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This study examined the efficacy of CVLT-3 response bias (i.e., parametric and nonparametric response bias) indices in differentiating between a clinical sample with traumatic brain injury and a litigating sample with poor performance validity. Participants included 106 individuals, divided into two groups: clinical group with TBI (n = 56) and a litigating group who demonstrated inadequate performance validity (n = 50), as measured by failure on at least two performance validity tests. Archival CVLT-II data was rescored utilizing the CVLT-3 scoring and normative data. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic discriminability of the two response bias indices. Both parametric and nonparametric bias indices showed acceptable levels of diagnostic discrimination: AUC = .791 for parametric response bias and AUC = .753 for nonparametric response bias. Parametric response bias' discrimination was statistically superior to the nonparametric responses bias' discrimination. The CVLT-3 response bias score demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity when differentiating between individuals in a clinical sample with TBI and individuals in litigation who demonstrated inadequate performance validity.

Background The relationship between tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS), electrodiagnostic (Edx) findings, and surgical outcome is unknown. Analysis of TTS surgical release outcome patient satisfaction and comparison to Edx nerve conduction studies (NCSs) is important to improve outcome prediction when deciding who would benefit from TTS release. Methods Retrospective study of 90 patients over 7 years that had tarsal tunnel (TT) release surgery with outcome rating and preoperative tibial NCS. Overall, 64 patients met study inclusion criteria with enough NCS data to be classified into one of the following three groups: (1) probable TTS, (2) peripheral polyneuropathy, or (3) normal. Most patients had preoperative clinical provocative testing including diagnostic tibial nerve injection, tibial Phalen's sign, and/or Tinel's sign and complaints of plantar tibial neuropathic symptoms. Outcome measure was percentage of patient improvement report at surgical follow-up visit. Results Patient-reported improvement was 92% in the probable TTS group (n = 41) and 77% of the non-TTS group (n = 23). Multivariate modeling revealed that three out of eight variables predicted improvement from surgical release, NCS consistent with TTS (p = 0.04), neuropathic symptoms (p = 0.045), and absent Phalen's test (p = 0.001). The R 2 was 0.21 which is a robust result for this outcome measurement process. Conclusion The best predictors of improvement in patients with TTS release were found in patients that had preoperative Edx evidence of tibial neuropathy in the TT and tibial nerve plantar symptoms. Determining what factors predict surgical outcome will require prospective evaluation and evaluation of patients with other nonsurgical modalities.

OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to determine what factors determine the quality of rehabilitation clinical practice guidelines. DESIGN Six databases were searched for articles that had applied the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II quality assessment tool to rehabilitation clinical practice guidelines. The 573 deduplicated abstracts were independently screened by two authors, resulting in 81 articles, the full texts of which were independently screened by two authors for Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II application to rehabilitation clinical practice guidelines, resulting in a final selection of 40 reviews appraising 504 clinical practice guidelines. Data were extracted from these by one author and checked by a second. Data on each clinical practice guideline included the six Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II domain scores, as well as the two Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II global evaluations. RESULTS All six Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II domain scores were statistically significant predictors of overall clinical practice guideline quality rating; D3 (rigor of development) was the strongest and D1 (scope and purpose) the weakest (overall model P < 0.001, R2 = 0.53). Five of the six domain scores were significant predictors of the clinical practice guideline use recommendation, with D3 the strongest predictor and D5 (applicability) the weakest (overall model P < 0.001, pseudo R2 = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS Quality of rehabilitation clinical practice guidelines may be improved by addressing key domains such as rigor of development.

PURPOSE Ulnar sensory palmar crossover to digit three (D3), the Berrettini anastomosis, is measurable in routine electrodiagnostic nerve conduction studies. The crossover is reported as occurring in 60% of anatomic dissections, but the frequency of measurable ulnar crossover to D3 and its potential as a nerve conduction pitfall is not established. The purpose of this article was to present descriptive statistics regarding the frequency of measurable Berrettini anastomosis in nerve conduction studies. METHODS A retrospective chart review and data analysis was completed on 248 patients representing 411 extremities with a main outcome measure of ulnar sensory stimulated nerve conduction simultaneous waveform recording on D3 and digit four (D4). Consistent electrodiagnostic technique with waveform recording data analysis in a private practice and independent university waveform verification was completed on sequential patients referred for upper extremity electrodiagnostic testing. RESULTS Measurable ulnar stimulated D3 sensory nerve action potentials were demonstrated in 34% of patients with amplitudes of 27%, the simultaneously recorded corresponding ulnar D4 amplitudes representing electrophysiological evidence of ulnar sensory crossover. CONCLUSIONS The Berrettini anastomosis can frequently be seen as a small amplitude sensory nerve action potential response, but at times can be observed with an amplitude greater than 10 μV. It is possible that patients with an absent or significantly delayed median nerve response may have simultaneous inadvertent spread of stimulus to ulnar axons measurable on D3 that may be interpreted as a falsely normal response. All electromyographers need to be aware of this potential pitfall.

To utilize the Rasch model to validate and assess the psychometric properties of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) in patients with epilepsy.A total of 307 patients (age 18 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy were consented to participate. Exclusion criteria included patients with psychogenic nonepileptic events, cognitive disabilities, and patients who did not speak/understand English. The nine-step FSS was programmed into software administered to patients on electronic tablets, and patient responses were auto-scored. The Rasch rating scale model (RSM) was used to evaluate the unidimensionality, reliability, and targeting of the FSS. To assess unidimensionality, we examined infit and outfit mean squares. We also assessed unidimensionality of the FSS using a principal component analysis of Rasch residuals, where residuals are understood as the difference between observed and expected data values. We evaluated the internal consistency of person and item performance by examining separation reliability estimates and separation ratio. Differential Item Functioning (DIF) was calculated for gender.There was mixed evidence regarding the extent to which the FSS fit the Rasch model. Outfit values ranged from 0.52 to 2.72 and infit values were 0.60 to 2.18, strongly suggesting the presence of misfitting items: Item 1 ("My motivation is lower when I am fatigued") and Item 2 ("Exercise brings on my fatigue").The nine-item FSS showed fair psychometric properties in this sample of patients with epilepsy. Our study provides unique, supportive information for the use of a modified version of the FSS, omitting the first two items, in patients with epilepsy. Given the prevalence of fatigue and other neuropsychiatric comorbidities of epilepsy, having a validated fatigue scale can aid healthcare providers to identify moderate-to-severe fatigue levels in patients with epilepsy and address the plausible risk factors.

Background End Tidal CO2 (ETCO2) is a reasonable predictor of Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) in cardiac arrest (CA), though with many limitations. Cerebral Oximetry (CerOx) non-invasively measures brain O2 saturation and correlates with flow. Objectives This study compares ETCO2 and CerOx for ROSC prediction during both out of hospital (OHCA) and emergency department cardiac arrests (EDCA). Methods We conducted a prospective study on CA patients resuscitated in the ED. ETCO2 and CerOx simultaneously measured during ED CPR. Data was analyzed with logistic regression modeling and area under the curve (AUC). Results 176 patients were analyzed, 66.7% were witnessed, 52.8% had bystander CPR. EMS alert to ED arrival was 27.0 ± 10.6 min. Initial rhythm was 31.8% asystole, 27.8% PEA, 25.6% VF/VT with 26.1% achieving ROSC. AUC predictors of ROSC were: last 5 min trend [CerOx = 0.82 ; ETCO2 = 0.74], delta first to last [CerOx = 0.86 ; ETCO2 = 0.73], the penultimate minute [CerOx = 0.81 ; ETCO2 = 0.76], and final minute [CerOx = 0.89 ; ETCO2 = 0.77]. AUC comparison of simultaneous measurements (n = 125) revealed: last 5 min trend [CerOx = 0.80 ; ETCO2 = 0.79], delta first to last [CerOx = 0.83 ; ETCO2 = 0.75], penultimate minute [CerOx = 0.83 ETCO2 = 0.74], and final minute [CerOx = 0.89 ; ETCO2 = 0.75]. Conclusions Our data shows, both ETCO2 and rSO2 are good predictors of ROSC. We found CerOx superior to ETCO2 in predicting ROSC.

This study examined the hypothesis that people who receive concussion recovery education would have better outcomes than those who received usual discharge paperwork from the emergency department (ED) and tested whether participants who were in litigation or seeking disability compensation had more symptoms than individuals not engaged in these activities. Two hundred and fifty-five persons with a diagnosis of concussion were assigned randomly to a brief education group (one-page double-sided document), a longer education group (10-page document), and usual care (standard ED discharge instructions), and were these documents in the ED. A (non-concussion) trauma comparison group was enrolled to determine the symptom rate unrelated to brain injury. The Concussion Symptom Checklist (CSC) and litigation and disability status questions were completed by telephone at one week, three months, and six months. Neither long nor brief information handouts had a significant impact on symptoms over time; the standard form had an average decrease of 1.20 symptoms compared with the brief instructional intervention group (p = 0.031). Litigation status and disability seeking status were significant predictors of symptoms on CSC over time: disability seeking (p = 0.017) and litigation status (p = 0.05). Persons seeking Social Security disability or legal compensation endorsed more symptoms over time than those who were not. Number of symptoms on the CSC for the trauma control group was the same as those who sustained concussion. Type of recovery material was not as important as noting that concussion symptoms resolve over time, and that remaining symptoms are not specific to brain injury. Litigation and disability seeking behavior accounted for maintained symptoms, rather than the concussion itself.

To investigate the association among global and regional white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) values following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and cognitive functioning.This research was conducted in an urban rehabilitation hospital. Participants included adults who were healthy controls (n = 18) or who had a TBI (n = 27). Diffusion tensor imaging using a Siemens VERIO 3T scanner and calculation of global and regional FA values were undertaken. FA values were correlated with neuropsychological test scores and injury severity variables. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were used to investigate discriminative ability of the FA values. Neuropsychological measures, including the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Trail Making Test, Wechsler Test of Adult Reading, California Verbal Learning Test 2nd Edition, Digit Vigilance Test, and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, comprised the cognitive measures.Within the TBI group, regional FA values were significantly lower across regions compared with controls; global FA and five brain regions were associated with SDMT scores. The FA value within the body of the corpus callosum (CC) yielded excellent discrimination between groups.Convergent findings support the discriminability and potential clinical utility of the CC body FA value in the context of TBI.

Purpose/objective Despite the widespread use of the Cognitive Log, information regarding normative performance is only available in individuals with known brain injury and in healthy college students. The purpose of the current research is to provide information about Cognitive Log performance in a regional group of rehabilitation patients without history of brain injury. Secondarily, non-neurological factors that may predict performance are considered. Research Method/Design: Participants included in this study were 121 consecutive patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital spinal cord and orthopedic floor. Based on history, only patients without insult to the brain were included. Results This study provides normative information for Cognitive Log performance in a nonbrain injured population, showing that these patients score in between those with acquired brain injury and healthy controls. Variables including age, estimated intelligence, and self-reported pain, fatigue, and affective distress accounted for 47.5% of the variance in Cognitive Log scores, although age and estimated intelligence, which accounted for 43.3% of the variance, were the only individually significant contributors to performance. Conclusions/implications This study provides an estimate of normative Cognitive Log performance in a nonbrain injured population. This information is especially useful in that it signifies that both neurological and non-neurological factors contribute to Cognitive Log performance, and this information may shape how clinicians conceptualize scores in patients with and without brain injury. Age and longstanding intellectual abilities should be taken into consideration when interpreting Cognitive Log performances, developing rehabilitation strategies, and determining need for additional testing. (PsycINFO Database Record

Study objective Quantify the correlation between blood pressure variability (BPV) and markers of illness severity: serum lactate (LAC) or Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. Methods We performed a secondary analysis of data from a prospective, observational study evaluating fluid resuscitation on adult, septic, ED patients. Vital signs and fluid infusion volumes were recorded every 15 min during the 3 h following ED arrival. BPV was assessed via average real variability (ARV): the average of the absolute differences between consecutive BP measurements. ARV was calculated for the time periods before and after 3 fluid infusion milestones: 10-, 20-, and 30-mL/kg total body weight (TBW). Spearman's rho correlation coefficient analysis was utilized. A p-value Results Forty patients were included. Mean fluid infusion was 33.7 mL/kg TBW (SD 22.1). All patients received fluid infusion ≥ 10 mL/kg TBW, 25 patients received fluid infusion > 20 mL/kg TBW, and 16 patients received fluid infusion > 30 mL/kg TBW. Mean initial LAC was 4.0 mmol/L (SD 3.2). Mean repeat LAC was 3.1 mmol/L (SD 3.2), obtained an average of 6.6 h (SD 5.3) later. Mean SOFA score was 7.0 (SD 4.4). BPV correlated with both follow-up LAC (r = 0.564; p = 0.023) and SOFA score (r = 0.544; p = 0.024) among the cohort that received a fluid infusion > 20-mL/kg TBW. Conclusion With the finding of a positive correlation between BPV and markers of illness severity (LAC and SOFA scores), this pilot study introduces BPV analysis as a real-time, non-invasive tool for continuous sepsis monitoring in the ED.

ObjectivesChemical-biological-radio-nuclear (CBRN) gas masks are the standard means for protecting the general population from inhalation of toxic industrial compounds (TICs), for example after industrial accidents or terrorist attacks. However, such gas masks would not protect patients on home mechanical ventilation, as ventilator airflow would bypass the CBRN filter. We therefore evaluated in vivo the safety of adding a standard-issue CBRN filter to the air-outflow port of a home ventilator, as a method for providing TIC protection to such patients.MethodsEight adult patients were included in the study. All had been on stable, chronic ventilation via a tracheostomy for at least 3 months before the study. Each patient was ventilated for a period of 1 hour with a standard-issue CBRN filter canister attached to the air-outflow port of their ventilator. Physiological and airflow measurements were made before, during, and after using the filter, and the patients reported their subjective sensation of ventilation continuously during the trial.ResultsFor all patients, and throughout the entire study, no deterioration in any of the measured physiological parameters and no changes in measured airflow parameters were detected. All patients felt no subjective difference in the sensation of ventilation with the CBRN filter canister in situ, as compared with ventilation without it. This was true even for those patients who were breathing spontaneously and thus activating the ventilator’s trigger/sensitivity function. No technical malfunctions of the ventilators occurred after addition of the CBRN filter canister to the air-outflow ports of the ventilators.ConclusionsA CBRN filter canister can be added to the air-outflow port of chronically ventilated patients, without causing an objective or subjective deterioration in the quality of the patients’ mechanical ventilation. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:739-743)

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the frequency of and reasons for readmissions to acute care (RTAC) during inpatient rehabilitation (IPR) after non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NT-SCI). To develop a predictive model for RTAC using identified risk factors. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control. SETTING: Academic IPR hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with NT-SCI admitted to an academic SCI rehabilitation unit from January 2014-December 2015. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Readmissions to acute care services from IPR. RESULTS: Thirty-seven participants (20%) experienced a RTAC for a total of 39 episodes. Thirty-five experienced 1 RTAC, while two had 2. The most common medical reasons for RTAC were infection (27%), neurological (27%), and noninfectious respiratory (16%). Multivariable logistic regression was used to develop a model to predict RTAC. Paraplegia was associated with 3.2 times increase in the odds of RTAC (P = 0.03). For every unit increase in FIM-Motor, there was a 5% reduction in the odds of RTAC (P = 0.03) Body mass index less than 30 decreased odds of RTAC by 61% (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: RTACs were associated with body mass index greater than 30, decreased FIM-Motor subscore on admission, and paraplegia. Physiatrists caring for the non-traumatic SCI patient need be more circumspect of individuals with these parameters to potentially prevent the problems necessitating acute care transfer.

Objective This retrospective study investigated the success rate of withdrawal of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) following stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy (SLAH) for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), and identified predictors of seizure recurrence. Materials and methods We retrospectively assessed 65 patients who underwent SLAH for MTLE (59 lesional). Patients’ demographics, disease characteristics and post-surgical outcomes were evaluated for their potential to predict seizure recurrence associated with withdrawal of AEDs. Results The mean period of observation post SLAH was 51 months (range 12–96 months) and the mean period to initial reduction of AEDs was 21 months (range 12–60 months). Reduction of AEDs was attempted in 37 patients (57 %) who were seizure free post SLAH and it was successful in approximately 2/3 of them. From the remainder 1/3 who relapsed, nearly all regained seizure control after reinstitution of their AEDs. The likelihood of relapse after reduction of AEDs was predicted only by pre-operative seizure frequency. At the end of the observation period, approximately 14 % of all SLAH patients were seizure free without AEDs and approximately 54 % remained seizure free on AEDs. Compared with preoperative status, the number of AEDs were reduced in 37 % of patients, unchanged in 51 % of them and increased in 12 % of them. Conclusions Successful SLAH for MTLE allows for reduction of AEDs in a significant portion of patients and complete withdrawal of AEDs in a subset of them. Patients with higher pre-operative seizure frequency exhibit a greater chance of relapse post reduction of AEDs.

Still considered a new ASD, teratogenicity from lacosamide (LCM) exposure during pregnancy is unknown. LCM metabolism through several cytochrome P450 enzymes and minor glucuronidation metabolism in the liver may increase during pregnancy and theoretically lead to lower LCM levels during pregnancy and the risk of increased seizures. Our objective was to determine the impact of pregnancy on serum LCM levels in a series of women with epilepsy (WWE). We identified seven pregnancies with exposure to LCM with at least one level drawn during pregnancy. Patient ages ranged from 18 to 38 years (mean 26.4 years) and total daily doses of LCM ranged from 200 to 600 mg/day. Two patients had increased dose adjustments in response to breakthrough seizures. Dose normalized concentrations (DNC) showed an overall decrease over time through each trimester (p = 0.002) and significantly lower during trimester 2 and 3 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively) compared to pre-pregnancy levels. There were no significant changes in seizure frequency and none of the neonates had teratogenic findings at time of birth. We are the first to report a case series on the changes in LCM levels during pregnancy with significant decreased LCM DNC levels during the second and third trimesters in comparison to pre-pregnancy values.

Background: Systemic hemodynamic characteristics of patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke are poorly described. The objective of this study was to identify baseline hemodynamic characteristics of emergency department (ED) patients with suspected acute stroke. Methods: This was a planned analysis of the stroke cohort from a multicenter registry of hemodynamic profiling of ED patients. The registry prospectively collected non-invasive hemodynamic measurements of patients with suspicion for acute stroke within 12. h of symptom onset. K-means cluster analysis identified hemodynamic phenotypes of all suspected stroke patients, and we performed univariate hemodynamic comparisons based on final diagnoses. Results: There were 72 patients with suspected acute stroke, of whom 38 (53%) had a final diagnosis of ischemic stroke, 10 (14%) had hemorrhagic stroke, and 24 (33%) had transient ischemic attack (TIA). Analysis defined three phenotypic clusters based on low or normal cardiac index (CI) and normal or high systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI). Patients with TIA had lower mean CI (2.3. L/min/m2) compared to hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke patients (p.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE African American (AA) patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have been reported to have a more aggressive disease course compared to their white counterparts. We explored the relation of gray matter (GM) volume, a marker of tissue injury, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG index in both AA and white MS patients. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 150 self-identified AA and 150 white patients with MS who underwent magnetic resonance imaging scan of brain and CSF sampling. Intrathecal IgG synthesis was quantified as IgG index. The Spearman test was used for univariate correlation analysis, followed by generalized linear model (GLM) to assess the effect of race on the correlation between IgG index and GM volume. RESULTS The GM volume was inversely related to the IgG index for the entire group (rho = -.57, P < .0004). The AA group showed a stronger correlation (rho = -.893, P < .00004), as compared to whites (rho = -.019, P = .85), between GM and IgG index. Furthermore, GLM analysis showed a significant effect of race on the relation between IgG index and GM volume (P < .0005). CONCLUSIONS AA patients with MS have lower GM volume and a stronger inverse correlation between GM volume and CSF IgG index, compared to the whites. These findings suggest a potentially prominent role of humoral immunity in mediating tissue injury in AA patients with MS.

The purpose of this study was to compare health care resource utilization among patients who were given intravenous nitroglycerin for acute heart failure (AHF) in the emergency department (ED) by intermittent bolus, continuous infusion, or a combination of both.We retrospectively identified 395 patients that received nitroglycerin therapy in the ED for the treatment of AHF over a 5-year period. Patients that received intermittent bolus (n=124) were compared with continuous infusion therapy (n=182) and combination therapy of bolus and infusion (n=89). The primary outcomes were the frequency of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and hospital length of stay (LOS).On unadjusted analysis, rates of ICU admission were significantly lower in the bolus vs infusion and combination groups (48.4% vs 68.7% vs 83%, respectively; P.0001) and median LOS (interquartile range) was shorter (3.7 [2.5-6.2 days]) compared with infusion (4.7 [2.9-7.1 days]) and combination (5.0 [2.9-6.7 days]) groups; P=.02. On adjusted regression models, the strong association between bolus nitroglycerin and reduced ICU admission rate remained, and hospital LOS was 1.9 days shorter compared with infusion therapy alone. Use of intubation (bolus [8.9%] vs infusion [8.8%] vs combination [16.9%]; P=.096) and bilevel positive airway pressure (bolus [26.6%] vs infusion [20.3%] vs combination [29.2%]; P=.21) were similar as was the incidence of hypotension, myocardial injury, and worsening renal function.In ED patients with AHF, intravenous nitroglycerin by intermittent bolus was associated with a lower ICU admission rate and a shorter hospital LOS compared with continuous infusion.

OBJECTIVES: To derive distinct clusters of septic emergency department (ED) patients based on their presenting noninvasive hemodynamic (HD) measurements and to determine if any clinical parameters could identify these groups.METHODS: Prospective, observational, convenience study of individuals with confirmed systemic infection. Presenting, pretreatment noninvasive HD parameters were compiled using Nexfin (Bmeye/Edwards LifeSciences) from 127 cases. Based on normalized parameters, k-means clustering was performed to identify a set of variables providing the greatest level of intercluster discrimination and intracluster cohesion.RESULTS: Our best HD clustering model used 2 parameters: the cardiac index (CI [L/min per square meter]) and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI [dynes·s/cm(5) per square meter]). Using this model, 3 different patient clusters were identified. Cluster 1 had high CI with normal SVRI (CI, 4.03 ± 0.61; SVRI, 1655.20 ± 348.08); cluster 2 low CI with increased vascular tone (CI, 2.50 ± 0.50; SVRI, 2600.83 ± 576.81); and cluster 3 very low CI with markedly elevated SVRI (CI, 1.37 ± 0.81; SVRI, 5951.49 ± 1480.16). Cluster 1 patients had the lowest 30-day overall mortality. Among clinically relevant variables available during the initial patient evaluation in the ED age, heart rate and temperature were significantly different across the 3 clusters.CONCLUSIONS: Emergency department patients with confirmed sepsis had 3 distinct cluster groupings based on their presenting noninvasively derived CI and SVRI. Further clinical studies evaluating the effect of early cluster-specific therapeutic interventions are needed to determine if there are outcome benefits of ED HD phenotyping in these patients.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE To examine resilience in the context of adjustment to traumatic brain injury (TBI), including the relative roles of demographic and theoretically related constructs such as coping, social support, and positive affectivity on resilience within the first 5 years postinjury. RESEARCH METHOD/DESIGN This was a cross-sectional, observational study of 67 persons with medically documented mild complicated to severe TBI. Participants completed a battery of measures including cognitive tests; questionnaires assessing self-report of emotional symptoms, perceived social support, and coping style; and a measure of resilience. RESULTS Approximately 60% of the sample endorsed moderate to high levels of resilience during the first 5 years postinjury. Brain injury severity, premorbid intelligence, and cognitive flexibility did not predict resilience, as measured by the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. By contrast, task-oriented coping and perceived social support were strong and unique covariates of resilience. Positive and negative affectivity were related to resilience but were not unique covariates of it in the presence of task-oriented coping and perceived social support. Discriminant validity of resilience as a concept and the means of assessing it was supported by findings that emotion-oriented and avoidance coping were not meaningfully related to resilience. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS Overall, the findings indicate that the majority of individuals in this sample reported high levels of resilience after brain injury and that correlates of resilience in adults with TBI is similar to that observed in adults without the history of cognitive impairment. (PsycINFO Database Record

BACKGROUND African Americans (AAs) are at high risk for hypertension (HTN) and poor blood pressure (BP) control. Persistently elevated BP contributes to cardiovascular morbidity. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are a definable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) marker of cerebrovascular injury linked to impairments in higher level thinking (i.e., executive functions), memory formation, and speed of perceptual-motor processing. METHODS This subinvestigation evaluated neuropsychological functioning in association with WMH on brain MRIs in 23 otherwise-healthy hypertensive AAs participating in an NIH-funded study of the effects of vitamin D on BP and cardiac remodeling in AA patients 30–74 years of age with HTN and left ventricular hypertrophy. Neuropsychological assessment included psychomotor processing speed [(Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) and Trail Making Test], executive functioning (Controlled Oral Word Association Test and Trail Making Test Part B), memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test), and fine motor functioning (Finger Tapping). RESULTS Significant correlations (P < 0.05) were found between volume of periventricular lesions and trails A (r = 0.51) and dominant hand finger tapping speed (r = −0.69) and between subcortical lesion volume and trails A (r = 0.60), both dominant (r = −0.62) and nondominant hand finger tapping speed (r = −0.76) and oral SDMT (r = −0.60); higher lesion volumes correlated to worse neuropsychological performance. CONCLUSIONS Psychomotor tests including the Trail Making Test and finger tapping speed are sensitive indicators of subclinical deficits in mental processing speed and could serve as early markers of deep subcortical cerebrovascular injury in otherwise-healthy individuals with uncontrolled chronic HTN.

Previous studies suggest low, fixed-dose regimens of activated prothrombin complex concentrate [factor VIII inhibitor bypassing activity (FEIBA); 500 U for international normalized ratio (INR) 5; 1000 U for INR 5] is effective for reversal of warfarin-induced life-threatening bleeds. Little data are available on the use of high-dose, weight-based FEIBA for this indication. The objective of this study was to evaluate effectiveness and safety of high-dose, weight-based FEIBA (50 U/kg) vs. frozen plasma alone in this population. This was a matched case-control, multicenter retrospective study including patients who received high-dose, weight-based FEIBA or frozen plasma alone for warfarin-induced life-threatening bleeds matched (1 : 1) based on age and bleed location. Forty-eight patients were included in the analysis (24 FEIBA, 24 frozen plasma). The primary endpoint was time to INR less than 1.5 after administration of FEIBA or frozen plasma. Secondary endpoints include rates of thromboembolic events and mortality. Median baseline INR was 3.7 (interquartile range 2.7, 7.30) and 2.9 (2.3, 6.61) in the FEIBA and frozen plasma groups, respectively (P = 0.13). Median FEIBA dose was 4530 (3672, 5028) U. Use of FEIBA resulted in faster time to INR less than 1.5 with a median of 2.5 (1.25, 4.15) vs. 12 (5.6, 28.35) h; (P 0.0001). Thromboembolic events occurred in nine (16.7%) patients (FEIBA n = 5; plasma n = 4); (P = 1.0). Mortality was similar in both groups (FEIBA 33% vs. frozen plasma 15%; P = 0.2). The use of high-dose, weight-based FEIBA resulted in faster time to reversal of warfarin-induced coagulopathy compared with frozen plasma alone and showed a similar safety profile.

Objective To evaluate psychometric properties of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design Archival study using Rasch analysis. Setting Postacute rehabilitation hospital. Participants Adults (N=331) 1 to 15 years after moderate to severe TBI, recruited consecutively. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure CISS. Results Indices of unidimensionality and model fit supported the scale's proposed multidimensional structure consisting of Task, Emotion, and Avoidant coping style; 3 unidimensional scales showed better fit than a single combined scale. The 3 scales met Rasch expectations of reliability and separation for persons and items, as well as adequate response category functioning. The scales were generally well targeted but showed some evidence of ceiling effect for Task, and floor effects for Emotion and Avoidant coping; item difficulties did not fully capture extreme ranges demonstrated by some participants, suggesting that measurement of coping after TBI on the CISS would be improved with additional items at low and high ranges of difficulty. Results were generally equivalent for cross-sectional groups representing short-term (1y), intermediate (2y), and long-term (5–15y). Conclusions The CISS showed good psychometric properties as a measure of coping style among persons with moderate to severe TBI in acute and chronic phases of recovery, and showed evidence of multidimensionality as predicted by theory, consistent with 3 unidimensional scales. Added items tapping broader (or more accessible, less cognitively complex) ranges of coping responses would likely benefit the scale overall and improve correspondence with the response needs of people with TBI.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a replicable group treatment program for improving social competence after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design Multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing 2 methods of conducting a social competency skills program, an interactive group format versus a classroom lecture. Setting Community and veteran rehabilitation centers. Participants Civilian, military, and veteran adults with TBI and social competence difficulties (N=179), at least 6 months postinjury. Interventions The experimental intervention consisted of 13 weekly group interactive sessions (1.5h) with structured and facilitated group interactions to improve social competence, and the control consisted of 13 traditional classroom sessions using the same curriculum with brief supplemental individual sessions but without structured group interaction. Main Outcome Measures Profile of Pragmatic Impairment in Communication (PPIC), an objective behavioral rating of social communication impairments after TBI. LaTrobe Communication Questionnaire (LCQ), Goal Attainment Scale (GAS), Satisfaction with Life Scale, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-C (PCL) civilian version, Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18), Scale of Perceived Social Self-Efficacy (PSSE). Results Social competence goals (GAS) were achieved and maintained for most participants regardless of treatment method. Significant improvements in the primary outcome (PPIC) and 2 of the secondary outcomes (LCQ and BSI) were seen immediately posttreatment and at 3 months posttreatment in the alternative treatment arm only; however, these improvements were not significantly different between the group interactive structured treatment and alternative treatment arms. Similar trends were observed for PSSE and PCL-C. Conclusions Social competence skills improved for persons with TBI in both treatment conditions. The group interactive format was not found to be a superior method of treatment delivery in this study.

Objective To examine the unique contribution of self-reported medical comorbidity and insurance type on disability after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Design Inception cohort design at 1-year follow up. Setting A university affiliated rehabilitation hospital. Participants Adults with mild-complicated to severe TBI (N=70). Intervention Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Self-reported medical comorbidities were measured using the Modified Cumulative Illness Rating Scale, while insurance type was classified as commercial or government-funded; disability was measured using the Disability Rating Scale. Results Two models were run using multiple linear regression, and the best-fitting model was selected on the basis of Bayesian information criterion. The full model, which included self-reported medical comorbidity and insurance type, was significantly better fitting than the reduced model. Participants with a longer duration of posttraumatic amnesia, more self-reported medical comorbidities, and government insurance were more likely to have higher levels of disability. Meanwhile, individual organ systems were not predictive of disability. Conclusions The cumulative effect of self-reported medical comorbidities and type of insurance coverage predict disability above and beyond well-known prognostic variables. Early assessment of medical complications and improving services provided by government-funded insurance may enhance quality of life and reduce long-term health care costs.

Bilder, Sugar, and Helleman (2014 this issue) have criticized recent publications on performance validity test (PVT) failure in clinical samples. Bilder and colleagues appear to make an idiosyncratic interpretation of recent research and inconsistently apply principles of null hypothesis significance testing. Overall, their position seems to propose that PVTs should be held to a higher psychometric standard than conventional neuropsychological tests. Problematic aspects of these criticisms are discussed. Additional consideration is given to research aims and findings.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between life satisfaction, community integration, and emotional distress in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHOD: This was an archival study of a longitudinal data set on the outcome and recovery process of persons with TBI. Participants were 253 consecutive adults with mild complicated, moderate, and severe TBI who were enrolled in a large, longitudinal study of persons with TBI. Main measures included the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Positive Affective and Negative Affective Schedule, the Craig Hospital Assessment and Reporting Technique Short-Form, the Community Integration Measure, and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18. RESULTS: The three-factor model adequately fit the data, and a higher-order model did not necessarily improve model fit but revealed significant relationships with first-order constructs and one second-order construct. CONCLUSIONS: Life satisfaction, community integration, and emotional distress were found to be related yet unique concepts in persons with TBI. Life satisfaction was positively related to community involvement and inversely related to emotional distress. Community integration was inversely related to emotional distress. In addition, these concepts are related to a higher-order concept of psychosocial status, a global representation of subjective and objective functioning. These findings demonstrate the interrelated and dynamic nature of psychosocial well-being after brain injury and highlight the need for integrative and holistic treatment plans. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en

A number of performance validity tests (PVTs) are used to assess memory complaints associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI); however, few studies examine the concordance and predictive accuracy of multiple PVTs, specifically in the context of combined models in known-group designs. The present study compared five widely used PVTs: the Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM), Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT), Reliable Digit Span (RDS), Word Choice Test (WCT), and California Verbal Learning Test - Forced Choice (CVLT-FC). Participants were 51 adults with bona fide moderate to severe TBI and 58 demographically comparable healthy adults coached to simulate memory impairment. Classification accuracy of individual PVTs was evaluated using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, examining both the dichotomous cutting scores as recommended by the test publishers and continuous scores for the measures. Results demonstrated nearly equivalent discrimination ability of the TOMM, MSVT, and CVLT-FC as individual predictors, all of which markedly outperformed the WCT and RDS. Models of combined PVTs were examined using Bayesian information criterion statistics, with results demonstrating that diagnostic accuracy showed only small to modest growth when the number of tests was increased beyond two. Considering the clinical and pragmatic issues in deriving a parsimonious assessment battery, these findings suggest that using the TOMM and CVLT in conjunction or the MSVT and CVLT in conjunction maximized predictive accuracy as compared to a single index or an assortment of these widely used measures.

This study examined the relationship among performance validity test (PVT) failure, number of PVTs administered, and participant characteristics including demographic, diagnostic, functional, and contextual factors in a clinical sample (N = 158) of outpatient physiatry referrals. The number of PVTs failed and the number administered showed a small non-significant correlation (rs = .13, p = .10). Participant characteristics showed associations with PVT failure consistent with prior research. A negative binomial regression model was fitted using number of PVTs failed as outcome and age, education, number of PVTs administered, clinical versus medico-legal context, and functional status as predictors. Although education and functional status were significant predictors of number of PVTs failed, the number of PVTs administered was not. A second analytic approach focused on observed false positive rates in a neurologic no-incentive (NNI) sample subset (n = 87). In contrast to a recent proposal based on statistical simulation, observed false positive rates were lower than predicted rates in NNI participants administered six, seven, or eight PVTs using a two-PVT failure cutoff. These results are interpreted as mitigating concerns that increased PVT failure is necessarily the outcome of increased PVT administration.

The current study aimed to clarify the relationship among the constructs involved in neuropsychological assessment, including cognitive performance, symptom self-report, performance validity, and symptom validity. Participants consisted of 120 consecutively evaluated individuals from a veteran's hospital with mixed referral sources. Measures included the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition Full Scale IQ (WAIS-IV FSIQ), California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition (CVLT-II), Trail Making Test Part B (TMT-B), Test of Memory Malingering (TOMM), Medical Symptom Validity Test (MSVT), WAIS-IV Reliable Digit Span (RDS), Post-traumatic Check List-Military Version (PCL-M), MMPI-2 F scale, MMPI-2 Symptom Validity Scale (FBS), MMPI-2 Response Bias Scale (RBS), and the Postconcussive Symptom Questionnaire (PCSQ). Six different models were tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to determine the factor model describing the relationships between cognitive performance, symptom self-report, performance validity, and symptom validity. The strongest and most parsimonious model was a three-factor model in which cognitive performance, performance validity, and self-reported symptoms (including both standard and symptom validity measures) were separate factors. The findings suggest failure in one validity domain does not necessarily invalidate the other domain. Thus, performance validity and symptom validity should be evaluated separately.

Racial differences in stroke risk and risk factor prevalence are well established. The present study explored racial differences in the delivery of care to patients with acute stroke between Joint Commission (JC)-certified hospitals and noncertified hospitals. A retrospective chart review was conducted in patients sustaining ischemic stroke admitted to 5 JC-certified centers and 5 noncertified hospitals. Demographic data, risk factors, utilization of acute stroke therapies, and compliance with core measures were recorded. Racial disparities were investigated in the entire group as well as for JC-certified and noncertified hospitals separately. A total of 574 patients (25.1% African Americans) were included. African Americans were significantly younger and more likely to have previous stroke, whereas Caucasians were more likely to have coronary disease and atrial fibrillation. There were no racial differences in other risk factors or baseline functions. Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were similar in African Americans and Caucasians, as were proportions receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy (2.1% in African Americans, 3.5% in Caucasians; P = .40) and intervention (4.2% in African Americans, 6.8% in Caucasians; P = .26). Caucasians were more likely to arrive by emergency medical services (65.5% vs 51.5%; P = .004), to be evaluated by a stroke team (19.1% vs 7.7%; P = .001), and to have a documented National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (40.2% vs 29.9%; P = .03). African Americans often did not receive intravenous tPA because of a delay in arrival. African Americans performed better on virtually all stroke care variables in JC-certified centers. JC certification reduced disparity in certain variables, including tPA and deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis administration. Important racial disparities exist in the delivery of several acute stroke care variables. Efforts must be focused on eliminating disparities in prehospital delays. Guideline-based care tendered at JC-certified centers might help narrow disparities in acute stroke care delivery.

This study examined embedded performance validity indicators (PVI) based on the number of impaired scores in an evaluation and the overall test battery mean (OTBM). Adult participants (N = 175) reporting traumatic brain injury were grouped using eight PVI. Participants who passed all PVI (n = 67) demonstrated fewer impaired scores and higher OTBM than those who failed two or more PVI (n = 66). Impairment was defined at three levels: T scores < 40, 35, and 30. With specificity ≥.90, sensitivity ranged from .51 to .71 for number of impaired scores and .74 for OTBM.

Background The Joint Commission (JC) for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations has devised disease specific certification programs for hospitals, including stroke. JC certification as a primary stroke center (PSC) suggests that the hospital has critical measures in place to ensure improving stroke outcomes over the long term. In this study, we focused on the delivery of care for patients with acute ischemic and compared differences in JC-certified and -noncertified centers in Michigan. Methods We performed a systematic chart review of patients with acute ischemic stroke from 10 Michigan hospitals, half of whom were JC-certified PSCs. Sixty charts were randomly chosen from 1 calendar year from each hospital. An experienced nurse performed the data abstraction, and data analysis was performed with the Fisher exact test. Results A total of 602 charts—of which 302 were from JC-certified PSCs—were chosen for the study. The 2 groups were similar with regard to stroke risk factors except that there were significantly more patients with atrial fibrillation in noncertified centers and there were more African American patients in JC-certified PSCs. Significantly more patients were considered for thrombolytic therapy in JC-certified PSCs compared to noncertified centers (90.4% v 66%; P = .0001). Overall, 3.8% of patients had received thrombolytic therapy without any significant difference between JC-certified PSCs and noncertified centers (4.6% v 3%; adjusted odds ratio 1.64; 95% confidence interval 0.64-4.19; P = .87). However, thrombolysis rates among eligible patients was significantly higher in the JC-certified PSCs (48.2% v 8.8%; P = .0001). The most common reason documented for not giving thrombolytic therapy was late arrival outside the therapeutic window, which was more common in JC-certified PSCs (72.8% v 55.6%; P = .0001) compared to noncertified centers. Seventy-four percent of patients from JC-certified PSCs were discharged home or to inpatient rehabilitation facility compared to 71% ( P = .38) from noncertified hospitals. The mean length of stay was marginally shorter in JC-certified PSCs compared to noncertified centers (5.53 v 6.25 days; P = .08). Conclusions Rates of thrombolysis administration for acute stroke patients across Michigan were low in both JC-certified and noncertified hospitals, although better processes were in place in JC-certified PSCs. While there was no overall difference in the administration of thrombolytic treatment, a greater number of the eligible patients received thrombolysis in the certified centers. There was a tendency to shorter lengths of stay at JC-certified PSCs, but there was no significant difference in discharge to home, inpatient rehabilitation, or inpatient mortality in this study.

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1), and S100B have been shown to be predictive of patients with brain injury. Kinetics of these biomarkers in injured humans have not been extensively examined. This prospective multi-center study included patients with mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury. Blood samples obtained at enrollment and every 6 h up to 24 h post-injury were assayed for GFAP, UCH-L1, and S100B. Random effects models examined changes in the biomarkers' level over time. A total of 167 patients were enrolled; mean age was 46.0 ± 17.8, 61.1% were male, 143 (85.6%) had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15, and 33 (19.8%) had a positive head computed tomography (CT) scan. Baseline median biomarker concentrations for all three were higher among CT-positive patients (p

Uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) is commonly encountered in emergency medicine practice, but the optimal approach to management has not been delineated. The objective of this study was to define emergency physician (EP) approaches to management of asymptomatic HTN in various clinical scenarios and assess adherence to the American College of Emergency Physician clinical policies, utilizing an online survey of EPs. A total of 1200 surveys were distributed by e-mail with completion by 199 participants. The variables associated with a decision to prescribe oral antihypertensive medications were a history of HTN and referral from primary care. Acute blood pressure (BP) reduction using intravenous antihypertensive medications was also more likely with the latter and BP >180/120 mm Hg. Logistic regression revealed association of EP female sex, fewer years in practice, and a high-volume practice setting with guideline-concordant therapy. Wide variability exists in EP approaches to patients with asymptomatic HTN. Treatment decisions were impacted by patient history of chronic HTN, referral from primary care providers, and magnitude of BP elevation.

Objective The Reliable Digit Span (RDS) is a well-validated embedded indicator of performance validity. An RDS score of ≤7 is commonly referenced as indicative of invalid performance; however, few studies have examined the classification accuracy of the RDS among individuals suspected for dementia. The current study evaluated performance of the RDS in a clinical sample of 934 non-litigating individuals presenting to an outpatient memory disorders clinic for assessment of dementia. Method The RDS was calculated for each participant in the context of a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment completed as part of routine clinical care. Score distributions were examined to establish the base rate of below criterion performance for RDS cutoffs of ≤7, ≤6, and ≤5. One-way ANOVA was used to compare performance on a cognitive screening measure and informant reports of functional independence of those falling below and above cutoffs. Results A cutoff score of ≤7 resulted in a high prevalence of below-criterion performance (29.7%), though an RDS of ≤6 was associated with fewer below-criterion scores (12.8%) and prevalence of an RDS of ≤5 was infrequent (4.3%). Those scoring below cutoffs performed worse on cognitive measures compared with those falling above cutoffs. Conclusions Using the RDS as a measure of performance validity among individuals presenting with a possibility of dementia increases the risk of misinterpreting genuine cognitive impairment as invalid performance when higher cutoffs are used; lower cutoffs may be useful when interpreted in conjunction with other measures of performance validity.

Cross-sectional. The objective of the study is to examine whether alcohol use disorders should be conceptualized categorically as abuse and dependence as in the 'Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' 4th edition or on a single continuum with mild to severe category ratings as in the 'Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders' 5th edition in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). United States of America. Data from 379 individuals who sustained SCI either traumatically or non-traumatically after the age of 18 and were at least 1 year post injury. Rasch analyses used the alcohol abuse and dependence modules of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders Non-patient Edition (SCID-I/NP). Fifty-seven percent (n=166) of the entire sample endorsed criteria for alcohol abuse, and 25% (n=65) endorsed criteria for alcohol dependence. Fit values were generally acceptable except for one item (for example, alcohol abuse criterion 2), suggesting that the items fit the expectation of unidimensionality. Examination of the principal components analysis did not provide support for unidimensionality. The item–person map illustrates poor targeting of items. Alcohol abuse and dependence criterion appear to reflect a unidimensional construct, a finding that supports a single latent construct or factor consistent with the DSM-5 diagnostic model.

This study derived an embedded performance validity indicator for the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) using an archival dataset. Participants aged 20 to 65 (N = 167) who reported traumatic brain injury and completed at least two performance validity tests were included. The group who passed all performance validity measures (n = 68) demonstrated higher scores on all AVLT trials than the group who failed two or more validity indicators (n = 62). Bayesian model averaging was used to identify the optimal combination of AVLT variables for group discrimination; Total Learning and Recognition raw scores were selected. Logistic regression using these variables showed excellent discrimination with an area under the curve of. 85. The resulting AVLT performance validity index demonstrated sensitivity of. 55 with specificity of. 91. Further study of this index is warranted and cross-validation is recommended prior to clinical use.

Embedded symptom validity measures facilitate the detection of below-capacity performance in neuropsychological assessment. A number of such indicators have been proposed for the Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT), a widely used test of word generation. However, several of these embedded indicators have not been cross-validated and it is currently unclear which represent the optimal combination of predictors. This study used Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) to determine the set of predictors that best differentiate between patients presenting with (n = 46) and without (n = 55) malingered neurocognitive dysfunction (MND). Mild traumatic brain injury was the most common diagnosis in the MND group (96%). BMA selected the COWAT total score and a measure of change in output over time. A logistic regression model combining these variables yielded good discriminability, with an AUC of. 774, (95% confidence interval = .679 to. 869), 78% of cases were classified correctly, with 67% sensitivity and 88% specificity. Two alternative models performed similarly, but the variables involved required slightly longer administration and/or calculation time, making them somewhat less desirable. These results support the use of a weighted combination of embedded symptom validity measures in the COWAT.

The Postconcussive Symptom Questionnaire (PCSQ; Lees-Haley, 1992 ) is purported to measure four constructs. These include psychological, cognitive, somatic, and infrequency (i.e., items intended to reflect negative impression management) symptoms. The utility and validity of Postconcussive Syndrome (PCS) as a diagnostic condition continues to be debated. To this end, examining the instruments used to measure postconcussive symptoms can increase our understanding with respect to this issue. The aim of this study was to derive a revised PCSQ to target the core construct of subjective symptoms reported by persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). A total of 133 people with mild to severe TBI completed the 45-item PCSQ. Items were scored dichotomously, as symptom present or absent. Rasch analysis, based on the mathematical model formulated by Rasch ( 1960 ), was used to derive the revised PCSQ. Misfitting and redundant items were removed and a second model containing 19 items was fitted. The revised PCSQ-19 had superior psychometric qualities; reliability was 0.81. The PCSQ-19 provides a more targeted, unidimensional assessment of subjective symptoms following brain injury. The findings also revealed information related to symptom hierarchy which can further our understanding of PCS.

Research on previous versions of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) found that index scores could be predicted using a parsimonious selection of subtests (e.g., AxelrodWoodard, 2000). The release of the Fourth Edition (WMS-IV) requires a reassessment of these predictive formulas as well as the use of indices from the California Verbal Learning Test-II (CVLT-II). Complete WMS-IV and CVLT-II data were obtained from 295 individuals. Six regression models were fit using WMS-IV subtest scaled scores-Logical Memory (LM), Visual Reproduction (VR), and Verbal Paired Associates (VPA)-and CVLT-II substituted scores to predict Immediate Memory Index (IMI) and Delayed Memory Index (DMI) scores. All three predictions of IMI significantly correlated with the complete IMI (r = .92 to .97). Likewise, predicted DMI scores significantly correlated with complete DMI (r = .92 to .97). Statistical preference was indicated for the models using LM, VR, and VPA, in which 97% and 96% of the cases fell within two standard errors of measurement (SEMs) of full index scores, respectively. The present findings demonstrate that the IMI and DMI can be reliably estimated using two or three subtests from the WMS-IV, with preference for using three. In addition, evidence suggests little to no improvement in predictive accuracy with the inclusion of CVLT-II indices.

Background We sought to examine whether gender-based differences in acute stroke care occur in both Joint Commission (JC) certified and noncertified hospitals. Methods 602 charts of patients with ischemic stroke were reviewed from five JC certified and five noncertified hospitals for gender differences in the prehospital factors, emergency department evaluation, in-hospital stroke care, discharge outcome and use of secondary prevention measures. Results More women arrived via ambulance (63.1% women vs. 53.9% men, p = 0.025) while more men came by self-transportation (42.6% vs. 30%, p = 0.0016). There was no difference by gender for evaluation for thrombolytics (89.4% men vs. 85.9% women) or intravenous t-PA administered (3.5% men vs. 2.5% women, p = 0.82). More patients in JC certified centers were evaluated for thrombolysis than in noncertified centers. Delay in arrival was the commonest reason for not getting thrombolysis in both groups. More men than women had mild/resolving symptoms, had more interventional procedures, and better discharge outcome. More men were discharged on antithrombotics. Even after adjusting for age, gender differences were significant for arrival by ambulance, self transportation, mild/resolving symptoms, interventional procedures performed and marginally for good discharge outcome. Conclusion There were significant gender differences in delivery of acute stroke care in Michigan hospitals even after adjustment for age differences. In spite of milder symptoms and less usage of emergency services, men received more aggressive stroke care with a tendency towards better discharge outcome. Going to a JC certified center was a better predictor of consideration for thrombolytics than gender.

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—fourth edition (WAIS-IV) and the Wechsler Memory Scale—fourth edition (WMS-IV) were co-developed to be used individually or as a combined battery of tests. The independent factor structure of each of the tests has been identified; however, the combined factor structure has yet to be determined. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to the WAIS-IV/WMS-IV Adult battery (i.e., age 16-69 years) co-norming sample ( n = 900) to test 13 measurement models. The results indicated that two models fit the data equally well. One model is a seven-factor solution without a hierarchical general ability factor: Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Processing Speed, Auditory Working Memory, Visual Working Memory, Auditory Memory, and Visual Memory. The second model is a five-factor model composed of Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Processing Speed, Working Memory, and Memory with a hierarchical general ability factor. Interpretative implications for each model are discussed.

This study investigated the ability of the Wechsler Memory Scale-4th Edition (WMS-IV) and the Advanced Clinical Solutions (ACS) package including the new Word Choice test (WCT) to distinguish poor performance due to intentional response bias among simulators of traumatic brain injury (TBI) from poor performance due to actual TBI. Participants were 45 survivors of moderate to severe TBI and 39 healthy adult coached to simulate TBI. Logistic regression indicated that a five-variable model containing all the ACS variables and a single-variable model using only the WCT were statistically reliable. Comparing predictive accuracy of each model found that adding the WCT to the ACS increased predictive accuracy. Diagnostic efficiency for the full ACS model was considered "excellent" according to interpretive guidelines.