#nosnowflakes: the toleration of harassment and an emergent gender-related digital divide, in a UK student online culture

In recent years, some political commentators and mainstream media outlets in the United Kingdom have pejoratively labelled young people, especially university students, a ‘snowflake generation’ – a term used to mock their perceived intolerance and over-sensitivity (Fox, 2016; Gullis, 2017; Slater, 2016; Talbot, 2020). This article challenges this discourse by drawing on findings from a large-scale study (N = 810) conducted on a university campus in England that critically examined student’s perceptions of and attitudes to different forms of online harassment, including abusive, offensive and harassing communications, using survey and interview data. Key findings indicate that online harassment is so pervasive in digitised spaces that it is often viewed as the ‘norm’ by the student population who appear willing to tolerate it, rather than take actions to address it, which challenges pejorative claims that they are intolerant and easily offended ‘snowflakes’. Respondents who identify as female and transgender are more likely to be targeted by online harassment. We argue that the label ‘snowflake generation’ is diverting attention away from student’s everyday experiences of online harassment and its adverse effects, particularly on women and transgendered people, which has the potential to create a gender-related digital divide (Jane, 2018). The implications of these findings for the higher education sector will be outlined

Hyperhomocysteinemia increases intimal hyperplasia in a rat carotid endarterectomy model

AbstractPurpose: This preliminary study investigated the ability to elevate the serum homocysteine (H[e]) levels and investigated the increases in postoperative neointimal hyperplasia (IH) in an environment with hyperhomocysteinemia and the resultant restenosis in a rat carotid endarterectomy (CEA) model. Method: The 9 rats for the control group were fed rat chow, and the 8 rats for the H(e) group were fed H(e)-supplemented rat chow for 2 weeks before and after CEA. The animals underwent anesthesia, and a left common CEA was performed. After 14 days, the serum H(e) levels were measured and the left carotid artery was harvested and elastin stained. Morphometric measurements were used to calculate the area of stenosis of the lumen. The mean and the standard deviation of the mean were determined. The 2 groups were compared with the Mann-Whitney test and a linear regression model. Three additional rats per group were studied, with carotid artery sectioning with double immunohistochemical staining for 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and α–smooth muscle (α-SM) actin. Results: The serum H(e) level in the H(e) group was 36.32 μmol/L ± 15.28, and in the control group the level was 5.53 μmol/L ± 2.06 (P = .0007). IH presented as percent lumen stenosis was 21.89% ± 4.82% in the H(e) group and 4.82% ± 1.64% in the control group (P = .0007). The linear regression model of the serum H(e) levels and the percent stenosis showed a linear relationship (r2 = .72). The α-SM actin staining revealed that nearly all of the cells in the IH area were of smooth muscle or myofibroblast origin and that 10.1% ± 2.6% of the cells were stained for BrdU in the control group versus 23% ± 7.1% in the H(e) group. Also, 9.3% ± 2.6% of the cells in the IH area were stained for BrdU and for α-SM actin versus 19.1% ± 5.6% stained for both BrdU and α-SM actin in the H(e) group. Conclusion: This is the first study to examine IH after CEA and hyperhomocysteinemia in rats. The study shows that the elevation of serum H(e) levels can be obtained by feeding rats modified diets with added H(e). The consistent elevation of serum H(e) levels was associated with more than 4 times the amount of IH after a CEA in a rat model. (J Vasc Surg 1998;28:909-18.

APOBECs and Herpesviruses

The apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like (APOBEC) family of DNA cytosine deaminases provides a broad and overlapping defense against viral infections. Successful viral pathogens, by definition, have evolved strategies to escape restriction by the APOBEC enzymes of their hosts. HIV-1 and related retroviruses are thought to be the predominant natural substrates of APOBEC enzymes due to obligate single-stranded (ss)DNA replication intermediates, abundant evidence for cDNA strand C-to-U editing (genomic strand G-to-A hypermutation), and a potent APOBEC degradation mechanism. In contrast, much lower mutation rates are observed in double-stranded DNA herpesviruses and the evidence for APOBEC mutation has been less compelling. However, recent work has revealed that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) are potential substrates for cellular APOBEC enzymes. To prevent APOBEC-mediated restriction these viruses have repurposed their ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) large subunits to directly bind, inhibit, and relocalize at least two distinct APOBEC enzymes-APOBEC3B and APOBEC3A. The importance of this interaction is evidenced by genetic inactivation of the EBV RNR (BORF2), which results in lower viral infectivity and higher levels of C/G-to-T/A hypermutation. This RNR-mediated mechanism therefore likely functions to protect lytic phase viral DNA replication intermediates from APOBEC-catalyzed DNA C-to-U deamination. The RNR-APOBEC interaction defines a new pathogen-host conflict that the virus must win in real-time for transmission and pathogenesis. However, partial losses over evolutionary time may also benefit the virus by providing mutational fuel for adaptation

Mdj1p, a novel chaperone of the DnaJ family, is involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and protein folding

Mdj1p, a novel member of the DnaJ family, is a heat shock protein that is associated with the inner membrane of mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Disruption of the MDJ1 gene resulted in a petite phenotype, loss of mitochondrial DNA, and inviability at 37°C. Import of precursor proteins was not affected by a lack of Mdj1p, but folding of newly imported proteins was markedly impaired. The efficiency of refolding of a tester protein, dihydrofolate reductase, was significantly reduced in mitochondria lacking Mdj1p after incubation at elevated temperature. We conclude that Mdj1p is an important mitochondrial chaperone that participates in the folding of newly imported proteins and in the protection of proteins against heat denaturation and aggregation

THE B LYMPHOCYTE DIFFERENTIATION FACTOR (BAFF) IS EXPRESSED IN THE AIRWAYS OF CHILDREN WITH CF AND IN LUNGS OF MICE INFECTED WITH PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA

Background Chronic lung infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity among individuals with CF. Expression of mediators promoting recruitment and differentiation of B cells, or supporting antibody production is poorly understood yet could be key to controlling infection. Methods BAFF was measured in BAL from children with CF, both with and without P. aeruginosa, and controls. Mice were intra-nasally infected with P. aeruginosa strain LESB65 for up to 7 days. Cellular infiltration and expression of B cell chemoattractants and B cell differentiation factor, BAFF were measured in lung tissue. Results BAFF expression was elevated in both P. aeruginosa negative and positive CF patients and in P. aeruginosa infected mice post infection. Expression of the B cell chemoattractants CXCL13, CCL19 and CCL21 increased progressively post infection. Conclusions In a mouse model, infection with P. aeruginosa was associated with elevated expression of BAFF and other B cell chemoattractants suggesting a role for airway B cell recruitment and differentiation in the local adaptive immune response to P. aeruginosa. The paediatric CF airway, irrespective of pseudomonal infection, was found to be associated with an elevated level of BAFF implying that BAFF expression is not specific to pseudomonas infection and may be a feature of the CF airway. Despite the observed presence of a potent B cell activator, chronic colonisation is common suggesting that this response is ineffective

Oral Hydration Before and After Hip Replacement: The Notion Behind Every Action.

Introduction: Even though nearly 20 patients undergo hip replacement every hour just in Italy and the United Kingdom, it is unclear what are the most appropriate oral hydration practices that patients should follow before and after surgery. Improper administration can cause postoperative fluid disturbances or exacerbate pre-existing conditions, which are not an uncommon find in older subjects. Significance: Considering that the number of hip operations is expected to increase in the next years as well as the age of patients, it is important to recall the notions behind water balance, especially in light of modern surgical and anesthetic practices. This technical perspective discusses the perioperative changes in the hydration status that occur during hip replacement and provides the concepts that help clinicians to better manage how much water the patient can drink. Results: The points of view of the surgeon, the anesthetist, and the nurse are offered together with the description of mineral waters intended for human consumption. Before surgery, water should be always preferred over caffeinated, sugar-sweetened, and alcoholic beverages. The drinking requirements on the day of surgery should consider the water output from urine, feces, respiration, exudation, and bleeding along with the water input from metabolic production and intravenous administration of fluids and medications. Healthy eating habits provide water and should be promoted before and after surgery. Conclusions: The judgment on which is the most appropriate approach to oral hydration practices must be the responsibility of the multidisciplinary perioperative team. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to argue that, in the presence of a patient with no relevant illness and who follows a healthy diet, it is more appropriate to stay closer to dehydration than liberalizing water intake both prior to surgery and in the early postoperative hours until the resumption of normal physiological functions

Design and feasibility testing of a novel group intervention for young women who binge drink in groups

BackgroundYoung women frequently drink alcohol in groups and binge drinking within these natural drinking groups is common. This study describes the design of a theoretically and empirically based group intervention to reduce binge drinking among young women. It also evaluates their engagement with the intervention and the acceptability of the study methods.MethodsFriendship groups of women aged 18–35 years, who had two or more episodes of binge drinking (>6 UK units on one occasion; 48g of alcohol) in the previous 30 days, were recruited from the community. A face-to-face group intervention, based on the Health Action Process Approach, was delivered over three sessions. Components of the intervention were woven around fun activities, such as making alcohol free cocktails. Women were followed up four months after the intervention was delivered. Results The target of 24 groups (comprising 97 women) was recruited. The common pattern of drinking was infrequent, heavy drinking (mean consumption on the heaviest drinking day was UK 18.1 units). Process evaluation revealed that the intervention was delivered with high fidelity and acceptability of the study methods was high. The women engaged positively with intervention components and made group decisions about cutting down. Twenty two groups set goals to reduce their drinking, and these were translated into action plans. Retention of individuals at follow up was 87%.ConclusionsThis study successfully recruited groups of young women whose patterns of drinking place them at high risk of acute harm. This novel approach to delivering an alcohol intervention has potential to reduce binge drinking among young women. The high levels of engagement with key steps in the behavior change process suggests that the group intervention should be tested in a full randomised controlled trial

Alcohol and disadvantaged men : a feasibility trial of an intervention delivered by mobile phone

This project was funded by the UK National Institute for Health Research Public Health Research programme (09/3001/09).Introduction and Aims:  Disadvantaged men suffer substantial harm from heavy drinking. This feasibility study developed and evaluated the methods for a trial of a brief intervention delivered by text messages to disadvantaged men. It aimed to test the methods for recruitment and retention, to monitor engagement with the intervention and assess the overall acceptability of study methods. Design and Methods:  Disadvantaged men aged 25–44 years who had ≥2 episodes of binge drinking (≥8 units in one session) in the preceding month were recruited. Two recruitment strategies were assessed: recruitment from general practice registers and by a community outreach strategy. Theoretically and empirically based text messages were tailored to the target group. Results: The study recruited 67 disadvantaged men at high risk of alcohol-related harm, exceeding the target of 60. Evaluation showed that 95% of text messages were delivered, and the men engaged enthusiastically with the intervention. Retention at follow up was 96%. Outcomes were successfully measured on all men followed up. This provided data for the sample size calculation for the full trial. Post-study evaluation showed high levels of satisfaction with the study. Discussion and Conclusions: This study has shown that disadvantaged men can be recruited and follow-up data obtained in an alcohol intervention study. The study methods were acceptable to the participants. The men recruited were at high risk of alcohol-related harms. It also clarified ways in which the recruitment strategy, the baseline questionnaire and the intervention could be improved. The full trial is currently underway.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Patterns of local and nonlocal water resource use across the western U.S. determined via stable isotope intercomparisons

In the western U.S., the mismatch between public water demands and natural water availability necessitates large interbasin transfers of water as well as groundwater mining of fossil aquifers. Here we identify probable situations of nonlocal water use in both space and time based on isotopic comparisons between tap waters and potential water resources within hydrologic basins. Our approach, which considers evaporative enrichment of heavy isotopes during storage and distribution, is used to determine the likelihood of local origin for 612 tap water samples collected from across the western U.S. We find that 64% of samples are isotopically distinct from precipitation falling within the local hydrologic basin, a proxy for groundwater with modern recharge, and 31% of samples are isotopically distinct from estimated surface water found within the local basin. Those samples inconsistent with local water sources, which we suggest are likely derived from water imported from other basins or extracted from fossil aquifers, are primarily clustered in southern California, the San Francisco Bay area, and central Arizona. Our isotope-based estimates of nonlocal water use are correlated with both hydrogeomorphic and socioeconomic properties of basins, suggesting that these factors exert a predictable influence on the likelihood that nonlocal waters are used to supply tap water. We use these basin properties to develop a regional model of nonlocal water resource use that predicts (r2 = 0.64) isotopically inferred patterns and allows assessment of total interbasin transfer and/or fossil aquifer extraction volumes across the western U.S.Fil: Good, Stephen P.. University of Utah; Estados UnidosFil: Kennedy, Casey D.. United States Department Of Agriculture. Agriculture Research Service; Estados UnidosFil: Stalker Jeremy C.. Jacksonville University; Estados UnidosFil: Chesson, Lesley A.. IsoForensics; Estados UnidosFil: Valenzuela, Luciano Oscar. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales. Departamento de Arqueología. Laboratorio de Ecología Evolutiva Humana (Sede Quequén); Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. University of Utah; Estados UnidosFil: Beasley, Melanie M.. University of California at San Diego; Estados UnidosFil: Ehleringer, James R. University of Utah; Estados UnidosFil: Bowen, Gabriel J.. University of Utah; Estados Unido