Metabolic impact of sex chromosomes.

Obesity and associated metabolic diseases are sexually dimorphic. To provide better diagnosis and treatment for both sexes, it is of interest to identify the factors that underlie male/female differences in obesity. Traditionally, sexual dimorphism has been attributed to effects of gonadal hormones, which influence numerous metabolic processes. However, the XX/XY sex chromosome complement is an additional factor that may play a role. Recent data using the four core genotypes mouse model have revealed that sex chromosome complement-independently from gonadal sex-plays a role in adiposity, feeding behavior, fatty liver and glucose homeostasis. Potential mechanisms for the effects of sex chromosome complement include differential gene dosage from X chromosome genes that escape inactivation, and distinct genomic imprints on X chromosomes inherited from maternal or paternal parents. Here we review recent data in mice and humans concerning the potential impact of sex chromosome complement on obesity and metabolic disease

The War Against Dry, Itchy Skin: Dupilumab for Eczema

More than half of all adults diagnosed with moderate-to-severe eczema suffer from the disease daily, despite initiation of treatment. It is known to be an incurable diagnosis, but the previously prescribed regimen of corticosteroids and moisturizing ointments are proving to be woefully inadequate. Patients report recurrence of flare-ups, despite adherence to topical therapy. The itch-and-scratch cycle is relentless. As the number of uncontrolled eczema cases continues to rise, providers are forced to re-evaluate the efficacy of these traditional topicals and look to other drug classes for relief. This article reviews the risks and benefits of the first FDA-approved injectable biologic for eczema called Dupixent®. So far, the response has been promising: after 4 months from the first injection, nearly 40% report almost clear skin.13 With it comes a notable improvement in quality of life, anxiety, and depression.17,18 This article further analyzes additional statistics and survey results that were gathered from the National Eczema Association, as well as from controlled experimental studies and real patient testimonies posted on the Dupixent® website. Supplementary findings were included to explicate the relationship between the pathophysiology of eczema and the pharmacodynamics of Dupixent®. Based on the evidence presented in this paper, it’s safe to presume patients with moderate-to-severe eczema can be reassured of a more optimistic prognosis

Catching Up to a New Normal: The Effects of Shifting Industry Standards on Contract Interpretation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, industries around the world were forced to adapt to a new way of life dictated by rising public health concerns. The pandemic’s rapid spread left parties struggling to determine whether contractual performance would be excused or reinterpreted. Issues of prevailing industry standards arose and brought into question the point at which parties and courts should define these standards. While some parties argued that industry standards at the time of contract formation are determinative of performance, others claimed that their agreement referenced industry standards that had changed and that, therefore, their performance obligations had changed as well. By looking at contract disputes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, this Note examines potential issues of contract interpretation that arise when industry standards referenced by the parties change within the life of a contract. This Note addresses these issues in the context of different types of contracts and examines the use of specific language that references industry standards in the agreements. Ultimately, this Note proposes a general application of an ex ante interpretation of industry standards that would avoid issues of uncertainty even beyond the context of the COVID-19 pandemic

Polarized positron beams via intense two-color laser pulses

Generation of ultrarelativistic polarized positrons during interaction of an ultrarelativistic electron beam with a counterpropagating two-color petawatt laser pulse is investigated theoretically. Our Monte Carlo simulation based on a semi-classical model, incorporates photon emissions and pair productions, using spin-resolved quantum probabilities in the local constant field approximation, and describes the polarization of electrons and positrons for the pair production and photon emission processes, as well as the classical spin precession in-between. The main reason of the polarization is shown to be the spin-asymmetry of the pair production process in strong external fields, combined with the asymmetry of the two-color laser field. Employing a feasible scenario, we show that highly polarized positron beams, with a polarization degree of $\zeta\approx 60\%$, can be produced in a femtosecond time scale, with a small angular divergence, $\sim 74$ mrad, and high density $\sim 10^{14}$ cm$^{-3}$. The laser-driven positron source, along with laser wakefield acceleration, may pave the way to small scale facilities for high energy physics studies