Examining cognitive behavioral therapy interventions for unaccompanied minors: a systematic review and qualitative research synthesis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review examined the evidence on effectiveness and acceptability of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) interventions in improving quality of life (QoL) and psychological well-being of unaccompanied minors (UM). METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, and Open Dissertations databases were used to identify quantitative and qualitative studies. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) and Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tools were used for quality assessment. Narrative synthesis and qualitative research synthesis were carried out to collate the findings. RESULTS: 18 studies were included. Two studies examined QoL, and five studies examined acceptability of interventions. Most quantitative studies (n = 10) were appraised as methodologically weak. Trauma-Focused CBT appears to have the most evidence demonstrating effectiveness in ameliorating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Promising findings (i.e., increased mindfulness and psychological flexibility) were observed for third wave interventions but further replication is required. CONCLUSIONS: The literature is tainted by under-powered studies, lacking blinding, and follow-up assessments. Female UM remain largely underrepresented. This review calls for a drastic augmentation of high quality quantitative and qualitative research focusing on augmenting QoL and examining acceptability rather than merely aiming for psychological symptom reduction in UM to enhance overall well-being and functionality. The research protocol was registered in PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42021293881).

Your phrases matter: Third waves in research approaches and new contexts for formulaic language.

BACKGROUND: This study reports on new contexts in which formulaic language has been used in the years since 2013 when the last synthesis was carried out. The background presents an old but still useful definition and lists themes under which research was arranged in 2013 and which continue to be used. AIMS: This study has a particular emphasis on the relevance of formulaic language to people living with dementia. METHODS: Section 3, identifying new directions, reviews new 'third waves' of research priorities in several fields in which formulaic sequences play a major role, including sociolinguistic variation, corpus-based and corpus-driven analyses, pragmatics, human-computer interaction, and psycholinguistics, all of which are relevant to speech-language therapists. Section 4, outreach and expansions, illustrates new contributions from cognitively impaired person-to-person exchanges in online environments, recent examinations of infant- and pet-directed speech incorporating formulaic language, and online graphic explorations such as emojis. Section 5 focuses on growth of research in theoretical and clinical applications by Van Lancker Sidtis, as illustrated by references to her recent work. MAIN CONTRIBUTION: The paper's main contribution is to summarize the work on formulaic language over the last 10 years, to indicate its continued importance and relevance in ordinary conversation, and especially in allowing people living with dementia to continue to interact with others. CONCLUSION: The paper concludes by suggesting that more focus be placed on the analysis of formulaic language with an emphasis on its relevance for speech-language therapists and other clinicians. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject Research has been growing since the late 1970s and early 1980s on non-propositional language (as opposed at that time to the Chomskyan paradigm) and especially on lexical bundles, idioms, second language acquisition and multiword expressions. Studies beginning with Hughlings Jackson (1874) have been annotated through early 2012 (Wray, 2013). What this study adds This study examines 'third waves' in pragmatics, sociolinguistics and areas of neurology and speech perception contributing to what Van Lancker Sidtis (2021) calls the third wave of acceptance of the range and depth of formulaic sequences in ordinary or familiar language. What are the clinical implications of this work? Conversations with pet robots or web-based composition with emojis are but two of the developing areas built on formulaic sequences currently being used for communication interventions with persons living with dementia or other major neurocognitive disorder. Overviews of major contributions in theory and social contexts by Wray (2020, 2021) and theoretical and cognitive applications by Van Lancker Sidtis (2021) detail new areas for the study of formulaic sequences and their contributions to a range of neurocognitive disorders.

The effectiveness of third wave cognitive behavioural therapies for children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Third wave cognitive behavioural therapies are increasingly used with children and adolescents. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of four third-wave interventions (acceptance and commitment therapy, compassion focused therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and metacognitive therapy) for youth. METHODS: Four electronic databases were used to identify randomized controlled trials, which tested effects related to health, well-being and functioning. Sensitivity analyses considering study quality were conducted and moderators were explored. RESULTS: The results based on 50 RCTs meeting inclusion criteria indicated emotional symptoms/internalizing problems (g = -.68, 95% CI -.98 to -.37, k = 43, N = 3265), behavioural difficulties/externalizing problems (g = -.62, 95% CI -1.01 to -.22, k = 23, N = 1659), interference from difficulties (g = -.46, 95% CI -.87 to -.05, k = 21, N = 1786), third wave processes (g = .39, 95% CI .17 to .62, k = 22, N = 1900), wellbeing/flourishing (g = .76, 95% CI .35 to 1.17, k = 21, N = 1303) and physical health/pain (g = .72, 95% CI .01 to 1.44, k = 9, N = 1171) yielded significant effects. Effect for quality of life (g = .62, 95% CI -.08 to 1.31, k = 12, N = 1271) was non-significant. When analysing only those studies rated moderate-high quality, third wave interventions yielded significant superiority effects compared to controls for emotional symptoms/internalizing problems (g = -.55, 95% CI -.82 to -.27, k = 28, N = 2110), interference from difficulties (g = -.48, 95% CI -.90 to -.05, k = 21, N = 1605), third wave processes (g = .27, 95% CI .11 to .43, k = 18, N = 1692), well-being/flourishing (g = .50, 95% CI .18 to .81, k = 16, N = 1063), and quality of life (g = .32, 95% CI .04 to .60, k = 10, N = 1212). Behavioural difficulties/externalizing problems (g = -.38, 95% CI -.86 to .10, k = 15, N = 1351) and physical health/pain (g = .52, 95% CI -.14 to 1.17, k = 8, N = 1139) ceased to be significant. Widespread heterogeneity raised concerns about generalizability and follow-up data was relatively sparse. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis finds promising results for use of third wave CBT with youth, though the review has limitations.

Meditation, mindfulness, and acceptance methods in psychotherapy: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: : Meditation, mindfulness, and acceptance (MMA) methods have gained popularity among psychotherapists and the public. The impact of these strategies as implemented in treatment packages (e.g., mindfulness-based interventions) has been studied extensively. However, the impact of integrating MMA strategies into individual psychotherapy has not been established. METHODS: : To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a systematic review of empirical (quantitative or qualitative) studies investigating the use of MMA methods during individual psychotherapy in adult samples. RESULTS: : After reviewing 4671 references, only three studies (one quantitative, two qualitative) met our inclusion criteria. The one experimental study (n = 162) provided no evidence that including mindfulness meditation improved outcomes beyond other active interventions (ds = 0.00-0.12 for effects on general clinical symptoms vs. progressive muscle relaxation and treatment-as-usual, respectively). Two qualitative studies (n = 5 therapist-patient dyads in one study, n = 9 adults in one study) provided preliminary evidence that patients may find MMA methods helpful. CONCLUSIONS: : We highlight future directions for work in this area, including clarifying optimal dosage and timing, identifying patient characteristics associated with beneficial or adverse effects, investigating cultural adaptations, and clarifying how MMA constructs can be measured within individual psychotherapy. We conclude by highlighting training recommendations and therapeutic practices.

Adults with intellectual disabilities and third-wave therapies: A systematic review and meta-ethnography.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, third-wave therapies have risen to prominence. Research into adapting and evaluating third-wave therapies for adults with intellectual disabilities has identified that third-wave therapies are accessible, acceptable, and effective (improving a range of symptoms and skills). METHOD: This meta-ethnography followed Noblit and Hare's approach to synthesising findings from qualitative studies to examine how adults with intellectual disabilities experience third-wave therapy groups. A systematic review of three databases identified 13 studies that met our inclusion criteria. RESULTS: We identified that third-wave therapy groups can be a 'Transformational' process for adults with intellectual disabilities that involves three stages: 'Concealment', 'Opening up' and 'Flourishing'. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the importance of therapeutic processes; especially, working with defences, and developing and maintaining safety/trust. Recommendations include the development of an objective measure of group safety/trust.

How to target disturbed identity in borderline patients? Self-identification program: A case study.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe and relatively prevalent psychiatric disorder, responsible for high rates of suicidal behaviors. Disturbed identity appears as at the very core of this disorder, being inter-related with all other BPD features. Notably, from a dimensional perspective on mental disorders, one should realize that it is from our usual self-representation that we live all our daily experiences. Then, if the understanding of self-concept (or identity) is impaired, all the interventions implemented to decrease the self's suffering will subsequently be impaired. The purpose of the present case study was to illustrate the nine identity diffusion categories described by Jørgensen & Bøye (2022) and how the level of identity function can be improved in a third-wave cognitive and behavioral therapy targeting progressive correct self-identification.

The Efficacy of a Smartphone-Based App on Stress Reduction: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Stress management in the workplace is essential for a healthy mental and physical state. Due to technological advancements, individually tailored therapy and online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are on the rise. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the efficacy of a smartphone app based on third-wave CBT tailored to an individual. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 126 participants who were divided into 2 groups. The intervention group used the smartphone app BetterLife for 10 weeks, while the control group was placed on a waiting list for the same duration. The Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS), Korean Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-9 (UWES), World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administered at baseline and after 10 weeks to both groups. RESULTS: Of the 126 participants, 11 dropped out during the trial. A 2-way repeated measure analysis of covariance was conducted, controlling for baseline BDI. There were greater improvements in PSS (F=24.33, P<.001, η2=0.17) and UWESK scores (F=8.32, P=.0046, η2=0.06) in the intervention group than in the control group. WHOQOL scores exhibited statistically significant improvement in the intervention group in the overall quality of life (F=8.19, P=.0049, η2=0.06), physical health (F=8.87, P=.003, η2=0.07), psychological health (F=13.32, P<.001, η2=0.10), social relationships (F=19.43, P<.001, η2=0.14), and environmental domains (F=10.14, P=.002, η2=0.08) but not overall health (F=1.68, P=.20). BDI (F=7.17, P=.008, η2=0.06) and BAI (F=6.00, P=.02, η2=0.05) showed a statistically significant improvement in the intervention group, but this significance did not survive the Bonferroni correction (P<.005). CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence that smartphone-based CBT is a viable option for reducing stress in the workplace. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service KCT0003231; https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/15137.

Sexual orientation, gender: Where is the problem? Nowhere! Correct self-identification and minority stigma.

PURPOSE: Self-concept, at the core of minority stress, is associated with negative mental health outcomes. METHODS: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of a one-shot third-wave CBT intervention targeting correct self-identification to address suffering related to minority stress. The study population included 172 participants (n = 98 heterosexuals, n=13 transgenders). The intervention consisted of a 90 minutes conference including overview of LGBT's suffering related to distal and proximal factors, a wisdom understanding of the root of suffering (mistaken self-identification) followed by a Questions & Answers session. Participants completed online self-questionnaires assessing sociodemographic data, acceptance by others (external) and oneself (internal) for sexual orientation and gender variables before the conference, immediately after the conference, and three months later. RESULTS: The conference helped to improve external acceptance of transgender for the whole sample, especially among the majority group. Those belonging to the minority (LGBT) had a positive benefit from the conference by reducing their fear of judgment. Adding a Q&A session to the conference failed to show any additional benefits. CONCLUSION: A specific wisdom-based self-identification conference appears to be an effective and low-cost intervention to target minority stigma, and therefore mental health and social integration of LGBT people.

Plausibility of a third wave of COVID-19 in India: A mathematical modelling based analysis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: In the context of India's ongoing resurgence of COVID-19 (second wave since mid-February 2021, following the subsiding of the first wave in September 2020), there has been increasing speculation on the possibility of a future third wave of infection, posing a burden on the healthcare system. Using simple mathematical models of the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2, this study examined the conditions under which a serious third wave could occur. METHODS: Using a deterministic, compartmental model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, four potential mechanisms for a third wave were examined: (i) waning immunity restores previously exposed individuals to a susceptible state, (ii) emergence of a new viral variant that is capable of escaping immunity to previously circulating strains, (iii) emergence of a new viral variant that is more transmissible than the previously circulating strains, and (iv) release of current lockdowns affording fresh opportunities for transmission. RESULTS: Immune-mediated mechanisms (waning immunity, or viral evolution for immune escape) are unlikely to drive a severe third wave if acting on their own, unless such mechanisms lead to a complete loss of protection among those previously exposed. Likewise, a new, more transmissible variant would have to exceed a high threshold (R0>4.5) to cause a third wave on its own. However, plausible mechanisms for a third wave include: (i) a new variant that is more transmissible and at the same time capable of escaping prior immunity, and (ii) lockdowns that are highly effective in limiting transmission and subsequently released. In both cases, any third wave seems unlikely to be as severe as the second wave. Rapid scale-up of vaccination efforts could play an important role in mitigating these and future waves of the disease. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates plausible mechanisms by which a substantial third wave could occur, while also illustrating that it is unlikely for any such resurgence to be as large as the second wave. Model projections are, however, subject to several uncertainties, and it remains important to scale up vaccination coverage to mitigate against any eventuality. Preparedness planning for any potential future wave will benefit by drawing upon the projected numbers based on the present modelling exercise.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in Children and Adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness interventions have demonstrated improvement in depression, anxiety, and glycemic control. We assessed whether these treatment modalities have shown usefulness in adolescents with T2D or at risk for T2D. RECENT FINDINGS: Data are limited on the use of the abovementioned therapeutic interventions and include only adolescent girls at risk for T2D. CBT was as useful as health education sessions. At 1 year, greater decreases in depression, insulin resistance, and BMI were observed in girls randomized to mindfulness compared with CBT groups. Given the positive outcome of mindfulness intervention in adults and in adolescent girls at risk for T2D, future studies should involve males at risk for T2D, and adolescents diagnosed with T2D. Longer interventions and booster meetings for maintenance should be studied.

Unguided Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Many individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) do not receive professional treatment due to various idiosyncratic barriers. Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (iCBT) is increasingly used to narrow treatment gaps, but the efficacy of such interventions without guidance of therapists has not been well studied. This study evaluated the efficacy of an unguided iCBT that includes third-wave approaches for the treatment of OCD symptoms. METHODS: A total of 128 individuals with self-reported OCD symptoms were randomly allocated to either an intervention group (unguided iCBT) or to a care-as-usual (CAU) control group following an anonymous baseline assessment via an online survey. Eight weeks after inclusion, a reassessment was carried out online. The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale served as the primary outcome parameter for detecting symptom changes in the per-protocol sample with at least 60 minutes utilization. RESULTS: The iCBT group showed a significantly stronger reduction of OCD symptoms with a medium effect size (η²p = 0.06) compared with the control condition. This effect was moderated by the general frequency of Internet usage (η²p = 0.08); the more time per day users spent online, the less they benefited from the intervention. Secondary outcomes revealed (1) a medium effect size on self-esteem (η²p = 0.06); (2) no statistically significant effects on quality of life, depression symptoms, impulsivity, or social insecurity; and (3) good acceptability of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides evidence that unguided iCBT for OCD may be a viable option for individuals who experience treatment barriers. As non-compliance remains a challenge, this topic needs further research.

The influence of self-compassion on perceived responsibility and shame following acquired brain injury.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of perceived personal responsibility for an acquired ABI (ABI) on shame, and whether self-compassion moderates this relationship. We hypothesized that people who perceived themselves to be responsible for their injury would have high levels of shame and poorer recovery outcomes. RESEARCH DESIGN: A mixed-methods design was employed using both standardized measures and a series of open questions. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: 66 participants with ABI were included in the analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, multiple regression, and thematic analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Significant relationships were found between self-compassion, shame, anxiety, and depression, but perceived responsibility for ABI was not correlated with any examined variables. Due to issues with the measurement of responsibility, it was not possible to complete all proposed forms of analysis. The thematic analysis revealed the ways participants' injuries affected their perceived level of functioning, its consequences for sense of self, shame, and self-compassion. CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that people with ABI might experience shame with respect to the injury's impact on functioning. Study limitations and implications for providing therapeutic interventions such as Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy are discussed.

[Intervention focused on resources to reduce anxiety and depression disorders in cancer patients: A pilot study]. / Intervention centrée sur les ressources pour réduire les troubles anxieux et dépressifs chez les patients atteints de cancer : une étude pilote.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer, a widespread chronic disease, represented 400,000 diagnoses in France in 2017. The diagnoses as well as the treatments are a major source of stress for most patients concerned. Secondary effects may be painful and disturbing (pain, nausea, fatigue, loss of social and/or professional status, anxiety of death), and may lead to maladaptive coping strategies (avoidant coping), psychological inflexibility, anxiety, depression, and suicide risks which are twice as important as in the general population. Research in the field of psychotherapy for cancer patients represents an important international target, in particular in what concerns enhanced patient quality of life during and after treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, as well as adapted physical activity have shown promising results to enhance patients' quality of life at different stages of the process. However, results mainly show significant short-term effects and usually only for patients with high levels of anxiety and depression symptoms. With the development of third wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, more global interventions (not just aimed at anxiety and depression symptoms) have emerged. Research has underlined their efficacy on both symptom reduction (anxiety and depression) and quality of life enhancement through the development of more varied and adaptive responses to stressful situations. Positive psychology interventions, mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy have inspired third wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Emotional acceptance, mindful awareness of thoughts and emotions, and engaging in actions that are coherent with one's values all form part of the means by which these interventions may help patients to find ways to better adjust to their stressful situation. The results of the efficacy trials carried out using these approaches were mixed, and effects were mainly modest. Furthermore, most of the studies only tested one approach at a time, while each approach activated mechanisms, which can be useful for these patients. Hence, the aim of the current study was to test an integrative program based on classical second wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as on practices from the third wave of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. We aimed at carrying out a preliminary study assessing the potential effects of the program on cancer patients' anxiety, depression symptoms, well-being and psychological flexibility. METHOD: Sixteen cancer patients were enrolled in a second and third wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy workshop composed of six sessions. In-session practices were based on validated practices. Participants completed the following questionnaires before the first workshop (T1) and at the end of the sessions (T2) in order to assess anxiety, depression symptoms, well-being and psychological flexibility: HAD, WEMWBS, MPFI, AAQ-2. Qualitative data regarding acceptability were also collected at the end of the last session. RESULTS: Among the sixteen participants, nine women (mean age=56.1years old) completed the questionnaires seven of whom had breast cancer. The results of this preliminary study showed a significant pre-to-post reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms (P=0.017) as well as on certain dimensions of psychological flexibility: reduced "self as content" (P=0.011), and enhanced cognitive diffusion (P=0.018). Only marginal differences were found on other dimensions: reduced inaction (P=0.074) and experiential avoidance (P=0.089), and enhanced "self as context" (P=0.062). Content analysis showed (1) increased positive perceptions about experiences with more serenity, (2) positive attitudes towards self (self-compassion), (3) enhanced positive relationships, and (4) ability to accept negative affect. CONCLUSION: Patients' qualitative feedback highlighted the potential feasibility and adaptability of the program for this population. The results of this preliminary study show promising avenues for research in the field of cancer patients' adaptive coping enhancement as well as reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. This type of workshop can be considered as complementary to individual psychotherapies as they may tap into different mechanisms that help foster psychological flexibility as the group format enhances decentering processes. Further research avenues are proposed in order to assess the efficacy of such interventions in cancer patients compared to other types of interventions. Further research should also look into individual differences in order to orient patients towards practices that fit them best.

Meta-analysis of the effects of third-wave behavioural interventions on disordered eating and body image concerns: implications for eating disorder prevention.

Third-wave behavioural interventions are increasingly popular for treating and preventing mental health conditions. Recently, researchers have begun testing whether these interventions can effectively targeting eating disorder risk factors (disordered eating, body image concerns). This meta-analysis examined whether third-wave behavioural interventions (acceptance and commitment therapy; dialectical behaviour therapy; mindfulness-based interventions; compassion-focused therapy) show potential for being effective eating disorder prevention programs, by testing their effects on eating disorder risk factors in samples without an eating disorder. Twenty-four studies (13 randomized trials) were included. Most studies delivered selective prevention programs (i.e. participants who reported elevated risk factor). Third-wave interventions led to significant pre-post (g = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.43, 0.75) and follow-up (g = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.38, 1.28) improvements in disordered eating, and significant pre-post improvements in body image (g = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.13, 0.56). DBT-based interventions were associated with the largest effects. Third-wave interventions were also significantly more efficacious than wait-lists (g = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.09, 0.69) in reducing disordered eating, but did not differ to other interventions (g = 0.25; 95% CI = -0.06, 0.57). Preliminary evidence suggests that third-wave interventions may have a beneficial effect in ameliorating eating disorder risk.

Third-wave therapies and adults with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Third-wave therapies appear to produce positive outcomes for people without intellectual disabilities. This systematic review aimed to establish which third-wave therapies have been adapted for adults with intellectual disabilities and whether they produced positive outcomes. METHOD: Four databases were searched systematically (PsycINFO, Web of Science, MEDLINE and PubMed), yielding 1,395 results. Twenty studies (N = 109) met the present review's inclusion/exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Included studies used mindfulness-based approaches, dialectical behaviour therapy, compassion focused therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. Due to considerable heterogeneity in the designs and outcome measures used, a meta-analysis was not possible. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence indicated that third-wave therapies improved mental health symptoms for some and improved challenging/offending behaviour, smoking and mindfulness/acceptance skills for most. These findings must be interpreted with caution due to the low methodological quality of included studies. Future research should build on the current evidence base, using scientifically rigorous designs and standardized measures.

Psychedelics and the new behaviourism: considering the integration of third-wave behaviour therapies with psychedelic-assisted therapy.

This narrative review examines evidence related to the potential for third wave behaviour therapies to serve as adjuncts to psychedelic-assisted therapy. It identifies shared theoretical foundations for both approaches, and notes enhanced mindfulness, decentering, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance as common mechanisms of action. It also identifies potential targets for which both approaches have demonstrated therapeutic potential, including problematic substance use, self-directed and other-directed violence, and mood disorders. Based on these commonalities, there is a call for research on the potential integration of psychedelic-assisted therapy and third wave behaviour therapies including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy.

STS as science or politics?

In a recent editorial for this journal, Sergio Sismondo makes two claims. First, he states that STS bears no responsibility for the emergence of post-truth politics. Second, he claims that debates about the nature of expertise that take place within STS are irrelevant in this context. In contrast, we argue that, whether or not STS had a causal influence on the emergence of post-truth politics, there is a clear resonance between the two positions and that the current political climate makes the empirically informed and scientific analysis of expertise and the form of life of science more important than ever. We argue that treating the contribution of STS to these matters as essentially political rather than scientific surrenders any special role we have as experts on the organization and values of science and leaves STS as just one political actor among others.

Third Wave of Influenza A(H7N9) Virus from Poultry, Guangdong Province, China, 2014-2015.

Fourteen influenza A(H7N9) viruses were isolated from poultry or the environment in live poultry markets in Guangdong Province, China during 2014-2015. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all viruses were descended from viruses of the second wave of influenza A(H7N9) virus infections during 2013. These viruses can be divided into 2 branches.

Establishing veritocracy: Society, truth and science.

In the west, truth is being eroded by post-modernist ideas such as alternative facts. Once truth is no longer valued it is a short route through nationalistic populism to fascism. To combat this we need to establish the idea of 'veritocracy' as a form of government. A veritocracy is a democracy in which truth is so highly valued that promising to tell the truth will become a central feature of politicians' election manifestos feeding back the idea of veritocracy deeper into national culture. A proper understanding of the nature of science can support the idea of veritocracy. This proper understanding will not repeat the mythology of post-World War II philosophy and history of science, but will begin with the much more socially cognisant revolution in our understanding of science that began in the 1960s and 1970s. Nevertheless, a 'wave three' of science studies will justify science, not as a certainty-maker for policy, but as the way to bet in developing the best understanding of the observable world. The key is that science depends on moral truth in its attempts to develop correspondence truth. Science, like the law, should be a 'check and balance' in pluralist democracies and an object lesson in how to pursue truth in decision-making.

Household Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the Third Wave of the Pandemic with Special Reference to Clinico-epidemiological Characteristics.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began in India in 2020. Despite successful vaccination, cases again started increasing from mid-December 2021. Therefore, this study was undertaken to find out the clinico-epidemiological characteristics and effectiveness of vaccination in the household transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in and around Pune. Material and Methods: All samples received from December 15, 2021, till February 15, 2022, were included in the study. Samples received in viral transport medium (VTM) were extracted by the MagMAX RNA Extraction Kit, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed by the CoviPath Kit as per kit guidelines. Values of nucleocapsid (N) gene and open reading frame (ORF) less than 37 were considered positive. Clinico-epidemiological data were analyzed from the sample referral form (SRF). Results: A total of 712 of 1032 household contacts of 271 families were positive. When geographical areas were compared, it was found that rural areas were affected more (63.76%) as compared to urban areas (36.24%). Males were more affected than females. The most commonly affected age group was 41-50 years (26.54%). Small families were found to have more household transmission. Mild symptoms were present in 97.89%. Among 271 infected individuals, seven were admitted to hospital, of which one patient died due to pneumonia. Two doses of vaccination were completed in 93.95%, and 3.79% had taken booster dose. Conclusions: Data from this study showed that a high rate of transmission was observed in household contact despite two doses of vaccination. However, these vaccinated individuals had mild symptoms, maybe due to the effect of vaccination and infecting variant omicron.