#clinical data management company

[traceypure]

https://www.puresoftware.com/research-and-development/clinical-data-management

How Can a Clinical Data Management Company Benefit Your Research?

PureSoftware is a business that provides digital solutions to the healthcare and life sciences sectors. One of their offerings is clinical data management, which uses technology to automate procedures, increase productivity, and lower errors in order to assure data integrity in clinical trials.

[lambdatherapeutic]

The CRC at LTR provides unreserved support to the site and thus covers guidance for all aspects of imaging in a clinical trial. Every project is spearheaded by industry experienced team of certified graders and imaging research associates. We also offer a full range of central review services and consultation for a wide range of therapeutic segments for its sponsors.

[technobridge]

Clinical data management courses can provide professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory requirements governing clinical trials. Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines are essential frameworks that ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of medical products.

[jcmarchi]

In 2025, GenAI Copilots Will Emerge as the Killer App That Transforms Business and Data Management

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/in-2025-genai-copilots-will-emerge-as-the-killer-app-that-transforms-business-and-data-management/

In 2025, GenAI Copilots Will Emerge as the Killer App That Transforms Business and Data Management

Every technological revolution has a defining moment when a specific use case propels the technology into widespread adoption. That time has come for generative AI (GenAI) with the rapid spread of copilots.

GenAI as a technology has taken significant strides in the past few years. Yet despite all the headlines and hype, its adoption by companies is still in the early stages. The 2024 Gartner CIO and Tech Executive Survey puts adoption at only 9% of those surveyed, with 34% saying they plan to do so in the next year. A recent survey by the Enterprise Strategy Group puts GenAI adoption at 30%. But the surveys all come to the same conclusion about 2025.

Prediction 1. A Majority of Enterprises Will Use GenAI in Production by the End of 2025

GenAI adoption is seen as critical to improving productivity and profitability and has become a top priority for most businesses. But it means that companies must overcome the challenges experienced so far in GenAII projects, including:

Poor data quality: GenAI ends up only being as good as the data it uses, and many companies still don’t trust their data. Data quality along with incomplete or biased data have all been issues that lead to poor results.

GenAI costs: training GenAI models like ChatGPT has mostly only been done by the very best of the best GenAI teams and costs millions in computing power. So instead people have been using a technique called retrieval augmented generation (RAG). But even with RAG, it quickly gets expensive to access and prepare data and assemble the experts you need to succeed.

Limited skill sets: Many of the early GenAI deployments required a lot of coding by a small group of experts in GenAI. While this group is growing, there is still a real shortage.

Hallucinations: GenAI isn’t perfect. It can hallucinate, and give wrong answers when it thinks it’s right. You need a strategy for preventing wrong answers from impacting your business.

Data security: GenAI has exposed data to the wrong people because it was used for training, fine-tuning, or RAG. You need to implement security measures to protect against these leaks.

Luckily the software industry has been tackling these challenges for the past few years. 2025 looks like the year when several of these challenges start to get solved, and GenAI becomes mainstream.

Prediction 2. Modular RAG Copilots Will Become The Most Common Use of GenAI

The most common use of GenAI is to create assistants, or copilots, that help people find information faster. Copilots are usually built using RAG pipelines. RAG is the Way. It’s the most common way to use GenAI. Because Large Language Models (LLM) are general-purpose models that don’t have all or even the most recent data, you need to augment queries, otherwise known as prompts, to get a more accurate answer. Copilots help knowledge workers be more productive, address previously unanswerable questions, and provide expert guidance while sometimes also executing routine tasks. Perhaps the most successful copilot use case to date is how they help software developers code or modernize legacy code.

But copilots are expected to have a bigger impact when used outside of IT. Examples include:

In customer service, copilots can receive a support query and either escalate to a human for intervention or provide a resolution for simple queries like password reset or account access, resulting in higher CSAT scores.

In manufacturing, co-pilots can help technicians diagnose and recommend specific actions or repairs for complex machinery, reducing downtime.

In healthcare, clinicians can use copilots to access patient history and relevant research and help guide diagnosis and clinical care, which improves efficiency and clinical outcomes.

RAG pipelines have mostly all worked the same way. The first step is to load a knowledge base into a vector database. Whenever a person asks a question, a GenAI RAG pipeline is invoked. It re-engineers the question into a prompt, queries the vector database by encoding the prompt to find the most relevant information, invokes an LLM with the prompt using the retrieved information as context, evaluates and formats the results, and displays them to the user.

But it turns out you can’t support all copilots equally well with a single RAG pipeline. So RAG has evolved into a more modular architecture called modular RAG where you can use different modules for each of the many steps involved:

Indexing including data chunking and organization

Pre-retrieval including query (prompt) engineering and optimization

Retrieval with retriever fine-tuning and other techniques

Post-retrieval reranking and selection

Generation with generator fine-tuning, using and comparing multiple LLMs, and verification

Orchestration that manages this process, and makes it iterative to help get the best results

You will need to implement a modular RAG architecture to support multiple copilots.

Prediction 3. No-Code/Low-Code GenAI Tools Will Become The Way

By now, you may realize GenAI RAG is very complex and rapidly changing. It’s not just that new best practices are constantly emerging. All the technology involved in GenAI pipelines is changing so fast that you will end up needing to swap out some of them or support several. Also, GenAI isn’t just about modular RAG. Retrieval Augmented Fine Tuning (RAFT) and full model training are becoming cost-effective as well. Your architecture will need to support all this change and hide the complexity from your engineers. Thankfully the best GenAI no-code/low-code tools provide this architecture. They are constantly adding support for leading data sources, vector databases, and LLMS, and making it possible to build modular RAG or feed data into LLMs for fine-tuning or training. Companies are successfully using these tools to deploy copilots using their internal resources.

Nexla doesn’t just use GenAI to make integration simpler. It includes a modular RAG pipeline architecture with advanced data chunking, query engineering, reranking and selection, multi-LLM support with results ranking and selection, orchestration, and more – all configured without coding.

Prediction 4. The Line between Copilots and Agents Will Blur

GenAI copilots like chatbots are agents that support people. In the end people make the decision on what to do with the generated results. But GenAI agents can fully automate responses without involving people. These are often referred to as agents or agentic AI.

Some people view these as two separate approaches. But the reality is more complicated. Copilots are already starting to automate some basic tasks, optionally allowing users to confirm actions and automating the steps needed to complete them.

Expect copilots to evolve over time into a combination of copilots and agents. Just like applications help re-engineer and streamline business processes, assistants could and should start to be used to automate intermediate steps of the tasks they support. GenAI-based agents should also include people to handle exceptions or approve a plan generated using an LLM.

Prediction 5. GenAI Will Drive The Adoption of Data Fabrics, Data Products, and Open Data Standards

GenAI is expected to be the biggest driver of change in IT over the next few years because IT will need to adapt to enable companies to realize the full benefit of GenAI.

As part of the Gartner Hype Cycles for Data Management, 2024, Gartner has identified 3, and only 3 technologies as transformational for data management and for the organizations that depend on data: Data Fabrics, Data Products, and Open Table Formats. All 3 help make data much more accessible for use with GenAI because they make it easier for data to be used by these new sets of GenAI tools.

Nexla implemented a data product architecture built on a data fabric for this reason. The data fabric provides a unified layer to manage all data the same way regardless of differences in formats, speeds, or access protocols. Data products are then created to support specific data needs, such as for RAG.

For example, one large financial services firm is implementing GenAI to enhance risk management. They’re using Nexla to create a unified data fabric. Nexla automatically detects schema and then generates connectors and data products. The company then defines data products for specific risk metrics that aggregate, cleanse, and transform data into the right format as inputs implementing RAG agents for dynamic regulatory reporting. Nexla provides the data governance controls including data lineage and access controls to ensure regulatory compliance.Our integration platform for analytics, operations, B2B and GenAI is implemented on a data fabric architecture where GenAI is used to create reusable connectors, data products, and workflows. Support for open data standards like Apache Iceberg makes it easier to access more and more data.

How to Copilot Your Way Towards Agentic AI

So how should you get ready to make GenAI mainstream in your company based on these predictions? First, if you haven’t yet, get started on your first GenAI RAG assistant for your customers or employees. Identify an important, and relatively straightforward use case where you already have the right knowledgebase to succeed.

Second, make sure to have a small team of GenAI experts who can help put the right modular RAG architecture, with the right integration tools in place to support your first projects. Don’t be afraid to evaluate new vendors with no-code/low-code tools.

Third, start to identify those data management best practices that you will need to succeed. This not only involves a data fabric and concepts like data products. You also need to govern your data for AI.

The time is now. 2025 is the year the majority will succeed. Don’t get left behind.

[reasonsforhope]

"A medical technology company in Australia is aiming for a world-first: it wants to launch a blood test for endometriosis (sometimes called 'endo' for short) within the first half of this year [2025].

In a recent peer-reviewed trial, its novel test proved 99.7 percent accurate at distinguishing severe cases of endometriosis from patients without the disease but with similar symptoms.

Even in the early stages of the disease, when blood markers may be harder to pick out, the test's accuracy remained over 85 percent.

The company behind the patent, Proteomics International, says it is currently adapting the method "for use in a clinical environment," with a target launch date in Australia for the second quarter of this year [2025].

The test is called PromarkerEndo.

"This advancement marks a significant step toward non-invasive, personalized care for a condition that has long been underserved by current medical approaches," managing director of Proteomics International Richard Lipscombe said in a press release from December 30.

Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disease that occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body, forming lesions. The disease can be very painful, and yet the average patient often suffers debilitating symptoms for up to seven years before they are properly diagnosed.

While there are numerous reasons for such a long delay, symptoms of endometriosis are often highly variable, unpredictable, difficult to measure or describe, and dismissed or overlooked by doctors.

Today, the only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is via keyhole surgery called a laparoscopy, which is expensive, invasive, and carries risks.

Proteomics International is hoping to change that.

In collaboration with researchers at the University of Melbourne and the Royal Women's Hospital, the company compared the bloodwork data from 749 participants of mostly European descent.

Some had endometriosis and others had symptoms that were similar to endo but without the lesions. All participants had a laparoscopy to confirm the presence or absence of the disease.

Sifting through the bloodwork, researchers ran several different algorithms to figure out which proteins in the blood were best at predicting endometriosis of varying stages.

Building on previous research, a panel of 10 proteins showed a "clear association" with endometriosis.

For years now, scientists have investigated possible blood biomarkers of endometriosis to see if they could differentiate between those who have endo and those who do not. Similar to cancerous tumors, endo lesions can establish their own blood supply, and if cervical cancer can be diagnosed via a blood test, it seemed possible that endometriosis could be, too...

Proteomics International claims patents for PromarkerEndo are "pending in all major jurisdictions," starting first in Australia.

It remains to be seen if the company's blood test lives up to the hype and is approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). But that's not outside the realm of possibility.

In November of 2023, some researchers predicted that a "reliable non-invasive biomarker for endometriosis is highly likely in the coming years."

Perhaps this is the year."

-via ScienceAlert, January 9, 2025

--

Note: As someone with endometriosis, let me say that this is a HUGE deal. The condition is incredibly common, incredibly understudied, and incredibly often dismissed. Massive sexism at work here.

I got very lucky and got diagnosed after about 6 months of chronic pain (and extra extra lucky, because my pain went away with medication). But as the article says, the average time to diagnosis is seven years.

Being able to confirm endometriosis diagnoses/rates without invasive surgery will also lead to huge progress in studying/creating treatments for endo.

And fyi: If you have a period that is so painful that you can't stand up, or have to go home from school/work, or vomit, or anything else debilitating (or if any of those things apply if you forget to take pain meds), that is NOT NORMAL, and you should talk to a competent gynecologist asap.

[mprexhealthcare]

Discover the top 10 clinical research organizations in India that specialize in clinical data management. These companies offer a range of services to support drug discovery and development. Read now.

[mariacallous]

For much of living memory, the United States has been a global leader of scientific research and innovation. From the polio vaccine, to decoding the first human chromosome, to the first heart bypass surgery, American research has originated a seemingly endless list of health care advances that are taken for granted.

But when the Trump administration issued a memorandum Monday that paused all federal grants and loans—with the aim of ensuring that funding recipients are complying with the president’s raft of recent executive orders—US academia ground to a halt. Since then, the freeze has been partially rescinded for some sectors, but it largely remains in place for universities and research institutions across the country, with no certainty of what comes next.

“This has immediate impact on people’s lives,” says J9 Austin, professor of psychiatry and medical genetics at the University of British Columbia. “And it’s terrifying.”

The funding freeze requires agencies to submit reviews of their funded programs to the Office of Management and Budget by February 10. The freeze follows separate orders issued last week to US health agencies—including to the National Institutes of Health, which leads the country’s medical research—to pause all communications until February 1 and stop almost all travel indefinitely.

The confusion is consummate. If the funding freeze continues through February, and even beyond, how will graduate students be paid? Should grant applications—years long in the writing—still be submitted by the triannual grant submission deadline on February 5? What does this mean for clinical trials if participants and lab techs can’t be paid? Will all that research have to be scrapped thanks to incomplete data?

Even if Trump fully reverses the freeze on research funding, the damage, multiple sources say, has been done. Although for now the funding freeze is temporary, the administration has shown how it might wield the levers of government. The implication is that withdrawing funding could be done more permanently, and could be done to individual institutions, individual organizations, both private and public. This won’t just set a precedent for the large East Coast or West Coast universities, but those located in both red and blue states alike.

While always an imperfect arrangement, science in the US is largely funded by a complex system of grant applications, reviews by peers in the field (both of which have had to be halted as part of the communications pause), and the competitive distribution of NIH funds, says Gerald Keusch, emeritus professor of medicine at Boston University and former associate director of international research for the NIH. According to its website, the NIH disburses nearly $48 billion in grants per year.

When it comes to medical research, America truly is first, and if it abdicates that position, the void left behind has global ramifications. “In Canada, we have always looked to NIH as an exemplar of what we should be trying to do,” says Austin, speaking to me independently of any roles and affiliations. “Now, that’s collapsed.”

Science is, in its very nature, collaborative. Many consortiums and alliances within scientific fields cross borders and language barriers. Some labs may be able to find additional funding from alternative sources such as the European Union. But it is unlikely that a continued withdrawal of NIH funding could be plugged by overseas support. And Big Pharma, with its seemingly endless funds, is unlikely to step up either, according to sources WIRED spoke with.

“This can’t be handed off to drug companies or biotech, because they’re not interested in things that are as preclinical as a lot of the work we’re discussing here,” says a professor of genetics who agreed to speak anonymously out of fear of retribution. “Essentially, there’s a whole legion of university-based scientists who work super damn hard to try to figure out some basic stuff that eventually becomes something that a drug company can drop $100 million on.”

The millions of dollars awarded to high-achieving labs is used to fund graduate students, lab techs, and analysts. If the principal investigator on a research team is unsuccessful in obtaining a grant through the process Keusch describes, often that lab is closed, and those ancillary team members lose their jobs.

One of the potential downstream effects of an NIH funding loss, even if only temporary, is a mass domestic brain drain. “Many of those people are going to go out to find something else to do,” the professor of genetics says. “These are just like jobs for anything else—we can’t not pay people for a month. What would the food service industry be like, for example, or grocery stores, if they don’t pay somebody for a month? Their workers will leave, and pharma can only hire so many people.”

WIRED heard over and over, from scientists too fearful for their teams and their jobs to speak on the record, that it won’t take long for the impact to reach the general population. With a loss of research funding comes the closure of hospitals and universities. And gains in medical advancement will likely falter too.

Conditions being studied with NIH funding are not only rare diseases affecting 1 or 2 percent of the population. They’re problems such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s—issues that affect your grandmother, your friends, and so many people who will one day fall out of perfect health. It’s thanks to this research system, and the scientists working within it, that doctors know how to save someone from a heart attack, regulate diabetes, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of stroke. It’s how the world knows that smoking isn’t a good idea. “All of that is knowledge that scientists funded by the NIH have generated, and if you throw this big of a wrench in it, it’s going to disrupt absolutely everything,” says the genetics professor.

While some are hopeful that the funding freeze for academia could end on February 1, when the pause on communications and therefore grant reviews is slated to lift, the individuals WIRED spoke with are largely skeptical that work will simply resume as before.

“When the wheels of government stop, it’s not like they turn on a dime and they just start up again,” says Julie Scofield, a former executive director of NASTAD, a US-based health nonprofit. She adds that she has colleagues in Washington, DC, who have had funding returned to their fields, and yet remain unable to access payment through the management system.

Austin says that already the international scientific community is holding hastily arranged online support groups. Topics covered range from the banal—what the most recent communication from the White House implies—to how best to protect trainees and the many students on international visas. But mostly they’re there to provide support.

“I’ve had a lot of messages from people just expressing gratitude that we could actually get together,” Austin says. “There’s just so much unaddressable need. None of us has the answers.”

Scientists, perhaps more than any other profession, are trained to “learn and validate conclusions drawn from observation and experimentation,” says Keutsch. That applies to the current situation. And what they observe during this pause of chaos does not portend well for the future of the United States as a pinnacle of scientific excellence.

“If people want the United States to head toward being a second-class nation, this is exactly what to do. If the goal is, in fact, to make America great, this is not a way to do it,” says the genetics professor. “This is not a rational, thoughtful, effective thing to do. It will merely destroy.”

This story has been written under a pseudonym, as the reporter has specific and credible concerns about potential retaliation.

[ltash]

The Bodyguard pt-1

Part 2 & 3 link in the end.

SimonGhostRileyxfemalereader

The boardroom was sleek, modern, and imposing, with dark wood panelling and a sprawling glass table. Sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting sharp shadows across the faces of the people who had slowly filed in, each flashing rehearsed smiles in your direction. You leaned back in your chair, absentmindedly chewing on the end of a sleek silver pen, your eyes sharp, taking in every movement, every fake expression.

Five guards stood silently behind you, their presence a subtle but unmistakable reminder of your authority. You were untouchable here, or at least, that's what you needed them to believe. As the CEO and heiress of Aventis Pharmaceuticals, a company built on generational influence, you knew there were black sheep lurking within your empire. You could feel it in the way certain board members avoided your gaze, shifting uncomfortably under your silent scrutiny.

"Let's get started," you said, your voice calm but unyielding as you set the pen down, giving each person a measured look. "I need the details on the latest antinarcotic project we're working on."

There was a pause before the head of R&D, Dr. Marcus Lewin cleared his throat. He looked pale, though you couldn't tell if it was the lighting or nerves. "Ah... of course, Miss Aventis," he began, shuffling some papers before him. "We're in the third phase of clinical trials now. The formula has shown promising results, minimal side effects, with a faster recovery rate compared to the last version."

You raised an eyebrow, watching him squirm slightly. "Minimal side effects?" you repeated. "We're aiming for a groundbreaking product, Dr. Lewin. I expect 'minimal' to be an understatement."

"Yes, of course," he stammered, nodding vigorously. "I, uh, apologize. We're working on further improvements. There's also some data regarding efficacy rates in the latest testing group. I can forward the specifics to you."

You leaned forward slightly, your gaze hardening. "Forward them to me? Dr. Lewin, I'd prefer a comprehensive update now from you. Or are there... issues you'd rather not discuss here?"

A few other board members shifted uncomfortably, casting sidelong glances at one another. But Dr. Lewin managed a stiff smile. "No issues, Miss Aventis. We've been gathering the results carefully. We're confident we can meet the expected deadline and provide a full report for you to review."

You nodded slowly, letting the silence stretch. "Good. I expect nothing less. And, just to be clear," you said, glancing around the table at the assembled members, "I don't tolerate surprises. If there are any... discrepancies, now is the time to disclose them. Otherwise, I expect total transparency."

A hush fell over the room.

Your gaze shifted to Martin Hayes, the company's CFO, a man known for his sharp financial acumen and, at times, slippery ethics. He sat across the table, his fingers tapping nervously against his folder. He offered a tight, polite smile as he looked up to meet your eyes.

"And about our deal with that company?" you asked, your voice cool, with just a hint of impatience.

Martin cleared his throat, adjusting his tie. "Yes, of course, Miss Aventis. The partnership with Arcadia Biotech is progressing as planned. We've secured favourable terms for both manufacturing and distribution, ensuring a significant reduction in costs while increasing production capabilities."

You tilted your head, studying him. "And Arcadia is still unaware of our... competitive projects?"

He hesitated, just for a fraction of a second, but you didn't miss it. "They're completely in the dark," he assured quickly. "We've kept all sensitive projects under strict confidentiality clauses. As far as Arcadia is concerned, they're our exclusive partners in the development and distribution of the existing narcotic treatments."

You tapped your fingers against the table. "Good. I'd like a written assurance from you that our proprietary research won't leak. If Arcadia or any other competitor even hints at knowing about our new product, I'll know who to turn to, won't I, Martin?"

The colour drained slightly from his face. "Absolutely, Miss Aventis. You have my word; I'll have our legal team draft an ironclad document."

"See that you do." You leaned back, giving him a faint smile as if to relieve the tension just slightly. "And remember, gentlemen and ladies," you added, letting your gaze roam around the table, "we're here to lead the industry-not to compete in petty games. I expect only the highest standards of loyalty and discretion."

A murmur of agreement filled the room, the board members nodding.

You leaned forward, placing both hands on the table, and fixed each board member with a piercing stare. The boardroom fell silent, the tension thick in the air.

"Also, remember this," you said, your voice low but unwavering. "I am more than capable of running my father's company. Each of you is here because you're shareholders, yes, but let's not mistake that for immunity."

A flicker of uncertainty crossed a few faces, and you didn't miss a beat.

"If I find out that anyone here has tampered with our formulas, compromised our products, or made any attempt to sabotage the reputation of Aventis Pharma..." You let the threat hang in the air for a moment, letting them feel the weight of your words. "Then you'll all be sinking with me. I won't hesitate to bring down every last one of you along with this company if it comes to that."

Martin Hayes shifted uncomfortably, his collar suddenly seeming a little too tight. Dr. Lewin was looking down at his notes, his jaw clenched, while a few others exchanged uneasy glances.

"Now," you continued, sitting back but keeping your gaze sharp, "let's ensure that it never comes to that. We are all on the same side, or we should be. Our success is your success. I expect complete loyalty to the vision my father built and entrusted me to lead."

You let the silence settle, watching them absorb your message. Finally, you smiled, but it was a smile of steel. "Any questions?"

No one spoke up, and you nodded in satisfaction. The boardroom felt smaller, suddenly less crowded with ambition and more attuned to your authority.

The boardroom cleared, and with a curt nod, you dismissed the meeting. Rising from your seat, you walked out with purposeful strides, your five bodyguards falling in line behind you, each scanning the area, their presence, an unspoken wall of security. You exited the building and moved toward the parking lot, where the air was still and quiet, almost eerily so.

Your eyes drifted to a Hummer parked discreetly in the far corner. It felt out of place, like a shadow that didn't belong. You slipped into your sleek sports car, the engine purring to life, but an uneasy feeling gnawed at you. Suddenly, figures emerged from the darkness, men with sharp eyes and cold expressions, each one wielding M14 rifles. Diego Garcia's assassins. The Hummer door stayed shut, but you caught a glimpse of Garcia himself watching from within, his gaze locked on you.

Before you could react, a hail of bullets erupted. Your heart thundered as your bodyguards sprang into action, returning fire, but the assassins moved with ruthless precision. In moments, one by one, your guards went down, each man fighting until his last breath but hopelessly outnumbered. You watched in horror, paralyzed as they fell, each life extinguished in seconds. You barely registered your own scream, choked by terror and fury, as the sounds of gunfire faded, leaving only silence and blood.

Your hands fumbled, trying to unlock the doors, but they were stuck, trapping you in the vehicle like a helpless bystander in a nightmare. You felt your pulse race as the shadows closed in, and then Diego was there, standing right outside your window, his face illuminated in the dim parking lot light. He smiled, a dark, twisted smile that sent chills through you.

"Mine," he whispered through the glass, his voice laced with malice and satisfaction.

A wave of dizziness overtook you, and everything spun. His words echoed in your mind as your vision blurred. Helpless and horrified, you slipped into unconsciousness, the last image seared into your memory: Diego's face, and that sinister smile that promised nothing but darkness.

A week had passed since the attack, but the memory of it still haunted you, flickering at the edge of your thoughts as you sat on the plush velvet sofa in your expansive drawing room. Sunlight poured through the towering windows, casting a warm glow over the gleaming marble floors and the breathtaking view of the Los Angeles skyline stretched beyond, grounding you in the opulence of your mansion. The faint hum of a helicopter faded as it settled on the rooftop, carrying with it your new bodyguard: Lieutenant Simon "Ghost" Riley, a man whose reputation preceded him.

The sound of heavy boots echoed through the hallways, each step precise and deliberate, growing closer until the double doors swung open. You rose from the sofa, instinctively straightening your posture as the figure of Ghost entered the room, his presence consuming it instantly. He was massive, towering over you at 6'4", his muscular frame stretching the fabric of his black t-shirt, every inch of him exuding strength and danger. His broad chest and shoulders were carved with the kind of power that comes only from a life on the battlefield, and his thick, muscular thighs tested the seams of his black cargo pants. A holstered firearm rested against his leg, a stark reminder of the deadly world you were stepping into.

But it was his eyes that struck you the hardest. Deep brown and unwavering, they locked onto yours with an intensity that felt almost physical, as if they could see straight through every secret you held. A skull-patterned bandana covered most of his face, concealing his expression, but his gaze was enough, it was fierce, calculating, and unyielding. His buzz-cut hair, a dirty blonde, caught a hint of sunlight, and a jagged scar traced down his left temple, the brutal souvenir of battles fought and survived.

The contrast between the two of you felt almost surreal, his raw, masculine power against your delicate, fragile beauty. At just five feet tall, your frame seemed almost dainty by comparison, a striking contrast of elegance and strength. The soft material of your dress hugged your figure, emphasizing the curve of your waist and your petite, curvy form, while your brown, doe-like eyes met his with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

"This is Ghost, ma'am," he nodded, his voice low, gravelly, resonant. The sound of it sent a shiver down your spine, filling the room as thoroughly as his presence did.

You hesitated, caught off guard by his intensity, before extending your hand. "Lieutenant Riley," you greeted, your voice steady even as you took in every detail of the man before you. "I've heard a lot about you."

He accepted your hand, his grip firm and respectful, but his eyes stayed sharp and assessing, as if already calculating every risk, every angle of protection.

"Welcome to my mansion. How was your journey?" you asked, settling yourself elegantly on the velvet couch, your posture flawless.

"The journey was fine, ma'am," he replied, his deep voice rumbling through the room. He took a step closer, crossing his arms, his gaze intense and assessing. "The view from the landing pad is quite something, too."

You felt his eyes linger, moving over you, taking in the details of your petite frame and the way your bodycon dress clung to your curves. He tried to keep his focus professional, but it was hard not to notice the finer details.

"Tea, coffee, or whiskey?" you offered.

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Whiskey," he replied without hesitation, his gaze still fixed on you.

With a small nod, you rose from the sofa and moved to the bar across the room, reaching for the bottle of Kentucky bourbon. His eyes tracked your every movement, lingering on the bare skin between the thin straps of your dress. The dress hugged your form perfectly, and though he kept his face stoic, his attention remained unwavering as you poured the amber liquid into a glass.

You turned, holding the glass in your hand, and extended it to him. He stepped forward, his calloused fingers wrapping around the glass, brushing lightly against yours. The brief contact sent a jolt up your arm, but his face revealed nothing, not a hint of reaction. He lifted the glass to his lips, taking a slow, measured sip, all the while keeping his gaze steady on you.

You leaned back onto the plush sofa, crossing your legs elegantly, watching as he brought the glass of bourbon to his lips, taking a slow sip without breaking eye contact. The slight tension in the room was palpable, each of you sizing up the other, feeling out the boundaries of this unfamiliar relationship.

"So," you murmured, a faint hint of curiosity in your tone, "you wear the skull mask, Ghost..."

His eyes narrowed slightly above the edge of his mask, a flicker of irritation passing through them. He lowered the glass, studying you in silence for a moment before he replied, his tone even. "It's part of the job," he said. "Helps me keep things... impersonal. No one gets to see my face."

You tilted your head, not breaking his gaze. "Not even me?" you asked softly, a subtle challenge in your voice. "Not even the person you're here to protect?"

There was a beat of silence, his eyes dark and unreadable behind the mask. For a moment, you thought he might look away or ignore the question altogether. But then he spoke, his tone a shade more guarded. "Protection is about distance, ma'am. Masks help with that. It's not personal, just how I keep a clear line between my duty and... everything else."

You took a slow breath, absorbing his words. "Clear lines, huh?" You leaned forward, resting your chin on your hand as you studied him, his formidable frame, his stoic face, the shadows that clung to him. "Is that what works best for you, Lieutenant? No attachments, no faces, just the mission?"

He held your gaze, unflinching. "It's what's kept me alive." His answer was calm, unwavering, as though he'd thought it through many times before.

You nodded, acknowledging the harsh reality he lived by. "Well, I suppose I can respect that," you replied, your voice soft but thoughtful. "But you should know, Ghost, this won't be a typical mission. There are things at play here that... don't fit within clear lines."

He didn't respond, but his intense gaze on you seemed to deepen, like he was silently bracing himself for the unknown. Finally, he gave a slight nod, the barest hint of understanding in his eyes.

"Understood," he said, his tone low and resolute. And in that moment, you realized that, for all the distance he wanted to maintain, his presence, steady and unyielding, was exactly what you needed.

"Diego Garcia," you said, your voice quiet but resolute. "The Santiago Cartel."

Ghost's expression darkened. The name carried weight, a reputation steeped in violence. "Diego Garcia," he repeated, his tone grim. "Powerful, ruthless, no ordinary drug lord."

"He's bigger than Valeria Garza. More dangerous than El Sin Nombre."

Ghost's gaze was sharp, intense. "I know. Santiago Cartel is one of the deadliest in Mexico, and Garcia's the head of the snake."

"He's after me," you admitted, feeling the weight of the words as they left your lips.

Ghost's eyes narrowed. "Why?"

"My company produces anti-narcotics," you explained. "We sell the cure. He sells the poison."

Recognition flickered in his eyes. "You're cutting into his profits," he said, understanding dawning. "You make him look weak."

"We're about to launch a new antidote," you continued. "One that blocks the effects of drugs like cocaine, fentanyl. It's still in testing, but it'll be on the market soon."

He nodded slowly, processing it. "The cartel won't let that happen. They'll do whatever it takes to stop you."

You felt a shiver at his words but pushed on. "He's already killed for it. My bodyguards... I watched them die, right in front of me."

A muscle tightened in Ghost's jaw. "He killed them in front of you," he said, his voice low, edged with anger. "Bastard doesn't play by any rules."

"He sent his men. They were armed with M14 rifles. My men didn't stand a chance."

His expression grew grim. "M14s. No wonder your guards didn't make it."

"Laswell suggested you," you continued, watching him closely. "She said if anyone could handle Garcia, it'd be you."

He met your gaze, a flicker of confidence in his eyes. "She's not wrong. I've dealt with men like him before." His voice was calm, unshaken. "And I'll take him down.

"Let me show you around," you said, motioning for him to follow.

Ghost nodded. "Lead the way."

The mansion was sleek and modern, blending luxury with privacy. As you walked through the marble driveway, you passed the tall, solid wooden door into the living room, its polished granite floors gleaming in the light. To the left, a door opened to the swimming pool area, surrounded by greenery. Above, a glass skywalk connected the house, offering a view of the water below.

A spiral staircase led to the second floor where your master bedroom and its luxurious bathroom were located, complete with a Jacuzzi and a high-tech shower. The back lawn opened up to the underground parking area.

As you walked, Ghost took in everything with a sharp, calculating gaze. The mansion wasn't just a home, it was a fortress. Every detail, from the barbed wire to the strategic location, was a reminder of the protection it offered.

"Like what you see?" you asked, watching his reaction.

Ghost's expression was unreadable, but his voice was steady. "It's secure," he said, eyes flicking over the property. "More than most would need."

"It's still smaller than other mansions here," you countered.

"Smaller, yes. But more secure," he said. "Most billionaires settle for an alarm system. You went further."

"The reason I don't go bigger is security," you replied. "I know Diego could breach it, but it's L.A. He'd think twice."

Ghost nodded. "Smart. L.A.'s dangerous, but Garcia would hesitate."

"Good. Let him be intimidated. Makes my job easier."

He shifted his attention back to you. "What about inside? Armed guards?"

"Outside," you said. "The perimeter's covered."

He raised an eyebrow. "Inside?"

"You..." you trailed off, letting him fill in the rest.

Part 2

Part 3

Pic credit: VhenanVirabelasan

https://www.instagram.com/vhenan_virabelasan?igsh=MWpmdnVzaXN5czYyZg==

[feminist-space]

"EviCore markets itself to insurance companies by promising a 3-to-1 return on investment — that is, for every $1 spent on EviCore, the insurer would pay out $3 less on medical care and other costs. EviCore salespeople have boasted of a 15% increase in denials, according to the investigation, which is based on internal documents, corporate data and dozens of interviews with former employees, doctors, industry experts, health care regulators and insurance executives. Almost everybody interviewed spoke on condition of anonymity because they continue to work in the industry.

An analysis of the company’s own data shows that, since 2021, EviCore turned down prior authorization requests, in full or in part, almost 20% of the time in Arkansas, which requires the publication of denial rates. By comparison, the equivalent figure for federal Medicare Advantage plans was about 7% in 2022.

...

EviCore is not alone in engaging in the denials-for-dollars business. The second-biggest player is Carelon Medical Benefits Management, a subsidiary of Elevance Health, the health insurer formerly known as Anthem. It has been accused in court of wrongfully denying legitimate requests for coverage. The company has denied all charges. Several smaller companies do the same kind of work.

...

Insurers do not make explicit demands for more denials, a former EviCore sales executive said, Instead, they asked about “controlling the spend” — the amount of money paid out on certain procedures, he said. Nor would EviCore always use the word “denials” — they employed circumlocutions like “inappropriate determinations.”

Aetna and Cigna are two of the companies that have requested “high touch” plans — those that would send more cases to clinical review and thus generate more denials, according to the former employee involved in data issues.

...

Holding the companies legally responsible for their decisions is also difficult. In 2022, Carelon settled a lawsuit for $13 million that alleged the company, then called AIM, had used a variety of techniques to avoid approving coverage requests. Among them: The company set its fax machines to receive only 5 to 10 pages. When doctors faxed prior authorization requests longer than the limit, company representatives would deny them for failing to have enough documentation. Carelon denied the allegations in court and admitted no fault. A spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit."

Read the full article here: https://www.propublica.org/article/evicore-health-insurance-denials-cigna-unitedhealthcare-aetna-prior-authorizations

[lambdatherapeutic]

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[wishing-stones]

I’ve written myself into a corner for an idea I’ve had for a while, but never seen nor managed to fully attempt. I seen stories of mage!readers, but never any of well, the mages. The ones that sealed away monsters, the seven. And I had the idea to add Baggs, but I’ve generally hit a brick wall because??? I’m not sure how’d he respond? I mean, typically someone as intriguing as a mage would catch his radar, but we’re talking the literal reason in most multiverses including his own, why monsters are trapped underground? Do you have any helpful suggestions or insights?

Weeeellll, this is difficult to answer completely because he's not mine, he just lives rent-free in my head and struts around like he owns the place, but I'll give it a shot here.

To start, this assumes that the mages from the war are still alive, which insinuates a couple things:

Either they're incredibly long-lived, or the war wasn't all that long ago. I default on the former, but it's your worldbuilding and it's up for you to decide

If the above isn't true, there's time travel or dimensional warping or something similar involved,

I have a couple of headcanons and scenarios I've thought about re: Baggs Meets a Mage (who isn't Ren/not in the R&R verse)

Mages don't look any different than humans most of the time (unless they follow my 'monster x human hybrid' rule, which means they sometimes have monstrous traits) so they can fly under the radar with monsters unless

They have the aforementioned monstrous traits (again, in line with my headcanons and continuity/multiverse theory for the UTMV)

Use magic in front of a monster

Outwardly look like a mage via clothing and/or weapon choices

Are in an encounter where they can be CHECKed

Baggs might treat a mage as he treats any other human. Cautious, observing their movements, trying to get a good, concise read of them to determine whether or not he has to do something about them, and proceeding from there. He can't Judge anymore so he has to leave it up to intuition, because he sure as shit isn't initiating an encounter, and startling a potentially dangerous human is a bad idea re: his magic. He doesn't usually open with it unless he's sure he'll be successful, or at the very least, it won't be as much of a fight to get them under.

If/when he figures out they're a mage, that's when he becomes a bigger problem for them. He hasn't had the chance to study a mage before. Are their souls stronger than standard human souls? How does mage magic hold up to monster magic? Similarities, differences, limitations, all of the things he knows about monster magic he will want to learn about mage magic. He'd definitely be interested in keeping them somewhere he could observe them, so chances are, they'd be down in the lower lab in some room or cell.

He isn't cruel, first and foremost, so he'd approach them and the situation as if they were a guest and kind of... subtly nudge them into compliance with his charisma rather than resorting to his magic-- it might color his data. He'd make bargains and deals, reward good behavior, and be about as much of an open book as he can be for information exchanges.

But he'll never tell about his ace-in-the-hole hypnosis magic. that's insurance.

A compliant and agreeable mage will find him pleasant company. If he deems them not a threat, accommodations and privileges get better and more relaxed. If he feels like he can trust them, he loosens the reins a little and lets them have a bit more freedom.

A combative and potentially dangerous mage will find him holding them at arm's length and treating them with cold, clinical professionalism. If he feels like he's in danger, he'll absolutely subdue them, and if his magic doesn't work as anticipated, he has sedatives. He doesn't play games with his safety, so if it's in question, they're going to be treated as a threat and he handles them as such.

Specifically, with a mage who was in the war;

He'd be very interested in firsthand accounts of what happened. How was the barrier put up? What kind of magic is it, how was it cast? Why would mages turn on monsters when they, too, can cast magic? Were they truly jealous, or was there something more behind the conflict? Half of his lines of questioning will be less about their magic and more about their history. He's heard a few firsthand accounts from the few remaining veterans of the war, but hearing it from a human mage is different. It gives him the other side of the story rather than the one-sided version from monster history.

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, he wouldn't treat a mage who helped erect the barrier with any animosity if it wasn't directed at him first. He thinks having them stuck down here is its own poetic justice. Trapped in the very cage they helped create-- the irony does not escape him.

More than that, he has someone who knows how that magic works and might well be motivated to help remove said magic. He will play up this fact hard, leaving little tidbits in conversation about how long it's been, how they've all been struggling to escape and, oh... if only there was someone who could help. He's been trying so very hard, you know. He's oh so tired.

To sum up in a sort of tl;dr: He's reactive to how he's treated, and good behavior goes a long way with him. Hostility will be met with hostility in return, and he will subdue a threat by whatever means necessary, medical or magical. He's not cruel, so he won't resort to dubious means of gathering or extracting information, and his magic is his carefully guarded trump card. Words and charisma are just as good at getting information as prising it by force via hypnosis. He'll manipulate a mage into doing what he wants, doubly so if they helped make the barrier. Building a positive relationship with him via trust makes him much more pleasant to be around and he might even, eventually, step out of the realm of professionalism and into intrapersonal. A negative relationship gets a mage treated as a prisoner or subject, and he's cautious and cold in the extreme. But never cruel. This is not a man who does or even would resort to torture for anything. The very worst he'd do is gaslight. He is still a monster in a canon-adjacent-AU. His soul is made of love, compassion, and hope, as all monsters are. It is not and cannot be in his nature to cause undue suffering, and in the end, his highest motivators are to ensure the safety and eventual release of the underground, and to keep his brother happy. Almost everything he does is driven by those two things.

Got way long-winded lmfao but this is something I've thought a fair bit about, so you're lucky anon! (Most especially because I have a mage character who has a kind of interesting dynamic with him in the bits and pieces of drabbles and brainrot I've done with them.)

I hope this bit of character analysis helps you get out of your corner!

[imaginebetterfutures]

I am officially a cited expert on the history of vaginal anatomy studies! Look mom! I did it!

Okay so here's the story. Way back in ye olde 2014 I was commissioned by The Sweethome (now Wirecutter) to review tampons. As part of my research for that review, I stumbled across some really fascinating old research on vaginal shapes. I wrote about that research for a group blog I used to be a part of, and about the weird little obsession I developed with some long lost research.

All I could really dig up was a set of studies done in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s by a woman named Paula Pendergrass. Pendergrass published a handful of studies about the shape of the vagina, which she measured by doing plaster casts of willing women. And what she described in her work was actually a set of different vagina shapes: the conical, the parallel sides, the heart, the pumpkin seed, and the least fortunately named slug.

But the thing that surprised me most was that after this one small set of studies by Pendergrass, that's it. There was nothing more. And it's not like Pendergrass had answered the question definitively, her work is full of ideas for how to better measure these shapes, and suggestions to collect more data. Why wasn't there anything else here? Why hadn't she continued this work? Why hadn't anybody asked more questions? I needed to know! So I managed to track her down and cold call her house in Arkansas (because journalists like me have no shame) to ask her why she stopped measuring vagina shapes.

Here's what I learned:

There’s no market for this data. Companies that manufacture vaginal products are looking only to confirm that things like tampons fit inside. They don’t care much about the specifics beyond that. But the big reason she highlighted was the one that made me both sad and angry. When she was doing the work, people were grossed out by it. “It’s off-putting to a lot of people, and I’ve had trouble with it since I started,” she said. “People who were embarrassed I was doing this, They said I was a a dirty old woman doing this.” A dirty old woman. For wanting to know the shape and size of the human vagina.

I wanted to chase this story further, but I could never sell it. In part because it's unclear if it matters clinically what the shape of someone's vaginal canal is. And yet... it's just so... INTERESTING!

But I let it go, after that blog post. (Well, that's not entirely true, I actually ordered a dental casting kit and had plans to cast my own vaginal canal using her study's instructions. But I never got around to it.)

FLASH FORWARD TO TODAY. And I get an email from a friend named Perrin Ireland who is apparently helping someone with a book about vaginas. Did I know that my blog was cited in a scientific journal, she asked? No! I DID NOT!!!

But here it is! Gender Bias in the Study of Genital Evolution: Females Continue to Receive Less Attention than Males, Integrative and Comparative Biology, Volume 62, Issue 3, September 2022, Pages 533–541. The author, Dara Orbach, writes:

When Pendergrass et al. (1996) demonstrated that human females have differently shaped vaginas, their findings were “offputting”, Pendergrass reported being called “a dirty old woman”, and gynecologists did not recognize the value of the research (Evelith, 2016). While a national research center exists in theUnited States ofAmerica for most major organ systems (e.g., National Eye Institute), female reproductive anatomy is categorized under the umbrella of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The research environment and social taboos have historically and still continue to hinder scientific inquiry in the field of female genital evolution.

Is my name spelled incorrectly? Yes! Do I care? No!

But truly it's nice to know that even though I couldn't chase this story and really report it out fully, it seems to have made some dent on at least one person who is asking questions about why we don't know more about the internal anatomy of people with vaginas.

If you like this, you'll also enjoy reading the one about how I spent weeks trying to build a replica vaginal canal in my kitchen to test menstrual cups on.

[vinaysalarite]

Jobs in Jaipur: Your Guide to Landing the Perfect Role

Jaipur is a city that offers a unique workplace offering diverse career opportunities. Job seekers from fresh graduates to experienced professionals will find many employment opportunities and Top industries hiring in Jaipur. This blog serves as your stepping stone toward finding your ideal career position together with practical tips to take advantage of Jaipur's employment market. Why Choose Jaipur for Your Career?Jaipur is a city which beautifully unites historical customs with contemporary development. Programming capabilities have developed Jaipur into one of India's key business districts. when multiple sectors including IT and manufacturing strengthened alongside healthcare and education services and tourism attractions grew popular. Organizations from startup-sized to multinational companies currently hire talent across multiple positions. Twelve years ago Jaipur established itself as the perfect destination to establish your career because of its developing urban structure and reasonably priced daily expenses alongside its dynamic way of life. Key Industries Offering Jobs in Jaipur

To help you explore the best career options, here are some of the key industries offering jobs in Jaipur:

1. Information Technology (IT) and Software Development

The information technology sector in Jaipur demonstrates substantial expansion during recent years. The IT firms including Salarite continue to recruit software developers, digital marketers and data analysts as part of their permanent workforce. You will find many opportunities for those with either technical expertise or technological interests in Jaipur.

2. Tourism and Hospitality

As one of India's leading tourism destinations Jaipur experiences constant growth in its hospitality and tourism sector. Hotel destinations along with travel agencies and event management services and customer support functions provide multiple employment opportunities. 3. Healthcare and Medical Services

New hospitals and clinics are driving rapid healthcare system growth in Jaipur. Multiple job openings exist for doctors along with nurses and administrative staff members. Tips to Land the Perfect Job in Jaipur

Here are some practical tips to help you secure the latest jobs in Jaipur: 1. Research the Job Market

Focus on industries and companies that match your skills and professional preferences. Platforms like Salarite provide access to diverse job opportunities in Jaipur, helping you explore various career options.

2. Build a Strong Resume

Your resume is your first impression. Ensure it is well-organized, highlights your achievements, and is tailored to the specific job you’re applying for.

3. Leverage Networking

To find employment, focus heavily on building connections. Reach out to professionals through LinkedIn and attend industry events. Let your network know you are exploring Jaipur job opportunities.

4. Prepare for Interviews Study common job interview questions and practice your answers. Highlight how your skills align with the job requirements to stand out to recruiters.

5. Use Online Job Portals Digital job portals like Salarite simplify your job search by providing filters for industry, location, and experience level. Explore their listings for the latest jobs in Jaipur.

6. Upskill Yourself

Learning new skills or earning certifications can enhance your profile and help you secure the right role, especially in competitive fields.

Why Choose Salarite? Job seekers in Jaipur should consider using Salarite, the city’s top employment website, which presents multiple positions across various business sectors. Salarite simplifies the job search process by maintaining up-to-date listings, helping you discover the best jobs in Jaipur.

Advantages of Working in Jaipur

Affordable Living: Jaipur offers a lower cost of living compared to metro cities, allowing you to save more and enjoy a high quality of life.

Work-Life Balance: The city’s relaxed pace and cultural vibrancy make it easy to balance work responsibilities with personal time.

Career Growth: With a growing economy and thriving industries, Jaipur provides ample opportunities for professional growth.

Conclusion

Finding employment in Jaipur is simpler than many anticipate. With the right strategies, tools, and platforms like Salarite, job seekers can explore diverse career options and achieve professional growth. From fresh graduates to experienced professionals, everyone can find Jaipur job opportunities in this dynamic city. Begin your job search today and take advantage of all the exciting possibilities Jaipur.