Optimality theory for plant defense against herbivores predicts an evolutionary tradeoff between the abilities to compete and defend. We tested this hypothesis by studying the effects of genetic variation in competitiveness on defense expression. Two closely related and differentially competitive congeners were compared for levels of resistance, tolerance, and secondary metabolite production. In a growth room experiment, plants of Arabis drummondii and A. holboellii were grown in the presence and absence of the common bunch grass Boutelloua gracilis, the specialist herbivore Plutella xylostella, and generalist herbivore Trichoplusia ni. Tolerance to competition, measured as growth next to the grass relative to controls in the absence of grass, was greatest for A. drummondii, the species that occurred in communities with higher densities of inter-specific neighbors. Measures of defense (resistance to herbivores, tolerance to damage, and concentrations of glucosinolates) varied inconsistently between the Arabis, species, depending on type of herbivore, competition level, and type of defense. The better competitor A. drummondii was more resistant to specialist herbivores, as in the field, and exhibited greater herbivoreand competition-induced changes in glucosinolate profiles. Further, when plants of A. drummondii were fed upon in competitive environments, the induced glucosinolate response was reduced while tolerance levels increased in an apparent switching of induced strategies. We suggest that competitiveness and defense responses are sometimes positively correlated because some defensive traits also function as competitive traits. A competitive function for defenses may also explain why defenses were affected by competition. Alternatively, since the induced response did not increase estimates of total glucosinolate content significantly, minimal defense costs might also allow the simultaneous evolution of competitiveness and defense. Finally, when faced with both herbivory and competition, some competitive species, such as A. drummondii, may switch to growth-based rather than toxin-based strategies as recent theoretical models predict.

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ObjectivesTo assess the efficacy of cognitive existential couple therapy (CECT) for relationship function, coping, cancer distress and mental health in men with localised prostate cancer and in their partners. Patients Subjects and MethodsA randomised controlled trial was conducted with 62 couples randomly assigned to the six-session CECT programme or care as usual. The couple's relationship function (primary outcome), and coping, cancer distress and mental health (secondary outcomes) were evaluated at T0 (baseline), T1 (after treatment) and T2 (9 months from T0). A repeated-measures analysis of covariance model, which incorporated T0 measurements as a covariate, was used to compare treatment groups at T1 and T2. ResultsAfter CECT, patients reported significantly greater use of adaptive coping (P = 0.03) and problem-focused coping (P = 0.01). These gains were maintained at follow-up, while relationship cohesion had improved (P = 0.03), as had relationship function for younger patients (P = 0.01). Younger partners reported less cancer-specific distress (P = 0.008), avoidance (P = 0.04), intrusive thought (P = 0.006), and hyperarousal (P = 0.01). Gains were maintained at follow-up, while relationship cohesion (P = 0.007), conflict resolution (P = 0.01) and relational function (P = 0.009) all improved. ConclusionCECT resulted in improved coping for patients and lower cancer-distress for partners. Maintained over time this manifests as improved relationship function. CECT was acceptable to couples, alleviated long-term relationship decline, and is therefore suitable as a preventative mental health intervention for couples facing prostate cancer. Given resourcing demands, we recommend dissemination of CECT be targeted at younger couples, as CECT was more acceptable to the younger group, and they derived greater benefit from it.

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Background: Forty-five percent of hospice patients currently have a primary or secondary diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders. However, few programs have focused specifically on assisting hospices in providing evidence-based symptom management to persons living with dementia (PLWD). Objective: To adapt and pilot the training component of Aliviado Dementia Care, a dementia symptom management quality improvement program originally developed for home healthcare, for use by social workers as part of the hospice interdisciplinary team. Design: A prospective pre-post design was utilized, measuring knowledge, confidence, and attitudes at baseline, and immediately and 1-month post-training. Analysis was performed using paired t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA. Subjects: Hospice social workers currently practicing in the United States with at least 1 year of experience. Measurements: The Dementia Symptom Knowledge Assessment and a post-training continuing education evaluation form. Results: Forty-six subjects were enrolled, of whom 26 completed the first post-test and 23 both post-tests. There was a poor baseline level of knowledge and confidence in caring for PLWD. Significant improvements occurred following training, particularly in implementing non-pharmacologic interventions for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) (16.64% increase, p < .0001) and confidence in managing behavioral symptoms (16.86%, p = .01) and depression (25.18%, p < .0001). Changes were maintained over time. All respondents were either very satisfied or satisfied with the quality and content of the program. Conclusions: The training modules of Aliviado Dementia Care were successfully tailored for use by hospice social workers, showing significant improvement in knowledge and confidence in caring for behavioral symptoms in PLWD. Future work will examine whether the larger program, including this training, can subsequently improve patient outcomes in hospice.