Florida Tobacco Shop Releases a Guide to Understanding the Anatomy of a Cigar – PR Web

The cigar making process begins when plants are started indoors where they spend from eight to 10 weeks germinating. Replanted in fields, plants develop for several months which gives them time to mature and develop their signature aromas.

DORAL, Fla. (PRWEB) December 17, 2020

Florida Tobacco Shop has announced the release of their most recent article: Understanding the Anatomy of a Cigar. The article breaks down the components and origin of cigars.

According to the Florida Tobacco Shop, The cigar making process begins when plants are started indoors where they spend from eight to 10 weeks germinating. Replanted in fields, plants develop for several months which gives them time to mature and develop their signature aromas.

The article provides thorough insight on the processing and stripping so one can get a sense of what goes into their cigar.

To learn more about the anatomy of a cigar use, view the article here.

About Florida Tobacco Shop:

FloridaTobaccoShop.com is an online retail store with years of experience in the tobacco industry, our main goal is to provide our clients with the lowest prices, and best service possible. We carry all major brands like Swisher Sweets, Black & Mild, White Owl, Wrangler, and much more. We also specialize in Little Cigars and Filtered Cigars as well as Cigarette Papers. We ship via USPS and UPS to all states including Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Alaska.

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Florida Tobacco Shop Releases a Guide to Understanding the Anatomy of a Cigar - PR Web

Greys Anatomy: Is Meredith Dead? Executive Producers Weigh In (Exclusive) – Yahoo Entertainment

After the season 17 winter finale, in which Meredith Greys COVID battle took a turn, fans are worried she may not make it. ET speaks with executive producers Ander Reaser and Meg Marinis to learn more about Merediths fate, when Patrick Dempsey will return again and if the long-running medical drama is coming to an end.

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Greys Anatomy: Is Meredith Dead? Executive Producers Weigh In (Exclusive) - Yahoo Entertainment

Swamp Thing 109 Review: The Anatomy Lesson – Cape & Castle

I cant believe were rearing up on the season (series) finale. Just one episode to go. Even when this first came out, I believed it deserved a second season and more beyond that. I still believe that. With all of the buzzing on social media about its time on The CW, its apparent Im not the only one. Now, with the show nearing its finale, will there be more? Thats still a mystery.Last week on Swamp Thing (review here), Abby tried to search for answers but only found trouble at the CDC. Her resources were yanked out from under her, including her best friend, Harlan. Averys fight for survival out in the swamp brought painful memories to the surface and he came face to face with Swamp Thing. Though promises were made, they were also broken.This week, Abby turned to Liz for help in finding Alec/Swamp Thing. Daniel stepped up to take on the role of the true Blue Devil. Woodrue completely lost himself in his obsession.

Lets review!

Abby surprised Liz with her return but it was a short welcome. Immediately, Abby asked for her help with finding and rescuing Swamp Thing/Alec from Woodrues clutches. While it seemed crazy to ask, Liz reminded Abby that she will always be at her side. I absolutely love that about Liz. No matter the amount of crazy or danger, like Abby, she will do anything to help people. Those two are like two peas in a pod. Make that three when you add Harlan, and I totally am because Im not giving up on his being suddenly kidnapped in dark of the night.

The two wound up visiting Woodrues home only to meet his wife whose Alzheimers is even worse than before. The determination and teamwork between Abby and Liz really make my feminist heart swoon. Woman power at its finest, you guys. Nothing is standing in their way of finding Swamp Thing and getting ot the bottom of the Sunderlands dirty business. However, I wish they wouldve called somebody to stay with Mrs. Woodrue so she wasnt by herself after they left her house.

Swamp Thing 109 The Anatomy Lesson via TSR

After finding and saving Alec/Swamp Thing, Abby refused to leave his side as they followed him back to the place where he died. Liz couldnt go on, but Abby remained and saw him bring his own body from the water, proving once and for all that Alec is dead. What remains is this new form of Alec: Swamp Thing. Hell never return to his human form. While it is heartbreaking for Abby, it also settled her fight to save Alec and focus on the danger Marais is in because of the Rot. Yeah, thats still out there!

Swamp Thing 109 The Anatomy Lesson via ComingSoon.net

Daniel was still being held in the hospital, but after the Phantom Stranger paid him a visit and showed him a vision of Abby and Liz being shot to death trying to save Swamp Thing/Alec, he wasnt staying any longer. It was time to officially jump in the fray. This wasnt just some attempt to get out of Marais either. This was his friends in danger. While its been a hot second since hes been onscreen, Im thrilled to see him jump back into action.

Getting to see the Blue Devil blaze to life was phenomenal. Granted, Daniel questioned himself but ultimately took it on, determined to get it right this time. Luckily, he made it in time and managed to save Abby and Liz, giving them the chance they needed to get to Swamp Thing/Alec.

Swamp Thing 109 The Anatomy Lesson via TSR

The grand entrance of the Blue Devil was utterly spectacular. From the scene of him taking on a room full of militant mercenaries down to his look with the horns and his devastating, fiery powers. The build-up of Daniels character from his backstory to his destiny was more than worthwhile just for this. Sure, the full size, smurf blue demon came out a lot different and a little scarier than his traditional comic self, but coming to life, he looked amazing. Hellish and badass!

Swamp Thing 109 The Anatomy Lesson via Hypable

Woodrues greatest dream just came true. He found the specimen of a lifetime by capturing Swamp Thing/Alec. With Averys discretion at a secret Sunderland facility, he got the chance to study Swamp Thing as if he werent a living thing, but just another test subject thats a means to advance his career. His intensity about this shows just how much hes truly forgotten about his wifes condition, so this is no longer for her.

As he went about the autopsy, he discovered organs inside but pointed out that they dont do anything. These bits of Swamp Thing are bits that kept him tied to his human self, Alec Holland, from before. Its the part of Swamp Thing that still believed he could go back to being a man, that a part of him still was. It didnt move Woodrue to consider stopping his procedure but only encouraged him more. Me, however? My heart broke for him and Abby. Hes still trying to figure out who and what he is and this was brutal.

Swamp Thing 109 The Anatomy Lesson via IMDb

Avery surprised Maria this week by getting her sent to the Barclay Institution, a mental hospital, and fully taking over the project with Woodrue, the accelerant, and Swamp Thing. With her committed, that left him in charge of her money too. She definitely needed to be put into a loony bin, but it still left a bad taste in my mouth. Maria, as dastardly and unforgiving as she is, has more of a level head about business and morals than Avery does. Avery needs put away too. Hopefully, hell be next! The man is dangerous and has no regard for anybody when it comes to getting something he wants and he wants Swamp Thing.

What did you think of the latest episode? Lets chat in the comments below and dont forget to follow us @capeandcastle on Twitter to keep up with other shows you love.

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Swamp Thing 109 Review: The Anatomy Lesson - Cape & Castle

UPMC surgeon chosen as editor for section of Gray’s Anatomy – the book, not the TV show – NorthcentralPa.com

Williamsport, Pa. Jasneet Bhullar, MD, MS, FACS, FASCRS, a colorectal surgeon at UPMC Williamsport, received the distinct honor of being a section editor of Grays Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice.

Grays Anatomy is one of the most distinguished and essential medical texts its like the Bible for medical school students around the world, said Dr. Bhullar.

When I was in medical school, I never thought that someday I would be honored to be the editor, and then two years ago, I got the call to be the editor for the colorectal section. The editors are world-renowned experts in their fields. Many evenings, weekends, and hours later, and my name is now featured alongside some of the most well-known and influential physicians and surgeons in the world. Im honored to be selected and hope my contributions will be influential for future generations of medical providers like my niece, Ryba, who looks forward to joining medical school she asked for an autographed copy.

In the most recent edition, Dr. Bhullar is featured alongside healthcare experts from major medical institutions and academic centers from the U.S. and around the world. He credits the support of UPMC and his colleagues in helping make this dream come true.

While my name appears in the text, the thousands of hours of work leading up to this point would not have been possible without the support of my wife Suman Bhullar, my family, everyone involved in my research, my colleagues, and the leadership team here at UPMC in the Susquehanna region. My hopes are that this opportunity not only recognizes my individual contributions, but also the level of skill and quality of physicians and surgeons who choose to practice in smaller towns across the nation, like those of us here in northcentral Pennsylvania, added Dr. Bhullar.

Dr. Bhullar has vast surgical experience as a colorectal surgeon providing both surgical and non-surgical treatments for hemorrhoids, pelvic floor disorders, fecal incontinence, colon and rectal cancer, and other complex issues of the colon and rectal system. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and an appointed member of professional outreach committee of the American Society of Colorectal Surgeons (ASCRS), and the international committees of Society for Surgery of Alimentary Tract (SSAT) and Pelvic Floor Consortium.

Dr. Bhullar sees patients at UPMC General Surgery, 740 High Street, Suite 1003, Williamsport. To schedule an appointment, call (570) 321-3160.

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UPMC surgeon chosen as editor for section of Gray's Anatomy - the book, not the TV show - NorthcentralPa.com

How Well Are Grey’s Anatomy, This Is Us, Chicago Med and More Handling COVID Storylines? – Paste – Paste Magazine

To use one of social medias favorite catch phrases, I dont know what TV show needs to hear this but you dont have to include COVID-19 in your story telling. Seriously. You dont. You shouldnt, even. We beg of you.

A funny thing has happened as network shows returned to productionthey forgot that viewers turn to TV as their escape. Instead, writers seemed to have this compulsive need to include the global pandemic in their storytelling. The results have ranged from beautifully poetic to horrible to why, just why? Mostly its resulted in masks as an accessory, casually flung over the ear or dangling from the chin. Or even worse, clunky dialogue that tries to justify why characters are behaving in ways they shouldnt. More often than not, the inconsistent way series are treating COVID leads us to wonder, why arent they wearing a mask? Is that too many people for an indoor gathering? Shouldnt they be using hand sanitizer? Are they letting someone into their home who is not in their bubble? At best, these pandemic faux pas take us out of the storytelling immediately. At worst, they are portraying to their viewers that mask wearing and other social distancing measures arent important.

To try to make sense of what is happening, weve ranked nine of the most high-profile network shows on a scale of 0 (worst) to 5 (best) masked emojis.

Network: ABC Rating:

This ABC mystery started out with a jaw-dropping premiere moment. But there was something we just couldnt escape. Every so often the characters would oh-so-casually reference the pandemic. But no one was wearing masks or social distancing. People were eating in restaurants and going into offices and dancing cheek-to-cheek with strangers. In the most recent episode, a store owner references that shes running a COVID special and that her merchandise is being sold at a discount. But she doesnt have a mask on. The customer doesnt have a mask on. WHAT IS HAPPENING? Does everyone in town think the pandemic is a hoax? There is absolutely no reason for this series to reference the pandemic at all. Having an occasional throwaway line about it is just truly bizarre.

Network: NBC Rating:

Unlike Blue Sky, there actually is a reason for this medical drama to portray the greatest health crisis of our time. But there are doing it so peculiarly. Half the hospital seems to be enmeshed in COVID-related cases while the rest of the characters apparently exist in a parallel universe where COVID is not a thing. Doctors and nurses greet patients without masks or gloves. A patient came in from prison and was treated without masks and gloves. And when they are wearing masks they arent even wearing the N95 ones. Family memberslots of themare allowed into the hospital where they can discuss their loved ones care. I spend more time trying to understand the incongruent ways the characters are behaving than actually paying attention to the plot.

Network: NBC Rating:

UUGGHHH. Our hero Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) is interviewing witnesses and interrogating perps with no mask. Everyone is walking around the station like things are normal except for the occasional mention (again, why mention it if you arent going to actually address it?) The season kicked off with a page ripped from the headlines as a Black man is confronted by an unhinged woman in a park, and the episode forced Olivia to confront how embedded systematic racism is even with someone like her who considers herself an ally. The series is much better poised to take on police reform than the global pandemic. The way the characters were behaving was infuriating.

Network: NBC Rating:

This is the one that upsets me the most. The show should have existed in a non-COVID parallel universe. This is Us has always been geographical challenged and truth-adjacent when it comes to the time space continuum. Before they moved, Randall (Sterling K. Brown) regularly drove from Alpine, New Jersey to Philadelphiaa trip that is easily two hours one way without traffic. This is a family that treats flying across the country like they are just going to the store for the gallon of milk they forgot to buy. Their cross-country jettisoning isnt possible in a COVID world. In the season premiere, they rented an RV and drove from California to Pennsylvania. That isnt able to happen every week though, which has led to way too much action on the show being via phone conversations. Since this is a series that bounces back and forth with time and constantly plants little hints, using previously filmed footage also presents a problem as none of the old footage has the characters in masks. The extended Pearson clan has an extremely casual relationship with mask wearing and social distancing. Sometimes they remember. Sometimes they dont. Heres hoping when they return in 2021, COVID is a thing of the past in the Pearsons world.

Network: ABC Rating:

After kicking off the season with two stellar election-themed episodes, the long-running ABC comedy ran two pandemic-themed episodes thatwhile not exactly flowing narrativelyaddressed many of the issues families are dealing with. In Hero Pizza, Bow (Tracee Ellis Ross) works the front lines of the pandemic while lamenting she doesnt need applause from people at 7 p.m. She needs them to wear a mask and follow the rules. In Dre at Home Order, Dre (Anthony Anderson) balances work-related Zoom calls with remote learning, and has a very relatable meltdown when his grocery delivery contains knock-off Oreos. By the next episode, the show seemed to have moved on. Juniors (Marcus Scribner) girlfriend Olivia (Kaitlyn Nichol), who had been previously banned from even outdoor visits, was in the house. Dre was back in the office not wearing a mask. I would have thought the show had left the pandemic behind until Uncle Norman (Danny Glover) showed up for a visit touting his negative COVID test. And Bow, who had freaked out when Junior was even seeing Olivia outside, was telling Dre is was totally okay for his extended family to come stay with him.

Network: ABC Rating:

The Conners and its predecessor Roseanne have always been steeped in reality, so it makes sense that the comedy would show how the pandemic is affecting this family that was already struggling financially. And sure enough, the afghan masks the cast wore in this seasons promos were super cute. Darlene (Sara Gilbert) and Becky (Lecy Goranson) get a job at Wellman Plastic, the factory where their mom and aunt worked in the original series. But often, while at work, Darlene and Becky have their masks casually slung around their chin. And whats even worse, in order to move a plot forward, the show often employs awkward lines of dialogue to justify how the characters are behaving. Darlene invited her new boss Robin (Alexandra Billings) over for dinner which was apparently totally fine because theyve been strictly quarantining. (Should we start a drinking game every time a character mentions they are strictly quarantining?) Becky baptized her baby inside of a church where a lot of people werent wearing masks. The show is learning its not easy to tell stories when COVID is in the mix. It limits the narrative just like it limits our lives.

Network: ABC Rating:

This ABC medical drama chose the path of least resistance. They kicked off the season with two episodes (entitled Frontline, Part 1 and 2) devoted to the pandemic, especially the early days when the medical profession was scrambling to keep up with a virus no one yet understood. By the seasons third episode, star Freddie Highmore, who plays the titular character, came on to tell viewers that the episode portrays our hope for the futurea future where no one will have to wear a mask, or take other steps to stay safe from COVID. And with that the show moved onto more traditional storytelling. The series introduced a new round of surgical interns, and life on the show returned to normal. Its a little odd for a medical drama to sit this one out but it also frees the show up in its storytelling and frees the viewer up from having to worry about every scene where the characters arent wearing the appropriate PPE.

Network: NBC Rating:

Set in a Target-like big box store, the NBC comedy is the perfect series to show how the pandemic is affecting frontline workers. From the rush on toilet paper, to the rude customers, to the parking lots littered with masks and gloves, Superstore gets it. And they made us laugh. For the most part, the characters are always in masks and socially distancing. The plastic shields are up. They even managed to find a way to write off Amy (America Ferrera) and send her to corporate America while still being true to what was happening in the real world.

Network: ABC Rating:

Thats right. I know I said the scale only went to five but you know what? Greys Anatomy is the only show not only perfectly poised to take on the pandemic but also the only show doing it completely right. So they get double points. My list. My rules. Except for a blip in the premiere that used footage filmed last spring, the doctors are always in full PPE. Family members discuss care over FaceTime. The doctors are regularly tested. And COVID has personally affected Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) has been in a COVID-induced coma since the premiere, which has led to the return of not one but two beloved and deceased characters. Dr. Koracick (Greg Germann) tested positive and was quarantining at home until he had to be rushed to the hospital. Miranda (Chandra Wilson) moved her parents into an assisted living facility in Seattle only to see her mother get COVID and die. That devastating episode ended with a scroll of the names of some of the lives lost to this insidious virus. She deserves to be surrounded by love and family, Bailey laments.

In the closing voice over, Bailey says, Even in their deaths, they are not faceless. They are not nameless. They are more than statistics, more than co-morbid conditions or nursing home patients. They are sons, brothers and uncles who speak five languages and run restaurants: Wade Klein, 66. They are great grandfathers who love Broadway: Jacob Lappin, 92. They are baseball-loving nurses with an easy laugh: Dane Wilson, 45. They are the worlds greatest mothers and they are the most beloved wives: Elena Rose Bailey, 84. Honestly Im crying just writing these sentences. Each week the series reminds viewers that the virus isnt a hoax. That people are dying. Loved ones are dying. The show is educational and informative. That it can do all this while still being entertaining and having the supply room hook-ups that made the show famous is pure magic. And we could all use a little magic right now.

Amy Amatangelo, the TV Gal, is a Boston-based freelance writer, a member of the Television Critics Association and the Assistant TV Editor forPaste. She wasnt allowed to watch much TV as a child and now her parents have to live with this as her career. You can follow heron Twitter(@AmyTVGal).

For all the latest TV news, reviews, lists and features, follow @Paste_TV.

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How Well Are Grey's Anatomy, This Is Us, Chicago Med and More Handling COVID Storylines? - Paste - Paste Magazine

‘Grey’s Anatomy’: Isaiah Washington Shouldn’t Have Come Back to the Show, Fans Complain – Showbiz Cheat Sheet

The firing of Isaiah Washington, who portrayed Dr. Preston Burke on Greys Anatomy, was definitely dramatic.He was written off the show for referring to T.R. Knight, beloved character George OMalley, using a homophobic slur. ABC and Shonda Rhimes chose to dismiss the actor in season three due to his unacceptable behavior and discriminatory phrases.

RELATED: Why Kelly McCreary Thinks Greys Anatomy Could Go on Forever

Although according to a Washington Post, Washington allegedly apologized for using the homophobic slur. But then he openly denied the allegations during an interview on the Larry King Live show.

Undeniably Burkes role as head of cardiothoracic surgery was significant at the Seattle Grace Hospital. He was also romantically involved with Christina Yang, played by Sandra Oh. However, Washingtons behavior resulted in the end of his time on Greys Anatomy after three successful seasons in 2007.

The actors dramatic dismissal emerged in the plot as Burke left his bride-to-be, Christina, at the altar on their wedding day. After his exit, Greys Anatomy hardly mentioned Burke in proceeding episodes. Although an executive working at the ABC commented in a New York Times interview that his behavior would not necessitate a dismissal, too much pressure caused his subsequent firing and indefinite dismissal.

RELATED: Merediths Daughter Looks Exactly Like Ellis Grey

As reported by Entertainment Weekly, Washington referenced Knight using a particular homophobic slur during a heated argument with Patrick Dempsey. The first alleged incident was behind the scenes, and he apologized for the insensitive comments on the fellow actor. However, Washington denies the incident occurring in all interviews.

During the Golden Globe Awards, while backstage with reporters, Washington referred to Knight again using the homophobic slur.He later apologized again and even advocated for gays right using a small PSA. The PSA, which defended GLADD, was even included in the return season of Greys Anatomy.

Later, Knight came out as gay. He commented during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres that the pressure was too much.Washingtons behavior was totally off, and fans were OK with his dismissal from the show. Greys Anatomys ugly chapter faded away only for Rhimes to bring back Burke in season 10.

GLAAD, the LGBTQ defense group, issued an official statement approving Washingtons return in season 10 of Greys Anatomy. Rhimes found his return intrinsic to reunite him with his ex-fiance, Yang, as she prepared to end her journey.

However, fans did not take his return lightheartedly. Most accused Rhimes of bringing back the controversial character. On Reddit, one fan commented that Washington should have never been brought back to the show after treating Knight in an inappropriate and discriminatory manner.

Although Washington has continuously supported the LGBTQ community over the years, fans havent forgiven him for his behavior. They were not appeased by his short return and his reunion with Christina. Despite Rhimes creating a storyline of how he started his own hospital and is married with children, fans found it nonsensical.

Even if many characters have exited the show over the years, Washington exit was definitely the nastiest. Fans immediately hated his character, and his return is a bit insensitive for Knight, who received the backlash. Regardless, its important to note that Washingtons view of the LGBTQ community may have changed. He may genuinely support them despite his discriminatory phrases in the past.

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'Grey's Anatomy': Isaiah Washington Shouldn't Have Come Back to the Show, Fans Complain - Showbiz Cheat Sheet

From Shark Tank to Grey’s Anatomy, shows that integrated Coronavirus pandemic into their storylines – Indulgexpress

Come hell or high water, the show must go on. The sentiment has never been truer than the current times; during the perilous times, weve faced in 2020. The only thing that has kept us going are the glorious TV shows with a much-needed medium to escape the humdrum of daily life. To keep the momentum of entertainment going, the showrunners of these TV shows soldiered on despite all the restrictions, shooting fresh content for viewers to feast their eyes on. They also successfully managed to incorporate conversations around the pandemic into their storylines, offering audiences some reel characters enduring the same unprecedented trauma.

Here are 5 TV shows that perfectly took the current situation into their stride effortlessly. Binge watch them across Colors Infinity, Netflix, Comedy Central, Disney+Hotstar and Amazon Prime Video.

Businesses across the world have taken a hit due to the numerous restrictions and lockdowns imposed. These multimillionaires came back with the latest season of entrepreneurial reality TV series, Shark Tank, investing in innovative minds looking to change the world. The new socially distanced edition of the show featured the entire cast being tested and taking every precaution to ensure utmost safety. Adapting to the new normal, the show also featured pitches related to coronavirus, as it impacted the businesses theyve already invested in. Catch the newest season on Colors Infinity.

From the creators of the hit Netflix original Orange is the New Black, Social Distance was visualized, shot and released entirely during quarantine. Documenting the lives of couples, families and friends dealing with the fallout of lockdown, this wonderful TV series highlighted how technology has tied us all together during these trying times. The series also touched upon the Black Lives Matter movement and the death of George Floyd, making the show not only relatable, but socially relevant as well.

The final season of the beloved sitcom emphasized on the vitality of essential workers who are at the frontlines of dealing with the debilitating pandemic. From the panic induced hoarding of toilet paper to the anxiety that accompanies being out and about when the rest of the world is in lockdown, the series covers it all with their signature light hearted, goofy attitude. Witness the season finale on Comedy Central.

One of the most beautiful examples of storytelling, This is Us allows their viewers to experience the full spectrum of human emotions with their stirring depiction of the complexity of human relationships. With multiple storylines occurring at once, the show seamlessly incorporated the pandemic into their storyline portraying the trials faced people from all walks of life. The show details the lives of people dealing with big changes pregnancy, old age, and career changes while dealing with a global pandemic.

One of the longest-running medical dramas on prime television, Greys Anatomy has served audiences with decades of crisply crafted medical plotlines. The award-winning show kept it real as always by bringing coronavirus into their storyline, exploring the struggles healthcare workers are enduring while dealing with the dramatic influx of catastrophe around them. Theyve honoured essential workers and Covid patients in several of their episodes, for which theyve received appreciation across the board.

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From Shark Tank to Grey's Anatomy, shows that integrated Coronavirus pandemic into their storylines - Indulgexpress

Texas A&M Names Outstanding Student Award Winners – Texas A&M University Today

Texas A&M Universitys Office of the Provost and the LAUNCH program have honored four seniors with the 2020 Outstanding Student Awards.

In a virtual ceremony held on campus, Paige Rigsby of Houston and Uzair Waheed of College Station each won the Brown-Rudder Award and Mary-Catherine Clark of Temple received the Gates-Muller Award. Each are valued at $5,000.

A new award this year the Class of 80 Selfless Service Award was presented to Lauren Breazeale of McKinney. It is valued at $4,000.

LAUNCH provides high-impact educational experiences and challengesstudents in all academic disciplines to graduate from an enriched, demanding curriculum. The programs administered by the office bring together outstanding students and faculty to build a community of knowledge-producers, life-long learners, nationally-recognized scholars and world citizens.

The Outstanding Student Awards are the pinnacle award for graduating seniors at Texas A&M, said Sumana Datta, assistant provost, executive director of LAUNCH and professor of biochemistry and biophysics.

Based on more than academics, the Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Memorial Outstanding Student and the Robert Gates-Muller Family Outstanding Student awards recognize not just academic accomplishment, but just as importantly a depth of character demonstrated both publicly and privately, Datta said. The Class of 80 Selfless Service Award, given for the first time this year, recognizes one of Texas A&Ms core values and one for which our university and our students and former students are known for far and wide.

The Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Memorial Outstanding Student Award was established in 1970 as the highest honor bestowed upon a graduating senior at Texas A&M. No more than two Brown-Rudder awardees are selected at Texas A&M each year. The award honors two outstanding senior students who exemplify the leadership, patriotism, fortitude, courage, humility, love of Texas A&M, and willingness to uphold the principles for which the university stands as vividly exemplified by James Earl Rudder during his lifetime. Gen. Rudder, a World War II hero, served as president of Texas A&M from 1959 until 1970.

The Robert Gates-Muller Family Outstanding Student Award was established in 2007 through a gift from the Muller family of Galveston to provide public recognition to an outstanding senior graduating from Texas A&M who has demonstrated those qualities of leadership, patriotism, courage and service to country, school and nation clearly exemplified by Robert M. Gates. Gates served as president of Texas A&M university from 2002 until 2006 when he was named U.S. Secretary of Defense.

The Class of 80 Selfless Service Award was established in 2019 and awarded for the first time this year to recognize an outstanding senior who exemplifies the selfless service and readiness to serve at a moments notice. The award memorializes the Aggie value of selfless service.

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Texas A&M Names Outstanding Student Award Winners - Texas A&M University Today

Re: Covid-19: physiology is ignored in vitamin D’s role in treatment and prevention – The BMJ

Dear Editor

It appears that the decision makers advising the medical profession are ignorant of the physiology of D3 and have come up with advice on D3 supplementation that guarantees a large percentage of the UK population fail to reach even half-physiological serum 25(OH)D3. It bears repeating that D3 is not a drug whose lowest effective dose can be decided only by RCT. Rather, D3 is a pleiotropic hormone with a defined physiological serum level of pro-hormone 25(OH)D3. The physiological level was defined by researchers several years ago, and championed by the late Robert Heaney MD, whose work is summarised here https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07315724.2015.1039866 and in a lecture (Vitamin D, Sunshine, Optimal Health: Putting it all Together, 12/09/2014, University of California Television San Diego).

The physiological serum 25(OH)D3 is between 100 and 150 nmol/L. Adherence to advice from supposed expert panels has left the UK population with an annualised mean level of just under 50 nmol/L. Our innate immune system has evolved over 500 million years and is regulated epigenomically by D3: https://www3.uef.fi/documents/696977/913295/2019-12.pdf/56c69648-7e9f-48.... A strong argument can be made that sub-physiological D3 and impaired innate immunity is a driver of the pandemic.

I find, personally, that my serum 25 (OH)D3 reaches a physiological level of 140 nmol/L with a daily supplement of 4000 IU D3. The maximal, physiological rate of production by sunlight on skin is 10 to 20,000 IU pd

From a physiological perspective advising 400 IU pd has no basis in science.

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Re: Covid-19: physiology is ignored in vitamin D's role in treatment and prevention - The BMJ

Experts to share the lessons learnt from COVID-19 first wave – News-Medical.Net

Dec 18 2020

The Physiological Society and the Intensive Care Society have come together to host an exciting three-day virtual conference this week, which will review the challenges of understanding the pathophysiological changes occurring throughout the body following COVID-19 infection.

The conference will share current knowledge and thinking across many physiological systems, showcase the symbiotic relationship between physiology and critical care, and help set the agenda for research to identify future treatments and therapies.

Just one year ago, no one could have predicted that the world would be experiencing one of the largest pandemics in history, yet we near the end of 2020, with nearly 70 million cases and over 1.5 million deaths caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

This virus spreads rapidly through the population with consequences for all ages, and especially for those with underlying conditions, such as Type II diabetes.

In the body, there are far-reaching effects beyond the respiratory system, with neurological, cardiovascular, and renal damage prominent amongst the symptoms.

It became clear from an early stage that an understanding of the pathophysiology underlying organ system damage was critical to drive appropriate clinical intervention as dogma from previous pandemics was dismissed in many situations.

This conference, just one year on from the early cases reported in Wuhan, brings together the multi-professional intensive care community with physiologists and clinicians, who have been working symbiotically, to consider what lessons have been learned from the frontline of treatment and scientific discovery in controlling this pandemic.

It is unique in enabling the voices from physiology and intensive care to come together in discussing the challenges of identifying future therapies, the importance of rehabilitation and what questions remain unanswered.

Each session is focused on one organ system, with specialist talks leading into extended discussion from expert panel members. It is critical to consider manifestations during the various stages of infection, with an emphasis on the mechanisms underlying each of these.

Using clinical cases to illustrate and the methodological approaches such as imaging to inform on the extent of damage to the different organs, it is then possible to reflect on current treatments, those that have been discarded and those that show promise.

This conference is therefore of topical interest to the all intensive care professionals, physiologists, clinicians, and healthcare practitioners at all stages of their career to understand how we move forward in our understanding of diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients affected by such pandemics.

This fascinating meeting reflects to the close collaboration between physiologists and clinicians that was established to understand and battle the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath. It should of great interest to both the scientific and health care communities.

Professor Mike Tipton, University of Portsmouth, UK

The Physiological Societys Chair of Conferences Committee Professor Sue Deuchars, University of Leeds, UK:

This is a pertinent time, as we reach the peak of the second wave of the pandemic and the advent of the first vaccine, to consider what we have learnt from the numerous research papers, clinical case studies and unique discussions between physiologists and clinicians. The consideration of the many aspects of damage to different organ systems is critical to moving forward with treatment and rehabilitation.

Absolutely delighted to be collaborating with The Physiological Society to bring together both sides to understand the lessons learnt from the first wave. Physiologists have played an integral part in managing COVID- 19 and this truly showcases how important it is that we can reflect together to understand how to better care for our patients in the future.

Dr Stephen Webb, President, Intensive Care Society

Intensive Care Societys Conference Director and Intensive Care Consultant, Dr Steve Mathieu said:

Im really excited that the Intensive Care Society is collaborating with The Physiological Society. We are bringing experts in physiology together with health care professionals, scientists and researchers to help share knowledge and lessons learned about COVID. This will help us to improve our understanding of pathophysiology and how this can then be used to directly benefit our critically ill patients at the bedside.

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Experts to share the lessons learnt from COVID-19 first wave - News-Medical.Net