyond 1 mo) ACR. However, a subgroup analysis of those who developed ACR beyond 1 month revealed delayed enrichment with oral commensals occurring at the time of ACR diagnosis compared with baseline, when enrichment with more traditionally pathogenic taxa was present. In longitudinal models, dynamic changes in α-diversity (characterized by an initial decrease and a subsequent increase) and in the taxonomic trajectories of numerous oral commensals were more commonly observed in subjects with ACR. Conclusions: Dynamic changes in the lower airway microbiota are associated with the development of ACR, supporting its potential role as a useful biomarker or in ACR pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease with heterogenous clinical phenotypes characterized by non-necrotizing granuloma formation in affected organs. Most disease either remits spontaneously or responds to corticosteroids and second-line disease-modifying therapies. These medications are associated with numerous toxicities that can significantly impact patient quality-of-life and often limit their long-term use. Additionally, a minority of patients experience chronic, progressive disease that proves refractory to standard treatments. To date, there are limited data to guide the selection of alternative third-line medications for these patients. This review will outline the pathobiological rationale behind current and emerging therapeutic agents for refractory or drug-intolerant sarcoidosis and summarize the existing clinical evidence in support of their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI), Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2), and Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) were administered to 71 women who reported histories of childhood and/or adult sexual maltreatment and 25 women who did not report a history of victimization. The TSI validity scales were not effective in identifying MMPI-2 defined invalid responding although were moderately related to MMPI-2 validity scales designed to identify similar response styles. In contrast, the TSI clinical scales displayed good convergent validity with conceptually related scales on the MMPI-2 and PDS. Also, the TSI added incrementally, albeit modestly, to the MMPI-2 in prediction of PDS defined PTSD. (Contains 5 tables.)

Objective:This review provides a summary of historical details and current practice activities related to Forensic Neuropsychology (FN). Under the auspices of the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN), the Forensic Neuropsychology Special Interest Group (FNSIG) views the FN as a subspecialty, which has developed over time as the straightforward result of more than 20 years of numerous publications, extensive continuing education, focused research and growth of forensic practice within neuropsychology. In this article, the FNSIG core work group documents and integrates information that is the basis of efforts to consolidate practice knowledge and facilitate attainment of forensic practice competencies by clinical neuropsychologists. Method:Overview of continuing education topics at professional conferences, search results that identify relevant books and peer-reviewed publications, as well as pertinent findings across years of large-scale national survey results. Results:Relevant evidence has shown for decades that FN is prominent within Clinical Neuropsychology as practiced in the United States and Canada. A majority of U.S. neuropsychologists have received FN training and provide forensic evaluation services. FN practice time per week is considerable for many practitioners, and across survey epochs has been shown to be increasing. Conclusion:The present review leads to the conclusion that in the interest of promoting the acquisition of competence, FN practice should remain a focal point of training and continuing education. Alternate routes to attain competence are discussed, as are ongoing professional activities that undoubtedly will ensure continued growth of, and interest in, the subspecialty of FN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examination of gender and diversity issues within clinical neuropsychology, using data from the 2020 professional practice and "salary survey." Clinical neuropsychologists in the U.S. and Canada were invited to participate in an online survey. The final sample consisted of 1677 doctoral-level practitioners. Approximately, 60% of responding neuropsychologists are women and 53.8% of those women identify as early career psychologists (ECPs). Conversely, a majority of men in the sample are advanced career psychologists (ACPs). Both genders work predominantly in institutions, but more men than women work in private practice. ACP men produce a greater number of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. Across all work settings, women earn significantly less than men, and are less satisfied with their incomes. Establishing and maintaining family life is the biggest obstacle to attaining greater income and job satisfaction for both genders. Ethnic/racial minority status was identified in 12.9% of respondents, with 59.2% being ECPs. Job satisfaction and hostility in the workplace vary across ethnic/racial minority groups. Hispanic/Latino(a) and White neuropsychologists report higher incomes, but there were no statistically significant differences between any of the groups. Income and select practice differences persist between female and male neuropsychologists. There is a slow rate of increased ethnic/racial diversity over time, which is much more apparent among early career practitioners. Trajectories and demographics suggest that the gender income gap is unlikely to be improved by the next survey iteration in 2025, whereas it is very likely that ethnic/racial diversity will continue to increase gradually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Memory complaints are the most common form of cognitive limitation reported by military service members, but prior research suggests that posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) may account for the link between subjective cognitive complaints and objective cognitive performance. The mechanisms underlying this relationship are largely unknown, including whether the finding applies to memory complaints and performance, which clinical dimensions are involved, and how the association varies when memory complaints are non-credible. Using a sample of 196 US military service members, the present study aims to address these gaps by modeling the relationship between objective memory performance and plausible/implausible subjective memory complaints, then evaluating how the association is influenced by PTSS and clinical traits commonly found within PTSS (e.g. depression, anxiety, and somatic concerns). Overall memory complaints were associated with immediate and delayed recall, but both associations were fully mediated by PTSS (95% CI −0.14, −0.01; 95% CI −0.14, −0.02, respectively). Implausible memory complaints, however, were inconsistently linked to memory performance, and no PTSS mediation was observed. Of the clinical traits, only depression moderated the impact of PTSS, specifically by influencing the link between PTSS and overall memory complaints (β = −0.02, SE = 0.004, p <.001). These results corroborate the importance of assessment for PTSS and depression in service members who report subjective memory complaints and highlight how targeted intervention for these conditions may play a key role in the management of memory complaints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Austin, J. H. (2003). Chase, chance, and creativity: The lucky art of novelty. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Paper. 245 pp. $18.95. ISBN: 0-262-51135-5. Reviewed by THOMAS D. PARSONS, Ph.D., and [...]