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HomeIndies
The Importance of the Sherri Martel Classic
Wrestlemania season is upon us, and as the world prepares to descend on Arlington, Texas, smaller federations are looking to capitalize on the influx of fans desperate for wrestling. In a weekend that sees Supercard of Honor, Part Six of Joey Janela's Spring Break on top of Mania itself, the April 2nd weekend is shaping up to be jam-packed.
Booker T's Reality Promotion is also getting in on the action. Late last year, the Texas promotion revealed its plans to host an all-women's tournament, the Sherri Martel Classic. With Wrestlemania 38 rapidly approaching, it has been confirmed that AQA, a recent ROW graduate who signed with AEW, will compete in the tournament on April 2nd in Irving, Texas.
As an AWA and WWF Women's Champion Sherri Martel was a wrestler and valet synonymous with the Hulkamania era and was responsible for some of its most memorable moments. Her name adds instant credibility to the tournament that bears her name. However, the usage of Martel's name is about more than his wrestling credentials. Sherri played a pivotal role in ROW founder Booker T's career, managing him and his brother Stevie Ray as part of Harlem Heat. Clearly, the classic is Booker's way of honoring Martel, who guided Booker through his early career.
This is a massive opportunity for all the women involved. You only have to look as far as the Mae Young classic to see how tournaments can turn women into stars. Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Marti Belle, and Deonna Purrazzo all appeared and made the most of their opportunity. The Sherri Martel Classic may provide the platform for female wrestlers that have been absent since 2018.
In addition, it's a terrific opportunity to acquire visibility during Wrestlemania. For that weekend, Arlington will be hosting the wrestling world. There will be a substantial international presence clambering for wrestlers. It is the perfect time for up-and-coming wrestlers to showcase their skills and impress fans outside their usual market. However, with this fervor comes added pressure. Athletes participating in the Sherri Martel Classic will definitely bring their A-game.
What are your thoughts on the Sherri Martel Classic? Who do you want to see? What promotions are you checking out on Mania weekend? Let us know. We love hearing from you.
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Sherri Martel
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Taya Valkyrie Talks About The Production Side Of Wrestling
Battle Slam Dream In 2023
PWG Reveals its Battle of Los Angeles Card
Q&A With NWA World Women's Champion Kamille


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Book Review: American English, Italian Chocolate
American English, Italian Chocolate
Small Subjects of Great Importance
by Rick Bailey
University of Nebraska Press
Biographies & Memoirs , Nonfiction (Adult)
Pub Date 01 Jul 2017
Archive Date 30 Jun 2017
I am reviewing a copy of American English, Italian Chocolate through University of Nebraska Press and Netgalley:
This book takes us on a journey in essays from the American Midwest where we get a glimpse into the life of a young boy, from Sunday afternoon car rides to Cook outs. At twelve he nearly has to attend boy scout camp but gets ringworm.
The essays deal with the coming of age story of the young boy, now adult. It deals with everything from first kisses to horseback riding.
The book blends in both his childhood and afterword, when he is married.
He talks about working at his Father's gas station when he was in high school.
In 1971 when he was in College pursuing a degree in public accounting one day he was driving his Volkswagen when a van hit him. He woke up in the hospital in traction. He stayed in the hospital for three weeks.
He goes on to talk about heart breaks.
In May 1974, at the age of twenty one he visits England for cultural enrichment.
He goes on to talk about visiting Italy shortly after he is married for the first time.
I give American English, Italian Chocolate five out of five stars!
Book Review: Voiceless
Voiceless Duology, #1
by E.G. Wilson
Atthis Arts, LLCz
Sci Fi & Fantasy , Teens & YA
I am reviewing a copy of Voiceless through At this Arts, LLC and Netgalley:
When Adelaide is thirteen Maunga Richards steals her voice. When her Mother asks her what's wrong she can't even answer her.
Addy is plunged into silence when Maunga (a high school bully) inflicts her with Von Pox an incurable disease that leaves her mute.
About a year and a half after she is infected with Vox Pox her brother is as well.
Will Addy and her brother be able to get their voice back?
I give Voiceless five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!!!
Book Review:Runaway
by Steve Simpson
TPower Publishing
Self-Help , Teens & YA
Pub Date 21 Apr 2017
Archive Date 07 Jul 2017
I am reviewing a copy of Runaway through Power Publishing and Netgalley:
Steve is abused his parents beat him if he goes down the stairs either to fast or to slow. He and his friend Bob decide they would be better off if they run away.
Bob is only fifteen and lives in his own apartment. His uncle wants nothing to do with him but says he brings a good profit.
Nancy lost her Mother, and her Father began drinking.
The children soon find comfort and hope in one another.
Book Review: The Samurai of Seville
The Samurai of Seville
by John J. Healey
Arcade Publishing
Archive Date 22 May 2017
I am reviewing a copy of the Samurai of Seville through Skyhorse Publishing and Netgalley:
This book takes us back in time to 1614, where 40 Japanese Samurai Sail to Spain. The majority of the Samurai spend two years there, but six stay behind, settling and growing roots.
Julian finds company with a woman that is not his wife.
Guada is assigned a plain looking girl as her handmaiden.
Shiro is one of the ones chosen to go to Spain.
Guada is Julian's wife. Her son and law and husband share the same mistress.
The sixth Samurai who stay behind settle in Coria Del Rio.
I give the Samurai of Seville five out of five stars!
Book Review: Auma's Long Run
Auma's Long Run
by Eucabeth Odhiambo
Lerner Publishing Group
Carolrhoda Books
Children's Fiction , Middle Grade
Pub Date 01 Sep 2017
Archive Date 15 Aug 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of Auma's Long Run through Lerner Publishing Group and Netgalley:
Auma was born face down, the midwife believed that she was dead. Everyone in Koromo believed that babies born face down wouldn't live to see the second day of life, but Auma proved them wrong.
No one remembered her learning to walk, Auma ran. But one day her legs start acting, she longs for running shoes. Not only is Auma the fastest runner in school but she excels in academics as well.
Soon people all over Kenya start dying without explanation. Auma does not dream of running though she dreams of being a doctor.
Some doctors are quick to say its Malaria, but Auma soon learns it is not Malaria but a new disease called AIDS.
Just a few months after her Baba comes home from work in the city, he too is dead from the new disease called AIDS.
Many men believe if they sleep with a virgin they will be cured, and while fetching water Auma is nearly raped.
Soon her Mother becomes ill as well and Auma has to quit school to help with the family.
I give Auma's Long Run five out of five stars!
Book Review: The World is Wrong
The World is Wrong
Power Publishing
I am reviewing a copy of The World is Wrong through the Power Publishing and Netgalley:
Kerri's father is always putting her down.
Steve continues to have bad dreams, and his friends are getting into stupid arguments.
Strange dreams, Aliens, abuse, hate. Five Children may fight to find their way in a world in which they face abuse.
I give The World is Wrong five out of five stars!
Archive Date 07 Jul 20
Book Review: Who Am I
I am reviewing a copy of Who Am I Through Power Publishing and Netgalley:
Theresa and her Mother endure physical and emotional abuse.
Eleven years later Theresa is in a foster home.
Steve has been remembering stuff from his childhood but they seem to be more like fantasies than real members.
I give Who Am I five out of five stars.
Book Review: Child's Island
Child's Island
I am reviewing a copy of Child's Island through Power Publishing and Netgalley:
Mike is trying to take over Kid Power, he already has Judy held hostage. Steve is trying to stop him.
After a battle Steve lays unconscious in a hospital room. A large bandage wrapped around his stomach and back.
Will they be able to make it safely to Child's Island?
Find out in Child's Island!
Book Review: Mischka's War
Mischka's War
A European Odyssey of the 1940s
by Sheila Fitzpatrick
Melbourne University Publishing
Melbourne University Press
Biographies & Memoirs , History
I am reviewing a copy of Mischka's War through Melbourne University Press and Netgalley:
Misha was born in Riga, Latvia in 1922. In 1940 Mischka had just finished school and started his first job at Riga's State Electrotechnical Factory.
Olga and Arpad Danos were married around 1920. Arpad sound success with a singing career until he lost his voice, then he lost both his singing career and his wealth. But in 1926 the family still had their wealth and was able for the family to spend a year in Italy.
On June.22.1941 Operation Barbosa was launched against the Soviet's.
Mary and Olga were pure ethnic Latvians, but they did not agree with the Nazi's persecution and acted accordingly. Mary hid Jews in her apartment and was arrested on March.18.1943.
All three of the Danos brothers were of call up age but none of them wanted to serve in the German army. Jan was the first one to get into real trouble he was called up in January 1943 and went into hiding for six months but was caught and imprisoned for six months. In February of 1944 he was released from prison and taken to the hospital where he was treated for Pleurisy.
Misha came before the mobilization commission on December.09.1943 he was temporararily excused At the end of April 1944 Misha set off to study in Germany.
Mischka married Helga in 1949.
I give Mischka's War five out of five stars!
Book Review:Illuminating Women in the Medieval World
Illuminating Women in the Medieval World
by Christine Sciacca
Arts & Photography , History
I am reviewing a copy of Illuminating Women in the Medieval World through Getty Publications Netgalley:
Almost nine hundred years ago in Medieval France Abelard and Heloise d' Argentueil became lovers engaged in an ill fated affair.
Although Women formed an integral part of the Medieval World records of their achievements are few.
At the age of twelve Hedwig of Selsia married the future Duke Henry of Selsia she raised seven children one who died in battle.
Numerous female saints served as Models for both Men and Women I'm the Medieval World.
Catherine of Alexandria was a learned woman who refused to worship paagan idols.
Margaret of York was well renowned for her small but lavish collection of books.
Hildegard of Bergen was a twelfth century mystic who was famous for the visions she wrote down and were eventually published.
Jeanne de Montabason was a Pakistan Book Seller and illuminator.
I give Illuminating Women in the Medieval World was five out of five stars.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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/ How can I get tested for the coronavirus? Can I get an at-home test for COVID-19? Which are the best tests? Are any tests free?
www.consumerlab.com/answers/how-and-where-to-get-tested-for-covid-19/covid-19-tests/
How can I get tested for the coronavirus? Can I get an at-home test for COVID-19? Which are the best tests? Are any tests free?
Home PCR Test Recall
Last Updated: 12/14/2022 Initially Posted: 05/09/2020
Before we get into specifics, let's start with a quick overview of the types of tests for coronavirus.
Types of COVID-19 Tests
There are basically two types of tests for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19:
Virus test
This test detects the virus (SARS-CoV-2) to help determine if you have a current infection. Although you can be infectious before showing any symptoms, the virus is best detected during the first week of symptoms (which is about two weeks after becoming infected from exposure) (Sethuraman, JAMA 2020).
There are two type of virus tests: the PCR and antigen test. Early in the pandemic, both tests had to be performed in a laboratory or clinic with special rapid, portable machines, but rapid, home-based PCR and antigen tests have become available. There are also at-home sampling kits by which you can collect your own sample and drop it off or mail it to a lab, which will report PCR results back to you.
Virus tests are typically done by collecting a sample of mucous from a nose swab (typically from the nasopharynx or nostril) or saliva or oral swabs. There is some evidence that virus detection may be better with samples from saliva or the mouth or throat (Blythe, medRxiv 2021 — preprint; Wyllie, Correspondence in JAMA, 2020), but most tests (and all antigen tests) authorized for use in the U.S. rely on samples from the nose and the FDA has advised against using antigen tests designed for the nose to be used in the mouth. Nevertheless, a study in the Netherlands, showed that an antigen test (BD Veritor) was able to detect about 20% more positive cases using samples collected first from the throat (around the tonsils) and then from the nose than with samples just from the nose. The combined samples were also used on Roche's SD Biosensor (aka COVI9-19 At-Home Test) antigen test which was even more accurate than BD Veritor (Zwart, medRxiv 2022 -- preprint). (Interestingly, one antigen test in the UK utilizes a swab of the throat (tonsils) that is then used to swab one nostril.) An apparent benefit of sampling from the throat is that the virus appears at higher levels there about a day earlier than in the nose, although levels then rise higher in the nose and remain higher there for a longer period, as shown in a study of people in the UK given COVID-19 by being infected with virus in their nose (Killingly, In Review 2022 -- preprint). Using only a swab from the inside of the check, however, was shown to identify only 2 positive cases out of 22 that were positive with nostril swabs in a small study that used the Abbott BinaxNow antigen test (Schrom, medRxiv 2022 — preprint).
The PCR test uses a technique that amplifies genetic material (RNA) from the virus. This can take as little as a few minutes or several hours. The FDA has authorized at-home sampling kits with which you can collect your own sample and drop it off or mail it to a lab, which will report the results back to you. It has also authorized at-home PCR tests that take about 20 to 60 minutes. Home PCR tests are more expensive than home antigen tests but may detect infections earlier than antigen tests. (Sign in to see our reviews of home PCR tests from Cue, Detect, and Lucira, and to see our Top Pick among these.)
Update (12/14/22): Certain lots of an over-the-counter PCR COVID test were recalled due to an increased chance that the tests may yield false negative results. Sign in for details.
An analysis of tests performed among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients at Vanderbilt University Medical Center showed that the proportion of samples testing positive on PCR tests were twice as high at 2 pm than in the morning, decreasing later in the afternoon and evening. Researchers proposed this may indicate that test accuracy varies by time of day and could have public health implications (McNaughton, medRxiv 2021 -- preprint).
Update: In addition to the many commercial PCR tests that have received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA, the CDC has been producing its own, FDA-authorized, PCR test. More recently, the CDC developed a newer test that can simultaneously test for and distinguish between COVID, influenza A and influenza B, and, as of January 1, 2022, it will withdraw the older test. Sign in to find out why.
The antigen test identifies a protein (or "antigen") that is specifically found on the virus. Advantages of the antigen test are that it can provide results in as little as 15 minutes and can be produced at lower cost, lending itself to wider use in screening. In addition, only a nasal swab is needed from the nostrils, not a much deeper, nasopharyngeal swab. The downside with antigen tests is that they are more likely to provide a false negative result than a gene amplification test; that is, it's more likely to identify your sample as negative when you are actually positive. Consequently, negative results from an antigen test should be repeated within three days, but at least 36 hours later (or confirmed with a PCR test) for people who are at high-risk of infection — but a positive antigen result is highly likely to be accurate. False negatives may also occur with emerging viral variants, if the variants have significant mutations of the target antigen. However, most popular antigen tests in the U.S. target nucleocapsid antigen, which is still present in variants such as Delta and Omicron. Be aware of a common mistake made when reading rapid home antigen tests and that one of the chemicals in these tests can cause skin irritation and other symptoms if mishandled.
Sign in for details about benefits and limitations of rapid antigen testing for the Omicron variant and find out how likely are you to still be contagious if you test positive on a rapid antigen test after a 5-day isolation.
Be aware that one of the chemicals home antigen tests can cause skin irritation and other symptoms if mishandled.
Several home antigen tests have been authorized by the FDA and are available, such as Abbott BinaxNow Self Test, BD Veritor, Celltrion DiaTrust COVID-19 Ag Home Test, CLINITEST, Flowflex, iHealth, INDICAID COVID-19 Rapid Antigen At-Home Tests, InteliSwab, On/Go (AccessBio CareStart), Roche At-Home, and Quidel QuickVue. However, there important differences in the accuracy of these tests, their shelf-lives and stability in freezing temperatures, and their cost. Also, versions of some of these tests have been recalled. [Sign in for our comparison of antigen tests and our Top Picks.]
This test detects antibodies to the virus and requires blood — either a drop or a vial — to determine if you have been infected in the past and have developed some level of immunity. This test (also called a serology test) can be run in a laboratory or on a test strip, although even test strips must be used in an authorized facility, not at home.
As it takes time to develop antibodies that can be detected, antibody tests are most accurate when performed at least 20 days after the first disease symptoms and may be most accurate (in terms of not missing antibodies that are present) 4 months or longer after a positive virus test. This was shown in study of 486 COVID patients in California in which the likelihood of a positive antibody (IgG) test result increased with time after a positive virus test. Antibody tests were most accurate (~80%) among those ages 40 to 59 years and least accurate (~65%) among those 70+ or under 40. The tests were more accurate for men than women (79% vs 72%) (Vashisht, JAMA Netw Open 2021).
Tests focus on levels of the antibody IgG, which persists without much decline for several weeks, but may include levels of IgM which fall off more rapidly (Sethuraman, JAMA 2020). These tests look for antibodies to specific parts of the virus, namely its spike proteins (proteins on the outside of the virus that can bind to receptors on human cells) or nucleocapsid proteins (proteins inside the virus). An advantage to testing for antibodies to the nucleocapsid is that these antibodies can be easier to detect, however, antibodies to the spike proteins are believed to be more important in conferring immunity against the virus, as these antibodies may block viral entry into cells — although antibodies to nucleocapsid proteins may still serve as proxies for immunity. See Finding the Best COVID-19 Test — Antibody Test to learn which marketed tests target each protein.
Although it is not recommended that antibody tests be relied upon to determine the effectiveness of vaccines, be aware that only tests that focus on antibodies to spike protein would be useful for this purpose because the authorized vaccines generate antibodies only to spike proteins. A negative result on a nucleocapsid antibody test provides no information about the effectiveness of a vaccine although it would suggest that a person has not had COVD-19. The list of authorized antibody tests below indicates whether a test focuses on spike, nucleocapsid, or both types of proteins.
If, at some point, tests for spike protein antibodies are indicated for assessing antibody response to COVID-19 vaccines, those that provide a quantitative or semi-quantitative measurement, will be more useful than those that provide only a yes/no answer. Sign in for more information about antibody tests that focus on the spike protein and are semi-quantitative, including one that is available from a major U.S. laboratory.
Note: Avoid taking large doses — 10,000 mcg or more — of biotin (a B vitamin) for several days before an antibody test, as biotin may skew results.
Sign in to learn which tests may be affected by biotin.
Another way our bodies fight the virus is with T cells. Preliminary research suggests that even if antibody levels are too low to be detected, people previously infected with the virus may produce enough T cell response to provide immunity (Sekine, MediRxiv 2020). However, currently authorized tests do not measure this type of immunity, and one should still apply distancing and health precautions regardless of test results.
Some labs may provide you with an index value that reflects the strength of the antibody signal produced from your test. Higher antibody levels generate higher signals and higher index values. The interpretation of these index values depends on the test used. For example, for a particular test the cut-offs could be "less than 1.01" for negative, "1.01 to less than 1.21" for indeterminate, and "greater than or equal to 1.21" for positive (Theel, J Clin Microbio 2020). Or, there could just be a single cut-off index value of, say, 1.40 for positive, with anything below being negative (Example: Abbott Alinity -- https://www.fda.gov/media/137910/download). If you would like to know your index value, be sure to check that the lab you use provides the value.
Who is checking these tests?
To speed the availability of tests, rather than put these through its normal approval process, the FDA has provided a special emergency use allowance (EUA) for tests that, although imperfect, may be useful at this time. So there are actually no FDA "approved" SARS-CoV-2 virus tests, but a list of "FDA authorized" tests. The FDA allowances are based on data submitted by the test manufacturers, but the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other government laboratories are now conducting independent tests of these tests and the FDA has been making the results public (see results in the Finding the Best COVID-19 Test section and watch for further announcements in our newsletter.)
Several other organizations around the world have been testing the test and/or certifying virus and antibody tests. The European Union's has been certifying tests, conferring on them its CE (Conformité Européenne) mark, and the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has been doing the same. Researchers in California, Denmark, and elsewhere have been testing the antibody tests.
Be aware that in June 2020 the FDA warned consumers about at-home antibody tests being sold without FDA clearance or approval and issued warning letters to three companies selling these tests. Some of these tests were falsely labeled as FDA approved. [Update (August 19, 2020): The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that CLIA- certified laboratories are no longer required to notify the FDA, nor request its authorization, for tests they develop in-house. It is not clear what information about such tests will be maintained or published. This change could allow for novel tests to become available more quickly but eliminates oversight by the FDA, creating more of a buyer-beware situation. Labs may, voluntarily, still choose to apply to the FDA, and the FDA will continue to publish information about tests submitted this way. If in doubt, ask your doctor or lab if the test you are considering is authorized for use by the FDA. (Links to the FDA information are provided in the Finding the Best COVID-19 Test section.
Where to Get COVID-19 Tests
To date, the FDA has permitted the use of over 90 virus tests. The vast majority must be performed on a sample collected in a medical setting, such as in a doctor's office, a diagnostic laboratory, or a drive-through facility, but the FDA has also begun authorizing at-home sample collection tests for the virus.
Local testing (often free)
Although you can ask your doctor for a virus test, you may be able to arrange to get a virus test for free from your state or local government. You can also go to a diagnostic laboratory or testing center, including some pharmacies. The test may be covered by your insurance or the government based on an assessment of your risk level. Here are some examples of testing programs around the country.
Project Baseline works with community based screening programs in locations in several states to offer free virus testing. You must fill out an online questionnaire and be accepted. You will then be given an appointment at local testing center where a sample will be collected with a self-nasal swab or a nasopharyngeal swab. The project is sponsored by the parent company of Google through its health unit, Verily, and a Google email account is needed to complete questionnaire online.
Rite Aid Pharmacies in some locations are participating in Project Baseline, providing testing at no cost to anyone 18+ years of age.
CVS (including MinuteClinic and HealthHUB) had originally offered drive-up, rapid testing using the Abbott ID NOW system, a small, portable device that yields results in 13 minutes or less. Unfortunately, this system was been reported to yield a high percentage of false negative results due to lower sensitivity than other systems. That is, a negative result may need to be confirmed using another test (Basu, bioRxiv 2020 preprint). (For more details, see Finding the Best COVID-19 Test, below). Virus testing is still offered, but specimens are now sent to independent, third-party labs for processing, and test results are available in approximately three to four days.
Walgreens offers drive-up testing in which you perform your own nasal swab. You sample is sent to a laboratory and you are notified by email or phone when results are available. (Originally results were promised within 24 hours).
Kroger Health offers public drive-thru and walk-up COVID-19 testing.
At-home tests
The FDA has authorized several fully self-administered virus tests (providing rapid results) or test kits (to be sent into a lab) for use at home. Currently, two of these (Abbott BinaxNOW Antigen Self-Test and Quidel QuickVue) can be purchased at pharmacies and take about 15 minutes. Note that these will not provide you with a digital pass for events, airlines, or restaurants. Another version of the BinaxNOW Antigen test (the "home" version) provides a digital Navica pass, but this test must be purchased online (at about twice the cost) and many venues may not accept the digital pass.
Update: On October 1, 2021, 200,000 test kits of another COVID-19 home test were recalled due to a manufacturing defect causing false positive results (i.e., indicating that someone has COVID-19 when they do not). For details, including what to do if you've used this home test, sign in to the full answer, which also includes details about four other currently available at-home tests.
Update: Since the end of January 2022, people living in the U.S. (including U.S. Territories or those with overseas military and diplomatic addresses, i.e., APO/FPO/DPO) have been eligible to order limited quantities of free at-home antigen tests through www.covidtests.gov. However, orders can only be placed through September 2, 2022, after which the program will be suspended due to a lack of funding.
As with virus tests, many laboratories have received FDA approval to conduct antibody tests, some of which are very accurate. Although the FDA has not approved or authorized rapid, home tests for antibodies, many such tests are available in other parts of the world and some have been sold in the U.S. The FDA has authorized one rapid antibody test for use at point-of-care settings, i.e., non-laboratory medical settings such as in medical offices and pharmacies.
Through a local healthcare provider
Your healthcare provider can arrange for you to get an antibody test if deemed appropriate. Blood would be drawn either by your provider or at nearby diagnostic laboratory. Similarly, many walk-in, urgent care centers can arrange for you to have the test, for a fee, which may be covered by your insurance. The samples are typically sent to a commercial laboratory, so results can take a few days.
Consumer-initiated testing
Be aware than in many cases, the cost of antibody tests may be covered by insurance if ordered by your physician or health care provider. Some labs will require payment for consumer-initiated tests, while others will bill your insurance. Be sure to check the payment policy of the lab you plan to use if requesting your own test. You can also check if your insurance company covers COVID-19 testing. Medicare often covers the full cost of COVID-19 virus and antibody tests. If you are uninsured, health care providers can submit a claim to have virus and antibody tests covered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.
QuestDirect allows consumers to request a COVID-19 IgG antibody test and pay for it online ($119 plus a $10.30 physician oversight fee). An appointment is made for a blood draw at one of Quest Diagnostics 2,200 patient service centers and test results are available online one to two days later. Interested consumers must not have experienced symptoms of COVID-19 for at least 10 days. Quest has stated that the testing will initially rely on antibody tests run on the Abbott Architect and EUROIMMUN systems.
Labcorp also allows consumers to request a test directly through its website. According to the website, there is no up-front out-of-pocket cost for consumer initiated tests, but you will be charged a $10 fee for physician oversight services (there is no physician oversight fee if the test order comes directly from your own physician or healthcare provider). Labcorp will "bill the cost of the COVID-19 IgG antibody test directly to your insurance carrier, or if uninsured, to the appropriate government program." Antibody tests offered by Labcorp include Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG, Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV02 (IgG), and DiaSorin SARS-CoV-2.
You can see how each of these tests compare in the Finding the Best COVID-19 Test section below.
Rapid, home tests
The FDA has not yet approved or authorized of the use of any rapid, home antibody tests but several have been approved by the European Union, which provides its CE mark (Conformité Européenne) and/or by the Chinese National Medical Products Association (NMPA). In addition, research groups have been evaluating these tests. Some of these tests have been marketed in the U.S. without FDA approval or allowance.
Finding the Best COVID-19 Test
There are now more than 90 virus tests (including a recently approved saliva test) and 22 antibody tests for COVID-19 authorized by the FDA. ConsumerLab has reviewed the data on their performance and assessed which appear to be the best antibody tests for COVID-19. We've added this information for ConsumerLab members. Sign in as a member or become a member now to learn how specific brands of virus and antibody tests compare, which currently appear to be the best, where to get them, and whether any of the tests can identify which variant caused an infection.
What Does a Negative Antibody Test Mean?
If you took a coronavirus antibody test and it came back negative, it can mean one of several things:
The test was not sensitive enough to detect antibodies that existed. This is more likely if the test had a sensitivity of less than 100% (see Finding the Best COVID-19 Test — Antibody Test for sensitivities of FDA-authorized tests);
You may have never had COVID-19;
You took the test too early -- generally less than 20 days after first disease symptoms, although, according to the CDC, some people may take longer; or
You didn't develop levels of antibodies high enough to be detected by tests -- which preliminary research suggests may happen in mild and asymptomatic cases (Long, Nature Med 2020).
There is currently not enough data to know if a negative result could result from taking the test too late. More research is needed to determine how long significant levels of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 persist.
The CDC cautions, "Regardless of whether you test positive or negative, the results do not confirm whether or not you are able to spread the virus that causes COVID-19. Until we know more, continue to take steps to protect yourself and others."
This article will be updated as new information is obtained.
Latest Research Updates (Clinical Updates)
Certain lots of an over-the-counter PCR test have been recalled, affecting over 11,000 tests shipped to consumers. Get the details in our answer about COVID-19 tests.
Don't Throw Out Expired COVID Tests
The shelf-life for some at-home COVID antigen tests was recently extended by several months - so don't throw them away! Get the details by brand.
Two More Home COVID Tests Compared
We've added information about tests from Celltrion and Indicaid to our comparisons of 12 home antigen tests for COVID.
Four More Days to Get COVID Tests
If you haven't already ordered yours, you have only until September 2 to receive at-home COVID tests from the U.S. government without cost. These may be particularly useful if cases rise in the fall and winter. Get the details in our article about Finding the Best COVID Tests.
How Many Times Should You Test?
After exposure to COVID-19, how many times should you test? It may be more times than you think, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Antigen Tests section of our CL Answer about COVID-19 Testing.
How Long Are You Contagious?
If you test positive on a rapid antigen test after a 5-day isolation, how likely are you to still be contagious? Find out in our CL Answer about COVID-19 testing.
Fraudulent COVID-19 Tests
Several unauthorized COVID antigen tests have been sold recently in the U.S., according to the FDA. Get the details in our answer about testing for coronavirus.
Don't Throw Out Expired COVID Tests
The shelf-lives of home COVID-19 tests have been extended by 3 to 7 months based on tests showing that many are still good past their printed expiration dates. Get the details for specific brands of tests in our article comparing COVID tests.
COVID-19 Tests for Sight Impaired
People with blindness or low vision can now order more accessible COVID-19 tests from the government. Get the details.
Caution Reading Rapid Tests
Many people incorrectly read rapid home tests for COVID-19, according to a recent study. Find out how to avoid the biggest mistake in our article about COVID tests.
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text:
Temperature/pH-Responsive Hexagonal Liquid Crystal for Curcumin Release
Li, Zhen, Zhang, Li, Wei, Xilian, Liu, Jie, Wang, Zhongni
Langmuir 2018 v.35 no.2 pp. 453-460
chitosan, curcumin, liquid crystals, oleic acid, pH, phase transition, polysorbates, temperature, viscosity
The temperature/pH-responsive hexagonal liquid crystal constructed in a polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80)/water-soluble chitosan (WCS)/ethyl oleate (EtOL)/H₂O system was used to encapsulate curcumin. We discuss the effect of temperature and pH on the in vitro release of curcumin and the rheological properties of a curcumin-encapsulated liquid crystal. The drug-encapsulated hexagonal phase containing relatively high WCS content (9.9 wt %) exhibited good temperature response, as indicated by three phase transformation temperature obtained by temperature scanning. The viscosity of the drug-encapsulated hexagonal phase decreased as the temperature rose, which exhibited diverse constancy and temperature sensitivity. Also, the in vitro release rate of curcumin increased as the temperature increased. After introducing WCS, the release rate of curcumin decreased obviously the pH dependence, where the release of curcumin was slower as the pH was higher. All of the results indicated that the temperature/pH-responsive hexagonal liquid crystals were proposed to be potential slow release carriers to deliver curcumin.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b03559
DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b03559
Find in a library http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b03559 Download RIS File Export to Zotero


text:
The Prisons of our Past
Jordan Antunes,
So, if I were to offer you a stress modulator that also boosts your mood, makes you more attentive, and just makes you sharper overall, if I presented this to you in the form of a pill, you would doubtless take it right?
Okay, I confess, I may have stretched the truth a little, suppose I changed the medium of consumption, its benefits intact, but instead of a pill, you would have to acquaint yourself with the nearby roads, and you would have to run to reap the benefits. Suddenly the offer seems a lot less miraculous huh?
I want to address two things we all want and their paradoxical nature, our knowledge about the benefits of change and our aversion to it.
When presented in the form of a pill we were all for it, but when we had to work for the benefits, suddenly the whole operation seems less appealing, so what changed? Why do we feel this way?
Well, it's not totally your fault, or it isn't consciously. The root of it all is in the way our brains are wired up namely our reward systems.
What we've fallen into is a trap laid out rather insidiously by progress and technology:- The Pleasure Trap.
"What is right, is often forgotten for what is convenient", or in this case, if task "A" is more rewarding than task "B" we'd go for task "B".
So why is this dangerous? Why is something so unassuming so impactful? It has to do with how and why our brains evolved.
Some theories suggest our brain evolved to facilitate movement, because back when stones were so popular (during the time of our ancestors, some 15,000 years ago) movement was everything, if you needed to survive you had to move. Before the Agricultural Revolution food was scarce and it was easily run out, so those families that moved survived and those that didn't, did not.
A more present example would be the brain of the koala bear. Ever since it evolved to survive on eucalyptus, its brain shrunk and grew smoother, another animal, this time marine in nature, colloquially known as the sea squirt has a brain of 300 neurons in volume. It roams the seafloor and once it finds a sufficiently attractive rock it can anchor itself to, it digests its own brain for nutrition because it's no longer needed.
So let us leave our ancestors in the past and fast-forward to the present. Our brain's reward pathways haven't changed all that much, we're still profusely rewarded for consuming high-calorie foods ( a mechanism the fast food industry has taken advantage of).
Suddenly a burger is more "rewarding" than a balanced meal.
Our current lifestyle actually encourages laziness and we are essentially killing ourselves, such is the insidious nature of The Pleasure Trap.
Like a moth, to a flame…
Which is why exercise is so important in this age of instant rewards, it's important because it's a choice, a decision made consciously, because walking and exercise are not as important as it was back then, and because it's a conscious decision, every time you wake up at 5 am for a jog, every time you hit the gym, every time you force yourself to do something your brain doesn't want to, its primitive influence on you decreases, its grasp on you weakens, and inevitably, with constant effort, you'll eventually break free.
Exercise is not just a form of independence from your primitive self, once you've taken control back you can actually use some of these mechanisms when benefited our ancestors.
About a decade ago it was thought by the scientific community that our brain was obstinate, resistant to change, and saying otherwise would get you laughed at. However recent studies have proved otherwise. Our brains are in fact plastic for most of our lives, there's even a term for it " Neuroplasticity", our brain's ability to change, and "Neurogenesis", the formation of new brain cells.
Aerobic exercise, about 30-40 minutes of it each day has proven beneficial, it promotes neurogenesis by increasing the production of something known as BFNF or Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor. 30 minutes of exercise increases the concentrations of BDNF in the blood by 32% in some cases, which, as a study was taken which measures the number of words memorized by people just after aerobics, increases learning ability by 20%, its effects last for about 2-4 hours. It also increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine produced, which alleviates mood.
So the next time you're confronted with a seemingly impossible problem, go for a run, who knew? Running away from your problems is actually the best way to deal with them.
The Pleasure Trap. (2012, December 5). The Pleasure Trap. https://youtu.be/jX2btaDOBK8
Brain-changing benefits of exercise. (2018, March 21). Exercise and the Brain. https://youtu.be/BHY0FxzoKZE
How to keep your brain healthy. (2016, May 16). Healthy Brain. https://youtu.be/VUSIVuXiWUo
A Christmas Tale