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Relatively little work has focused on why we are motivated to learn words. In adults, recent experiments have shown that intrinsic reward signals accompany successful word learning from context. In addition, the experience of reward facilitated long-term memory for words. In adolescence, developmental changes are seen in reward and motivation systems as well as in reading and language systems. Here, in the face of this developmental change, we ask whether adolescents experience reward from word learning, and how the reward and memory benefit seen in adults is modulated by age. We used a naturalistic reading paradigm, which involved extracting novel word meanings from sentence context without the need for explicit feedback. By exploring ratings of enjoyment during the learning phase, as well as recognition memory for words a day later, we assessed whether adolescents show the same reward and learning patterns as adults. We tested 345 children between the ages of 10-18 (N > 84 in each 2-year age-band) using this paradigm. We found evidence for our first prediction: children aged 10-18 report greater enjoyment for successful word learning. However, we did not find evidence for age-related change in this developmental period, or memory benefits. This work gives us greater insight into the process of language acquisition and sets the stage for further investigations of intrinsic reward in typical and atypical development.

Abstract Purpose Monoclonal antibodies have made an immense contribution to the treatment of various human diseases. We aimed at investigating an affordable treatment option for veterinary patients with corneal neovascularization by adding the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAC) to bevacizumab (Avastin®) for usage in multidose containers. A comprehensive analytical similarity assessment of preserved and unpreserved bevacizumab after dilution and storage was carried out. Methods Diluted and preserved bevacizumab was analysed at different time points for a 4-week period and compared with unpreserved bevacizumab at the same concentrations at each time point. Native-PAGE, immunoblotting and HP-SEC were used to observe aggregation and degradation. DLS provided information about particle size and dispersity. Bevacizumab quantified by ELISA was conducted to determine its biological activity. Dose response curves and cell migration assays were performed to detect possible toxic effects and determine biological activity and efficacy of the drug using HUVECs. Results Native-PAGE, immunoblotting and HP-SEC analysis did not show any changes or degradation products in the presence of BAC and after storage compared to unpreserved bevacizumab. The overlapping intensity-based particle size distribution obtained from DLS showed similarity in all tested groups and homogeneity was maintained. ELISA accurately detected bevacizumab at different concentrations. HUVECs incubated with preserved or unpreserved bevacizumab showed a comparable effect on cell migration. No decrease in cell viability was detected. Conclusion Equivalence tests demonstrated that bevacizumab is stable after dilution, storage and preservation with BAC. Our study shows that preserved bevacizumab applied in mutidose containers can be considered as a cost-effective alternative to the otherwise single-dose treatments.

Abstract Endotypes are characterized by the immunological, inflammatory, metabolic, and remodelling pathways that explain the mechanisms underlying the clinical presentation (phenotype) of a disease. Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a severe blistering disease caused by COL7A1 pathogenic variants. Although underscored by animal studies, the endotypes of human RDEB are poorly understood. To fill this gap, we apply systems immunology approaches using single-cell high-dimensional techniques to capture the signature of peripheral immune cells and the diversity of metabolic profiles in RDEB adults, sampled outside of any opportunistic infection and active cancer. Our study, demonstrates the particular inflammation and immunity characteristics of RDEB adults, with activated / effector T and dysfunctional natural killer cell signatures, concomitant with an overall pro-inflammatory lipid signature. Artificial intelligence prediction models and principal component analysis stress that RDEB is not solely confined to cutaneous issues but has complex systemic endotypes marked by immune dysregulation and hyperinflammation. By characterising the phenotype-endotype association in RDEB adults, our study lays the groundwork for translational interventions that could by lessening inflammation, alleviate the everlasting suffering of RDEB patients, while awaiting curative genetic therapies.

When you preach, you know from experience that what happens in the preaching event is uncontrollable and, therefore, full of mystery. The liturgy and the sermon are part of it and are related to something that happens, but we know this ‘something’ is uncontrollable. Investigation and reflection on resonance in preaching are on the trail of the mystery of the sermon as an event. We know that something mysterious happens when we preach that cannot be controlled by the preachers or listeners. In this article, I discuss the concept of uncontrollability in Hartmut Rosa’s scholarly contributions and mystery in the work of John de Gruchy. I then discuss four Christmas sermons of the Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, in search of the mystery of uncontrollability. In trying to understand preaching that resonates, I ask: How does the preaching event reflect the aspects of uncontrollability and transcendence in Archbishop Makgoba’s sermons? Archbishop Makgoba is known for his thought-provoking sermons that often delve into complex issues. The mystery in his sermons lies in his ability to explore profound spiritual concepts and connect them to everyday life. He uses metaphorical language to convey deeper meanings, leaving room for interpretation and contemplation. The mystery in his sermons also stems from his engagement with the unknown aspects of faith and the divine, encouraging his audience to grapple with the mysteries of existence.

The title compound, catena-poly[[triaquasodium]-di-μ-aqua-[triaquasodium]-μ-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[(3-methoxypropyl)phosphinodithiolato]], [Na2(C10H22O2P2S4)(H2O)8]n, crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1. The dianionic [CH3O(CH2)3P(=S)(S—)CH2CH2P(=S)(S—)(CH2)3OCH3]2− ligand fragments are joined by a dicationic [Na2(H2O)8]2+ cluster that includes the oxygen of the methoxypropyl unit of the ligand to form infinite chains.