So Ubuntu has a version called Lubuntu, which used to come with LXDE, but now it comes with LXQt. So this will require you to install LXDE with the tasksel command, unless you start with Ubuntu desktopless. But I’d say to definitely check out Kubuntu, it’s the KDE version, and I feel like KDE and LXDE are quite similar. Both have an older windows overall appearance.

Good on you for being so knowledgeable about the disorder. But 100% ask your doc, being real with my doc has taken our appointments to the next level. The genome is only half of the IgE allergy response, other half is the environment you were raised in as you can build tolerance of it. A high genetic aspect can be countered by a “low hygienic” environment according to research.

Well, in digging into some research papers, I found “mast cell activation can be caused by both IgE-mediated and non–IgE-mediated triggers”.

This is because there can be a mast cell mutation (KIT) which then doesn’t require IgE for activation. You have MMAS and not Mastocytosis, right? The mutation seems to be associated with Mastocytosis based on my understanding from the paper.

Since mast cells aren’t privileged, they’re restricted from entering sites like the brain and spinal cord. So, if they’re in the spinal cord, you almost certainly have bigger problems than mast cell activation I’d think, as the barrier isn’t doing it’s job.

In case you’re interested, here’s the paper on mast cell disorders: https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(17)31025-4/fulltext

Here’s one on the brain and spinal cord: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3481533/

The BIGGEST issue with our understanding of the immune system today is that ALL testing is done on mice. The human body on a chip technology along with the digitization of the immune system together will be a monumental step. Thankfully, it’s literally something we’ll have in the near future. Once that’s available, we’ll have human specific data plus an onslaught of constant information, which we need to help folks with all of the immune system disorders. I’m an autoimmune patient and losing my friends and family to this uncertainty has led me into the field to try and help improve our understanding. There’s legit more we don’t know than we do know about the human immune system right now.

While there’s no free floating IgE in your system, to degranulate mast cells need IgE bound to their surface. Thats the activation aspect. Since you need mast cells, it’s not exactly something you can turn off. Glad you know the triggers at least, gives you the opportunity to make moves accordingly!

Here’s a great image of degranulation:

You need two IgE’s to cross-link the same antigen as well, like what is shown above.

Yep! Mast cells are activated when IgE antibodies bind to a mast cell receptor. When IgE then binds to the one object it was designed to find, you get mast cell degranulation. This releases histamines along with a few other chemicals. Degranulation is our immune defense against parasites, so you got a head start for parasite defense for sure! But desensitization can be achieved, which makes IgG antibodies bind to the foreign object before IgE has the chance. I’d think this could be a possible treatment for the syndrome.

Do you also have asthma? The same IgE’s also bind to eosinophil’s. Mast cell degranulation in the lungs leads to acute asthma, whereas when eosinophil’s join the party it causes airway remodeling, aka chronic asthma.

It’s no picnic, parasites are burly! The Th2 adaptive immune response for worms, our only parasite response, is only good with small initial infections. But since the side effects are relatively mild considering all parasites, it’s not a big area of focus.

Fun fact: The same response for parasites causes allergies. You can never be allergic when it’s your first exposure either. But a less hygenic environment as a kid greatly redices the risk of developing allergies.

Of course!

• This ones about the evolutionary benefits: The origin of risk aversion https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4273387/

• Here’s one on fatal motorcycle accidents: Increased risk of traffic accidents in subjects with latent toxoplasmosis - a retrospective case-control study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC117239/

• For good measure, here’s one on business owners and the parasite: Risky business - linking Toxoplasma gondii infection and entrepreneurship behaviours across individuals and countries https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6083268/

Toxoplasmosis is very intriguing, it has actually evolved alongside cats and humans for ages. While anyone with an immunodeficiency is at higher risk of severe side effects, like with any pathogen, it’s also associated with taking bigger risk. This is why a ton of motorcyclists and casino regulars test positive for the parasite. But when we were hunter gatherers, the infection was associated with bringing home bigger kills, which helped the entire tribe. Due to this, toxoplasmosis infections had sizable benefits and those with the infection often had positions of power in tribes!

Aegis is my absolute favorite for 2FA’s, give it a try for sure. Pretty sure it’s only available on Android unfortunately though.

I’ve never noticed this, I’d bet it’s associated with your notification settings. My only gripe is that everytime my phone restarts, I have to open the app and reselected the ask first option for calling. Otherwise the number I don’t use associated with my service plan will be what I call from :/

With the original Beeper app you made an Apple ID through Apples website to use for setting up iMessage. This does require folks having the email in order to use iMessage, so definetly worth setting up an alias. It still works, while Beeper Mini doesn’t apparently.

Standard Notes is the best notes app on the market. It’s a cross platform and encrypted FOSS app which works great for to do lists.

Here’s one: https://techcrunch.com/2017/02/20/kim-dotcom-extradition-upheld/

They had a huge problem with their encryption for a while but I believe it’s now fixed. Additionally, it was ran by Kim Dotcom, the guy who hosted Megadownload, until the New Zealand government took over. So it’s had faulty encryption and is hosted by a 14 eyes government agency. This is why privacy communities recommend alternative options to Mega.