Did Jesus Die by Suffocation?: An Appraisal of the Evidence.

A majority of medical and lay articles regarding crucifixion, and specifically the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, now state that suffocation was the primary cause of death from crucifixion. An in-depth analysis reveals that this theory is based on a form of torture unrelated to crucifixion and that no evidence directly linking suffocation to crucifixion has been published. Indeed, a thorough review of available ancient evidence from literature, artwork, graffiti, and modern archeology and re-enactment studies reveals no evidence in favor of suffocation and much evidence against suffocation as the cause of death in typically-portrayed crucifixions, and particularly for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Researchers are encouraged to look elsewhere for the most likely cause or causes of death from crucifixion. It may be time to abandon the idea that suffocation was the primary cause of death in crucifixion.

COVID-19 Policy-Making in a Country Divided: Catholic Social Teaching as a Path to Unity.

Because no vaccines or specific treatments are available, governments around the globe have responded to the Coronavirus Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with a variety of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) that include sheltering-in-place orders, social distancing, and school and business closures. While the actual and potential harm due to COVID-19 is far more severe than influenza, the harms due to the NPIs-that have clearly reduced mortality due to COVID-19-are also significant. With government-ordered "lockdowns" across the globe, many arguments for and against returning to normal social and economic activity have been reported, and in fact, Americans are divided about how and when to "open up." These arguments seem to fall into two major categories. Utilitarianism suggests that suspension of civil liberties and constitutional rights is a necessary response, while Libertarianism supports individual decision-making and greatly reduced government mandates. Protesters around the country have been vocal about one or the other points of view. First, we consider in detail the potential harms of severe acute respiratory syndrome virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) if left unchecked by NPIs. Second, we look at harms due to restricted social and economic activity on human morbidity and mortality. Finally, we offer a framework based on the four pillars of Catholic Social Teaching and the principle of double effect that offers a more humane solution than Utilitarian or Libertarian principles alone.

Brazilian Peppertree: Watch Out for This Lesser-Known Relative of Poison Ivy.

Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia), a member of the Anacardiaceae family, has invaded territory throughout the world, including the southeastern and western United States. Similar to fellow family members poison ivy and poison oak, Brazilian peppertree causes allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in susceptible individuals. As this pest increases its range, dermatologists living in endemic areas should familiarize themselves with Brazilian peppertree, its effects on the skin, and how to treat any associated ACD.

Botanical Briefs: Fig Phytophotodermatitis (Ficus carica).

Patients presenting with a linear, erythematous, blistering eruption may experience a sudden painful sunburn that seems to get worse rather than better with time. In warm climates, exposure to the common fig tree (Ficus carica) may be the culprit. Dermatologists should recognize fig phytophotodermatitis as a possible cause and help the patient connect their symptoms with the inciting agent as well as administer proper treatment.

Aquatic Antagonists: Seaweed Dermatitis (Lyngbya majuscula).

The cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula grows in marine and estuarine environments across the world and produces many biologically active compounds. Direct contact with L majuscula and its dermatoxins can cause seaweed dermatitis, which manifests as a papulovesicular eruption. As oceans warm, L majuscula will bloom more frequently; therefore, public awareness of L majuscula and seaweed dermatitis in oceanside communities can help promote precautions that can reduce the risk for exposure. This article describes the irritants that lead to dermatitis, clinical presentation, and prevention and management of seaweed dermatitis.

Botanical Briefs: Contact Dermatitis Induced by Western Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii).

"Leaves of three, leave it be" serves as an apt caution for avoiding poison ivy (Toxicodendron species) and its dermatitis-inducing sap. Toxicodendron contact dermatitis (TCD) poses a notable burden to the American health care system by accounting for half a million reported cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) annually. Identifying and avoiding physical contact with the western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii) plant prevails as the chief method of preventing TCD. This article discusses common features of T rydbergii as well as clinical manifestations and treatment options following exposure to this allergenic plant.

Botanical Briefs: Australian Stinging Tree (Dendrocnide moroides).

Dendrocnide moroides (also known as gympie-gympie, mulberrylike stinging tree, or stinger) is arguably the most brutal of stinging plants, even leading to death in dogs, horses, and humans in rare cases. They can be recognized as shrubs with heart-shaped, serrated, dark green leaves that are covered in what appears to be soft downy fur with red to dark purple raspberries growing on long stems. After contact, there is immediate piloerection and local swelling, which may disappear after 1 hour or last as long as 24 hours, but the subjective pain, pruritus, and burning can persist for months. One can only treat conservatively with symptom management, and the most successful method of removing plant hair is hair removal wax strips, which are considered an essential component of a first aid kit where D moroides is found.