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Electrophysiological correlates of symbolic numerical order processing

by Clemens Brunner, Philip Schadenbauer, Nele Schröder, Roland H. Grabner, Stephan E. Vogel

Determining if a sequence of numbers is ordered or not is one of the fundamental aspects of numerical processing linked to concurrent and future arithmetic skills. While some studies have explored the neural underpinnings of order processing using functional magnetic resonance imaging, our understanding of electrophysiological correlates is comparatively limited. To address this gap, we used a three-item symbolic numerical order verification task (with Arabic numerals from 1 to 9) to study event-related potentials (ERPs) in 73 adult participants in an exploratory approach. We presented three-item sequences and manipulated their order (ordered vs. unordered) as well as their inter-item numerical distance (one vs. two). Participants had to determine if a presented sequence was ordered or not. They also completed a speeded arithmetic fluency test, which measured their arithmetic skills. Our results revealed a significant mean amplitude difference in the grand average ERP waveform between ordered and unordered sequences in a time window of 500–750 ms at left anterior-frontal, left parietal, and central electrodes. We also identified distance-related amplitude differences for both ordered and unordered sequences. While unordered sequences showed an effect in the time window of 500–750 ms at electrode clusters around anterior-frontal and right-frontal regions, ordered sequences differed in an earlier time window (190–275 ms) in frontal and right parieto-occipital regions. Only the mean amplitude difference between ordered and unordered sequences showed an association with arithmetic fluency at the left anterior-frontal electrode. While the earlier time window for ordered sequences is consistent with a more automated and efficient processing of ordered sequential items, distance-related differences in unordered sequences occur later in time.

'Super Rehab: can we achieve coronary artery disease regression? A feasibility study protocol

Por: Graby · J. · Khavandi · A. · Gillison · F. · Smith · T. · Murphy · D. · Peacock · O. · McLeod · H. · Dastidar · A. · Antoniades · C. · Thompson · D. · Rodrigues · J. C. L.
Introduction

Patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) are currently treated with medications and lifestyle advice to reduce the likelihood of disease progression and risk of future major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Where obstructive disease is diagnosed, revascularisation may be considered to treat refractory symptoms. However, many patients with coexistent cardiovascular risk factors, particularly those with metabolic syndrome (MetS), remain at heightened risk of future MACE despite current management.

Cardiac rehabilitation is offered to patients post-revascularisation, however, there is no definitive evidence demonstrating its benefit in a primary prevention setting. We propose that an intensive lifestyle intervention (Super Rehab, SR) incorporating high-intensity exercise, diet and behavioural change techniques may improve symptoms, outcomes, and enable CAD regression.

This study aims to examine the feasibility of delivering a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) testing SR for patients with CAD, in a primary prevention setting.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre randomised controlled feasibility study of SR versus usual care in patients with CAD. The study aims to recruit 50 participants aged 18–75 across two centres. Feasibility will be assessed against rates of recruitment, retention and, in the intervention arm, attendance and adherence to SR. Qualitative interviews will explore trial experiences of study participants and practitioners. Variance of change in CAD across both arms of the study (assessed with serial CT coronary angiography) will inform the design and power of a future, multi-centre RCT.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was granted by South West—Frenchay Research Ethics Committee (reference: 21/SW/0153, 18 January 2022). Study findings will be disseminated via presentations to relevant stakeholders, national and international conferences and open-access peer-reviewed research publications.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN14603929.

Self-collected samples as an additional option for STI testing in low-resource settings: a qualitative study of acceptability among adults in Rakai, Uganda

Por: Ogale · Y. P. · Grabowski · M. K. · Nabakka · P. · Ddaaki · W. · Nakubulwa · R. · Nakyanjo · N. · Nalugoda · F. · Kagaayi · J. · Kigozi · G. · Denison · J. A. · Gaydos · C. · Kennedy · C. E.
Introduction

Self-collected samples (SCS) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing have been shown to be feasible and acceptable in high-resource settings. However, few studies have assessed the acceptability of SCS for STI testing in a general population in low-resource settings. This study explored the acceptability of SCS among adults in south-central Uganda.

Methods

Nested within the Rakai Community Cohort Study, we conducted semistructured interviews with 36 adults who SCS for STI testing. We analysed the data using an adapted version of the Framework Method.

Results

Overall, SCS was acceptable to both male and female participants, regardless of whether they reported recent STI symptoms. Perceived advantages of SCS over provider-collection included increased privacy and confidentiality, gentleness and efficiency. Disadvantages included the lack of provider involvement, fear of self-harm and the perception that SCS was unhygienic. Most participants preferred provider-collected samples to SCS. Nevertheless, almost all said they would recommend SCS and would do it again in the future.

Conclusion

SCS are acceptable among adults in this low-resource setting and could be offered as an additional option to expand STI diagnostic services.

Vignettes as a novel research tool in spiritual care: A methods paper

Abstract

Aims

To discuss the construction and use of vignettes as a novel approach in spiritual care research and education.

Design

Methods paper.

Methods

In this methods paper, the authors introduce the use of vignettes in spiritual care research and provide insight into the construction of vignettes. The vignette presented was part of a study of neurosurgical nurses' attitudes and responses to the spiritual needs of neuro-oncology patients. The development process, consisting of four steps, is explained in this paper.

Results

Using a vignette to explore nurses' attitudes towards spiritual care is an innovative way to understand what behaviours nurses consider appropriate in situations where the patient is seeking meaning and connection. Transparent description of the development process is crucial to ensure reproducibility.

Conclusion

The use of theoretically constructed and validated vignettes in spiritual care research is new. Vignettes used in surveys have the potential to elicit nurses' responses to patients' search for meaning and connectedness.

Implications

In order to investigate nurses' attitudes and behaviours towards patients' spiritual needs, carefully constructed and validated vignettes are valuable research tools.

Impact

Vignettes have proven to be a valuable research tool in the social and health sciences. So far, their use as a survey instrument in spiritual care research has not been investigated. Therefore, this method paper introduces vignettes as a novel approach to spiritual care research. Our findings contribute to the further development of vignettes in nursing science, as there are similarities with case development and simulation training in nursing education.

Reporting Method

Reporting guideline is not applicable.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

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