Lasix drug equivalent to hydrochlorothiazide
Benzo Equivalency (Alprazolam v Diazepam)
2024.06.09 07:25 phx770 Benzo Equivalency (Alprazolam v Diazepam)
I am currently on . 5mg Xanax (twice a day) or 1mg. I am looking to taper asap but would like to crossover to Valium first due to its longer half life. I am adamant about following the Ashton Manual for my taper but am having a problem agreeing with my PCP on the dose equivalency between the two drugs
According to the Ashton Manual, it states that 1mg Xanax =20mg Valium. My PCP disagrees and is telling me that 1mg Xanax = 10mg Valium. She says the chart she follows is the "Standard of Care" and HAS to go by it.
I've read many people's stories of having a PCP and psychiatrist that was on board with tapering them following the Ashton Manual. My main question is, what is the actual equivalency between Alprazolam and Diazepam?
I've tried all these calculators and looked at different charts and half of them say 1mg Xanax = 10mg Valium while the other say 1mg = 20mg. I am just scared that my PCP will underdose me by half of my normal dose and will experience bad withdrawal symptoms f there are any psychiatrists that have had experience dealing with similar situations, please feel free to fill me in. It's just giving me more un-needed anxiety. TIA
submitted by phx770 to AskPsychiatry [link] [comments]
According to the Ashton Manual, it states that 1mg Xanax =20mg Valium. My PCP disagrees and is telling me that 1mg Xanax = 10mg Valium. She says the chart she follows is the "Standard of Care" and HAS to go by it.
I've read many people's stories of having a PCP and psychiatrist that was on board with tapering them following the Ashton Manual. My main question is, what is the actual equivalency between Alprazolam and Diazepam?
I've tried all these calculators and looked at different charts and half of them say 1mg Xanax = 10mg Valium while the other say 1mg = 20mg. I am just scared that my PCP will underdose me by half of my normal dose and will experience bad withdrawal symptoms f there are any psychiatrists that have had experience dealing with similar situations, please feel free to fill me in. It's just giving me more un-needed anxiety. TIA
2024.06.09 05:43 GenX2XADHD How to Write a Paper When You Have ADHD
Getting organized to sit down and write a major term paper is such a daunting task for us folks with ADHD. As a student I would have vague ideas of what I want to write, but lacked the executive function to get to the job done. I would stare at a blank Word doc, type a sentence, delete a sentence, repeat. Unexpected for a writing major, I know. Are you looking for a way to break out of this cycle?
May I present: the Index Card Method.
As a high school student in the 1990s, I was forced to use this method to write a ten page senior thesis. Nearly all senior level English classes in my school used this method. Prior to that year, I had seen students carrying around fat stacks of index cards, protecting them like their ability to graduate depended on them. It did. I begrudgingly followed this methodical approach even though it wasn't "the way I write." Ironically, I found it so helpful I continued using this method throughout college, and admittedly even in grad school 25 years later.
What is it?
It's a low-tech system of organizing your sources, topics, details, citations, and anything else that goes into your paper.
Why low-tech?
It is a hands-on process loaded with sensory actions. Physically handling and arranging the index cards helps me focus on a task. Filling out an index card and setting it aside and then picking up another FEELS productive. Seeing a growing pile of index cards as you move through the project LOOKS like productivity. These sensory activities boost my momentum.
The best part of this method is how it breaks down a mountain of a project into smaller tasks without requiring me to create a big plan before I can start working on it. The size of each task is literally the size of an index card. Plus, it is an opportunity to use those cool pens you bought the last time you said you would start journaling.
The Index Card Method cannot be done the night before a paper is due, at least I wouldn't try it anyway. If you don't like writing outlines or drafts, give this method a try - but if you're cramming, do give yourself a week to get it done.
How does it work?
Do not get 150 4x6 cards. They must be 3x5.
For this post, I will assume anyone following this method is using lined index cards. It does not matter if the cards are lined, but know that when I say "On the top line write..." I mean where the actual top line of the card would be. This also means you will be writing across width of the cards in landscape orientation, meaning a full line of text on a 3x5 card runs 5 inches, not 3 inches.
There are two simple, but vital rules to remember when creating cards.
In the center of the top line of your thesis card, write "Thesis Statement."
Now write your thesis statement below that.
Topics should be broad, written as one or two words. Create as many topic cards as you think you will need. You can always create more later, so don't get stuck on this part.
Example: topics related to a thesis on the healthcare industry may include: Insurance, Costs, Medicare, Medicaid, Prevention, Prescription Drugs, Hospitals, etc.
Split a topic if you need to. "Costs" could also be split into "Consumer Costs" and "National Costs", then "Insurance" and "Prescription Drugs".
Don't expect to have a lot of topic cards at this point. You may only have one or two subtopics for each broad topic. This is fine. You can always add more as you go along.
Take a picture of your topic cards in this arrangement.
Congratulations, you just made an outline!
Now type it out. Title it "Preliminary Outline."
In the upper left hand corner of the card on the top line, write the number "1", as it is your first Bibliography card. This is your source ID.
Now write the complete and proper reference of your source, formatted according to your citation style. Include doi links, if applicable. Where italic font is used in a citation, underline it on your card.
Open a new document file. Title it "References", "Works Cited", etc., depending on your citation style. Type out your bibliography cards in the order appropriate to your citation style. Most likely they will be alphabetical by author. As you find more sources and write out bibliography cards, add them to this document.
About citation styles:
A citation style is a way to reference your sources, specifically how you list them out and how you identify where you found a fact or quote.
If you are in highschool, your teacher will tell you how to write write and format sources and citations. If they don't, ask.
If you are an undergrad, most professors don't care which style you choose, but they want it consistent. If this is the case, I recommend using APA or MLA because they use simple, in-line citations.
If you are a graduate student, use the appropriate style for your field. If your reference style uses foot notes or end notes, please be aware you may need to create citation IDs later to help you stay organized.
This is where I would normally say it does not matter if your sources are printed or digital, but for many of us it does matter. Stepping away from technology is one the reasons I find this method so effective. I encourage you to print articles or photocopy sources when possible.
Your school likely has access to full-text articles online that can be downloaded as PDFs and printed later.
If your source is text from a website, right click on in the body of the text and select Print. When the print window pops up, select PDF (or Adobe PDF) as your printer. In the next pop up, select where you would like to store your file. Your source is now saved as a PDF. By the way, printing to a PDF is the easiest way to save a file while maintaining its formatting. Try it from any program. Now when you print it to paper, it will look like the PDF.
In the upper left corner on the top line, write the source ID that matches the one on its respective bibliography card.
In the upper right corner on the top line of each card write the page number(s) from your source as "p 87" or "pp 87-88". If your source does not have page numbers, write your source's equivalent as it applies (act/scene numbers, time stamp, etc.). Look up a style reference guide for requirements.
Now in your own words, write about an area you highlighted. If you want to directly quote the article, make sure you use quotation marks. Otherwise, simply paraphrase it. Use complete sentences.
If you are copying a long quote and run out of room on a card, write the topic, source ID, and page number on another new card and continue writing your quote. In the bottom right corners write "1 of 2" and "2 of 2" respectively.
Create bibliography and detail cards for all your sources. Find more sources as needed. For a 10-page double spaced paper, expect to have around 150-200 detail cards.
By this time you may also want to combine or eliminate topics because your project took a different direction from when you first wrote them. This is fine.
When you think you have enough detail cards, sort them into piles by topic. Now arrange your detail cards in columns under their topics in a way that makes sense to you.
Take a picture of all your cards in this arrangement.
Congratulations, you just layed out your final outline!
You should not have anything in your final outline that is not written down on an index card.
Now print it . Proofread it. Ask a friend to proofread it. Mark it up and make any necessary changes on paper. Don't change any quoted text because quotes are ...well ...quotes.
Your paper is done.
High school students, if your teacher doesn't think you've made enough changes between your draft and your final copy, hand over your stack of index cards, both outlines, and your highlighted sources. They will know you didn't use ChatGPT or copy someone else's work because you can't fake what you've just handed to them.
Edit: See my other post for a technique that harnesses your ADHD to help you organize a project or to present new ideas to a group.
https://www.reddit.com/TwoXADHD/s/Y4pUfQR0R3
submitted by GenX2XADHD to TwoXADHD [link] [comments]
May I present: the Index Card Method.
As a high school student in the 1990s, I was forced to use this method to write a ten page senior thesis. Nearly all senior level English classes in my school used this method. Prior to that year, I had seen students carrying around fat stacks of index cards, protecting them like their ability to graduate depended on them. It did. I begrudgingly followed this methodical approach even though it wasn't "the way I write." Ironically, I found it so helpful I continued using this method throughout college, and admittedly even in grad school 25 years later.
What is it?
It's a low-tech system of organizing your sources, topics, details, citations, and anything else that goes into your paper.
Why low-tech?
It is a hands-on process loaded with sensory actions. Physically handling and arranging the index cards helps me focus on a task. Filling out an index card and setting it aside and then picking up another FEELS productive. Seeing a growing pile of index cards as you move through the project LOOKS like productivity. These sensory activities boost my momentum.
The best part of this method is how it breaks down a mountain of a project into smaller tasks without requiring me to create a big plan before I can start working on it. The size of each task is literally the size of an index card. Plus, it is an opportunity to use those cool pens you bought the last time you said you would start journaling.
The Index Card Method cannot be done the night before a paper is due, at least I wouldn't try it anyway. If you don't like writing outlines or drafts, give this method a try - but if you're cramming, do give yourself a week to get it done.
How does it work?
Step 1: Cards
Get some 3x5 index cards. For a 10-page, double spaced paper, you will need around 300 cards.Do not get 150 4x6 cards. They must be 3x5.
For this post, I will assume anyone following this method is using lined index cards. It does not matter if the cards are lined, but know that when I say "On the top line write..." I mean where the actual top line of the card would be. This also means you will be writing across width of the cards in landscape orientation, meaning a full line of text on a 3x5 card runs 5 inches, not 3 inches.
There are two simple, but vital rules to remember when creating cards.
- Only write on one side of the card. Leave the other side blank. You will need to see all of a card's contents at a quick glance.
- If you make a mistake on a card, immediately tear it in half so it doesn't get mixed up with the ones you want to keep.
Step 2: Thesis card
You will only have a thesis card if you are writing a thesis (argument) paper.In the center of the top line of your thesis card, write "Thesis Statement."
Now write your thesis statement below that.
Step 3: Topic cards
In the center of the top line write "Topic." Below that, write the name of a topic related to your thesis statement.Topics should be broad, written as one or two words. Create as many topic cards as you think you will need. You can always create more later, so don't get stuck on this part.
Example: topics related to a thesis on the healthcare industry may include: Insurance, Costs, Medicare, Medicaid, Prevention, Prescription Drugs, Hospitals, etc.
Step 4: First Layout
Spread out your topic cards on a table. Select the broadest topics and line them up in a row in the order in which you would like them in your paper. Now arrange the narrower topics in columns below the broad topics in the order that makes sense to you. Using the example of the healthcare industry in the previous step, "Costs" may be a broad topic with "Insurance" and "Prescription Drugs" listed beneath it.Split a topic if you need to. "Costs" could also be split into "Consumer Costs" and "National Costs", then "Insurance" and "Prescription Drugs".
Don't expect to have a lot of topic cards at this point. You may only have one or two subtopics for each broad topic. This is fine. You can always add more as you go along.
Take a picture of your topic cards in this arrangement.
Congratulations, you just made an outline!
Now type it out. Title it "Preliminary Outline."
Step 5: Sources
Go find sources you would like to use for your paper. When you find a source you would like to use, create a bibliography card.Step 6: Bibliography cards
In the center of the top line write "Bibliography".In the upper left hand corner of the card on the top line, write the number "1", as it is your first Bibliography card. This is your source ID.
Now write the complete and proper reference of your source, formatted according to your citation style. Include doi links, if applicable. Where italic font is used in a citation, underline it on your card.
Open a new document file. Title it "References", "Works Cited", etc., depending on your citation style. Type out your bibliography cards in the order appropriate to your citation style. Most likely they will be alphabetical by author. As you find more sources and write out bibliography cards, add them to this document.
About citation styles:
A citation style is a way to reference your sources, specifically how you list them out and how you identify where you found a fact or quote.
If you are in highschool, your teacher will tell you how to write write and format sources and citations. If they don't, ask.
If you are an undergrad, most professors don't care which style you choose, but they want it consistent. If this is the case, I recommend using APA or MLA because they use simple, in-line citations.
If you are a graduate student, use the appropriate style for your field. If your reference style uses foot notes or end notes, please be aware you may need to create citation IDs later to help you stay organized.
Step 7: Read and Highlight
As you read through your sources, highlight anything that stands out to you that you may want to use in your paper.This is where I would normally say it does not matter if your sources are printed or digital, but for many of us it does matter. Stepping away from technology is one the reasons I find this method so effective. I encourage you to print articles or photocopy sources when possible.
Your school likely has access to full-text articles online that can be downloaded as PDFs and printed later.
If your source is text from a website, right click on in the body of the text and select Print. When the print window pops up, select PDF (or Adobe PDF) as your printer. In the next pop up, select where you would like to store your file. Your source is now saved as a PDF. By the way, printing to a PDF is the easiest way to save a file while maintaining its formatting. Try it from any program. Now when you print it to paper, it will look like the PDF.
STEP 8: Detail cards
In the center of the top line write the topic related to the highlighted text. If you do not have a related topic card, make one.In the upper left corner on the top line, write the source ID that matches the one on its respective bibliography card.
In the upper right corner on the top line of each card write the page number(s) from your source as "p 87" or "pp 87-88". If your source does not have page numbers, write your source's equivalent as it applies (act/scene numbers, time stamp, etc.). Look up a style reference guide for requirements.
Now in your own words, write about an area you highlighted. If you want to directly quote the article, make sure you use quotation marks. Otherwise, simply paraphrase it. Use complete sentences.
If you are copying a long quote and run out of room on a card, write the topic, source ID, and page number on another new card and continue writing your quote. In the bottom right corners write "1 of 2" and "2 of 2" respectively.
Create bibliography and detail cards for all your sources. Find more sources as needed. For a 10-page double spaced paper, expect to have around 150-200 detail cards.
Step 9: Second Layout
Lay out all of your topic cards in the same order as your preliminary outline, only this time line them all up in one row.By this time you may also want to combine or eliminate topics because your project took a different direction from when you first wrote them. This is fine.
When you think you have enough detail cards, sort them into piles by topic. Now arrange your detail cards in columns under their topics in a way that makes sense to you.
Take a picture of all your cards in this arrangement.
Congratulations, you just layed out your final outline!
Step 10: Type Your Outline
Save a copy of your preliminary outline and title it "Final Outline." Fill in the text from the detail cards. Each detail card should be a separate bullet point on your outline. After typing out a detail card, add the citation at the end. You already know the source because you wrote the source number in the upper left hand corner of each card.You should not have anything in your final outline that is not written down on an index card.
Step 11: First Draft
Save a copy of your final outline and name it "First Draft." Now arrange your bullet points into paragraphs. This is your draft.Now print it . Proofread it. Ask a friend to proofread it. Mark it up and make any necessary changes on paper. Don't change any quoted text because quotes are ...well ...quotes.
Step 12: Final Copy
Save a copy of your First draft and name the file "Final Copy." Type the edits you handwrote on paper. I realize with today's technology a lot of proofreading and peer editing is done electronically. This is fine. If you're using Google Docs, be sure to use Suggestion Mode. If using Word, turn on Track Changes.Your paper is done.
High school students, if your teacher doesn't think you've made enough changes between your draft and your final copy, hand over your stack of index cards, both outlines, and your highlighted sources. They will know you didn't use ChatGPT or copy someone else's work because you can't fake what you've just handed to them.
Edit: See my other post for a technique that harnesses your ADHD to help you organize a project or to present new ideas to a group.
https://www.reddit.com/TwoXADHD/s/Y4pUfQR0R3
2024.06.09 04:53 GuiltlessMaple Best Fenugreek Herbal Supplement
 | submitted by GuiltlessMaple to u/GuiltlessMaple [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/n2ceoybcng5d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3be09979a933469058c7201234e16aae7b5a4e39 Discover the power of nature's remedy with our Fenugreek Herbal Supplement! Our roundup article highlights the best products on the market, helping you improve your health with this potent ingredient. Read on to learn more about how fenugreek can benefit you and find the perfect supplement to suit your needs. In this article, we explore a variety of fenugreek-based herbal supplements, covering factors such as ingredient quality, potency, and user reviews. We aim to provide you with a comprehensive overview, making it easy for you to select the best fenugreek supplement that aligns with your health goals and preferences. The Top 8 Best Fenugreek Herbal Supplement
Reviews🔗High Strength Concentrated Fenugreek Liquid Extracthttps://preview.redd.it/1reazmucng5d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=029fc7977cbd57f2919ab3a2490dae2683cede07 I recently incorporated HawaiiPharm's Fenugreek Liquid Extract into my daily vitamin routine, and it's been a game-changer for me. The moment I started taking it, I noticed an increase in my overall energy levels. This potent liquid extract is not only incredibly concentrated but also packed with natural ingredients that are gentle on the body. One aspect of this product that stood out to me was its strong smell. While some may not find it pleasant, I personally didn't mind it - in fact, I actually grew to quite enjoy it! Plus, knowing that my husband is pleased with the effects of this supplement brings me even more satisfaction. On the downside, this extract does have an expiration date, which means you'll have to keep track of when to replace it. However, given the powerful benefits it provides, I believe the effort is worth it. In conclusion, if you're looking for a high-quality fenugreek supplement to enhance your well-being, look no further than HawaiiPharm's liquid extract. Its potent formula and natural ingredients make it a standout choice among similar products on the market. 🔗Natures Way Fenugreek Capsuleshttps://preview.redd.it/mnpq0madng5d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=16129374cd7de37c725dfb130a99bb5971509e55 Nature's Way Fenugreek Seed is a high-quality herbal supplement that offers numerous health benefits. I recently tried these vegetarian capsules, and I've been pleasantly surprised by the results. Each capsule contains a potent dose of 610 mg of pure fenugreek seed extract, without any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. As a vegan, I appreciate that this supplement aligns with my dietary preferences, making it easy to incorporate into my daily routine. One of the main reasons I decided to use fenugreek seed is its potential to aid digestion. I occasionally suffer from bloating and indigestion, and I was curious to see if this herbal remedy could provide relief. After taking the capsules consistently for a few weeks, I experienced a noticeable improvement in my digestive health. Bloating and discomfort reduced, and I felt less sluggish after meals. Fenugreek has also been traditionally used to support lactation in nursing mothers. Although I am not a nursing mother, it's worth noting this potential benefit for those who may find it relevant. Another positive aspect of this product is the brand's commitment to quality. Nature's Way is a reputable name in the supplement industry, and their fenugreek seed capsules are no exception. The packaging is sturdy, and the capsules themselves are easy to swallow with no aftertaste. The 180-capsule supply per bottle offers good value for money and saves frequent reordering. I appreciate that the recommended dosage is clear and concise, with one capsule to be taken two to three times daily with food. The flexibility in dosing allows me to adjust it according to my needs. However, it's important to be patient with herbal supplements like fenugreek. Individual results may vary, and it may take some time before experiencing noticeable effects, especially for specific health concerns. One minor drawback I encountered is the earthy taste of fenugreek, which can be quite strong for some individuals. While the capsules eliminate direct contact with the seed's taste, it's still worth considering for those sensitive to potent herbal flavors. In conclusion, Nature's Way Fenugreek Seed capsules have proven to be an effective and natural solution for supporting digestion and overall wellness. With its vegan-friendly formulation and reputable brand, it offers a reliable option for individuals seeking natural remedies to address digestive concerns. While it may take time to notice results, the potential benefits make it a worthy addition to any natural health regimen. 🔗Potent Fenugreek Capsules for Nursing Mothershttps://preview.redd.it/rygowerdng5d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=26bbe1e9652d83e77d2e15583a5a90c9480bdf78 I've been using Carlyle's Fenugreek Capsules for a few weeks now, and I can definitely see why it's popular among nursing moms. These quick-release capsules pack a powerful punch, delivering the equivalent of 3000 mg of Fenugreek Seed in every serving. The non-GMO and gluten-free formulation has been easy on my tummy, and I love that it's free from artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. Carlyle really knows their stuff when it comes to sourcing pure ingredients, and their commitment to transparency is evident in every product. I've definitely noticed a boost in energy since incorporating these capsules into my daily routine. However, not everyone has had the same positive experience. While some users have seen great results and fast shipping, others have been disappointed with the product's efficacy. It's important to remember that everyone's body reacts differently to supplements, so what works for one person may not work for another. Overall, I think Carlyle's Fenugreek Capsules are a solid choice for those looking to incorporate this traditional herb into their wellness routine, but it may not be the perfect fit for everyone. 🔗Full Spectrum Cayenne & Fenugreek Supplementhttps://preview.redd.it/aflf909eng5d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d64cf3d81eb20222ac345424a17f904ee056c21 As a user of Swanson's Capsule, I was very satisfied with the results. I started using it because it contains two potent herbs - Cayenne and Fenugreek. Cayenne is popular due to its spiciness, but it offers much more than just a spicy sensation. It's a powerful tool for circulatory health support and boosts blood flow to all the primary organs. Fenugreek, on the other hand, features steroidal saponins that promote healthy fat and carbohydrate metabolism, while maintaining a healthy lipid balance in the blood. I used one veggie capsule twice a day with food and water, following the recommended dosage. I found it incredibly effective. The capsule is easy to swallow and there's no smell from either cayenne or fenugreek. The product is entirely vegan, making it suitable for a wide variety of people and dietary restrictions. There were no major cons that I encountered while using this product. However, I would advise not taking this on its own as it can be quite potent, due to the strong presence of cayenne. The product reviews were incredibly positive as well. The users reported various benefits such as reduced food cravings, improved blood circulation, and even weight loss. The potency of the cayenne seems to be quite intense for some users, but overall, the vast majority rated it highly. In conclusion, Swanson's Capsule is an excellent addition to anyone considering adding a natural boost to their circulatory health. Its combination of Cayenne and Fenugreek offers potent benefits, and given its vegan nature, it's accessible to a wide range of people. 🔗Support Healthy Glucose Metabolism with Herb Pharm Mature Seed Fenugreek Liquid Extracthttps://preview.redd.it/v1af05peng5d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e3a87149a3f3e4de5fdea477a7891bf22be7edc3 I recently tried Herb Pharm's Mature Seed Fenugreek liquid extract, and I must say, I'm quite impressed with its potency and efficacy. The extract is made from certified organic fenugreek seeds, which ensures that I am getting a high-quality and pure product. I particularly appreciated the convenient liquid form, as it allowed me to easily mix it into my daily smoothies or use it as a tincture. One of the highlighting features of this product is its ability to support healthy glucose and lipid metabolism levels already within normal ranges. As someone who practices a holistic approach to wellness, I found this aspect of the fenugreek extract quite appealing. The Herb Pharm extract is also gluten-free and non-GMO, which aligns with my personal dietary preferences. Additionally, the company uses High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analysis to guarantee consistency in potency. However, there is one downside to this product. The extract contains a significantly high amount of alcohol, which may not be ideal for certain individuals or those with specific dietary restrictions. For instance, I would not recommend this extract to someone who is nursing, as it may cause adverse effects on the baby. Overall, I believe that Herb Pharm's Mature Seed Fenugreek liquid extract is a high-quality and potent supplement. Its ability to support healthy glucose and lipid metabolism levels and its gluten-free and non-GMO status make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to improve their overall wellness. 🔗Fenugreek Herbal Supplement: 240 Capsules by Nutricosthttps://preview.redd.it/z0fexa9fng5d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2f342e38b68e24cebe897944f4229d5ced324ee8 I recently incorporated Nutricost Fenugreek Seed into my daily routine, and I must say, I'm quite impressed with its effects. This product contains high-quality fenugreek, which is traditionally used in ancient Greece, Egypt, India, and China. One standout feature is that it's non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. Additionally, it's manufactured in a GMP compliant and FDA-registered facility, ensuring quality control. From personal experience, I can vouch for its effectiveness in maintaining blood sugar levels and improving digestion. The capsules are easy to swallow and have a pleasant scent, which is a nice touch. However, one drawback I noticed is that it may not be as effective in lowering cholesterol levels for everyone. All in all, I believe Nutricost Fenugreek Seed is an excellent herbal supplement worth considering if you're looking to enhance your overall health and wellness. Its natural origins and quality manufacturing make it a reliable option, but do keep in mind individual results may vary. 🔗Fenugreek Herbal Supplement for Women's and Digestive Healthhttps://preview.redd.it/0uzll0nfng5d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d78f80fd8e578e1d6d4ccc2e687d6a34bcd7f9b1 I recently came across Swanson's Fenugreek Extract and decided to give it a try. As a health-conscious individual, I was immediately intrigued by its potential benefits for blood sugar regulation, hormone support, and digestive health. It's been about a month now since I started incorporating fenugreek into my daily routine, and I must say, I'm quite impressed with the results. One of the first things I noticed was an improvement in my digestive system. I've always had a slightly sensitive stomach, so any help in this area is greatly appreciated. Taking one capsule before each meal seemed to make a significant difference in how my body processed food, leading to fewer uncomfortable digestive issues after eating. Another highlight of using fenugreek extract has been its impact on my energy levels throughout the day. I've noticed that I feel more energized and alert, which has made it easier for me to stay focused and productive during work. Additionally, I've noticed some positive changes in my bedroom routine, with increased vitality and improved performance - much to my partner's delight. While I have had an overall positive experience using Swanson's Fenugreek Extract, there are a few minor cons worth mentioning. Firstly, the taste can be quite strong and somewhat bitter, which may not appeal to everyone. Secondly, I experienced a mild, temporary headache during the initial few days of use, but this subsided as my body adjusted to the supplement. Despite these minor drawbacks, I would wholeheartedly recommend Swanson's Fenugreek Extract to anyone looking for a natural way to support their overall health and well-being. Its comprehensive benefits make it a valuable addition to any daily supplement regimen. Plus, with its affordable price and high-quality ingredients, it's definitely worth giving a try. 🔗Nature's Way Fenugreek Seed Capsules, 610mg, 180 Counthttps://preview.redd.it/6xqrbwjgng5d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0a6e5ae20701e725e665770f8ed2ecdb760b4408 I recently started using Nature's Way Fenugreek Seed supplements to boost my milk supply for my little one. As a first-time mom, you could say I've become a bit of an expert on products like this. I love that these capsules are made with non-GMO ingredients and free from any artificial flavors or preservatives. What's more, they're suitable for vegans and allergy sufferers. One thing that really stood out to me is the size of the capsules. They're quite large but don't worry, they're easy to swallow. Despite the size, they don't cause any discomfort or adverse reactions, at least not for me. However, I did notice a few cons. First, the product label could be clearer about the recommended dosage and potential side effects. And second, the capsules do not include any flavor, which can be a problem for some users who may not appreciate the taste of the herb. All in all, I am happy with my choice. Nature's Way Fenugreek Seed has helped me increase my milk supply, and I appreciate the fact that it's an affordable option available at health food stores. If you're a new mom looking for ways to boost your milk supply, this supplement might be worth considering. Buyer's GuideImportance of Fenugreek Herbal Supplementshttps://preview.redd.it/nnkyab5hng5d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3ff2a98d0a5c87aa3bd96ecfa5e921d09c6d37cc Fenugreek is an incredibly popular herbal supplement that has been used for centuries due to its numerous health benefits. It's known for its ability to improve digestion, balance blood sugar levels, enhance heart health, and stimulate milk production in lactating women. Additionally, fenugreek is rich in fiber and other essential nutrients, making it an excellent choice for overall wellness. Considerations when Purchasing Fenugreek Supplements
Choosing the Right Fenugreek SupplementWhen selecting a fenugreek supplement, consider factors such as:
https://preview.redd.it/xexb2j5ing5d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=230ad353b6e6adb4e19e5366746737ae71c51b5a General Advice for Using Fenugreek SupplementsTo maximize the benefits and minimize potential side effects, follow these general guidelines:
FAQWhat is fenugreek?https://preview.redd.it/60cs7qhing5d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2df4ecb3140a6a6a00bccb50f54176c0e903551a Fenugreek is an herbal supplement that comes from the fenugreek plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Asia. It's known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic properties, making it popular for various health purposes. Why use fenugreek herbal supplements?Fenugreek supplements are often used to support overall health, balance blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, aid digestion, and promote a sense of fullness. Some people also use fenugreek for muscle recovery and improvement in athletic performance.How do fenugreek supplements work?Fenugreek works by providing antioxidants, improving blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, stimulating digestive enzymes, and supporting muscle recovery. Its active compounds include soluble fibers and saponins, which contribute to its various benefits. https://preview.redd.it/k3vrz9ying5d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5918d3560e6cb607a5c886fe27faebb4c1b59102 How should I take fenugreek supplements?It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for dosing and consumption, as different brands may vary in potency and format. Typically, fenugreek supplements come in capsules or bulk powders and are taken orally with water or added to food.What are the side effects of fenugreek supplements?Fenugreek is generally considered safe for most people when used in moderation. However, some side effects might include diarrhea, bloating, gas, and a maple-syrup odor in urine or sweat. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid fenugreek due to a lack of safety evidence.How do I select the best fenugreek supplement?When choosing a fenugreek supplement, look for products that are third-party tested for potency and purity, preferably manufactured in facilities following good manufacturing practices (GMP). Also, consider the source of fenugreek; quality sources might include organic, non-GMO, and fair-trade products.Can fenugreek supplements interfere with medications?Fenugreek may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, blood sugar lowering drugs, and some cancer treatments. If you are on any medications, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using fenugreek supplements to ensure there are no negative interactions.How long does it take to see the results of fenugreek supplements?Results may vary depending on individual health conditions and dosages. Typically, it may take several weeks to a few months of consistent use to experience the benefits of fenugreek supplementation. However, some people may notice improvements in digestion or feelings of fullness more quickly.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.06.09 01:29 Kioga101 The Ancient Weapons and Possible Real-life Equivalents
The Ancient Weapons. Supposedly weapons of mass destruction that led the front of the Void Century War, so powerful as to erase an island on a single use and raise the world's water levels by meters. We have over the years received small amounts of information on them, and as of 1117 I believe that we can make a pretty solid guess as to what they do (or can do), and as every piece of fiction is an abstraction of the real world and the author's thoughts, I found it interesting to try and relate the ancient weapons with real world weapons that have been planned and researched over the years... Plus a few bonuses because why not. I'm basically just compiling and resuming dozens of wikipedia articles so feel free to go there to know more.
Fleet with four aircraft carriers.
Now, Aircraft Carriers. They don't translate very well to One Piece, after all they have not discovered planes and that technology -- Pluton could have a fleet of aircraft inside of it but in my opinion that's reaching -- yet. It doesn't need to go that far either.
The biggest publicized aircraft carriers, according to the Wikipedia, are about 320 meters in length or about 1050 something feet on average. The longest one ever being the latest USS Enterprise -- the first ever nuclear powered aircraft carrier inaugurated in 1958 -- which is now decommissioned and the biggest and still active ship being the USS Gerald R. Ford that replaced the Enterprise with its class of ships (the class is named after the lead ship). Through my research, aircraft carriers can be as small as 234,40 meters (769ft) but the aircraft carrier exclusive size, the one where only aircraft carriers have is about 300 meters long (~984 ft) and higher.
USS Gerald R. Ford.
These ships are known for the cream of the crop, and their ability to serve as a hangar for other ships, most commonly aircraft. But that's not all they have in store. general features of an aircraft carrier:
USS Iwo Jima, an Amphibious Assault Ship type Aircraft Carrier.
What does this all mean?
This means that if Pluton is indeed inspired on an aircraft carrier, you can expect something with the qualities I described like carrying aircraft could be carrying other regular ships instead; the island of the ship could actually be an island; it could shoot missiles instead of cannonballs or lasers; it could have a robot crew operating it (like those in Enel's cover story) or a super autonomous klabautermann; it could have built-in detection systems for Sea Kings, ships and people; it could make Den Den Mushi useless like the EM wave stuff does to comms; be powered by the mother flame if nuclear power is analogous to it... These are things that you can expect coming from the weapon when it is fully unveiled.
A classic panel, legendary even, showcasing the Sea Kings in their nest in the Calm Belt.
Still! There is a type of vehicle that is pretty much the king of sea warfare, and a type of soldier that works well with it. Poseidon can be a mixture of Nuclear Submarines, Shock Troopers, Frogmen and Commandos.
Nuclear submarine, and people on it!
Sea Kings are known to be very hard to detect underwater, and to be able to cause a lot of damage to a regular or unprepared ship. Sea Kings also grow in both size and intelligence with time, making these older Sea Kings powerful and smart chess pieces.
Nuclear submarines are made to be stealthy and to hold a lot of power with their torpedoes and missiles. They go undetected and strike critical hits on the enemy's fleet multiple times if possible. They can also allow for the infiltration into the enemy line, and advanced espionage. The fact they use nuclear power allows them to stay way more time deployed than a regular one that uses conventional fuel. Thankfully when it comes to features submarines like those are way simpler, not that they're not effective, they're very effective.
Another thing is that Nuclear Submarine CAN be armed with nuclear weapons. I don't know how that would translate to a Sea King.
Shock Troops are special troops made to lead an attack on the enemy. Hit first and hit hard, Commandos are special units that go behind the enemy line to do critical missions and Frogmen are combat swimmers that specialize in doing underwater combat, recon, tactical stuff.
a Frogman underwater.
They may even be able to influence ocean currents in some way, a virtue of their number and size. Poseidon is in a way simpler to interpret and understand than the other two, but it doesn't need it. Such a huge marine force can do a LOT in a world mostly made of islands.
The Lulusia Kingdom never... existed.
The first thing that comes to mind to a visual reader is a Laser Weapon, in real life they aren't all that crazy but fiction is different. DragonFire is a new weapon that is being developed by the British and is said to be used in their Royal Navy by 2027, Laser Defense Systems like the Israeli Iron Beam also come to mind. No doubt military all over the world are researching the possibility of making a super laser pointer to stop anything electronic that comes nearby, sadly, the melting/ vaporizing beam or even Cyclops "Punch Force" beams are not realistic. Laser technology is being developed as we speak and systems that allow for a reasonable charging and firing of a beam is in our futures, only that they'll stop missiles and drones and stuff, probably blind a bird or a pilot maybe. It takes too long for a laser to heat up something for a combat application like the ones in our dreams, it'll remain a thing of the future for a while. Nothing of that spy movie satellite laser stuff (at least not with lasers).
DragonFire being tested.
The first thing that comes to mind to a contextual reader is the Thermonuclear Weapon, a Nuke, I don't need to explain about nukes, everyone knows what it can do and how it gets there and stuff. Nowadays a nation can launch one of those bombs in a missile from strategically placed military bases that have been planned for the best mutual destruction possible. You can always put one in a plane and drop it or in the previously mentioned Nuclear Submarine. They're way more powerful than those infamous nuclear bombs from WW2, they're Hydrogen Bombs now, optimized nuclear fission made to instigate a chain reaction with the most available particle in the surface of Earth. It basically gets the air itself to release energy.
Now comes the fun part to me, finding other weapons besides the most obvious that could've been integrated into the design of Uranus. I'll make a list:
That's pretty much it. From what we know, whatever it was based on, it needs to move to be over the target and needs Mother Flame to work. It looks like a laser and it completely erases an island to an incredible depth.
submitted by Kioga101 to OnePieceSpoilers [link] [comments]
The Ancient Weapons:
PLUTON
Even though Pluton was revealed first, we know surprisingly little about it compared to the other weapons. That said, we know it is some sort of super ship with considerable power, enough to be thought of as unbeatable by anything other than another Ancient Weapon (which is what led to the preservation of Pluton's blueprints until Franky burned them). This makes it easy to make an educated guess because we do already have something of the sort in the real world, something that Oda "surprisingly" hasn't really used in his story's naval combat. I'm talking about aircraft carriers and their general class of ship. The modern flagship of a modern fleet. Until now, we haven't seen anything beyond battleships in the story.Fleet with four aircraft carriers.
Now, Aircraft Carriers. They don't translate very well to One Piece, after all they have not discovered planes and that technology -- Pluton could have a fleet of aircraft inside of it but in my opinion that's reaching -- yet. It doesn't need to go that far either.
The biggest publicized aircraft carriers, according to the Wikipedia, are about 320 meters in length or about 1050 something feet on average. The longest one ever being the latest USS Enterprise -- the first ever nuclear powered aircraft carrier inaugurated in 1958 -- which is now decommissioned and the biggest and still active ship being the USS Gerald R. Ford that replaced the Enterprise with its class of ships (the class is named after the lead ship). Through my research, aircraft carriers can be as small as 234,40 meters (769ft) but the aircraft carrier exclusive size, the one where only aircraft carriers have is about 300 meters long (~984 ft) and higher.
USS Gerald R. Ford.
These ships are known for the cream of the crop, and their ability to serve as a hangar for other ships, most commonly aircraft. But that's not all they have in store. general features of an aircraft carrier:
- Arresting GeaLaunch Systems: basically help planes land on and launch from the hangar on the deck of the ship;
- Huge crews are needed to use it, like thousands of people, even with the help of modern automation (like 2017 stuff), the Ford still needs 2600 sailors to operate;
- Missiles: they can launch missiles from it, they're generally there to intercept aircraft and other missiles, generally integrated into the Ship Self-Defense System, which is pretty much what you think it is;
- Advanced radar systems to detect whatever's nearby underwater and above water;
- The cool ones are nuclear powered. Most of the energy goes to Electromagnetic warfare (it isn't railguns, it's taking over the EM waves aka destroying the enemy's communication network and stuff, essential for this type of combat);
- They have stealth technologies in them. In real life it's to make the ship look smaller than it is through detection systems, because there is no making such a huge thing completely invisible;
- The ability to carry a lot of aircraft. Gerry Ford can carry up to 90 airships, and they're not puny aircraft, it's the stuff that can do stuff;
- Versatility: having what is ostensibly a moving island allows for a lot more than just war. Diplomacy (mostly intimidation diplomacy), transport, humanitarian aid are all on the table;
- These ships were built to be fast, as fast as they can be of course. Gerry reaches 30 knots (56km/h or 35 mph) and you really don't want to know how much force that is, considering a carrier displaces 100000 tons of water to be afloat (that's a lot);
- Electric Armor: it's a new type of reactive armor, before we used explosives to dissipate kinetic impacts but now we could make the hull a huge isolated capacitor that will deflect and vaporize whatever tries to penetrate the ship into doing less damage. Basically, you shoot it and the bullet is shot back and evaporate mid flight instead of completing its trajectory;
- Free-electron laser: Real life laser beams made through fancy science. No they don't do a tenth of what you think it does, it's thought to be used to scramble missile and aircraft systems by sending waves of radiation at them (not X-ray radiation necessarily, the broader definition), basically breaking frying the hardware in them.
USS Iwo Jima, an Amphibious Assault Ship type Aircraft Carrier.
What does this all mean?
This means that if Pluton is indeed inspired on an aircraft carrier, you can expect something with the qualities I described like carrying aircraft could be carrying other regular ships instead; the island of the ship could actually be an island; it could shoot missiles instead of cannonballs or lasers; it could have a robot crew operating it (like those in Enel's cover story) or a super autonomous klabautermann; it could have built-in detection systems for Sea Kings, ships and people; it could make Den Den Mushi useless like the EM wave stuff does to comms; be powered by the mother flame if nuclear power is analogous to it... These are things that you can expect coming from the weapon when it is fully unveiled.
POSEIDON
Poseidon is a living person, and she commands Sea Kings. It is the ancient weapon we probably know the most about. It is also the one that is a bit weird to translate to a real world weapon as Sea Kings and sea creatures, alive and stuff. We don't have a fleet of secret specially trained Dolphins or something irl... probably.A classic panel, legendary even, showcasing the Sea Kings in their nest in the Calm Belt.
Still! There is a type of vehicle that is pretty much the king of sea warfare, and a type of soldier that works well with it. Poseidon can be a mixture of Nuclear Submarines, Shock Troopers, Frogmen and Commandos.
Nuclear submarine, and people on it!
Sea Kings are known to be very hard to detect underwater, and to be able to cause a lot of damage to a regular or unprepared ship. Sea Kings also grow in both size and intelligence with time, making these older Sea Kings powerful and smart chess pieces.
Nuclear submarines are made to be stealthy and to hold a lot of power with their torpedoes and missiles. They go undetected and strike critical hits on the enemy's fleet multiple times if possible. They can also allow for the infiltration into the enemy line, and advanced espionage. The fact they use nuclear power allows them to stay way more time deployed than a regular one that uses conventional fuel. Thankfully when it comes to features submarines like those are way simpler, not that they're not effective, they're very effective.
Another thing is that Nuclear Submarine CAN be armed with nuclear weapons. I don't know how that would translate to a Sea King.
Shock Troops are special troops made to lead an attack on the enemy. Hit first and hit hard, Commandos are special units that go behind the enemy line to do critical missions and Frogmen are combat swimmers that specialize in doing underwater combat, recon, tactical stuff.
a Frogman underwater.
They may even be able to influence ocean currents in some way, a virtue of their number and size. Poseidon is in a way simpler to interpret and understand than the other two, but it doesn't need it. Such a huge marine force can do a LOT in a world mostly made of islands.
URANUS
The newest one to be teased and the first one we got to see working! From high above it strikes dozens and dozens of strikes, each a beam of apparent red light that razes the target until all that remains is a huge hole in the sea. It is confirmed to lead to a rise in sea levels!The Lulusia Kingdom never... existed.
The first thing that comes to mind to a visual reader is a Laser Weapon, in real life they aren't all that crazy but fiction is different. DragonFire is a new weapon that is being developed by the British and is said to be used in their Royal Navy by 2027, Laser Defense Systems like the Israeli Iron Beam also come to mind. No doubt military all over the world are researching the possibility of making a super laser pointer to stop anything electronic that comes nearby, sadly, the melting/ vaporizing beam or even Cyclops "Punch Force" beams are not realistic. Laser technology is being developed as we speak and systems that allow for a reasonable charging and firing of a beam is in our futures, only that they'll stop missiles and drones and stuff, probably blind a bird or a pilot maybe. It takes too long for a laser to heat up something for a combat application like the ones in our dreams, it'll remain a thing of the future for a while. Nothing of that spy movie satellite laser stuff (at least not with lasers).
DragonFire being tested.
The first thing that comes to mind to a contextual reader is the Thermonuclear Weapon, a Nuke, I don't need to explain about nukes, everyone knows what it can do and how it gets there and stuff. Nowadays a nation can launch one of those bombs in a missile from strategically placed military bases that have been planned for the best mutual destruction possible. You can always put one in a plane and drop it or in the previously mentioned Nuclear Submarine. They're way more powerful than those infamous nuclear bombs from WW2, they're Hydrogen Bombs now, optimized nuclear fission made to instigate a chain reaction with the most available particle in the surface of Earth. It basically gets the air itself to release energy.
Now comes the fun part to me, finding other weapons besides the most obvious that could've been integrated into the design of Uranus. I'll make a list:
- MARAUDER: The Magnetically Accelerated Ring to Achieve Ultra-high Directed Energy and Radiation was a project for a plasma railgun. Launching a few miligrams of plasma at super high speeds and heat. it is said that these projectiles could reach 3% of the speed of light, and that these small projectiles could hold 5 pounds of TNT worth of energy. It obviously released a lot of kinetic and thermal energy on impact. It had an added bonus of scrambling electronics on contact. This project was a 90s thing, and doesn't exist anymore (the launcher was probably too bulky and costly for what could be substituted by 5 pounds of TNT in a mortar)
- Howitzer: A mix between a cannon and a mortar. It launches mostly explosive projectiles super high up, and they hit their targets on their fall, allowing them to be sent super far too. A bit of math makes it a staple of modern bombardment technology with precision;
- Bombers: a type of plane that instead of shooting a bomb in a huge arc trajectory from the ground, simply decided to drop it right above the enemy's head in a smaller arc trajectory, even a straight trajectory in the right perspective;
- Kinetic Orbital Strikes: it has various names, "Thor", "The Rods from God", "Hypervelocity Rod Bundles"... It all is the same thing pretty much, just go up to space with some very heavy rods, make the rocket/satellite/whatever go to the target, and drop those extremely heavy rods on them from space, bonus if you attach a turbine to the back. It's actually quite effective, as simple as it is. You can also do it by launching it like a missile. A few tungsten rods at high speeds are basically a meteor strike. People don't really do this because precision is bad with all the interference of the atmosphere and the elements and bringing a bunch of very heavy metal rods up to space is costly, more costly than just launching the equivalent amount of TNT through a howitzer. There are advantages though, it's very hard to defend against a metal rod falling down at Mach 10, its 11 tons of TNT on impact (which is cheaper to launch than doing all this);
- Sun Gun: it's theoretical, but I thought to put it here. If you've ever heard of Archimedes' heat ray, this is a turbo version of that. Put a very good and specialized mirror on a satellite, and burn whatever you aim at like those children that found out a focusing lens can burn stuff from space. Can also be made with a ton of not as awesome reflectors scattered around focusing on the same place. It can boil oceans and burn cities theoretically. I believe that the development of this one was stopped by one of the treaties, looks like more environmental damage than necessary;
- FOBS: Fractional Orbital Bombardment System: Imagine what the Kinetic Orbital Strike does, but instead of heavy metal it's conventional or nukes. That's it. They can't do it directly from space like a KOS because of treaties but they have a system to accurately launch a nuke from their sites to pretty much anywhere relevant in the world. It's a huge political thing, gives a lot of intimidation power and these FOBS are like a loophole in the treaties that lets nations have a nuke at standby;
That's pretty much it. From what we know, whatever it was based on, it needs to move to be over the target and needs Mother Flame to work. It looks like a laser and it completely erases an island to an incredible depth.
BONUS:
- SMILEY(H2S and SHINOKUNI): A living chemical weapon. H2S is Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S, a real chemical that well, acts as the regular chemical weapon, has the smell of rotten egg and does pretty much everything it is shown in the anime. Shinokuni has a resemblance to a volcanic eruption, without the heat and intensity, covering everything in a layer of solid stuff. Difference is, it leads to a slow death to poison instead of what the people at Pompeii went through;
- NHC10: A highly addictive drug, used to control the children in Punk Hazard. It is how addiction is in real life, and how weaponizing it would work if it wasn't out of the picture and impractical;
- RAIN POWDER: Classic Weather Manipulation. Such practices have long been banned for malicious purposes, but it is possible to seed clouds for example. Silver Iodide is a known chemical that when powdered onto clouds will cause them to gather and eventually rain down. It is Rain Powder in real life;
- MH5: Another Chemical Weapon, used by illustrious pirate Don Krieg;
- DEATHPIEA/RAIGO: Curiously, Enel razing an island is very possible the way he did it. That's because the islands he razed were made of clouds and those are indeed susceptible to the huge electromagnetic blast he concocted. Of course, real earth wouldn't dissipate from it but his powers are indeed dangerous in a cloud layer like that of Skypiea;
- BUSTER CALL: Classical bombardment, used a long time ago, still used now. Just blow up a place until it is gone;
- JACK OF THE DROUGHT: Jack is known to cause destruction wherever the goes. That destruction has earned him the nickname of The Drought, as he not only wrecks the place he also leaves it infertile. Doing such things is not a thing you do normally in war, as you generally use the resources conquered to conquer more resources. Russia won against Napoleon and the German by doing that, depriving the land of food and water, breaking homes as they ran further into their territory and letting the cold environment and basic necessities suck the opponent dry, making the opponent too feeble to win. If only regular people were taken into consideration when poisoning the water supply and razing wheat fields;
- KAIDO OF THE BEASTS/MARS: They can shoot extremely destructive lasers. That's more than a lot of weapons;
- SATURN: His stun power resembles a concussive grenade or a stun grenade, as he can immobilize people in an area around him.
2024.06.09 01:07 Upper_Canada_Pango NADH testing and the Karen Read Blood Alcohol Mystery
NADH testing and the Karen Read Blood Alcohol Mystery
u/Upper_Canada_Pango
June 8, 2024
TL; DR
The commonwealth’s estimate of Karen Read’s blood alcohol range is not forensically suitable and should be disregarded by the jury due to all sorts of reasonable doubt.
Introduction
I am not a lab tech, biologist or other sort of expert on human metabolism or toxicology. I do, however, have some education in organic chemistry and a practical understanding of some aspects of anatomy, physiology, biology and pharmacology. For those in the healthcare field that are offended by my deviations from APA formatting, please forgive me: for I absolutely hate APA, I am saddened when I am forced to use it, and I am just not going to follow a specific style guide for this post. In-text citations will not be used, references will be both disorganised and poorly formatted. I will indicate references in-text through the use of numbers in superscript. All times will be given in 24 hour format, not military format, I don’t know why the military is allergic to colons, but I like them, so they’re coming in! I did not proof read this, it’s already taken way too much of my life. I am also quite disappointed that my formatting won't paste properly into the post editor, the markdown editor is very clunky.
Testimony from the Karen Read trial involving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ opinion of Karen Read’s blood alcohol level at the alleged time of the alleged vehicle strike on John O’Keefe piqued my interest. Particularly I was fascinated by the fact that no direct alcohol breath test or blood test was performed, nor were any tests performed to detect any alcohol metabolite, although I have yet to find a news source that has stated as much, in fact they either omit the test type or misrepresent the test as one to detect the presence of alcohol in blood serum2,3,4,5,6.8,etc ad nauseum.. Instead Dr. Gary Faller, pathologist at Good Samaritan Medical Center, testified that a serum test was run to detect the presence of NADH1. I know what you’re thinking: “Why did they perform a screening test using an ubiquitous endogenous redox agent with no forensic validity13 instead of for alcohol or an alcohol metabolite like acetaldehyde, ethyl glucuronide or ethyl sulphate7?” and yeah, that’s what I’m thinking, too! For forensically valid results there needs to be a confirmatory test done13, which clearly either didn’t happen or wasn’t useful - otherwise it would have been introduced by the prosecution. So I have put this together to show what NADH testing means, why it is used, how it works and what the limitations of this testing are.
The Basics
Testing for NADH is done to screen for the presence of alcohol. Screening tests are a fast-and-cheap way of getting an idea of what’s going on, and are used when precision and certainty are not necessary. For example if you are in a hospital and have someone on a psych hold, you might want to get an idea of whether their behaviour is in part driven by consumption of drugs. Their life doesn’t depend on the answer and neither does their freedom (beyond the short-term). Forensic lab testing for alcohol uses dual-column gas chromatography or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry13. These are large, expensive, delicate machines so you don’t just send everything to GC/MS analysis without a good reason, just like you’re not going to get a CT scan for a sprained thumb. If you are a hospital and the cops want a blood sample for forensic analysis you can just draw blood for them, put it in the freezer until they pick it up, and then it’s the cops’ problem. Hospitals are not in the business of forensics.
So why Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-H testing? Well that’s simple enough. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is an essential, innate redox agent that exists in all your cellular fluids and is there to accept hydrogen atoms as other substances are oxidized14. It therefor exists in different redox states, the oxidised state NAD+ and the reduced state NADH. “nicotinamide adenine nucleotide (NAD) is required in more enzymatic reactions than perhaps any other small molecule16.” These two forms are non-destructively converted back and forth in various biochemical reactions, but the nucleotide can be consumed in certain reactions so it has to be constantly manufactured by the body in order for us to continue living.. NAD is synthesised in the liver, nerve cells and immune cells, and salvaged for reuse in a wide variety of tissues.
The primary way alcohol is metabolised it interacts with a class of enzymes called alcohol dehydrogenases15 (confusingly abbreviated ADH, despite not being structurally similar to NADH). When a molecule of ethanol is oxidised two hydrogen atoms get knocked off, one off the -OH alcohol group, and one off the carbon atom the -OH group is attached to, so the -OH becomes an =O converting the ethanol to an aldehyde called ethanal or more commonly acetaldehyde. These hydrogen atoms are accepted by the NAD+, reducing it to NADH. You have a limited supply of NAD+. Drugs whether recreational or medical, or other substances that are metabolised by oxidation will compete for NAD+, raise NADH levels and slow the metabolism of alcohol. Other oxidation reactions will pump up the NADH levels too. These variables are huge! Worse still, NAD+ conversion to NADH is heavily effected by cellular metabolism, meaning that acute stress and exercise will convert NAD+ into NADH as well14. Finally multiple sclerosis, which Karen Read has, will approximately double the baseline serum NADH level.17 Karen Read undergoing acute stress. CPR is exercise. Was she on other medications that increase NADH levels?
Rates of alcohol metabolism can vary up to 4-fold, especially since it occurs primarily in the stomach and liver. Large amounts of ADH are released in the stomach, so when drinks are consumed on an empty stomach they are dumped into the intestines quickly and are absorbed into portal circulation without giving the stomach ADH a chance to mitigate the effects, but then alcohol will be metabolised more quickly after ingestion. Liver damage will slow the rate of metabolism as well.
The Testimony
Dr. Faller reports a time of blood draw around 09:08-09:13 , the blood was centrifuged and seperated, the plasma was put into a machine that tested for alcohol giving result of 93mg/dl serum alcohol level. This, if accurate, would be higher than the whole blood alcohol level. The doctor refused to even ballpark this to a percentage for either serum or whole blood. He did acknowledge that LDH and hemolysis and bilirubin levels can interfere but should be flagged. The defence did bring up abnormal muscle degeneration, and so on but the doctor wasn’t aware of this literature. I don’t know that the defence couldn’t proceed due to this, but I feel they may have missed a trick here. Hopefully they will call a more informed expert on NAD/NADH metabolism.
The forensic toxicologist estimated her peak whole blood alcohol percentage at between 0.135 and 0.292 assuming last drink at 00:45 but I don’t want to even get deeply into these estimates because they’re built on a foundation of sand: we don’t really know when Karen Read started drinking, how much she drank, when she stopped drinking, or how much the NADH test was thrown off by stress, activity, disease or medication. We didn’t also didn’t get into any description of the test process itself. We don’t know if the machine measured NADH once, or if it measured NADH before and after adding ADH, or if it measured NADH only after adding ADH. We don’t know enough to evaluate this information.
On either basis, the results should be discarded.
Armchair Forensics
Personally I think Karen was drunk, at some point, but “is this evidence good enough to secure a conviction for an OWI?” is a whole other question. So is “How much did she drink?”; “How impaired was she, and when?”; “when did she start and stop drinking?” and critically from a conviction standpoint “what was her BAC at the alleged time of the alleged incident, and how do we know?”
We can kind of armchair lab tech this, given some assumptions. I don’t have access to the actual bar receipts but it seems probable, based on what I can find in the news9,10,11, that while at the two bars she had somewhere between 8 and 15 standard drinks depending on if any of those drinks were doubles. She was drinking these between 20:58 approximately 00:00. I do not have information at this point eliminate pre- and post-drinking, all these people seem like they drink quite a bit. I can’t even discount the possibility that she got up at 04:30 and slammed some back. If we assume that these are all the drinks she had before the alleged incident, and she didn’t have any after the alleged incident, and we accept a weight estimate at 60kg/132lbs12 then we can use a simple web tools to estimate her BAC(Appendix A). The results are generally mortifying, with estimates essentially ranging from ‘maybe unable to walk without assistance’ to an acute medical emergency . Maybe Karen can hold her liquor quite well or maybe these calculators were all designed by and for lightweights since evidently my wife and basically any girlfriend I’ve ever had could evidently drink the average BAC calculator designer under the table.
Conclusion
Without access to receipts, and since “no one appeared drunk” and at no point did anyone testify to detecting the odour of alcohol from her: not the paramedics, not the cops, not the ER doctor, not her so-called friends so based on my armchair BAC results (appendix A) show either she was stinking drunk and somehow no one noticed or she didn’t actually consume 8+ standard alcoholic drinks in 3 hours. I lean towards the former, but without confirmatory, forensic testing I don’t see how this gets to the “beyond reasonable doubt” standard. I don’t understand why the first police on the scene didn’t perform a PBT on her based on their testimony that she was saying anything like “did I hit him?” or “I hit him.” It also doesn’t make any sense that no one applied for a blood draw warrant once the picture supposedly started getting more clear.
We have another estimated 3+ weeks of trial for things to develop, and clearly there’s information I have not and/or can not access, but I find it very striking that yet again we have supposed forensic evidence that is not up to snuff. In combination with all the other shenanigans and incompetence displayed during and after the investigation this entire process starts looking like it has more to do with tunnel-vision, conspiratorial afterthought, and/or prosecutorial sleight-of-hand.
If I were on the jury I would be fighting to acquit based on copious amounts of doubt regarding essentially every element of every charge.
References
1- Baker, Emily D.. (May 28, 2024). MA. v Karen Read Trial Day 18 - Afternoon Session. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVX-YZ1wkDc
2- Ramer, Holly. (May 28, 2024). Jurors hear about Karen Read's blood alcohol level as murder trial enters fifth week. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/jurors-hear-karen-reads-blood-alcohol-level-murder-110624411
3- Schooley, Matt (May 28, 2024). What was Karen Read's blood alcohol level on the night John O'Keefe died? Experts testify at trial. CBS News.
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/karen-read-live-stream-today-brian-higgins/
4- Ramer, Holly (May 29, 2024), What was Karen Read's blood alcohol level the day John O'Keefe died? Here's what we learned. NBC Boston.
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/what-was-karen-reads-blood-alcohol-level-on-the-day-john-okeefe-died-heres-what-we-learned-this-week/3382901/
5- Lavery, Tréa. (May 29, 2024). Karen Read trial live updates: Read may have had BAC more than three times limit. MassLive. https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/05/karen-read-trial-live-updates-for-tuesday-may-28.html
6- Reynolds, Lance. (May 28, 2024). Karen Read murder trial Day 18: Witnesses focus on O’Keefe’s injuries, Read’s blood alcohol level. Boston Herald. https://www.bostonherald.com/2024/05/28/karen-read-murder-trial-day-18-witnesses-focus-on-okeefes-injuries-reads-blood-alcohol-level/
7- Ferguson, Sian (May 1, 2023) How is Alcohol Detected in a Urine Test?. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/urine-test-alcohol
8- Benoit, Katie. (May 28, 2023). Expert testifies about Karen Read's blood alcohol content from morning O'Keefe found dead. WJAR. https://turnto10.com/news/local/karen-read-trial-resumes-tuesday-john-okeefe-murder-canton-dedham-boston-police
9- Lavery, Tréa. (June 5, 2024). Karen Read trial live updates: State police investigator recalls interview with Read. https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/06/karen-read-trial-live-updates-testimony-resumes-on-wednesday.html
10- Tenser, Phil (April 16, 2024). Karen Read murder case: Alleged timeline, according to the prosecution. WCVB. https://www.wcvb.com/article/karen-read-case-prosecution-alleged-timeline/60510196
11- Bienick, David. (May 10, 2024). Karen Read murder trial: Owners of home where O'Keefe was found testify. WCVB. https://www.wcvb.com/article/karen-read-trial-live-updates-may-10-2024/60755150
12- Ankit. (February 28, 2024) Karen Read Net Worth, Wiki, Parents, Ethnicity, Religion, Bio, Age, Family And More. SarkariExam.com
https://www.sarkariexam.com/karen-read-net-worth-wiki-parents-ethnicity-religion-bio-age-family-and-more/617729
13- Okorocha, Okorie. (April, 2021). Alcohol Toxicology For Civil Lawyers. Advocate Magazine. https://www.advocatemagazine.com/article/2021-april/alcohol-toxicology-for-civil-lawyers
14- Walzik, David et. al. (January 4, 2023) Tissue-specific effects of exercise as NAD+-boosting strategy: Current knowledge and future perspectives. Acta Physiologica. https://doi.org/10.1111/apha.13921
15- Cederbaum, Arthur. (November 1, 2013). Alcohol Metabolism. Clinical Liver Disease. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cld.2012.08.002
16- Penberthy, Todd & Tsunoda, Ikuo. (March 5, 2009). The Importance of NAD in Multiple Sclerosis. Current Pharmaceutical Design. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2651433/
17- Braidy, Nady et al. (November 6, 2013). Serum nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels through disease course in multiple sclerosis. Elsevier. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006899313011475
Appendix A: BAC Calculator results
submitted by Upper_Canada_Pango to KarenReadTrial [link] [comments]
u/Upper_Canada_Pango
June 8, 2024
TL; DR
The commonwealth’s estimate of Karen Read’s blood alcohol range is not forensically suitable and should be disregarded by the jury due to all sorts of reasonable doubt.
Introduction
I am not a lab tech, biologist or other sort of expert on human metabolism or toxicology. I do, however, have some education in organic chemistry and a practical understanding of some aspects of anatomy, physiology, biology and pharmacology. For those in the healthcare field that are offended by my deviations from APA formatting, please forgive me: for I absolutely hate APA, I am saddened when I am forced to use it, and I am just not going to follow a specific style guide for this post. In-text citations will not be used, references will be both disorganised and poorly formatted. I will indicate references in-text through the use of numbers in superscript. All times will be given in 24 hour format, not military format, I don’t know why the military is allergic to colons, but I like them, so they’re coming in! I did not proof read this, it’s already taken way too much of my life. I am also quite disappointed that my formatting won't paste properly into the post editor, the markdown editor is very clunky.
Testimony from the Karen Read trial involving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ opinion of Karen Read’s blood alcohol level at the alleged time of the alleged vehicle strike on John O’Keefe piqued my interest. Particularly I was fascinated by the fact that no direct alcohol breath test or blood test was performed, nor were any tests performed to detect any alcohol metabolite, although I have yet to find a news source that has stated as much, in fact they either omit the test type or misrepresent the test as one to detect the presence of alcohol in blood serum2,3,4,5,6.8,etc ad nauseum.. Instead Dr. Gary Faller, pathologist at Good Samaritan Medical Center, testified that a serum test was run to detect the presence of NADH1. I know what you’re thinking: “Why did they perform a screening test using an ubiquitous endogenous redox agent with no forensic validity13 instead of for alcohol or an alcohol metabolite like acetaldehyde, ethyl glucuronide or ethyl sulphate7?” and yeah, that’s what I’m thinking, too! For forensically valid results there needs to be a confirmatory test done13, which clearly either didn’t happen or wasn’t useful - otherwise it would have been introduced by the prosecution. So I have put this together to show what NADH testing means, why it is used, how it works and what the limitations of this testing are.
The Basics
Testing for NADH is done to screen for the presence of alcohol. Screening tests are a fast-and-cheap way of getting an idea of what’s going on, and are used when precision and certainty are not necessary. For example if you are in a hospital and have someone on a psych hold, you might want to get an idea of whether their behaviour is in part driven by consumption of drugs. Their life doesn’t depend on the answer and neither does their freedom (beyond the short-term). Forensic lab testing for alcohol uses dual-column gas chromatography or gas chromatography/mass spectrometry13. These are large, expensive, delicate machines so you don’t just send everything to GC/MS analysis without a good reason, just like you’re not going to get a CT scan for a sprained thumb. If you are a hospital and the cops want a blood sample for forensic analysis you can just draw blood for them, put it in the freezer until they pick it up, and then it’s the cops’ problem. Hospitals are not in the business of forensics.
So why Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-H testing? Well that’s simple enough. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is an essential, innate redox agent that exists in all your cellular fluids and is there to accept hydrogen atoms as other substances are oxidized14. It therefor exists in different redox states, the oxidised state NAD+ and the reduced state NADH. “nicotinamide adenine nucleotide (NAD) is required in more enzymatic reactions than perhaps any other small molecule16.” These two forms are non-destructively converted back and forth in various biochemical reactions, but the nucleotide can be consumed in certain reactions so it has to be constantly manufactured by the body in order for us to continue living.. NAD is synthesised in the liver, nerve cells and immune cells, and salvaged for reuse in a wide variety of tissues.
The primary way alcohol is metabolised it interacts with a class of enzymes called alcohol dehydrogenases15 (confusingly abbreviated ADH, despite not being structurally similar to NADH). When a molecule of ethanol is oxidised two hydrogen atoms get knocked off, one off the -OH alcohol group, and one off the carbon atom the -OH group is attached to, so the -OH becomes an =O converting the ethanol to an aldehyde called ethanal or more commonly acetaldehyde. These hydrogen atoms are accepted by the NAD+, reducing it to NADH. You have a limited supply of NAD+. Drugs whether recreational or medical, or other substances that are metabolised by oxidation will compete for NAD+, raise NADH levels and slow the metabolism of alcohol. Other oxidation reactions will pump up the NADH levels too. These variables are huge! Worse still, NAD+ conversion to NADH is heavily effected by cellular metabolism, meaning that acute stress and exercise will convert NAD+ into NADH as well14. Finally multiple sclerosis, which Karen Read has, will approximately double the baseline serum NADH level.17 Karen Read undergoing acute stress. CPR is exercise. Was she on other medications that increase NADH levels?
Rates of alcohol metabolism can vary up to 4-fold, especially since it occurs primarily in the stomach and liver. Large amounts of ADH are released in the stomach, so when drinks are consumed on an empty stomach they are dumped into the intestines quickly and are absorbed into portal circulation without giving the stomach ADH a chance to mitigate the effects, but then alcohol will be metabolised more quickly after ingestion. Liver damage will slow the rate of metabolism as well.
The Testimony
Dr. Faller reports a time of blood draw around 09:08-09:13 , the blood was centrifuged and seperated, the plasma was put into a machine that tested for alcohol giving result of 93mg/dl serum alcohol level. This, if accurate, would be higher than the whole blood alcohol level. The doctor refused to even ballpark this to a percentage for either serum or whole blood. He did acknowledge that LDH and hemolysis and bilirubin levels can interfere but should be flagged. The defence did bring up abnormal muscle degeneration, and so on but the doctor wasn’t aware of this literature. I don’t know that the defence couldn’t proceed due to this, but I feel they may have missed a trick here. Hopefully they will call a more informed expert on NAD/NADH metabolism.
The forensic toxicologist estimated her peak whole blood alcohol percentage at between 0.135 and 0.292 assuming last drink at 00:45 but I don’t want to even get deeply into these estimates because they’re built on a foundation of sand: we don’t really know when Karen Read started drinking, how much she drank, when she stopped drinking, or how much the NADH test was thrown off by stress, activity, disease or medication. We didn’t also didn’t get into any description of the test process itself. We don’t know if the machine measured NADH once, or if it measured NADH before and after adding ADH, or if it measured NADH only after adding ADH. We don’t know enough to evaluate this information.
On either basis, the results should be discarded.
Armchair Forensics
Personally I think Karen was drunk, at some point, but “is this evidence good enough to secure a conviction for an OWI?” is a whole other question. So is “How much did she drink?”; “How impaired was she, and when?”; “when did she start and stop drinking?” and critically from a conviction standpoint “what was her BAC at the alleged time of the alleged incident, and how do we know?”
We can kind of armchair lab tech this, given some assumptions. I don’t have access to the actual bar receipts but it seems probable, based on what I can find in the news9,10,11, that while at the two bars she had somewhere between 8 and 15 standard drinks depending on if any of those drinks were doubles. She was drinking these between 20:58 approximately 00:00. I do not have information at this point eliminate pre- and post-drinking, all these people seem like they drink quite a bit. I can’t even discount the possibility that she got up at 04:30 and slammed some back. If we assume that these are all the drinks she had before the alleged incident, and she didn’t have any after the alleged incident, and we accept a weight estimate at 60kg/132lbs12 then we can use a simple web tools to estimate her BAC(Appendix A). The results are generally mortifying, with estimates essentially ranging from ‘maybe unable to walk without assistance’ to an acute medical emergency . Maybe Karen can hold her liquor quite well or maybe these calculators were all designed by and for lightweights since evidently my wife and basically any girlfriend I’ve ever had could evidently drink the average BAC calculator designer under the table.
Conclusion
Without access to receipts, and since “no one appeared drunk” and at no point did anyone testify to detecting the odour of alcohol from her: not the paramedics, not the cops, not the ER doctor, not her so-called friends so based on my armchair BAC results (appendix A) show either she was stinking drunk and somehow no one noticed or she didn’t actually consume 8+ standard alcoholic drinks in 3 hours. I lean towards the former, but without confirmatory, forensic testing I don’t see how this gets to the “beyond reasonable doubt” standard. I don’t understand why the first police on the scene didn’t perform a PBT on her based on their testimony that she was saying anything like “did I hit him?” or “I hit him.” It also doesn’t make any sense that no one applied for a blood draw warrant once the picture supposedly started getting more clear.
We have another estimated 3+ weeks of trial for things to develop, and clearly there’s information I have not and/or can not access, but I find it very striking that yet again we have supposed forensic evidence that is not up to snuff. In combination with all the other shenanigans and incompetence displayed during and after the investigation this entire process starts looking like it has more to do with tunnel-vision, conspiratorial afterthought, and/or prosecutorial sleight-of-hand.
If I were on the jury I would be fighting to acquit based on copious amounts of doubt regarding essentially every element of every charge.
References
1- Baker, Emily D.. (May 28, 2024). MA. v Karen Read Trial Day 18 - Afternoon Session. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVX-YZ1wkDc
2- Ramer, Holly. (May 28, 2024). Jurors hear about Karen Read's blood alcohol level as murder trial enters fifth week. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/jurors-hear-karen-reads-blood-alcohol-level-murder-110624411
3- Schooley, Matt (May 28, 2024). What was Karen Read's blood alcohol level on the night John O'Keefe died? Experts testify at trial. CBS News.
https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/karen-read-live-stream-today-brian-higgins/
4- Ramer, Holly (May 29, 2024), What was Karen Read's blood alcohol level the day John O'Keefe died? Here's what we learned. NBC Boston.
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/what-was-karen-reads-blood-alcohol-level-on-the-day-john-okeefe-died-heres-what-we-learned-this-week/3382901/
5- Lavery, Tréa. (May 29, 2024). Karen Read trial live updates: Read may have had BAC more than three times limit. MassLive. https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/05/karen-read-trial-live-updates-for-tuesday-may-28.html
6- Reynolds, Lance. (May 28, 2024). Karen Read murder trial Day 18: Witnesses focus on O’Keefe’s injuries, Read’s blood alcohol level. Boston Herald. https://www.bostonherald.com/2024/05/28/karen-read-murder-trial-day-18-witnesses-focus-on-okeefes-injuries-reads-blood-alcohol-level/
7- Ferguson, Sian (May 1, 2023) How is Alcohol Detected in a Urine Test?. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/urine-test-alcohol
8- Benoit, Katie. (May 28, 2023). Expert testifies about Karen Read's blood alcohol content from morning O'Keefe found dead. WJAR. https://turnto10.com/news/local/karen-read-trial-resumes-tuesday-john-okeefe-murder-canton-dedham-boston-police
9- Lavery, Tréa. (June 5, 2024). Karen Read trial live updates: State police investigator recalls interview with Read. https://www.masslive.com/news/2024/06/karen-read-trial-live-updates-testimony-resumes-on-wednesday.html
10- Tenser, Phil (April 16, 2024). Karen Read murder case: Alleged timeline, according to the prosecution. WCVB. https://www.wcvb.com/article/karen-read-case-prosecution-alleged-timeline/60510196
11- Bienick, David. (May 10, 2024). Karen Read murder trial: Owners of home where O'Keefe was found testify. WCVB. https://www.wcvb.com/article/karen-read-trial-live-updates-may-10-2024/60755150
12- Ankit. (February 28, 2024) Karen Read Net Worth, Wiki, Parents, Ethnicity, Religion, Bio, Age, Family And More. SarkariExam.com
https://www.sarkariexam.com/karen-read-net-worth-wiki-parents-ethnicity-religion-bio-age-family-and-more/617729
13- Okorocha, Okorie. (April, 2021). Alcohol Toxicology For Civil Lawyers. Advocate Magazine. https://www.advocatemagazine.com/article/2021-april/alcohol-toxicology-for-civil-lawyers
14- Walzik, David et. al. (January 4, 2023) Tissue-specific effects of exercise as NAD+-boosting strategy: Current knowledge and future perspectives. Acta Physiologica. https://doi.org/10.1111/apha.13921
15- Cederbaum, Arthur. (November 1, 2013). Alcohol Metabolism. Clinical Liver Disease. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cld.2012.08.002
16- Penberthy, Todd & Tsunoda, Ikuo. (March 5, 2009). The Importance of NAD in Multiple Sclerosis. Current Pharmaceutical Design. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2651433/
17- Braidy, Nady et al. (November 6, 2013). Serum nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels through disease course in multiple sclerosis. Elsevier. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006899313011475
Appendix A: BAC Calculator results
- https://smartserve.ca/bac-chart/ has limited weight inputs, if we pick 125lb female and 8 drinks over 3 hours we get a peak BAC of 0.25, a shocking 3+ times the legal limit and physically dangerous, with risks including inadequate breathing pattern, incontinence, inability to walk without assistance and loss of consciousness. Smartserve ballparks an alcohol elimation rate of 1 standard drink per hour, so in the 8-drink scenario, on Jan 29 at 04:53 when she called Jen McCabe she should have had the equivalent of 0-3 drinks left in her system, and none whatsoever when her blood was drawn, but the NADH based estimate for her BAC at time of draw (09:08)was 0.093%1. Unfortunately this calculator goes to a maximum of 9 drinks, so it was clearly designed by and for lightweights but we don’t need to assume any of these drinks were doubles based on the mortifying results from this and other calculators.
- I next tried https://alcohol.org/bac-calculato set for female 132 pounds, 8 drinks with a time since first drink of 3 hours 15 minutes to give blood alcohol at 00:15. It gives 0.31% and states “You're probably not reading this because there's a good chance that you're unconscious. This BAC indicates alcohol poisoning, and there is a very serious risk of long-term damage or death. If you or someone you're with are at this BAC level, you should seek immediate medical assistance.” I played around with this calculator a bit and it turns out it is also designed by and for lightweights. Nevertheless, it suggested that BAC would be back to 0 in 21 hours, which would be around 21:15 on January 29th.
- https://www.drinkfox.com/tools/bac-calculatoca set to 43 year old female, 60kg, gives me a BAC of 0.2267% at 00:00 and says would be down to 0.08% at 09:15, down to zero at 13:35.
- https://globalrph.com/medcalcs/blood-alcohol-calculator-bac-metric-of-alcohol-intoxication/ assuming 12oz drink size average at 5% abv (so 8 standard drinks) female 60kg gives an average female 0.307 blood alcohol at 00:00, 0.222% at 05:00. Finally 0.154% at 09:00
2024.06.09 00:51 Exotic-Bite7879 Left as a shell of a man that once was. .
So I've been homeless for a few months now and my girlfriend is in the verge of leaving me. (Her gambling addiction got us here) We only stay together for the love of my dog (4 year old Maltipoo) I feel at this point. My truck and car got towed by code enforcement in the process I lost everything while she is constantly bickering at me and making it harder than it has to be. She constantly didspeers with other men calls me pathetic because I do so much to make sure they are safe and warm considering our circumstances it's a 24/7 duty. Im at the point that it's became a domino effect of mishaps and I just feel like a shell of a man that once was. My family has shunned and black balled me for letting me get to this point without even knowing my full story and just judging (I don't drink no more nor do drugs) and society has looked at me as equivalent to a roach. At least I feel. Ive always been the one people came to for help and I was always "that guy" now looking back I guess I was being used. I've had nights where I just wanted to jump in traffic but my dog saved me every time. The only one that I know loves me unconditionally. I could use some bro poweencouragement to snap out of it for the day as I sit here on hot cement thinking what have I become. 1 love 🤛 I hope you all have a strong day/life!
submitted by Exotic-Bite7879 to bropill [link] [comments]
2024.06.09 00:31 MoodProfessional1460 PIPELINED: Nicole Goes To US Marines, Part 15 (⚠️ BRANCHING STORYLINE ⚠️, VOTING IN A SEPARATE POOL)
Hospital entrance was flooded with journos and satellite trucks. On top of that two protest mobs from opposite spectrums ready to rip each other a new one. Black-on-white violence is a prime cut after all.
MSNBC Reporter: "As you can see, masses have already gathered at the Inova Fairfax Hospital to express their disdain for violence that-"
Some two hundred mouths yapping total.
Black Protester: "You will turn this into a race war! Like you always do!" White Hooligan: "Shut the fuck up you no way inside, cops walled off the entrance for everyone other than ambulance. Which kinda didn't make sense, and I probably could go around to one of the many other doors, but... lack of drugs really fucks you up. Seriously, if you really gotta start, just stick to it.
CNN Reporter: "... led to a demise in just over forty-eight hours. It is a tragedy that has shaken the local community." FOX Reporter: "Our insider source states that the cause of death was not the gunshot itself, but a blood transmitted disease coming from one of the assailants.
This raises a very serious and important question: has the organized crime weaponized STD's against us?"
Nicole: "Excuse me, excuse me... goddammit! An actual injured here! I gotta get through!"
Drug withdrawal, seven hours on asphalt, and a cold fucked me all over. Didn't get a chance to look in the mirror so I can't imagine how I looked like. My steps couldn't be longer than a foot and it felt any random shove would break me in half.
White Hooligan: "... you're talking mad shit to someone whose gramps owned your gramps, monkey boy!"
My first obstacle: 5.6 blonde manlet (think Kylar with the physique of Crispin) in a leather jacket hiding a White Pride shirt, and a "STAY ON YOUR YARD" protest banner with a wooden bat serving as a pole.
N: "Dude, could you get out of my way? I'm sick!"
WH: "Fuck do you want!?"
N: "Get through!? I'm in a fucking emergency!"
WH: "Oh, so you with 'em? Race traitor, eh? You're supporting the dirty n-"
N: "-ice talking with such a... proud... uhh... warrior of our people. You must be... Heeeyyy~ that's a nice looking shirt under there!"
The moment I pointed at his chest, he hid himself like a prude bitch after losing her bikini.
WH: "Oh. Thanks, um..."
N: "I always liked the cross symbolism~"
WH: "Yeah, me too..."
N: "Makes you feel empowered by... God, y'know, the noble cause, the... the crusade... fight for your tribe...
WH: "T-totally man..."
N: "Hm, I think my photography teacher had one just li-"
Wh: "... listen babe, they're supposed to be an, uh, surprise. For when the ghetto boys start trouble, so uh..."
N: "No problem, man! I just have to-"
N: "No, not really. I'm sick, this..."
Fake it until you make it.
N: "... this man was my friend's dad. I was there in the area when it happened, saw those gangsters driving away! I am the one who called the cops after shooting!"
Another Hooligan: "Oh man. I'm so sorry. It's such a tragedy to our people!"
I mean, I'm not taking much credit for it. It was like lying to a kindergartner.
N: "T-totally man! I was trying to pull him out of the car, got smeared all over with blood! And now I'm sick, I-"
WH: "Did you say blood?"
N: "Yeah? The black one? The one from the live-"
WH: "No way! He got you too!?"
N: "... he did?"
AH: "Shit! These motherfucking ███████! Afros! Fucking gator bait!"
And my lies got them riled up pretty good.
WH: "He splashed you with his black blood! It's got HIV and shit!"
N: "... black blood? Yeah, it pours from the li- wait, HIV?"
AH: "Didn't you hear? White guy kicked it because of the blood infection he got from the little █████ nailing the bigger █████ first!
Also, please stay away from me."
N: "... ah, yeah! Yes he did! I know! H-he totally got me! Look how pale I am! Shaking! That's why I gotta get to the hospital!"
So, like I hadn't just went through that before, I followed up. Amped them up so much...
WH: "First they're killing us, then our women!"
AH: "We gotta tell this to the boss!"
N: "... o-okay? Tell him? Yeah! Just do it quick, I gotta get in quick before that stuff kills me!
... wait, is that the fucking Mr. Whi-"
I got away with only a light shoulder that sent me down to the pavement...
Jecka's Mom: "HOW IS IT A DANGEROUS ACTIVITY!? IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE! WHAT PART OF THE POLICY IS THIS!?"
Like she hadn't looked terrible right when it happened two days ago, now she was sulking in a lobby corner two bad jokes away from throwing herself off the top floor.
N: "Jecka. Hey, I... heard the news."
Jecka: "Oh hi you look like shit.
You did? So did half of the US. Good job."
...
N: "Oh come on... I am trying here. So-"
J: "The 'news' is on all the cables and radios. Did you sleep under a rock or something?"
N: "What the fuck did you just say to me!?"
The second thing I did after waking up on the asphalt is spend my last dollar to rush to some blondie cowtits to whom I have NO obligations for!"
J: "Bitch, you still owe me a nailjob and a bottle of Addie-"
N: "FUCK YOUR ADDIES! Me! The uncaring sociopath! Doing something out of nothing more than-"
J: "-you put such an emphasis on the 'I'm a good person' part that only a horny dude would fall for that. You can do better."
N: "And that's all you have to say!?"
J: "Okay, wow, participation reward. My dad died and you 'almost' did. You're special.
Unless you're still not out of the 'ki█ling yourself is cool' phase, because I sure as hell am back in it."
N: "To get in here I had to start a FUCKING RACE WAR and my brain was nearly CURBSTOMPED by a horde of charging skinheads!"
J: "The backdoor's open, duh? Like ten of them all over the hospital?"
...
Alright fine, I needed to take it out on someone and you're the second best thing that came up this morning."
N: "You know what? Eat a dick.
I hope that with him gone, your life's gonna get fucked all over."
...
...
...
N: "So what are you two up to now?"
...
N: "... amped up on something?"
J: "Heroin in the toilet. Got three hours of sleep for all I know."
N: "Nailed it."
J: "... she says we'll need a lawyer. Problem is, if this goes to court we'll take a setback on our mortgage."
N: "Oh I can feel that. But weren't you well off before?"
J: "Like what? Saving up? We spent everything we had to appear a class above than we actually are. All that was left they pumped into the house or my allowance."
N: "So what's your first fallback?"
J: "Sell dad's stuff I guess. Tons of tools in good shape. No one will buy his shot up Bronco either so it's getting scrapped.
Besides money, I think it'll make things... easier."
N: "Now that I think about it, I'm glad I didn't keep anything after mine."
J: "Not even some necklace, or... ?"
N: "For better or worse, it's best to not dwell on the past too much. Just pop pills daily, smoke, get shitfaced. It works at making you forget."
N: "Fucking awful. I considered dying under that lamp. Little NOVA Match Girl. Tried to make the news, y'know? Your pops beat me to it though."
J: "You're a horrible, desensitized, untactful sociopath, Nicole."
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
J: "That's... the nicest thing someone has ever done to me.
Thanks."
N: "Mhm. Praise me more."
J: "Ah get fucked, pff~"
...
... but what's your Plan B?"
N: "Yeah, about that-"
J: "So you want something from me!?"
N: "Yeah?"
J: "I can't believe it! You're... ugh!"
N: "Relax, I only need a drive."
J: "I swear, you're a fucking snake-"
N: "You're the one who told me to keep it transactional? Nothing's free, duh?"
N: "Listen, I'm the homeless one here. And you're getting, what, a five hundred grand? Wait no, that's for elderly... two hundred?"
J: "Just one. With a high-hazard workplace he was insured since 21, but now that he's gone just barely after 40..."
N: "I'm sure you'll get that payout in no time. If my hag kicks the bucket, which I'd love to see, I'll have to wait until I'm 35 for my trust fund."
J: "That's still better than getting screwed over by an army of lawyers when you can't get even one..."
...
...
...
N: "So we're going or not?"
J: "Bitch!? Did you forget I smashed my car while saving your sorry ass? Radiator, oil pump, everything's busted!"
N: "So take your mom's?"
J: "Fuck, she's gonna kill me..."
N: "You're doing her a favor. Not even I would risk the wheel on the hard stuff."
J: "You don't drive in the first place."
N: "Because I have you?"
...
...
...
J: "Ah fuck it.
I can't take this place anymore. She screams I have to sit here to help her but can't actually do anything. She's so cracked that after the kitchen incident I'm honestly... not trying. Made me a fucking Princess Peach.
...
Whatever, she'll burn that crackhead power on walking home."
N: "That's the spirit. Let's unwind you a little."
J: "Yeah. Where are we going?"
N: "Lake Royal."
N: "A big ass tree with two coke cans nailed on a branch. I also took a photo but phone's dead, so.."
J: "Way to mark your treasure for some junkie, huh."
N: "Those are the cul-de-sacs, homeless are chased out harder than Mexicans crossing the border."
J: "And why the tire iron?"
N: "Because I need something to dig with and your mom doesn't have a shovel in her trunk like a normal person?"
J: "Why would an equivalent of a soccer mom need one anyway? Those tires never touched a gravel path, let alone gone off-road."
N: "Whatever... there! The cans are still up there!"
J: "You do that shit. Clean it up like that flower pot."
N: "Now that's low. It was just some dirt, move on, like who cares-"
J: "Alright, unwinded, going back. Maybe mom won't even notice I took her wheels..."
N: "No wait! You at least gotta see this!"
J: "Goddammit, not only are you flatter than me but you're also built like Jeffrey. Give me that."
...
J: "You brought me here to dig up a COKE STASH!?!?"
N: "Shut it! Nobody has to hear this!"
J: "Yeah, no they shouldn't! We're in the middle of a 'white-moms-walking-dogs' park! There are people doing BBQ behind this treeline! This should be done in the middle of night in balaclavas or something!"
N: "If I brought you one and told what we're doing would you actually agree?"
J: "Fuck!"
N: "Shit got wet though, it's like a gooey dough... maybe I just need to run it with a hairdryer? Damn, can coke rot in the first place? "
J: "I don't care if coke can rot in the first place... fuck, fuck, FUCK! Haaa... aaah... !"
N: "Dude, you're hyperventilating. Chill out."
J: "How the FUCK am I supposed to chill out!? This is the same stuff you made me cook crack with!
Fuck, even the package is still the MS-13 one!"
N: "I know. Should've gotten it all into zip-bags but I was in a hurry... yeah it's a lost cause.
What a waste."
J: "This is LITERALLY our neighborhood! You don't shit where you eat! Even Breaking Bad got that part right!"
N: "That's for the actual deals. Hiding your rocks is like store robberies. Guys start out far away and then get bolder until the trail leads to their home. Flip it, and the cops lose their head.
J: "Where the fuck do you learn all of this stuff!?"
N: "I googled it? Like how to freebase in the first place?"
J: "... no, no, no, no... you are NOT getting me into another PG county drug deal! Ah shit!"
N: "There's nothing to make rocks on in the first place, so no... but there's this.
Cha-ching madafaka."
J: "What about this then?"
...
N: "Oh come on, that's a terrorist level extortion!"
J: "Two. Hundred.
That or no car."
...
N: "Fine... so, two hundred... plus my wallet I got through bro, how unexpectedly kind of him."
J: "Except for that Dorito grease on his fingers.
I almost threw up."
N: "Mhm, plus whatever's on my account. Mom fucking cut the card in half and put it back in."
J: "That's bitchy."
N: "Minus...
... clonidine and methadone. Supply for two months."
J: "So you're going clean?"
...
J: "So you get-"
N: "Forty hundred seventy two, and ninety two cents."
J: "Damn, you're broke as fuck."
N: "I can't imagine living on two grand with rent already paid and... aaagh, I'm fucked so bad.
... I should just sell myself on the internet."
J: "Listen, I'd be down for housing you. Like, a grand could do, but-"
N: "But... ?"
J: "Mom's still tripping on heroin! She sent me NINETEEN texts already and called SEVEN times before that!
Look at this shit!"
N: "That is seriously fucked up."
J: "Yeah! And I don't think I'll survive picking her up and a ride back to the house!"
N: "I still need to come up with something for myself though..."
...
_ _ _ _ _
⚠️BRANCHING STORYLINE CHOICE ⚠️
Voting will happen in the following hours on a separate post and will be active for the next 48h. I will also take comments from both here and two (Official and Nicoleism) Discord servers into consideration.
edit: THE VOTE LINK
https://www.reddit.com/Classof09Game/comments/1dbf4bb/pipelined_nicole_goes_to_us_marines_story/
submitted by MoodProfessional1460 to Classof09Game [link] [comments]
MSNBC Reporter: "As you can see, masses have already gathered at the Inova Fairfax Hospital to express their disdain for violence that-"
Some two hundred mouths yapping total.
Black Protester: "You will turn this into a race war! Like you always do!" White Hooligan: "Shut the fuck up you no way inside, cops walled off the entrance for everyone other than ambulance. Which kinda didn't make sense, and I probably could go around to one of the many other doors, but... lack of drugs really fucks you up. Seriously, if you really gotta start, just stick to it.
CNN Reporter: "... led to a demise in just over forty-eight hours. It is a tragedy that has shaken the local community." FOX Reporter: "Our insider source states that the cause of death was not the gunshot itself, but a blood transmitted disease coming from one of the assailants.
This raises a very serious and important question: has the organized crime weaponized STD's against us?"
Nicole: "Excuse me, excuse me... goddammit! An actual injured here! I gotta get through!"
Drug withdrawal, seven hours on asphalt, and a cold fucked me all over. Didn't get a chance to look in the mirror so I can't imagine how I looked like. My steps couldn't be longer than a foot and it felt any random shove would break me in half.
White Hooligan: "... you're talking mad shit to someone whose gramps owned your gramps, monkey boy!"
My first obstacle: 5.6 blonde manlet (think Kylar with the physique of Crispin) in a leather jacket hiding a White Pride shirt, and a "STAY ON YOUR YARD" protest banner with a wooden bat serving as a pole.
N: "Dude, could you get out of my way? I'm sick!"
WH: "Fuck do you want!?"
N: "Get through!? I'm in a fucking emergency!"
WH: "Oh, so you with 'em? Race traitor, eh? You're supporting the dirty n-"
N: "-ice talking with such a... proud... uhh... warrior of our people. You must be... Heeeyyy~ that's a nice looking shirt under there!"
The moment I pointed at his chest, he hid himself like a prude bitch after losing her bikini.
WH: "Oh. Thanks, um..."
N: "I always liked the cross symbolism~"
WH: "Yeah, me too..."
N: "Makes you feel empowered by... God, y'know, the noble cause, the... the crusade... fight for your tribe...
WH: "T-totally man..."
N: "Hm, I think my photography teacher had one just li-"
Wh: "... listen babe, they're supposed to be an, uh, surprise. For when the ghetto boys start trouble, so uh..."
N: "No problem, man! I just have to-"
Cough Khef SneezeWH: "Yo. Girl. You good?"
N: "No, not really. I'm sick, this..."
Fake it until you make it.
N: "... this man was my friend's dad. I was there in the area when it happened, saw those gangsters driving away! I am the one who called the cops after shooting!"
Another Hooligan: "Oh man. I'm so sorry. It's such a tragedy to our people!"
I mean, I'm not taking much credit for it. It was like lying to a kindergartner.
N: "T-totally man! I was trying to pull him out of the car, got smeared all over with blood! And now I'm sick, I-"
WH: "Did you say blood?"
N: "Yeah? The black one? The one from the live-"
WH: "No way! He got you too!?"
N: "... he did?"
AH: "Shit! These motherfucking ███████! Afros! Fucking gator bait!"
And my lies got them riled up pretty good.
WH: "He splashed you with his black blood! It's got HIV and shit!"
N: "... black blood? Yeah, it pours from the li- wait, HIV?"
AH: "Didn't you hear? White guy kicked it because of the blood infection he got from the little █████ nailing the bigger █████ first!
Also, please stay away from me."
N: "... ah, yeah! Yes he did! I know! H-he totally got me! Look how pale I am! Shaking! That's why I gotta get to the hospital!"
So, like I hadn't just went through that before, I followed up. Amped them up so much...
WH: "First they're killing us, then our women!"
AH: "We gotta tell this to the boss!"
N: "... o-okay? Tell him? Yeah! Just do it quick, I gotta get in quick before that stuff kills me!
... wait, is that the fucking Mr. Whi-"
"GET THEM! ██████! FUCK 'EM UP!" "FUCKING █████ █████!" "██████ PICKING ██████!" "███████ WATERMELON █████ ██████!"... that I may have started a small race war.
THROW CRASH SWING C R U N C H "Jesus Christ!" TACKLEIn some five seconds there was an all-out riot of people beating each other to a pulp.
PUSHN: "Ugh... !"
I got away with only a light shoulder that sent me down to the pavement...
"EAT SHIT! STONE THE ███████!" "CHARGE!" "Wait-" RUMBLE RUMBLE "Hng... Kof!" KICK "Uhk...!" STOMP STOMP STOMP... and while on the ground, I was nearly stomped to death like during a club fire. I just couldn't catch a break.
"Stop! Order!" "Dispatch! Shit just went FUBAR at Inova Fairfax! We need backup!" "Get off him! I warned you!" "STOP RESISTING!" "Taser. Taser! TASER!" PHOM TKTKTKTKTKTK "AAAAAAGHHH!"But with cops busy and paparazzi scrambling, I could limp my way over to the doors like a rapper after taking eight shots to the back.
• • •
Inside same shit as everyday, except for the doctors barricading themselves or leaving through the back. It made the hysteric blondie at the reception even more obnoxious.Jecka's Mom: "HOW IS IT A DANGEROUS ACTIVITY!? IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE! WHAT PART OF THE POLICY IS THIS!?"
Like she hadn't looked terrible right when it happened two days ago, now she was sulking in a lobby corner two bad jokes away from throwing herself off the top floor.
N: "Jecka. Hey, I... heard the news."
Jecka: "Oh hi you look like shit.
You did? So did half of the US. Good job."
...
N: "Oh come on... I am trying here. So-"
J: "The 'news' is on all the cables and radios. Did you sleep under a rock or something?"
N: "What the fuck did you just say to me!?"
...N: "I got kicked out of home three days after graduation and nearly froze to death IN JUNE!
The second thing I did after waking up on the asphalt is spend my last dollar to rush to some blondie cowtits to whom I have NO obligations for!"
J: "Bitch, you still owe me a nailjob and a bottle of Addie-"
N: "FUCK YOUR ADDIES! Me! The uncaring sociopath! Doing something out of nothing more than-"
J: "-you put such an emphasis on the 'I'm a good person' part that only a horny dude would fall for that. You can do better."
N: "And that's all you have to say!?"
J: "Okay, wow, participation reward. My dad died and you 'almost' did. You're special.
Unless you're still not out of the 'ki█ling yourself is cool' phase, because I sure as hell am back in it."
N: "To get in here I had to start a FUCKING RACE WAR and my brain was nearly CURBSTOMPED by a horde of charging skinheads!"
J: "The backdoor's open, duh? Like ten of them all over the hospital?"
...
Alright fine, I needed to take it out on someone and you're the second best thing that came up this morning."
N: "You know what? Eat a dick.
I hope that with him gone, your life's gonna get fucked all over."
...
...
...
creak s l i i i d e e e sit...
N: "So what are you two up to now?"
...
sighJ: "Mom's talking with our insurance company. They somehow found a way to withhold the money. She..."
N: "... amped up on something?"
J: "Heroin in the toilet. Got three hours of sleep for all I know."
N: "Nailed it."
J: "... she says we'll need a lawyer. Problem is, if this goes to court we'll take a setback on our mortgage."
N: "Oh I can feel that. But weren't you well off before?"
J: "Like what? Saving up? We spent everything we had to appear a class above than we actually are. All that was left they pumped into the house or my allowance."
N: "So what's your first fallback?"
J: "Sell dad's stuff I guess. Tons of tools in good shape. No one will buy his shot up Bronco either so it's getting scrapped.
Besides money, I think it'll make things... easier."
N: "Now that I think about it, I'm glad I didn't keep anything after mine."
J: "Not even some necklace, or... ?"
N: "For better or worse, it's best to not dwell on the past too much. Just pop pills daily, smoke, get shitfaced. It works at making you forget."
chuckleJ: "Says someone who's been clean for four days already. How's the experience?"
N: "Fucking awful. I considered dying under that lamp. Little NOVA Match Girl. Tried to make the news, y'know? Your pops beat me to it though."
J: "You're a horrible, desensitized, untactful sociopath, Nicole."
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
J: "That's... the nicest thing someone has ever done to me.
Thanks."
N: "Mhm. Praise me more."
J: "Ah get fucked, pff~"
...
... but what's your Plan B?"
N: "Yeah, about that-"
JUMPN: "-what?"
J: "So you want something from me!?"
N: "Yeah?"
J: "I can't believe it! You're... ugh!"
N: "Relax, I only need a drive."
J: "I swear, you're a fucking snake-"
N: "You're the one who told me to keep it transactional? Nothing's free, duh?"
sitJ: "I can't even..."
N: "Listen, I'm the homeless one here. And you're getting, what, a five hundred grand? Wait no, that's for elderly... two hundred?"
J: "Just one. With a high-hazard workplace he was insured since 21, but now that he's gone just barely after 40..."
N: "I'm sure you'll get that payout in no time. If my hag kicks the bucket, which I'd love to see, I'll have to wait until I'm 35 for my trust fund."
J: "That's still better than getting screwed over by an army of lawyers when you can't get even one..."
...
...
...
N: "So we're going or not?"
J: "Bitch!? Did you forget I smashed my car while saving your sorry ass? Radiator, oil pump, everything's busted!"
N: "So take your mom's?"
J: "Fuck, she's gonna kill me..."
N: "You're doing her a favor. Not even I would risk the wheel on the hard stuff."
J: "You don't drive in the first place."
N: "Because I have you?"
...
...
...
J: "Ah fuck it.
I can't take this place anymore. She screams I have to sit here to help her but can't actually do anything. She's so cracked that after the kitchen incident I'm honestly... not trying. Made me a fucking Princess Peach.
...
Whatever, she'll burn that crackhead power on walking home."
N: "That's the spirit. Let's unwind you a little."
J: "Yeah. Where are we going?"
N: "Lake Royal."
• • •
J: "Just what exactly are you looking for?"N: "A big ass tree with two coke cans nailed on a branch. I also took a photo but phone's dead, so.."
J: "Way to mark your treasure for some junkie, huh."
N: "Those are the cul-de-sacs, homeless are chased out harder than Mexicans crossing the border."
J: "And why the tire iron?"
N: "Because I need something to dig with and your mom doesn't have a shovel in her trunk like a normal person?"
J: "Why would an equivalent of a soccer mom need one anyway? Those tires never touched a gravel path, let alone gone off-road."
N: "Whatever... there! The cans are still up there!"
rustle rustle ... SWING chop chop crunch chop chop ... chop ... chopN: "A little help here?"
J: "You do that shit. Clean it up like that flower pot."
N: "Now that's low. It was just some dirt, move on, like who cares-"
J: "Alright, unwinded, going back. Maybe mom won't even notice I took her wheels..."
N: "No wait! You at least gotta see this!"
crack chop stretch ... streeetch ... streeeeetchN: "Payoff... is gonna be huge! Ngh!"
J: "Goddammit, not only are you flatter than me but you're also built like Jeffrey. Give me that."
STREEEEETCH "Nnnnnghh!" POP CRUNCHN: "Oh yeah! I still don't know how I put it under that root. Box's still intact."
c r e a kJ: "So wa'cha got there? Retirement fund or-"
...
J: "You brought me here to dig up a COKE STASH!?!?"
N: "Shut it! Nobody has to hear this!"
J: "Yeah, no they shouldn't! We're in the middle of a 'white-moms-walking-dogs' park! There are people doing BBQ behind this treeline! This should be done in the middle of night in balaclavas or something!"
N: "If I brought you one and told what we're doing would you actually agree?"
J: "Fuck!"
N: "Shit got wet though, it's like a gooey dough... maybe I just need to run it with a hairdryer? Damn, can coke rot in the first place? "
J: "I don't care if coke can rot in the first place... fuck, fuck, FUCK! Haaa... aaah... !"
N: "Dude, you're hyperventilating. Chill out."
J: "How the FUCK am I supposed to chill out!? This is the same stuff you made me cook crack with!
Fuck, even the package is still the MS-13 one!"
N: "I know. Should've gotten it all into zip-bags but I was in a hurry... yeah it's a lost cause.
What a waste."
J: "This is LITERALLY our neighborhood! You don't shit where you eat! Even Breaking Bad got that part right!"
N: "That's for the actual deals. Hiding your rocks is like store robberies. Guys start out far away and then get bolder until the trail leads to their home. Flip it, and the cops lose their head.
J: "Where the fuck do you learn all of this stuff!?"
N: "I googled it? Like how to freebase in the first place?"
J: "... no, no, no, no... you are NOT getting me into another PG county drug deal! Ah shit!"
N: "There's nothing to make rocks on in the first place, so no... but there's this.
Cha-ching madafaka."
4100$N: "Okay, let's bounce before anyone comes sniffing around."
J: "What about this then?"
...
grab step stepstepstepstepstepstep ... s w o o p ... ... ... S P L O O S H
J: "YOU THREW A POUND OF COKE INTO A FUCKING PARK LAKE!?"
N: "Louder! Call it by full name while you're at it!"• • •
N: "It was like just a third anyway. Most was just moisture."swipe swipe swipe swipe swipe swipe swipe swipe swipe swipe stack tap tapJ: "Two hundred for me and we're even."
N: "Oh come on, that's a terrorist level extortion!"
J: "Two. Hundred.
That or no car."
...
N: "Fine... so, two hundred... plus my wallet I got through bro, how unexpectedly kind of him."
J: "Except for that Dorito grease on his fingers.
I almost threw up."
N: "Mhm, plus whatever's on my account. Mom fucking cut the card in half and put it back in."
J: "That's bitchy."
N: "Minus...
... clonidine and methadone. Supply for two months."
J: "So you're going clean?"
...
sighN: "Like guys trying to stop jacking off, I'm lucky to get a four days streak. Might as well try to commit."
J: "So you get-"
N: "Forty hundred seventy two, and ninety two cents."
J: "Damn, you're broke as fuck."
N: "I can't imagine living on two grand with rent already paid and... aaagh, I'm fucked so bad.
... I should just sell myself on the internet."
J: "Listen, I'd be down for housing you. Like, a grand could do, but-"
N: "But... ?"
J: "Mom's still tripping on heroin! She sent me NINETEEN texts already and called SEVEN times before that!
Look at this shit!"
beep...
N: "That is seriously fucked up."
J: "Yeah! And I don't think I'll survive picking her up and a ride back to the house!"
N: "I still need to come up with something for myself though..."
...
_ _ _ _ _
⚠️BRANCHING STORYLINE CHOICE ⚠️
1. Live in a gym full of steroid jocks.
2. Move to a black hood in PG county.
3. Wh*re yourself for a place to sleep.
• • •Voting will happen in the following hours on a separate post and will be active for the next 48h. I will also take comments from both here and two (Official and Nicoleism) Discord servers into consideration.
edit: THE VOTE LINK
https://www.reddit.com/Classof09Game/comments/1dbf4bb/pipelined_nicole_goes_to_us_marines_story/
2024.06.08 21:54 Sti302fuso Made the decision to quit: just need to get it off my chest
I'm a university student in my early twenties. Currently, I'm well on my to get my degree with honors but I'm slowly killing myself at the same time.
I've been going through at least half a litre of strong liquor a day by myself (or the equivalent amount of alcohol in beer) for the past months, but I've been quite a heavy drinker for a few years now. I wake up feeling like shit every day and I have been developing ever increasing anxiety, amongst other physical and mental problems. I can't do this anymore. My ambitions are disappearing. I'm going through the motions and not enjoying a single minute of it.
Last night, around this time, I had my last drink. As always, I fell asleep around 11 before waking up disoriented around 6 in the morning, not being able to function as a human until sometime in the afternoon. I'm quitting.
I've been dating someone recently, and she's absolutely lovely, but I do not want to involve her in this. I can't do that to her. I need to get my shit together before I can move on with my life, and allow others (back) in.
I also signed myself up for a drug study (ironic, I know) that requires me to be sober, and they test me at the beginning of the test days. The days are spread out over a couple of months. Whatever helps, I'm just looking to have some form of accountability towards something. That's why I wanted to post this. Thank you for reading this, I hope you have nice day (better than me at least).
submitted by Sti302fuso to stopdrinking [link] [comments]
I've been going through at least half a litre of strong liquor a day by myself (or the equivalent amount of alcohol in beer) for the past months, but I've been quite a heavy drinker for a few years now. I wake up feeling like shit every day and I have been developing ever increasing anxiety, amongst other physical and mental problems. I can't do this anymore. My ambitions are disappearing. I'm going through the motions and not enjoying a single minute of it.
Last night, around this time, I had my last drink. As always, I fell asleep around 11 before waking up disoriented around 6 in the morning, not being able to function as a human until sometime in the afternoon. I'm quitting.
I've been dating someone recently, and she's absolutely lovely, but I do not want to involve her in this. I can't do that to her. I need to get my shit together before I can move on with my life, and allow others (back) in.
I also signed myself up for a drug study (ironic, I know) that requires me to be sober, and they test me at the beginning of the test days. The days are spread out over a couple of months. Whatever helps, I'm just looking to have some form of accountability towards something. That's why I wanted to post this. Thank you for reading this, I hope you have nice day (better than me at least).
2024.06.08 21:50 NeptuneStratus 32 [M4F] WA / Anywhere - Did I finally find my people?
I just found this sub and I'm feeling optimistic. My friend met her long-term boyfriend on r4r and suggested I try. They're both cool and I'm looking for something long-term as well. I did try the r4rs but usually half the people that responded overlooked the kid deal breaker or didn't think I was serious(wtf?), but then I found cf4cf! Speaking of, here are some basic deal breakers to save everyone some time.
Deal breakers
Basics
submitted by NeptuneStratus to cf4cf [link] [comments]
Deal breakers
- I don't want kids. The sensory overload alone would kill me.
- No hard drugs, smoking, or heavy alcohol use (some weed potentially okay)
- Strong religion
- I am incompatible with strong avoidant attachment styles (learned from experience).
- Non-monogamy
Basics
- 32M, white (like English white), shave my head (it's not growing back), average build (okay to share photos if we chat). Friends say I'm in the ballpark of Sean Evans (I even love spicy stuff) and that I have a dump truck, idfk.
- Interests: collecting interests but my top two are making things and playing games. In general a nerd. I also like to rock climb, kayak, and would like to travel again.
- Adulting highlights: grad school, living abroad solo, a healthy long-term relationship (obv ended now, amicably), making a new friend group from scratch
- Autistic: Recently diagnosed. I don't need traditional support, but very important to me. Ask me about it. I "hide it well" (not a good thing to say btw) apparently but slowly breaking those shackles so I can relax.
- Attentive, calm, patient, and understanding communicator
- wants to treat each other as equals
- From my view, I can't expect things I want or need if I don't do the equivalent things for you.
- "Man" and "woman" roles don't really matter to me. I don't care as long as it works for both. I definitely like the feeling of helping/providing but I can do that by hemming your dress or changing the oil in your car.
- is kind, patient, loyal, honest, considerate
- can and desires to communicate
- not just their feelings, but also needs and wants in a mature, fairly direct manner
- I know it's hard. It doesn't have to be perfect or in one attempt, but it's always important.
- Includes listening. This might be most important bc many women write that they want "a man that shares his feelings and uses more than one word responses" and rightfully so; that would frustrate the hell out of me. But some don't know what to do when I give them exactly that. I'm well aware that change is weird and usually uphill, but I'm not interested if any opportunity to grow or compromise is rejected. My tone and expressions don't always align with my emotions and the only way I can correct poor assumptions is if I'm heard and people ask questions.
- is supportive from both an empathetic and enabling perspective
- shares similar "priority" love languages: quality time and physical touch are my favorite but all are appreciated
- enjoys one of my hobbies
- For instance, Genshin Impact has been my special interest for a few years now and I'd love to get excited over new updates together and get each other's jokes and memes. But I know you can connect without hobbies with the right type of person.
- likes good morning and night texts and prefers voice over text when possible/reasonable
- can roll with a dark/dry sense of humor
- is happy staying in and going out
- can laugh at yourself
- is expressive (helps me with the nonverbal comms)
2024.06.08 19:21 officialdaxon DD: VRNA PHARMA - PDUFA ACTION DATE: 06/26 // 199% UPSIDE POTENTIAL
 | Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. I am not an analyst. I am not trained to pick stocks, nor to teach about the market. I am not a doctor, nor a biopharma expert. I have a B.A in Philosophy from a liberal arts school, and I suffer from permanent brain fog from years of overindulgence at that school. You truly, genuinely should NOT trust a single thing I say without verifying it for yourself first, because I am not the person to listen to on matters regarding stocks, options, or other financial advice. Or any advice, really. submitted by officialdaxon to wallstreetbets [link] [comments] VRNA PHARMA, MY PATH TO FUNDING MY PH.D VRNA Pharma (VRNA) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that has only ever lost money, has a singular candidate product, and is at -29.56% over 3 months. I stumbled across this stock on TradingView by accident, trying to find a different stock. However, my indicators liked the way it looked, so I did a little more digging, and I ended up opening a position two days ago that is roughly 24.62% of my portfolio. I plan to expand that position in the coming weeks. Here’s the argument: VRNA is relatively undervalued because of the psychological and statistical risks associated with biopharmaceutical companies. I rely on several key points to demonstrate this argument. VRNA’S SINGULAR CANDIDATE PRODUCT, ENSIFENTRINE, IS BASED ON ABOVE-AVERAGE SCIENCE Ensifentrine (also known by its development code RPL554) is a novel, dual inhibitor of the enzymes phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) that is being proposed as a treatment for COPD. COPD, in layman’s terms, is the long-term inflammation of the blood vessels and airways in your lungs, which makes it significantly harder to breathe or catch your breath- demonstrably affecting a person’s quality of life. It also requires treatment intervention in order to effectively cope long-term. I will cite the science below this explanation, because I am not qualified to try to even paraphrase it. However, I can explain why I believe ensifentrine is well-researched and grounded in good science, as well as properly argue for its efficacy. I noted above that ensifentrine is a “novel, dual-inhibitor.” This means it is a) new/different from existing treatments and b) it inhibits the action of two enzymes at once. Enzymes are proteins in your body that act as catalysts to start, stop, slow down, or speed up various biochemical reactions necessary for bodily functions. So, in this context, the PDE3 enzyme is a protein that breaks down a different compound called cAMP (cyclical AMP), which plays a role in relaxing your muscles; so byinhibiting the PDE3 enzyme from being produced, ensifentrine relaxes your airway muscles, because the cAMP there is allowed to do its magic without being broken down by the PDE3. Simultaneously, ensifentrine also inhibits the PDE4 enzyme, which plays a role in your body’s inflammatory response. By inhibiting the PDE4 enzyme, the inflammatory response in a patient’s lungs can be reduced. Ensifentrine is a unique and innovative treatment because it is the only COPD medication that targets two enzymes at once. This allows for patients to more easily and regularly follow through with treatment regimens, as they are not expected to take multiple medications/doses; it presents a pivotal point in respiratory drug development, as the interest in combined medications has grown by roughly 30% when measured by diagnoses and treatment plans prescribed by doctors; and further, it poses a lucrative opportunity to disrupt a market that has been stagnant for over a decade. As a maintenance treatment for COPD, the drug has an extremely promising clinical trial history. Further, the drug is still in Phase II clinical trials as a combination treatment with LAMA (a treatment that opens up the bronchi, or little airways in your lungs, by relaxing the muscles) and as a treatment for other conditions, like asthma and cystic fibrosis. Let’s focus for now on ensifentrine as a maintenance treatment for COPD. This means that it is a medication that is used to help a different, primary treatment succeed. The following analysis pertains to the Phase II – III trials of ensifentrine as a maintenance treatment for COPD. The Phase IIa study (NCT03443414) showed significant improvements in lung function (FEV1) across all doses, with the highest efficacy at 3 mg, and a safety profile comparable to placebo. FEV1, or Forced Expiratory Volume in one second, measures how much air a patient can forcefully exhale in one second, indicating lung function. The Phase IIb study (NCT03937479) confirmed the 3 mg dose as optimal, showing significant improvements in FEV1, COPD symptoms, and quality of life, along with a reduction in exacerbation rates. The Phase III ENHANCE trials, ENHANCE-1 and ENHANCE-2, aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of ensifentrine in a large COPD patient population. Both trials were multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, and placebo-controlled, conducted across 250 sites in 17 countries. ENHANCE-1 included 760 patients and showed a statistically significant improvement in FEV1 by 87 ml (P < 0.001) compared to placebo. The trial also reported improvements in COPD symptoms and quality of life, and a 36% reduction in the rate of moderate to severe exacerbations (rate ratio: 0.64; P = 0.050). Time to first exacerbation was significantly increased (hazard ratio: 0.62; P = 0.038), and adverse event rates were similar to placebo, indicating good tolerability. ENHANCE-2 involved 789 patients and mirrored the design of ENHANCE-1. It demonstrated a significant FEV1 improvement of 94 ml (P < 0.001) over placebo. Although improvements in symptoms and quality of life were not statistically significant in this trial, the exacerbation rate was reduced by a statistically significant 43% (rate ratio: 0.57; P = 0.009), and the time to first exacerbation was extended significantly as well (hazard ratio: 0.58; P = 0.009). Safety profiles were consistent with ENHANCE-1, reinforcing the reliability of ensifentrine as a COPD treatment. There are two hiccups in these otherwise very, very promising studies. But before I move into those problems, I want to emphasize just how strong these results are. For a novel mechanism to demonstrate so strongly that it has a definitive effect on the symptomology of a disease that hasn’t seen novel treatment in over a decade is quite impressive. Now, to the problems. First, a larger-than-average number of people dropped out of the studies. This is almost certainly in part because the studies were conducted throughout the course of the pandemic, which had a disproportionately large adverse effect on COPD and other respiratory patients. Second, and far less damning, the ENHANCE-2 study wasn’t able to demonstrate a statistically significant increase in quality of life (it just barely missed significance). Both present their own reasons for ICER and/or the FDA to hesitate on giving ensifentrine high marks. ICER expressed explicit concerns about clinical trial participant dropout rates. However, they have also expressed a “high certainty” that ensifentrine provides a health benefit to the public, probably a large net health benefit, giving it an “incremental B+.” A key event to watch for comes on June 14, when CEPAC (a core entity of ICER) will release a report on the cost-effectiveness and public health benefits of ensifentrine. As of right now, they say ensifentrine will be “cost-effective” vis quality-of-life-years if it is priced between $7,500-$12,700. Perhaps this number will change, allowing it to be priced higher, producing better margins for VRNA. The FDA is expected to make a decision on ensifentrine on June 26, 2024 (19 days). It seems incredibly likely that it will be approved – the science is strong, and while the arguments against the studies are sound, I do not think are hefty. VRNA’S EXECUTIVE BOARD IS STRONG – ITS CLINICAL OPERATIONS MANAGERS HAVE A SOLID TRACK RECORD – SHARED HISTORY, GOALS, AND OUTLOOK AMONGST LEADERSHIP. Before we get into the science, we can first look at the scientists who are working on ensifentrine. A good portion of the executive chiefs, clinical staff, and other high-ranking officials share a common career history, having worked at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), a different biopharma research company together. “Ensifentrine was co-invented by Sir David Jack, former head of research at GlaxoSmithKline, who made many significant contributions to respiratory medicine including pioneering the development of salbutamol, still one of the most widely prescribed bronchodilators for asthma today, and the first inhaled steroid, beclomethasone. After Sir Jack left GSK, he focused on seeking a single molecule that would combine both bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory activity, leading to the discovery of ensifentrine. Patents on the work were assigned to Vernalis Plc and later acquired by Rhinopharma Ltd. In 2006, Rhinopharma was recapitalized and renamed VRNA Pharma.” Kathleen Rickard – Chief Medical Officer at VRNA Pharma. Dr. Rickard is an MD with 3+ decades of respiratory medicine under her belt and has been with VRNA since 2019, overseeing multiple phases of clinical trials. In the past, Dr. Rickard directed clinical trials and regulatory strategies for the respiratory asthma medication NIOX V---, which successfully cleared regulatory hurdles and entered the international market. Further, ”…Dr Rickard was Vice President Clinical Development and Medical Affairs of GlaxoSmithKline’s Respiratory Medicines Development Centre and, over a period of 15 years, held a number of other leadership positions in clinical development across GlaxoSmithKline’s global respiratory franchise…” Supporting Dr. Rickard in global clinical developments is: Nina Church – Executive Director of Global Clinical Development. ”Ms. Church brings 30 years of experience of late-stage clinical drug development in respiratory therapeutics, with 25 years at GlaxoSmithKline where she held a series of management positions, including Director, Global Operations COPD. At GlaxoSmithKline, Ms. Church was involved in the development of many respiratory therapeutics including Advair®, Anoro®, Flovent®, Serevent® and Ventolin®. She joins from Parion Sciences where she was Executive Director, Clinical Operations.” Nancy Herje – Senior Director of Clinical Operations. “Ms. Herje has more than 25 years of experience in designing, planning and executing clinical programs for pharmaceutical and medical device companies including trials for the COPD therapeutic Flovent®. Prior to joining VRNA Pharma, Nancy was a Senior Clinical Scientist at ExecuPharm and previously held roles at Chimerix, Aerocrine, Inspire and GlaxoSmithKline.” The least impressive, and probably least important in my estimation, is the CEO, David Zaccardelli. He, as far as I can tell, does not have a long history with the other board members, and does not seem to hold a super impressive record as an executive leader. He does, however, have a Ph.D in biopharmaceuticals and not business, so that may be why. However, what is interesting to note is that Zaccardelli sold around $1.175 million worth of VRNA shares when right before the stock dropped about 50% in a month, in September of 2023. Many other insiders sold large quantities of VRNA at that time as well. Two insiders, Martin Edwards and David Debsworth bought a combined 200,000 shares the November, right before the price rallied and recovered, netting them a roughly 110% gain over two months (had they bought at market price- they didn’t, so it was a lot more than 110% gain). What I hope to point out here is that the executive board is a cohesive unit, with a long history of successful projects together. They share similar views, outlooks, and ostensibly goals. They each individually have a strong foundation in the industry, and all have proven track records with respiratory medications. Further, they telegraph relatively clearly when they think shit is about to hit the fan- or perhaps when they’ve struck gold. The Market for COPD Drugs is Lucrative, and Analysts Have a Very Positive Outlook COPD is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, third leading cause of death in the world, and roughly 6% of the U.S population has a diagnosis- but there are probably many more unreported cases. Further, there have been no novel COPD treatments released in the last decade- they all rely on pre-existing treatments or compounds. However, the ones that have been developed demonstrate that the market niche is active and lucrative. “According to Vantage Market Research, the GlobalAsthma and COPD Drugs Market is estimated to be valued at USD 57.56 Billion by 2032 at an exponential growth of 4.9% in the next eight years.” It is important to note that a majority of that value is in ((asthma andCOPD treatments) + exclusively asthma treatments), whereas the value of the exclusively COPD drug market is probably less than half of that value. This is for various reasons; the two main ones are that there are more medications which people with either condition can take than there are medications which only a person with asthma or only a person with COPD can take; and combined treatments, in which patients are administered several different treatments, are finding increased prevalence. Further, there are simply more children/young adults with asthma than there are with COPD. However, this leads me into my next subpoint. Vantage Market Research might even be underestimating the market, as when I checked their insights, they spoke primarily of increased pollution and urbanization, smoking/vaping trends, and aging patterns. I did not see a single mention of COVID (I did not pay for the premium version though). There is growing evidence that being infected with COVID-19, especially if the infection was severe, increases the chances of developing COPD or other chronic adult-onset respiratory conditions. The number of people with this condition is only going to grow with time- whether under the influence of the trends that VMR identified, or COVID, or both. The market, as the callous research would indicate, will grow healthily alongside them. And further, Verna Pharma is currently conducting follow up studies on ensifentrine efficacy for patients affected by long COVID. If approved for COPD, the funding is secured for further R&D and IP development. And finally, my last point is a financial analysis followed by a brief and limited technical analysis. VRNA is in a good financial position and nearing the floor which cometh before the ATH As I stated above, VRNA “…has incurred recurring losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception, and has an accumulated deficit of $414.4 million as of March 31, 2024. The Company expects to incur additional losses and negative cash flows from operations until its products potentially gain regulatory approval and reach commercial profitability, if at all.” The company’s operational losses alone totaled roughly $27.2 million dollars. However, because of frequent equity offerings, “(t)he Company expects that its cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2024, will be sufficient to fund its operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months from the date of issuance.” Further, it should be noted that VRNA took on a loan of $400 million in 2023 from Oxford Finance, LLC in order to continue financing its costly R&D and clinical trials. This loan is collected in batches of $50-100 million dollars over the course of 5 terms. Another very interesting term loan facility that VRNA has entered into is with Oaktree Finance. This loan also totals up for an aggregate $400 million, available in “tranches” that become accessible as certain criteria and thresholds are met. Tranche B, worth about $70 million, will be released to VRNA eight business days after ensifentrine receives FDA approval, if it is approved before September 30, 2024. Another $75 million will be released to VRNA if certain sales milestones are met before December 31, 2025. Other tranches will become available later on, as well. In order to finance this loan, Oaktree put a lien on “substantially all” of VRNA’s assets, including its intellectual property. Verna Pharma, in my estimation, sees right now as the make-or-break, pivotal moment for the company. If they can’t secure FDA approval now, the likelihood they receive it before the September 30thdeadline for the Tranche B loan to be released is very low, and the company will spiral quickly from there. However, if they secure FDA approval, this funding will be the engine of the commercialization phase, allowing for scaling and partnerships. The good news here is that, despite its immense debt obligations, there is a floor for VRNA given the company’s available cash on hand. Further, there is strong institutional sentiment that VRNA will succeed – somewhere around 80% of shares are institutionally owned. It has received the necessary funding to continue operating, and as long as it doesn’t miss FDA approval on June 26, it should stay well-funded throughout its commercialization efforts. GO DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH. Let’s look at the charts. I want to emphasize again, I am new to trading; I am new to technical analysis; I am so new that to even say I am learning is kind of overstating it. https://preview.redd.it/fleqstt5td5d1.png?width=2666&format=png&auto=webp&s=7a1d4df5a48dafe32d545a7a960b9d24400efe97 First, a brief overview. This is a 1 month chart of VRNA. We see a nice bullish falling wedge after a large upswing. You’ll notice a big player(s) swapped 100million shares in July of 2020. I have the VWAP anchored there to demonstrate big fish positioning and to try to sniff out their moves. We see the price respect the middle VWAP band after breaking through on the upswing. Further, we see a valid support get tested three times, and we are now sitting just above it, but have crashed through the middle VWAP band. I smell a breakout. (I know nothing please do your own research and tell me if my technical analysis is bad. (SEE IMAGE BELOW) We are now looking at a bi-weekly chart. I first want to show that the price has properly retraced the swing and is now entering a buy-signal territory. This is confirmed to me by the TrendStrengthIndicators, StochasticMomentum, and RelativeStrengthIndicators indicators flashing reversal. I suspect we pivot back up soon. It is worth noting here that analyst ratings of VRNA are also saying it’s time to buy. Jefferies, H.C. Wainwright, Canaccord Genuity, Truist Financial, BTIG, Piper Sandler, Wedbush have all assigned or re-iterated a strong buy rating- and all of them predict a $30-$36 price point for a 149-199% upside potential. CONCLUSION I have about 24.62% of my portfolio in VRNA right now. (SEE IMAGE BELOW) I plan to expand this position when I get paid: -If price crashes to the second gold fib band and holds -An hour before close on 06/13, the day before CEPAC is set to release their report -An hour before close on 06/25, the day before PDUFA Action Date (When the FDA will decide if ensifentrine is approved or not I will gradually sell increasing fib bands as the price increases, starting at a +50% gain. (SEE WORKS CITED BELOW) I really hope to get some good feedback. I am very good at receiving feedback and understanding where my analysis has gone wrong – I am very excited to hear what everyone thinks about the play. If this is, somehow, good analysis, I might share other due diligences I have done on stocks I think are good opportunities. |
2024.06.08 07:26 dragnabbit Am I right in thinking that methylphenidate (Concerta) just half-strength dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)?
I live in The Philippines and I have recently been prescribed methylphenidate (MPH)(Concerta). It's the only ADHD medication available in The Philippines.
My nephew in America also has ADHD, and he has tried everything and said that the only thing that really worked for him is dexmethylphenidate (D-MPH)(Focalin).
The MPH is really not doing much for me. So I thought about D-MPH.
I did some research. I learned that MPH is a "racemic" drug. The ELI-5 for "racemic" is it means half of the molecules in the drug are "left" (L) molecules while half of the molecules are "right" (D) molecules, but are otherwise the same. So 50% of MPH (Concerta) is L-MPH and 50% of MPH is D-MPH. The important thing to note is that the L-MPH in MPH is "pharmacologically inactive"... it's apparently just filler.
The D-MPH (Focalin) is exactly what it implies: 100% D-MPH, or in a mg-to-mg comparison, twice as strong (twice as much D-MPH) as MPH (Concerta).
So, (1) considering how I have no other options than Concerta or Ritalin in my country, and (2) I know that a close family member has had good results with Focalin, and (3) I am assuming that 2 mg of Concerta is equal to 1 mg of Focalin, can I just take twice as much Concerta as I would Focalin and consider that to be an equivalent? I'm hoping to get a decent answer here before I go in and talk to my prescribing doctor about doubling the dose, because I am guessing that she wouldn't know much about D-MPH, since she has never prescribed it or been exposed to it professionally.
submitted by dragnabbit to ADHD [link] [comments]
My nephew in America also has ADHD, and he has tried everything and said that the only thing that really worked for him is dexmethylphenidate (D-MPH)(Focalin).
The MPH is really not doing much for me. So I thought about D-MPH.
I did some research. I learned that MPH is a "racemic" drug. The ELI-5 for "racemic" is it means half of the molecules in the drug are "left" (L) molecules while half of the molecules are "right" (D) molecules, but are otherwise the same. So 50% of MPH (Concerta) is L-MPH and 50% of MPH is D-MPH. The important thing to note is that the L-MPH in MPH is "pharmacologically inactive"... it's apparently just filler.
The D-MPH (Focalin) is exactly what it implies: 100% D-MPH, or in a mg-to-mg comparison, twice as strong (twice as much D-MPH) as MPH (Concerta).
So, (1) considering how I have no other options than Concerta or Ritalin in my country, and (2) I know that a close family member has had good results with Focalin, and (3) I am assuming that 2 mg of Concerta is equal to 1 mg of Focalin, can I just take twice as much Concerta as I would Focalin and consider that to be an equivalent? I'm hoping to get a decent answer here before I go in and talk to my prescribing doctor about doubling the dose, because I am guessing that she wouldn't know much about D-MPH, since she has never prescribed it or been exposed to it professionally.
2024.06.07 23:31 DigitalSheikh Kratom and Testosterone: A short primer
I wanted to put this together to provide a resource that people can use to understand how kratom might be linked to hypogonadism in men. It’s a very poorly understood issue in need of better research - while there’s a clear theoretical link between kratom and hypogonadism, studies have not consistently demonstrated it in practice, and there are a number of reasons to believe that the impact of low-moderate kratom use might not be as large as many people claim. That said, I want to emphasize that this is not-scientific level writing, and I am not a scientist. I just read some papers and am editorializing my conclusions from them, take them as you may. If you’re interested in the topic, I hope you find it interesting.
In Thailand, Kratom has historically been used by manual laborers as a means of warding off exhaustion and fighting pain. In the US, Kratom is typically used for pain (91%), anxiety (67%), and depression (65%), with high ratings of effectiveness. (Garcia-Romeu A) Additionally, many users (20-30%, depending on the study) report taking kratom as a means to alleviate withdrawal symptoms from other opiates.
There is considerable conflict in analysis of kratom’s safety and efficacy. This Mayo clinic article is a good aggregate of the potential negative side effects of Kratom, but an observant reader will note that they do not cite any studies or peer reviewed research when making their claims. As far as I can tell, most of the claims they make are based on single-case reports of users who usually have significant comorbid health problems, or who are simultaneously abusing traditional opiates or drinking heavily. That said, it would not be wise to dismiss the potential negative health consequences of kratom out of hand - larger surveys have certainly confirmed that kratom is a substance with significant abuse potential, causes dependency and withdrawal, and can in higher doses cause many of the problems one would expect in a traditional opioid user. (Garcia-Romeu A) It may also be linked, as traditional opiates are, to hypogonadism (low-T) in men.
However, mitragyinine potentially impacts other brain processes, such as inhibiting D2 dopamine, alpha-2 adrenergic, and serotonin receptors. (Johnson LE, though this is only as a source for the studies they cite on this) Traditional opioids are not shown to interact with these systems, except perhaps indirectly. More to our point, both kratom and traditional opioids are theorized to inhibit the release of GnRH, the precursor hormone that stimulates Lutenizing Hormone and Folicle Stimulating Hormone release. These hormones stimulate testosterone production, which is the theoretical pathway by which opioids can cause hypogonadism.
These findings might potentially influence how a kratom user’s bloodwork would look versus a traditional opioid user - considering that inhibiting D2 dopamine should theoretically inhibit prolactin release, a kratom user might expect to see lower testosterone without a corresponding increase in prolactin that most practitioners will use to diagnose opioid-induced hypogonadism, as opioids usually stimulate prolactin release. However, that’s just a theory.
Better research on the issue is not without its problems though. The only study with more than one participant followed daily Kratom users over the course of two years, finding that Kratom use equivalent to around 2 grams per day had no statistically significant impact on testosterone levels in men. (Darshan Singh) However, 2 grams per day isn’t the best representation of typical consumption patterns, at least in the US, as other studies have found that most users report using 3-5 grams per day or more. (Deebel, N. A.)
The same study that I cite for typical consumption patterns looked instead at markers of male sexual health in relation to Kratom use. The finding that I find easiest to translate to potential hypogonadism, is that confusingly 42% of patients reported an increase in desire and enjoyment of sexual activity, while 37.8% reported the opposite. However, participants did consistently report a significantly increased time to ejaculation. Lastly, it found that 1.9% of participants reported a low testosterone diagnosis after beginning kratom, but there’s not much that can be made of that considering that the participants were not required to test for it. (Deebel, N. A.)
Lastly, we can turn to general opioid research to make some generalizations about how kratom might impact a user’s testosterone levels. Studies consistently confirm that longer-acting opioids appear to lower testosterone levels much more significantly than short-acting ones, with one study finding that 74% of men on long-acting opioids were hypogonadal, vs 34% on short-acting. As kratom is more akin to a short-acting opioid, it is reasonable to theorize that the impact of kratom on testosterone is at least more in line with other short-acting opioids.
In conclusion, research on this topic is in the extremely early stages. In terms of how we view kratom in terms of hypogonadism, I would caution people to avoid automatically attributing kratom use to a user’s hypogonadism, but to also understand that there is definitely a link between these issues. Anecdotally, it seems clear that users taking very high doses of kratom will almost certainly experience issues with their hormones, but such a link is more tenuous in low-moderate users. This would be in line with kratom’s significantly lower potency, and much more limited impact on opioid receptors as a whole.
Testosterone has been theorized, mostly based off non-human studies, to be analgesic (pain-reducing) in three ways:
However, in terms of research, there isn’t a lot to go on to evaluate that theory. An unfortunate aspect of current human research on testosterone and pain is that there appear to be no studies whatsoever on patients who are not also using opiates for pain-management. Since patients who are admitted to pain-management programs usually have serious health conditions that necessitate it, studies focusing on them don’t have much to say about the general aches and pains that one “shouldn’t be experiencing” that I and many others have found testosterone helpful with.
With that noted, the studies are ultimately mixed. This one and this one found that testosterone therapy significantly reduced reported pain, while this one (which I found to be of much higher quality methodologically) found no statistical effect. I hope that at some point in the future research will be produced that looks at reported pain among non-opioid users and compares that to testosterone levels, it might help us evaluate the question much more scientifically.
submitted by DigitalSheikh to Testosterone [link] [comments]
What is Kratom?
Kratom is the leaf of a tree that grows across Southeast Asia, in the same family of plants as the coffee bush. Within Southeast Asia, the most common method of consumption is simply taking leaves off the tree and chewing them, but in the US, it is more common to either consume dried, powdered leaves, or to make the leaves into a tea. Users report that kratom induces euphoric mood, higher energy, and greater alertness in lower doses, while larger doses induce analgesia (pain-relief) and relaxation. These anecdotal and contradictory findings are somewhat supported by our early understanding of kratom’s impact on dopamine release, but are still poorly understood. (Johnson LE)In Thailand, Kratom has historically been used by manual laborers as a means of warding off exhaustion and fighting pain. In the US, Kratom is typically used for pain (91%), anxiety (67%), and depression (65%), with high ratings of effectiveness. (Garcia-Romeu A) Additionally, many users (20-30%, depending on the study) report taking kratom as a means to alleviate withdrawal symptoms from other opiates.
There is considerable conflict in analysis of kratom’s safety and efficacy. This Mayo clinic article is a good aggregate of the potential negative side effects of Kratom, but an observant reader will note that they do not cite any studies or peer reviewed research when making their claims. As far as I can tell, most of the claims they make are based on single-case reports of users who usually have significant comorbid health problems, or who are simultaneously abusing traditional opiates or drinking heavily. That said, it would not be wise to dismiss the potential negative health consequences of kratom out of hand - larger surveys have certainly confirmed that kratom is a substance with significant abuse potential, causes dependency and withdrawal, and can in higher doses cause many of the problems one would expect in a traditional opioid user. (Garcia-Romeu A) It may also be linked, as traditional opiates are, to hypogonadism (low-T) in men.
Kratom vs. other Opiates
Kratom’s active ingredients are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, both partial opioid agonists that act primarily on the Mu opioid receptor, as opposed to traditional opioids like heroin or morphine that act on the Kappa, and Delta opioid receptors much more than mitragynine does. As a result, kratom is generally considered to have significantly less potency than traditional opioids, especially in terms of dangerous respiratory depression.However, mitragyinine potentially impacts other brain processes, such as inhibiting D2 dopamine, alpha-2 adrenergic, and serotonin receptors. (Johnson LE, though this is only as a source for the studies they cite on this) Traditional opioids are not shown to interact with these systems, except perhaps indirectly. More to our point, both kratom and traditional opioids are theorized to inhibit the release of GnRH, the precursor hormone that stimulates Lutenizing Hormone and Folicle Stimulating Hormone release. These hormones stimulate testosterone production, which is the theoretical pathway by which opioids can cause hypogonadism.
These findings might potentially influence how a kratom user’s bloodwork would look versus a traditional opioid user - considering that inhibiting D2 dopamine should theoretically inhibit prolactin release, a kratom user might expect to see lower testosterone without a corresponding increase in prolactin that most practitioners will use to diagnose opioid-induced hypogonadism, as opioids usually stimulate prolactin release. However, that’s just a theory.
Kratom and Hypogonadism: What do we know?
In short, much less than we’d like. Research is very sparse, so the main point is to caution one against drawing too many conclusions about kratom’s impact on hypogonadism. Let’s start with the single most cited study on the topic: “Kratom, an Emerging Drug of Abuse, Raises Prolactin and Causes Secondary Hypogonadism: Case Report”. This study appears everywhere when you search for information on the topic, but it really shouldn’t be. It covers the case of a single user, which apparently was enough for the authors to confidently conclude that kratom definitely causes hypogonadism and elevated prolactin levels. It doesn’t cover why the patient began taking kratom, and only notes that the patient’s levels returned to normal after stopping, not whether their symptoms resolved. Nor does it cover any other possible comorbidities or any other factors that may have influenced any aspect of the case. It is a case study in poor scientific writing that undoubtably has influenced a lot of people’s opinions on the topic.Better research on the issue is not without its problems though. The only study with more than one participant followed daily Kratom users over the course of two years, finding that Kratom use equivalent to around 2 grams per day had no statistically significant impact on testosterone levels in men. (Darshan Singh) However, 2 grams per day isn’t the best representation of typical consumption patterns, at least in the US, as other studies have found that most users report using 3-5 grams per day or more. (Deebel, N. A.)
The same study that I cite for typical consumption patterns looked instead at markers of male sexual health in relation to Kratom use. The finding that I find easiest to translate to potential hypogonadism, is that confusingly 42% of patients reported an increase in desire and enjoyment of sexual activity, while 37.8% reported the opposite. However, participants did consistently report a significantly increased time to ejaculation. Lastly, it found that 1.9% of participants reported a low testosterone diagnosis after beginning kratom, but there’s not much that can be made of that considering that the participants were not required to test for it. (Deebel, N. A.)
Lastly, we can turn to general opioid research to make some generalizations about how kratom might impact a user’s testosterone levels. Studies consistently confirm that longer-acting opioids appear to lower testosterone levels much more significantly than short-acting ones, with one study finding that 74% of men on long-acting opioids were hypogonadal, vs 34% on short-acting. As kratom is more akin to a short-acting opioid, it is reasonable to theorize that the impact of kratom on testosterone is at least more in line with other short-acting opioids.
In conclusion, research on this topic is in the extremely early stages. In terms of how we view kratom in terms of hypogonadism, I would caution people to avoid automatically attributing kratom use to a user’s hypogonadism, but to also understand that there is definitely a link between these issues. Anecdotally, it seems clear that users taking very high doses of kratom will almost certainly experience issues with their hormones, but such a link is more tenuous in low-moderate users. This would be in line with kratom’s significantly lower potency, and much more limited impact on opioid receptors as a whole.
Pain, Testosterone, and Hypogonadism: Wild Theorizing.
Having done this research, I began to leave kratom aside and wonder whether there might be significant group of men who were not hypogonadal because of opioid use, but rather were seeking opioids because of their hypogonadism. This question is important to me specifically because prior to starting TRT I was completely dependent on kratom to control various pains that were significant enough to impair my life. Just two weeks after beginning TRT, I was able to discontinue kratom without any negative side effects or any recurrence of pain. I was cured. But is my case actually representative of anything?Testosterone has been theorized, mostly based off non-human studies, to be analgesic (pain-reducing) in three ways:
- Direct Analgesia: Testosterone may reduce pain directly through its interaction with androgen receptors.
- Action on Endogenous Opioid Receptors: Testosterone can enhance the activity of the endogenous (“natural”) opioid system, which includes endorphins and enkephalins. These natural painkillers bind to opioid receptors and reduce pain perception.
- Reduction of Inflammation: Testosterone has anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators, which play a significant role in pain, especially in conditions like arthritis and chronic inflammatory diseases.
However, in terms of research, there isn’t a lot to go on to evaluate that theory. An unfortunate aspect of current human research on testosterone and pain is that there appear to be no studies whatsoever on patients who are not also using opiates for pain-management. Since patients who are admitted to pain-management programs usually have serious health conditions that necessitate it, studies focusing on them don’t have much to say about the general aches and pains that one “shouldn’t be experiencing” that I and many others have found testosterone helpful with.
With that noted, the studies are ultimately mixed. This one and this one found that testosterone therapy significantly reduced reported pain, while this one (which I found to be of much higher quality methodologically) found no statistical effect. I hope that at some point in the future research will be produced that looks at reported pain among non-opioid users and compares that to testosterone levels, it might help us evaluate the question much more scientifically.
2024.06.07 19:10 wildly_inconsistent_ What in here could be causing poor sleep?
Every night that I take this (LE Tryptophan Plus) I get horrible sleep. I've gotten through most of the bottle and have tried nights with and without taking it and every time I take it my sleep is awful. I can't find any negative correlation to sleep and any of these ingredients, but something in here is for sure doing more harm than good.
submitted by wildly_inconsistent_ to Supplements [link] [comments]
2024.06.07 18:11 ragingseaturtle Maybe a dumb question, but why does the orange book not go by NDC?
This is a bit of rant, but why the hell is this resource so difficult and convoluted to use. Maybe I was never properly taught but I truly feel like without the NDC it is useless to find ab equivalent drugs. Maybe I'm using it wrong? Why is there better way to find equivalent drugs?
submitted by ragingseaturtle to pharmacy [link] [comments]
2024.06.07 13:33 JFalconerIV One friend dead, other facing more time behind bars after police chase, fatal shooting, manhunt across Manitoba and Saskatchewan
 | Tucked into a booth at a bar somewhere in Manitoba in mid-March, Tristan Mariash and David Burling toasted to good times and being fresh out of jail. submitted by JFalconerIV to Winnipeg [link] [comments] Less than three months later, Mariash is dead after being shot by police in Otterburne and Burling is in custody, following a manhunt across Manitoba and Saskatchewan Wednesday. Mariash’s family confirmed to the Free Press he was killed in the shooting. The Winnipeg Police Service had said officers fired shots when a stolen pickup truck rammed into their vehicle shortly before 3 a.m. Tristan Mariash (left) and David Burling clink glasses in a restaurant in a photo posted to Facebook March 18. (Facebook) Tristan Mariash (left) and David Burling clink glasses in a restaurant in a photo posted to Facebook March 18. (Facebook) Mariash’s father and stepfather said Thursday they were not yet prepared to comment. The civilian police watchdog Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba, which is investigating the shooting, was in contact with the 30-year-old man’s family. Family friend Michelle Johnson, who knew Mariash since he was six years old, was shocked when she learned of his death. “He did get into trouble, but he wasn’t violent. He was a nice kid and a decent human being,” she said. Johnson spoke to Mariash, who is survived by a young son, about three days before he died. After his release from jail, he discussed a desire to move to B.C., she said. “He just wanted to have a fresh start,” she said. “He’s 30 years old and he’s dead. It’s so sad.” Burling remained in custody after being charged with two counts of assaulting a police officer with a weapon, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and two other offences, Manitoba RCMP said in a news release, while releasing some additional details Thursday. “There is much more work to do on this investigation,” Supt. Rob Lasson said in the news release. Six days before he died, Mariash posted a Facebook video of him with Burling — who was driving a vehicle — each giving a middle finger to the camera. “Brothers” is how Mariash captioned the brief clip. The pair had celebrated getting out of jail in March, when Mariash shared a photo of the men, seated with two women, raising a toast in a bar. “Drinks with the family feels good to be out,” Mariash wrote in the caption. “Don’t get shot in the ass next time,” a friend joked, referring to a June 2022 incident in which Burling, 29, was shot by an RCMP officer. Mounties said the truck involved in Wednesday’s events was stolen in Cypress River, about 150 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg, on May 22. Officers in Manitoba were alerted at about 8 p.m. Tuesday, when the truck was spotted near Carlyle, Sask. It was believed the vehicle was headed to Manitoba and a gun was inside, said RCMP. The eastbound truck was later spotted on Highway 2 and then near Oak Bluff. RCMP detachments and the WPS were notified. The WPS became involved at about 12:40 a.m. Wednesday, when it was notified a stolen Ford F-350 truck was making its way to Winnipeg City police said they were told the vehicle was occupied by several people who were possibly armed and suspected of previous crimes. After being spotted near Ness Avenue and Linwood Street in St. James about 10 minutes later, the truck was tracked by the WPS helicopter during a nearly one-hour pursuit that left the city and continued on highways and roads south of Winnipeg. The police-involved shooting happened in a parking lot at Providence University College and Theological Seminary in Otterburne, about 50 kilometres south of Winnipeg. A police SUV was later seen with 14 bullet holes in its windshield and damage to its front end. Police said they tracked the truck to a gas station in Niverville — about 15 kilometres north of Otterburne — where the driver — alleged to be Burling — stole another vehicle and drove off. A 34-year-old female passenger in the truck was arrested and later released without charge, said RCMP. Mariash, who was found in the abandoned truck, died at the scene. RCMP said Burling and a 37-year-old woman were in a vehicle when they were arrested near Springside, Sask., some 500 kilometres and 11 hours after the shooting. The woman was released without charge. Mariash had a lengthy record for property- and driving-related crimes. He was most recently sentenced last June to three years for a pair of firearm offences. Court heard Mariash was the lone passenger in a taxi in March 2022, when the WPS pulled the vehicle over on Nassau Street to arrest him on a warrant. Mariash threw a .22-calibre revolver out the rear passenger window before attempting to flee. Mariash resisted arrest and kicked at officers, managing to run away before being subdued by a police dog, court heard. Mariash pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm while prohibited and possession of a prohibited weapon. Lawyers for the Crown and defence jointly recommended a three-year sentence, minus the equivalent of nearly 2 1/2 years time served. Court heard Mariash lived with an intellectual disability and for several years was the sole caregiver for his terminally ill mother until her death in 2014, when he was 19. Mariash started using drugs “to deal with the grief of that loss,” defence lawyer Tara Walker told the hearing. “I took it hard when my mom passed away,” Mariash told court. In May 2021, he was sentenced to just over 21 months in custody and prohibited from driving for six years after fleeing police in a stolen car. “Mr. Mariash is wanting to get out of the system,” Walker told provincial court Judge Robert Heinrichs at his sentencing hearing last year. “He’s at that age where he doesn’t want to keep coming back.” Walker said Mariash had reconnected with his father and planned to work with him upon his release from custody. “He recognizes that this is kind of a turning point for him,” Walker said. “It’s either move on and get yourself straight and address the underlying issues, or it’s going to be life on the instalment plan.” Burling’s lengthy criminal record includes multiple convictions for auto theft-related offences and fleeing police. He is banned for life from holding a driver’s licence in Manitoba. He had a police bullet lodged in his lower back when he was released from jail in March. He was shot by an RCMP officer east of Portage la Prairie in June 2022. In that incident, Burling was driving a pickup truck that was pulling two stolen ATVs on a trailer. RCMP said Burling rammed a constable’s vehicle on the Trans-Canada Highway and then swerved at the officer, who had exited his cruiser. Burling denied doing so, when he was sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison in January. With time served, he was given an additional 72 days. He was also handed a five-year driving ban. He pleaded guilty to two counts of motor vehicle theft, flight from police and dangerous driving. Other charges, including attempted murder and assaulting a police officer, were stayed. — With files from Dean Pritchard and Erik Pindera chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca |
2024.06.07 08:43 lukafromchina What is idebenone used for?
 | https://preview.redd.it/1et0d16ni35d1.png?width=731&format=png&auto=webp&s=68621e6c985d9a2d6632fe214ef43df70b3b4374 submitted by lukafromchina to medicalinstruments [link] [comments] Q:What is idebenone used for? A:Idebenone is used to treat brain function damage caused by chronic cerebrovascular disease and brain trauma. Can improve subjective symptoms, language, anxiety, depression, memory loss, decreased intelligence, and other mental and behavioral disorders. Idebenone is a new type of specific drug for anti senile dementia and a drug for improving brain function, metabolism and mental symptoms. It can improve brain energy metabolism, enhance brain function, and has a mild antihypertensive effect. Clinically used for patients with brain dysfunction, low consciousness, emotional disorders, language disorders, dementia, etc. caused by cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and sequelae of arteriosclerosis. This product has strong antioxidant properties, and Idebenone is the most effective external antioxidant among existing products, making it one of the better known varieties in the same category. Idebenone is a new type of specific drug against Alzheimer's disease and a drug to improve brain function, metabolism and mental symptoms, and has a mild antihypertensive effect. It can activate the respiratory activity of brain mitochondria, improve brain energy metabolism during cerebral ischemia, improve glucose utilization in the brain, increase ATP production in the brain, inhibit the generation of peroxidized lipids by brain mitochondria, and inhibit membrane disorders caused by lipid peroxidation of brain mitochondrial membranes. Clinically used for patients with brain dysfunction, low consciousness, emotional disorders, language disorders, dementia, etc. caused by cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, and sequelae of arteriosclerosis. This product has low toxic side effects. Q:Is idebenone better than vitamin C? A:Idebenone is a quinone organic compound. It is synthesized and converted from coenzyme Q10 derivatives, but its molecular weight is only one-third of that of coenzyme Q10, so it has better efficacy in deep skin penetration. Idebenone is currently one of the best antioxidants for topical use on the skin, better than the commonly known vitamins A, C, E, green tea, coenzyme Q10, and anthocyanins. Through medical verification, IDE can reduce and delay wrinkles, inhibit inflammation, and also have a preventive and fading effect on pigmentation. Q:What are the benefits of idebenone skin care? A:Idebenone is an efficient antioxidant and is the brother of coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 is naturally present, while Idebenone is artificially synthesized through coenzyme Q10. Idebenone is a lipophilic compound, structurally similar to coenzyme Q10, but with similar efficacy. Meanwhile, Idebenone has a smaller molecular weight and performs better in skin penetration. Compared to coenzyme Q10, it has stronger antioxidant capacity! As an efficient antioxidant, it has cosmetic effects such as clearing free radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, inhibiting inflammation, inhibiting DNA damage, photoprotection, and reducing pigmentation. The benefits of Idebenone Main efficacy: antioxidant Experimental results have shown that in terms of the effective concentration for clearing free radicals, Idebenone, L-vitamin C, and α Tocopherol/vitamin E is equivalent. It can effectively eliminate aging free radicals in the body, protect the skin from damage caused by external factors, delay collagen loss, and provide energy to the skin. Other effects: Anti-aging and wrinkle removing Idebenone can significantly reduce the damage of UVB to DNA, inhibit the damage caused by light damage to the skin, improve skin wrinkles and sagging aging. What is idebenone used for? (arshinepharma.com) |
2024.06.07 05:23 lukafromchina The clinical application of Florfenicol in livestock and poultry diseases
 | https://preview.redd.it/3o211sqwi25d1.png?width=731&format=png&auto=webp&s=e0dc8f2bd08dbfb6aaddda969deb624195e4c074 submitted by lukafromchina to medicalinstruments [link] [comments] Florfenicol, also known as fluoroacetamide sulfathiazole or fluorophenylsulfonylmethane, is a broad-spectrum antibiotic belonging to the amphenicol class, specifically designed for animals. It is a monofluorinated derivative of thiamphenicol, highly soluble in dimethylformamide, soluble in methanol, and sparingly soluble or insoluble in water. In light of this, Huizhong Veterinary Medicine has developed a new process for Florfenicol powder, named Pu De Kang, which automatically dissolves in water. Mechanism and Applications Florfenicol exhibits broad-spectrum, high efficiency, low toxicity, excellent absorption, wide distribution in the body, and advantages such as not causing aplastic anemia. It is effective against most Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, certain mycoplasmas, and strains resistant to chloramphenicol, thiamphenicol, tetracycline, sulfonamides, or ampicillin. Its antibacterial activity surpasses that of chloramphenicol and thiamphenicol. In vitro bacteriostatic tests demonstrate that the product inhibits bacterial growth at low concentrations and slows bactericidal activity at high concentrations. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the product for most bacteria equals or is 2 to 4 times the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and it exhibits varying degrees of post-antibiotic effects. Florfenicol is rapidly absorbed orally, widely distributed in the body, with drug concentrations in the liver and kidneys higher than in the blood; concentrations in the lungs, heart, spleen, pancreas, and intestines are equivalent to blood concentrations; concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid are lower, approximately one-fourth to one-half of blood concentrations. This indicates its suitability for treating systemic infectious diseases. Product Characteristics
This product is widely used in the clinical treatment of various bacterial diseases in poultry, such as Escherichia coli, avian cholera, chick diarrhea, chronic respiratory diseases, duck infectious serositis, secondary infections of avian influenza, infectious bronchitis, infectious laryngotracheitis, and the prevention and treatment of bacterial diseases mixed with viruses and mycoplasmas in pigs. Clinical Application Examples in Pig Farms
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2024.06.07 03:41 Valuable-Diver7765 Discrepancy in Specialized Experience Requirements for TCO Position
Hi everyone,
As background, I am a physically disabled military spouse of an active-duty US Airman. Unfortunately, I was laid off from my corporate position two weeks into my wife's most recent deployment and have been seeking a new opportunity and continually landing short. I'm looking for some advice regarding a frustrating situation with a job application. I applied for a TCO position (GS-05) with a federal agency, which seemed like a perfect fit given my background. Here's a bit about my experience:
I've been working with a Family Military Readiness Center career advisor, to ensure my resume met all the requirements. We addressed past issues like missing hours per week for previous roles and used the Federal Resume Builder for the correct format.
However, after weeks of not hearing back, I reached out and opened a ticket as to the status of my application. Within an hour, I was told my application was ineligible due to not meeting the specialized experience requirements for the GS-07 level. Here's what they said I needed:
But the job posting (USAJOBS - Job Announcement, announcement number: 4O-AFPC-12417567-416754-AH) listed the requirements for the GS-05 level, which I believe I meet:
I'm confused and frustrated because it feels like there's a discrepancy between what the job posting listed and the requirements, they used to evaluate my application. Has anyone else experienced something like this? How should I address this issue to get my application reconsidered? What would cause this issue?
Thanks for any advice you can offer!
submitted by Valuable-Diver7765 to usajobs [link] [comments]
As background, I am a physically disabled military spouse of an active-duty US Airman. Unfortunately, I was laid off from my corporate position two weeks into my wife's most recent deployment and have been seeking a new opportunity and continually landing short. I'm looking for some advice regarding a frustrating situation with a job application. I applied for a TCO position (GS-05) with a federal agency, which seemed like a perfect fit given my background. Here's a bit about my experience:
- 8 years in cybersecurity
- 6 years managing a commercial diving company
- Almost 2 years in operational support with Delta Airlines
I've been working with a Family Military Readiness Center career advisor, to ensure my resume met all the requirements. We addressed past issues like missing hours per week for previous roles and used the Federal Resume Builder for the correct format.
However, after weeks of not hearing back, I reached out and opened a ticket as to the status of my application. Within an hour, I was told my application was ineligible due to not meeting the specialized experience requirements for the GS-07 level. Here's what they said I needed:
- Experience assisting supervisors, managers, and staff in planning and organizing management programs
- Experience with various administrative support programs like Cybersecurity Liaison, Government Travel Card program, Defense Travel Systems, etc.
- Proficiency in office automation software
But the job posting (USAJOBS - Job Announcement, announcement number: 4O-AFPC-12417567-416754-AH) listed the requirements for the GS-05 level, which I believe I meet:
- Knowledge of military personnel rules, procedures, or program operations
- Knowledge of regulations and policies regarding test material handling
- Knowledge of coding for automated personnel systems
I'm confused and frustrated because it feels like there's a discrepancy between what the job posting listed and the requirements, they used to evaluate my application. Has anyone else experienced something like this? How should I address this issue to get my application reconsidered? What would cause this issue?
Thanks for any advice you can offer!
2024.06.07 00:04 Adventurous_Olive_54 My personal experience with the phenomena
This post is so incredibly long and more of a catharsis for me, so feel free to skip to the TLDR.
My background is pretty boring, I’m a relatively straight-laced person. I’ve never done illegal drugs and I’ve never been black out drunk. I hate the feeling of being out of control so when things began ramping up, I began to seek answers in a less than constructive method. I’d like to say the process was slow and methodical but looking back on my journaling, my seeking was really chaotic. My experience was a very slow start with occasional sleep paralysis and hypnopompic hallucinations (mostly auditory). I’ve had intermittent sleep paralysis since my twenties, so it was easy to write off.
Things abruptly changed for a brief period after getting surgery in the Fall. I did not react well to the meds and for a week straight I had sleep paralysis. Every night I would go into sleep paralysis, and someone would walk into the room and would initially sit on the mattress and then lay down next to me. I wrote it off as a weird reaction to the meds During this time, I was alone in my apartment. On the last night I was alone, I decided to use a sleep talker app. I listened the next morning and I heard myself ask to be left alone and then heard myself say “it’s a baby” with some clicking noises. When I listened in the morning I was really weirded out but it was easy to brush it off.
I became more interested in UFOs and paranormal phenomena and would research different people’s experiences and watch documentaries. Sometime around this period, I stopped being able to daydream and when reading I would faintly hear my name being called. Not external though, completely internal.
Then during the holidays, I found out I was pregnant. It was unexpected but I was really excited. My anxiety was through the roof and my ability to daydream was back but mostly just to catastrophize. My dreams became really vivid and I would have many lucid dreams without trying. I only had one pregnancy dream though, I was taken to the hospital and when I looked at the monitor to see the readings on the baby it said “healthy.” That same day, I got the news that they couldn’t find the heartbeat. Although I knew it was super common, I was not prepared for some very unlucky side effects. Without getting into details there was about a 1% chance that a condition could develop, and I developed it. I was monitored very closely for about 6 months to ensure that it didn’t worsen.
My body at the time was a mess but I wanted to ignore it. My dreams continued to be vivid and as I increased my lucid dream control, I also learned to pull myself out of dreams at will. I also began to have “twilight times” where I wasn’t visually getting anything, but my awareness was locked into a dreamlike state and I was only getting sensations and auditory input. During one of these times, someone said “I came to check on you” and due to sudden pain, I woke before I could respond.
A week or so later, I again was in a weird “twilight time,” I felt sensations all over my body and then some pressure on my lower belly. I had the brief impression of a triangular face with doubled eyes, insect like.
After that dream, I noticed that I didn’t have any more pain and an ultrasound confirmed that everything had healed.
The “Twilight dreams” continued but I began receiving visual input, usually brief flashes right before waking. I had a very clear visual of what I thought was a nonsensical word. When I searched for the meaning it ended up being the english equivalent of "colleague?" It was in a language I've had no exposure to and had really never been around. I was really weirded out but the subconscious is a wild thing, so again, easy to brush off.
The sleep paralysis and lucid dreams would occur intermittently. Oftentimes, during lucid dreams someone would come looking for me or would be told I couldn’t be there. During one incident, I had been caught and the guy who grabbed me said “Are you waking up?” I responded “yeah” and then woke up.
Then in April, the negative content of my dreams suddenly increased, I often found myself in a dream replica in my room and I would “wake” to find my husband unresponsive next to me. When I would try to wake him, he would sometimes morph into a faceless being and other times something scary. This was causing me a lot of distress as this echoed the end of my previous relationship. I also noticed during this month I would hear my name, but it was no longer just tied to when I was reading.
With these almost nightly dreams, on top of my lingering hormone issues, I was not having a good time. I started getting more serious about developing some coping skills and then found a yoga class that incorporated reiki. I remember at the end of it, I was feeling a gentle full body tingle and was very relaxed. That night, I had another dream about an unresponsive husband and I became lucid. It ended up being very anticlimactic, I said “ I know this is a dream” and he popped up out of bed and had an almost “aw shucks” type of attitude about the whole thing. He then opened a portal up in my wall and took me to this little town with a food court. It was really interesting because if I asked the wrong question I would quickly get shuffled away and many of the other people at the food court would not allow me to sit at a table.
A few weeks later, I had another dream where I was inside this weird amusement park and then saw a set of doors. I saw them, became semi lucid and thought “ I won't be scared this time.” The procedure itself was hazy but during my checkout with the nurse, I kept asking about my fertility and basically accused them of being responsible for the miscarriage. The demeanor of the nurse quickly changed from friendly to disengaged. I was abruptly kicked out and sent back to my regular dream. ( Much later, I would find another person who wrote of their experience and it referenced “dream banks", this resonated deeply for me.)
I then decided to get reiki trained and I’m so grateful that I did. This was the first thing that really shifted my idea of reality. The physical and visual reaction I had to getting attuned was really intense and there was no tangible reason as to why. This practice significantly improved my coping skills but did nothing to stop the dreams.
In fact the dreams got worse, I began using reiki within dreams (which I would not recommend) and was also fully medically cleared and ready to try to conceive. One would assume that I would be relieved and overjoyed but it actually made me more anxious. I was consumed with doing everything “right” so that I could have a healthy pregnancy. This was a turning point for me and I found a lovely therapist that helped me significantly. My entire summer was plagued by antagonizing dreams, with wake times for about 2 hours around 3 am.
During these wake times, I would be listening to people discussing me and often commenting about my behaviors in the dreams. Sometimes it felt like they were sitting in an office because occasionally I would hear chit chatting about sports or wifi. I began to get visuals of people sitting in like a call center with headsets. I began to hear things around sleep more frequently. I would find myself getting frequently assaulted in the dream replica of my room, I began to see 3d shapes float out of my room after waking ( I decided to get a referral to a sleep neurologist at this point because wtf). I would wake nauseous, sweating, and often in pain or with tightness at various chakra points. At one point I had a very vivid dream that 3 little grays came into my bedroom and then had a brief memory of laying on a gurney while watching a taller gray with a bulbous head. I woke from this dream and immediately sat up with full body shaking.
My ability to daydream returned but I seemed only able to think about worst case scenarios or weirdly bizarre explanations for my experience. My intrusive thoughts were unreal. I was paranoid that I was insane or that I was getting involved in some nefarious government conspiracy. But my ability to complete my day-to-day functions were still intact so I knew something weird was going on.
I found writings online (thank you to whoever put that together) on the TI phenomenon and a guy had written out the stages of the experience. I was able to identify exactly what stage I was on. I was incredibly relieved because I finally had a framework to reference. I eventually got what I thought was the “last stage” and the intensity of the dreams decreased. At some point though, my interpretation of “balance” being the last stage really didn’t sit well with me. I began to search for alternate perspectives and then the dreams became even weirder.
At this time, I really wanted a more positive outlook so I began to look for material that essentially would be a comfort to me. I would have these weird antagonistic dreams and my handlers would get upset because it felt like other entities were interfering. I would get weird flashes of images in that twilight space (like “embarrassment = psychic attack” and “UFOS THIS SUMMER” that was written in a font that was used on some oracle cards I owned). At one point I heard one of the handlers say something like “these Neville Goddard fucks” after a brief incident. I hadn't heard of him prior so of course I began researching it upon waking. I would often meet entities in my dream replica room who are really difficult to describe. My memories of these interactions are hazy, but they would ask me questions that made me feel like we were familiar with each other. I have one brief flash of a being telling me " if you believe your body will heal, it will heal. "From the little I remember, these interactions were a mixed bag but I think much of this was because I was so reactive and demanding answers.
So after taking some time to research more theories, get a therapist who was thankfully very open to woo woo aspects of reality, and pay a lot of money for a sleep study (completely normal). I finally found a perspective that helped me get to a point where I’m not constantly wrung out. I still definitely get flare ups and lose perspective, but I have a much stronger foundation now. In total it took me about a 1 ½ -2 years to get to this point. The synchronicities during this time were intense and I had to do quite a bit of intentional work to not ruminate on it.
I’d like to say that the antagonizing behavior has stopped but it’s mostly just shifted. More frequently, I feel energy manipulation and thought forms which I can usually identify. I still get weird dreams (honestly I feel more like a circus attraction now) and a lot of mixed messages (especially with synchronicities) but after finding Law of One, it’s been helpful to take a step back and look at the big picture when I’m starting to feel overwhelmed.
If you someone how made it through all of that, thanks for reading!
TLDR: After a medical event I had increasingly odd dreams that included auditory and visual hallucinations. My state of mind began to deteriorate, and I found the TI stages that outlined much of what I was experiencing. After going through the stages, I was really dissatisfied, the dreams continued but there seemed to be more positive interference. With time and a lot of seeking I was able to find some resources that helped me get to a more comfortable place with the experience. My personal approach to this phenomena has been heavily influenced by Law of One with a hodgepodge of other principles. This is a passage from a book that I am currently reading that summarizes my current approach to “attacks.” "Do not be beaten about by your own feelings of guilt. Rather, see them as opportunities to do work in consciousness, to forgive the self for being human, to analyze the situation to see whether or not the guilt is productive, to work upon releasing that guilt if it has not been productive…. As you receive your catalyst (TI phenomena in my case), bless it and break yourself open to receive it with the most love of which you are capable in a stable manner."--The Wanderer’s Handbook, Carla Rueckert.
I essentially believe it’s about knowing yourself and then creating who you want to be. As cliche as it sounds, our beliefs shape our reality.
submitted by Adventurous_Olive_54 to PositiveTI [link] [comments]
My background is pretty boring, I’m a relatively straight-laced person. I’ve never done illegal drugs and I’ve never been black out drunk. I hate the feeling of being out of control so when things began ramping up, I began to seek answers in a less than constructive method. I’d like to say the process was slow and methodical but looking back on my journaling, my seeking was really chaotic. My experience was a very slow start with occasional sleep paralysis and hypnopompic hallucinations (mostly auditory). I’ve had intermittent sleep paralysis since my twenties, so it was easy to write off.
Things abruptly changed for a brief period after getting surgery in the Fall. I did not react well to the meds and for a week straight I had sleep paralysis. Every night I would go into sleep paralysis, and someone would walk into the room and would initially sit on the mattress and then lay down next to me. I wrote it off as a weird reaction to the meds During this time, I was alone in my apartment. On the last night I was alone, I decided to use a sleep talker app. I listened the next morning and I heard myself ask to be left alone and then heard myself say “it’s a baby” with some clicking noises. When I listened in the morning I was really weirded out but it was easy to brush it off.
I became more interested in UFOs and paranormal phenomena and would research different people’s experiences and watch documentaries. Sometime around this period, I stopped being able to daydream and when reading I would faintly hear my name being called. Not external though, completely internal.
Then during the holidays, I found out I was pregnant. It was unexpected but I was really excited. My anxiety was through the roof and my ability to daydream was back but mostly just to catastrophize. My dreams became really vivid and I would have many lucid dreams without trying. I only had one pregnancy dream though, I was taken to the hospital and when I looked at the monitor to see the readings on the baby it said “healthy.” That same day, I got the news that they couldn’t find the heartbeat. Although I knew it was super common, I was not prepared for some very unlucky side effects. Without getting into details there was about a 1% chance that a condition could develop, and I developed it. I was monitored very closely for about 6 months to ensure that it didn’t worsen.
My body at the time was a mess but I wanted to ignore it. My dreams continued to be vivid and as I increased my lucid dream control, I also learned to pull myself out of dreams at will. I also began to have “twilight times” where I wasn’t visually getting anything, but my awareness was locked into a dreamlike state and I was only getting sensations and auditory input. During one of these times, someone said “I came to check on you” and due to sudden pain, I woke before I could respond.
A week or so later, I again was in a weird “twilight time,” I felt sensations all over my body and then some pressure on my lower belly. I had the brief impression of a triangular face with doubled eyes, insect like.
After that dream, I noticed that I didn’t have any more pain and an ultrasound confirmed that everything had healed.
The “Twilight dreams” continued but I began receiving visual input, usually brief flashes right before waking. I had a very clear visual of what I thought was a nonsensical word. When I searched for the meaning it ended up being the english equivalent of "colleague?" It was in a language I've had no exposure to and had really never been around. I was really weirded out but the subconscious is a wild thing, so again, easy to brush off.
The sleep paralysis and lucid dreams would occur intermittently. Oftentimes, during lucid dreams someone would come looking for me or would be told I couldn’t be there. During one incident, I had been caught and the guy who grabbed me said “Are you waking up?” I responded “yeah” and then woke up.
Then in April, the negative content of my dreams suddenly increased, I often found myself in a dream replica in my room and I would “wake” to find my husband unresponsive next to me. When I would try to wake him, he would sometimes morph into a faceless being and other times something scary. This was causing me a lot of distress as this echoed the end of my previous relationship. I also noticed during this month I would hear my name, but it was no longer just tied to when I was reading.
With these almost nightly dreams, on top of my lingering hormone issues, I was not having a good time. I started getting more serious about developing some coping skills and then found a yoga class that incorporated reiki. I remember at the end of it, I was feeling a gentle full body tingle and was very relaxed. That night, I had another dream about an unresponsive husband and I became lucid. It ended up being very anticlimactic, I said “ I know this is a dream” and he popped up out of bed and had an almost “aw shucks” type of attitude about the whole thing. He then opened a portal up in my wall and took me to this little town with a food court. It was really interesting because if I asked the wrong question I would quickly get shuffled away and many of the other people at the food court would not allow me to sit at a table.
A few weeks later, I had another dream where I was inside this weird amusement park and then saw a set of doors. I saw them, became semi lucid and thought “ I won't be scared this time.” The procedure itself was hazy but during my checkout with the nurse, I kept asking about my fertility and basically accused them of being responsible for the miscarriage. The demeanor of the nurse quickly changed from friendly to disengaged. I was abruptly kicked out and sent back to my regular dream. ( Much later, I would find another person who wrote of their experience and it referenced “dream banks", this resonated deeply for me.)
I then decided to get reiki trained and I’m so grateful that I did. This was the first thing that really shifted my idea of reality. The physical and visual reaction I had to getting attuned was really intense and there was no tangible reason as to why. This practice significantly improved my coping skills but did nothing to stop the dreams.
In fact the dreams got worse, I began using reiki within dreams (which I would not recommend) and was also fully medically cleared and ready to try to conceive. One would assume that I would be relieved and overjoyed but it actually made me more anxious. I was consumed with doing everything “right” so that I could have a healthy pregnancy. This was a turning point for me and I found a lovely therapist that helped me significantly. My entire summer was plagued by antagonizing dreams, with wake times for about 2 hours around 3 am.
During these wake times, I would be listening to people discussing me and often commenting about my behaviors in the dreams. Sometimes it felt like they were sitting in an office because occasionally I would hear chit chatting about sports or wifi. I began to get visuals of people sitting in like a call center with headsets. I began to hear things around sleep more frequently. I would find myself getting frequently assaulted in the dream replica of my room, I began to see 3d shapes float out of my room after waking ( I decided to get a referral to a sleep neurologist at this point because wtf). I would wake nauseous, sweating, and often in pain or with tightness at various chakra points. At one point I had a very vivid dream that 3 little grays came into my bedroom and then had a brief memory of laying on a gurney while watching a taller gray with a bulbous head. I woke from this dream and immediately sat up with full body shaking.
My ability to daydream returned but I seemed only able to think about worst case scenarios or weirdly bizarre explanations for my experience. My intrusive thoughts were unreal. I was paranoid that I was insane or that I was getting involved in some nefarious government conspiracy. But my ability to complete my day-to-day functions were still intact so I knew something weird was going on.
I found writings online (thank you to whoever put that together) on the TI phenomenon and a guy had written out the stages of the experience. I was able to identify exactly what stage I was on. I was incredibly relieved because I finally had a framework to reference. I eventually got what I thought was the “last stage” and the intensity of the dreams decreased. At some point though, my interpretation of “balance” being the last stage really didn’t sit well with me. I began to search for alternate perspectives and then the dreams became even weirder.
At this time, I really wanted a more positive outlook so I began to look for material that essentially would be a comfort to me. I would have these weird antagonistic dreams and my handlers would get upset because it felt like other entities were interfering. I would get weird flashes of images in that twilight space (like “embarrassment = psychic attack” and “UFOS THIS SUMMER” that was written in a font that was used on some oracle cards I owned). At one point I heard one of the handlers say something like “these Neville Goddard fucks” after a brief incident. I hadn't heard of him prior so of course I began researching it upon waking. I would often meet entities in my dream replica room who are really difficult to describe. My memories of these interactions are hazy, but they would ask me questions that made me feel like we were familiar with each other. I have one brief flash of a being telling me " if you believe your body will heal, it will heal. "From the little I remember, these interactions were a mixed bag but I think much of this was because I was so reactive and demanding answers.
So after taking some time to research more theories, get a therapist who was thankfully very open to woo woo aspects of reality, and pay a lot of money for a sleep study (completely normal). I finally found a perspective that helped me get to a point where I’m not constantly wrung out. I still definitely get flare ups and lose perspective, but I have a much stronger foundation now. In total it took me about a 1 ½ -2 years to get to this point. The synchronicities during this time were intense and I had to do quite a bit of intentional work to not ruminate on it.
I’d like to say that the antagonizing behavior has stopped but it’s mostly just shifted. More frequently, I feel energy manipulation and thought forms which I can usually identify. I still get weird dreams (honestly I feel more like a circus attraction now) and a lot of mixed messages (especially with synchronicities) but after finding Law of One, it’s been helpful to take a step back and look at the big picture when I’m starting to feel overwhelmed.
If you someone how made it through all of that, thanks for reading!
TLDR: After a medical event I had increasingly odd dreams that included auditory and visual hallucinations. My state of mind began to deteriorate, and I found the TI stages that outlined much of what I was experiencing. After going through the stages, I was really dissatisfied, the dreams continued but there seemed to be more positive interference. With time and a lot of seeking I was able to find some resources that helped me get to a more comfortable place with the experience. My personal approach to this phenomena has been heavily influenced by Law of One with a hodgepodge of other principles. This is a passage from a book that I am currently reading that summarizes my current approach to “attacks.” "Do not be beaten about by your own feelings of guilt. Rather, see them as opportunities to do work in consciousness, to forgive the self for being human, to analyze the situation to see whether or not the guilt is productive, to work upon releasing that guilt if it has not been productive…. As you receive your catalyst (TI phenomena in my case), bless it and break yourself open to receive it with the most love of which you are capable in a stable manner."--The Wanderer’s Handbook, Carla Rueckert.
I essentially believe it’s about knowing yourself and then creating who you want to be. As cliche as it sounds, our beliefs shape our reality.
2024.06.06 20:16 Odd_Article_2539 Worthless word play
TLDR: Am I wrong to say that Freddy Krueger is to fentanyl as marijuana is to kids on Halloween? Was my point not clear or was he right and I should have said Freddy Krueger is to kids on Halloween as fentanyl is to marijuana. In my opinion this does not fit the basis/memory or the statement that I was trying to make and does not make sense considering the message I was trying to get across.
I-40F am a hardcore anti-narcotic following an extended hospital stay where I was given fentanyl. I felt completely and totally helpless in a way that to this day is so absolutely terrifying that I had it listed in my chart that I was allergic to fentanyl to ensure it was never prescribed to me again.
Fast forward years later I made a comment to my 35M BF (together 10 years) that fentanyl is to Freddy Krueger as marijuana is to kids on Halloween. A comment to indicate the level of terror as compared to the drug in question.
He proceeded to laugh and explain to me over and over again that my phrasing or positioning of the topics was incorrect. His example: dog is to cat as puppy is to kitten is somehow the opposite of what I said and the correct way that I should have said it.
When I pushed back because he just kept repeating what I said over and over again and laughing so I asked what I should have used as a comparative connector instead of "as to" to indicate equivalance in my comparison he wouldn't answer and just kept repeating what I said and laughing and got mad when I tried to cut him off because repeating it over and over and laughing at me wasn't in any way helpful or a productive fun conversation.
He challenged me to post this online and claimed that I would change my wording in order to make myself correct in some way (I did not) I stand by my statement and that I said what I meant and I meant what I said and so it is correct, why would I change it when I believe that I'm correct? He thinks I'm wrong, I think he's wrong we could just agree to disagree but he's the type of person that has to win and be right so that's not possible because the way these things usually go is he would just keep repeating the same thing over and over again if I don't agree to his viewpoint, attack my intelligence or character to which I'd respond in kind. Which is exactly what happened this time as could be easily predicted based on our history.
I pointed out that he did exactly the same thing and that I was responding in kind so that was a bit hypocritical. Don't dish it out if you can't take it. He doesn't see his words and actions the same way therefore I'm wrong and he is the victim.
We both got annoyed I pointed out his lack of self-awareness and accountability because he quite literally is telling me that I'm wrong, laughing at me and making fun of me and got mad when I wasn't okay with it because in his mind he was not laughing at me or making fun of me so that's not something he would take accountability for. He doesn't see that he's doing the same thing that he's accusing me of. if I showed him this he would just claim that I'm derailing things from the original point which is that I was wrong and my use of as to or the order of the objects when I use the as to in my fentanyl Freddy Krueger reference so it wasn't correct. Ignoring all the other communication issues that are obvious to anybody reading this.
submitted by Odd_Article_2539 to amiwrong [link] [comments]
I-40F am a hardcore anti-narcotic following an extended hospital stay where I was given fentanyl. I felt completely and totally helpless in a way that to this day is so absolutely terrifying that I had it listed in my chart that I was allergic to fentanyl to ensure it was never prescribed to me again.
Fast forward years later I made a comment to my 35M BF (together 10 years) that fentanyl is to Freddy Krueger as marijuana is to kids on Halloween. A comment to indicate the level of terror as compared to the drug in question.
He proceeded to laugh and explain to me over and over again that my phrasing or positioning of the topics was incorrect. His example: dog is to cat as puppy is to kitten is somehow the opposite of what I said and the correct way that I should have said it.
When I pushed back because he just kept repeating what I said over and over again and laughing so I asked what I should have used as a comparative connector instead of "as to" to indicate equivalance in my comparison he wouldn't answer and just kept repeating what I said and laughing and got mad when I tried to cut him off because repeating it over and over and laughing at me wasn't in any way helpful or a productive fun conversation.
He challenged me to post this online and claimed that I would change my wording in order to make myself correct in some way (I did not) I stand by my statement and that I said what I meant and I meant what I said and so it is correct, why would I change it when I believe that I'm correct? He thinks I'm wrong, I think he's wrong we could just agree to disagree but he's the type of person that has to win and be right so that's not possible because the way these things usually go is he would just keep repeating the same thing over and over again if I don't agree to his viewpoint, attack my intelligence or character to which I'd respond in kind. Which is exactly what happened this time as could be easily predicted based on our history.
I pointed out that he did exactly the same thing and that I was responding in kind so that was a bit hypocritical. Don't dish it out if you can't take it. He doesn't see his words and actions the same way therefore I'm wrong and he is the victim.
We both got annoyed I pointed out his lack of self-awareness and accountability because he quite literally is telling me that I'm wrong, laughing at me and making fun of me and got mad when I wasn't okay with it because in his mind he was not laughing at me or making fun of me so that's not something he would take accountability for. He doesn't see that he's doing the same thing that he's accusing me of. if I showed him this he would just claim that I'm derailing things from the original point which is that I was wrong and my use of as to or the order of the objects when I use the as to in my fentanyl Freddy Krueger reference so it wasn't correct. Ignoring all the other communication issues that are obvious to anybody reading this.
2024.06.06 19:32 Dependent-Army1016 Fully cured?
Has anyone been able to come off lexapro, and not go on any other med to replace it, and not relapse on your anxiety? Is there any natural vitamins or supplements that aren't the equivalent of bandaids on bullet holes? Or is this a for life drug?
submitted by Dependent-Army1016 to lexapro [link] [comments]
2024.06.06 11:54 Leiwenrei [Online] [5e] [South East Asia: Sundays 2100 GMT+8/1300 GMT/0900 EST] [LGBTQ+ friendly] [Dark themes 21+] DM looking for players interested in cyberpunk/horror/strategic combat, using the 5e bio/cyberpunk GENEFUNK 2090 system
Update: 1 more spot available. All applications will be reviewed by end June.
Experienced DnD 5e DM (she/her) looking for more players that are interested in cyberpunk, horror and strategic combat.
For a futuristic twist, my upcoming campaign will be run using the biopunk & cyberpunk 5e system called GENEFUNK 2090, NOT DnD 5e. A detailed review of GENEFUNK 2090 can be read at this page.
submitted by Leiwenrei to lfg [link] [comments]
Experienced DnD 5e DM (she/her) looking for more players that are interested in cyberpunk, horror and strategic combat.
For a futuristic twist, my upcoming campaign will be run using the biopunk & cyberpunk 5e system called GENEFUNK 2090, NOT DnD 5e. A detailed review of GENEFUNK 2090 can be read at this page.
- Weekly on Sunday, 2100-2330 GMT+8 (South East Asia Time). This will be equivalent to 1300 GMT or 0900 EST for 2-3 hours)
- Will be run online with Roll20 and discord (or other voice platforms). Video is encouraged but not mandatory.
- Games will be homebrew with a semi-serious cyberpunk/horror genre - and may contain dark themes including slavery, drugs, violence, gore, bodily alteration, experimentation etc..
- I enjoy short or mid sized campaigns to try out different homebrew settings, mechanics and monsters - and am a big fan of mythology. This is the first time I will be running a game using the biopunk & cyberpunk 5e system GENEFUNK 2090.
- Previous games I have run using the DnD 5e system are:
- Greek-inspired setting where dead souls navigate Hades to safely reach Elysium (11 sessions)
- Ghostbusters-inspired guild setting where investigations include a cursed painting, delivering a letter to a dead lover, locate missing children corpses, etc. (11 sessions)
- Aztec-inspired slasher one-shot
- Egypt-inspired political intrigue and netherworld campaign (33 sessions)
- Note that games may include dark themes, morally grey characters and dilemmas, where there are no "good" choices, and players are not always "heroes"... Imagine the Walking Dead TV series where good people may have to make difficult choices, even with the best of intentions...
- Games will be combat and plot focused - lighthearted banter and roleplay are encouraged. Due to these aspects, this is not the game for you, if you want your character to go on specific life quests or focus mainly on roleplaying. Detailed back stories are usually not required.
- Most classes including multiclassing, are usually allowed, for player flexibility.
- These will be mid-level games using the GENEFUNK 2090 system, from Level 5 onwards, 30%/70% roleplay/combat - with strategic combat encounters. Higher levels may be set, depending on player requests.
- Will adhere to RAW rules, but players are encouraged to have creative ideas, if it makes logical sense.
- I enjoy planning unique and strategic combat encounters, which may include puzzle elements - some past encounters include navigating a maze with a horde of spectral spirits, fighting glass creatures on a cracking glass bridge, figuring out how to deactivate fountains that spawn creatures, fighting phoenixes on a sky island close to the scorching sun etc.
- Players who have experience in the biopunk & cyberpunk 5e system GENEFUNK 2090 are welcome, but not mandatory.
- Applicants should be semi-experienced in DnD 5e, as the GENEFUNK 2090 system uses DnD 5e mechanics.
- GENEFUNK 2090 specific rules will be taught, but players are expected to manage their own characters. You don't need to know all the rules, but having self-managed players means I can focus more on running challenging combat encounters!
- Responsive and punctual players who can commit to attending most of the sessions (understandably, there are times when people may be busy!)
- Players who can stomach the cyberpunk and horror genre, 21+ years due to mature themes.
- Players who respect others and allow others to speak. Discrimination or harassment of any form between players is not allowed.