#University of Texas Medical Branch

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

The Texas A&M University Professor Joy Alonzo criticized the Texas Lieutenant Governor, Dan Patrick, during a visiting lecture in March 2023 on the opioid crisis at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.

Just hours later, Alonzo learned a student accused her of disparaging Patrick during the lecture. The complaint reached her supervisors and the Chancellor of Texas A&M, John Sharp, who was in communication directly with the Lieutenant Governor’s office.

The student is reportedly the daughter of the Texas Land Commissioner, Dawn Buckingham, who served in the Texas senate with Patrick for six years, received an endorsement from him in her run for Land Commissioner, and had attended Sharp’s wedding in May.

Less than two hours after the lecture had ended, Patrick’s chief of staff forwarded Alonzo’s professional biography to Sharp, reported the Texas Tribune. The Chancellor responded to the Lieutenant Governor directly via text message that Alonzo would immediately be placed on administrative leave pending an investigation to fire her.

The University of Texas Medical Board quickly issued a censure statement, distancing itself from any comments Alonzo made during the lecture.

Texas A&M and the University of Texas Medical Board did not specify what Alonzo said during the lecture that prompted the investigation. Students interviewed by the Texas Tribune only recalled a vague reference to Patrick during the lecture on opioid overdose policies. Texas A&M ultimately allowed Alonzo to retain her job after the investigation did not reveal any wrongdoing.

The swift investigation sparked criticism from Alonzo’s colleagues and free speech advocates over the interference of politicians into classroom discussions and how state universities are managed.

Adam Steinbaugh, an attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a non-profit legal group focused on protecting free speech on college campuses, criticized the investigation as “inappropriate” in an interview with the Tribune and noted its chilling effect, regardless of the outcome of the investigation.

Marcia Ory, a professor at Texas A&M Health and co-chair of the university’s Opioid Task Force with Alonzo, noted the long-term consequences of the interference in an email to Jon Mogford, vice-president of Texas A&M Health.

The reporting of the suspension and investigation of Alonzo comes as the Texas A&M President, Katherine Banks, resigned last week over the backlash to politically motivated outsiders halting the hiring by the university of Kathleen McElroy, a Black journalism professor at the University of Texas at Austin, to revive the journalism school at Texas A&M.

On Alonzo, a spokesperson for the university system told the Tribune: “It is not unusual to respond to any state official who has concerns about anything occurring at the Texas A&M System,” claiming the system followed standard procedure investigating the claim against Alonzo.

The Guardian has contacted Texas A&M, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Joy Alonzo for further comment.

[covidsafehotties]

Officially, there is only one documented case of bird flu spilling over from cows into humans during the current U.S. outbreak.

But epidemiologist Gregory Gray suspects the true number is higher, based on what he heard from veterinarians, farm owners and the workers themselves as the virus hit their herds in his state.

"We know that some of the workers sought medical care for influenza-like illness and conjunctivitis at the same time the H5N1 was ravaging the dairy farms," says Gray, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

[justanothersyscourse]

Few TikToks on 'Split Personality Disorder' Classified as Useful

In a review of 97 TikToks featuring DID information, just 5.2% were considered useful, 10.3% were misleading, and 84.5% were neither useful or misleading, reported medical student Isreal Bladimir Munoz, of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) annual meeting.

I watched a bit of the talk on this and it was pretty good, actually.

The base of the article and presentation is that doctors and clinicians should be taking advantage of social media platforms to open dialogue, spread accurate information, and encourage people to fact check information they find, and yeah, I agree. I would love to see more clinicians doing that! Especially the part about them interacting with their audiences, that would be great.

Social media represents an opportunity for promoting healthcare literacy, he suggested, adding that the content needs to be both accurate and compelling.

"If you think about disseminating accurate health information to different communities, we want to make sure that we don't shy away from some of these platforms," said Liu, who is also chair of the APA Council on Communications.

[kemetic-dreams]

Dr. Riley Andrew Ransom Sr. (1886-1951)

Dr. Riley Andrew Ransom, Sr., the founder of the first hospital for African Americans in Fort Worth, Texas, was born on March 9, 1886, in Columbus, Kentucky, to parents Allen and Alice Ransom. Ransom briefly attended Lane College in Tennessee then transferred to Southern Illinois State Normal University (now Southern Illinois University at Carbondale) where he earned his undergraduate degree.

Ransom attended Pharmaceutical College in Princeton, Indiana, and Louisville National Medical College in Louisville, Kentucky, from which he graduated in 1908 as valedictorian of his class. He did post-graduate work at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

After receiving his medical license in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1909, Ransom started his medical practice in Brooksville, Oklahoma, where he worked for five years. In 1914 Ransom moved to Gainesville, Texas, where he established the Booker T. Washington Sanitarium. At that time Ransom was one of only 16 black doctors in Texas.

On June 3, 1915, Ransom married schoolteacher and graduate nurse Ethel Blanche Wilson of Gainesville, Texas. To this union one son, Riley Andrew Ransom, Jr., was born on March 12, 1915.

In 1918, Dr. Ransom moved the hospital to Fort Worth and added a Nurses’ Training School. The hospital was the first 20-bed facility for African Americans in Texas. It was also one of only three African-American owned hospitals in the United States accredited by the American Medical Association.

Booker T. Washington Hospital was known for its state-of-the-art medical equipment, fully equipped laboratory, a dining room, onsite food preparation area, and nurses’ quarters. Between 1925 and 1928 the facility was known as the Negro Baptist Hospital. In 1928 the name was changed to the Fort Worth Negro Hospital, and in 1938 Ransom renamed it the Ethel Ransom Memorial Hospital, in memory of his deceased wife.

Dr. Ransom was a member to the Fort Worth Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the YMCA, Chairman of the Committee on Health and Sanitation, a Chairman of the Social Disease Committee of the Volunteer Health League, First-Aid Instructor for the American Red Cross of Tarrant County, and member of the Lone Star Medical Association. He was also a Mason.

Dr. Riley A. Ransom, Sr. died on January 4, 1951, in Houston, Texas. He was 64. His work in Fort Worth was continued by his son, Dr. Riley A. Ransom, Jr. The Ranson Memorial Hospital continued to serve the Fort Worth African American community until it closed in 1949.

[lboogie1906]

Dr. Riley Andrew Ransom Sr. (March 9, 1886 - January 4, 1951) the founder of the first hospital for African Americans in Fort Worth, Texas, was born in Columbus, Kentucky, to parents Allen and Alice Ransom. He attended Lane College and transferred to Southern Illinois State Normal University where he earned his BA.

He attended Pharmaceutical College in Princeton, Indiana, and Louisville National Medical College, from which he graduated as valedictorian of his class. He did post-graduate work at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

After receiving his medical license in Oklahoma City, he started his medical practice in Brooksville, where he worked for five years. He moved to Gainesville, Texas, where he established the Booker T. Washington Sanitarium. He was one of only 16 African American doctors in Texas.

He married schoolteacher and graduate nurse Ethel Blanche Wilson (1915). They had one son.

He moved the hospital to Fort Worth and added a Nurses’ Training School. The hospital was the first 20-bed facility for African Americans. It was one of only three African American-owned hospitals in the US accredited by the American Medical Association. In 1928 the name was changed to the Fort Worth Negro Hospital, and in 1938 Ransom renamed it the Ethel Ransom Memorial Hospital, in memory of his deceased wife.

He was a member of the Fort Worth Branch of the NAACP, the YMCA, Chairman of the Committee on Health and Sanitation, Chairman of the Social Disease Committee of the Volunteer Health League, a First-Aid Instructor for the American Red Cross of Tarrant County, and member of the Lone Star Medical Association. He was a Mason.

His work in Fort Worth was continued by his son, Dr. Riley A. Ransom Jr. The Ransom Memorial Hospital continued to serve the Fort Worth African American community until it closed in 1949. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[blankdblank]

The White Dove Pt 20 - Memories and Mysteries

Full Masterlist here - Got some really cool bits in this chapter and some pretty amazing bits to come with ample more new faces to add to this story. 

As always since this is meant to be a prequel feedback is always helpful. Got stuck on ch 30 for a good bit in my own head as I’ve been trying to not overpower the original flow and intention of the series, especially as I add in more from other versions of Spider-Man universes to get to use my favorite bits. (Except for Harry from Amazing Universe as I needed him to be an annoying little narcissistic twerp and not Franco’s more empathetic version for me.)

...

....

“I wished to thank you,” the familiar voice of the Ancient One who had come out of nowhere turned your head from watching a bird daringly creep to the end of a weak branch for a bit of food. “Normally in these matters for the protection of the time stream we repair the damage. Nine others were taken through that tear the machine opened up, who were easily rescued. I chose myself to fetch you, due to our prior meeting I presumed a familiar face could help matters. However I came upon you in discovery of a way to return, so we chose to grant you a chance to follow through your plan, and thankfully the manner upon which you returned to the present healed the tear negating our need to continue the time loop for everyone else while you were away.”

“You, you made the time loop?” you asked in a soft tone.

“Oh yes, to have left the tear open would have invited some rather unsavory characters to take advantage of such weakness our planet was faced with at the moment.”

After a brief nod you said, “I suppose I should be confident that if you can manipulate time and you had faith in me I must be on the right track with my studies.”

Softly she chuckled and answered, “Not many could have interpreted those markings on the casing of the tesseract in the manner you had. Were you shopping?” Curious about why you were alone in the park.

“No, waiting for screams,” you said turning her head making you smirk slightly, “My brother is a journalist, occasionally he has me run lookout. Were I to hear screams I have an alarm to trigger.” Softly she chuckled and you said, “Not certain, by your robes if you celebrate, but are you having a merry Yule?”

The term had a grin ease across her lips, “My, it has been a long time since anyone has mentioned Yule to me. I am Celtic with very few reminders of the home I lost long ago.”

At her you grinned saying, “A fellow Pagan,” making her chuckle to your amused giggle, “You’re the first I’ve met, well, I don’t know if some of my friends from the summer count, them being Asgardian and all.”

“I would count them as Pagan,” she said and you looked her face over again, “You are quite skilled with your magic, mastering it all on your own. Not just anyone could have repaired time and left as little damage to the past as you had. Entrusting another magical being and leaving only intrigue in Howard Stark, who would have only honed in on every minute detail of the encounter. I wouldn’t wager SHIELD would have a record on you have you not researched their databases yet.”

“I read about the explosion and forest minimally before our trip to the southern Americas. I suppose had I known more I would have made more damage. What did I break?”

With a pleased grin she answered, “Aside from the flock of Chickadees out of place in Texas who refuse to migrate there was a horse care encircled company one of those boys to whom you gave that silver dollar to created after your interaction.”

“Oh, he’s not some villain now is he?” Making her chuckle.

“No, actually his grandson has improved a variety of medications for equine care. Truly you planted the seed for the love of horses within his bloodline, quite admirable, granted him a dream to get him through the war to not be so depressed on the road to ruin and despair. So, not damage so much as you left seeds of intrigue. They also abducted Tony Stark.”

“That would have been disastrous,” you said making her chuckle again.

“He was the first we removed. Made a bee line straight for his father armed to the gills in the middle of the Cold War.”

“He would have set off a nuclear winter, can’t imagine them in the same room together, that would be dangerous.”

“I shall leave you now to the task at hand, in all things there is one fact upon which we can hold to. We must always strive to be a constant within uncertainty. No matter the view of others, we must hold firm, even when others would declare us wicked.” Your eyes looked up at hers, “I might not know the intricacies of your past or motivation, however I can see the corrupt. Each of us must find our own paths, I am proud to know mine has veered within view of yours. Had we been born of the same age this could be a friendship to savor for lifetimes to come.”

“At least now I seem to be capable of maintaining friendships without being the one to put my friends in the grave.”

To herself she chuckled and replied, “I swear to you, you will not be responsible by any means of the moment of my death.”

“That’s not as comforting as you imagine it to be,” you said making her chuckle again and turn to stroll off.

“A Bountiful Yule to yourself.” Echoed from her the words faded into noises of the park around you. The bird again in the tree in search of the elusive snack drew your eye to cover her vanish into a new portal out of the same spot she had arrived from.

.

“Got it,” Eddie said having snuck out of the office Venom helped him get into. “Any trouble on your end?” he asked at the footprints in the snow at your side that simply stopped not far away.

“The Ancient One,”

“Ah, monk lady,” he said with a nod.

���Apparently they were behind the time loop, kept the universe safe while I found my way back, the atom connected to the mechanism healed the tear the first machine created.”

“That is both impressive and agitating.” He replied after a moment.

“Apparently they were busy finding Tony Stark, who was also abducted and chose to head straight for his dad, as Iron Man during the Cold War.”

“That is terrifying,” he muttered.

“Exactly what I said,” you giggled, “Apparently he took up plenty of attention and my creating Chickadee’s legend and giving breadcrumbs for Howard to map the element wasn’t terribly damaging so they decided to give me a chance to get myself home. What would you get a man who sold his sold his soul to the Devil then outran him to keep from giving him too much power for a gift?”

“Cowboy, right?”

“Texas Ranger.” You answered and he cocked his head to the side.

“Let’s go see what’s open.” Luring a grin across your face in the start of a shopping trip that had you later in your apartment boxing up a leather jacket and a cow patterned tea kettle with matching mug set. To replace the spotty one you guessed he still might be limping along with these decades later paired with a ceramic chickadee figurine then turned your focus to what Eddie had found. Antique mother of pearl handled dueling pistols in a far from valuable state that to your skill with weapons were pristine again with holsters around the wooden case to be added inside the box. Just tape and an address confirmed by one of your bees that he was still there had the package off to be over-nighted to your still shovel wielding friend.

 *.*.*

Almost 80 years inside the same cottage, and huffing to a singed thumb off his kettle still staggering along on its last leg, Carter Slade turned the volume up a bit more on his radio. Glad to have another day beyond the time loop. Mid sip of his coffee the squeak of brakes had him walk to his window and shift the curtain to see a package delivery van outside.

“Hmm,” he said leaving his metal handle free mug on the counter littered with yet to be read editions of papers out of New York a friend had sent him. The wall behind him with shelves of books and scrapbooks alike held stands of magazines and framed clippings and images of a long since seen friend with many faces and names. From those with Bucky and one with Howard Stark drinking and playing poker for those as Chickadee and several more without that alias. Tabs had been kept from afar and became a calming hobby for his worries for their safety.

“Carter Slade?” the driver asked in an uncertain tone, “Please tell me I’m in the right place. Don’t get many cemeteries on the route.”

“I am, and you are.” Carter replied and gained a relieved huff in return as the visitor strolled across the snowy path. Watching as a particularly sizable box was brought out of the back of the van to be carried over to the designated recipient. Carter held that with one arm propped on his hip to sign the confirmation of delivery form by means of a matte grey slate on the end of a handheld device with the stylus provided. “Thank you. Happy Holidays,”

“Happy Holidays,” the man replied and looked around when he turned around.

“Take a right at the headless angel and a left at the marble tiger, take you back out to the main road.” Carter said in a turn of his own.

Nodding as the man replied gladly, “Thank you.”

Back to his cottage he walked catching sight of Banshee, to whom he rumbled as the van drove away, “Wonder who sent us a box old boy.” Inside he went to settle the box on the table and flicked a knife from the sheath on his hip he used to slice through the tape then sheathed again. Laid against the sides the freed flaps were pressed to make the man smile at the shipping sheet inside, upon which the sender was named, “Pluto Pear.” Chuckling to himself he set that aside and read your note inside a bird themed card.

‘Hey Caretaker,

I do hope you are doing well. Just back myself, hope the time loop was not too hard on you and Banshee, how some people I know kept the world from tearing apart while me and others were gone. I am not exactly certain the right things to say.

It’s not much, but I imagine you might be in need of a few things, the rest aside from one might prove more useful than fun. Then again you never seemed the one to have a flat screen tv and be up for a box set of films. If you are, let me know, been building a list of a few favorites I have discovered since I got loose.

To you Carter and Banshee I wish a bountiful Yule and Happy New Year,

Always your friend,

Chickadee’

Low chuckles escaped him in unfolding the newspaper used to wrap the chickadee figurine he added to his bookshelves, then came the holsters and pistols he inspected feeling these were more a gift for his Rider. His other half who expressed great glee in the anticipation of first use of his own gift. Setting that aside he brought out the wrapped kettle and mugs his smile split wider in moving to the sink to wash before using, just leaving the jacket for last he eased on, pleased at the perfect fit.

Out the uncovered window he locked eyes with Banshee to say, “Banshee, we’re going to New York to give an old friend a gift.” Excitedly the horse whinnied and paced around outside in the snow while Carter readied a bag. Over Banshee’s back secured to the saddle the shotgun and holsters loaded with the gifted pistols were tied, straight to the airport he went, knowing he could not take his weapons onboard, his steed would keep them safe while Carter flew across the country.

 *.*.*

 “Might I trouble you a moment?” A gravely croon you would know anywhere turned your head with a splitting smile from the display of books you were assembling to the standard of the author for a book available in the morning people at the counter up front left and right were snatching up reservation cards to have theirs saved for them out of the first shipment.

Carter Slade saw your sweater and jean clad self in boots tied over thick socks to your knee covering slices in the lower half of the jeans, to him seemed more suited for work than your having to go to fight in a dress and heels as you’d been forced to.

Into the pocket of your apron you slipped the again folded sheets of notes on specifications to face your old friend who smirked at being noted to be wearing his new jacket you gave him. Settled in his palm was a book he showed to you, “Any more books on birds? Have an odd one in the graveyard keeps coming around, can’t source it.”

“You wouldn’t happen to have a picture?” Out of his pocket he pulled a polaroid he showed you making you smirk and show him to the section on nature. The proper book on the obnoxiously loud bird was handed to him. “Glad it fits,” you said making him chuckle and lock his eyes on yours again.

“As am I, tore my old one, and thanks to you I have burned my thumb the last time for my morning brew. Rider appreciates the pistols too. Took some work to get them shining again, he can tell by the look of the case, and the figurine is adorable. Thank you, brought you a gift too, outside with Banshee. Don’t need to understand him to know hugs from me didn’t come close to enough.”

“I just have to finish the display, then I’m off.”

“Small park a block over, take your time. No need to rush. I’ve got plenty of it.” He said making you chuckle in his path to the register with his choice of books.

.

Two days since Christmas and usually crowded streets were gradually gaining more and more bodies by the hour the closer to noon, unlike the seemingly noise free pocket of a growing garden for the community that fed into an open walkway filled park. Atop a bench he waited, with a plaid blanket wrapped bundle his hands rested upon and the book he purchased open to read up on his noisy neighbor. “Do you want to befriend it or scare it away?”

The book was shut and he said, “Befriend it, I think. But he is bothering the mocking jay on the other side of my place. Been nice for the families to not see only crows in the graveyard.” At his side he set the book as you sat down to lift the blanket wrapped bundle, “Before you try going about apologizing or making up for how we said goodbye, open up your present.” Softly you chuckled and he rumbled, “You’re not so easy to shop for either, half useful half fun, with a dash of mystery.”

Gently the top fold of the blanket was eased back to reveal the top half of a fox fur bag that had you let out an awed scoff before you folded the rest back. Clearly it wasn’t used or cheap either, the designer bag was checkered patches of orange, grey and white fox fur. “This is a Prada bag.”

“Well, I’ve had some decades to save up. Hardly none of the bag companies make a decent fox fur bag like the one you have, and this was the only one with ample pockets.” He said making you giggle excitedly. “This old dog’s got ears on him.” At him you smiled and then looked down to tilt the bag upright and lift the snap to reveal the hidden zipper revealing leather bound scrapbooks and plastic wrapped magazines.

“What is this?” you asked easing it all out to lay on top of the bag widening your smile curiously at the word ‘Chickadee’ etched into the front cover you opened with lips parting at the first of many articles on your older persona making him smile proudly at you.

“You know, I’ve been around for some centuries before we met, and I have to say, the eight decades since are the best yet. Rarely do I get to watch a legend grow. Now I have my own copies, but I’ve kept tabs. How it all grew, people coming to that little town asking how it all happened to those aiming to find answers on some supernatural level.”

Page to page you flipped for ones he wanted to show you his favorites until he eased the book shut and brought out the first of the plastic wrapped magazines. “And this one, might be of particular interest to you.” He said as you unsealed the plastic to bring out the boxing magazine dated as covering the championship.

Like a time capsule every page was detailed with information on the tournament until it came to Bucky’s information followed by a picture of your meeting. Mention of a mystery woman noted to have died in the explosive change of the city, by word of Howard Stark, photographed again smiling in equally as happy Bucky’s arms on the dance floor. “They wrote about us?” You asked glancing at him and he nodded turning your focus to another magazine covering Bucky’s death as well with a cover tagline depicting two lovers being reunited in the afterlife. “Oh wow,” you muttered making him chuckle.

“Quite the story it’s evolved into. Most of it fluff to sell tickets for tours around your park. Every now and again I go up to mess with the tourists to ride around for some flashy pictures keeping the tale alive. Some say Chickadee and Barnes are alive and hiding inside that barrier in their own private Eden. People leave tokens, come to just be around it when they want a story to believe in.” Up at him you looked and he said, “So imagine their surprise when Misique comes on the horizon. Bona fide grandbaby to seal the nail in the coffin they ran off and had a super powered baby together, same barrier, same mushroom clouds that generate not obliterate. Now Misique’s got family, internet is picking up on it since the trip you took.”

“That’s an interesting twist,” you muttered.

“Though this one,” he said bringing out from inside his book the playbill on you dancing in the Nutcracker and magazine on creating the Blackhowls made you giggle and accept it and the pen he drew out of a pocket. “This one’s for me. Got a few friends out here who send me copies when your names pop up.” In a clear spot you signed them as he said, “Knew it would take some genius to show Stark a thing or two. Turns out you did a sort of dance of your own, you learn from his future, which you shaped, he sees you do one thing and it changes his career forever solidifying him worldwide as a genius. Stark rode your coattails to billions.”

“Flattering as that is it means they could have been inspired by my forest to make the atom bomb.” His arm bumped yours breaking the serious look that flinched across your face.

“Men are bound to take a bushel of ideas and see what makes the biggest boom. That atom, he couldn’t make it and the atom bomb was the closest they got. Nuclear power is the closest they got to what one man saw you do all on your own, no tools, just you. No matter what they’ve said about Misique, you are so much bigger than that, they will blow this place to bits but like the Rider, you tip the scales and restore balance.”

A chime of a clock from the bank that turned his head had you ask, “In town just for today?”

“No,” he said with a chuckle, “Friend of mine by the name of Johnny Blaze let me stay in his place out here. He’s flying in later, said he’d get me tickets to his show, you wanna meet him? I can get a ticket for your brother too, want him to meet you.”

“Am I right in guessing how you met?” you giggled out making him chuckle.

“Newest Ghost Rider. By far the dumbest by what I can tell.”

“So four of you now then? Take it he doesn’t have a horse,” you said smiling in Banshee’s head dropping over your shoulder after his materialization behind you out of impatience. Eager for you to hug and stroke his head and cuddle back against his tiny friend, enjoying the attention and conversation.

“Nope, motorcycle, ape hangars, with flames.”

“Not nearly as fun or majestic,” you said smiling at Banshee’s head leaning more into your chest making him smile wider in a low chuckle.

“Nope. But, he’s dumb enough to have promise. And he’ll be back in my territory so I can keep an eye on him and not let him spoil your city.” Apples for Banshee were manifested inside your bag to offer him before a tight hug was given to Carter when you both stood up. “And no thank you’s for the gifts. Don’t do thank you’s or sorry’s today. Not from you. I will get your number if you’ll let me,” out of his jeans pocket he brought a sidekick phone like yours but in black and grey that had you smile wider to his comment of, “Got a sliding phone and everything. Came with Pacman on it, couldn’t resist.” Into that you saved your number and a promise to see one another for the show and dinner after.

.

 Blissful Afterlife, Together Forever, Star-crossed Lovers, just a few of the terms liked to Chickadee’s ghost and Barnes’ name. Countless articles on top of this magazine edition based solely upon the iconic doomed couple resembling others like Bonnie and Clyde, Hamlet and Ophelia or Romeo and Juliet quoted various sources. This one contained quotes from Bucky himself and his family members.

‘Q- We noticed you not only won the championship, but also made a connection with a certain young lady.

A- “Impossible,” Barnes chuckled to himself in a smooth of his hand over the back of his neck. “Only word I can think of for her. Had I not met her before the tournament I’d just have assumed I dreamed her up from a blow to the head. She, Chickadee, young woman like her, you don’t just meet, you don’t just find them like others just milling about. There’s a haze, like in those stories wandering into some forbidden forest, a mist, and there she is. Like you’re the one not meant to be there, cuz you can’t be, she’s impossible, I’m possible. And all I’ve been asked since is what do I think? Is she really gone?” Barnes shakes his head in another chuckle, “One day, I’m gonna turn a corner and she’s gonna be there. I know, somewhere on every dance floor, every hotel lobby, she’s inevitable. One day I’m gonna turn a corner and she’s gonna be there. Can’t tell me otherwise.”’

Just a picture of Bucky smiling proudly in his uniform amongst that quotation was a near tear stirring tale of his passing.

‘Sergeant James Buchanan Barnes of the 107th Infantry is now marching amongst his fallen brothers in arms up to those pearly gates. We remember him with great solace but unimpeachable joy in the fact that upon reaching those gates he will turn a final corner to find his treasured Chickadee there. Ready to offer a hand and from that moment forever to be entangled in his arms the pair shall dance to the beat of their destiny.’ Again that smiling picture finished off the article with the dates of the lovers deaths.

A chuckle over your shoulder had you lift up off the counter in the candle shop you were manning the front while others were on lunch alerting you to Mariah who had a basket of candles she had been choosing with gradual looks and steps your way since she had entered. “Studying up on old magazines?” She asked in a playfully curious tone to not let on she knew the man in the picture who from pictures you had given had a past with you recorded by SHIELD.

“Oh, a friend I met in Texas gave me this,” you said showing her the magazine she set the basket down on the counter to read the whole article.

“This looks just like you,” she said and stole a glance up at you between pages. The nickname of the woman sparking up memory of a highly questionable file within SHIELD’s records Howard’s son had been delving into lately to both get answers on his father and Misique’s assumed mother.

And you forced out a giggle to say, “Oh yes, just me, built a time machine just to go back and dance Captain America’s best friend,” the comment had her chuckle and you said, “I don’t know. Apparently Howard Stark got the notion to stumble across the atom bomb technology by watching her mushroom cloud but he gets all the credit for all of that and Chickadee gets a tragic love story.”

“Well it’s certainly not fair. This is well known in Texas?” She asked with a brow ticking up a moment hoping to learn more on the mysterious figure.

“This town, the Welterweight Championship was held there, then the war kicked off not long after. Now I suppose if she was there to fight with the Howling Commandoes might be more than just an old love story of a woman who exploded into a sea of chickadees like another article says. And my friend found hundreds of them.”

The words you said absently caused her brow to twitch mid break of her grin she fought to bring back out to not concern you at the major secretive wartime actions of said fabled doomed heroine. She closed the magazine taking note of the brand and issue date and watched you ring up the candles she had chosen. “At the time I think a good tale of a soldier finding peace after falling in war would have helped the mood back home. Especially considering it was Captain America’s best friend, and the Cap had just gone down in the ice.” She caught your glance back at the magazine and asked, “You think he’s cute?”

That had you giggle and roll your eyes, “The man taught me to box, fly, parachute and dive,” you said parting her lips, “Told the Cap as much and,” you shook your head, “He’s got nice eyes, but he’s more like a brother if anything. I’m a bit surprised they haven’t even tried to track him down yet if Cap cared so much about him.”

“How is he supposed to find a supposedly dead man?” She asked.

“Think like a dead man. I mean, motivation, necessities, and goals. Start from there and work your way backwards.”

“We don’t exactly get training on how to think like dead men in our military systems.”

After tilting your head to the side you replied with a breathy chuckle, “Suppose it takes a dead person to know one. My whole entire past is a graveyard it seems.” In another glance up at her you said with a grin, “Part of my therapy is not dwelling in denial. Brutal honesty only stings for a while with an open wound. But don’t worry, after lunch I’m going to break into my history of ship building and seafaring in relation to fishing patterns. I think I have a hunch on the ocean floor I want to work on.”

“And, you learn that by a book on boats and fishing?”

“Yes, ocean has layers, you have to take the surface, weather, underwater currents, effects of landmasses upon plant life and the species there. Then you add migratory patterns and territories of creatures, water characteristics,” you said smiling wider a bit realizing you were rambling. “There’s a lot of variables, simply put. Have to add in all the formulas to get the proper answer.”

“What’s the hunch?” She asked with an intrigued smirk.

“Treasure hunting, I suppose you could say,” you said letting out a giggle making her chuckle. “There’s a legendary ship a friend mentioned. I want to try and help him find it.”

“For the treasure inside of it?”

“Ship is the treasure,” you said securing the bow to hold the top of the bag together she lifted. One of a kind, more rumor than fact, but if we could find it, be bigger than the discovery of the Titanic.”

“How?” she asked unable to move.

“Odin’s brother Vili is said to have traveled here upon it for a mighty battle to conquer the great forces wishing to drain the continents of their nutrients and the waters of the world. The ship was lost, but him and his younger brother Ve were victorious, and were returned home upon golden chariots driven by Pegasus steeds the Valkyrie forces sent to fetch them.”

“Thor has been to Earth you know, so you’re saying there could be a spaceship buried on the ocean floor?”

“Doubt it, by the inscriptions I have seen there is no enclosed deck to the ship. More a winged glider than much else.” You said luring out a grin from her. A phone call however urged her away and back into its protective sleeve you settled the magazine you put away and looked up to see Harry Osborn enter with a widening grin.

Right up to your counter he walked to state, “My dad is throwing a New Years party, and we need some candles. Something, light and not too overpowering. Figured you’d know best. We’d need quite a deal of them? Are you free? We plan on outdoing Stark this year. Even invited Johnny Blaze, saw you went to his last show.”

“I can’t stay to ten if it’s a late night bash. A friend actually is having me and my brother at theirs, have bit of a wild goose chase of an evening set up for us. Have to patch some things since the night of the loop for them.” You said widening his grin as you had to relent to some sort of party eventually. It had been a while since the last lunch you had agreed to his father crashed in a ploy to reinforce his future offer of a job when you graduated, and share his notice of your last project and others he had been keeping track of.

It always seemed to be more of a job interview. And just as you expected with little food you could actually enjoy to the small talk of the party prior to, and a bit after, the inedible supper offered you played your part and with Eddie wished the father and son a happy New Year on your way out to the truly planned evening.

Five Symbiotes in all around yourself an old score meant to be settled the night of the loop was put off now had been righted. And when they had split to head home atop a bench near a bridge in Manhattan you sat listening to the sounds of the ocean and the distant city with Venom at your side.

Straight up Venom’s eyes snapped to follow the path of a ship that into the field behind you came to park. Peter Quill out of the lower hatch with eyes shifting all around crept onto the snowy ground aiming himself straight for the only two people in sight.

“Psst,” he whispered and you stole a glance at Venom and looked back at the vintage red leather jacket and t shirt clad man with some odd variation of cargo pants and boots you didn’t recognize.

“Did space man just psst us?” you whispered.

“It would appear so, Sister. That is a Ravager ship.” Venom answered.

“Ah, more of them.” You muttered and looked over the still crouching stranger aimed your way. A bit louder you asked, “Why are you walking like that? You’ve got a Ziggy Stardust shirt on, clearly not your first time here.”

“The ships,” he said and you shrugged making him gesture at the sky, “Last time I came there were three ships invading the planet.”

“Oh, right, ya that wasn’t an invasion.” You replied making him pause then hurry the rest of the few feet to crouch behind the back of the bench.

“What do you mean no invasion? I saw them firing on Earth!” He snapped back at you.

“No, see, there was this plan, called Project Insight, meant to protect Earth from criminals, sort of an ‘immediate reaction’ from the outermost ring of the atmosphere to cut down crime and threats,” you said gaining a nod from him. “Only there’s a seedy underbelly of a criminal organization here who wanted control of it, and it got hacked before they could when the ships launched, and all at once millions of criminals in and out of prison were wiped out. No invasion. They scrapped the project since and the ships were grounded.”

“So, Earth isn’t at war then?” he asked hopefully.

“I mean there’s always a skirmish somewhere, but as far as an intergalactic war, no. You said you came on the Ravager ship that flew up the day that happened?” Distantly one of your bees picked up Stark’s suit on its way to your location.

“Ya, my team they tied me up to stop us from helping. Insisted on protecting our cargo we’d just picked up.” He answered.

“Well I should warn you, they don’t believe the criminal organization was able to handle the hack, and the only other suspect was your ship.”

“But we didn’t do it,” he said shaking his head and you pointed to a growing bright dot warning of Stark’s path for you.

“See, that’s Iron Man, and well, he’s sort of SHIELD’s attack dog. He thinks you did it and spent about two years so far trying to kill me without proof or reason to do so. And well, you just landed a ship on the planet unannounced and are talking to me, so that’s three strikes against you so far on his scoreboard.”

“I mean,” he let out a breathy chuckle, “He’ll hear me out, right?”

Venom shook his head, “That would not be wise. Next visit perhaps warn ahead of time.”

“I,” he sighed and said, “Just, tell him I didn’t do it! I’m from Earth! Peter Quill! February 4th, 1962! I was taken by Ravagers, I’d never hurt Earth!” Fast and hard you gripped him by the shoulder to tug him to his right narrowly avoiding a blast aimed at his face. Onto his feet he scrambled, “Thank you, tell them!”

“Will do,” Venom said for Eddie.

Halfway back to his ship he paused asking, “I don’t know your names, what are they?!”

“Misique, Venom,” he repeated after you said them and leapt inside his ship that he powered up and launched to the highest rate or propulsion possible without damaging the ground around it just leaving Stark to halt in a furious hover.

“Spill it Bee!”

“That was Peter Quill, he said he was on the Ravager ship that showed up day of the blip-,”

“And you let him go?!” Tony cut you off.

“Said he was born here, February 4th, 1962,”

“What was the name again?” Tony asked and as you repeated the name he had Jarvis search the databases catching a clear match of a missing child.

“Said he was taken by Ravagers, didn’t specify when, but he was asking about the alien invasion.”

That had Stark land, “Alien invasion?”

“Asked us to tell you he says they weren’t involved, they were hauling a load nearby Earth and saw what he thought was an invasion. Still considers this his home planet and wanted to know about it. Pretty odd but he had an Eddie Murphy jacket, the red leather one and a Ziggy Stardust t shirt on. Unless they sell those in space somewhere.”

Stark opened his visor naming the readout on a missing child under that identity and looked you both over, “And you don’t know him?”

You both shook your heads and Venom said, “We were alone, fairly low risk encounter for one who does not dwell here to inquire information upon the safety of a planet.”

“Nice Badassium core,” you said to Stark making him look you over for what you meant by it. “Looks new.”

“Yes, there was an explosion on the night of the loop, a friend of a friend discovered an atom of it. Handed it over to us.”

“Looks brighter.” You said keeping the giggles you wanted to let free locked inside.

“It is,” he said nodding at the awkward encounter, “All the readings outperform my initial core, just giving it a test drive on performance.” Up from his side his arm rose to point at you both, “Behave tonight.”

“Happy New Year,” you both said pausing his turn to fly away.

“Happy New Year,” he replied snappily urging his mask shut then clicked his heels together to lift off the ground to fly back to his party at Stark Tower while Jarvis shared the intel with SHIELD, now leaving the blip attack possibly without an enemy to blame it on you imagined would automatically revert to you.

Through your joint laughter Eddie teased, “Oh he is painfully pushing to not brag about his new core to you.”

“I got ten bucks says I’m on the news as behind the blip in the morning.”

“They are not going to back step or believe that guy until they have him shackled and interrogated.” Eddie said and nodded his head to the side, “Let’s get you home.”

Pt 21

All –

@sherala007​, @mariannetora​​, @jesgisborne​, @knitastically​, @catthefearless​​, @theincaprincess​, ggbbhehe4455, @lilith15000​​, @alishlieb​​, @fizzyxcustard​

Not nsfw(smut) - @otakumultimuse-hiddlewhore​

X Marvel-Cast - @himoverflowers​, @theincaprincess​

@jiminapickle

[ritsblogs]

Internal Medicine in McAllen

Searching for exceptional internal medicine care in McAllen? Look no further than Premier Medical Associates. This top-rated clinic has raised the bar for patient-focused healthcare in the Rio Grande Valley. What makes Premier Medical Associates stand out? From the warm, friendly staff that treats you like family to the cutting-edge expertise of their board-certified physicians like Arturo Martinez, III, M.D. and Marimer Rivera Vazquez, M.D., you’ll receive unparalleled care. 

What services does the clinic offer? Whether you need preventive care, diagnostic testing, chronic disease management, geriatric care, or an annual check-up, Premier Medical Associates provides comprehensive services under one roof. 

Why choose them? With a commitment to personalized care, state-of-the-art facilities, and a skilled, compassionate team, they don’t cut corners when it comes to your health. Premier Medical Associates raises the standard for healthcare in McAllen – don’t settle for less than the best.

Key Takeaways:

Premier Medical Associates is a leading internal medicine clinic in McAllen, TX.

They offer a wide range of services, from preventive care to chronic disease management.

The clinic is staffed by highly qualified and experienced physicians and healthcare professionals.

Premier Medical Associates prioritizes personalized care and builds strong patient-provider relationships.

Internal Medicine in McAllen: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to internal medicine in McAllen, Premier Medical Associates stands head and shoulders above the rest. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to providing exceptional care to patients of all ages, from young adults to seniors.

What is Internal Medicine?

But first, let’s address the question: What is internal medicine? Internal medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. Internists, or internal medicine physicians, are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions that affect the body’s internal organs and systems.

Services Offered at Premier Medical Associates

Premier Medical Associates offers a comprehensive range of internal medicine services, including:

Preventive Care: Annual physical exams, wellness screenings, and immunizations to help keep you healthy and detect potential issues early.

Chronic Disease Management: Expert care for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and respiratory disorders.

Diagnostic Testing: On-site laboratory and imaging services for efficient and accurate diagnoses.

Geriatric Care: Specialized care tailored to the unique needs of older adults.

Meet the Doctors

Premier Medical Associates takes pride in its team of exceptional physicians, led by Dr. Arturo Martinez, III, M.D., the clinic’s board-certified lead internist with over 20 years of experience in preventive care, chronic disease management, and geriatric medicine. He completed his training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Alongside Dr. Martinez is Dr. Marimer Rivera Vazquez, M.D., an associate physician specializing in geriatric and chronic disease care. Dr. Rivera Vazquez earned her medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara and completed her residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

This skilled duo ensures Premier Medical Associates patients receive comprehensive, personalized care tailored to their unique needs.

Why Choose Premier Medical Associates?

In the crowded landscape of healthcare providers in McAllen, Premier Medical Associates stands out for several reasons:

Patient-Centered Care

At Premier Medical Associates, the patient always comes first. The clinic’s approach to care is centered on building strong, trusting relationships with each patient. The physicians take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your medical history, and provide personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Premier Medical Associates is committed to staying at the forefront of medical technology. The clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and treatment facilities, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

Comprehensive Services

From routine checkups to complex chronic disease management, Premier Medical Associates offers a comprehensive range of internal medicine services under one roof. This convenient, one-stop-shop approach simplifies the healthcare experience for patients.

Convenient Location and Accessibility

Located in the heart of McAllen, Premier Medical Associates is easily accessible to residents throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The clinic also offers extended hours and same-day appointments, making it easier for patients to receive the care they need, when they need it.

Patient Testimonials and 5-Star Experiences ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

“From the front, the waiting area is very nicely decorated and clean. The office staff is friendly and helpful. Most importantly, the docs are friendly, patient, and attentive. Both docs have a lot of hospital experience and knowledge.” – Ramiro C.

“I love how quickly you are seen by the doctor!!!! At my old provider, I would wait at least an hour. This office is also very clean and the staff is very friendly.” – Edna G.

“Excellent physicians, knowledgeable and they take their time to listen, explain and address my concerns. The office staff is friendly and welcoming, great environment and no long wait times. Highly recommend Premier Medical Associates.” – Nancy V.

Arturo Martinez III, M.D.

PHYSICIAN

Marimer Rivera Vazquez, M.D.

PHYSICIAN

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between an internist and a family practitioner?

While both internists and family practitioners provide primary care services, the main difference lies in their areas of specialization. Internists are trained specifically in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions that affect adults, while family practitioners are trained to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly.

Do I need a referral to see an internist at Premier Medical Associates?

No referral is required to schedule an appointment with one of the internists at Premier Medical Associates. You can call the clinic directly to schedule your visit.

Does Premier Medical Associates accept my insurance?

Premier Medical Associates accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, it’s always best to contact the clinic directly to verify your specific insurance coverage.

Can Premier Medical Associates handle emergency medical situations?

While Premier Medical Associates is not an emergency room, the clinic is equipped to handle many urgent medical situations during regular business hours. For life-threatening emergencies, patients should call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

How can I prepare for my first appointment at Premier Medical Associates?

To ensure a smooth and productive first appointment, it’s recommended that you bring a list of your current medications, your medical history, and any relevant test results or imaging studies. Additionally, it’s a good idea to prepare a list of questions or concerns you’d like to discuss with your physician.

What are patients saying about their experience at Premier Medical Associates?

Premier Medical Associates has received numerous positive reviews from satisfied patients on Google. One patient praised the “friendly and professional staff” and noted that “they take their time to listen to your concerns.” Another reviewer commented on the “great bedside manner” of the doctors and appreciated the “well-explained treatment plan.”

Many patients have highlighted the clinic’s efficiency, with one review stating, “I was able to get an appointment quickly, and the wait time was minimal.” Others have commended the clean and modern facilities, describing Premier Medical Associates as a “top-notch medical facility.”

Overall, the reviews reflect the clinic’s commitment to providing exceptional patient care, with patients consistently praising the attentive staff, knowledgeable doctors, and seamless overall experience.

Conclusion

If you’re seeking exceptional internal medicine care in McAllen, look no further than Premier Medical Associates. With a team of dedicated physicians, cutting-edge technology, and a patient-centered approach, this clinic offers a healthcare experience that is second to none. Whether you need preventive care, chronic disease management, or diagnostic services, Premier Medical Associates is the premier choice for all your internal medicine needs in the Rio Grande Valley.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit pma-rgv.com or contact our clinic. Experience the Premier Medical Associates difference and take the first step towards better health today.

[amey-inkwood]

Industrial Robotics Market: How Cobots are Transforming Automation

The global industrial robotics market is revolutionizing with a surge in automation demand across industries, stimulated by cost efficiency and advancements in technologies like AI and collaborative robotics. Cobots, or collaborative robots, stand out in industrial robotics with their unique design and functionality for human interaction in a defined workspace. According to Inkwood Research, the global industrial robotics market was valued at $xx million in 2023 and is expected to reach $xx million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.4% during the forecast period 2024-2032.

Collaborative robots, distinct from traditional robots, shine in collaborative tasks with humans, offering a cost-effective solution for small and medium-sized enterprises. Versatile, easy to program, and equipped with sensors, cobots redefine automation by promoting seamless interaction, user-friendly interfaces, and enhanced workplace safety.

Request a FREE sample of the Industrial Robotics Market-

https://inkwoodresearch.com/reports/industrial-robotics-market/#request-free-sample

Real-World Applications of Cobots: From McDonald’s to Doosan Robotics

Businesses like McDonald’s are capitalizing cobots in their outlets for automated operations, incorporating ATM-style cash and credit card dispensers to streamline customer transactions.

Manufacturers like ONExia integrate advanced cobots, such as Universal Robots’ UR20, into palletizing equipment like the PalletizUR 2.0. With a 20 kg handling capacity and user-friendly features, it streamlines case management without programming. It utilizes a touchscreen interface with drag-and-drop functionality for tasks like conveyor control and label orientation.

ABB Robotics joined forces with the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in February 2023 to address COVID challenges through the automation of neutralizing antibody tests for research and diagnostics. The robotic neutralizing antibody system speeds up detection—from 15 to over 1,000 tests per day and provides useful data for developing scalable and reliable methods to assess herd immunity against various COVID strains.

Doosan Robotics, a manufacturer of collaborative robots, introduced E-SERIES in April 2023, a range of collaborative robots certified by NSF that is designed especially for the food and beverage industry.

Get CUSTOMIZED insights fine-tuned to match your unique requirements delivered right to your inbox!

Industrial Robotics Market: Major Players and Ongoing R&D Innovations

Major market participants such as Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd, ABB Ltd, Universal Robots, and smaller companies like Techman Robot, producing cobots for small businesses, consistently partake in research and development to enhance cobot offerings in an effective and economical.

Strategic Diversity Among Market Participants:

ABB introduced two new variations of its GoFa collaborative robot range in June 2023, GoFa 10 and GoFa 12. These cobots are simple to program and deploy, and they can handle payloads weighing up to 10 and 12 kg with repeatability, encouraging first-time users and SMEs to automate. 

Xaba, in June 2023, collaborated with Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company. The collaboration aimed to automate manufacturing by integrating industrial robots with Xaba’s xCognition deep artificial neural network model. Test results showed a 10X improvement in accuracy and consistency, emphasizing the substantial potential of industrial robotics to transform diverse industries.

Collaborative Robotics secured $30 million in Series A funding, utilizing it to scale deployments and manufacture innovative cobots. Moreover, the team introduced the Cobot Flywheel Program to aid companies in biotech, healthcare, and logistics in achieving operational transformation through advanced robotics solutions.

The Danish cobot maker Universal Robots unveiled the UR30 in November 2023, a new cobot with a 30 kg payload capacity. The compact UR30 boasts exceptional motion control, enabling it to handle heavy loads with precision and operate at high speeds. This versatility makes it perfect for tasks like material handling, machine tending, and high-torque screw driving.

At the Tokyo International Robot Exhibition (iREX) in November 2023, Techman Robot, a manufacturer of collaborative robotic arms, debuted the TM AI Cobot TM25S. The TM25S, part of the TM Robot family and TM AI Cobot S Series, incorporates a 3D camera and integrated smart vision. With an impressive 25 kg payload capacity, it excels in precision-demanding tasks such as AI-driven mixed-case depalletizing.

The cobot market is set to advance with technology. Anticipated trends in Industry 4.0 include increased intelligence, improved sensing, and better integration with existing smart manufacturing. Advances in sensor tech will enhance cobots’ understanding of their surroundings, improving efficiency across various industries.

Cobots represent a significant advancement in the field of industrial robotics market, offering a collaborative and safer approach to automation that is in line with the changing demands of the modern market. As artificial intelligence and machine learning reshape the sphere of industrial robotics globally, collaborative robots with intelligence and advancement are anticipated to propel industrial robotics market growth during the forecasting years.

FAQ

How do collaborative robots differ from cooperative robots?

Collaborative robots (cobots) and cooperative robots both involve human-robot interaction. Collaborative robots can work directly with humans in a shared location, adapting to their actions in real time. Cooperative robots, on the other hand, frequently collaborate with people but may require predefined, coordinated activities that do not allow for real-time adaptation.

What is driving the demand for the industrial robotics market?

Rising demand for industrial robots is fueled by several factors such as labor shortages and costs pushing automation, robots boosting production efficiency and quality, advancements making them smarter and adaptable, and companies reshoring production and strengthening supply chains through robot reliance.

How do industrial robots enhance operational efficiency?

Industrial robots enhance operational efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, reducing labor costs, and improving precision. Their ability to work continuously contributes to increased productivity in manufacturing processes.

[jcmarchi]

Imaging method reveals new cells and structures in human brain tissue

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/imaging-method-reveals-new-cells-and-structures-in-human-brain-tissue/

Imaging method reveals new cells and structures in human brain tissue

Using a novel microscopy technique, MIT and Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School researchers have imaged human brain tissue in greater detail than ever before, revealing cells and structures that were not previously visible.

Among their findings, the researchers discovered that some “low-grade” brain tumors contain more putative aggressive tumor cells than expected, suggesting that some of these tumors may be more aggressive than previously thought.

The researchers hope that this technique could eventually be deployed to diagnose tumors, generate more accurate prognoses, and help doctors choose treatments.

“We’re starting to see how important the interactions of neurons and synapses with the surrounding brain are to the growth and progression of tumors. A lot of those things we really couldn’t see with conventional tools, but now we have a tool to look at those tissues at the nanoscale and try to understand these interactions,” says Pablo Valdes, a former MIT postdoc who is now an assistant professor of neuroscience at the University of Texas Medical Branch and the lead author of the study.

Edward Boyden, the Y. Eva Tan Professor in Neurotechnology at MIT; a professor of biological engineering, media arts and sciences, and brain and cognitive sciences; a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator; and a member of MIT’s McGovern Institute for Brain Research and Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research; and E. Antonio Chiocca, a professor of neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School and chair of neurosurgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, are the senior authors of the study, which appears today in Science Translational Medicine.

Making molecules visible

The new imaging method is based on expansion microscopy, a technique developed in Boyden’s lab in 2015 based on a simple premise: Instead of using powerful, expensive microscopes to obtain high-resolution images, the researchers devised a way to expand the tissue itself, allowing it to be imaged at very high resolution with a regular light microscope.

The technique works by embedding the tissue into a polymer that swells when water is added, and then softening up and breaking apart the proteins that normally hold tissue together. Then, adding water swells the polymer, pulling all the proteins apart from each other. This tissue enlargement allows researchers to obtain images with a resolution of around 70 nanometers, which was previously possible only with very specialized and expensive microscopes such as scanning electron microscopes.

In 2017, the Boyden lab developed a way to expand preserved human tissue specimens, but the chemical reagents that they used also destroyed the proteins that the researchers were interested in labeling. By labeling the proteins with fluorescent antibodies before expansion, the proteins’ location and identity could be visualized after the expansion process was complete. However, the antibodies typically used for this kind of labeling can’t easily squeeze through densely packed tissue before it’s expanded.

So, for this study, the authors devised a different tissue-softening protocol that breaks up the tissue but preserves proteins in the sample. After the tissue is expanded, proteins can be labelled with commercially available fluorescent antibodies. The researchers then can perform several rounds of imaging, with three or four different proteins labeled in each round. This labelling of proteins enables many more structures to be imaged, because once the tissue is expanded, antibodies can squeeze through and label proteins they couldn’t previously reach.

“We open up the space between the proteins so that we can get antibodies into crowded spaces that we couldn’t otherwise,” Valdes says. “We saw that we could expand the tissue, we could decrowd the proteins, and we could image many, many proteins in the same tissue by doing multiple rounds of staining.”

Working with MIT Assistant Professor Deblina Sarkar, the researchers demonstrated a form of this “decrowding” in 2022 using mouse tissue.

The new study resulted in a decrowding technique for use with human brain tissue samples that are used in clinical settings for pathological diagnosis and to guide treatment decisions. These samples can be more difficult to work with because they are usually embedded in paraffin and treated with other chemicals that need to be broken down before the tissue can be expanded.

In this study, the researchers labeled up to 16 different molecules per tissue sample. The molecules they targeted include markers for a variety of structures, including axons and synapses, as well as markers that identify cell types such as astrocytes and cells that form blood vessels. They also labeled molecules linked to tumor aggressiveness and neurodegeneration.

Using this approach, the researchers analyzed healthy brain tissue, along with samples from patients with two types of glioma — high-grade glioblastoma, which is the most aggressive primary brain tumor, with a poor prognosis, and low-grade gliomas, which are considered less aggressive.

“We wanted to look at brain tumors so that we can understand them better at the nanoscale level, and by doing that, to be able to develop better treatments and diagnoses in the future. At this point, it was more developing a tool to be able to understand them better, because currently in neuro-oncology, people haven’t done much in terms of super-resolution imaging,” Valdes says.

A diagnostic tool

To identify aggressive tumor cells in gliomas they studied, the researchers labeled vimentin, a protein that is found in highly aggressive glioblastomas. To their surprise, they found many more vimentin-expressing tumor cells in low-grade gliomas than had been seen using any other method.

“This tells us something about the biology of these tumors, specifically, how some of them probably have a more aggressive nature than you would suspect by doing standard staining techniques,” Valdes says.

When glioma patients undergo surgery, tumor samples are preserved and analyzed using immunohistochemistry staining, which can reveal certain markers of aggressiveness, including some of the markers analyzed in this study.   

“These are incurable brain cancers, and this type of discovery will allow us to figure out which cancer molecules to target so we can design better treatments. It also proves the profound impact of having clinicians like us at the Brigham and Women’s interacting with basic scientists such as Ed Boyden at MIT to discover new technologies that can improve patient lives,” Chiocca says. 

The researchers hope their expansion microscopy technique could allow doctors to learn much more about patients’ tumors, helping them to determine how aggressive the tumor is and guiding treatment choices. Valdes now plans to do a larger study of tumor types to try to establish diagnostic guidelines based on the tumor traits that can be revealed using this technique.

“Our hope is that this is going to be a diagnostic tool to pick up marker cells, interactions, and so on, that we couldn’t before,” he says. “It’s a practical tool that will help the clinical world of neuro-oncology and neuropathology look at neurological diseases at the nanoscale like never before, because fundamentally it’s a very simple tool to use.”

Boyden’s lab also plans to use this technique to study other aspects of brain function, in healthy and diseased tissue.

“Being able to do nanoimaging is important because biology is about nanoscale things — genes, gene products, biomolecules — and they interact over nanoscale distances,” Boyden says. “We can study all sorts of nanoscale interactions, including synaptic changes, immune interactions, and changes that occur during cancer and aging.”

The research was funded by K. Lisa Yang, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, John Doerr, Open Philanthropy, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Koch Institute Frontier Research Program, the National Institutes of Health, and the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation.

[tenth-sentence]

Hsu had come from Chekiang University in China in 1948 to take a Ph.D at the University of Texas; now a postdoctoral fellow in human cytology at the medical branch of the university in Galveston, he was looking at cell nuclei in preparations of fetal spleen tissue.

"In the Name of Eugenics: Genetics and the Uses of Human Heredity" - Daniel J. Kevles

[decentralvaccine]

New Vaccine Against Mosquito Borne Disease Due Shortly

The first vaccine against the mosquito-borne viral disease chikungunya will likely come to market next month. With the debilitating disease now afflicting more than half the countries in the world and threatening to spread further, the imminent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the vaccine is “great news,” says Scott Weaver, a virologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch whose own lab started to work on a chikungunya vaccine nearly 2 decades ago.

https://www.science.org/content/article/chikungunya-vaccine-nearing-approval-who-will-get-it

[repspt01]

Enhanced Physical Therapy

Discover the benefits of specialized physical therapy by experienced physical therapists. Our personalized, orthopedic-focused approach ensures enhanced recovery at every step.Enhanced Physical Therapy

About us :-

At (REPS), we want you to live well and be well. That’s why we offer wellness services, pain management, and sports performance programs. You shouldn’t have to go through life in pain. The (REPS) Approach fulfills your desire for optimal living. We have a unique sports performance approach to our services that will enhance your skills needed to train & compete at a higher level. When YOU put in the (REPS) you achieve RESULTS.  Our team will make sure that you put in the right (REPS) to achieve your desired results.

Lesley (Tugg) earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He is a Certified Sports Clinical Specialist and trained in the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) and Functional Movement Screening (FMS) systems. Lesley opened Research Enhanced Performance Services (REPS) in December, 2016.

Click here for More info- https://repspt.com/

Social Media Profile URL

[gibrankhurshid]

Dr. Gibran Khurshid - A Trailblazer in Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology

Dr. Gibran Khurshid's journey into the field of ophthalmology began in Ireland, where he completed his residency in 2004. During this time, he also pursued a Master of Medical Sciences degree with honors from the National University of Ireland. His passion for learning and advancing his skills led him to undertake a Pediatric and Adult retina fellowship at Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom, before acquiring another fellowship in Advanced Retina surgery and Ocular Oncology from the prestigious Royal Liverpool University and Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, United Kingdom. Despite his international training, Dr. Khurshid is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident but a national of the United States.

In 2014, Dr. Khurshid joined the University of Florida (UF), shortly after his promotion to Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He began at UF as a Clinical Assistant Professor but quickly rose to the rank of Clinical Associate Professor by 2017. Throughout his tenure at UF, Dr. Khurshid has worked tirelessly to enhance his clinical, educational, and research portfolios. His contributions in these fields have impacted not only his patients and the Department of Ophthalmology at UF but the ophthalmology community as a whole through collaborative research efforts and worldwide philanthropy.

As a director of the retina and ocular oncology service, Dr. Gibran Khurshid brings a patient-focused approach to the team, emphasizing customer service and patient satisfaction without compromising clinical excellence. Under his supervision, the retina service at UF has tripled from a lone retina surgeon to a service boasting three full-time retina faculty with a fellowship program. This feat of growth aligns with Dr. Khurshid's belief in providing exemplary patient care as the service ranks as the top revenue-generating service in the department.

In addition to leading the retina service, Dr. Khurshid showcases the most diverse surgical skills in the department. His surgical and clinical prowess has earned him referrals from exceptionally challenging patients around the country, as detailed in section 8 of his clinical portfolio. Since his promotion, he has founded the internationally recognized “Center of Artificial Vision” at UF, focusing on restoring vision in blind patients.

Dr. Khurshid is one of only thirteen surgeons in the nation who implants the Argus® II device, also known as a “bionic eye.” This innovative surgical procedure has attracted surgeons from around the world to UF for training. Patients across the U.S. are also referred to UF to receive this groundbreaking device, further raising UF’s national prominence.

In recent years, Dr. Khurshid began a clinical trial for the implantation of the Artisan lens, a new type of lens placed inside the eye to treat rare lens disorders. This lens is the only choice for patients in which the eye loses its natural support for the lens. Dr. Khurshid is the sole surgeon performing this surgery in the region.

Currently, Dr. Khurshid is collaborating with the Applied Genetic Therapies Corporation to bring unique genetic therapy to treat blind patients with rare inherited retinal conditions at UF. These treatments, like the Argus® II device, involve complex surgical procedures designed to restore visual function and meet the needs of patients with rare, blinding conditions. Once these treatments are successfully implemented, they will offer hope to patients previously deemed irreversibly blind. For his achievements in artificial vision and genetic therapies, Dr. Khurshid received the “Best Doctors in America Award” in 2019 and 2020 by the American Health Council.

Beyond his work in artificial vision, Gibran Syed Khurshid established the ocular oncology service at UF. As the only ocular oncologist at UF Gainesville and Jacksonville, he ensures that his patients have access to the latest modalities in vision- and life-saving therapies. Moreover, Dr. Khurshid successfully undertook the task of arranging radiation plaque therapy for patients with intraocular tumors, which required extensive interdisciplinary coordination. He offers unique, state-of-the-art, targeted proton radiation therapy for eye cancers. In addition, he has incorporated gene expression profiling of the eye melanoma to offer customized treatments to patients and provide more predictive survival analysis.

Conventionally, ocular melanoma is treated with either removing the eye or external beam radiation. However, Dr. Khurshid liaises with providers in general oncology, radiation oncology, and genetics to develop an individualized treatment plan that best meets the patient's needs. He has developed UF into a hub for clinical trials and research in ocular oncology by developing reputable collaborations with academic centers worldwide. He is one of three surgeons in the Southeast to offer iodine radiation and brachytherapy treatment. Dr. Gibran Khurshid has also developed new surgical procedures to excise melanomas from the

A keen clinician, educator, researcher, innovator, and leader, Dr. Khurshid is dedicated to enhancing the care of his patients and paving a brighter future for the next generation of eye care professionals. His commitment to excellence in all aspects of patient care continues to be demonstrated through his tireless pursuit of clinical excellence, research collaboration, and innovation.

Dr. Khurshid continues to shape the landscape of ophthalmology through his research, teaching, and leadership. His exceptional skills have allowed him to take on challenging cases with remarkable success, making him one of the leading ophthalmologists in the country. His exemplary work has been recognized by numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious American Health Council’s “Best Doctors in America Award” for 2019 and 2020. His commitment to delivering the highest quality of patient care is evident in his achievements thus far, and will continue to lead the field of ophthalmology into a brighter future.

From his innovative research and clinical trials to his passion for excellent patient service, Dr. Gibran Khurshid's journey is one of inspiration and exemplary standards in ophthalmology. As he looks towards the future, there isno doubt that he will continue to provide outstanding care and innovation for the benefit of his patients. Dr. Khurshid's success is a testament to the high standards of patient service, excellence in clinical care, and dedication to innovation that he embodies. His unique contributions continue to be an inspiration to aspiring ophthalmologists and medical professionals alike.

[intellius-medical]

Mansfield TX's Leading Pain Management Specialist: Meet Your Local Expert

Are you looking for a pain management specialist in Mansfield, TX? If so, you're in luck because Dr. Rozier is the leading expert in the field. With years of experience and a passion for helping his patients, Dr. Rozier has established himself as the go-to specialist in the area. In this article, we'll introduce you to Dr. Rozier, explore the types of pain he treats, and provide tips on how to find the best pain management specialist in Mansfield, TX.

Who is Dr. Rozier?

Dr. Rozier is a pain management specialist with over 20 years of experience in the field. He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School and completed his residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch. Dr. Rozier is board certified in both anesthesiology and pain management, and he has a special interest in treating chronic pain conditions.

Types of Pain Treated by Dr. Rozier

Dr. Rozier treats a wide range of pain conditions, including:

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than three months. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, illness, or nerve damage. Dr. Rozier offers a variety of treatment options for chronic pain, including medication management, nerve blocks, and spinal cord stimulation.

Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common types of pain. It can be caused by injury, poor posture, or a degenerative condition like arthritis. Dr. Rozier offers a variety of treatment options for back pain, including physical therapy, injections, and surgery.

Joint Pain

Joint pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including arthritis, injury, or overuse. Dr. Rozier offers a variety of treatment options for joint pain, including medication management, joint injections, and physical therapy.

How to Find the Best Pain Management Specialist in Mansfield, TX

Finding the best pain management specialist in Mansfield, TX can be challenging, but there are a few things you can do to make the process easier. Here are some tips:

Ask for Referrals

Ask your primary care physician or a trusted friend for a referral to a pain management specialist. You can also search online for reviews of local pain management specialists.

Check Credentials

Make sure the pain management specialist you're considering is board certified in pain management and has a good reputation in the community.

Consider Experience

Look for a pain management specialist with years of experience in the field. Someone with a long track record of success is more likely to provide effective treatment.

Evaluate Communication Skills

Make sure the pain management specialist you choose has excellent communication skills. You should feel comfortable asking questions and expressing your concerns.

Conclusion: Dr. Rozier is the Best Pain Management Specialist in Mansfield TX

If you're looking for a pain management specialist in Mansfield, TX, look no further than Dr. Rozier. With his years of experience, board certifications, and passion for helping his patients, Dr. Rozier is the leading expert in the field. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, back pain, or joint pain, Dr. Rozier can help you find relief.