Podcasts about ht2

In this episode of the Psychedelic Medicine Podcast, Hannah Raine-Smith and Jocelyn Rose join to discuss the psychedelic assisted EMDR therapy. Hannah is an integrative psychotherapist and independent researcher specializing in psychedelic integration using EMDR therapy. Jocelyn is a research therapist working on psychedelic clinical trials. She also works in private practice, and has a special interest in exploring the unfolding potential of EMDR as a scalable, trauma focused psychedelic assisted therapy. In this conversation, Hannah and Jocelyn introduce the basics of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and its possible utility in adjunct to psychedelic assisted therapies. They discuss the overlapping mechanisms between EMDR and psychedelic therapies, with both engaging the serotonin 5-HT2 system and promoting neuroplasticity. Hannah and Jocelyn explain their excitement around integrating EMDR with psychedelic therapy, stressing that this may make these treatments more accessible for the patients who could benefit most from psychedelic therapy. In closing, the researchers call for additional investigation of the intersection of psychedelic therapy and EMDR and invite collaboration from anyone else exploring these promising treatments.  You can contact Hannah and Jocelyn at info@bridgetothematrix.com   In this episode you'll hear: How EMDR works to help people process traumatic memories Similar neurological effects of psychedelic therapies and EMDR Understanding the adaptive information processing (AIP) framework Hannah and Jocelyn's novel hypothesis for the basis of hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) Using EMDR as an integration therapy for past psychedelic experiences Making psychedelic treatments more accessible and inclusive   Quotes: “Like with indigenous shamanic practices, EMDR uses simple rhythms to alter consciousness. So EMDR is like an ancient healing mechanism that's been adapted to treat the modern soul.” [4:56] “When we reprocess these memories using bilateral stimulation of the brain, you start thinking and feeling differently about the same events. So trauma therapy isn't about changing the past, it's about how you think and feel about those experiences.” [5:26] “Some of the resistance that would normally be present in an EMDR session is diminished when someone has had a recent psychedelic experience.” [12:02] “Research has shown that EMDR taps into the same mechanisms as REM [sleep]. It's like adding the healing benefits of dreaming whilst on psychedelics but being more in control of what gets reprocessed.” [14:42] “The people who are most likely to have adverse drug reactions to psychedelics—whether that's HPPD or tolerance—tend to be the people who also have adverse childhood experiences or have traumatic complexity in their biographical content. And so we recognize that there's a need for trauma-focused psychedelic treatments if we're going to make these treatments available to the people who need them most and make them scalable—and we think EMDR is a good enough fit for that work to happen.” [25:46]   Links: Hannah and Jocelyn's article: “Psychedelic-assisted EMDR therapy (PsyA-EMDR): A memory consolidation approach to psychedelic healing” Bridge to the Matrix: A Memory Consolidation Approach to Psychedelic Healing website Hannah on LinkedIn Jocelyn on LinkedIn Previous episode: Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for Accelerated Growth with Nick Brüss, EdD, LMFT  Psychedelic Medicine Association Porangui

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.04.26.538483v1?rss=1 Authors: Dai, R., Huang, Z., Larkin, T. E., Tarnal, V., Picton, P., Vlisides, P. E., Janke, E., McKinney, A., Hudetz, A. G., Harris, R. E., Mashour, G. A. Abstract: Despite the longstanding use of nitrous oxide and descriptions of its psychological effects more than a century ago, there is a paucity of neurobiological investigation of associated psychedelic experiences. Identifying the impact of nitrous oxide on functional brain networks would advance understanding and contribute to the growing body of research in psychedelic neuroscience. Based on human resting-state fMRI data acquired before and during the administration of 35% nitrous oxide, we measured the brain's functional geometry (through analysis of cortical gradients) and temporal dynamics (through analysis of co-activation patterns). Both analyses show that nitrous oxide reduces functional differentiation in frontoparietal and somatomotor networks. Importantly, the subjective psychedelic experience induced by nitrous oxide is inversely correlated with the degree of functional differentiation. Thus, like classical psychedelics acting on 5-HT2 receptors, nitrous oxide flattens the functional geometry of the cortex and disrupts temporal dynamics in association with psychoactive effects. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.04.26.538484v1?rss=1 Authors: Henderson, T. T., Taylor, J. L., Thorstensen, J. R., Kavanagh, J. J. Abstract: Serotonin modulates corticospinal excitability, motoneurone firing rates and contractile strength via 5-HT2 receptors. However, the effects of these receptors on cortical and motoneurone excitability during voluntary contractions have not been explored in humans. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how 5-HT2 antagonism affects corticospinal and motoneuronal excitability with and without descending drive to motoneurones. Twelve individuals (aged 24 {+/-} 4 years old) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, whereby the 5-HT2 antagonist cyproheptadine was administered. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was delivered to the motor cortex to produce motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and electrical stimulation at the cervicomedullary junction was used to generate cervicomedullary motor evoked potentials (CMEPs) in the biceps brachii at rest and during a range of submaximal elbow flexions. Evoked potentials were also obtained after a conditioning TMS pulse to produce conditioned MEPs and CMEPs (100 ms inter-stimulus interval). Compared to placebo, 5-HT2 antagonism reduced maximal elbow flexion torque (p = 0.004), unconditioned MEP amplitude at rest (p = 0.003), conditioned MEP amplitude at rest (p = 0.033), and conditioned MEP amplitude during contractions (p = 0.020). 5-HT2 antagonism also increased unconditioned CMEP amplitude during voluntary contractions (p = 0.041) but not at rest. Although 5-HT2 antagonism increased long-interval intracortical inhibition, net corticospinal excitability was unaffected during voluntary contractions. Given that spinal motoneurone excitability was only affected when descending drive to motoneurones was present, the current study indicates that excitatory drive is necessary for 5-HT2 receptors to regulate motoneurone excitability but not intracortical circuits. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.04.26.538457v1?rss=1 Authors: de Oliveira, L. N., Alves, N. F. P., Soares, M. C., Maximino, C. Abstract: The effects of previous social experiences on social behavior have been demonstrated across species both in cooperative and competitive contexts. In dominance-subordinate hierarchies, differences across social ranks have been observed in many different mechanisms. Dominance hierarchies interfere in defensive behavior, where subordinate animals present a greater defensive behavior, regarding potential threats ("anxiety-like behavior"), than dominant animals. The serotonergic system plays a key role in regulating and mediating threat responses, including 5-HT2 receptors in the types of proximal threat responses modulated by the stress of social defeat. We separated 148 adult zebrafish in pairs, and allowed to interact for five days; after that, the dominant-subordinate rank was determined, and animals were treated with a 5-HT2C receptor agonist (MK-212) or antagonist (RS-102221) before being observed in the novel tank test. While MK-212 increased bottom-dwelling, erratic swimming, and freezing across all statuses, RS-102221 decreased these variables in dominants but increased them in subordinates. Moreover, the effects of MK-212 were larger in subordinates than in controls or dominants, suggesting a sensitization of the 5-HT2C receptor. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.04.05.535691v1?rss=1 Authors: Reedich, E. J., Genry, L. T., Steele, P. R., Mena Avila, E., Dowaliby, L., Drobyshevsky, A., Manuel, M., Quinlan, K. A. Abstract: Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by a variety of factors that damage the developing central nervous system. Impaired motor control, including muscle stiffness and spasticity, is the hallmark of spastic CP. Rabbits that experience hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury in utero (at 70-80% gestation) are born with muscle stiffness, hyperreflexia, and, as recently discovered, increased serotonin (5-HT) in the spinal cord. To determine whether serotonergic modulation of spinal motoneurons (MNs) contributes to motor deficits, we performed ex vivo whole cell patch clamp in neonatal rabbit spinal cord slices at postnatal day (P) 0-5. HI MNs responded to application of -methyl 5-HT (a 5-HT1/5-HT2 receptor agonist) and citalopram (a selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor) with hyperpolarization of persistent inward currents and threshold voltage for action potentials, reduced maximum firing rate, and an altered pattern of spike frequency adaptation while control MNs did not exhibit any of these responses. To further explore the differential sensitivity of MNs to 5-HT, we performed immunohistochemistry for inhibitory 5-HT1A receptors in lumbar spinal MNs at P5. Fewer HI MNs expressed the 5-HT1A receptor compared to age-matched controls. This suggests many HI MNs lack a normal mechanism of central fatigue mediated by 5- HT1A receptors. Other 5-HT receptors (including 5-HT2) are likely responsible for the robust increase in HI MN excitability. In summary, by directly exciting MNs, the increased concentration of spinal 5-HT in HI rabbits can cause MN hyperexcitability, muscle stiffness, and spasticity characteristic of CP. Therapeutic strategies that target serotonergic neuromodulation may be beneficial to individuals with CP. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

2022 was by far the hashiest year on record! Here's my top five favorite episodes from this year! It took me a whole week to narrow them down! I hope you have enjoyed the ride so far, and I can't wait to see what 2023 has in store! 5. Terpene Therapy #017:  - I really like this episode because it introduced me to a record that I was surprised I'd never heard before. This episode is part 3 of the 1st terpiest album list from @_cr.iii_ and we smoked some vampire slayer from one of the previous who's who drops! We also used my @kylou.glass multi-artist collab recycler! 4. Terpene Therapy #033: Mescaline Containing Cacti/Leave The Peyote Alone! - I really like this episode because it branches out a bit from the general idea of Terpene Therapy and discusses Psychedelic Compounds! I like this one because mescaline has an interesting molecular structure and pharmacology! While it does have activity at the 5-HT2 receptor sites in the body, it also has activity on dopamine and adrenal release in the body. This sets mescaline apart from Psilocybin or LSD. 3. Terpene Therapy #001 - this list wouldn't be complete without the first episode! I was so scared to upload this first episode that I almost didn't do it! But instead of listening to doubt and fear, I decided to say fuck it and put out the episode! It feels clunky and the production isn't the best but it makes me so proud to look back on! The power of sticking with a valuable idea is something that can't be replaced. 2. Terpene Therapy #024 : Interview with @maxselectseeds - this episode was my first interview with someone who isn't a KY local! I really recommend you go check out this episode, as he has a wild story! We discuss consciousness while in a coma and that's all I'll say about that! Also, if you're looking for some rare terps to add to the seed collection, then look no further!1. Terpene Therapy #009: Interview With @kylou.glass and @backwood_buddy - this episode got the ball rolling! I think this one made me realize the value of Terpene Therapy! I also realized I really enjoy interviewing and having conversations with new people! I want to give a huge thanks to Kylou.glass and backwood_buddy for taking a chance and making the choice to come hang out on Terpene Therapy! And go grab you a @kylou.glass piece today! Today's Session Was Brought To You By:Hash:@whoswho_solventless - Soap 90-119u Hash Rosin@zootedsolventlesshi - Rainbow Belts 3.0 Zooted Cut 70-120u Hash RosinGlass:@kylou.glass x @zm_glass - Triple Double Millie Tube Recycler@toro_glass - 10mm Slurper with @evanshorebangers Slurpee PlugThank you for listening and please make sure you check out all of our social medias and subscribe to our YouTube and Patreon!https://www.instagram.com/terpenetherapypodcast/https://www.patreon.com/terpenetherapypodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIuE6pg63WB2dwZ--1SgTig/featuredDISCLAIMER: All cannabis on this podcast was purchased legally and all individuals pictured consuming cannabis are over the age of 21. Terpene Therapy does not condone any use of illicit cannabis, especially by any persons under the age of 21.Support the show

Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2022.10.14.512285v1?rss=1 Authors: Dai, R., Larkin, T. E., Huang, Z., Tarnal, V., Picton, P., Vlisides, P. E., Janke, E., McKinney, A., Hudetz, A. G., Harris, R. E., Mashour, G. A. Abstract: The neurobiology of the psychedelic experience is not fully elucidated. Identifying common brain network changes induced by both canonical (i.e., acting at the 5-HT2 receptor) and non-canonical psychedelics would provide mechanistic insight into state-specific characteristics. We analyzed whole-brain functional connectivity based on resting-state fMRI data in humans, acquired before and during the administration of nitrous oxide, ketamine, and lysergic acid diethylamide. We report that, despite distinct molecular mechanisms and modes of delivery, all three psychedelics reduced within-network functional connectivity and enhanced between-network functional connectivity. More specifically, all drugs tested increased connectivity between right temporoparietal junction and bilateral intraparietal sulcus as well as between precuneus and left intraparietal sulcus. These regions fall within the posterior cortical hot zone, posited to mediate the content of consciousness. Thus, both canonical and non-canonical psychedelics modulate networks within an area of known relevance for conscious experience, identifying a biologically plausible candidate for their subjective effects. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC

This conversation with Kelly Kasper was released in May 2021, as part of the Conversations On Family Urban Disaster Planning summit. I an re-releasing it because I realized I made an error and re-posted the first interview. We are discussing evacuating the community the safest way possible. When in doubt, get out. Kelly is someone who truly walks the walk, often referred to as the "Safety Queen" or "Disaster Geek" by friends and colleagues. She is passionate about safety and preparedness, which is evidenced in HT2's process and in her educational seminars. She simply delivers dynamic presentations and motivates participants to act! In our interview, we discuss: 1. Mitigating Risks at Home 2. Home Hazards 3. Types Of Home Evacuation 4. Considerations For Children P.S. Remember not to forget to get your gift the Holiday House Fire-Safety eBook https://www.eapworkshop.com/f/holiday-fire-safety

The conversation with Kelly Kasper was released on May 19th, 2021, as part of the Conversations On Family Urban Disaster Planning summit. This is interview one of two. Kelly is the owner and principal consultant for HT2 Consulting Services, LLC. Where HT2 offers a full spectrum of solutions-based services. Empowering people within our community to mitigate risk, promote safety and become more resilient to day-to-day emergencies and regional disasters. Kelly is someone who truly walks the walk, often referred to as the "Safety Queen" or "Disaster Geek" by friends and colleagues. She is passionate about safety and preparedness, which is evidenced in HT2's process and in her educational seminars. She simply delivers dynamic presentations and motivates participants to act! In our interview, we discuss: In our interview, we discuss: 1. Mitigating Risks at Home 2. Home Hazards 3. Types Of Home Evacuation 4. Considerations For Children P.S. The Holiday Season is upon us. Remember to grab a copy of the free eBook on Holiday House Fire Safety, and stay tuned for the free Fire Safety Webinar on the 9th of December 2021. https://www.eapworkshop.com/f/holiday-fire-safety

This week's guests are Catherine Dartnall and Rachel Burnham. Catherine is a versatile Learning Designer and Consultant with a passion for putting people at the heart of every design. She takes a human-centred approach to create the best possible experience using the technology and tools that are available.   With over 20 years of experience working in learning and technology, Catherine has worked in many roles across multiple functions, including working as a Learning Designer in both Corporate and HE sectors designing for a range of platforms including FutureLearn.   Catherine has a Masters in Online & Distance Education from the Open University which she often describes as being a transformative learning experience.  Reflecting on this experience enables Catherine to put herself in the shoes of others who are learning online.    You can connect with Catherine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-dartnall-ma-ode-flpi-91908213 Or find her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/catdartnall Rachel Burnham is Director and Consultant for Burnham L&D.  She has worked in L&D and OD for about 30 years and is still learning about learning and people. She specialises using visuals to help people work, think and learn more effectively and is an avid Sketchnoter.  Rachel has worked across the private, public and voluntary sectors and currently is the Chair of CIPD Manchester.    She can be found on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BurnhamLandD And you can read her blogs at L&D Matters: http://rachelburnham.blogspot.com/ Episode Links: What is Sketchnoting? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ItcHag3agE Simon Heath - https://twitter.com/simonheath1 Doug Shaw - https://twitter.com/dougshaw1 Working Out Loud - https://workingoutloud.com/en Lev Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory - https://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html Creswell Crags - https://www.creswell-crags.org.uk/ HT2 launches Massive Open Online Course to Explore Social Learning with Curatr - https://learningnews.com/news/ht2/2015/ht2-launches-massive-open-online-course-to-explore-social-learning-with-curatr Transforming workplace learning through Curation - https://charitylearning.org/2013/07/transforming-workplace-learning-through-curation 10L: Martin Couzins - https://mylesrunham.com/2021/04/22/10l-martin-couzins What is a MOOC - https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/what-is-a-mooc-futurelearn Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Learning: A Quick Overview - https://www.brynmawr.edu/blendedlearning/asynchronous-vs-synchronous-learning-quick-overview Why MOOCs Didn't Work, in 3 Data Points - https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/article/2019/01/16/study-offers-data-show-moocs-didnt-achieve-their-goals Unconference - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unconference Rhizo14 – The MOOC that community built - https://davecormier.com/edblog/2016/04/13/rhizo14-the-mooc-that-community-built Critical Thinking Skills - https://www.skillsyouneed.com/learn/critical-thinking.html Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects - https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learn What is the Difference Between xMOOCs and cMOOCs? - https://blogs.onlineeducation.touro.edu/distinguishing-between-cmoocs-and-xmoocs Social learning tools - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_learning_tools Agoraphobia and the modern learner - https://jime.open.ac.uk/articles/10.5334/2014-03 Introduction to communities of practice - https://wenger-trayner.com/introduction-to-communities-of-practice 10 Things a Social Leader Does - https://julianstodd.wordpress.com/2016/02/23/10-things-a-social-leader-does Behaviorist Approach - https://www.simplypsychology.org/behaviorism.html #LNDCOWORK - https://about.me/lndcowork ========================================================= You can contact Women Talking About Learning through our website, womentalkingaboutlearning.com We're on Twitter @WTAL_Podcast You can buy us a coffee to support Women Talking About Learning via Ko-Fi. Or you can email us via hello@llarn.com

We'er back with another episode, featuring another sailor on yet another episode of Beers on the Pier. This week we have HT2 Carlton Thomas. Thomas, now separated from the Navy, shares with us what it was like being a Hull Tech on a frigate. Explaining some of the schools and NEC's he picked up being an HT and what the work load is like both in port and out at sea. HT2 is one of the few sailors who said he enjoyed his time in the barracks  and his time in the Navy. Lastly, he breaks down for us what influenced him to join the Navy to begin with and why he almost returned to service after deciding to separate. Want to become a welder and sail across the world? Tune into this week's episode of Beers on the Pier!

Gary takes on the real issues that the mainstream media is afraid to tackle. Tune in to find out the latest about health news, healing, politics, and the economy. George Orwell and 1984: How Freedom Dies Orwell's final warning - Picture of the future The Efficacy of Olive Leaf Extract on Healing Herpes Simplex Virus: A Randomized Double-blind Study Lorestan University of Medical Sciences (Iran), January 29, 2021   Herpes simplex virus (HSV), as a common infection in healthy individuals, is treated symptomatically, but drug resistance and the side effects of drugs have drawn the attention of researchers to complementary medicine. Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) has antiviral effects that may treat HSV. The current study aimed to compare the clinical effects of OLE and Acyclovir on HSV-1. Methods This randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 66 patients who had already been diagnosed with HSV-1. The participants were randomized into two groups, receiving 2% OLE cream or 5% acyclovir cream five times a day for six days. The symptoms were evaluated before, and three and six days after the interventions. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software through the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, chi-squared, t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA. Results The results showed clinical symptoms decreased in both groups during the study and both medications were effective in the treatment of HSV-1. However, the OLE group experienced less bleeding (P=0.038), itching (P=0.002), and pain (P=0.001) on the third day as well as less irritation (P=0.012), itching (P=0.003) and color change (P=0.001) on the sixth day compared to the acyclovir group. The treatment course for participants in the OLE group was shorter than in the acyclovir group (P = 0.001). Conclusion The evidence from these trials suggests the OLE cream is superior in the healing of episodes of HSV-1 over the acyclovir cream. Future studies are recommended to investigate if OLE could be an adjunct to acyclovir treatment.   How vitamins, steroids and potential antivirals might affect SARS-CoV-2 Study indicates that some vitamins, steroids and antivirals could bind to the Spike protein, and may inhibit virus infectivity, whereas high cholesterol may enable the virus University of Bristol (UK), January 29, 2021   Evidence is emerging that vitamin D - and possibly vitamins K and A - might help combat COVID-19. A new study from the University of Bristol published in the journal of the German Chemical Society Angewandte Chemie has shown how they - and other antiviral drugs - might work. The research indicates that these dietary supplements and compounds could bind to the viral spike protein and so might reduce SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. In contrast, cholesterol may increase infectivity, which could explain why having high cholesterol is considered a risk factor for serious disease. Recently, Bristol researchers showed that linoleic acid binds to a specific site in the viral spike protein, and that by doing so, it locks the spike into a closed, less infective form. Now, a research team has used computational methods to search for other compounds that might have the same effect, as potential treatments. They hope to prevent human cells becoming infected by preventing the viral spike protein from opening enough to interact with a human protein (ACE2). New anti-viral drugs can take years to design, develop and test, so the researchers looked through a library of approved drugs and vitamins to identify those which might bind to this recently discovered 'druggable pocket' inside the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.  The team first studied the effects of linoleic acid on the spike, using computational simulations to show that it stabilizes the closed form. Further simulations showed that dexamethasone - which is an effective treatment for COVID-19 - might also bind to this site and help reduce viral infectivity in addition to its effects on the human immune system.  The team then conducted simulations to see which other compounds bind to the fatty acid site. This identified some drugs that have been found by experiments to be active against the virus, suggesting that this may be one mechanism by which they prevent viral replication such as, by locking the spike structure in the same way as linoleic acid. The findings suggested several drug candidates among available pharmaceuticals and dietary components, including some that have been found to slow SARS-CoV-2 reproduction in the laboratory. These have the potential to bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and may help to prevent cell entry.  The simulations also predicted that the fat-soluble vitamins D, K and A bind to the spike in the same way making the spike less able to infect cells.  Dr Deborah Shoemark, Senior Research Associate (Biomolecular Modelling) in the School of Biochemistry, who modelled the spike, explained: "Our findings help explain how some vitamins may play a more direct role in combatting COVID than their conventional support of the human immune system.  "Obesity is a major risk factor for severe COVID. Vitamin D is fat soluble and tends to accumulate in fatty tissue. This can lower the amount of vitamin D available to obese individuals. Countries in which some of these vitamin deficiencies are more common have also suffered badly during the course of the pandemic. Our research suggests that some essential vitamins and fatty acids including linoleic acid may contribute to impeding the spike/ACE2 interaction. Deficiency in any one of them may make it easier for the virus to infect." Pre-existing high cholesterol levels have been associated with increased risk for severe COVID-19. Reports that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binds cholesterol led the team to investigate whether it could bind at the fatty acid binding site. Their simulations indicate that it could bind, but that it may have a destabilising effect on the spike's locked conformation, and favour the open, more infective conformation. Dr Shoemark continued: "We know that the use of cholesterol lowering statins reduces the risk of developing severe COVID and shortens recovery time in less severe cases. Whether cholesterol de-stabilises the "benign", closed conformation or not, our results suggest that by directly interacting with the spike, the virus could sequester cholesterol to achieve the local concentrations required to facilitate cell entry and this may also account for the observed loss of circulating cholesterol post infection." Professor Adrian Mulholland, of Bristol's School of Chemistry, added: "Our simulations show how some molecules binding at the linoleic acid site affect the spike's dynamics and lock it closed. They also show that drugs and vitamins active against the virus may work in the same way. Targeting this site may be a route to new anti-viral drugs. A next step would be to look at effects of dietary supplements and test viral replication in cells." Alison Derbenwick Miller, Vice President, Oracle for Research, said: "It's incredibly exciting that researchers are gaining new insights into how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with human cells, which ultimately will lead to new ways to fight COVID-19. We are delighted that Oracle's high-performance cloud infrastructure is helping to advance this kind of world-changing research. Growing a globally-connected community of cloud-powered researchers is exactly what Oracle for Research is designed to do."     Researchers find melatonin is effective against polycystic kidney disease Concordia University (Canada), January 26, 2021 A hormone commonly associated with sleep-wake regulation has been found to reduce cysts in fruit flies, according to Concordia researchers. It's a finding that may affect the way we treat some kidney diseases and reduce the need for kidney transplants. In a new paper published in the journal Molecules, alum Cassandra Millet-Boureima(MSc 19) and Chiara Gamberi, affiliate assistant professor of biology, write that melatonin was found to reduce cysts in the renal tubules of fruit flies. These tubules are also found in more complex mammals, including humans, where they are called nephrons. This study, which builds on previous studies by Millet-Boureima and Gamberi, was co-authored by Roman Rozencwaig and Felix Polyak of BH Bioscience in Montreal. The researchers hope that their findings can be applied to treating people suffering from autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. ADPKD is a genetic chronic and progressive disease characterized by the growth of dozens of cysts in the nephrons. It is incurable and affects approximately 12.5 million worldwide. Similarities big and small Because nephrons in vertebrates are embedded in other tissue, the researchers experimented on Drosophila -- the common fruit fly. "Drosophila conserves many of the renal pathway components found in vertebrates and have anatomically isolated renal tubes," Gamberi explains. "With microdissection, we can isolate the tubules and conduct biochemical and molecular analysis." The researchers bred fruit flies bearing the Bicaudal C gene mutation. It is known to cause kidney cysts in all manner of living beings, from flies to frogs to mice to humans. Over 18 days, Millet-Boureima administered melatonin to 50 Drosophila and ethanol to a control group. She then dissected the flies and scored their cysts, a process yielding a cystic index. She found that the melatonin-treated flies had much fewer and smaller cysts than the control. Because Millet-Boureima was skilled at dissecting the insects and evaluating the recovered renal tubules, she was able to avoid bias in the count. She was also able to distinguish three separate sections of the Drosophila tubule, each with its own unique function, and assign the cysts to a particular section. After testing several compounds on the same family of cells, she observed different activities along the length of the tubule. The researchers realized that they could potentially develop targeted treatment depending on the location of the cysts in a patient's nephrons. "Biologically speaking, this has a lot of potential that we will obviously develop," Gamberi says. Helping without harming Though Gamberi says melatonin has not been previously used to treat PKD, she does think it holds some promise. PKD is a chronic disease, so treatment cannot include any toxic components. This rules out chemotherapy and tumour-killing antineoplastics used in oncology, for instance. However, melatonin is entirely non-toxic and shares certain properties with antineoplastics and anti-inflammatory agents. "We know from oncology that melatonin has two effects when it is administered with chemotherapy," Gamberi explains. "First, it acts as a drug adjuvant to the chemotherapy, making it work more effectively against cancer cells. Second, it appears to protect healthy cells from the toxicity of the chemotherapy. Basically, melatonin increases the specificity of the chemotherapy. We hope that it can have a similar positive effect when used with an anti-ADPKD drug like tolvaptan, which can damage the liver." The researchers are keen to share their findings as quickly as possible. "I hope there will be more research on the drugs we tested and that we get more results that will help the PKD community," Millet-Boureima says.     Gallic acid is a dual alpha/beta-secretase modulator that reverses cognitive impairment and remediates pathology in Alzheimer  Saitama Medical Center (Japan), January 20, 2021   According to news reporting from Saitama, Japan, research stated, “Several plant-derived compounds have demonstrated efficacy in pre-clinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) rodent models. Each of these compounds share a gallic acid (GA) moiety, and initial assays on this isolated molecule indicated that it might be responsible for the therapeutic benefits observed.”  Higher concentrations of GA are found in blueberry, blackberry, strawberry, plums, grapes, mango, cashew nut, hazelnut, walnut and tea.   The news correspondents obtained a quote from the research from Saitama Medical Center, “To test this hypothesis in a more physiologically relevant setting, we investigated the effect of GA in the mutant human amyloid beta-protein precursor/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) transgenic AD mouse model. Beginning at 12 months, we orally administered GA (20 mg/kg) or vehicle once daily for 6 months to APP/PS1 mice that have accelerated Alzheimer-like pathology. At 18 months of age, GA therapy reversed impaired learning and memory as compared with vehicle, and did not alter behavior in nontransgenic littermates. GA-treated APP/PS1 mice had mitigated cerebral amyloidosis, including brain parenchymal and cerebral vascular beta-amyloid deposits, and decreased cerebral amyloid beta-proteins. Beneficial effects co-occurred with reduced amyloidogenic and elevated nonamyloidogenic APP processing. Furthermore, brain inflammation, gliosis, and oxidative stress were alleviated. We show that GA simultaneously elevates alpha- and reduces beta-secretase activity, inhibits neuroinflammation, and stabilizes brain oxidative stress in a pre-clinical mouse model of AD. We further demonstrate that GA increases abundance of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10, Adam10) proprotein convertase furin and activates ADAM10, directly inhibits beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1, Bace1) activity but does not alter Adam10 or Bace1 transcription. Thus, our data reveal novel post-translational mechanisms for GA.” According to the news reporters, the research concluded: “We suggest further examination of GA supplementation in humans will shed light on the exciting therapeutic potential of this molecule.” This research has been peer-reviewed.     Black cumin’s anti-inflammatory potential may have airways/asthma benefits: RCT   University College London, January 27, 2021   Supplements containing oil from black cumin (Nigella sativa) may improve asthma control and lung function, says a new study.   The seed and oil of Nigella sativa have been used extensively in traditional medicine in many Middle Eastern and Asian countries for the treatment of a range of conditions, including some immune and inflammatory disorders.   The new study, published in Phytotherapy Research , found that one gram per day of the oil for four weeks led to significant improvements in scores of asthma control and a “remarkable reduction of peripheral blood eosinophil count,” wrote the authors   “Eosinophil cell plays a major role in asthma inflammation, and blood eosinophil count is considered to be a vital biomarker in asthma trials. To our knowledge, this is the first [randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial] that showed a significant reduction of blood eosinophilia by [Nigella sativa oil (NSO)] among asthmatic patients.”   Scientists from University College London (UK) and King Abdulaziz University (Saudi Arabia) recruited 80 asthmatics and randomly assigned them to one of two equal groups. The participants received either capsules containing 500 mg of NSO twice per day or placebo for four weeks.   Data from the 60 people who completed the study (10 dropouts in each group) indicated that the black cumin supplement was associated with significant improvements in mean score on the Asthma Control Test, compared to placebo.   Black cumin oil products are commercially available through brands such as Life Extension. Structure-function claims made on the products include: “Modulates key regulators of inflammation” In addition, the black cumin group also experienced a significant decrease in blood eosinophils: −50 versus 15 cells/microliter.   A non-statistically significant improvement in lung function, measured as forced expiratory volume in 1 second, was also associated with the black cumin supplements.   “The NSO supplementation appeared to be effective in enhancing the control of asthma symptoms with a trend in pulmonary function improvement,” wrote the researchers. “These findings may provide an evidence for the potential benefits of NSO supplementation in the clinical management of asthma. “Future studies should follow patients for a longer period and use additional outcomes to validate the benefits of NSO in asthma.”   LSD may offer viable treatment for certain mental disorders McGill University (Quebec), January 26, 2021 Researchers from McGill University have discovered, for the first time, one of the possible mechanisms that contributes to the ability of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to increase social interaction. The findings, which could help unlock potential therapeutic applications in treating certain psychiatric diseases, including anxiety and alcohol use disorders, are published in the journal PNAS. Psychedelic drugs, including LSD, were popular in the 1970s and have been gaining popularity over the past decade, with reports of young professionals claiming to regularly take small non-hallucinogenic micro-doses of LSD to boost their productivity and creativity and to increase their empathy. The mechanism of action of LSD on the brain, however, has remained a mystery. Studies in mice provide clues To conduct their study, the researchers administered a low dose of LSD to mice over a period of seven days, resulting in an observable increase in the sociability of the mice. "This increased sociability occurs because the LSD activates the serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and the AMPA receptors -- which is a glutamate receptor, the main brain excitatory neurotransmitters -- in the prefrontal cortex and also activates a cellular protein called mTORC 1," explains Danilo De Gregorio, PharmD, PhD, who is a postdoctoral fellow in the Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit at McGill and the study's first author. "These three factors, taken together, promote social interaction in mice, which is the equivalent of empathy and social behaviour in humans."  The researchers note that the main outcome of their study is the ability to describe, at least in rodents, the underlying mechanism for the behavioural effect that results in LSD increasing feelings of empathy, including a greater connection to the world and sense of being part of a large community. "The fact that LSD binds the 5-HT2A receptor was previously known. The novelty of this research is to have identified that the prosocial effects of LSD activate the 5-HT2 receptors, which in-turn activate the excitatory synapses of the AMPA receptor as well as the protein complex mTORC1, which has been demonstrated to be dysregulated in diseases with social deficits such as autism spectrum disorder," as specified by Prof. Nahum Sonenberg, Professor at the Department of Biochemistry of McGill University, world renowned expert in the molecular biology of diseases and co-lead author of the study. Using the cutting-edge technique of optogenetics, a technique where genes for light-sensitive proteins are introduced into specific types of brain cells in order to monitor and control their activity precisely using light signals, the researchers observed that when the excitatory transmission in the prefrontal cortex is de-activated, the prosocial effect of LSD was nullified, highlighting the importance of this brain region on the modulation of the behavioural effects of LSD. Moving forward to apply the findings to humans Having found that LSD increases social interaction in mice, the researchers are hoping to continue their work and to test the ability of LSD to treat mutant mice displaying the behavioural deficits similar to those seen in human pathologies including autism spectrum disorders and social anxiety disorders. The hope is to eventually explore whether micro-doses of LSD or some novel derivates might have a similar effect in humans and whether it could also be a viable and safe therapeutic option.  "Social interaction is a fundamental characteristic of human behaviour," notes the co-lead author Dr. Gabriella Gobbi, Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at McGill and psychiatrist at the McGill University Health Centre. "These hallucinogenic compounds, which, at low doses, are able to increase sociability may help to better understand the pharmacology and neurobiology of social behavior and, ultimately, to develop and discover novel and safer drugs for mental disorders."   Polyphenol-rich virgin olive oil reduces insulin resistance and liver inflammation and improves mitochondrial dysfunction   University of Naples (Italy), January 28, 2021   Studies from University of Naples Federico II Describe New Findings in Insulin Resistance (Polyphenol-rich virgin olive oil reduces insulin resistance and liver inflammation and improves mitochondrial dysfunction in high-fat diet fed rats)   A new study on Endocrine System Diseases and Conditions - Insulin Resistance is now available. According to news reporting originating in Naples, Italy, research stated, "Virgin olive oil is an essential component of the Mediterranean diet. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are mainly linked to phenolic contents."   The news reporters obtained a quote from the research from the University of Naples Federico II, "This study aims to evaluate the beneficial effects of a polyphenol-rich virgin olive oil (HPCOO) or olive oil without polyphenols (WPOO) in rats fed high-fat diet (HFD). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups based on the different types of diet: (I) standard diet (STD); (II) HFD; (III) HFD containing WPOO, and (IV) HFD containing HPCOO. HPCOO and WPOO induced a significant improvement of HFD-induced impaired glucose homeostasis (by hyperglycemia, altered oral glucose tolerance, and HOMA-IR) and inflammatory status modulating pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-1, and IL-10) and adipokines. Moreover, HPCOO and less extensively WPOO, limited HFD-induced liver oxidative and nitrosative stress and increased hepatic fatty acid oxidation. To study mitochondrial performance, oxidative capacity and energy efficiency were also evaluated in isolated liver mitochondria. HPCOO, but not WPOO, reduced H O release and aconitase activity by decreasing degree of coupling, which plays a major role in the control of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species emission."   According to the news reporters, the research concluded: "HPCOO limits HFD-induced insulin resistance, inflammation, and hepatic oxidative stress, preventing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progression."   For more information on this research see: Polyphenol-rich virgin olive oil reduces insulin resistance and liver inflammation and improves mitochondrial dysfunction in high-fat diet fed rats.   

  John Helmer talks to Paul McElvaney, CEO of Learning Pool, one of the fastest growing and most innovative companies in the learning technologies market. From its origins as an elearning business for local government organisations, formed around Paul's kitchen table, Learning Pool has grown to employ more than 200 people on seven sites and is now moving into the US. The company has won a dazzling array of awards and completed a slew of acquisitions, including last year's purchase of innovation leader HT2.   01:24 Where did it all begin? 05:57 Key turning points for the business  09:53 Enter private capital 12:14 What has this experience shown him about the market? 13:57 Suites v specialists 16:02 Current state of the market 20:49 LXP 24:28 Innovation at Learning Pool 28:30 Outputs from Learning Pool Labs 31:52 Preserving the culture through growth   Contact Paul McElvaney Twitter: @mcelvaney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-mcelvaney-73243011/ Website: https://learningpool.com/ Contact John Helmer Twitter:   Contact John Helmer Twitter: @johnhelmer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhelmer/ Website: http://johnhelmerconsulting.com/

HT2 is a great new venue in Southwest Fort Wayne. We interview Nick Ladig, who with his wife Jenn, owns and operates the bar.

In this third episode of the GoodPractice podcast, Craig Taylor of HT2 joins Owen and Ross to share his experiences of setting up and running Massive Online Open Courses, as well as the results of experiments that his team have run on how to make them more effective.  More details on some of the topics covered can be found in these links: MOOCs: the C***** word is the problem! I'll tell you when I'm done On MOOCs, completion rates and The Wire MOOC Completion Rates: The Data You can get in touch with us on Twitter: @craigtaylor74, @owenferguson and @rossgarner. You can also tweet at @GoodPractice or visit http://www.goodpractice.com/home/

DIVE MAGAZINE UK October 2013 : INTERVIEW WITH BRIAN KAKUK:  Military Diver, Scientific Diver, Cave Diver, Explorer, Instuctor, Author and Movie Maker. Underwater, Brian has done it all.  READ ARTICLE HERE

Reboxetine is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, whereas mirtazapine acts as an antagonist at noradrenergic alpha(2), serotonin (5-HT2), 5-HT3 and histamine H-1 receptors. In a former study we could demonstrate an inhibitory impact of mirtazapine on cortisol secretion. In the present investigation, the influence of combined administration of 15 mg mirtazapine and 4 mg reboxetine on the cortisol ( COR), adrenocorticotropin ( ACTH), growth hormone (GH), and prolactin (PRL) secretion was examined in 12 healthy male subjects, compared to reboxetine alone ( 4 mg). In a randomized order, the subjects received reboxetine ( 4 mg) alone or the combination of reboxetine ( 4 mg) and mirtazapine ( 15 mg) at 8: 00 a. m. on two different days. After insertion of an intravenous catheter, blood samples were drawn 1 h prior to the administration of single reboxetine or the combination ( reboxetine and mirtazapine), at time of administration, and during the time of 5 h thereafter in periods of 30 min. Serum concentrations of COR, GH, and PRL as well as plasma levels of ACTH were determined in each blood sample by means of double antibody RIA, fluoroimmunoassay and chemiluminescence immunometric assay methods. The area under the curve (AUC) was used as parameter for the COR, ACTH, GH, and PRL response. For statistical evaluation, the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test was performed. There was a pronounced stimulation of COR, ACTH, GH, and PRL concentrations after single administration of reboxetine. When reboxetine was given in combination with mirtazapine, a significant reduction of the COR, ACTH, and PRL stimulation was observed whereas GH secretion patterns remained unchanged, compared to single administration of reboxetine. Apparently, the stimulatory effects of reboxetine on pituitary hormone secretion via noradrenergic mechanisms are counteracted in part by the alpha(2)-blocking properties of mirtazapine and its inhibitory influence on cortisol secretion. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Unlike other antidepressants, mirtazapine does not inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine or serotonin but acts as an antagonist at presynaptic alpha(2)-receptors, at postsynaptic 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptors, and at histaminergic H1 receptors. Furthermore, mirtazapine has been shown to acutely inhibit cortisol secretion in healthy subjects. In the present study, the impact of mirtazapine treatment on salivary cortisol secretion was investigated in 12 patients (4 men, 8 women) suffering from major depression according to DSM-IV criteria. Patients were treated with mirtazapine for 3 weeks, receiving 15 mg mirtazapine on day 0, 30 mg on day 1 and 45 mg per day from day 2 up to the end of the study (day 21). Response to mirtazapine treatment was defined by a reduction of at least 50% in the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression after 3 weeks of therapy. Salivary cortisol concentrations were measured before treatment (day -1), at the beginning of treatment (day 0), after 1 week (day 7) and after 3 weeks (day 21) of treatment with mirtazapine. Saliva samples were collected hourly from 08.00 until 20.00 h. The area under the curve values served as parameter for the salivary cortisol secretion. Following analysis of variance with a repeated measures design, tests with contrasts revealed a significant reduction of cortisol concentrations already after 1 day of mirtazapine treatment that was comparable in responders and nonresponders. In addition to new pharmacological approaches such as CRH1 receptor antagonists, mirtazapine therefore appears to be an effective strategy to decrease hypercortisolism and restore HPA system dysregulation in depression. However, the importance of the acute inhibitory effects of mirtazapine on cortisol secretion for its antidepressant efficacy has to be further clarified. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.