INTRODUCTION: Impulsivity and aggression are often interlinked behavioral traits that have major implications for our society. Therefore, the study of this phenomenon and derivative interventions that could lead to better control of impulsive aggression are of interest. METHODS: We analyzed the composition and diversity of the gut bacterial microbiome of 33 impulsively violent female convicts with dissocial personality disorder and 20 non-impulsive age-matched women. Further, levels of assorted neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed in serum and stool samples. We also assessed all participants using a battery of psychological questionnaires and tested possible correlations between the collected clinical data and the composition and diversity of their microbiomes and metabolites. RESULTS: We identified four bacterial amplicon sequencing variants that were differentially abundant in non-impulsive versus impulsive women - the genera Bacteroides, Barnesiella, and the order Rhodospirillales were more abundant in impulsive women. In contrast, the genus Catenisphaera was more abundant in non-impulsive women. Fecal tryptophan levels were significantly higher in impulsive women. Association analysis revealed a strong positive intercorrelation between most fecal SCFAs in the entire dataset. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated possible associations between gut microbiomes and their metabolites and impulsive behavior in a unique cohort of prisoners convicted of violent assaults and a matched group of non-impulsive women from the same prison. Genus Bacteroides, which was differentially abundant in the two groups, encoded enzymes that affect serotonin pathways and could contribute to this maladaptive behavior. Similarly, increased fecal tryptophan levels in impulsive individuals could affect neuronal circuits in the brain. INTRODUCTION: Impulsivity and aggression are often interlinked behavioral traits that have major implications for our society. Therefore, the study of this phenomenon and derivative interventions that could lead to better control of impulsive aggression are of interest. METHODS: We analyzed the composition and diversity of the gut bacterial microbiome of 33 impulsively violent female convicts with dissocial personality disorder and 20 non-impulsive age-matched women. Further, levels of assorted neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed in serum and stool samples. We also assessed all participants using a battery of psychological questionnaires and tested possible correlations between the collected clinical data and the composition and diversity of their microbiomes and metabolites. RESULTS: We identified four bacterial amplicon sequencing variants that were differentially abundant in non-impulsive versus impulsive women - the genera Bacteroides, Barnesiella, and the order Rhodospirillales were more abundant in impulsive women. In contrast, the genus Catenisphaera was more abundant in non-impulsive women. Fecal tryptophan levels were significantly higher in impulsive women. Association analysis revealed a strong positive intercorrelation between most fecal SCFAs in the entire dataset. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated possible associations between gut microbiomes and their metabolites and impulsive behavior in a unique cohort of prisoners convicted of violent assaults and a matched group of non-impulsive women from the same prison. Genus Bacteroides, which was differentially abundant in the two groups, encoded enzymes that affect serotonin pathways and could contribute to this maladaptive behavior. Similarly, increased fecal tryptophan levels in impulsive individuals could affect neuronal circuits in the brain.
- Klíčová slova
- Bacteroides, Dopamine, Metabolites, Serotonin, Tryptophan,
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- feces mikrobiologie chemie MeSH
- impulzivní chování * fyziologie MeSH
- kyseliny mastné těkavé metabolismus MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- násilí * psychologie MeSH
- neurotransmiterové látky metabolismus krev MeSH
- střevní mikroflóra * fyziologie MeSH
- vězni * psychologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- kyseliny mastné těkavé MeSH
- neurotransmiterové látky MeSH
A recurring discrepancy in attitudes toward decisions made by human versus artificial agents, termed the Human-Robot moral judgment asymmetry, has been documented in moral psychology of AI. Across a wide range of contexts, AI agents are subject to greater moral scrutiny than humans for the same actions and decisions. In eight experiments (total N = 5837), we investigated whether the asymmetry effect arises in end-of-life care contexts and explored the mechanisms underlying this effect. Our studies documented reduced approval of an AI doctor's decision to withdraw life support relative to a human doctor (Studies 1a and 1b). This effect persisted regardless of whether the AI assumed a recommender role or made the final medical decision (Studies 2a and 2b and 3), but, importantly, disappeared under two conditions: when doctors kept on rather than withdraw life support (Studies 1a, 1b and 3), and when they carried out active euthanasia (e.g., providing a lethal injection or removing a respirator on the patient's demand) rather than passive euthanasia (Study 4). These findings highlight two contextual factors-the level of automation and the patient's autonomy-that influence the presence of the asymmetry effect, neither of which is not predicted by existing theories. Finally, we found that the asymmetry effect was partly explained by perceptions of AI incompetence (Study 5) and limited explainability (Study 6). As the role of AI in medicine continues to expand, our findings help to outline the conditions under which stakeholders disfavor AI over human doctors in clinical settings.
- Klíčová slova
- AI ethics, Moral judgment, Moral psychology of AI, Moral psychology of robotics, Passive euthanasia,
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- eutanazie * psychologie MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mínění MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mravy * MeSH
- rozhodování * MeSH
- umělá inteligence * MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Russia's invasion and war in Ukraine have caused a major humanitarian crisis among Ukrainian citizens, but also specifically affected diagnosis and provision of HIV care. As Ukraine remains the country with the second highest (after Russia) HIV incidence in Europe, the forced migration resulting from the war has required urgent and targeted responses to allow for uninterrupted access to medical care and antiretroviral drug supply in neighboring countries and beyond. Response and integration of people with HIV (PWH) has been swift across European countries, but several challenges remain. Key challenges relate to the expansion of unstigmatized HIV testing to tackle late diagnoses, development of legal frameworks allowing for access to medication not registered or under patent protection in other European countries, diagnosis and treatment of key comorbidities including tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), vaccination programs, and continued surveillance for drug resistance and changes in molecular epidemiology.
- MeSH
- antiretrovirové látky terapeutické užití zásobování a distribuce MeSH
- dostupnost zdravotnických služeb * MeSH
- HIV infekce * farmakoterapie diagnóza epidemiologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- osoby s přechodným pobytem a migranti * statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- ozbrojené konflikty MeSH
- poskytování zdravotní péče * organizace a řízení MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Ukrajina epidemiologie MeSH
- Názvy látek
- antiretrovirové látky MeSH
Concern has risen that current global warming and more frequent extreme events such as droughts and floods will increase conflict around the world. This concern has spurred both social science research on contemporary climate, peace, and conflict as well as research in the historical sciences on past climate, weather, warfare, and violence. This perspectives article compares these two fields of scholarship and examines how each may benefit the other. It finds significant convergences in methods and insights across contemporary and historical research as well as persistent patterns in causal pathways between climate and conflict. Contemporary climate, peace, and conflict (CPC) research may sharpen methods and causal models for historical researchers. Historical studies, particularly those informed by contemporary research, may elucidate deep origins and long-term effects of climate-related conflicts. For policymakers and the public, history offers comprehensible ways to make sense of complex and contingent linkages and to construct cogent narratives of the past as well as storylines for the future.
- Klíčová slova
- Archaeology, Climate change, Conflict, History, Peace, Science communication,
- MeSH
- dějiny 20. století MeSH
- dějiny 21. století MeSH
- klimatické změny * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- podnebí * MeSH
- vedení války * MeSH
- Check Tag
- dějiny 20. století MeSH
- dějiny 21. století MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- historické články MeSH
In response to a recent case report published in the International Journal of Legal Medicine entitled "A case of hemorrhage at the junctions of the posterior intercostal arteries-a vital sign?", we wish to corroborate the findings of periadventitial hemorrhages at the junctions of the posterior intercostal arteries in cases of suicidal hanging and to reveal two other novel aortic lesions associated with hanging. In our ongoing prospective study, we identified six cases of aortic intimal ruptures among 257 suicidal hanging deaths, along with the novel observation of subintimal hemorrhages-both of which have not been previously documented in the forensic literature. Our findings suggest that the complex anatomy of the aorta and surrounding structures may increase the vulnerability of vascular structures during hanging, particularly under conditions of complete suspension. We propose that reported aortic lesions may serve as significant morphological indicators of hanging, thereby enriching its medicolegal investigation. To establish the diagnostic relevance of these findings, further prospective autopsy studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
- Klíčová slova
- Aortic hemorrhages, Aortic lesions, Autopsy, Forensic pathology, Hanging, Vital sign,
- MeSH
- aorta * patologie zranění MeSH
- asfyxie * patologie MeSH
- dokonaná sebevražda * MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- krvácení * patologie MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- poranění krku * patologie MeSH
- prospektivní studie MeSH
- ruptura aorty * patologie MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- soudní patologie MeSH
- tunica intima patologie zranění MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- dopisy MeSH
- kazuistiky MeSH
BACKGROUND: The increasing complexity of mass casualty incidents (MCIs) necessitates highly effective training for emergency responders. Traditional training methods, while effective in teaching core skills, often fail to replicate the dynamic, high-pressure environments responders face in real-world crises. Virtual reality (VR) offers a novel approach to emergency training, providing an immersive, controlled setting that can simulate real-life scenarios. This study explores the effectiveness of VR in training paramedic students for MCIs and compares the outcomes to those from conventional training methods. METHODS: A comparative study was conducted with 37 paramedic students who underwent either VR-based training or conventional training using mannequins and real-world equipment. The VR application simulated a mass casualty car accident, focusing on triage and patient management. Both groups were assessed based on their performance in key areas, including the accuracy of situational reporting (METHANE), patient triage, heart rate monitoring, and perceived demand using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). RESULTS: The VR group demonstrated significantly lower mental demand (p < 0.001) and frustration levels (p = 0.021) compared to traditional training. However, task completion times were slower in the VR setting (p < 0.001), likely due to the interface's unfamiliarity. Accuracy in situational reporting was higher in VR (p = 0.002), while heart rate monitoring did not reveal a significant difference between the groups (p = 0.516). Although VR did not reduce temporal demand (p = 0.057), it showed potential for improving focus and precision in training. Error rates in triage were similar across both training methods (p = 0.882), indicating comparable performance levels in patient classification. CONCLUSIONS: VR presents a promising tool for training emergency responders, particularly in situations that require rapid upskilling, such as crises or wars. The ability to simulate realistic, high-pressure scenarios in a controlled environment can enhance both cognitive and emotional preparedness. Further research is necessary to optimize VR systems and interfaces, making them more efficient for real-time decision-making. As VR technology advances, it holds potential as a key component in future emergency preparedness strategies.
- Klíčová slova
- Crisis simulation, Emergency preparedness, Mass casualty incidents, Paramedic training, Virtual reality training,
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- first responder * výchova psychologie MeSH
- hromadné neštěstí * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- plánování postupu v případě katastrof metody MeSH
- třídění pacientů metody MeSH
- virtuální realita * MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Conflict deeply affects human experiences, frequently testing individual resilience to its breaking point and leaving enduring psychological and societal wounds. The current conflict in Ukraine, initiated by Russia's invasion in 2022, illustrates this phenomenon by altering regional relationships and triggering a major humanitarian crisis marked by extensive displacement, loss of life, and emotional turmoil. This study explores the factors influencing hope and distress in Ukraine alongside six nearby European countries during the ongoing conflict. A cross-sectional survey collected data primarily via internet panel samples from the Czech Republic, Georgia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Ukraine in the second year since the war's initiation. The current study utilised validated instruments, collecting data on levels of hope, distress, individual resilience, community resilience, societal resilience, morale, sense of danger, perceived security threats, and demographic characteristics. Hope and distress levels differ across countries, with Ukraine exhibiting the highest levels of both (3.74 ± 1.02 and 2.89 ± 0.87, respectively). Overall, average scores of hope were higher than average distress levels. Across the regression models for the seven countries, hope showed strong associations with individual (between β = 0.089 and β = 0.327) and societal resilience (between β = 0.206 and β = 0.514), while morale (between β = -0.104 and β = -0.479) and individual resilience (between β = -0.077 and β = -0.335) displayed a protective relationship against distress (all β values were significant, p < 0.01). Monitoring hope and distress is crucial during the Russian-Ukrainian war and other adversities, as these factors give insight into the current and future psychological states of affected populations. The results offer valuable information that can guide the development of tailored strategies to enhance hope and buffer distress in war-impacted countries, as well as those experiencing its broader effects. Fostering individual and societal resilience, alongside enhancing morale, may strengthen hope and mitigate distress amid adversity. Developing targeted interventions that address each population's unique needs, as well as their sociocultural and geopolitical contexts can enhance efficacy.
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- naděje * MeSH
- ozbrojené konflikty * psychologie MeSH
- průřezové studie MeSH
- psychická odolnost * MeSH
- psychický distres * MeSH
- psychický stres * psychologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Rusko MeSH
- Ukrajina MeSH
BACKGROUND: Early life socioeconomic disadvantage and adverse experiences may lead to overeating, which is in turn associated with increased body mass index (BMI). However, recent evidence indicated that the association between childhood BMI and overeating might be bidirectional. This bidirectionality prompts the need for further investigation of early life predictors of BMI in childhood. OBJECTIVES: To longitudinally assess the directionality of the association between childhood BMI and perceived overeating and to investigate their antecedent early life predictors. METHODS: The sample included data from 5151 children from the ELSPAC study, collected between 18 months and 11 years of child age. The outcomes were child BMI and mother-reported overeating, assessed at the age of 3, 5, 7 and 11 years. Predictors included maternal BMI, maternal education, single parenthood, financial difficulties and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) reported by parents and paediatricians. The random intercept cross-lagged panel model was applied. RESULTS: The mean child's BMI at age 3 was 15.59 kg/m2 and increased to 17.86 kg/m2 at age 11. The percentage of parent-reported overeating increased in the following period, from about 12% at age 3 to 17% at age 11. The results showed temporal stability in perceived overeating and BMI, with a bidirectional relationship strengthening over time. The child's BMI was associated with maternal BMI. Maternal BMI was positively associated with child-perceived overeating, but a stronger effect was found for ACEs. ACEs mediated the impact of maternal education, financial difficulties and single parenthood on overeating. CONCLUSIONS: We observed stable bidirectional associations between BMI and perceived overeating. The results indicated two main pathways: one linked to maternal BMI and early childhood BMI increase followed by perceived overeating and the second associated with ACEs mediating the effect of early childhood social factors on perceived overeating, leading to gradual BMI gain.
- Klíčová slova
- ACEs, BMI, childhood obesity, overeating, socioeconomic deprivation,
- MeSH
- dítě MeSH
- hyperfagie * psychologie epidemiologie MeSH
- index tělesné hmotnosti * MeSH
- kojenec MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- longitudinální studie MeSH
- matky MeSH
- nepříznivé zkušenosti z dětství * statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- obezita dětí a dospívajících * epidemiologie psychologie etiologie MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- socioekonomické faktory MeSH
- Check Tag
- dítě MeSH
- kojenec MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association between childhood adversity and late-life cognitive outcomes among older Puerto Rican adults. METHODS: Data were from the Puerto Rican Elder: Health Conditions study, a population-based cohort of 3,713 older Puerto Rican adults (mean age 72.5 years; 60% female). Adverse childhood experiences were categorized into four factors: economic hardship, parental illiteracy, childhood illness, and neighborhood disadvantage. Cognition was assessed with the Mini-Mental Cabán (MMC). For our analyses, cognitive impairment was defined as scoring 1.5 standard deviations below the expected score, adjusted for age, sex, education, and reading ability. Ordinal logistic regression (baseline) and generalized linear mixed models (all 3 waves) analyzed MMC scores; generalized estimating equations assessed incident cognitive impairment (Waves 2 and 3). RESULTS: All four adversity factors were associated with poorer MMC scores at baseline. Parental illiteracy (β = -0.35, p < .001) and neighborhood disadvantage (β = -0.27, p < .001) showed stronger associations than economic hardship (β = -0.10, p = .003) and childhood illness (β = -0.21, p < .001). No factors were significantly related to changes in cognitive scores over time. Depressive symptoms and self-rated health partially mediated cross-sectional relationships, with depressive symptoms showing a stronger effect. All adversity factors except economic hardship were linked to baseline cognitive impairment (OR = 1.42 parent illiteracy, OR = 1.24 childhood illness, OR = 1.82 neighborhood disadvantage, p < .05). Only neighborhood disadvantage was associated with incident cognitive impairment (OR = 1.19, p = .003). DISCUSSION: This study highlights the lasting effect of childhood adversity on late-life cognitive health among older Puerto Ricans, suggesting that addressing early adversity may promote cognitive health later in life.
- Klíčová slova
- Adverse childhood experiences, Cognitive decline, Early adversity and aging, Mental health in later life, Older Hispanic adults,
- MeSH
- charakteristiky okolí bydliště statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- chudoba psychologie MeSH
- Hispánci a Latinoameričané * psychologie statistika a číselné údaje MeSH
- kognice MeSH
- kognitivní dysfunkce * epidemiologie psychologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- nepříznivé zkušenosti z dětství * statistika a číselné údaje psychologie MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- senioři nad 80 let MeSH
- senioři MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Portoriko epidemiologie MeSH
It has been suggested that in threatening environments, both women and men should prefer more masculine men as romantic and coalition partners, respectively. Empirical evidence for this hypothesis has been weak or inconsistent, primarily because most experimental research has focused on elevating the perceived danger from other men through virtual threats. This study investigates whether personal experience with violence predicts the preference for masculine features in 326 Senegalese participants presented with pairs of manipulated facial photographs of West African men (one more feminine, one more masculine) and asked to indicate which face is more attractive (to women) or more trustworthy (to men). The findings reveal a strong association between violence exposure and facial feature preferences. Those who experienced (particularly physical) violence showed a higher preference for masculinized faces (up to 95% in women, 82% in men) compared to the baseline (57% in women, 63% in men). This difference is proposed to reflect an adaptive strategy of prioritizing physical protection in settings with a higher incidence of violent confrontations. Much of the variance can be found between groups. The direct effect of experienced violence diminishes over time, which suggests a dynamic interplay between innate predispositions and environmental influences on aesthetic preferences.
- Klíčová slova
- attractiveness, contextual preferences, evolutionary psychology, facial masculinity, trustworthiness, violence exposure,
- MeSH
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužskost * MeSH
- obličej * MeSH
- vystavení násilí * psychologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- dospělí MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mladý dospělý MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Senegal MeSH