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ecstatic
ecstatic's Journal
ecstatic's Journal
December 22, 2021
I figured as much regarding the severity question. We're all witnessing the fallout in real time.
Omicron infections appear no less severe than Delta; COVID-19 lowers sperm count, motility
Infections caused by the Omicron variant of the coronavirus do not appear to be less severe than infections from Delta, according to early data from the UK.
Researchers at Imperial College London compared 11,329 people with confirmed or likely Omicron infections with nearly 200,000 people infected with other variants. So far, according to a report issued ahead of peer review and updated on Monday, they see "no evidence of Omicron having lower severity than Delta, judged by either the proportion of people testing positive who report symptoms, or by the proportion of cases seeking hospital care after infection."
...
Sperm quality is impaired for months for some people after recovery from COVID-19, researchers have found.
The semen itself was not infectious, the researchers found. But among 35 men who provided samples within a month after recovery from symptomatic infection, reductions in sperm motility were evident in 60% and sperm counts were reduced in 37%. As reported on Monday in Fertility and Sterility, semen samples were obtained from 120 Belgian men with an average age of 35 years, at an average of 52 days after their COVID-19 symptoms had resolved. Among 51 men tested between one and two months after recovery, 37% had reduced sperm motility and 29% had low sperm counts. Among 34 men who provided semen samples at least two months after recovery, sperm motility was impaired in 28% and sperm counts were low in 6%. The severity of COVID-19 infection was not correlated with sperm characteristics.
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/omicron-infections-appear-no-less-severe-than-delta-covid-19-lowers-sperm-count-2021-12-20/
Researchers at Imperial College London compared 11,329 people with confirmed or likely Omicron infections with nearly 200,000 people infected with other variants. So far, according to a report issued ahead of peer review and updated on Monday, they see "no evidence of Omicron having lower severity than Delta, judged by either the proportion of people testing positive who report symptoms, or by the proportion of cases seeking hospital care after infection."
...
Sperm quality is impaired for months for some people after recovery from COVID-19, researchers have found.
The semen itself was not infectious, the researchers found. But among 35 men who provided samples within a month after recovery from symptomatic infection, reductions in sperm motility were evident in 60% and sperm counts were reduced in 37%. As reported on Monday in Fertility and Sterility, semen samples were obtained from 120 Belgian men with an average age of 35 years, at an average of 52 days after their COVID-19 symptoms had resolved. Among 51 men tested between one and two months after recovery, 37% had reduced sperm motility and 29% had low sperm counts. Among 34 men who provided semen samples at least two months after recovery, sperm motility was impaired in 28% and sperm counts were low in 6%. The severity of COVID-19 infection was not correlated with sperm characteristics.
https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/omicron-infections-appear-no-less-severe-than-delta-covid-19-lowers-sperm-count-2021-12-20/
I figured as much regarding the severity question. We're all witnessing the fallout in real time.
December 20, 2021
Omicron and Delta may COMBINE to form super variant
Covid infections normally only involve one mutant strain, but in extremely rare cases two can strike at the same time.
If these also infect the same cell, they may be able to swap DNA and combine to make a new version of the virus.
Dr Paul Burton, the vaccine maker's chief medical officer, warned the high numbers of Delta and Omicron cases currently circulating in Britain made this more likely.
He told MPs on the Science and Technology Committee that it was 'certainly' possible they could swap genes and trigger an even more dangerous variant.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10309153/Risk-DUAL-infection-Omicron-Delta-create-new-super-mutant-variant.html
If these also infect the same cell, they may be able to swap DNA and combine to make a new version of the virus.
Dr Paul Burton, the vaccine maker's chief medical officer, warned the high numbers of Delta and Omicron cases currently circulating in Britain made this more likely.
He told MPs on the Science and Technology Committee that it was 'certainly' possible they could swap genes and trigger an even more dangerous variant.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10309153/Risk-DUAL-infection-Omicron-Delta-create-new-super-mutant-variant.html
December 4, 2021
The Complete Blood Count test shows how likely you are to get severe COVID-19 disease progression
I had a CBC with Differential/Platelet done at LabCorp the other day and their reports now show a ratio, "Neut/Lymph Ratio," which is calculated by dividing your Neutrophils (Absolute) number by your Lymphs (Absolute) number. If the result is 0.0 to 2.9, studies suggest a LOW likelihood of severe COVID-19 disease progression. If the result is greater than 4.9, that indicates a HIGH likelihood of severe COVID-19 disease progression. FYI.
ETA:
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, a critical predictor for assessment of disease severity in patients with COVID-19 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33099889/
And a boatload of articles here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=neutrophil-to-lymphocyte+ratio+covid-19
December 3, 2021
The only 100% effective birth control methods are abstinence or a hysterectomy
Tubal ligation can fail. The pill can fail. Condoms fail. Vasectomies can fail.
I considered a tubal ligation but now I'm thinking it would be risky because if I had a breakthrough pregnancy, it would take weeks or even months before I knew the truth. False sense of security and all.
Are we really expected to live like this? In fear of being forced into an unwanted pregnancy?
November 30, 2021
We're all watching in real time as a number of outspoken seditionists continue to bully, threaten, harass and intimidate fellow members of Congress. If that's not a hostile workplace, I don't know what is.
Who is in charge? Who is responsible for getting the situation under control?
Are congress members exempt from EEOC laws?
The employer will be liable for harassment by non-supervisory employees or non-employees over whom it has control (e.g., independent contractors or customers on the premises), if it knew, or should have known about the harassment and failed to take prompt and appropriate corrective action.
We're all watching in real time as a number of outspoken seditionists continue to bully, threaten, harass and intimidate fellow members of Congress. If that's not a hostile workplace, I don't know what is.
Who is in charge? Who is responsible for getting the situation under control?
November 24, 2021
The motorcyclist/shooter hasn't been charged yet, but it'll be interesting to see who is allowed to stand their ground? The woman who was killed was 5 months pregnant.
Florida woman fatally shot after pointing gun at man
This story perfectly illustrates the insanity of our gun laws, gun owners, and our justice system:
An Orange City woman who was also a Volusia County librarian was fatally shot Saturday after she pointed a handgun at a man whose motorcycle she had earlier hit and the man returned fire.
Morales drove to her Wisconsin Avenue home after she hit the motorcyclist (Andrew Derr) on Volusia Avenue/US 17-92.
The motorcyclist and two other witnesses, who did not know each other, then followed Morales to her home in attempt to help identify her for police, Sampsell said.
Once at the home, Morales exchanged words with Derr and the witnesses and then went into her house and came back with a gun, the lieutenant said.
"Morales pointed a handgun at the witnesses and Derr," a press release states. "Derr having a valid Florida concealed weapons permit, drew his concealed handgun and fired multiple rounds, striking Morales."
https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/2021/11/22/police-orange-city-woman-fatally-shot-road-rage-incident/8718048002/
Morales drove to her Wisconsin Avenue home after she hit the motorcyclist (Andrew Derr) on Volusia Avenue/US 17-92.
The motorcyclist and two other witnesses, who did not know each other, then followed Morales to her home in attempt to help identify her for police, Sampsell said.
Once at the home, Morales exchanged words with Derr and the witnesses and then went into her house and came back with a gun, the lieutenant said.
"Morales pointed a handgun at the witnesses and Derr," a press release states. "Derr having a valid Florida concealed weapons permit, drew his concealed handgun and fired multiple rounds, striking Morales."
https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/2021/11/22/police-orange-city-woman-fatally-shot-road-rage-incident/8718048002/
The motorcyclist/shooter hasn't been charged yet, but it'll be interesting to see who is allowed to stand their ground? The woman who was killed was 5 months pregnant.
August 30, 2021
So cute.
Kids explain what a Karen is...
https://twitter.com/JimmyKimmelLive/status/1432136362153545728So cute.
August 11, 2021
Alarming CDC report says new tropical disease had killed two in US
...Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore's disease, is a bacterial infection usually found in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. The bacteria causing the infection is usually found in contaminated waters and soils, and spread within both animals and humans through contact with the contaminated source. Ingestion and contact with skin abrasions are the most common vehicles of infection.
Recent genome sequencing at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta confirms that four cases of melioidosis are in the U.S., with two being fatal.
...
After testing more than 100 soil and water samples near the patients' homes, none came back positive for the bacteria that causes melioidosis.
This leaves public health officials to believe that the cause is most likely an imported product or an ingredient found within an import, such as a food, beverage, cleaning product, or medicine.
https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/medical-advances/567211-alarming-cdc-report-says-new-tropical-disease
Recent genome sequencing at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta confirms that four cases of melioidosis are in the U.S., with two being fatal.
...
After testing more than 100 soil and water samples near the patients' homes, none came back positive for the bacteria that causes melioidosis.
This leaves public health officials to believe that the cause is most likely an imported product or an ingredient found within an import, such as a food, beverage, cleaning product, or medicine.
https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/medical-advances/567211-alarming-cdc-report-says-new-tropical-disease
July 30, 2021
This advice can be really hard or really easy depending on your lifestyle. The sleeping part is especially hard for me.
How to prolong your vaccine's effectiveness and boost antibodies
Sleep well. Take time out to relax. Connect with your friends and family. Such things would be advisable at any time – but might it be especially important in the coming months. According to a growing body of evidence, our psychological state can shape the immune system’s reaction to a new vaccine – including the development of protective antibodies that will help us to fend off infection.
While the exact mechanisms behind these effects are still under discussion, scientists studying psychoneuroimmunology have found many ways that the mind can influence the body. Stress hormones such as cortisol are known to disrupt overall immune function, so that it fails to respond to threats in the most appropriate way. The poor sleep and depression that arise from chronic stress can also lead to low-grade inflammation throughout the body, which also seems to inhibit the production of antibodies.
We are still waiting for studies that look specifically at the new Sars-CoV-2 shots. But given the variety of the research, on many different types of vaccinations, there is every reason to think these factors will be relevant to the current immunisation programme.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/mar/14/how-your-state-of-mind-could-affect-your-covid-vaccination-psychology-stress-sleep-exercise-anxiety
While the exact mechanisms behind these effects are still under discussion, scientists studying psychoneuroimmunology have found many ways that the mind can influence the body. Stress hormones such as cortisol are known to disrupt overall immune function, so that it fails to respond to threats in the most appropriate way. The poor sleep and depression that arise from chronic stress can also lead to low-grade inflammation throughout the body, which also seems to inhibit the production of antibodies.
We are still waiting for studies that look specifically at the new Sars-CoV-2 shots. But given the variety of the research, on many different types of vaccinations, there is every reason to think these factors will be relevant to the current immunisation programme.
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/mar/14/how-your-state-of-mind-could-affect-your-covid-vaccination-psychology-stress-sleep-exercise-anxiety
This advice can be really hard or really easy depending on your lifestyle. The sleeping part is especially hard for me.
June 25, 2021
The 22.5 year prison sentence for George Floyd's murderer is a victory. IMO
When viewed in the context of what usually happens in these cases, this is a huge victory.
I fully understand why George Floyd's family, Al Sharpton and the family attorneys are somewhat disappointed. It's very personal for them, and it is true--there are HUGE double standards in the way black defendants are sentenced versus white defendants. However, for my own mental sanity, I have to view things in a more positive light today. I think a 22.5 year prison sentence for a white cop sends a strong message to corrupt, violent/abusive and/or racist cops. All we need now is consistency--every bad cop must be held accountable for their crimes. The next step is to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act!
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