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Interest in the psychology of misinformation has exploded in recent years. Despite ample research, to date there is no validated framework to measure misinformation susceptibility. Therefore, we introduce Verification done, a nuanced interpretation schema and assessment tool that simultaneously considers Veracity discernment, and its distinct, measurable abilities (real/fake news detection), and biases (distrust/naïvité-negative/positive judgment bias). We then conduct three studies with seven independent samples (Ntotal = 8504) to show how to develop, validate, and apply the Misinformation Susceptibility Test (MIST). In Study 1 (N = 409) we use a neural network language model to generate items, and use three psychometric methods-factor analysis, item response theory, and exploratory graph analysis-to create the MIST-20 (20 items; completion time < 2 minutes), the MIST-16 (16 items; < 2 minutes), and the MIST-8 (8 items; < 1 minute). In Study 2 (N = 7674) we confirm the internal and predictive validity of the MIST in five national quota samples (US, UK), across 2 years, from three different sampling platforms-Respondi, CloudResearch, and Prolific. We also explore the MIST's nomological net and generate age-, region-, and country-specific norm tables. In Study 3 (N = 421) we demonstrate how the MIST-in conjunction with Verification done-can provide novel insights on existing psychological interventions, thereby advancing theory development. Finally, we outline the versatile implementations of the MIST as a screening tool, covariate, and intervention evaluation framework. As all methods are transparently reported and detailed, this work will allow other researchers to create similar scales or adapt them for any population of interest.
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Comunicação , Julgamento , Humanos , Psicometria/métodos , Idioma , Análise FatorialRESUMO
The Gateway Belief Model (GBM) places perception of a scientific consensus as a key "gateway cognition" with cascading effects on personal beliefs, concern, and ultimately support for public policies. However, few studies seeking to evaluate and extend the model have followed the specification and design of the GBM as originally outlined. We present a more complete test of the theoretical model in a novel domain: the COVID-19 pandemic. In a large multi-country correlational study (N = 7,206) we report that, as hypothesized by the model, perceptions of scientific consensus regarding the threat of COVID-19 predict personal attitudes toward threat and worry over the virus, which are in turn positively associated with support for mitigation policies. We also find causal support for the model in a large pre-registered survey experiment (N = 1,856): experimentally induced increases in perceived consensus have an indirect effect on changes in policy support mediated via changes in personal agreement with the consensus. Implications for the role of expert consensus in science communication are discussed.
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Despite calls for political consensus, there is growing evidence that the public response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been politicized in the US. We examined the extent to which this polarization exists among the US public across two national studies. In a representative US sample (N = 699, March 2020) we find that liberals (compared to conservatives) perceive higher risk, place less trust in politicians to handle the pandemic, are more trusting of medical experts such as the WHO, and are more critical of the government response. We replicate these results in a second, pre-registered study (N = 1000; April 2020), and find that results are similar when considering partisanship, rather than political ideology. In both studies we also find evidence that political polarization extends beyond attitudes, with liberals consistently reporting engaging in a significantly greater number of health protective behaviors (e.g., wearing face masks) than conservatives. We discuss the possible drivers of polarization on COVID-19 attitudes and behaviors, and reiterate the need for fostering bipartisan consensus to effectively address and manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Electrochemical oxidation of carbonate esters at the Li(x)Ni(0.5)Mn(1.5)O(4-δ)/electrolyte interface results in Ni/Mn dissolution and surface film formation, which negatively affect the electrochemical performance of Li-ion batteries. Ex situ X-ray absorption (XRF/XANES), Raman, and fluorescence spectroscopy, along with imaging of Li(x)Ni(0.5)Mn(1.5)O(4-δ) positive and graphite negative electrodes from tested Li-ion batteries, reveal the formation of a variety of Mn(II/III) and Ni(II) complexes with ß-diketonate ligands. These metal complexes, which are generated upon anodic oxidation of ethyl and diethyl carbonates at Li(x)Ni(0.5)Mn(1.5)O(4-δ), form a surface film that partially dissolves in the electrolyte. The dissolved Mn(III) complexes are reduced to their Mn(II) analogues, which are incorporated into the solid electrolyte interphase surface layer at the graphite negative electrode. This work elucidates possible reaction pathways and evaluates their implications for Li(+) transport kinetics in Li-ion batteries.
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INTRODUCTION: Spinal arachnoid cysts are an infrequently reported cause of abdominal pain in children. In this report, we describe the unusual case of an extradural arachnoid cyst presenting as recurrent abdominal pain in a pediatric patient without any signs of cord or nerve root compression. CASE REPORT: A 14-year-old girl with recurrent abdominal pain as the only symptom of a spinal extradural arachnoid cyst is reported. The patient was incidentally diagnosed with an intraspinal mass on abdominal computed tomography (CT) during the course of investigating her abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging confirmed the diagnosis of a T11-L2 extradural arachnoid cyst. After resection of the T11-L2 arachnoid cyst, the patient's abdominal pain resolved. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing abdominal pain as the sole presenting feature of a spinal arachnoid cyst in the pediatric population. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates that abdominal pain may be the first and only presentation of spinal arachnoid cysts in children. Spinal pathology should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained abdominal pain, even when there are no other symptoms of spinal disease.
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Dor Abdominal/fisiopatologia , Cistos Aracnóideos/complicações , Cistos Aracnóideos/cirurgia , Laminectomia/métodos , Doenças da Medula Espinal/cirurgia , Adolescente , Feminino , Humanos , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Doenças da Medula Espinal/complicaçõesRESUMO
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate long-term outcomes after selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) for children with spastic cerebral palsy. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of a prospective database of patients who underwent SDR at British Columbia Children's Hospital. Hip adductor spasticity, hip range of motion (ROM), quadriceps strength, and motor function were assessed pre-operatively, at 6 months to 5 years and more than 10 years postoperatively. Patients were stratified by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level into group 1 (GMFCS II and III) and group 2 (GMFCS IV and V). RESULTS: Forty-four patients, with mean age at SDR of 4.5 years (range 2.9-7.7), were followed for a mean 14.4 years. Spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale) decreased 1.5 (p < 0.0001) by early postoperative evaluation with further decrease at late evaluation of 0.8 (p < 0.0001). Early improvement in hip ROM of 13.7 degrees (p < 0.0001) was not sustained at late assessment. Motor function improved in both groups at early assessment but was only sustained in group 1. Group 1 increased 10.0 points (p < 0.0001) at early evaluation with subsequent decrease of 3.5, resulting in an overall increase of 6.6 (p = 0.04) from baseline. Group 2 patients had an initial increase of 8.3 [2.0, 14.6] (p = 0.01) but then declined to 4.9 below baseline (p = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: SDR yields durable reduction in spasticity after 10 years. Early improvements in motor function are present, but at long-term follow-up, these improvements were attenuated in GMFCS II and III and were not sustained in GMFCS IV and V.
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Paralisia Cerebral/cirurgia , Rizotomia/métodos , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Estudos Longitudinais , Masculino , Força Muscular , Amplitude de Movimento Articular , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Stories have been shown to be engaging and aid the comprehension and retention of information. However, the persuasive power of storytelling is well-recognized. Is this an inherent property? Can a narrative be constructed that helps people engage with information but does not persuade them? We presented participants (n = 1309) with information about a fictional new drug and asked them whether they would license it on the basis of this. All saw the same information, in either a bullet-pointed list or as a 'process narrative'-a journalist's 'journey of discovery', designed to avoid persuasive language. Participants rated the narrative format a little more engaging than the non-narrative (p = 0.033, d = 0.12) and remembered the information in it slightly better (p = 0.040, d = 0.11). They did not rate the narrative version as more persuasive, but those reading it were on average more opposed to licensing the drug than those reading the non-narrative (p < 0.001, d = 0.18). Based on participants' responses to other questions, we speculate this may be owing to the increased salience of risks of the drug, arising from subtle differences in wording. Thus, while narratives may have useful properties, they must be carefully constructed to avoid unintentional effects.
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Social norms and financial incentives are both known to shape the decisions people make about prosocial actions. This paper reviews the financial incentives in normative systems (FINS) model, which integrates theories of social norms from communication, social psychology, and behavioral economics to predict relationships among incentives, norms, and behaviors. It addresses how incentives can affect norms and how they change the effects of norms on behaviors. The model shows how strategic communication (framing) of social norms and incentives can shape the way people respond to incentives, minimizing unwanted outcomes and even enhancing the effectiveness of behavioral incentive payments. These insights can guide hypothesis testing and application to real-world use of incentives for behavior change.
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Recent research has produced a significant body of knowledge about the antecedents and consequences of individual differences in belief in conspiracy theories. What is less clear, however, is the extent to which individuals' beliefs in conspiracy theories vary over time (i.e., within-person variation). In this descriptive and exploratory study, we therefore aimed to describe within-person variability in belief in conspiracy theories. We collected data from 498 Australians and New Zealanders using an online longitudinal survey, with data collected at monthly intervals over 6 months (March to September 2021). Our measure of conspiracy theories included items describing ten conspiracy theories with responses on a 5-point Likert scale. While there was substantial between-person variance, there was much less within-person variance (intraclass r = 0.91). This suggests that beliefs in conspiracy theories were highly stable in our sample. This stability implies that longitudinal studies testing hypotheses about the causes and consequences of belief in conspiracy theories may require large samples of participants and time points to achieve adequate power. It also implies that explanations of belief in conspiracy theories need to accommodate the observation that beliefs in such theories vary much more between people than within people.
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População Australasiana , Individualidade , Política , Humanos , AustráliaRESUMO
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) ranks among the deadliest types of cancer and given these new therapies are urgently needed. To identify molecular targets, we queried a microarray profiling 467 human GBMs and discovered that polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) was highly expressed in these tumors and that it clustered with the proliferative subtype. Patients with PLK1-high tumors were more likely to die from their disease suggesting that current therapies are inactive against such tumors. This prompted us to examine its expression in brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) given their association with treatment failure. BTICs isolated from patients expressed 110-470 times more PLK1 than normal human astrocytes. Moreover, BTICs rely on PLK1 for survival because the PLK1 inhibitor BI2536 inhibited their growth in tumorsphere cultures. PLK1 inhibition suppressed growth, caused G(2) /M arrest, induced apoptosis, and reduced the expression of SOX2, a marker of neural stem cells, in SF188 cells. Consistent with SOX2 inhibition, the loss of PLK1 activity caused the cells to differentiate based on elevated levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein and changes in cellular morphology. We then knocked glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) down SOX2 with siRNA and showed that it too inhibited cell growth and induced cell death. Likewise, in U251 cells, PLK1 inhibition suppressed cell growth, downregulated SOX2, and induced cell death. Furthermore, BI2536 delayed tumor growth of U251 cells in an orthotopic brain tumor model, demonstrating that the drug is active against GBM. In conclusion, PLK1 level is elevated in GBM and its inhibition restricts the growth of brain cancer cells.
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Neoplasias Encefálicas/tratamento farmacológico , Proteínas de Ciclo Celular/antagonistas & inibidores , Glioblastoma/tratamento farmacológico , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinases/antagonistas & inibidores , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas/antagonistas & inibidores , Pteridinas/farmacologia , Fatores de Transcrição SOXB1/deficiência , Animais , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Neoplasias Encefálicas/enzimologia , Neoplasias Encefálicas/genética , Neoplasias Encefálicas/patologia , Proteínas de Ciclo Celular/genética , Proteínas de Ciclo Celular/metabolismo , Processos de Crescimento Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Progressão da Doença , Glioblastoma/enzimologia , Glioblastoma/genética , Glioblastoma/patologia , Humanos , Camundongos , Terapia de Alvo Molecular , Células-Tronco Neurais , Inibidores de Proteínas Quinases/farmacologia , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinases/genética , Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinases/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição SOXB1/genética , Fatores de Transcrição SOXB1/metabolismo , Análise de Sobrevida , Transfecção , Quinase 1 Polo-LikeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Review of children with low-grade cerebellar astrocytoma (LGCA) prior to 1992 showed a 98% rate of gross total resection (GTR) but a concerning incidence of permanent neurological dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of GTR of LGCA since 1992 and frequency of neurologic injury. METHODS: Retrospective review of children with LGCA was performed. CT/MR scans were rereviewed to assess extent of resection. Primary outcomes included incidence of GTR and incidence of permanent new neurological deficits. Other outcomes included late effects severity score (LESS), Bloom score for functional status, and educational assessment. RESULTS: Of 50 LGCA, GTR was achieved in 38 (76%) compared to 43 of 44 (98%) prior to 1992 (p < 0.004). Permanent new neurologic deficits from surgery occurred in 16% compared to 18% in the prior era (p = 0.61). For 35 patients operated on by the 2 surgeons in the prior study, 74% had GTR, with permanent neurological deficits in 8.6%. At latest follow-up, all patients were alive, 16% with residual tumor. LESS was two or less (mild or no deficit) in 94%. Bloom score was one or two (no or mild disability) in 90%. Eighty-six percent attended normal school. CONCLUSIONS: Less aggressive resection of LGCA in children may reduce postoperative neurologic deficits in the hands of the same surgeons as in the prior study but not overall at our institution. The good long-term outcomes suggest that it may be appropriate to do incomplete resection rather than risk additional neurological deficit.
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Astrocitoma/mortalidade , Astrocitoma/cirurgia , Neoplasias Cerebelares/mortalidade , Neoplasias Cerebelares/cirurgia , Procedimentos Neurocirúrgicos/métodos , Adolescente , Astrocitoma/complicações , Neoplasias Cerebelares/complicações , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Intervalo Livre de Doença , Feminino , Humanos , Lactente , Estimativa de Kaplan-Meier , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética , Masculino , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso/diagnóstico , Doenças do Sistema Nervoso/etiologia , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/fisiopatologia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Uncertainty around statistics is inevitable. However, communicators of uncertain statistics, particularly in high-stakes and potentially political circumstances, may be concerned that presenting uncertainties could undermine the perceived trustworthiness of the information or its source. In a large survey experiment (Study 1; N = 10 519), we report that communicating uncertainty around present COVID-19 statistics in the form of a numeric range (versus no uncertainty) may lead to slightly lower perceived trustworthiness of the number presented but has no impact on perceived trustworthiness of the source of the information. We also show that this minimal impact of numeric uncertainty on trustworthiness is also present when communicating future, projected COVID-19 statistics (Study 2; N = 2,309). Conversely, we find statements about the mere existence of uncertainty, without quantification, can reduce both perceived trustworthiness of the numbers and of their source. Our findings add to others suggesting that communicators can be transparent about statistical uncertainty without undermining their credibility as a source but should endeavour to provide a quantification, such as a numeric range, where possible.
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In this article we review the COVID-19 pandemic experience in Aotearoa New Zealand and consider the optimal ongoing response strategy. We note that this pandemic virus looks likely to result in future waves of infection that diminish in size over time, depending on such factors as viral evolution and population immunity. However, the burden of disease remains high with thousands of infections, hundreds of hospitalisations and tens of deaths each week, and an unknown burden of long-term illness (long COVID). Alongside this there is a considerable burden from other important respiratory illnesses, including influenza and RSV, that needs more attention. Given this impact and the associated health inequities, particularly for Maori and Pacific Peoples, we consider that an ongoing respiratory disease mitigation strategy is appropriate for New Zealand. As such, the previously described "vaccines plus" approach (involving vaccination and public health and social measures), should now be integrated with the surveillance and control of other important respiratory infections. Now is also a time for New Zealand to build on the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance preparedness nationally and internationally. New Zealand's experience suggests elimination (or ideally exclusion) should be the default first choice for future pandemics of sufficient severity.
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COVID-19 , Humanos , COVID-19/epidemiologia , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Nova Zelândia/epidemiologia , Síndrome de COVID-19 Pós-Aguda , Pandemias/prevenção & controle , Povo MaoriRESUMO
A series of divalent first row triflate complexes supported by the ligand tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA) have been investigated as oxygen reduction catalysts for fuel cell applications. [(TPA)M(2+)](n+) (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) derivatives were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry, NMR spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility, IR spectroscopy, and conductance measurements. The stoichiometric and electrochemical O(2) reactivities of the series were examined. Rotating-ring disk electrode (RRDE) voltammetry was used to examine the catalytic activity of the complexes on a carbon support in acidic media, emulating fuel cell performance. The iron complex displayed a selectivity of 89% for four-electron conversion and demonstrated the fastest reaction kinetics, as determined by a kinetic current of 7.6 mA. Additionally, the Mn, Co, and Cu complexes all showed selective four-electron oxygen reduction (<28% H(2)O(2)) at onset potentials (~0.44 V vs RHE) comparable to state of the art molecular catalysts, while being straightforward to access synthetically and derived from nonprecious metals.
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Fontes de Energia Elétrica , Compostos Organometálicos/química , Oxigênio/química , Piridinas/química , Elementos de Transição/química , Carbono/química , Eletroquímica , Polímeros de Fluorcarboneto/químicaRESUMO
Does clear and transparent communication of risks, benefits, and uncertainties increase or undermine public trust in scientific information that people use to guide their decision-making? We examined the impact of reframing messages written in traditional persuasive style to align instead with recent "evidence communication" principles, aiming to inform decision-making: communicating a balance of risks and benefits, disclosing uncertainties and evidence quality, and prebunking misperceptions. In two pre-registered experiments, UK participants read either a persuasive message or a balanced and informative message adhering to evidence communication recommendations about COVID-19 vaccines (Study 1) or nuclear power plants (Study 2). We find that balanced messages are either perceived as trustworthy as persuasive messages (Study 1), or more so (Study 2). However, we note a moderating role of prior beliefs such that balanced messages were consistently perceived as more trustworthy among those with negative or neutral prior beliefs about the message content. We furthermore note that participants who had read the persuasive message on nuclear power plants voiced significantly stronger support for nuclear power than those who had read the balanced message, despite rating the information as less trustworthy. There was no difference in vaccination intentions between groups reading the different vaccine messages.
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Patients undergoing cochlear implant after prior radical mastoidectomy are at increased risk of device infection requiring device explant. Various techniques including two-stage operations have been used. We report the novel technique with use of a vascularized fascia lata free flap for a patient undergoing cochlear implantation with radical mastoidectomy.
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A notable challenge of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been public scepticism over the severity of the disease, or even its existence. Such scepticism is politically skewed in the USA, with conservatives more likely to downplay or deny the risks of the virus. However, the hospitalization of President Trump with COVID-19 in October 2020 served as a high-profile exemplar of the reality and risks of the virus, and as such may have influenced opinions, particularly for US conservatives. We investigate whether President Trump testing positive was associated with changes in public attitudes towards the virus. In two studies, we surveyed independent representative US samples before and after the announcement of Trump's illness. In Study 1, measuring risk perceptions of the virus, we find that participants surveyed before and after the announcement did not differ in their risk perception regardless of political orientation. In Study 2, measuring belief that the virus is a hoax, we find that among those on the far right of the political spectrum, hoax belief was lower for those surveyed after the announcement, suggesting that Trump's hospitalization may have affected the beliefs of those most receptive to the President's earlier suggestions that the virus might be a hoax.
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A substantial minority of the public express belief in conspiracy theories. A robust phenomenon in this area is that people who believe one conspiracy theory are more likely to believe in others. But the reason for this "positive manifold" of belief in conspiracy theories is unclear. One possibility is that a single underlying latent factor (e.g. "conspiracism") causes variation in belief in specific conspiracy theories. Another possibility is that beliefs in various conspiracy theories support one another in a mutually reinforcing network of beliefs (the "monological belief system" theory). While the monological theory has been influential in the literature, the fact that it can be operationalised as a statistical network model has not previously been recognised. In this study, we therefore tested both the unidimensional factor model and a network model. Participants were 1553 American adults recruited via Prolific. Belief in conspiracies was measured using an adapted version of the Belief in Conspiracy Theories Inventory. The fit of the two competing models was evaluated both by using van Bork et al.'s (Psychometrika, 83, 2018, 443, Multivariate Behavioral Research, 56, 2019, 175) method for testing network versus unidimensional factor models, as well as by evaluating goodness of fit to the sample covariance matrix. In both cases, evaluation of fit according to our pre-registered inferential criteria favoured the network model.
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Delusões , Política , Adulto , Delusões/psicologia , Processos Grupais , Humanos , Personalidade , Autoimagem , Estados UnidosRESUMO
OBJECT: The natural history of syringomyelia in pediatric patients remains uncertain. Although symptomatic and operative cases of syringomyelia are well studied, there are fewer articles in the literature on the nonoperative syrinx and its clinical and radiological course. The purpose of this research was to analyze the natural history of untreated syringomyelia in pediatric patients presenting with minimal neurological symptoms. METHODS: A review of the neurosurgery database at British Columbia's Children's Hospital identified all pediatric patients (< 18 years of age) with syringes identified on MR imaging. Patients were included in this study if they had at least 2 MR images of the spine, at least 1 year apart, while receiving nonoperative treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine changes in the size of the syrinx over time. Clinic notes were analyzed to establish demographic and clinical features and to determine any clinical changes over time. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients were included in the study. Symptoms at presentation were often mild and included limb numbness (3 cases), headaches (2 cases), mild sensory deficits (2 cases), mild motor deficits (3 cases), and intermittent incontinence (7 cases). The consultant neurosurgeon believed that the syrinx was not contributing to the symptoms in these 17 patients. The syrinx either remained unchanged (7 cases) or diminished in size (8 cases) in a total of 15 patients (88%). In the remaining 2 patients the authors noted an increase in syrinx size, in 1 of whom the clinical course also worsened. Both of these patients had a Chiari malformation and subsequently underwent craniocervical decompression. Overall, the mean change was -0.7 mm of maximal axial diameter (range -2.6 to +2.7 mm). Sixteen patients (94%) exhibited no worsening of symptoms over time. CONCLUSIONS: Syringomyelia often remains stable in patients receiving nonoperative treatment. However, given that 2 (12%) of 17 syringes in this series enlarged, it is likely appropriate to include periodic imaging in the follow-up of these cases.