Alyson E. Blanchard

In 1895, the German pathologist Dr S.M. Wischnewsky described black, plaque-like discolorations of the gastric mucosa in humans whose cause of death was associated with hypothermia. The pathogenesis of these gastric lesions, known as Wischnewsky spots, is thought to be associated with blood redistribution mechanisms as the body attempts to preserve core body temperature in hypothermic conditions. However, the complete pathogenesis is not fully understood. The relationship between Wischnewsky spots and hypothermia in nonhuman species has also been documented, but again, such lesions in veterinary pathology have an unclear pathogenesis. This study investigated the presence of Wischnewsky spots in several veterinary forensic cases involving 89 emaciated dogs and 46 emaciated cats submitted to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool, from 2016 to 2023. The gastric lesions were categorized, and collected data were used to compare the characteristics of those lesions found within animals deemed to have died from starvation compared with those having died via cachexic mechanisms. This study aimed to further understand the pathogenesis and diagnostic significance of Wischnewsky spots in veterinary forensic cases. The results indicated that Wischnewsky spots have a significant association with cats and dogs deemed to have died by starvation compared with cases of cachexia. Although comprehensive pathogenesis remains unclear, veterinary forensic cases with Wischnewsky spots are likely to be linked to the combination of stress and hypothermia experienced by cats and dogs that die because of starvation.

Life‐history theory (LHT) charts the relationship of environmental conditions to resource allocation trade‐offs made by organisms to either reproduce or invest in somatic maintenance. Hazardous environments in which resources are unreliable should prompt adoption of a “fast” life‐history strategy in which short‐term gains are favoured. The COVID‐19 pandemic presents an opportunity to examine whether an increase in existential threat as signalled by a shift in environmental status impacted people's decision making in LHT‐relevant domains. In this online psychometric study ( N = 274 individuals), we examined whether concerns about COVID‐19 mediated the relationship between life‐history strategy and the desire to have or have more children, and stockpiling food and household groceries. Contrasting results emerged. COVID‐19 concern mediated the relationship between LHS and stockpiling food and household groceries but not LHS and reproduction. These findings highlight potential differences in decision consequences or the type of shift in environmental conditions needed to prompt particular responses.

Mattering and purpose-in-life are key aspects of individuals’ perception of who they are and their relationships with others. However, their associations with personality, as well as sex differences within these associations, remain relatively unexplored. Three studies investigated, respectively, the correlation between mattering and purpose-in-life across sexes (N ₁ = 906), their measurement invariance by sex and associations with the Big-Five (N ₂ = 400), and with antagonistic traits (N ₃ = 178), including potential sex differences in these associations. Study 1 found lower purpose-in-life in women compared to men, but no difference in mattering. Additionally, a positive and moderate correlation between mattering and purpose-in-life was observed, but no sex differences. Study 2 found higher factor covariance in men than women. Moreover, it showed that conscientiousness positively predicts mattering and purpose-in-life, neuroticism negatively predicts both, and agreeableness positively predicts purpose-in-life. Study 3 showed that primary and secondary psychopathy negatively predict mattering, grandiose narcissism positively predicts mattering and purpose-in-life, and secondary psychopathy negatively predicts purpose-in-life, in all cases showing no sex differences. These results highlight the importance of mattering and purpose-in-life in personality research and intervention, offering insights for personality development by addressing dysfunctional perceptions and fostering personal and professional growth across various applied settings. For instance, in counseling, leveraging mattering and purpose-in-life could help clients strengthen their resilience and coping skills. In educational settings, mattering and purpose-in-life could support learners’ self-efficacy and improve educational outcomes. In organizational settings, they could drive change by enhancing individuals’ confidence, productivity, and leadership.