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Background: Few randomized trials of public health and social measures were carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic. We report on the major barriers we faced when we tried to run such trials. Methods: We reviewed all randomized trials proposed and initiated by the Centre for Epidemic Interventions Research in Norway during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Of the 18 proposed trials, 11 trials were not implemented. One of the key legal and ethical barriers to conducting the trials was the Norwegian Health Research Act, which demands informed consent from all participants who are exposed to an intervention. A lack of sufficient political support was also a challenge, as was unpredictability, due to shifting disease incidence and changing recommendations from the authorities. Conclusion: Strengthening the evidence base for public health and social measures in pandemics will require political and public understanding and support and a legal framework that allows for the conduct of such trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the influence of canopy trees on soils in natural and restored forest environments is well studied, the influence of understory species is not. Here, we evaluate the effects of outplanted native woody understory on invasive grass biomass and soil nutrient properties in heavily grass-invaded 30 + year-old plantations of a native N-fixing tree Acacia koa in Hawai'i. We analyze soils from under A. koa trees with versus without planted woody understory and compare these to soils from under remnant pasture trees of the pre-deforestation dominant, Metrosideros polymorpha where passive recruitment of native woody understory has occurred since the cessation of grazing. Simultaneously, we experimentally planted understory species at three times the density used by managers to see if this could quickly decrease grass biomass and change soil nutrient dynamics. We found that invasive grass biomass declined with understory planting in surveyed and experimental sites. Yet, woody understory abundance had no effect on N cycling. Short-term N availability and nitrification potential were higher under A. koa than M. polymorpha trees regardless of understory. Net N mineralization either did not differ (~ 1 mo) between canopy species or was higher (171 day incubations) under remnant M. polymorpha where organic matter was also higher. The only influence of understory on soil was a positive correlation with loss-on-ignition (organic matter) under M. polymorpha. We also demonstrate differential controls over N cycling under the two canopy tree species. Overall, understory restoration has not changed soil characteristics even as invasive grass biomass declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This discussion of the fourth-century commentary of Marius Victorinus on Paul's epistle to the Galatians serves as a critical witness to late ancient understanding of Paul's self-identification with the stigmata of Christ (of Gal 6:17), as the marks of his humiliating death on the cross. Echoing Paul on "being crucified with Christ", Victorinus exhorted Christians to follow that example in suffering for their faith, warning them that suffering is inevitable. The present textual study uses linguistic, grammatical, rhetorical, and socio-historical analysis, particularly on the key terms, stigmata and mysterium. It concludes that Victorinus associated these terms to give meaning to trauma and suffering for Christians. The term mysterium in Victorinus' work is closely associated with central aspects of Christ's life and work, especially his crucifixion and death. While rejecting the "history of religions" school of thought on Christian liturgy borrowing from mystery religions, this study concludes that Victorinus' use of the term mysterium reflects a move in fourth century Christianity to adapt language of the mysteries for the sacraments; more particularly, baptism is understood as a symbolic re-enactment of Christ's crucifixion, death and resurrection. Such an approach enhances the meaning of suffering in terms of service to Christ, for in baptism Christians share not only in Christ's death, as suffering "with Christ", but also in his resurrection, as victory over sin, suffering and death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eating disorders (EDs), such as (atypical) Anorexia (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN), are difficult to treat, causing socioeconomic impediments. Although enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) is widely considered clinically effective, it may not be the most beneficial treatment for (atypical) AN and BN patients who do not show a rapid response after the first 4 weeks (8 sessions) of a CBT-E treatment. Alternatively, group schema therapy (GST) may be a valuable treatment for this ED population. Even though GST for EDs has yielded promising preliminary findings, the current body of evidence requires expansion. On top of that, data on cost-effectiveness is lacking. In light of these gaps, we aim to describe a protocol to examine whether GST is more (1) clinically effective and (2) cost-effective than CBT-E for (atypical) AN and BN patients, who do not show a rapid response after the first 4 weeks of treatment. Additionally, we will conduct (3) process evaluations for both treatments. Methods: Using a multicenter RCT design, 232 Dutch (atypical) AN and BN patients with a CBT-E referral will be recruited from five treatment centers. Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness will be measured before treatment, directly after treatment, at 6 and at 12 months follow-up. In order to rate process evaluation, patient experiences and the degree to which treatments are implemented according to protocol will be measured. In order to assess the quality of life and the achievement of personalized goals, interviews will be conducted at the end of treatment. Data will be analyzed, using a regression-based approach to mixed modelling, multivariate sensitivity analyses and coding trees for qualitative data. We hypothesize GST to be superior to CBT-E in terms of clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness for patients who do not show a rapid response to the first 4 weeks of a CBT-E treatment. Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first study protocol describing a multicenter RCT to explore the three aforementioned objectives. Related risks in performing the study protocol have been outlined. The expected findings may serve as a guide for healthcare stakeholders to optimize ED care trajectories. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05812950). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the largest contributors to grassland restoration projects in the United States is the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a program that converts marginal farmlands to perennial grassland, resulting in grassland restoration in an agricultural landscape matrix. Invasive weeds are a particular challenge of restoration in this context due to an abundance of propagule sources and pathways, high levels of soil disturbance, elevated nutrients, and legacies of past agricultural activities. Using edge-of-field surveys, we examined the prevalence of two invasive weedy species, Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary-grass) and Pastinaca sativa (wild parsnip), and related their prevalence to CRP contract parameters and vegetation factors to understand which factors improve biotic resistance to invasion during grassland restoration. We found the strongest correlates of weed presence were related to plant cover. High grass cover and forb cover were both strongly correlated with reduced P. arundinacea presence, and high forb cover was correlated to reduced P. sativa presence. High grass species richness was also correlated with lower P. arundinacea presence, but grass and forb richness were not significantly correlated with P. sativa presence. CRP contract parameters were not strong predictors of invasive presence; P. arundinacea was more frequent and P. sativa was less frequent in Wetland Conservation Practices, likely due to hydrology and soil moisture. Grassland restoration age was not a significant predictor for either species. We recommend practices that rapidly increase native plant cover during grassland restoration as a means to improve biotic resistance to weed invasion in an agricultural landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses recent publications in the journal Grass & Forage Science, which include review papers and articles based on presentations at conferences and symposia. The current issue features a book review and two papers from the European Grassland Federation symposium, as well as two papers from the International Grassland Congress. The journal also covers topics such as green biorefinery, drought impacts on grasslands, plant diversity in grasslands, forage quality, agrivoltaic production systems, tropical grasslands, and plant-soil relationships. The article concludes by acknowledging the organizers of the symposiums and the efforts of the associate editors and referees. [Extracted from the article]

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic disorder due to lack of UBE3A function on chromosome 15q11.2q13 caused by a deletion, uniparental paternal disomy (UPD), imprinting center disorder (ICD), or pathological variant of the UBE3A gene. AS is characterized by developmental delay, epilepsy, and lack of speech. Although fractures are observed frequently in our clinical practice, there are few studies on bone health in AS. The aim of this study is to investigate bone health in children with AS. In this prospective cohort study, we describe bone health in 91 children with AS visiting the ENCORE Expertise Center for AS between April 2010 and December 2021. Bone health was assessed with the bone health index (BHI) in standard deviation score (SDS) measured by digital radiogrammetry of the left hand using BoneXpert software. Risk factors analyzed were age, sex, genetic subtype, epilepsy, anti-seizure medication use, mobility, body mass index (BMI), and onset of puberty. Children with AS had a mean BHI of −1.77 SDS (SD 1.4). A significantly lower BHI was found in children with a deletion (−2.24 SDS) versus non-deletion (−1.02 SDS). Other factors associated with reduced BHI-SDS were inability to walk and late onset of puberty. Children with a history of one or more fractures (22%) had a significantly lower BHI than children without fractures (−2.60 vs −1.56 SDS). Longitudinal analysis showed a significant decrease in BHI-SDS with age in all genetic subtypes. Conclusions: Children with AS have a reduced bone health. Risk factors are deletion genotype, no independent walking, and late onset of puberty. Bone health decreased significantly with age. What is Known: • Children with neurological disorders often have a low bone health and higher risk of fractures. • Little is known about bone health in children with Angelman syndrome (AS). What is New: • Children with AS showed a reduced bone health and this was significantly associated with having a deletion, not being able to walk independently, and late onset of puberty. • Longitudinal analysis showed a significant decrease in bone health as children got older. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disturbances such as grazing, fire, and burrowing are historically important in North American grasslands, and plans for restoring disturbance regimes are often required for successful restoration. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has become the dominant grassland restoration mechanism in many areas, and requires planned disturbances known as mid-contract management (MCM). We recorded evidence of MCM in CRP fields across a 14-state region of the western and central United States, then revisited fields after one to five years to characterize bare ground and vegetative cover and composition using edge-of-road visual surveys. We found a reduced cover of grasses up to five years after MCM, and a concomitant increased cover of flowering forbs and diversity of pollinator-friendly forbs. There was little measurable change in overall plant cover or bare ground cover between one and five years after MCM, though bare soil cover did increase slightly. Baseline tree and shrub covers were very low on average but highly variable due to outliers with high woody cover. After MCM, the presence of woody vegetation remained low and relatively constant. Grazing and haying resulted in a lower probability of noxious grass presence than mowing or disking, but haying and disking were better for inhibiting the presence of noxious forbs. These results show that MCM can be a useful tool for maintaining vegetation quality. The results also point to an important need to understand factors that influence the effects of MCM, including disturbance technique, disturbance frequency, drought, and climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement of the liquid-solid mass transfer coefficient within a trickle bed (i.e. gas-liquid flow within a packed bed) of porous silica pellets is achieved through the use of T 2 - T 2 relaxation exchange nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Compared to many conventional measurement techniques, the NMR method enables measurement of mass transport using pellets of real commercial interest. Mass transfer coefficients measured using the NMR technique over a range of liquid Reynolds number, 0.2 ≤ R e L ≤ 1.4, are compared to a number of literature correlations, with values measured using the NMR method falling within the range predicted by the correlations. The results demonstrate the importance of considering both the flow conditions and the type of pellets used to develop mass transport correlations in trickle beds. This novel NMR application may be utilized in the future to screen catalyst pellets in trickle beds for optimal mass transport properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrodynamics in packed reactors strongly influences reactor performance. However, limited experimental techniques are capable of non-invasively measuring the velocity field in optically opaque packed beds at the turbulent flow conditions of commercial relevance. Here, compressed sensing magnetic resonance velocity imaging has been applied to investigate the hydrodynamics of turbulent flow through narrow packed beds of hollow cylindrical catalyst support pellets as a function of the tube-to-pellet diameter ratio, N , for N = 2.3, 3.7, and 4.8. 3D images of time-averaged velocity for the gas flow through the beds were acquired at constant Reynolds number, R e p = 2500, at a spatial resolution of 0.70 mm (x ) × 0.70 mm (y ) × 1.0 mm (z ). The resulting flow images give insight into the bed and pellet scale hydrodynamics, which were systematically compared as a function of N . Some changes in hydrodynamics with N were observed. Namely, the near-wall hydrodynamics changed with N , with the N = 4.8 bed showing higher velocity at the wall compared to the N = 2.3 and N = 3.7 beds. Further, in the N = 3.7 bed, channels of high velocity, termed flow lanes, were found 1.3 particle diameters from the wall, possibly due to the bed structure in this particular bed. At the pellet scale, the hydrodynamics were found to be independent of N . The results reported here demonstrate the capability of magnetic resonance velocity imaging for studying turbulent flows in packed beds, and they provide fundamental insight into the effect of N on the hydrodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a special issue of Grass and Forage Science focused on grassland, forage, and turfgrass science in China. The issue highlights the developments in these areas in China and includes papers on topics such as genetics and grass breeding, forage production and utilization, grassland degradation, and turfgrasses. The article emphasizes the breadth of Chinese grassland science and notes an increase in the number of papers published from China in recent years. The authors express their gratitude to those who contributed to the special issue and anticipate continued growth in research from China in the future. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Thermal injury often leads to prolonged and excessive inflammation, which hinders the recovery of patients. There is a notable absence of suitable animal-free models for investigating the inflammatory processes following burn injuries, thereby impeding the development of more effective therapies to improve burn wound healing in patients. Methods: In this study, we established a human full skin equivalent (FSE) burn wound model and incorporated human peripheral blood-derived monocytes and T cells. Results: Upon infiltration into the FSEs, the monocytes differentiated into macrophages within a span of 7 days. Burn-injured FSEs exhibited macrophages with increased expression of HLA-DR+ and elevated production of IL-8 (CXCL8), in comparison to uninjured FSEs. Among the T cells that actively migrated into the FSEs, the majority were CD4+ and CD25+. These T cells demonstrated augmented expression of markers associated with regulatory T cell, Th1, or Th17 activity, which coincided with significant heightened cytokine production, including IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17A, IP-10 (CXCL10), and TGF-β1. Burn injury did not impact the studied effector T cell subsets or cytokine levels. Discussion: Collectively, this study represents a significant advancement in the development of an immunocompetent human skin model, specifically tailored for investigating burn-induced innate or adaptive immune reactions at the site of burn injury [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by lack of maternal UBE3A protein due to a deletion of the chromosome 15q11.2-q13 region, uniparental paternal disomy, imprinting center defect, or pathogenic variant in the UBE3A gene. Characteristics are developmental delay, epilepsy, behavioral, and sleep problems. There is some evidence for hyperphagia, shorter stature, and higher BMI compared to neurotypical children, but longitudinal studies on growth are lacking. In this study, we analyzed prospectively collected data of 145 children with AS, who visited the ENCORE Expertise Center between 2010 and 2021, with a total of 853 visits. Children showed an elevated mean score of 25 on the Dykens Hyperphagia questionnaire (range 11–55) without genotype association. Higher scores were significantly associated with higher body mass index (BMI) standard deviation scores (SDS) (p = 0.004). Mean height was −1.2 SDS (SD 1.3), mean BMI-SDS was 0.6 (SD 1.7); 43% had a BMI-SDS > 1 and 20% had a BMI-SDS > 2. Higher BMI-SDS was significantly associated with non-deletion genotype (p = 0.037) and walking independently (p = 0.023). Height SDS decreased significantly with age (p < 0.001) and BMI-SDS increased significantly with age (p < 0.001. Onset of puberty was normal. In conclusion, children with AS showed moderate hyperphagia, lower height SDS, and higher BMI-SDS compared to norm data, with increasing deviation from the norm with age. It is uncertain how loss of maternal UBE3A function may influence growth. Attention to diet, exercise, and hyperphagia from an early age is recommended to prevent obesity and associated health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an environment where astrology was widely respected, Plotinus accepted the role of heavenly bodies in answering prayer. Considering them divine, he denied them the use of memory (iv 4, 6-8); how then could he explain response to prayer received after an interval of time? Plotinus was also concerned to deny attributing intentionality in any response given, for good or evil, since that would make the astral deities responsible also for morally dubious answers. In his treatment of the issue in this passage, Plotinus draws on a lengthy earlier discussion of the role of memory in the soul's thinking and knowing (iv 3, 25-iv 4, 12), as associated primarily with that which exists in time and is characterized by αἴσθησις , i.e., the lower soul belonging to the composite living being (iv 3, 25.12-14; iv 4, 16-17). If astral deities have bodies, these are of a highly refined fiery nature, and can be affected only inasmuch as they participate in the cosmic circuit. What suppliants may regard as intentional response must therefore be understood as the effect of a type of 'linking' of the universe as a living organism in which all parts are coordinated in an interrelationship characterized by sympathy. This is why answers to prayer represent no more than the unintended reaction of natural forces in the universe, the very same forces also responsible for effective use of magic. If Plotinus does not assign much value to prayer, he does recognize that, as with magic, such incantations may have a harmful effect, if only for the lower soul. He therefore warns the wise person to guard against such outcomes by focusing the soul in its contemplation of what is higher, i.e., its inner life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite concern about migrant children's mental health and their access to mental healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic, this topic has attracted little research attention. This study aimed to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use primary and specialist healthcare services for mental health problems among children and adolescents with migrant background. Methods: Using event study models, we investigated the impact of lockdown and subsequent COVID-19 infection control measures on children's health service use for mental health problems according to migrant background. Drawing on reimbursement data from Norwegian public healthcare providers we observe consultations in a pre-pandemic (2017–2019) and pandemic cohort (2019–2021) in primary and specialised care. Results: The pre-pandemic cohort included 77 324 migrants, 78 406 descendants of migrants and 746 917 non-migrants and the pandemic cohort included 76 830 migrants, 88 331 descendants and 732 609 non-migrants (age 6–19). The full cohorts were observed for mental healthcare use in primary care while a subsample (age 6–16) was observed for health care use in specialist care. Lockdown resulted in a dip in consultation volumes for mental disorders for all children, but this dip was relatively larger and more persistent for children with migrant background. After lockdown, consultation volumes rose more for non-migrant children than for children with migrant background. Consultations in primary healthcare peaked during January to April 2021 for non-migrants and descendants of migrants, but not for migrants (4%, 95% CI -4 to 11). In specialist care during the same period, consultations dropped by 11% for migrants (95% CI -21 to -1). By October 2021, all mental health consultations in specialist care were up with 8% for non-migrants (95% CI 0 to 15), and down with -18% for migrants and -2% for descendants (95% CIs -31 to -5 and -14 to 10). Migrant males experienced the largest reduction in consultations. Conclusions: Changes in consultation volumes among children with migrant background after lockdown were not as pronounced as for non-migrants, and at times actually decreased. This suggests that an increase in barriers to care emerged during the pandemic for children with a migrant background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: English media have reported that many unvaccinated individuals took the COVID-19 vaccine after receiving a phone call from their GP. Aim: To determine whether phone calls from GPs to unvaccinated patients at increased risk of severe COVID-19 improves uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine. Design & setting: Randomised trial where 202 participants were allocated to receive a phone call from their GP, and 452 participants were allocated to not get the call. Twenty-five GPs at 11 medical centres in Norway took part. The post-trial focus group discussion was with five GPs. Method: Participants were sourced from the GP electronic medical record system, which communicates with the Norwegian Immunisation Registry and can generate a list of the GPs' unvaccinated patients at increased risk of severe COVID-19. Results: The GPs managed to speak over the phone with 154 (76%) patients allocated to receiving a phone call. At follow-up (average 7.5 weeks), 8.9% in the intervention group and 5.3% in the control group had been vaccinated (odds ratio [OR] 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.90 to 3.28). Findings from the focus group discussion suggested the timing of the intervention as a likely key reason for its limited success. Conclusion: An increase in the proportion of patients who took the COVID-19 vaccine in the intervention group was observed, but the difference was smaller than anticipated, and may be a chance finding. The effect of this type of intervention will likely vary across contexts and may have proved more effective if a larger proportion of the population were unvaccinated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of tallgrass prairie to agriculture has negatively affected provisioning of ecosystem services. Successful restoration of ecosystem services could depend on management decisions applied during revegetation projects. We examined the effects of three management decisions (seed mix design, planting time, and first‐year mowing) on targeted ecosystem services (erosion control, weed resistance, and pollinator resources). We tested three seed mixes of varying diversity and grass‐to‐forb seeding ratios: Economy mix (21 species, 3:1 grass:forb), Pollinator mix (38 species, 1:3), and Diversity mix (71 species, 1:1). We established plots at two planting times (dormant‐season and spring) with or without first‐year mowing. To assess ecosystem services, we measured stem density, canopy cover, and floral density and richness of sown species in the second year after planting. The Economy mix had the highest stem density and cover but lowest floral density and richness. The Pollinator mix had the lowest stem density and cover but highest floral density. The Diversity mix had comparable stem density and cover to the Economy mix and comparable floral density and richness to the Pollinator mix. Mowing accelerated native plant establishment in all seed mixes. Dormant‐season planting improved establishment of spring and fall forbs and favored cool‐season graminoids over warm‐season grasses. All three management decisions influenced ecosystem outcomes, and comparison to a previous study revealed these effects to be robust to variation in site and climatic conditions. We recommend a diverse, balanced seed mix design, first‐year mowing, and dormant‐season planting to improve multifunctionality of conservation projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 30–50% of infants undergoing neonatal surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD) cannot meet oral feeding goals by discharge and require feeding tube support at home. Feeding tubes are associated with increased readmission rates and consequent hospital, payer, and family costs, and are a burden for family caregivers. Identification of modifiable risk factors for oral feeding problems could support targeted care for at-risk infants. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to determine risk factors for tube feeding at discharge in infants undergoing neonatal surgery for CHD. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a search was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Studies published before 2010 were excluded. The search resulted in 607 records, of which 18 were included. Studies were primarily retrospective cohort designs and results were often inconsistent. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Tools. As a group, the studies exhibited substantial risk for bias. Based on the findings, infants who struggle with feeding preoperatively, experience increased nil per os duration and/or low oral feeding volume postoperatively, experience increased duration of mechanical ventilation, or have vocal cord dysfunction may be at risk for tube feeding at hospital discharge. Factors warranting further examination include cardiac physiology (e.g., aortic arch obstruction) and the relationship between neurodevelopment and oral feeding. Clinicians should use caution in assuming risk for an individual and prioritize early implementation of interventions that facilitate oral feeding development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurodevelopmental genetic disorder associated with visual–spatial and visuomotor deficits, which have not been studied well in adults with NF1. Methods: In 22 adults with NF1 and 31 controls, visuomotor functioning was assessed by measuring eye latency, hand latency and hand accuracy during visuomotor tasks. Visual–spatial functioning was assessed by measuring eye movement responses during the Visual Threshold Task. Results: The NF1 group had a significantly shorter eye latency than the control group and was less accurate in their hand movements during specific visuomotor tasks. The groups showed no differences in eye movement responses during the Visual Threshold Task and in hand latency during the visuomotor tasks. Conclusions: In contrast to studies in children with NF1, we found no alterations in visual–spatial information processing in adults. Impairments in eye latency and hand accuracy during specific visuomotor tasks may indicate deficits in visuomotor functioning in adults with NF1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, caused by the neuronal absence of the ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A). UBE3A promotes ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation and functions as a transcriptional coregulator of nuclear hormone receptors, including the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Previous studies showed anxiety-like behavior and hippocampal-dependent memory disturbances in AS mouse models. Hippocampal GR is an important regulator of the stress response and memory formation, and we therefore investigated whether the absence of UBE3A in AS mice disrupted GR signaling in the hippocampus. We first established a strong cortisol-dependent interaction between the GR ligand binding domain and a UBE3A nuclear receptor box in a high-throughput interaction screen. In vivo, we found that UBE3A-deficient AS mice displayed significantly more variation in circulating corticosterone levels throughout the day compared to wildtypes (WT), with low to undetectable levels of corticosterone at the trough of the circadian cycle. Additionally, we observed an enhanced transcriptomic response in the AS hippocampus following acute corticosterone treatment. Surprisingly, chronic corticosterone treatment showed less contrast between AS and WT mice in the hippocampus and liver transcriptomic responses. This suggests that UBE3A limits the acute stimulation of GR signaling, likely as a member of the GR transcriptional complex. Altogether, these data indicate that AS mice are more sensitive to acute glucocorticoid exposure in the brain compared to WT mice. This suggests that stress responsiveness is altered in AS which could lead to anxiety symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For nearly 40 years, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has implemented practices to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife and pollinators on highly erodible cropland in the United States. However, an approximately 40,470 ha (10 million acres) decline in enrolled CRP land over the last decade has greatly reduced the program's environmental benefits. We sought to assess the program's enduring benefits in the central and western United States by (1) determining the proportion of fields that persist in CRP cover after contracts expired, (2) identifying the type of agricultural production that CRP fields shift to after contract expiration, (3) comparing the vegetation characteristics of expired CRP fields that are persisting in CRP‐type cover with enrolled CRP fields, and (4) identifying differences in management activities (e.g., haying, grazing) between expired and enrolled CRP fields. We conducted edge‐of‐field vegetation cover surveys in 1092 CRP fields with contracts that expired ≥3 years prior and 1786 currently enrolled CRP fields in 14 states. We found that 41% of expired CRP fields retained at least half of their area in CRP‐type cover, with significant variation in persistence among regions ranging from 19% to 84%. When expired fields retained CRP vegetation, bare ground was low in all regions and grass cover was somewhat greater than in fields with current CRP contracts, but at the expense of forb cover in some regions. Evidence of more frequent management in expired CRP fields may explain differences between active and expired CRP fields. Overall, there is clear evidence that CRP‐type cover frequently persists and provides benefits for more than three years after contract expiration. Retaining CRP‐type cover, post‐contract, is an under‐recognized program benefit that persists across the central and western United States long after the initial retirement from cropland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healing of burn injury is a complex process that often leads to the development of functional and aesthetic complications. To study skin regeneration in more detail, organotypic skin models, such as full skin equivalents (FSEs) generated from dermal matrices, can be used. Here, FSEs were generated using de-epidermalized dermis (DED) and collagen matrices MatriDerm® and Mucomaix®. Our aim was to validate the MatriDerm- and Mucomaix-based FSEs for the use as in vitro models of wound healing. Therefore, we first characterized the FSEs in terms of skin development and cell proliferation. Proper dermal and epidermal morphogenesis was established in all FSEs and was comparable to ex vivo human skin models. Extension of culture time improved the organization of the epidermal layers and the basement membrane in MatriDerm-based FSE but resulted in rapid degradation of the Mucomaix-based FSE. After applying a standardized burn injury to the models, re-epithelization occurred in the DED- and MatriDerm-based FSEs at 2 weeks after injury, similar to ex vivo human skin. High levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were present in the culture media of all models, but no significant differences were observed between models. We anticipate that these animal-free in vitro models can facilitate research on skin regeneration and can be used to test therapeutic interventions in a preclinical setting to improve wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the association between face masks and risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 using cross-sectional data from 3,209 participants in a randomized trial exploring the effectiveness of glasses in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Face mask use was based on participants' response to the end-of-follow-up survey. We found that the incidence of self-reported COVID-19 was 33% (aRR 1.33; 95% CI 1.03–1.72) higher in those wearing face masks often or sometimes, and 40% (aRR 1.40; 95% CI 1.08–1.82) higher in those wearing face masks almost always or always, compared to participants who reported wearing face masks never or almost never. We believe the observed increase in the incidence of infection associated with wearing a face mask is likely due to unobservable and hence nonadjustable differences between those wearing and not wearing a mask. Observational studies reporting on the relationship between face mask use and risk of respiratory infections should be interpreted cautiously, and more randomized trials are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive species increasingly threaten ecosystems worldwide making it important to better understand the traits, including sexual reproductive allocation and its plasticity, that make certain species more successful invaders than others. Size differences between native and non-native invasive congeners are common, yet, when comparing allocation within and among species many studies fail to consider the size-dependency (allometry) of allocation patterns. Using a mesocosm experiment conducted at two locations and incorporating a nutrient gradient, we compared sexual reproductive allocation and its plasticity (correcting for size) between three closely related taxa of cattails with varying degrees of invasiveness: Typha latifolia (native, non-invasive), Typha angustifolia (non-native, invasive), Typha × glauca (their hybrid, invasive). We found that the non-native and hybrid taxa (both invasive) allocated more to sexual reproduction than the native, non-invasive taxon even after correcting for aboveground plant size. However, the non-native and hybrid taxa did not differ from each other when accounting for plant size, even though a size-independent analysis indicated they did. This reveals these two taxa differed in plant size, not allocation patterns. Surprisingly, the most invasive taxon (the hybrid) was the least plastic in sexual reproductive allocation in response to nutrients at one site. Our study adds to the growing body of literature suggesting trait values rather than trait plasticity contribute to invasiveness, but ours is unique in its size-dependent analysis of sexual reproductive allocation, its plasticity, and differential taxon invasiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angelman syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations affecting the chromosomal 15q11-13 region, either by contiguous gene deletions, imprinting defects, uniparental disomy, or mutations in the UBE3A gene itself. Phenotypic abnormalities are driven primarily, but not exclusively (especially in 15q11-13 deletion cases) by loss of expression of the maternally inherited UBE3A gene expression. The disorder was first described in 1965 by the English pediatrician Harry Angelman. Since that first description of three children with Angelman syndrome, there has been extensive research into the genetic, molecular and phenotypic aspects of the disorder. In the last decade, this has resulted in over 100 publications per year. Collectively, this research has led the field to a pivotal point in which restoring UBE3A function by genetic therapies is currently explored in several clinical trials. In this study, we employed a bibliometric approach to review and visualize the development of Angelman syndrome research over the last 50 years. We look into different parameters shaping the progress of the Angelman syndrome research field, including source of funding, publishing journals and international collaborations between research groups. Using a network approach, we map the focus of the research field and how that shifted over time. This overview helps understand the shift of research focus in the field and can provide a comprehensive handbook of Angelman syndrome research development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a response to the emergence of the new Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant, on December 3, 2021, mandatory testing after entry to Norway was extended to include international travellers with a valid COVID-19 certificate. We aim to validate if mandatory testing upon arrival increased the proportion of travellers confirmed with a positive COVID-19 test after entry. We used individual level data on registered travellers linked with data on COVID-19 testing and confirmed COVID-19 cases. The proportions of confirmed cases among international travellers before and after the requirement were introduced was analysed with an interrupted times series design. The proportion of travellers with an EU COVID-19 certificate tested at an official test station increased from 3% to 43% after mandatory testing was introduced. However, the proportion of all travellers confirmed with COVID-19 rose only marginally with 0.14 percentage point directly after the intervention (p-value.06). The results are limited by the absence of data on antigen tests taken by the traveller at home and missing data from travellers without a valid Norwegian ID. Our findings suggest that the benefit of mandatory testing of all international travellers to Norway was marginal in the period directly after the emergence of the omicron variant. This result must be understood in the context of free of charge testing at official test centres, a government recommendation on a low threshold to test when experiencing symptoms in addition to limited surveillance of the compliance of the test after arrival requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) experience a high degree of motor problems. The cerebellum plays a pivotal role in motor functioning and the NF1 gene is highly expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells. However, it is not well understood to what extent NF1 affects cerebellar functioning and how this relates to NF1 motor functioning. Therefore, we subjected global Nf1+/− mice to a cerebellum-dependent associative learning task, called Pavlovian eyeblink conditioning. Additionally, we assessed general motor function and muscle strength in Nf1+/− mice. To our surprise, we found that Nf1+/− mice showed a moderately increased learning rate of conditioned eyeblink responses, as well as improved accuracy in the adaptive timing of the eyeblink responses. Locomotion, balance, general motor function, and muscle strength were not affected in Nf1+/− mice. Together, our results support the view that cerebellar function in Nf1+/− mice is unimpaired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are treated conservatively or in selected cases with percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV). The purpose of this retrospective analysis is to determine predictive factors for a high visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score after conservative, sham or PV and is based on previously published randomized trials. Methods: The VERTOS II compared conservative versus PV, and VERTOS IV compared sham versus PV treatment. The conservative group received pain medication. The sham and PV group received subcutaneous lidocaine/bupivacaine. In addition, the PV group received cementation, which was simulated in the sham group. Nineteen different predictors of high (≥ 5) versus low (< 5) VAS pain score at 12 months were investigated. Results: 20.7% of patients in the PV group demonstrated a VAS ≥ 5 at the 12-month, compared to 40.1% in the conservative or sham group, with a significant difference (χ2(1) = 15.26, p < 0.0001, OR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.59 to 4.15). In the subgroup analysis, we detected five predictors for the risk of high pain scores (VAS ≥ 5 after 12 months follow-up), namely: female, baseline VAS > 8, long-term baseline pain, mild/severe Genant and new fractures. Conclusions: Statistically significant more patients had a high pain score at 12 months in the sham and conservative group when compared with the PV group. Five predictors were identified for sustained high local back pain, regardless of the received treatment. Patients with moderate fracture deformity were less likely to have high pain scores at 12 months if they received PV than if they had sham or conservative therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We formulate and solve a generalized inverse Navier--Stokes problem for the joint velocity field reconstruction and boundary segmentation of noisy flow velocity images. To regularize the problem, we use a Bayesian framework with Gaussian random fields. This allows us to estimate the uncertainties of the unknowns by approximating their posterior covariance with a quasi-Newton method. We first test the method for synthetic noisy images of two-dimensional (2-D) flows and observe that the method successfully reconstructs and segments the noisy synthetic images with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of three. Then we conduct a magnetic resonance velocimetry (MRV) experiment to acquire images of an axisymmetric flow for low (≃6) and high (>30) SNRs. We show that the method is capable of reconstructing and segmenting the low SNR images, producing noiseless velocity fields and a smooth segmentation, with negligible errors compared with the high SNR images. This amounts to a reduction of the total scanning time by a factor of 27. At the same time, the method provides additional knowledge about the physics of the flow (e.g. pressure) and addresses the shortcomings of MRV (i.e. low spatial resolution and partial volume effects) that otherwise hinder the accurate estimation of wall shear stresses. Although the implementation of the method is restricted to 2-D steady planar and axisymmetric flows, the formulation applies immediately to three-dimensional (3-D) steady flows and naturally extends to 3-D periodic and unsteady flows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As in other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Norway's immigrant population disproportionately, with significantly higher infection rates and hospitalisations. The reasons for this are uncertain. Methods: Through the national emergency preparedness register, BeredtC19, we have studied laboratory-confirmed infections with SARS-CoV-2 and related hospitalisations in the entire Norwegian population, by birth-country background for the period 15 June 2020 to 31 March 2021, excluding the first wave due to limited test capacity and restrictive test criteria. Straightforward linkage of individual-level data allowed adjustment for demographics, socioeconomic factors (occupation, household crowding, education and household income), and underlying medical risk for severe COVID-19 in regression models. Results: The sample comprised 5.49 million persons, of which 0.91 million were born outside of Norway, there were 82,532 confirmed cases and 3088 hospitalisations. Confirmed infections in this period (per 100,000): foreign-born 3140, Norwegian-born with foreign-born parents 4799 and Norwegian-born with Norwegian-born parent(s) 1011. Hospitalisations (per 100,000): foreign-born 147, Norwegian-born with foreign-born parents 47 and Norwegian-born with Norwegian-born parent(s) 37. The addition of socioeconomic and medical factors to the base model (age, sex, municipality of residence) attenuated excess infection rates by 12.0% and hospitalisations by 3.8% among foreign-born, and 10.9% and 46.2%, respectively, among Norwegian-born with foreign parents, compared to Norwegian-born with Norwegian-born parent(s). Conclusions: There were large differences in infection rates and hospitalisations by country background, and these do not appear to be fully explained by socioeconomic and medical factors. Our results may have implications for health policy, including the targeting of mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies of Victorinus by Stephen Andrew Cooper, Ellen Scully, Lenka Karfíková and Werner Steinmann have highlighted the need to read the philosophical treatises more closely alongside explicitly theological and exegetical work. But the approach of these authors reflects significantly divergent goals, from reading his work to defend an almost Lutheran emphasis on sola fide , or rather differently, in terms of a 'physicalist' approach on universal implications of Christ's role as Logos. Appreciating the work of Cooper and Karfíková, the present treatment is focused on a recent article by Scully, questioning her understanding of Victorinus on the interconnection of cosmology and soteriology to present the human Christ in terms of a Platonic form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains unclear, due to genetic heterogeneity and heterogeneity in symptoms across individuals. This study compares ASD symptomatology between monogenetic syndromes with a high ASD prevalence, in order to reveal syndrome specific vulnerabilities and to clarify how genetic variations affect ASD symptom presentation. Methods: We assessed ASD symptom severity in children and young adults (aged 0-28 years) with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS, n = 60), Angelman Syndrome (AS, n = 91), Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1, n = 279) and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC, n = 110), using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and Social Responsiveness Scale. Assessments were part of routine clinical care at the ENCORE expertise center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. First, we compared the syndrome groups on the ASD classification prevalence and ASD severity scores. Then, we compared individuals in our syndrome groups with an ASD classification to a non-syndromic ASD group (nsASD, n = 335), on both ASD severity scores and ASD symptom profiles. Severity scores were compared using MANCOVAs with IQ and gender as covariates. Results: Overall, ASD severity scores were highest for the FXS group and lowest for the NF1 group. Compared to nsASD, individuals with an ASD classification in our syndrome groups showed less problems on the instruments' social domains. We found a relative strength in the AS group on the social cognition, communication and motivation domains and a relative challenge in creativity; a relative strength of the NF1 group on the restricted interests and repetitive behavior scale; and a relative challenge in the FXS and TSC groups on the restricted interests and repetitive behavior domain. Conclusion: The syndrome-specific strengths and challenges we found provide a frame of reference to evaluate an individual's symptoms relative to the larger syndromic population and to guide treatment decisions. Our findings support the need for personalized care and a dimensional, symptom-based diagnostic approach, in contrast to a dichotomous ASD diagnosis used as a prerequisite for access to healthcare services. Similarities in ASD symptom profiles between AS and FXS, and between NF1 and TSC may reflect similarities in their neurobiology. Deep phenotyping studies are required to link neurobiological markers to ASD symptomatology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoids are isoprenoids widely distributed in foods that have been always part of the diet of humans. Unlike the other so-called food bioactives, some carotenoids can be converted into retinoids exhibiting vitamin A activity, which is essential for humans. Furthermore, they are much more versatile as they are relevant in foods not only as sources of vitamin A, but also as natural pigments, antioxidants, and health-promoting compounds. Lately, they are also attracting interest in the context of nutricosmetics, as they have been shown to provide cosmetic benefits when ingested in appropriate amounts. In this work, resulting from the collaborative work of participants of the COST Action European network to advance carotenoid research and applications in agro-food and health (EUROCAROTEN, , ) research on carotenoids in foods and feeds is thoroughly reviewed covering aspects such as analysis, carotenoid food sources, carotenoid databases, effect of processing and storage conditions, new trends in carotenoid extraction, daily intakes, use as human, and feed additives are addressed. Furthermore, classical and recent patents regarding the obtaining and formulation of carotenoids for several purposes are pinpointed and briefly discussed. Lastly, emerging research lines as well as research needs are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that is associated with cognitive disabilities, including attention and motor learning problems. These disabilities have been extensively studied in children with NF1 but limited studies have been performed in adults. Method: Attention, motor learning and intellectual performance were studied with neuropsychological tasks in 32 adults with NF1 and 32 controls. Results: The NF1 and control group performed similarly on attention and motor learning tasks, although controls had shorter reaction times than adults with NF1 during the motor learning task (t [60] = −2.20, p =.03). Measures of attention or motor learning were not significantly associated with reduced intellectual performance in NF1. Conclusion: In contrast to many studies in children with NF1, our findings did not provide evidence for presence of attention or motor learning problems in adults with NF1 in neuropsychological tasks. Our observations may be of clinical importance to determine treatment focus in adults with NF1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teaching early Christianity in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa since 2002, has convinced this author how important it is for African Christians to know of the deep roots of Christianity in Africa, and recognize important early African theologians, Tertullian, Origen, Athanasius and Augustine, just to name a few. This argument has a significant precedent among 19th century African Christians encouraged by the unbroken presence of Christianity from antiquity in Ethiopia. In the US, Thomas Oden promoted the study of pre-Islamic Christian Africa through the Center for Early African Christianity, and publications like the series, Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture. This Center has also encouraged universities in Africa to get involved in deciphering archeological materials and documents from North African sites as evidence for Christianity from its earliest days; the study of such documents has recently been established at the University of Jos (Plateau State, Nigeria). These initiatives are doubly significant because Christianity is growing phenomenally throughout Africa and is often accused of being a “mile wide and an inch deep”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Midwestern United States where the landscape has been largely converted from tallgrass prairie to row crops, thousands of private land parcels have been enrolled in federal pollinator habitat reconstruction programmes.To examine the outcome of pollinator habitat reconstruction, we randomly selected 19 sites that were in the third growing season post restoration and surveyed plant, floral and wild bee richness and abundance. Floral sources were divided into three categories: species from the seed mix (sown), species from the soil seed bank or surrounding landscape (unsown), and species that were likely unintentionally sown (contamination).Seventy‐two percent of captured bees were collected from sown flowers. The majority of oligolectic bees were Asteraceae specialists. Using linear regressions with bee abundance and richness as response variables and floral density and diversity as predictor variables, we showed that sown floral density was positively correlated with the total abundance and richness of bees collected from sown flowers, indicating that the selected pollinator friendly flowers provide support for wild bee communities. Conversely, total plant stem density or richness or the total floral density or richness was not significantly correlated with bee abundance or richness.The plant–pollinator network nestedness and modularity were positively correlated with the ratio of the unsown floral richness at each site, which suggests that the association between unsown flowers and wild bees can increase the long‐term stability of the plant‐pollinator network, even though the unsown species do not directly increase the bee abundance or richness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA©) is a globally recognized and used nutritional screening, assessment, monitoring, and triaging tool. The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the original English PG-SGA for the Japanese speaking populations and to assess its linguistic validity (i.e., comprehensibility, difficulty) and content validity, as perceived by Japanese patients and healthcare professionals. Methods: In accordance with methodology used in previous Dutch, Thai, German, and Norwegian PG-SGA studies, we followed the ten steps of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) Principles of Good Practice for Translation and Cultural Adaptation for Patient-Reported Outcome Measures. The study enrolled 50 patients and 50 healthcare professionals (HCPs) to evaluate the comprehensibility and difficulty of the translated and culturally adapted PG-SGA. The HCPs also evaluated the content validity of the translation. We evaluated each item and quantified scale indices for content validity (item content validity index (I-CVI), scale content validity index (S-CVI)), comprehensibility (item comprehensibility index (I-CI), scale comprehensibility index (S-CI)), and difficulty (item difficulty index (I-DI), scale difficulty index (S-DI)). Results: Patients evaluated the comprehensibility and difficulty of the patient component as excellent (S-CI = 0.97, S-DI = 0.96). The professionals rated the Japanese version of both components of the PG-SGA as very relevant (S-CVI = 0.94). The professionals evaluated the comprehensibility of the professional component as being acceptable (S-CI = 0.88) but difficult (S-DI = 0.69), based predominantly on items related to physical examination (I-DI = 0.33–0.67). Conclusion: The PG-SGA was systematically translated and culturally adapted for the Japanese setting according to the ISPOR process. The Japanese version of the PG-SGA was perceived as comprehensive, easy to use, and relevant. Perceived difficulty in professional components, specifically in the context of metabolic demand and physical examination, will require appropriate training for professionals in order to optimize implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands impact global warming by regulating the atmospheric exchange of greenhouse gases (GHGs), including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). We investigated GHG emissions in the Great Lakes coastal wetlands across various hydrologic, temperature, and nitrogen (N) inflow regimes using a process‐based simulation model. We found the emission of CH4, N2O, and sequestration of C (i.e., negative net ecosystem exchange, NEE) in our simulations were all positively related to water residence time and N inflow, primarily due to greater plant productivity and N uptake, which facilitated greater C and N cycling rates in the model. Water level scenarios also had an effect on GHG exchanges by moderating the transitions between aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Temperature effects on GHGs were minimal compared with other factors. The net sustained‐flux global warming potential (SGWP; i.e., sum SGWP of CH4, N2O, and NEE) of wetlands on 20‐year and 100‐year time horizons were both primarily driven by CH4 emissions and strongly controlled by the tradeoffs between CH4 emission and CO2 sequestration, with a negligible amount of simulated N2O emissions. Future research could include model enhancements to provide increased process‐level details on the aerobic‐anaerobic transitions or the direct effects of plants on mediating GHG exchanges. Field studies addressing the interaction of N inflows and water residence time at appropriately large scales are needed to test the complex interactions revealed by our modeling study. Our results highlight the previously under‐appreciated role of nitrogen and water residence time in modulating SGWP in coastal wetlands. Plain Language Summary: Wetlands impact global warming by emitting carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) to the atmosphere, but can absorb these greenhouse gases (GHGs). In our study, we investigated GHG emission in the Great Lakes coastal wetlands under different hydrologic, temperature, and nitrogen (N) inflow regimes using a simulation ecosystem model. We found the emission of CH4 and N2O increased with longer water residence time and higher N inflow in our modeling results, but at the same time, more carbon was absorbed by wetlands because wetland plants produced more biomass with more nutrients. The summed sustained‐flux global warming potential of wetlands on 20‐year and 100‐year time horizons both depend on if global warming potential caused by CH4 could be offset by the negative global warming potential of CO2. Key Points: Wetland methane emissions had a far greater effect on net sustained‐flux global warming potential than carbon dioxide or nitrous oxideThe positive net sustained‐flux global warming potential was dominated by methane emission in our simulationsOur study illustrated the strength of using a process‐based model to reveal the interactions between drivers of greenhouse gas emissions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]