Well. That was ~30 hours of a weird rollercoaster ending in a mess. Do not believe the “leak defense” tagline.
To preface: I usually use Coloplast Sensura Mio Click 2-piece deep convex wafer & clear front (no filter) drainable bags (the accoutrements are less relevant). I have had 1 leak in 2 years (heat seam seal failed after several days in the middle of the night. The other leak was Hollister & was very early days with my previous loop). I have been having some issues with my waist crease due to weight gain, but once a wafer is on, it is good for 5-7 days.
The Convatec Esteem Body is only available in a 1-piece & I got three convex bags sent a couple weeks ago. I always wear a belt, so needed to wait for one of those to be sent (don’t have any with single hooks). I got the convex clear front bags. They only come with a round filter, but were sent with stickers to cover them.
https://www.convatec.com/products/ostomy-care/surgery-type/ostomy-colostomy/esteem-body-soft-convex-one-piece-drainable-pouch-clea
I needed a bag change Monday & have a quiet week (thank god) so decided to try the new bag.
The change went super quickly, being a 1-piece. I, right off, was unsure of the outlet but wanted to give it a fair try. The clear front on these with the filter is weird. There’s two clear plastic layers, the inner one stops at in the middle of the outlet (is an issue) and has slits in it around the filter. This creates a weird dual-layer.
The outlet is the WORST. Like, the ABSOLUTE WORST. It’s narrow, it has the weird dual layer, the firm plastic bits are offset & the velcro flap has two different sized velcro so it scratches your leg. I hated every empty of this bag.
However, the wafer seemed really nice. I was enjoying it. It is soft-ish and semi-flexible, but the convexity was enough to keep my stoma out. It didn’t crease up like the issue I’m having with the Coloplast right now.
HOWEVER (x2) It just failed spectacularly on me. The bag ring just separated entirely from the wafer, leaking post-dinner (most active time for me, of course!) output down my lower pelvis after emptying (UGH) & going pee. I am luckily in a decent mood and had help available, but this was not a great time. Having to change a bag post caesar salad after a dramatic failure has not been how I planned my evening.
I’m so annoyed. I really wanted to like this bag. I was writing a review in my head that was praising the thing minus the hideous outlet, then THIS happened.
Plus my peristomal skin didn’t seem to be super happy about the wafer, either. It took a LOT of adhesive remover to get off & where the Coloplast only irritates specific areas at my waist crease, this gave me some very oddly gobally irritated areas I wasn’t expecting.
Overall rating: 1.5/10 (the points are +1 for the flexibility & adhesion of the wafer, +.5 point for the grey bag colour)
TL, DR: Terrible, terrible outlet; 1 pc. bag separated from wafer after just over 24 hours of wear. Do not recommend. (Will be submitting review/complaint tomorrow to Convatec).

DAY: May 27 2024
5-27-2024

THE CASE FOR OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENTATION TO LOWER AGGRESSION

People who regularly eat fish or take fish oil supplements are getting omega-3 fatty acids, which play a critical role in brain function. Research has long shown a basis in the brain for aggressive and violent behavior, and that poor nutrition is a risk factor for behavior problems. Penn neurocriminologist Adrian Raine has for years been studying whether omega-3 supplementation could therefore reduce aggressive behavior, publishing five randomized controlled trials from different countries. He found significant effects but wanted to know whether these findings extended beyond his laboratory.
5-27-2024

WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVES TO OZEMPIC AND WEGOVY AND ARE THEY SAFE?

With summer around the corner, telehealth outlets and medical spas are going into hyperdrive advertising the sale of semaglutide, the active ingredient in popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. Recent shortages of the brand-name drugs have opened the door to copycat versions that, while legal, also raise some concerns for consumers, says Kelly Ann Barnes, Northeastern professor of pharmacy law. The copycat drugs are made by specialized pharmacies known as compounding pharmacies, which are allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to make off-label
5-27-2024

FIVE BASIC HABITS MAY HOLD THE KEY TO GOOD MENTAL HEALTH

Professor Nick Titov’s professional goal is to make himself redundant. he wants to empower more people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression to understand what they can do each day to care for their mental health. As part of this mission, Professor Titov and his team developed The Big 5, an evidence-based program encouraging five broad types of activities that are strongly linked with good mental health when performed regularly. Everyone’s
5-27-2024

COVID-19 FORECASTING TOOL ALLOWED HOSPITAL TO MANAGE PATIENT CAPACITY, RESOURCES AMID PANDEMIC’S THIRD WAVE

During the peak of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the health-care system’s capacity was stretched and hospitals across Canada relied on each other to share resources and provide care. Experts from
5-27-2024

RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION AS A POSSIBLE ASPECT OF POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME PATHOLOGY

The peripubertal DHT-induced mouse model is a non-obese but insulin-resistant model of PCOS. a) Experimental design. b) Fat mass. c) Insulin levels at baseline and 15 min following glucose administration. d) Blood glucose levels during oGTT. e) HOMA-IR, calculated from fasted glucose and insulin levels. f) Glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c). A new study shows that hyperandrogenism—a key characteristic of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)—affects immune cell populations in reproductive, metabolic and immunological tissues in a PCOS-like mouse model. These findings are of great importance as
5-27-2024

RESEARCH IDENTIFIES BRAIN NETWORK LINK TO STUTTERING

Common acquired neurogenic stuttering network. Common areas that were sensitive and specific across both neurogenic stuttering cohorts. Amy = amygdala; ASt = amygdalostriatal transition area; Cl = claustrum; Pall = Pallidum; Put = putamen. A new study published in the journal Brain has identified a specific brain network hub that plays a key role in stuttering. The research, by Te Whare W?nanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury (UC) Associate Professor Catherine Theys, examines two different types of stuttering—developmental and acquired—to show a clear neural
5-27-2024

THYROID DISEASE ISN’T THE END FOR YOUR CAREER PROSPECTS, REPORT FINDS

How employers behave toward workers experiencing thyroid dysfunction could play a critical part in addressing the UK’s labor market challenges. With long-term sickness on the rise in the UK, researchers at the University of Aberdeen Business School have marked World Thyroid Day (May 25) by releasing new findings which, for the first time, explore the relationship between employer sympathy and the labor market prospects of people with thyroid conditions. One in 20 people in the UK have a thyroid problem, with a significant majority of sufferers being women. Posing serious
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS HIGH-INCOME EARNERS AT LOWER RISK OF DYING FROM STROKE

High-income earners have a 32% lower risk of dying after a stroke compared to low-income earners. The equivalent for high education is 26% lower risk. The differences in stroke survival linked to socioeconomics are striking, according to a study at the University of Gothenburg.
5-27-2024

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE COULD ALLEVIATE LONELINESS, SAYS EXPERT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology could offer companionship to lonely people amid an international epidemic of loneliness, says a robotics expert. Tony Prescott, a professor of cognitive robotics at the University of Sheffield, argues in his new book “The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence” that “relationships with AIs could support people” with forms of social interaction. Loneliness has been found to seriously impair human health, and Professor Prescott makes a case that advances in AI technology could offer a partial solution. He argues that people can spiral into loneliness, becoming
5-27-2024

ALZHEIMER’S REPORT HIGHLIGHTS IMMENSE CAREGIVER BURDEN—AND POTENTIAL WAYS FORWARD

Some 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, and about 11 million provide unpaid care for them. Dementia caregiving can present unique challenges, including financial burdens and time constraints, as well as health complications. A report this year from the Alzheimer’s Association demonstrates the true cost of caregiving for those with the disease and calls to establish dementia care navigation throughout the U.S. to lift this burden. Not only is the estimated value of unpaid care near $14 billion in Pennsylvania alone, the report also revealed emotional and physical tolls. Nearly
5-27-2024

US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION APPROVES ARTIFICIAL PANCREAS SYSTEM

An artificial pancreas developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge has been granted approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use by individuals with type 1 diabetes aged 2 and older, including during pregnancy. This means that even more people living with the disease will be able to use this life-changing app. For the first time, the FDA authorized the use of the artificial pancreas system in pregnancy. CamAPS FX, produced by Cambridge spinout company CamDiab, is an Android app that can
5-27-2024

RESEARCH SAYS POMEGRANATES COULD OFFER A SOLUTION TO FATTY LIVER DISEASE

Researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) are investigating the effects ellagic acid, an antioxidant found in some fruits and vegetables, could have on halting and potentially reversing the damage caused by fatty liver disease. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the physiological manifestation of obesity in the liver. The prevalence of NAFLD has increased from 25.24% in 2015 to 29.38% in 2021, and this condition now accounts for 45.8% of all cases of chronic-liver-disease-related deaths worldwide. There currently exists no treatment for the long-term management of NAFLD; however, dietary interventions
5-27-2024

MAGIC MUSHROOMS MAY ONE DAY TREAT ANOREXIA, BUT NOT JUST YET

Anorexia nervosa is a severe mental health disorder where people fear weight gain. Those with the disorder have distorted body image and hold rigid beliefs their body is too big. They typically manage this through restricted eating, leading to the serious medical consequences of malnutrition. Anorexia has one of the highest death rates of any mental illness. Yet there are currently no effective drug treatments and the outcomes of psychotherapy (talk therapy) are poor. So we’re desperately in need of new and improved treatments. Psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms,
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS FEEDING INFANTS PEANUT PRODUCTS PROTECTS AGAINST ALLERGY INTO ADOLESCENCE

Feeding children peanuts regularly from infancy to age five reduced the rate of peanut allergy in adolescence by 71%, even after many years when the children ate or avoided peanut as desired. The new findings provide conclusive evidence that introducing peanuts into babies’ diets early will achieve long-term prevention of peanut allergy. Lead investigator Professor Gideon Lack from King’s College London said, “Decades of advice to avoid peanuts has made parents fearful of introducing peanuts at an early age. The evidence is clear that early introduction of peanut in infancy
5-27-2024

EATING MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES MAY LEAD TO OPTIMAL SLEEP DURATION

Good health depends on a healthy diet and sufficient exercise and sleep. There are clear associations among these components; for example, good nutrition provides energy for exercise, and many people report that getting enough exercise is important to their ability to get enough sleep. So how might nutrition affect sleep? A new study looks at the connection between fruit and vegetable intake and sleep duration.
5-27-2024

MONITORING THE H5N1 AVIAN INFLUENZA, BIRD FLU, OUTBREAK

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to actively monitor the ongoing outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, also known as bird flu, and says that the public health risk remains low. Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, says scientists and public health officials have known about avian influenza for decades. “What’s different today is that since 2020, we’re seeing the largest outbreak of avian influenza among wild birds, poultry and backyard bird flocks,” he says. “The virus has also been found in certain
5-27-2024

INTERNATIONAL STUDY REVEALS SURPRISING TWIST IN HOW DIABETES DRUGS HELP THE HEART

A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial has revealed surprising new insights into how SGLT2 inhibitor drugs, originally developed for diabetes, benefit patients with heart failure. Contrary to common assumptions, these drugs may improve cardiac outcomes and heart health without acting as diuretics. Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands, often leading to fluid
5-27-2024

FIRST SEIZURE CLINICS REDUCE THE NEED FOR FUTURE HEALTH CARE, RESEARCHERS FIND

Clinics specializing in first seizures reduce the need for patients to present at emergency departments or be admitted to hospital later, Monash University-led research has found. Timely attendance, particularly within 14 days of the seizure, was associated with reduced subsequent all-cause emergency presentations and all-cause hospital admission. Later hospital admissions were reduced by about 25%. First author Dr. Yingtong Li, an adjunct
5-27-2024

CELL-TARGETING TECHNOLOGY CAN ISOLATE NEURONAL SUBPOPULATIONS AND LINK THEM TO BEHAVIORAL STATES

As gene sequencing technologies become more powerful, our understanding of cellular diversity has grown in parallel. This led scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to
5-27-2024

WATCH OUT FOR THESE HIGH HEAT DANGER SIGNS

Climate change is pushing daytime summer temperatures higher for longer periods of time, and that can spell real danger for folks who work outside, like gardeners and landscapers. Protecting yourself in the heat and knowing the warning signs of heat-related illness is crucial, said Chris Enroth, horticulture educator at University of Illinois Extension. He should know: It happened to him. “When I was working as a landscaper, we had to sod a large backyard during a day when the temperature was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit,” Enroth said. “We were hustling
5-27-2024

STAY SAFE FROM THE SUN AND THAT BACKYARD GRILL THIS MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day means firing up that backyard grill for the season, hopefully under warm, sunny skies. You can be sure to enjoy the day without hazards by taking a few simple precautions, said Dr. Mike Ren, an associate professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Watch out for rising heat and humidity If Memorial day is a scorcher, hydration is key, Ren said. “A good rule of thumb is to drink water regularly throughout the day, aiming for 12 or more cups; when in
5-27-2024

HAD A JOINT REPLACED? STUDY SUGGESTS INFECTION RISK MAY RISE AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY

If you’re one of the millions of Americans walking around with a new knee or hip, your odds for an infection in that joint rise if you ever have to undergo cancer chemotherapy, researchers report. “Given the number of people of receiving total joint replacements each year, as well as the cost both physically, emotionally and financially for those who develop an infection and may need subsequent treatment, we need to understand what factors may increase the risk for postoperative infections,” said study author Dr. Janet Conway. She’s an orthopedic
5-27-2024

ANTIHYPERTENSIVES LINKED TO ECZEMATOUS DERMATITIS IN SENIORS, STUDY FINDS

Antihypertensive drugs are associated with an increased risk for eczematous dermatitis in older adults, and the effect sizes are largest for diuretics and calcium channel blockers, whether antihypertensive drug use is associated with eczematous dermatitis in a longitudinal cohort study of individuals aged 60 years and older without eczematous dermatitis at baseline. The researchers found that the overall prevalence of eczematous dermatitis was 6.7% among 1,561,358
5-27-2024

RESEARCH INDICATES KIDNEYS FROM DECEASED DONORS WHO WERE ON DIALYSIS ARE SUBOPTIMAL

Receipt of a kidney from a deceased donor who underwent dialysis is associated with an increased incidence of delayed graft function, compared outcomes of transplant recipients who received kidneys from deceased donors who underwent dialysis prior to kidney donation versus recipients of kidneys from deceased donors who did not undergo dialysis in a retrospective cohort study using data from 58 U.S. organ procurement organizations. Among the donors with
5-27-2024

NEW THERAPY PROVEN EFFECTIVE AGAINST REJECTION IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is one of the most common causes of kidney transplant failure. To date, however, no treatment has proven effective in combating this complication in the long term. As part of an international and multidisciplinary clinical study led by Georg Böhmig and Katharina Mayer, Clinical Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III at MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna, a new therapeutic principle in transplant medicine has been found to be both safe and highly effective. The results were recently published in the New England Journal
5-27-2024

SHARJAH UNIVERSITY PATENTS APPLICATION FOR DISTANCE COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS

Smart Identification of Health Status based on QR Code and User Health Data. Credit: author’s own creation The University of Sharjah has been granted a patent for inventing a smart gadget with the ability to filter user information that will allow doctors to diagnose COVID-19 and other ailments from a distance. The patent, granted by United States Patent and Trademark Office on 1 August 2023, comprises “a display unit, a color code detection unit, an image filter, an optical character recognition unit, a code detection unit and an elimination unit,”
5-27-2024

STUDY REVEALS WHERE DELAYS ARE WORST

When it comes to responding to a stroke, speed is a crucial factor; the longer it takes for someone experiencing a stroke to get to a hospital, the worse the outcome will be. Yet across the United States, delays to treatment can be significant. A Yale study uncovers new insights into factors associated with treatment delays and where in the United States patients are more likely to experience slower responses. The findings, which were published May 24 in the journal Stroke, highlight where interventions should

NEW STUDY SHOWS HEAT WAVES INCREASE RISK OF PRETERM, EARLY-TERM BIRTH

The increased frequency and intensity of heat waves due to climate change puts women at a higher risk of experiencing preterm and early-term labor—jeopardizing the health and well-being of their babies. An analysis of 53 million births that occurred in the 50 most populous U.S. metropolitan areas during the 25-year period 1993–2017, showed
5-27-2024

NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES, EARPLUGS AND EARMUFFS—DO THEY REALLY HELP NEURODIVERGENT PEOPLE?

Noise can make it hard to concentrate, especially for people who are extra sensitive to it. Neurodivergent people (such as those who are autistic or have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder—ADHD) can experience different sensory sensitivities. Their nervous system may process information differently when they are exposed to sensory experiences such as bright lights, loud noise, strong smells or busy environments. Decreased sound tolerance is estimated to affect up to 70% of autistic people and is described in three ways: hyperacusis (perceiving everyday sounds as loud or painful), misophonia (an aversion to
5-27-2024

MASSACHUSETTS SHELLS OUT NEARLY $400,000 FOR VACCINE RECORD CHECKS IN STATE-RUN SHELTERS

State officials have pumped nearly $400,000 into a program to review the vaccine records of families entering the emergency shelter system, including migrants from other countries who may have foreign documentation, according to the Healey administration. Officials at Boston-based John Snow, Inc., which has long worked with the state, have been contracted to review immunization documents. Since January, more than 1,200 children in state-run shelters have had their records checked, according to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, or HHS. Vaccine record checks have occurred since September 2023
5-27-2024

LAWSUIT ACCUSES FLORIDA’S PALM BEACH COUNTY HOSPITAL NETWORK OF SHARING PATIENTS’ PRIVATE DATA

The Palm Beach Health Network has become the latest health provider accused of illegally sharing identities and private health information of its patients with the social media company Meta, owner of Facebook. A lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in West Palm Beach says the health network’s websites share code with Meta that enables patients to be targeted with advertising on Facebook based on “highly sensitive personal information” they share. It names as defendants the Palm Beach Health Network Physicians Group, doing business as Palm Beach Health Network, and
5-27-2024

CAN THE PLACEMENT OF DENTAL IMPLANTS IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER PATIENTS BE DONE BEFORE RADIATION THERAPY?

Globally, head and neck cancer accounts for 5% of all cancer types, with a mortality rate of 50%. However, in the Nordic countries, head and neck cancer accounts for only 2.6% of all cancers, with a mortality rate of just 30%. But more survivors mean that many must live with extensive damage and side effects
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS CLIMATE CHANGE INCREASES RISK OF CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS OUTBREAKS IN NEW ZEALAND

More cryptosporidiosis outbreaks could be on the cards for Aotearoa New Zealand as extreme rainfall events become more frequent, causing higher levels of the diarrhea-causing parasite to be washed into waterways, public health researchers warn. The researchers studied clusters of cryptosporidium outbreaks around the country between 1997 and 2015 and found 13 coincided with severe weather events. Their research is published in the journal Epidemiology & Infection. It is the first study to compare clusters of outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis to severe weather events in Aotearoa.
5-27-2024

RESEARCHERS EVALUATE IMPACT OF NEW FILM’S MESSAGE ON CHILDREN’S AND ADULTS’ BODY IMAGE, SELF-COMPASSION

Unrealistic expectations about what our bodies should look like—whether from the media, friends or family—make adults and children of all ages more vulnerable to body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and other mental health challenges. In a new study published in Body Image, Flinders University experts assessing the program’s usefulness in classrooms highlight the potential for the film “Embrace Kids,” directed by 2023 Australian of the Year Taryn Brumfitt, to achieve large-scale improvements in body image
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS INCREASED SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, SUICIDE ATTEMPTS AMONG ADOLESCENTS EXPOSED TO EARLY PHASE OF WAR IN UKRAINE

Data Collection in the War-Affected Donetsk Region and Non-War Kirovograd Region. A new study carried out by a multinational research group showed high levels of suicidal thoughts and attempts in adolescents, which were strongly associated with wartime traumatic experiences, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. Dr. Sanju Silwal from the Research Center for Child Psychiatry in the University of Turku, Finland, one of the lead authors, says that the study was conducted in two regions that
5-27-2024

STUDY FINDS SIGNIFICANT DISPARITIES IN THE DELIVERY OF CANCER-RELATED CARE

It’s important to ensure that care provided at US hospitals that predominantly serve Black and Hispanic populations is as high-quality as the care provided at other US hospitals. New research reveals significant disparities in the delivery of cancer-related care at minority serving hospitals (MSHs) compared with non-MSHs, however. The findings are published in Cancer. For the study, investigators analyzed information from the National Cancer Database (which accrues approximately 70% of US cancer diagnoses) to identify patients eligible for definitive treatment for breast, prostate, non-small cell lung, and colon cancers between
5-27-2024

WHO SEEKS $7 BN WITH FUND-RAISING REVAMP

The World Health Organization launched Sunday a new financing mechanism that aims to raise $7 billion of funds that can be deployed more quickly and flexibly. The UN agency has traditionally relied on commitments from its 194 member states, but often these are apportioned to specific projects with several conditions attached, including deadlines that can prove too short. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said commitment increases would contribute $4 billion to the agency’s budget of $11.1 billion over the four years through 2028. “The Investment Round aims to mobilize the
5-27-2024

SECOND PERSON DIES OF CHOLERA ON FRENCH ISLAND OF MAYOTTE

Scanning electron microscope image of Vibrio cholerae. Credit: Wikipedia A 62-year-old woman has died of cholera in Mayotte, bringing to two the death toll from the epidemic on the French island in the Indian Ocean, health authorities said on Sunday. The woman died on Saturday at her home in Mamoudzou, the capital, the ARS health authority said in a statement. “Response teams went to the scene to disinfect the home and take care of the deceased’s family and friends”, the statement added. In May, the disease claimed its first life
5-27-2024

ALTERING CELLULAR INTERACTIONS AROUND AMYLOID PLAQUES MAY OFFER NOVEL ALZHEIMER’S TREATMENT STRATEGIES

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have made a significant breakthrough in Alzheimer’s disease research by identifying a novel way to potentially slow down or even halt disease progression. The study, which focuses on the role of reactive astrocytes and the plexin-B1 protein in Alzheimer’s pathophysiology, provides crucial insights into brain
5-27-2024

BRAIN DAMAGE STUDY REVEALS PART OF THE BRAIN NECESSARY FOR HELPING OTHERS

Our willingness to help others is governed by a specific brain region pinpointed by researchers in a study of patients with brain damage to that region. Learning about where in the brain “helping” decisions are made is important for understanding how people might be motivated to tackle large global challenges, such as climate change, infectious disease and international conflict. It is also essential for finding new approaches to treating disorders of social interactions. The study, published in Nature Human Behaviour, was carried out by researchers at the University of Birmingham
5-27-2024

IMPROVING AI LARGE LANGUAGE MODELS HELPS THEM BETTER ALIGN WITH HUMAN BRAIN ACTIVITY

NSP as a computational account of discourse comprehension. (A) Humans integrate words and sentences to achieve a full understanding of discourse. In LLMs, the NSP task proposed by BERT can serve as a computational account of human discourse comprehension. (B) Illustration of the MLM task. (C) Illustration of the NSP task and its relevance to the Mason and Just model. (D) Illustration of Mason and Just’s neurocognitive model of discourse processing. Credit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn7744 With generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) transforming the social interaction landscape in recent years,
5-27-2024

STUDY EXAMINES METABOLIC REPROGRAMMING OF BREAST CANCER TUMORS DURING NEOADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY

In a study published in Nature Communications, scientists have made significant strides in understanding the complex interplay between the immune system and cancer metabolism in breast cancer treatment. The research
5-27-2024

RESEARCHERS EXAMINE EVIDENCE FOR A NOVEL NEURONAL MECHANISM DRIVING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

An international team of clinicians and neuroscientists have published a new perspective on the process of neurodegeneration. Their findings review evidence for a mechanism upstream of amyloid including the key neurochemical driving this process. The paper, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, focuses on a selective group of neurons (“the isodendritic core”). These cells have a different provenance from neurons in the rest of the brain and have previously been identified as primarily
The research, by a team from Finland’s University of Helsinki, National Institute for Health and Welfare, and Turku University of Applied Sciences, is published in
5-27-2024

WHO CHIEF URGES COUNTRIES TO QUICKLY SEAL PANDEMIC DEAL

WHO countries have spent two years seeking an agreement on tackling pandemics. The World Health Organization chief on Monday urged countries to nail down a landmark global agreement on handling of future pandemics after they missed a hard deadline. Scarred by COVID-19—which killed millions, shredded economies and crippled health systems—nations have spent two years trying to forge binding commitments on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. Negotiators failed to clinch a deal ahead of this week’s World Health Assembly—the annual gathering of WHO’s 194 member states—the deadline for concluding the talks.
5-27-2024

STUDY DEMONSTRATES HOW GUT MICROBES PROCESS STEROIDS—USING FLATULENCE

It turns out flatulence can serve a purpose beyond being uncomfortable or funny: Gas released by some gut bacteria stimulates other gut bacteria to produce a hormone involved in pregnancy and in an FDA-approved treatment for postpartum depression, according to new research led by Harvard Medical School scientists. The work shows how gut bacteria can produce new hormones from steroids in bile and, in doing so, act like an endocrine organ. This research adds to the growing list of ways gut microbiota may influence human
5-27-2024

PHYSICAL FRAILTY MAY PUT PEOPLE AT GREATER RISK OF DEPRESSION, STUDY FINDS

Individuals who meet at least one of the criteria for physical frailty are at higher risk of also developing depression, a new Yale study finds. The findings—which also include insights into the specific inflammatory molecules and changes in brain structure that could underlie this association between frailty and depression—point to a need for routine assessment of physical frailty in clinical practice, researchers said. The study was published May 23 in Nature Communications. In clinical settings, physical
5-27-2024

RESEARCH TEAM RESOLVES STRUCTURE OF CRUCIAL ENZYME FOR THE FIRST TIME

For the first time, a team co-led by CHU Sainte-Justine researcher and professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Université de Montréal, Alexey Pshezhetsky has succeeded in resolving the unique structure of the HGSNAT enzyme, a deficiency of which causes Sanfilippo syndrome, a rare pediatric disease affecting the central nervous system. Through collaboration with a team from Shanghai University, the structure of this enzyme and the mechanism of its function were revealed using high-performance

I am trying to get braces but the place I am getting braces at says I need clearance from a periodontist. I called around and found an office near me that offered a good deal for a cleaning, x-ray and consultation since I currently don’t have dental insurance. I got a periodontal cleaning and a periodontal measurement done as well as x-rays taken and was cleared. However, when I look up the location as well as the doctors, none of them are listed as Periodontists, just dentists. They do dental implants which I was under the impression only periodontists do and they have really good reviews but I’m worried if this will be enough to clear me. Should I get a second opinion?

Hi all, it's been a while, but I'm finally back! Sorry it took longer than I originally planned. I knew I was going to have some trouble for a while writing as much as I used to, and to be honest, I still am, but I decided to start releasing again anyway as it's been too long. I plan to continue posting every other day as normal, however I can't guarantee I can keep it up (though I will be able to give you all some heads up if that is the case.) With that out of the way though, on with the episode!
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Book 1 / Book 2
Previous / Next
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"Quickly, don't let them complete the formation!" Milla ordered as the CDG Spectre continued to accelerate rapidly, zipping around the outside of the Leshnat-trevarn defensive ball formation, weaving through the random uncoordinated weapons fire that saturated the space around them.
"Almost have it," Hannah'rah replied as she flipped the Spectre around, flying her backwards as the thrusters rotated to accommodate. "... I have a solution! Firing!"
A single cloaked torpedo was thrust out of its now rearward facing launch tube, slipping through a closing gap in the enemy formation and slamming into the titan at its core, cracking it into pieces as the antimana warhead detonated, followed by the ship's antimatter fuel reacting and consuming a large chunk of it in a large explosion.
"Enemy titan is down, antimatter detonation took out no additional ships," Affinity announced.
"Shit, they knew we were going to kill it and didn't fuel it," Milla swore. "We still got what we came for, get us out of here."
"Right away, Ma'am," Hannah'rah replied, jumping to warp and pointing the ship at UPC space.
"Status of the other ships?" Milla asked.
"The Apparition and the Bodach both successfully left the AO when you ordered," Affinity assured her.
"That's a relief," Milla sighed. "I do not envy the Bodach's pilot."
"Mhm, Admiral McKinsey is not going to take kindly to someone who just fires a torpedo so early like that. I just hope it was a mistake and not someone being overzealous," Daniel agreed.
"We just passed up six damn dreadnaughts because of that. They better have a damn good reason," Milla grumbled. "Hannah'rah, take us back to the Mule. We'll see what's in store for us next."
"Yes, Ma'am."
"They're getting very close to our space now. Affinity, how long until contact is expected?" Milla asked.
"If they go straight for it, they could be at our borders in 12 hours, but they will likely spend time reorganising and preparing thanks to our attacks, so I predict a couple of days or so," the AI replied.
"Very well, we'll see if we can't push that out a little more so the fleet can get that little bit stronger."
"I don't believe that is the best course of action, Captain. They will be in effective range of my artillery ships very soon. The opening volley will be more effective if they aren't expecting an imminent strike," Affinity told her. "If they think this wave of attacks are over, then they'll start to ready their main ships for the offensive, meaning their big ships will be exposed while they're serviced."
"Very well, make the request. We'll still prepare for more strikes in case they deny it."
"Thank you, Captain."
"We're approaching the Mule," Hannah'rah announced.
"I can never get over quite how fast the latest version of the warp drives are," Milla chuckled as she adjusted her posture to relax a little.
"Only the best for our most effective ships," Affinity replied. "Besides, if they hadn't figured out we attack less when they're in empty systems, you could far more easily jump us there and back in a fraction of the time and we wouldn't need the Mules."
"True," Milla agreed. "They may not be particularly smart, but they have slowly made things a bit harder for us."
Moments later, the Spectre came to a sudden halt just inside the atmosphere of a gas giant, and it began to descend slowly until it was in visual range of a blocky ship that opened up its bow to reveal a small hangar. The Spectre drifted inside and set itself down on the deck as the doors closed behind it, and a series of mechanical arms sprang to life, servicing both its fuel ports and torpedo bay.
"I've just received orders from Command," Affinity announced. "They want me to pull my advance fleets back behind the main line, including this one."
"Any orders for the Spectre?" Milla asked.
"Negative, Ma'am. In fact, they just cleared out the strike list."
"Sounds like they want the next engagement to be the big one then. Must have made that decision before you suggested it," Milla realised. "Alright, we'll stay docked as the fleet goes, but I still want to be ready to fight ASAP."
"Yes, Ma'am," Affinity replied as a group of automated cruisers and destroyers began to ascend with the carrier Mule, breaking out of the gas giant's atmosphere before jumping to warp.
"So we're finally at the climax of this war," Daniel commented as he reviewed the data on the enemy fleet.
"Does that mean it will be over soon?" Oprin asked hopefully.
"I wouldn't count on it unfortunately, but whoever wins here will be the ones to dictate how the rest of this war is fought; on our territory or theirs," Daniel replied. "How many artillery ships do you have in position, Affinity?"
"Around 4,000, so I should be able to take out a significant chunk of their remaining powerful ships before they start retracting and making long range bombardment nearly impossible," she replied.
"Alright, given it looks like we're not going to do anything else today and the Mule is going to handle everything else, I'm giving everyone some free time to rest up before the likely attack tomorrow," Milla announced. "Be prepared to be woken up early. Dismissed."
"Yes, Ma'am," everyone replied as they began to leave the bridge, barring Milla and Daniel.
"It's a shame you can't really rest, Affinity," Milla sighed.
"Thank you for your concern, Captain, but I don't get physically or mentally tired, just socially," Affinity assured her.
"Alright, I'll let you rest in that way at least," Milla replied. "... You looking forward to tomorrow, Daniel?"
"Should I be?" he mumbled as he rubbed his eyes. "We've got a lot of automated ships to save lives, but a lot of people are still about to die."
"Ok, I should have asked, are you looking forward to getting this over and done with?"
"I guess," he shrugged. "Once we've at least put them in a position where they can't push us back, we should get our long overdue rotation, right?"
"That's what I'm led to believe. When we get our break, we'll have until just before we start our offensive to rest up, but Admiral McKinsey seems hesitant to say exactly when it will start, only that they can't do without our capabilities with the enemy closing in."
"Rearm and refuel complete, Captain," Affinity announced.
"Thank you," Milla replied.
"I bet the Admiral doesn't know when we can survive without our strikes, though I'm sure he's seen the drop in effectiveness in all the older Phantoms. He'd be an idiot to keep pushing us with the new Phantoms now in service," Daniel told her, knowing the Deity assuming the form of the Admiral could hear him. "Anyway, when we do get back home for out break, what do you want to do?"
"First things first, we're meeting my parents."
"That was a given," he agreed. "I would say we'd meet mine, but my attempts to message them over the past couple of months have gone unanswered, so that's that. The only answer I got from any of my family was a sister asking me to join an MLM…."
"I'm sorry…."
"Ah, don't be. It's not like I actually wanted to see them again. Not exactly role models or anything. It's probably for the best that I can leave all that behind and just focus on the people that actually care," he replied, gently rubbing her hand.
"I wish we could adopt you and show you what a real family is like."
"But then we couldn't be together like this, could we?"
"No, that is a very good point. I guess you can experience it once we're back home for good."
"I know your parents make me feel welcome, but-"
"Stop," Milla cut him off. "They both like you a lot, I promise you. My mum has asked me more than once if you've proposed to me yet, so I can promise you that you're welcome in the family. It's not like we're a strictly Dragon only family after all, with a Human grandfather and at least one of every species popping up with a sibling, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or other relative. The most controversial things got in that respect within the family is when one of my aunts fell in love with her nephew without realising it because the family is just that big thanks to the repopulation efforts. That made for a very awkward family meeting when they found out and have more or less refused to see each other since."
"Ooh, that can't have been fun," Daniel winced.
"Random question, does the name 'Whiltstone' come up in your family tree at all?"
"Not that I'm aware of. It will be fairly removed if it does."
"That's a relief then."
"We've just crossed through the defensive line," Affinity announced.
"That's a relief. Thanks, Affinity," Milla replied as she and Daniel got up and headed over to the ready room, finding Oprin enjoying a hot cup of caas. "Right, I need to chase up and see if we have any orders for tomorrow."
"Sure, I'll grab you a drink," Daniel replied. "Tea or coffee?"
"I'm feeling like coffee right now."
"One coffee coming right up," he replied as he started to prepare it and a cup of tea for himself. "Oh, Oprin, have you heard anything from Earth immigration yet?"
"No, still just waiting for final confirmation," the Langan told him. "One of the other people trialling the amino acid converter implant apparently had some issues with properly processing fish, so they've delayed everyone's approvals until they've had time to investigate the cause."
"How many people are trying to immigrate then?" he asked as he finished up the drinks and took the coffee over to Milla, who quickly thanked him.
"I've heard around 2,000, but they are still only trialing around 100 people for now. The thing is that I was one of the first to get the implant so I could serve, but I'm still getting blocked because they don't want to give any more implants out, despite me not being on that list."
"I'm sure it'll all be worked out by the time you're ready to leave the Navy," he assured her as he joined her on the sofa.
"Yeah, it's just so annoying that I'm so close to having peace of mind and it keeps getting pushed back," she sighed.
"Worst case scenario is that you can't get a job or buy a house, and it's not like you'll need either of those if you're living with us. You might just get a little bored after a while, that's all."
"So why even have this whole immigration thing if I'm just allowed to stay indefinitely?"
"It's a standard that's mainly to protect the colonies from getting overcrowded while they're developing. Just a bit of discouragement rather than trying to make it hard to travel. I promise you that you'll be fine no matter what happens."
"Thank you," she replied as she gently rested her head on his shoulder.
"Orders from Command are just to be ready for action by 0700 as orders will be coming in fast as they react to the situation," Milla announced as she closed down her holo. "I'll just tell everyone, back in a moment."
"I can-" Daniel began to offer.
"It's fine. You already do more than enough for me, thank you," Milla assured him as she left the room.
"So an early start then," Oprin mumbled. "I hope we can hit them hard enough to end this quickly."
"So do we all," Daniel agreed.
/-----------------------------/
Previous / Next

I recently got FUE procedure done with Motion Clinic. Motion Clinic is still very responsive pre and post op. The manager, the doc, the nurses were all very nice and made the whole experience as comfortable as it could be for a foreigner. I highly recommend motion Clinic. Hope to see good results with it.
Before this I had read many threads on here so I thought I’ll return the favor by posting my experience and review.
Jan 2024 Chose Korea instead of Turkey because wanted to make a trip to Korea for vacation out of it. Didn’t feel like there was much for me to do in Turkey
Reached out to multiple clinics to get consultation, graft estimates, and pricing. Motion Clinic was mid price but what stood out was the service from the manager that spoke English and not pushy on the services. Very responsive to all questions asked. Some of the other clinics I would have had to hire a translator. I’d say when you’re doing a procedure like this in a foreign country, having someone that speaks your language definitely helps lower anxiety levels. Plus there were many reviews on Reddit and YouTube about Motion Clinic. Booked motion.
Note: Didn’t watch any HT videos as I didn’t want to think about it. Just watched results and had a friend that had done FUE at another clinic that had great results. I didn’t know what to expect.
Day 0 Design, Consultation, Step by Step schedule, and 3 part HT.
9am appointment but was asked to come in at 8:30am the day before to have extra time to consult if needed. The manager went through everything and talked about his own HT experience and results.
As soon as I step foot in the door I was taken to a small room to change clothes. This part felt super sketch to me because it wasn’t what I expected. I thought I would at least consult with someone first but I guess I already flew to Korea so I was already committed.
Design and consultation was straight forward and simple as discussed via email. My hair line wasn’t receding so there was nothing to design but just fill in frontal. I do wish they fade the grafts to the back a bit more but they told me it’s better do the crown vortex at a later time. I still have hair there just not as dense as it was before. They said finasteride would help with crown vortex and I can decide a year later. i may not even notice it when the frontal fully grows in.
Part 1 HT - Numbing and extraction. I was told the numbing would be the most unpleasant part and it was. It took like 5 long mins and what felt like 60+ shots. It was like at the dentist when they give you 1-2 numbing shots but in the donor areas instead of inside your mouth. Hate going to the dentist for this and hated it here too. Once donor area was numbed i didn’t feel much of the extraction.
Part 2 HT incision Poking holes in to receiving area. Same experience as part 1 for numbing. Did not feel much of the incision but could hear the incision.
Lunch
Was told that my grafts looked good but I wish they had told me what the count of hair was or Atleast shown me the grafts.
Part 3 HT Implanting the grafts I was all numbed up so this part was easy. However, you’re just laying there for 2.5-3 hours while the nurses implanting the graphs. Wish I could have listen to headphones or something but all we had was the Korean radio. When they finish they clean you up, take some pictures, wrap your head in gauze, and place a black thing over your head that makes it look like you’re wearing a beanie which is a nice touch.
Made my payment, went to pharmacy downstairs to get pain meds, anti biotic, and I was done by 5pm or so. Earlier than the expected 6pm.
I felt fine post op and walked around Korea department stores for a bit, had dinner, and went back to hotel.
Day 1 post op Returned to Motion Clinic at around 1pm to remove all the wraps and get head gently washed.
There was still a lot of dried blood in the donor area. Receiving area was just red. This took about 15 minutes. They give you an oversize bucket hat to go on with your day. Again I felt fine and explored Korea for a bit.
Day 2-4 I went back to clinic to get my head washed then proceeded with my day with bucket hat.
Head was itchy every night. I may have lightly scratched the receiving area once in my sleep and woke up to it. Ran to mirror to check and thankfully I missed the area. Also, the wind almost blew my bucket hat off and my instinct was to catch the hat before it did and my hand bumped the area but clinic says everything was also fine.
On Day 5 now and heading back home. Grafts should be anchored in now.
This was long write up but hope it helps others. I am still in the early stages and haven’t seen results yet but I still recommend Motion Clinic for anyone thinking about HT. Everything seems to line up with others experiences.

The Horus Heresy Book 19: Know No Fear by Dan Abnett
So if you have read the Heresy series, do not worry!
We are not going to say anything controversial here.
0/10 - Garbage book NO, NO RAGE BAIT - ed.
This book is fantastic. It is outstanding. It is by far one of the best we have read, and may be for the rest of the series (stick around to find out).
The story is gripping, the events are incredible and the betrayal hurts. Dan Abnett is back to his usual form. Here is a writer who can put you down on the front line, experiencing a chaotic warscape as it unfolds in front of your eyes.
The planet of Calth is a shining star for the Ultramarines. A critical logistics hub that they need for creating new ships. It is to be a museum and a sign of new co-operation between Ultramarines and Word Bearer’s, ending the rivalry between these two (remember The First Heretic). Then the religious maniacs strike….
Telemechrus wakes again. He wakes bolt upright awake, screaming awake, howling awake, as if from a nightmare. There’s cold sweat on his back, but he doesn’t have a back. There’s blood in his mouth, but he doesn’t have a mouth. His eyes are open, but he doesn’t have eyes.
A flash-flood of data has shocked him into ignition, shocked him so hard that for a moment he is given a physical memory of his life before transformation. Not his recent transformation. From before that, from before his formative transformation by biogenetic engineering to Space Marine. For a second he was granted a memory of waking from a nightmare as an unmodified human being.
As a child.
He realises it wasn’t just a data shock. There was a significant physical shock too. His casket has been violently disturbed, thrown, dropped.
His implant clock tells him that he has been dormant for a little over nine hours and ten minutes. External sensors are down. He can’t see. He can’t open the casket. There is no noosphere. There is no data inload.
His own sensors, the cyberorganic sensors of his combat chassis mount, tell him the external temperature of the casket is over five thousand degrees Celsius. His inertial locators tell him that he is upside down and falling. At terminal velocity.
We are very pleased to have another guest synopsis teller for this review. A veteran of the Battle of Calth, it gives us great pleasure to welcome the 1st Captain of the Seventeenth Leg–Oh crud. sounds of hurried footsteps
Synopsis Greetings. I am Erebus of the Word Bearers. I did knock but there was no answer so I presumed it was fine.
Are you listening? … … I AM THE ONE WHO KNOCKS! Cough - apologies. Let's get back to my story.
Since the cruel destruction at Monarchia and the death of faith in the False Emperor by my legion, we have endeavoured to right the scales of justice in the galaxy. For decades, openly we served an Imperium of Lies. But in the shadows I prepared and planted seeds that would ensure a bitter harvest for our cruel enemies. Noblest among them, Roboute Guilliman (the Eight damned fool) and his so-called Ultramarines. The fools.
With my guidance, the Warmaster has come to see the Primordial Truth and so ordered the Word Bearers to travel to Magragge in the spirit of “healing wounds” and work together against a false Ork Incursion.
Monarchia had been the shining jewel, the heart of the beloved Lorgar. It is appropriate to deal a blow against the heart of the Ultramarines; Calth, their logistics and militaristic centre of their five hundred worlds.
As the forces are built up, we prepare. Filthy scrapcode is released into Ultramarine systems spreading like a binary virulent disease. Dark rituals are undertaken to gods who listen, and the fleet tender Campanile is taken, to be used for a different purpose.
The attack begins. Brave and devout zealots sacrifice their lives to murder Ultramarines, an act of personal betrayal. The Campanile accelerates to subluminal speeds, smashing into the Ultramarine fleet, while our ships are free to fire at any remaining ships. The Ultramarines are in disarray (pathetic) and they think an enemy is attacking. So naturally, they turned to their allies, the Word Bearers. Us. Hahahaha. They were easy prey for our forces for quite some time.
Ever the datascribe and statistician, the accursed Guilliman quickly realises we were attacking him. But in thinking this is some mistake he pleads for a ceasefire. WE DID NOT PLEAD WHEN PUNISHMENT WAS WROUGHT UPON US. Our beloved Primarch received no such mercy and ignores the impotent pleads. It is only a matter of time, and Guilliman works out what is happening. His world and purpose crashes down in front of his eyes. His rulership and legacy burn in our cleaning fire. Like a child he vents his rage and frustration at the beloved Primarch. This gives Lorgar a perfect opportunity to summon demons aboard Guilliman’s flagship and blow the dull blaggard out into space. It is a perfect attack from the Aurelian.
After half of their forces have been destroyed, the Ultramarines fight back as they always do. Pragmatic as usual. Theoretical this, and Practical that. They do manage to undo some of the damage to their comms systems and pull themselves back together. Like cornered vermin they start to fight back.
It matters. By this point, I have completed my dark and beautiful rituals to poison the very sun itself. The ancient wastrel Kor Phareon attempted to corrupt Guilliman, as I had successfully done with Horus, but he lacks my wit and ability. He lost his primary heart to Guilliman, much like he had lost his brain long ago. How he still manages to bend our Lorgar’s ear is beyond me. Send him to the warp!
Kor Phareon is forced to flee, to be hunted down by Guilliman. I am left to greater glories for the dark gods. The Battle is a success. I have achieved my goals. The failure to completely destroy the Ultramarines must be placed on Kor Phareon’s damnable head. I crippled them and will get them out of the war for years to come. But had I been listened to…
Stories appear of heroic members of the Ultramarines. Slaying daemons; performing unimaginable feats of heroism and ‘defeating us’. This is merely propaganda spread by the Ultramarines attempting to convince the other 499 worlds that they are safe. They are lies! Calth is dead, and as is nearly every Ultramarine on that warp spawned planet. My brothers will easily mop up the final pockets of futile resistance.
Alas, I return to the warp. The work of the Dark Council is ongoing and my beloved Lord Aurelian may soon have finished his Great Work and return to us. See you soon, mortals. May the blessing of the Four be with you.
tearing of Reality sounds
Review: The biggest betrayal since Isstvan. The Ultramarines have no idea and it is horrifically fantastic.The betrayal is built into the first half of the story; brother Word Bearers cruelly turning on their counterparts who they knew and even liked in the Ultramarines, mortal army forces grumbling about the religious weirdos before getting stabbed by them and even bickering between Lorgar and Guilliman to disguise the deeper issues.
Dan Abnett returns to his masterful storytelling best. It's almost as if he needs a gruelling horrific war to get his creative juices flowing. You can absolutely see the influence of recent War on Terror conflicts with religious zealots versus a group of incredibly organised do gooders who believed they were absolutely in the right when they blew up the oppositions most holy sites and believe they can fully work together now.
The story structure is also fun to follow. It's not jumping all over the timeline, and instead we hop on to the roller coaster of impending doom.
We also see conflict through the eyes of ordinary citizens caught in the collateral. The novel may be called “Know no fear” - but for these humans, the ordeal would be terrifying. Daemons are absolutely everyone and the influence of the Warp and the never born is horrifying to those who have no knowledge or experience of it.
The perpetual storyline returns but honestly, it isnt a Mary Sue trying to save the galaxy. It is one man desperately trying to survive during a horrific battle and keep some humans safe along with him.
Score: 10/10 - A perfect telling of a story that could just be bolter porn.
Cover: This cover is simply superb and a work of art by itself. If you think Robute is boring, this cover will definitely disabuse you of that notion. It is one of the most badass scenes from the book as he finally lets out his anger and slices Word Bearers (Astartes. In full armour. Preparing to kill him) in vacuum and without a helmet. Badass. It shows you how hard the book will go.
Heresy Watch: Lorgar sends his most zealous troops to go kill at Calth and declare his intentions against the Imperium. The power of the Traitor forces has grown significantly. They are able to cripple the Ultramarines and use daemonic powers from afar, including destabilising Calth’s sun and summoning the Ruinstorm. The plan to destroy the Ultramarines completely may have worked better if the Furious Abyss had succeeded in its attack on Macragge, but as with everything linked to that book ship was a failure.
Legion Watch/Number of Book(s):
Dark Angels: 4
: 2
Emperor’s Children: 7
Iron Warriors: 5
White Scars: 2
Space Wolves: 4
Imperial Fists: 8
Night Lords: 3
Blood Angels: 1
Iron Hands: 3
: 2
World Eaters: 9
Ultramarines: 6
Death Guard: 4
Thousand Sons: 5
Sons of Horus: 8
Word Bearers: 10
Salamanders: 2
Raven Guard: 4
Alpha Legion: 5
The Emperor: 7
The Word Bearers are the first to reach double figures. I guess this makes sense given the heresy is all their fault.
Tropes Watch:
Are we the baddies?: 31 The Ultramarines are fully justified in every single action they do in the Scouring. Colchis deserves to burn for what the Word Bearers did and Guilliman’s fury at Lorgar is fully warranted. Let them all burn.
It's definitely not gay: 18 This is one where the brotherhood is all deep and based on dealing with a shared opponent. I genuinely cannot think of anything even accidentally gay.
How not to parent 101: 23 Lorgar does not seem to bothered about the troops sent to Calth and happily abandons them.
Erebus!!!: 16 The monster himself is here throughout the book, doing rituals and annoying Kor Phaeron in a variety of fun ways. Even normally diplomatic Erebus is annoyed by him; if Guiliman had been Warmaster, the Heresy would have ended as soon as Erebus turned up and started talking to him. ‘Hails have been received from the arriving captains and commanders,’ says Gage. ‘Erebus requests an audience at your convenience.’ ‘He can wait awhile,’ says Guilliman. ‘The man is quite deplorable. I’d rather we tolerated them all in one go.’
Does this remind you of anything?: 33 “You may fire when ready” says Kor Phaeron, channelling his inner Grand Moff Tarkin. The whole story feels very much like the surprise attacks on Pearl Harbour and 9/11. The aftermath and the Mark of Calth feels like the ongoing (at the time it was written) War on Terror. The epilogue of Ultramarines getting their revenge on the people of Colchis feels very much like the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Idiot Ball: 21 I do not think anyone is actually being stupid in this book - people make mistakes and do not act in the best ways, but they are doing the best with what they know. It is not enough to merely make bad decisions. Characters need to act in stupid ways to earn it. We have gone back and created a list of Idiot Balls held by different people over the series.
Horus Rising: A Luna Wolf marine mutates into a daemon and no one seems to be concerned.
False Gods: The Mournival who end up panicking and run around like chickens instead of putting Horus in stasis and heading to Terra straight away.
Galaxy in Flames: Horus for not letting Angron just fight on the surface and wasting forces on a bunch of trapped survivors.
The Flight of the Eisenstein: Dorn for almost killing the people warning him about the betrayal at Istvaan.
Fulgrim: Fulgrim - you know what you do when you find a strange artefact in the middle of an alien snake orgy? NOT MAKE IT YOUR PERSONAL WEAPON! (Called out in this book by an Ultramarine)
Descent of Angels: Games Workshop for thinking we wanted that Dark Angel book
Legion: The Cabal planning on trusting the sneaky Alpha Legion.
Battle of the Abyss: The reader for picking it up…
Mechanicum: The Traitor forces for attacking the Loyalists head on and giving them a warning
Tales of Heresy: The Custodes
Fallen Angels: The Lion for not talking to his brother for decades
A Thousand Sons: Magnus for believing that doing something that involved human sacrifice was a-ok
Nemesis: Dorn who seems to believe that ending the war with Assassins far from the Emperor is a bad idea but turning the Solar System into a fortress is fine. Or only sending one of each of the assassin branches - because who needs contingency.
The First Heretic: The Custodes (again)
Prospero Burns: The Space Wolves having absolutely no worries about an off-worlder falling into a coma and then waking up and being totally fluent in their language.
Age of Darkness: The Iron Warriors who keep besieging the Schadenhold
The Alpha Legion whose plans rest upon the World Eaters doing what they want.
The Outcast Dead: The Custodes (urg … again)
Deliverance Lost: The Alpha Legion Infiltrators who do not get out as soon as they are revealed.
Know No Fear: I genuinely cannot think of one in this book. Everyone acts in character and based on the knowledge they have.

Are you considering dental implants in Bucks County, PA, but feeling overwhelmed by the options available? Making the right choice is crucial for your oral health and overall well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to select the perfect dental implants tailored to your needs.

Understanding Dental Implants

Before diving into the selection process, let's start by understanding what dental implants are. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically implanted into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge. They offer a permanent solution for missing teeth and provide stability and functionality similar to natural teeth.

Factors to Consider

When choosing dental implants in Bucks County, PA, several factors come into play to ensure you make the best decision for your oral health:

1. Expertise of the Dentist

The expertise of your dentist plays a significant role in the success of your dental implant procedure. Look for a dentist with extensive experience and a proven track record of successful implant placements. Don't hesitate to ask about their qualifications and the number of implant procedures they have performed.

2. Quality of Materials

The quality of materials used for dental implants directly impacts their longevity and durability. Opt for implants made from high-grade titanium, which is biocompatible and integrates well with the jawbone. Ensure that the dental clinic you choose uses FDA-approved materials for implants to guarantee safety and effectiveness.

3. Customization Options

Every patient has unique dental needs, and one-size-fits-all solutions may not suffice. Choose a dental clinic that offers customization options for dental implants, including different sizes, shapes, and materials. Customized implants ensure a perfect fit and natural-looking results that blend seamlessly with your existing teeth.

4. Technology and Techniques

Advancements in dental technology have revolutionized the implant placement process, making it more precise and minimally invasive. Look for a dental clinic equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as 3D imaging and computer-guided implant surgery. These advancements enhance the accuracy of implant placement and reduce the risk of complications.

5. Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Before committing to a dental implant procedure, take the time to research patient reviews and testimonials. Reading about other patients' experiences can provide valuable insights into the quality of care and outcomes offered by the dental clinic. Choose a clinic with positive reviews and satisfied patients who have achieved successful results with their dental implants.

6. Cost and Financing Options

While cost should not be the sole determining factor, it's essential to consider your budget when choosing dental implants. Obtain comprehensive cost estimates from different dental clinics in Bucks County, PA, and compare them carefully. Additionally, inquire about financing options or payment plans to make the procedure more affordable and accessible.

Conclusion

When selecting the ideal dental implants in Bucks County, PA, it's crucial to weigh several factors diligently. These include the proficiency of the dentist, the caliber of materials used, customization options available, technological advancements, patient feedback, and pricing. By giving due importance to these aspects and conducting comprehensive research, you can confidently choose a solution that guarantees both excellent oral health and enduring outcomes. Keep in mind, enhancing your smile is synonymous with enhancing your confidence and overall well-being. Trust in Miracle Dental Center for your dental implant needs.

Hi! I’m a 29 year old female, 5’10, and 280 pounds. I wear a size 2X/18. My bra size is 42 DDD. My current measurements are 42-40-52. I’ve also had lipo and BBL in 2021. I honestly like my shape but I’d like to be more lean and toned. I’m well proportioned because my height balances out my weight.
Although big breast run in my family, I’ve always been overweight since a child and began wearing a training bra when I was 8 years old. I’m looking for a surgeon that accepts my Aetna insurance for a breast reduction and/or lift possibly.
Preferably, I’d like to have the procedure done at Emory Aesthetic Center and specifically Dr. Heather Faulkner. I’ve read great reviews about her but she doesn’t have any photos of her work anywhere online. I’ve seen pictures of a mastectomy done by her but not a mastopexy (breast lift) or reduction mammaplasty (breast reduction).
I also reached out to Dr. Mark Deutsch’s office since I liked his work and he was in network with my insurance but they told me my BMI needed to be within normal range to even book a consultation. My current BMI is 40 so I’m considered obese.
My primary care doctor recommends I focus on losing weight first. I’ve been dieting, exercising, and I’m currently taking Ozempic 1mg. I’ve always been overweight so I don’t know if my breast are like naturally big or just fat (if that makes sense). I may no longer need a breast reduction once I achieve my goal weight. I’ll probably only need a breast lift. I know that I don’t want implants but I’ll probably need them if I experience sagging due to excessive weight loss. I doubt if my insurance will cover a breast lift with or without implants since that’s more cosmetic than medically necessary.
Any tips, advice, recommendations, or suggestions will help! 🙂

Hello , thanks for reading and hopefully replying :)
I'm 48 , soon to be 49. I've been on combined birth control pills since I was 18. I have to change birth control cause I now have crohn and my pills clearly state "do not use if you have crohn disease " . I think I could use the mini pill but The implant seem better...
So I'm kinda thinking about trying the implant , I read some stories about women having non stop bleeding but others have no periods at all . But most only videos or stories are from young women in their 20s and 30s. I'm curious to find out if anyone closer to my age tried it and if so what would be your review of it ?
I will decide when I get to meet a doctor to talk about it but it's always nice to be informed and prepare questions etc so I appreciate your replies. Thank you :)
Edit to add , I have 13 days of pills left and will try to see a doctor before I run out to change birth control.
Also is it possible to be tested to see if I could be in menopause ? or like before menopause? how does that work? I asked when I was around 45 or so but doctor said can't test cause of pill but since I have to get off pill it might be possible now?

Hey Biohackers community,
Been working on a forum project for a bit and almost finished with the mobile app which will be released next month. Everything is free to use and based on open-source platforms!
Feel free to go check it out and provide some feedback, would be much appreciated!
https://biohacking.forum/
Thank you,
https://preview.redd.it/nwdj0vmr2j2d1.png?width=3008&format=png&auto=webp&s=c5f26284de455fe8d80647d23e34cd3bfccf3f65
https://preview.redd.it/cs8eymct2j2d1.png?width=3008&format=png&auto=webp&s=c606282de62b9d9ac2706d46777f045461197232

Help Wanted

Did Tape Girl get 'Glitched'?

• I've seen the case made that Tape Girl got possessed ('glitched') by Glitchtrap somewhere around Tape 14-15. The only real evidence I could find is because she introduces herself a second time. Problem is, is that the second time she introduces herself she tells us NOT to assemble the logs and abandon development: "...in hopes that you, whoever you are...and whatever team you are with, will abandon development." and also "I fear that finding them and reassembling them...will also reassemble the very thing I’ve tried so desperately to destroy." So, which is it?

Why did Fazbear raid the office?

• In tape 5 Tape Girl tells that: "The drawers have been emptied out. Someone was here....It had to have been the client." The client is obviously Fazbear Entertainment, but why raid the office? They're presumably looking for the Glitchtrap virus, but how did they know that was on the circuit boards? If they did, why put it with all the other circuit boards? I get the Fazbear is negligible, but I didn't think they were outright stupid.

Is Sister Location an in-universe game?

• After learning that the FNAF games are in-universe canon, does this include Sister Location? In the opening roller-coaster ride it shows the Funtime Freddy power module scene (the part were you fight off Bon-Bon). It also has Sister Location animatronics & segments like the one were you flash Funtime Foxy in Funtime Auditorium.

How does Glitchtrap enter your mind?

• This is a VR game, right? How on earth could a virus enter you conscious via an Oculus Rift? Is this some NerveGear level VR? Or, does everybody have some kind of cybernetic implant in their brain or something?

Why is IT'S ME in the Fall Fest 83 barn?

• The easter egg where you get the three clown posters and throw darts at them for this easter egg is cool, but does have lore significance? Like, is Golden Freddy also in the VR game? Or, is it nothing more than an easter egg for a character that didn't make it to the VR port?

Is Fazbear Entertainment stupid?

• So, the MCI happens, then Fazbear hires this 'indie developer' to make a set of games that make light of it. Then, they decide to pull a 4D chess move and make a VR game about those games to discredit the person they hired to discredit the tragedies that happened.
• First off, they'd be SWIMMING in lawsuits after the first game got released. Secondly, do they really expect no one to start looking into things after someone releases a VIDEOGAME about it? Ever heard of the Streisand Effect, Fazbear? Lastly, did they really, truly, accidently send a hard drive containing emails between the two? Nevermind the idea that they just have that lying around, but to accidently send it?
• That's like someone claiming they don't drink, then 'accidently' sending footage of them drinking to someone. Why do you have that & how do you do that?

Security Breach

Is the Fake Ending of SL actually canon now?

• The main reason I bring this up is because in the Sister Location room, you can see a basket of Exotic Butters on top of the TV, in the same position as they are in the Fake Ending. Also, the popcorn bucket is spilled on the floor, like some got shocked by, say, a massive blob of wires and eyeballs.

Seating Arrangement in the Sticky Note Room

• I got the whole 'robot gaining sentience' thing, but why is there the table of the all the Aftons? Since they're all there does this mean that the Sticky Note occupant is, like, the elusive sixth Afton or something? Table etiquette says that the host and hostess sit at either end, so does the occupant think of themselves as the head of the table? If so, whose the magician guy then?

Nightmarionne Plushies. Everywhere.

• Notice one, you notice them all. Please don't tell me friend was right about what they said.

GGY

• Gregory is on the grindset, ngl.

Patient 46 lied about their childhood?

• According to CD 16 Patient 46 lied about their tragedy. "Wanna guess what I found out when I looked into the tragedy of your past? All that stuff about your parents? You aren't even gonna look at me? Fine. You can look at the floor all you want. But it won't change the fact that none of what you said in your file about your parents was true. The truth is, you had great parents, a great childhood." It's mentioned quite a bit that 46 had a tragic backstory only for the plot twist to be that they didn't. But, why?

Gregory is Patient 46?

• This is a big theory I've seen going around. However, I'm not fully sold on it just yet. I do agree that they seem to be talking to a kid based off their tone and wording, but then they drop things like: "Apparently, the techs were reviewing communications going in and out of this building and they came across some interesting things. They say you were in communication with someone, or maybe something. Pretty strange. What do you think about that? Nothing? Well the techs say it looked to them like it was an attempt to manipulate you, or maybe to lure you somewhere." (CD 15). Patient 46 is also shown to have a very morbid sense of humor, laughing at the idea of chickens running around with their heads cut off, while also being an elite hacker.
• Gregory, however, doesn't really show these skills in-game. He outright tells Glamrock Freddy he doesn't know what to do in Parts & Service to install the upgrades. Patient 46 is also seen to have been in communications with someone with rabbit ears, presumably Vanny, but why does Vanny try to kill him in Security Breach?

Who Left The Message?

• The message written on the wall in the Sister Location room is confusing. It describes what Gregory is doing to the T, but immediately begs the question of who wrote it and why'd they write in this triangle code?

Ruin

How'd the Mimic contact Cassie?

• Cassie says that: "Gregory! Gregory, you there? I got your message." Followed by "I don't get it. Why would Gregory tell me to come to this old place, and then not be here?" How'd it manage to contact her in the first place? I thought it was only in the Pizzaplex network? Does it somehow have internet access? Why not just call the police then?

Does Cassie have the Glitchtrap virus?

• After gaining access to the V.A.N.N.I. network Cassie get an 'occipital transponder' implanted in her eye? Brain? It's unclear. Anyway, now she's jacked into the network, so does that mean she'll get infected with the Glitchtrap virus? How's that gonna go? Is gonna be like the Handsome Jack AI from Tales from the Borderlands?

Roxy outlined in green?

• For some reason Roxy is always fully repaired in the AR (VR?) world, with the parts outlined in green. But, why only Roxy? They appear even before she remembers Cassie, so it's not like her original programming fought against the Mimic's after doing remember her.

Giving Chica her beak back accomplishes...?

• So, you can beat Chica's Feeding Frenzy and repairing her with her beak, but then what? She's out of commission for the rest of the game whether you do that or not, so why include it then? Was it for some scrapped content?

Do Cassie's Dad & Gregory know each other?

• I'm 90% sure he's a Faz-Technician, but wouldn't he already know Gregory then? Because after all, "...because the technicians who work for Pizzaplex know you, or rather I guess it would be better to say that they think they do. They report that they've caught you on camera, or at least it appears to be you. Nothing to say about that? Well the techs are convinced that you've hacked into their system many times." Wouldn't he know that this kid is friends with his daughter? I know people in the Faz-verse aren't exactly the smartest people, but wouldn't that just make logical sense?

We don't just throw out the other comic book endings, right?

• Because there's a comic strip of the Burntrap ending showing the Blob and, well, Burntrap. But, we can still see the Blob in Ruin, so it's not like it's just thrown out the window, right?

Candy Cadet Story V2: Electric Boogaloo

• The story Candy Cadet tells seems to just be what happens in Ruin. The mom finds the monster and throws in the basement, locking it away. Her son is scarred because the monster won't stop growling, so she sings him a lullaby every night. The monster learns the lullaby, and when the mother leaves to find food, it sings it to the boy who opens the door.
• Either this a genderswapped version of Cassie and her Dad, or this is about Vanessa and Gregory. I can't stand firm in either camp since there's so little info about the human characters in FNAF.

Baby Room

• Why. Just...why? Are they trying to bring Elizabeth back or something? To quote Cassie: "What is she doing here?"

Gregory is missing?

• As seen when getting Cassie's lore drop, we see her crying over Missing Gregory posters. I thought Gregory was homeless, though? Who filed a missing persons report? Vanessa? Why? Gregory was only locked in the Pizzaplex for one night, so why is he reported missing?

Brazil Ending has Vanessa?

• The fact that this is supposed to be a fantasy world created by Cassie is fine, but why is Vanessa there? Does Cassie know her? When'd they meet?

M.X.E.S. get found out yet?

• I know that it probably hasn't, but I just thought I'd ask.

Glamrock Bonnie and the Patpats

• Is there any connection between these two? Maybe said/hinted in the books or something?

Anyone Know the Fate of Cassie's Mom?

• I know that Mom's basically don't exist in this franchise, but I thought someone might have some book lore I don't know about. Like, "You see, Eleanor is actually a stand in for Mrs. Afton!" or something along those lines.

Is the Mimic based?

• My favorite part is when Mimic showed up and totally mimicked all over the place. Truly one of the moments in the FNAF timeline.

Help Wanted 2

Do we play as two separate people?

• Mainly because Sun refers to us as a kid and Carnie says we look like we have kids. So, do we play as someone in the AR world and someone else in the real world?

Carnie is Lefty, right?

• The Lefty animatronic is just a repurposed version of Carnie, right? They have the same model type, pull the EXACT same pose in the character wheel, and Carnie and Lefty have the same eye color.

What makes YOU so special?

• I dunno man, I can eat a quarter pounder in 15 seconds, does that count?

Is Mystic Hippo Mandatory or Meaningless?

• I've seen gameplay of the extra Mystic Hippo feature, and it doesn't look like it's anything special. Am I wrong, or is there actually nothing more to it?

How is it a fair trade?

• So, we give the Red King our VANNI mask and he gives us the Glitchtrap plush. How's that a fair trade? Also, why does he just have that? Didn't the Princess kill him in Security Breach?

The Fate of Vanny

• Does the secret ending show Vanny becoming her own thing (i.e. getting rid of Glitchtrap) or her fading away because Glitchtrap no longer exists? The achievement you get for this ending is called 'Consequences', so it's probably the former, right?

Candy Cadet Stories V3: Killing Harmony

• I convinced the first story is just a joke telling you to collect more coins, mainly because it's 5 coins long and that's the same amount you find in the hub. However, the second story is weird. It starts out as something like Cassie, but then diverges into Vanessa. Since we don't really know Vanessa's past or Cassie's future I can't really tell who it's about. Is it trying to be both?

FNAF WORLD

Is Glitchbear the same person as Friendbear?

• The main reason is that they both look identical and use the phrase "Tomorrow is another day." So, are they the same?

Who is Desk Man?

• I've seen almost everyone say that he's Henry (AKA Cassette Man), but Cassette Man dies in the fire in Pizzeria Simulator, so how could Baby kill him then? I get that FNAF World isn't one to one with the mainline games, but they still have overlapping elements.

Do the Yellow Eyes belong to Glitchbear?

• This seems obvious, but this is also FNAF. They say that we need to leave breadcrumbs for 'him' to help him find his way. I'm 90% sure they him in question is the Crying Child, because the trophy for the Clock Ending shows a child sprite without tears. Seems he's found peace.

Old Man Consequences

• Seriously, who is this guy? He just appears, makes you question your life choices, and then goes back to fishing.

Fifth Layer Down?

• After reaching OMC you can drown yourself in the lake, leaving you to fall for about 2 minutes before seeing what looks to be either an angel or someone with their arms around two other people. However, I though four layers was the deepest you could go?

Special Delivery

6/10 Kids Enjoy 'Twisted' Pizza

• "Fazbear's "Twisted" Pizza Recipe was voted "Most Yummy!" by 6 out of 10 children in every survey from 1988-1993!" Is this implying that 6 kids got killed? Or that four got killed and couldn't vote?

First Location Confirmation?

• "The first location of the Freddy's franchise was actually Fredbear's Family Diner."

FNAF 1 Year Confirmation?

• :In 1993, the most dangerous profession in the United States was actually night security guard." Could also be for as a reference to the theory, though.

What, no love for Henry?

• "The famous William Afton is the man responsible for the creation of the animatronics we all know and love." Is this just a Simon Stagg and Alexander Sartorius situation?

So was Freddy's or Baby's first?

• "Some of the first animatronics built by William Afton featured claw mechanisms that were able to hide away items inside them." This feels like I'm arguing the chicken or the egg.

So, FNAF takes place in Utah?

• "Despite the name, hurricanes are actually not the leading cause of death of children in Hurricane, Utah."

Who do we play as in Special Delivery?

• I doubt this was ever answered before it got shutdown, but is there any evidence for some kind of protagonist? Or are just some person who say the service and were all 'You know what would be really funny?'

These are just some questions I had about the FNAF lore.

I had a root canal, then had ongoing mild pain/tenderness in it for about 4 years.
Dentist finally said apico… Got it done in November, come February it got infected. Oral surgeon said it needs to come out.
Told me to get an implant and bone graft, didn’t ask if I had questions, tell me any options and quickly left.
I swear on my life the office has essentially ghosted me because I told them I only wanted it pulled. I’ve called them 3 times, once I was told still waiting on a quote because they insist I at least get a quote and review it but it had been 6weeks. Then I called two other times it went to VM and they won’t call me back. It’s been two weeks since my initial vm.
The infection ultimately cleared, and a new dentist said we are okay to wait and see what happens and that it could be fine for years or could act up again real soon.
…Come this week, infection is back. 😒
I did a little Googling and it seems this procedure usually has a high success rate, and there was something that said you could have a second one if it fails.
The oral surgeon who I can’t say I really trust at this point told me the likelihood of success isn’t good enough to justify the trauma that this procedure does to the area for it to be worth doing again.
I have very nice teeth and beyond this I’ve never really had issues.
I’m in my mid thirties and I got 4 cavities at once in a 6mo span when I was 19 and was going through some health stuff, then no cavity’s ever again or any other dental work beyond the root canal/apico that was a result of one of those cavities.
I get compliments on my teeth, I’ve had dentists and hygienists ask me if I’ve ever had braces because they are very straight but I haven’t, I was just thankfully blessed with “good teeth.” I’m so upset to lose a tooth, it’s number 29, so it’s not up front, but I know it will cause shifting and one thing will lead to another.
I’m very limited on funds and really don’t know what to do here.
Is another opinion and second apico an option/worth it?
Or should I just give it up, get it pulled and get a partial which my insurance covered a decent portion.
I certainly can’t afford an implant.

Infertility can be a challenging and emotionally draining journey for many couples. The desire to conceive and the struggles that come with infertility can lead individuals to explore various treatment options. Among these, acupuncture has emerged as a popular alternative therapy. In Hertford, a growing number of people are turning to acupuncture to support their fertility journey. This ancient Chinese practice offers a holistic approach to enhancing fertility, complementing conventional medical treatments and providing hope for many who dream of starting or expanding their families.

Understanding Acupuncture and Its Benefits

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. These points, known as acupoints, are believed to stimulate the body's energy flow, or "qi" (pronounced "chee"), promoting balance and healing. The practice has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain, stress, and various chronic illnesses.
When it comes to fertility, acupuncture aims to improve reproductive health by addressing underlying imbalances in the body. The benefits of acupuncture for fertility include:

1. Regulating Hormones: Acupuncture can help regulate the hormonal balance necessary for ovulation and menstrual cycles. This can be particularly beneficial for women with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or irregular menstrual cycles.
2. Increasing Blood Flow to Reproductive Organs: Improved circulation to the ovaries and uterus can enhance the health of these organs, promoting better ovarian function and a more receptive uterine lining for implantation.
3. Reducing Stress: Infertility often comes with high levels of stress and anxiety. Acupuncture has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress hormones, which can positively impact fertility.
4. Enhancing Sperm Quality: Men can also benefit from acupuncture, which can improve sperm quality by increasing sperm count, motility, and morphology.
5. Supporting Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with ART procedures like in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Studies suggest that acupuncture can improve the success rates of these treatments by preparing the body for implantation and reducing the side effects of fertility medications.

Acupuncture for Infertility in Hertford: What to Expect

For those considering acupuncture for infertility in Hertford, it is essential to understand what to expect from the treatment process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Initial Consultation

The first step involves an initial consultation with a qualified acupuncturist. During this session, the practitioner will take a detailed medical history, discuss your fertility concerns, and assess your overall health. This comprehensive evaluation helps the acupuncturist create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Treatment Sessions

Acupuncture treatments typically involve weekly sessions, although the frequency may vary based on individual needs and the stage of the fertility journey. Each session lasts between 45 minutes to an hour. The practitioner will insert thin, sterile needles into specific acupoints on your body. These points are chosen based on your symptoms and the acupuncturist's assessment.
The insertion of the needles is generally painless, and most people find the experience relaxing. The needles remain in place for about 20-30 minutes while you lie comfortably. During this time, many patients report a sense of calm and well-being.

Ongoing Assessment and Adjustment

As treatment progresses, the acupuncturist will monitor your response and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This ongoing assessment ensures that the therapy remains effective and aligned with your evolving needs.

Combining Acupuncture with Conventional Fertility Treatments

Acupuncture is often used alongside conventional fertility treatments to enhance their effectiveness. For instance, many women undergoing IVF or intrauterine insemination (IUI) incorporate acupuncture into their treatment regimen. Research suggests that acupuncture performed before and after embryo transfer can improve IVF success rates.
It's crucial to maintain open communication between your acupuncturist and fertility specialist. This collaboration ensures that all aspects of your treatment are coordinated, providing a comprehensive approach to enhancing fertility.

Finding a Qualified Acupuncturist in Hertford

Choosing a qualified and experienced acupuncturist is vital for safe and effective treatment. Here are some tips for finding a reputable practitioner in Hertford:

1. Check Credentials: Ensure that the acupuncturist is licensed and registered with a professional body such as the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). Membership in such organisations indicates that the practitioner has met high standards of training and practice.
2. Experience with Fertility Issues: Look for an acupuncturist who specialises in fertility issues. Practitioners with specific experience in this area are more likely to understand the complexities of infertility and provide targeted treatments.
3. Referrals and Reviews: Ask for recommendations from your fertility clinic or support group. Reading reviews and testimonials from other patients can also give you insight into the practitioner's expertise and patient care.
4. Consultation: Schedule a consultation to discuss your fertility concerns and assess whether you feel comfortable with the acupuncturist's approach and demeanour. A good practitioner will listen to your needs, answer your questions, and explain the treatment process clearly.

Success Stories and Scientific Evidence

Many couples in Hertford have found success through acupuncture, with numerous anecdotal reports of improved fertility outcomes. Additionally, scientific research supports the efficacy of acupuncture in enhancing fertility. Studies have shown that acupuncture can:

• Improve ovarian function and menstrual regularity.
• Enhance blood flow to the reproductive organs.
• Reduce stress and anxiety levels.
• Increase the success rates of ART procedures.

For instance, a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that women who received acupuncture before and after embryo transfer had a higher pregnancy rate compared to those who did not receive acupuncture.

Conclusion

Acupuncture offers a holistic and natural approach to enhancing fertility, providing hope and support for those struggling with infertility in Hertford. By regulating hormones, improving blood flow, reducing stress, and supporting ART treatments, acupuncture can play a significant role in your fertility journey.
If you are considering acupuncture for infertility, it is important to consult with a qualified acupuncturist who specialises in fertility issues. Combining acupuncture with conventional treatments, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking emotional support can increase your chances of achieving the dream of parenthood. As you explore this ancient therapy, remember that patience and persistence are key, and each step brings you closer to your goal.

Hi lovely people,
I 25F was diagnosed with Stage 3 Endometriosis via laporoscopy which was removed from 7 parts of my abdomen via excision approx 2 months ago. Following the procedure I was provided with pain relief and advised to take magnesium, Vitamin D and increase my fibre and water intake.
In my recovery i’ve encountered frequent abdominal and hip pain. I’ve also been on my period for the better part of the past 4 weeks (despite having an IUD for the past 5 years). I’ve researched and come across some peer reviewed material highlighting improvement of symptoms so i’ve adopted curcumin and omega 3s into my routine.
Recently at my 6 week post op appointment we discussed future management of my symptoms which were: another laparoscopy and excision, taking the pill (and keeping my IUD in situ) or medical menopause via Zoladex implant.
I was wondering whether anyone has utilised a holistic approach for management of symptoms / has any pointers? Having another laporoscopy is my last resort and i’m not keen on medical menopause or the oral contraceptive pill. I’m currently looking at booking appointments for acupuncture, pelvic floor physio and naturopath. I’m in Australia and am privately insured.

I'm in New York state. I work for a HIGHLY successful fortune 500 company as an hourly paid employee. I'm currently backfilling a job that isn't even my title or job description.. I'm an auditor, but I am working as a software engineer / billing system technical support. This was great at first because we were getting paid overtime since the job calls for it often.
Recently, in the fourth fiscal quarter, my boss (who is the kind of boss who is a complete idiot and understands nothing about the work the team engages in, only knows how to worry about her bonus and future) started cutting hours for people who worked late on a particular night.
Her excuse is that upper management won't allow any overtime in the fourth quarter, but i think that is just manager speak for "my bonus will be impacted" or "my annual review will not go as well" if there is any overtime.
The bottom line is that there are nights where one of us might stay until 10pm, sometimes much later than that. We are being docked for this time on other days. So if i worked 2 hours over OT on Wednesday, I would be instructed to clock out early or clock in late on thursday or Friday.
She knows we don't like it, and she doesn't even pretend to be doing it against her own will like she did at the beginning. I think it's complete hog shit that a company that made over a billion dollars in profit last year cannot afford to compensate any overtime to the group that actually maintains the invoicing software. But hey, they won't even give us title or role changes to make it official... we're all still "Data Auditors", which is not what it sounds like and is one of the worst departments to land in at this company.
I just want to know if what she is doing is legal... it's obviously unethical. But what is the law?
Thankfully, I have gone back to school to finish my degree in accounting. I'll be out of here at some point soon in the future. But in the meantime, dealing with her is like having dental implants put in my ass.
She is the type of boss that needs you to tell her the letters of the alphabet. She's literally retarded. It pisses me off that they replaced our old boss with her. My old boss was tough too. But she actually knew how to do our job and she actually fought for our team. This lady works from a place of fear of being found out. The only way she can avoid being found out is by taking credit for people's hard work and grinding people's hours down to nothing.
Sorry for complaining. I just talked to her and i'm not happy about it.

This is the first post I have made on this site. I had been advised by a few friends to post the issues I had in the workplace. I have not had to complain about any of my other employees over the past 40 years but I still have a VOICE!
Everyone has the right to feel safe and unthreatened by their employer!
How can the below behavior of an employee affect so many other employees yet never held accountable for their actions. There are more occurrences than stated this is just a brief to help get the general idea of what took place. Yet all of the reported issues regarding a "Certain Employee" goes unnoticed by the CEO and company. The employees are made to feel as if bad behavior is condoned by the company I worked for.
There have been multiple complaints filed with DOL and the company’s corp office by previous employees since 2018… Even Glassdoor has negative commits listed from before I went to work for the company at hand in 2022.
Following a Company generated review questionaire regarding the workplace where the staff gives insight into each question, several employees were let go . I was let go less than 30 days from the review and I had sent upper management emails for months regarding my fear of being let go and losing my health benefits due to having a disagreement with one of the corporate staff members.
I had witnessed retaliation against other employees who reported their allegations against a certain employee and I feared the same happening to me once I spoke up.
The majority of my coworkers including the “certain employee" was aware of my husband only having 15 to 20 % of his heart pumping and he needed surgery to try to increase the percentage of the flow. I have been worried sick about losing the man I love.
In addition to this surgery, he was scheduled to have his rotator cuff, biceps and two tendons repaired but the surgeon would not perform this surgery until the heart surgery was completed. It had already been scheduled but a few days prior to the scheduled date the anesthesiologist refused with such a low percentage of his heart operating properly.
But they assured him that within 6 weeks or so after the heart device was implanted they could get this taken care of. We had met our yearly deductible with the insurance and already paid the copayment when they had to reschedule it. But, by this time my fears had become reality and I lost my job. We are now self paying for the heart surgery and the orthopedic surgery.
I even had letters from our insurance company indicating the procedure was approved but they were not honored after I lost my job. This has caused so much financial and emotional stress for me and my family during this time.
There is not a reason given in my separation letter as to why I am no longer employed there and since I REFUSED to sign the letter due to the “Hush Money” clause that was included in the letter. I was not given the offered separation amount of funds. (2 extra weeks pay). But, as a former reporter I have covered numerous wrongdoings by others and I was not about to sign away MY VOICE!
I have been busy trying to make sure my husband is taken care of post surgery (I had my vacation scheduled when I was let go) so looking for a new job has not been easy and I have not had the time to file for unemployment. Because of course, I cannot access the account to file online from a previous account I made during the COVID Epidemic which took my mother’s life.
I have emailed the employee that is accused of causing the havoc regarding the happenings and I also sent the CEO of the Company the same email. This company has a podcast that speaks against these exact behaviors being displayed in the workplace and how unacceptable that is. WOW!!!
I have witnessed other people struggle due to being treated unfairly and I want to be the LAST employee they treat like this!!!!!
I may be broke financially and my mental state has taken a severe beating but I want this individual to be held accountable for the actions she has displayed myself and to others.
Instead of being held accountable this employee is honored at the “Hospitality” awards held in Florida. They remove employees that have issues with her and continue on.
I taped my exit interview and the content that I spoke about to the HR Rep will shock you… There was not a reply though just a script reading and telling me goodbye. HR had previously contacted me about another employee reporting illegal drug use and reckless behavior by the "certain employee" ... I mentioned this is the exit interview... Insanity how I was treated for doing the right thing.
Below a list of Allegations made by various employees regarding the “Certain” employee at hand. There are more complaints but they fall into the same area of misconduct as listed below.
If anyone can offer their advice on this issue please feel free to let me know..

• Calling staff and vendors, F***** Stupid when things didn't go as she had planned.
• Instructing staff to lie to the “Certain Employee’s” spouse regarding her whereabouts if he should come by. Forcing staff to become involved in her openly admitted relationships with other men.
• Screaming at staff in front of other construction workers and/or vendors on a regular basis.
• Reportedly using a schedule 2 illegal drug while on job sites. I received a call from HR inquiring about this and the behavior below being reported by another employee.
• Consuming alcohol daily while on the clock at a construction site with new builds taken place.
• Reportedly having inappropriate sexual contact with another employee while at one of the companies rental sites.
• Informing other employees that any employee that comes against her will be dealt with due to her connection with the CEO.
• Getting physical with previous employees after they allegedly discovered she was the reason they had lost their job.
• Degrading staff that she oversaw while in front of other team members on a regular basis.
• Misuse of company funds for personal use.
• Misuse of company's rental properties for personal (Allowing her friends/staff unpaid extended stays. ) use.
• Leaving her pets at the office with staff while she is on a job site located in another area. Causing disruption and accidents to occur within the building where others work.
• Being deceptive in representing her clients for monetary gain.
• Making violent threats against various staff members that she felt had wronged her.
• Making false allegations against staff members to achieve unethical goals.

NOTE: Again at the present time the above mentioned are allegations made against a "certain employee" and other name/company gestures. No personal information on the accused is included to protect their identity.

Recently got prescribed Vylibra but after reading the reviews online (big mistake honestly) I'm terrified to take it LMAO
I know everyone reacts differently to birth control and they all come with their own side effects, but I'm terrified to see how it'll react with me especially after reading all the reviews.
I don't need BC for period reasons, my cycles are generally regular (28-30 cycle, 3-5 days) with the occasional irregulapainful cycle. I'm just TERRIFIED of pregnancy but i definitely don't want the iud, implant, or ring.
Has anyone had experience with Vylibra or any of its similar generic brands? I'd appreciate some first time using birth control tips too :)

I (22F) was able to get my surgery done on 5/14 and everything is going great so far in terms of recovery! I feel amazing and am immensely grateful that I could finally get this done. I'll hopefully get to post full details of my experience once my post op appointment is through and insurance issues are resolved.
However, in an unsurprising turn of events, insurance is giving me issues. I had my Nexplanon removed at the same time of surgery and my doctor billed the procedures under 58670 for the bisalp and 11982 for the Nexplanon removal. At first, they were saying I was being charged because they were performed on the same day (???) and that I was also being charged for the hematocrit blood test they did pre op (also ???). Eventually, Aetna confirmed that the bisalp was a covered procedure but are arguing that the Nexplanon removal is subject to a 30% coinsurance which would cost me $1,225 just to take out the implant. I was under the impression that ACA complaint insurances have to cover costs related to contraception with no cost sharing (including insertion and removal) so the price has come as a shock to me considering I got it inserted at no cost. Does anyone have any advice or has dealt with a similar situation? I know that the 11982 CPT code is standard for implant removal as per ACOG and CMS so I don't know willing the hospital would be to change anything about how they billed me.
I was digging around through various policies and found a Clinical Policy Bulletin from Aetna about Progestins that used the 11976 CPT code for Nexplanon removal. I spoke with a representative and they told me that if it was that code, then it's considered preventative and would be covered (unlike the 11982 code). I was able to speak with the hospital billing department and gave them the information and they told me they'd submit a code review and I would get the conclusion of that within 30-45 business days. I would most likely have to file an appeal if they're still giving me issues but I have no idea what information to include/what I can say to get them to cover it.
I'm hoping that it's able to be resolved but just in case, if anyone has any tips for information that might be useful, please let me know. Also, if this post is more suited for birthcontrol or Nexplanon I can remove this and post there instead.