Deficits In Individuals Research Articles

Can measures of social cognition predict autistic traits?

Past research has yielded conflicting findings concerning socio-cognitive deficits in individuals with autistic traits. This raises the fundamental question whether autistic traits and socio-cognitive abilities are related. The present study investigated whether three key socio-cognitive abilities—imitation-inhibition, empathy, and emotion regulation—can serve as predictive factors for autistic traits within a neurotypical population. Participants (N = 166, Mage = 24.83 years, SDage = 5.20 years, rangeage = 18 to 39 years) were asked to perform an online imitation-inhibition task and complete self-report measures assessing empathy, emotion regulation, and autistic traits. Empathy was measured using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), emotion regulation was assessed using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and autistic traits were measured using the ten-item short form of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-10). Multiple regression analyses revealed that both imitation-inhibition and emotion regulation were significantly associated with autistic traits. However, empathy was not found to be a significant predictor. Our study aimed to clarify inconsistent results regarding the relationship between socio-cognitive abilities and autistic traits.

Exploring Pragmatic Deficits in Relation to Theory of Mind and Executive Functions: Evidence from Individuals with Right Hemisphere Stroke.

Research investigating pragmatic deficits in individuals with right hemisphere damage focuses on identifying the potential mechanisms responsible for the nature of these impairments. Nonetheless, the presumed shared cognitive mechanisms that could account for these deficits have not yet been established through data-based evidence from lesion studies. This study aimed to examine the co-occurrence of pragmatic language deficits, Theory of Mind impairments, and executive functions while also exploring their associations with brain lesion sites. Twenty-five patients suffering from unilateral right hemisphere stroke and thirty-seven healthy participants were recruited for this study. The two groups were tested in pragmatics, Theory of Mind, and executive function tasks. Structural imaging data were also obtained for the identification of the lesion sites. The findings of this study suggest a potential convergence among the three aforementioned cognitive mechanisms. Moreover, we postulate a hypothesis for a neural circuitry for communication impairments observed in individuals with right hemisphere damage.

Elevated EEG heartbeat-evoked potentials in adolescents with more ADHD symptoms

IntroductionSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with a variety of mental abnormalities, but little is known about the perception and processing of internal signals, i.e., interoception, in individuals with ADHD symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the association between ADHD symptoms and the heartbeat-evoked potential (HEP), known as a neural correlate of automatic interoceptive processing of cardiac signals, in adolescents. MethodsHEPs of 47 healthy adolescent participants (53.2 % female) with a mean age of 14.29 years were measured during an emotional face recognition task. In addition, participants completed a self-report screening for ADHD symptoms. ResultsADHD symptoms were positively related to the HEP activity during the task in three of eight EEG sectors in the left hemisphere, as well as in all sectors in the right hemisphere. DiscussionThis study is the first to demonstrate preliminary a relationship between the strength of HEP activity and ADHD symptoms in awake subjects. This finding of higher HEP amplitudes in subjects with more ADHD symptoms can be interpreted in terms of (i) increased arousal, (ii) altered neural processing of internal processes in an emotion-relevant task, and (iii) a misaligned precision-weighting process of task-irrelevant stimuli according to the predictive coding framework. These different interpretations could be reflected by previous studies showing heterogeneity of psychological deficits in individuals with ADHD symptoms. However, the generalizability to patients with diagnosed ADHD is limited due to the measurement tool for ADHD symptoms and the sample characteristics.

Neural Trigger of Speaking Skills in Autistic Children: An Intervention-Based Study

Autism is a pivotal language deficit among speakers all over the globe, and it is a restricting neural process that blocks the simultaneous exponential evolution of language usage; hence, it must be focused with some therapy stimuli. This study is an attempt to channel neural mechanisms underlying autistic children with controlled systemic interventions (CSI). Many previously conducted studies reported that speaking deficit in individuals at all levels reduces neural processing that blocks smooth speaking, and it is due to anatomical and neurophysiological underpinning factors. In this context of autism, anatomical factors are genetic, but neurophysiological can be reversed via controlled systemic intervention (CSI) that is used in this study. For providing neuropsychological reverse, many interventions have been constructed, but this study is only taking Repeat After Me (RAM) as an intervention using computer-assisted. For achieving neural triggers, this study adopts an experimental methodology. Autistic children were recruited via snowball sampling technique, and they are 48 (mean age=2-6 years, boys=28, girls=20). On their willingness to participate in the study, they were divided into two groups: control and experimental. The interventions were provided within six weeks, and the children were assessed via WSSPI-III before the interventions and after the interventions. The overall results of the study predict that in post-assessments, there is a significant satisfactory result. The study implies that 'RAM' should be adopted by parents in home settings and therapists in institutional settings to expedite neural processing that will help boost children's speaking skills with smooth fluency.

Adaptive behaviour deficits in individuals with 3q29 deletion syndrome.

3q29 deletion syndrome (3q29del) is associated with a significantly increased risk for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Mild to moderate intellectual disability (ID) is common in this population, and previous work by our team identified substantial deficits in adaptive behaviour. However, the full profile of adaptive function in 3q29del has not been described nor has it been compared with other genomic syndromes associated with elevated risk for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Individuals with 3q29del (n=32, 62.5% male) were evaluated using the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, Third Edition, Comprehensive Parent/Caregiver Form (Vineland-3). We explored the relationship between adaptive behaviour and cognitive function, executive function, and neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric comorbidities in our 3q29del study sample, and we compared subjects with 3q29del with published data on fragile X syndrome, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and 16p11.2 deletion and duplication syndromes. Individuals with 3q29del had global deficits in adaptive behaviour that were not driven by specific weaknesses in any given domain. Individual neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric diagnoses had a small effect on adaptive behaviour, and the cumulative number of comorbid diagnoses was significantly negatively associated with Vineland-3 performance. Both cognitive ability and executive function were significantly associated with adaptive behaviour, and executive function was a better predictor of Vineland-3 performance than cognitive ability. Finally, the severity of adaptive behaviour deficits in 3q29del was distinct from previously published data on comparable genomic disorders. Individuals with 3q29del have significant deficits in adaptive behaviour, affecting all domains assessed by the Vineland-3. Executive function is a better predictor of adaptive behaviour than cognitive ability in this population and suggests that interventions targeting executive function may be an effective therapeutic strategy.

Rehabilitation in Older Adults Affected by Immobility Syndrome, Aided by Virtual Reality Technology: A Narrative Review.

Individual mobility deficit in older adults induces a variety of medical conditions, diminishing their functional capacity in pursuing activities of daily living. In immobility syndrome patients, such conditions are prone further deterioration through a drastically reduced scope of physical activity, owing mostly to poor self-motivation and the monotonous character of conventional rehabilitation regimens. As evidenced by published research, virtual reality technology solutions in rehabilitation management actually add significantly to patients' self-motivation, while promoting their active involvement in therapy through visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic stimuli. Effective rehabilitation training aided by virtual reality solutions helps patients acquire specific physical and cognitive skills to be subsequently emulated in the real-world environment. The extra added advantage lies in facilitating such training within patients' own home environments, combined with online monitoring of their progress, when not personally supervised by a physiotherapist, which also boosts the overall cost effectiveness of the therapeutic management itself. This narrative review appears to be the very first one principally focused on critically comparing individual immobilisation with immobility syndrome, especially through the application of the Authors' own substantial hands-on therapeutic experience in managing various rehabilitation schemes, specifically aided by diverse virtual reality technology solutions.

Clinical Gaps-in-Noise Measures in Blast-Exposed Veterans: Associations with Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses.

It has been established that blast exposure and brain injury can result in self-reported and measured auditory processing deficits in individuals with normal or near-normal hearing sensitivity. However, the impaired sensory and/or cognitive mechanisms underlying these auditory difficulties are largely unknown. This work used a combination of behavioral and electrophysiological measures to explore how neural stimulus discrimination and processing speed contribute to impaired temporal processing in blast-exposed Veterans measured using the behavioral Gaps-in-Noise (GIN) Test. Results confirm previous findings that blast exposure can impact performance on the GIN and effect neural auditory discrimination, as measured using the P3 auditory event-related potential. Furthermore, analyses revealed correlations between GIN thresholds, P3 responses, and a measure of behavioral reaction time. Overall, this work illustrates that behavioral responses to the GIN are dependent on both auditory-specific bottom-up processing beginning with the neural activation of the cochlea and auditory brainstem as well as contributions from complex neural networks involved in processing speed and task-dependent target detection.

Subthreshold electrical noise alters walking balance control in individuals with cerebral palsy

BackgroundSensory deficits in individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) play a critical role in balance control. However, there is a lack of effective interventions that address sensory facilitation to improve walking balance. Stochastic Resonance (SR) stimulation involves delivering sub threshold noise to improve balance in patients with sensory deficits by enhancing the detection of sensory input. Research questionTo investigate the immediate effects of SR on walking balance in individuals with and without CP. MethodsThirty-four participants (17 CP, 17 age-and sex-matched typically developing controls or TD) between 8 and 24 years of age were recruited. SR stimulation was applied to the muscles and ligaments of ankle and hip joint. An optimal SR intensity during walking was determined for each subject. Participants walked on a self-paced treadmill for three trials of two minutes each using a random order of SR stimulation (SR) and no stimulation (noSR) control conditions. Our primary outcome measure was minimum lateral margin of stability (MOS). Secondary outcome measures include anterior MOS before heelstrike and spatiotemporal gait parameters. We performed two-way mixed ANOVAs with group (CP, TD) as between-subject and condition (noSR, SR) as within subject factors. ResultsCompared to walking without SR, there was a small but significant increase in the lateral and anterior MOS with SR stimulation, implying that a larger impulse was needed to become unstable, in turn implying higher stability. Step width and step ength decreased with SR for the CP group with SR stimulation. There were no significant effects for other spatiotemporal variables. SignificanceSub threshold electrical noise can slightly improve walking balance control in individuals with CP. SR stimulation, through enhanced proprioception, may have improved the CP group’s awareness of body motion during walking, thus leading them to adopt a more conservative stability strategy to prevent a potential fall.

The effect of time on lexical and syntactic processing in aphasia.

Processing deficits at the lexical level, such as delayed and reduced lexical activation, have been theorized as the source of breakdowns in syntactic operations and thus contribute to sentence comprehension deficits in individuals with aphasia (IWA). In the current study, we investigate the relationship between lexical and syntactic processing in object-relative sentences using eye-tracking while listening in IWA. We explore whether manipulating the time available to process a critical lexical item (the direct-object noun) when it is initially heard in a sentence has an immediate effect on lexical access as well as a downstream effect on syntactic processing. To achieve this aim, we use novel temporal manipulations to provide additional time for lexical processing to occur. In addition to exploring these temporal effects in IWA, we also seek to understand the effect that additional time has on sentence processing in neurotypical age-matched adults (AMC). We predict that the temporal manipulations designed to provide increased processing time for critical lexical items will 1) enhance lexical processing of the target noun, 2) facilitate syntactic integration, and 3) improve sentence comprehension for both IWA and AMC. We demonstrate that strengthening lexical processing via the addition of time can affect lexical processing and facilitate syntactic retrieval of the target noun and lead to enhanced interference resolution in both unimpaired and impaired systems. In aphasia, additional time can mitigate impairments in spreading activation thereby improving lexical access and reducing interference during downstream dependency linking. However, individuals with aphasia may require longer additions of time to fully realize these benefits.

Rhythm-based assessment and training for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a feasibility study protocol.

The timing-related deficits in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) contribute to the symptom-related difficulties and cognitive impairments. Current assessment and training measurement only target specific aspects of the timing ability, highlighting the need for more advanced tools to address timing deficits in ADHD. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a rhythm-based assessment and training (RAT) program, which intends to provide a comprehensive understanding of and enhancement to the time-related abilities of children with ADHD, thereby demonstrating its clinical efficacy. We will use randomized crossover trials in this study, with participants being randomly assigned to either start with the RAT and then proceed to cognitive training or start with cognitive training and then proceed to the RAT. Both groups will undergo pre- and post- evaluations. The evaluation will be administered immediately before and after the 4-week training period using diagnostic questionnaires, cognitive evaluation tools, and resting electroencephalography (EEG) measurements. Notably, EEG measurements will be conducted concurrently with the RAT evaluations. This study develops and evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of a RAT while using EEG measurements to elucidate the underlying therapeutic mechanism of auditory rhythm at varying levels of complexity. The study will investigate the potential of RAT as a supplementary or alternative approach for managing ADHD. The multifaceted data collected will yield valuable insights to customize training agendas based on individual developmental stages and prognoses.

Reduced Expression of the Htr2a, Grin1, and Bdnf Genes and Cognitive Inflexibility in a Model of High Compulsive Rats.

Compulsivity is a core symptom in different psychopathological disorders, characterized by excessive behaviors and behavioral inflexibility. The selection of high drinker (HD) versus low drinker (LD) rats by schedule-induced polydipsia (SIP) is a valid model for studying the compulsive phenotype. The compulsive HD rats showed cognitive inflexibility and reduced serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor binding levels in the frontal cortex (FC). According to that, we hypothesize that compulsive HD rats might have an alteration in the cognitive control domain regarding inflexibility, assessed by spatial memory on the Morris Water Maze (MWM), working and reference memory by the Radial Arm Maze, and behavioral deficits in stimulus processing by the Novel Object Recognition test. The possible underlying mechanisms might be linked to the brain gene expression of 5HT2A, 5HT2C, glutamate NMDA receptors, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in FC, hippocampus, and amygdala. HD rats confirmed a cognitive inflexibility profile on the reversal condition in the MWM compared to LD rats, while no differences were observed on stimulus processing, spatial, and working memory. Moreover, HD rats showed a reduced expression of the Htr2a, Grin1, and Bdnf genes in FC. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between the relative expression of the Htr2a, Grin1, and Bdnf genes in FC and the level of compulsive water intake in HD rats on SIP. These data reveal that cognitive inflexibility may not be associated with a memory or stimulus processing deficit in compulsive individuals but may result by a region-specific alteration of the Htr2a, Grin1, and Bdnf gene expression in FC.

The effect of silicon on the antioxidant system of tomato seedlings exposed to individual and combined nitrogen and water deficit

AbstractExploring sustainable strategies for improving crop water and nitrogen use efficiency is essential. Silicon (Si) has been reported as a beneficial metalloid for plants since it alleviates several abiotic stresses (including drought) by triggering the plants' antioxidant system. However, its role in mitigating the negative impact of nitrogen (N) deficit alone or when combined with water (W) deficit is not well studied. This study applied 0 or 2 mM of Na₂SiO3 to 3‐week‐old tomato cv. Micro‐Tom seedlings that were grown under the following conditions: control (CTR; 100%N + 100% Field Capacity), N deficit (N; 50% N + 100% Field Capacity), water deficit (W; 100% N + 50% Field Capacity) or combined stress (N + W; 50% N + 50% Field Capacity). The Si effect on tomato plant growth depended on the type of stress. Si could only alleviate stress caused by N + W deficit resulting in a higher root dry weight (by 28%), total dry weight (by 23%) and root length (by 37%). Alongside this, there was an increase in the antioxidant (AOX) system activity with the root activity of ascorbate peroxidase and catalase enzymes being enhanced by 48% and by 263%, respectively. Si application also enhanced AOX enzyme activity when tomato plants were subjected to individual deficits but to a lesser extent. In conclusion, Si‐treated tomato plants could efficiently modulate their AOX networks in a situation of combined N and water limitation, thus mitigating some of the adverse effects of this combined stress.

Persistent and transient olfactory deficits in COVID-19 are associated to inflammation and zinc homeostasis.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is mainly a respiratory syndrome that can affect multiple organ systems, causing a variety of symptoms. Among the most common and characteristic symptoms are deficits in smell and taste perception, which may last for weeks/months after COVID-19 diagnosis owing to mechanisms that are not fully elucidated. In order to identify the determinants of olfactory symptom persistence, we obtained olfactory mucosa (OM) from 21 subjects, grouped according to clinical criteria: i) with persistent olfactory symptoms; ii) with transient olfactory symptoms; iii) without olfactory symptoms; and iv) non-COVID-19 controls. Cells from the olfactory mucosa were harvested for transcriptome analyses. RNA-Seq assays showed that gene expression levels are altered for a long time after infection. The expression profile of micro RNAs appeared significantly altered after infection, but no relationship with olfactory symptoms was found. On the other hand, patients with persistent olfactory deficits displayed increased levels of expression of genes involved in the inflammatory response and zinc homeostasis, suggesting an association with persistent or transient olfactory deficits in individuals who experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Investigating the Mediating Role of Pain in the Relationship between Ankle Joint Position Sense and Balance Assessed Using Computerized Posturography in Individuals with Unilateral Chronic Ankle Instability: A Cross-Sectional Study

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is characterized by impaired ankle joint position sense (JPS) and compromised balance. Despite previous studies investigating the correlation between ankle JPS and balance in individuals with CAI, the potential mediating effect of pain in this relationship remains unclear. Understanding the role of pain as a mediator between ankle JPS and balance could provide valuable insights into the complex interplay among these variables in individuals with CAI. Therefore, further research is needed to elucidate the mediating effect of pain and its implications in assessing and managing ankle JPS and balance deficits in individuals with CAI. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the mediating role of pain in the association between ankle JPS and balance in individuals with unilateral CAI. Methods: Fifty-five individuals diagnosed with CAI participated in this study. Ankle JPS was assessed using a digital inclinometer, whereas the balance was measured using a computerized dynamic posturography device. Results: Participants with CAI showed impaired ankle JPS in the affected leg compared to that in the asymptomatic leg (p < 0.001). Ankle JPS errors were greater in both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion directions in the CAI. Balance was compromised in the CAI leg (p < 0.001). Moderate correlations (p < 0.001, r = 0.31 to 0.48) were found between the balance variables. Pain significantly mediated the ankle JPS-balance relationship in the CAI (p < 0.05, Sobel test). The findings suggest that individuals with CAI exhibit impaired ankle JPS and compromised balance. Pain plays a mediating role in the association between ankle JPS and balance in individuals with CAI. These results highlight the importance of considering pain as a potential mediator when assessing and treating balance issues in individuals with CAI. Healthcare professionals should incorporate assessments of ankle JPS and pain into the management of interventions that address these factors and improve balance and functional ability.

Speech understanding and extended high-frequency hearing sensitivity in blast-exposed veteransa).

Auditory difficulties reported by normal-hearing Veterans with a history of blast exposure are primarily thought to stem from processing deficits in the central nervous system. However, previous work on speech understanding in noise difficulties in this patient population have only considered peripheral hearing thresholds in the standard audiometric range. Recent research suggests that variability in extended high-frequency (EHF; >8 kHz) hearing sensitivity may contribute to speech understanding deficits in normal-hearing individuals. Therefore, this work was designed to identify the effects of blast exposure on several common clinical speech understanding measures and EHF hearing sensitivity. This work also aimed to determine whether variability in EHF hearing sensitivity contributes to speech understanding difficulties in normal-hearing blast-exposed Veterans. Data from 41 normal- or near-normal-hearing Veterans with a history of blast exposure and 31 normal- or near-normal-hearing control participants with no history of head injury were employed in this study. Analysis identified an effect of blast exposure on several speech understanding measures but showed no statistically significant differences in EHF thresholds between participant groups. Data showed that variability in EHF hearing sensitivity did not contribute to group-related differences in speech understanding, although study limitations impact interpretation of these results.

Biomechanical Assessment and Neuromuscular Training to Mitigate Risk of Reinjury After ACLR

Background: Reinjury rates following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remain high, and the cause is often multifactorial. There is growing literature supporting asymmetric biomechanical deficits leading to increased risk of reinjury. Neuromuscular training during postoperative rehabilitation may mitigate risk of reinjury by addressing these biomechanical deficits. Indications: Neuromuscular training is supported in the literature to reduce primary ACL injury risk and modify biomechanical risk factors. Incorporating neuromuscular training into postoperative rehabilitation following ACL reconstruction may reduce the risk of reinjury. Technique Description: The Landing Error Scoring System, or LESS test, is an assessment tool utilized to detect biomechanical asymmetries following ACL reconstruction. Video analysis allows for observation of subtle biomechanical differences. Neuromuscular training programs help improve these deficits through stepwise gradual and individualized progressions that are specific to each patient’s needs and desired athletic return. Results: A patient who participates in neuromuscular training as a component of postoperative rehabilitation should demonstrate improvements in their individual biomechanical deficits at the completion of the program described. Discussion/Conclusion: Biomechanical assessment following ACL reconstruction, such as the LESS test, can identify deficits that may increase risk of reinjury. Neuromuscular training following ACL reconstruction can address these deficits and potentially mitigate risk of reinjury. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Health-Promoting Lifestyle Factors Among Opioid-Dependent Patients: A Scoping Review

Abstract The health deficits of individuals with opioid use disorders have received considerable attention, especially in the context of risky behaviors, injection drug use, and HIV infection. Health-promoting behaviors and lifestyles play an important role in influencing numerous diseases in today’s world, including substance use disorders. The present review aimed to report on the health-promoting lifestyle factors among patients with opioid dependence. A literature search was done from May to June 2023, covering 30 years, and focused on English-language peer-reviewed journals in PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, and Medknow. An electronic search was used for specific keywords related to opioids and health-promoting behaviors. Data extraction was done according to health-promoting lifestyle dimensions enunciated by Walker: Physical activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, stress management, health responsibility, and interpersonal relations.

Communication technologies in older people’s long-distance family relationships, and the impact on isolation and loneliness

ABSTRACT The concept ‘performance expectancy’ is used to theorize about older people’s day-to-day use of technology mediated communication (telephone, text/emails and video calls) in family relationships and the impact on social isolation and loneliness. Using theoretical and methodological triangulation six mediation models are conceptualized, followed by empirical validation using a nationally representative dataset of older people (≥ 65 years) living in Wales, UK (N = 2,099). The results reveal that frequency of telephone and video calls mediate the relationship between proximity of family and social isolation, and telephone calls mediate the relationship with loneliness. Text/emails have no significant mediating effect. Qualitative data analysis provides a deeper understanding of conditions that facilitate technology mediated communication. Demonstrating the impact of lifecourse habits, social context and environment on technology mediated communication shifts the focus from individual deficits to other reasons for non-adoption. Understanding the link between the individual, the social-cultural and social structural environment, social interaction, and loneliness requires an understanding of what is important to older people. For example, knowledge concerning the role of embodied presence in alleviating loneliness can be used to better understand the likelihood of implementing successful interventions.

Examination of eye movements during visual scanning of real-world images in Alzheimer's disease and amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Available evidence shows that Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients display inefficiencies in visual scanning of their surroundings, directing their attention towards non-relevant aspects of scenes. Not much is known about eye movements during visual scanning in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Notably, a consensus has yet to be reached on this issue. Furthermore, prior research has indicated the existence of visual attention deficits in individuals diagnosed with AD and aMCI. The objective of this study was to examine the visual scanning patterns of individuals diagnosed with AD, aMCI, and healthy controls (HC) when viewing various scenes. Thirty patients with AD, 32 aMCI, and 32 HC were included in the study. A set of 30 real-life scene images were presented to the participants in the visual scanning task. Participants' eye events were monitored using the EyeLink 1000 Plus in this task. The results indicate a significant reduction in total fixation duration, number of scanned areas, fixation counts, and saccade counts in AD as compared to those with aMCI and HC. The research did not reveal any significant statistical differences in eye parameters between the aMCI and HC groups. This study found abnormalities in visual scanning in AD compared to aMCI and HC. Visual scanning patterns of aMCI patients were not different from HC. Previous studies have specifically shown visual attention difficulties in AD and MCI. Our findings may be related to visual attention difficulties in AD. In addition, this study is the first to examine visual scanning behaviour with real-world images in AD and aMCI.

Developing and validating an online situational judgment test on the stress coping competence of nursing apprentices

Converging evidence of high stress levels in the nursing profession as well as their detrimental effects on the execution of nursing actions, quality indicators of care, and self-reported job satisfaction justify the need for test environments that assess stress coping competences in dealing with domain-specific stress factors. Reliable and valid information on the test takers’ stress coping competence can help to identify individual deficits and supportive needs and thus, to design training measures that may contribute to job retention and a skilled workforce. This article describes the development and validation of a digital assessment that ensures authenticity by means of video-based situational judgement tests. Analyses of the performance data were conducted in four steps: (1) the scaling of the data with a partial credit model in order to identify items that are subject to measurement error, (2) differential-item-function analyses for different specializations in nursing education, (3) dimensionality tests, and (4) correlations between test performance and perceived psychological work stress in order to gauge criterion validity. The total sample consisted of n = 300 German nursing apprentices. The results show that the developed test instrument can be used for a reliable and valid measurement of coping skills of (prospective) nurses, covering two essential dimensions. Limitations of the current study and related objectives of future research are discussed together with questions of practical applicability.