Are you considering a plant-based lifestyle but worried about getting all the necessary nutrients? Or perhaps you've encountered the common misconception that vegans inevitably suffer from nutritional deficiencies? Let's unravel this myth and shed light on the reality of vegan nutrition.
First and foremost, it's crucial to acknowledge that a well-planned vegan diet can provide all the nutrients needed for optimal health. Here's a breakdown of key nutrients and how they can be obtained through plant-based sources:

1. Protein: Contrary to popular belief, plants are excellent sources of protein. Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), tofu, tempeh, seitan, quinoa, nuts, and seeds are all rich in protein. By incorporating a variety of these foods into your diet, you can easily meet your protein requirements.
2. Iron: While iron from plant sources (non-heme iron) may not be as readily absorbed as iron from animal products (heme iron), it can still fulfill your needs. Foods like lentils, spinach, tofu, pumpkin seeds, and fortified cereals are great sources of iron. Consuming vitamin C-rich foods alongside iron-rich foods can enhance iron absorption.
3. Calcium: Dairy isn't the only source of calcium. Many plant-based foods are rich in this essential mineral. Fortified plant milks, tofu, broccoli, kale, almonds, and figs are excellent calcium sources. Additionally, fortified foods and calcium supplements can ensure adequate intake.
4. Vitamin B12: This vitamin is essential for nerve function and the production of red blood cells. Since it's primarily found in animal products, vegans need to obtain it from fortified foods (like plant milks, breakfast cereals, and nutritional yeast) or supplements.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids: While fish is a common source of omega-3s, plant-based options like flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts, and algae oil are rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a precursor to other omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Vitamin D: Sunlight exposure triggers vitamin D synthesis in the skin, but it may be challenging to get enough, especially in certain climates or during winter months. Fortified foods like plant milk or supplements can help maintain adequate levels.
7. Zinc: Legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fortified foods are good sources of zinc in a vegan diet.

It's important to note that regardless of dietary choice, everyone should pay attention to their nutritional intake and ensure they're meeting their body's requirements. A poorly planned vegan diet, like any other unbalanced diet, can lead to deficiencies. However, with mindful food choices and possibly the guidance of a healthcare provider or registered dietitian, it's entirely possible to thrive on a plant-based diet.
In conclusion, the notion that vegans are inherently lacking in essential nutrients is a misunderstanding. By diversifying food choices, being mindful of key nutrients, and possibly incorporating fortified foods or supplements, vegans can maintain optimal health and well-being while compassionately nourishing themselves and the planet. Let's dispel the myths and embrace the abundance and variety of plant-based nutrition! 🌱

In the vanguard of neuroscience and artificial intelligence (AI), brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) stand as a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of enhancing human capabilities. These groundbreaking technologies, which enable a direct communication pathway between the brain and external devices, promise to revolutionize not only medical therapy for individuals with severe physical disabilities but also applications in diverse fields such as entertainment, marketing, education, and defense. However, as we stand on the brink of this new frontier, the ethical implications of such profound technological advancements beckon for careful consideration.

The Promise of Brain-Computer Interfaces

Recent experiments have made significant strides in internal speech decoding through BCIs, offering a glimpse into a future where thought-to-text conversion could restore communication for those who have lost it due to neurological diseases or injuries. For instance, a pioneering study demonstrated the feasibility of decoding words ‘spoken’ entirely in the brain in real time, achieving remarkable accuracy. This research utilized implanted microelectrode arrays in the supramarginal gyrus (SMG) and primary somatosensory cortex (S1), uncovering significant neural representation of both internal and vocalized speech. Notably, the study achieved an average decoding accuracy of 55% and 24% for internal speech in offline analysis, with online tasks reaching up to 79% accuracy. This work not only illustrates the technical feasibility of high-performance internal speech BCIs but also highlights the supramarginal gyrus as a critical area for phonetic encoding and the potential for a broad application of BCIs in restoring speech communication.

Navigating the Ethical Terrain

The rapid advancement of BCIs, while promising, introduces a complex web of ethical considerations that must be navigated with diligence and foresight. Ethical concerns encompass a wide array of issues, including human dignity, personhood, autonomy, user safety, stigma, discrimination, privacy, security, responsibility, research ethics, and social justice, particularly regarding access to this emerging technology. The principles of bioethics offer a foundational framework for addressing these concerns; however, they require adaptation to the evolving AI landscape to ensure they remain relevant and responsive.
Human dignity and autonomy are at the forefront of ethical debates, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that BCIs enhance rather than diminish the individual’s capacity for self-determination. Privacy and security issues also loom large, given the deeply personal nature of neural data and the potential for misuse. Additionally, the democratization of access to BCIs is a critical concern, as disparities in availability could exacerbate existing social inequalities.
Moreover, as BCIs find applications beyond the medical field, the potential impact on international relationships and national security becomes a pertinent issue. The dual-use nature of these technologies necessitates a global dialogue to establish norms and regulations that balance innovation with ethical considerations and international peace.

Toward Ethical Harmony

Achieving ethical harmony in the development and application of BCIs requires the concerted effort of all stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, ethicists, and the public. Multi-disciplinary collaboration is essential to develop guidelines that safeguard human rights and dignity while fostering innovation. Public engagement and education will also play crucial roles in shaping societal norms and expectations regarding the use and regulation of BCIs.
As we chart the course for the future of BCIs, it is imperative to remain vigilant about the ethical implications of these technologies. By fostering an inclusive dialogue and developing robust ethical frameworks, we can harness the full potential of BCIs to enhance human capabilities while ensuring that technological advancements serve the greater good of humanity.

Herbal Formula:

For a more advanced approach to enhancing brain function and facilitating the transmission of thoughts and ideas, we can explore less commonly discussed, yet highly potent, herbs and compounds that target cognitive processes at a deeper level. These selections are based on traditional use backed by emerging scientific research, focusing on neuroprotection, neurotransmitter balance, and cognitive enhancement.
Advanced Herbal Formula for Cognitive Enhancement

1. **Huperzia Serrata (Club Moss)**:

• **Action**: Contains Huperzine A, a compound known for inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, which increases acetylcholine levels, enhancing memory and learning.
  
• **Dosage**: 50-200 mcg of Huperzine A per day.
  

1. **Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)**:

• **Action**: Enhances dendrite and axon growth in the brain, supporting neural pathways and cognitive function, with additional benefits in reducing anxiety and improving mood.
  
• **Dosage**: 300-600 mg of standardized extract daily.
  

1. **Periwinkle (Vinca minor)**:

• **Action**: Contains vincamine, which is converted into vinpocetine in the body, improving cerebral blood flow, enhancing memory, and offering neuroprotective effects.
  
• **Dosage**: 15-30 mg of vinpocetine per day.
  

1. **Phosphatidylserine**:

• **Action**: A phospholipid that supports brain cell membrane integrity, enhances glucose metabolism in the brain, and improves nerve signal transmission.
  
• **Dosage**: 100-300 mg per day.
  

1. **Noopept**:

• **Action**: Offers a similar effect to piracetam but is considered more potent. It enhances cognitive function, memory, and learning ability with neuroprotective properties.
  
• **Dosage**: 10-30 mg per day.
  

1. **Blueberry Extract (High in Anthocyanins)**:

• **Action**: Antioxidants that cross the blood-brain barrier, protecting the brain from oxidative stress, and improving memory and cognitive functions.
  
• **Dosage**: 500-1000 mg of standardized extract daily.
  

1. **Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean)**:

• **Action**: Contains L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine, enhancing mood, motivation, and attention, while supporting overall neurotransmitter balance.
  
• **Dosage**: 100-500 mg of standardized L-DOPA content daily.
  

Cutting-Edge Cognitive Enhancers:

• **Magnesium L-Threonate**:
  
• **Action**: Specifically designed to penetrate the brain more effectively, enhancing synaptic density and plasticity, improving memory and learning.
  
• **Dosage**: 1,000-2,000 mg per day.
  
• **Polygala Tenuifolia (Yuan Zhi)**:
  
• **Action**: Traditional Chinese medicine herb with emerging evidence suggesting it enhances memory, neurogenesis, and exhibits antidepressant effects.
  
• **Dosage**: 100-200 mg of standardized extract twice daily.
  

Additional Integrative Strategies:

• **Intermittent Fasting or Caloric Restriction**: Shown to enhance neurogenesis and cognitive function, potentially synergizing with herbal supplementation.
  
• **Cognitive Training Exercises**: Engage in regular, diverse cognitive challenges to complement the biochemical enhancement from the herbal formula.
  
• **Mindfulness and Meditation**: Practice mindfulness and meditation to improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance the quality of cognitive processes.
  

Considerations and Cautions:

• **Interaction and Sensitivity Awareness**: Be aware of potential interactions between these compounds, especially if taking medications or if there are pre-existing health conditions.
  
• **Gradual Introduction**: Consider introducing one compound at a time to monitor effects and adjust dosages as needed.
  
• **Professional Guidance**: Seek advice from a healthcare provider knowledgeable in both traditional herbal medicine and modern nootropic supplements for personalized guidance and monitoring.
  

Conclusion

Brain-computer interfaces represent a frontier of immense promise and profound ethical complexity. The journey toward integrating these technologies into society will require not only technological innovation but also a deep commitment to navigating the ethical terrain with wisdom and integrity.
Sources:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-01867-y
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38745805/

DAY: MAY 14, 2024

• 5-14-2024CAN EATING OR DRINKING CAFFEINE BEFORE BED IMPACT YOUR HEALTH? Having a lot of food in your stomach before bed can redirect blood flow to your gut to digest the food, meaning there is less blood flow going to your brain. You need that blood flow to your brain to make sure you go into the different sleep stages. If you have caffeine in your system or are sensitive to it, the time to fall asleep can double. Caffeine has a half-life of up to 4.5 hours, so a safe bet is to avoid caffeine after noon.
• 5-14-2024RESEARCHERS DETECT HIDDEN INGREDIENTS AND QUESTIONABLE CLAIMS IN SUPPLEMENTS some supplement companies may mislead customers with unproven health claims and undeclared ingredients. The researchers focused on supplements that have been associated with the purported treatment or prevention of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. During the pandemic, the use of dietary supplements skyrocketed throughout the world. “There was a big spike in purchase and use of these types
• 5-14-2024TEXT MESSAGES WITH FINANCIAL INCENTIVES CAN HELP MEN WHO ARE LIVING WITH OBESITY LOSE WEIGHT, UK STUDY FINDS text messages with financial incentives can help men who are living with obesity lose weight and could be a valuable alternative to traditional weight management programs. Men who were offered cash for hitting weight loss targets lost more weight than those not given a financial incentive,
• 5-14-2024EXERCISE BENEFITS THE BRAIN, BUT IMPROVING ITS BLOOD VESSELS MAY TAKE LONGER People with less consistent brain blood flow patterns may be at greater risk of dementia and cerebrovascular disease. To explore whether regular aerobic exercise can help, researchers at Iowa State University have conducted a pilot study, the results of which were recently published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. “The big take-away is that exercise is good for the arteries and brain, but its effects are complex and takes time to accumulate benefits
• 5-14-2024SOCIAL ONLINE TRAINING CAN HELP AGAINST LONELINESS AND DEPRESSION a ten-week, partner-based mental online training program boosted resilience, empathy and compassion, and deepened social connections. At the same time, these short daily, app-based practices done with another person, so-called Dyads, decreased loneliness, depression, anxiety and a negative outlook
• 5-14-2024TECH ALONE CAN’T REPLACE HUMAN COACHES IN OBESITY TREATMENT, STUDY FINDS technology alone can’t replace the human touch to produce meaningful weight loss in obesity treatment. The study, titled “An Adaptive Behavioral Intervention for Weight Loss Management: A Noninferiority Randomized Clinical Trial,” . “Giving people technology alone for the initial phase of obesity treatment produces unacceptably worse weight loss than giving them treatment that combines technology with a human coach
• 5-14-2024ULTRASOUND CAN HELP PATIENTS WITH A TYPE OF RHEUMATIC DISEASE LEAD LONGER AND HEALTHIER LIVES ultrasound can help patients with a type of rheumatic disease to live longer and healthier lives. These patients have so far had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which contributes to premature death. Patients with a type of rheumatic disease called radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, a disease that causes changes in the bones in the pelvis and spine, have poorer health quality of life than control subjects.
• 5-14-2024SCIENTISTS FIND REPEATED, SMALL HITS TO HEAD IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS CAN DAMAGE BLOOD VESSELS IN THE BRAIN The work involved specialized helmets that were used to monitor head impacts in 60 university football players. Credit: Dalhousie University Repeated blows to the heads of football players can damage the small blood vessels of the brain, according to research by Dalhousie University scientists from the Brain Repair Center who believe this damage may contribute to brain dysfunction in some athletes years after play has ended. The neuroscientists found that the brain’s blood vessels can get damaged by a succession of small hits
• 5-14-2024‘MICROPREEMIE’ BABY WHO WEIGHED JUST OVER 1 POUND AT BIRTH GOES HOME FROM ILLINOIS HOSPITAL Nyla was born at just 22 weeks weighing 1 pound and 1 ounce, making her what’s known as a “micropreemie.” She left Silver Cross Hospital on Monday weighing a healthy 10 pounds, and was taken home by her first-time parents
• 5-14-2024RESEARCHERS INVESTIGATE IF PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF ADHD REDUCES CRIMINALITY pharmacological treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) reduced violence- and public-order related crimes. However, it did not reduce other types of crimes, among patients with ADHD in early to late adolescence considered to be in the gray zone (or on the margin) for such treatment.
• 5-14-2024A NEW DRUG SHOWS POTENTIAL BENEFITS IN THE RECOVERY OF PATIENTS AFTER A HEART ATTACK beneficial effects of the novel drug Sacubitril/Valsartan in the management of myocardial infarction (MI). The research offers new insights into the drug’s ability to reduce inflammation, cardiac fibrosis, and prevent dangerous heart arrhythmias post-MI. Cardiovascular diseases, especially MI,
• 5-14-2024STUDY EXPLORES ROLE OF EPIGENETICS, ENVIRONMENT IN DIFFERING ALZHEIMER’S RISK BETWEEN BLACK AND WHITE COMMUNITIES environmentally caused alterations to specific areas of the genome—known as imprint control regions—during early development may contribute to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and that Black people may be more affected than white people. The work adds to our understanding of the ways in which environmental factors can contribute to genetic alterations and disease susceptibility.
• 5-14-2024NEW AI TOOL IMPROVES RISK ASSESSMENT FOR HEART FAILURE CARE researchers have developed a powerful new risk assessment tool for predicting outcomes in heart failure patients. The researchers have made the tool publicly available for free to clinicians. The new tool improves on existing risk assessment tools for heart failure by harnessing the power of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to determine patient-specific risks of developing unfavorable outcomes with heart failure.
• 5-14-2024FAR FROM TOXIC, LACTATE RIVALS GLUCOSE AS BODY’S MAJOR FUEL AFTER A CARBOHYDRATE MEAL A volunteer is monitored after being given a large dose of glucose to determine how well people switch from fat to carbohydrate metabolism as they age. In the tests at UC Berkeley, subjects had their blood monitored for labeled lactate and glucose, underwent periodic blood sampling, and had their breath monitored for oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• 5-14-2024STUDY EXPLORES WHAT MOTIVATES PRESCHOOLERS TO PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE Adults find it particularly easy to prepare for the future when they imagine how they will feel. Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, have investigated whether this is also the case with preschoolers. The researchers conducted the study at the intersection of philosophy and psychology. They described their findings in the journal Emotion. Rehearsing for a school play, getting a present for a friend’s birthday and packing a book for a long car journey:
• 5-14-2024NEWLY IDENTIFIED PET BIOMARKER PREDICTS SUCCESS OF IMMUNE CHECKPOINT BLOCKADE THERAPY The protein galectin-1 (Gal-1) has been identified as a new PET imaging biomarker for immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, allowing physicians to predict the tumor responses before beginning treatment. Information garnered from Gal-1 PET imaging could also be used to facilitate patient stratification and optimize immunotherapy, enabling targeted interventions and improving patient outcomes. This research was published in the May issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. Immunotherapies, such as ICB
• 5-14-2024RESEARCH LINKS SLEEP APNEA SEVERITY DURING REM STAGE TO VERBAL MEMORY DECLINE
• 5-14-2024SEVERE OBESITY IN CHILDHOOD CAN HALVE LIFE EXPECTANCY, GLOBAL MODELING STUDY FINDS
• 5-14-2024COEXISTENCE OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS, ATOPIC DERMATITIS MAY OFFER TREATMENT INSIGHTS
• 5-14-2024MEN WITH LOW TESTOSTERONE LEVELS MAY BE AT INCREASED RISK OF DYING PREMATURELY
• 5-14-2024CONGENITAL ANOMALIES FOUND TO BE TEN TIMES MORE FREQUENT IN CHILDREN WITH NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
• 5-14-2024RESEARCHERS REVEAL HOW LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE BINDING PROTEIN RESISTS HEPATIC OXIDATIVE STRESS
• 5-14-2024STEM CELLS PROVIDE NEW INSIGHT INTO GENETIC PATHWAY OF CHILDHOOD CANCER
• 5-14-2024SAN FRANCISCO SET TO BAN ‘FOREVER CHEMICALS’ IN FIREFIGHTER GEAR
• 5-14-2024AN NRL PLAYER DIED AT TRAINING DUE TO EXERTIONAL HEAT STROKE. WHAT IS IT AND WHAT SHOULD COACHES AND ATHLETES KNOW?
• 5-14-2024FIVE CHARTS ON THE GLOBAL SUCCESS OF VACCINES
• 5-14-2024KIDS LIVING NEAR COLORADO AIRPORTS HAVE SLIGHTLY ELEVATED LEVELS OF LEAD IN THEIR BLOOD, NEW STUDY FINDS
• 5-14-2024STUDY SHOWS VIRUS THAT CAUSES COVID-19 CAN PENETRATE BLOOD-RETINAL-BARRIER AND COULD DAMAGE VISION
• 5-14-2024HOW BIG FOOD COMPANIES CAN DO MORE TO CREATE HEALTHIER FOOD ENVIRONMENTS
• 5-14-2024PROMISING NEW STUDY COULD LEAD TO A REDUCTION IN SYMPTOMS OF AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL SCLEROSIS
• 5-14-2024PELVIC HEALTH PROBLEMS ARE A COMMON EXPERIENCE FOR WOMEN—WHY MANY DON’T GET THE HELP THEY NEED
• 5-14-2024NEW RESEARCH PRESENTS ‘MINI-BRAINS’ THAT COULD ADVANCE ALZHEIMER’S TREATMENT
• 5-14-2024STUDY SHOWS HOW EXCESSIVE DRINKING AFFECTS OTHERS
• 5-14-2024NEW TRANSIT STATION IN JAPAN SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES CUMULATIVE HEALTH EXPENDITURES
• 5-14-2024BINGE DRINKING IS A GROWING PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS—HOW RESEARCH ON ALCOHOL USE DISORDER HAS SHIFTED
• 5-14-2024WHAT I’VE LEARNED FROM INTERVIEWING HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WHO HARM THEMSELVES
• 5-14-2024STUDY REVEALS RACIAL DISPARITIES IN DIAGNOSIS AND DRUG USE FOR DEMENTIA SYMPTOMS
• 5-14-2024PEOPLE WITHOUT AN INNER VOICE HAVE POORER VERBAL MEMORY, FINDS STUDY
• 5-14-2024CONCUSSION EXPERTS WARN TERM USED TO DESCRIBE HEAD IMPACTS—’SUBCONCUSSION’—IS MISLEADING AND DANGEROUS
• 5-14-2024STUDY UNCOVERS PROTEIN INTERACTIONS AS A POTENTIAL PATH FOR ALS CURE
• 5-14-2024HOW BITTER FOOD CONSTITUENTS INFLUENCE GASTRIC ACID PRODUCTION
• 5-14-2024ADIPOSITY IN CHILDHOOD AFFECTS THE RISK OF BREAST CANCER BY CHANGING BREAST TISSUE COMPOSITION, STUDY SUGGESTS
• 5-14-2024COLD PLUNGING MIGHT HELP HEART HEALTH, RESEARCH SUGGESTS
• 5-14-2024STUDY EXPLORES POTENTIAL TARGET TO TREAT LIVER DISEASE
• 5-14-2024THROUGH TRADITION AND TRADE, TRIBE IN RURAL KANSAS WORKS TO RECLAIM ITS FOOD SOVEREIGNTY
• 5-14-2024UK SAYS PROPOSED PANDEMIC TREATY ‘NOT ACCEPTABLE’
• 5-14-2024BODY-WIDE MOLECULAR MAP EXPLAINS WHY EXERCISE IS SO GOOD FOR YOU
• 5-14-2024FIRST STUDY TO GLOBALLY MAP HEAT-WAVE-RELATED MORTALITY FINDS 153,000+ DEATHS ASSOCIATED WITH HEAT WAVES
• 5-14-2024EARLY DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT OF PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE ESSENTIAL TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES, REDUCE AMPUTATION RISK
• 5-14-2024ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOL DETECTS SEX-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN BRAIN STRUCTURE
• 5-14-2024OVER 20,000 PEOPLE JOIN UK SEARCH FOR NEW DEMENTIA TREATMENTS
• 5-14-2024A MINIMAL COGNITIVE ARCHITECTURE REPRODUCES CONTROL OF HUMAN DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES
• 5-14-2024SCIENTISTS DEMYSTIFY WHY SUBSEQUENT BOUTS OF DENGUE ARE WORSE THAN A FIRST-TIME INFECTION
• 5-14-2024BRAIN–COMPUTER INTERFACE EXPERIMENTS FIRST TO DECODE WORDS ‘SPOKEN’ ENTIRELY IN THE BRAIN IN REAL TIME
• 5-14-2024MACHINE LEARNING SHEDS LIGHT ON GENE TRANSCRIPTION
• 5-14-2024WILL AI REPLACE DOCTORS WHO READ X-RAYS, OR JUST MAKE THEM BETTER THAN EVER?
• 5-14-2024SURVEY FINDS 8,000 WOMEN A MONTH GOT ABORTION PILLS DESPITE THEIR STATES’ BANS OR RESTRICTIONS
• 5-14-2024SCIENTISTS DISCOVER SURPRISING DETAILS ABOUT XYLAZINE IN COMBINATION WITH FENTANYL
• 5-14-2024NEW RESEARCH CHALLENGES WIDESPREAD BELIEFS ABOUT WHY WE’RE ATTRACTED TO CERTAIN VOICES
• 5-14-2024ADDING CARDIOVASCULAR BIOMARKERS TO ESTABLISHED RISK FACTORS INCREASES RISK PREDICTION
• 5-14-2024DREAMING IS LINKED TO IMPROVED MEMORY CONSOLIDATION AND EMOTION REGULATION
• 5-14-2024STUDY IDENTIFIES GENETIC LINK BETWEEN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE
• 5-14-2024PHYSICIANS WITH DISABILITIES MAY EXPERIENCE DEPERSONALIZATION
• 5-14-2024ANALYSIS SUGGESTS PEOPLE WITH MORE COPIES OF RIBOSOMAL DNA HAVE HIGHER RISKS OF DEVELOPING DISEASE
• 5-14-2024STUDY IDENTIFIES FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE RETINOPATHY
• 5-14-2024STUDY REVEALS MIXED PUBLIC OPINION ON POLYGENIC EMBRYO SCREENING FOR IVF
• 5-14-2024‘MUSIC MAP’ REVEALS SOME BRAIN CELLS AGE FASTER AND ARE MORE PREVALENT IN ALZHEIMER’S
• 5-14-2024STUDY FINDS SOME CHILDREN WERE PRESCRIBED NONRECOMMENDED MEDS FOR COVID-19
• 5-14-2024COULD BEING ONLINE ACTUALLY BE GOOD FOR YOU? NEW STUDY REVEALS A SURPRISING FINDING
• 5-14-2024NEW RESEARCH IDENTIFIES A LARGER POOL OF GENES INVOLVED IN AGE-RELATED BLOOD CELL MUTATIONS THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT
• 5-14-2024NEW DRUG MAKES EXERCISE, EVERYDAY TASKS EASIER FOR PEOPLE WITH COMMON HEART CONDITION
• 5-14-2024BREAST CANCER RISK VARIANTS IDENTIFIED FOR WOMEN OF AFRICAN ANCESTRY
• 5-14-2024NEW RESEARCH SHEDS LIGHT ON WHY COLLEGE STUDENTS IN MEXICO CHOOSE TO VAPE
• 5-14-2024NEW STUDY SHOWS RECOVERY POTENTIAL IN PATIENTS WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
• 5-14-2024AI AIDS ANALYSIS OF LIFETIME ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
• 5-14-2024NEW RESEARCH REVEALS URGENT NEED FOR INTEGRATED CARE IN PEDIATRIC EPILEPSY
• 5-14-2024HERPES CURE WITH GENE EDITING MAKES PROGRESS IN LABORATORY STUDIES
• 5-14-2024PATIENTS WITH NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE ARE LIKELIER TO DIE AFTER COVID, FINDS STUDY
• 5-14-2024RESEARCHERS PARTNER WITH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ON NEW HEART SURGERY PLANNING TOOL
• 5-14-2024AXONS IN FEMALE MAMMAL BRAINS MAY BE MORE PRONE TO CONCUSSIONS
• 5-14-2024STUDY SUPPORTS LOWER BMI THRESHOLD FOR OBESITY IN THOSE OVER AGE 40
• 5-14-2024FDA DISCUSSING BAN OF FORMALDEHYDE IN HAIR STRAIGHTENERS
• 5-14-2024NEW TOOL ALLOWS FOR GENE SUPPRESSION IN MOUSE HEART MUSCLE CELLS USING CRISPRI
• 5-14-2024NEW GENE THERAPY MODEL OFFERS HOPE FOR X-LINKED SIDEROBLASTIC ANEMIA TREATMENT
• 5-14-2024GIVING LESSONS TO YOUR TEENAGE SELF COULD BOOST YOUR WELL-BEING, SAY RESEARCHERS
• 5-14-2024STUDY FINDS AGE-ASSOCIATED GENE EXPRESSION CHANGES IN MOUSE SWEAT GLANDS
• 5-14-2024INJECTABLE HIV MEDICATION IS SUPERIOR TO ORAL MEDICATION FOR PATIENTS WHO FREQUENTLY MISS DOSES, STUDY FINDS
• 5-14-2024NEW CRYOPRESERVATION PROCEDURE ESTABLISHED TO PRESERVE FERTILITY BEFORE CANCER TREATMENT
• 5-14-2024BRUXISM IS A RECURRING CONDITION AMONG PEOPLE WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER, FINDS STUDY

I just received a pelvic MRI results from the hospital. The test showed that I had a slight dilatation of the venous plexuses of the pelvic floor. Could this be directly responsible for erectile dysfunction? I have already discussed this with my urologist and he said that even if it is, there is not much that can be done about it but he said I could discuss it with an angiologist.
I read on the Internet that various surgical procedures can be used to narrow the dilated venous plexuses of the pelvic floor. One option is a procedure called internal saphenous vein embolization, which involves blocking or narrowing dilated venous plexuses using small catheters inserted through blood vessels. Another option is to surgically remove the dilated vessels.
Does anyone know this area or have any experience? Can this even be the cause of my ED?
I have been dealing with pretty bad ED for 11 years. I am still young - 29 years old, but at the moment I have no morning wood, I can only achieve an erection while taking a pde5 inhibitor but only really big doses work on me, and not always. Big doses I mean 200 mg of sildenafil sometimes mixed with tadalafil - 20 mg or 40 mg and even that gives me up to 80% of erection. 10 years ago PDE5 was way more effective for me, but now it barely works, and pretty often my penis still needs physical stimulation.
Expect pelvic MRI, I did :

• Hormones, morphology, glucose blood tests
• Doppler ultrasound
• Spine and brain MRI
• Testicular ultrasound
• Neurological examination MNC - Perineal - Bulbo-Cavernous Reflex
• Semen and urine culture
• Heart ultrasound, heart ECG

All the above tests were good and did not indicate any abnormalities.
I’ve also tried shockwave therapy, PRP, and stem cells but without any effects.
I am fit and healthy, I sleep well, I eat well and I do not stress much. I don’t smoke, I don’t do drugs and I drink occasionally. Psychological factors were also ruled out by doctors. I take and I took loads of supplements helping for ED, I don’t even want to list them because it would be too long

Alright so If you're on the hunt for a natural alternative to Ozempic for weight management, Ozemra offers an interesting option. From my perspective, it's got a strong focus on boosting metabolism and controlling appetite (especially with its glucomannan and chromium), which are key for shedding pounds.
But while it sounds promising, its effectiveness can vary depending on individual factors like your diet, lifestyle, and how your body specifically reacts to its ingredients.
Overall, I’d rate it at 3.5 /5, with PhenQ beating it at 4/5, as better Ozempic alternative.
This post discusses all such potential Ozempic alternatives.
One issue is glucomannan is only at 200 mg in Ozemra, with more potent glucomannan based weight loss supplements use it in much higher quantities. Glucomannan like Berberine, is a potent appetite suppressant, Here I've listed out more glucomannan supps. worth checking out.
I have also compared Ozemra comprehensive with PhenQ and Serolean in my review.
However, none of these supplements – PhenQ, Ozemra, Serolean contain Berberine, which is recently most talked about ingredient as natural Ozempic alternative.
While PhenQ mimics berberine with the use of a strong Nopal cactus fiber, Ozemra does it with glucomannan.
If you’re sepcifically looking for best berberine for weight loss, I’d recommend a supplement by Dr. Sam Robbins - Blood Sugar Optimizer. I recommend reading this article on Berberine supplements.
Comparing Ozemra with Serolean and PhenQ, here's the lowdown: if you're someone who struggles mainly with emotional eating, binge-eating and stress-related cravings, Serolean might be more up your alley and suit you more.
It targets weight loss not just by suppressing hunger but also by improving your mood and reducing stress, increasing “serotonin levels” which can be a game-changer if these are your main stumbling blocks.
On the other hand, PhenQ could be a good fit if you're looking for an all-in-one weight loss supplement that targets weight loss from multiple angles. It not only helps with fat burning and appetite suppression like Nature’s Ozempic but also includes ingredients that help prevent fat production and improve mood and energy levels. This makes PhenQ a comprehensive solution, which might appeal to you if you want multiple benefits in one go.
In essence, Ozemra is a solid choice if you're primarily looking for a metabolic boost and appetite control without too many extras.
However, if your weight loss journey involves tackling mood fluctuations or if you need a more aggressive approach against fat accumulation, then PhenQ or Serolean might serve you better.

Intro

If you're diving into the overwhelming world of weight loss supplements, you might have stumbled upon Ozemra. This product is buzzing in forums and among fitness enthusiasts as a natural alternative to some of the heavier prescription options out there, like Ozempic.
In this post, I’ll break down everything about Ozemra—from what it is, how it claims to work, to the critical take on whether it's as good as it sounds or just another bottle on the crowded shelf.
As someone always on the lookout for effective and safe ways to manage weight, I was intrigued but skeptical. I'll walk you through my unfiltered thoughts on Ozemra and its fat-burning stages, plus a deep dive into its ingredients.
What is Ozemra?
Ozemra pitches itself as a revolutionary, non-prescription aid for weight loss, prominently highlighting its natural composition. If you are like me, wary of side effects and long ingredient lists that sound like a chemistry exam, Ozemra’s approach might initially catch your eye. It boasts a formula packed with components like glucomannan, green tea extract, and other natural ingredients known for their health benefits.
However, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Each ingredient in Ozemra is supposed to support weight loss through different mechanisms. For example, glucomannan is a dietary fiber that helps you feel full longer, potentially cutting down your calorie intake. Green tea extract is celebrated for its metabolism-boosting and antioxidant properties.
While these ingredients are impressive on paper, the real question is about their concentration and synergy in the product. Just having them listed isn't enough; they need to be in effective doses to truly work, which many supplements often skimp on to cut costs.
How Ozemra Works: The 4-Stage Fat Burning System
If you're curious about how exactly Ozemra claims to tackle weight loss, they’ve laid out a 4-stage system, each targeting a different aspect of weight management. Here’s a rundown from a user perspective:

1. Stage 1: Appetite Suppression - The journey starts with controlling your hunger. This is where the glucomannan comes into play. It absorbs water and expands in your stomach, theoretically helping you eat less. From my experience, while it does help a bit, don’t expect miracles. You’ll still need to control your eating habits actively.
2. Stage 2: Metabolism Ignition - Next up, Ozemra claims to fire up your metabolism, helping you burn more calories at rest. Ingredients like green tea extract are supposed to boost this process. However, if you are someone who already struggles with caffeine sensitivity, the added natural stimulants might feel overwhelming rather than energizing.
3. Stage 3: Lipolysis Trigger - This phase focuses on breaking down fat. Here, substances like L-carnitine come into the mix, which in theory helps transport fats into cells to be burned for energy. People may notice a slight uptick in how they feel during workouts, possibly due to this, but it won't be the drastic fat loss promised.
4. Stage 4: Optimized Energy Utilization - Finally, Ozemra aims to ensure the energy from the fat being burned is efficiently used. It’s supposed to help you feel more energetic and less sluggish, even on a calorie deficit. While there's a mild boost, it's comparable to any decent B-vitamin complex.

Each stage of this system sounds great on paper, but in practice, the effects are more subtle than you might hope. If you’re looking for a dramatic change, Ozemra’s gradual improvements might feel underwhelming.
Plus, consistency is key; these pills alone won’t work wonders without proper diet and exercise.

What Should You Try? PhenQ vs Ozemra

Choosing between PhenQ and Ozemra depends largely on your specific weight loss goals, health condition, and preference for certain types of ingredients. Here’s a guide to help you decide:
PhenQ is best for you if:

• You are looking for a comprehensive weight loss solution. PhenQ’s variety of ingredients supports multiple aspects of weight loss, from fat burning to mood enhancement.
• You struggle with fatigue while dieting. The inclusion of B-vitamins and L-Carnitine helps convert fat to energy, combating the usual tiredness associated with calorie deficits.
• You need help with sugar and carbohydrate cravings. With ingredients like Chromium Picolinate and INNOSLIM, PhenQ is designed to reduce these cravings significantly.
• You are looking for an effective natural Ozempic alternative: Although NOT a direct replacement to Ozempic, PhenQ has some weight loss benefits with it.

Potential alternatives: If PhenQ seems too intense or if you have sensitivities to caffeine, consider looking at supplements that focus more on mood support and less on stimulants, such as those containing more adaptogens or fiber.
Ozemra is best for you if:

• You prefer a straightforward approach to weight management. Ozemra focuses on metabolism and appetite control without too many additional effects.
• You are sensitive to stronger stimulant effects. Even though Ozemra contains stimulants, it might be less intense than PhenQ due to the different formulations and concentrations.
• You are primarily concerned with metabolic enhancement. Ozemra's ingredients like caffeine and L-Carnitine are great for boosting metabolic rate.

Potential alternatives: If you find Ozemra too mild or are looking for something that also supports gut health or has anti-inflammatory properties, consider supplements that include probiotics or omega-3 fatty acids.
Both PhenQ and Ozemra offer unique benefits, so consider your personal health profile and weight loss goals carefully before choosing.

How I evaluate Ozemra?

Blood Sugar Regulation: 3/5 If you are looking for a natural supplement to help manage your blood sugar levels, Ozemra has some notable ingredients. The combination of chromium picolinate and chromium nicotinate glycinate in Ozemra is impressive, as chromium is known to enhance insulin sensitivity, which can stabilize blood sugar levels. However, I would say it doesn’t fully mimic the comprehensive glucose management effects of Ozempic. It provides a moderate benefit, suitable for mild cases or as a supplementary measure alongside a balanced diet.
Appetite Modulation: 3.5/5 When it comes to suppressing appetite, Ozemra is pretty promising. Ingredients like glucomannan and the dietary fiber from ingredients like cayenne pepper can help fill you up and decrease overall appetite. This mimics one of Ozempic's benefits, making it a decent natural alternative if you're looking to curb those hunger pangs effectively.
Metabolic Enhancement: 3/5 Ozemra includes ingredients like L-Carnitine and a significant amount of caffeine from the Phenterex Caffeine Anhydrous Complex, which can stimulate your metabolism. These ingredients are effective for boosting metabolic rate to some extent, but the effect may not be as significant as Ozempic’s indirect influence on metabolism through glucose management. Therefore, if enhancing metabolism is your main goal, Ozemra provides moderate support.
Energy Optimization: 4/5 If boosting your energy levels is crucial for your weight loss journey, Ozemra could be a beneficial supplement. The high levels of Vitamin B12 and the stimulating effects of caffeine anhydrous contribute significantly to energy optimization, helping increase physical activity and vitality. This aspect of Ozemra is quite effective, making it a good natural alternative to support energy levels, though with a more temporary effect compared to the sustained energy regulation one might see with Ozempic.
Weight Management Support: 3.5/5 When you're looking for a supplement that supports sustainable weight loss, Ozemra seems quite capable. The presence of L-Carnitine helps with fat metabolism, essentially aiding the body in burning fat for energy, and cayenne pepper can enhance fat oxidation. These ingredients, combined with the appetite-suppressing effects, make Ozemra a solid choice for those aiming to manage their weight naturally. However, it may not be as powerful as Ozempic, which has a more direct effect on weight loss through its influence on insulin.

Now if you would take a look at this diagram, surely you will gain the ability to measure how likely it is for a creature to contain an infinite amount of cells in its body
DDDDDDXDDDDDDXDDDDDDDDDXDDDDDDD
FORTY TIMES PI EQUAL NON LINEAR NUMBER

 DDDDDDXDDDDDDXDDDDDDDDDXDDDDDDD 

NON LINEAR NUMBER DIVIDED BY THE NUMBER OF CHROMOSOMES IN A CREATURE WILL ALWAYS BE SMALLER THAN ITS PROVEN CELL
DDDDDDXDDDDDDXDDDDDDDDDXDDDDDDD
Why, why is it like this......

 OUR DIMENSION CANT EVEN COMPREHEND THE !POSSIBILITIES! 

DO .
YOU . REALIZE .
HOW MUCH THIS MATTERS.

I'm walking through a bustling underground train station. I push and shove my way through all the other commuters onto the platform. As I look around, there seems to be endless rows of platforms in both directions, stretching well into a dense fog. Further ahead, neat lines of railway tracks extend out from the fog and through the platforms. I instinctually look up at the info screen
Next train in ### minutes
I furrow my brow, squint to try and focus on the numbers but they're heavily pixelated and illegible. I look around at the other commuters, who stream onto the platform completely unaware of the anomaly. Most people are on their phone, or wearing headphones while some are talking to each other. No one seems to notice the malfunction with the screen.
That's when the absurdity of the situation clicks for me. Endless platforms, a wall of fog, unreadable numbers and people that don't care. It's all a dream. I bring my hand up to my face and pinch my nose, trying to breathe through it. An old reality check I remembered from back when I was trying to learn to lucid dream.
My heart rate jumped when I realised, that I couldn't breathe through my nose. Before I could even process this, another problem presented itself. I didn't know why I was here. I didn't know where I was going and I definitely did not know how I even got here. It seems as if reality ceased to exist right before I walked onto this platform. Just like it typically feels in a dream, you spawn in out of nowhere and don't really know what happened prior - except this wasn't a dream.
I knew I was sure of it because deep inside my bones I felt this anxious urgent message. I need to catch this train. It was a primal feeling.
At this point, my head is spinning and I need to sit down somewhere. I choose a silver bench with a middle aged woman sitting on it. She shuffles further to the left as I sit down next to her clutching my head and racking my brain to try and figure out what it is happening. This is what amnesia feels like, I thought to my self as I gnawed at scraps of messy muddled memories. Each image that came into my mind was just a fragment - A school, a library, sickeningly white walls. It hit me that I didn't even know my name. I was starting to hyperventilate but then my body kicked into autopilot. I started to take deep breaths, focusing on my diaphragm and calming myself down. It felt like I was trained to do this. I started to focus on the current situation.
Where was my ticket? Instinctually, I knew I had to have gotten one on my entry to the train station. I reached into my pockets and pulled out a scrap of paper. Scrawled in very familiar cursive:
*In case of memory loss, read the journal in your backpack*
Strange message but I didn't have any choice then to at least give the instructions a try. I removed my backpack and rummaged through it for the journal. I wouldn't really call it a backpack - more a tattered and frayed bundle of cloth that was reminiscent of a backpack. I finally found a series of small thick journals, bundled in cloth with their leather covers on the verge of disintegration. The pages still seemed in good condition though. Each cover was sequentially labelled which I'm guessing corresponded to the chronological order of the writings within.
The lady next to me was weirdly getting agitated. She kept stealing glances, her body shaking and eyes burning with a fierce rage. I slowly got up from the bench and began to step backwards. My backpack bumped into a pillar. The dull thud it made seemed to cause a drastic change to everyone around me though. They all snapped their heads, locking eyes on me and staring through my very soul. I felt exposed.
The rumble of an arriving train stole away their attention and within a split second everyone was ignoring me again, going back to their usual activities. It seriously felt like I had just imagined it and it was becoming more and more clear that I was having some sort of mental breakdown. Nevertheless, as the train slowed to a stop on the platform, I walked into it and found a seat. The train seemed to be old and new at the same time. Typical blue seats with abstract dirty patterns complete with a modern sleek interior of gentle curves clashing with a boxy dull metallic exterior and doors that looked like they belonged on a rusty submarine.
I opened the first of the journals and began to read. I soon realised that the handwriting was mine and within the next few moments I was attacked by a barrage of memories that had remained repressed and buried in the back of my mind.
*
My name is Jacob and I have been stuck here in this place called *The Limbo* for an eternity. When I say 'eternity', I don't mean it lightly. Back when I used to keep track I counted over 500 years through my wristwatch that never seemed to run out of battery. Now I know counting is meaningless. There have been periods like this where my mind falls into a deep trance and I lose my whole identity as I mindlessly wander in this place much like the entities that inhabit it. Occasional periods of lucidity breach this trance and then I find myself lost and confused. It's why I keep the journals with me. I think its some sort of psychological survival mechanism that human brains develop when faced with the infinite vastness of The Limbo.
Speaking of The Limbo, I've come to learn a few things about its nature through my stay here. Some of its been through people that I've come across (Yes others are also stuck here) and some has been through my own experiences. Perhaps the most important is the question of where I get my food and water. The answer is weird. I have never felt hungry or thirsty. The sensation of having cool water slide down my throat remains a memory so distant that it feels like the snippet of a childhood dream.
I guess the next natural topic about this place would be time. Through various experiences of mine (that you'll get to read about) and discussions with others, the leading theory of mine is that The Limbo exists outside of time itself. While I myself have fallen here sometime during 2001, I've met many others from various years like the 80s, 90s and even one recent fellow from 2043.
Most people in The Limbo eventually fall into a trance, withering away until they become one of the entities or become mere tools for them. It's probably naive but I keep going through this place with only two hopes. The first is to somehow get out of here at the right time point and see my son, who I never got to see. The second is to come out of this place and die so that I no longer have to live out the empty agony of eternity (I'll explain how you can't age or die in The Limbo later). Perhaps my hopes will dwindle as the centuries pile and I will become just like those who I look upon in pity now.
I am writing this consolidated diary of my experiences for several reasons. I'd like someone to know of my unending journey in this place. To be aware of the capacity of the human spirit to keep going in the worst of situations. I have never had a long term friend in The Limbo, but know that I consider you the reader a dear friend even if I never get to meet you because you will know my story. I'm also sharing this in hopes that there is more awareness of The Limbo. Perhaps the military and scientists can actually figure out what it is. Perhaps all of us can be brought home. Or maybe this can serve as a survival guide to those who may be unfortunate enough to fall through.
There are small holes in The Limbo. Most of them are barely large enough for a pinkie finger to fit in let alone a person, but sometimes I've come across one large enough for this journal to go through. I'm not sure what time or place these holes lead to, so the safe passage of this book into a person capable of reading it has about the same chances as me ever leaving this place.
The train I'm on supposedly leads to the edge of The Limbo, where the holes are large enough for humans to fit through. It's really more of a legend amongst the poor souls that are trapped here and I've followed trails and clues for a long time to even find this train.
There are only two ways this goes. Both outcomes would lead to you reading this book in your hands. I'll either find my way out of this hell or give up hope and slip this journal through a Hole. You will find my fate at the end.
I should stop rambling now though. It would be best to start at the very beginning.
*
I was rushing out of work in pure ecstasy. My wife had gone into labor while I was at work and been rushed to hospital. I needed to get there fast. People were glancing over at me over their cubicles in confusion as I packed up my work bag and rushed out to the elevators. I couldn't stop thinking about seeing my first son as the elevator made its way down. The elevator doors finally opened and I rushed out.
The ground entrance of the building I worked at, particularly near the lobby, is an intersection of various hallways. I was already walking to close to the wall when someone came rushing around the corner and bumped me right into the wall. I was only able to hear half their apology when I fell *through* the wall like it was just a holographic projection. In hindsight, I find it oddly funny how easy it is for a life to get ruined. Just when you think you've got it all, when everything is going smoothly, a small incident like that is enough to take it all away.
I found myself in a room that resembled a classroom. It looked as if someone who had never stepped inside a classroom was asked to imagine the space. Desks were arranged in messy uneven rows with the chairs facing various directions. The board at the front of the room was a seamless patchy mixture of both chalk and modern whiteboard and mounted way too low on the wall, nearly hugging the floor. A large teachers desk sat in the front of the room. The walls were filled with posters of absolute gibberish along with diagrams and pictures that seemed like they showed something tangible but no matter how close you looked you could never identify anything in the picture.
The initial confusion was replaced by an immense panic. My heart was drumming against my chest as I searched the room for a doorway to exit it. My mind was trying to rationalise the situation. I was trying to convince myself that this was just some old part of the building and I had fallen into a hallway instead of the wall.
I ran through the doorway at the far end of the room and found myself in a large hallway that seemed to extend forever in both directions. The walls were a muted grey and the floors were that typical dirty linoleum. Soon I would find out that the regularly spaced doorways on either side of the hall led to other nonsensical classrooms.
I ran down the hallway screaming for help in pure panic, which was a terrible mistake in hindsight. I stopped running down the hallway when I suddenly heard the distinct scratch of chalk against board. In this large empty space, the sound echoed and boomed. Since I was still refusing to buy in to the reality of the situation, my hopes were momentarily increased by the supposed presence of another person here.
I slowly walked over to the doorway that the sounds were coming from. My stomach filled with an uneasy dread. This deep primal instinct within me urged me to hold back. I peeked carefully in the classroom and saw a woman with their back turned to me drawing something on the chalkboard.
It took me a few moments to notice that it was a very realistic portrait of my face.
She was drawing lines across my throat, her long dark hair swaying as she drew in the details. The drawing was completed with a terrible slash across the throat, blood gurgling out. I was frozen in place, transfixed on the hauntingly beautiful realism of the picture.
She began to turn around slowly while humming a high pitched tune. To this day I can't describe the face I saw. It is still etched into my mind. A face full of so much hatred, so much anger that I don't think its possible for a human to make that face. It expressed an emotion beyond human understanding. No artist in the world could ever render the expression on the paper. No words could describe the pure fear that coursed through my veins as she stared at me and began to approach.
I turned around to run, only to realise that a bunch of school children had gathered around me. They were headless, the bleeding stumps dripping thick blood onto the floor in a rhythmic patter. Somehow they were laughing.
I shoved through the group and ran down the hallway. I wasn't sure where I was going. My whole world had shattered and now I was completely aimless in some nonsense dimension with horrors beyond imagination that wanted me dead.
*
The extract above is from this journal I found at the foot of a large tree on a hiking trail. It's a miracle that I spotted its faded leather cover given that it was almost buried under rotting leaves. I really don't know what to make of what I'm reading, so I'll be slowly transcribing bits of it in separate posts over the next few days.
I know this subreddit is good for this sort of stuff. I'd love if someone else could share anything they know about The Limbo. This whole journal feels like some sort of prank, but the words and memories within feel way too real.
I can't help but feel a connection to this story. My mum doesn't speak much of my Dad, who I know left before I was born. No one ever found out where he went.
I was born in 2001
X

Hi everyone!
Today, let's talk about inflammation markers. Inflammation is your body's way of fighting off things like infections or injuries. However, if it sticks around too long, it can be a sign of something more serious. Two important blood tests that check for inflammation are the CRP test and the ESR test. Let’s break down what these tests are, what they measure, and why they matter.

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is how your body responds to things like infections or injuries. It helps to heal and protect your body. But if inflammation lasts too long, it can cause health problems.

Key Inflammation Markers:

1. CRP (C-Reactive Protein)

• What It Measures: CRP is a protein made by your liver when there's inflammation in your body.
• Normal Range: Less than 10 mg/L.
• High Levels Mean: High CRP levels mean there’s inflammation, which could be from an infection, arthritis, or other conditions.

2. ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

• What It Measures: ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. Faster settling means more inflammation.
• Normal Range: 0-22 mm/hr for men and 0-29 mm/hr for women.
• High Levels Mean: High ESR levels mean there’s inflammation, which could be due to infections, autoimmune diseases, or other conditions.

Why These Tests Matter:

• Early Detection: These tests can catch inflammation early, even before you feel sick.
• Monitor Conditions: They help doctors keep track of chronic (long-term) diseases.
• Guide Treatment: High levels can help doctors figure out what’s wrong and how to treat it.

Conditions with High Inflammation Markers:

1. Infections: Like bacterial or viral infections.
2. Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions where your immune system attacks your own body, like rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Chronic Diseases: Long-term conditions like heart disease or diabetes.
4. Cancer: Some cancers can cause higher inflammation.
5. Injury and Surgery: These can temporarily raise inflammation levels.

Tips for Reducing Inflammation:

1. Healthy Diet: Eat lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid junk food and too much sugar.
2. Exercise Regularly: Stay active to help lower inflammation.
3. Healthy Weight: Keep a healthy weight to reduce inflammation.
4. Manage Stress: Try to relax with activities like meditation or yoga.
5. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both can increase inflammation.
6. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

When to Get Tested:

• Symptoms: If you have unexplained fever, tiredness, joint pain, or swelling.
• Chronic Conditions: If you have a long-term inflammatory disease, get tested regularly.
• Check-Ups: Get tested during routine health check-ups if you have risk factors for chronic diseases.

Conclusion:

Understanding CRP and ESR tests can help you and your doctor spot and manage health issues early. Keeping inflammation in check with a healthy lifestyle can improve your overall health. If you have any questions or want to share your experiences with inflammation markers, leave a comment. Your story could help someone else.
Stay healthy and informed!

Hello everyone!
Today, we’re diving into an important topic - liver function tests. These tests help check how well your liver is working. Your liver is a vital organ that processes everything you eat and drink, filters toxins from your blood, and helps with digestion. Let's break down what liver function tests are, what they measure, and how you can keep your liver in top shape.

What is the Liver?

The liver is a large organ located in the upper right side of your abdomen. It performs many critical functions, including detoxifying chemicals, metabolizing drugs, and producing proteins important for blood clotting and other functions.

Key Liver Function Tests:

1. ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)

• What It Measures: ALT is an enzyme found in your liver. High levels can indicate liver damage.
• Normal Range: Typically 7 to 56 units per liter (U/L).
• What High Levels Mean: High ALT levels can suggest liver inflammation or damage from conditions like hepatitis, alcohol use, or fatty liver disease.

2. AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)

• What It Measures: AST is another enzyme found in your liver and other parts of your body. Elevated levels can indicate liver damage.
• Normal Range: Typically 10 to 40 units per liter (U/L).
• What High Levels Mean: High AST levels can also indicate liver damage, often used in conjunction with ALT levels to diagnose liver conditions.

3. ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)

• What It Measures: ALP is an enzyme related to the bile ducts. High levels can indicate a problem with the bile ducts or liver.
• Normal Range: Typically 44 to 147 units per liter (U/L).
• What High Levels Mean: High ALP levels may suggest blockages in the bile ducts, liver disease, or bone disorders.

4. Bilirubin

• What It Measures: Bilirubin is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells. The liver processes bilirubin and excretes it in bile.
• Normal Range: Typically 0.1 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
• What High Levels Mean: High bilirubin levels can indicate liver disease or bile duct problems, leading to jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

5. Albumin and Total Protein

• What They Measure: Albumin and total protein tests measure the levels of proteins made by the liver. These proteins are important for various body functions.
• Normal Range: Albumin: 3.5 to 5.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL); Total Protein: 6.3 to 7.9 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
• What Abnormal Levels Mean: Low levels can suggest liver disease or other conditions affecting protein production.

Why These Tests Matter:

• Detecting Liver Problems: Liver function tests can help detect liver inflammation, damage, and diseases early.
• Monitoring Chronic Conditions: Regular tests help monitor liver health in chronic conditions like hepatitis or fatty liver disease.
• Guiding Treatment: Test results can guide treatment decisions and monitor the effectiveness of interventions.

Tips for Keeping Your Liver Healthy:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity can lead to fatty liver disease, so aim for a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
3. Limit Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver damage. Stick to moderate drinking guidelines or avoid alcohol altogether.
4. Avoid Toxins: Limit exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins. Use protective gear when handling chemicals and avoid smoking.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your liver function properly.
6. Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and supports liver health.
7. Get Vaccinated: Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B can prevent infections that cause liver damage.
8. Regular Check-Ups: Regular health check-ups and liver function tests can catch problems early and keep your liver healthy.

When to Get Tested:

• Routine Check-Ups: Regular check-ups, especially if you have risk factors for liver disease.
• Symptoms: If you have symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, or dark urine.
• Medical History: If you have a history of liver disease, alcohol use, or use of medications that can affect the liver.

Conclusion:

Understanding liver function tests is key to maintaining liver health. Regular testing and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent liver problems and ensure your liver is functioning properly. If you have any questions or personal experiences with liver health, share them in the comments. Your insights can help others who might be facing similar issues.
Stay healthy and informed!

Male 31 years old.
Had some bloods done recently.
2 weeks ago - WBC was 12.5 - Neutrophils was 8.7 - Phosphate mildy low (could have been due to hyperventilation from my anxiety though?)
1 week ago - WBC was 11.2 - Neutrophils went up to 9.2 ****
All my.other complete blood count tests were perfectly normal, esr normal, CRP normal, thyroid normal and iron levels normal.
So my white cells came down, but neutrophils went up?
My doctor said don't worry these levels can fluctuate all the time. I've checked my blood results from years ago and my neutrophils normally sits around a 5.
I have been stressed and anxious lately. No notable infections or anything that I know of. (Other than a bad cold about a month ago). I bite the inside of my cheeks which causes bleeding but not sure if this could be a cause?
My doctor said no need to panic and he will just retest my bloods in a month. Does this sound reasonable advice?
I'm scared of things like cancer but my doctor said no need to think this or test for it at this stage. He said barely any doctors would test for cancer at this stage?
Have I gotten good advice?

At 6 weeks I was demeaned to have miscarried. I bled profusely and went to the hospital. They conducted an ultrasound, gave me pain and anxiety medication and told me I’d have to unfortunately “wait it out”. I profusely bled for 5 more months. Each week expressing to them that I don’t believe it’s a miscarriage - it’s something more than that. I just knew it. They prescribed more anxiety medication and told me to “wait it out”. My HCG levels kept fluctuating. 36 then 87 then 113, back to 42, up to 77. “Wait it out. Your body is just removing the cells”. I demanded another appointment at week 11 at this point. I had an appointment with my obgyn.
I went to the hospital the day before the appointment and told them I’m in insufferable pain. I can’t sit. I can’t stand. I’m bleeding blood clots rapidly. My pain was out of this world. They gave me more pain and anxiety me and sent me on my way. Said they couldn’t do anything for me. “Wait it out”. I went to my appointment the following day.
Within 24 hours, I had a ruptured left fallopian tube and 500ml of blood in my stomach. They rushed me to the OR within 2 hours. It was hands down the most traumatic experience of my life. Mentally confused, emotionally numb and broken down. I felt like my body wasn’t my own. It was all so traumatic. I had lyperscopic surgery as they removed my left fallopian tube and 500ml of blood from my stomach.
It’s been 7 months and it’s all in the same. My period still comes every other month ever since. All as clotty as the first time. The pain is horrendous. I can’t walk, my legs go numb, my lower back feels detached but most of all, the pain on my left side feels like a sharp stabbing pain. I typically feel the pain at least once a day if I over stretch or have to use the restroom but during my period the pain doesnt go away. I don’t like taking medication but I’ll take midol and use a heating pad but the pain is still sharpened.
So my question here is, is it normal to still feel so much pain? To speed bleed a heavy flow which isn’t typically normal for me. I become extremely sad and emotional the week before. It hurts significantly when I use the bathroom.
I’ve gone to the hospital when the pain is brutal and it’s the same routine. Pain/anxiety meds “wait it out”.
Im sick of constantly being told it’s my anxiety and having no true help.
Im 28 and I guess I just need some advice.

My 29m wife 28f and I have been married almost 4 years, together a little over 4 (married after 5 months).
She has had a friend (now 38m) that she was living with when we got together for around 8 or 9 years. They hung out a lot after we got together, but she always complained to me about him. She told me he was obsessed with her and things like that.
Almost 1 year after meeting her, with some advice from friends, I told her that she needed to block him and never see him again. She agreed and let me get on her phone and block his number and all of his socials. I also confronted him the next time I saw him and told him not to contact her. He told me he wouldn't.
Fast forward 3 years and we're expecting our first child. I've been going through our expenses and seeing where we can save a little because kids are expensive. When going through our cell phone bill and checking for any discounts through work, I started looking at usage details. There was a number with hundreds of outgoing calls a month and a few incoming calls over the past few years. I used a website to lookup the number and it was the "previous" friend. I looked more into the call history and saw that most of the calls were well over an hour, with the longest being over 7.
I know I shouldn't have, but last night I got on her phone and looked through her installed apps. On her snapchat I found him. They save their chats, so I looked back and saw that they chat all day every day and have a snap streak of over a year. Most of it is talking about their days and sharing stuff they find online, but some of it is about the baby and other health related stuff. They even shared the logins for their health apps (they use the same provider).
I don't know what to do. There's no indication that their sleeping together. I looked back as far as when the baby was conceived and he was apparently out of town for work half of that month.
Should I confront her or just keep tabs on the situation?
Tldr Wife has kept contact with a friend she said she wouldn't.
Edit to add Paternity is a concern. Once I know the baby's blood type, I'll know for sure. We have opposing blood types, so that will be a big indicator for me.

[This is intended to be humorous]
The Nasuverse isn't real. Tsukihime, Fate/Extra, Mahoyo - they're all lies.
Let me explain.

Tsukihime

Firstly, Tsukihime was never real. People who say otherwise are trying to gaslight you. Don't fall for it. Have you ever seen someone play Tsukihime? I've never heard about it.
Think about what everyone says. It doesn't line up. Shiki Tohno, main character. But why isn't he in FGO? Why isn't he in any other game? Would anyone really write a main character who's a serial killer with a lack of respect for consent? Of course not.
Arcueid? Yeah, of course they tell you she's a great heroine and totally well-written and whatever. She's just Archetype Earth! The FGOminatti are pretending an entire other game exists for her. Don't buy it.
Who the hell even is Ciel? Akiha? Roa? Hisui? Kohaku? They're not in any other stories. What proof does anyone have Tsukihime exists?
Would any REAL visual novel have THREE different characters named Shiki?!
Melty Blood is just an Under Night In Birth spin off. It even has Eltnam from UNIB. It's also a fighting game. Fighting games don't have stories. Tsukihime can't exist. It's a story.
This so called Tsukihime is not even on Steam. It's on Nintendo? Of course, but do we know it's actually there? It's Japanese, both the game and the Nintendo. I don't own a Nintendo, so clearly no one else does either. Who's to say it isn't just a big prank by Japanese people?
Nasu is even an FGOminatti secret agent himself. "Ritsuka Fujimaru is the life I'd like to have led," he says. We can't trust a word out of his lips. He's compromised. Remember, he's the one who wrote this totally unrelated Artoria who's completely in love with the Fujimaru who now has a personality which totally isn't just Nasu writing his own personality into the game, no siree!
THINK ABOUT IT! "Oh man, I sure love Tsukihime's main character Shiki Tohno"- LOOK AT SHIKI'S TRAITS!

• Black hair (just like Fujimaru)
  
• Japanese (just like Fujimaru)
  
• Teenager (just like Fujimaru)
  

Oh and wouldn't you know it, he dates Arcueid. Hoo boy! This guy who's totally not Fujimaru dates totally not Archetype Earth!
It's FGOminatti propaganda! There is NO Tsukihime! They just want to go on a date with Archetype Earth and are making up a fanfiction about it! And tricking YOU, an innocent victim of the FGO agenda into believing it!

Kara no Kyoukai- Garden of Sinners? It doesn't exist either!

Hoo boy! Look! It's Shiki Ryougi - literally just that FGO character they're not even trying to hide it now - and she fell in love with that completely average Japanese teenager who's totally not just Ritsuka with glasses and a different name, and now they have kids together and are married!
Does the FGOminatti agenda ever end???! It's a Guda x Servant child fanfic!!! It isn't real! Of course it isn't!
AND NO ONE WOULD WRITE A FRANCHISE WITH FOUR SHIKIS!

Notes? NOTES?

Yeah, it's literally FGO's Servantverse! It even has Mysterious Heroine X renamed Ado Edem!
No self respecting story would name the character who goes around shooting gods with a gun, GUN GOD! That's so stupid it's not even funny! It can't be real!
FGOminatti of Nasu were so mad that no one took their dumb stupid idiotic moronic blasphemous inhumane failure of an event story seriously that they collectively decided to pretend it was the origin of the Nasuverse! Down with the FGO agenda!
Look on me, GrandOrder! Don't let them brainwash you!

Fate/Extra

Of COURSE, they'd say it exists! The FGOminatti is gaslighting you!
The PSP does not exist! There can't be games for it! And spare just a single brain cell to think about the alleged 'plot'! Some totally normal guy who has no special qualities, is a piss poor mage (but he's brunette so he's totally not Ritsuka) contracts with TOTALLY NOT Artoria, TOTALLY NOT Archer or a new fan-service character who's just Morgan if she was a fox-girl and genki! And wouldn't you know it, all of them fall in love with him!
Oh, and Rin is also in the game and she also falls in love with the protagonist! She also just so happens to look identical to Ereshkigal! They even have an homunculus who falls in love with the totally not Fujimaru! They literally added Indian Sitonai!
The main villain is just Kirschtaria if he was young! That's how unoriginal the FGOminatti is!

Fate/Extra CCC

Firstly, that's a stupid name. What idiotic story would be named the same as the previous entry but with CCC slapped on? Imagine if Nintendo created a sequel to the Nintendo Wii and named it the Wii U.
Secondly, it's literally just the FGOminatti simping for BB in that one SERAPH event! They're gaslighting you into thinking there's an entire game where BB wants to date Totally Not Ritsuka to the point of trapping them in a school! They even added Kiara from FGO into this dumb agenda creation!
Oh, and wouldn't you know it! The true ending of the game has the protagonist and BB kiss as if it wasn't enough that they added FOUR Sakuras all of whom are in love with the Not Fujimaru! They even re-added Rin and Indian Illya/Sitonai to simp for their self-insert!
Young Kirsch even has a clear gay crush on the main character! They couldn't stop with shipping all the girls with their horse shit cardboard cutout, now they're adding Kirschtaria Wodime Lily to their harem under a different name!

Mahoyo

What do you want me to say?! It's Aoko from FGO, Soujuuro from FGO, Alice from FGO and all of them are in a strange polycule.
...
The FGOminatti AGENDA IS BAITING YOU INTO THEIR SHIPS! DON'T BELIEVE IT!

Samurai Remnant

IT NEVER STOPS! "Oh there's a game where Iori from FGO is the main character"-
What proof is there? I don't have money to buy this game, so how can you show it exists?! It's not on my PC then it doesn't exist, PERIOD.
Similarly, Baldur's Gate is not actually real because I don't own it.

Fate/Apocrypha

Astolfo, Mordred, Sieg- all characters from FGO.
The FGOminatti Agenda has invented some dumb fake character who's a homunculus and has super duper powers while having zero personality.
It's so that they can point to this imaginary cardboard to make their own self insert look better by comparison!
DON'T BE BRAINWASHED!

Fate/Stay Night

This is even worse than any of the others! The FGOminatti Agenda has gone too far!
They claim there's TOTALLY a longer than Bible sized visual novel with OH SO GREAT themes! What proof do we have it's real?! None! Have you ever seen Fate/Stay Night on Steam? On the PS4? On the Xbox? On any online retailer?
Even the backstory they make up for their protagonist is bullshit! "He saw everything burn down in Fuyuki and came out of it wanting to save the world-" THAT'S LITERALLY JUST SINGULARITY-F! They're not even trying to be original!
The main character is literally Muramasa but young! Look at his dumb accomplishment list because FGOminatti couldn't stop wanking their husbando!

• Actually he's Archer EMIYA the Counter Guardian (literally just the guy from FGO)
• Raised by totally not Counter Guardian Assassin EMIYA
• Has the super duper ultra Noble Phantasm which just so happens to be the perfect counter to THE STRONGEST HERO to ever EXIST!
• Rapidly grows faster than actual accomplished mages!
  And look at his bullshit romances! "Oh, his soul mate is Artoria-" The FGOminatti couldn't keep their disgusting fetishes to themselves! They're literally shipping MURAMASA AND HIS DAUGHTER NOW! THOSE DAMN AKIHA ROUTE FANS!
  

Then there's Rin- literally Ishtar but nicer! And Sakura who's just Kama! And it's supposedly an ero-novel so he has the say gex with each of them!
It doesn't end there! FGOminatti can't stop with that amount of degeneracy! They added RASPUTIN, and made him their main character's love interest! The FGOminatti WANT TO HAVE MELUSINE'S TIME PARADOX WITH THE MAN WHO MURDERED DA VINCI!
And even that isn't enough for their disgusting selves! They added Fujimaru Ritsuka again but named him Issei, and then implied that he and Muramasa have frequent Persona 5 references by having him quickly strip for Muramasa Lily!
And look! LOOK! Muramasa- Shirou- he's literally just gender swap Gudako!
Can such a stupid, BABOON-BRAINED game or visual novel really exist?! NO! IT CANNOT! THEY'RE LYING TO YOU! IT IS NOT REAL! DON'T LET THE FGOminatti GASLIGHT YOU!
At approximately 7 PM in the US West Coast, the FGOminatti will launch a rocket ship to space. This rocket will contain a neurotoxin that will *trick all people into believing that the Nasuverse is real. *
They have also replaced the President with Fujimaru Ritsuka after developing sufficient technology to teleport him into reality.
Take my hand. We need to stop them.

REJECT THE FGO AGENDA!

If you are in the position to support my work, I have a patreon, venmo, and a paypal set up. Just three dollars a month makes a huge difference! No pressure though, I will keep posting these pieces publicly no matter what - paywalls suck.
You can signup to receive a monthly email with links to my posts or subscribe to Keep Track’s Substack (RSS link).

Kansas

Despite voters overwhelmingly rejecting a constitutional amendment that would have allowed abortion restrictions in the state, Kansas Republicans passed several anti-abortion bills into law late last month, overriding the governor’s veto.
The first bill, HB 2436, makes it a crime to “coerce” someone into having an abortion. Democrats attempted to widen the scope of the bill to include all kinds of reproductive coercion, like pressuring someone to become or stay pregnant and prohibiting their access to birth control, and enshrine a right to “reproductive autonomy.” Republicans voted down the amendment.
The second bill, HB 2749, requires medical facilities and providers to (1) ask patients their reason for having an abortion and (2) report the data, including personal information about the patient, to the legislature every other year. Gov. Laura Kelly (D) agreed with the objections of Democrats and reproductive rights advocates, saying when she vetoed the bill that there is “no valid reason to force a woman to disclose to the legislature why she is seeking an abortion.”

• Democrats offered numerous amendments to HB 2749, including one to require men to report to the legislature their reasons for having a vasectomy and another requiring men to report why they are seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction. Republicans rejected all of them.

Finally, the Republican legislature overrode Kelly’s line-item veto allocating $2 million to the Pregnancy Compassion Awareness Program, created last year with a different veto override. The program is run by an anti-abortion group called the Kansas Pregnancy Care Network, which refers pregnant people to crisis pregnancy centers designed to use misleading information to discourage them from obtaining an abortion.

Louisiana

Louisiana’s legislature is doubling down on its anti-abortion laws, passing bills to increase criminalization and refusing to add exemptions to its abortion ban.
Earlier this month, the Louisiana House took up a bill passed by the Senate that would make it a crime, punishable by jail time, to possess abortion-inducing medication. SB 276, sponsored by 23 Republicans and one Democrat, was initially written to create a punishment for coercing someone into an abortion without their knowledge or consent (e.g. spiking a drink). However, House legislators recently added an amendment to the bill that classifies mifepristone and misoprostol as Schedule IV substances alongside some opioids and benzodiazepines. A pregnant person possessing the drugs for their own use could not be charged, but others who intend to distribute them to pregnant people seeking an abortion or store them for their own potential future use would face up to ten years in prison.

“Neither is a drug of abuse or dependence, and that is what the controlled drug schedule is for,” said [emergency room Dr. Jennifer] Avegno of the abortion drugs. “It makes no scientific or medical sense to put these drugs in the same category as Xanax or Valium.”
Mifepristone is a drug that blocks a hormone called progesterone, which is necessary for a pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol causes uterine contractions, causing the body to expel the pregnancy tissue. Mifepristone is also used to treat Cushing’s disease, a hormonal disorder. Misoprostol is also used to induce labor, manage a miscarriage and in the treatment of ulcers. Neither are addictive. “People do not go around taking them and getting dependent and having bad outcomes because of it,” said Avegno. “It’s like saying your blood pressure medicine or insulin is a drug of abuse.”

A week later, Republicans on the House Criminal Justice Committee voted 7-4 to reject a bill to add rape and incest exceptions to the state’s total abortion ban. House Bill 164, written by Democratic Rep. Delisha Boyd, would have allowed girls younger than 17 to have abortions if they became pregnant as the result of sexual assault.

“That baby [in the womb] is innocent … We have to hang on to that,” said committee member Rep. Dodie Horton, R-Haughton, who voted against the bill. Rep. Lauren Ventrella, R-Greenwell Spring, also voted against the legislation, saying the proposed law would be difficult to enforce. Teenagers who had consensual sex might feign rape or incest in order to get access to abortion services, she suggested…
Dr. Neelima Sukhavasi, a Baton Rouge doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, also implored the lawmakers to approve Boyd’s proposal. She and her colleagues have delivered babies for pregnant teenagers, including mothers as young as 13, since Louisiana’s abortion ban went into effect two years ago. These young pregnant people can experience health complications that affect them for the rest of their lives, Sukhavasi said, and sometimes don’t have the mental capacity to handle the births. “One of these teenagers delivered a baby while clutching a teddy bear,” she told the committee.

The Committee also killed three other bills: HB 56, to allow abortions in cases of spontaneous miscarriage or nonviable pregnancy; HB 63, to clarify that the removal of an ectopic pregnancy is not an abortion under state law; HB 293, to add protection for physicians who do not intend to induce abortion by prescribing certain medications.

Texas

Meanwhile, in Texas—a state that pioneered the war on women and reproductive rights—a man initiated legal action to sue people who helped his former partner obtain an out-of-state abortion.
The man, Collin Davis, filed a petition in a state district court seeking permission to launch legal depositions to collect evidence for a potential lawsuit under a Texas law that contains civil liability for anyone who “aids and abets” an abortion. According to his lawyer, Jonathan Mitchell (who crafted the anti-abortion law), Davis is seeking to sue “co-conspirators and accomplices…involved in the murder of [his] unborn child.”

“Fathers of aborted fetuses can sue for wrongful death in states with abortion bans, even if the abortion occurs out-of-state,” he wrote. “They can sue anyone who paid for the abortion, anyone who aided or abetted the travel, and anyone involved in the manufacture or distribution of abortion drugs.”
Molly Duane, a senior staff attorney with the Center for Reproductive Rights, described Mitchell’s statement and general approach as misleading “fearmongering.”
“People need to understand that it is not a crime to leave Texas or any other state in the country for an abortion,” said Duane, who is working with lawyers from the firm Arnold & Porter to represent the woman and others targeted in the Davis case. “I don’t want people to be intimidated, but they should be outraged and alarmed.” Duane described the woman’s relationship with Davis as “toxic and harmful.”

Mitchell also represents a different man who pursued a similar claim last year: Marcus Silva engaged Mitchell to sue the friends of his estranged wife for allegedly helping her obtain abortion pills. Evidence later revealed that Silva knew about the plans beforehand and did not intervene, likely intending to use the threat of legal action as a way of forcing his partner to halt divorce proceedings.

Monday’s counterclaim illustrates, in painstaking detail, exactly how Silva—aided by Mitchell—allegedly deployed this tactic. It was only after Brittni’s abortion was complete that Silva revealed he knew about the plan and, according to the lawsuit, threatened to turn her in if she didn’t submit to his continued abuse. He even showed the police photographs of messages discussing the possibility of an abortion. “Once I finally got home with the girls he had been drinking and he told me that he knew,” Brittni texted one friend. “He’s using it against me.” In another message, she wrote, “Now he’s saying if I don’t give him my ‘mind body and soul’ until the end of the divorce, which he’s going to drag out, he’s going to make sure I go to jail for doing it.” […]
The counterclaim points out another flaw in his argument: Silva himself “is responsible for the alleged injury for which he seeks to recover.” He “knew that Brittni planned to terminate her alleged pregnancy and acquiesced in accepting Brittni’s actions,” so “it would be unconscionable to permit him to benefit by changing his position now.” His claims, in short, are barred “by unclean hands,” because he effectively entrapped his estranged wife—covertly discovering her plan to terminate the pregnancy, then allowing her to go through with it for the express purpose of blackmailing her into staying with him.

Indiana

A three-judge panel of the Indiana Court of Appeals last month unanimously recognized a religious freedom challenge to the state’s complete ban on abortion.
The case, brought by Hoosier Jews for Choice and four anonymous women of various faiths, alleges that the ban interferes with “their sincere religious beliefs that require and direct them to obtain abortions” criminalized since the law took effect in 2023. According to Jewish law, a fetus does not have personhood until birth, and abortion is required if the pregnancy endangers the life or health of the mother.

Brief of Hoosier Jews for Choice (and other plaintiffs): As indicated by the declarations of numerous rabbis, Judaism teaches that a fetus becomes a living person only at birth, and prior to that is considered part of the woman’s body, without independent rights. Abortion should occur and is mandated to end a pregnancy that may cause serious consequences to a woman’s mental or physical heath. Judaism also recognizes that physical health risks are not limited to those likely to cause substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function. Judaism stresses the necessity of protecting the physical and mental health of the woman—a life—over the potential for life present in a zygote, embryo, or fetus. Therefore, restrictions that prevent a woman from obtaining an abortion where compelled by Jewish law, which mandates that the woman act to protect her physical or mental health, impose a substantial burden on that person’s religious exercise.

Under Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), “a governmental entity may not substantially burden a personʹs exercise of religion,” defined to include “any exercise of religion, whether or not compelled by, or central to, a system of religious belief.” This means that arguments about whether plaintiffs are strictly observant are irrelevant; the law protects sincerely held religious views regardless of whether that view is idiosyncratic or unorthodox. However, even a law that imposes a substantial burden on the exercise of religion can be enforced if it is “the least restrictive means of furthering [a] compelling governmental interest” (the strict scrutiny test).
The state argued that abortion does not carry “religious significance” and, even if it did, the abortion ban satisfies strict scrutiny because it is “sufficiently narrowly tailored” to “further the State’s interest” in “protecting human lives in the womb.” Throughout Indiana’s brief, the state attempts to use science to back up fetal personhood, extending developmental physiology to make unfounded claims that protected life unquestionably begins at conception:

In lower courts, the State’s compelling interest is not up for debate. In Cheaney v. State, the Indiana Supreme Court held that the State’s interest in protecting unborn children is “valid and compelling” from “the moment of conception.” …A basic understanding of biology supports these holdings. “That human fetuses are human beings is a scientific fact, not a theological claim.” Regardless whether an individual person believes this, “the scientific consensus” is that “[d]evelopment begins at fertilization,” after which the newly created “unicellular zygote divides many times and becomes progressively transformed into a multicellular human being through cell division, migration, growth, and differentiation.” …. Science thus tells us that “[t]he act of performing an induced abortion during any stage of pregnancy, from fertilization up to birth, ends the life of an innocent human being.” The State’s interest in protecting unborn fetal life at any stage from intentional destruction accordingly is nothing less than “compelling.”

A panel of the Indiana Court of Appeals—made up of a Republican appointee and two Democratic appointees—unanimously ruled against the state, upholding a lower court’s injunction against the abortion ban as it applies to the plaintiffs. In the process, the court laid out a path for religious freedom challenges to abortion bans in other states and at the federal level.

The trial court found that absent a preliminary injunction, Plaintiffs would be irreparably harmed by the loss of their religious freedoms guaranteed by RFRA. A loss of First Amendment freedoms, which include the right to free exercise of religion, “for even minimal periods of time, unquestionably constitutes irreparable injury.”... Without a preliminary injunction, Plaintiffs will suffer the loss of their right to exercise their sincere religious beliefs by obtaining an abortion when directed by their religion and prohibited by the Abortion Law. They also have shown their sexual and reproductive lives will continue to be restricted absent the injunction and as a result of the Abortion Law.

• Briefs can be found under case number 22A-PL-2938 on Indiana’s Appellate docket

Acne woes? Look no further than the wisdom of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of holistic living. Ayurveda offers a treasure trove of natural ingredients that can combat acne and promote a healthy, radiant complexion. Here are some key cream ingredients to seek out:

• Neem: This wonder herb is a powerhouse for acne-prone skin. Neem possesses natural antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria.
• Sandalwood: Soothing and cooling, sandalwood is a gift for irritated skin. Its antimicrobial and antiseptic properties help combat blemishes and promote healing. Regular use of sandalwood can also even skin tone and reduce scarring.
• Manjistha: This blood-purifying herb works wonders from within. Manjistha helps detoxify the body, eliminating impurities that can contribute to breakouts. It's particularly beneficial for those experiencing persistent acne.
• Tulsi (Holy Basil): Don't just use Tulsi for spiritual purposes! This sacred herb boasts antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a great addition to your anti-acne arsenal. Tulsi can help prevent and treat breakouts while promoting overall skin health.
• Aloe Vera: A natural soother, aloe vera gel is a must-have for calming inflamed acne. Its cooling properties help reduce redness and irritation, while its hydrating nature promotes healing and healthy skin cell turnover.

Ayurvedic Bonus:

• Licorice Root: This ingredient helps to balance oil production, a key factor in preventing breakouts.

Remember:

• Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner: They can help you determine the root cause of your acne and recommend a personalized Anti acne cream based on your specific dosha (body type).
• Lifestyle Matters: Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to health. Maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and getting enough sleep can significantly improve your skin's health.

By incorporating these Ayurvedic ingredients into your skincare routine, you can combat acne naturally and achieve a clear, healthy complexion. Remember, consistency is key! With patience and the right natural remedies, you can achieve the beautiful, acne-free skin you deserve.

Male 31 years old.
Had some bloods done recently.
2 weeks ago - WBC was 12.5 - Neutrophils was 8.7 - Phosphate mildy low (could have been due to hyperventilation from my anxiety though?)
1 week ago - WBC was 11.2 - Neutrophils went up to 9.2 ****
All my.other complete blood count tests were perfectly normal, esr normal, CRP normal, thyroid normal and iron levels normal.
So my white cells came down, but neutrophils went up?
My doctor said don't worry these levels can fluctuate all the time. I've checked my blood results from years ago and my neutrophils normally sits around a 5.
I have been stressed and anxious lately. No notable infections or anything that I know of. (Other than a bad cold about a month ago). I bite the inside of my cheeks which causes bleeding but not sure if this could be a cause?
My doctor said no need to panic and he will just retest my bloods in a month. Does this sound reasonable advice?
I'm scared of things like cancer but my doctor said no need to think this or test for it at this stage. He said barely any doctors would test for cancer at this stage?
Have I gotten good advice?

Hello,
i am a Medical Informatics student at a university of applied sciences in Switzerland. I will graduate at the age of 22 in July 25 with a grade of approximately 5.3/6. This grade would translate to an upper second class honors.
Since i am thinking of doing a Msc, the UK is attractive to me, because it offers programs with 1 year duration (vs. 2 years in Switzerland or Germany).
Besides my studies, i have significant work experience and a good portfolio i believe:
Work experience by the time i graduate:
-6 months medical engineering internship at major medtech company -6 months SDE internship at major german car brand -6 months junior part time position as blockchain developer -6 months part time internship as backend developer -12 months part time position as backend developer & Project lead (i led the development of an application that allows diabetes patients to store their health data decentralized and share the data with medical professionals on request + collaborated with a major swiss university on an IoT device for diabetes patients that integrates with above application) -2 months internship as security researcher in London -(If all goes well) 6 months full time thesis work in the field of medical robotics or ML
Portfolio:
-Medical image measurement tool that lets you slice and view images and vtk models and make measurements on them. -Multi Layer Perceptron that i built and evaluated from scratch (only math + numpy) to classify blood cells in a large data set. -Web application that lets you search all the 3d printers in your network, manage the jobs, print history and automatically slice the models. -Currently Building a robotic arm as can be seen here: https://arctosrobotics.com/ and improving it with a CAN interface for the motors that will decrease the number of cables needed significantly. I also hope to equip it with computer vision to perform more complex tasks.
I am most interested in these courses in the UK:
Bristol: Robotics
Bristol: Biorobotics
UCL: Medical Robotics
Imperial: Medical Robotics
Nottingham: ML for Science
Cambridge: Biotechnology
Cambridge: Machine Learning
Cranfield: Robotics
Manchester: Robotics
Edinburgh: Robotics
Edinburgh: ML & AI
But i actually have a list of 40 courses in the uk that i am interested in (mostly Robotics). The above mentioned are just my top picks.
What do you think are my chances of being accepted in any of the mentioned above or in general at a UK university in the field of (medical) engineering / CS? I am aware that some are pretty expensive for internationals but i will figure something out.
EDIT: The mentioned above courses all have upper second class entry standards.

Bone Marrow Transplant or stem cell transplant is a procedure in which defective bone marrow is surgically replaced with healthy bone marrow. This surgery is needed when the bone marrow is no longer able to produce healthy blood cells. Bone Marrow Transplant can be done by using stem cells from your own body or a donor. These procedures are called autologous transplant and allogeneic transplant respectively. In the case of an Autologous Transplant, damaged stem cells collected from the patient’s body undergo intensive radiation treatment and are then placed right back into the patient. Whereas in an Allogeneic Transplant, healthy stem cells are accumulated from a donor’s body. This requires a genetic match between the patient and the donor’s bone marrow.
Bone Marrow Transplant Cost in India
Bone Marrow Transplant rates in India range between US$ 18000 and can go up to US$ 40000 depending upon various factors. Bone marrow transplant costs in India are comparatively lower than in other developed countries. However, the medical practitioners in India are extremely proficient in their work, assuring the best treatment. Due to this, bone marrow transplants in India are becoming more famous.
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Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai
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Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute, Mumbai
Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
Top Bone Marrow Transplant Surgeons in India
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Dr. Nitin Sood - Haemato Oncologist - Medanta, The Medicity
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