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Oxford University to trial giving AstraZeneca vaccine as a nasal spray

Oxford University to trial giving AstraZeneca Covid vaccine as a nasal spray with the hope it will trigger a better and faster immune response in the lungs. Oxford university is looking for 30 adults to receive vaccine through nasal spray. Trials could begin next week and are expected to last four months. Trial follows announcements that the university and other researchers are assessing delivering vaccines in non-jab forms. AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine will be administered as a nasal spray as part of a new trial. Oxford University scientists — who developed the jab — have been looking at injection-free ways to dish out the vaccine. It’s thought that nasal sprays may better target immune cells in the lungs, throat and nose, making them even more effective at defending against Covid. Oxford is looking for 30 adults to get the vaccine squirted up their noses as soon as next week. Volunteers will be tracked for four months to see make sure it’s safe as part of the initial trial. If successful, the phase one study will move on and tens or potentially hundreds more adults will be recruited to see if it can ward off the virus as well as a jab. Nasal spray vaccines would be great news for people who have a fear of needles and could alleviate supply issues that have hindered rollouts around the world. This method is already used to give out children’s flu jabs. The university’s study, involving adults over 40, is part of its partnership with AstraZeneca, the Financial Times reported. Professor Sarah Gilbert, one of the lead scientists behind the Oxford university jab, announced last month that her team was working on injection-free ways of delivering the vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy could lead to 20,000 extra coronavirus deaths over the next two years, a study has suggested. Researchers warned that if a significant number of people turn the jab down, it may allow the virus to spread in high numbers when lockdowns are eased, posing a constant threat to the elderly and ill. The gloomy modelling by Imperial College London predicted 305 extra Covid deaths per million people by 2023, the equivalent of 20,130 people in the UK. Other more pessimistic calculations projected even more deaths. Experts warned vaccine hesitancy will lead to flare-ups in cases and hospitalisations which could see lockdown restrictions in place for longer. The study did not specify what constituted as high vaccine hesitancy. But Imperial has been repeatedly criticised for its pessimistic Covid models, which predicted 250,000 deaths in the first wave without further action. So far, uptake in Britain has been far higher than expected, with more than 90 per cent of Britons over the age of 60 having accepted their jab. But officials expect that, as the programme moves to younger, less-vulnerable groups, the turnout rate will drop because young people don’t see the virus as a threat. Government-funded surveys have indicated up to a fifth of people under-30 will turn the vaccines down. Professor Sarah Gilbert told the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee last month that researchers were exploring nasal spray and tablet forms of the vaccine. She said: ‘As you know all the vaccines have been given at the moment as intramuscular injections. ‘That is not necessarily the best way to provide protection against a respiratory virus infection, where we want the immune system to be active in the upper respiratory tract and then in the lower respiratory tract, which is where the virus is causing the infection. ‘We have flu vaccines that are given by nasal spray and this could be a very good approach in the future to use vaccines against coronaviruses.’ Other scientists in the UK began testing a different nasal spray vaccine, known as COVI-VAC, on volunteers at the start of the year. The spray, made by New York-based company Codagenix, contains a genetically modified form of Covid and is being tested on 48 adults in London. The UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) green-lit the trial after positive safety data in animal studies. COVI-VAC is a type of live attenuated vaccine, meaning trialists will get a genetically-modified version of Covid that is weaker than the real thing but still infectious. Live attenuated vaccines — such as the MMR jab — work by stimulating the immune system in the same way that real disease would, but by relying on viruses unable to cause severe illness. Oxford University’s vaccine is an adenovirus vaccine – which uses a weakened virus that causes the common cold that has been modified not to trigger illness and is not infectious. Meanwhile, Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology is also trialing a nasal spray to deliver the country’s Sputnik V vaccine. The institute expects to complete clinical trials of the spray by the end of the year. Scientists at the University of Birmingham are also working on a nasal Covid treatment. But rather than acting as a vaccine, its version aims to prevent Covid infections by capturing the virus in the nose. Researchers hope the spray may be readily available in pharmacies in the coming months. Source: DailyMail.co.uk
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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

What is COVID-19? COVID-19 is the disease caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. WHO first learned of this new virus on 31 December 2019, following a report of a cluster of cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are Fever Dry cough Fatigue Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include: Loss of taste or smell, Nasal congestion, Conjunctivitis (also known as red eyes) Sore throat, Headache, Muscle or joint pain, Different types of skin rash, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea, Chills or dizziness Symptoms of severe COVID‐19 disease include: Shortness of breath, Loss of appetite, Confusion, Persistent pain or pressure in the chest, High temperature (above 38 °C) Other less common symptoms are: Irritability, Confusion, Reduced consciousness (sometimes associated with seizures), Anxiety, Depression, Sleep disorders, More severe and rare neurological complications such as strokes, brain inflammation, delirium and nerve damage. People of all ages who experience fever and/or cough associated with difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or loss of speech or movement should seek medical care immediately. If possible, call your health care provider, hotline or health facility first, so you can be directed to the right clinic. What happens to people who get COVID-19? Among those who develop symptoms, most (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing hospital treatment. About 15% become seriously ill and require oxygen and 5% become critically ill and need intensive care. Complications leading to death may include respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis and septic shock, thromboembolism, and/or multiorgan failure, including injury of the heart, liver or kidneys. In rare situations, children can develop a severe inflammatory syndrome a few weeks after infection. Who is most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19? People aged 60 years and over, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes, obesity or cancer, are at higher risk of developing serious illness. However, anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. Are there long-term effects of COVID-19? Some people who have had COVID-19, whether they have needed hospitalization or not, continue to experience symptoms, including fatigue, respiratory and neurological symptoms. WHO is working with our Global Technical Network for Clinical Management of COVID-19, researchers and patient groups around the world to design and carry out studies of patients beyond the initial acute course of illness to understand the proportion of patients who have long term effects, how long they persist, and why they occur. These studies will be used to develop further guidance for patient care. How can we protect others and ourselves if we don’t know who is infected? Stay safe by taking some simple precautions, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, especially when distancing cannot be maintained, keeping rooms well ventilated, avoiding crowds and close contact, regularly cleaning your hands, and coughing into a bent elbow or tissue. Check local advice where you live and work. Do it all! When should I get a test for COVID-19? Anyone with symptoms should be tested, wherever possible. People who do not have symptoms but have had close contact with someone who is, or may be, infected may also consider testing – contact your local health guidelines and follow their guidance. While a person is waiting for test results, they should remain isolated from others. Where testing capacity is limited, tests should first be done for those at higher risk of infection, such as health workers, and those at higher risk of severe illness such as older people, especially those living in seniors’ residences or long-term care facilities. What test should I get to see if I have COVID-19? In most situations, a molecular test is used to detect SARS-CoV-2 and confirm infection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most commonly used molecular test. Samples are collected from the nose and/or throat with a swab. Molecular tests detect virus in the sample by amplifying viral genetic material to detectable levels. For this reason, a molecular test is used to confirm an active infection, usually within a few days of exposure and around the time that symptoms may begin. What about rapid tests? Rapid antigen tests (sometimes known as a rapid diagnostic test – RDT) detect viral proteins (known as antigens). Samples are collected from the nose and/or throat with a swab. These tests are cheaper than PCR and will offer results more quickly, although they are generally less accurate. These tests perform best when there is more virus circulating in the community and when sampled from an individual during the time they are most infectious. I want to find out if I had COVID-19 in the past, what test could I take? Antibody tests can tell us whether someone has had an infection in the past, even if they have not had symptoms. Also known as serological tests and usually done on a blood sample, these tests detect antibodies produced in response to an infection. In most people, antibodies start to develop after days to weeks and can indicate if a person has had past infection. Antibody tests cannot be used to diagnose COVID-19 in the early stages of infection or disease but can indicate whether or not someone has had the disease in the past. What is the difference between isolation and quarantine? Both isolation and quarantine are methods of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Quarantine is used for anyone who is a contact of someone infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, whether the infected person has symptoms or not. Quarantine means that you remain separated from others because you have been exposed to the virus and you may be infected and can take place in a designated facility or at home. For COVID-19, this means staying in the facility or at home for 14 days. Isolation is used for people with >>Read more
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Coffee Around the World

The ideal conditions for coffee trees to thrive are found around the world along the Equatorial zone called “The Bean Belt,” located between latitudes 25 degrees North and 30 degrees South. Finicky Arabica grows best at high altitudes in rich soil, while the heartier Robusta prefers a higher temperature and can thrive on lower ground. What impacts the quality and flavor of coffee? Everything from the variety of the plant, the chemistry of the soil, the weather, the amount of rainfall and sunshine, and even the precise altitude at which the coffee grows can affect the taste of the final product. These key variables, combined with the way the cherries are processed after being picked, contribute to the distinctions between coffees from countries, growing regions, and plantations worldwide. The combination of factors is so complex, that even from a single plantation one finds variation in quality and taste. Coffee is grown in more than 50 countries around the world, including: North America & The Caribbean The United States – Hawaii: Though coffee farms are found throughout the Hawaiian islands, it is Kona coffee, from the large island of Hawaii, that is best known and always in high demand. Here, nature provides just the right environment for the coffee trees on the slopes of the active Mauna Loa volcano. Young trees are planted in black, volcanic soil so new that it often seems the farmers are growing seedlings in rock. Afternoon shade from tropical clouds forms a natural canopy over the trees to protect them from intense sun, and frequent island showers give the plants just the right amount of rain. Kona coffee is carefully processed to create a deliciously rich, aromatic cup of medium body. Mexico: Small Mexican coffee farms are more common than large plantations, but with over 100,000 coffee farmers, Mexico ranks as one of the largest coffee-producing countries in the world. Most farms are in the southern states of Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. A cup of Mexican coffee generally offers a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor, often with a pronounced sharpness. It is an excellent bean for dark roasts and is often used in blends. A Mexican coffee designated Altura means that it was grown at high altitudes. Puerto Rico: Coffee was brought to Puerto Rico from Martinique in 1736, and by the late 19th century, the island was the sixth leading exporter of coffee in the world. However, major hurricanes and competition from other coffee-producing countries forced the island to seek other means for economic survival. Today, the coffee industry is being revived with carefully cultivated coffee from quality Arabica varieties that are produced to the highest standards. There are two major growing regions on the Caribbean island: Grand Lares in the south-central region, and Yauco Selecto in the southwest. Both regions are noted for their beans’ balanced body and acidity, as well as a fruity aroma. Central America Guatemala: While perhaps not as well-known as some of its Central and South American neighbors, Guatemala’s coffee has a distinctive taste quality favored by many for its rich flavor. There are three main growing regions — Antigua, Coban, and Huehuetenango — each with a breathtakingly rugged landscape and rich volcanic soil. Microclimates strongly influence the quality and flavor of the “strictly hard beans” (grown at altitudes 4500 feet/1370 meters or higher). This medium-to-full-bodied coffee has a depth and complexity of taste that is almost spicy or chocolatey. Costa Rica: Costa Rica produces only wet-processed Arabicas. With its medium body and sharp acidity, it’s often described as having perfect balance. Costa Rican coffee is grown on predominantly small farms or fincas. After harvest, the cherries are immediately taken to state-of-the-art processing facilities, known as beneficios, where wet method processing begins. The careful attention to quality processing and conscientious growing methods have built Costa Rica’s reputation for fine coffee. South America Colombia: Colombia is probably the world’s best-known coffee producer and ranks second worldwide in yearly production. A high standard of excellence is maintained with great pride and careful growing on thousands of small family farms across the country. Such care and attention results in consistently good, mild coffees, with a well-balanced acidity. The rugged Colombian landscape provides the perfect natural environment for growing, but the terrain makes it difficult to transport the harvested coffee beans to production and shipment centers. Even today, this is often done by mule or Jeep. Colombian Supremo, the highest grade, has a delicate, aromatic sweetness while Excelso Grade is softer and slightly more acidic. Brazil: Brazil is the biggest coffee-producing country in the world, with seemingly endless expanses available for its production. Coffee plantations in Brazil often cover immense areas of land, needing hundreds of people to manage and operate them to produce huge quantities of coffee. Both Arabica and Robusta are grown, and the climate, soil quality, and altitude determine which variety will grow best in which region. A fine cup of Brazilian is clear, sweet, medium-bodied, and low-acid. East Africa Ethiopia: Coffee legend tells of the discovery of the first coffee trees in Ethiopia — it’s not hard to believe that coffee originated where wild coffee tree forests are still the primary harvesting source. Generally, wet-processed, coffee from Ethiopia comes from one of three main growing regions — Sidamo, Harrar, Kaffa — and often bears one of those names. In the cup, an Ethiopian coffee tends to offer a remarkable and bold statement: full-flavored, a bit down-to-earth, and full-bodied. Kenya: Kenyan coffee is well-known and well-liked, both in the United States and Europe. The beans produce a sharp, fruity acidity, combined with a full body and rich fragrance. Coffee is grown on the foothills of Mount Kenya, often by small farmers. Kenyan producers place an emphasis on quality and as a result, processing and drying procedures are carefully controlled and monitored. Kenya has its own unique grading system. Kenyan AA is the largest bean in a 10-size grading system, and AA+ means that it was estate-grown. West Africa Ivory >>Read more
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Are there any disasters my property insurance won’t cover?

Yes. Floods, earthquakes and acts of terrorism are generally not covered. Protection against flood damage Property insurance policies usually exclude coverage for flood damage. Find out from your local government office or your commercial bank whether your business is located in a flood zone. Also ask around to find out whether your location has been flooded in the past. Government projects to map flood zones may be slow to keep up with new developments. If you need to buy a flood insurance policy, contact your insurance agent or the National Flood Insurance Program. For more information about this program call 888-CALL-FLOOD. The federal government requires buildings in flood zones that don’t conform to flood plain building codes to be torn down if damage exceeds 50 percent of the market value. Consider purchasing “ordinance or law” coverage to help pay for the extra costs of tearing down the structure and rebuilding it. If your policy contains a coinsurance clause, make sure your property is sufficiently insured to comply with the clause. Protection against earthquake damage Coverage for earthquake damage is excluded in most property insurance policies, including homeowners and business owners package policies. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, you’ll need a special earthquake insurance policy or commercial property earthquake endorsement. Earthquake policies have a different kind of deductible — a percentage of coverage rather than a straight dollar amount. If the building is insured for $100,000, with a 5% deductible, for example, in the event of an earthquake, your business would be responsible for the first $5,000 in damage. Remember that business interruption insurance, which reimburses you for lost income during a shutdown, applies only to causes of damage covered under your business property insurance policy. If your business premises are shut down due to earthquake damage, you’ll need to have earthquake coverage to make a claim under a business interruption policy. Protection against terrorist attack losses Under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, only businesses that purchase optional terrorism coverage are covered for losses arising from terrorist acts. The exception is workers compensation, which covers injuries and deaths due to acts of terrorism.
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5 arguments in favor of adding beaker bongs to your stoner collection

In addition to providing a cooler, smoother smoking experience, bongs are highly regarded for their capacity to eliminate pollutants, resulting in a cleaner and all-around more enjoyable smoking session. There are too many different bong shapes and designs to choose from, then, how to decide which bong to try out next? The composition of a bong Let’s first take a look at the bong’s anatomy before we examine the advantages of the beaker bong. There are five essential parts to a bong: The Bowl: The dry marijuana is placed and ignited in this bulbous, larger area of the bong. The Carb is often known as a “carburetor,” and it is a hole through which smoke may be removed from a bong’s chamber. The downstem: The smoke passes from the bowl to the base through the downstem, a little tube, and then it percolates into the water. The Tube: The smoke that has been filtered via the water fills the chamber of the tube. The base: The bong’s base, which may be found in a variety of forms, is its base. A beaker bong’s base is easily recognized and serves as a water chamber through which the smoke is passed. A beaker bong: what is it? Now that you understand the fundamentals, let’s examine the beaker bong in more detail. A beaker bong resembles a piece of science lab gear in every way. The conical flask-shaped base of this bong has several advantages for the user apart from enhancing its geeky look. Beaker bongs: Why every stoner needs one A sturdy, reliable structure The beaker bong is more stable because of its broad footprint. The base of the beaker bong is far more robust than the bases of many other bong designs, which means that it can survive flailing elbows or arms, resulting in less spillage and less cleanup. This piece’s sturdy bottom makes it ideal for daily usage. Additionally, the broader base will produce a lot of smoke, speeding up your hit. A hit or pull with better taste An excellent technique to improve the flavor of your plants is to use a beaker bong. The basic explanation for this is that the beaker bong’s broader base contains more smoke, giving you a generous dose and eventually a stronger high. Better cooling resulted from more water Any bong enthusiast will tell you that higher filtering results from using more water. The beaker bong has more surface area and can hold more water, which results in a cooler, smoother, and tastier hit than some other bongs. Convenience This glassware is simple to use and simple to clean. A beaker bong is a terrific option for you if you want a bong that you can simply “grab and go.” All you have to do to relax after a hard day is take your beaker bong, find a comfortable spot, and get high. With no mess or hassle. You get more from a bong than simply a smoother, cooler, and better-tasting hit. Most bong enthusiasts think that smoking from bongs is also healthy. The good news for all bong enthusiasts is that some researchers have established this to be accurate. It is believed that up to 90% of the dangerous cancer-causing chemicals produced while burning any material are captured by the water in the bong. A decrease in the number of pollutants you are breathing in can only be a beneficial thing as the water traps these dangerous compounds before they can enter your lungs. Bongs provide you with a cleaner hit by filtering out those unpleasant contaminants, but they also have additional advantages. The majority of smokers prefer the hit they get from a bong because it provides a better smoking experience. In addition to filtering the smoke, the water in the bong lowers the temperature of the smoke before it enters your mouth and lungs. Additional techniques to enhance the quality of your bong experience There are a few things you may do if you’re seeking additional strategies to improve your bong hits. Opt for a glass bong rather than a metal or plastic pipe. Smoking through plastic and metal can expose your lungs to harmful substances. This is due to the heat-induced release of toxic chemicals from plastic or metal. Although it may be tempting to choose a plastic bong that is less expensive, you will subsequently thank yourself for investing in a glass bong. To enhance the quality of your smoking experience, you should also maintain the water in your bong clean and fresh. The flavor of your hit will be impacted by any chemicals in the water, some of which, like chlorine, might be harmful to breathe in. You should always maintain your bong clean before each usage because of this. Glassware to improve the session should be available to every serious smoker. Why not treat yourself to a beaker bong so that you may experience the better sweet, smooth, and cool hit for yourself? Take advantage of our deal.
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