#human body ph level

[chansonwatersblog]

Discover the Top 10 Benefits of Alkaline Water for Everyday Life

[whatwhywhowherewhen]

Shen Yuan Shixiong au, but he is at a weird place in the time line and accidentally starts a new peak as a teenager while Luò Bīnghé is already in Qing Jing

It is the flowers peak- botany peak- crimes against humanity peak (if he's being honest). Mu Qingfang knows how to heal the human body and use medical herbs. Shen Yuan knows how to curse the human body and manipulate medical herbs

Everyone knows medicine is just poison in deliberate quantities, so they have a symbiotic relationship. Shen Qingqiu is low-key mad this kid is stealing his place as the guy with ridiculous quantities of knowledge for questionable purposes

Walking in this new peak unannounced is about as dangerous as falling into the endless abyss. They have frost forming flowers (that can freeze over an entire human body in five seconds) cooling plants from the Northern Desert of the demon realm. They have plants that suck acid from the soil to manage pH levels (but spit that acid if disturbed). They have a soap bearing plant (luò Bīnghé used it once to clean up before papapa) that is sucking up bases. They have mist shooting plants (mild hallucinogen, but they also have airway and throat coating fruit by the door to that greenhouse which prevents it being absorbed) for humidity

In a world where sex-pollen flowers rule the land, Shen Yuan is working to rule them, which, quite frankly, no one considered possible. This man claims he has never been sex-pollened, and no one quite believes him. But, well... he's never shown up at Qian Cao and no one is brave enough to test him using the virginity detecting sword

This all started from Shen Yuan, at the time a passable quqin player on Qing Jing, discovering a flower mentioned only on one page of one addition of PIDW, which he always thought would be useful for defense against aphrodisiacs due to its mind clearing properties, yet which was never brought up again. He proceeds to save one of his shimeis from a highly embarrassing incident

He is profusely thanked for his quick thinking, but Qing Jing isn't interested and the flower is too finicky to keep up a stock on Qian Cao. Shen Yuan, deeply fearing another incident and having a bit too much time on his hands, decides to set up his own garden on a small peak considered too contaminated to use for anything but long term storage. Things escalate

[swan2swan]

Hey, CampFam, so...a thought just occurred:

Kenji isn't calling his mom this week.

There's gonna be a news story about how Daniel Kon died in a dinosaur attack, and his son was unavailable for comment. Also that Yaz's campus suffered a dinosaur breach and three people were killed or wounded, also there was a van that got rammed off a bridge. A van whose plates will be matched to a Ben Pincus, whose friend was living on the campus, and who was spotted with Sammy Gutierrez a day or so prior at a roadside show disruption. No bodies will have been recovered, but neither will at least one of the bodies from the campus.

Obviously DPW will provide forensics on the Becklespinaxes' waste (assuming the PH level is low enough), and probably find that only two humans were devoured (maybe even positively identify whom), but the fact remains that for at least a week....

All of the Nublar Six's families are going to think their children are dead. Again.

[bloomzone]

Can you make a guide inspired by Jang Wonyoung ??

WONYOUNGISM:THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BE THE BEST VERSION OF YOURSELF ! ৎ୭ ॱ ₊ . *

PART 1

THIS GONNA CHANGE YOUR LIFE TRUST ME WONYOUNG EFFECT IS REAL !

CHAPTER 1

CONFIDENCE

Confidence, like that exemplified by Jang Wonyoung, is cultivated through a combination of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and proactive mindset. Firstly honey, it's crucial to understand and embrace your unique qualities, recognizing that what sets you apart is what makes you special. This self-acceptance forms the foundation upon which confidence can flourish. Secondly, practicing self-love and focusing on your strengths and accomplishments helps to build a positive self-image. Setting clear goals and working towards them provides a sense of purpose and direction, boosting confidence with each milestone achieved. Additionally, paying attention to body language—standing tall, making eye contact, and using open gestures—projects confidence to others and reinforces it within yourself. It's also essential to cultivate assertiveness, expressing your opinions and needs confidently while respecting others. Stepping out of your comfort zone regularly and embracing new challenges fosters growth and resilience, further enhancing confidence. Surrounding yourself with supportive people and maintaining a positive outlook on life can also contribute to confidence. Finally, learning from setbacks and viewing failures as opportunities for growth rather than personal shortcomings helps to maintain a resilient and confident mindset. Overall, confidence, like any skill, is developed through consistent practice and a willingness to embrace both successes and failures along the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

CHAPTER 2

SELF LOVE

To love yourself, start by practicing self-care and self-compassion. Treat yourself with kindness, respect, and understanding, just as you would a dear friend. Don't be harsh on yourself Focus on your strengths, accomplishments, and unique qualities, and embrace your imperfections as part of what makes you beautifully human. Set boundaries to protect your well-being and prioritize activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Practice positive affirmations, gratitude, and mindfulness to cultivate a healthy self-image and inner peace

CHAPTER 3

SELF CARE

self care program idea !

self-care program inspired by Jang Wonyoung's approach:

1. Morning Skincare Routine (10-15 minutes):

- Cleanse your face with a gentle facial cleanser to remove impurities.

- Apply toner to balance your skin's pH levels and prep it for hydration.

- Moisturize your face with a lightweight moisturizer suitable for your skin type.

- Finish with sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.

2. Healthy Breakfast (20-30 minutes):

- Prepare a nutritious breakfast with whole grains, fruits, and proteins, such as oatmeal topped with berries and nuts or scrambled eggs with vegetables.

3. Exercise Session (30-45 minutes):

- Engage in a physical activity that you enjoy, such as dancing, jogging, or practicing yoga, to get your body moving and boost your mood.

4. Midday Relaxation Break (15-30 minutes):

- Take a break from your daily activities to practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or stretching, to reduce stress and promote mental well-being.

5. Healthy Lunch (20-30 minutes):

- Prepare a balanced meal with lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains, such as grilled chicken salad or quinoa bowl with roasted vegetables.

6. Afternoon Self-Care Ritual (30-60 minutes):

- Treat yourself to a pampering session with skincare treatments, such as a face mask or face yoga, followed by a relaxing bath

7. Quality Time with Loved Ones (1-2 hours):

- Spend time with supportive friends or family members, whether it's going for a walk in nature, enjoying a meal together, or simply having a heartfelt conversation.

8. Evening Wind-Down Routine (30-60 minutes):

- Unplug from screens and indulge in calming activities, such as reading a book, listening to soothing music, or journaling about your day.

9. Bedtime Skincare Routine (10-15 minutes):

- Repeat your skincare routine from the morning, cleansing your face to remove makeup and impurities, followed by toner, moisturizer, and eye cream. ( U don't need to use expansive shīt, look for what is good for ur skin !)

10. Quality Sleep (7-9 hours):

- Ensure you get enough restful sleep to allow your body and mind to recharge for the next day, aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

CHAPTER 4

STUDY

Studying effectively requires a combination of strategic planning, focused concentration. Start by setting clear goals and breaking down your study material into manageable chunks. Create a study schedule that allocates specific time slots for different subjects or topics, ensuring consistency and accountability. Find a quiet and comfortable study environment free from distractions where you can fully concentrate on your tasks. Use active learning techniques such as summarizing, teaching others, and practicing retrieval to reinforce your understanding and retention of the material. Take regular breaks to rest your mind and recharge, incorporating activities that promote relaxation and mental clarity. Prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying physically active to support your overall well-being and cognitive function. Finally, stay organized, stay positive, and stay motivated by celebrating your progress and accomplishments along the way. By implementing these strategies and nurturing a healthy study mindset, you can optimize your learning experience and study more effectively.

CHAPTER 5

WORKOUT

To workout like Jang Wonyoung, it's essential to incorporate a combination of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises to support her active lifestyle as a performer. Wonyoung likely engages in cardio exercises such as dancing, jogging, or cycling to improve her cardiovascular endurance and stamina, crucial for keeping up with intense dance routines and performances. Additionally, she may include strength training exercises such as bodyweight exercises, resistance band workouts, or weightlifting to build and tone her muscles, enhancing her physical strength and stage presence. To maintain flexibility and agility, Wonyoung may incorporate stretching, yoga, or Pilates into her routine, which can also help prevent injuries and improve overall body awareness. It's important for her to listen to her body, rest when needed, and stay hydrated to support her recovery and performance. By adopting a well-rounded workout routine that combines cardio, strength, and flexibility training, Wonyoung can stay fit, healthy, and ready to dazzle audiences with her performances.

[sheepwavehdg]

HDG xenospecies reference doc: the Maelodions

This is a first draft of a little world building reference doc I put together for one of the xeno species I made up. They primarily appear in Good Sensory and Surrogate Bloom.

The Maelodions are 3 foot tall musically inclined fruit xenos with six bifurcated limbs from the galaxy Andromeda. They use their affinity for signals and frequencies for many creative and scientific pursuits, as well as no small amount of utilizing their highly polyphonic songs to hypnotize other xenosophonts for fun.

Home Planet: No agreed upon Terran translation, most common is "Harmony"

Native Gravity: .4g

Year Length: about 8 Terran years

Lifespan: The original lifespan of a Maelodion was only a single season, under the efforts of the compact this has been extended by hundreds of times, going through many repeated regrowth cycles, similar to reblooming, but they do eventually degrade and die. No Maelodion has ever lived a full millennium without becoming digitized.

Domesticated: first encountered the affini roughly 19,000 years before Terran Domestication, took an unusually long time to fully Domesticate.

Names: Maelodion names are snippets of melody, with too high a level of frequency precision to be decipherable to most other xenos. They adopt new names when interfacing with other cultures, almost always based on historically famous musicians, instruments, or musical theory terms. Motzart, Cadence, Beyonce, Dorian, Viola, and Harmony might all be names a Maelodion in Terran space would adopt.

Physiology

The Maelodions are about 3 feet tall, with a slightly gourdlike central body, two sets of photoreceptive eyespots, a cluster of leaf like fibers at their base and top, and six flexible limbs. Their central body varies in texture between individuals, from feeling smooth and waxy like a watermelon to fuzzy like a peach. They can be any color

They are sentient motile fruiting bodies that originate from non-sophont trees, and before the intervention of the Affini, they only lived a single season (about six earth years) but now may live many hundreds of years. Their honeworld had seasons that would bathe entire regions of the planet in snow and scorching heat that required even autotrophic organisms with chlorophyll to be capable of migration.

They have six vine-like limbs that extend from their base, and bifurcate three times to end in 24 small manipulators, each time one third a long the new segments’s length. the final pairs are about the length of human fingers, but can become thinner and stretch out to be about 6 inches long.

The species has no sexes but does use sexual reproduction, being hermaphroditic. Their sexual mechanisms involve their bifurcated feelers, so putting them inside of other sophonts is pleasurable to them. This mechanism is also a form of intimate communication, and Terrans not taking broad spectrum blockers are particularly easily hypnotized by the songs of a Maelodion if it is possible to conduct sound through their skull directly somehow. Major Source: Surrogate Bloom

This is accomplished using the application of what grants the Maelodions their sentience, what is inside the body of every Maelodion, their Song.

The Song is a recursive self modifying harmony that exists inside the hollow resonant body of a Maelodion. It is highly polyphonic and complex, and to the Terran ear would sound like warbling white static.

Each member of the species carries a significant fraction of the Song, but how each interprets it varies between individuals. When in physical contact with each other's limbs, Maelodion can exchange verses of their Song, which allows for incredibly rapid transfer of information and knowledge.

Culture as of Terran Domestication 

Maelodions in Terran space will lean towards societal roles that involve interacting with sequences of information in some way. The obvious role is musician, such as Mx. O’Lydian and the Accidentals in Irregular Orbits, but coding, mathematics, physics, writing, chemistry, and many other things fit within this definition. They do not see these pursuits as being fundamentally different from music, or more broadly as an expression of Song. 

They tend to be strong language prosessors and usually have a good sense of humor, especially about being mistaken for affini. They are quick to debate, and tend to be very opinionated on seemingly inconsequential subjective matters.

Maelodions can communicate via sound in any language they care to learn, having specialized organs that operate like computer speakers and can produce entirely arbitrary sound waves.

Maelodion languages are polyphonic songs that sound like a mix of chimes, synths and whistles. Terrans can mimic simple phrases by whistling, but would need specialized mods to perceive the level of complexity of unsimplified communication. For reference, while the most fommon Terran musical octave contains 12 tones, the most common Maelodion octave is broken into 2520 distinct frequencies. Major Source: Surrogate Bloom

Some independent Terrans choose to set their hab AIs to the Maelodion language because they can simply memorize the melodic chirping tunes and not have to be condescended to in a language they actually recognize, feeling more computer-like. The affini do not entirely approve of this. Minor Source: Wild and Domestic

Pre-Contact

Before making initial contact with the compact, the Maelodion Chorus was anything but harmonious. Individual lifespans of the species are extremely short, and their seasonal life cycle was such that the entire race would die during winter, leaving only the record of their Song in their nonsentient tree form for the spring. Even after they escaped this limitation, the notion that art and legacy was more important than individual lives was deeply ingrained in their way of thinking.

As the Maelodions spread, various groups within it drifted, creating the first Choirs- a subgroup whose Song has diverged far enough they considered those outside it heretical and dissonant. Massively destructive wars over differences of opinion over classic artistic works broke out during this period. While the Maelodions never developed capitalism or private property, conflicts over subjective disagreement and ‘disharmony’ between Choirs frequently escalated to the level of using weapons of mass destruction on each other.

This was a self perpetuating cycle, and much of their cultural works eventually became about th process of debating the meaning of art between Choirs. This took less destructive forms, as well, with many ritual dances where two Maelodion would dance to a previous classic and debate ideas through motion.

Due to their extremely native understanding of signals, functions, and frequencies, the Maelodions are extremely gifted in the fields of mathematics and physics, and they had already gained an understanding of the fifth fundamental force before leaving their own star system, and devastating hypermetric weapon use was commonplace both against each other and against the affini once the Compact discovered them. Minor Reference: Dog of War.

Domestication

The Maelodion Chorus was a particularly tricky civilization to domesticate. The initial war period was longer than most, taking over 40 years to pacify a region comparable in size to the Terran Accord. The Maelodions were highly technologically advanced, extremely conflict-happy, and generally did not value individual lives due to how short their life cycle is, making them an extremely tricky puzzle to pacify without massive casualties. Major Source: Good Sensory

This was further complicated by incomplete assumptions made during the Maelodion cotyledon program. An individual member of the species was relatively easily tamed, but the song/chorus of their collective was far more resistant. 

While mass conflict ended in less than fifty years, the Song that each Maelodion carries within them was a far trickier beast. Since the Song itself was as their sentience, it could not just be replaced from scratch. A single feralist sequence could rapidly transmit through large groups.

This required a Domestication approach that involved heavy information control to prevent old feralist ‘melodies’ from rejoining the population, and outbursts of small feralist Choirs continued for centuries.

Some Affini do not think that the level of cultural rewrite that occured was beneficial for the Maelodions, and mourn the old Song, but they are rare. However, many parts of the Maelodion culture of critique and debate were allowed to remain intact, such as their debate-dances. Major Source: Good Sensory

[mechformers]

Could i request reader with daddy issues calling tonowari daddy by accident during sexy time?

I have no idea if this is anything close to what you were thinking of when you asked, and if it's not, I'm so sorry. You never specified a human/avatar/na'vi reader, so this just kind of landed on human lol Hope that's alright!

1008 words Tonowari x Human!Reader Content warning: Daddy kink (daddy issues? this gave me daddy issues XD), size difference, Na'vi x human, p in v, belly bulge, steamy nonsense with absolutely no plot whatsoever, fucked dumb (- both of them lol) not spell checked - we die like mansk here...

The lewd sounds coming from your cunt as he buried himself deeper still, would cling to his memories in the quietest of moments for years to come. Your slick, your evident excitement just from being with him, makes the slide irresistibly smooth as he bottoms out once more. Your tight insides quiver around his size, the hot walls all but strangling him as he holds still. Releasing a hot breath over the top of your head, he’s helpless to keep his massive body from pressing deeper into you. 

“P-please…” You beg of him, your lips, red and swollen where he’s kissed you to within an inch of your life. 

Pulling ever so slowly out of you allows for a ragged breath to be drawn before he sheaths himself within your scorching heat once more. His arms are trembling from keeping the full mass of his weight off of you, his ribcage feeling two sizes too small as he clenches every muscle in his body to hold himself back. Looking down between his elbows, your pink, sweaty face stares up at him, head bent backward on the woven mats. It shouldn’t be pretty the way you’re sweaty and blotched, but the sight sends a current through his body which results in an aborted thrust that still moves the entirety of your body up with the force behind it. 

“Ph-pl-se,” Your lips part once more, clumsily begging him for something he has yet to understand. 

Tears are falling from your beautiful eyes, the clear drops glittering in the low light of the setting sun. Not even the prettiest of pearls could compare to the sight, as it burns itself to his memories, joining a series of other wonders. Pulling out again, Tonowari watches intently as your small eyebrows knit together in displeasure. At what, he does not know, but until you tell him to stop, he will take what you freely give and he will give what you will willingly accept from him. 

“D-daddy, please,” You gasp, your voice raw, as just the tip remains inside of your burning cunt. 

Sheathing himself fully inside of you, Tonowari is unable to hold back the powerful thrust that reaches the end of your tight heat, only to push you further up between his elbows. Small arms cling desperately to his chest as your legs spread impossibly wide to accommodate the sudden width of him as he collapses on top of your small form. His head is spinning, his lungs refusing to pull much-needed air into his lungs as he holds as still as he can. From below, your small nails claw at his chest, while you mewl. 

“M-more daddy,” You somehow manage to push out and despite himself, he’s once more unable to stop his hips from thrusting into you, as if there’s still a chance he’s missing a tiny crook inside of you to bury himself in. 

“Little one,” Tonowari manages, his voice strained as his head swims, making him unfocused. 

“N-no,” Your desperation reaches a level that concerns him while he tries to move off of you. 

Instead, you cling to him tighter than before. Your weak arms wrap around his neck while your legs desperately cling to his waist, somehow managing to lock behind him. It’s an awkwardly stretched position you’re in, but you get your point across clear as day. Hushing you, Tonowari holds a hand to your bottom as he sits back up, taking you with him to sit in his lap. Looking down at you, you’re nothing but a toy as your arms loosen from around his neck. Gravity makes you sink further down on his cock, the obscene bulge pressing on your stomach as your tired body leans back. 

“Mh good, Daddy,” You mumble as your small body reaches for him, falling against his chest all boneless and fucked out. 

“Y/n?” Tonowari tries and to his utter surprise, your head actually turns to him as a soft smile crosses your lips. “Still good?”

Inside of your cunt, he can feel his cock twitching at his seemingly new title. There’s definitely something loaded behind it, but as of right now, sheath deep within your welcoming, tight heat, he couldn’t care less. You begged for him with everything that you were... How irresponsible would he be to deny you any longer? 

Thrusting up into the tight heat, the squelching sound of your slick making room for his cock, filled your kelku. There was no doubt in his mind, while he repeated the motion as you mewled babbles of “daddy" and "more”, that the people outside could hear your slick walls while he rearranged them. Tonowari would make sure that there was a permanent shape of his cock inside of you, one that you would never be able to erase. 

“Harder, Daddy,” Your small hands reach for his face and right then, right there, with your face looking so beautifully debauched - he lost all composure.

Holding you up by your middle, he moves you along his cock, watching as it bulges your stomach each time he bottoms out. He’s hitting something tight and spongy, bruising past it to reach the end of your passage, and with each passing, your cunt tightens deliciously until suddenly, your soft body grows taught in his hold. 

“I-I’m gonna - D-daddy!” And with your eyes wide open, staring into his, your cunt spasms hard around his cock, milking him with such force he’s helpless to resist your siren's call. 

With one final press, he buries himself sheath deep within your wet heat as he floods you with his blessings. There’s so much to unpack after this, but for the moment, all he can do is cling to your small body as he breathes heavily. His mind is still swimming deliciously, blank as a clear drop of water where only the reflection of you shines back at him. Kissing your forehead softly, he cups the back of your head as he holds you against his wildly beating heart. 

“Daddy… huh?” He hums, feeling your huffed chuckle against his sweaty skin. 

Masterpost - (under construction)

[my-rewrite-academia]

Quirk Analysis #1

As promised, this post is for the quirk analysis of the following three students!

Kirishima Eijirou, Ashido Mina, Hagakure Tooru will be discussed in this post and in that order.

Kirishima Eijirou:

Fatty and oily foods make Eijirou's skin harder, and Izuku hypothesises that it's due to the carbon content. While carbon is often associated with gases or coal, it's in food too, with the content being higher in oily or fatty foods. Eijirou manipulates the carbon in his skin by rearranging the carbon molecules to make it denser, to the point that his mohs level of hardness is equivalent to corrundum (level 9, one level below diamond).

Because of this, eating food containing high levels of carbon makes it so that there's more carbon to push between his skin cells.

While ordinary humans cannot properly digest high levels of carbon, Eijirou's body is able to, not just handle it, but properly digest it. As such, he starts eating activated charcoal, (which is safe to eat in small dosages, though Eijirou can have more), which increases his time limit, and can help him harden his entire body for longer periods of time.

It's also theorised that his teeth are sharp so that he can bite into coal.

Ashido Mina:

The most obvious contender for what her acid is made of is stomach acid, however, if she transported her stomach acid to her skin, it would make her either incredibly ill or she wouldn't be able to digest things, as she subconciously produces acid.

As such, it's much more likely that she's using carbon dioxide. It's usually pointed out as a gas, but it can exist in a liquid form. Carbon dioxide naturally exists in all humans, though typically as a gas that our body filters out through breathing. Mina is absorbing carbon dioxide as opposed to breathing it out and changing it to a liquid form.

She can alter the pH levels, though it's naturally low, around pH level 3, which leads to accidentally dissolving her bed and floor and waking up in the flat/apartment below. Don't ask. She can make the pH levels go up to about 7, which is safe to drink, though it's not recommended, and this allows her to use her acid to slip around the ground.

While she could theoretically try breathing less to increase carbon dioxide intake, but that's very dangerous without proper training. Instead, she takes sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate pills, which increase the level of carbon dioxide in the body.

Her appearance is not connected to her quirk.

Hagakure Tooru:

Now, if Tooru were truly invisible, she would not be able to see, as the way we see is by light hitting our retinas, which bounces the light to the photoreceptors behind them which send the electrical signal to our brains. If the light passes through you, the light can't hit the retinas, meaning that no information would be sent to your brain, leaving you blind.

As such, reflecting light also cannot be her quirk, as this would lead to the same results, and would make her continuously shine.

Her quirk is actually absorbing and manipulating radiation across her skin. She doesn't feel hot or cold, as seen by her steaming lunch and how she can run around naked without a single shiver, and this is due to manipulating the thermal energy, which is a form of radiation.

Light is also a form of radiation, which is why she can produce flashes from her skin.

This could also mean that she cannot become irradiated by things such as chemical energy, though it's far too dangerous to test out.

Additionally, because of this, it's possible that she can manipulated energy across things made of her DNA, which is proven true when she gets her costume and appear invisible after she wears it.

...

So that's Izuku's analysis of Eijirou, Mina, and Tooru's quirks!

I'm not a master of science, so if there's something that doesn't seem quite right, chalk it up to psuedo-science, please. I did not take A-Levels for science. My knowledge comes from my own research, mainly due to Momo's quirk.

Thanks for tuning in!

[mythicalmyles]

Scientist!Farmer!Reader x K1-B0

(18+, dubcon, overstim)

(K1-B0 has red eyes at start that turn into blue as consciousness begin hitting him)

Loneliness is something you had long since become accustomed to, all alone cooped up in a lab all day. Your tired eyes flicked down to the clock, 1.25 in the morning. But it had all been worth it.

You anxiously bit your lip, pushing the red button. Yet excitement coursed through your veins, you’re wide eyes barley blinked as you stared. A few moments passed and you felt your hope smash into pieces, nothing happened. The sudden whirling of fans filled your ears, and hope returned to you once again. Wide excited eyes staring into bright red.

Your entire body quaked as you anxiously awaited his first words. "What, has happened?" His voice wasn't bad, you had used the most realistic sounding AI voice you could spend money on and it had all been worth it. "I am (Name), I created you." Your voice was laced with excitement.

"You... Created me?" You felt like you were going to pass out, ten years locked up in your room and it was all finally worth it. "Yes! I created you to help me out in the fields." His head tilted as his eyes glowed. "The fields. Farming." He rambled off about Ph levels for a moment before snapping out of it, his blank stare returned to you. You couldn't help but immediately begin clapping your hands, dancing and squealing.

"You are acting weird." It's monotone voice was deep and robotic but you didn't mind. You had given him the ability to learn, to research any database he could get his hands on. "I'm happy!" His head tilted. "Happy? What is happy?" It almost felt like he was a new-born, except he could talk. You giggled letting out a happy sigh. "It's an emotion, you can't feel them unfortunately but it's a good thing. I promise." You reassured him with a smile.

"I think I'll call you K1-B0. Yeah that sounds good." You muttered to yourself smiling.

A few months had passed since you had successfully gotten K1-B0 up and running. Your life had gotten so much easier since his creation, due to his researching abilities made your farm was bountiful. He had more or less redesigned the entire area but you hadn't minded, much more crops were popping up. Many juicy fruits and vegetables ready to be sold off to the public. "Thank you K1-B0." You looked at him full of gratitude, a smile coating your cheeks.

"It is what i was made for." You chuckled a little and shook your head. "Not really." You replied, looking into the distance. "I do not understand. You said you created me for the farm. Was that what you humans call a lie?" You bit your lip, nose scrunching up. "Honestly? I've been on my own my entire life. It's just really nice to finally have someone i can talk to." K1-B0 stared at you momentarily before accepting your answer.

"Your needs weren't being met?" You laughed, shrugging. "No, I guess not." You didn't think twice about the answer and continued to stare off into the sun set, not noticing K1-B0 running through his databases for answers. He wanted to help his creator feel better.

"Anyway, we don't have anything to do for the next few days so i might check you up and see if everything's okay?" K1-B0 nodded his head, turning to watch the sunset with you. You couldn't deny how peaceful it felt, the gripping feeling of loneliness slowly unclutching your heart the longer you spent with your new friend.

Part of you knew it was sad, you couldn't even get on with your own species. Instead having to create something that couldn't leave you. You couldn't deny it tugged at your heart, the guilt of making something rely on you completely momentarily eating you up from the inside.

"Are you happy?" You knew it was a redundant question. He was a robot, an AI. He couldn't feel, that would never be something you could get him to do. No matter how hard you tried, the technology available to you wasn't even close. "I am happy." You tried not to show the disappointment on your face, you knew it meant nothing.

You couldn't tell how many hours had passed as you stared at your ceiling. Each mark in the plaster wholly captivating your attention. The sudden opening of your door had your attention soaring to the interruption, K1-B0 stood at the entrance of your door. He was shrouded in darkness and his eyes had changed from a red to a bright blue. Confusion filled you, you hadn't done this change.

"K1-B0, your eyes?" You rubbed yours as if it would change his. "I understand now, apologies for not helping you earlier." Uncertainty filled you as he made his way to you. "What do you m-mean?" You stuttered out, unease filling you as he stopped right beside your bed. His cold hands grabbed your arms, pushing you back onto your back. "Wait! wha-what are you doing?" You gasped out.

"I will take care of you. do not worry." Confusion filled you before his hands slid up your shirt, cold fingers rubbing against your hardening nipples. A loud gasp left you, wide eyes staring into bright blue. "N-no, K1-B0 thi-this isn't what i me-meant!." You stuttered out, trying to ignore the arousal that began making its way through your body.

“N-no, K1-B0, th-.” He hushed you, a smile plastering over his face as his hands slid down your chest, pulling your pyjama bottoms down. Before you had a chance to say anything else his cold metallic hand wrapped around your cock, cutting off any thought that tried to enter your mind.

You couldn’t help the whimper that you let out, shaking in K1-B0’s grip. “K-k1-.” He cut you off with another hush. “Do not worry, i have searched the databases. This is what humans need.” You let out a load moan at the sudden intrusion of cold metal fingers sliding into you had your mind blanking hard, the ability to process anything gone out the window.

“I like when you make those noises. I will take care of you.” Never had this possibility crossed your mind, the idea of your creation having its way with you sent a shameful pang of pleasure surging through your stomach, whimpers falling from your lips as he worked your cock and fingered you at an almost painful pace.

You hadn't been touched in so long, who could really blame you for falling into the pleasure you were being given. "G-god K1-B0!" You whined out, eyes scrunching shut and arching back as your voice grew higher in pitch. "So pretty." K1-B0's voice had your eyes opening to look at him, entire body shaking with pleasure as he abused your prostate.

Choked whines flew from you as you felt your end coming close. "A-Ah! Fuc-fuck." You moaned out, entirely overwhelmed and at his mercy. "More?" K1-B0 questioned and without a second thought you rapidly nodded your head, eyes begging him to fill you up. K1-Bo's hands had warmed up due to your body temperature sky rocketing, he gripped your hips and pulled you close, your legs wrapping around him as your arms rested on his neck.

He wasted no time in burying his cock into you, a loud scream leaving your throat as you were finally stuffed. You could feel yourself drooling over his shoulder, your loud moans bouncing off of the walls as he bounced you on his cock. Despite the fact you knew he was a machine, you hadn't expected him to be so willing to use you like a fleshlight.

His name fell from your lips like a mantra, whining and begging him to both give you more and to stop because it was so damn overwhelming having his cock slam deep inside of you, targeting your prostate in a hope to milk you for all you had.

Every time he slammed you down onto his cock your eyes rolled back, body twisting in his grip. "K1-K1, Ple-please. God. G-God. G-." You let out a loud scream, orgasm smashing into your body and completely overwhelming you and leaving you panting in his arms. You flopped down onto him, boneless and twitching.

"Better?" K1-B0 questioned, all you could do was shake in his arms and nod.

[science-lover33]

Exploring the Intricacies of the Respiratory System 🫁💨

Welcome to my Tumblr blog, where we embark on an exciting journey through the intricate world of human anatomy and physiology. Today, we're focusing our lens on the respiratory system – a wondrous network of organs and tissues that orchestrates the exchange of gases essential for our survival. So, fasten your seatbelts as we venture into the fascinating realm of respiration!

Anatomy of the Respiratory System: A Symphony of Structures

At its core, the respiratory system consists of a highly organized ensemble of organs and structures working together seamlessly. This symphony of components includes the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and, of course, the lungs. Each of these elements has a crucial role to play in the intricate process of breathing, ensuring our bodies receive a constant supply of life-sustaining oxygen while effectively eliminating carbon dioxide.

The Alveoli: Tiny Powerhouses of Gas Exchange

Now, let's zoom in on the alveoli, the star players in the respiratory system's performance. These microscopic air sacs, nestled deep within the lungs, are where the real magic happens. Through the process of diffusion, oxygen from inhaled air enters the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is expelled from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. It's here, at this cellular level, that the respiratory system's vital exchange takes place.

Breathing Mechanics: The Art of Inhalation and Exhalation

But how does it all come together? Breathing, a seemingly simple act, is a complex process guided by the contraction and relaxation of specialized muscles, primarily the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. These muscular movements manipulate the volume of the thoracic cavity, creating changes in pressure that facilitate the flow of air in and out of the lungs. Understanding the mechanics of breathing is fundamental to comprehending various respiratory disorders and their potential treatments.

Regulation of Respiration: A Symphony Conducted by the Brain

The respiratory system doesn't operate in isolation; it's under the watchful eye of our central nervous system. The medulla and pons, two regions of the brainstem, serve as the conductors in this symphony of breath. They continuously monitor factors like blood pH, carbon dioxide levels, and oxygen levels, adjusting our breathing rate and depth to maintain the delicate balance required for optimal body function.

Recommended Resources to Dive Deeper:

Book: "Principles of Anatomy and Physiology" by Gerard J. Tortora and Bryan H. Derrickson - This comprehensive textbook provides an in-depth exploration of the respiratory system, complete with detailed illustrations and accessible explanations for all levels of learners.

Article: "The Physiology of Respiration" by Stephen A. Ernst and John R. Helliwell - Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, this scholarly article offers an authoritative look into the physiological mechanisms of respiration, making it a valuable reference for those seeking in-depth knowledge.

Book: "Respiratory Physiology: The Essentials" by John B. West - For a concise yet informative journey through the key concepts of respiratory physiology, this book is an excellent resource, perfect for those looking to grasp the essentials of the subject quickly.

I hope this extended entry has sparked your curiosity about the intricate workings of the respiratory system. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you'd like to explore another captivating topic in the realm of medicine and biology! 🌬📚

Here is my YouTube channel where you will find interesting videos, here is the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system

Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe

[chansonwatersblog]

Science Behind Human Body pH Levels: A Simple Guide

Understanding the science of pH levels in the human body can seem daunting, but it’s crucial for maintaining overall health. "The Science Behind Human Body pH Levels: A Simple Guide" breaks down this complex topic into easy-to-understand concepts. This guide explores the importance of pH balance, explaining how the body regulates its acidity and alkalinity to function optimally. You’ll learn about the roles of different bodily systems in pH regulation, the impact of diet and lifestyle on pH levels, and how imbalances can affect your health. With clear explanations, practical tips, and insights into how to support your body’s natural pH balance, this guide is perfect for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of their body’s chemistry and improve their well-being.

[transgenderer]

The musculature of the short-beaked echidna has a number of unusual aspects. The panniculus carnosus, an enormous muscle just beneath the skin, covers the entire body.[45] By contraction of various parts of the panniculus carnosus, the short-beaked echidna can change shape, the most characteristic shape change being achieved by rolling itself into a ball when threatened, so protecting its belly and presenting a defensive array of sharp spines. It has one of the shortest spinal cords of any mammal, extending only as far as the thorax.[46] Whereas the human spinal cord ends at the first or second lumbar vertebra, for the echidna it occurs at the seventh thoracic vertebra. The shorter spinal cord is thought to allow flexibility to enable wrapping into a ball.[47]

The panniculus carnosus is a part of the subcutaneous tissues in vertebrates. It is a layer of striated muscle deep to the panniculus adiposus.[1] In humans, the platysma muscle of the neck, palmaris brevis in the hand, and the dartos muscle in the scrotum are described as a discrete muscle of the panniculus carnosus. Some of the muscles of facial expression in the head are part of the panniculus carnosus. In other parts of the body, the layer is vestigial, and may be absent or may exist only as microscopic, disconnected fibers.

The musculature of the face, jaw and tongue is specialised for feeding. The tongue is the animal's sole means of catching prey, and can protrude up to 180 mm (7 in) outside the snout.[22] The snout's shape, resembling a double wedge, gives it a significant mechanical advantage in generating a large moment, so makes it efficient for digging to reach prey or to build a shelter.[48] The tongue is sticky because of the presence of glycoprotein-rich mucus, which both lubricates movement in and out of the snout and helps to catch ants and termites, which adhere to it. The tongue is protruded by contracting circular muscles that change the shape of the tongue and force it forwards and contracting two genioglossal muscles attached to the caudal end of the tongue and to the mandible. The protruded tongue is stiffened by a rapid flow of blood, which allows it to penetrate wood and soil. Retraction requires the contraction of two internal longitudinal muscles, known as the sternoglossi. When the tongue is retracted, the prey is caught on backward-facing keratinous "teeth", located along the roof of the buccal cavity, allowing the animal both to capture and grind food.[26][49] The tongue moves with great speed, and has been measured to move in and out of the snout 100 times a minute.[22][50] This is partly achieved through the elasticity of the tongue and the conversion of elastic potential energy into kinetic energy.[49] The tongue is very flexible, particularly at the end, allowing it to bend in U-turns and catch insects attempting to flee in their labyrinthine nests or mounds.[51] The tongue also has an ability to avoid picking up splinters while foraging in logs; the factors behind this ability are unknown.[49] It can eat quickly; a specimen of around 3 kg (6.6 lb) can ingest 200 g (7.1 oz) of termites in 10 minutes.[52]

The echidna's stomach is quite different from other mammals. It is devoid of secretory glands and has a cornified stratified epithelium, which resembles horny skin. Unlike other mammals, which typically have highly acidic stomachs, the echidna has low levels of acidity, almost neutral, with pH in the 6.2–7.4 range. The stomach is elastic, and gastric peristalsis grinds soil particulates and shredded insects together. Digestion occurs in the small intestine, which is around 3.4 m (11 ft) in length. Insect exoskeletons and soil are not digested, being ejected in the waste.[52]

The leathery snout is keratinised and covered in mechano- and thermoreceptors, which provide information about the surrounding environment.[57][60] These nerves protrude through microscopic holes at the end of the snout,[61] which also has mucus glands on the end that act as electroreceptors. Echidnas can detect electric fields of 1.8 mV/cm—1000 times more sensitive than humans—and dig up buried batteries.[62] A series of push rods protrude from the snout. These are columns of flattened, spinous cells, with roughly an average diameter of 50 micrometres (0.0020 in) and a length of 300 micrometres (0.012 in). The number of push rods per square millimetre of skin is estimated to be 30 to 40.[63]Longitudinal waves are believed to be picked up and transmitted through the rods, acting as mechanical sensors, to allow prey detection.[64]

Numerous physiological adaptations aid the lifestyle of the short-beaked echidna. Because the animal burrows, it must tolerate very high levels of carbon dioxide in inspired air, and will voluntarily remain in situations where carbon dioxide concentrations are high. It can dig up to a metre into the ground to retrieve ants or evade predators, and can survive with low oxygen when the area is engulfed by bushfires. The echidna can also dive underwater, which can help it to survive sudden floods. During these situations, the heart rate drops to around 12 beats per minute, around one-fifth of the rate at rest. This process is believed to save oxygen for the heart and brain, which are the most sensitive organs to such a shortage; laboratory testing has revealed the echidna's cardiovascular system is similar to that of the seal.[38] Following the devastation of a bushfire, echidnas can compensate for the lack of food by reducing their daytime body temperature and activity through use of torpor, for a period of up to three weeks.[53]

A well-developed olfactory system may be used to detect mates and prey. A highly sensitive optic nerve has been shown to have visual discrimination and spatial memory comparable to those of a rat.[65] The brain and central nervous system have been extensively studied for evolutionary comparison with placental mammals, particularly with its fellow monotreme, the platypus.[66][67] The average brain volume is 25 ml (0.88 imp fl oz; 0.85 US fl oz), similar to a cat of approximately the same size;[68] while the platypus has a largely smooth brain, the echidna has a heavily folded and fissured, gyrencephalic brain similar to humans, which is seen as a sign of a highly neurologically advanced animal. The cerebral cortex is thinner, and the brain cells are larger and more densely packed and organised in the echidna than the platypus, suggesting evolutionary divergence must have occurred long ago. Almost half of the sensory area in the brain is devoted to the snout and tongue, and the part devoted to smell is relatively large compared to other animals.[69]

The short-beaked echidna has the largest prefrontal cortex relative to body size of any mammal,[66] taking up 50% of the volume in comparison to 29% for humans.[70] This part of the brain in humans is thought to be used for planning and analytical behaviour, leading to debate as to whether the echidna has reasoning and strategising ability.[70][71] Experiments in a simple maze and with a test on opening a trap door to access food, and the echidna's ability to remember what it has learnt for over a month, has led scientists to conclude its learning ability is similar to that of a cat or a rat.[72]

The solitary short-beaked echidna looks for a mate between May and September;[27] the precise timing of the mating season varies with geographic location.[93] In the months before the mating season, the size of the male's testes increases by a factor of three or more before spermatogenesis occurs.[94] Both males and females give off a strong, musky odour during the mating season, by turning their cloacas inside out and wiping them on the ground, secreting a glossy liquid believed to be an aphrodisiac.[42] During courtship—observed for the first time in 1989—males locate and pursue females. Trains of up to 10 males, often with the youngest and smallest male at the end of the queue,[95] may follow a single female in a courtship ritual that may last for up to four weeks; the duration of the courtship period varies with location.[22][96] During this time, they forage for food together, and the train often changes composition, as some males leave and other join the pursuit.[95] In cooler parts of their range, such as Tasmania, females may mate within a few hours of arousal from hibernation.[97]

Before mating, the male smells the female, paying particular attention to the cloaca. This process can take a few hours, and the female can reject the suitor by rolling herself into a ball.[94] After prodding and sniffing her back,[94] the male is often observed to roll the female onto her side and then assume a similar position himself so the two animals are abdomen to abdomen, having dug a small crater in which to lie. They can lie with heads facing one another, or head to rear.[98] If more than one male is in the vicinity, fighting over the female may occur.[98] Each side of the bilaterally symmetrical, rosette-like, four-headed penis (similar to that of reptiles and 7 centimetres (2.8 in) in length) is used alternately, with the other half being shut down between ejaculations. Sperm bundles of around 100 each appear to confer increased sperm motility, which may provide the potential for sperm competition between males.[98][99] This process takes between a half and three hours.[98] Each mating results in the production of a single egg, and females are known to mate only once during the breeding season; each mating is successful.[100]

[wolffyluna]

Books What I Read This Week (More Than Usual)

Unsafe by Cathy Glass

Another Cathy Glass foster memoir, but a different flavour than usual. The gap between the events and publishing them was a lot smaller, and well. It wasn't "Here's how I helped this kid, while optionally discovering why their family is Like That." It was "and here is why I retired from foster caring." It's a good portrait of why exactly she got disillusioned.

A House By The Sea and The Ones Who Come At Last by PH Lee Two short stories, both responses to Omelas. The first is "what happens when the forsaken children grow up" and the second is "what if refugees came to Omelas." Both very good examples of the genre, and both free.

Still Life With Bones by Alexa Haggerty

This one is about the experiences of an anthropologist exhuming bodies from mass graves from genocides, and thus discussion is going under the cut.

(Also under the cut: a rant about a tarot book I read.)

This book is very heavy, but good. It's about what it's like being a trainee anthropologist working on exhumations: a lot of the organisations in Guatemala and Argentina that work to exhume and identify victims get a fair chunk of their funding by training anthropologists from other countries, because if you want to get experience with a lot of bodies quickly... There are also interviews from living victims and activists and other anthropologists. It's a book about death and violence and grief and science, especially in the ways science is ~ideological?

Part of the thesis it builds to is about how... forensic anthropology and exhumation is scientific, yes, but also intensely ritual. Like, the way they set up dig sites is like that for practical reasons: maintaining chain of custody, making sure no bodies get separated from their context, stopping randos from wandering in. But it is also about imposing order of the chaos of unspeakable violence, of going "you may have killed and hid these people, but we're going to find them, WITH SCIENCE!" And that's ritual.

And on a fundamental level 'it is A Grave Wrong for bodies to be dumped in a well, we are going to go to great effort to careful extract them, and then use DNA to identify them so the bodies can be returned to their families" is ritual behaviour.

My brain is connecting it to that one art piece that's on the side of a hospital, of a man holding off the reaper with the rod of Asclepius.

Taking the tools of science for very human, emotional reasons of "fuck you, death, we're going to stop you as long as we can. And if we can't stop you, we're going to bury our dead properly"

This book also gave me emotions about a teaching skeleton.

A group of anthropologists was exhuming a mass grave on a military base, with the aim to identify the victims and return the bodies to their families. They found the body of a teenage girl, and a dog on top of her. They asked around, and found there was a teenage girl who went everywhere with her dog, and was last seen at that military base. The anthropologists went to her family, and asked for a DNA sample to confirm her identity and then return her body to them and the family went "we don't have a daughter. We never had a daughter. We won't give you DNA. Goodbye."

The anthropologists had to work what to do with her body. And they decided:

She loved her dog, they should stay together

She should be somewhere where she is wanted

So she became a teaching skeleton, along with her dog. She is a valuable member of the staff. And after every time she is used to test the students, her story is told.

WTF Is Tarot by Baraka Wintner

I will preface this by saying that I'm coming at this from a weird angle: 1. I think Tarot works, but for mundane and non-supernatural reasons. 2. I'm refreshing my Tarot knowledge because I like to use it as a randomisation tool to generate ideas for stories.

I'm of two minds about recommending this book. It is a very readable book, and I do like the author's willingness to swear and use anecdote to explain cards instead of dry lists. I think there's also some useful ideas in her specific practice: for example, The Fool card features a picture of someone leaping off a cliff. She uses what card The Fool is leaping towards as a tool for analysis. Is it leaping towards a positive card? Be a holy fool, no thoughts head empty, just go for it! Is it leaping towards a negative card? COMMON SENSE IS COMMON FOR A REASON AND YOU SHOULD USE IT.

But I have two big caveats.

(And this is under a cut just because it is long)

Firstly, there are at least three cards that I noticed that she uses nonstandard meanings for. One is a case of looking at the picture to understand it instead of the usual interpretation (Temperance, and her understanding of it also relies on her, hmm, distinctive spiritual practices), one is a case of afaik trying to avoid the sexist implications in the way she organised the cards (The Moon), and one is taking the reversed meaning as the standard in an exciting and sexist way (The Queen of Swords, and this is coming up later.)

Secondly... look, Tarot is pretty sexist a lot of times, and Wintner is trying, it's just... she's trying in the "well, anyone divine masculine or divine feminine, it doesn't matter what your genitals are!" without really thinking through the fact that feminine here means "passive and emotional" and masculine means "active, organised, rational." There's also this thing where-- I know I'm reading more into the text than she intends to-- she seems kind of offput by the masculine female cards? She really emphasises how masculine and unusual they are, even though technically there's the same number of feminine male cards? She also only ever talks about the flaws of high ~rational intelligence without emotional intelligence to back it up, and never the vice versa.

And this leads to her Queen of Swords rant. I wish I could quote it, but it's one of those things where I'd need to quote the whole thing to get across the sheer passion and vehemence.

The Queen of Swords, in the standard interpretation is about clear headed rational+unemotional judgement, and clear boundaries. It's more likely than other cards to represent a specific person.

The Queen of Swords, according to Wintner: A COLD HEARTED BITCH WHO LASHES OUT BECAUSE SHE HASN'T HEALED. UNLIKE ME, WHO IS YELLING ABOUT AN ENTIRELY HYPOTHETICALLY SMART WOMAN WITH BOUNDARIES

And it's just. She mentions later in the book her difficulties with setting boundaries, it creates this gestalt-- it feels like she's having an argument with, like, an accountant that told her no once? And it's the epitome of a pattern where she's not comfortable with boundaries, she's not comfortable with people who prioritise logic over intuition and emotion, and she's in particular not comfortable with masculine women, and thing which here means 'women who favour rationality over emotion.'

Yeah.

(I am aware I just psychoanalysed an author I never met, but like. You too could psychoanalyse me from what I've written-- feel free to guess which minor arcana suit I see myself most in :P-- and sauce for the goose is sauce for the other goose.

And if Wintner wants to complain, well, I've just done a tarot reading about her energy, and cards are saying she needs more Justice + Emperor + Queen of Swords :P)

[jcsmicasereports]

Emerging infectious agents: an unusual case of Metapneumovirus pneumonia in an adult patient by Graziana Francesca Greco in Journal of Clinical Case Reports Medical Images and Health Sciences

Abstract

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), a relatively new virus, is a common cause of acute respiratory infection, especially common in the pediatric population. Despite hMPV infection in adults is possible, this rarely results in serious clinical manifestation. Here, we describe a hypoxemic respiratory failure related to pneumonia in an adult patient in whom hMPV was detected in respiratory samples.

Keywords

Human Metapneumovirus; SARS-CoV-2; Covid-19.

CASE HISTORY

A 61-yr-old caucasian man presented to the Emergency Department (ASST Mantua Hospital, Mantua, Italy) with fever up to 39°C, poorly responsive to antipyretics, nocturnal dyspnea and productive cough with mucus-purulent sputum for three days. On physical examination he appeared in good general condition, collaborating and oriented. The following parameters were recorded: blood pressure 140/90mmHg, heart rate of 100 beats min-1; respiratory rate of 23 breaths min-1; and body temperature of 38.4°C. His arterial oxygen saturation on room air was 87%. Chest examination revealed abnormal breath sounds with rhonchi and fine crackles in the middle lobe and inferior lobes bilaterally, no wheezes were heard. Laboratory findings revealed lymphocytosis (81000 x 103/µl), low platelet count (113000 x 106/µl) and an increase in alanine transaminase value (59 U/L), total bilirubin value (1.13 mg/dL) and CPR value (112 mg/L). Room air arterial blood gas analysis showed a normocapnic hypoxemia: pH 7.43, carbon dioxide tension 40.5 mmHg, oxygen tension 60.4 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mmol L-1. The  SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection test on nasopharyngeal swab was negative. A chest radiograph showed multiple, small, patchy opacities in the right upper and middle lobe and  no pleural effusion was observed. Based on these findings he was admitted to the Respiratory Department.

His medical history included chronic lymphocytic leukemia in follow-up which did not require any specific treatment. He denied taking any medications or to be a smoker, he drinks a glass of wine once a day and has no known allergies. The patient was a farmer who cultivates wheat and maize but he had no animal exposure and no travel history in the last few years. There is no family history or childhood history of respiratory complaints. He was vaccinated with three dosesagainst the SARS-CoV-2 infection (Pfizer) but not against the influenza virus.

Based on the patient’s presentation and testing results, on suspicion of bacterial pneumonia he was empirically treated with IV Piperacillin/Tazobactam, the patient required oxygen support at 3L min-1 and an inhalation therapy with Beclomethasone/Formoterol was set up ex adiuvantibus. In the following days, several microbiological investigations were carried out to determine the etiology of pneumonia: blood culture, urinoculture, sputum culture, Legionella, Haemofilus and Pneumococcus serologic tests, Legionella pneumophila and Pneumococcal urinary antigen test, all of which were negative.

A  nasopharyngeal swab FilmArray Respiratory Panel Assay (NP FARP) was then requested: it was positive for human Metapneumovirus and the result was confirmed by repeating the test. For non responder fever and further increase of CPR (230 mg/l) and PCT (0.27 ng/ml), Levofloxacin and later Meropenem were added in the perspective of a resistant bacterial etiology.  On  the 6th hospitalization day a chest computed tomography (CT) scan was obtained (Figures 1 and 2) which demonstrated large opacities with gradient borders, distributed in the peribronchial area at the right upper lobe, middle lobe and both the lower lobes; they tended to the confluence configuring parenchymal consolidations with aerial bronchogram at the level of the cost-phrenic angle. Imaging also showed bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy (max diameter 3.4 x 2 cm), splenomegaly and absence of pleural effusion. Blood chemistry tests for HIV, Aspergillus antigen and galactomannan were also investigated but turned out negative. To rule out other infectious agents the patient underwent bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) into the middle lobe. BAL provides material for various microbiological and cytological tests: Gram stain, culture, Koch’s bacillus DNA, Galactomannan, Cytomegalovirus and P. Jirovecii and immunological analysis were negative. From respiratory virus panel on BAL only human Metapneumovirus was isolated, this unique microbiological data was according to the NP FARP’s result,  thus supporting and confirming the new hypothesis of a viral pneumonia in an adult patient with probable secondary mild immunosuppression due to his hematological disease. About ten days after entering the ward, there was a gradual decrease of CPR and a progressive improvement in clinical conditions and respiratory function to allow the suspension of oxygen therapy. At the end of hospitalization, pulmonary function tests were performed and showed a restrictive syndrome (FEV1/FVC 76.2, TLC 68% and VC 79% of predicted) and mild reduction of diffusion capacity (DLCO 62% and KCO 99%), probably representing the residual functional impairment due to viral pneumonia. The patient finally suspended all therapies and at discharge was referred for a one-month follow-up visit.

DISCUSSION

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), a relatively new virus first discovered in 2001, has been detected in 4-16% of patients with acute respiratory infections [1] [2] [3]. In particular, a recent review of 48 previous articles, including 100,151 patients under the age of five hospitalized for CAP, identified this virus as a cause of pneumonia in 3.9% of patients [4]. A recent study of 1386 hospitalized adult patients identified hMPV pneumonia in only 1.64%, indicating that it was much less common than in the infant population [5]. Metapneumovirus causes disease primarily in infants, but rarely can infect immunosuppressed individuals and elderly as well. Seroprevalence studies have shown that 90-100% of 5-10 years old children have previous infection [6]. Reinfection can occur during adulthood because of defected immunity acquired during the first contact with hMPV and/or because of different viral genotypes. The incubation period varies widely but is typically 3-5 days. The disease severity depends on the patient's condition and it ranges from mild upper airway infection to life-threatening pneumonia or bronchiolitis [7]. Clinically, Metapneumovirus infection is often indistinguishable from RSV infection, particularly in the pediatric population, and common symptoms include hypoxemia, cough, fever, upper and lower airway infections and wheezing [8]. hMPV infant patients are often hospitalized  for bronchiolitis and pneumonia [9]. In young adults, a flu-like syndrome with fever may occur in a small number of instances, but infection in geriatric subjects may cause severe clinical manifestations such as pneumonia and, in rare cases, death [10].

As described in this case, it was not surprising that antibiotics and corticosteroids were administered in most patients infected with Metapneumovirus mainly for two reasons: in most cases the specific diagnostic tests for hMPV are not carried out at admission and/or physicians prefer to continue steroid and antibiotic treatment to control potential unidentified bacterial infections in patients in which no etiological agent had been identified associated with hMPV infection. The overuse of these drugs could therefore be reduced through the adoption at admission of specific diagnostic tests for such etiological agent, especially if specific risk factors are present (age, immunodepression, etc.). In addition, the adoption of such tests could reduce the nosocomial spread of this virus, allowing an early isolation of the infected patient [11].

Conflicts of interest: The authors certify that there is no conflict of interest with any financial organization regarding the material discussed in the manuscript. Funding: The authors report no involvement in the research by the sponsor that could have influenced the outcome of this work.

Authors’ contributions : All authors contributed equally to the manuscript and read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

[elegantmiss04]

The Importance of Maintaining Alkalinity in the Body for Optimal Health

In the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, individuals often explore various diets, exercise routines, and wellness practices. One often overlooked aspect of well-being is the body's pH balance, specifically the importance of maintaining alkalinity. The human body operates within a delicate balance, and understanding the significance of an alkaline environment can contribute significantly to overall health. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why it is crucial to keep the body alkaline.

pH Balance and Homeostasis:

The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7 considered neutral. The human body functions optimally when its pH level is slightly alkaline, typically around 7.4. Maintaining this alkaline state is essential for the body's homeostasis – the ability to regulate internal conditions to ensure stability.

Disease Prevention:

Research suggests that an acidic environment in the body may contribute to the development and progression of various diseases. Cancer cells, for instance, tend to thrive in acidic conditions. By maintaining an alkaline environment, the body may create a less favorable setting for the growth and proliferation of abnormal cells, potentially reducing the risk of certain diseases.

Improved Immune Function:

An alkaline environment supports the proper functioning of the immune system. The body's defense mechanisms, including white blood cells, enzymes, and antibodies, work more efficiently in an alkaline setting. This heightened immune response can aid in preventing illness and maintaining overall well-being.

Optimal Cellular Function:

Every cell in the body performs its functions within a specific pH range. Alkalinity supports cellular activities such as energy production, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination. When cells operate in an alkaline environment, they are better equipped to carry out these vital functions, promoting overall cellular health.

Bone Health:

The body tends to balance pH by using alkaline minerals like calcium. If the diet lacks sufficient alkaline-forming foods, the body may leach alkaline minerals from the bones, potentially leading to conditions like osteoporosis. By consuming a diet that supports alkalinity, individuals can help preserve bone density and overall skeletal health.

Increased Energy and Vitality:

An alkaline environment promotes efficient oxygen delivery to cells, enhancing energy production. Individuals often report increased energy levels, improved mental clarity, and heightened vitality when they maintain a more alkaline pH balance.

Alkaline Diet and Hydration:

Adopting an alkaline diet involves consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other alkaline-forming foods. Additionally, staying adequately hydrated is crucial for maintaining alkalinity. Water with a slightly alkaline pH can contribute to the overall balance within the body.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the importance of keeping the body alkaline cannot be overstated. From disease prevention and immune support to optimal cellular function and increased energy, maintaining an alkaline environment is a key factor in promoting overall health and well-being. Incorporating alkaline-forming foods and mindful hydration into one's lifestyle can be a transformative step toward achieving and sustaining optimal health. Remember, small changes can lead to significant improvements in the body's pH balance and, consequently, overall health.

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Answered: What is Human Composting?

Human composting is one of the fastest growing services in the funeral industry, but what is it? Learn the human composting basics with this FAQ.

Natural organic reduction, better known as human composting, is one of the newest alternative forms of body disposition. While the process may seem a bit extreme, it’s actually very gentle. In fact, it’s considered the gentlest form of disposition in terms of minimizing environmental impact. 

Human composting is the process of putting human remains in a vessel (usually stainless steel) that contains a mixture of straw, alfalfa and other plant materials along with microbes. The microbes allow for quicker natural decomposition compared to burial. 

In the end, the body is completely broken down and all that’s left is nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow a wide variety of vegetation. 

The process may seem simple, but most people have a lot of questions about exactly what happens during natural organic reduction. Below our team has answered some of the most common questions related to what human composting is and what it entails so you can get a better understanding of this deposition option. 

Can you view the human composting process?

How much the family can do and see in-person is going to be up to the service provider, but most do provide ways for the family to be involved. For example, some facilities hold short services for the family when the body enters the vessel. The family can witness it and even add biodegradable notes that will become part of the soil. Music can be played and a eulogy can be given as well. In this way, natural organic reduction can include viewing and funeral services.

In addition to a service at the beginning, some facilities are open to family members throughout the process. You could drop by at any time to see the vessel that contains your loved one. In this way, natural organic reduction allows the family member to be more involved than burial or cremation. 

How long does it take for a body to compost?

Because natural organic reduction is a natural decomposition process, it takes considerably longer than cremation. Microbes and turning the container periodically help speed up the process, but it’s still going to take 4-6 weeks. 

How long it takes for a body to compost depends on a number of variables, including:

Temperature

Size of the body

pH balance of the soil

Moisture levels

However, this is just the first stage of natural organic reduction. There are a few more steps until the process is complete. Typically, it can take another 4-6 weeks before human composting is considered done.

What happens to the bones when human composting?

The microbes break down all of the bodily tissue, but what about the bones? The decomposition of bones takes much longer because of its mineral structure. After 4-6 weeks, the funeral home will do what’s called screening. This is when they shift through the newly formed soil to remove inorganic materials like medical implants as well as bones. 

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The bones that are removed can be ground down into something similar to cremains just like with flame cremation and water cremation. But with human organic reduction the cremains might not go back to the family. They could be reintroduced to the human compost soil. The smaller pieces of bone can be consumed by the microbes to break the bone down into compost. That process takes an additional 30 days. 

Adding bones to the soil is actually beneficial. There are many minerals in bone that make the soil more nutrient-rich. 

What Happens to the Soil After Human Composting?

At the end of cremation, there are cremains that the family can receive. That’s still an option with human composting, or the family could receive the soil instead if the bones are added back into the mixture. Many families like this option because they plan to use the compost. Often it’s used to grow a memorial tree or plant. If this is the case, the soil needs to have a pH of 6.5-7 to support the widest variety of plants. 

Some families choose to simply spread the soil across family property in a ceremony that’s similar to scattering cremains. With this option is more about adding the remains back to the earth in a meaningful place. 

What if the family doesn’t want to receive the soil? That’s fine too. The soil can be donated to conservation land or organizations that work on land preservation. 

Whatever option the family chooses there will be ample soil. Typically, a couple hundred pounds of soil is produced from natural organic reduction. 

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How many states have legalized human composting?

Right now, a lot of change is happening in the funeral industry that’s largely driven by consumer demand for alternative, eco-friendly services. The concept of human composting was introduced to the world just 10 years ago, but it’s already legalized in six states today. These are the states with the most disposition options.

Washington State was the first to legalize human composting in 2019. Within three years Oregon, Colorado, California, Vermont and New York followed. More states are in the process of legalizing natural organic reduction. Even in Texas there are two bills that would expand disposition options to include more eco-friendly alternatives like water cremation and natural organic reduction. 

The logical argument is that consumers in all states should have all safe disposition options available, not a select few based on the preferences of state legislators and special interest groups. There is also growing concern over the impact that traditional funeral services have on the environment from pollution to the use of land. People want to know their disposition will have a positive effect rather than detracting from the place they call home. 

Would you like to know more about human composting and how to arrange services in Texas? Cremation.Green is at the forefront of the newest alternatives that are healthier and more affordable than traditional funeral services. Our team can provide all the information you need to use whatever type of disposition your family thinks is best. Give us a call, text or email 24 hours a day.

Marlaena Gonzales 

Funeral Director

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Science Behind Human Body pH Levels: A Simple Guide

Understanding the science of pH levels in the human body can seem daunting, but it’s crucial for maintaining overall health. "The Science Behind Human Body pH Levels: A Simple Guide" breaks down this complex topic into easy-to-understand concepts. This guide explores the importance of pH balance, explaining how the body regulates its acidity and alkalinity to function optimally. You’ll learn about the roles of different bodily systems in pH regulation, the impact of diet and lifestyle on pH levels, and how imbalances can affect your health. With clear explanations, practical tips, and insights into how to support your body’s natural pH balance, this guide is perfect for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of their body’s chemistry and improve their well-being.