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This paper presents new research about spiritual experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to discuss the impact of spiritual experiences on people's lives and relationships. Building upon William James' four features of the "fruits" of religious experience as a conceptual frame, the paper presents data from two surveys in which participants narrated spiritual experiences and reflected on the impacts of those experiences. We start with a short presentation of James' ideas about the fruits of religious experience. The next section outlines four themes that have emerged from the narratives of spiritual experiences during the pandemic: impacts on people's relationships with their religious communities, shifts in one's subjective sense of spiritual connection and intuition, encounters with spiritual figures and near-death experiences, and interpretations of COVID-19 as a spiritual contagion. The final section broadens the discussion from the impact of specific spiritual experiences to include spiritual responses to the pandemic more generally, leading to a discussion of the experiences within the wider debate in fruits of religious experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation Cell fate decisions, such as apoptosis or proliferation, are communicated via signaling pathways. The pathways are heavily intertwined and often consist of sequential interaction of proteins (kinases). Information integration takes place on the protein level via n -to-1 interactions. A state-of-the-art procedure to quantify information flow (edges) between signaling proteins (nodes) is network inference. However, edge weight calculation typically refers to 1-to-1 interactions only and relies on mean protein phosphorylation levels instead of single cell distributions. Information theoretic measures such as the mutual information (MI) have the potential to overcome these shortcomings but are still rarely used. Results This work proposes a Bayesian nearest neighbor-based MI estimator (BannMI) to quantify n -to-1 kinase dependency in signaling pathways. BannMI outperforms the state-of-the-art MI estimator on protein-like data in terms of mean squared error and Pearson correlation. Using BannMI, we analyze apoptotic signaling in phosphoproteomic cancerous and noncancerous breast cell line data. Our work provides evidence for cooperative signaling of several kinases in programmed cell death and identifies a potential key role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38. Availability and implementation Source code and applications are available at: https://github.com/zuiop11/nn%5finfo and can be downloaded via Pip as Python package: nn-info. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this volume, we bring together research on African derived Religions in Latin America and African American Religions in the USA. Theoretically, the concepts of hybridity and syncretism are discussed, in the introduction as well as in the papers included. The papers featured deal with Brazilian Umbanda, Cuban Santería, US African Black Hebrew Israelites, the Five Percenter movement (an offspring of the Nation of Islam), and one single person, Robert T. Browne, an activist in the Black Nationalist movement. In the religions covered – that are an outcome of the historical circumstances of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade – elements taken from West and Central African traditions, European Christianity, and Kardecian Spiritism blend to new forms of religious movements. This being the "fundamental" transformation of religion addressed here, some essays in the volume also look at the further transformation of those traditions in a "glocalized" world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gesundheit ist ein zentraler Bestandteil guten Lebens. Menschen wollen und sollen gesund leben. Menschen aus hohen Soziallagen gelingt eine gesunde Lebensführung besonders gut. Das liegt nicht hauptsächlich daran, dass sie über mehr Gesundheitswillen oder -wissen verfügen, sondern daran, dass sie über mehr Ressourcen für eine gesunde Lebensführung verfügen sowie über mehr Ressourcen, um die eigene Lebensführung als gesunde Lebensführung zu propagieren. Um die Gesundheitschancen nicht nur der hohen Soziallagen zu gewährleisten, bedarf es gesamtgesellschaftlicher Verfahren, die es allen Menschen gleichermaßen ermöglichen, ihre eigenen Gesundheitspotenziale zu entfalten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early gut colonization events are purported to have a major impact on the incidence of infectious, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases in later life. Hence, factors which influence this process may have important implications for both human and animal health. Previously, we demonstrated strong influences of early-life environment on gut microbiota composition in adult pigs. Here, we sought to further investigate the impact of limiting microbial exposure during early life on the development of the pig gut microbiota. Methodology/Principal Findings: Outdoor- and indoor-reared animals, exposed to the microbiota in their natural rearing environment for the first two days of life, were transferred to an isolator facility and adult gut microbial diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. From a total of 2,196 high-quality 16S rRNA gene sequences, 440 phylotypes were identified in the outdoor group and 431 phylotypes in the indoor group. The majority of clones were assigned to the four phyla Firmicutes (67.5% of all sequences), Proteobacteria (17.7%), Bacteroidetes (13.5%) and to a lesser extent, Actinobacteria (0.1%). Although the initial maternal and environmental microbial inoculum of isolator-reared animals was identical to that of their naturally-reared littermates, the microbial succession and stabilization events reported previously in naturally-reared outdoor animals did not occur. In contrast, the gut microbiota of isolator-reared animals remained highly diverse containing a large number of distinct phylotypes. Conclusions/Significance: The results documented here indicate that establishment and development of the normal gut microbiota requires continuous microbial exposure during the early stages of life and this process is compromised under conditions of excessive hygiene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acquisition of the intestinal microbiota in early life corresponds with the development of the mucosal immune system. Recent work on caesarean-delivered infants revealed that early microbial composition is influenced by birthing method and environment. Furthermore, we have confirmed that early-life environment strongly influences both the adult gut microbiota and development of the gut immune system. Here, we address the impact of limiting microbial exposure after initial colonization on the development of adult gut immunity. Methodology/Principal Findings: Piglets were born in indoor or outdoor rearing units, allowing natural colonization in the immediate period after birth, prior to transfer to high-health status isolators. Strikingly, gut closure and morphological development were strongly affected by isolator-rearing, independent of indoor or outdoor origins of piglets. Isolator-reared animals showed extensive vacuolation and disorganization of the gut epithelium, inferring that normal gut closure requires maturation factors present in maternal milk. Although morphological maturation and gut closure were delayed in isolatorreared animals, these hard-wired events occurred later in development. Type I IFN, IL-22, IL-23 and Th17 pathways were increased in indoor-isolator compared to outdoor-isolator animals during early life, indicating greater immune activation in pigs originating from indoor environments reflecting differences in the early microbiota. This difference was less apparent later in development due to enhanced immune activation and convergence of the microbiota in all isolator-reared animals. This correlated with elevation of Type I IFN pathways in both groups, although T cell pathways were still more affected in indoor-reared animals. Conclusions/Significance: Environmental factors, in particular microbial exposure, influence expression of a large number of immune-related genes. However, the homeostatic effects of microbial colonization in outdoor environments require sustained microbial exposure throughout development. Gut development in high-hygiene environments negatively impacts on normal succession of the gut microbiota and promotes innate immune activation which may impair immune homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) plays a key role in the N cycle of many ecosystems, as DON availability and biodegradation are important for plant growth, microbial metabolism and N transport in soils. However, biodegradation of DON (defined as the sum of mineralization and microbial immobilization) is only poorly understood. In laboratory incubations, biodegradation of DON and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from Oi and Oa horizons of spruce, beech and cypress forests ranged from 6 to 72%. Biodegradation of DON and DOC was similar in most samples, and mineralization of DON was more important than microbial immobilization. Nitrate additions (0–10 mg N L−1) never influenced either DON immobilization by microorganisms or mineralization. We conclude that soil microorganisms do not necessarily prefer mineral N over DON for meeting their N demand, and that biodegradation of DON seems to be driven by the microbial demand for C rather than N. Quantifying the dynamics of DON in soils should include consideration of both C and N demands by microbes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fluxes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON) may play an important role for losses of C and N from the soils of forest ecosystems, especially under conditions of high precipitation. We studied DOC and DON fluxes and concentrations in relation to precipitation intensity in a subtropical montane Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana forest in Taiwan. Our objective was, to quantify DOC and DON fluxes and to understand the role of high precipitation for DOC and DON export in this ecosystem. From 2005 to 2008 we sampled bulk precipitation, throughfall, forest floor percolates and seepage (60 cm) and analyzed DOC, DON and mineral N concentrations. Average DOC fluxes in the soil were extremely high (962 and 478 kg C ha year in forest floor percolates and seepage, respectively) while DON fluxes were similar to other (sub)tropical ecosystems (16 and 8 kg N ha year, respectively). Total N fluxes in the soil were dominated by DON. Dissolved organic C and N concentrations in forest floor percolates were independent of the water flux. No dilution effect was visible. Instead, the pool size of potentially soluble DOC and DON was variable as indicated by different DOC and DON concentrations in forest floor percolates at similar precipitation amounts. Therefore, we hypothesized, that these pools are not likely to be depleted in the long term. The relationship between water fluxes in bulk precipitation and DOC and DON fluxes in forest floor percolates was positive (DOC r = 0.908, DON r = 0.842, respectively, Spearman rank correlation). We concluded, that precipitation is an important driver for DOC and DON losses from this subtropical montane forest and that these DOC losses play an important role in the soil C cycle of this ecosystem. Moreover, we found that the linear relationship between bulk precipitation and DOC and DON fluxes in forest floor percolates of temperate ecosystems does not hold when incorporating additional data on these fluxes from (subtropical) ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ferrous Wheel Hypothesis (Davidson et al. ) postulates the abiotic formation of dissolved organic N (DON) in forest floors, by the fast reaction of NO2 − with dissolved organic C (DOC). We investigated the abiotic reaction of NO2 − with dissolved organic matter extracted from six different forest floors under oxic conditions. Solutions differed in DOC concentrations (15–60 mg L−1), NO2 − concentrations (0, 2, 20 mg NO2 −-N L−1) and DOC/DON ratio (13.4–25.4). Concentrations of added NO2 − never decreased within 60 min, therefore, no DON formation from added NO2 − took place in any of the samples. Our results suggest that the reaction of NO2 − with natural DOC in forest floors is rather unlikely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the creation of Afro-Caribbean religions and their incorporation of Christian elements. Background information about the historical and cultural frame in which the religions were initiated is presented. Most of the data presented referred to the Afro-Cuban religion, Santería. The Trans-Atlantic slave trade is connected with the creation of Afro-Caribbean religions.

The article examines the celebration of religious festivals and their significance for communities in South America. Despite the emigration from villages to towns and its impact on communities, the festivals have remained significant and helped analyze the importance of popular religiosity. The ethnographic context of festivals and what they mean for the people are detailed. A comparison of Ecuadorian practices with those of Ecuadorian immigrants in New York is provided.

Discusses the implications of human sustainable development for a development strategy and policy that included culture. Features of the Shutte Schale for prioritizing community needs and Rapid Rural Appraisal and Participatory Rural Appraisal procedures; Management of strategic cultural change; Participatory impact monitoring; Logical framework approach.

Pulmonary surfactant and its components are part of the first-line immune defense within the lung. Here the authors show that the surfactant protein (SP) SP-D, but not SP-A, agglutinates some clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. No agglutination of Staphylococcus aureus or Burkholderia cepacia was observed. The SP-D-induced agglutination of P. aeruginosa was not dependent on a specific lipopolysaccharide (LPS) serotype. The authors also show that SP-D, but not SP-A, increased the tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) release from human monocytic cells in response to a subset of P. aeruginosa and P.aeruginosa LPS. A clinical preparation of surfactant (Alveofact) blocked the TNFα release from monocytic cells induced by P. aeruginosa or its LPS. SP-A reversed the inhibitory effect of Alveofact in 6/8 strains of P. aeruginosa and 2/9 preparations of P. aeruginosa LPS. SP-D did not significantly alter the TNFα production induced by vital P. aeruginosa in the presence of Alveofact but markedly increased the TNFα release induced by a preparation of rough and smooth P. aeruginosa LPS. In summary, this study shows that the immunomodulatory properties of SP-A and SP-D specifically depend on the colonizing strain of P. aeruginosa. In addition, the authors show that the function of SP-A and SP-D is modulated in the presence of surfactant lipids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alister Hardy was one of the pioneers of the scientific study of spiritual experiences (SE); however, his work and insights have not received the attention they deserve. This paper, based on an in-depth analysis of Hardy's own writings, presents his main methodological and epistemological contributions for advancing the investigation of SE. Hardy's main epistemological propositions were as follows: the transcendent as the core of spirituality and SE as a major source of R/S beliefs; a nondogmatic approach, acknowledging that Darwinian evolution does not imply materialism and that mind is not reducible to matter; and a call for studies of psychic experiences and considering an expanded naturalism, including the "para-physical", that could lead to a perennial philosophy and a natural theology. His methods focused on phenomenological classification and the development of a natural history of SE based on studies with proper ecological validity on the experimental and the experiential, mixing large surveys of the general population with in-depth qualitative studies of the most prominent cases. In addition, it would be worth investigating developments of SE throughout a person's life. Bringing back Hardy's contributions will foster a better understanding of the history of the scientific study of SE and provide key insights for moving it forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reviews the state of the art in the development of strategies for generating supramolecular systems for dynamic cell studies. Dynamic systems are crucial to further our understanding of cell biology and are consequently at the heart of many medical applications. Increasing interest has therefore been focused recently on rendering systems bioactive and dynamic that can subsequently be employed to engage with cells. Different approaches using supramolecular chemistry are reviewed with particular emphasis on their application in cell studies. We conclude with an outlook on future challenges for dynamic cell research and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To cite this article: Lewis MC, Inman CF, Patel D, Schmidt B, Mulder I, Miller B, Gill BP, Pluske J, Kelly D, Stokes CR, Bailey M. Direct experimental evidence that early-life farm environment influences regulation of immune responses. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 265-269. Abstract Background: In mammals, early-life environmental variations appear to affect microbial colonization and therefore competent immune development, and exposure to farm environments in infants has been inversely correlated with allergy development. Modelling these effects using manipulation of neonatal rodents is difficult due to their dependency on the mother, but the relatively independent piglet is increasingly identified as a valuable translational model for humans. This study was designed to correlate immune regulation in piglets with early-life environment. Methods: Piglets were nursed by their mother on a commercial farm, while isolator-reared siblings were formula fed. Fluorescence immunohistology was used to quantify T-reg and effector T-cell populations in the intestinal lamina propria and the systemic response to food proteins was quantified by capture ELISA. Results: There was more CD4+ and CD4+CD25+ effector T-cell staining in the intestinal mucosa of the isolator-reared piglets compared with their farm-reared counterparts. In contrast, these isolator-reared piglets had a significantly reduced CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T-cell population compared to farm-reared littermates, resulting in a significantly higher T-reg-to-effector ratio in the farm animals. Consistent with these findings, isolator-reared piglets had an increased serum IgG anti-soya response to novel dietary soya protein relative to farm-reared piglets. Conclusion: Here, we provide the first direct evidence, derived from intervention, that components of the early-life environment present on farms profoundly affects both local development of regulatory components of the mucosal immune system and immune responses to food proteins at weaning. We propose that neonatal piglets provide a tractable model which allows maternal and treatment effects to be statistically separated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron is required to produce haem and iron–sulphur (Fe–S) clusters, processes thought to occur independently. Here we show that the hypochromic anaemia in shiraz (sir) zebrafish mutants is caused by deficiency of glutaredoxin 5 (grx5), a gene required in yeast for Fe–S cluster assembly. We found that grx5 was expressed in erythroid cells of zebrafish and mice. Zebrafish grx5 rescued the assembly of Δgrx5 yeast Fe–S, showing that the biochemical function of grx5 is evolutionarily conserved. In contrast to yeast, vertebrates use iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1) to sense intracellular iron and regulate mRNA stability or the translation of iron metabolism genes. We found that loss of Fe–S cluster assembly in sir animals activated IRP1 and blocked haem biosynthesis catalysed by aminolaevulinate synthase 2 (ALAS2). Overexpression of ALAS2 RNA without the 5′ iron response element that binds IRP1 rescued sir embryos, whereas overexpression of ALAS2 including the iron response element did not. Further, antisense knockdown of IRP1 restored sir embryo haemoglobin synthesis. These findings uncover a connection between haem biosynthesis and Fe–S clusters, indicating that haemoglobin production in the differentiating red cell is regulated through Fe–S cluster assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]