#Preventing Pigmentation Problems

[bodycareideas]

Preventing Pigmentation Problems: Tips from a Hyderabad Skin Doctor

If you are bothered by your unusual skin tone, no worries, there are plenty of ways to reduce or erase your skin pigmentation. In case you are looking for causes of skin pigmentation and ways to prevent or reduce pigmentation problems, you are reading just the right article. Here you will find amazing tips to prevent or get rid of skin pigmentation with Pigmentation Treatment in Hyderabad, suggested by skin doctor, Dr.Ravali Yalamanchili head of Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics.

Causative Factors/Types of Skin Pigmentation

Here are the most common causes of pigmentation issues that can affect people of any skin tone to varying degrees discussed by Dr.Ravali Yalamanchili, Skin Doctor in Hyderabad:

Skin inflammation- Trauma or injury to the skin such as eczema, bug bites, acne, cuts, scrapes, or scratching of the skin due to friction caused by vigorous ribbing can all result in inflamed skin. Inflammation can further increase the production of melanin by melanocytes, leaving the skin darker than before after the wound heals. When inflammation is the reason behind skin pigmentation, it is referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Sun exposure- The melanin of the skin protects the skin from sun damage. The sun’s UV rays encourage the local proliferation of melanocytes to prevent sun damage. The extra melanin is what makes the skin look darker than the unusual skin tone, and that’s sun tan. However, when skin is over or frequently exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun, dark sunspots appear. Lifelong sun exposure can cause age spots or solar lentigos.

Melasma- It is a type of hyperpigmentation that is characterised by the appearance of brown spots/patches on the face. It mostly occurs in pregnant women because of their hormonal fluctuations and is referred to as chloasma- the mask of pregnancy. It is thought to be an outcome of a combination of factors including sun exposure, hormonal changes, and genetics.

Side effects of certain medications- These include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, antimalarials, and some chemotherapy drugs.

Some medical conditions- Addison’s disease is a disorder of the adrenal gland that can cause an increase in melanin production resulting in hyperpigmentation.

Dermatologist-Approved Tips To Prevent Pigmentation Issues And Maintain Evenly Toned Skin

Keep your skin moist.

You must choose an effective moisturiser based on your skin type. Creamy moisturisers are recommended for normal or dry skin types while oil-free moisturisers are for oily-skinned people. A good moisturiser will contain hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid and glycerine along with retinol (Vitamin A derivative) to help boost skin cell turnover. It can allow new skin cells to remain healthy as they come to the surface to replace old, damaged cells.

2. Refrain from scratching and picking up your skin.

Itchy skin concerns like a bug bite or healing skin injuries may tempt you to scratch the skin and having a stubborn blackhead may tempt you to squeeze it. Scratching or picking of the skin can cause skin to inflame and eventually change colour.

3. Sun-protect your skin.

The most effective way to avoid sun-induced skin pigmentation is to diligently apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of high SPF onto the sun-exposed areas of the body and face, before stepping outside during daytime hours. You can even wear sun-protective clothing like full-length clothes to cover your hands and legs and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head, face, ears, and neck. If possible, it is recommended to avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

4. Stick to the use of gentle skincare products.

Use only those skincare products that do not sting or burn when applied, as skin-irritating ingredients can trigger or worsen pigmentation issues.

5. Protect yourself from common skin-darkening triggers.

If you have pimples, fight them off with acne medications. Use bug spray to prevent bug bites. This way you can prevent your skin from darkening from acne breakouts and bug bites.

6. Try out natural home remedies.

According to some research, natural items that may work in lightening skin pigmentation include apple cider vinegar, green tea extract, aloe vera, black tea water, licorice extract, red onion, milk, and red lentils.

7. Explore skin care products containing antioxidants, AHA, and kojic acid

Choose skincare products that have powerful skin brightening/whitening/depigmentation agents such as Vitamin C, AHA, and kojic acid. Vitamin C is a nutrient-rich antioxidant that can fight off free radical damage to the skin. AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) is a chemical skin exfoliant that can help remove outermost affected skin layers to reveal new skin. Kojic acid is beneficial for acne-prone skin as it helps remove acne lesions or prevent the breakout of acne spots by reducing oiliness and inflammation.

8. Ask a skin doctor about high-tech options.

Initially, you are recommended for some topical products to treat skin pigmentation. But, if they are failing to fix the pigmentation problem, you may need to undertake more aggressive options to banish your skin discoloration. Dermatologists can help you find the best treatment and can also help to learn more on Pigmentation treatment cost in Hyderabad and also on their efficacy.

Best Treatment Options To Get Rid of Skin Pigmentation Performed By A Skin Doctor at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics

Laser resurfacing

Laser resurfacing or peeling is one of the best Pigmentation treatments in Hyderabad. The laser light beams directly target the pigmented skin to remove the skin layers and boost collagen production. Both ablative and non-ablative lasers can help resurface the skin and lighten pigmentation. Ablative lasers work by heat damaging the superficial skin layers, stimulating collagen production, and enabling new cell formation. Non-ablative lasers do not cause any harm to the skin surface. For dramatic, long-lasting results, the pigmented skin needs to be repeatedly treated with lasers in multiple sittings scheduled weeks apart.

Chemical peel treatment for skin pigmentation involves the application of an acidic solution over the pigmented skin to cause the upper skin layers to peel off and reveal brighter, smoother skin from underneath. Additionally, chemical peels can help boost collagen production to improve overall skin health and appearance. Depending upon how deep the pigmentation is, there are three types of peels to choose from: superficial (such as glycolic acid, lactic acid), medium (such as salicylic acid), and deep (such as trichloroacetic acid). Mild and medium peels would be required to be applied multiple times while deep peels can provide skin improvement in a single treatment.

3. Microneedling

In microneedling treatment for skin pigmentation, a device with several ultra-fine needles is used to create micro punctures in the skin. This triggers natural healing of the skin by promoting collagen and elastin production. As a result, the skin gets remodelled and the pigmentation appears lighter. Three to six microneedling sessions, each spaced 4–6 weeks apart, will be required to get optimal results. For maintenance of results, microneedling is recommended after every 6 to 12 months.

Pigmentation is a skin concern that can be managed with initial treatment and expert advice provided by a dermatologist. One can consult experts at Neya Dermatology & Aesthetics to address it and flaunt their youthful, healthy, pigmentation-free skin.

Original Source:- https://blogstudiio.com/preventing-pigmentation-problems-tips-from-a-hyderabad-skin-doctor/

[reasonsforhope]

"Lead is a neurotoxin; it causes premature deaths and lifelong negative effects. It’s said “there is no safe level of lead exposure” — as far as we know, any lead causes damage, and it just gets worse the more exposure there is.

After a 20-year, worldwide campaign, in 2021 Algeria became the final country to end leaded gasoline in cars — something the US phased out in 1996. That should make a huge difference to environmental lead levels. But lots of sources remain, from car batteries to ceramics...

Bangladesh phased out leaded gasoline in the 1990s. But high blood lead levels have remained. Why? When researchers Stephen Luby and Jenny Forsyth, doing work in rural Bangladesh, tried to isolate the source, it turned out to be a surprising one: lead-adulterated turmeric.

Turmeric, a spice in common use for cooking in South Asia and beyond, is yellow, and adding a pigment made of lead chromate makes for bright, vibrant colors — and better sales. Buyers of the adulterated turmeric were slowly being poisoned...

But there’s also good news: A recent paper studying lead in turmeric in Bangladesh found that researchers and the Bangladeshi government appear to have driven lead out of the turmeric business in Bangladesh.

How Bangladesh got serious about lead poisoning

The researchers who’d isolated turmeric as the primary cause of high blood lead levels —working for the nonprofit International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh — went to meet with government officials. They collected samples nationwide and published a 2019 follow-up paper on the extent of the problem. Bangladesh’s Food Safety Authority got involved.

They settled on a two-part approach, starting with an education campaign to warn people about the dangers of lead. Once people had been warned that lead adulteration was illegal, they followed up with raids to analyze turmeric and fine sellers who were selling adulterated products.

They posted tens of thousands of fliers informing people about the risks of lead. They got coverage in the news. And then they swept through the markets with X-ray fluorescence analyzers, which detect lead. They seized contaminated products and fined sellers.

According to the study released earlier this month, this worked spectacularly well. “The proportion of market turmeric samples containing detectable lead decreased from 47 percent pre-intervention in 2019 to 0 percent in 2021,” the study found. And the vanishing of lead from turmeric had an immediate and dramatic effect on blood lead levels in the affected populations, too: “Blood lead levels dropped a median of 30 percent.”

The researchers who helped make that result happen are gearing up for similar campaigns in other areas where spices are adulterated.

The power of problem-solving

...When the Food Safety Authority showed up at the market and started issuing fines for lead adulteration, it stopped being a savvy business move to add lead. Purchasers who were accustomed to unnatural lead-colored turmeric learned how to recognize non-adulterated turmeric. And so lead went from ubiquitous to nearly nonexistent in the space of just a few years.

That’s a better world for everyone, from turmeric wholesalers to vulnerable kids — all purchased at a shockingly low price. The paper published this month concludes, “with credible information, appropriate technology, and good enough governance, the adulteration of spices can be stopped.”

There’s still a lot more to be done. India, like Bangladesh, has widespread adulteration of turmeric. And safety testing will have to remain vigilant to prevent lead in Bangladesh from creeping back into the spice supply.

But for all those caveats, it’s rare to see such fast, decisive action on a major health problem — and impressive to see it immediately rewarded with such a dramatic improvement in blood lead levels and health outcomes. It’s a reminder that things can change, and can change very quickly, as long as people care, and as long as they act."

-via Vox, September 20, 2023

[yeet-me-dad-dy]

The Arcane - Chapter Four - Anomaly

Summary: You find an anomaly in Viktor's blood. He takes you down to see his old doctor. You meet Vander.

Characters: Viktor x Male Reader (Dr Raven) x Jayce (Eventually)

Warnings: Blood

Words: 2,408

After Viktor departed from your lab, you set the centrifuge, prepared a slide, poured yourself a drink, and sat down to examine his blood more closely. It was clear right away that something was wrong.

“What the…?” you mumbled as you gazed through the microscope.

His red blood cell count was fine and the cells were dispersed nicely – not too close together, not too far apart, not clumped up in groups. But there was an… anomaly. Around the white spot of hemoglobin at the center of each cell was a blue ring.

That’s why his blood seems purple. The red and blue are mixing. You made a quick, preliminary note of the observation. Without more testing, there was no way to know whether this anomaly was strictly discoloration, or if it was something more serious. Was it preventing the cells from transporting oxygen throughout his body? You would have to separate a cell and look more closely at the… mutation? Toxin? You weren’t sure. Normally, this kind of mystery would delight you. You were excited at the prospect of making new discoveries, of course, but you were also worried. Would the research you were conducting on your own blood be able to fix a problem you’d never seen before and hadn’t accounted for during testing? The best way to find out what would happen if you mixed your blood with Viktors was to do just that.

You prepared a secondary slide, focused the microscope, then pricked your finger. Carefully, you picked up a tiny bit of your blood on the end of a scalpel and dropped it into Viktor’s on the slide. You peered through the lens, holding your breath. With other samples of diseased blood, the common trend was that your blood would mix with the foreign sample and dissolve whatever anomaly it found present, whether that be an infection or something else, rendering it harmless. From there, the theory was that this bi-product would be filtered out of the blood when it traveled through the liver, and then be disposed of in the urine.

That was only a theory, however, because none of your subjects ever survived long enough to prove it. For some, death took seconds. For others, minutes, hours, or even days. For all of them, though, it was excruciating.

And this was why: After a few seconds of contact with your blood, Viktor’s cells began to burst. You expected no less. The main focus of your research was figuring out how to make your blood less volatile. You couldn’t figure out why it had the effect it did, and while some of your research had proven promising in delaying the inevitable, you had been unable to stop it entirely.

This small test was a good sign, despite the outcome. This proved that your blood could remove the anomaly from Viktor’s cells if it turned out to be harmful. You just had to find a way to get it to work without killing him, which is what you’d been trying to do for the last hundred years with no success. You sighed and leaned back in your chair, pinching the bridge of your nose. There were other tests to run, other observations to be made. It could be that the blue ring was nothing more than a strange pigmentation phenomenon and wasn’t hurting him at all. It could be that his previous doctors had been so focused on this strange blue ring that they had completely missed a more obvious answer. The human body, so intricate and complex… Everything was connected. If one thing went wrong, everything was affected.

You stopped by Heimerdinger’s office later that evening, around five, with dinner for Viktor.

“The apple wasn’t enough?” he asked slyly when you set the bag of take-out on the desk next to him.

“I’m afraid it’s going to take more than an apple to keep this doctor away. Sorry,” you smirked.

“What if I throw it hard enough?”

You chuckled and pulled up an extra chair to sit next to him. He put down the notes he was organizing for Heimerdinger and opened the bag to see what you had brought him. A fresh, hot, healthy meal awaited him, and while he didn’t usually have much of an appetite, the smell of it was making his mouth water.

“Any breakthroughs?” he asked as he fished the fork out of the bag.

“Breakthroughs? No. Curious observations? Many.”

“Do tell.”

“There’s still more testing to be done, but what I can tell you is that your blood is healthy, except for one thing.”

“Oh?”

You nabbed the orange out of the bag and peeled it for him.

“There’s an… anomaly," you explained. A blue ring around the hemoglobin in each red cell that shouldn’t be there.”

“Anomaly indeed,” Viktor agreed, his brows furrowed. “So what does this mean?”

“Like I said, there’s more testing to be done to find out what that ring actually is and what effect its having on your body. It could just be pigmentation.”

“But then, what’s causing it?”

You shrugged.

“That’s the million dollar question. A question I’m afraid I’ll have to take a lot more samples in order to answer. Samples of more than just your blood.”

He tilted his head to the side, not quite understanding.

“Plasma and bone, primarily.”

Oh. Those were not pleasant samples to give.

“But those can wait for now” you assured him with a soft smile when you saw the sick look on his face.

After dinner, you took Viktor to your lab to show him the slides and explained what he was seeing, chatting at length about the possible causes and effects of the mysterious blue ring. Then, when the sun finally dipped below the horizon, it was time for Viktor to show you to the Undercity, where you hoped his medical records could be found.

The Undercity was damp and smelly, with a comforting darkness pierced by blinding neon lights. The gaze of every Trencher was on you and Viktor as you wound through the narrow, muddy streets, some glittering with greed as they took in your expensive clothes, and others darkened by fear when your red-hot gaze found theirs. You were on edge and Viktor could tell.

“Relax, will you?” he said as he limped along.

“Not sure I can do that,” you chuckled dryly.

The streets became thinner, the buildings more dense and compact the farther down you traveled. The deeper he led you, the thicker and more oppressive the air became, as well. It didn’t take long for Viktor to start coughing.

“Stop, Viktor,” you said, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. “I can find my way from here. I want you to go back where the air is nicer.”

He looked like he wanted to argue, but another coughing fit overtook him. When he finally got control of it, he nodded.

“I’ll met you on the bridge.”

“No,” you shook your head. “I want you to stay close. Meet me at the edge The Lanes.”

Worried I’m going to get mugged, are you?” he smirked.

“Of course I am.”

His smirk fell, and he frowned.

“The people of The Undercity aren’t animals, doctor.”

“No, but some of them are desperate, and you would make an easy mark.”

“That applies to people in Piltover, too, you know.”

“I know. Which is why I would be asking you to stick close if we were up there, too.”

He sighed. He wanted to be offended, to argue that he could take care of himself, but instead, he found your protectiveness… endearing.

“At the edge of The Lanes, then,” he agreed.

It wasn’t a long walk back, and anyone who so much as looked at Viktor shied away when they saw you watching. He would be fine. As he limped away, you turned and continuing deeper into The Fissures. The air down here wasn’t necessarily toxic anymore, thanks to the filtration system that House Kirraman had installed years ago. But it was still heavy, and, gods, the smell. Like sulfur and sewage. The people down here regarded you with mistrust. Topsiders didn't come down here unless they were there for shady dealings. You didn't belong... Or did you? You were scary enough to fit in, that was for sure, but your clothes betrayed your status. You yourself were an anomaly in the veins of The Undercity.

You approached one of the first people you encountered, but she scurried away, hissing obscenities, before you could ask your question. It took you quite some time to find anyone willing to point you toward Viktor’s former doctor. When you did finally find him, you were not impressed in the least. Actually, you were appalled. The “hospital” was nothing more than a run-down shack. It may have been a proper hospital at one point, but now it was nothing more than dirt and grime on some old boards.

A bell chimed overhead when you opened the door and stepped inside. Somehow, the air in here was even stuffier than out there. You curled your lip, disgusted at the state of the place. It didn’t look like it had been cleaned in years. Bottles with various colored liquids filled shelves alongside ancient medical tools. You were thankful the glass on the bottles was so filthy. Some of the things floating in them were… questionable. You weren’t sure you wanted to know exactly what they contained.

An older man with a potbelly appeared from a door in the back. He wore a leather apron, stained with old, dried blood, and the frizzy white hair atop his head stuck out at odd angles. He was hunched and limped when he walked, and one of his eyes seemed to be glued permanently shut with some kind of greenish pus. He looked more like a mad scientist than a doctor.

“How can I help?” he asked with a voice like gravel, resting his fat, filthy hands on the reception desk.

“My name is Doctor Raven. I’m here regarding a former patient of yours, Viktor. I need his medical records.”

He didn’t react for a moment, and you wondered if he’d heard you at all. Finally, he nodded slowly.

“Viktor, yes… I remember now.”

“Do you have his records?” you asked.

He grumbled and looked around.

“I think… Yes…”

He shuffled back into the back room and was gone for ages before finally reappearing with a file. He handed it to you, and you were thankful you’d worn your gloves as you took it from him. You opened it. Three pages.

“This is it?” you asked, glancing up at him.

He shrugged.

“There wasn’t much to record. Bad bones, bad blood.”

You scoffed and shook your head.

“Thanks,” you mumbled as you turned to leave.

He cleared his throat loudly, catching your attention, and you heard him shuffle up behind you. He glared at you, his hand out, palm up.

Of course.

You fished a few coins out of your pocket and handed them to him, careful not to make contact.

You were frustrated and in poor spirits when you met back up with Viktor. He stood when you approached, eyes bright and curious.

“Did you find him?”

You held up the file.

“Not sure it was worth our time, but yes.”

He took the file and thumbed through it.

“This is it?” he asked.

“I asked the same thing.”

“I visited him hundreds of times while I lived down here, and this is all he has…” He shook his head. “Unbelievable.”

“I’ll make do,” you assured him. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

You stuck close to his side as you picked your way back through the broken streets to the bridge, giving more than a few warning growls to those with greedy eyes and sticky fingers. You stopped halfway across.

“Go ahead,” you said. “I think I’m going to linger for a bit. I want to have a look around. This place disgusts me, I won’t lie, but… It’s also exactly the kind of place I want to help. The kind of people I want to help.”

Viktor smiled.

“Take your time, Doctor.”

You did take your time, talking with those that would give you the time of day, asking about their health and their woes. You knew that the Upper City didn’t care much for those below, but you didn’t realize the full extent of their neglect. You were glad that Viktor got out of there. Eventually, you found your way to a bar called The Last Drop. The barkeeper greeted you heartily and asked what you’d like to drink. You declined the drink politely and instead continued your investigation.

“Yeah, things can get pretty bad down here,” he said quietly. “We don’t have much in the way of medical attention, but the doctors we do have do what they can to help. On top of that, the food down here isn’t great. We have plenty of seafood, but fresh fruit and vegetables are few and far between.”

You nodded, listening intently. He leaned forward on the bar.

“What’s a fancy doctor like you doing down here anyway?” he asked, more quietly.

“I came with a patient, to get medical records from his former doctor. I’ve only been in Piltover for two days, and I have to admit, I’m not delighted to see how they treat this part of their population.”

He scoffed.

“Topside couldn’t care less about what goes on down here in the Trenches.”

“Yes, that’s the conclusion I came to as well,” you said quietly.

“Sure I can’t get you a drink?” he asked. “You look like you could use one.”

You chuckled.

“No, thank you. I should be heading back. Thanks for talking with me.”

You tried to give him some coin for his time and information, but he refused with a chuckle.

“No need for that, Doctor. You just do what you can to help the people down here, and we'll call it even. Hey, what’s your name, before you go?”

“Raven,” you answered as you stepped down from the barstool. “Doctor Raven.”

“Vander,” he said, offering his hand.

You didn’t want to touch the Fissures doctor, but Vander’s hand, you didn’t hesitate to shake.

“Until next time, then, Vander.”

You bid him farewell and made your way back toward home, following the path illuminated by the silver glow of the moon.

[usafphantom2]

Paint it Black! Making one of the first titanium airplanes was difficult .

Titanium was corrugated to make room for expansion when the titanium heated up at top speed of 2200+ mph. The skin panels were fastened to the underlying structure with oblong holes which would allow the skin to expand and contract without the fasteners causing buckling. And the skin over the wing was also corrugated to prevent warping during expansion, this is actually quite noticeable, you can see the sections that are corrugated quite clearly here in this artistic photo.

Titanium makes up 93% of the SR 71 structure. It’s strength to weight ratio, or specific strength, is better than Aluminium. Yet today very little titanium is used in everyday objects. Planes primarily use aluminum, not titanium.. why is it not used?

The development of the A-12 the Skunk Works, a small division of Lockheed discovered that making the blackbird out of titanium was going to be anything but easy

Titanium is expensive because its refinement process is a nightmare. To make Titanium, we start with a feedstock in the form of Titanium Dioxide, with this chemical formula. This oxide ore called rutile can be found in high concentrations in dark sandy soils.

Build the SR-71 the US needed to buy vast quantities of the mineral from the Soviets. To do this they purchased the material through ghost organizations to hide the final destination of the material. One of the companies that were made up was a company to make pizza ovens supposedly… the Russians believed this story!

Had the Soviets known what they were helping build, they would not have sold the material. However, the US likely could have just purchased the material from mines in Australia. This is a relatively common raw material and is primarily used as a white pigment for paints and is even found in sunscreen lotion as ultraviolet radiation blocking pigment.

The primary titanium alloy used in the SR-71 was thirteen percent vanadium, eleven percent chromium, and three percent aluminum. Both Chromium and Aluminium form thermally stable oxide layers on the outer skin of the metal. Which prevents oxygen from diffusing further into the metal and causing it to become more brittle.

Which raises the max operating temperature of the metal!

Vanadium acts as a stabilizer for a crystal structure referred to as the beta phase. This leads to a material with higher tensile strength and better formability. Through trial and error and problems that were solved by the geniuses that worked at the Skunk Works. They discovered that their cadmium plated tools were leaving trace amounts of cadmium on bolts, which would cause galvanic corrosion and cause the bolts to fail. This discovery led to all cadmium tools to be removed from the workshop.

This article just proves what we already know today when people work together and work hard to solve problems. New ground was broken with the formulation of titanium that led to the success of the SR 71 and the tremendous heat and strength that this magnificent airplane needed.

As Ben Rich head engineer and later, he replaced Kelly Johnson as the head skunk said in his book called the Skunk Works. ‘’I volunteered some unsolicited advice about how we could use a softer titanium that began to lose its strength at 550° to paint the airplane black

From my college things I remember that good heat absorber was also a good heat emitter it would actually radiate away more heat then it would absorb through thick friction. I calculated the black paint would lowered the wing temperature 35° by radiation think of how much easier it will be to build an airplane using softer titanium.

It was my father Butch Sheffield’s boss Ben Rich, who saved the Blackbird program time and money, with his idea of painting it black.

wisconsinmetaltech.com/titanium-and-t… is my Source and SkunkWorks by Ben Rich

Linda Sheffield

@Habubrats71 via X

[demonslayerunhinged]

Unhinged analysis

Kny myth - Sanemi is an albino

I think this myth was originally a headcanon, but I'm too lazy to look for the origin, so instead I'm going to dispel it using the power of facts and logic! wooooooooooo!

What's albinism?

According to Cleveland Clinic:

Albinism is a genetic disorder where you’re born with less melanin pigment than usual. Melanin is a chemical in your body that determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes. It’s also involved in optic nerve development, which means it helps your eyes function as they should. Most people with albinism have very pale skin, hair and eyes. The exact skin tone, hair color and eye color can vary from person to person. Most people with this condition also have vision problems ranging from mild to severe.

Signs and symptoms include:

pale skin

hair that is very light blonde, brown, or reddish

eyes that are pink, light blue, green, gray, or light brown

eyes that are sensitive to light

a “lazy eye”

back and forth movement of the eyes (called nystagmus)

vision problems

Albinos are relatively healthy, but they usually have issues with mainly their skin and their eyes. Because their skin produces little melanin, they have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. They also usually have problems with their vision, as albinism affects eye development.

Here's what Cleveland Clinic says about the eyes:

Many people have blue eyes (often very pale). Others have hazel or brown eyes. But albinism doesn’t just affect eye color. It also affects how your eyes develop and function.

People with albinism can experience a wide range of eye-related signs and symptoms, including:

Blurry or distorted vision.

Refractive errors.

Reduced depth perception.

Crossed eyes (strabismus).

Rapid eye movements (nystagmus).

Light sensitivity (photophobia).

They have to make continuous visits to the ophthalmologist (eye doctor) and they usually need to get special shades/glasses/contacts that'll protect their eyes from the sun.

So with this in mind,

Is Sanemi an albino?

No.

He doesn't have the physical characteristics as seen below:

And he doesn't have obvious vision problems or issues with his skin that would prevent him from performing his duties. Science aside, I know and have worked with many albinos in my lifetime and I know that if Sanemi were an albino his eyelashes would be white along with his hair, his eyes would be either gray or red not purple, his skin would be very pale, and he would have fucked up vision and light sensitivity.

In Conclusion,

[reasoningdaily]

Children still mining cobalt for gadget batteries in Congo

A CBS News investigation of child labor in cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo has revealed that tens of thousands of children are growing up without a childhood today – two years after a damning Amnesty report about human rights abuses in the cobalt trade was published. The Amnesty report first revealed that cobalt mined by children was ending up in products from prominent tech companies including Apple, Microsoft, Tesla and Samsung. 

There's such sensitivity around cobalt mining in the DRC that a CBS News team traveling there recently was stopped every few hundred feet while moving along dirt roads and seeing children digging for cobalt. From as young as 4 years old, children can pick cobalt out of a pile, and even those too young to work spend much of the day breathing in toxic fumes.

What's life like for kids mining cobalt for our gadgets?

So, what exactly is cobalt, and what are the health risks for those who work in the DRC's cobalt mining industry?

What is cobalt?

Cobalt – a naturally occurring element –  is a critical component in lithium-ion, rechargeable batteries. In recent years, the growing global market for portable electronic devices and rechargeable batteries has fueled demand for its extraction, Amnesty said in its 2016 report. In fact, many top electronic and electric vehicle companies need cobalt to help power their products.

The element is found in other products as well.

"Cobalt-containing products include corrosion and heat-resistant alloys, hard metal (cobalt-tungsten-carbide alloy), magnets, grinding and cutting tools, pigments, paints, colored glass, surgical implants, catalysts, batteries, and cobalt-coated metal (from electroplating)," says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

More than half of the world's supply of cobalt comes from the DRC, and 20 percent of that is mined by hand, according to Darton Commodities Ltd., a London-based research company that specializes in cobalt.  

Health risks of chronic exposure 

According to the CDC, "chronic exposure to cobalt-containing hard metal (dust or fume) can result in a serious lung disease called 'hard metal lung disease'" – a kind of pneumoconiosis, meaning a lung disease caused by inhaling dust particles. Inhalation of cobalt particles can cause respiratory sensitization, asthma, decreased pulmonary function and shortness of breath, the CDC says.

The health agency says skin contact is also a significant health concern "because dermal exposures to hard metal and cobalt salts can result in significant systemic uptake." 

"Sustained exposures can cause skin sensitization, which may result in eruptions of contact dermatitis," a red, itchy skin rash, the CDC says.

Despite the health risks, researchers with Amnesty International found that most cobalt miners in Congo lack basic protective equipment like face masks, work clothing and gloves. Many of the miners the organization spoke with for its 2016 report – 90 people in total who work, or worked, in the mines – complained of frequent coughing or lung problems. Cobalt mining's dangerous impact on workers and the environment

Some women complained about the physical nature of the work, with one describing hauling 110-pound sacks of cobalt ore. "We all have problems with our lungs, and pain all over our bodies," the woman said, according to Amnesty.

Moreover, miners said unsupported mining tunnels frequently give way, and that accidents are common.  

Miners know their work is dangerous, Todd C. Frankel wrote late last month in The Washington Post. 

"But what's less understood are the environmental health risks posed by the extensive mining," he reported. "Southern Congo holds not only vast deposits of cobalt and copper but also uranium. Scientists have recorded alarming radioactivity levels in some mining regions. Mining waste often pollutes rivers and drinking water. The dust from the pulverized rock is known to cause breathing problems. The mining industry's toxic fallout is only now being studied by researchers, mostly in Lubumbashi, the country's mining capital."

"These job are really desired"

Despite the dangers and risks of working as miners in the cobalt industry, at least of the some miners in the Congo "love their jobs," according to Frankel.

"When I talked to the miners there, none of them want to lose their jobs or give up their jobs. They love their jobs," Frankel said Tuesday, speaking on CBSN. "In a country like Congo, mining is one of the few decently paying jobs to be had there, and so they want to hold onto these jobs."

They also want fair treatment, decent pay, and some safety, "and they would love for their kids to not work in the mines," he said.

"It's a poverty problem," Frankel said. "These parents I talked to – they don't want their kids working in these mines. The problem is that their school fees – schools cost money, and you know, food costs money, and they sort of need their kids to work in there."

Poverty also drives children into the mines instead of school – an estimated 40,000 of them work in brutal conditions starting at very young ages.

The thousands of miners who work in tunnels searching for cobalt in the country "do it because they live in one of the poorest countries in the world, and cobalt is valuable," Frankel wrote in the Washington Post article.

"Not doing enough" 

CBS News spoke with some of the companies that use cobalt in their lithium-ion batteries. All of the companies acknowledged problems with the supply chain, but said they require suppliers to follow responsible sourcing guidelines. Apple, an industry leader in the fight for responsible sourcing, said walking away from the DRC "would do nothing to improve conditions for the people or the environment."

Read company responses here

Amnesty said in November, however, that "major electronics and electric vehicle companies are still not doing enough to stop human rights abuses entering their cobalt supply chains." 

"As demand for rechargeable batteries grows, companies have a responsibility to prove that they are not profiting from the misery of miners working in terrible conditions in the DRC," the organization said. "The energy solutions of the future must not be built on human rights abuses."

An estimated two-thirds of children in the region of the DRC that CBS News visited recently are not in school. They're working in mines instead. 

CBS News' Debora Patta spoke with an 11-year-old boy, Ziki Swaze, who has no idea how to read or write but is an expert in washing cobalt. Every evening, he returns home with a dollar or two to provide for his family.

"I have to go and work there," he told Patta, "because my grandma has a bad leg and she can't."

He said he dreams of going to school, but has always had to work instead.

"I feel very bad because I can see my friends going to school, and I am struggling," he said.

Amnesty says "it is widely recognized internationally that the involvement of children in mining constitutes one of the worst forms of child labour, which governments are required to prohibit and eliminate."

[flock-talk]

hey sorry but you tagged a pic of Toto with discoloration and I was just wondering if you could point out the discolored areas cause I couldn’t tell where they were. just curious cause I think it’d be good for me as a bird owner to know more about what discoloration looks like, I only know what’s on google images

Totally! I'm going to use this as an opportunity to point out everything I can visibly see wrong with Toto, not just the feather discolouration!

First let's start with the more noticeable issues, broken feathers! The tips of some of his primary wing feathers and some tail feathers are snapped off leaving a "V" shape of filaments extending past the central shaft of the feather. This can be due to a poor diet creating a weak feather that's prone to breakage but in some cases the feathers can just break by getting caught on something and feather destructive behaviours. The tail was most likely damaged because of being in a small cage and rubbing his tail backwards against the bars, the wings likely broke because the wings used to be clipped and as the feathers grew in there wouldn't be other primary flight feathers surrounding the new feather to support it. So the new wing feather would be more prone to snapping against the force of the wind or various physical impacts.

Also visible in this image is general poor feather structure. The edges of all the tail feathers demonstrate some rippling like a wave and some feathers have a big bend in the central shaft. Those are big indicators of an unhealthy feather.

The left two arrows are pointing to tiny black specks, those are small areas of discoloured pigment! Sometimes these can form as a feather naturally breaks down or the feather gets damaged (notice how the wing has a lot of black specks around the "V" shape) but it can also be an indication of poor health.

Here we see more discoloured bits, along the very edge of almost every feather we see some brown! You do have to be careful when analyzing edges since sometimes the iridescence of a feather can create a bit of an illusion but in this instance we can see that no matter how the light hits the feather the brown edge stays the same. This kind of discolouration doesn't usually show up right when a new feather is made but will show up over time as the feather breaks down quicker than it's supposed to. That happens because when the feather was formed there weren't adequate nutrients available to make a healthy durable feather that would stay green all the way to the end of it's moult cycle. You'll also see this kind of discolouration form if you over-handle your bird, the oils from your hand can remove protective barriers from their feathers and damage them which is why you'll often see birds with black-edged head or back feathers from hand cuddles and scritches.

This can also be a sign of more serious health problems so it's best to get a vet to evaluate them to knock off potential organ damage as a cause.

With the wings we see the two cut feathers, since the filaments are cut to the same length as the shaft in a straight line these were most likely clipped by a pair of scissors. In that sense this is not a sign of a health problem, just someone wanting to prevent the bird from flying. These will moult out at the end of their cycle just fine and be replaced by new full feathers next time.

There's also some white spots along the central feather shaft of some feathers, sometimes this is just build-up of dust but it can also be stress bars demonstrating a lack of available nutrients during that point in feather production or an overall stressful period where the body wasn't able to synthesize the nutrients to make the feather in that spot properly. Stress bars usually present themselves by warping the colour along the filaments as well not just the shaft but it does happen just on the shaft sometimes.

More "V" shaped wing tips, just general breakage from the lack of support feathers when they were growing out the clip job. Potentially also a more brittle feather due to poor nutrition or underlying health problems. Same as above.

On the tail we see a lot of fraying along the edges and ends of the feather, this can be due to him rubbing his tail against cage bars for too long but it can also be a sign of a weak feather structure. Feather filaments will separate like this during rigorous activity and play but they should be able to reattach back to their singular healthy shape with regular preening. Feather filaments have tiny little hooks on them that latch together like velcro, if the feather can't reattach with normal preening then that suggests the feather structure has been compromised. Whether that's because of poor nutrition, health problems or just excessive physical damage we won't be able to tell until a vet check!

Next we have the beak. Beaks can be tricky because they change a lot with breeding hormones and seasonal moulting. Right now Toto is going through a very heavy moult so his body will be using up a lot of the same nutrients that are needed for a healthy beak, he will be replacing his current beak layer and he will be producing a lot of dust which will get caught in the little cracks in the old beak layers and make them look worse than they might really be.

The top layer of a beak is the oldest layer that will be shedding off while new layers are growing in underneath. The tip of his beak is pretty normal, maybe a small bit long but not too bad really. The large crack at the tip is standard for what a beak looks like when replacing a beak layer. The white flaky appearance covering the rest of the beak, however, is not! A healthy beak should be smooth and uniform in colour for the most part. Flakiness can suggest a nutrient imbalance or more serious health problems.

Since Toto has been on a seed based diet with little to no fresh foods it's very likely that he's been lacking the nutrients necessary to make a healthy beak.

Last is the nails and I'm sorry I don't have perfect reference photos for these yet since he's still a bit scared of the camera but here's what we've got:

His nails are too long, primarily his longest toes on the front of both feet. The best way to analyze a nail is by looking at how they stand on a flat surface, they should be able to stand with a totally flat foot where the pads of the foot rest completely on the surface and the nail is just barely above the surface.

In Toto's case if he puts his pads all down the toe has to twist to compensate for the length of the nail. This puts a lot of pressure on his toes and can warp/ damage them over time.

His back nails appear to be a pretty adequate length, on a perch you can see that the nail tip is just hovering over the perch. Perches are a less accurate way to check nail length since perch diameter will influence how the nail sits and a bird can change how much they clench their foot but it's all I've got for reference right now.

Here you can see the front toe on a slightly rounded surface and if his toe is held straight (not twisted) the tip of the nail holds the pads up off of the surface quite a bit!

If we compare this to Newt's nails it becomes a lot clearer just how long they are, even in this pic Newt could use a small little bit filed off the tips.

That's all I've got for now, hope this helps!

[altairasart]

Hello! For those who don't know me, I am ASART "Altair", I am a digital illustrator and Writer and illustrator of comics and stories And I wanted to present you 3 of my stories, one I already know will be in Spanish/English, the other 2 I don't know if they are of interest to you to also make their translations.��✍️

The first one

"my little adventure" / Mi pequeña aventura 🌲🌹

This story is based on Carol and Gabriel, the two live in a world where humans are pets of the giants, some used as slaves or food and Carol the giant girl with black hair for many years, abuse of the little ones, until one day where she decided to change, in the process she would meet Gabriel, an injured 5cm human of whom she would have to take charge and care for him.

The story is already uploaded on Wattpad, but only in Spanish and an English version is in development.

If you want the link to the story I will leave it in the comments.

The secondly

"Pigment Soul" 👁️🤚

The story is about a boy with psychic powers that he does not know how to use, in an attempt to learn to use his abilities he enters a school of powers called "TrenneriOdarennye" where he will meet an elite combat team called Pigment Soul in which he would enter, The story would take a sudden turn after discovering that a powerful villain of darkness threatens to unleash a war on the world, Altaïr, our protagonist, with the help of the Pigment Soul team, will fight with the aim of preventing the catastrophe from affecting the world, learning more about Altaïr in the process and his dark past that tries to hide...

Pigment Soul It is in development, it will be in Spanish but if I see interest in it, I will reupload it in English

The third

"Mi friend Titan" / Mi amiga Titan 🏞️🌆

Four friends in search of treasures come across a laboratory hidden among the mountains, curious people investigate its depths, by accident They would end up awakening one of the many experiments found inside it, from where a giant girl more than 90m tall called "Kanini" would emerge. From that moment the four boys would seek to hide the girl from the world, the problem arises when Kanini begins to be curious about the outside world and tries multiple times to leave the laboratory , but the questions would arise, who created it? What was it created for? Is she good?

This story is still in progress and can be downloaded for free on my Twitter where the pdf's of each episode will be, it will be in English and Spanish

[princesspastel8]

Chapter 20

Third POV

Jeff is never one to feel jealousy. What reason would he have to be jealous of anything? Or anyone? Sure, people have more than him. In high school, he'd never paid much thought to the other students and how easy it was for them to make friends. He didn't want friends. He wanted to go unnoticed by all, kept in the shadows to fight the monstrous feelings of murder growing within him.

Unfortunately, his condition prevented such wishes. The killer was born with Albanism- a condition that causes a lack of pigmentation with the skin & hair. Luckily, he didn't have any eye problems or sensitivity to light. However, the attention he gained with this always kept him in an irritable mood.

The killer resulted in dying his hair inky black and opting to wear blue eye contacts to hide his bright color eyes, which are redish-pink in shade. These steps still didn't prevent endless bullying & fighting.

Upon meeting Eboni, Jeff couldn't help but relate to her. Her family was shit, school for her is shit, and she even shared her own skin condition. What drew the killer in was the fighting spirit mixed with this darkness hiding deep within her heart. Jeff only witnessed bits and pieces of that side surfacing, but it wasn't enough.

He wants her to fully let go - embrace all the sick & twisted things she desires to do and want. But something is holding her back. He just can't place his finger on it. Maybe it's her humanity? Or that her new foster parents are hardly home - which gives her another sense of freedom? Perhaps it's her new friends?

Jeff doesn't mind them. Scratch that - he finds them annoying yet familiar. He just can't figure out what, and that's what irks him. They're hiding something, both of them - something huge, but so is Eboni. Jeff has thought of killing them, but that would risk upsetting his toy... not that he cared. As long as they don't hog up her time when he's available to see her. He loathes, waiting after all.

Back to the jealousy topic. The reason this emotion is brought up is due to the sight unfolding within Jeff's eyes. His toy...decided to dress completely differently. The killer doesn't mind how the girl dresses if he's around. He has to admit...Eboni looks fucking hot.

"Fuck..." he groans under his breath as he watches her walk into the school.

The frustrating thing is the many sets of eyes staring at her, mostly guys eye-fucking her. This makes the killer furious. He wants nothing more than to gouge out all of their eyes. How dare they look at Eboni like they have a chance? They don't. Unfortunately, they don't know this, so before he loses his cool, he pulls out his phone and begins texting her.

Jeff would glance up from afar, grinning at her reactions to his words. He loves the way she would squirms just from his words. The fact that he can get her like this is enough to calm his temper, only a bit. Because of this, he orders Eboni to meet him behind the school- needing to release some frustration from the night before.

The smiling killer waits for her, growing impatient with each passing minute. Finally, he hears the bell ring for lunch and moves closer to the school - hiding behind a tree near the dumpster. While waiting, he hears a group of girls beginning to attack two random students.

Jeff sighs to himself, rolling his eyes. Bullies. He can't stand them. Sure, he has his issues, but he never once resulted in bullying just to feel better about himself - granted, he is a serial killer now, but still. He didn't bother to interfere until one of the bullies shout 'fresh meat'.

The smiling killer peeks from behind the tree, eyes widening for two reasons. One, Eboni is being targeted. And two, the one who spoke earlier is the person he's supposed to kill today. This can get ugly really, really fast.

He watches as Eboni drops her bag, preparing for a fight. He hears her mumble something about her nails, and he can't help but chuckle at that. This girl is about to get jumped, but she's more concerned about her nails.

"So damn girly..." he sighs, reaching in his pocket about to pull out his knife.

As the killer slowly moves from behind the tree, he notices her two friends step in on her behalf. Jeff quickly moves back behind the tree, clicking his tongue as he grows frustrated again. The smiling killer can't understand why, but he's upset that her friends stepped in instead of him. It should've been him.

Regardless of that, he finds out some rather interesting information. This Taylor girl is a part of this gang and was once a part of that group of bullies. Jeff is beginning to become more annoyed. Why would slenderman send him to kill this gang member? Why him of all his proxies? The faceless creature is clearly hiding something. Jeff can only hope that he doesn't know about Eboni.

The commotion soon dies down, and both groups go their separate ways. He sighs heavily, hating that Eboni's friends once again got in the way of him seeing her. Due to his growing anger, he decides to follow his target off of school grounds - keeping himself hidden within the woods.

He clicks his tongue, noticing how these three girls never seem to separate from one another. Jeff did take note that this target seems way too cocky. He grins, and this behavior will be used to his advantage. The smiling killer begins to develop a strategy on taking her out once the group begins walking into an open area within the woods.

As the sun starts to set, Jeff smiles in excitement as the other two girls finally walk away. He has no idea how long they'll be gone, so he has to make this quick. The teen turns from Jeff's direction, reaching into her pocket, and pulls out a lighter and a pack of cigarettes.

Step after step. The smiling killer slowly stalks towards his target, his knife drawn. The girl places the cigarette onto her lips, flicking at her lighter- groaning in annoyance when a flame doesn't appear. But when it does, the teen is met with a knife lodged from the back of her throat.

Jeff's smile stretches as he yanks the knife out, kicking the girl onto the ground. He turns her onto her back, moving on top of her with his knife raised in the hair. The fear in her eyes only makes his bloodlust grow. Jeff places his free hand over the teen's mouth, relishing in the sounds of her choking on her own blood.

He leans down, enjoying the life quickly draining from her eyes. "No one...fucks with my toy. Now, Go. To. Sleep!" He shouts, beginning to stab her multiple times in random places.

The smiling killer begins cackling, blood covering his hands and the lower half of his hoodie. As he begins to marvel over his handy work, he hears rabid footsteps coming towards him. Jeff's smile remains as he springs to his feet, dashing away from the crime scene. His laughs grow more sadistic upon the sounds of the other two teens screaming in horror from the distance.

Jeff wishes he could do more, kill more- kill them. This high, this high of taking a life is unbeatable - better than any and all drugs. Nothing can compare.. except -

The killer finds himself staring up at Eboni's bedroom window, not hesitating to climb up towards it. Quickly and quietly, he opens her bedroom window, stepping inside and closes it behind himself. Jeff hears voices coming from downstairs, making him groan in irritation.

Not only did Eboni disobey him, but she also ditched him for her 'friends'. Jeff can't help but become angry. He desperately wants to kill them so he can have Eboni all to himself, but he holds back- moving to hide inside her closet. Jeff leaves the door cracked just a bit to see within Eboni's room.

The killer waits and waits... and waits, becoming impatient with each passing minute. He allows anger to take control, thinking about all the ways he's going to unleash them onto the teen. He moves deeper into the closet, grabbing her box full of sex toys. He opens the box, not caring about his bloody hands staining everything he touches.

Once he pulls out all the things he plans on using, he hears Eboni enter her room and shut her door- locking it. The killer watches her undress, feeling his sadistic nature scratch & poke at his skin. He frowns, remembering all those guys staring at her earlier today. That jealousy mixing with his sadistic nature is a recipe for disaster. When Eboni reaches for the doorknob, the killer springs out- grabbing her wrist and slamming her body on the wall beside the closet.

"Told you this before princess, I hate fucking waiting."

[doberbutts]

@grison-in-space

Replying this way to spare poor OP from our continuing color conversation, and because I genuinely enjoy talking to you about these things and the post is looooooooooong af already

As usual I think we agree more than we disagree except on the fine details- I would agree with most of what you’ve said as well except for:

While I do agree that chihuahuas have low litter numbers (singletons are not uncommon in the slightest and a “big litter” for a chi is 5-7) and common practice is to keep them in large groups (helped both by size and by the clannish nature of primitives), I also think a large contributing factor is standard. Because written into the very standard is, nearly verbatim, “this breed has only two DQs for a reason, and even one of them only DQs from showing and should still be bred, because faulty dogs should just be bred to better dogs so we don’t lose our hard-won diversity by restricting too heavily on any one physical trait”. Whether that’s actually what happens in practice is, as always, something that varies breeder-by-breeder. But it’s also written directly into standard.

The standard is deliberately left short and vague in order for many interpretations to be allowed. Nearly every fault is a minor penalty, with most of them having an added “but an otherwise correct dog should not be penalized”. Fae could show, despite her fairly faulty eyes and underline. The expectation would be just to breed her to a dog with better set eyes and a more correct underline. The two breed DQs are missing testicle (should not be bred) and oversize (just breed to a smaller dog). That’s it. Everything else is “improve it in the next generation”. So when that is the expectation the standard sets from the start, it helps allow diversity and also prevents extreme traits from worsened.

And genuinely being in chihuahuas has made me want other breeds to follow suit. A friend of mine has a doberman with fairly extensive (for the breed) white markings. Standard DQs more than 2in of white on the chest- the dog has a mark a bit bigger than that as well as some white toes. The problem is that while I could understand (but sort of disagree with) penalizing a truly tricolored dog, a small white mark on the chest and some white toes just means pigment didn’t fully finish closing all the way by the time of birth, and isn’t inherently a genetic trait. Additionally in a breed bred from butcher’s dogs and other randomass street dogs, especially in a breed that at its conception was “idgaf what it looks like as long as it bites”, I think it’s extremely silly to penalize a dog for an incredibly minor white mismark.

My friend has taken this dog through various show rings and working trials. The dog is honestly a fantastic worker and has titled fairly easily. While she’s not doing personal protection, she does accompany the owner to pretty much every public outing and does her job well of looking strong and intimidating walking next to my friend down a busy city street- and has both the training and the testing to prove that she will respond to a threat with protection. The dog has passed health testing with flying colors, received high marks in show rings that are willing to look past the white to evaluate the rest of the dog, and is now almost 10 years old without much sign of slowing down which is pretty good longevity for the breed.

My friend bred this dog to a correctly-colored dog and produced a litter of correctly-colored puppies except for a single one who also had a white mark on the chest and a couple white toes. A correctly-colored daughter was kept, worked, shown, and bred to an even darker pigmented dog. None of the puppies have white markings. Some of them have dark masks, which is also a fault in the opposite direction but one most people are willing to overlook because of aforementioned focus on dark pigment following WWII.

If we are to keep these arbitrary DQs, I think is almost always better to just breed better in the next generation than to completely axe an entire possibility for the sake of ~preserving standard~. Certain DQs I can understand- undescended or missing testicles are an inheritance problem that negatively affect both fertility and longevity (cancer), so sure. Albinism in the dobermans is a major health concern, so sure. Bad temperament, because no one wants a dog that will attack you just for walking by, sure. But others I think are less “means shouldn’t be bred” and more “means should be improved in the next generation by breeding to a better dog”.

I think that is really a major ticket to fixing the inherent problem of failing diversity in purebred dog breeding, and if by “breed to a better dog” means outcrossing, I think that should also be grouped under that. But right now some breeds (dobermans) are too busy clutching their pearls about even just line outcrossing and acting like show line vs working line dogs are two separate breeds with absolutely nothing in common and that breeding them together will create deformed horrific crossbreeds (you think this is a strawman but I have literally heard someone saying basically this at a working event) to even consider bringing in an actually different breed to their precious carefully-cultivated lines of a dying breed running out of time before it goes extinct. Big sigh.

All this to say: DQs that do nothing to the health of the dog or the ability to do its job are stupid and most of them should not be DQs and if they’re really meant to be avoided they should just be bred to a more correct dog rather than removed entirely from the breeding population.

[lumineabeauty]

Women vs. Anti-Aging: Who Will Claim Victory?

As women, the search for eternal youth can feel like a never-ending battle against time. The anti-aging path can be difficult at times, from navigating the maze of skincare products to dealing with societal pressures and internalized expectations. The constant bombardment of advertising offering miracles in a jar exacerbates the confusion, leaving many of us feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.

Women vs. Anti-aging: Never ending story

In the never-ending war against aging, people in their twenties frequently believe they are indestructible, with limitless potential and a bright future ahead. They remember their youthful energy and passion as 26-year-olds.

It's important to remember that collagen naturally declines after the age of 25, which is a reality of life rather than an accident that requires intervention. Just like periods, aging is a normal process. These changes are not evidence of health problems, but rather typical aspects of life's journey. Aging is unavoidable, and one's body changes as time passes.

How can we fight against anti-aging?

To be honest, there is no clear solution to this question. We cannot change the reality that people grow older and aging occurs. However, there is one thing we can do to keep our skin looking beautiful and healthy, which will help you look several years younger.

Maintaining healthy facial skin is key! Here are some suggestion for you:

Change your daily routine:

Prioritize sleep: Adequate rest, at least 7 hours a night, facilitates skin repair, staving off wrinkles.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep skin supple and glowing.

Stress management: Find outlets to reduce stress, preventing the onset of fine lines.

Moderate alcohol intake: Limit alcohol consumption to avoid dehydrating the skin.

Select the right beauty regimen: Choose products tailored to your skin type and concerns, such as sunscreen, hydrating masks, and specialized creams.

Simplify your skincare routine: When it comes to skincare, less can often be more. Applying multiple products can overwhelm your skin and lead to unnecessary irritation. That's why it's essential to streamline your routine by focusing on just 1 to 2 products that offer maximum efficiency.

Understanding the problems that many women are facing, such as the desire for simplicity and effectiveness in their skincare routines, Luminea has developed a innovative solution:

Unlocking Radiance: By targeting melanin pigment, Luminea Premium Whitening Cream reveals a brighter, more luminous complexion with just a few applications. Its immediate effects upon use ensure instant radiance, providing you with the confidence to face the day.

Multi-Functional Protection: Beyond its whitening benefits, Luminea Premium Whitening Cream doubles as a moisturizer, effectively concealing blemishes and imperfections. Additionally, it serves as both sunscreen and makeup base, offering comprehensive protection against the sun's harmful rays. With its resistance to sweat, dirt, and summer heat, Luminea Premium Whitening Cream is your all-in-one solution for year-round skincare.

Gentle and Versatile: Crafted with natural ingredients, Luminea Premium Whitening Cream is gentle on the skin, making it suitable for all skin types. Its non-allergenic formula ensures that even the most sensitive skin can benefit from its transformative effects.

Elevate Your Skincare Routine: Simplify your regimen with Luminea Premium Whitening Cream—a versatile solution that not only enhances your skin's radiance but also simplifies your daily routine for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

It's time to shift the narrative surrounding anti-aging and empower women to embrace the beauty of every stage of life. Let's challenge societal norms, debunk myths, and support each other on this journey towards self-acceptance and confidence. Whether it's through sharing our own experiences, advocating for inclusive representation in media, or exploring innovative skincare solutions, every action we take brings us one step closer to redefining aging on our own terms. Join us in celebrating the diversity and resilience of women everywhere as we embrace the true essence of beauty—ageless, timeless, and uniquely our own.

[moonlight26posts-blog]

In Baltimore County, MD: FINAL PLEA: Akita with Uveodermatologic Syndrome Seeking Rescue ASAP

Baltimore County Animal Services is seeking rescue placement for Ava Kisses, a 3.5 year old, 82 pound Akita that has been previously diagnosed with Uveodermatologic syndrome. This is an auto-immune disease characterized by eye, skin and nervous system symptoms. Affected dogs usually suffer eye problems, premature whitening of the hair, and skin depigmentation (vitiligo). Its cause is understood to be related to the immune system's auto-destruction of melanocytes (pigment-making cells) which are concentrated in the skin and eyes. Due to this condition, this pet’s eyes have previously been enucleated (surgically removed) to prevent suffering. Ava was found to have a skin infection (dermatitis), most likely secondary to her auto-immune disease. Her skin is covered with crusts and scabs and she has hair loss on her back, sides, and legs. Antibiotics and steroids have been started to combat this condition. Ava has shown no behavior concerns and is eager to make friends with new people and will sit and offer them her paw for attention.

Ava Kisses is up to date on vaccines, heartworm tested negative, and spayed. If you are interested in pulling Ava, or have any questions, please let us know!

Thank you,

BCAS Rescue Team

Baltimore County Animal Services

13800 Manor Road

Baldwin, MD 21013

bcasrescue@baltimorecountymd.gov

410-887-7297

**If you would like to foster Ava Kisses, we can contact local rescues to ask for help, please email foster@charlietotherescue.org (we are only a volunteer group that tries to help rescues help the dogs/cats of MD)

[alwaysdial]

Dermatologist

Dermatology 

Dermatology is the medical discipline that is concerned with diagnosis and treatment and treatment diseases of the skin, hair and nails

in both children and adults. Specialists in dermatology are called Dermatologist.

Dermatology involves but is not limited to study, research, and diagnosis of normal and disorders, diseases, cancer, cosmetic and ageing conditions of the skin, fat, hair, nails and oral and genital membranes, and the management of these by different investigations and therapies, including but not limited, topical and systemic medications, dermatologic surgery and dermatologic cosmetic surgery, immunotherapy, phototherapy, laser therapy, radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy.” 

 Medical professionals

 Best cardiology Clinic in Gaya Dermatologists treat patients with common conditions, like acne or wrinkles, but they also can treat skin cancer and other chronic or painful skin diseases. Dermatologist might perform tasks like examining patients on how to take care of their skin.

 Education and Training

 It includes an undergraduate pre medical degree, general medical training, internship and dermatology specialization training. You must have high NEET UG score. To complete four years of medical school, you must enroll in an MBBS program. The next stage is obtaining a one-year dermatology internship or another field. Following an internship, three years of residency or continuing training in dermatology is also required.

 Skin Condition

Acne

Hives

Warts

Fungal nail infection

Cold core

Candidiasis

Athlete’s foot

 Cosmetic Dermatology

 Cosmetic dermatology is a specialized field of dermatology that focuses on procedures that improve appearance of the skin, particularly on the face and neck. It is also known as aesthetic dermatology or aesthetic medicine.

Skin Cancer Screening

 A visual self-exam by the patient and a clinical examination by the health care provider may be used to screen for skin cancer. Best oncology Clinic in Gaya During a skin exam a doctor or nurse checks the skin for moles, birthmarks, or other pigmented areas that look abnormal in color, size, shape, or texture.

 Hair and Nail Disorders

 Most common Hair problems

 If you are experiencing issues with your hair or nails, it is important to see a dermatologist. At water’s Edge Dermatology, our providers have years of experience treating hair and nail problems.

 Most common Nail Problems

 Our Nails are important. They protect and support the tissues in our fingers and toes. And they allow us to scratch an itch.

But nail problems are common. As we age, nails thicken and become more susceptible to issues such a fungal and bacterial infections. Often these issues are nothing to worry about, but sometimes a nail problem can signal and underlying disease.

Allergies and Skin Sensitivities

 The most common allergic skin conditions are atopic

Dermatitis (eczema), allergic contact dermatitis (rash where allergen touched the skin), urticarial (hives), and angioedema (swelling). Hives and swelling often happen together, and may suggest a serious and life threating allergic reaction. 

 Preventive Care

 Some of the most important preventive measures are, avoiding too much sunlight, applying sunscreen before going out, covering up skin in the sun, and avoiding tanning booths. Best neurology Clinic in Gaya

 Research and Advancements

 Research advancements in dermatology have brought about transformative changes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various skin conditions. Innovation in diagnostic tools, therapeutic modalities, and digital health technologies have significantly improved patient care.

Patient Education

 By Definition, patient education is the process of influencing patient behavior and producing the changes in knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to maintain or improve health through the provision of information and the teaching of patients.

Get in Touch

Contact :- 9117999911

Website:- https://www.alwaysdial.com/

Mail Id :- Alwaysdial.team@gmail.com

[truffoire]

Truffoire Reviews - How You Can Unlock the Power of Specialized Skin Care Products

In today's fast-paced world, taking care of our skin has become more important than ever. With a plethora of skin care products available in the market, it is essential to choose the right ones that cater to our specific needs. Specialized skin care products offer targeted solutions for various skin concerns, ensuring that you achieve healthy and glowing skin. Experts ideas like 7 Truffoire Skincare Best-Sellers That Are Expert-Favorites, help explore the benefits of using specialized skin care products and how they can transform your skincare routine.

Tailored Solutions for Unique Skin Concerns One of the significant advantages of using specialized skin care products is that they offer tailored solutions for unique skin concerns. Be it acne, aging, or hyper-pigmentation; there is a product designed specifically to address that issue. By targeting the root cause of the problem, these products provide long-lasting and effective results. Enhanced Ingredient Formulations Specialized skin care products often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients, such as retinal, chronically acid, or vitamin C. These potent formulations work synergistic-ally with your skin's natural processes, delivering noticeable improvements in texture, tone, and overall appearance. Moreover, they are formulated with cutting-edge technologies that ensure optimal absorption and efficacy. Personalized Skincare Routine Incorporating specialized skin care products into your daily routine allows you to create a personalized regimen that caters to your skin's unique needs. This targeted approach ensures that you are using the right products in the right order, maximizing the benefits and improving your skin's overall health. Preventative Care and Maintenance Using specialized skin care products also helps in maintaining the health of your skin and preventing future concerns. For instance, products with antioxidants protect your skin from environmental aggressors and free radical damage, while those with SPF shield your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. By addressing potential issues before they arise, you are investing in the long-term health of your skin. Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem When your skin looks and feels its best, your confidence naturally soars. Specialized skin care products help you achieve this by tackling your unique skin concerns head-on. As a result, you can enjoy a radiant complexion that enhances your overall self-esteem and well-being.

The benefits of using specialized skin care products are numerous, just like Truffoire Review: The Benefits of Black Truffle Skincare. From providing tailored solutions for unique skin concerns to enhancing ingredient formulations, these products are a game-changer in the world of skincare. By integrating them into your daily routine, you can create a personalized skincare regimen that caters to your specific needs, ensuring that your skin stays healthy, radiant, and youthful for years to come. So, unlock the power of specialized skin care products today and embrace the trans-formative effects they have on your skin's health and appearance. Your skin deserves all the goodness of specialized solutions that you can give to it because of all the constant hard work that it does to keep you safe.

[epoxyflooringexpert]

A Guide To Choose The Right Concrete Sealers For Home

Maintaining the efficiency of the commercial property is extremely important especially the concrete that makes the floor pitch perfect. In fact, not just maintaining but preventing the damage to concrete is equally essential. Concrete is one of the crucial construction elements owing to its strength and longevity. However, because concrete is porous, it can absorb soluble salts and water, which can be harmful. Furthermore, the absorption of salts by the concrete, especially chlorides, can eventually lead to corrosion problems when steel reinforcement is inserted in the concrete to strengthen it. 

As a result, opting for the right type of concrete sealers is of utmost necessity. It ensures protection by shielding surfaces from a wide range of water-related issues caused by the cycles of thawing and freezing, stains from dirt, oil, and other impurities. In addition, it also prevents an individual from investing unnecessarily.  

Understanding The Role Of Concrete Sealers

The sealers for concrete are intended to provide protection for the concrete's surface against degradation, rust, and discolouration over time. Most concrete surface degradation is usually caused by surface moisture penetration. It's essential to safeguard and preserve the concrete surfaces while doing regular maintenance to increase their lifespan. Concrete sealers function by covering your concrete's surface or by penetrating into its pores and attaching to its inherent attributes. There are several types of sealers and choosing the right one can be the game changer. 

How To Choose The Right Concrete Sealers?

In order to choose the right kind of sealers for a concrete surface, one must be aware of the different types of concrete sealers in the market and their benefits. 

Waterproof Concrete Sealers 

A sealer should be a product that has the ability to penetrate deep into the surface as well as the substrate in order to seal and act as a protective covering. A waterproof sealer protects the concrete surface from penetrating water deep into the seal on which it turns into a solid form enclosing all alkali and lime in its impenetrable layer.

As a result, the concrete surface coated with waterproof sealers becomes water resistant along with other dirt, grease and acid which extends the overall life of the surface. 

Epoxy Concrete Sealers 

Epoxy concrete sealers are a great option for heavily utilized interior floors. This specific sealer not only offers a durable finish but also deters excessive abrasion. The most popular applications for epoxy coatings are concrete flooring and countertops. As a matter of fact, this type of sealer offers a glossy finish with a thick composition.

Depending on the requirement of an individual, pigments can be added to the sealers for better colours and one can choose either some mid-level sheen or highly glossy one.  

Acrylic Concrete Sealers

If an individual is looking for a cost-effective option, acrylic sealers are the best. Not only is it easy to apply but is also best suited for the interiors and exteriors for sealing the concrete. In addition, this type of sealer is well resistant to UV and therefore doesn’t fade away with time.

If one is looking for sealers for the garage or wants to seal the pool decks and walkways, individuals can opt for acrylic sealers as they offer protection against chlorine water. The paint dries really fast and enhances colours while protecting against damage. 

Final Thoughts 

Choosing the right concrete sealers perth and applying them correctly is extremely crucial. To find the ideal balance of protection, durability, and affordability, consider the specific needs, surface, and location.

Spraypave Pro is a concrete sealer expert in Perth and can help with the process of concrete sealing. 

[mariacallous]

Medical imagery tends to burst with gore and horror, from grisly gashes and festering flesh to a merciless gush of other odious afflictions. But the most disturbing sights aren't always the most grievous ailments—as a recent case in Ohio demonstrates. A man there developed a completely benign condition. His prognosis was excellent. He recovered in full, quickly. Yet, for any observer, a ghastly glimpse of his mild malady may cause acute discomfort and enduring trauma.

The man briefly developed an unusual condition in which a shaggy carpet of green fibers covered his tongue, according to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine. (If you dare, an image of the man's tongue can be found here.) The thick, plush mat of foul fur was a form of hairy tongue syndrome. The most common version of this condition is black—which is also pretty disturbing. But, in exceptional cases, the repulsive rug can also appear as tongue-colored, brown, yellow, blue, or green.

The rare hue seemed to initially stump doctors, who prescribed him an antifungal medication after assuming the fuzzy eruption was a yeast infection. But after a course of the drugs his oral outgrowth remained in all its glory. After that, doctors at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base medical center diagnosed it as hairy tongue syndrome.

So, what causes this lingual wickedness? And why does it come in a variety of colors? Doctors don't entirely know, even though it was first identified in 1557. Centuries later, the primary hypothesis is that some combination of oral disturbances prevents the tongue's top layer from completing its normal cycles of sloughing off old cells—aka defective desquamation. This leads to a buildup of epidermal debris that can form long, hairlike structures on the tongue.

Tint and Texture

The tongue is normally covered with little protrusions called papillae. There are four main types of papillae on the tongue—filiform, fungiform, foliate, and circumvallate papillae. The ones most affected by hairy tongue syndrome seem to be the filiform papillae. They are densely packed on the top of the tongue and are the only papillae that don't sport taste buds. In terms of shape, filiform papillae are conical or cylindrical protrusions, topped with numerous threadlike projections called secondary papillae. Collectively, the wee structures create the tongue's roughness, which increases friction between the muscular organ and food, aiding chewing and other functions.

When defective desquamation occurs, the filiform papillae that are normally less than 1 millimeter in length can reach lengths of 12 to 18 mm. And the thick tangle of tongue fibers that forms ends up trapping bacteria, fungi, and other debris. These mat dwellers can include pigmented food residues and colorful microorganisms, which are thought to lend their tint to the tufty tongue. But, to date, no specific microorganism has been identified as the cause or color source of hairy tongue cases.

Experts also don't know how this whole process begins, but there are clear patterns and associations in those who do develop the condition. Hairy tongue most often shows up in men and is associated with older age, smoking, alcohol use, excessive coffee or black tea consumption, poor oral hygiene, certain cancers, and use of certain medications, mainly antibiotics. Some combination of oral irritations related to these factors is thought to trigger the tongue's Technicolor nightmare coat.

While its cause remains a mystery, its cure is simple. The condition is generally benign and self-limiting. Often there aren't any symptoms associated with it, but some people may report gagging, nausea, problems tasting, mouth dryness, pain, or bad breath. No drugs are typically necessary. The standard treatment involves reassurance, recommendations for oral care, and avoiding possible triggers, such as smoking. It usually resolves in a matter of days to a few weeks.

In the case of the Ohio man, he was a 64-year-old smoker who had completed a course of antibiotics to treat a periodontal infection a few weeks before the tongue condition developed. His doctors advised him to stop smoking and to brush his tongue four times a day to try to help the cells slough off. At a six-month follow-up, the man's tongue had returned to normal, though he didn't quit smoking.