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Abstract Although the acute stress response is a highly adaptive survival mechanism, much remains unknown about how its activation impacts our decisions and actions. Based on its resource-mobilizing function, here we hypothesize that this intricate psychophysiological process may increase the willingness (motivation) to engage in effortful, energy-consuming, actions. Across two experiments (n = 80, n = 84), participants exposed to a validated stress-induction protocol, compared to a no-stress control condition, exhibited an increased willingness to exert physical effort (grip force) in the service of avoiding the possibility of experiencing aversive electrical stimulation (threat-of-shock), but not for the acquisition of rewards (money). Use of computational cognitive models linked this observation to subjective value computations that prioritize safety over the minimization of effort expenditure; especially when facing unlikely threats that can only be neutralized via high levels of grip force. Taken together, these results suggest that activation of the acute stress response can selectively alter the willingness to exert effort for safety-related goals. These findings are relevant for understanding how, under stress, we become motivated to engage in effortful actions aimed at avoiding aversive outcomes.

Background: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health has been widely reported. Yet, little remains known about the psychological mechanisms associated with changes in mental well-being during the currently ongoing pandemic. Methods: Here, we use a network analysis to unravel complex relationships between COVID-19 related stressors and emotional states during the initial phase of the COVID-19 (April 2020). Adults living in the Netherlands and Belgium (N = 1145, age 16 and older) (repeatedly) completed an online survey (approximate survey completion rate = 66.2%) about COVID-19 (over a 5-day maximum sampling period). Results: Partial correlations and contemporaneous networks illustrated that worries about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic were primarily associated with distress and mood ratings, which were subsequently associated with other indicators of well-being. Temporal network analysis revealed that COVID-19 worries were selectively associated with the reciprocal interplay between high distress and low positive mood (https://osf.io/vtdkr/). Limitations: Short-term temporal intervals were evaluated. A small percentage of participants completed the survey repeatedly (35.63% of the total sample), yielding to a relatively small sample size for repeated measures online research. The sample was self-selected. Conclusion: These results may point to potential mechanisms by which initial worries about the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted psychological well-being.

To leverage agriculture's potential to better benefit both people and nature, policymakers need clear messages about which farming practices positively impact biodiversity and yields, and when trade-offs arise. Existing reviews analyse effects of different agricultural practices on either biodiversity or yield, without considering interactions. Here, we applied multinomial and quantile regression models to synthesize global evidence of synergies and trade-offs between biodiversity and yield, using 764 paired observations (from 43 studies across 18 countries) comparing diversified and simplified farming systems. Results show that farmland diversification led to win-win outcomes for biodiversity and yield in 23% of cases, while a win for biodiversity coupled with a loss in yield was the most likely outcome (28% of cases). Yield and biodiversity responses were negatively correlated, meaning that diversifying farming systems solely in pursuit of production goals is unlikely to lead to markedly better outcomes for biodiversity, or vice-versa. Yet certain situations made win-win significantly more likely, including when crop and animal production, or multiple diversification practices (e.g., intercropping and cover crops), were combined, when no agrochemicals were applied, when diversification occurred in temperate climates, and when diversification enhanced below-ground taxa. Win-win was also more likely than lose-lose when biodiversity was measured as richness or richness-evenness, but not abundance, suggesting that in certain contexts diversified farming can effectively enhance species diversity while increasing agricultural yields. Overall, crop commodity group and bioclimatic location were amongst the most important contextual factors influencing the likelihood of a synergy or trade-off between biodiversity and yield, and diversification that accounts for these is less likely to lead to unexpected outcomes. Our novel method and up-to-date review show that farmland diversification frequently leads to better outcomes for biodiversity and/or agricultural production when compared to monocultures and farmland stripped of natural vegetation, opening a pathway to more sustainable agricultural production.

Measurement(s) yield trait • biodiversity outcomes Technology Type(s) Meta-Analysis Factor Type(s) Crop type • non-domesticated taxa Sample Characteristic - Organism Mammalia • Arthropoda • Aves • Amphibian • Annelida • Eukaryota • Nematoda • Plant • Reptile Sample Characteristic - Environment agricultural field • natural environment Sample Characteristic - Location global Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14723913

BackgroundMarijuana use is common in persons with HIV, but there is limited evidence of its relationship with potential health benefits or harms. ObjectiveThe Marijuana Associated Planning and Long-term Effects (MAPLE) study was designed to evaluate the impact of marijuana use on HIV-related health outcomes, cognitive function, and systemic inflammation. MethodsThe MAPLE study is a longitudinal cohort study of participants living with HIV who were recruited from 3 locations in Florida and were either current marijuana users or never regular marijuana users. At enrollment, participants completed questionnaires that included detailed marijuana use assessments, underwent interviewer-administered neurocognitive assessments, and provided blood and urine samples. Ongoing follow-ups included brief telephone assessments (every 3 months), detailed questionnaires (annually), repeated blood and urine samples (2 years), and linkage to medical records and statewide HIV surveillance data. Supplemental measures related to intracellular RNA, COVID-19, Alzheimer disease, and the gut microbiome were added after study initiation. ResultsThe MAPLE study completed enrollment of 333 persons between 2018 and 2021. The majority of participants in the sample were ≥50 years of age (200/333, 60.1%), male (181/333, 54.4%), cisgender men (173/329, 52.6%), non-Hispanic Black (221/333, 66.4%), and self-reported marijuana users (260/333, 78.1%). Participant follow-up was completed in 2022, with annual updates to HIV surveillance data through at least 2027. ConclusionsThe MAPLE study is the largest cohort specifically designed to understand the use of marijuana and its effects on HIV-related outcomes. The study population has significant diversity across age, sex, gender, and race. The data will help clinicians and public health officials to better understand patterns of marijuana use associated with both positive and negative health outcomes, and may inform recommendations for future clinical trials related to medical marijuana and HIV. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/37153

Abstract Background Since 1969, 49 cases have been presented on ring chromosome 4. All of these cases have been characterized for the loss of genetic material. The genes located in these chromosomal regions are related to the phenotype. Case presentation A 10-year-old Ecuadorian Mestizo girl with ring chromosome 4 was clinically, cytogenetically and molecularly analysed. Clinical examination revealed congenital anomalies, including microcephaly, prominent nose, micrognathia, low set ears, bilateral clinodactyly of the fifth finger, small sacrococcygeal dimple, short stature and mental retardation. Cytogenetic studies showed a mosaic karyotype, mos 46,XX,r(4)(p16.3q35.2)/46,XX, with a ring chromosome 4 from 75 to 79% in three studies conducted over ten years. These results were confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Loss of 1.7 Mb and gain of 342 kb in 4p16.3 and loss of 3 Mb in 4q35.2 were identified by high-resolution mapping array. Conclusion Most cases with ring chromosome 4 have deletion of genetic material in terminal regions; however, our case has inv dup del rearrangement in the ring chromosome formation. Heterogeneous clinical features in all cases reviewed are related to the amount of genetic material lost or gained. The application of several techniques can increase our knowledge of ring chromosome 4 and its deviations from typical “ring syndrome.”

We aimed to evaluate the effects of the five main classes of antihypertensive agents on the long-term outcome of 313 consecutive patients discharged after acute ischemic stroke (36.4% males, age 78.5 ± 6.3 years). One year after discharge, the functional status [evaluated with the modified Rankin scale (mRS)], the occurrence of cardiovascular events, and vital status were recorded. Patients prescribed angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) had lower mRS than patients not prescribed ARBs (1.7 ± 2.0 vs. 2.9 ± 2.5, respectively; p = 0.006). The rates of adverse outcome (mRS 2-6) and cardiovascular events did not differ between patients prescribed each one of the major classes of antihypertensive agents and those not prescribed the respective class. Patients who were prescribed ARBs had lower risk of death during follow-up than patients who did not receive ARBs (9.4 and 26.9%, respectively; p < 0.05). In binary logistic regression analysis, the only independent predictor of all-cause mortality during follow-up was the mRS at discharge (relative risk 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.25–2.28; p < 0.001). In conclusion, in patients discharged after acute ischemic stroke, administration of ARBs appears to have a more beneficial effect on long-term functional outcome and all-cause mortality than treatment with other classes of antihypertensive agents.

The expansion and intensification of agriculture have led to global declines in biodiversity. This paper presents a systematic review protocol to clarify under what management and landscape contexts diversified farming practices are effective at improving outcomes for terrestrial biodiversity, and potential trade-offs or synergies with agricultural yields. The systematic review will be developed following the Reporting Standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES). The review will include articles that compare levels of diversity (e.g., abundance, richness, Shannon’s diversity index) of any terrestrial taxon (e.g., arthropods, mammals) in diversified farming systems to levels in simplified farming systems and/or natural habitats, prioritising articles that also report agricultural yields. We will search for relevant peer-reviewed primary studies in two global repositories: Scopus and Web of Science, and among primary studies included in previous meta-analyses that are retrieved from the search. Full-texts of identified articles will be screened using a clear inclusion/exclusion eligibility criteria. All included articles will be assessed to determine their internal validity. A narrative synthesis will be performed to summarize, describe and present the results, and where the articles provide sufficient and appropriate data, we will conduct a quantitative meta-analysis.

Technology enabled learning is becoming more popular and pervasive in education. While the effectiveness of distance learning versus traditional classroom education is strongly debated, human factors such as students’ perception of their professors can influence their desire to learn. This research examines the perceptual effect of attractive professors on business students enrolled in distance learning courses. This study expands on prior studies by testing whether the attractiveness of the professor matters to student learning within the context of online learning environment. A total of 122 online business students were surveyed. Our findings suggest that professor’s attractiveness has a statistically significant effect on student learning, motivation, and satisfaction. In addition, online students perceived attractive professors with more expertise as an instructor. Female students had higher motivation than male students. Furthermore, separate analysis indicated that attractiveness effects were stronger for participants over the age 46 when compared to other groups.

Pastoral care is a biblical mandate to the Church to be involved in the lives of God’s people. A key metaphor used by Jesus to describe his pastoral role was that of a shepherd. Thus, to be God’s shepherds and instruments of healing and transformation in God’s world is an imperative to all people, clergy and laity alike. The brokenness in South African society is strikingly apparent, exacerbated by the effects of exceptionally high criminal behaviour as statistics show. The demand for pastoral care and assistance with various personal problems is on the increase, with many non-church goers turning to churches for help. Also apparent in South Africa is the acute shortage of trained individuals to offer care and counselling. The task of offering care is not the sole responsibility of clergy, as all are called to be shepherds and caregivers. The importance and urgency in training church-based counselling teams cannot be overstated. More so in that we are becoming increasingly aware that not only are individuals in need of care, but whole communities are struggling with trauma and life’s challenges, and often do not know whom to turn to. In pursuance of the realisation that pastoral care is the function and duty of all Christians, this article will delineate in particular an explanation of lay counselling, reasons for its importance including biblical foundations, where and how ordinary South Africans can get involved, and will propose certain models and approaches for getting started. These models will not be discussed in depth, but present an opportunity for the next. Teams for these models consist of professional counsellors, but ought not to be restricted to a select few, as all are called to this special ministry and can be trained for the task, which will include on-going supervision and mentoring. The overall purpose of this article is to highlight the urgency of training lay counsellors and some recommendations will be made how to apply it, in an attempt to be faithful to the biblical mandate and examples set by Jesus Christ.

Die fokus van hierdie artikel is om aan te toon dat pedoseksualiteit en pedofilie ’n uitdaging aan die pastoraat en die kerk stel. Nie net in Suid-Afrika nie, maar ook internasionaal is pedoseksuele gedrag ’n wydverspreide probleem. Navorsing op hierdie gebied is ’n pastorale uitdaging. Volgens baie mense is seksueel-afwykende gedrag nie iets wat in die Christengemeenskap voorkom nie. Dit is egter ver van die waarheid af. Pedoseksualiteit en pedofilie kom voor in alle beroepe, op alle sosio-ekonomiese vlakke, in alle ouderdomme, kulture en seksuele oriëntasies en in alle gelowe. Pedofilie word in twee hoofgroepe verdeel, naamlik die situasionele kindermolesteerder en die voorkeur-kindermolesteerder. Die wortels van pedofilie lê normaalweg in die kinderjare terwyl die seksuele wanorde gedurende adolessensie ontwikkel. Drie tipes lewenservaring op ’n vroeë ouderdom word aangedui as aanleidend tot pedoseksualiteit, naamlik seksuele kontak vóór die ouderdom van 16 jaar met ’n aansienlik ouer persoon; seksuele kontak voor die ouderdom van 13 jaar met lede van die eie portuurgroep; en nie-seksuele geweld wat hoofsaaklik deur ouers teenoor kinders gepleeg is. Aangesien daar geen rehabiliteringsprogramme in Suid-Afrika bestaan vir persone met seksueel-afwykende gedrag nie en seksuele waardes vinnig in die breë samelewing afgeneem het, behoort die kerk op die voorgrond te tree op hierdie gebied. The focus of this article is to show that paedosexuality and paedophilia poses a challenge to both the pastorate and the church. Not only in South Africa, but also internationally, has paedosexual behaviour become a widespread problem. Research in this field poses a pastoral challenge. According to the opinion of most people sexually deviant behaviour is not something that occurs in the Christian community. This assumption, however, is not the truth. Paedosexuality and paedophilia are present in all occupations, on every socio-economic level, in all age groups, all cultures, in all sexual orientations and religions. Paedophilia can be divided into two main groupings, namely the situational and the preference child molester. The roots of paedophilia can usually be traced back to childhood and the dishevelment developed during adolescence. Three types of life experiences are indicated as causal factors in paedosexuality, namely sexual contact before the age of 16 with someone much older; sexual contact before the age of 13 with members of their peer group; and non-sexual violence committed against them – usually by a parent. The church must take the lead on this matter, as there are no existing rehabilitation programs in South Africa for persons with sexual deviant behaviour while sexual values are waning among the general population.

Voordat ’n pastorale terapeut ’n persoon met seksueel afwykende gedrag in die vorm van pedofilie, pastoraal bedien, is daar merkers wat in gedagte gehou moet word ten opsigte van die posisionering van die pastorale terapeut. Daar word aangeneem dat pedofilie nie genees kan word nie, maar slegs beheer en bestuur kan word. Pedofilie is nie net ’n saak vir ander wetenskappe nie, maar beslis ook ’n geestelike saak. Die persoon wat kinders molesteer, beleef dikwels ’n geestelike vakuum. As gevolg hiervan is sy geestelike dimensie remmend en destruktief. ’n Pastorale hermeneutiek is hier uiters belangrik. Dit beteken dat die pastorale terapeut die taak het om God se teenwoordigheid en verhaal vir die persoon met afwykende seksualiteit te vertolk, sodat sy behoeftes, lewenservaringe en nood in die lig van God se liefde en genade in sy lewe sal sin maak. Die pastorale terapeut kan die deelnemer help om te ko-konstrueer sonder om deskundige kennis op hom af te dwing. ’n Pastoraal-terapeutiese vertrouensverhouding en onvoorwaardelike aanvaarding moet sigbaar wees om die belangrikste medium van verandering en genesing te bewerkstellig. Wanneer die pastorale terapeut in verbondenheid met Christus self tot nederige diensbaarheid en medemenslikheid gesuiwer word, kom ’n ware pastoraal-terapeutiese verhouding van vertroue en onvoorwaardelike aanvaarding tot stand. Die pastorale terapeut behoort eers sy of haar eie vertrekpunte rakende pedofilie uit te klaar. Hy of sy sal met sy of haar eie seksualiteit, asook die van ander, gemaklik moet wees. Hierdie navorsing kan pastorale terapeute aanmoedig om ’n bydrae te lewer in die bemagtiging van die pedoseksuele persoon op geestelike gebied en sodoende ’n bydrae tot ’n veiliger gemeenskap lewer. The pastoral therapist as companion of a person displaying sexually deviant behaviour: A hermeneutic angle. Before a pastoral therapist can counsel a person who displays sexually deviant behaviour in the form of paedophilia, there are certain markers pertaining to the therapist’s own positioning that must be observed. It is generally accepted that paedophilia cannot be cured, only controlled and managed. However, paedophilia is not only an issue to be studied by other sciences, it is also a spiritual matter. The person who molests children often harbours a spiritual vacuum within him- or herself. The spiritual vacuum, of which the paedophile may be cognisant or unaware, is the determining factor to which a spiritual dimension that is both restraining and destructive can be attributed. A pastoral hermeneutics is imperative in counselling the paedophile. The pastoral therapist must explain God’s presence and story to the person displaying deviant sexuality to enable him or her to make sense of his or her needs, life experiences and destitution in the light of God’s love and grace. Without imposing specialist knowledge upon the participant, the pastoral therapist can assist him or her to co-construct. A therapeutic relationship based on trust and unconditional acceptance is crucial. The process of change and healing can only be brought about within the parameters and liberty of such a relationship. The pastoral therapist should firstly consider his or her own views regarding paedophilia. He or she must be comfortable with his or her own sexuality, as well as the sexuality of others. The following article aims to encourage pastoral therapists to contribute to the empowerment of the pedosexual person on a spiritual level, and in doing so, contribute to a safer community.

Stroke is a devastating event that carries a potential for long-term disability. Malnutrition is frequently observed in patients with stroke, and dysphagia contributes to malnutrition risk. During both the acute phase of stroke and rehabilitation, specific nutritional interventions in the context of a multidisciplinary team effort can enhance the recovery of neurocognitive function. Early identification and management of malnutrition with dietary modifications or specific therapeutic strategies to ensure adequate nutritional intake should receive more attention, since poor nutritional status appears to exacerbate brain damage and to contribute to adverse outcome. The main purpose of nutritional intervention should be the prevention or treatment of complications resulting from energy-protein deficit. This paper reviews the evaluation and management of malnutrition and the use of specialized nutrition support in patients with stroke. Emphasis is given to enteral tube and oral feeding and to strategies to wean from tube feeding.

Technology enabled learning is becoming more popular and pervasive in education. While the effectiveness of distance learning versus traditional classroom education is strongly debated, human factors such as students' perception of their professors can influence their desire to learn. This research examines the perceptual effect of attractive professors on business students enrolled in distance learning courses. This study expands on prior studies by testing whether the attractiveness of the professor matters to student learning within the context of online learning environment. A total of 122 online business students were surveyed. Our findings suggest that professor's attractiveness has a statistically significant effect on student learning, motivation, and satisfaction. In addition, online students perceived attractive professors with more expertise as an instructor. Female students had higher motivation than male students. Furthermore, separate analysis indicated that attractiveness effects were stronger for participants over the age 46 when compared to other groups.[The volume number (13) shown on the PDF is incorrect.]