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Finally after all of these years of grinding away against the facade that Islam is a "religion of peace", prominent non-Muslims have finally started to speak out against it as well! Within the last week radio host Laura Ingraham has spoken out against Muslim immigration, on FOX News Judge Jeannie Pirro put an absolute smack down on Mamma Jihad, and now we see that GOP member Dana Rohrabacher, has come straight out and has called for action against Islam!
Hat tip to BareNakedIslam.
Rohrabacher: At the end of the Cold War, I was the Soviet Union's worst enemy, nemesis, because I believe that free people need to determine who their number one enemies are and work to try to defeat them. And that doesn't mean that the people you work with are perfect, et cetera. We did bring down the Soviet Union and we worked with a lot of people who had a lot of faults. Today radical Islam and China appear to be the main adversaries, the main threat to the free world. I hope we all work together against a religion that will motivate people to murder children and other threats to us as a civilization.
This video originally appeared on ThinkProgress.org, and the comment section was dominated by Islam supporters. The ignorance was astonishing. I linked there so they can see this post, and my challenge to debate anyone who runs the site, or any of their readers.
I also left the following comment on their YouTube page.
I applaud this man. It is past time that America becomes energy independent, and ends all Muslim immigration. I also challenge anyone at ThinkProgess to show up on Logan's Warning and debate me on Islam. Thanks!
Please contact Congressman Rohrabacher, in a show of infidel support by clicking HERE.


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We share our phone number on many different websites and services. Our network operators also store our numbers in their database. There are plenty of ways for hackers and scammers to get these phone numbers and to make unsolicited calls.
Use our mobile phone number 02847168038 lookup service to see more info about the caller. In our directory, you can check cell phone 0284 716 8038 as well - background data like area of registration, network provider and other information can be really helpful.
If you receive unsolicited calls, just find the phone number 0284 7168038 and find out if can be dangerous. If you have any information regarding this number you can share it yourself in the comments.
0 users reported this as unknown.
0 users reported this as scam.
0 users reported this as telemarket.
0 users reported this as harassment.
0 users reported this as debt collector.
0 users reported this as spam.
0 users reported this as survey.
0 users reported this as positive.
Number: 0273655802
Call type: Unknown
Rating: 5
Several calls from this and other 027 and 021 numbers that are unknown to me, never during business hours. Call straight back and the message is..."The person you have called has temporarily disconnected this number" . Scammers ?
Luna, 2020-09-30 02:01:18
Number: 099678672
Call type: Unknown
Rating: -5
called multiple times, over and over
Kiwi2321, 2020-09-28 22:25:18
Number: 0211302603
Call type: Unknown
Rating: 0
Two calls from this number but could not hear anyone at other end - calling it back diverts to an not set-up Voicemail and asks you to input your number.
Number: 02079724020
Call type: Scam
Rating: -5
HMRC Fraud
Number: 0223910582
Call type: Harassment
Rating: -5
Left abusive voicemail.
Rakana, 2020-09-24 14:46:01
Number: 02108106240
Call type: Unknown
Rating: 4
My gf for 6years need to know please it's my girlfriend phone
Kiwi, 2020-09-21 23:25:22
Number: 0223231900
Call type: Unknown
Rating: 0
3 missed calls from 6:00am but no others during normal BH? Tried to call back but did not connect?
Optrex, 2020-09-18 02:40:31
Number: 021967433
Call type: Telemarket
Rating: -5
Claimed to be from head office in Germany for non existent company called Christchurch investments. Claimed I'd input my phone number onto their website.
Number: 02037296639
Call type: Scam
Rating: -5
tax fraud investigation SCAM 18 sept 2020
Dan, 2020-09-18 01:46:54
Number: 0221928451
Call type: Scam
Rating: -5
"Investment" telemarket/scam; 3rd call I got from them within 3 days!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
What support we offer
At Basis we understand that communicating with health professional can be a challenge, we therefore can help to ensure that you see the right healthcare professional for your issue and help with negotiating appointments when necessary.
Basis can make referrals and support you with accessing or registering with free healthcare services including a GP, Cervical screening, Accident and Emergency services, Dentists, Blood born viruses and Opticians. We can also help support you with managing long term health conditions including support with appointments.
Basis can also support with drug and/or alcohol issues – we can provide harm reduction information and advice as well as referring to drug and alcohol treatment services where necessary. We can act as a advocacy at appointment s and can help support you to remain engaged in treatment.
We also offer emotional support and mental health & wellbeing services.
How to get in touch
If you would like any further information or support surrounding Health Advocacy, please contact Basis on 0113 2430036
If you would like any further information or support surround Mental Health please contact Nic on 07791 681668 or email her on email@example.com


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The Hadash faction within the Israeli-Arab Joint List demonstrated against the American attack on Syrian chemical depots.
"The United States has a rich history of aggression and bullying in the region under the pretext of [reported] weapons of mass destruction, which turned out to be false." This was the reaction of the radical left-wing Hadash Party, denouncing the US, British and French strikes in response to the reported use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime in the town of Douma.
In a statement issued by the party several hours after the April 14 attack, the party urged its supporters to protest at the US consulate in the city of Haifa and call for "an end to US aggression in Syria." Some 100 protesters heeded the call and marched along the city streets, carrying Syrian flags and signs calling for an end to American military actions in Syria.
Not a word was spoken — not in the party's announcement nor during the protest march — about the reasons for the combined strikes. There was no mention of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad's use of chemical weapons to murder his own people or of the mass killings of more than 500,000 Syrians over more than seven years and the displacement of 5 million others from their homes.
This is not the first such response by Hadash. In April 2017, after some 100 Syrians were killed in a chemical weapons attack on the town of Khan Shaykhun in the province of Idlib, the party leadership thwarted a planned denunciation of the Syrian government. The heads of the Arab Joint List (grouping Hadash and three other factions) sought to condemn Assad. But Hadash, the dominant member of this alliance, torpedoed the move. The decision angered some Joint List Knesset members, who said they were ashamed of their colleagues' automatic backing of Assad and forgiveness of his sins.
This time, the Joint List did not even consider issuing a condemnation of the Douma atrocity. Having learned from experience, the three other alliance members — the Balad, Ra'am and Ta'al parties — did not take a public stand on the events of recent days in Syria.
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The Soviet regime was a bitter disappointment to Israel's Communist Party, as it was to other Communist movements worldwide. The first cracks emerged back in the days of Josef Stalin, when the murderous acts against his opponents were gradually revealed, and during the era of Nikita Khrushchev who succeeded him. Hadash receives no support from Russia, and any contact it might have with the Russian Communist Party is purely ideological; Russian President Vladimir Putin isn't considered a "friend'' of Hadash either. Nonetheless, almost three decades after the Soviet Union's fall, most of the party's veteran activists still espouse the guiding principle of the Cold War, which saw the United States as the root of all evil in the world and its involvement in various global hotspots as motivated by imperialistic aspirations. These sentiments have only increased since President Donald Trump took office due to his bias toward Israel and a general sense of acting irrationally.
Hadash adopted an anti-American line last year, too, following the chemical weapons massacre in Idlib. In an unambiguous statement, the Israel Communist Party that founded Hadash, known by its Hebrew acronym, Maki, said: "There is no justification for the US, which has already used weapons of mass destruction with destructive and murderous results against many countries, and which supports the criminal Israeli occupation, to appoint itself as judge in instances of crimes against humanity." Once again, the United States was depicted as the root of all evil in the Middle East.
Maki Secretary-General Adal Amar told Al-Monitor that his party takes a principled, moral stand against the use of chemical weapons, but in Syria's case, it cannot be determined beyond a doubt which side was responsible. Amar is a graduate of the Moscow University Communications Department, and at one time he headed the Maki branch in the Soviet capital. He argued that the party's position of questioning the reports from Douma is a legitimate one, especially given that UN inspectors were about to arrive in the area just as the US-France-UK strike was launched. "We have learned from the grandiose presentation by [US Secretary of State during the George W. Bush administration] Colin Powell, who claimed Saddam Hussein was developing weapons of mass destruction in order to provide the US with an excuse to destroy Iraq."
When asked how his movement could support a ruler who massacres his people, Amar said, "I am not an Assad admirer, but there's a principled position involved; this is the figure chosen by the Syrian people, and he is conducting a difficult campaign to save his homeland. The aim of this war is to bring about Syria's collapse as a geopolitical entity with a role to play in the region, to divide it into ethnically based cantons as planned in Iraq, too, and then to empty it of all influence. In this, he saved his homeland. The plot was foiled."
The controversial stance by Hadash has generated angry reactions in the political arena and among the Israeli public. Iran's entrenchment in Syria and open Russian involvement there, in addition to the sickening images from Douma aired on Israeli television stations in the days preceding the country's annual Holocaust Remembrance Day on April 12, increased concern about the events across the border in Syria and fueled the fury at Hadash for its understanding acceptance of Assad's actions.
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan posted a photo of Hadash Chair and head of the Joint List, Knesset member Ayman Odeh, captioned, "Supporter of Assad, the murderer of children." Odeh did not respond, but Al-Monitor has learned that Odeh actually wants to condemn Assad but is outnumbered by the veteran forces in his party. The same was true after last year's gas attack in Idlib.
A Hadash activist tells Al-Monitor that Odeh has to toe the line of the old guard. Many Hadash activists consider Assad to be a mass murderer but fear that the alternative would be abandoning Syria to the Muslim Brotherhood or the Islamic State and turning it into a religious state — a fate that runs counter to the secular ideology espoused by Hadash. And yet the condemnation by Amar and other Hadash members on the use of chemical weapons without attributing it to the Syrian president sounds like nothing more than lip service.


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ST. LOUIS (AP) — Vermont's population is among the smallest in the U.S., but a study from United Van Lines indicate people are moving to the New England state.
The suburban St. Louis-based moving company on Wednesday released its 42nd annual National Movers Study, which tracks customers' state-to-state migration patterns.
Vermont has the second-smallest population among states, exceeding only Wyoming. Yet Vermont saw the highest percentage of inbound moves in 2018.
Related: More Young Adults Moving To New Hampshire In Recent Years
Four Western states filled out the top 5: Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and Arizona.
New Jersey had highest percentage of outbound moves, followed by Illinois, Connecticut, New York and Kansas.
The study showed that Americans continue to move west and south. The Mountain West and South regions saw high percentages of inbound moves. The Northeast and Midwest had high percentages of outbound moves.
(© Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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Warning - disturbing/mature content and images
A family find themselves terrorized by their eight-year-old son's imaginary friend.
MY TAKE: The director mentioned during Q&A that budget constraints dictated the look of the terrifying imaginary friend at the centre of this picture, Z, but I must say, they dealt with it in a way that made Z seem like an expensive and sophisticated CGI creation. Only quick "full reveals" to see, otherwise we're mostly seeing Z through his actions and the behaviour of other characters (not to mention a glimpse out of the corner of the eye here and there).
Another strong ensemble cast fleshes out the characters (whether they annoy you at times or not, it's all a part of who they are and a larger back story). I really enjoyed the twists and turns of plot, including the lead's final solution to the problem...though I very much doubt there's any way to completely get rid of this insidious "friend." And wait for what Kirk Haviland of Blood in the Snow referred to as a truly jaw-dropping moment about midway through the film - it's really something!
A team of con artists posing as paranormal investigators steal from the home of an affluent elderly woman, only to find themselves unleashing a dormant malevolent spirit.
MY TAKE: Creepy cool meets the art world, once again! There's a larger story here, and I hope someday the filmmakers see fit to expand this story line.


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After premiering it on the Today Show last week, then keeping it wrapped up safe on a music site since, Delta Goodrem has finally unveiled the official video of her new single 'Sitting On Top Of The World' for the rest of the world to see.
To be honest, we weren't sure what to think of the song when we first heard that 30 snippet a week and a half ago, but now we've heard the rest, it makes sense, especially in the context of the video, in which Ms Goodrem exudes pure joy and happiness.
Balloons are the order of the day (perhaps Ricki-Lee had some leftovers?) and Delta welcomes us to her visual treat with a warm, embracing smile. Dancing ensues – in a few different locations before the singer spies a piano in front of an old homestead.
She goes it alone on the ivories (standing, mind you) while her dancers do their business around her.
It's simple, yes, but it's actually rather effective and we can see this track being a grower over the coming months.


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Bist Du auch Götti oder Gotte von einem Tier? Diesen Sommer bin ich für eine Sasion Patentante für das Geissli Blüemli auf der Alp Falla in Graubünden.
Die Aktion wurde von Coop Patenschaft für Berggebiete lanciert. Auf der entsprechenden Internetseite stehen 360 Ziegen zur Auswahl. Jede Ziege zeigt sich charmant und hat sich von ihrer besten Seite ablichten lassen. Eine Auswahl zu treffen war gar nicht so leicht. Doch ich habe mich für das Geissli Blüemli entschieden; sie scheint ja auch eine Geduldige zu sein, was ich sehr sympathisch finde.
Es ist sogar möglich, das Patentier zu besuchen. Am Ende der Alpzeit gibts noch ein feines "Stückli" Ziegenalpkäse als Geschenk.
Die Aktion begeistert mich! Ich finde eine solche Patenschaft eine gelungene Idee. Eine Bergbauernfamilie so zu unterstützen macht Spass!
Herzlichst Manuela Baumgartner
Hallo Bäm. Das ist jetzt aber witzig. Ein Kollege vom Büro hat mir davon erzählt und ich habe eben eine Patenschaft für Mara von der Alp Valmala abgeschlossen. Ohne von dir zu wissen.
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text: Letter 11 I've never really sat down and written a bucket list, mostly because there isn't anywhere I DON'T want to go. But here I am, and I'm going to share with you a list of places I'd like to visit in the next 5 years or so. STATES As you may know I am working … Continue reading I have a bucket list


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A vivid, often surprising account of South Asia today by the author of An End to Suffering
In his new book, Pankaj Mishra brings literary authority and political insight to bear on travels that are at once epic and personal. Traveling in the changing cultures of South Asia, Mishra sees the pressures--the temptations--of Western-style modernity and prosperity, and teases out the paradoxes of globalization. A
visit to Allahabad, birthplace of Jawaharlal Nehru, occasions… (more)
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (June 11, 2007)
Format: EPUB
Page count: 336 pages
Protection: DRM
Language: English


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I was really, really bored the other day while waiting for the furnace to be repaired….I was upstairs in the kitchen with Stewie while hubby was assisting the furnace guy in the basement. So I started taking photos of Stewie…and then I started taking selfies. I took a selfie with the Tintype app and got this very ghostly(ghastly???) image:
The hair and eyes are pretty wild, but what struck me most was my chin!! Why?? Because it reminded me of a photo taken of me when I was just 1 year old:
So My Chin: Then and Now is my first contribution to the new Pairs meme!!
Linking to Helena's "Pairs" meme here.


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Don't be a 'doughnut'; make sure you are protected from gas leaks.
Sirha: The show that really knows its camembert from its cordon bleu
We've returned from visiting Sirha, the five day hospitality and food service event in Lyon, France, which covered 11 sectors dedicated to food products, equipment and different services for professionals within the industry. Sirha describes itself as the global marketplace for the catering, hospitality and food service trades. The bi-annual event captured 189,000 visitors in 2015, and is reported to … Continue reading
Posted in Exhibitions, Hospitality
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Analox distributor Gem Scientific expands with acquisition of Northern Balance
Analox Sensor Technology is delighted that one of their UK-based distributors is growing stronger with the acquisition of a weighing specialist company. Yorkshire-based Gem Scientific acquired balance and scales specialist Northern Balance at the end of 2016. The company is a leading independent UKAS accredited balance and scales specialist, providing core solutions for the supply, service, calibration and repair of … Continue reading
Analox Argon Alarm – how is argon gas used?
Argon is an inert gas often used in laboratory settings. In this blog, we look at how an argon alarm can keep you safe. Analox specialise in monitoring gases including oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, but we do cater to some of the more unusual gases too. One of these gases is argon. What is argon? Argon (Ar) is a … Continue reading
How can high levels of O2 be dangerous?
We've previously looked at the dangers of oxygen (O2) depletion and its effects on the human body. However did you know that high levels of O2 can also be dangerous? Enriched O2 is used in several industries including diving, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), gas production and gas blending stations, medical gases such as nitrous oxide (N2O) and O2 mixes, mining, … Continue reading
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Paul from Gas Monitor Point (centre) with Mel and Matt from Analox.
Analox Distributor Profile: Gas Monitor Point
Gas Monitor Point was set up in 2011 and they supply a range of gas detection and monitoring equipment as well as offering calibration services. The company is based in Merseyside and is part of the Point Safety Ltd Group which was formed by their Managing Director Paul Kimberley. Paul has several years experience in the service and supply of … Continue reading
Posted in Distributors, Hospitality, Laboratory
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Analox Distributor Profile: VWR Norway
This month we shine the spotlight on VWR – one of the world leaders in providing products, services and solutions to laboratory and production facilities. VWR started in 1852 to provide products to the mining and laboratory markets, and over time expanded to several industries including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, industrial, education, government and healthcare. The main headquarters of VWR are Radnor, … Continue reading
Posted in Distributors, Laboratory
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Analox Sensor Technology will be at Nordic Life Science Days
Analox Sensor Technology will be exhibiting and speaking at Nordic Life Science Days from 14 to 15 September. The annual conference is being held at Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre in Sweden and provides many opportunities to network with peers, potential partners and investors associated with the life science sector. This year Nordic Life Science Days encompasses conference sessions, panel discussions, … Continue reading
Tags: argon, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, helium, nitrogen, o2ne+, oxygen, safe-ox+, sweden
Posted in Exhibitions, Laboratory
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Analox Distributor Profile: Total Lab Systems
Total Lab Systems was set up in 1997 and offers sales, services and support for scientific laboratories throughout New Zealand. Their office is based in Auckland, New Zealand, and they provide laboratory equipment and other consumables to laboratories, including ones that specialise in research, food, pharmaceutical, industrial and routine diagnostic and medical. They offer a variety of products, from bunsen … Continue reading
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Analox Sensor Technology - helping you with gas detection, no matter where you are.
Keep safe in Singapore – what is the WSH act?
Creating a strong safety culture in the workplace is essential to help maintain the safety, health and welfare of people at work. Many risks in the workplace can be minimised or removed with the implementation of good safety and health habits and practices by all individuals at work, and this is one of the main aims of the legislation in Singapore … Continue reading
Tags: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, o2ne+, safe-ox+, singapore
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Analox Distributor Profile: Gem Scientific
Gem Scientific has been supplying specialist laboratory products to the UK, Ireland and Europe for over 19 years. Based in Yorkshire, their dedicated team of staff strive to constantly provide the highest levels of service and support. They specialise in a wide range of product areas and work collaboratively with the world's leading brands and manufacturers to offer a comprehensive … Continue reading
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As Featured On:
Tennessee Tub Factory
Tennessee Tub Factory is a manufacturer of Quality whirlpool bath and spas.
We specialize in custom tubs and spas.
We have several custom colors to choose from.
You can add extra jets and have them placed where they would benefit you best. Soaker tubs, Air tubs, Whirlpool tubs, and so many more options you can choose from.
We'll build them from the ground up to fit your personal needs.
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Tennessee Tub Factory is family owned & operated by the Fox Family.
With over 30 years of experience in Manufacturing of Fox Brand Spas, Bath Tub & Showers. We build our units by hand from the Ground Up in small production runs. This allows us to customize any of our Spas/Hot Tubs, Bath Tubs & Showers to your specifications, from placement of the jets, to lights, to special system & much more. It also allow us to control the Quality to make sure you have the Strongest and The Best-Built Product on the Market. Our cabinets are built by hand with full treated frames & floors.
Features also include stain selection, real cedar, stone inlays & more.


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Need a new bluetooth speaker? Want one that really works well and is inexpensive? How about this much loved one – it even comes in 5 fun colors! It has great reviews! Save $10 off the $19.99 price when you use promotion code DD8UK62M.
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The Coaches Roundtable – "Coachable VS Uncoachable"
Author – Coach Scott Ribarchik, CF – L2 Trainer
More times than not, an individual that takes on the role as a coach has a divine interest in the betterment of an athlete. Often they will show a genuine interest in one's life and display a compassionate attitude. A coach will express passion and enthusiasm for the sport and attempt to broaden their knowledge base through advanced certifications. A coach is tirelessly committed to doing their "homework" off hours so it will reflect in their performance at the gym. A good coach that is.
I have been lucky enough to teach high school students and also coach CrossFit & specialty courses for several years at two different gyms, through which I have come across many different personalities. Coaches want nothing more than to see his or her athletes achieve tasks they never thought possible, and most of the coaches I know would bend over backward to make that happen for any of their athletes. That said, you must remember the coach/athlete relationship is a two way street. A coach can motivate and instruct, but the athlete needs to be able to accept the guidance, listen to the advice, and attempt to repetitively apply that tutelage in the gym.
If a coach ever tells you to arch your back when you're deadlifting, or drive your knees out while squatting and you reply with, "I know" or "it's fine", you should smack yourself in your own face……. really hard.
Actually no, it's not fine, that's exactly why you're using a weightlifting belt for those 95 pound deadlifts. Oh really you know? Then how about you keep your chest up on those back squats if you know so much, before you herniate a disc in your back.
If you want to get better, you want to see results; you're going to get there a lot faster and injury free if you're a coachable athlete. I can't recall exactly where I saw it, but I remember seeing a quote written somewhere: "Be a learn it all VS a know it all". I Love it. The minute you think you know it all is the moment you stop learning and becoming better.
A coachable athlete is okay with slowing down a movement or putting a lighter weight on the barbell to practice proper form when instructed by their coach. They won't worry about having the top score at the 4:30 pm class on March 12th, 2015 at CrossFit WhoGivesAShit (see, when you write it out like that you can see how ridiculous it sounds). They're more worried about the long-term benefits they will gain from moving more efficiently with the barbell.
A coachable athlete is humble. Though humble, a coachable athlete will still have a fire and passion for the sport, but moreover will be more competitive with themselves and their progress then with other athletes. A coachable athlete is respectful. A coachable athlete will ask for help. A coachable athlete has courage and is willing to take risks under the guidance of their coach without fear of looking weak. A coachable athlete can adapt and change when necessary to become a better athlete.
When I look back at how I progressed as a teacher, athlete and coach, I remember times when I may have been "uncoachable" or acted like I knew everything. For that I know it took me much longer to get to where I wanted to be then it should have. I've seen many people go through this when they start to get a little "good" at something and gain a little confidence, it's downright irritating, and if I could go back to those days I would indeed smack myself in my own face….. really hard. Don't be that guy or girl.
The challenge you face is, can you step back, take a look in the mirror and ask yourself, "Am I doing everything in my power to be as good as I can be? My approach? My attitude? Am I coachable?". If you can honestly answer yes to those questions you're well on your way to achieve those goals you set out for yourself.


text: The western state was at the epicentre of a brutal crackdown by Myanmar's security forces in 2017 [File: Min Kyi Thein/AP] The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has said it fears that dozens of Rohingya civilians may have been killed in a military attack in Myanmar's Rakhine state last week, despite official government tolls putting the number of dead at six. "We are now receiving reports that the number may be much higher than that. We have unconfirmed reports that the number may be as high as 30," said Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for the OHCHR, on Tuesday. On Friday, the the Myanmar army-run Myawady Daily newspaper had said the six Rohingya killed and nine wounded in Wednesday's aerial attack were "together with terrorists while the army was cracking down on the Arakan Army's terrorist activities" in Buthidaung township, referring to an armed group that draws much of its recruits from the ethnic Rakhine population. 190327061055016 But Arakan Army Spokesman Khin Thu Kha denied that the dead and wounded men were members of the armed group, saying the military had attacked indiscriminately. "They bombed everywhere, believing there were Arakan Army members in the jungle," he was quoted as saying by the Reuters news agency. Three villagers and a regional legislator had also told Reuters on Thursday that the men were collecting bamboo near the Sai Din waterfall when an army helicopter attacked. "All of them were bamboo workers," said Soe Tun Oo, a fellow labourer. The western state was the epicentre of a brutal crackdown by Myanmar's security forces in 2017 which forced about 730,000 Rohingya to flee into neighbouring Bangladesh. The UN has accused the army of "genocidal intent" in its campaign against the long-persecuted, majority-Muslim minority, which followed attacks by a Rohingya armed group on police posts in late August 2017. Special Series: An Unholy Alliance - Monks and the Military in Myanmar (47:34) SOURCE: Al Jazeera and news agencies Myanmar Rohingya Human Rights United Nations


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Well it has taken some time over the last 3 months in discussions with my wife about my cding and finally about my desire to be a sissy. She and i have been married for 25 years and she found out early in our marriage i liked to cd and was not pleased but was willing to stay because i guess ther were other benefits. About six years ago we stopped having regular sexual activity but i continued to satisfy her manually and with cunnilingus. i stopped having erections with her and she tought this was age and my blood prsseure medicine but of course it wasn't. She no longer was a sexual stimulus for me. She lacked some important genital proturberance that stimulated my mind and clitty. So our recent conversation was not a surprise but i was as open as a sissy can be about h.er feelings and desires.
reports assignment
- Submit your Application
- Looky Look
- Feminization Erotica
- Training
- mySissify
- Log In
- Search


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Educating Future Nursing Leaders In Qatar
The University of Calgary in Qatar is the only Canadian university in Qatar and the country's exclusive provider of Bachelor and Master degrees in nursing.
Take a tour of our Simulation Centre
The UCQ Simulation Centre is a hands-on learning experience for our students. This is where they learn and practice their clinical nursing skills. Follow along as some of our students are tested on what they've learned!
Why choose UCQ? Why is nursing an important career in Qatar?
Meet some of our students and let them explain it in their own words.
Latest News
Former Canadian PM, first Qatari female combat pilot highlight women's accomplishments in Qatar and Canada
University of Calgary in Qatar and Embassy of Canada Qatar recognize International Women's Day 2020 and International Year of the Nurse and Midwife<br /> ...


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Bats, Moths and Stargazing Event *FULLY BOOKED*
Date: Friday 14th of September 2018Time: 7pm-9pmLocation: Sharpham House, Ashprington, Totnes, Devon, UK, TQ9 7UT
Event description
See bats, moths and stars (hopefully) on this very special event that awakens your senses to nature at night-time.
The Sharpham Estate beside the River Dart hosts various bats and moths, while the streetlamp-free dark skies are perfect for stargazing on a clear night.
You'll also be able to tour moth traps provided by the Devon Moth Group to see close-up how beautiful and diverse moths are, and discover more about their fascinating life-styles.
This packed event also includes – clouds permitting! – a tour of the night-sky, thanks to Dartmoor Skies. If it is cloudy, there will be a short introduction to astronomy with lots of hints and tips so that you can explore the sky for yourselves when you get home.
Booking required. Click here to book your place
Additional information
Make sure to bring warm, comfortable clothing. Unfortunately dogs are not permitted at this event.
moths, sharpham, stargazing


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How to Replace a Honda Accord Starter Solenoid & Switch Contactsby Justin Moore
The starter on the Honda Accord receives an electrical signal when the ignition key is turned to the "Start" position. This engages the starter pinion with the flywheel. The solenoid closes the main contacts allowing the starter to crank the engine. As the starter spins the flywheel, the engine begins to spin over, allowing it to begin the combustion process and run. When the key is released to the "On" position the gear on the starter is retracted to its neutral position.
Step 1
Disconnect the battery cables, removing the negative cable first. Remove the nut that secures the large cable to the starter. Set the cable aside. Disconnect the wire to the starter solenoid.
Step 2
Remove the two bolts that secure the starter. Slide the starter out of the transmission.
Step 3
Remove the three screws that secure the cover over the solenoid cover. Slide the solenoid and spring out of the housing.
Remove the nuts located on the outside of the housing that secure the contacts. Remove the wire from the bolt. Slide the contacts inward and remove them.
Step 1
Slide the new contacts through the holes, replace the wire and install the bolts. Tighten the nuts on the contacts. Slide the solenoid and spring into position and replace the solenoid cover.
Step 2
Install the starter in the transmission and tighten the bolts.
Replace the wire and cable on the starter and tighten the nut. Replace the battery cables.
- Allow the vehicle to cool before working on it.
Items you will need
- Wrenches
- Ratchet
- Extension
- Sockets
- Phillips screwdriver
- Replacement solenoid
- Replacement contacts
- "Chilton's Honda Accord/Prelude 1984-95 Repair Manual"; Will Kessler, A.S.E., S.A.E.; 1995
- Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images


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Clinical Study | Open Access
C. Singgih Wahono, Cameleia Diah Setyorini, Handono Kalim, Nurdiana Nurdiana, Kusworini Handono, "Effect of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Supplementation on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients with Hypovitamin D Which Were Given Vitamin D3 towards Disease Activity (SLEDAI), IL-6, and TGF-β1 Serum", International Journal of Rheumatology, vol. 2017, Article ID 7687053, 8 pages, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/7687053
Effect of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Supplementation on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients with Hypovitamin D Which Were Given Vitamin D3 towards Disease Activity (SLEDAI), IL-6, and TGF-β1 Serum
Background. Curcumin contained in Curcuma xanthorrhiza is an immunomodulator that has similar biological effect as vitamin D. Combination of curcumin and vitamin D3 is expected to work synergistically. Objective. To determine the effect of Curcuma xanthorrhiza supplementation on vitamin D3 administration to SLEDAI, IL-6, and TGF-β1 serum in SLE patients with hypovitamin D. Methods. This was a double-blind RCT conducted in Saiful Anwar Hospital, Malang, in January 2016–March 2017. Subjects were SLE active (SLEDAI > 3) with levels of 25(OH)D3 ≤ 30 ng/ml and divided into two groups: those receiving cholecalciferol 3 × 400 IU and placebo 3 × 1 tablets (group I) and those receiving 3 × 400 IU cholecalciferol and Curcuma xanthorrhiza 3 × 20 mg for 3 months (group II). SLEDAI, levels of vitamin D, IL-6, and TGF-β1 in serum were evaluated before and after the treatment. Results. There were no significant differences in SLEDAI reduction, decreased serum levels of IL-6, and increased levels of TGF-β1 serum among groups after the treatment. Decreased levels of serum IL-6 have a positive correlation with SLEDAI reduction. Conclusion. Curcuma xanthorrhiza supplementation on vitamin D3 had no effects on SLEDAI and serum levels of IL-6 and TGF-β1. This clinical trial is registered with NCT03155477.
1. Background
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease that can affect almost every organ of the human body and is characterized by excessive production of autoantibodies [1]. SLE disease activity is influenced by dendritic cell abnormalities, the balance of CD4 + cell subset (Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg), and levels of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and their receptors and autoantibody production in the body [2, 3]. Moreover, some studies suggest that SLE patients with hypovitamin D also have more severe clinical and disease activity [4, 5]. Eighty-four percent of SLE patients in Indonesia had hypovitamin D (vitamin D levels (25(OH)D3) serum <30 ng/mL) [6]. This is because of photosensitivity in SLE patients so they will tend to avoid sun exposure, drugs, corticosteroid [7] and chloroquine [8], insufficient vitamin D intake, and anti-vitamin D antibodies [9]. There were increases of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in 41 SLE patients with hypovitamin D, resulting in dominance of IL-6 over transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Th17 cells differentiation rather than Treg cells [10].
Rifai et al. (2014) gave cholecalciferol 1200 IU/day or 30 μg/day for 3 months in 39 SLE patients with hypovitamin D, and it showed an increase of serum vitamin D level (,27 ng/mL, = 0,00) and significant improvement of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) (6,,07, = 0,00) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) (2,,73, = 0,00) after supplementation [11]. The disease activity improvement is due to an extracellular function of vitamin D in regulating immune response by decreasing the response of Th1 and Th17 cells, suppressing dendritic cell maturation, decreasing proliferation and activating B-cell maturation, increasing Treg cell number, inducing IL-4 (Th2), and improving the function of NKT cells. Vitamin D can suppress IL-6 and increase TGF-β1 [10]. Although there was an increase in vitamin D levels to normal () and improvement in disease activity/SLEDAI to after treatment, the disease activity was still moderate, whereas the goal of therapy in SLE patients is achieving remission (SLEDAI score is 0) or mild activity (SLEDAI score is 1–5), so an additional drug is needed that can improve the response of vitamin D3 therapy.
Curcumin is a polyphenol compound widely found in ginger plants—Curcuma longa and Curcuma xanthorrhiza—and has potential as an immunomodulator for the treatment of SLE [12]. Curcumin decreases the percentage of Th1, Th2, Th17 and increases the percentage of Treg cells. Curcumin regulates proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-γ [13]. Curcumin also works synergistically with vitamin D in regulating the immune system. Curcumin is a natural ligand for vitamin D receptor (VDR) [14] and it is recently also mentioned that VDR activation can also induce Treg cells and inhibit the activation of Th17 [15].
Pratama et al. (2015) found there were a Th17 decrease and an increase of Treg cells after supplementation of 200 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 1551 mg/70 kg in humans) curcumin in SLE mice [16]. Khajehdehi et al. (2012) supplementation of curcumin 22.1 mg, 3 times daily for 3 months, in relapse or refractory lupus nephritis patients significantly reduced proteinuria, hematuria, and systolic blood pressure without any adverse effects [17]. Nonetheless, the utilization of curcumin for SLE still has not been widely studied, including its combination with vitamin D in SLE treatment.
The synergistic nature of curcumin with vitamin D in regulating immune cells provides an opportunity for researchers to improve the response of vitamin D3 therapy, improve clinical symptoms, decrease disease progression, and reduce mortality rates in SLE patients with hypovitamin D by combining curcumin supplementation with vitamin D. Curcumin supplementation on vitamin D3 administration may affect the balance of TGF-β1/IL-6 cytokines at cellular level.
2. Methods
This was a double-blind randomized controlled trial conducted in Saiful Anwar Hospital, Malang, in January 2016–March 2017. This research was conducted after obtaining ethical approval from the Saiful Anwar Hospital, Malang.
The sample size was calculated by the formula for unpaired numerical analytic research with one-way hypothesis. The minimum sample size required in this study is 34. The subjects who fulfilled inclusion criteria, were willing to participate in the research, and signed the informed consent were 40 patients.
Research subjects were randomized using simple randomization. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: the group receiving 3 × 400 IU cholecalciferol and 3 × 1 tablet placebo (group I, ) and the group receiving 3 × 400 IU and curcumin (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) 3 × 20 mg for 3 months (group II, ). The dosage of vitamin D given in this study was based on previous study by Rifai et al. (2014), who successfully increased level of vitamin D into normal levels [11], while the dosage of curcumin was determined by a previous study by Khajehdehi et al. (2012) [17].
The inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed as SLE based on the criteria of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1997, active SLE (SLEDAI > 3), and 25(OH)D level < 30 ng/ml. Exclusion criteria were patients who were pregnant, taking supplements containing vitamin D and curcumin, had liver function disorders (AST/ALT levels > 2.5 times the upper normal limit), and had impaired renal function (GFR < 25 ml/min) and severe infections such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, or HIV.
Fifteen cc of venous blood samples were taken for complete blood tests, liver function (AST/ALT), renal function (urea/creatinine), vitamin D (25(OH)D), calcium, anti-dsDNA, C3, C4, IL-6, and serum TGF-β1. In examination of vitamin D levels Enzyme Immunoassay method was used (DiaSorin Inc., Stillwater, MN, USA), in examination of anti-dsDNA levels ELISA was used (Bioluminescenassay), in examination of C3, C4, IL-6, and serum TGF-β1 ELISA was used (Biolegend). Proteinuria was examined by using a urine spot sample with enzymatic-turbidimetric methods. SLE disease activity was assessed using SLEDAI score. Laboratory and SLEDAI examinations were performed at the beginning of the study and the end of the study, except for the serum calcium levels examined each month to determine the side effects of the drug.
Patients continue to receive the usual immunosuppressant drugs (corticosteroids, chloroquine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, and cyclosporine), as well as calcium, antihypertensive drugs, and other routine medications. A physician in the Rheumatology outpatient clinic who is not a member of the research team in different examination rooms administers regular drugs, cholecalciferol, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, and placebo.
The results are presented in mean ± standard deviation, median (IQR 25–75%), and (%). The homogeneity test of variance uses Levene. The Shapiro-Wilk test is used to determine the normality of the data, assuming the normality of the data is fulfilled if . Different tests after the treatment in both study groups use a nonpaired/Mann–Whitney test. The influence between variables is tested using Spearman/Pearson correlation test. Data analysis uses Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Software version 22 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Differences and correlations are said to be significant when the value of is <0.05.
3. Results
3.1. Characteristics of Research Subjects
Subjects who participated in this study were 39 patients and were divided into 2 groups: twenty patients in vitamin D3 and placebo group and 19 patients in vitamin D3 and Curcuma xanthorrhiza group (1 patient in this group dropped out because she did not take the medication routinely).
Characteristic data in this study included age, duration of illness, initial clinical manifestations, medications, SLEDAI score, vitamin D, calcium, anti-dsDNA, C3, C4, IL-6, and serum TGF-β1 and protein-creatinine ratio (Tables 1 and 2). There were no significant differences between the two groups.
|IQR: interquartile.
|IQR: interquartile.
3.2. Effects of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Supplementation on Vitamin D3 Administration towards Vitamin D Level and SLEDAI in SLE Patients with Hypovitamin D
Figure 1 shows a significant increase in serum vitamin D levels in each group after the treatment. In group I, the average of vitamin D level increased from ng/ml to ng/ml ( = 0,000), whereas, in group II, the average of vitamin D levels increased from ng/ml to ng/ml (). Although serum vitamin D levels differed significantly after the treatment, with higher levels of vitamin D in group I (), the delta of vitamin D levels (the difference between vitamin D levels after supplementation and before supplementation) did not differ significantly between the two groups ( ng/ml versus , ). Five patients (26.3%) experienced a decrease in serum vitamin D levels in group II. Levels of vitamin D serum after supplementation in this study are still insufficient. Figure 2 shows a significant improvement of SLEDAI score in each group after treatment. In group I, the mean SLEDAI score decreased from 15.1 ± 7.6 to 9.1 ± 5.6 (), whereas, in group II, the mean SLEDAI score decreased from 14.8 ± 7.9 to 9.2 ± 7.4 (). SLEDAI score after treatment among groups did not differ significantly (). The delta of SLEDAI score reduction after treatment was not significantly different between the two groups (5.9 ± 5.3 versus 5.6 ± 6.6, ). However, the activity of SLE disease in the study subjects after treatment was still moderate activity (SLEDAI score 6–10).
3.3. Effects of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Supplementation on Vitamin D3 Administration towards IL-6 and TGF-β1 Serum in SLE Patients with Hypovitamin D
Table 3 shows a marked decrease in serum IL-6 levels, elevation serum TGF-β1, and ratio TGF-β1/IL-6 levels in both groups. The delta of decreased serum IL-6 levels and elevated TGF-β1 levels did not differ significantly after the treatment for the two groups (Table 4). However, the delta ratio TGF-β1/IL-6 was significantly different among the two groups.
| = differential test of the effects of Curcuma xanthorrhiza supplementation after treatment in both groups, expressed by . There is a significant difference (); IQR: interquartile.
|There is a significant difference (); ΔIL-6: IL-6 before treatment/IL-6 after treatment; ΔTGF-β1: TGF-β1 after treatment/TGF-β1 before treatment; ΔTGF-β1/IL-6: ratio TGF-β1/IL-6 before treatment to ratio TGF-β1/IL-6 after treatment.
In group I, mean serum IL-6 levels decreased from 12.7 (6.6–18.1) pg/ml to 3.6 (2.6–4.8) pg/ml (), whereas, in group II, serum IL-6 levels decreased from 6.8 (4.7–15.4) pg/ml to 5.2 (3.2–6.4) (), respectively. Nevertheless, the mean difference () and the amount of serum IL-6 levels decrease () after the treatment was not found to be a significant difference. Several SLE patients in the vitamin D3 and Curcuma xanthorrhiza group experienced higher serum IL-6 levels (36.8%) more than in the vitamin D3 and placebo groups (15%), but it did not differ significantly.
In group I, the mean serum TGF-β1 level increased from 289.1 (2488.8–341.9) pg/ml to 355.9 (328.8–427.1) pg/ml ( = 0,000), whereas, in group II, mean serum TGF-β1 levels increased from 279.3 (249.4–313.1) pg/ml to 348.4 (292.1–4386.8) pg/ml (). The mean and elevated serum TGF-β1 levels after treatment in both groups did not have a significant difference (; ). Several patients from the vitamin D3 and Curcuma xanthorrhiza group had a decrease of serum TGF-β1 levels after treatment (21.0%), whereas in the vitamin D3 and placebo group only one patient (5%) had a decrease of serum TGF-β1 levels after the treatment.
In group I, the mean serum TGF-β1/IL-6 ratio increased from to (), whereas, in group II, the ratio of TGF-β1/IL-6 serum average increased from to (). In group I, there was a significantly greater difference of TGF-β1/IL-6 ratio of , compared to group II () (). It means that vitamin D can increase TGF-β1 level and decrease the level of IL-6 greater than the combination of vitamin D and Curcuma xanthorrhiza. The greater the ratio of TGF-β1/IL-6 is, the more improved the activity of the disease will be.
3.4. Relationship between IL-6 and TGF-β1 Serum Changes with SLEDAI Score in SLE Patients with Hypovitamin D
SLEDAI score after treatment positively correlated significantly with lower serum IL-6 levels (, ). However, the strength of this correlation is moderate (Figure 3), while elevated serum TGF-β1 levels to SLE patient SLEDAI score had no significant correlation (, ) (Figure 4).
4. Discussion
4.1. Increased Levels of Vitamin D
Supplementation of cholecalciferol 1200 IU either with placebo or with curcumin (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) 60 mg/day for 3 months was able to significantly increase serum 25(OH)D3 levels, but this increase has not yet resulted in normal levels of 25(OH)D3 serum (25(OH)D3 > 30 ng/ml). This may be due to the fact that patient's initial vitamin D levels were deficient (25(OH)D3 < 20 ng/ml) (65% in the vitamin D and placebo group, 73% in the vitamin D and Curcuma xanthorrhiza group). Therefore, to achieve normal levels of 25(OH)D3, supplementation should be given over a longer period of 4–6 months or with larger doses, but not exceeding the tolerable upper intake of 50 μg/day equivalent to vitamin D3 2000 IU [18]. Or we can give loading doses of vitamin D3 first in SLE patients with vitamin D deficiency. Van Groningen et al. (2010) mentioned that, in patients with vitamin D deficiency, loading dose cholecalciferol is required to achieve 25(OH)D3 75 nmol/l with the calculation of the required dose (IU) = 40 × (75-serum 25(OH)D3) × body weight [19]. NHS (2013) explains that the loading dose can be given up to 300,000 IU depending on the availability of vitamin D and given for 6–10 weeks in divided doses [20].
The average increase level of 25(OH)D3 in both groups was approximately 8.4–11.4 ng/ml but slightly lower in the vitamin D3 and Curcuma xanthorrhiza group. This is similar to previous research that the administration of cholecalciferol 1000 IU/day for 3-4 months can increase the levels of 25(OH)D about 10 ng/ml 25(OH)D [21], so that if supplementation cholecalciferol 1200 IU/day is given, it will increase serum 25(OH)D by 12 ng/ml. Although there were significant differences in serum 25(OH)D3 levels after the treatment in both groups, the ability to increase serum 25(OH)D3 levels did not differ significantly.
In the group given vitamin D3 and Curcuma xanthorrhiza, some patients (26%) experienced a decrease in serum 25(OH)D3 levels, whereas in the vitamin D3 and placebo groups none of them had a decrease of 25(OH)D serum levels. In the group of patients who had a decrease of serum 25(OH)D3 levels, all of them had LES with mucocutaneous manifestations and used methylprednisolone and chloroquine. Thus, a decrease in serum 25(OH)D3 levels may be due to the fact that the patient tends to avoid direct sun exposure either by limiting day-to-day activity, by applying sunscreen, or by using closed clothing to avoid flares due to photosensitivity.
The use of corticosteroids in the treatment of SLE also causes vitamin D deficiency because corticosteroids accelerate calcidiol catabolism (25(OH)2D3) into calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D3) [7]. Chloroquine inhibits the conversion of calcidiol (25(OH)2D3) into calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D3) [8]. In addition, it is also reported in 4% of SLE patients that there are antibodies of vitamin D [9], which are likely to affect vitamin D clearance, so even though vitamin D has been given in sufficient doses of 400–800 IU/day, the patient will remain in the status of insufficiency. Until now, there has been no reported absorption disorder, metabolism, or vitamin D clearance by curcumin.
4.2. Decline of SLEDAI Score
SLEDAI scores in both groups decreased significantly after treatment. This is in accordance with Rifai et al. research in 2013 [10]. Abou-Raya et al. (2013) also mentioned that supplementation of cholecalciferol 2000 IU/day for 12 months to SLE patients who had vitamin D levels < 30 ng/ml is able to improve disease activity significantly [22]. Similarly, Petri et al. (2013) explained that, in SLE patients with levels of 25(OH)D < 40 ng/ml, there was an improvement in disease activity after supplementation of vitamin D2 50,000 IU/week and calcium twice daily [23]. However, it was said that the clinical importance of vitamin D was moderate.
The improvement of SLEDAI scores was higher in the vitamin D3 and placebo groups (SLEDAI ) compared to the vitamin D3 and curcumin group (SLEDAI ), although it was not significant. The improvement of SLEDAI score in vitamin D3 and placebo group was relatively the same compared to previous research conducted by Rifai et al. (2013), which in their previous study obtained a decrease in SLEDAI score on vitamin D3 administration of . Some patients did not improve the SLEDAI score in both groups.
From this study, we can conclude that the ability of vitamin D to decrease the score of SLEDAI ranged from 5 to 6. Immunosuppressant is still required, but at least the required dosage becomes smaller and may reduce side effects.
The SLEDAI score after the treatment of both groups still showed moderate activity (SLEDAI score 6–10). This may be due to 25(OH)D serum levels which still do not sufficiently achieve (25(OH)D > 30 ng/ml) level. However, in Rifai et al.'s study (2013), although serum 25(OH)D levels have reached normal, SLEDAI scores have not yet achieved remission (SLEDAI score = 0) or mild activity (SLEDAI score 1–5). Disease activity in SLE is influenced by many factors, not only vitamin D status, but also environmental and biological factors [24]. However, improvement of vitamin D levels can at least help in lowering SLE disease activity, resulting in lower mortality and morbidity.
4.3. Decline of IL-6 Serum Levels and Its Relationship with SLEDAI
Serum IL-6 levels in both groups before the treatment were high (normal value < 6 pg/ml) [25]. The serum IL-6 levels were variable, and levels were higher depending on SLE manifestations such as lupus nephritis. Serum and urinary IL-6 levels elevated in active SLE patients [26].
Serum IL-6 levels decreased significantly in both groups after treatment. The decrease of IL-6 is due to the work of vitamin D3 and curcumin (Curcuma xanthorrhiza active ingredient) capable of lowering serum IL-6 levels by inhibiting IL-6 production by blocking p38MKP5 [27, 28].
Although vitamin D and curcumin reduced IL-6 levels, there was no significant difference in serum IL-6 levels of serum levels after the treatment in both groups. This may be caused by the fact that the curcumin dosage used was too small or the dose was adequate but the bioavailability was low, or probably due to the competition of curcumin against vitamin D in its bond to VDR so it does not produce a synergistic response [15].
Bioavailability of curcumin administered per oral route is low, with rapid metabolism and elimination [29]. Curcumin contained in Curcuma xanthorrhiza is only about 1-2%, compared to curcumin obtained from Curcuma longa ranging from 3 to 8% [30].
Bartik et al. (2010) explained that curcumin concentration 10−4 M was able to compete against ligand 1,25D tied with VDR as much as 50%. It was concluded that curcumin did not potentiate the action of 1,25D-VDR [15]. The combination of 10−5 M curcumin and 1,25D 10−8 M increased the expression of vitamin D responsive element (VDRE), RXRE, or GRE 2.16 times more than on cells that are given only 1.25D 10−8 M [15].
Although vitamin D and curcumin are able to bind VDRs, the ability of curcumin to bind VDR to alternative pocket (VDR-AP) is greater, whereas vitamin D is more likely to bind VDR in the genomic pocket (VDR-GP) [31, 32]. VDR activation by curcumin requires higher concentrations (10−6 to 10−5 M curcumin plasma concentrations, or the equivalent of 8 grams of curcumin per day) compared to VDR activation by 1,25D ligand so it can be concluded that curcumin is a weaker VDR ligand. Therefore, to improve the bioavailability of curcumin, it is necessary to prepare curcumin dosage forms which are added to certain substances such as piperine or converted into nanoparticles [33].
The anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin results from the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) [34], but the concept that whether curcumin is a ligand of PPAR-γ is controversial. Narala et al. (2009) have conducted a study that curcumin is a ligand of PPAR-γ [35]. Thus, curcumin anti-inflammatory effects via PPAR-γ are probably indirect or via other mechanisms.
The magnitude of the decrease in interleukin-6 levels had an effect on the SLEDAI score after the treatment. The higher serum IL-6 levels of SLE patients will have more severe disease activity [36]. Therefore, we hope that administering vitamin D and Curcuma xanthorrhiza may decrease IL-6 greater than vitamin D only and improves lupus disease activity.
4.4. Increased Levels of Serum TGF-β1 and Its Correlation with SLEDAI
The more dominant cytokines in the SLE were IL-6 and IL-23, whereas the levels of TGF-β significantly decreased [37]. Serum TGF-β1 levels had significant increases between the two groups, but there was no significant difference between serum TGF-β1 levels and magnitude elevated serum TGF-β1 levels after the treatment. This is because the work of curcumin inhibits TGF-β1, in contrast to vitamin D properties against TGF-β1. However, because the dose of curcumin used in this study is small, the effects of curcumin seem to be excluded by vitamin D.
Until now, no studies have attempted to investigate the effect of curcumin on TGF-β1 in SLE patients. However, curcumin at certain doses and times can inhibit TGF-β1 activity in regulating MMP-9 and activation of SMAD-2, ERK1/2, and p38 in breast cancer cells [38].
Whether the mechanism of vitamin D will increase levels of TGF-β is not clear yet [10]. In this study, TGF-β1 levels did not correlate with SLEDAI score.
4.5. Limitations
In this study, there were different SLE manifestation, disease activity, and varying degree of vitamin D levels. We did not divide subjects into 3 groups, so that we did not know the effect of curcumin and placebo supplementation towards the SLEDAI score and cytokine levels in SLE patients with hypovitamin D. Also, curcumin plasma concentration was not measured at the study.
5. Conclusion and Suggestion
5.1. Conclusion
Curcuma xanthorrhiza supplementation on vitamin D3 in SLE patients with hypovitamin D did not have different effects on levels of SLEDAI, IL-6, and TGF-β1 in serum. Decreased levels of serum IL-6 have moderate correlation with a decrease in SLEDAI score.
5.2. Suggestion
Preliminary research is needed to assess the amount of plasma concentration of curcumin in the preparation of curcumin to be used. It is also necessary to do research using curcumin with varying doses and formulas with high bioavailability. And research needs to be done with three different groups: curcumin and placebo groups, vitamin D and placebo groups, and a combination of vitamin D and curcumin.
Conflicts of Interest
There are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article.
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Copyright © 2017 C. Singgih Wahono et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


text:
2019 Camaro Ls Likes
- Fun to drive, good ride
- Excellent safety ratings and systems
- Lots of safety features
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Peppy Turbo option, CVT among the best
Rate and Review your car for us!Tell us your own ratings for a vehicle you own. Rate your car on Performance, Safety, Features and more.
2019 Camaro Ls EXPERT RATING BREAKDOWN
6.6 on a scale of 1 to 10
Styling 6.0
Performance 8.0
Comfort & Quality 9.0
Safety 6.0
Features 9.0
Fuel Economy 6.0


text:
Faculty Advisor
Blandino, John J.
In order to make advancements in the area of propulsion, it is necessary to study the capabilities of current technology. One type of spacecraft propulsion system currently under development is the pulsed plasma thruster (PPT). The goal of this project is to design and fabricate a computer controlled two-axis probe positioning system which can be used to investigate the plume of a PPT operating in a vacuum chamber. The effort was divided into three areas: (1) vacuum chamber refurbishment, (2) mechanical and electrical design of the probe positioning system (PPS), and (3) thermal modeling of the PPT support during thruster operation.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Date Accepted
January 2004
Mechanical Engineering
Project Type
Major Qualifying Project
Copyright Statement
Access to this report is limited to members of the WPI community. Please contact a project advisor or their department to request access
Restricted-WPI community only
Advisor Department
Mechanical Engineering


text:
Kitchen Transformation
CCKAB fully remodeled this West Chester PA kitchen. The original kitchen was closed off and tight. We removed the wall in between the kitchen and the family room and enlarged the doorway to the dining room as well as closing off an unnecessary doorway from the foyer. This gave the kitchen a new open footprint. We installed new natural oak hardwood flooring to flow into the homes existing floorings. The new Echelon cabinetry in the Bellview door with storm finish were a great choice for the new look. Granite countertops and tile backsplash complete the look and tie everything together. What a great transformation. The new kitchen space really improved the flow of the home.
#knockingdownwalls #kitchenremodel #westchesterpa


text:
intensely inflammatory take about a gospel,
My friend did not suggest Luke (he just suggested a gospel), I picked it because it's the 3rd so reasonably "developed" and I was interested in the Magnificat because the Magnificast (a leftist podcast) made it seem interesting
@Natalie have you had a moment to think about some of your favorite, must-read pieces of medieval literature?
@mike havw you seen the documentary on The Amazing Randy? It was very good and I think you might enjoy it
Does part 3 of the Buddhist series interview someone "native" to the tradition? #buddhist6
@Natalie works on hunting would be my other major focus, if you know of any of those (maybe poetry?) offhand
@Natalie do you have a short list of "essential medieval fiction" by good translators? I'm interested in looking at some chivalrous works, not sure where to really start with Arthur stuff tho or what fiction from Llull to actually grab, etc
Or maybe my lens is too narrow, and you have some other things to add?
@mike tagging you just bc you're public and probably have some thoughts here & mentioned not having a ton of mentions lol; won't tag others out of privacy respect
Obviously DMs are open and apologies in advance for whatever poor wording
I've got a student in my sword class who likely has #autism. Discomfort with his body, especially in relation to partners, is hindering his progress. If you are #autistic, what would you want your dance teacher or wrestling coach to do in order to communicate the lessons better and facilitate your learning? We've made some big strides together, but I want to be better for him. Thanks in advance.
@mike @vishnu really interested in a conversation about this Zizek piece, though I found it pretty dense in the set up
Get back on twitter, instantly get wrapped back up in the variety of important stories I can't influence. Get on mastodon and make jokes about comics. Reading from others is dominant on both.
Honestly social media is just bad, pulling away time from you because it's so much easier to "snack" on info than to "feast" (compared to long articles, books, etc) and convincing you that shouting/speaking into the void is worthwhile
~=8 Character Passwords Are Dead=~
New benchmark from the Hashcat Team shows a 2080Ti GPU passing 100 Billion password guesses per second (NTLM hash).
This means that the entire keyspace, or every possible combination of:
- Upper
- Lower
- Number
- Symbol
...of an 8 character password can be guessed in:
~2.5 hours
(8x 2080Ti GPUs against NTLM Windows hash)
@Natalie @Friarjohn also DMs are wide open for this topic :)
This is an instance for folks who follow The Liturgists Podcast, The Alien Podcast, and other things The Liturgists create.


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Twelve candidates will go head-to-head for Cambridge's six School Committee seats this November.
The mayor joins the School Committee to make a seven-member board that serves two-year terms. The city runs a proportional representation election where all candidates run at large and are not connected to specific districts of the city.
Scout is putting together profiles on every candidate running for School Committee in Cambridge so that voters can get informed about the slate of people who could shape Cambridge's schools for the coming years.
Election Day is Nov. 7, and the last day to register to vote is Oct. 18. Find your voting location here.
The School Committee candidate profiles are not grouped in any particular order. Keep an eye out for the second group of candidates. Candidates' answers have been edited and condensed for clarity.
Manikka Bowman (note: Bowman currently serves on the School Committee.)
What should we know about you?
Growing up in public housing, I learned at a young age that public education was a key pathway to opportunity. I received my Bachelor's degree from Bethune-Cookman University, a historically Black university, and went on to obtain masters degrees in both urban policy and divinity. My life experience has shown me the importance of quality education, and I want to ensure that Cambridge Public Schools are a bridge of opportunity for all Cambridge children. I live in North Cambridge with my husband, Jeff, and our three-year-old daughter, Zora. As an Urban Policy Specialist, I have worked on policy in public health, education, community development, and land use. I am also an alumna of the Emerge Massachusetts program and currently serve as the Vice Chair of the YWCA Cambridge.
What would your top three priorities be if elected?
Supporting educators and administrators, investing in Universal pre-kindergarten for the City of Cambridge, and supporting minorities, girls, and high-needs families.
What are three specific new programs or changes you would make if elected?
I want to build on my first-term accomplishments, which include: expanding sanitary hygiene products in all schools, helping vulnerable K-2nd graders through a no-suspension policy, and setting a vision for the district that will disrupt the status quo.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
My daughter was 18 months when I first ran for School Committee. It's very challenging to run a campaign and now serve with a small child, in addition to my full-time job, but I'm committed to the work. Currently, I'm the only committee member with a toddler serving. I couldn't do the work without my very supportive spouse and compassion from the public. It's a challenge, but people like me should be at as many decision-making tables as possible. Serving can't just be reserved for those who have the privilege and time to do so. I believe there must be a place for working moms and people from more humble beginnings in important decision-making bodies.
Give us a fun fact about you.
When you look at me, you wouldn't automatically think minister. In fact, in some people's view, a woman isn't supposed to be a minister at all. But I am. And once you know I'm a minister, you probably wouldn't leap to salsa dancer. Some might say you can't be a minister and into salsa. But I am. I don't see anything wrong with or strange about being a passionate clergywoman and salsa dancer. The two can, and do, coincide just fine in my mind!
Fran Cronin
What should we know about you?
I served on the School Committee (2013-2015) and led several initiatives that brought best practices into our schools: phonics instruction was added to our elementary curriculum; funding was approved to create the Teacher-in-Charge position for social and emotional learning; permanent funding was secured for immigrant student supports; and financial literacy counseling is now available for all seniors.
As Chair of the Curriculum and Instruction subcommittee, I called for reviews of assessments, hiring practices, and reading instruction.
I'm committed to making sure Cambridge uses its abundant resources to address the root causes of our mixed-achievement results, particularly with third grade reading proficiency and post-graduation success.
I lost my last election by 33 votes, and am looking forward to getting back on the School Committee to continue the work I started.
What would your top priorities be if elected?
- Expand access to Early Childhood Education
- Ensure every school adopts social and emotional learning best practices
- Recruit and retain a high-quality teaching force as diverse as the students we teach
- Build a Partnership in STEAM Education to develop 21st century career pathways into our innovation economy and local businesses.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I'm a widowed mom who raised her two children here in Cambridge, one of whom is a special needs student. I'm a trained Orton-Gillingham reading specialist and have experience as a classroom teacher, and also teaching ESL and afterschool. I served two elected terms, four years, as co-chair of the Parent Advisory Council for Students with Special Needs. In addition to having served on the School Committee, I currently work in City Hall as the Legislative Aide to City Councillor and former mayor David Maher.
I'm the only candidate with experience in both City Hall and in the halls of our schools. My successful record while serving on the School Committee speaks to my skill as a consensus builder who can achieve cooperation and get things done.
Give us a fun fact about you.
I'm a twin with a fraternal brother and my birthday is Valentine's Day.
Jake Crutchfield
What should we know about you?
I'm an educator who's worked and studied in many different educational settings throughout the City of Cambridge: I have worked as a substitute, an afterschool teacher, and have helped train afterschool teachers. I got my masters in education from Lesley University.
What would your top three priorities be if elected?
My top priorities would be supporting the superintendent's district plan framework, encouraging the administration to hire more staff that are culturally reflective of our diverse student body, and improving communication and community engagement between the School Committee and the public.
What are three specific new programs or changes you would make if elected?
One thing I would plan on changing is using subcommittees more proactively to serve as a place for community engagement. In addition, I would hold reverse office hours where I, and hopefully other members of School Committee, would hold listening tours throughout the community to gain more feedback and input from people to help create more inclusive policy. I would also want to look into the creation of a high school teacher residency program, which would be a program to encourage more students to follow the path of becoming a teacher themselves.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
My experience in Cambridge classrooms. One of the major functions of the School Committee is to create and propose policy to drive the district. Over the past four years I've worked throughout many of the schools in Cambridge, and I've gotten to see what it looks like when that policy goes into place.
Give us a fun fact about you.
I spent almost two years teaching abroad in China where I taught everything from kindergarten to financial services English for Chinese bank executives.
Emily Dexter (note: Dexter currently serves on the School Committee.)
What should we know about you?
Originally from the Washington, D.C., area, I've lived in Cambridge with my spouse since 1990. Our two daughters attended the Cambridge Public Schools, K-12, one graduating from CRLS in 2010, the other in 2014. In addition to having been a CPS parent for 17 years, I have worked in the education field for 25 years, including as a language specialist at a school for Deaf students for five years, and as a literacy researcher at Harvard and Lesley University. I have a doctorate in child and youth development from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where I also received advanced training in research methods, program evaluation, and statistics. Because of my training, I view the schools through a developmental lens, and I know the power of data and how to ask good questions.
What would your top three priorities be if elected?
1) Giving teachers and principals the autonomy and resources they need to individualize, differentiate, and personalize their teaching and curricula more than they are currently able to;
2) Ensuring we have small enough class sizes and enough staff who work directly with students, including teachers, paraprofessionals, guidance counselors, and mental health specialists; and
3) Providing affordable preschool, afterschool, and summer programs, particularly for low-income students.
What are three specific new programs or changes you would make if elected?
1) Expanding our junior kindergarten program, which currently is available only to older 4-year- olds born between Sept. 1 and March 31, to include all low-income 4-year- olds;
2) reducing class size caps in 1 st and 2 nd grade from a maximum of 25 students to a maximum of 20;
3) creating more flexible pathways in the high school that would allow all students to follow particular interests while also taking classes to meet state requirements. Potential pathways might include an Arts Pathway, a Humanities
Pathway, an Engineering Pathway, a Community Connections Pathway, etc.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
1) I have extensive knowledge of the Cambridge Public Schools and the district administration from being an activist and connected parent for 17 years.
2) I have excellent training in child and youth development, which informs how I think about teaching and learning at the different grade levels. I also have excellent training in research and statistics, which helps me understand CPS
data and know what kind of data we need to inform our policies and to make changes.
3) I am very focused on both the CPS budget and the City budget. Even before being elected to the
Committee, I read the CPS budgets carefully, advocated for more dollars to be spent directly in
the classroom, and compared our budgets to those of other school districts and to those of other
City departments. I watch where the money goes from year-to- year, and where it does not go,
and I publish my impressions on my blog, Public School Notes.
4) I consider communicating with the public and connecting with civic and neighborhood leaders, parents, and residents to be part of my job as an elected official. I answer every email, I have a newsletter reporting on what happens at School Committee meetings, and I post longer reflections and opinion pieces on my blog.
Give us a fun fact about you.
One of the high points of my life was appearing as a singing and dancing ladybug in the North Cambridge Family Opera's production of Antiphony in 2006.
Alfred Fantini (note: Fantini is currently the vice chair of the School Committee.)
What should we know about you?
• Master's Degree in Management with a specialized graduate certificate in Diversity from Cambridge College in May 1999.
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Finance from Bentley College.
• Parent Advocacy Training from the Federation for Children with Special Needs
• Brings 30 years' experience as a municipal finance professional as Deputy Treasurer for the Town of Arlington.
• Experienced on both sides of the collective bargaining table representing management on the Cambridge School Committee and workers with labor as President of SEIU/NAGE local 113.
• Former Treasurer SEIU 888
• Served for 30 years as a member of the Cambridge School Committee.
• Sponsor Cambridge Little League-Major League Braves and All-Star team
• Sponsor Cambridge Girls Softball.
What would your top three priorities be if elected?
1) Continue to Improve our Middle Schools
It's important we refine the upper school program to meet the Innovation Agenda goal of a providing a superior academic and social experience for all students that prepares them for success in high school and post-secondary education. Students enjoy attending schools with larger cohorts of students instead of the isolation that many experienced prior and the school system can provide enhanced offering in the visual and performing arts areas. The goal of having these middle schools racially balanced is also important to me. My goal is that every child leaving the middle school structure is ready to do rigorous work at CRLS.
2) Implementation of our approved three-year District Framework
The superintendent spent all last school year gathering information and knowledge on how our school system functions to formulate a District Framework that was presented to the School Committee for adoption and implementation this school year. It is important that the school committee now stayed focused in working with the Superintendent to implement this plan.
3) Closing the Achievement Gap
The performance of our students at greatest social and economic risk continues to fall below the rest of the student population. These include families who live in poverty, in socially vulnerable family settings, in homes where they are not yet English speakers, or who are homeless or transient and do not remain long in one place. This is a statewide problem, not just for Cambridge, but we have done so much as a district and as a city to welcome and serve high risk students and families that we want to protect our investment in our community by ensuring that we have high expectations for success for all our students.
The School Committee and the superintendent need to create a real "sense of urgency," not panic, and a plan to end this disparity. With the recent work with our professional development, curriculum development, and district framework plan, I am encouraged that we are making progress.
What are specific new programs or changes you would make if elected?
- Support and expand our Visual Performing Arts department (art, drama, Kodaly music program, orchestra, etc.)
- Start a program to grow your own school teachers so that we can have our own feeder system for jobs in our school system
- Work with the police department to create a pathway for our students to become Cambridge Police Officers
- Expand our relationships with businesses so that more of our students can be interns in their companies
What sets you apart from other candidates?
My 30 years of experience in municipal government in Arlington as its deputy treasurer and tax collector and my 30 years of union leadership provide me with unique skills—leadership, experience, empathy, and negotiation—to be a leader in making progress in our school system.
Give us a fun fact about you.
I have a good sense of humor.
Elechi Kadete
What should we know about you?
I am a graduate of the Cambridge Public Schools. I went through the entire system and graduated from CRLS in 2007. I graduated from Brandeis in 2012 and I currently work at WGBH as a financial analyst.
What would your top three priorities be if elected?
- Expanding early education opportunities
- Expanding the World Language K-5 Language Immersion programs
- Supporting the recruitment and retainment of high quality teachers of color
What are three specific new programs or changes you would make if elected?
- Change the attendance violation policy at the high school.
- Extend RSTA to the Extension School
- Make early education accessible to all of our students
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I went through the Cambridge Public School system as an ESL student and I was in the achievement gap.
Give us a fun fact about you.
I am the former president of the Brandeis Chess Club.