#microbial contamination

[cannabisbusinessexecutive]

Fighting Dirty Weed Through OCal Cannabis Certification

The introduction of regulated medical and adult-use cannabis markets was supposed to guarantee that legal weed was clean weed, but somewhere along the line that message got reinterpreted as legal weed is tested weed, which is supposed to mean the same thing, but, as the now infamous Los Angeles Times/Weed Week story on pesticide use exposed, sadly does not, at least some of the time. The actual…

[theleadersglobe]

Canada recalls tattoo inks due to contamination concerns

Health Canada has issued a warning regarding a recall of certain tattoo inks that may pose a risk of skin infection.

Two types of water-based tattoo pigments from the brand Bloodline, specifically All Purpose Black and Carolina Blue, were recalled on Wednesday due to “potential microbial contamination.”

“The recalled products may be contaminated with certain microorganisms that may present a health concern to consumers,” Health Canada stated.

The agency highlighted that using contaminated tattoo ink “can pose a risk of skin infection.”

Approximately 120 units of the affected products were sold in Canada until August.

Read More: https://theleadersglobe.com/life-interest/health/canada-recalls-tattoo-inks-due-to-contamination-concerns/

[mywinepal]

Do You Have a Nose for Wine Faults? Take the Quiz.

Do You Have a Nose for #WineFaults? Take the #Quiz. #somm #winelover #corktaint

Good or Bad wine experience Understanding and identifying faults in wine is crucial for both novice and seasoned enthusiasts. Wine faults can significantly diminish the overall enjoyment of a bottle, affecting its aroma, taste, and texture. Common faults include cork taint, oxidation, and microbial contamination, each imparting undesirable characteristics to the wine. Recognizing these faults,…

[foodagriculturenews]

The food pathogen testing market size is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% between 2023 and 2028, reaching a value of $22.7 billion by 2028 from a projection of $15.1 billion in 2023.

[delta-remediation]

Revolutionizing Environmental Restoration with Delta Remediation

A New Dawn for Eco-Conscious Environmental Remediation Delta Remediation was conceived out of an unwavering commitment to foster sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for environmental restoration. Anchored by the conviction that future generations deserve a healthier planet, Delta Remediation has blazed a trail as a trailblazer in the sector. By launching a series of groundbreaking products and services, the company has effectively confronted hydrocarbon contamination in both soil and water.

The Pillars of Delta Remediation: Sustainability, Innovation, and Dedication The driving forces behind Delta Remediation's actions are its foundational principles: the pursuit of sustainable environmental solutions, relentless innovation, and a resolute commitment to ecological welfare.

A Close Look at Delta Remediation’s Groundbreaking Technology The BioLogix Solution by Delta Remediation represents the company’s technological prowess and innovative spirit.

BioLogix Salt Binder: The Vanguard of Salt Remediation This product stands at the forefront of environmentally-friendly solutions to rampant salt-related environmental challenges.

BioLogix Surfactant: An Eco-Compliant Hydrocarbon Liberator Crafted to free hydrocarbons from soil and usher them to the surface, this biodegradable surfactant is neither ethoxylated nor butyl-based, underscoring its eco-compliance.

BioLogix Microbes: The Microscopic Solution The BioLogix Surfactant is amplified by BioLogix Microbes, a powerful concoction of live Pseudomonas bacteria strains. These microbes possess an innate knack for degrading hydrocarbons, cementing their status as a crucial part of the BioLogix solution.

ScreenLogix TPH Test Kit: The Quick Contamination Assessor Delta Remediation’s innovative streak extends to the ScreenLogix Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) soil test kit. This ingenious device empowers users to promptly identify the nature and level of hydrocarbon contamination in soils.

The Comprehensive Suite of Services by Delta Remediation Delta Remediation offers an extensive range of services to combat a myriad of environmental challenges.

Soil Remediation: The War Against Soil Contaminants The company takes pride in its flagship service – soil remediation, aimed at purging soil of pollutants such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides, cyanides, volatiles, creosote, and semi-volatiles.

Bioremediation: Bacteria to the Rescue Here, bacteria serve as absorbents and decomposers of hydrocarbons and other pollutants. This technique proves highly effective in soils that uphold a temperature of approximately 70 degrees F and receive periodic rainfall for optimal moisture.

Thermal Soil Remediation: Evaporating Impurities This service heats up the contaminated soil in a Process Treatment Unit (PTU), causing the hydrocarbon impurities and water to evaporate.

Encapsulation: Isolation Over Removal As an alternative strategy to tackle soil contamination, encapsulation encloses contaminants to prevent their spread to uncontaminated areas.

Groundwater and Water Remediation: Preserving our Water Sources Delta Remediation adopts natural remediation processes to expunge contaminants from water and groundwater with minimal environmental impact, safeguarding our invaluable water resources.

Oil Spill and Sulfolane Remediation: Minimizing Ecological Damage Delta Remediation's expertise extends to managing oil spills and sulfolane contamination, with a focus on mitigating environmental harm and protecting local ecosystems.

The Delta Remediation Promise: A Blend of Innovation and Responsibility Innovation is the lifeblood of Delta Remediation. The company ceaselessly ventures into the unexplored territories of environmental remediation, delivering not just effective but also sustainable solutions.

A Strong Advocate for Sustainability Delta Remediation endorses remediation over relocation as a more sustainable and responsible response to environmental challenges. This ethos, coupled with stringent safety and quality norms, cements their standing as pioneers in environmental remediation.

Conclusion Delta Remediation persistently challenges established norms and redefines the standards of environmental remediation. Given their unwavering dedication to creating a cleaner, safer planet, the future of Delta Remediation promises to be as innovative and impactful as its illustrious past.

[deltaremediation]

Contrasting Bioremediation Techniques: Spotting the Differences

Remediation is the process of removing contamination from water and soil, and bioremediation is a subset of this process that involves the use of living organisms to eliminate harmful pollutants in contaminated areas. Bioremediation techniques can be confusing, as some methods stimulate naturally occurring organisms to break down toxic chemicals and pathogens, while others introduce microorganisms into the environment to achieve remedial goals. There are two types of bioremediation techniques: biostimulation and bioaugmentation. These should not be confused with the two main methods of soil remediation (in-situ/ex-situ), which refer to how a remediation treatment is carried out and not the actual biology involved.

Biostimulation techniques encourage natural organisms to consume pollutants. Normally, these naturally occurring microorganisms could take decades to degrade contaminants, but by modifying the environment through the addition of nutrients, this time can be reduced. Nutrients and electron acceptors such as phosphorus, nitrogen, oxygen, or carbon are added to the environment to stimulate biodegradation. Examples of biostimulation techniques include biosparging and bioventing. Bioventing is the injection of high-pressure air (oxygen) into the soil or unsaturated vadose zone to enhance aerobic biodegradation. Biosparging is the injection of air into the saturated zone of the soil matrix or groundwater table to stimulate degradation.

Bioaugmentation involves the addition of exogenous microbial strains to supplement the degradation capacity of indigenous microbial populations. Site assessments are conducted to determine the chemical structure and concentration of contaminants, the size and nature of existing microbial populations, and the nature of the physical environment before the right bioaugmentation technique can be conducted. Effective bioaugmentation technology must be able to maintain genetic stability and viability during storage, survive in foreign and hostile environments, effectively compete with indigenous microorganisms, and move through the pores of the sediment to the contaminants. Nutrient application alone will not produce the desired remediation results, but augmenting contaminated soils with aggressive bacteria will often produce desired results in as little as 30 days.

While both techniques have applications in the remediation industry, bioaugmentation reduces the risk and uncertainty often associated with biostimulation. Delta Remediation is a worldwide leader in the area of bioremediation, offering proprietary remediation technology (BioLogix) and innovative solutions (ScreenLogix Rapid TPH Test) to meet site needs. To learn more, contact Delta Remediation at info@deltaremediation.com or 780-962-7991.

[blueiscoool]

A Mummified 44,000-Year-Old Wolf Found in Siberian Permafrost

Scientists perform necropsy on an ancient wolf pulled from Russian permafrost that may still have prey in its stomach.

In a first-of-its-kind discovery, a complete mummified wolf was pulled from the permafrost in Siberia, after being locked away for more than 44,000 years. Scientists have now completed a necropsy (an animal autopsy) on the ancient predator, which was discovered by a river in the Republic of Sakha — also known as Yakutia — in 2021.

This is the first complete adult wolf dating to the late Pleistocene (2.6 million to 11,700 years ago) ever discovered, according to a translated statement from the North-Eastern Federal University in Yakutsk, where the necropsy was performed. The discovery, scientists say, will help us better understand life in the region during the last ice age.

Photos from the necropsy show the wolf's mummified body in exquisite detail. Animals are preserved in permafrost through a type of mummification involving cold and dry conditions. Soft tissues are dehydrated, allowing the body to be preserved in a frozen time capsule.

Researchers took samples of the wolf's internal organs and gastrointestinal tract to detect ancient viruses and microbiota, and to understand its diet when it died.

"His stomach has been preserved in an isolated form, there are no contaminants, so the task is not trivial," Albert Protopopov, head of the department for the study of mammoth fauna of the Academy of Sciences of Yakutia, said in the statement. "We hope to obtain a snapshot of the biota of the ancient Pleistocene."

He added the wolf, which tooth analysis revealed was male, would've been an "active and large predator," so they will be able to find out what it was eating, along with the diet of its victims, which "also ended up in his stomach."

Another key aspect of the necropsy is looking at the ancient viruses the wolf may have harbored. "We see that in the finds of fossil animals, living bacteria can survive for thousands of years, which are a kind of witnesses of those ancient times," Artemy Goncharov, who studies ancient viruses at the North-Western State Medical University in Russia, and is part of the team analyzing the wolf, said in the statement.

He said the research project will aid their understanding of ancient microbial communities and the role of harmful bacteria during this period. "It is possible that microorganisms will be discovered that can be used in medicine and biotechnology as promising producers of biologically active substances," he added.

The wolf necropsy is part of an ongoing project to study the wildlife that lived in the region during the Pleistocene. Other species examined include ancient hares, horses and a bear from the Holocene. The team plans to study the wolf's genome to understand how it relates to other ancient wolves from the region, and how it compares to its living relatives. The team now plans to start studying another ancient wolf discovered in the Nizhnekolymsk region of northeast Siberia in 2023.

By Hannah Osborne.

[robreyart]

Cassini Spacecraft Oil, 18 x 24 in, 2018 In our pursuit to understand the solar system we find ourselves in, we sent an explorer on a billion mile journey to the Saturnian system. The Cassini Spacecraft sent back amazing new data and images of Saturn and it's 62 known moons, 46 of which were unknown when Cassini left. We learned that the moon, Enceladus, may have everything it needs to support life deep in it's global ocean, Titan has a liquid methane sea, and so much more.

In 2017, low on fuel after twenty years in space and so much information gained, Cassini took several dives between Saturn and it's rings to learn a little more before it's mission came to an end. To avoid possible microbial contamination of any of Saturn's moons, Cassini dove and burned up in Saturn's atmosphere, while sending back it's final data. Prints: https://robrey.storenvy.com

[iamthekaijuking]

Assorted Armored Core 6 thoughts

1: Iguazu as a character is just so fucking funny to me. Like here’s this pathetic little petty piece of shit who wants to be hot stuff but isn’t due to his own personal faults, and gets mad when he’s inevitably shown up. And then you come along and are better than him (which isn’t a high bar… I mean come on even his AC build is less than optimal) and for some reason that makes him lose his shit and now he hates you so much he’s willing to kill himself if it means killing you. Of all the people that broke him it was you, C4 621, Waltuh’s favorite little vegetable lobotomite. Michigan should have technically gotten that hatred out of him but no it’s you he hates.

2: I’ve seen some talk about what the “mealworms” the rubiconians eat are, and a lot of people think they’re tardigrades mutated by Coral, but I’d have to disagree. Coral isn’t a mutative substance, it’s just some anaerobic alien algae that explodes real good and can act like a supercomputer when in groups. It also might have a biochemistry toxic to humans since it can get us high and areas exposed to coral explosions are contaminated in some way, but it’s never been stated to directly tamper with genes. The anatomy of the mealworms also doesn’t match tardigrades that well and they only have a passing resemblance to them (their mouth anatomy is closer to that of a lamprey or hagfish, and they have too many legs). I think the mealworms might instead be alien fauna, but ones not native to rubicon that were instead brought in as livestock. Why not native to rubicon? Well the only other multicellular organisms we see in game are trees and grass that were almost certainly bought to rubicon by humans, and while rubicon 3 seems to be within the Goldilocks zone from its sun it’s definitely on the farther end of the spectrum. Every area (aside from grid, Xylem, underground, and atmospheric areas) has snow, except for where the Strider is seen, which is a desert. But desert doesn’t equal heat, it just means it’s a very dry place. Rubicon 3 might also not have a moon and we don’t know anything about its magnetosphere. Basically what I’m trying to say that rubicon 3 is a pretty tough place to live, and while multicellular life isn’t an impossibly given its conditions, it seems that the planet might only have microbial life.

3: A sort of follow up to the mealworm thing, but it seems like in the AC 6 universe humanity has discovered alien life, but never sapient ones. Any race other than humans is never mentioned, and coral is of human interest not because it’s an alien organism, but because it can act as a superfuel. Mealworms are likely also aliens. If this is all true then Coral might be the first truly sapient race encountered by humanity… and we’ve been using it as fuel and already almost rendered it extinct once… oops.

[coochiequeens]

Is anyone really surprised?

Gender-neutral lavatories are more dirty than men's and women's toilets, a new study has claimed.

The study examined the levels of bacteria in various types of hospital toilets.  

Lavatories for women were found to carry far fewer microbes than those for men. For instance when staff toilets were compared, door handles for men were found to be around eight times as dirty as those for women.

Gender-neutral lavatories are more dirty than men's and women's toilets, a new study has claimed.

The study examined the levels of bacteria in various types of hospital toilets.  

Lavatories for women were found to carry far fewer microbes than those for men. For instance when staff toilets were compared, door handles for men were found to be around eight times as dirty as those for women.

Professor Stephanie Dancer, a consultant microbiologist and researcher at NHS Lanarkshire said: 'The move to convert traditional male and female facilities to unisex facilities in some hospitals raises concern that people might be exposed to higher risks of contamination.

'Single sex and disabled toilets should be retained; with additional facilities labelled unisex and available for anyone. But based on this study's findings, I don't believe we should be abandoning single sex toilets in favour of unisex toilets, since these toilets had the highest microbial burden overall. 

'Our results appear to confirm what is generally thought in society: women clean because their perception of dirt and disgust entices action whereas men either don't notice a dirty environment or don't care. It follows that women are more likely to leave a bathroom 'clean', while men assume someone will clean up after them.' 

The study involved swabbing 10 different surfaces in six types of toilets across three general hospitals in Lanarkshire, Scotland.

It has not yet been published in full, but it was presented at the ESCMID Global CongressESCMID Global Congress in Barcelona, Spain, which was held from April 27 to 30.

Heather Binning, of the feminist group Women's Rights Network, told The Telegraph the research confirmed 'what we have always known'.

She said: 'Men do not have the same hygiene standards as women and mixed-sex toilets are far dirtier than those which are used only by women and girls.' 

The research team found floors and high surfaces yielded higher levels of aerobic bacteria and fungi than hand-touch sites. They stated this was likely due to the fact that hand-touch sites are cleaned more thoroughly than other surfaces

Pathogens such as E.coli, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Klebsiella pneumoniae were as likely to be found on air vents, ceilings and the top of doors as on floors. 

Professor Dancer said: 'In contrast with hand-touch sites, floors are a major repository of dirt. Anything in the air eventually ends up on the floor, along with whatever is brought in on people's footwear or shed from skin and clothes when they use the toilet.'

'We think that the only logical explanation for this is that toilet flushing aerosolises whatever is in the toilet bowl, whereupon tiny water particles carrying these organisms fly up to the ceiling and contaminate high sites.' 

'Airborne microorganisms and contaminated surfaces carry a potential risk for infection. Hospital toilets should have lids, which should be closed before you flush, and patient toilets should be cleaned more frequently than other toilets.' 

However the researchers state that none of the toilets sampled in the study had a window, and they would be interested to see how the results would change with an abundant supply of fresh air.

Professor Dancer also advises for people to wash their hands and close the toilet lid before flushing at home. 

[chicuahtliteotl]

Notes as an indigenous farmer for other farmers, gardeners, looking to seek to perform land remediation, restorative agroforestry, etc.

First, look up historical weather and current weather zoning, climate change is real, the area may no longer be suitable for specific plants anymore.

Consider invasive plants, animals, worms(yes like bees there are invasive worms) , etc

Assess potential soil and water pollution sources then create a remediation plan depending on time and feasibility.

Work with the land, not against it, this is pretty simple, if you plan to create rain collecting channels for your small garden, then it's to slope where the land slopes for you.

Composting is great but you also need to understand microbial/fungal symbiosis and creating microbiomes that allow for effective compost break down.

You can buy cheap microbial solutions that are epa or environmental sound, back reference any microbial cultures with academic papers, if unsure how to do the research then it is fine with a variety as this simulates closely to nature.

Look into outdoor mushroom farming, this is pretty common in my community in our Chināmitl /mīlpan system, it's not as hard as most resources online will tell you, especially if you're sticking with native to your area mushrooms.

Avoid commercial strains for cultures especially if they're non native as this can lead to potential invasives.

Yes fungus /mushrooms can be invasive, please never put golden oyster outside.

You can also buy microremediating solutions for soil/water contamination.

Many universities offer resources to help find soil or water testing companies for accessible to no costs even, this is useful if you want to assess variety of conditions.

Additionally microbe /fungal based solutions are most used in our community as it helps reduced overall pests and diseases to our plants.

If you have tons of untreated wood ash (burn untreated wood, get wood ash) this is useful for variety of things, as this ties into controlled burning, true slash and burn, etc. Essentially nutrients are allowed to disperse back in the ground, be aware of heavy metal and other contamination considerations as always.

Indigenous seed banks do exist for non indigenous people, also look into seed conservation projects and seed banks that look to preserve seed lineages. While heirloom is nifty, it does only go so far back around an early colonial era.

[outofangband]

Possible medicinal plants in Beleriand part one /?

This is a resource I created upon commission for @creativity-of-death regarding medicinal plants that do have more evidence behind them with the treatment of wounds. Thank you again for the commission! Commission information in the bottom of my pinned post

I am also very interested in both botany and herblore so I really enjoyed doing this. This post is heavy on plant information and light on world building but I absolutely plan on writing more detailed world building!

This is going to focus primarily on the plant thyme which are primarily used to treat superficial wounds.

Some notes first!

Elves do not suffer full body infection under most circumstances however, wounds can still worsen, become inflamed, and there are factors that can prevent healing which herbs like these can aid in in. I’m going to make a longer post about my thoughts on immunology and elves and the differences between them and humans going through different aspects of human immune systems and the similarities and differences with elven ones but essentially, while I do believe there are microbial infections in the middle earth, elves are largely immune to communicable diseases that affect humans! however, they are not immune to all poisons, venoms and toxins, as we know from certain examples in canon, for example Aredhel’s death

Ethnobotany is notoriously difficult to research as there are so many conflicted sources and it is often difficult to tell what species have been studied, tested, and proved to have medicinal value, which have been proven to not have significant use in this regard and which have simply not been the subject of much research. Especially when it comes to traditional medicinal practices from marginalized cultures and peoples, information is often dismissed, buried or lost. Oral histories or works in translation are often not included in English literature research.

Second note: understanding of the body and of medicine varies tremendously in my opinion throughout the timeline of middle earth. The information included here is largely the information that we know from modern studies, and the language will not necessarily be the same terms of understanding the characters have, for example boards, like “anti-microbial properties” Would largely be understood by first age, elves, and humans to mean plants that assist in the healing of wounds, prevent them from worsening and prevent illness from falling as a result. Throughout history, we see terms like contamination, blood poisoning, and corruption in place of infection before germ theory was widely understood.

OK now for the plants!

Thyme has been proven in some forms to have significant microbial properties. They are some of the best well antimicrobial properties. Thymol a name for oil of thyme* is and has been used in pesticides and medical disinfectants.

Historically, bandages would be coated in oil of thyme to prevent infection, even before the processes of infection were understood. Thyme contains several different subspecies and tends to grow in Mediterranean climates however has been widely naturalized elsewhere.

In Beleriand it likely grew primarily in Ossiriand and Dorthonion but could easy be naturalized in other temperate regions.

* this compound is also found in other plants to varying degrees, but was named after the substance that was first extracted from common thyme

Wormwood, or Artemisia absinthium has also been studied fairly extensively and has been proven to have antimicrobial properties. I know you mentioned spiders and though it has never been tested on spider venoms, it is proven to have anti parasitic properties and has been used to kill other arachnids such as mites and ticks. Interestingly, it has been examined to have neuroprotective properties which might make it useful in antivenoms. These have not been studied as extensively as its antimicrobial properties however.

In Beleriand this is plant that can be easily naturalized throughout temperate regions, especially in fields and foothills. Dimbar, the region of Nargothrond, and the southern hills are some examples.

Calendula (common marigold)

Evidence has shown that topical application can aid in the healing of wounds and in preventing or treating infection. Tinctures and ointments are the most common forms. These flowers grow throughout the temperate world. Overuse could lead to endangerment/extinction easily. Mount Sinai Hospital’s online medical library discusses these properties as does the National Institute of Health. The properties seem to be well proven, especially by ethnobotanical standards!

Marigold primarily grows in warm regions, including warm temperate ones. In Beleriand it probably grew primarily in the west and central regions.

Common tormentil has mild astringent properties which can aid in blood stopping. Creeping jenny or field balm also has similar properties. These both grow throughout temperate climates though tend towards colder regions.

In Beleriand common tormetil could likely grow in Hithlum and in the plains of Eastern Beleriand. Creeping Jenny would likely be found near ponds such as near the Fen of Serech or Twilit Meres.

[surgerypatient]

Alan Strid/@gas-writer "The Medical test" continued with AI

He neglected continuing the story for a reason but said nothing of anyone else doing such a thing, so here's mine:

Antiseptic Sterilization

The antiseptic sterilization room is starkly clean, a sterile contrast to the unremarkable building where this began. The nurses, faces obscured by surgical masks and protective face shields, move with mechanical precision. They start by handling your unconscious body with latex-gloved hands, applying a transparent ointment around each orifice. This ointment serves as a barrier, preventing any microbial invasion. Using small applicator sticks dipped in medical glue, they seal the ointment in place. The process is meticulous and thorough, starting with your eyes, then moving to your mouth around the endotracheal tube, your ears, nostrils, and finally, other orifices. The sensation of the ointment is cold and slightly numbing, and the glue quickly hardens, forming an airtight seal to ensure no contamination.

Next, they place you into a tight, velvet-feeling fishnet sack. The fabric clings to your skin, and you feel the rough texture against your flesh. A network of solution nozzles surrounds you, and with a sudden synchronized hiss, they begin dousing your body with a cleansing solution. The liquid is cold and stings slightly as it contacts your skin, stripping away all exposed hair, bacteria, and dead skin. The nozzles operate in stages, each one administering a different type of spray. Some emit a fine mist that coats every inch of your body, while others deliver a jet stream that forcefully washes away debris. A few nozzles provide a gentle, pulsating wash, ensuring that every part of your body is thoroughly cleansed and sterilized. The process is repeated several times to ensure complete sterilization, and the solution is allowed to sit for a few moments to maximize its effectiveness before being rinsed away.

Securing Vitals Monitoring

Before proceeding with the surgeries, the medical team secures various monitoring devices to your body to keep track of your vital signs throughout the procedures. Electrodes for heart rate and electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring are placed on your chest, secured with a layer of medical glue to ensure they remain in place despite any movements. A bispectral index (BIS) monitor, which tracks your level of consciousness through EEG data, is attached to your forehead with the same adhesive. Additionally, a pulse oximeter is clipped to your finger to measure blood oxygen content, and its sensor is reinforced with glue to prevent dislodgment.

32-Tooth Extraction

Once back in the OR, the sealing substances are carefully removed, leaving your skin clean and smooth. You are positioned on the dental operating table, and the tooth extraction begins.

The surgical team starts by donning fresh gloves, masks, and gowns. They position you on the dental operating table and use surgical drapes to cover your body, leaving only your mouth exposed. The nurse inserts a mouth prop to keep your mouth open wide, ensuring it remains open during the procedure. The surgeon selects a straight elevator and begins to loosen each tooth methodically. The elevator is inserted between the tooth and the surrounding gum, and a gentle twist loosens the tooth from its socket. This process is repeated for each tooth, feeling for the slight give that indicates the ligaments have been disrupted.

Once the teeth are sufficiently loosened, the surgeon switches to dental forceps. The forceps grip the crown of each tooth firmly, and with a twisting and pulling motion, the teeth are extracted one by one. The sound of the roots breaking free from the jawbone is a mix of crunching and popping, which can be unsettling. The suction device is used continuously, gurgling as it removes saliva and blood from your mouth, ensuring a clear field for the surgeon.

After all 32 teeth are removed, the surgeon inspects the empty sockets for any remaining fragments or debris. She then uses a bone file to smooth any rough edges on the jawbone, ensuring there are no sharp points that could cause discomfort later. Finally, dissolvable sutures are placed in each socket to close the wounds and promote healing. The surgeon ensures that the sutures are evenly spaced and securely tied to prevent any post-operative complications.

Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

Next is the tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. The team repositions you and adjusts the drapes to expose your mouth and throat.

The procedure begins with the insertion of a mouth gag to keep your mouth open wide. The gag is adjusted to ensure your mouth remains open without causing undue pressure on your teeth or jaws. The surgeon uses a scalpel to make small, precise incisions around the tonsils. Each cut is deliberate, designed to minimize bleeding and provide a clear path for removal. The tonsils are then partially severed from their attachments, and the surgeon switches to an electrocautery device.

The electrocautery device emits a low humming sound as it activates. This tool uses electrical current to cut through the remaining tissue and simultaneously cauterize blood vessels, reducing the risk of excessive bleeding. The surgeon carefully maneuvers the device around the tonsils, ensuring complete removal while controlling any bleeding. The tonsils are then gripped with forceps and extracted, leaving small, cauterized craters where they once were.

The adenoids are next. The surgeon uses a mirror and headlight to visualize the adenoids at the back of the nasal passage. She then employs a curette, a specialized scraping instrument, to remove the adenoid tissue. The curette is inserted through your mouth and maneuvered into position. With a swift scraping motion, the adenoids are detached and removed. Again, the electrocautery device is used to control bleeding and ensure all adenoid tissue is excised.

Hemostats are applied as needed to clamp off any small vessels that continue to bleed, and the suction device is used continuously to remove blood and other fluids from the surgical site. The surgeon ensures that all remnants of the tonsils and adenoids are completely removed before concluding the procedure. She checks the surgical area thoroughly, using a combination of direct visualization and palpation to confirm that the tissues are clean and free of any remaining debris.

The entire process is meticulous, with the surgeon and her team working in unison to ensure a smooth and successful operation. After the procedure is complete, the mouth gag is carefully removed, and the drapes are adjusted to prepare for the next phase of surgery.

Appendectomy

You are moved to the OR table and positioned for an appendectomy. Fresh surgical drapes are applied, covering you except for the surgical site on your lower abdomen. The sterile field is established meticulously, with each drape placed precisely to ensure no contamination.

The surgeon begins by making an incision with a scalpel just above your right hip. The initial cut is about three inches long, slicing through the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Once the incision is made, the surgeon uses retractors to hold the incision open, providing a clear view of the underlying tissues. Hemostats are applied to clamp any bleeding vessels, ensuring a bloodless field. The surgeon then uses Metzenbaum scissors for delicate dissection, carefully navigating through layers of muscle and fat to reach the appendix.

As she approaches the peritoneum, the thin membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, she switches to a more delicate touch, making a small incision in the peritoneum to gain access to the abdominal organs. The surgeon gently lifts the loops of intestine, searching for the appendix. Once located, the appendix is carefully isolated from surrounding tissues.

The surgeon clamps the base of the appendix with a pair of hemostats to prevent any contents from leaking into the abdomen. She then uses Metzenbaum scissors to cut the appendix free from the cecum, the part of the intestine where it is attached. The removed appendix is placed in a sterile container for examination. Surgical sponges are used to absorb blood and fluids, keeping the area clean.

To close the incision, the surgeon first sutures the peritoneum with absorbable stitches, ensuring that the abdominal cavity is sealed. She then sutures the muscle layers, being careful to align the tissues properly to promote healing. Finally, the skin is closed with either sutures or surgical staples, and a sterile dressing is applied to protect the wound.

Gallbladder Removal

Gallbladder removal follows. The team re-drapes you to expose the upper right quadrant of your abdomen, ensuring a sterile field. The procedure is performed laparoscopically, which means it will involve several small incisions rather than one large one.

The surgeon begins by making several small incisions in your abdomen, typically four. She inserts trocars, which are small, tube-like instruments that provide access points for the laparoscopic instruments. A laparoscope, which is a long, thin tube with a camera and light at the end, is inserted through one of the trocars, giving the surgical team a clear view of your internal organs on a video monitor.

The surgeon carefully maneuvers the laparoscope to locate the gallbladder. Using graspers inserted through another trocar, she lifts and holds the gallbladder in place. Scissors are then used to dissect the tissue around the gallbladder, carefully cutting away the connective tissue that holds it in place.

The cystic duct and cystic artery, which supply bile and blood to the gallbladder, are identified and clipped with clip appliers. These clips ensure that there is no bleeding and that no bile leaks into the abdominal cavity. Once the clips are securely in place, the surgeon uses scissors to cut the duct and artery.

With the gallbladder fully detached, it is placed into a small retrieval bag inserted through one of the trocars. The bag is then carefully pulled out through one of the incisions. The surgical team ensures that the bag remains intact during removal to prevent any spillage of bile.

Throughout the procedure, the suction/irrigation device is used to maintain a clear view and clean operative field. This device irrigates the area with

a sterile solution and suctions away blood and fluids. Once the gallbladder is removed, the surgeon performs a final inspection of the abdominal cavity to ensure there is no residual bleeding or bile leakage.

The incisions are then closed with sutures or surgical glue, and sterile dressings are applied to each site. The surgeon removes the drapes, and you are repositioned for the next procedure.

Prostate Removal and Orchiectomy

Repositioned in the stirrups, the prostate removal and orchiectomy are next. Fresh surgical drapes are applied, covering your lower abdomen and genital area.

The surgeon begins by making an incision below your navel with a scalpel. The incision is deepened carefully through layers of skin, fat, and muscle until the surgeon reaches the abdominal cavity. Retractors are used to hold the incision open, providing a clear view of the surgical field. Hemostats are applied to control any bleeding from cut blood vessels.

Using dissecting scissors and a combination of blunt dissection techniques, the surgeon carefully separates the prostate from surrounding tissues. The nerves and blood vessels that run alongside the prostate are meticulously preserved to maintain functionality. Once the prostate is fully isolated, it is removed and set aside.

Next, the surgeon moves to the orchiectomy. Incisions are made in the scrotum, and the testicles are carefully extracted. The spermatic cords are clamped with hemostats, cut, and then ligated to prevent any bleeding. The testicles are removed, and the incisions are sutured closed with absorbable stitches.

A hormone implant is placed in the cavity left behind by the prostate. This implant will provide a controlled release of hormones necessary for your transition. The surgeon then carefully sutures the incision in the lower abdomen, ensuring that each layer of tissue is properly aligned to promote healing. A catheter is inserted into your urethra to ensure that urine can drain freely as you recover.

The surgical mesh may be used to support the pelvic floor if necessary, depending on the extent of the tissue removal and the individual anatomical needs. The mesh is carefully placed and secured, ensuring it provides the necessary support without causing discomfort.

Facial Feminization Surgery

Finally, facial feminization surgery is performed. The surgeon reshapes your facial features, softening your jawline, reducing the size of your Adam's apple, and altering the shape of your nose and cheekbones.

The procedure begins with the surgeon making incisions with a scalpel along predetermined lines marked on your face. These incisions are strategically placed in natural creases and along the hairline to minimize visible scarring.

To reshape the jawline, the surgeon uses an osteotome and mallet. The osteotome, a chisel-like instrument, is carefully positioned along the jawbone, and the mallet is used to gently tap it, shaving down the bone. This process is repeated in small increments, allowing the surgeon to sculpt the jawline gradually and precisely. The burr drill is then used to smooth and contour the bone, ensuring a natural and feminine appearance.

For the reduction of the Adam's apple, the surgeon makes a small incision in the throat area. The tracheal cartilage is carefully exposed, and a portion is shaved down using a scalpel and specialized instruments. The surgeon takes great care to preserve the surrounding structures while achieving a more feminine contour.

Altering the shape of your nose involves careful dissection and reshaping of the nasal bones and cartilage. The surgeon makes incisions inside the nostrils and along the columella (the tissue between the nostrils). Using a combination of osteotomes, chisels, and a burr drill, the surgeon reshapes the nasal bones and cartilage to create a softer, more refined appearance. The skin is then re-draped over the newly sculpted framework, and the incisions are closed with fine sutures.

To enhance the cheekbones, the surgeon may use implants or fat grafting. For implants, small incisions are made inside the mouth, and the implants are carefully positioned over the cheekbones. If fat grafting is used, fat is harvested from another area of your body, purified, and then injected into the cheeks to add volume and contour.

Each step of the procedure is meticulously planned and executed, with the surgeon constantly checking the results to ensure symmetry and balance. The incisions are closed with fine sutures, and a sterile dressing is applied to protect the surgical sites and promote healing.

Vaginoplasty

The final procedure is vaginoplasty. You are positioned and draped carefully to expose the genital area while maintaining a sterile field. This highly complex surgery involves creating a neovagina, clitoris, and labia from the existing penile and scrotal tissue.

The surgeon begins by marking the surgical site. A midline incision is made along the penile shaft, and the skin is carefully separated from the underlying tissue. The penile skin is then inverted to create the vaginal canal. This involves meticulous dissection to preserve as much tissue as possible.

The urethra is shortened and repositioned to a more anatomically correct location. This requires precise cutting and suturing to ensure proper urinary function post-surgery. The erectile tissue is removed to reduce the risk of complications and to shape the new anatomy.

The surgeon then creates the neovagina by forming a cavity between the rectum and the prostate. The inverted penile skin is carefully inserted into this cavity, and the surgeon ensures it is properly positioned and secured. The neovagina is then lined with the penile skin, and any excess skin is trimmed.

The clitoris is formed from the glans of the penis, preserving the nerve supply to maintain sensation. The surgeon carefully shapes the glans into a clitoral structure and secures it at the top of the vaginal opening. The labia minora and majora are created from the scrotal tissue, which is dissected, trimmed, and reshaped to form the outer and inner lips of the new vulva.

Throughout the procedure, the surgeon uses fine sutures to close incisions and to secure the newly formed structures. The area is irrigated frequently to maintain a clear surgical field and to minimize the risk of infection. Surgical sponges are used to absorb any fluids, and hemostats are applied to control bleeding.

Once the neovagina, clitoris, and labia are formed and positioned correctly, the surgeon performs a final inspection to ensure everything is in place and there are no complications. A vaginal stent is inserted to keep the canal open during the healing process, and a sterile dressing is applied to protect the surgical site.

32-Teeth Transplantation

The following procedure is equally intricate and requires precise coordination. Another man, conscious and terrified, is brought into the OR. He is positioned next to you, and surgical drapes are used to maintain sterile fields around both your mouth and his. The man struggles and pleads, but the medical team remains focused on their task.

The team begins by sedating the other man to prevent excessive movement. The sedative is strong enough to keep him still but not enough to fully anesthetize him. He is aware of the procedure, but his body is unable to respond.

The extraction of his 32 teeth begins with the insertion of a mouth prop to keep his mouth open. The surgeon uses a straight elevator to loosen each tooth, feeling for the give that indicates the ligaments have been disrupted. The dental forceps are then used to grip the crowns of the teeth firmly. With a twisting and pulling motion, the teeth are extracted one by one. The suction device is used continuously to remove saliva and blood, ensuring a clear field.

Once all 32 teeth are extracted from the donor, they are immediately placed in a sterile solution to keep them viable. The donor's mouth is inspected for any remaining fragments, and the sockets are cleaned and sutured closed to promote healing.

The next phase involves the implantation of the extracted teeth into your mouth. The surgeon positions you with your mouth open using a mouth prop. Small incisions are made in your gums to create new sockets for the donor teeth. The teeth are carefully inserted, one by one, ensuring they are properly aligned and secured. Each tooth is anchored using fine sutures and a dental bonding agent to stabilize them in place.

Throughout the procedure, both you and the donor remain under close observation. The surgical team works efficiently, ensuring that the teeth are transplanted quickly to minimize the risk of failure. The donor's teeth are now your own, a complex and unsettling addition to your transformation.

Once the teeth are implanted, your gums are sutured to secure the new teeth. The surgical site is cleaned, and a dental guard is placed to protect the fresh implants. The donor is moved out of the OR, his role in the procedure complete, while you remain to undergo further evaluations and treatments.

Final Preparations

After all the surgeries are completed, the surgical team ensures that all incisions are properly closed and dressings are applied to protect the surgical sites. You are transferred to a recovery room where you are closely monitored as you slowly regain consciousness.

As you wake, the reality of what has been done to you begins to sink in. The pain and discomfort are overwhelming, and you struggle to comprehend the extent of the changes to your body. The medical staff remains professional and detached, their focus now on your recovery and stabilization.

Waking Up

Hours later, you begin to regain consciousness. The transition from oblivion to awareness is gradual and disorienting. The first sensation you register is a dull, pervasive ache that seems to emanate from your entire body. The soft beeping of monitors and the hum of medical equipment fade into your awareness, grounding you in the reality of the hospital room.

As your eyelids flutter open, the harsh fluorescent lighting overhead causes you to squint. Your vision slowly comes into focus, revealing the sterile white walls of the recovery room. You feel groggy, your mind foggy from the anesthesia and the cumulative effects of the extensive surgeries.

The first

thing you notice is the oxygen mask covering your nose and mouth, delivering cool, steady breaths. You attempt to move, but your body feels heavy and uncooperative, bound by the lingering effects of the anesthesia and the fresh post-operative pain.

A nurse, noticing your stirring, approaches your bedside. Her face is partially obscured by a surgical mask, but her eyes convey a calm, reassuring presence. She gently checks your vitals, her touch practiced and efficient.

"Welcome back," she says softly, her voice soothing. "You're in the recovery room. The surgeries went well. Just try to relax and let your body rest."

Confusion quickly turns to panic as you realize you have no memory of agreeing to any extensive surgeries. You try to speak, but the words come out as muffled protests through the oxygen mask. Your attempts to move are met with sharp pain and the restrictive feel of the compression garments and bandages.

You start to thrash, pulling at the IV lines and trying to rip off the oxygen mask. The nurse steps back, her eyes widening in concern.

"Please, you need to stay calm," she urges, trying to soothe you. "You've had multiple surgeries. Moving around too much could cause complications."

Her words barely register as you continue to struggle, your panic escalating. Another nurse quickly joins, holding your arms gently but firmly to prevent you from causing harm to yourself.

"I didn't agree to this! What did you do to me?" you manage to shout, your voice hoarse and filled with fear.

The nurses exchange worried glances before one of them speaks. "We need to call the doctor. Hold on."

Moments later, a doctor enters the room. She looks composed and serious, her expression one of professional concern. "Please, try to calm down. You're in a safe place, and we're here to help you."

"Help me? I didn't agree to any of this!" you shout again, your voice shaking. "What did you do to me?"

The doctor steps closer, her tone calm and authoritative. "You've undergone several surgeries. I know this is a shock, but we need you to stay still and let us explain."

"Why? I didn't consent to any of this!"

Dr. Patel takes a deep breath. "We understand that you have no memory of consenting. You were selected for a comprehensive medical trial, and we have documents indicating your agreement."

"No!" you shout, your panic rising again. "I never agreed to this! Let me go!"

The nurse quickly increases the sedative in your IV again, and you feel your resistance weaken as the drowsiness takes over. "We will discuss this further when you're feeling better," Dr. Patel says. "Right now, your body needs to heal."

As the sedative pulls you back into unconsciousness, you feel a deep sense of betrayal and fear. You’re left alone with your thoughts, wondering how you ended up in this situation and what will happen next.

Subsequent Awakenings

The next time you wake, it’s in small increments. You’re more alert each time, but with that alertness comes the realization of the changes to your body. The pain is still there, a constant reminder of what has been done.

A different nurse, this time a man with a kind but professional demeanor, is checking your vitals. "You’re awake," he observes. "How are you feeling? Any pain or discomfort?"

"All of it," you mutter, trying to shift without causing too much pain. "I need to know… why."

"Let’s get you comfortable first," the nurse says, adjusting the bed so you’re in a more upright position. "Dr. Patel will be in shortly to discuss everything with you."

This time, when Dr. Patel enters, she’s accompanied by a psychiatrist. "This is Dr. Williams," she introduces. "We’re here to help you process everything."

"I just want answers," you say, exhaustion in your voice. "I didn’t agree to this."

Dr. Williams steps forward. "We understand how disorienting this must be. Our records show you were a part of a trial, but it’s clear there’s been a severe misunderstanding."

"A misunderstanding?" you echo, incredulous. "You’ve changed everything about me!"

Dr. Patel and Dr. Williams exchange a look before Dr. Williams speaks again. "For now, let’s focus on your recovery. We’ll work on finding out exactly how this happened and ensure it doesn’t happen to anyone else."

Their words offer little comfort as you lay back, feeling a mix of anger, confusion, and helplessness. The road ahead is uncertain, but for now, you focus on the small victories of recovery, each one bringing you closer to understanding the full scope of what has happened and reclaiming some control over your life.

[mockiatoh]

Something that I kept in the tags but maybe should be its own post:

A lot of people wonder why contaminated foods can’t simply be reheated/recooked in order to kill the microbial contamination, and then eaten.

The issue is that these microbes produce toxins which are largely what caused signs and symptoms of illness. These toxins remain in the food even after the microbe itself has been killed. So let’s say your rice has become contaminated. You hear your rice back up to steaming hot for a while. Hell, you bring it to a true boil because you’re gonna make rice pudding or something, right?

You may have killed all of the microbes, but the food can still make you very ill. This is why preventing contamination in the first place is so important. Proper washing, keeping things at safe temps, etc etc.

[is-the-snake-video-cute]

Why does antivenin make you feel bad by itself? Like why does it make you feel a different kind of awful after the original awful of the snake bite?

Human bodies, like, don't enjoy being filled with horse blood proteins generally. Antivenin is mostly just the antibodies taken from the blood of the immunized donor animal, and your body doesn't love it being inside of you. Antivenin reactions are so common (anywhere between 20% to 90% depending on the antivenin and the dose) and can be so severe that in many cases medical staff have to worry about managing the reaction to the antivenin just as much as the bite itself.

Reactions are often more common and severe when the antivenin isn't produced with strict anti-contamination protocols - microbial contamination in the antivenin is one of the main things that causes adverse reactions. This is mainly a problem in countries where snake bites are very common - India is probably the worst in terms of poor reactions to snake bites, because the need for antivenin means production standards take a dip to get it produced quickly.

Typical side effects of antivenin include difficulty breathing, cardiac problems, and a general feeling that something is bad and wrong and you just don't feel well. It's also very possible to be allergic to the antivenin - this commonly presents as a delayed-onset immune response called serum sickness, which often causes fever, rash, and joint pain.

[delta-remediation]

Bioremediation: An Innovative Approach to Environmental Restoration

Bioremediation is a fascinating, innovative field of environmental science that seeks to harness the natural abilities of organisms to break down hazardous substances into less toxic or non-toxic substances. This process is instrumental in treating contaminated soil, water, and air, making it a crucial component in our fight against environmental pollution.

What is Bioremediation? Bioremediation utilizes living organisms, most notably bacteria, fungi, and plants, to degrade, transform, or detoxify contaminants present in the environment. These microorganisms use the contaminants as an energy source, breaking them down into simpler, non-toxic compounds. This process is advantageous as it can potentially restore polluted environments to their natural states without the need for harmful chemical or physical treatments.

Types of Bioremediation Bioremediation can be classified into two main types: in situ bioremediation and ex situ bioremediation.

In situ Bioremediation In situ bioremediation involves treating the contaminated material at the site. The process takes advantage of naturally occurring microbial communities that can metabolize the contaminants. Various methods can be employed to stimulate the microbial activity, such as introducing nutrients, oxygen, or other factors necessary for the microbes' metabolism.

Ex situ Bioremediation Ex situ bioremediation, on the other hand, involves removing the contaminated material from the site and treating it elsewhere. This process might involve physical methods like soil excavation or pumping out contaminated groundwater, followed by treatment in bioreactors where conditions are controlled to maximize biodegradation.

Microbial Bioremediation and Its Significance Microbial bioremediation is the use of microorganisms to degrade environmental contaminants into less toxic forms. This is a significant aspect of bioremediation because microorganisms can adapt to different environmental conditions and break down a wide range of organic compounds. They are especially effective in the bioremediation of soil and water contaminated with hazardous substances like hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and pesticides.

Bioremediation of Hydrocarbons, Soil, Water, and Wastewater Bioremediation can address various types of environmental pollution. For instance, bioremediation of hydrocarbons involves using microbes that can degrade these compounds, which are common pollutants in oil spills.

In the case of soil bioremediation, microbes or plants are used to degrade or immobilize contaminants, restoring the soil's health and fertility. This method is particularly effective in treating soils contaminated with heavy metals, oil spills, or industrial waste.

Bioremediation of water and wastewater involves using microorganisms or plants to degrade or absorb contaminants, reducing their concentrations to acceptable levels. This process can be particularly useful for treating industrial wastewater, which often contains a wide range of pollutants that can harm ecosystems and human health.

The Bioremediation Process and Its Principle The bioremediation process relies on the principle that living organisms, primarily bacteria and fungi, can use contaminants as a source of energy and nutrients. These organisms metabolize the contaminants, breaking them down into simpler, non-toxic compounds, such as water and carbon dioxide.

However, the effectiveness of bioremediation depends on several factors, including the type and concentration of the contaminant, the presence of suitable microbial populations, and environmental conditions such as temperature, pH, and nutrient availability.

Bioremediation Companies Several bioremediation companies have emerged in recent years, offering a variety of services, including site assessment, bioremediation plan design, and implementation. These companies utilize a range of techniques and approaches, including both in situ and ex situ methods, and often tailor their strategies to the specific needs and conditions of each site.

In conclusion, bioremediation is a highly promising technique for dealing with environmental contaminants, offering a more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional remediation methods. It leverages the metabolic abilities of microbes to break down pollutants into harmless substances, helping to restore contaminated environments to their natural states.

From in situ to ex situ methods, and from soil and water remediation to treatment of hydrocarbons and wastewater, bioremediation encompasses a wide range of applications. Its effectiveness, however, depends on several factors, including the nature of the contaminant, the presence of suitable microbial populations, and the specific environmental conditions.

Bioremediation companies play a pivotal role in this sphere, offering specialized services to assess, design, and implement bioremediation strategies. Their work is instrumental in harnessing the power of nature to mitigate the impact of human activities on the environment.

As our understanding of microbial ecology and environmental science continues to evolve, so too will our ability to harness the power of bioremediation. Its potential for restoring and preserving our environment makes it a crucial tool in our ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable and healthier world.