Final Week Research Articles

A randomized controlled trial assessing the effect of intermittent and abrupt cessation of milking to end lactation on the well-being and intramammary infection risk of dairy cows

The objectives were to compare the effects of an intermittent milking schedule with a thrice daily milking schedule during the final week of lactation on the well-being, udder health, milk production, and risk of culling of dairy cows. We hypothesized that cows subjected to an intermittent milking schedule would experience less udder engorgement and pain, lower concentrations of fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (11,17-dioxoandrostanes; 11,17-DOA concentration) after dry-off, lower risk of an intramammary infection during the dry period, higher milk production and lower somatic cell count in the subsequent lactation, and lower culling risk compared with herd mates milked 3 times daily and dried off by abrupt cessation. In a randomized controlled field study, Holstein cows (n = 398) with a thrice daily milking schedule were assigned to treatment and control groups. The treatment consisted of an intermittent milking schedule for 7 d before dry-off (gradual cessation of milking, GRAD). Gradual-cessation cows were milked once daily until the day of dry-off, whereas cows in the control group (abrupt cessation of milking, APT) were milked 3 times daily until the day of dry-off. Udder firmness and pain responses of the udder 3 d after dry-off, as well as the percentage change in fecal 11,17-DOA concentration (3 d after dry-off compared with the dry-off day), were used to assess the well-being of the animals. Compared with cows in the GRAD group, the odds [95% confidence interval (CI)] of udder firmness were 1.55 (0.99-2.42) for cows in the APT group, and the odds of a pain response were 1.48 (0.89-2.44) for cows in the APT group. The least squares means (95% CI) of the percentage change in 11,17-DOA concentration were 129.3% (111.1-150.4) for the APT group and 113.6% (97.5-132.4) for the GRAD group. Quarter-level culture results from the periods before dry-off and after calving were compared, to assess the likelihoods of microbiological cure and new infection. Cows in the APT group had lower odds of a new intramammary infection in the dry period [odds ratio, 95% CI: 0.63 (0.37-1.05)], whereas we observed no meaningful differences in the microbiological cure likelihood among groups. The least squares means (95% CI) for somatic cell counts (log10-transformed) were 4.9 (4.8-5.0) in the APT group and 4.9 (4.8-5.0) in the GRAD group. The odds (95% CI) of clinical mastitis in the first 30 d postcalving were 1.32 (0.53-3.30) in the APT group compared with the GRAD group. We observed no meaningful differences in milk production at the first test date postcalving or the culling risk among groups. We conclude that the gradual-cessation protocol tested herein failed to significantly improve animal well-being, udder health, milk production, and survival in the tested study cohort. However, the observed differences in udder firmness, as well as the numerical differences in udder pain and the percentage change in fecal 11,17-DOA concentrations suggest that this line of research may be useful. Future research is needed to develop drying-off strategies that are appropriate for lowering milk production at the end of the lactation and improve animal well-being without compromising udder health.

Obese dogs exhibit different fecal microbiome and specific microbial networks compared with normal weight dogs

Canine obesity is a major health concern that predisposes dogs to various disorders. The fecal microbiome has been attracting attention because of their impact on energy efficiency and metabolic disorders of host. However, little is known about specific microbial interactions, and how these may be affected by obesity in dogs. The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in fecal microbiome and specific microbial networks between obese and normal dogs. A total of 20 beagle dogs (males = 12, body weight [BW]: 10.5 ± 1.08 kg; females = 8, BW: 11.3 ± 1.71 kg; all 2-year-old) were fed to meet the maintenance energy requirements for 18 weeks. Then, 12 beagle dogs were selected based on body condition score (BCS) and divided into two groups: high BCS group (HBCS; BCS range: 7–9, males = 4, females = 2) and normal BCS group (NBCS; BCS range: 4–6, males = 4, females = 2). In the final week of the experiment, fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum, before breakfast, for analyzing the fecal microbiome using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The HBCS group had a significantly higher final BW than the NBCS group (P < 0.01). The relative abundances of Faecalibacterium, Phascolarctobacterium, Megamonas, Bacteroides, Mucispirillum, and an unclassified genus within Ruminococcaceae were significantly higher in the HBCS group than those in the NBCS group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, some Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) modules related to amino acid biosynthesis and B vitamins biosynthesis were enriched in the HBCS group (P < 0.10), whereas those related to carbohydrate metabolism were enriched in the NBCS group (P < 0.10). Microbial network analysis revealed distinct co-occurrence and mutually exclusive interactions between the HBCS and NBCS groups. In conclusion, several genera related to short-chain fatty acid production were enriched in the HBCS group. The enriched KEGG modules in the HBCS group enhanced energy efficiency through cross-feeding between auxotrophs and prototrophs. However, further studies are needed to investigate how specific networks can be interpreted in the context of fermentation characteristics in the lower gut and obesity in dogs.

Social Model Hospice Residential Care Homes: Whom Do They Really Serve?

Most prefer to die at home, but the Medicare Hospice Benefit does not cover custodial care, making it difficult for terminally ill patients with housing insecurity and/or caregiver instability to access hospice care at home. To examine the characteristics of patients who received end-of-life care in community-run, residential care homes (RCHs) operating under the social model hospice. A retrospective chart review of 500 residents who were admitted to one of three RCHs in Upstate New York over a 15-year period (2004-2019). Patients served by the RCHs included 318 (63.6%) women and 182 (36.4%) men aged 34-101 (M = 77.8). The majority (94.9%) were Caucasian and most had cancer diagnoses (71.6%). Prior to admission, most (93%) patients resided in a private residence, and nearly half (47%) lived alone, but most (81.7%) had full- or part-time caregivers. Nearly all patients were admitted either directly from a hospital (47.5%) or private home (47.2%). Over half (52%) were admitted to RCHs within a month of hospice enrollment, and 20.1% enrolled concurrent with admission. While the average length of stay was 21days, 50% died within 10days of admission. Community-run RCHs represent a unique approach for improving access to hospice home care for patients with home insecurity and/or caregiver instability, yet most patients had prior caregiver coverage and were admitted from a hospital or home setting, suggesting there is a need for community care settings for patients unable to remain at home in the final weeks or days prior to death.

Using Ultrasound to Augment Exam Skills Among Clerkship Students.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is becoming more common as a diagnostic and clinical tool. Some medical schools have incorporated POCUS training in their curriculum. A family medicine clerkship during the third year of undergraduate medical education is appropriate for incorporating musculoskeletal (MSK) education. Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) is a potential tool for augmenting this teaching. Third-year undergraduate family medicine clerkship students were given prework related to ultrasound physics, terminology, and sonographic appearance of MSK structures. This was followed by a 2-hour session in the first week of their clerkship covering the shoulder and knee MSK exams, and incorporated hands-on scanning. Students practiced MSK exams during their 8-week clerkship and POCUS was available in clinic. They were administered a postsession survey to rate the MSKUS curriculum. Objective, structured clinical exam (OSCE) testing, including performance evaluation of the knee examination during the final clerkship week, was compared to prior-year OSCE scores. Third-year medical students felt the use of MSKUS was helpful and enhanced overall understanding of MSK exams. We did not see an improvement in OSCE scores. Students reported a desire for more POCUS training. POCUS is a powerful tool within the clinical and academic setting. We were able to develop a curriculum using MSKUS to augment teaching the shoulder and knee exams to third-year family medicine clerkship students. While we did not see an improvement in OSCE scores evaluating the performance of a knee exam, students reported greater understanding of the exams with the MSKUS instruction added. Students desire more POCUS training in the undergraduate medical curriculum.

Effective of micro teaching method in arabic language grammar among UniKL MITEC students

Learning Arabic language among non-Arabian’s beginners is also brings the real challenges among students and the teachers. Vocabulary enrichment, grammar enhancement, and vowel pronunciation gain the specific technique to be applied among university students who limited by semester system. This study is about Effective of Micro Teaching Method in Arabic Language Grammar Among UniKL MITEC Students. The study uses qualitative approach by conducting observation among students who applied this method from the beginning week 1 until the final week. 50 students have been observed until the data reached the saturation points. Finding shows to us that most of students are able to write, speak, and listen in Arabic fluently after applying this Micro Teaching Technique. It is suggested that this technique can be applied via WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram and other applications and software to makes teaching and learning process among students are more, virtual, interactive, and mobile. As a conclusion, new teaching method need to be design to fix and fulfill the student requirement to master the Arabic course in the semester system in university.

Abstracts Teaching Kitchen Research Conference Los Angeles, California October 18–19, 2022

Abstracts Teaching Kitchen Research Conference Los Angeles, California <i>October 18–19, 2022</i>

Experimental Investigation of Soiling and Temperature Impact on PV Power Degradation: North East-Iraq as A Case Study

The main objectives of this study are to assess the degradation of power, voltage and current for photovoltaic (PV) modules in predicting temperature and soiling based on five-month measurements. This study aimed to present simple experimental models for estimating the temperature and effects of dust on PV power generation. Results demonstrated that soiling short-circuit current loss underestimates the real soiling power loss by approximately 8%, and this value rises with the increase in dust density. The soiling rate during the week of dust deposition was 0.3% per day and during the final week was 0.15% per day. Results indicate that the polynomial model from the second degree is more accurate than the linear and power models for evaluating the influence of dust on PV systems in the case study. The results suggest that such analysis is required to arrive at a realistic estimation of the best cleaning time in PV power plants.

Nonlethal Tools to Identify Mass Ovarian Follicular Atresia in Burbot

AbstractSkipped spawning, or variation in spawning periodicity, occurs in many annual spawning fish species and is an important consideration for population management. We assessed plasma sex steroid concentrations and measured gonad size and ovarian follicle diameter as metrics to nonlethally identify mass ovarian follicular atresia, which may contribute to skipped spawning in Burbot Lota lota. We maintained wild fish in captivity and exposed them to increasing water temperatures during a 3-wk period before the spawning season to induce mass ovarian follicular atresia. We collected ovarian follicles, blood plasma, and gonadal sonograms from fish weekly between January 28, 2018, and March 25, 2018. We histologically analyzed ovarian follicles to confirm stage of maturity. We measured concentrations of plasma sex steroids testosterone (T) and estradiol-17β (E2) by radioimmunoassay. We measured gonad diameter and circumference by ultrasonography and ovarian follicle diameter by image analysis. Mean plasma T concentration decreased from 8.94 ng/mL during late vitellogenesis to 1.83 ng/mL during atresia, suggesting that plasma T concentrations may be used to identify mass ovarian follicular atresia. We do not recommend using plasma E2 concentrations to identify mass ovarian follicular atresia because E2 concentrations rapidly decreased during the completion of vitellogenesis and the initiation of atresia in Burbot; therefore, plasma E2 may not accurately identify mass ovarian follicular atresia. Mean gonad diameter measured by ultrasonography decreased from 4.05 cm during late vitellogenesis to 3.65 cm during atresia. Mean diameter of ovarian follicles decreased during the final week of the study, suggesting that ovarian follicle diameter may be used to identify advanced mass ovarian follicular atresia. The nonlethal tools assessed—plasma sex steroid concentrations, ultrasonography, and ovarian follicle diameter—enable fisheries biologists to determine the occurrence and frequency of mass ovarian follicular atresia among Burbot in Lake Roosevelt and may be applied to other Burbot populations.

The Second-Language Essay as Cognitive Task: Complexity, Subjectivity and Emotion

Models of task complexity indicate the multiple processes and challenges second-language university students face when learning to write an essay. Studies of complex cognitive tasks frame emotion as an aspect of individual differences. This study used Appraisal analysis to assess subjective attitudes realised across four weeks of writing an essay, content analysis to identify how students took up instructor input, and co-frequency to identify strong connections. Results indicate that students focus on researching essay content at the expense of structure and language. They find topic sentences more difficult than thesis statements, and have difficulty collating sentence-level proficiency with the sophisticated discourse-level demands of the essay task. Content and attitude frequencies suggested that relatively little work was done in the first week, substantial work was done in weeks two and three, and realisations dropped sharply in the final week, suggesting resource-dispersing impacts in the final stretch. Results highlight the need for somatic measures of task complexity and effort, due to frequent realisations of stress and stress relief, and their co-frequency with misery.

Atranorin, a Secondary Metabolite of Lichens, Exhibited Anxiolytic/Antidepressant Activity in Wistar Rats.

Atranorin (ATR) is one of lichens' many known secondary metabolites. Most current studies have investigated the various effects of ATR in vitro and only sporadically in vivo. The latest data indicate that ATR may have anxiolytic/antidepressive effects. This study aimed to analyze the potential of ATR in a depression-like state in male Wistar rats. Pregnant females were stressed by restricting their mobility in the final week of pregnancy three times a day for 45 min each, for three following days. After birth, progeny aged 60 days was stressed repeatedly. The male progeny was divided into three groups as follows: CTR group as a healthy control (n = 10), DEP group as a progeny of restricted mothers (n = 10), and ATR group as a progeny of restricted mothers, treated daily for one month with ATR (n = 10; 10 mg/kg of body weight, p.o.). Our results show that ATR acts as an antioxidant and markedly changes animal behavior. Concomitantly, hippocampal neurogenesis increases in the hilus and subgranular zone, together with the number of NeuN mature neurons in the hilus and CA1 regions. Our results indicate a potential antidepressant/anxiolytic effect of ATR. However, further studies in this area are needed.

Spatial proliferation of African swine fever virus in South Korea.

The African swine fever virus (ASFV) was first detected in South Korea on a pig farm in September 2019. Despite active preventive measures to control the spread of ASFV, outbreaks on pig farms and in wild boar have been increasing. In this study, we investigated the spatial contamination area using the minimum convex polygon (MCP) approach, and growth rate using a logistic diffusion model. On the basis of the ASFV outbreak locations recorded from September 17th, 2019, to May 20th, 2022, the MCP area for the second week was 618.41 km2 and expanded to 37959.67 km2 in the final week. The maximum asymptote of the logistic function was considered as the land area of South Korea, and we estimated logistic growth rates of 0.022 km2 per week and 0.094 km2 per month. Administrative bodies should implement preventive and quarantine measures for infectious diseases. The results of this study will be a reference for epidemiologists, ecologists, and policy makers and contribute to the establishment of appropriate quarantine measures for disease control and management.

Quality of Life Analysis of a Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing 3D-Conformal Radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (TRI-LARC)

<h3>Purpose/Objective(s)</h3> The aim of the study was to compare the use of 3D-CRT and IMRT in pre-operative long course chemo-radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. We herein evaluate the impact of the two treatment modalities on quality of life (QOL), a secondary objective of the study. <h3>Materials/Methods</h3> 94 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma were enrolled in a prospective randomized phase II trial across three institutions between 2014 and 2020. Eligible patients had stage T3-4, N(any) or circumferential resection margin at risk with no evidence of metastatic disease. All patients were prescribed 50.4Gy in 28 fractions with concomitant 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to 3D-CRT and IMRT planning techniques. QOL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ C30 and QLQ CR29 questionnaires at baseline, during the final week of radiotherapy and at six and twelve months after radiotherapy. A paired sample t test was used to compare differences in QOL from baseline to each follow-up. One-way between-group analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were conducted to compare the effect of the trial arms on each QOL score. <h3>Results</h3> At a median follow-up of 14 months, the trial was terminated early due to failure to establish efficacy in the primary outcome, acute gastrointestinal toxicity. The median age was 59 years and 72/94 (77%) were male. 86/94 (91%) patients completed the baseline and at least one other QOL assessments. QOL data at one year was available in 55/94(58%). At baseline, there was no difference in QOL scores between trial arms. Overall, emotional functioning had improved at six months but physical, cognitive, role and social functioning had declined. At six months, there was a significant improvement in constipation, blood and mucous in stool, bloating, urinary frequency, buttock pain and anxiety scores compared to baseline. There was a significant deterioration in dyspnea, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, taste, hair loss, erectile dysfunction, body image and global health scores from baseline to 6-month follow-up. After adjusting for pre-intervention score, the IMRT arm had better physical functioning (p=0.038) and role functioning (p=0.014) during the final week of radiotherapy compared to the 3DCRT arm. The end of radiotherapy embarrassment score, for those without a stoma, was significantly worse in the IMRT arm (p=0.032). There was no other significant difference in QOL scores between the two arms, at either the final week of radiotherapy or at 6 months, after adjustment for pre-intervention scores. The limitations of the study include its early termination, the potential for type 1 error and the possible influence of other factors on QOL data such as chemotherapy and postoperative complications. <h3>Conclusion</h3> There are limited QOL benefits of IMRT compared to 3D-CRT in the neoadjuvant setting for rectal cancer.

RF33 | PSAT92 Glucocorticoid Excess Alters Metabolic Rate in Male and Female C57BL/6J Mice

Abstract Introduction Glucocorticoids are vital for regulating metabolic processes, as well as use in medical treatments. However glucocorticoid excess is known to cause negative metabolic effects including hyperglycaemia, muscle atrophy and fat accumulation, ultimately leading to Cushing's Syndrome. The effect on energy metabolism and metabolic rate remains undefined and merits investigation in both male and female mice. Methods 24 male and 24 female C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to a corticosterone (100mg/L, approximately 300µg/day) or a vehicle control group. Mice were treated ad libitum via drinking water for 3 weeks, whilst being fed a standard chow diet. Mice were placed into a TSE Phenomaster system for the final week of treatment for indirect calorimetry assessment. Results Corticosterone treatment resulted in a typical phenotype of glucocorticoid excess, however female mice experienced significantly greater fat accumulation and bodyweight gain compared to males. Females treated with corticosterone exhibited increased energy expenditure (EE, 25±5.9%), oxygen consumption (21.7±10.0%) and carbon dioxide production (36.4±14.3%) during the day compared to controls, but males did not. However, corticosterone did significantly elevate the respiratory exchange ratio (RER) towards 1 in both males (10.7±5.7%) and females (11.8±7.0%) during the day. At night, when mice are naturally more active and EE increases, female corticosterone mice no longer had elevated EE, oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production compared to controls. However, RER remained elevated in females (7.6%±4.8%) and moderately so in males (3.2±2.6%), staying close to or exceeding 1 in both. Corticosterone treated mice were hyperphagic and polydipsic throughout, eating and drinking significantly more than controls during both night and day, with intake peaking at night. Subsequent metabolomic analysis of tissue samples (skeletal muscle, liver, gonadal fat) revealed significant treatment and sex differences. Conclusion and further investigation: These findings provide further insights into the metabolic consequences of glucocorticoid excess in male and female mice. Whilst energy metabolism and metabolic rate are altered in both (especially during the day), the metabolic effects of glucocorticoid excess might be exaggerated in females. Further investigation will determine whether these changes are driven simply by increased animal activity, increased feeding and drinking or another mechanism. Additionally, we will determine whether 11β-HSD1 KO prevents these changes, as it does with other negative metabolic effects associated with glucocorticoid excess. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday, June 13, 2022 1:06 p.m. - 1:11 p.m.

Winter breaks: How do they affect injuries in field hockey?

The Irish Hockey League (IHL) introduced an eight-week winter break for the first time in the 2018/2019 season. We evaluated the effects of this eight-week break by comparing injury outcome metrics in the 2018/2019 (winter break) season and the 2017/2018 (no winter break) season. Prospective cohort study. Each season was split into three distinct periods: period one consisted of the first nine weeks of each season; period two, weeks ten to 18; and period three, the final weeks. For the 2018/2019 season, the winter break was implemented in period two (weeks 10 to18). Relative risk with 95 % CI and injury incidence (1000h) were compared across the two seasons. Overall, 173 and 150 injuries we incurred during the 2017/2018 (no winter break) and 2018/2019 (winter break season) seasons respectively. Compared to 2017/2018 season, total injury incidence rate, injury severity, and injury burden were all significantly higher in period three during the 2018/2019 season (i.e., following the winter break). Furthermore, injured athletes had a 2.5-times higher relative risk of sustaining an injury after the winter break. Relative risks of 15.3 and 21.4 were observed for lower back injuries and fractures after the winter break, when compared with no break. Although fewer injuries were incurred during the 2018/2019 season, significantly more injuries were sustained in the period after the implementation of the winter break when compared to the corresponding period during the 2017/2018 season.

Volker Rabens, Jacqueline N. Grey, and Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn, eds. Key Approaches to Biblical Ethics: An Interdisciplinary Dialogue

Volker Rabens, Jacqueline N. Grey, and Mariam Kamell Kovalishyn, eds. <i>Key Approaches to Biblical Ethics: An Interdisciplinary Dialogue</i>

Remembering Marian MacDorman.

Remembering Marian MacDorman.

Maternal exposure of rats to sodium saccharin during gestation and lactation on male offspring†.

We investigated the effects of fetal programming in Sprague-Dawley rats through the maternal consumption of sodium saccharin on the testicular structure and function in male offspring. Feed intake and efficiency, organ and fat weight, quantification and expression of androgen receptor (AR), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) proteins, sperm count, and hormone levels were determined. Consumption alterations were found in the final weeks of the experiment. Decreases in AR and PCNA expression and quantification, tubular diameter, and luminal volume, and increases in epithelial and interstitial relative volumes were observed. Lower sperm count and transit, and lower estradiol concentration were also found. Sodium saccharin consumption by dams programmed male offspring by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis with alterations in the Sertoli cell population, in spermatogonia proliferation, the expression and quantification of AR, and in sperm count. We hypothesized that these changes may be due to an estradiol reduction that caused the loosening of adhesion junctions of the blood-testis barrier, causing cell losses during spermatogenesis, also reflected by a decrease in tubular diameter with an increase in epithelial volume and consequent decrease in luminal volume. We conclude that maternal sodium saccharin consumption during pregnancy and lactation programmed alterations in the reproductive parameters of male offspring, thus influencing spermatogenesis.

Women's experiences of maternity waiting homes in sub-Saharan Africa: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

The objective of this review is to synthesize women's experiences related to the use of maternity waiting homes in sub-Saharan Africa. Most maternal deaths occur within resource-limited settings. Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia account for around 86% of all maternal deaths worldwide, with sub-Saharan Africa alone contributing roughly two-thirds of all maternal deaths. The long distances that women must travel to reach health facilities has been highlighted as the main cause of maternal death. Maternity waiting homes have been recognized as a strategy to enhance maternal health outcomes by bringing women living in geographically isolated locations closer to health facilities. However, maternity waiting home utilization rates are low and vary across different settings. The study population will be women (15 to 49 years of age) living in sub-Saharan Africa who have experiences related to maternity waiting home use. This may include experiences with service provisions during the final weeks of pregnancy and 2 weeks after childbirth. Stays of at least 1 day will be considered for inclusion. Databases including MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Hinari will be searched. Gray literature sources will include Google Scholar and MedNar. Studies published in English from January 2000 onward will be included. Two independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts, followed by an examination of full-text papers. Any disagreements will be handled through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. Two reviewers will independently assess the methodological quality of included studies and extract the data. The articles will be meta-aggregated and presented in tabular or narrative format. PROSPERO CRD42022306003.

Curtain Up

Curtain Up

A Catholic Response to John Pawlikowski on the Persistence of Antisemitism

A Catholic Response to John Pawlikowski on the Persistence of Antisemitism John Borelli (bio) The short answer to John Pawlikowski's question is: no, antisemitism has not been uprooted from Christianity. In fact, it may never be completely uprooted because Christians constitute a huge and diverse population, separated into churches of various affiliations and groupings. Only some Christians have taken an official position condemning antisemitism. There may always be subsets among Christians who claim that antisemitism is justified based on their understanding of Christian sources. Nearly all Pawlikowski's references are to Catholic sources. He is asking the question of Catholics, and the short answer is regrettably "no" and frustratingly "not yet." The massive communion of the Catholic Church includes 20 or more churches, with Latin or Roman Catholics constituting the vast majority, and uprooting antisemitism among Catholics is a more complex task than it might seem. Pawlikowski pleads for Catholics "in [a] concrete, detailed effort to finally uproot antisemitism from Christian religious identity." My reply is a resounding yes in agreement that Catholics should make a concerted effort to remove antisemitism finally from all aspects of Catholic identity. Pope Benedict XVI, speaking at the Yad Vashem Memorial on May 11, 2009, made clear that there is no room anywhere [End Page 299] within Catholicism or outside it for antisemitism and denial of the Holocaust: "May the names of these victims never perish! May their suffering never be denied, belittled or forgotten! And may all people of goodwill remain vigilant in rooting out from the heart of man anything that could lead to tragedies such as this!"1 This was a very strong statement by Pope Benedict. Earlier that year, when he granted remission of excommunication to four bishops ordained illicitly by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, Pope Benedict had not realized that one of the four was a denier of the Holocaust. All four bishops, including Lefebvre, who passed away in 1991, were deniers of the teachings of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council (Vatican II), including its teachings on Jews, which Pawlikowski summarized in his essay. In the Pope's haste to offer dissenting bishops an incentive to accept the full teachings of the Catholic Church, the pope and his advisors failed in the task of recognizing and uprooting the vestiges of antisemitism from the Church. To clarify that denial of the Holocaust was incompatible with Catholic teaching, Pope Benedict offered this prayer at his public audience on January 28, 2009, following that unfortunate realization: "May the Shoah be a warning for all against forgetfulness, denial or reductionism, because violence committed against one single human being is violence against all."2 There may always be antisemites among those who identify as Catholic, but such people should know that they will find no justification from current Catholic teaching for being antisemitic. Deborah E. Lipstadt, President Biden's Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, has described antisemitism as "not unlike a stubborn infection."3 Lipstadt notes that the operative word is "persisting" in a definition provided by Helen Fein some years ago: "A persisting latent structure of hostile beliefs towards Jews as a collectivity manifested in individuals, as attitudes, and in culture as myth, ideology, folklore, and imagery, and in actions—social or legal discrimination, political mobilization against Jews, and collective or state violence—which results in and/or is designed to distance, displace, or destroy Jews as Jews."4 The unfortunate fact is that antisemitism persists because it has existed in some form [End Page 300] or another for nearly two millennia among Christians and others who learned it from Christians. The Adversus Judaeos Tradition Pawlikowski has dedicated himself over a lengthy and successful career to the study of Judaism and Christian-Jewish relations. He has authored greatly needed resources for Christians and others and worked tirelessly toward the repudiation of the Adversus Judaeos (Against the Jews) tradition. This effort became a churchwide effort for Catholics in 1965 with the promulgation The Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions (Nostra Aetate) by an overwhelming vote of 2221 out of 2312 votes cast in the final weeks of Vatican II.5 I welcome this...