James The Just

In these strange and wondrous times, I thought a change from dreaded crony virus topics, which seem to assail every available orifice these days, would at least add a little intellectual variety. 

The fact that Jesus had several brothers, and at least one sister, is a fact attested to several times in the New Testament. It is also recorded that his family appeared to have little to do with him during his ministry. Perhaps his mother was present at the crucifixion but there is no mention of his siblings. Indeed during his ministry, Jesus made it plain that he wanted little to do with his immediate family.

The mention of Jesus’ siblings in the bible did not sit well with the early church fathers as it contradicted a certain creed that Jesus was born of a virgin and that Mary never relinquished ‘this treasure’, at least not to a mortal man. The presence of Jesus's siblings was a major embarrassment and Christian scholars, ancient and modern, have come up with a host of contortions in order to explain away inconvenient bible passages. Thus, perhaps the gospellers were referring to Jesus’s cousins or maybe Joseph’s children from another mother. The half-sibling scenario raises further problems: if Jesus had half brothers and sisters they must share a father, that is Joseph. But isn’t Joseph just a surrogate father as Jesus’ real father is none other than God himself? Of course, Christian apologists, old and new, were well aware of this conundrum and on the whole favoured the cousin ‘hypothesis'. As for the cousin hypothesis, I would say this: the New Testament was written in Greek and the Greek language distinguishes between ‘cousins and brothers’ very well. If the New Testament writers meant to write about Jesus’ cousins they would have had the lexicon to say so. O what a tangled web we weave.

From the book of Acts and from other sources, James, the brother of Jesus, becomes the leader of the early Christian movement after Jesus’s death, at least in Jerusalem. James was a highly observant Jew according to Jewish law (Torah) and was known as ‘James the Just’ among, not just his Christian followers, but also considered so by orthodox Jews. As far as we can piece together, James became a Christian after the ‘appearance of the risen Lord’. I’ll say no more about the resurrection stories as we stray from the territory of history and enter the murky world/word of faith.

At this stage it is important to mention, Saul of Tarsus (later, Paul): a most interesting character and worthy of a separate post. Paul, a Pharisee converted to Christianity soon after Jesus’s death. Paul is a strange, passionate and driven man. He comes over, as mentioned in the biblical literature, as a man on a mission to convert the Roman world and Empire to Christianity. He travelled widely, sometimes alone, sometimes with others, across the Mediterranean. His followers also preached throughout the Roman world as documented in the books of Luke, Acts and in the epistles. Paul comes across as a quarrelsome and prickly preacher. He differed from James’s mission in that he was concerned to convert not only Jews but gentiles as well. In contrast, just like his brother, James was mainly concerned with the conversion of Jerusalem Jews where the leadership of the early church was based.

The mission of James is made clear in the epistle which bears his name (80-90 AD. The epistle is thought by many scholars to be based on a sermon of James. It is highly unlikely that James wrote this letter. James, like his brother, Jesus, was an illiterate peasant. What comes across in the letter is James’s piety; his concern for the poor and the condemnation of the rich. Therefore, we see James advocating and disseminating Jesus’s core message. It was a message unlikely to endear him to the wealthy Jewish priestly elite and to the high priest of the time, Ananus.

While James remained within Jewish law and expected his Jewish converts to continue to observe the law, in its entirety, Paul appears not to be concerned with the trappings of Judaism. Thus his gentile converts did not have to undergo the painful indignation of circumcision or adhere to the strange dietary rules. In this way, Paul’s form of Christianity thrived among the gentiles of the Eastern Roman Empire. However, he could make little headway among the Greek-speaking Jews of the diaspora. This is an interesting point: diaspora Jews appeared to be more literate and sophisticated than their Jewish brethren at home in Jerusalem. To cosmopolitan Jews, Paul’s teaching advocating  Jesus as the chosen messiah did not jibe well and did not conform to the Jewish concept of the messiah as related in the bible. More importantly, the notion that Jesus was a manifestation of God would have been deeply shocking, and a complete anathaema to a devout Jew. It would come as no surprise, therefore, that James and Paul clashed heads when it came to teachings and conversions. James’s Christianity was Judaism with a gentle twist and he had no ambition to found a new religious movement. For Paul, Judaism was a base and prelude to the foundation of the new breakaway religion of Christianity.

The bible recounts several terse encounters between Paul and James in Jerusalem. Under pressure and coercion from the primary church leaders, Paul was made to recant and undergo purification in the Temple (57AD). But as we know, Paul soon reverted to his wicked and heretical ways once he left Jerusalem and the orthodox Christian leadership.

It seems that it was Pauls’s brand/blend of Christianity that won out in the end mainly due to a twist of fickle fate. In 62 AD James was executed by order of the High Priest and the leadership of the nascent Christian church passed to Jesus’s cousin, Simeon. Shortly after, Judea descended into chaos and war with Rome. The result: inevitable Roman devastation of the land, the sacking of Jerusalem and the total destruction of the Temple. Under these circumstances Jesus’ followers and Jesus’ conception of Christianity disappeared. Pauls’ brand of Christianity survived and spread due to its simple message of salvation and its focus on the numerous poor. Although persecuted throughout the next couple of hundred of years, Christianity's growing popularity in the Roman Empire led to it eventually being adopted as the state religion in 380AD. The rest is history....

COVID-19

The beastie of Doom

Introduction

This post is a brief introduction to some aspects of the coronavirus. Clearly, within the limitation of the blogging format, the topic under consideration can only dealt with in a superficial manner: this is not a learned scientific treatise.

The pathogen responsible for the disease COVID-19 (as stated by the World Health Organisation) is designated as a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SAR-CoV-2). This is quite a mouthful of nomenclature but entirely warranted considering the mayhem and chaos the virus is currently causing. The genome of SAR-CoV-2 has been sequenced and the virus has been classified as a betacorona virus with filial affinity to the virus responsible for severe respiratory syndrome (SARS). The virus also has a genetic affiliation to several bat coronaviruses. This relationship has led some workers to consider that a bat coronavirus is ultimately responsible for the outbreak. It is envisaged, therefore, that an initial mutation in the bat virus allowed the virus to leap the species barrier thus enabling the infection of a human host.

The virus was first detected in late December 2019 as the cause of a cluster of pneumonia infections in patients from Wuhan city, China. The disease spread quickly throughout China and soon thereafter became disseminated across the globe. SAR-CoV-2 is mainly spread by nasal droplets expelled when infected individuals cough and sneeze. Thus individuals coming in contact with airborne viral particles or viral particles having settled on surfaces can become infected. The time of contact to the expression of symptoms varies between patients but a mean incubation period of 4 days has been reported.

The clinical presentation of the condition is variable in regard to symptoms and severity. The majority of individuals appear to have relatively mild symptoms (about 80%) and severe illness is more prevalent in the elderly and those with already underlying health problems such as pulmonary and cardiac disease.

In general, the symptoms can be described as ‘flu-like’. Thus patients may complain of a dry cough, fever, aching muscles, and fatigue. The most serious manifestation of the condition is pneumonia. The overall fatality rate has been estimated at about 2.3% however, a high level of variance between countries has been reported. The reason for the mortality variance is complex and often poorly understood. Countries with an ageing population (eg Italy) have experienced relatively high death rates of 7%. Indeed it is suspected that reported death rates are inflated as a consequence of ascertainment bias.

With that said, let's have a look at the virus itself.

First off, I’ll not get bogged down with scientific semantics/pedantics concerning the moot point whether viral particles actually constitute life.

Coronaviruses, unlike the vast majority of organisms, do not rely on DNA for genome replication. Instead, they utilise a related molecule called RNA, in a single strand format. The virus is characteristically globular in structure and sports a series of protein protrusions on the surface. These ‘spiky’ projections give the virus its name as corona translates to ‘crown’ in Latin. Specific viral proteins present on the spikes seek out and attach to specific and complementary receptor proteins on the host cell. The ACE2 receptors are uniquely present on cells that form the lower and upper respiratory tract and this ‘key and lock’ association facilitates viral entry into the cell. Once ensconced, the virus, like all viral particles, uses its limited genome to hijack the host cell's protein and nucleic acid making apparatus. In this way, numerous viral particles are formed and assembled within the host cell. Once the assembly has been completed, the newly manufactured viral particles are released and ready to infect new cells within the host or expelled into an awaiting and expectant outside environment: thus disseminated the infection cycle continues anew.

A particular characteristic of RNA viruses is their high mutation rate as they lack the proofreading capacity and necessary nucleic acid repair mechanisms of higher organisms and even DNA based viruses. This is a headache for researchers hoping to produce an effective vaccine as new mutations may circumvent and hence negate a targeted vaccine.

The US, as are other nations, are currently undertaking trials to test novel vaccines. The introduction of a new vaccine tends to be exceedingly and excruciatingly slow due to the painstaking protocol inherent in the introduction of any new therapeutic agent. This is crucially important as not only the efficacy of the agent need to be evaluated but also the risk of undesirable side effects requires assessment. Even if a vaccine proves promising, general availability and widespread distribution are unlikely to occur for at least a year. Unlike other viral vaccines, the vaccine currently under investigation does not utilise a deactivated or attenuated virus particle. Instead, the vaccine is an artificial laboratory constructed piece of messenger RNA (mRNA). Messenger RNA is a crucial intermediary in the production of proteins. The presence of this particular mRNA induces cells to manufacture a protein found on the outer surface of the virus and the presence of this protein stimulates the host immune system to manufacture a repertoire of antibodies. These antibodies are expected to attach to the outer coat of the virus, if encountered, thereby inducing the host's immune machinery to lock on and neutralise this grievous offender. Well, that’s the theory at least, whether this works in practice awaits further elucidation and research.

A different approach is being considered and applied. There are a number of drugs, already evaluated, that have been shown to induce a viral limiting response, either in prophylaxis or during active infection. These drugs have the advantage that they have already been evaluated for efficacy and side effects and thus they can be introduced after limited evaluation. The downside: there are a number of drugs of this ilk that need to be specifically assessed for SAR-CoV-2. This will take a little time but because of the number of agencies working on the issue, I’m sure the research can be fast-tracked. That said, unless we find a ‘wonder’ viral agent, the results are unlikely to be as effective as a specific vaccine.

Enough science for now as I’ve just overrun the critical 1,000-word limit for a blog. Unwritten as the rule may be, it is one that the prudent blogger must adhere to, otherwise, astute readers will bugger off to more succinct pastures.

However, I’m tempted to continue writing upon the fertile field of COVID-19. There is much to cover, such as social impact, epidemiology, etc, etc. If readers would like me to wax lyrical on other aspects of the disease, I’m more than willing to comply/apply. Tis good for my mental health, apparently. Just let me know in the comments. Arse.

Flaxen at Bay

Jack, Ted, and Rowan say hello

After today New Zealand enters 'Alert Status 4'. Severe restrictions are in place and normal life and routine, as we know it, become, no more. These are unprecedented times and therefore it is difficult to predict how this situation will pan out, eventually.

As I write my immediate family, with one exception, are sequestered on the homestead. This includes Mrs. S; my daughter and her brood of two daughters (9years and 10months) and my daughter's partner. For now, my son and his girlfriend have decided to stay in Wellington city, although this may change. They are both welcome to stay with us and as we live in a four-bed single-story home we should be fine. 

Work: normally I would work Monday and Tuesday, staying overnight Monday, with the boss. This arrangement is no longer tenable and instead, I'll work one long day (12 hours). Normally I catch the train to windy Wello, but for various reasons, I'm going to eschew this mode of transport. Consequently, I'll drive to and from work in one day which takes about four hours all told. I'll make up my hours working from home. One of our bedrooms is utilised as a study and so I'll be able to disengage from the family and family activities in order to obtain some peace and quiet. Clearly, this arrangement is not ideal but in the circumstances, it seems the best plan.

At the weekend a fellow archer came to the property to try out several different bow types. After some deliberation, he has decided to purchase a trilaminate English longbow with horn nocks. This is one of our more expensive bows and as the archer has paid upfront I'm sure he would like to obtain this wonderful specimen of the bowyers art as soon as possible. Posting the bow is out the question currently so it looks like I will have to transport the item personally. Not too much a problem as he lives about 40 minutes away by car. 

I stated in an earlier post that I would be attempting to pen an article concerning the 'Corona Virus' from a technical and scientific perspective. Hopefully, I'll find time to start writing today and a finished piece will be ready and posted within a few days. Therefore, gather, be watchful, and await with bated breath the fruits of my endeavours as specified within the framework of the space-time paradigm and continuum.       

DEFCON 4

With just over 100 confirmed COVID-19 cases, New Zealand is about to enter 'Alert Status 4'. As from Wednesday the country will, for all intents of purposes, close down. None essential services will cease and none essential shops and outlets will close. Travel will be restricted and folk are asked to self-isolate as far as is possible.

On the home front: Flaxen Hall has gone into lockdown. The family has gathered and we will hunker down (I may be the exception) until normality resumes. The powers that be reckon that we will stay at status 4 for at least a month. After four weeks the situation will be reviewed. Extreme measures for extreme times. The plan is that viral transmission will be choked out, or more realistically, the infection rate will be reduced thus preventing the swamping of hospitals and ancillary services. And let us not forget the medical staff.

On the work front: already the laboratory staff have been split into two separate teams. Team One works Monday to Wednesday, while Team Two takes over on Thursday and continues to cover  Friday and Saturday. Each team puts in a 10 hour day. As I only work two days a week I have been unaffected by the new regimen. I suspect the plan will continue for now, although in the future our role as geneticists may change as staff members become sick, samples numbers decline and we are required to take on ancillary roles within the health service. It has already been mooted that we may become involved in COVID-19 testing. As far as I can see, testing is relatively simple and we have the necessary analytical machinery on site. Furthermore, we may be called upon to perform mundane, but highly important tasks, such as general orderly duties- only time will tell.

We certainly live in interesting times. So, to all my readers: keep well and look after each other.    

Corona Virus Update

Okay, I'm willing to admit that I may have been a tad optimistic about this Corona virus thingy- me bad/mad. Although I still think that overreaction by the ill-informed public together with irrational behaviour and sheep mentality is still our biggest issue. 

As for toilet rolls: The hoarding of toilet rolls is a behaviour that frankly baffles me. As a lad, I made do with newspaper. True, tis a little rough and not as absorbent as the fluffy scented stuff that currently assails anal orifices and environs, but it has the added bonus that when you photocopy your arse you not only have a facsimile of your nether bits, but you can also catch up on the news. By the way, the Romans used a sponge tied to a stick. Could catch on: please ensure the sponge is securely attached to prevent loss. It might send you into a state of permanent ecstasy. 

Politicians are fools, for the most part, and so it seems are their advisors. Sadly, those attracted to a life of politics are usually unfit to serve for several reasons, but mainly because they are not very smart. First-class intellects are not attracted to this sort of thing.

Anyway, we haven't quite got to the urine drinking stage, yet, although in truth I've been drinking mine for years. Follow prudent advice and in the immortal words of Lance Corporal Jack Jones, "Don't panic".

I've added a link to a YouTube video. It is from a UK doctor and his sage advice is well worth assimilating.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_Vau7NDjQw  

Parish Notice II: Black Dog

It may be known to my regulars, especially those who notice this sort of thing, that my postings have become sparse of late. This is due to a mundane cause and effect: I have been struggling with my physical and mental  (no shit, Flaxen) wellbeing of late. Luckily I have a wonderful, loving and supportive family that dispense succour and love, in measures commensurate with normality.  This is important as my grip/grasp on 'normal' is tenuous at best and sometimes I lose traction and descend into frank madness.

As things stand, I have not been infected with dat pesky coronavirus and if so afflicted I'm likely to survive as I have no comorbid factors contributing and abetting to my premature demise. That said, there is nothing certain in life, except death.

I am laying myself bare on my blog, as for the most part, I am conversing with strangers. I couldn't have this 'conversation' at work. Although my colleagues are well aware of my eccentricities, I endeavour to put on an air of professionalism. At times, the 'Black Hound' must remain in the pack. Ain't dat the sad truth.

Anyway, with time and perhaps a modicum of prescription medication, normal service will resume, unless it doesn't. 

Corona Virus

Virus of DOOM?

I would just like to share some brief thoughts and opinions on the coronavirus outbreak. Also, I would like to follow up with a post discussing the scientific aspects of the outbreak, such as genetics, modes of transmission and the laborious search for a vaccine. Although I am not a microbiologist, I do have some knowledge of viral biology and I think I should be able to comment, in a reasonably competent manner, at least on the biological aspects of the outbreak.

Since the virus's discovery in Wuhan, China (December 2019), the disease has travelled widely throughout the world. It appears to be highly contagious and produces pneumonia-like symptoms. The death rate has been 'determined' at about 1.4% to 2% and fatalities are mostly among the old and the already sick- as to be expected. This may represent an overestimate as about 80% of infected patients have relatively mild symptoms and may be unaware of their coronavirus infection thus assuming that they are suffering from a traditional cold or flu infection.

Globalisation and ubiquitous international travel are clearly responsible for the virus's rapid dissemination from mainland China. In addition, we have become acutely aware and primed for a pandemic by the 'scientific media'. The consensus is that a significant viral pandemic is inevitable given enough time. Several pandemic scares have occurred over the past 20 years (SARS, etc) and although these viral diseases have been considered as potentially catastrophic, this has not turned out to be the case.

While I think government agencies have a duty to their citizens to report truthfully concerning the impact of the virus on health and society in general, it also has a responsibility not to foster a climate of 'gloom and doom'. There is a tendency to assume a posture of the 'worst-case scenario' and the media, for reasons of its own, are not always motivated to promulgate an even-handed or fact-based reportage.

I do not advocate complacency or foster a nonchalant attitude to a serious medical challenge but we are not dealing with the black death. The impact of the virus should always be considered within a medical context where death and disease are commonplace. Taking the US as an example: influenza has killed about 18,000 people this flu season; 30 million have been infected and 310,000 hospitalised. There are already reports of people overacting. In Auckland, New Zealand, a single case caused mass buying hysteria in local supermarkets. I do hear tell that the popular bottled beer, 'Corona' has experienced a recent downturn in sales of 30%! C'mon folks, let us be sensible, measured and rational.     

Anyway, I would be interested to hear what my readers think of the situation. In the meantime, I will get to work on a science-based article.