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rallamajoop · 2 years ago

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Resident Evil 7 Ending Text

The ending sequence of RE7 features panning shots of a document containing various photos and text about the project that created Eveline. The text repeats every few paragraphs (often several times in the same image), but it does include some interesting details about Eveline that don't show up elsewhere in the game.

A few lines of the same text even show up again on the side of the Rose flasks in RE8 ‒ Recently deceased. Procedure is untested and early subjects were destroyed too quickly to collect definitive data ‒ and elsewhere, If injections are skipped for prolonged periods of time, the product will age rapidly... (If you have really good eyesight, you might even notice this snippet continues underneath the 'Stabilising Compounds' header.)

But the complete text from RE7 is much longer. I've stuck what I could patch together from the ending sequence under the cut.

The product is a bioweapons commodity created by the Bioweapons Division. It takes the form of a child (in this case a girl named Eveline) which can be purchased and raised to suit individual client needs. Its purpose is mind control — up to and including inducement to violence. Application can vary from political to military to economic destabilization. Method of inducement: chemical transference of psychotropic compounds via skin to skin contact between Product and Subject inducing a mentally suggestive state in the subject responsive only to the product. Known dangers: The Product is currently in the prototype stage and is both mentally and physically unstable requiring regular maintenance injections of stabilizing compounds. If the injections are skipped for prolonged periods of time the Product will age rapidly — 25 Xs faster than normal. Eventually the Product will become insane and a danger to all around it. No tests have been run on subjects depriving them of maintenance chemicals for more than 6 months as the situation became too dangerous for observation. The Product also affects its environment mutating plants and promoting the growth of a highly toxic psychotropic mold, the ingestion of which causes insanity and severe mutations in those who ingest it. There is some indication the use of the mold could revive the recently deceased. However, this has yet to be tested. Early subjects were destroyed much too quickly to collect definitive data on this. Product should ship with a minimum of two Handlers each with serum immunizing them to the Products mental control as well as Stabilizing Compounds. Handlers should be equipped with equipment tuned to Product's biochemisty. One of the Handlers should imprint on the Product as a close relative, either as a mother or as a father figure. This will aid in controlling during field operations. Product is ready for field testing which should be initiated as soon as possible. Suitable clients exist in the Americas, and one should be selected ASAP for test delivery.

Among the more interesting details is that bit about having a handler 'imprint on the Product as a close relative', which is made to sound like it's simply a part of transport procedure ‒ just another thing for handlers to be equipped with. I'd assumed the 'imprinting protocol' Mia refers to in the game meant she must have been involved with the project that created Eveline from early on, but this makes it sound like part of a pre-departure checklist. Could Mia have met Eveline and been 'imprinted' only shortly before they left?

Far creepier is the loud implication that the 'parental' bond of handler to 'Product' would 'aid in controlling during field operations'. Mia gets an awful rap around this fandom, but it's hard to imagine she'd be happy being shipped off as Eveline's permanent field-handler to some foreign government or terrorist organisation ‒ especially given how eager she is to be done with her "babysitting job." But once Eveline was past the 'prototype stage', that sounds like exactly what the Connections intended for handlers like her to do.

Then there's the bit about giving handlers a "serum immunizing them to the Products mental control," which could certainly explain how Mia was able to resist for so long, and is presumably the same agent the Connections supplied to Lucas (I wonder if Zoe ever got her hands on some?) Must be a different serum to the one that actually cures you of the mould, however, since Lucas pretty clearly isn't cured.

Also: There is some indication the use of the mold could revive the recently deceased. However, this has yet to be tested. Early subjects were destroyed much too quickly to collect definitive data on this. Yeah, I'd say that one's been pretty well tested by the end of RE7!

As for that part about Eveline aging 25x faster than normal if not regularly injected with the stabilising compound, the numbers add up surprisingly well! Eveline escaped in October 2014. By September 2016, when Lucas reports she's showing grey hairs, she'd have aged around 2x25=50 years, making her apparent age close to 60. By Ethan's arrival in July 2017, that's 2 years and 9 months, or almost 70 extra years of aging, for total of 80 years old.

Yeah, looks about right to me.

Getting back to RE8, what does it mean that some of this text was reused on the side of the Rose flask? All that stuff about rapid aging clearly applies to Eveline, but seems completely irrelevant to baby Rose.

Much like the RE7 ending, I don't think the text is meant as much more than a bit of convenient lorem ipsum-style filler material ‒ though the fact she's labeled EVE No. 3 is obviously a reference to the project that created Eveline (and yes, the same number appears on all four flasks ‒ it's not a flask number). Which raises the question: who were 1 and 2? Eveline's referred to as E-001, so could 2 be the other member of the E-series we see being killed in necrotoxin tests in the lab photos? Or was Eva 1 and Eveline 2, by Miranda's reckoning? Were these flasks previously used to hold the remains of a previous E-series member tagged E-003?

It's not like it's essential lore or anything, but it'd be interesting to know which version was on the mind of whoever created that asset all the same.

#Resident Evil 7 #Resident Evil Village #Eveline #Rosemary Winters #Mia Winters #RE assets #RE lore #meta

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valleyfthdolls · 1 year ago

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New Mr. Hopp Demonology Post, Because I Seem to Have Lost the Last One

What is the Entity? (Excluding Satan, because that's lame)

Looking at the Ars Goetia, the Dictionnaire Infernal, the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum for demons here, we have roughlyyyyy

Ninety demons, give or take? 72 from both and 12 exclusive to the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum, plus all the ones exclusive to the Dictionnaire Infernal. I'm done counting. So how do we go about this? We see its trademarks- what the Entity is associated with, what its powers are, its modus operandi, and its power level in the underworld, and we compare it to those eighty-nine demons. We have a wide variety, but with this method, we can eliminate large numbers in one fell swoop.

So, what are the Entity's trademarks?

Well, according to the wiki, its powers include- excluding the ones that make no sense like "age changing" and "mouth orbs"- supernatural strength, teleportation, manifestation, telekinesis, dream and mind manipulation, future vision, curses, possession, and the ability to induce hallucinations. Its association is mostly with the things it controls (Mr. Hopp's music box, Isabelle's burning death, etc.), but what I will call to mind here is the number three- the three toys it puppets, the three girls it hunts with varying levels of success, and the Six, with six being a multiple of three (I know, it's a stretch). Its modus operandi- how it enacts its whims- seems to be through children, and mostly through little girls. (ew.)

It takes emotionally vulnerable children (Isabelle, a troubled child who I suspect may have- very big may have- been an orphan living in a Christian almshouse in the 1560s, Esther, who was an orphan living in an abusive orphanage who I thought had lost her parents to war, but I guess not, and Ruby, who had recently lost her beloved Nana) and preys on those feelings of pain and alienation, promising them "luxury and comfort"- through the powers of The Six, I assume this to be powers such as telekinesis, manifestation, knowledge, and protection/immunity/immortality. It then takes these children to the underworld to feed on their souls, likely for power.

Also worth noting is that it leads armies in the underworld and is of a high rank. Not worth noting is that it is a fallen angel and "the embodiment of sin and evil in many cultures"- not only because I'm forgoing the Satan approach but also because the former is true of all demons and the latter is... vague, at best, and factually incorrect with regards to Satan at worst.

So looking at that, we need a high ranking demon who promises "luxury", eternal life and protection, preys on children, possesses people, is associated in some capacity with the number three, can manifest things (spirits, objects, whatever), and either has a goat head and/or numerous legs or can shapeshift.

The two closest candidates for the Entity include:

Bael- three headed, numerous legs, shapeshifting, yellow snake eyes according to one source, king of hell, potential child sacrifices (VERY disputed), offers wisdom, invisibility and invincibility, has a hoarse voice, one source says he can induce nightmares, appears in dreams, can possess people

Paimon- two subordinates, hoarse voice, knowledge of past and future, manifestation, inducing visions (hallucinations), reanimating the dead, heralded by music, king of hell, can possess people

Between these two, which one is most likely to be the Entity?

Well, I think it's Bael.

While Paimon's two subordinates call to mind Miss Bo and Mr. Stripes and his ability to induce visions and manifest things is similar to the Entity, the unique parallels end there. Paimon is loyal to Lucifer, and the Entity is independent. To summon him, it's believed that you need to make him an offering- opposite to the Entity, who offers Isabelle the Six. Paimon is depicted as a human riding a camel, as opposed to anything goatlike, and the Entity's music- first of all, a music box, not trumpets like the ones Paimon is heralded by- is only a product of its control of the Mr. Hopp doll.

The Entity is a shapeshifter whose "monster form" has four to six legs, with yellow snake-like eyes, who offers wisdom and invincibility, has a hoarse voice, induces nightmares and appears in dreams. It takes over children, burns them, and rules over hell just like Bael. There's actually no proof that Miss Bo and Mr. Stripes are controlled by any separate entities- in fact, it's more likely that they're all controlled by the same one, making Paimon's subordinates irrelevant. What it does call to mind, however, is Bael's three heads. One for each toy it controls.

And very notably about those toys, when they merge into one in the end of Mr. Hopp's Playhouse 2, the amalgamate has those signature three heads.

But the cherry on top, I think, is the fact that not one but three of the sigils of the Six bear a resemblance to Bael's sigil. Now, all of the Six are exceedingly simple for sigils, I'll come right out the gate and say that, but notably, three of them feature stylized X shapes, which each resemble the sigil of Bael.

The Entity is the sole ruler of the Underworld, like some stories say Bael was at one point, but maybe the other sigils represent angels of some kind? After all, we do know of at least three angels (Esther, the Entity pre-banishment, and whatever banished the Entity) but when we traverse the Underworld, there's only one demon and a bunch of human spirits. And the Six are meant to represent balance, so having three of them worn, used, and corrupted by Bael and the other three for the light powers utilized by Esther to ward off its evil.

TLDR; it's Bael.

#mr hopps playhouse #mr hopp #mhp #mr hopp's playhouse 2 #mr hopp's playhouse 3 #mhp the entity

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didanawisgi · 5 months ago

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Geert Vanden Bossche: “Many are likely wondering by now whether my theory regarding the further evolution of the virus and the escalation toward a tsunami of C-19 hospitalizations and deaths will ever come to pass and whether such a frightening outcome is indeed the only scientifically plausible scenario for the chronic phase of this pandemic to end. I have asked myself that question hundreds of times. Essentially, people are wondering whether there might be another way to bring this SARS-CoV-2 (SC-2) pandemic to an end. That this pandemic is still very much ongoing is beyond the slightest doubt. The virus continues to systematically produce new variants, even though for quite some time now, these have taken the form of quasispecies[1]. The viral transmission rate is still relatively high, especially because of the high intrinsic infectiousness of the circulating variants and since infections by the currently circulating variants are often mild or asymptomatic.

Even though symptomatic infections now frequently have a milder or more chronic course and viral concentrations in wastewater remain relatively low, it is crystal clear that the currently circulating SC-2 variants still cause C-19 illness, hospitalizations and even deaths. The interpretation by our health authorities and, unfortunately, also by many scientists and experts that this pandemic is gradually fading out to transition into a seasonal infection—like the flu—is, therefore, pure nonsense. It has long been evident that populations in highly C-19 vaccinated regions are unable to develop sterilizing herd immunity. In other words, the SC-2 pandemic is far from over; at most, it has taken on a different course (i.e., a more chronic progression) and has meanwhile caused many animal species to now also serve as reservoirs for the virus.

In my view, the relatively ‘milder’ course of the declining number of acute reinfections can be attributed to a buffering effect exerted by migratory dendritic cells (DCs) patrolling the upper respiratory tract. Their lectin receptors strongly interact with viral sugars on the surface of the highly infectious circulating variants (see Fig. 1 appended below). Upon exposure, an increasing number of these highly infectious variants are ‘parked’ on these DCs instead of being internalized into susceptible epithelial cells. This likely explains the decline in the rate of productive viral infection. This is the main reason why both laypeople and scientists are under the mistaken impression that the pandemic is waning and will soon transition into a seasonal epidemic that—according to our poorly educated health authorities—could be managed in a flu-like manner through annual vaccination of the most vulnerable in the population! However, those among us who made just a bit more effort to understand these complex biological phenomena realize that vaccination against actively circulating respiratory viruses that easily mutate and/or tend to recombine in animal reservoirs not only further promotes viral immune escape but may even be dangerous when the neutralizing capacity of vaccine-induced antibodies (Abs) against new variants to which vaccinated individuals are exposed decreases significantly. This is because such Abs markedly increase the risk of Ab-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection. Both suboptimal virus neutralization and ADE of infection promote the further spread of the virus, respectively by facilitating natural selection of viral immune escape variants and ‘enhancing’ viral infectiousness.

This begs the question: If vaccination is far from an effective method to curb the spread of currently circulating SC-2 variants that easily mutate or are prone to recombination, what alternative options do we have to contain the ongoing C-19 pandemic, which is now increasingly characterized by viral transmission from individuals with milder but prolonged clinical symptoms?

Given the current immune-epidemiological situation in highly C-19 vaccinated countries, I can only think of two scenarios that could contribute to ending the pandemic -both, however, by promoting the hyperacute tsunami of C-19 hospitalizations and deaths that I have been predicting.

I recently discussed one of these scenarios in a previous contribution that is available on the VSS website (https://www.voiceforscienceandsolidarity.org/scientific-blog/large-scale-flu-vaccination-could-facilitate-or-expedite-a-tsunami-of-case-fatalities). It involves the reverse zoonosis of SC-2 in highly vaccinated C-19 populations, leading to a higher prevalence of mild to asymptomatic infections by avian influenza viruses in birds. The fulminant expansion of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) involving multiple genetic lineages (primarily belonging to the H5N1 subtype) that have evolved through genetic drift and reassortment, is clearly increasing the likelihood that a strain could emerge that is well adapted to humans and capable of enabling human-to-human transmission upon zoonotic spill-over to humans. Airborne avian influenza virus spread by birds could theoretically trigger rapid global panzootics in several mammalian species or even a global pandemic in humans, causing high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in immunologically naïve populations. While this possibility cannot be fully ruled out, I don’t believe HPAI will sufficiently adapt to mammalian populations that have a high prevalence of species-specific anti-influenza antibodies (Abs). Indeed, it is reasonable to assume that the better newly emerging avian flu strains bind to cell-surface receptors of susceptible mammalian cells, the more likely they are to be recognized by pre-existing infection- or vaccine-induced Abs against species-specific seasonal flu viruses. For example, it is estimated that about 50–60% of the human population in the United States has such Abs. However, this recognition is non-functional or suboptimal because these Abs only cross-react with, but do not cross-neutralize, avian flu strains due to some antigenic similarity between certain epitopes on the hemagglutinin (HA) or neuraminidase (NA) proteins. Such cross-reactivity may lead to ADE of disease (ADED) in populations with high levels of anti-flu Abs.

Given the current surge in seasonal influenza cases—especially in C-19 vaccinated individuals—and the recommendations to vaccinate against seasonal influenza, the proportion of the population with high anti-flu Ab titers is now certainly increasing in many highly C-19 vaccinated countries. It is therefore likely that, instead of witnessing a truly global avian flu pandemic, we will see an increasing number of individual case fatalities due to ADED in highly C-19 vaccinated populations. This will not only affect individuals who developed high titers of infection-induced anti-flu Abs after suffering from serious breakthrough infections with seasonal flu, but also those with high vaccine-induced anti-flu Ab titers, regardless of their C-19 vaccination status. For this reason, I strongly advise against vaccination against the seasonal influenza virus, even in the context of current multi-country flu surges. On the other hand, individuals with weak innate immunity (e.g., those with underlying diseases or those who failed to train their cell-mediated innate immunity due to C-19 vaccination) could also develop high anti-flu Ab titers. These individuals might consider taking antiviral medications at the early onset of symptoms.

However, given the current surge in viral respiratory infections unrelated to SC-2 (e.g., seasonal flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus [RSV], and Human Metapneumovirus [hMPV]) in highly C-19 vaccinated populations, a much more compelling factor is likely to drive the end of the chronic phase of the C-19 pandemic. As previously explained, circulating, highly infectious SC-2 variants are increasingly being adsorbed onto migratory DCs patrolling the upper respiratory tract (URT). This not only dampens the rate of productive viral infection but also prevents antiviral immunity from being stimulated, as DCs cannot serve as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) unless the virus or antigen is internalized into these cells—rather than merely adsorbed onto them. This explains why the evolutionary dynamics of this pandemic seem delayed, as viral production and shedding are diminished but cannot be entirely abrogated due to the lack of sterilizing immunity. At this ‘metastable’ stage of the pandemic, viral transmission largely relies on weak but prolonged viral shedding by an increasing number of repetitively or ‘chronically’ infected individuals.

As this metastable equilibrium[2] creates a sort of steady-state situation, viral inter-host transmission is not yet under sufficient threat to pressure the virus into shifting to a new phenotype capable of overcoming the virus-neutralizing effect of its attachment to URT-patrolling DCs. Such a shift would enable trans infection and trans fusion of susceptible cells in distant organs (see Fig. 1, with reference from the literature provided below).

I have been wondering how this metastable equilibrium could suddenly transition to a more stable, lower-energy state. In other words, the question remains whether the pressure currently exerted on viral infectivity and transmissibility is high enough to trigger such a spectacular immune selection event. Departing from the metastable equilibrium currently evidenced by relatively low SC-2 wastewater levels, along with relatively low C-19 hospitalization and mortality rates, a dramatic ‘Omicron-like’ mutation event would likely be required to reduce the pressure on the viral infection and transmission rate, shifting the system to a more stable state where viral propagation is no longer constrained by hostile host factors.

But what kind of push would provide enough energy for this transition to occur?

It would have to be an event that further hampers viral transmission. Such an event could only arise from the outbreaks of flu or flu-like illnesses, which are currently emerging in several countries. These outbreaks are likely triggered by the shift of acute C-19 illness to chronicity, thereby preventing broadly functional cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) from mitigating symptomatic SC-2 infection in individuals with poorly trained cell-mediated immunity (CMII). During the acute phase of the pandemic, the overwhelming prevalence of acute SC-2 infections inhibited the training of CMII in C-19 vaccinees, as well as in unvaccinated individuals who suffered severe C-19 disease. Now, however, symptomatic infections caused by other seasonal cold viruses are helping to train their CMII. Consequently, broadly cross-functional CTLs are being activated. These CTLs not only contribute to abrogating viral infection and curb the spread of these other respiratory viruses but also help reduce the transmission of circulating SC-2 variants.

However, instead of enabling herd immunity[3], this additional reduction in the overall SC-2 transmission rate is likely to increase immune pressure on viral transmission beyond the threshold SC-2 can tolerate. Consequently, the current surge in non-SC-2 respiratory infections in highly C-19 vaccinated countries is expected to drive the natural selection of a new coronavirus (CoV) lineage. Such a lineage could prove virulent in individuals who failed to train their CMII, either during the acute phase of the SC-2 immune escape pandemic or during the acute seasonal epidemics currently occurring in the chronic phase of this pandemic.

The emergence of virulence in highly C-19 vaccinated populations would cause a hyperacute C-19 tsunami of hospitalizations and deaths, rapidly eliminating large parts of the population (i.e., those with deficient or insufficiently trained CMII) and enabling the remainder of the population, largely unvaccinated, to end this immune escape pandemic through a combination of sterilizing natural immunity and diminished population density. Indeed, there is a considerable chance that even C-19 vaccinees who still managed to rev up their immune protection following training of their CMII upon exposure to the other, currently circulating respiratory viruses may still not survive. This could particularly be the case in regions where there is currently a high prevalence of seasonal flu infections, which will provide large parts of the C-19 vaccinated population with high titers of anti-flu Abs, even in the absence of vaccination against seasonal flu! As mentioned above, these high titers could make them highly susceptible to ADED when exposed to the rapidly spreading avian influenza strains. The bottom line is that highly C-19 vaccinated countries are on the brink of a major health crisis that could cause healthcare systems to collapse. Fig. 2 below summarizes the virological and immunological changes that occurred at the population level during the C-19 pandemic in highly C-19 vaccinated populations. The graph on the left-hand side illustrates the corresponding changes in the pandemic's evolutionary dynamics.

However, no one knows when the collective pressure on the viral transmission rate will rise to a high enough level to collectively trigger the natural selection of phenotypic variants capable of dramatically reducing the increasing population-level pressure on SC-2, thereby fully unleashing its virulence[4].

As we cannot measure the level of pressure collectively exerted on the viral infection/ transmissibility rate, and since we do not know the level of pressure the virus can tolerate before it transforms into a virulent phenotype, it is impossible to predict when the tsunami of CoV hospitalizations and deaths will occur and how high mortality rates will arise.

No matter how much data is collected on the evolution of mutants, including details about their sequences and prevalence, it will not change the uncertainty of any prediction. The same applies to data collected on the evolution of viral wastewater activity, hospitalization rates, and death rates.

It has taken me quite some time to realize that, regardless of how much surveillance and sequencing data are gathered, any prediction about the timing and amplitude of the tsunami event remains pure speculation. All I can say for certain is that the multitude of current outbreaks of respiratory viral infections in highly C-19 vaccinated countries is now expediting the end of the C-19 pandemic.

A sudden exponential increase in the rate of hyperacute deaths will unambiguously signal the start of a powerful but brief CoV tsunami. None of this, however, will affect the health of unvaccinated individuals who have been regularly exposed during the immune escape pandemic and do not suffer from underlying immunosuppressive conditions.

In other words, the transition from a metastable pandemic state to a stable post-pandemic state will likely occur as a short but spectacular surge in case fatalities, triggered once a CoV lineage capable of escaping DC-mediated inhibition of trans infection is selected. There can be no doubt that the virulence of such a CoV will primarily affect C-19 vaccinees and unvaccinated individuals who previously suffered severe C-19 disease.

The laws of thermodynamics are increasingly making it clear to me that no single model, no single method of surveillance, sequencing, or any other tracking of viral mutants can exactly predict when Nature will proceed with this hyperacute event in order to restore a sound, low-energy equilibrium.

As it has always been my goal to share scientific truth—not only to warn people about the harmful outcomes of human intervention in this pandemic but also to predict when Nature will retaliate—it is now time for me to end my deductive research and communications on this disastrous yet intriguing phenomenon, brought about by the largest gain-of-function experiment ever conducted in the history of mankind, one that, however, involved the human species itself. I have never been interested in the molecular details revealed by either virological or immunological analyses unless they could potentially help me predict the type and timing of the end of this pandemic. I believe I have largely succeeded in sharing substantial parts of the biological truth. However, I eventually have to admit that I will not be able to predict the exact moment when Nature will finally take back control over the health chaos orchestrated by mankind. As I said, no single analysis can shed light on that. This is the complete uncertainty in which we currently find ourselves, despite living in an era of unprecedented technological revolution. We are nothing compared to Nature. From now on, I intend to spend more of the precious time that remains exploring and admiring its beauty, as well as that of the people who respect it. I will continue to participate in the Immune Biology Forum for as long as there is broad and genuine interest of those who want to learn more about the unimaginably disastrous consequences of this insane and unprecedented interference with the immune system of individuals and even with the collective immune protection of entire populations.

Conclusion

Connecting the dots between the overwhelming occurrence of a diverse spectrum of diseases, the ongoing evolution of the virus, the various manifestations of collective immune dysregulation, and the emergence of other viral panzootics (e.g., avian flu) and ongoing outbreaks of viral respiratory infections (e.g., seasonal flu, RSV, hMPV) in highly C-19 vaccinated populations, it becomes difficult to avoid the conclusion that these unprecedented phenomena—particularly their temporal and spatial overlap—are indirectly the result of reckless human intervention in the collective host immune response to the SC-2 pandemic.

In my view, these unprecedented phenomena and their spatial and temporal overlapping in highly C-19 vaccinated countries highlight the detrimental consequences of interfering with natural immunity at both, the individual and population level during a pandemic caused by an acute, self-limiting viral infection. When attempting to connect all these dots, I believe we must acknowledge that only Nature can ultimately bring an end to this pandemic, and its course will not be positively influenced by any of the vaccines that our public health authorities or so-called ‘experts’, who have shown incompetence and ignorance all along, continue advising as the holy grail of public health interventions.

[1] A quasispecies is a well-defined distribution of highly similar but genetically distinct variants that is generated by a mutation-selection process. The composition of a quasispecies is dynamic, with certain variants becoming dominant under selective pressures from environmental changes such as the immune response or antiviral treatments. The diversity within a quasispecies gives the virus a survival advantage by allowing rapid adaptation to such environmental changes.

[2] ‘Metastable’ refers to a state where the equilibrium is only temporarily stable. This can be visualized by the position of a golf ball in a small hole on a steep slope. It is stable under small disturbances (e.g., in the case of weak selection pressure) as those will only make it roll around inside the small hole but then leave it to return to its resting position. However, if perturbed strongly enough (i.e., in the case of strong selection pressure), it can transition to a much lower and stable energy state as a strong push will provide it with enough energy to escape the confines of the hole (i.e., to overcome the energy barrier preventing its transition to a lower energy state) and roll down the steep slope to a much lower position, which represents a more stable equilibrium.

[3] To explain why additional acquisition of CMII training in vaccinees at this late stage cannot longer contribute to herd immunity, I’d like to refer to my answer to a Q raised on the Immune Biology Forum (https://lnkd.in/e9ZRVsFQ):

“You seem to be suggesting that C-19 vaccinees could benefit from exposure (to other currently circulating cold viruses). If so, then wouldn't that create counter pressure to the imminent tsunami? And if an inflection point is reached, herd immunity is then possible?”

Answer: As the pandemic has transitioned into a chronic phase, other "cold" viruses are no longer being largely outcompeted by SARS-CoV-2 (SC-2) variants (see more accurate explanation above in the text). This allows these viruses to cause illness, particularly in poorly trained COVID-19 (C-19) vaccinees and those recovering from severe COVID-19. This situation is especially concerning for vaccinated individuals with underlying immunosuppressive conditions, as they are at higher risk of severe illness and may, therefore, require antiviral treatment.

However, for others, this could present an opportunity for innate immune system training. It is important to note, though, that while this may enhance their immune protection, it will not result in sterilizing immunity. Achieving sterilizing immunity requires the synergistic collaboration of the innate and adaptive immune systems unless cell-mediated innate immunity (CMII) becomes exceptionally robust, capable of eliminating all viral load independently of the adaptive immune system. This level of immune competence has now been observed in unvaccinated individuals who were repeatedly exposed to the virus during this immune escape pandemic. For vaccinated individuals, exposure to one or more of the other circulating respiratory viruses may now enable their CMII to synergize with their adaptive immune system, potentially sterilizing these new infections. However, they won’t be able to strengthen their CMII strongly enough to sterilize the remaining circulating SC-2 variants and generate herd immunity. There are two key reasons for this:

1. Other respiratory infections will be effectively contained, as sterilizing immunity prevents immune escape and recurrent infection.

2. The partial reduction—but not complete sterilization—of SC-2 transmission will rapidly cause the population to exert selective pressure on viral infectivity and transmission.

As SC-2's intrinsic infectiousness is already nearing its upper limit (recent increases have only been marginal), the virus's survival will now likely require the brakes on viral trans infectiousness and intra-host transmission to be lifted. This, in turn, is expected to drive increased virulence and triggering a tsunami of hyperacute fatalities. Tragically, this is likely to happen before all "healthy" C-19 vaccinees got their CMII revved up by circulating flu viruses or other currently circulating respiratory viruses (e.g., RSV, hMPV).

[4] For the purpose of this article, ‘virulence’ refers to the capacity of the virus to trans infect and trans fuse host cells in susceptible individuals. Virulence, therefore, greatly depends on the immune status of the exposed individual.

#covid-19 vaccine #covid-19 #Geert Vanden Bossche

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tasharoseorganics · 2 years ago

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Why Organic Elderberry Syrup is a Must-Have for Immune Support

Let’s get right to the point. Shall we? Elderberry has been scientifically proven to support the activation of the immune system and prevent the replication of viruses, as well as being active against bacteria. Full stop. Do you need to read that again? Elderberries have some pretty amazing benefits. It’s no wonder I always have a bottle of our organic Elderberry Syrup in the fridge for the first sign of sniffles or scratchy throat. In addition to all the modern research, Elderberry has been used for centuries to treat upper respiratory infections and support health in the wintertime when we seem more susceptible to these bugs. Here are the major takeaways about Elderberry (a plant in the sambucus family with multiple genuses, including nigra) from study results published in scholarly journals on PubMed. Proven to inhibit the infectious activity of viruses (PMID: 26645032) In a study with influenza A & B symptoms were relieved on average 4 days earlier with Elderberry Syrup (PMID: 15080016) Significant reduction of cold duration and severity (PMID: 27023596) Shown to inhibit the viral replication and block the virus attachment of human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) (PMID: 31560964) Water-derived elderberry extracts induce potent immune-modulatory effects, which represents the basis for a strong immune-mediated response to viruses including influenza compared to alcohol extracts that do not do this. (PMID: 35409309) Stimulates immune response and prevents viral infection (PMID: 22972323) Inhibits replication of influenza A, B, swine flu and turkey flu, significant improvement of the symptoms within 2 days, complete cure in 2-3 days in 90% compared to up to 6 days in the placebo (PMID: 9395631) Most of the research focuses on viruses (influenza A, B, swine flu, common cold, and recently coronavirus), but there’s also examples of elderberry protecting against bacterial infections. Active against human pathogenic bacteria (Gram-positive bacteria of Streptococcus pyogenes and group C and G Streptococci, and the Gram-negative bacterium Branhamella catarrhalisas) well as influenza viruses (PMID: 21352539) Ok, so if you want to go down the scientific study of elderberry rabbit hole, click any of the links above and read on to your heart's content. Want to know more about the plant itself and some of its more magical qualities? Stay with me. Black Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a shrub that can easily grow into a tree. It grows in Europe and North America, tolerating many environments and enjoying full sun. Each spring it produces clusters of tiny cream colored flowers called elderflowers. These flowers can connect us to the realm of above and fairies, and they have a strong connection to children, representing purity and innocence. Elderflowers tend to be gentle, yet profound. Then as the heat of summer arrives, the flowers wither and the berries ripen. Depending on the genus of the plant they range in color from a dusty light blue to a deep, dark purple. The berries are typically dried and then extracted in water (sometimes glycerine or alcohol), though as referenced above, water extraction is the superior method. Anthocyanins in the elderberries turn the water a deep purple and these are the compounds that stimulate and support our immune, respiratory systems and more. Elderberries are not sweet on their own. They have an affinity for the root and heart chakras, promoting a sense of being centered and open simultaneously. Which makes sense to me because when I am feeling vibrant and healthy I also feel centered and open, and elderberry helps bring us back to vibrant health. I hope you learned something new reading this. Let me know if you have any questions about Elder.

#black elder #cure colds #elderberry syrup #fight bacteria #immune support #influenza A #influenza B #stimulates immune response #water derived elderberry extracts

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unopenablebox · 1 year ago

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this is an insanely misleadingly overblown press release about a kind of lackluster paper that basically demonstrates none of these claims

the premise of this paper is that there is a version of mouse nodamuravirus (NoV) (which is as best as i can tell not a human pathogen nor terribly similar to any) which, when attenuated via mutation/KO of a protein that suppresses the cells' foreign-RNA-targeting RNAi response, does not cause disease in mice, presumably because the mice can destroy all the viruses with their RNAi pathway instead.

so what this paper shows is if you inoculate mice, even mice lacking the B and T cells that usually confer immune response to vaccines, with attenuated NoV followed by usually-lethal doses of normal NoV, this leads to survival by most of the mice for up to 3 months after initial inoculation. this is interesting because 1. it's unusually long-lasting for an adaptive-immunity-independent immune response 2. it implies that removing RNAi suppression could be a productive method of generating attenuated viruses as part of vaccine production, and that there's some kind of systemic (body-wide) response being generated to this specific attenuated virus (surprising if it really is due to RNAi activity, since RNAi is a cell-autonomous response)

things this paper absolutely does not show:

that this immunity comes from RNAi/is actually processing or responding to the "whole genome" of the virus

that it confers immunity to multiple variants or strains of NoV (they only tested the NoV strain that the attenuated virus was made from)

how strong the induced immune response is (e.g. is it causing the mice other issues from massive inflammation due to circulating attenuated virus or hypothetical circulating small RNAs?)

that it would last beyond 3 months (the press release claims "9 mouse days are 1 human year" which is extremely dishonest w/r/t the timeline of mouse vs. human immune response; for our purposes that's just a lie)

that it would work for a nasal spray (they use a kind of injection not used in human vaccines for everything except a negative control, where they nasal spray in a different virus that isn't immunized against by attenuated NoV and that accordingly it doesn't work on)

that it would work for the flu

that it would work in humans

the first three, especially 1 and 3, are, frankly, crazy oversights from a paper trying to propose a new vaccine development method & type of vaccine response and i'm kind of shocked they weren't addressed in the paper more. 4, 5, 6, and 7 would be pretty unreasonable criticisms of this paper and could be considered out of scope, except that there is an insanely irresponsible press release implying all these things are known.

the only time the paper touches on the idea of creating a non-strain-specific vaccine is in the final paragraph of the discussion a.k.a. the most speculative part. the entire premise of the claim that it would be non-strain-specific depends on the idea that this is all due to the body developing an RNAi-based "memory" of past viruses, possibly due to previous work (from the same lab) claiming that they find extracellular vesicles in the blood containing small viral RNAs after infection with attenuated NoV, and that adding these vesicles to cells promotes NoV resistance. however, they don't demonstrate that these small viral RNA vesicles are either sufficient or necessary to generating the kind of medium/long-term responses they're discussing in this vaccination paper. also, extracellular vesicle research in general is a... messy field with very bad causal demonstration (especially when you need to perfectly isolate the vesicles from any identically-sized viruses among them), it's otherwise not clear how RNAi could lead to a response over the whole body, and they don't even do any other tests impairing RNAi activity in order to confirm more clearly that this is an RNAi-dependent phenomenon.

like, if it were an RNAi-based vaccine that worked by somehow transmitting a long-lasting RNAi response against a virus to most or all cells in the body, that might well be relatively strain-agnostic and much harder for viruses to evade, and there's probably some chance it might work in some immunocompromised people if the b/t-cell-independence of the effect held true in humans and it doesn't work by e.g. also causing massive inflammation. but, uh, it's a real fucking journey from where we are to there.

“Scientists at UC Riverside have demonstrated a new, RNA-based vaccine strategy that is effective against any strain of a virus and can be used safely even by babies or the immunocompromised. Their flu vaccine will also likely be delivered in the form of a spray, as many people have an aversion to needles. “Respiratory infections move through the nose, so a spray might be an easier delivery system,” Hai said. Additionally, the researchers say there is little chance of a virus mutating to avoid this vaccination strategy. “Viruses may mutate in regions not targeted by traditional vaccines. However, we are targeting their whole genome with thousands of small RNAs. They cannot escape this,” Hai said. Ultimately, the researchers believe they can ‘cut and paste’ this strategy to make a one-and-done vaccine for any number of viruses. “There are several well-known human pathogens; dengue, SARS, COVID. They all have similar viral functions,” Ding said. “This should be applicable to these viruses in an easy transfer of knowledge.””

—

Vaccine breakthrough means no more chasing strains

This is HUGE. This will fundamentally change how we get inoculated.

#SORRY if my tone is aggro i am mad only at the uc riverside press office and also at the authors of this paper somewhat.#if you don't regularly read bio papers #esp if you don't have a live-in host-pathogen vaccine researcher to consult #you shouldn't feel too bad about circulating this press release that is lying to you. however i think it is lying to you #it's possible that in my tour through this paper and its immediate antecedents i missed some somewhat more persuasive evidence of #one or more of these claims. but uh. the strong versions in the release i am pretty confident are just not demonstrated right now.#like if they're right it would be a really weird interesting potentially useful kind of immune response!!!! could indeed be a good vax!#there is just so little evidence they're right relative to how aggressive these assertions are #box opener #homeobox

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thelakechild · 7 hours ago

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Ink & Stardust: A Witch's Lantern to Illuminating the Dreamscape

This is my first ever post, so please give me some grace! I have been dedicating some time to dream magic and have constructed some pages in my grimoire to this very topic of lucid dreaming, dream recall, and navigating the very personal dreamscape that lies within us all. So please note that the writing is very personalized, and at times is not the most grammatically sound, or consistent in means of addressing, as it was originally a work meant for myself only.

While I was writing, I realized that there is a certain kind of magic that comes from sharing such information with others and decided to publish (in a very humble way indeed) such magical notes, so that others may find some accessible resource to inspire and navigate their own psyches.

So, take what serves you, leave what doesn't, and always approach such information with a sense of play and wonder! Without further ado, welcome to a witch's guide to the dreamscape.

Intent:

Dreams, without a doubt, are the sensory-activated, tangible, and accessible environmental embodiments of the subconscious, or perhaps the collective conscious, to which the soul may discover hidden personal truths, divine wisdom, spiritual healing, creative exploration, and play. With this mindset, aligned with the values and spiritual beliefs of my ancestors, both direct and distant, to follow the modern attitude and dismissal of one's dreams is to spiritually cripple, hinder, and deny the introspection for which dreams have evolved to benefit humanity. So, through not only awareness and archival of my dreams, but also through the development of lucidity, I plan to develop a deeper understanding of the self, expand my creative abilities and playground, and spiritually attune to the mysticism and otherworldly experience and wisdom that may come through the magical, and personal tool of the dreamscape.

The Stages of Sleep:

Sleep generally occurs in four distinct stages, during which one may experience each stage multiple times throughout a single night. REM (rapid eye movement) sleep occurs around 20-25% of the sleep duration, with 30-35% of my sleep schedule dedicated to this stage. Dreaming occurs in the REM state, and thus is the most important when considering dream retention and lucidity in dream states. The longest and most important REM stages are those right before one wakes for the day, with about two cycles of REM, with an average of 50 minutes each. For me, these stages occur around 5:30-9 am, given I can sleep that long. It's important to consider these periods to induce dream retention methods or lucidity rituals.

Twilight Stage (Non-REM Stage 1):

This is the bridge between the awake and sleep world, or the “dozing off” stage. It is a light sleep where images, lights, or sounds may be experienced, called hypnagogic imagery. Random jolts, sensations of falling, or spasms are common occurrences called hypnic jerks.

2. Non-REM Stage 2:

Officially asleep, but characterized as a “light sleep.” This is the body’s prep stage for deep sleep, and things begin to slow down. Decreased heart rate, core temperature cools down, and brain waves synchronize. This is an important stage for memory consolidation.

3. Non-REM Stage 3:

This is deep sleep and is the repair mode of the body. Here, physical restoration and growth occur, such as bone and muscle rebuilding, organ repairs, and the immune system functions are built.

4. Rapid Eye Movement (REM Stage):

Brain waves spike to patterns very similar to the awake mind, and the eyes move rapidly under the eyelids. Dreaming has now occurred. We know this stage is crucial for not only cognitive functions but also vital for emotional processing.

Dream Journaling:

One important tool in personal spiritual practice is the recollection and recording of dreams. This archival approach to the subconscious environmental experience of dreams is such a powerful tool because, not only through the habitual recording of the dream world leads to better and more detailed dream recollection, but also allows for that detailed event of the subconscious to be further analyzed and interpreted for future use. This is highly important in terms of one’s journey towards self-connection and understanding, but also allows oneself to have better emotional regulation and even identify and connect with spiritual phenomena.

Tips:

Not an (Initial) Aesthetic Process:

Often, the craving for aesthetically delightful practices is so important to me as an artistic creative, but it's essential to remind oneself that beauty does not always equate to functionality, especially when it comes to dream recollection. Use whatever notepad you have on hand. Scribble fast, write as many details as possible, bullet note. These pages can always be combined into one source later or even transcribed. Just getting it down first is more important than being an aesthetically pleasing product. Thoughts and inspirations are messy practices, art is the refinement of these ideas; dreams and the art of their interpretations and analyses are no different a process.

2. Easy Access:

Keep the journal right next to you. To have ready access to the journal from the bedside makes for dream journaling to be a more consistent and steady practice. No one wants to get up from bed, and I am NOT a morning person. So, to work with my nature, making the cuddly, cozy, bed vegging part of the morning, I dedicate myself to the journaling practice. Keeping the journal locked and loaded to be picked up at any time, and access from the bed is essential to this ability to not only write in the bed as needed, but also makes for an easy fix for a lazy morning person who doesn’t want to grab it from the bookshelf.

3. Archival Tips:

Dating and timing dreams allows one to have a much deeper connection to not only parallels in themes and symbolism between the waking and subconscious world, but also helps understand one's rhythms and cycles of the dreaming self.

Pattern recognition is essential to this art of dreaming, and by archiving these records, one is able to gain further insights and personal wisdom. One practice that can help assist in this pattern recognition advantage is by giving the dream a title with keywords, symbols, characters, or themes. This helps highlight the recurring and illuminating aspects of the dreamscape. Another helpful recording tip is to also label whether or not the dream was lucid, or had any moments of lucidity. This could help find potential dream, or reality, triggers that set oneself into lucidity, or even success with varying bedtime rituals in achieving the goals of lucid dreaming.

4. Keep it Creative:

It has come as a realization that I often burn out quickly with the consistency of my journaling practices due to its rather tedious, or note-taking, nature. To keep it a little less mundane and employ some other, more appealing or engaging approaches to keeping a steady dream journaling practice. Some ideas or methods might include drawing/doodling a scene, character, or symbol from the dream instead of, or in addition to, the dream journal entry. Perhaps writing a poem about the journal, or incorporating “fragments” instead that embody the mood, feeling, or environment of the dream. Creating a short story or vignette of the dream is another effective means of employing creative means to record one’s dream.

Reality Checks: Your Key to Gaining Lucidity:

While dream recall is itself a practice that’s fairly easy to improve upon and maintain, becoming lucid in the dreamscape is a different, and typically more challenging, feat. While, without training, it may happen sporadically and may only last a few moments, it is the goal to train the conscious and subconscious to be mindful of the state of reality, whether dream or the waking world, consistently and regularly.

To become mindful of reality and thus achieve lucidity within dreams, the ritual is a simple but painstakingly consistent process. Throughout the day, it is essential to take a moment to question whether or not you are dreaming. Try at the very least to do this five times a day, and much more if manageable. The more regularly and intensely this ritual is carried out, the more frequent will be the awareness of the self in the dream state.

There are various methods for determining whether one is dreaming or awake. Any reality check should include at least two different tests, preferably a physical and a visual, which may accurately indicate the state of reality.

Reality Check Tests:

Jumping:

It may seem silly to jump up and down, but in a dream, the sense of gravity or impact may be skewed or may not follow the laws that dictate the waking world. Doing a simple hop or two is an effective physical means to determine reality.

Time Check:

Time is a very odd and fluid thing in the dreamscape, and often, if one checks a clock, it may seem distorted, reflecting not real numbers or quickly changing times. Checking a clock, looking away, and checking the clock again is one of my favorite, most accessible reality check methods.

Mirror Gazing:

Mirrors and reflections have the reputation and tendency to exist as a very distorted and odd concept in the dream world. The reflection of oneself within a dream may appear blurry, uncanny, and not adhere to the physical laws of the waking world.

Reading:

This is, again, one of my favorite methods. To conduct this test, look at something in your environment with lettering, whether this be a newspaper, a sign, a text message, or a book. Read the words, then take a moment to look away, and read them again, and repeat for a third time. In the dream world, these letters will likely distort, become illegible, change completely, or vanish.

It's all in the Palms:

Looking at one’s hands is a classic test for reality. Being mindful and examining the hands and counting fingers may reveal if whether or not one is currently in the realm of the psyche or within the physical world. Are there ten fingers? Are they too long, or too short?

Pinch Yourself:

The term “pinch me, am I dreaming?” likely comes from this exact reason. At least in my dreams, pain is not the same sense of concept as in the waking world. While I understand and can sense the phantom thought and idea of pain, I physically feel very dull sensations, if any, in the dreamscape. In real life, pinching myself will truly hurt; in the dream, it may not even exist. I’m sure this is a universal experience for many other people.

That's all I got for now! Hopefully, this is a helpful, quick collection to start you on your own journey into the dreamscape. As I write more within my own spiritual text, I am likely to share more. Until then, keep on dreaming.

#witchcraft #paganism #pagan witch #dream #dreamcore #liminal #lucid dreaming #witchy #witchblr #dream magic #book of shadows #grimiore

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nimbanaturecure · 19 days ago

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How Is the 7-Night Ayurvedic Panchakarma Treatment Performed at Nimba

When looking for India's top Panchkarma centre, Nimba Nature Cure is hands down the place to be. Nimba is popular for its original Ayurvedic treatments and the unadulterated healthy surrounding it provides. Nimba has a 7-night Panchakarma treatment that is developed to heal the body, mind, and soul completely. What goes on during an excellent Ayurvedic program, though? We will now better understand the process of the Ayurvedic Panchakarma treatment provided by Nimba.

What Is Panchakarma?

Panchakarma is actually an ancient Ayurvedic detoxification method that stands for “five actions.” These actions are Vamana (forceful vomiting), Virechana (purgation), Basti (enema), Nasya (nasal cleansing) and Raktamokshana (bloodletting). Through these five steps, the treatment goal is to restore the balance of the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), remove poisons, and, at the cellular level, ensure the body is being rejuvenated.

Why Choose Nimba for Panchakarma

Appointed a superior place in India for the purpose of Panchkarma, Nimba is a place where you receive a tailor-made Panchakarma experience under the guidance of a doctor employing effective Ayurvedic rituals, herbal preparations, and a serene and elevated atmosphere. It is not only a therapy that you take—it is a positive change in your lifestyle.

The 7-Night Panchakarma Journey at Nimba

Day 1: Arrival & Consultation

A traditional Ayurvedic drink welcomes the guests to the centre.

The doctor at Nimba's Ayurvedic centre assesses the guests' bodies and health problems by asking some questions.

The doctor finalised a treatment plan for the Panchakarma for a guest after that.

Day 2-3: Preparatory Phase (Purva Karma)

Treatments such as oil massage and steam therapy are the two most prominent preferences.

The patient is fed the medicated butter or oil inside to get rid of and detoxify the toxins from the body.

The diet is modified to make the body accept the detoxification process.

Days 4-6: Main Detox (Pradhana Karma)

Depending on individual requirements, certain or all of the five Panchakarma modes might be conducted:

Vamana (Emesis): Removal of Kapha toxins via induced vomiting.

Virechana (Purgation): Cleansing of the digestive tract to eliminate excess Pitta.

Basti (Medicated Enemas): Detox and nourishment through herbal enemas.

Nasya (Nasal Detox): Opens the sinuses and helps to relax the mind.

Raktamokshana (Blood Cleansing): Specific approaches for some conditions are optional.

Day 7: Rejuvenation Phase (Paschat Karma)

Digestive strength is rebuilt through light and nourishing meals.

The practice of rejuvenating herbs (rasayana therapy) is introduced to the patients.

Yoga, meditation, and breathwork sessions are part of emotional as well as mental balancing practices.

What makes Nimba the best panchakarma centre in India?

Ayurvedic and yoga therapies work hand in hand with the patient thanks to support from the expert doctors at the centre.

Rejuvenated Nature: A healing campus that is sustainable and balances greenery with concrete.

Extra care: In addition to Ayurveda, the centre provides naturopathy, yoga, physiotherapy, and diet therapy services.

Unique experience: No need to visit different places; physical, mental, and spiritual healing can be achieved here only.

Benefits of 7-Day Panchakarma at Nimba

It helps to get rid of the accumulated toxins throughout our bodies.

It not only detoxifies the body but also has a positive effect on the overall immune system and digestive system.

It uplifts the individual's spirits by relieving stress, anxiety, and exhaustion.

It can also help you have longer and deeper sleep and have mental clarity.

It not only makes you feel energetic and full of energy but also balances your chakras and brings peace of mind.

Ready to Experience True Healing?

The Panchakarma treatment serves beyond wellness to be a mind- and body-changing process at Nimba. This 7-day Panchakarma experience is a solution if you are dealing with symptoms of lifestyle diseases, stress, and so on, or you just need to rejuvenate. You can check out more details about the Best Panchkarma Centre, Nimba, and start your journey for total health today.

Blog Source - How Is the 7-Night Ayurvedic Panchakarma Treatment Performed at Nimba

#ayurvedic #nimbanaturecure #ayurvedic treatments #panchakarma therapies #panchakarma treatment

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covid-safer-hotties · 9 months ago

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Reference archived on our website

I know some people will celebrate, but the West has been dragging behind in covid vaccine development, and the issue with these vaccines is they only help provide herd immunity if people actually get them. Two struggles to overcome before we can party.

BACKGROUND. The level of nasal spike-specific secretory IgA (sIgA) is inversely correlated with the risk of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of intranasal vaccination using Ad5-S-Omicron (NB2155), a replication-incompetent human type 5 adenovirus carrying Omicron BA.1 spike.

METHODS. An open-label, single-center, investigator-initiated trial was carried out on 128 health care workers who had never been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and had previously received 2 or 3 injections of inactivated whole-virus vaccines, with the last dose given 3–19 months previously (median 387 days, IQR 333–404 days). Participants received 2 intranasal sprays of NB2155 at 28-day intervals between November 30 and December 30, 2022. Safety was evaluated by solicited adverse events and laboratory tests. The elevation of nasal mucosal spike-specific sIgA and serum neutralizing activities were assessed. All participants were monitored for infection by antigen tests, disease symptoms, and the elevation of nucleocapsid-specific sIgA in the nasal passage.

RESULTS. The vaccine-related solicited adverse events were mild. Nasal spike-specific sIgA against 10 strains had a mean geometric mean fold increase of 4.5 after the first dose, but it increased much higher to 51.5 after the second dose. Serum neutralizing titers also increased modestly to 128.1 (95% CI 74.4–220.4) against authentic BA.1 and 76.9 (95% CI 45.4–130.2) against BA.5 at 14 days after the second dose. Due to the lifting of the zero-COVID policy in China on December 7, 2022, 57.3% of participants were infected with BA.5 between days 15 and 28 after the first dose, whereas no participants reported having any symptomatic infections between day 3 and day 90 after the second dose. The elevation of nasal nucleocapsid-specific sIgA on days 0, 14, 42, and 118 after the first dose was assessed to verify that these 2-dose participants had no asymptomatic infections.

CONCLUSION. A 2-dose intranasal vaccination regimen using NB2155 was safe, was well tolerated, and could dramatically induce broad-spectrum spike-specific sIgA in the nasal passage. Preliminary data suggested that the intranasal vaccination may establish an effective mucosal immune barrier against infection and warranted further clinical studies.

#covid #mask up #pandemic #covid 19 #wear a mask #public health #coronavirus #sars cov 2 #still coviding #wear a respirator

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river-day-spa · 21 days ago

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Coimbatore Foot Reflexology: Benefits and Efficiency

In the busy world of today, physical and mental health has become a concern for most. One of the popular and successful holistic therapies that are being looked into is Foot Reflexology. This ancient therapy is based on the application of pressure to certain areas on the feet, which are said to relate to various organs and systems in the body.If you are about to undergo Foot Reflexology in Coimbatore, having information about its advantages, efficiency, and the best way to obtain the most efficient services will help you make the right decision.

What is Foot Reflexology?

Foot Reflexology is an ancient method of therapy that goes thousands of years back and has its roots in ancient China and Egypt.The technique is based on applying soft pressure on different reflex points located on the feet, which are thought to be equal to different organs and systems of the body. By stimulating them, reflexologists aim at triggering natural healing, alleviating stress, and enhancing overall health. The principle upon which Foot Reflexology works is that the body is divided into several segments, and stimulation of certain areas on the feet has the ability to improve the working of corresponding organs.

Benefits of Foot Reflexology

Foot Reflexology offers many physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Some of the most significant benefits are as follows:

Stress Relief: The most important benefit of Foot Reflexology is that it possesses a stress-relieving and anxiety-calming quality.Therapeutic pressure on the feet tends to calm the nervous system, promoting a deep relaxation and sense of calm.

Improved Blood Circulation: Foot reflexology improves blood circulation, improving blood flow to the body. Proper blood circulation ensures that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to different organs of the body efficiently, resulting in the overall health of the body.

Pain Relief: Several patients resort to Foot Reflexology for pain relief. It can be used to cure headaches, migraines, neck, and lower back pain by applying pressure on certain points of the feet.

Detoxification: Frequent sessions of Foot Reflexology are thought to help remove toxins from the body, enhancing kidney and liver function.This natural detox enables the body to function better.

Increases Immunity: By improving the energy flow in the body, Foot Reflexology is claimed to improve the immune system, thereby increasing the body's resistance to infection and disease.

Better Quality of Sleep: Reflexology can improve the quality of sleep dramatically by soothing the nervous system and inducing relaxation.Reflexology is thus an ideal cure for insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Better Digestion: Stimulation of digestive organs through foot reflex points can enhance digestion and relieve common issues like constipation, bloating, and indigestion.

Better Mental Clarity and Concentration: Reflexology is not only good for the body but also increases mental clarity, concentration, and overall brain activity by eliminating mental exhaustion.

Does Foot Reflexology Really Work?

The effectiveness of Foot Reflexology has been the subject of intense scientific study and everyday experience. Although further studies need to be done in order to establish how and why it is effective, many find considerable relief from pain, tension, and other symptoms.Reflexology is generally accepted as a complementary therapy, i.e., it is most effective when used in conjunction with traditional medical interventions instead of being a replacement.

Scientific research has proven that Foot Reflexology can reduce anxiety, enhance the quality of sleep, and promote general well-being.The effectiveness of the treatment, however, is based on the health of the person, the therapist's experience, and the number of sessions. Routine sessions are usually advised for long-term effects.

Why Foot Reflexology in Coimbatore?

Coimbatore, with its peaceful ambiance and wellness culture, has several wellness centers which provide Foot Reflexology therapy. The holistic approach to wellness and health of Coimbatore provides it as the best venue to relax in case someone is looking for nature-based healing therapies. Here are some reasons why choosing Foot Reflexology in Coimbatore may be a sound choice:

Trained Therapists: The majority of reflexology clinics in Coimbatore employ trained and certified therapists who understand the art and science of the practice.

Low-Cost Treatments: Reflexology treatments in Coimbatore are mostly cheaper than in urban cities, making holistic therapies more affordable.

Relaxing Ambiance: The peaceful ambiance of Coimbatore becomes conducive to unwinding, promoting an excellent environment for a reflexology treatment meant for relaxation.

Individualized Treatments: Personalized Foot Reflexology sessions at Coimbatore health clubs are administered based on the specific health needs and preferences.

Where to Get the Best Foot Reflexology in Coimbatore?

If you are looking for the Best Foot Reflexology in Coimbatore, follow the following tips:

Research Online Reviews: Check online sites like Google, Yelp, and social media and read customers' reviews and ratings of various wellness centers.

Ask for Referrals: Request referrals from family, friends, or colleagues who have undergone Foot Reflexology in Coimbatore.

Go to the Center: Go to the center beforehand to evaluate cleanliness, atmosphere, and professionalism of the therapist.

Ask About Certifications: Find out if the reflexologists are certified and experienced in the industry.

Conclusion

Foot Reflexology is an all-natural and holistic form of therapy with a number of health benefits that vary from alleviating stress to pain relief to overall well-being. If you are in Coimbatore and require a good way of enhancing your well-being, Foot Reflexology is definitely worth considering.The peaceful environment of the city, coupled with expert therapists, makes it the perfect place to try this calming therapy. If you are looking for relief from a specific disease or simply wish to unwind, Foot Reflexology in Coimbatore can be an eye-opening experience.

#bestspa #massagecenter #massagespa #bestmassagecenter #bestmassagespa #massageservice #bestmassage #spaformassage #spaformassages #massagetherapy

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qualityherb · 1 month ago

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Roselle Extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa) – Production, Benefits, and Applications

Roselle Extract Major Producing Countries

Roselle extract is primarily produced in tropical and subtropical regions. The main producing countries and regions include:

Africa

Sudan: One of the world’s largest producers and exporters of roselle, known for high-quality dried calyces and extracts.

Egypt: A traditional growing region, widely used for local consumption and export.

Senegal, Nigeria, Mali: Key producers in West Africa, mainly used in food and traditional medicine.

Asia

China: Cultivated in southern provinces (Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Yunnan), with rapidly growing extract production.

Thailand: Extensively used in beverages and food processing, with significant exports.

India: Grown in southern and central regions for local markets and extract processing.

Latin America

Mexico: A traditional producer, where roselle (locally called “Jamaica”) is used in drinks and medicine.

Brazil: Increasing large-scale production, with some extracts exported.

Other Regions

Malaysia & Philippines: Small-scale cultivation in Southeast Asia, mainly for regional demand.

Extract Processing Countries

Besides raw material production, countries like China, the U.S., and Germany import roselle for advanced processing into high-value extracts (e.g., anthocyanins, organic acids) before re-exporting globally.

Introduction to Roselle Extract

Roselle extract is derived from the flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Malvaceae family). It has various health benefits, including:

Calming liver fire

Reducing inflammation

Quenching thirst

Lowering blood pressure and lipids

Improving mental clarity

Eliminating free radicals

Applications in Food & Beverages

Roselle is a rising ingredient in food industries. Its calyx can be used in:

Jams, candied fruits, high-end beverages

Cold/hot teas, sodas, ice creams, cakes

Canned foods, wines, champagnes

Natural food colorants (vibrant red pigment)

Nutritional supplements (rich in vitamin C for children & elderly)

Active Compounds

Roselle contains:

Proteins, organic acids, vitamin C, amino acids

Natural pigments & minerals

Fresh calyx composition:

Vitamin C (0.93%), Vitamin B (0.21%), protein (0.45%), pectin (1.39%)

Sugars (2.55% as glucose), starch (1.76%), carotenoids (0.01%)

Dried calyx composition:

Anthocyanins (1–1.5%), organic acids (10–15%, e.g., citric & hibiscus acids)

Reducing sugars (16%), fiber (11%), 17 amino acids (~1%)

Additional bioactive compounds:

Flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, alkaloids, resins

Health Benefits & Nutritional Value

Roselle is rich in antioxidants (vitamin C & anthocyanins), which combat free radicals, slow aging, and boost immunity.

Key Findings (2024 Studies)

Cardiovascular Health: Anthocyanins help lower blood pressure, especially in hypertensive patients.

Liver Protection: Extracts enhance detoxification and repair damaged liver cells.

Diabetes Management: Regular consumption stabilizes blood sugar levels.

Extraction Methods

Water extraction (cost-effective for polysaccharides & alkaloids)

Ultrasonic extraction (efficient for large-scale production)

Microwave extraction (preserves bioactive compounds)

Pharmacological Effects of Roselle

Modern research highlights its bioactive components:

Phenolic acids (e.g., protocatechuic acid)

Flavonoids (e.g., hibiscetin, quercetin)

Anthocyanins (e.g., delphinidin-3-sambubioside, cyanidin-3-sambubioside)

Organic acids (e.g., citric, hibiscus, tartaric acids)

Proven Benefits

Antihypertensive Effects

A 4-week trial (39 patients) showed reduced systolic BP (139.05 → 123.73 mmHg) and diastolic BP (90.81 → 79.52 mmHg).

Mechanism: Vasodilation + ACE inhibition via anthocyanins.

Antidiabetic Effects

A 14-day study (diabetic women) found lowered fasting glucose (111.25 → 88.58 mg/dL) due to flavonoid-induced enzyme inhibition.

Lipid Reduction

Roselle powder decreased cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL in obese subjects.

Kidney Protection

28-day consumption reduced creatinine, uric acid, and albuminuria in diabetic nephropathy patients.

Hibiscus sabdariffa, Roselle Extract

#RoselleExtract #HibiscusExtract

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pathogenic-pedagogy · 1 month ago

Text

Lyssavirus rabies: Rabies Virus Disease.

CW: SICK ANIMALS|ANIMAL DEATH

Hypothetical: A few months ago while walking your dog, you see a stray dog wandering aimlessly in the park. It is howling, whining, yowling rhythmically and repetitively. Its jaw is dropped, hanging open, tongue lolling out of its mouth as if choking on a bone. You cautiously approach it, and it immediately whips its head to you, movements awkward and shambling. Before you can decide to retreat, it roars with rage and moves fast to attack with a mouth full of teeth and foam. Your best friend immediately moves to defend you and sustains a nasty, bloody bite wound to her flank. What if your dog wasn't vaccinated? She would become something unrecognizable to you, if she weren't euthanized before her suffering began. And what if you had been alone? Lyssavirus rabies is the causative agent of rabies. It is an enveloped, negative-stranded RNA virus that infects nervous tissue.

Classification

(unranked): Virus

Realm: Riboviria

Kingdom: Orthornavirae

Phylum: Negarnaviricota

Class: Monjiviricetes

Order: Mononegavirales

Family: Rhabdoviridae

Genus: Lyssavirus

Species: Lyssavirus rabies

Name breakdown--Lyssa was a minor Greek goddess of frenzy, rage, and rabies. Rabies similarly translates roughly to 'madness' or 'rage'.

Host Range and Transmission

Rabies is a zoonotic virus with an extensive host range, mostly mammalian. Lab work has shown it can reproduce in bird, reptile, and even insect cells. It's been recorded throughout human history as early as 2000 BCE. It was first recorded in ancient Mesopotamia.

The virus is transmitted through saliva. Dog bites and scratches are responsible for 99% of rabies cases worldwide. Bats are another potential vector of transmission, especially in the Americas where there are rigid vaccination procedures for dogs. Wild mammals (foxes, raccoons, skunks, etc.) can also transmit the disease. There has never been a confirmed case of human-to-human bite transmission (though possible, theoretically).

Symptoms

Rabies is a neurotropic virus (infecting the nervous system). It eventually causes fatal swelling of brain and spinal tissue. After being bitten by an infected animal, though the average incubation period is 2-3 months, it can take from one week to one year depending on bite location and viral load introduced. Hydrophobia is one of the most iconic symptoms of Rabies--historically, rabies and hydrophobia were synonymous. The perceived fear of water is caused by the contractions in a person's throat when they swallow or even think about swallowing water. Other symptoms may include: Fever, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Agitation, Anxiety, Confusion, Hyperactivity, Difficulty swallowing, Excessive salivation, Insomnia, and Hallucinations.

There are two primary presentations of rabies: Furious Rabies and Paralytic ("dumb") Rabies.

Furious rabies involves hallucinations, hyperactivity, and extreme aggression. This form most often manifests "hydrophobia" symptoms. (80% of human cases). Paralytic "dumb" rabies causes paralysis and coma. (20% of Human cases).

There isn't currently a strong answer for what causes the differences in manifestations, though some experts suggest it could have to do with the animal vector, the bite itself, or have to do with the patient's immune function. Once symptoms onset, the fatality rate is 100% Aside:Jeanna Giese was a teenage girl who managed to survive a late-stage rabies infection through what's now known as the Milwaukee protocol. She was put into a chemically induced coma and given a cocktail of antivirals, and her infection passed over. However, this method hasn't proven to be extremely successful and is heavily criticized for its ethics.]

Spread, Prevention, and Epidemiology

Rabies-related deaths are most common in African and Asian countries. In 2015, the highest counts of deaths by country in descending order were India, China, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rabies deaths are higher in low-income countries where cases are often underreported. Aside: In India, a psychogenic illness called Puppy Pregnancy Syndrome (PPS), where victims bitten by a dog become convinced they're pregnant with puppies, is hypothesized to harm efforts to eradicate the virus in the country. Patients often seek treatment from faith healers rather than medical professionals. (Some psychiatrists consider this a culture-bound disorder. Perhaps a future post!).

RABIES IS PREVENTABLE! Rabies vaccinations in canines have proven extremely effective in eliminating most cases of human infections in communities. If someone is bitten, there are vaccines globally available. Aside: Louis Pasteur was the first to vaccinate a young boy against the Rabies Virus by injecting him with a weakened version of the virus post-bite. Louis Pasteur also pioneered pasteurization (as the name would imply!)

Remember: vaccinate your pets. For a healthy world!

References + More Information:

Carter, John; Saunders, Venetia (2007). Virology: Principles and Applications. Wiley. p. 175. ISBN978-0-470-02386-0.

(www.dw.de), D. W. (n.d.). Medicine challenges indian superstition: Asia: DW.DE: 31.12.2012. DW.DE. https://web.archive.org/web/20130131194746/http://www.dw.de/medicine-challenges-indian-superstition/a-16489334 World Health Organization. (n.d.). Rabies. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies

Hampson, K., Coudeville, L., Lembo, T., … Global Alliance for Rabies Control Partners for Rabies Prevention. (2015, April 16). Estimating the global burden of endemic canine rabies. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4400070/

Pattnaik, P., Mahal, A., Mishra, S., Alkhouri, A., Mohapatra, R. K., & Kandi, V. (2023, December 13). Alarming rise in global rabies cases calls for urgent attention: Current vaccination status and suggested key countermeasures. Cureus. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10784771/

Dr. Liji Thomas, M. (2022, February 3). Furious rabies vs dumb rabies. News. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Furious-Rabies-vs-Dumb-Rabies.aspx Videos! Professor Dave: Rabies Virus https://youtu.be/OvRxDQdAtGc?si=pWrwIJuEpyCmNeo5 Rabies in Dogs and Cat exhibiting Rabies symptoms (Content Warning: Sick Animals) https://youtu.be/PTCUNn56Fpo?si=EkygavbxhD6hXwMD https://youtu.be/H8fbAFOMTp4?si=xQeWDFRz8AkmvHOd short video about the first rabies vaccine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWqD4H_ExgI&t=5s

#disease #Rabies #Informational #science #microbiology #virology

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