#food toxicology

[juniperpublishers-nutrition]

Obesity in Obstetrics

Mini review

The people in industrialized countries have experienced a dramatic increase in obesity in recent times. Prevalence of obesity has doubled in the last 25 years. In the United States, 17-th on the list of most obese places in the world - average BMI 28.8 Kg/m2, more than 60% of reproductive-age women are overweight and 35% are obese, representing a 70% increase in pre-pregnancy obesity. In Romania, 75th on the list- average BMI is 22.2 Kg/m2, the lowest average BMI in the European Union (9.4% obesity in 2016). [1] One of three Romanians is overweight, and one of four is obese. There are over 3.5 million obese in Romania. The highest obesity rate is recorded in Moldova, where the percentage is 23.8%. Only 10% of them see a doctor. Only one percent are included in a national obesity education program [2].

Not all ethnic groups are at equal risk. Of particular concern is the rapid increase in adolescent overweight and obesity. Concordantly, pregnancy obesity rates are also increasing. Obesity is associated with increased morbidity and 6- to 12-fold increase in mortality. Obesity is highly complex in terms of etiology and prevalence. Genetic predisposition, race, socioeconomic status, built environment (e.g., the presence of sidewalks or community design), accessibility of healthy and affordable foods, sleep habits, and geographic region all play a role. Lifestyle changes, which include consuming foods and beverages with a high glycemic index, increased food portion sizes, decreased structured physical activity, and increased screen-based sedentary behavior, have influenced the prevalence of obesity.

Antenatal Monitoring

An evaluation of dietary intake and exercise habits can provide insight into women at risk. All pregnant women without contraindications should participate in regular exercise. During prenatal visits women should be questioned and advised about their diet and exercise habits. Where available, nutritional counselling can be a helpful adjunct for women not meeting the weight gain recommendations.

The sonographer’s ability to evaluate fetal structures is largely dependent on maternal size. Approximately 15% of normally visible structures will be sub optimally seen in women with a BMI above the 90th percentile. In women with a BMI above the 97.5th percentile, only 63% of structures are well visualized. Obstetric care providers should take BMI into consideration when arranging for fetal anatomic assessment in the second trimester. Anatomic assessment at 20 to 22 weeks may be a better choice for the obese pregnant patient.

Use all available technical tools improving image quality in obesity: lower transducer emission frequencies; harmonic imaging; compound imaging; speckle reduction filters. Consider approaching the fetus through the four major abdominal areas with least subcutaneous fat: periumbilical area, suprapubic area, right and left iliac fossae. Consider using the transvaginal approach for the assessment of the central nervous system (CNS) in fetuses in vertex presentation.

Gently inform the patient and her partner that obesity will reduce the diagnostic accuracy of the scan. Consider including the BMI value among the demographic data in the report to document the presence or absence of maternal obesity. Report other cofactors of limited acoustic window, such as previous cesarean section (for the scar), twinning and myomata.

Pregnancy Complications

The risk of spontaneous abortion is increased in obese women. Lashen et al. identified an odds ratio for spontaneous abortion of 1.2 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.46) for obese women (BMI > 30 kg/m2). The authors also identified an increased risk of recurrent early miscarriages (more than 3 successive miscarriages < 12 weeks’ gestation) in the obese population, odds ratio 3.5 (95% CI 1.03to 12.01).[8] Similar risks have been identified in obese women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment [3].

Pre-gestational diabetes is more prevalent in obese women. Therefore, testing during early in pregnancy for women with risk factors is recommended. Obese women are also at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes (GDM). Not surprisingly, obese women are also at increased risk of having a macrosomic child. Physical activity is inexpensive and can significantly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. More relevant to the obese population, they also reported a 34% reduction in the development of gestational diabetes in women who did not participate in vigorous exercise but who did participate in brisk walking compared with those who participated in easy pace walking. Women with GDM have a 30% chance of developing type 2 diabetes later in life [4].

Intrapartum Complications and Management

Macrosomia and shoulder dystocia

The use of antenatal ultrasound to detect fetal macrosomia is associated with such obstetric interventions as labor induction and cesarean section. The rate of cesarean section is affected. Higher cesarean section is more frequent when ultrasound examination indicates a macrosomic fetus.

Fetal monitoring

The obese abdominal wall may make monitoring more difficult than in other cases, and of course, the positive predictive value of antenatal testing (e.g. cardiotocography, nonstress testing, biophysical profile assessment) is limited. There is no evidence to support the routine use of internal fetal monitoring in this population, but it may be more effective in some women. Monitoring contractions and ensuring adequate labor in obese women poses a special challenge. Obese women require more oxytocin in labor. Consider allowing longer first stage of labor before performing a cesarean for labor arrest. Although most obstetric care providers rely on manual palpation and/or external tocometry, the use of an intrauterine pressure catheter may be advantageous in some cases.

Cesarean section

The risk of cesarean section is increased in the obese parturient. The increase in cesarean section rate may be partly due to the fact that overweight and obese nulliparous women have a slower progression of the first stage of labor. When faced with lack of descent in the second stage of labor, some practitioners may opt for cesarean section rather than operative vaginal delivery because of concerns about fetal macrosomia and shoulder dystocia. This may explain the low rate of operative vaginal delivery in some series [5]. Obese women undergoing caesarean section experience more complications, including blood loss > 1000 mL, increased operative time, increased postoperative wound infection and endometritis, and need for vertical skin incision. The obese diabetic women who undergo cesarean section have an odds ratio for postoperative wound infection of 9.3 (95% CI 4.5 to 19.2), and those who require a vertical skin incision have a 12% rate of wound complication serious enough to require opening the incision [6].

For morbidly obese patients, two standard 50-cm-width operating tables secured together may be necessary. Specially constructed wider operating tables would be ideal. Weighing scales suited for obese patients are necessary not only to measure weight and evaluate weight gain during pregnancy, but also for calculating medication dosages. A wider delivery bed that is easy to move around and that may be used at all stages of delivery, including cesarean section, without the need to move the patient into another bed is most useful. Nursing care of obese patients requires ergonomic adaptation and knowledge about the special risks involved in caring for these patients. More trained nurses are necessary to care for morbidly obese patients.

The decision-to-delivery interval may be longer when an emergent or urgent cesarean section is required in obese parturient. Causes for this delay may include patient transport and bed transfer, the time to establish adequate anesthesia, and the operative time from incision to delivery. The 30-minute rule of emergency cesarean section is an arbitrary threshold rather than an evidence-based standard.

Vaginal birth after cesarean section

In the absence of contraindications, women who have had their first child by cesarean section are asked to consider vaginal birth in subsequent pregnancies. The success of vaginal birth after cesarean section is commonly quoted at 80% [7]. Obese women are less likely than their lean peers to be successful in delivering vaginally after previous cesarean section (VBAC). In women with a BMI > 29 kg/m2 the success rate is 54% to 68% [8]. The success rate is further reduced in even heavier women. Chauhan et al. found a 13% VBAC success rate in women >300 lbs (136 kg) [9].

Thromboembolism

The risk of thromboembolism is high in obese parturients. Edwards et al. reported 683 obese women (BMI > 29 kg/m2) who were matched to 660 normal weight women (BMI 19.8 to 26.0 kg/m2). The incidence of thromboembolism was 2.5% in the obese women, and only 0.6% in the controls.[29] BMI >30 plus one additional risk factor qualify for seven days of postpartum Clexane; BMI >30 plus two additional risk factors require Clexane antenatally and for 6 weeks postpartum; BMI>40 should be regarded as already having two risk factors. Clexane dosage should be calculated by weight:

Early mobilization and T.E.D. anti-embolism stockings are clinically proven to reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis by up to 50% and to promote increased blood flow velocity in the legs 138% of baseline by compression of the deep venous system.

Perinatal outcomes

Maternal obesity is also an established risk factor for stillbirth. The reported risk of stillbirth is 2-5 times higher in obese compared with normal-weight women. The risk of stillbirth associated with obesity increases with gestational age. Infant mortality rates increase from 2.4/1000 among normal weight women (BMI 18.5-24.9) to 5.8/1000 among women with grade 3 obesity (BMI ≥ 40.0). Maternal overweight and obesity are associated with increased risks of infant mortality due to increased mortality risk in term births and an increased prevalence of preterm births. Maternal obesity may increase the risk for intellectual disability or cognitive deficits in offspring from 1.3- to 3.6-fold. Maternal prepregnancy obesity and high gestational weight gain of > 18 kg was associated with a 3-fold increase in offspring IQ deficit (mean of 6.5 points lower) [10]. The majority of studies that have examined a link between high maternal BMI and childhood diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders have found a significant positive association. This risk may be further augmented by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm birth, high gestational weight gain, gestational or pre-gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia [11].

Conclusion

A national information campaign is required to exploit women’s interest in having as healthy a pregnancy as possible by giving them the information they need to become fit and have a normal BMI before they consider pregnancy. Periodic health check-ups and other appointments for gynecologic care prior to pregnancy offer ideal opportunities to raise the issue of weight loss before conception. Women should be encouraged to enter pregnancy with a BMI < 30 kg/m2, and ideally < 25 kg/m2. Although obesity is not an indication for the transfer of routine obstetric care, consultation with or referral to physicians with expertise in obesity may be appropriate if the obstetrician cannot safely and effectively care for the patient because of the lack of the specialized training, experience or institutional resources.

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[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

If you don’t have a liver and kidneys, you have bigger issues than expensive magic juices.

[worldfoodsafetyday]

General standard for food additives.

This General standard for food additives sets forth the conditions under which food additives may be used in all foods, whether or not they have previously been standardized by Code.

a) Food additive means any substance not normally consumed as a food by itself and not normally used as a typical ingredient of the food, whether or not it has nutritive value, the intentional addition of which to food for a technological (including organoleptic) purpose in the manufacture, processing, preparation, treatment, packing, packaging, transport or holding of such food results, or may be reasonably expected to result (directly or indirectly), in it or its by-products becoming a component of or otherwise affecting the characteristics of such foods. The term does not include contaminants or substances added to food for maintaining or improving nutritional qualities.

b) Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is an estimate by JECFA of the amount of a food additive, expressed on a body weight basis that can be ingested daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk. c) Acceptable Daily Intake "Not Specified" (NS) is a term applicable to a food substance of very low toxicity for which, on the basis of the available data (chemical, biochemical, toxicological, and other), the total dietary intake of the substance, arising from its use at the levels necessary to achieve the desired effect and from its acceptable background levels in food, does not, in the opinion of JECFA, represent a hazard to health. For the above reason, and for reasons stated in individual JECFA evaluations, establishment of an acceptable daily intake expressed in numerical form is not deemed necessary by JECFA. An additive meeting the above criterion must be used within the bounds of good manufacturing practice as defined. d) Maximum Use Level of an additive is the highest concentration of the additive determined to be functionally effective in a food or food category and agreed to be safe by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. It is generally expressed as mg additive/kg of food. The maximum use level will not usually correspond to the optimum, recommended, or typical level of use. Under GMP, the optimum, recommended, or typical use level will differ for each application of an additive and is dependent on the intended technical effect and the specific food in which the additive would be used, taking into account the type of raw material, food processing and post-manufacture storage, transport and handling by distributors, retailers, and consumers.

[krownest]

my exam is in 3 hours and i have nOT looked at the material thoroughly....but tbh i am very grateful the course is really interesting and relevant to my major

[nationallawreview]

FDA Launches Study on the Role of Seafood Consumption in Child Development

FDA Launches Study on the Role of Seafood Consumption in Child Development

On October 11, the FDA announced the launch of an independent study, “The Role of Seafood in Child Growth and Development,” by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) on the state of scientific evidence in nutrition and toxicology associations between seafood consumption and child growth and development. The purpose of the study is to obtain the most up-to-date…

[steddieas-shegoes]

cw: discussion of past parental death due to overdose, mention of drug use

Steve stumbled upon the article when he was helping Robin collect articles for a project for her Industry Studies course.

He didn’t think much of reading about another small time musician getting caught up with the wrong crowd, and overdosing or getting in a drunk driving accident. It seemed like a pretty common theme. It was terrible, sad, horrible, but he’d seen about 30 stories like that in the last two days and he was kind of getting numb to it all.

Until he saw the name Munson.

Until a picture of a woman with long, curly hair and Eddie’s smile stared back at him next to a headline that read: “Kentucky Country Queen Dead at 27.”

He read the article with tears in his eyes.

Elizabeth “El” Munson, a hopeful country singer and guitarist, was found dead in her home by her six year old son, Edward. The boy reportedly tried calling his father at work with no luck before finally calling his uncle, Wayne Munson.

Toxicology reports show that she overdosed on multiple illegal substances. At this time, it is believed to have been accidental and no foul play is suspected.

It has now been made clear that Elizabeth was seeking a divorce from her husband, Al Munson, but had not been successful as lawyers were unable to locate him until her funeral. Their son has been put in the care of Wayne until further notice.

Robin found him 20 minutes later, staring at the page with swollen, red eyes. She took the paper, read the article, and put it back in the files wordlessly.

“I don’t think he wants us to know,” she finally said.

She was probably right.

But Steve had grown pretty close to Eddie over the last six months, had opened up to him about his parents, his fake friends, his concussions and nightmares. Eddie had started opening up to him, too.

He thought he had, anyway.

He told him about how his mom died when he was young and his dad was awful so he moved in with Wayne. He told him about how his dad appeared every couple years looking for money or a place to stay and Wayne always turned him away.

But he never really talked about his mom, always said he barely remembered her.

Did he know what happened?

——

Steve asked Wayne the next morning.

He’d come by to pick Eddie up for a day with the kids, but Eddie hadn’t set his alarm and was still asleep.

Perfect opportunity to find out more.

“So. Eddie’s mom.”

Wayne tensed over his plate of toast and scrambled eggs. He didn’t look up, just took another bite of food.

“Does he know how she died?”

“Do you?”

“Newspaper said overdose,” Steve tapped his fingers nervously against his thigh. “Says Eddie found her.”

“Trauma messes with your memory.”

It was final, a statement that left Steve with more questions, but a certainty that he’d get no answers.

“Yeah.” He gulped. “I’ve heard.”

——

Steve doesn’t bring it up to Eddie for a while.

He figured Wayne’s reaction said a lot about what Eddie knew or would be willing to share.

But they were a little high and alone and Eddie’s hand was warm in his and his filter was broken.

“I’m sorry you had to be the one to find your mom.”

The air around them was thick. The silence was deafening.

“Me too.”

Eddie’s voice was quiet, nothing like his usual playful tone.

Steve immediately wanted to put this conversation in reverse, pretend his curiosity didn’t matter.

“I’m sorry.”

Eddie moved closer to Steve, his arm a constant pressure against Steve’s. His head leaned against Steve’s shoulder.

“Wayne doesn’t know I know how she died. He doesn’t know I know my dad gave her bad drugs, convinced her all the up and coming musicians were doing a new strain of heroin. She’d kicked him out of the house,” Eddie’s breath caught. “She shouldn’t have let him come back that day. I heard them arguing before I left for school. She told him she was finding a manager and recording an album and that she was divorcing him. I didn’t know what that meant, but I knew it was bad.”

“Eds, you don’t have to tell me.”

“I know, Stevie. But you know everything else.” Eddie’s face turned until his nose and mouth were pressed against Steve’s arm. “I went to school. Didn’t think about it. Figured my dad would be gone when I got home and might come back in a few days once they cooled off. But when I got home, he was gone and my mom’s bedroom door was closed. And I opened it and there she was.”

Steve turned so he was face to face with Eddie, cupping his jaw and rubbing his thumb along his cheek in encouragement.

“I don’t even know why I tried calling the store first. I didn’t even know if he still worked there. But then I called Wayne and it’s like he just knew.” Eddie’s eyes closed for a moment. “Don’t think he’d ever gotten to our house so quick.”

“Did he know all this?”

“He knew enough. I stayed with him and then my dad gave up his rights. Lied to the counselor about what I knew so Wayne wouldn’t freak. Kept it up for a while,” Eddie let out a small exhale that slightly resembled a laugh. “I read the article about eight years ago. A kid in my class made a joke about me being an orphan because of the drug problem in America as if he even knew what that meant and I decided to see what the newspaper reported.”

“Do you play because of her?” Steve asked.

Eddie blinked back at him.

“I play for a lot of reasons. But I started because of her, yeah,” he whispers. “You’re the first person to ask me that instead of give me that look of pity.”

“I’m sad about how it happened, but giving you pity doesn’t change it. I’d rather hear how it changed you,” Steve whispered back.

They were close, legs intertwined, hands touching bare skin under shirts and on faces and necks.

“It changed everything for me. Wayne packed us up and moved us here as soon as he legally could. Probably for the best. Well,” Eddie gave a small smile. “Definitely for the best. Wouldn’t be here with you if he hadn’t.”

“Do you ever go back?” Steve did his best to ignore the fluttering in his stomach.

“Her birthday every year. She’s got a nice spot near her mom.” Eddie bit his lip. “It’s actually coming up in a couple weeks. Maybe you could come with me?”

“Me? Are you sure?”

Eddie nodded. “If it doesn’t weird you out that I talk to her. I like to give her updates on my life, Wayne’s life, music. Think she’d find it quite funny that I bring the guy I’ve had a crush on for two years.”

It takes a minute for the words to sink in.

“Two years?” Steve’s lips curled up into a smile. “I hope I live up to expectations.”

“I think she’d like you. She’d definitely make fun of me for having a boyfriend who wears polos though.”

“Is that how you’d introduce me?”

“If you’re okay with it.” Eddie leaned his forehead against Steve’s. “I know we haven’t talked about what we-“

Steve pressed his lips to Eddie’s, nearly knocking their noses together painfully in the process.

After the initial shock, they both relaxed into the kiss.

“I’d love to go. As your boyfriend,” Steve said after pulling away for air. “What was her favorite flower?”

“Gardenias. Always wore perfume that smelled like it. Why?”

“Because I have to impress her, right?”

“You realize she’s not gonna actually see or hear you? She’s definitely dead.”

Steve snorted. “I know. But she can still have nice things. Maybe us bringing her nice things in death is a way to apologize for the not nice things she had in life.”

“You’re a pretty incredible boyfriend, sweetheart.” Eddie kissed the tip of his nose. “And you now know more than Wayne, so it’s time for a pinky promise.”

Steve giggled before holding up his pinky. “I swear I won’t tell Wayne anything.”

“And you’ll kiss me whenever I want…”

“That’s a guarantee.”

“And you’ll let me win at Go Fish…”

“Not a chance, Eds.”

Eddie laughed. “Worth a try.”

Steve curled his pinky against Eddie’s. “So do you think she’d like me?”

“Oh. Oh god. She’d love you. You’re exactly who she’d want for me,” Eddie rolled his eyes when Steve flipped his hair back confidently. “And she’d braid your hair every night while you gossiped and sipped tea.”

“And what would you do?”

“Probably just soak it in. Appreciate having her and you around. You’ll just have to gossip with Wayne.”

“Wayne doesn’t strike me as-“

“Oh, he’s got you fooled! He’s a worse gossip than the ladies at the hair salon. Just ask him about the mailbox at the end of the road sometime. Make sure you’ve got an hour to spare.”

“Really?” Steve’s eyes lit up. “Is he home now?”

Eddie pulled Steve forward until he was flush against his front. “No and I have much better plans than gossiping with my uncle.”

“Oh?” Steve’s brow raised.

“It involves my bed and handcuffs. You in?”

“Hopefully you’re in.”

“God, you’re ridiculous. C’mon, now I’m even harder from your stupid flirting,” Eddie sat up and tugged until Steve followed. “Can’t believe this is how my night’s going.”

“Believe it, baby.”

[cameronspecial]

A New Kind Of Normal (Part 3)

Pairing: Dad!Rafe Cameron x Reader

Warnings: Fight With A Parent, Swearing, and Fear of Relapse

Pronouns: She/Her

Word Count: 3.0K

Summary: Rafe has accomplished his goals and is now able to meet his daughter for the first time.

Masterlist

Over the past month, Rafe has gotten a chance to learn more about Stella from his weekly meetings with Y/N. Stella was born on May 17th, 2020 at 10:59 A.M. Her first word was Joshy, said at eleven months old when she was calling for help from her uncle Josh when her uncle Benedict would mercilessly tickle her. At two years old, she became obsessed with witches after her mother read her a book about them and it has been her favourite topic of conversation since. Her favourite colour is dark purple and her favourite food is any soup in general because she likes to pretend she is drinking a witch's potion when she eats it. The most important fact of all to Rafe: Stella Rachel Y/L/N is his little girl’s full name. Y/N had tried her best to come up with a name close to Rafe, but all the names closer she found on the internet didn’t go with Stella. Nonetheless, the action still touched him when Y/N told him that was the reason.

And now, he’ll finally get to meet his little star. His hand fidgets with the small nob on his watch, making the hands go clockwise and counterclockwise. He watches as Y/N reads over his toxicology report. She didn’t require him to do a weekly toxicology report to prove that he was staying sober, but he wanted to show her she could trust him. The logical part of him knows she won’t say that he can’t meet Stella, yet a small part of him fears she might. 

The small smile she gives him relieves him of his anxiety, “This is great, Button. I’m so proud of the work you put into staying sober.” Forming a friendship with Y/N was another amazing thing that happened this month. When she started using the nickname she gave him the night Stella was conceived, he felt the air leave his lungs just like it does now. “Thanks. I was really scared that I might relapse this week after I got into an argument with my dad, but I called Diana, did some breathing exercises and looked at my picture of Stella. It all helped me get through it,” he replies truthfully. He had truly felt fear that week when he found himself on the road towards Barry’s trailer. Luckily, he was able to fight through his desire and pull over the car before he got there. Y/N nods and reaches out to place a reassuring hand on his, “Well, I’m glad you were able to recognize your craving and reach out for help with managing it. So do you want to come over after we finish our coffee?” 

His lips stretch so far apart that people would think he is the Joker. He pulls out his phone to check his schedule, “No, I won’t have enough time to go home and change if I come tonight. I also need to get her a few things before I meet her. How about tomorrow afternoon? Is that okay?” “You know you don’t have to make a big deal about this with the changing and the gifts. As long as you love her and show her that love, she is going to reciprocate those feelings,” Y/N argues. 

“I know, I just… Meeting her is all I have been dreaming about for the last month and I want it to be perfect. Plus, it really couldn’t hurt to get her a few bribery toys.”

“I understand how you feel. When Benny came home the week before Stella was born with the wrong colour paint for her room, I almost threw a chair at him. I wanted Finch yellow, but he got funky yellow. It didn’t matter that they were virtually the same colour. I just need her room to be exactly how I planned it. So you can come over tomorrow. Just don’t buy her too many toys.” 

“I can’t be held to a gift-buying limit. I have to make up for five years.”

——

Y/N watches as Stella tries to get ready by herself, thinking about what is going to happen in just ten minutes. “Mommy, help, please,” Stella cries out for help. Y/N’s focus returns to her daughter and she has to stop herself from laughing. Stella has gotten her shirt stuck on her head because she has been trying to get her head through the armhole. Y/N approaches the young girl and helps put her head through the right hole. “You were almost there, Stells. I’m proud of you,” she praises, giving the little girl a kiss on the head. Stella shouts a thank you as she runs into her mom’s room. 

Y/N follows her daughter to her room and carries Stella over to the bed. Once Stella is safely on the bed, Y/N turns toward her dresser to get her perfume. “One tiny spray for this wrist,” Y/N pushes the top of the perfume so the scent falls on her daughter’s wrist. “And one tiny spray for the other. Now, you are ready to go. Why don’t you wait in the living room for Mommy’s special guest to arrive.” The little girl runs off as her mother suggested and Y/N is left alone in her room. She looks at herself in her mirror, wondering how her life is going to change once Stella meets her dad. It’s not that Y/N doesn’t trust Rafe, he has shown her that he really is trying. It’s that Stella isn’t going to be solely Y/N’s anymore. She will have to share some parenting duties with Rafe and it feels strange for her to do that. She is the one who stayed up with Stella when she was puking all night last year. She is the one who would read the little girl a bedtime story every day. She is the one Stella goes to when she is scared. Now, Y/N is going to have to learn to let Rafe do those things too. 

Rafe nervously wipes the sweat off of his palm and adjusts the hat on his head. The time on the clock shows he is five minutes early, but he can’t wait any longer. He knocks on the door and rocks on the balls of his feet. The door creaks open, yet Rafe is met with an empty doorway. It is only when he looks down that he sees the perfect little star staring up at him with her brilliant blue eyes. “Stella Rachel Y/L/N, what have I told you about answering the door to strangers?” Y/N scolds, walking into the room with an adorable motherly look. Stella looks back at her mother with a pouty look, “I’m sorry, Mommy. But I knows we were going to have a special guest.”

Rafe is in awe at how adorable she is, but he takes this as his chance to do the first fatherly act he will ever do. “Your mother is right, Stella. What if I was a stranger?” he poses, kneeling down to her level. She gives him wide eyes, “But you weren’t. You are the man who Mommy yelled at.” Her words cause pain to shoot through his heart. The first memory his little girl has of him is his argument with her mother. Y/N can see the hurt that crosses Rafe’s face and beckons the pair away from the doorway. “Yes, he is, Baby. But he apologized to Mommy and we are friends again. Did you see his hat?” Y/N points out. The small blue eyes move from his face up to his head and her eyes turn to delight. “You’re wearing a witch’s hat!” she exclaims, reaching up to her father’s head to try it on. “Can I try it on, please?” Glad that his conversation start is working, he takes the hat off and places it on her tiny head. Everyone giggles as the big hat falls over her eyes. 

Now, that the ice has been sufficiently broken, Y/N decides it is time to make the introduction Rafe has been waiting for. “Stella, do you know why I asked my special friend to come visit?” Y/N sits on the couch, bringing Stella on her lap. The little girl shakes her head and rests it on her mother’s chest. “He’s your Daddy, Baby.” The excitement in his daughter’s eyes as she turns toward him sends him over the moon. The tiny girl flings herself into her arms and screams his new name. He never thought someone would call him those words, but now it’s the only one he wants to hear. “Does that mean you can play witch with me? I have a hat you can borrow.” With her now in his arms, he can smell the familiar vanilla fragrance of Y/N’s perfume. It makes him smile that she wants to be just like her mommy. Before he can answer, she runs off to her room to get her toys. She returns dragging a big plastic cauldron behind her. Rafe feels his father's instinct kick in. He jumps off of the couch and runs over to pick her and the cauldron up in his arms. Stella looks at him in awe, “Wow, my Daddy is super strong.” This absolutely kills him and he kisses her on the cheek. 

——

Y/N, Stella and Rafe have spent the afternoon playing various games their daughter wanted to play. When it got closer to dinner time, the three of them worked together to make something to eat. “Button, can you please pour me some more water?” Y/N asks, holding up her glass for him to do it. He picks up the water pitcher and pours it for her, “Of course, Buttercup.” Stella may be three and eleven months old, but she is very observant. Throughout the afternoon, she noticed the tiny glances Rafe would send Y/N’s way. She noticed how his hand would reach to find her skin, yet it never seemed to land. She noticed how he would always ask for Y/N’s approval. And just now, she saw how his lips formed a massive smile because of her mother’s attention. 

The small girl starts to form a plan in her head; she can see how much her father is pining for her mother. He clearly needs her help. “Mommy, I like Daddy’s hair. Do you?” she questions, looking back and forward between her parents. Y/N looks up from her food to look at Rafe, “I do like his hair. It looks nice when the front of his hair falls down like a little curtain.” He stops mid-stab of the pasta to look up at her through his lashes. “I’ll take note of that then, Buttercup,” he brings his hand up to hide the blush on his cheeks. Stella is very satisfied with the results of the beginning of her plan. She feels like a genius. Y/N doesn’t know that she is going to regret letting Stella watch Hallmark movies with her. 

——

After dinner, Rafe is preparing for the roughly hour-and-a-half drive back to the Outer Banks. Stella is holding on to Rafe for dear life because she isn’t ready for him to go. “Mommy, why can’t Daddy stay?” she begs, looking at her mother sadly. Y/N frowns at her daughter, “I’m sorry, Baby. Not yet, there is nowhere for him to sleep. Plus, Daddy has work tomorrow and you have daycare.” Rafe can see the struggle Y/N is having with saying no to Stella and he helps her out. “How about I go over to the diner on Friday? I’ll be there when you get back from daycare. Maybe I’ll even have a surprise,” he offers, whispering the last part in her ear. 

The darling’s eyes light up like a Christmas tree and loosens her arms from his neck. “Okay! I can’t wait to see you. Bye, Daddy. I love you,” she bids adieu. She hops down from his arms and runs to get ready for bed. The quicker she goes to bed, the faster Friday comes. Rafe calls back I love you. The two adults laugh at the child as they watch her run off. The laughter dies down and Y/N turns her body toward Rafe. “It’s okay that I come by on Friday, right?” Rafe confirms with a hopeful smile. 

“Of course, as long as you are sober, I won’t stop you from seeing her. The extra business is good too.” 

“Haha, I’ll make sure to deposit my paycheck before I go in then. Also, please let me know if you need anything. Money for food, rent, toys, clothes, tuition. Anything, okay. I want to pull my weight. She’s my daughter too.”

“I will, I promise. Thank you for coming over tonight. You made her day.”

They both look at each other for a second and then notice the time. “I should probably get going. It’s getting late,” Rafe concludes, taking a step closer to the door. Y/N tries to hide her slight disappointment, “Uh, yeah. Drive safe. See you on Friday.” Rafe nods his head and opens the door. “See you on Friday.” Y/N stays by the door as she watches Rafe walk down her driveway. She waves goodbye to him as he gets into his car and drives away. Once he is out of sight, she closes the door and reflects on the day. It was strange to have Rafe there, but she doesn’t regret the decision. She saw how much he cared for Stella and it solidified the idea in her mind that he is meant to be a father. This is a new kind of normal that she can get used to. 

——

Since Sarah and Rafe moved out of Tannyhill, Ward insisted on having family dinner every week. Everyone knows Sarah’s departure is the main reason why Ward wanted to do so, especially since Ward tried to have just Sarah come to dinner. However, thanks to Sarah, Ward gave in to inviting Rafe. Most dinners start with Ward getting small talk with Rafe about work out of the way before he moves on with asking Sarah about a full second-by-second breakdown of her week. And this Wednesday is not any different, but Rafe has something else other than work to talk to his dad about. 

“Actually, Dad, there is something I want to talk to you about,” Rafe brings to the table, looking Ward dead in his eyes. Ward stops chewing, not really expecting Rafe to have anything else to say. Ward tilts the end of his fork toward Rafe, “Okay, what is it?” “I have a daughter. Her name is Stella. She is three years old, almost four. And she looks exactly like me,” Rafe gets everything out in one go. He may have known about Stella for a month now, but he didn’t want to tell his family until he knew he could step up and be the person his daughter needed. This causes everyone at the table to freeze and look at Rafe in surprise. Ward’s eyes narrow; his brows become one. “What do you mean?” he gets out in a rough tone. 

“I mean that five years ago, I had sex with Y/N and she had a baby nine months after that. I didn’t know about Stella until last month. I didn’t want to tell you guys until I was a month sober and certain that I could be there for her.”

“You better tell me that this is a joke because I can’t believe that you could be that much of a screw-up. How do you even know she is your daughter?”

“I told you, she looks exactly like me.”

“How do you know that’s not because you want to believe she does? How do you know that bitch isn’t lying to you? You were so useless that you didn’t even get a paternity.” 

Rafe stands up at what Ward calls Y/N and points a finger at his father. “You have no right to call her that. I know she isn’t lying because I trust her. I won’t make her get a paternity test,” he yells. Ward lets out a low chuckle, “Okay, fine. Do whatever you want. But I’m going to need you to get a lawyer and write up a contract for child support if that’s what the bitch is after. There is no way you are actually going to raise that kid.” “You need to stop calling the mother of your granddaughter a bitch. And why can’t I raise my daughter? You are always telling me I need to take responsibility and I am. Why can’t you just be proud of me?” he argues, his anger getting to a whole other level. The other members of the dinner see that this fight is not about to end any time soon, so Sarah steps in. “Dad, stop. This isn’t going anywhere. And you should be proud of Rafe. He overcame his addiction just so that he could be a better father. That’s amazing and I’m proud of him for that. I, for one, am excited to meet my niece,” Sarah reasons. Wheezie butts in too, “I want to meet Stella too.” Rafe gives them a thankful smile but gets up angrily.  

“Thank you guys for your support. I’ll talk to Y/N to find out when you can meet Stells. Dad, I wish I could say that I am surprised but I’m not,” he begins. “No matter what I do, I will never compare to Sarah and I won’t force you to meet your granddaughter. I think I’m going to go. Goodbye.” Rafe storms out of the house and slams the door. He gets to his truck and is about to drive away, yet he knows he shouldn’t. If he goes now, he is scared it will lead him to Barry’s. Instead, he pulls out his phone and dials a number that recently entered his contacts. “Hey, Button. Is everything okay?” Her voice is like a light guiding him back to home base. He vehemently shakes his head, “No, I’m not. Do you have time to talk?” Y/N immediately stops what she is doing and gives him her full attention for the whole night. 

Taglist: @loves0phelia @thelomlisrafecameron @wickedlovely121 @thepatriarchykeychain @drewsmusee @starkowswife @maybankslover @forstarkey @loving-and-dreaming @drewstarkeyswifehoe @kisstaya @magicalyoura @mp-littlebit @loverfu55ii @dark1paradise @sublimepenguinpeach-blog @alyisdead @emeloyy @js-a-writer

[eirenical]

Mysterious Lotus Casebook | Lian Hua Lou | 莲花楼 | Episode 10

"Since you have been poisoned with the deadliest poison, no poison can harm you anymore."

--Monk Wuliao

I've been thinking a lot about this line lately, and its potential repercussions. In context, this is Li Lianhua remembering Monk Wuliao's words from when he was healed as much as he could have been from the Bicha Poison 10 years ago. Shortly before these remembered words, there is a flashback wherein it is revealed that Li Xiangyi had a nut allergy that made him break out in hives. That bowl of food he's eating is a nut porridge brought to him by Yun Biqiu. (There are less dangerous ways to see if this person is your former sect leader, Biqiu! O_o;;;) Anyway, as he is eating this nut porridge, and remembering this line, Li Lianhua is distinctly NOT breaking out in hives.

The conclusion that we are clearly supposed to draw is that the Bicha Poison has prevented the "toxin" of the nuts from harming its host.

...but why stop there?

If a nut is a poison for the purpose of this mechanism of action, then what about other drugs/medications? After all, to quote one of my favorite sayings: "Healers and poisoners are folks with similar skill sets and wildly different philosophies." Or to put it as I learned it in my toxicology class in vet school: "All medicines are poisons at the right dose."

So if a nut can be a poison, then medications CERTAINLY are. And if the Bicha poison recognizes the nut as a poison and prevents it from acting, then we can assume it would do the same to any medications.

That explains why Medicine Demon's priceless potions DON'T WORK.

That explains why the snake bites DON'T WORK.

That explains why Guan Hemeng's medicines DON'T WORK.

It also explains why Li Lianhua is so convinced that Fan Duobing's pill from Tianji Hall and Di Feisheng's Wangchuan Flower WON'T work.

Because once you've been poisoned by Bicha Poison, NO OTHER POISON WILL HARM YOU... or help you.

And taking that a step further, it means that every time Li Lianhua has been sick or injured or in need of pain medication in the past ten years, NONE OF IT WOULD HAVE WORKED. And considering how much more fragile he is now than he used to be, that absolutely breaks my heart.

Just imagine that every time he was ill or injured, he had to weigh the benefits of using Yangzhouman to heal himself versus the risk of using too much and shrinking the time he had left even more. How many times must he have chosen to just power through and hope he makes it to the other side? No wonder he's so reluctant to let Guan Hemeng examine him and try to help. No wonder he doesn't want to waste everyone else's precious medications on himself. He knows they'll do nothing.

...excuse me while I go cry in a corner now. TT^TT

[lyndeeznuts]

Thoughts on future playable characters in Fear and Hunger Termina

Tanaka

His gameplay needs to be built around relying on others. Like his arc as an NPC, he needs to get stronger through learning about comradarie and friendship. He’d be a weak early game but very strong late game character.

As the player character, I see him as being able to take advantage of his latent soul to learn skills without the hexen from other characters.

As a party member, perhaps he plays more of a supportive role or has some kind of “copy stance” where he replicates another party member’s attack

He needs to be especially killable at the beginning of the game lol

For B ending players, his character creation would have a path that allows you to determine how much he adopts a ruthless outlook to the business world. I see that leading to a skill like Backstab which perhaps could allow for the pre-moonscorched killing of party members outside of safe hubs.

Please bring back the rugged handsome looks skill. It would be so funny if Tanaka was the only one with a seduce option (not even Pav should get it)

Samarie

As a counterpoint to Tanaka, I think Samarie players should be incentivized to NOT work with others

Like I imagine her difficulty interacting directly with others would cause some party members to occasionally not do what you say or something

Also, she just gets a buff by having fewer party members.

She’ll likely get necromancy or blood golem to compensate for this to get some controllable meat shields bc the contestants can be risky

I could imagine her having some sort of analyze type skill because she’s used to closely observing Marina

Starts out with mind read ofc

Pav

It’s intriguing that he has an ability related to commanding party members

His gameplay should rely on more of that. Maybe he could give a party member a free command each battle, like shield other party members.

Most of his skills should probably just be taken from other skill lines (gun proficiency, intimidate, etc)

Henryk

We need more LORE

Why does he seem familiar with Caligura? Why can he fight okay? (Melee proficiency)

My guess is that he’s a former street urchin/mob guy aiming for the high life

I could see him having steal which I imagine he would have used in the service industry

A skill that makes it possible to craft healing (and not just buffs) with food

Also a character building path where you learn toxicology/poison bc of what he does in the speakeasy in day 3….

August

I feel like he works better as a supportive NPC.

He should stay that way but have more ways to interact with him.

At most, he should be a (possibly temporary) party member.

He’s a skilled hunter. He should have Analyze

Caligura

Similar to above

He should stay a NPC but we should be able to interact with him more

[juniperpublishers-nutrition]

Influence of oligochitosans and highly molecular chitosan on Lactobacillus bulgaricus cultivation

Abstract

It was established that decrease of oligochitosans with molecular masses 7.0, 25.4, 45.3 kDa concentration in the process of Lactobacillus bulgaricus cultivation leads to fermented dairy product pH reduction and titratable acidity increase. Further increase in titratable acidity and decrease of lactic acid microorganisms’ amount was determined during the fermented dairy product storage process. Oligochitosans with molecular masses 7.0, 25.4, 45.3 kDa in concentrations interval from 0.0025 to 0.01 per cent did not exhibit prebiotic properties. Active acidity elevation and titratable acidity depression was observed at the chitosan with molecular mass 350 kDa concentration rises. Also increase of highly molecular chitosan concentration leads to elevation of lactic acid microorganisms’ total amount, which was more than three degree as many as total count of lactic acid bacteria in control sample.

Keywords: Chitosan; Oligochitosan; Lactic acidbacteria; Lactose, Lactic acid fermentation; Lactic acid

Introduction

Starters of the Lactobacillus bulgaricus species pure cultures are widely used for manufacturing of functional fermented dairy products with dietary and health-promoting properties. The prospective way of fermented milks production technological development is enrichment with chitosan [1-3]. Chitosan is a biogenic heteropolymer consists of N-acetylglucosaminaine and glucosaminresidues [2,4]. Chitosan has high molecular mass and soluble in organic acids [5,6]. Low-molecular derivatives of chitosan are represented byolygochitosans with a molecular mass from 2 to 50 kDa, which are well soluble in water. Chitosan and olygochitosans are able to interact with Lactobacillus bulgaricus cells by a different mechanism depending of their molecular mass [7-9]. Teichoic acid negatively charged molecules of lactic acidbacteria cells are capable to multi-point ion binding with positively charged high-molecular chitosan, whereas their cytoplasmic membrane proteins interact with oligochitosans [4,9]. The consequence of this process may be a change in metabolic processes in lactic acid bacteria cells. The goal of research was to study the effect of different concentrations of high-molecular chitosan and oligochitosans with varying molecular mass on lactic acid fermentation process driven by Lactobacillus bulgaricus.

Materials and Methods

Targets of research were skim milk, starter culture of lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus bulgaricus (producer: Dairy Plant “Stavropolsky”, Russia), chitosan with a molecular mass of 350 kDa and a 95 per cent degree of deacetylation (manufacturer: “Bioprogress LLC”, Russia). Oligochitosans with molecular masses of 7.0, 25.4, 45.3 kDa and 96 per cent degree of deacetyration was prepared by the previously described technique [5]. Dry skim milk was reconstituted to a dry mass concentration of (10 ± 0.2) % by dissolving in distilled water at temperature 30 to 35 °C. Reconstituted skim milk after recombination was characterized by the following parameters: mass concentration of fat 0.15 per cent, mass concentration of protein 3.2 per cent,mass concentration of lactose 5 per cent. The solution of chitosan with molecular mass 350kDa in 2 per cent concentration lactic acid aqueous solution with mass concentration 1 per cent was added into skim milk experimental samples for preparation of mixture with final concentration of chitosan 0.0025, 0.005, 0.0075 and 0.01 per cent respectively. Similar experiments were carried out using oligohitosans with molecular masses of 7.0, 25.4, 45.3 kDa in above mentioned concentrations. The starter culture of Lactobacillus bulgaricus was inoculated in the amount of 3 per cent of the total samples volume after pasteurization of the mixture and cooling to the fermentation temperature of (43 - 45) °C. The end of the fermentation process was determined by organoleptic curd density, as well as by titratable and active acidity. Experimental and control samples were stored during 17 days at 4 ± 2 °С after completion of fermentation process. Following parameters were tested in triplicate during storage of control and experimental samples: pH by potentiometry, titratable acidity by titrimetric analysis and total count of lactic acid bacteria (CFU per gram).

Results and Discussions

The effect of highly molecular chitosan and oligohitosans with a molecular weight of 7.0, 25.4, 45.3 kDa various concentrations on fermented dairy products physical and chemical properties during the cultivation of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and long-term storage process was studied.

As shown in Tables 1 &2, decrease in the concentration of oligochitosans leads to significant decrease in pH and increase of titratable acidity after 20 hours of cultivation.

This is explained by the fact that oligohitosans with molecular masses of 7.0, 25.4, 45.3 kDa in concentrations of 0.0025 and 0.005 percent effectively interact with the proteins of the lactic acid bacteria cytoplasmic membrane. This interaction induces bacterial stress [10]. Consequently, lactose enzymatic hydrolysis and lactic acid production are accelerated resulting in titratable acidity increase. The elevation of oligohitosans concentration leads to promotion of their interaction with bacterial cells teichoic acid molecules. This type of interaction influences on lactic acid bacteria cells cytoplasmic membrane permeability and as a result inhibit rate of lactose metabolism. Highly molecular chitosan concentration variation did not lead to significant changes of pH and titratable acidity of fermented skim milk in comparison with control samples. Chitosan with a molecular mass of 350 kDa puts into effective multi-point ion binding with negatively charged teichoic acid molecules of Lactobacillus bulgaricus cells. This is due to the presence into highly molecular chitosan structure of about 1850 amino groups. Lactose assimilation and lactic acid formation rates are changed depending on highly molecular chitosan concentration.

Physical and chemical properties of fermented dairy products during long-term storage at 4 ± 2 °С were studied after the completion of the Lactobacillus bulgaricus cultivation process. It was established that optimal organoleptic attributes (taste and odor) of fermented product control sample are achieved after 5 days of storage at pH 4.2 - 4.5 and titratable acidity 70 - 140 °T. Organoleptic attributes of this product deteriorated during the further storage.

As shown in Table 3, optimal titratable acidity of fermented milks experimental samples containing oligochitosans at a concentration of 0.01 per cent persisted for up to 17 days. Further increase of titratable acidity of experimental samples containing oligochitosans at a concentration 0.0025, 0.005 and 0.0075 per cent was observed during the storage after the completion of the fermentation process.

Decrease in titratable acidity of fermented dairy product experimental samples was detected when concentration of chitosan with molecular mass 350 kDa increased in interval from 0.0025 to 0.01 percent. Therefore high-molecular chitosan concentration elevation reduces the intensity of lactic acid fermentation in experimental samples. The most powerful process of lactose homo fermentative fermentation inhibition occurred in a sample containing high-molecular chitosan in concentration of 0.01 per cent. The decrease of lactose assimilation intensity by Lactobacillus bulgaricus cells may be propelled by two reasons. The interaction between chitosan molecules and lactic acid bacteria cells cytoplasmic membrane leads to disturbance of membrane permeability for β-galactosidase enzyme, which catalases the reaction of lactose into glucose and galactose hydrolysis. At the same time structural changes in cell cytoplasmic membrane cause retardation of lactose hydrolysis products active transport into bacterial cells.

Thus, there is an inhibition of lactic acid formation in the process of fermented dairy product containing high-molecular chitosan storage, which stimulates the preservation of a large number of lactic acid bacteria. This is confirmed by the data of lactic acid microorganisms ‘quantitative accounting in control and experimental samples after 17 days of storage, as shown in Table 4.

The data presented in Table 4 indicates that oligohitosans with molecular masses of 7.0, 25.4, 45.3 kDa did not affect significantly on Lactobacillus bulgaricus grows rates during fermented dairy products storage process. Addition of highly molecular chitosan in concentrations of 0.0075 and 0.01 per cent in fermented milks increased the content of lactic acid microorganisms,which was more than three degree as many as total count of lactic acid bacteria in control sample.

Thus, tested samples ofoligohitosans with varying degrees of polymerization did not exhibit prebiotic properties and did not prolong the shelf life of fermented dairy products. High-molecular chitosan in a concentration of 0.01 per cent can be recommended as a prebiotic, prolonging the shelf life of fermented milks, manufactured with application of Lactobacillus bulgaricus starter cultures.

To Know More About Nutrition and Food Science International Journal 

Please click on: https://juniperpublishers.com/nfsij/index.php

For more Open Access Journals in Juniper Publishers

please click on: https://juniperpublishers.com/index.php

[turbulentscrawl]

Luchino Diruse General HCs

The time has finally come. I have a LOT to say about Luchino. This covers both his survivor and hunter forms, and it might be a bit jumbled because I had so many thoughts to try and organize.

-The exact subject of the Professor’s research is left in the air, but given his focus on venom and poisons, and the necessity of testing them on animals, I’m guessing he worked in toxicology. He likely helped to develop antidotes and other products from the substances he and his colleagues studied—and taught students about these subjects in the university laboratory—as well as had a general interest in reptile biology and genetics.

-While Luchino was a bit too open to self-testing during his venom and toxicology research, he did not willingly take the mutated reptile’s venom. The information provided for Luchino doesn’t specifically say that the venom was forced on him…but Luchino’s experiment report from his first manor game describes him as “Vigilant” and as having a “moderate thirst for knowledge.” He was also the only one to survive, due to his curiosity and his respect for potential danger. Because of these, I find it unlikely that he would let a mysterious, mutating reptile bite him. When he self-tested venom before, it’s said he always had antidotes/antivenoms within reach. This just isn’t a risk he’d take. Additionally, Luchino went missing from the labs where this happened, and Dr. Thompson was never mentioned again, so I think it’s likely there was some sort of struggle immediately after Luchino was bitten. For that, a fight had to have been warranted.

-Eli describes Luchino as cautious, dignified, courteous, and “kinder and more friendly than expected.” You all know I talk about it any time I can, but I state once again that Luchino is a gentleman to most if not all people. His vigilance mentioned earlier makes his intuition rather good, so he can fairly reliably tell good people apart from the bad, and uses that to keep himself a safe distance from trouble. He’s also very open-minded and sees atypical traits and behaviors as interesting more than anything else. He feels secure in his judgement of people, which allows his curiosity for all things to flourish.

-But he’s also obsessed with his work. Sometimes that makes him willing to cut corners. (Once again, self-testing with venom.) Which is how he got himself in his current predicament in the first place. He had some concerns about the intentions of Dr. Thompson asking for his help…but his curiosity for this new and strange reptile overpowered his concerns.

-Luchino is a man of indulgence (indicated both by some of the prior hcs, and his S-tier skin wherein he is Dionysus, a god of pleasure and madness.) He sees no sense in being ashamed of desiring sensual, carnal, or dangerous things. Luscious food, rich wine, mind-blowing sex. He also indulges his thirst for knowledge with hands-on experimentation. But indulgence implies a choice, self-control. Indulgence means giving in to something you typically deny yourself. This is where he and Evil Reptilian really diverge.

-So E.R. is very much still Luchino, personality-wise…but his new, more animalistic nature has made him entirely beholden to impulse. He’s still rather gentlemanly, and still a man-beast of science, but he’s more reactive to aggression/challenges and gives into his desires almost indiscriminately. And several of those desires are very much based in his newfound carnivorousness; he’s one of the most vicious hunters because his instinct screams at him to chase and kill anything that runs.

-The two do get along…but Luchino and he strongly disagree on how good the end results of his biological changes are. E.R. considers all of his changes to be positive; he’s faster, stronger, and still smart as a whip—he’s far more capable, overall. Meanwhile Luchino can look at his Hunter self and see exactly how much of his self-restraint is gone. Luchino thinks the biggest thing separating man from animals is free will, and you can’t truly have that if you’re a slave to your impulses.

-Luchino’s COA skin has what I’m pretty sure is an explosive strapped to his chest, which indicates to me that he’d rather go out in a blaze of glory than lose himself entirely. And as a lot of the A/S tier skins share something with their core character, I assume this trait is the same for regular Luchino. Some people theorize that he’s unbothered by his changes, but I don’t think that’s entirely true. As much as he’s intrigued and excited about the scientific implications of the changes he’s undergone, Luchino DOES NOT want to become a mindless animal, to lose himself entirely. He’d rather die and take his mind and all its knowledge with him than let it waste away.

-He’s a more dominant sort of person, but he’s secure in it and his masculinity, so he’s not overbearing or pushy. Rather, Luchino passively presents as something of a natural leader (if not a slightly removed one) because of his level-headed judgement and work ethic. So people tend to look to him for direction. If they don’t, and if he doesn’t like the person who is leading, he’s fine just stepping away and doing his own thing. He’s always the dominant partner in his romantic entanglements and enjoys taking on a provider role.

-He’s not as reclusive as Alva or Luca, but he is less outwardly social than others. He blends in well with most crowds and paces the amount he speaks when in conversation with others. He’s one of those who prompts others to talk more with thoughtful questions—sometimes just to listen to someone he cares for talk more, and sometimes to subtly get information out of someone.

-Despite a few “mad scientist” tendencies, Luchino isn’t usually hyper focused to the point of damaging his health. He’s typically good about sticking to a regular sleep schedule, stays relatively active, and eats healthy. He’s in good shape despite having a career that keeps you at a desk a lot.

-Supposedly, Luchino played a hand in the “failure” of Dr. Thompson’s “matchmaking” business, and this is what made the man want revenge on him. Luchino expresses concern for this, implying that he doesn’t know for sure if he caused it, but feels bad if he did. As such, I’m under the impression that Luchino was just making some negative commentary about the idea of a “matchmaking service” to their colleagues. Luchino seems to have been likeable and respected, so word got around about his opinion on the matter and the business (likely already struggling) tanked.

[donnabenevientosimpingzone]

Professor Benevientos notes cuz I spent way too much time thinking about this AU

Donna

- sticks mostly with @shortstrawberry’s AU which originally inspired this

- Botanist and Toxicologist professor, teaches both undergrads and grads

- Still a doll maker that does it as a hobby, takes commissions at her own leisure online for extra cash

- In charge of the greenhouses, she designs the labs in there too

- She’s also conducting her own research in there for her PhD

- Is usually very on-top of students, she’ll reach out to students she notices not doing well in the class and do her best to assist in their success

- Surprisingly prefers teaching toxicology, but that’s mostly because she gets to work with Claudia for those lessons

- Workaholic, she’ll drown herself in grading papers or reading research papers and needs constant reminders to eat

- Most students are intimidated by her lol

Claudia

- Trauma surgeon and a licensed family doctor, she works these during weekends and holidays

- She teaches Anatomy and Physiology, as well as Biochemistry every other year

- Also an instructor in the organic chemistry labs if she can fit it in her schedule

- In charge of the cadaver labs

- Mostly teaches undergrads

- A pretty laid back professor, she definitely has the belief of “you’re paying for this, you’re choosing to be here, and you choose to do well or not”

- That doesn’t mean she’s an unfair professor. She is constantly reworking and reorganizing lessons and exams to make them as fair and educational as they can be

- Tells the best stories if class finishes early. She has the most students that remember her and bond with her out of the sisters

- Sews in her free time, loves making outfits when she can find the time

- Loves bothering the fuck out of her younger sister in staff rooms and meetings (Donna secretly loves it)

Bernadette

- Psychology and Neurology professor, works as a licensed therapist

- Helps with Donna in the greenhouses

- Mostly teaches grad students

- In charge of the Anatomy and Physiology labs

- Has a fair approach with students, she’ll reach out to those who are struggling but doesn’t pursue them

- Use to be on the board but has stepped down since then to make more time for her family

- She will take runs on campus between classes, sometimes Claudia joins her

- The heaviest tea drinker between the sisters, almost always seen with a bottle or flask

- Donna often weaves flowers into her hair and she’s not taking them out for the rest of the day, she’ll rather spread dirt and petals and insects around campus than throw out a flower her baby sis gave her

Angie

- human in this one! Claudia’s daughter

- She’s studying music at the campus, hoping to make it big like movie scores or video game soundtracks

- The building the classes she takes are close enough to the buildings her mom and aunties teach in so she often stops by to visit them

- Definitely privileged- she gets access to back offices and free stuff- especially when Donna is around

- Knows the guitar from her mom, got taught the piano by Bernadette, and both her and Donna learned the violin together. She’s self teaching herself the drums.

- Knows the loopholes around campus rules and abuses the shit out of them

- If there���s a new rule that’s added to campus, it’s because of her

- Doesn’t dorm, she lives with her family- it’s free food, rent, transport, and she doesn’t have to do chores most of the time- why wouldn’t she? (The real reason is that she loves them too much to leave but you won’t hear it from her)

- But she does have a group of friends who are all musicians and all dorm together so when she’s not home she’s with them

[anitoko-17294]

CRK headcanons - Dark cacao kingdom

Dark Cacao Cookie

closeted transwoman who uses He/Him pronouns

Don’t tell anyone, but Dark Cacao secretly owns a jar of ginseng (A type of Korean candy that's for stress relief) in his room that he refills every week

His sleep schedule is the equivalent to the love child of insomnia and narcolepsy

gets sea-sick easily

"Self-care? What’s that?" (Aka, he needs a hug)

In kinship (As in, related) with Moonlight Cookie (I’ll explain later)

Has a fear of hospitals

Affogato Cookie

Likes to study toxicology and marine biology

likes the scent of coffee to an unhealthy degree

the medic of the dark cacao kingdom (And often the one who takes care of Dark cacao cookie if he ever gets sick)

owns a pet fish named Choco Taco

Likes to slip sugar cubes in Dark cacao's food to prank him

Caramel Arrow Cookie

her bow & arrow was a hand-me-down from her grandfather

Likes to have snowball fights with the children of the dark cacao kingdom

Her grandfather was a watcher of the dark cacao

Crunchy Chip Cookie

Adopted younger brother of Dark Choco cookie

his cream wolf is actually an emotional support animal he got when he was 8

Adhd

[panthera-tigris-venenata]

Personal rant ahead✨

okay, so. I'm not sure anyone's reading, but I'm writing this. Maybe putting it in words will help, you know?

I've had a fucking terrible time lately, there's no denying it – I'm not even sure how long it went on. For sure, the last half a year–

Guys, I didn't think I'd survive it.

I'm not lying. God, I'm not lying.

Looking back, I'm not sure how I did survive it, but I did. Somehow. I just kept going. (Till Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes; till Nona the Ninth translation; till Rise of Red; till The Umbrella Academy 4). I fucking kept going even though I was fucking exhausted.

I ended up in the emergency two times, with a panic attack that had me sure I was dying.

I ended up in the psychiatric emergency two times, too, when the emergency personel said taking me to the hospital wouldn't help.

I asked my roommate to send me photos of chemical reactions and formulas to the emergency psych ward. I broke down bad enough to end up there and it continued: two two Exams the next day, final labs and test the next, another exam three days after and two days after that and chemical engineering with about seven hours of prep time. I did these on sedatives that didn't even take away all of the anxiety.

On the weekend then, I crashed at my friend's, completely crashed. I was afraid to stay alone. I was so out of it I was sure i'd die if alone.

(If you're reading this, thank you. Really.)

This doesn't need to be coherent, right?

I've been struggling with food too. Namely, eating enough.

(I tell you, one of the days I ended in emergency: for breakfast, I got half of a pastry, some cottage cheese and handful of cherry tomatoes - that doesn't sound too bad, but it was only half because I was supposed to eat it for dinner the day before. For lunch, well, I decided I'd go swimming, physical activity is supposed to help, right, maybe I'd buy something at the pool? (Spoiler allert, I didn't). I bought one (1) slice of pizza at the subway when getting home from the psych clinic.)

Fun time, right?

With a track record like this, I've managed to lose five kg (about ten pounds?). Problem with this, of course, is that that was a tenth of my total weight.

I'm better now, almost back at my original weight, but sometimes, my brain still screams at me that the food is poisonous.

You know, I've got a pretty strong catalogue of venoms and poisons and alimentary ilnesses. The toxicology and microbiology courses didn't really help. God, I freaked out over soup one time, I was sure it was full of botulotoxin. (It was not. Botulotoxin is termolabile.) (I cried over this for hours anyway and I'm not sure I'll eat that soup again.)

But, you know. I'm trying.

I'm trying.

I got some meds, but - the first ones - it was bad. It was so bad. It was supposed to help, but first, it got worse. I could do nothing but cry for four days, I remember I felt nothing but terror.

It was only a bit better when I went to a summercamp as a councilor- nothing much to say about the camp. But, there was a storm, we were waiting it out outside under an altan with the girls who slept in tents - god, we were all scared. I kept telling fairytales for an hour and then more at curfew for the little ones, I almost lost my voice. (There was a boy with us, about fifteen, helping counsilor. He slowly inched closer as I was telling the fairytales, it was cute.)

Still, the girls were crying, I'm not surprised, the storm was bad, and then there was some scandal among the younger kids about some video, and more people cried. In the end, at least ten people cried. I didn't break down only because I took xanax in between.

I'm not sure if I want to say anything more; I've said enough already.

There's a new school year soon and I'm scared.

[retrogradepermaculture]

Scorpio stuff to celebrate the recent full moon...

🦂 moon in scorpio can hide stuff even from themselves. tend to also click with neptune in scorpio and uranus in scorpio

🦂 scorpio can get on surprisingky well with taurus. they tend to both love luxury bit scorpio will go for darker aesthetics

🦂 plants associated with scorpio can be vipers bugloss, goldenrod, and even woad. these all grow wild across the uk and europe!

🦂 despite being a water sign, scorpios may be drawn to and have an affinity with fire. they may love bonfires and campfires as well as festivals involving fire such as guy fawkes night (uk) Or the lewes fire festival

🦂 scorpio may be drawn to old places and feel most romantic or creative in old, bleak, and abandoned places

🦂 scorpio may love thunderstorms and dramatic weather

🦂 scorpio may look for a romantic partner who enjoys their love for the beyond the ordinary and things that may put most people off...

🦂 scorpio can be obe of the most sensitive to eastern astrological systems such as ba zi and feng shui due to having a keen emotional connection with their environment. note i am not a practitioner so please consult a qualified practitioner for these. but this is something i have noticed.

🦂 scorpio can find their own beauty in things that others may overlook. scorpio resonates well with things you may not expect due to the stereotypes that this is a 'dark' sign. scorpio may benefit ftom the presence of may/hawthorn, apple, cherry, and plum blossoms to bring out their softer and more romantic side. why not give some to a scorpio in your life?

🦂 scorpio can be prone to feel cold and may appreciate a hug. they just won't always admit it.

🦂 scorpio has a natural connection to things that don't just use water but liquid in general. one of the most expansive water signs. may enjoy beautiful paints or alternatively have an affinity for chemistry and toxicology.

🦂 may be freakishly good at reading people but not always understand what to do with the emotional infornation they gain or gather from this process

🦂 may like strong flavours and tastes as well as spicy food. may do things like making homemade moonshine/alcohol or perfumes.