Science vs. Conspiracy Theory about COVID-19: Need for Cognition and Openness to Experience Increased Belief in Conspiracy-Theoretical Postings on Social Media

In the context of COVID-19 virus containment, there is a lack of acceptance of preventive measures in the population. The present work investigated which factors influence the belief in scientific propositions compared with belief in conspiracy theories. The focus here was on the determinants of conspiracy beliefs in the context of COVID-19 related media content. Using an online questionnaire (N = 175), results indicate that scientific compared to conspiracy-theoretical media content led to higher acceptance. Furthermore, need for cognition (NFC-K), a conspiracy-theoretical worldview (CMQ), and openness to experience (NEO-FFI) were positively associated with conspiracy beliefs derived from Facebook postings. In addition, a conspiracy-theoretical worldview was negatively associated with belief in scientific media content. Furthermore, agreeableness was unrelated to conspiracy beliefs, although it was positively associated with conspiracy-theoretical worldview. The results imply promising persuasion strategies for reducing conspiracy-theoretical beliefs and to increase the acceptance of preventive measures

Protective Effects of Therapeutic Neutrophil Depletion and Myeloperoxidase Inhibition on Left Ventricular Function and Remodeling in Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Improved survival has led to an increasing incidence of ischemic cardiomyopathy, making it a major reason for hospitalization in the western world. The inflammatory response in the ischemic myocardium determines the extent of structural remodeling and functional deterioration, with neutrophils (PMN) being a key modulator of the propagation and resolution of inflammation. The heme enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) is abundantly expressed in PMN and is an important mediator of their inflammatory capacities. Here, we examine the effects of PMN reduction, MPO deficiency and MPO inhibition in two murine models of MI. Reduction in PMN count resulted in less scar formation and improved cardiac function. Similar results were obtained in genetically MPO deficient mice, suggesting that MPO is a critical factor in PMN-mediated cardiac remodeling. To test our findings in a therapeutic approach, we orally administered the MPO inhibitor AZM198 in the context of MI and could demonstrate improved cardiac function and reduced structural remodeling. Therefore, MPO appears to be a favorable pharmacological target for the prevention of long-term morbidity after MI