Free Porn
xbporn

Home Blog Page 229

CXXII Bracket Challenge 2024 – CXXII Apparel

0


Welcome to the 2024 CXXII Bracket Challenge presented by CXXII Apparel, We love sports and love giving away FREE stuff 

BRACKETS CLOSE and must be submitted by THURSDAY MARCH 21th at 11 PM CST. (Before tip off of the first game…)

PRIZES AWARDED FOR EACH ROUND WINNERS!!

  • Round of 64: CXXII Hat & Keychain
  • Round of 32: CXXII Tee, CXXI Trucker Hat & Keychain
  • Sweet 16:  CXXII Shorts & CXXII Tee & Custom Sticker Bombed Water Bottle
  • Elite 8 : CXXII Tee or Crewneck / Hat / KeyChain
  • Final 4 : CXXII Hoodie of your Choice / CXXII Tee / Custom 1of1 Sticker Bombed Water Bottle.
  • Overall Winner : 

Here are the steps to Find and Enter the 2024 Bracket Challege.

( **Download the ESPN TC App or CLICK HERE for web version** )

   

**Winners will be Announced Round by Round and posted on our Instagram Page / Stories and down below so please make sure your following @CXXIIApparel on instagram! 

HAVE FUN…LET THE MADNESS BEGIN!!!

Round By Round Winners:

Round of 64: KennethIsGoingToWin!!!

Round of 32: Storcks ( SlothQueen Passed the Prizes) 

Sweet 16: Storcks

Elite 8: Storcks

Final 4: 116HGA

Overall Winner Based on total points: 116HGA


* In the event of a round by round tie, we will the top winners and put them into the Google Wheel Randomize to pick the winner. 
** Free shirt will be selected by CXXII Apparel and sent to winner in the size they request.

*** Brackets must be filled out and submitted to group before the start of the first game.
**** Cheating & Unfair play will not be tolerated, CXXII reserves the right to disqualify anyone who we suspect that is taking advantage of the bracket challenge.



Source link

Cole Palmer now a marked man and sees next development challenge – Talk Chelsea

0


I guess as a football player when you step out on to the pitch and you instantly have a shadow following you around from kick off until the end of the game, then that is one of the biggest compliments you can receive.

Cole Palmer has not got to that point.

Eden Hazard and Palmer are/were completely different players in terms of style, but in terms of impact and being difference makers and talismen, they draw many comparisons.

Hazard was a marked man. He would be man marked most games come the end, and they would consistently be kicking him and flooring him. With Hazard though, he would often brush himself off, pick himself up, run past his man marker not once but come back and do it again, and then set up or score a goal to have the last laugh. He also had the physicality to keep hold of the ball and bounce players off him.

Palmer is now getting this same treatment, and it’s a huge testament to where he is as a player right now.

Lewis Cook was man marking him on Saturday night and if Anthony Taylor didn’t exist, might have even got sent off for consistent fouling of Palmer.

On this situation, Enzo Maresca said:

“This kind of player, they are going to always get this. Cook was marking him 95 minutes man-to-man – or 95 minutes maybe not because after we put him wide – but he had man-to-man all the game and it’s not easy for Cole.

“It’s not easy for any player, but you have to find different solutions.”

Palmer looked frustrated at times, you could see it and feel it. And he did have a pretty quiet game by his standards. But this is now just a new thing that he is going to have to deal with. When you are the biggest threat on the pitch, you often become a marked man. This is another development stage for Palmer and he will now need to learn, alongside the coaches, how to deal with this, just like Hazard did.

Palmer doesn’t have the same dribbling ability and low centre of gravity that Hazard had, he also lacks some of Hazard’s physicality despite being tall. There hasn’t been many better dribblers of the ball off the mark from a standing still position than Hazard. Palmer doesn’t do that really.

But he will need to find ways to lose his marker, ways to frustrate his marker. He can do that by playing a clever pass or perhaps drawing his marker out of position, taking him wide or to the opposite end of the pitch.

Palmer can beat a man too, we have seen that. But he doesn’t quite have the build or the pace to be a devastating dribbler.

However he learns to deal with man markers and constant fouling is going to be down to him and the coaches, but I have no doubt he will develop and find a way to get on top of this next challenge in his career, because he backs himself so much and knows how good he is.

It’s also a HUGE compliment and a sign of how far he has come in just one season.

If you would like to feature on Talk Chelsea click here.



Source link

Designer Spotlight: Andrea Jelić | Codrops

0


Meet Andrea Jelić, an award-winning independent web designer and art director from Croatia, whose style is recognizable for her exceptional use of typography, seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics in her web and branding projects.

In addition to successfully working with clients across various industries, Andrea offers a design course on Domestika focused on creating portfolios and promoting work online. She also strives to educate and support creatives entering the freelance world by writing and speaking to designers at the start of their careers.

Featured Work

Askonas Holt

With a history spanning over a century, Askonas Holt is one of the world’s leading arts management companies, specializing in classical music. I collaborated with Likely Story to revitalize their brand identity, overhaul their social media presence, and create a new website that elegantly showcases their impressive roster of artists and musicians while highlighting their rich history.

Our Revolution

Art direction/web design project I did together with Likely Story. Our Revolution is an independent creative agency based in Sydney, Australia. Their focus is on providing high-end consumer branding and packaging design to a diverse range of clients. We created a cool and modern web experience where we highlighted the great work that they do. As always, the focus was on typography and a balanced layout, emphasizing their brand visuals. The website received multiple awards from Awwwards and CSSDA.

Bertch Capital

Bertch Capital is a boutique investment firm based in the western United States. Seeking to reinvigorate their brand and restructure their digital presence, they approached us with a brief to encapsulate their history, values, and commitment to conservation and sustainability. The website was created together with Likely Story and has received SOTD and DEV awards from Awwwards.

Light Factory

Project and collaboration I did with Joseph Berry. Light Factory is a full-service video production house bringing ideas of all shapes and sizes to life. We teamed up to create the brand identity, logo, and website; I handled the design while Joseph did the development. With a strong emphasis on neon colors, bold typography, and impactful animations, the project achieved great results, receiving multiple awards. The website received multiple awards from Awwwards and CSSDA.

Tattoo Rroom

Web design project I did for a tattoo studio based in Zagreb, Croatia. We collaborated on art direction for the photo shoot, video, and photo materials, which I used as the foundation for the design direction. The main purpose of the website is to showcase their incredible tattooing expertise, display their past work through photography, and serve as an informational platform for future client bookings. The second phase of the website was to also create a shop experience for collaborations and their own limited collections of various items (t-shirts, mugs, bags, etc.). The website received multiple awards from CSSDA.

LOKOMOTIVA

I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with Lana Puljić, a talented fashion designer from Croatia, on a project for her brand, Lokomotiva. The result is a sleek and modern e-commerce platform that offers a seamless shopping experience, allowing users to fully immerse themselves in the brand. By combining clean, minimalist design principles with bold accents of pink, I was able to craft an engaging and memorable brand journey throughout the website. The result is a visually striking and user-friendly platform that truly reflects the essence of Lokomotiva.

Brand Society

Brand Society is a strategic design studio based in Melbourne, Australia. Following a rebrand in 2023, together with Likely Story, we created a new website that focuses on showcasing their work and highlighting their unique design approach. The design emphasizes bold typography and a clean layout, providing a smooth and easy way to present their work.

Background

I have been working in design for the past 5 years. Since the beginning, I have always been independent, working mostly in web and brand areas. For the past year, I have also been working as a part-time design director at Brandbeet, which was a great experience. Now, I am back to independent work, focusing mostly on web projects, which I would say is my passion. Besides design, I do photography and like to blend these two professions when I can. In general, I believe that knowing and working in different creative areas makes it easier to understand whole projects and their execution.

Design Philosophy

I like to think of design as a process of merging knowledge, research, creativity, and experience. With each project, we learn so much, and every part of the experience—both good and bad—contributes to better success in the next project. For designers, especially freelancers, it’s crucial to not only be good designers but also good managers. As a baseline for any good work, I like to keep it simple: understand the clients, maintain great communication with them, and provide the value they are seeking.

Tools and Techniques

For tools, I always use Figma for design and Adobe Photoshop for mockups. I also use MidJourney for AI-generated images and ChatGPT when I need placeholder content for projects. For smaller animations, I use Jitter or Principle, or sometimes just Figma Prototype for websites.

Inspiration

My work is inspired by fashion, architecture, and music, but also by everything I encounter daily. Surrounding myself with inspiring people, beautiful interiors, and good visual content on digital platforms makes finding inspiration easy and essential. I also read design books for inspiration or listen to podcasts related to design, business, or personal development.

Future Goals

I usually don’t set big goals, as I tend to be quite spontaneous when it comes to decisions and accepting new opportunities. Currently, I’m happy to be back to freelancing and feel motivated to deliver great projects and collaborations. I enjoy working with different people and clients. I see myself focusing on web work—specifically creative websites and e-commerce. In addition, I want to continue inspiring young creatives and helping them achieve great results, so I’ll keep writing about my process and experiences.

Final Thoughts

I would always say to stick to what inspires you and work with people who have a positive attitude, making it easier to enjoy the work and the process. Use experiences that weren’t pleasant as examples of how things shouldn’t be, and learn from them for the next opportunity. Every experience, both good and bad, brings new lessons. There is space for everyone in this industry, so don’t view it as competition—see it as your personal journey. Don’t be obsessed with the goal; enjoy the process, and the goals and achievements will naturally follow.



Source link

Pet Friendly National Park: The Grand Canyon

0


German Shepherd Dog and Shar-pei on the pet friendly trail at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

 

Stretching 277 river miles from Lees Ferry to the Grand Wash Cliffs, Grand Canyon National Park ranks as the 11th largest national park in the United States. And, no matter how many times you visit, the views will never be the same. Sunlight and clouds, the bright green of spring, or a dusting of snow combine to make every trip unique.

For us, this is one of those places we never get enough of. And it’s all the better for the fact that the Grand Canyon is a wonderful place to visit with your dog.

In fact, on a recent month-long road trip with our pup, we took Myles to the Grand Canyon for his first time. Walking the same paths that we explored with Ty and Buster years ago brought back a lot of sweet memories. And it’s wonderful to now have memories of Myles in one of our favorite national parks, too!

Brindle dog looking at a photo of two dogs at the south rim of the Grand Canyon

Visiting Grand Canyon National Park With A Dog

Two years ago we took Myles on a trip to Kanab, Utah, and visited the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. So, this wasn’t actually Myles’ first visit. But the pet policies on the North Rim and South Rim are very different.

At the North Rim dogs are allowed at the picnic areas and in the parking areas of the overlooks. So, views of the canyon come as you drive the 30 miles of scenic roads at the North Rim. The only trails that allow pets, Bridal Path and the portion of the Arizona Trail that runs between North Kaibab Trailhead and the north entrance of the park, are both pretty. But either have views of the canyon.

Brindle dog on the patio at the Grand Canyon Lodge - North Rim

 

Pet Policy At The South Rim Of The Grand Canyon

On the other hand, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a fantastic place to visit with a dog! You’ll find plenty to explore, pet friendly lodging, and a kennel where your pet can spend the day if you want to see parts of the park where pets aren’t allowed.

Leashed pets are welcome on the Rim and Greenway trails at the South Rim. Leashes must not be longer than 6-feet.

Pets cannot go below the rim, inside the buildings, or on the shuttle buses.

Yavapai Lodge has pet friendly rooms available for an additional fee of $32 per pet, per night and allows up to two pets per room.

The Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, Trailer Village, and other developed areas of the park are pet friendly.

Most of the pet policies in our national parks make visiting with dogs a challenge. In fact, many times pets can’t go beyond paved parking lots or campgrounds. Fortunately, that is not the case at the Grand Canyon. This is one of the most pet friendly national parks in the country!

READ MORE ⇒  America’s Most Pet Friendly National Parks

Brindle dog on a rock outcropping at Grand Canyon National Park
German Shepherd Dog and Shar-pei on the pet friendly trail at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

 

Hiking At The Grand Canyon With A Dog

When you’re ready to hit the pet friendly trails, the best scenery is along the South Rim Trail. The 14-mile trail is paved, so it’s easy walking. Foot traffic is more concentrated near the shuttle stops, but most of the time it feels like you and your dog have the whole Grand Canyon to yourselves!

Brindle dog on a rock outcropping at Grand Canyon National Park

Keep in mind that the trail’s average elevation is about 6,800 feet, which makes it easy to get dehydrated. Be sure to carry plenty of water for you and your pet, because bottle filling stations aren’t always operational, and bottled water isn’t for sale.

Also be aware that altitude sickness (nausea, shortness of breath, exhaustion, headache) can affect both humans and pets, so take it easy until you’ve acclimated to the elevation.

Despite the elevation, heat is often an issue in the summer. Our most recent visit was in July, so we expected high temperatures. Getting to the trail at 7am allowed us to comfortably walk for a few hours. But by the time we got back to the car around 10am, it was already over 80 degrees!

Before your trip, it’s also a good idea to refresh your memory on the signs of dehydration and heat stroke in dogs. And consider packing protective boots for your pup.

READ MORE ⇒  Recognizing Dehydration and Heat Stroke in Dogs

Man walking a German Shepherd Dog and Shar-pei on the pet friendly trail at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Brindle dog on a rock outcropping at Grand Canyon National Park

 

Grand Canyon With A Dog In One Day

There really is no bad place to jump on the Rim Trail and go for a walk. You can park at the visitor center and start down the trail in either direction for fantastic views.

If you happen to be visiting during the off-season (November 1 – February 28), we have another suggestion. Head for Hermit Road and catch the Rim Trail there. From Hopi Point you’ll be able to see the Colorado River. And from Pima Point you can actually hear the roar as the river crashes through Granite Rapid!

Hermit Road is closed to personal vehicles from March 1st to October 31st, and pets can’t ride the shuttles. So accessing these spots requires a trip during the off-season, or a lot of walking!

Dogs posing for picture on the South Rim Trail at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Arizona's Top Pet Friendly Attraction: The Grand Canyon | GoPetFriendly.com
Brindle dog on a rock outcropping at Grand Canyon National Park

 

Watch The Weather

At the Grand Canyon, storms can blow in quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on the sky as you walk. And move toward the nearest shelter if the clouds turn ominous!

READ MORE ⇒  The Ultimate Pet Friendly American Road Trip

Arizona's Top Pet Friendly Attraction: The Grand Canyon | GoPetFriendly.com
Arizona's Top Pet Friendly Attraction: The Grand Canyon | GoPetFriendly.com
Arizona's Top Pet Friendly Attraction: The Grand Canyon | GoPetFriendly.com

 

Pet Friendly Hotel At The Grand Canyon

If you and your dog need more than a day at the Grand Canyon, the Yavapai Lodge has pet friendly rooms for an additional $32 fee per pet, per night. They allow two pets per room with no restrictions on size. There are also two campgrounds without hookups, and one RV park with hookups inside the park. You can find additional pet friendly accommodations just south of the Grand Canyon in Tusayan, Arizona.

Finding pet friendly restaurants here is a bit more challenging. There are a few restaurants with outdoor seating in Tusayan. But if you want to make the most of your time with your dog at the Grand Canyon, we suggest packing picnics. If that’s your plan, stock up before you arrive. Grocery options are limited once you’re in the park.

Brindle dog on a rock outcropping at Grand Canyon National Park
Man and two dogs enjoying the view at Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon Kennel

If you want to hike below the rim at the Grand Canyon you’ll need to make arrangements for your pet. The kennel at the Grand Canyon is located on the South Rim near Maswik Lodge, and is open every day from 7:30am to 5pm. Accepting dogs and cats for day or overnight boarding, the kennel recommends making your reservations early, especially during the summer months and holidays. And be sure to pack your pet’s vaccination records.

We hope we’ve inspired you to visit the Grand Canyon with your dog! It’s a place like no other. And the experience and memories are truly unforgettable when you do more together.

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: GoPetFriendly.com LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide
a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, audible.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon
Service LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, the owner of this site earns a commission from qualifying purchases.

(Visited 47,002 times, 1 visits today)



Source link

Flooring Trends 2025: What’s New Underfoot


Ready to refresh your home’s foundation? Flooring trends in 2025 promise to bring innovation, comfort, and unmatched style to every corner of your space. Let’s explore the must-have materials and designs that will ground your interior in sophistication.

1. Sensorial Minimalism: Textured Finishes

A sleek urban loft featuring textured hardwood flooring as part of the 2025 flooring trends by Decorilla
Sleek urban loft featuring textured hardwood flooring, by Decorilla

Minimalism in 2025 takes a tactile turn in flooring design ideas. Smooth, flat surfaces are giving way to those that engage the senses with tactility and a subtle play of light and shadow. Think of brushed stone, subtly textured wood, or gently ridged tiles. These finishes alone can greatly increase visual interest in minimalist spaces, providing a refined experience that’s anything but stark. It’s about stripping back to essentials while ensuring that what remains invites touch and interaction.

Concrete floors in an organic modern living room by Decorilla
Organic modern living room with concrete floors, by Decorilla

How to pull this off: Pair highly texturized types of flooring with streamlined furnishings to maintain a minimalist aesthetic. Incorporate soft fabrics and understated decor to balance the tactile quality of the flooring.

Pro Tip: Choose the latest flooring trends that match your style. Unsure what that is? Take an interior design style quiz to find out today! 

2. Bold Parquet: Classic Meets Edgy

Dark, bold parquet patterns embraces 2025 flooring trends in a dining room by Decorilla
Dark, bold parquet pattern in a dining room by Decorilla

Parquet flooring is making another strong comeback, this time with a contemporary twist. No longer confined to traditional herringbone patterns, 2025’s parquet floors feature bold, oversized designs and unexpected layouts. Whether in deep walnut or light oak, parquet brings texture and visual interest, making it a favorite in trendy interiors. Just keep the rest of your decor simple to let the floor be the star.

White entryway warmed up with bold parquet patterns leads flooring trends 2025 by Decorilla
White entryway warmed up with bold parquet patterns, by Decorilla

How to pull this off: Choose a parquet design that complements your room size. Larger spaces can handle intricate patterns, while simpler designs work better in smaller rooms. 

3. Delineation: Blurring Indoor-Outdoor Boundaries

2025 flooring trends blurring the line between indoors and outdoors, design by Decorilla
2025 flooring trends in an indoor and outdoor dining room by Decorilla

The 2025 flooring trends love extending the same flooring materials beyond the walls, creating a seamless flow from inside to outside. This approach goes beyond aesthetic appeal; it’s about a lifestyle shift towards integrating nature with daily living. You can choose between subtly pulling the outdoor material inside or stretching the same flooring from your living room onto your terrace. The latter works particularly well for smaller spaces, making them feel larger and more connected to the environment.

An open-plan space shows seamless indoor-outdoor floor trends 2025 by Decorilla
Open-plan space shows a seamless indoor-outdoor floor connection, by Decorilla

How to pull this off: Select durable materials that can withstand both indoor and outdoor environments. Ensure consistency in color and texture to create a smooth transition. Also, consider using large sliding glass doors or floor-to-ceiling windows to enhance the connection further.

4. Mixed Media: The Art of Blending

Modern living room design featuring mixed materials in current floor trends by Decorilla
Modern living room design featuring mixed flooring materials, by Decorilla

Why choose one material when you can have two—or three? The mixed media flooring trend is taking off in 2025, employing diversity to create striking, bespoke designs. If you need a visual, imagine a sleek concrete floor interspersed with warm wood planks or checkerboard ceramic tiles bordered by red or green marble. This trend allows for creativity and personalization, ensuring no two floors are alike.

A bright living space blending trending floor colors and materials, design by Decorilla
Bright, modern living space by Decorilla

How to pull this off: When mixing materials, ensure they complement each other in color and texture. Use transitions to create a seamless flow between areas, avoiding harsh lines that can disrupt the room’s harmony.

5. Carpet Revival: Plush Comfort with a Modern Edge

Cozy bedroom with plush carpet showcasing the latest floor trends for 2025 by Decorilla
Cozy bedroom with plush carpet, by Decorilla

Carpet is back, but not as you remember it. Flooring trends in 2025 bring carpets with bold patterns, rich colors, and luxurious textures. Think deep, jewel-toned carpets with intricate geometric designs or plush, high-pile options that invite you to sink your toes in. Alongside these classic choices, colorful geometric patterns are gaining popularity, adding a vibrant, artistic touch to any room where coziness is key.

Plush carpets in whimsical living rooms embody popular flooring 2025 by Decorilla
Statement carpets in whimsical living rooms by Decorilla

How to pull this off: Use carpets in areas where you want to add warmth and emphasize comfort. Choose a color or pattern that complements your existing decor but adds a new layer of interest.

6. Floor Accents: Vintage and Modern Patterns

Bold floor accents define a bathroom by Decorilla

Floor accents are making a significant impact in 2025 flooring trends, with a revival of vintage decorative patterns alongside their modern counterparts. Think intricate tiles with modern geometric motifs or floral imprints placed at the center of an entryway. The goal is to create a bold focal point that draws the eye. Creative floor accents can also be used to demarcate different zones within an open floor plan, adding both style and function.

A floral floor centerpiece in an entryway, 2025 wood floor trends by Decorilla
Floral floor centerpiece in an entryway by Decorilla

How to pull this off: Integrate such statement designs sparingly to avoid overwhelming the space. Position them where they’ll have the most impact, such as in hallways or around central living areas, to guide the room’s flow.

7. Wood-Mimicking Tiles: The Best of Both Worlds

A contemporary kitchen with seamless wood floor tiles, by Decorilla
Contemporary kitchen with seamless wood floor tiles, by Decorilla

Wood-mimicking tiles are a practical yet stylish alternative to traditional hardwood floors. They bring the best of both worlds, combining the warm, natural look of wood with ceramic tiles’ durability and ease of maintenance. Technological advances have made these tiles nearly indistinguishable from genuine timber, with textures and grain patterns that mimic oak, walnut, and even more exotic species.

Sustainable flooring tiles in a bathroom exude 2025 flooring trends by Decorilla
Sustainable flooring tiles in a bathroom by Decorilla

How to pull this off: Consider using them in areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms or kitchens, where natural wood would be less practical.

8. High-Tech Flooring: Smart and Functional

A luxurious living room with current floor trends for a sophisticated look by Decorilla
Luxurious living room by Decorilla

Technology is revolutionizing flooring in 2025, with smart floors that offer more than just a surface to walk on. From temperature-regulating materials to floors with built-in sensors that track movement and energy use, the future of flooring is as functional as it is stylish. This trend is perfect for those looking to integrate their floors into a broader smart home ecosystem.

2025 flooring trends in a kitchen by Decorilla
Concrete smart flooring in a kitchen by Decorilla

How to pull this off: Consider innovative flooring options for high-traffic areas where functionality is key, such as the kitchen or hallway. 

Flooring Trends 2025 FAQs

An open-plan living room unified by subtle, trendy floors by Decorilla designer, Candis G.
Open-plan living room by Decorilla designer, Candis G.

Q: What are the top 2025 flooring trends? 

A: The top flooring trends 2025 include textured finishes, bold accents, and smart designs. Other trends also revive vintage and modern designs while sustainable and eco-friendly solutions remain at the forefront. 

Q: How do I choose the right flooring for my home?

A: Consider the room’s function, your lifestyle, and your design preferences. For high-traffic areas, durable materials are ideal. Similarly, carpets or floors with textured finishes work well for bedrooms and living rooms.

Q: Can I mix different flooring materials in one space? 

A: Yes, mixing materials is a major 2025 flooring trend. Combining wood and tile, for instance, can add visual interest and help delineate different zones within an open floor plan. Just ensure your choices complement each other in color and texture.

Ready to transform your space with the latest floor trends of 2025? 

Our professional interior designers can help you choose the perfect flooring as well as create your dream interior. Book your Free Online Interior Design Consultation and step into the future of home design today!

online interior design



Source link

Perioperative Regional Anesthesia: Less Pain, Fewer Pills

0


TOPLINE:

The use of regional anesthesia reduces acute postoperative pain associated with noncardiac surgery. It also decreases the incidence of prolonged opioid use and chronic postoperative pain at 3 and 6 months after surgery.

METHODOLOGY:

  • Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials involving 4948 adults (age, ≥ 18 years) undergoing elective noncardiac surgeries.
  • Data were extracted from the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases from inception to April 2022.
  • Patients included in the analysis received regional anesthesia or control (eg, a placebo or sham procedure) during the perioperative period.
  • The primary outcomes were prolonged use of opioids (continued use of opioids at least 2 months after surgery) and chronic postsurgical pain (pain lasting at least 3 months after surgery).
  • The secondary outcomes were postoperative analgesic consumption at 24, 48, and 72 hours; need for additional analgesia in the postanesthesia care unit; pain scores at rest at 0-4, 4-12, 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively; and all reported adverse events.

TAKEAWAY:

  • Perioperative regional anesthesia significantly reduced persistent opioid use (relative risk [RR], 0.48; P = .04) in a meta-analysis of five trials.
  • Regional anesthesia led to a significant reduction in the rates of chronic postsurgical pain at 3 months (RR, 0.74; P = .01) and 6 months (RR, 0.72; P < .001).
  • Regional anesthesia also reduced the consumption of opioids at 24 hours (P < .001) and 48 hours (P = .01) after surgery.
  • Regional anesthesia also improved acute postoperative pain scores at 0-4 hours (P < .001) and 4-12 hours (P < .001). Three studies showed an increase in hypotension with neuraxial regional anesthesia (= .01).

IN PRACTICE:

“Our investigation into prolonged opioid use emphasizes the potential role of regional anesthesia to mitigate this important societal outcome and underlines the need for large randomized controlled trials as this remains a clinically significant issue,” the authors of the study wrote.

SOURCE:

This study was led by Connor G. Pepper, MD, of the Department of Anesthesia at McMaster University, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. It was published online on September 4, 2024, in Anesthesia & Analgesia.

LIMITATIONS: 

The study included a limited number of trials that evaluated prolonged use of opioids, which reduced the certainty of the estimates. Significant heterogeneity was noted in outcomes such as postoperative pain scores and the consumption of analgesics. The authors acknowledged that the definition of “prolonged opioid use” was different from the 2019 Joint Consensus Statement on Persistent Postoperative Opioid Use. 

DISCLOSURES:

The study did not receive any specific funding. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.

Chainlink CCIP now live on ZKsync, boosting cross-chain interoperability

0


Chainlink’s CCIP goes live on ZKsync, empowers developers to create cross-chain DApps, and fosters greater interoperability.

Bitcoin Bull Pennant Still In Motion With $158,000 Price Target, Here’s When

0


Bitcoin’s technical analysis is setting up the stage for an explosive move above $150,000. The cryptocurrency’s current price action is flashing various patterns on the price charts, most of them bullish. Furthermore, these patterns are playing out across multiple timeframes, giving analysts different angles to examine in terms of the cryptocurrency’s future outlook.

According to a bullish pennant pattern that is playing out on the monthly timeframe, Bitcoin is gearing up for a move towards $158,000.

Bitcoin Bull Pennant Still In Motion

One of the key patterns being observed is a bullish pennant that is unfolding on the monthly timeframe. This formation, often seen after a period of strong upward movement, suggests that Bitcoin is building momentum for its next big leap. Interestingly, this pattern was social media platform X by crypto analyst Titan of Crypto. Using a Bitcoin/U.S. Dollar monthly candlestick chart, the analyst highlighted a bull pennant formation that has been playing out since September 2023.

The “pole” of the pattern was established through an extended rally that began in Q4 2023 and culminated in Bitcoin reaching a new all-time high in March 2024. Following this, the price of BTC entered a consolidation phase which has lasted for the past six months. This consolidation phase has been characterized by a series of lower highs bounded between upper and lower trendlines, which has created a clear pennant shape.

A successful breakout of the pattern to the upside would relate to another prolonged rally on the monthly timeframe. According to Titan Of Crypto, a bullish breakout would catapult Bitcoin to the moon. In terms of a price target, he highlighted a $158,000 price by May 2025. To reach this level, BTC would need to break above resistances and foray into new price territories. Particularly, Bitcoin would need to rally by about 170% from the current price between the next six to eight months.

Bullish Patterns In Abundance

According to another analysis by Titan Of Crypto on the daily candlestick, Bitcoin has reclaimed both the Tenkan and Kijun indicators, which are key components of the Ichimoku Cloud. In addition to this, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has successfully broken through a multi-month resistance trendline that suggests the buying pressure is starting to mount. 

Bitcoin is also beginning to push back above the Kumo Cloud in the Ichimoku system, although it is starting to experience a brief retest. If the breakout is confirmed, it could usher in renewed bullish momentum in the coming days for an upward move.

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at $58,827 and has fallen 2.3% in 24 hours. After spending the entirety of the weekend trading above it, Bitcoin has broken below the $60,000 price level again. However, the $60,000 level remains crucial for BTC.

Bitcoin price chart from Tradingview.com
BTC price reclaims $59,000 | Source: BTCUSD on Tradingview.com

Featured image created with Dall.E, chart from Tradingview.com



More Consumers Think Mortgage Rates Will Go Down and That Home Prices Are Going to Fall

0


The latest monthly national housing survey from Fannie Mae revealed an interesting contradiction.

Last month, a new survey-high 39% of respondents said they expect mortgage rates to go down over the next 12 months.

At the same time, fewer expect home prices to go up over the same period. And more believe home prices will fall.

So despite a home purchase becoming more affordable thanks to a lower interest rate, consumers don’t think prices will increase.

What does this say about home buyer demand as mortgage rates go down?

But We Were Told Bidding Wars Would Return When Mortgage Rates Fell

home price expectations

Fannie’s monthly Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) did increase very slightly (0.6 points) to 72.1 in August from a month earlier.

But it remains very low, with most of the 1,000 respondents saying it’s a poor time to buy and also an increasingly bad time to sell.

Just 17% said it was a “good time” to buy a home in August, which has remained relatively flat for several months and remains just above all-time survey lows.

Meanwhile, 83% said it was a “bad time” to buy a home, the highest share since the survey’s inception.

At the same time, only 65% say it’s a good time to sell, while 34% say it’s a bad time. Since August 2021, the “net good time” to sell has fallen from 54% to just 31%.

So it appears no one is happy with the current state of the housing market, which continues to be characterized by a mismatch between buyers and sellers.

Sellers are being told they aren’t realistic in terms of what they’re asking, and buyers are saying it’s too expensive. But nobody is budging.

There’s also a lack of inventory in most markets, so there’s little to choose from and often not what a prospective buyer is looking for.

Taken together, we’ve seen a big drop in home sales, especially once you factor in the ongoing mortgage rate lock-in effect.

It’s also odd to see this sentiment given the narrative we’ve heard for some time that the housing market would turn into a frenzy when mortgage rates fell.

Well, they’ve fallen from around 8% a year ago to just above 6% at last glance. You’d think that would be enough to get the ball rolling.

It’s the Economy (and Maybe High Home Prices Too!)

As I wrote last week, it’s no longer a mortgage rate story. Most consumers are on board the “rates are going lower” bandwagon.

Yet they’re also saying it’s not an ideal time to buy. So then you need to look elsewhere for your answer.

Are home prices just too high, even with mortgage rates nearly 2% below their peak a year ago?

Or is the economy becoming more of a concern, with the Fed dancing with a recession and lots of rate cuts now expected over the next year and change?

Most of the consumers surveyed by Fannie Mae said they weren’t concerned about a job loss (78%), which has drifted down from 82% in 2021 but remains high.

But respondents have been more pessimistic about their household income compared to a year ago, with more saying it’s “significantly lower” than “significantly higher.”

This could also reflect the purchasing power of their dollars, which have eroded thanks to the inflation of just about everything.

So you start to wonder if consumer outlook is worsening as the economy shows signs of slowing, all while unemployment is rising.

This is what matters more than rates. And really explains why mortgage rates and home prices don’t have an inverse relationship.

If mortgage rates are expected to fall due to slowing economic conditions, couldn’t you argue that home price growth might also?

I’ve argued that home prices and rates can fall in tandem for this reason, despite nominal declines being rare.

But it at least bucks the idea of a home buyer frenzy when rates fall. Of course, rates have fallen during the slower time of the year. And they’re still markedly higher than they were as recently as early 2022.

So perhaps we just need rates to continue falling and for the 2025 spring home buying season to come about.

Then we’ll have a better idea of where this housing market goes next.

Colin Robertson
Latest posts by Colin Robertson (see all)