StemCell Therapy

Published: Oct. 20, 2021 at 8:05 PM EDT

PERTH, Australia and TAIPEI and SHANGHAI, Oct. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- GenFleet Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focusing on cutting-edge therapies in oncology and immunology, today announced the first patient with metastatic sigmoid adenocarcinoma has been dosed in Perth, Australia in a phase Ib/II trial of GFH018 in combination with toripalimab (anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody) as part of global multi-center clinical research. GenFleet also received IND approval from the food and drug administrative authorities in China's Taiwan to proceed with phase Ib/II trial of GFH018 in combination with toripalimab in patients with multiple solid tumors.

Potential indications for molecules targeting TGF- pathway span across multiple solid tumors, and no drugs have been approved for this pathway thus far. There are broad indications for GFH018 in treating solid tumors with lower response rates to PD-1 inhibitors.

The primary objective of this combination study is to evaluate the safety/tolerability of GFH018 with toripalimab. It will also characterize the pharmacokinetics of GFH018 and the efficacy of the combination therapy. GFH018 demonstrated excellent safety profile in phase I trial. Preclinical data also suggested antitumor effects of low-dose GFH018 in combination with PD-1 inhibitors.

"TGF- signaling pathway has been validated in recent years as crucial to regulating immune-microenvironment in cancer therapeutics. Drug candidates targeting this pathway offers a critical solution for patients resistant to previous immunotherapies with poor prognosis. Compared to antibodies targeting the TGF- pathway, GFH018 as a small molecule inhibitor specifically targets TGF- R1 (receptor type 1). And based on preliminary data in phase I trial, we can see that GFH018 has the potential to inhibit the growth of fibroblasts, regulate tumor microenvironments, and improve the response rate to PD-1 inhibitors in combination therapies," said Yu Wang, M.D./Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of GenFleet.

"This multi-center trial the first POC (proof of concept) study designed by GenFleet and it's also the company's third program involving global research sites. The development of GFH018 progresses smoothly and is one of the leading drug candidates targeting TGF- pathway and will hopefully offer a differentiated alternative to therapies in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. In continuous exploration of novel targets, we look forward to benefiting global patients with more innovative therapies in future," said Jiong Lan, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of GenFleet.

About toripalimab

Toripalimab is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody developed by Junshi Biosciences ( SH: 688180;HK: 1877). More than thirty company-sponsored toripalimab clinical studies covering more than fifteen indications have been conducted globally, including in China and the United States. Ongoing or completed pivotal clinical trials are evaluating the safety and efficacy of toripalimab for a broad range of tumor types including cancers of the lung, nasopharynx, esophagus, stomach, bladder, breast, liver, kidney and skin.

In China, toripalimab was the first domestic anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody approved for marketing (TUOYI). On December 17, 2018, toripalimab was granted a conditional approval by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for the second-line treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma. In December 2020, toripalimab was successfully included in the updated National Reimbursement Drug List. In February 2021, the NMPA granted a conditional approval to toripalimab for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after failure of at least two lines of prior systemic therapy. In April 2021, NMPA granted a conditional approval to toripalimab for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who failed platinum-containing chemotherapy or progressed within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant platinum-containing chemotherapy.

In the United States, the first toripalimab BLA has been submitted to the FDA for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic NPC. The FDA has granted 2 Breakthrough Therapy designations, 1 fast Track designation and 3 orphan drug designations for toripalimab in the treatment of NPC, mucosal melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma.

About GFH018 and TGF- R1

Developed by GenFleet Therapeutics, GFH018 is an orally administered TGF- R1 inhibitor and entered into phase I clinical trial in 2019. Preclinical data showed evidence of GFH018's good anti-tumor properties against cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. Besides, translational and mechanistic studies confirmed it effectively acts on TGF- signaling pathway and synergizes with checkpoint inhibitors.

As a multifunctional cytokine, transforming growth factor- (TGF-) is secreted into tumor microenvironment or peripheral circulation mainly by regulatory T cells, fibroblasts and endothelial cells. TGF- binds to type 2 receptor (TGF- R2) on cell membrane, and then recruits and phosphorylates type 1 receptor (TGF- R1). The receptor dimer activates downstream SMAD-dependent & SMAD-independent signaling pathways to perform various biological functions.

In the microenvironment of advanced solid tumors, TGF- signaling pathway can promote epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) & metastasis, induce the formation of cancer stem cells and their functional maintenance, inhibit anti-tumor immunity, enhance vasculature and fibrosis, and ultimately result in tumor progression. Among patients of hepatocellular carcinoma, glioma, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, urothelial cancer and other solid tumors, high expression of genes related to TGF- signaling pathway is frequently discovered in their blood and tumor tissues. The expression level is positively correlated to the malignancy & poor differentiation of tumor and unfavorable prognosis in patients.

About GenFleet Therapeutics

Dedicated to serving significant unmet medical needs, GenFleet Therapeutics constructs its R&D platform on the basis of disease biology and translational medicine, and researches into latest biological mechanism of cancer pathways, tumor microenvironment and human immunoregulation. GenFleet's rich and diversified pipeline highlights multiple cutting-edge products with novel mechanisms and global intellectual property rights.

Through years of endeavor, GenFleet has set up industry-leading capabilities and expertise in developing novel drugs - both small molecules and biologics. Its cutting-edge pipeline includes over 10 products, many of which have progressed into clinical stages. As more projects move into late-stage clinical trials, GenFleet is expected to unravel its blueprint of commercialization during the next 3-5 years.

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SOURCE GenFleet Therapeutics

The above press release was provided courtesy of PRNewswire. The views, opinions and statements in the press release are not endorsed by Gray Media Group nor do they necessarily state or reflect those of Gray Media Group, Inc.

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GenFleet Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase Ib/II Trial of TGF- R1 Inhibitor in Combination with PD-1 Inhibitor in Global Multi-center Research -...

EastIdahoNews.com is highlighting hardworking people who make our local businesses a success. Every Sunday, were Getting to Know YOU!

1. Name, job title and company: Kate Roth MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, WHNP-BCP, ARBHRT-C Nurse Practitioner and Medical Director for Beacon Specialty and Family Practice

2. What does your company do and what are your responsibilities? We provide an array of family medicine services. I specialize in comprehensive womens healthcare and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. She treats thyroid disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, infertility and vaginal rejuvenation treatment. I also perform annual wellness examinations, family planning, treatment of migraine headache, pre-marital exams and bio-identical hormone pellet insertion for men and women. My responsibilities as medical director include maintaining compliance with regulatory state board regulations, HIPAA security services, staff training and competency evaluation in accordance with state and federal law.

3. Where were you born and when is your birthday (dont need to include year)? Champaign, Illinois, October 2

4. How long have you lived in eastern Idaho and what city do you live in now? Ive lived in eastern Idaho for 18 years. (Didnt want to say the city she lives in).

5. Tell us about your first job after high school/college. Hired as staff, then charge RN for the University of Illinois at Chicagos first bone, or stem cell, transplant center.

6. What is the best business decision youve ever made? Partnering with Beacon Integrative Medical Center.

7. Tell us about your family. Wonderful husband, three children all active in sports and school activities. We enjoy doing anonymous service projects, hiking, watching movies, reading books, traveling, and skiing together.

8. Tell us about a movie or book that has inspired you the most in life. (Didnt want to answer)

9. Tell us about a lesson you learned from a mistake you made in your career/business. Corporate healthcare is not for me. I believe in providing compassionate, comprehensive healthcare and making sure my patients feel heard.

10. What is a goal you hope to accomplish in the next 12 months? Grow personally, physically, spiritually and professionally. Always learning!

11. What is one piece of advice you have for someone who wants to do what youre doing? Listen to and love your patients.

12. If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently? Nothing at all. I am thrilled to be who and where I am today.

13. Where is your favorite place to eat in eastern Idaho? Home!

14. Tell us something surprising about yourself. (Didnt want to answer)

15. How do you like your potatoes? Roasted with garden-fresh herbs.

If you have an employee or co-worker who we should get to know, email rett@eastidahonews.com.

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Getting to Know Kate Roth at Beacon Integrative Medical Center in Rexburg - East Idaho News

Newswise Irvine, Calif., Oct. 22, 2021 A new study led by University of California, Irvine researchers is the first to reveal the specific molecular mechanism that controls the transition from acute to chronic pain, and identifies this mechanism as a critical target for disease-modifying medicines.

Findings from the study, titled NAAA-regulated lipid signaling governs the transition from acute to chronic pain, published today in Science Advances, show that disabling N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA)an intracellularenzymein the spinal cord during a 72-hour time window following peripheral tissue injury halts chronic pain development in male and female mice.

Delineating the nature, localization and timing of the events involved in pain chronicity is necessary to pinpointing control nodes in the process that can be targeted by new classes of disease-modifying medicines beyond analgesics, said Daniele Piomelli, Distinguished Professor in the UCI School of Medicine Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology. This study is the first to identify that NAAA, a previously unrecognized control node, can be effectively targeted by small-molecule therapeutics that inhibit this enzyme, and block the transition from acute to chronic pain.

Chronic pain evolves from acute pain caused by the physical trauma of tissue damage due to surgery or injury and is a massive problem, affecting more than 1.5 billion people worldwide. Chronic pain continues long past tissue healing, is often resistant to therapy, and remains seriously undertreated. Treatment is largely dependent on a handful of analgesic drug classes such as opioids, which may lose effectiveness over time and can also lead to addiction. Nerve damage is considered to be a critical factor in the transition to chronic pain, but the underlying molecular events leading to its emergence have been poorly understood.

Our findings suggest a new class of drugs NAAA inhibitors can be used to treat various forms of chronic pain and in preventing incisional and inflammatory injuries following surgery, Piomelli said.

This work was funded by grants R41NS106999, R42DA033683 and DA041229 from the National Institutes of Health.

About the UCI School of Medicine: Each year, the UCI School of Medicine educates more than 400 medical students, and nearly 150 doctoral and masters students. More than 700 residents and fellows are trained at UCI Medical Center and affiliated institutions. The School of Medicine offers an MD; a dual MD/PhD medical scientist training program; and PhDs and masters degrees in anatomy and neurobiology, biomedical sciences, genetic counseling, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, pathology, pharmacology, physiology and biophysics, and translational sciences. Medical students also may pursue an MD/MBA., an MD/masters in public health, or an MD/masters degree through one of three mission-based programs: Health Education to Advance Leaders in Integrative Medicine (HEAL-IM), Leadership Education to Advance Diversity-African, Black and Caribbean (LEAD-ABC), and the Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community (PRIME-LC). The UCI School of Medicine is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Accreditation and ranks among the top 50 nationwide for research. For more information, visit som.uci.edu.

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UCI-led study first to reveal specific molecular mechanism that controls the transition from acute to chronic pain - Newswise

Our grandmothers have passed on many wise tips for moving through life, from beauty secrets to home remedies for everyday ailments. Among the top? Always have a hot-water bottle at the ready to help you with everything from relieving period cramps to warming your feet before bed on a chilly night.

To menstruate is to know that period symptoms are always in flux and that even the change of season can dramatically impact them. Come fall, we tend to exercise less and eat richer, heartier foods, which can exacerbate PMS symptoms, especially cramps. One of the most tried-and-true remedies to ease aches and pains is applying heat to the lower abdomen with a hot-water bottle. It helps soothe the tense muscles associated with cramping, explains Sherry Ross, M.D., a Santa Monica ob-gyn. Heat works by relaxing the muscles of the uterus, which increases blood flow and ultimately helps ease the pain.

And its not just helpful for abdominal cramps but for other parts of the body under stress too. Many women also get neck pain during their period due to the general muscle cramping and drop in magnesium and progesterone before their cycle, so a hot-water bottle is a great home remedy for this, explains integrative-medicine physician Taz Bhatia, M.D. There is also the psychological impact of warmth giving us a feeling of relief, adds Dr. Bhatia, citing findings that show that exposure to warm temperature can elevate a persons mood. (Hence the enduring appeal of using a hot-water bottle to keep your feet toasty on a nippy night by placing it at the foot of the bed.)

To up the cozy factor of your hot-water-bottle session, there are a variety of covers to accessorizeand snuggle up withduring the colder months. There are sumptuous classics made from cable knits or faux fur, as well as even more elevated designs, like the silk chinoiserie-print offerings from The Beauty Sleeper. Shop the most practical and stylish options below.

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Why a Hot-Water Bottle Is the Key to Staying CozyAnd Easing Period CrampsThis Winter - Vogue

"Thirty minutes a day is a good goal for movement," Shah writes on Instagram. However, she notes that you don't necessarily need to dedicate all of those 30 minutes to the gym. "Even if you don't work out on a treadmill and you just move around all day for a total of 10 to 20,000 stepsthat is enough of a workout. You really don't have to have a formal or gym workout, at least cardio-wise."

So if a 30-minute treadmill walk fits into your schedulegreat! But just know that you can reap the cardio benefits from NEAT movement (or non-exercise activity thermogenesis), as well.

Aside from the cardio itself, the incline plays a significant role: "Walking up a hill is a great cardiovascular exercise and also has some resistance built in as you are walking [on an] incline," says Shah. In fact, research has shown resistance training is top-notch for healthy aging and longevityShah says you might want to incorporate proper strength training as well to increase muscle mass, but the incline is a great start.

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Is This The Best Walking Routine For Longevity & Overall Health? - mindbodygreen.com

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IrelandUruguay, Eastern Republic ofUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuela, Bolivarian Republic ofViet Nam, Socialist Republic ofWallis and Futuna IslandsWestern SaharaYemenZambia, Republic ofZimbabwe

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Naturopathic Medical Organizations Jointly Issue White Paper on Whole-Person Care to Commemorate International Day of Natural Medicine - goskagit.com

image:The VPI10463 and M68 represent the classic and the hypervirulent C. difficile, respectively. GTD-VPI preferentially modifies Rho family GTPases (Cdc42, for example) by glucosylation, while GTD-M68 more effectively modifies R-Ras. Due to their different selectivity toward Rho or Ras family GTPases, these two different TcdB variants cause two distinct types of cytopathic effects. view more

Credit: UCI School of Medicine

Irvine, Calif., Oct. 22, 2021 A University of California, Irvine-led study suggests that the glucosyltransferase domain (GTD) is an ideal molecular target for therapeutic interventions for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). These findings may lead to new treatments to fight this deadly disease.

Based on their findings that established the structural basis for Toxin B recognition of the small GTPases Rho and R-Ras families, the study, titled Structural basis for selective modification of Rho and Ras GTPases by Clostridioides difficile toxin B, was published today in Sciences Advances.

CDI is the leading cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and gastroenteritis-associated deaths worldwide, accounting for 500,000 cases and 29,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the top health threats. There is growing global concern surrounding the emerge and spread of hypervirulent C. difficile strains, resembling the occurrence of new virus variants in current COVID pandemic. TcdB is one of two homologous C. difficile exotoxins, and TcdB alone is capable of causing the full spectrum of CDI diseases.

We focused on the structure and function of TcdBs crucial GTD, which is the toxins warhead. The GTD is delivered by the toxin inside the host cells and causes most of the cytosolic damage to patients, said Rongsheng Jin, PhD, professor in the Department of Physiology & Biophysics at the UCI School of Medicine, and corresponding author. We discovered molecular mechanisms by which the GTD specifically recognizes and blocks the physiological functions of the human GTPases Rho and R-Ras enzyme families that are crucial signaling molecules.

The team also demonstrated how the classic form of TcdB and the hypervirulent TcdB recognize their human targets in different ways, which leads to distinct structural changes to the host cells caused by bacterial invasion.

Once the GTD of TcdB is inside the cells, it is shielded by our cells and becomes inaccessible to passive immunotherapy. But our studies suggest that small molecule inhibitors could be developed to disarm the GTD, which will directly eliminate the root cause of disease symptoms and cellular damage, Jin said. This new strategy can potentially be integrated with and complement other CDI treatment regiments.

This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health under awards R01AI125704, R21AI139690, R21AI123920, R01NS080833, R01AI132387, R01AI139087 and R21 CA235533.

Team members also include Zheng Liu and Peng Chen from the UCI Department of Physiology & Biophysics; Sical Chang, Songhai Tian, Ji Zeng, and Min Dong, Department of Urology, Boston Childrens Hospital, and Department of Microbiology and Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston; and Kay Perry, NE-CAT and Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York; and Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois.

About the UCI School of Medicine: Each year, the UCI School of Medicine educates more than 400 medical students, and nearly 150 doctoral and masters students. More than 700 residents and fellows are trained at UCI Medical Center and affiliated institutions. The School of Medicine offers an M.D.; a dual M.D./Ph.D. medical scientist training program; and Ph.D.s and masters degrees in anatomy and neurobiology, biomedical sciences, genetic counseling, epidemiology, environmental health sciences, pathology, pharmacology, physiology and biophysics, and translational sciences. Medical students also may pursue an M.D./M.B.A., an M.D./masters in public health, or an M.D./masters degree through one of three mission-based programs: Health Education to Advance Leaders in Integrative Medicine (HEAL-IM), Leadership Education to Advance Diversity-African, Black and Caribbean (LEAD-ABC), and the Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community (PRIME-LC). The UCI School of Medicine is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Accreditation and ranks among the top 50 nationwide for research. For more information, visit som.uci.edu.

Experimental study

Cells

Structural basis for selective modification of Rho and Ras GTPases by Clostridioides difficile toxin B

22-Oct-2021

Authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

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UCI-led study suggests new molecular target for therapeutic interventions aimed at C. difficile infection - EurekAlert

The NFL's reigning MVP isn't likely to unseat book club queens Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon orJenna Bush Hager anytime soon, but his Aaron Rodgers Book Club is rolling right along.

Each Tuesday during his appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," the Green Bay Packers quarterback ends his segment by revealing a recommended book. An avidreader, Rodgers told McAfee he started thinking about the idea after Packers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling asked him for a starter packof recommended reads during training camp.

His inaugural book club pick, "The Alchemist," got a retweet from its author. Rodgers has saidhe's heard from others who have thanked himfor talking about reading.

"We need more people reading and (less) people spending time sitting on their ass watching TV and other bull----," hesaid on the show.

Brown CountyLibrary, which hasnine locations in the greater Green Bay area, has noticed an uptick in interestin the seven titles Rodgers hasrecommended to date, particularly since October, said Susan Lagerman, the library's community engagement manager. Several of the titles are checked out and others have waiting lists, she said.

Rodgers, who told McAfee he has a stack of 30 books he wants to get to, reads mostly nonfiction and leans toward philosophical, spiritual and self-help titles. He plans to choose 18 books through the season.

All proceeds from the saleof Aaron Rodgers Book ClubT-shirts through McAfee's online merchandise store will be donated to a reading advocacy program of Rodgers' choice.

Here's a breakdown of his picks so far:

Recommended on: Oct. 19 (two days after the "I still own you" Packers-Chicago Bears game)

Quick summary: Writtenmore than 2,000 years ago in ancient China, it's the first known study of the planning and conduct of military operations, but its reach extends beyond battlefield maneuvers to business, politics and personal conflicts. Among the classic'sfamed quotes:It is easy to love your friend, but sometimes the hardest lesson to learn is to love your enemy."

Rodgers' take: "It's a book that I think most great leaders have read at some point ... A lot of great wisdom in here and one-liners that you can use in your life and in press conferences down the road as well and in speeches to your team when you're trying to fire up the boys."

Recommended on: Oct. 12

Quick summary:Chopra, world-renowned as an author and speaker on integrative medicine and personal transformation,teams up with physicist Menas Kafatos to explore questions about time, space, the universe and humans' place in it.

Rodgers' take:He just finished reading the 2017 book and admits it's "a super dense book" with "some crazy concepts." At 288 pages, it's also one of the longer books he has chosen.

Recommended on: Oct. 5

Quick summary: First published in 1997, the long-running New York Times bestseller explores four agreements people can make with themselves to find happiness and freedom. They are: Be impeccable with your word; don't take anything personally; don't make assumptions; and always do your best.Winfrey has heralded the book three times on her television shows, in 2000, 2001 and 2013, resulting in huge sales spikes each time.

Rodgers' take: It's his go-to title when someone hits him up for a self-help book recommendation. It's a simple read at 140 pages and one he thinks everyone can relate to, especially the agreement about not to take thingspersonally.

"I think that'sthe motivation for most comments on social media," Rodgers said. "Somebody has said something and then somebody takes it personally and then they have to fire back."

RELATED: A full fridge and bidets: Randall Cobb talks about the perks of staying at Aaron Rodgers house

RELATED: Comedian Bert Kreischer hangs out with Aaron Rodgers, squeezes into tiny Packers jersey

Recommended on: Sept. 28

Quick summary: A 1971 book that offers guidance on meditation, yogaand finding your true self from the famed guru of the spiritual movement in America. It took off during the hippie movement in the '70s, offering readers a way to find peace, calmness andhigher states of consciousness without psychedelics and deliveringthe ultimate message tolive in the present.

Rodgers' take:"It's a good intro book, I think, for anybody interested in needing inspiration on their journey to a new type of spirituality. Some incredible quotes in here and a book that really meant a lot to me."

Honorary mention:It's not an official ARBC selection, but Rodgers did give a shoutout to"Chuck Norris CannotBe Stopped:400 All-New Facts About the Man Who Knows Neither Fear Nor Mercy" by Ian Spector, mostly because he ran across a copy on his home bookshelf.

Recommended on: Sept. 21

Quick summary: TheAmericanyoung adultnovel follows 12-year-old Jonas in a society that at first appears to beutopianbut is later revealed to bedystopianas the haunting story goes on. It won the 1994 Newbery Medal, awarded annually by the American Library Associationfor the most distinguished American children's book published the previous year.

Rodgers' take: "This book was on reading lists when I was growing up. It still stands up. It's, in my opinion, super relatable to what we're going through as a society now." Rodgers has read it four times.

Recommended on: Sept. 14

Quick summary: The story of the Arizona Cardinals safety who gave up a $3.6 million contractafter 9/11 to enlist in the U.S. Army and become an Army Ranger. Sent first to Iraq and then Afghanistan, Tillman was killed in 2004 by friendly fire, the details of whichwerekept from his family and the American public for several weeks after his death.

Rodgers' take: "One of my legitimate all-time favorites by an author who I have read many, many of his books."

Rodgers said he has given the book away so many times for others to read that he had to run to Barnes & Noble to pick up a copy for the segment.

"The best part about it is learning more about Pat Tillman, and Pat, which I didn't know, he's a deep thinker and, like myself, kind of grew up in and around the church but at some point really dove into Eastern religions and meditationand philosophyand journaling. He was a very curious guy and he had a lot of interests outside of football."

Recommended on: Sept. 7

Quick summary: First published in 1988, the international bestseller by the Brazilian author tells thestory of an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest ends up taking him to riches of a different kind. No. 70 on the list of 100 most-loved books from PBS' "The Great American Read,"itoffers lessons about listening to your heart, recognizing opportunity and following your dreams.

Rodgers' take:"One of my all-time favorite books, and it's an easy book, and it'sfiction, which, I don't read a lot of fiction, but it's been around for a long, long time."

Rodgers, who just finished reading itagain during training camp, highlighted some of his favorite excerpts with a blue marker somethinghe often does with books he reads.

ContactKendra Meinertat 920-431-8347 or kmeinert@greenbay.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @KendraMeinert.

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Are you keeping up with the Aaron Rodgers Book Club? Here are all of his recommended reads so far - Green Bay Press Gazette

But let us emphasize complex carbs here: This does not mean you should dig into a bowl of potato chips before bed. You still want to choose foods with a low glycemic index in order to keep your blood sugar balanced. (Because, friendly reminder, your blood sugar also affects your shut-eye.) Some of the best nutrient-dense sources of complex carbs include sweet potatoes, beets, squash, and carrotsbut check out our full guide to keto carb cycling, if you're curious.

Bonus points if you choose foods rich in magnesium, too, as the mineral is important for a bunch of functions in the body, including sleep.* Some favorites include chickpeas, bananas, pumpkin seeds, and we could go on (so we'll just send you here for a quick recap).

And if you'd like even more of a nudge before bed, you can lean on sleep supplements clinically shown to have a calming effect on the brain. Our very own sleep support+ was designed withleading researchers and physicians to help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed, featuring 120 mg of highly absorbable and gentle magnesium bisglycinate with jujube seed extract and PharmaGABA.* It's a well-rounded supplement free of GMOs, gluten, dairy, soy, and food allergens, and it can seamlessly fit into any lifestyle.

Read more:
The Surprising Reason Going Keto Can Mess With Your Sleep + How To Fix It - mindbodygreen.com

-All Dates- Today Tomorrow This Weekend This Week -------------------- Tuesday, October 26 Wednesday, October 27 Thursday, October 28 Friday, October 29 Saturday, October 30 Sunday, October 31 Monday, November 1 Tuesday, November 2 Wednesday, November 3 Thursday, November 4 Friday, November 5 Saturday, November 6 Sunday, November 7 Monday, November 8 Tuesday, November 9 Wednesday, November 10 Thursday, November 11 Friday, November 12 Saturday, November 13 Sunday, November 14 Monday, November 15 Tuesday, November 16 Wednesday, November 17 Thursday, November 18 Friday, November 19 Saturday, November 20 Sunday, November 21 Monday, November 22 Tuesday, November 23 Wednesday, November 24 Thursday, November 25 -All Event Categories- ARTS AGENDA Classical Music Comedy Film Museums Readings & Signings Spoken Word Theater/Dance/Performance Art Visual Arts COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS Benefits & Fundraisers Clubs & Organizations Family Festivals/Events Gay & Lesbian Health & Fitness Holiday Lectures, Classes & Seminars Nightlife Sex & Love Singles Sports & Recreation Support Groups Volunteers/Public Life FOOD & DRINK Culinary Wine/Cocktails MUSIC EVENTS Blues/Roots/International Classical/Jazz/Smooth Country/Folk DJ/Electronic General Hip-Hop/Soul/R&B Pop/Rock

-All Dates- Today Tomorrow This Weekend This Week -------------------- Tuesday, October 26 Wednesday, October 27 Thursday, October 28 Friday, October 29 Saturday, October 30 Sunday, October 31 Monday, November 1 Tuesday, November 2 Wednesday, November 3 Thursday, November 4 Friday, November 5 Saturday, November 6 Sunday, November 7 Monday, November 8 Tuesday, November 9 Wednesday, November 10 Thursday, November 11 Friday, November 12 Saturday, November 13 Sunday, November 14 Monday, November 15 Tuesday, November 16 Wednesday, November 17 Thursday, November 18 Friday, November 19 Saturday, November 20 Sunday, November 21 Monday, November 22 Tuesday, November 23 Wednesday, November 24 Thursday, November 25 -All Neighborhoods- NORTH CHARLOTTE Concord/Kannapolis Cornelius Dilworth Huntersville NoDa North End Northlake University Davidson Mooresville SOUTH CHARLOTTE Ballantyne Madison Park/Montford Matthews SouthPark Myers Park South End Pineville/Hwy 51 Steele Creek South Charlotte Cotswold CENTRAL CHARLOTTE General Charlotte Area Midtown Uptown EAST SIDE East Charlotte Elizabeth Plaza Midwood WEST CHARLOTTE Beatties Ford Road Corridor FreeMore West Gastonia Westside SOUTH CAROLINA Fort Mill Rock Hill OUTSIDE CHARLOTTE Outside Charlotte

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Drinking Tea in The Morning: Is It Good For Your Health? - CL Charlotte

Turning 40 feels like a milestone and, with life expectancy still hovering around 81 years for adults in the UK, it does indeed mark a halfway point. Undeniably, the body starts to work against us as we enter midlife and not just by making those unwelcome grunts when we ease into an armchair.

The risk of cancer starts to increase, as the cells become more damaged over time; for women the perimenopause may begin at this stage. Meanwhile, our body composition changes after the age of 30 we lose around 3-5 per cent of muscle per decade unless we include strength training in our regimes, and midlifers can find their waistline expanding, though whether this is down to the metabolism slowing down, or an increased cheese and wine habit, remains the subject of debate.

But lots of these downsides of ageing can be managed or even prevented by lifestyle tweaks; studies show that adopting healthy habits can decrease cancer risk by as much as 40 per cent. So if youre in your 40s, one of the best things you can do is have a health check.

From the age of 40, a full health screening should be a key date in your diary each year, Dr Ursula Levine, General Practitioner (Integrative Medicine), at Lanserhof at The Arts Club says. The earlier a change in your health is detected, the more efficient the treatment can be.

The NHS offer a free health check for over-40s every five years to check for early signs of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. But there are plenty of tests you can do at home, too...

Leading diabetes scientist Dr Roy Taylor recently said not being able to fit into the trousers you wore in your 20s can be a sign you are carrying too much fat and at risk of type 2 diabetes.

Waist size is an important indicator of health because fat stored around the middle can be especially harmful, building up around organs such as the liver and pancreas and raising the risk of insulin resistance and metabolic and cardiovascular disease.

But the jean size test is a bit rudimentary. Dr Michael Mosley, who created the 5:2 diet, has a different marker of good health. We know the waist to height ratio is a useful indicator of health ideally your waist circumference should be at most half of your height, he says. But you dont need a tape measure just grab a piece of string that is as long as you are tall. Fold it in half and see if it fits around your waist.

If it doesnt, dont panic, but it is something to work on. Reducing your waist circumference to half your height will likely improve your long-term health and boost your immunity, Dr Mosley adds.

If you want a quick test to see how your heart is coping, climb four flights of stairs (60 steps) and time yourself. If it takes you more than one-and-a-half minutes to ascend four flights of stairs, your health is sub-optimal, and it would be a good idea to consult a doctor, says Dr Jess Peteiro, a cardiologist at University Hospital A Corua, Spain, who presented his research at the European Society of Cardiology conference last year.

A recent study published in the journal Jama Network Open found that getting fit in your 40s and 50s lowers the risk of early death by about 35 per cent and is particularly protective against heart disease.

Women of all ages but particularly those in their 40s and upwards should check their breasts regularly. Dr Zoe Williams, the GP and broadcaster, recommends doing this ideally once a month and says that its not just lumps we should look out for. There are many different signs such as irritation or dimpling of the skin on the breast or flaky skin in the nipple area, she says. If you notice any unusual changes, its important to contact your GP as soon as possible.

Breast cancer screening is offered on the NHS from the age of 50. It is not recommended before then because theres not enough evidence that it would reduce deaths, and the tests have risks as well, says Sophia Lowes at Cancer Research UK.

Other red flag symptoms to have investigated include unusual lumps anywhere on your body, appetite loss, heavy night sweats and blood in stools. If you do notice something unusual, tell your doctor, Lowes says.

The ability to balance on one leg is a strong indicator of longevity and health, according to a study by the Medical Research Council, which tracked 5,000 people born in 1946 throughout their lives. Those who could balance on one leg for more than 10 seconds with eyes closed, and then to stand up and sit down in a chair 37 times in 60 seconds or 35 times for women tended to have a better life expectancy when they revisited them 13 years later.

Balance is something we take for granted, Dr Mosley says. It enables you to move confidently through life but unfortunately, our balance deteriorates when you hit your 40s. The brain uses messages from receptors in our inner ear, eyes, muscles and joints to keep us upright. If our balance is off, it can be an overall marker of decline of brain health.

Practising standing on one leg once a day is a simple way to improve your posture and balance. When Im brushing my teeth, I set a timer, and stand on one leg, switching from one leg to the other. Each day, try and increase the number of seconds and try and work up to a minute if possible, says Dr Mosley.

Nearly 40 per cent of adults have high or borderline high cholesterol, according to NHS statistics, and levels increase with age. The NHS advises asking for a test if you are 40 and over and havent had a test before, especially if high cholesterol or heart problems run in your family. High cholesterol has no symptoms, so the only way to tell is a blood test.

Blood pressure also rises with age, thanks to a reduction in elastic tissue in your arteries, and again it can be symptomless. Around 90 per cent of patients have no symptoms, says Dr Nighat Arif, a GP based in Buckinghamshire. But high blood pressure can have life changing effects, such as triggering a heart attack or stroke, damaging your kidneys or even losing your vision.

Women in particular need to be aware of raised blood pressure; researchers from Norway reported earlier this year that even slightly elevated readings from the age of 40 were a strong risk factor for a heart attack in the next 16 years.

170,000 Britons die a year due to heart attacks, strokes and circulatory conditions, according to Cambridge University research, and cutting your cholesterol and blood pressure through quitting smoking, exercising, losing weight and reducing salt can reduce the risk by four fifths.

Spinal degeneration and back problems become more common after the age of 40, says osteopath Nadia Alibhai. To protect the long term health of your back, she says keeping flexible is absolutely key.

In an ideal world, we should be able to touch our toes in our 40s, as it displays flexibility in your lower back, glutes, ankles and hamstrings. Flexibility is needed for proper blood circulation and muscle elasticity; touching the toes helps prevent muscles from contracting and becoming short and tight.

A study published in the journal Heart and Circulatory Physiology found that being able to touch your toes could mean that your arteries are in good shape, too. Researchers found a correlation between poor flexibility and atherosclerosis in a group of people aged 40 and above.

If you cant get down that far, you need to practise. If youre struggling, start with a slow forward fold, Alibhai says. Stretch upwards and lengthen your spine before folding forwards. Keep your spine straight and if you need to bend your knees, please do. Dont push yourself too far, slow and steady wins the race.

Im seeing so many people with back problems at the moment, says Dr Arif, and they are usually posture related from hunching over screens. If you know you can touch your toes, then you are extending the spinal cord and sciatic nerve and you know youve got good flexibility.

Your GP is trained to check moles, and you can ask them to do just that. However: I would always recommend getting a regular (once yearly) mole check at a specialist clinic once you turn 40, says Dr David Jack, an aesthetic doctor and skincare expert. Specialist mole clinics do this every day so if there is something unusual that might not be recognised by a GP then it can be quickly diagnosed and treated right away.

For Dr Michael Mosleys recipes to help with weight loss visit http://www.thefast800.com

Read more:
Seven health checks to have once you turn 40 - Telegraph.co.uk

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Are you feeling knotty?

First, please note the spelling. Then, if your tense back or sore muscles are screaming Yes!, keep reading.

While getting weekly or even monthly massages may be beneficial to both your physical and mental health, it can take a chunk out of your paychecks, too. Because of this, many of us deal with our aches and pains by ignoring them, instead of working through the knots with some massage and TLC.

Massage is generally considered part of integrative medicine, according to the Mayo Clinic. Its increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations. Among the many benefits Mayo cites in relation to both stress and total body wellness:

Heres where an at-home massage device comes into play, providing much needed relief for your body without adding extra stress on your wallet. This is why we tested the Therabody Theragun Mini, the $199 personal and portable percussive therapy massage gun.

For those new to what percussive therapy is, youre not alone. To help explain it, we chatted with Dr. Jason Wersland, founder and chief wellness officer of Therabody, to break it all down.

Basically the up-and-down motion that the Theragun makes is called a percussive motion, he explained in a statement to The Post. That motion along with our specifically calibrated frequency and amplitude moves on and off the body having a positive effect on the body, nerves, and body tissue to ease muscle tension and aches.

The powerful-but-compact device comes with a carrying case so you can bring it pretty much anywhere, from the gym to use in the locker room after an intense workout to the office to use on a sore back due to bad posture or on your arches after wearing uncomfortable shoes. It also has a 150-minute battery life, should you leave your charger at home by accident.

We designed the mini specifically for ease-of-use. Its smaller in nature but doesnt sacrifice power. Its a pocket-sized device, giving Theragun quality muscle treatment with unparalleled portability, explained Dr. Wersland. The compact Theragun mini is the most agile massage device for on-the-go care, small enough to fit into a bag or laptop case, it can go anywhere with you.

The device is sold on Therabodys site in four different colors, including the white version I now have at home, a light taupe brown, black and red in partnership with (PRODUCT)RED, donating a portion of the proceeds between now and Dec. 31 to the Global Fund to support the COVID-19 Response as well as HIV/AIDS programs.

If this is your first foray into personal massage devices, no worries, as the Theragun Mini may be one of the easiest to use. If you need a bit more instruction than the video above or from the included care instructions in your box, they also have a library of training videos on the site that you can do from anywhere.

The device is a great supplement to getting a massage, as Dr. Wersland said that while this isnt a replacement for a trained massage therapist, there are still things you can do to mimic that relaxing experience.

Its a different experience, but if you are looking to replicate the spa experience, lay on your stomach and you can have another person do a full-body sweep from your shoulders to your feet, using Theragun slowly down your body, spending no more than two minutes on any muscle group, Dr. Wersland said.

Personally, even though from my age and lifestyle I should be in top notch shape, my genetics had other things in store for me. It seems like I was born with horrible knots in the four corners of my upper and lower back, and combined with my admittedly bad posture and poor stretching habits, I knew I was a great candidate for the Theragun Mini.

My favorite part was ease of use, as you can really use it anywhere on your body and anywhere you happen to be. I still work from home, so my main treatments happened on my couch or in my desk chair, but I also took it along in my overnight bag on a weekend trip and it was a lifesaver after the public transit ride there and back.

I also loved the three different speed settings, starting with the lowest setting at first but then amping up higher on tougher knots and lowering back down on more sensitive areas. Since youre supposed to treat the gun like an extension of your hand, it was fun to explore the best grip and speed for the treatments and figure out what worked the best for me.

Its a yes from me.

I would say that even after a few sessions using the Theragun Mini on my neck and the four corners of my back, I felt a release of tension. Even better, it seemed easier to have better posture once I was less tense, starting me on a cyclical journey for a more pain-free work day.

If you can afford massages or frequent chiropractor visits, investing the $199 in this is a no brainer to me. And if not, then its a perfect item to have on your holiday wishlist, so feel free to send along this article to your loved ones as a subtle hint before the holidays. Its sold on the Therabody site in four different colors, as well as on Amazon in red, black and white.

Read the rest here:
Review: We tried the Theragun Mini to massage our stress away - New York Post

This article is a paid promotion sponsored by an SOB advertiser and designed to share valuable info with our readers.

Living a healthy lifestyle can positively impact your physical health, of course, but it can also work wonders for your emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

Holistic nutrition is about so much more than counting calories. Its about identifying the root causes of illnesses and imbalances in order to improve your overall health.

This whole-person approach is exactly why Yen Ngo decided to become a dietitian. She truly believes food is medicine and shes personally seen what a consistent healthy diet and lifestyle can do for someones health.

Yen Ngo is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who has been practicing locally for 3 years now. She launched Health is Wealth Nutrition in February of 2020 to teach nutrition the way she sees it.

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Yen Ngo focuses on Integrative and Functional Nutrition (IFN) Therapy which is also known as holistic nutrition. Many people get caught up in the calories for weight loss but Yen considers other aspects of life that can affect weight gain or weight loss, such as sleep and stress.

Yens niche is specifically in digestive issues. She is dedicated to creating solutions for anyone who struggles with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), irritable bowel disease (crohns disease and ulcerative colitis), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), chronic constipation, GERD/heartburn/reflux, or those who suspect they may have food sensitivities or food intolerances.

Through her approach to health, she helps her clients choose foods that make them feel their best in all areas of wellness. Losing weight is a bonus, rather than the sole focus.

Yen takes the time to really get to know her clients during an initial consultation. She learns all about your family history and looks for genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence your health. Her work also includes therapeutic diets, dietary supplements, gut-healing protocols, mind-body practices, conventional and functional lab testing and more to find the right solution for your needs.

When you leave Yens office, youll have a comprehensive, personalized plan you can follow for the rest of your life. You can expect to have at least 2 followup appointments and can continue seeing her as medically necessary.

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Yen Ngo offers Nutrition Counseling also known as Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) which can be used to treat chronic diseases and conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

It begins with an initial consultation and involves creating a personalized nutrition plan to address your specific health and wellness goals. The best part? Its covered by a variety of insurance plans.

If conventional dieting hasnt worked for you in the past, this self-paced online course was written for you. The Restore and Reclaim Your Health Nutrition Program goes far beyond eating less and exercising more and helps you identify the reasons why you struggle with weight loss and guides you to create balanced meals.

This course is all about providing you the knowledge and skills you need to improve your overall health and wellness. It includes unlimited access to the online program, a paper booklet, an eBook, and audio with presentation slides.

Start Your Journey

Are you ready to start your health journey and feel your best once and for all? If so, contact Yen today for a free 15-minute discovery call!

656 N French Rd, Suite 4, Buffalo 14228

healthiswealthnutritionllc.com

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Everything You Need to Know About Health is Wealth Nutrition - Step Out Buffalo

Unless youve been hiding under a rock (like our fungi friends) you know that mushrooms are the latest plant-based food to enjoy a resurgence in cooking. The main reason is that these are the original "food as medicine" ingredient, but for anyone who has watched Fantastic Fungi or was lucky enough to attend the first Fantastic Fungi Global Summit, you won't be able to stop talking about the benefits of mushrooms.

There is a reason that the current interest in and excitement about mushrooms is spreading fast. From using them in plant-based cooking, or taking medicinal mushrooms to boost the immune system, to enjoying their psychoactive compounds, it seems everyones gone mad for mushrooms.

The first-everFantastic Fungi Global Summit was held virtually, as a three-day event hosted by Fantastic Fungi filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg. Following the underground success of the film, he gathered more than 40 leading experts to expound on the benefits of mushrooms for the planet, health, and personal wellbeing. Here are the highlights. And if youre one of those people who wont eat mushrooms, this may change your mind and make you want to start including them for your health.

You might think this is bunk. In the primordial soup, we all know we came from fish, right? But one mind-blowing fact from the fascinating and visually beautiful film Fantastic Fungi(Netflix)is a stark realization of how fungi are key not only to our ecosystem but to our actual existenceas well. In the evolutionary tree, we humans divided from fungi about 650 million years ago and as animals, we branched out to process our nutrients in an internal sack (that eventually became the digestive system)while fungi chose to go underground to externally digest their nutrients, stabilizing carbon in the soil and contributing to the ecosystem. Humans are actually"related" to fungi, and also to mycelium, which is the network of fungal threads that are abundant under every footstep you take in the forest. This mycelium could be considered "the mother of us all," as the experts in the film commented.

Another fast fact to repeat at parties; The stoned ape hypothesis holds that fungi were a factor in tripling the size of the ape brain and helping sapiens develop skills such as language as we evolved into humans.

In the film, mycologist Paul Stamets talks about how fungi connect us not only with their ever-present underground network of mycelium (benefitting plants, animals, and humans), but in an evolutionary way, through the psychoactive properties of mushrooms. A core concept of evolution is that through natural selection the strongest and fittest survive," he explains. "But moreover, communities survive better than individuals, and thats the power of goodness evolution -- it is based on the concept of mutual benefit and the extension of generosity.

Mushrooms have adaptogenic properties, which means they can regulate and modulate the bodys stress response and this has further beneficial effects on many systems in the body. Studies show that mushrooms modulate the immune system and have many beneficial health effects including weight loss, brain and heart health, and even fighting cancer.

Mark Hyman, a doctor known for advocatingfunctional medicine, and author ofThe Pegan Diet and Food Fix,explained how foods such as mushrooms are medicine forthe body,and that we need to view food not just as calories and energy. The quality of the information in the food determines the quality of your health," Hyman told the summit attendees, and "if your food contains junky information like bad code, you will change your biological software in ways that are downgrading it, as opposed to upgrading your biological software by using food as medicine.

Hyman added that the power of food as medicine is such that it works faster, cheaper, and better than any drug ever invented and is available to everyone on the planet. Furthermore, he points out,healthy foodeaten in moderate quantities has no side effects.

Mushrooms contain a whole host of compounds, minerals, and nutrients, including polysaccharides and antioxidants that are good for the gut and help produce a healthy microbiome. According to studies, the fiberin mushroomsactsas prebiotics, stimulating good bacteria and improving gut health and overall health.

However, several experts at the summit warned that when we damage our ecosystem (through pollution and soil degradation) we alsodamage our own health, in particular our gut health.

The soil naturally contains trillions of microorganisms, including fungi that are beneficial to plant life and human health. Eating a plant-based diet provides our bodies withessential nutrients, but current agricultural methodstend to deplete the soil and contaminate plants with pesticides, as well as strip fruit and vegetables of their natural nutrients so that over time, even eating plant-based will have less benefit to human health. "Whatever we do to these things we do to ourselves Hyman points out.

Zach Bush MD agrees: The collapse of the ecosystem and soil quality is reflected in the collapse of the cell-to-cell communication in our bodies by beneficial bacteria, he points out.

On his website, he hosts a video that is encapsulated with this sentiment: "Weve built an entire economy around the concept of healthcare, and its failing us. Watch this video to learn more about chemical farming and the loss of human health.

At the summit, he explained that our bodies are already seeing the effects of our farming systems. Weve become separated," from the wholesome nutrients our bodies need to thrive, he explained at the summit, and "Weve sterilized ourselves." What he means by that: "Weve become disconnected [from beneficial natural food systems] and the ramifications are deep. The network we see in soil systems is failing within the human body, leading to an epidemic in chronic disease.

Dr. Andrew Weil, perhaps the best-known integrativemedicine advocate at the summit, explained that he had researched the medicinal properties of mushroomsback in the '70s, and continues to have a longstanding interest in the power of fungi. He explained thatmushrooms have always been undervalued by western medicine, yet highly valued in Eastern cultures and Chinese Medicine, which places them at the top of the list of superior natural products that are good for a wide array of conditions. He adds that ginseng is also in this category of a superfood as medicine.

Weil explained that it's simply irrational that Western societies have undervalued mushrooms for so long especially for their therapeutic potential and nutritional content. He added that mushrooms contain compounds that are not found elsewhere in nature, and theres a lot of toxicity in the mushroom world" which means that for treatment of diseases and conditions. "Theres really no difference between a drug and a poison except the dose," he explained, "so one way you find new drugs is to look at toxins and see if you can manipulate them and get them to low enough doses to make them useful.

Alot of the mushrooms used in China, Japan, and Korea are non-toxic polypores (a type of mushroom that grows in a shelf shape in forests) that can help modulate immune function and increase resistance to infection and cancer.

We dont have agents like that in Western medicine," Weil adds, "We know a lot of things that can harm immunity but we dont really have anything that can enhance immunity. He noted there are so many beneficial fungi including Reishi, Maitake, Shitake but the English-speaking world is myco-phobic fearing that mushrooms are worthless, poisonous, or dangerous and this mindset blocks scientists from looking to mushrooms for therapeutic effects, he adds, despite early research that compoundsin mushrooms can halt the growth of cancer cells in the lab.

Another obstacle is that Western medicine only recognizes medicines that work on one condition at a time, whereas mushrooms can work on a variety of systems. In Western medicine, if something is good for a lot of different conditions, we dont take interest in it, because we think that means it can't work by a specific biochemical mechanism," Weil said. "We like magic bullets that have a specific effect on a specific disease, in Chinese philosophy, those kinds of drugs are considered the least valuable in the inferior medicine category.

In the 1970s Nixon waged a war on drugs, which also stooped all research into the psychoactive potential of mushrooms. This got reversed in 1999 whenJohns Hopkins Medicineresearchers ignited newresearch intotherapy that includes psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms).

Scientists have discovered that psilocybin is beneficial for reducing anxiety in some cancer patients and has the potential to treat a wide range of mood and substance disorders. Johns Hopkins researchers believe that we need to understand the potential benefits of magic mushrooms for patients who have disorders such as depression or anxiety, or other mental conditions. Micheal Pollan the author commented that because this is not a good business model, drug companies may not be interested in pursuing the studies.

The summit also included a discussion with Jonathan Levine, director of the popular series Nine Perfect Strangers whose theme was a spiritual retreat that included micro-dosing with hallucinogenics. Retreats involve patients who consent to the treatment (unlike the fictional series) and some have profound and enlightening experiences which can change their mental health for the better.Doctors acknowledge thismay not be suitable treatment for people with serious mental health issues, and the debate continues around ethics and legalization of psychedelics.

Originally posted here:
5 Reasons to Add More Mushrooms to Your Life - The Beet

CAMBRIDGE, MA -- Immunotherapy is a promising strategy to treat cancer by stimulating the bodys own immune system to destroy tumor cells, but it only works for a handful of cancers. MIT researchers have now discovered a new way to jump-start the immune system to attack tumors, which they hope could allow immunotherapy to be used against more types of cancer.

Their novel approach involves removing tumor cells from the body, treating them with chemotherapy drugs, and then placing them back in the tumor. When delivered along with drugs that activate T cells, these injured cancer cells appear to act as a distress signal that spurs the T cells into action.

When you create cells that have DNA damage but are not killed, under certain conditions those live, injured cells can send a signal that awakens the immune system, says Michael Yaffe, who is a David H. Koch Professor of Science, the director of the MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, and a member of MITs Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research.

In mouse studies, the researchers found that this treatment could completely eliminate tumors in nearly half of the mice.

Yaffe and Darrell Irvine, who is the Underwood-Prescott Professor with appointments in MITs departments of Biological Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, and an associate director of the Koch Institute, are the senior authors of the study, which appears today in Science Signaling. MIT postdoc Ganapathy Sriram and Lauren Milling PhD 21 are the lead authors of the paper.

T cell activation

One class of drugs currently used for cancer immunotherapy is checkpoint blockade inhibitors, which take the brakes off of T cells that have become exhausted and unable to attack tumors. These drugs have shown success in treating a few types of cancer but do not work against many others.

Yaffe and his colleagues set out to try to improve the performance of these drugs by combining them with cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs, in hopes that the chemotherapy could help stimulate the immune system to kill tumor cells. This approach is based on a phenomenon known as immunogenic cell death, in which dead or dying tumor cells send signals that attract the immune systems attention.

Several clinical trials combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy drugs are underway, but little is known so far about the best way to combine these two types of treatment.

The MIT team began by treating cancer cells with several different chemotherapy drugs, at different doses. Twenty-four hours after the treatment, the researchers added dendritic cells to each dish, followed 24 hours later by T cells. Then, they measured how well the T cells were able to kill the cancer cells. To their surprise, they found that most of the chemotherapy drugs didnt help very much. And those that did help appeared to work best at low doses that didnt kill many cells.

The researchers later realized why this was so: It wasnt dead tumor cells that were stimulating the immune system; instead, the critical factor was cells that were injured by chemotherapy but still alive.

This describes a new concept of immunogenic cell injury rather than immunogenic cell death for cancer treatment, Yaffe says. We showed that if you treated tumor cells in a dish, when you injected them back directly into the tumor and gave checkpoint blockade inhibitors, the live, injured cells were the ones that reawaken the immune system.

The drugs that appear to work best with this approach are drugs that cause DNA damage. The researchers found that when DNA damage occurs in tumor cells, it activates cellular pathways that respond to stress. These pathways send out distress signals that provoke T cells to leap into action and destroy not only those injured cells but any tumor cells nearby.

Our findings fit perfectly with the concept that danger signals within cells can talk to the immune system, a theory pioneered by Polly Matzinger at NIH in the 1990s, though still not universally accepted, Yaffe says.

Tumor elimination

In studies of mice with melanoma and breast tumors, the researchers showed that this treatment eliminated tumors completely in 40 percent of the mice. Furthermore, when the researchers injected cancer cells into these same mice several months later, their T cells recognized them and destroyed them before they could form new tumors.

The researchers also tried injecting DNA-damaging drugs directly into the tumors, instead of treating cells outside the body, but they found this was not effective because the chemotherapy drugs also harmed T cells and other immune cells near the tumor. Also, injecting the injured cells without checkpoint blockade inhibitors had little effect.

You have to present something that can act as an immunostimulant, but then you also have to release the preexisting block on the immune cells, Yaffe says.

Yaffe hopes to test this approach in patients whose tumors have not responded to immunotherapy, but more study is needed first to determine which drugs, and at which doses, would be most beneficial for different types of tumors. The researchers are also further investigating the details of exactly how the injured tumor cells stimulate such a strong T cell response.

###

The research was funded, in part, by the National Institutes of Health, the Mazumdar-Shaw International Oncology Fellowship, the MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, and the Charles and Marjorie Holloway Foundation.

Science Signaling

Animals

The injury response to DNA damage in live tumor cells promotes antitumor immunity

19-Oct-2021

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.

Read more here:
New cancer treatment may reawaken the immune system - EurekAlert

For nearly a century, presidential inaugurations have served as opportunities for the UChicago community to come together and rededicate itself to the University's founding values, while also charting new directions.

For the inauguration of President Paul Alivisatos on Oct. 29, speakers will offer welcome remarks on behalf of UChicago faculty, staff, students, alumni and the local communityhighlighting the Universitys many facets and its interconnectedness with the South Side of Chicago.

Learn more about the people who will speak at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel below:

Eve L. Ewing is an assistant professor in the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice. She is a sociologist of education whose work has focused on the impact of racism and social inequality in K12 public school systems, and how school communities can help interrupt and dismantle such problems.

Ewing is the author of Ghosts in the Schoolyard: Racism and School Closings on Chicagos South Side. An examination of the 2013 mass closings of Chicago Public Schools, the book received the 2020 Laing Award, the top honor given annually by the University of Chicago Press.

Ewing, AB08,has written two poetry collections, Electric Arches and 1919, as well as the Marvel comic series Ironheart. Her work has also been published by major news organizations, including the New York Times and The Atlantic. Her latest book is Maya and the Robot, a novel for young readers.

Vish Venkataraman is a fifth-year Ph.D. student in integrative biology. He studies the evolution and development of sensory systems and their relationship to the evolutionary morphology of vertebrates; in the lab, he studies the development of zebrafish and skates from embryos and combines this with information from the fossil record of early vertebrates. He has a long-standing interest in the relationship between science and philosophy, as well as in South Asian languages and literature, particularly Tamil and Sanskrit.

As the speaker representing students, he said, his remarks will carry the theme of listening. A university is like a symphony, composed of thousands of voicessome harmonious, some dissonantand the universitys intellectual life is the net result of all of these voices, he said. All symphonies need a listener; the role of the president is to listen and uplift and add his own voice to the symphony.

Venkataraman received his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and his M.Sc. in paleobiology at the University of Bristol.

This past September, Jennifer Kennedy, AB02, marked 19 years as a University staff member. She began her career working as an undergraduate financial assistant at the Reynolds Club, and has served as the inaugural director of the UChicago Student Centers since 2018.

Kennedy oversees several centers for student life, including the Reynolds Club, Mandel Hall, Ida Noyes Hall, four student-run coffee shops and the Pub. Through her various duties, she helps students and RSOs think creatively about how to create a sense of community and belonging on campus.

While Im usually more comfortable supporting events from behind the scenes, Im proud to represent the staff at UChicago at this historic event, Kennedy said. Staff make up a large portion of the UChicago community and are a talented and dedicated group. Over the past 20 months alone, the collaboration and creativity of the staff at UChicago has been key to our success as an institution, and Im proud to be given the chance to highlight their good work.

Margaret Mueller, AM97, is the president and chief executive officer of the Executives Club of Chicago, and the president of the University of Chicago Alumni Board. She considers herself a social scientist at heartsomething shaped by the intellectual home she found at UChicago.

I am honored to represent the alumni community on this momentous occasion as we welcome fellow alum, President Alivisatos, as our next president, Mueller said. We could not envision anyone better suited to lead the University at this pivotal moment in time and into the future. His humanist perspective, brilliant scientific mind and varied world experience will serve the University community well.

A graduate of the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences, Mueller credits her MAPSS education for guiding her academic and professional journey. As president and CEO, she drives the strategic vision and execution of how the Executives Club of Chicago delivers on its mission of connecting, developing and growing the Chicago regions business leaders.

Mueller has taught and advised students at the Booth School of Business, is a frequent judge in the New Venture Challenge, and remains engaged with MAPSS and the University overall in many other capacities.

Rev. Julian DeShazier is the senior pastor at the University Church of Chicago, located just steps from the UChicago campus. For more than a decade, he has sought to make the church an instrumental part of the communitys most important conversations.

In 2017, Crains Chicago Business named DeShazier to its 40 under 40 listrecognizing his advocacy for the opening of a South Side trauma center, and his role on the University of Chicago Medicines community advisory council.

This occasion is more than ornamental; it is a precious opportunity for us to transition, in various ways, and Im honored to share with and on behalf of the wider community, said DeShazier, a Chicago native and a 2010 graduate of the University of Chicago Divinity School.

DeShazier is also an accomplished musician. Performing as the rapper J.Kwest, he contributed to a short film inspired by Billie Holidays Strange Fruit. The video, which shared its title with the 1939 song, won a 2015 Lower Great Lakes Emmy Award.

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Meet the speakers who will welcome President Paul Alivisatos during inauguration - UChicago News

Broadway Vascular

Broadway Vascular

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Broadway Vascular today announced top-line data from a retrospective analysis of Dr. Broadway's revolutionary revascularization technique, involving treating of the lateral plantar artery for treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

Background:

Diabetic neuropathy is a common and debilitating condition for which available treatments are limited. Arterial stenosis or occlusion (blocking of the artery) is the reason behind nerve death and neuropathy. This results in the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. Dr. Broadway hypothesized that revascularization of the lateral plantar artery will result in regrowth of the nerve fibers, restoring sensation, therefore, treating diabetic neuropathy.

Methods:

In this 12-month retrospective study, individuals with type 2 diabetes and painful diabetic neuropathy were evaluated. The intervention included revascularization of the lateral plantar artery using an atherectomy device with balloon angioplasty. At baseline, all patients complained of neuropathy with burning, tingling or pain. All were confirmed to have neuropathy. Third-party questionnaire data was collected.

Results:

After 12 months, 22 patients were contacted. Twenty-one of the 22 reported improved Quality of Life. Sixteen of the 22 demonstrated significant improvement of symptoms and neuropathy. Five of the 22 demonstrated complete resolution of neuropathy. One patient did not improve. Ages treated ranged from 50-90 years of age. HbA1c treated were 6.3 to 10.6%.

Conclusions:

Improvements were seen in 95% of patients. This retrospective study suggests the potential value of revascularization of the lateral plantar artery for treating diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy occurs in up to 60% of individuals with type 2 diabetes and is associated with significant morbidity, including gait disturbances, amputations, anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life. The condition manifests with damage to the terminal branches of peripheral nerves and usually first affects small fibers that are responsible for translating pain, light touch and temperature. As neuropathy progresses, large fibers responsible for reflexes and muscle tone are affected, leading to balance and gait problems. Most patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy present with pain, numbness, or abnormal, spontaneous or induced sensations in the lower extremities1.

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Broadway Vascular is excited to bring to the community this option to help patients improve their quality of life. They understand more studies are needed to validate this treatment. An ongoing study that Broadway Vascular is conducting evaluates nerve regrowth. In this study, patients will have nerve biopsies before and after their treatment.

About Broadway Vascular:

Broadway Vascular, a pioneering and boutique medical practice, offers non-surgical treatments for many endovascular diseases, such as: peripheral arterial disease, enlarged prostate, knee pain, and bleeding from fibroids or hemorrhoids. They also bring extensive experience with renal failure and caring for patients on hemodialysis.

If persons have a history of diabetes, neuropathy, cold feet, hair loss on legs or feet, pain in legs, pain in feet, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, call Broadway Vascular at 210-465-7015 to see how they can help you or become part of this study.

For more information on Broadway Vascular's office, located at Blanco Road and Interstate 410 in San Antonio, please visit https://broadwayvascular.com.

For More Information Contact:

Helen Ganzehganze@broadwayvascular.com(210) 465-7015

1. Bunner, A., Wells, C., Gonzales, J. et al. A dietary intervention for chronic diabetic neuropathy pain: a randomized controlled pilot study. Nutr & Diabetes 5, e158 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/nutd.2015.8

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Broadway Vascular Announces Top-Line Results of 12-Month Retrospective Analysis Evaluating Revascularization of the Lateral Plantar Artery in Diabetic...

Substantial and significant reduction in sorbitol

Company plans to initiate registrational trial by end of 2021

Company to host conference call and webcast today at 8:30 a.m. ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 25, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: APLT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of novel drug candidates against validated molecular targets in indications of high unmet medical need, today reported biomarker data from a pilot trial of AT-007 in patients with SORD Deficiency.

Sorbitol Dehydrogenase Deficiency (SORD Deficiency) is a rare, progressive, debilitating hereditary neuropathy that affects peripheral nerves and motor neurons. SORD Deficiency affects approximately 3,300 patients in the US and 4,000 patients in Europe. The disease is caused by a lack of the enzyme sorbitol dehydrogenase, responsible for metabolism of sorbitol, which causes sorbitol to accumulate at high levels and become toxic to the body. Sorbitol accumulation results in significant disability, loss of sensory function, and neuromuscular dysfunction.

Patients with SORD Deficiency have 100 times higher sorbitol concentration in their blood compared with unaffected individuals. In a pilot open-label study in 8 SORD Deficiency patients, AT-007 reduced blood sorbitol levels by approximately 66% from baseline through 30 days of treatment. The range of reduction from baseline in patients was 54%-75%. AT-007 was safe and well tolerated in all treated patients.

These results, in addition to preclinical findings, demonstrate that AT-007 has the potential to be the first disease-modifying therapy for SORD Deficiency. The Company plans to initiate a registrational study by the end of 2021. In advance of the registrational study start, patients can now pre-screen to determine whether they have SORD and if they may qualify for the upcoming trial.

Reduction in toxic sorbitol is critically important in patients with SORD Deficiency. This data demonstrates a significant effect on the underlying cause of the disease, said Michael Shy, MD, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Division of Neuromuscular Medicine at the University of Iowa Hospital Carver School of Medicine.

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AT-007 represents an important advancement for patients with SORD Deficiency, and a unique opportunity to meaningfully impact patients lives. We look forward to beginning our registrational trial for this indication in the coming months, said Riccardo Perfetti, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer of Applied Therapeutics.

Increased access to screening and early diagnosis can dramatically improve patients lives, and the Company is collaborating with the Charcot Marie Tooth Association and the Hereditary Neuropathy Foundation to improve access to SORD diagnostic testing, and to better understand the perspectives of individuals living with SORD.

Conference Call Information

Applied Therapeutics will host a conference call today, Monday, October 25, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time, to discuss data from a pilot trial of AT-007 in SORD deficiency. To access the conference call, please dial (800) 369-8554 (local) or (409) 937-8917 (international) at least 10 minutes prior to the start time and refer to conference ID 2437605. A live webcast of the call will be accessible on the Events page under the Investor Relations section of the Applied Therapeutics website at http://www.appliedtherapeutics.com. A replay will be available on the Companys website approximately two hours after the event.

About Applied Therapeutics

Applied Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a pipeline of novel drug candidates against validated molecular targets in indications of high unmet medical need. The Companys lead drug candidate, AT-007, is a novel central nervous system penetrant Aldose Reductase Inhibitor (ARI) for the treatment of CNS rare metabolic diseases, including Galactosemia, SORD Deficiency and PMM2-CDG. The Company is also developing AT-001, a novel potent ARI, for the treatment of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy, or DbCM, a fatal fibrosis of the heart. The preclinical pipeline also includes AT-003, an ARI designed to cross through the back of the eye when dosed orally, for the treatment of Diabetic retinopathy, as well as novel dual PI3k inhibitors in preclinical development for orphan oncology indications.

To learn more, please visit http://www.appliedtherapeutics.com and follow the company on Twitter @Applied_Tx.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties for purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release regarding strategy, future operations, prospects, plans and objectives of management, including words such as may, will, expect, anticipate, plan, intend, and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are forward-looking statements. These include, without limitation, statements regarding (i) the Companys plan to initiate a registrational study by the end of 2021, (ii) AT-007 potential to be the first disease-modifying therapy for SORD Deficiency, (iii) the timing of the initiation and completion of our clinical trials, (iv) the likelihood that data from our clinical trials will support future development of our product candidates and (v) the likelihood of obtaining regulatory approval of our product candidates. Forward-looking statements in this release involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and we, therefore cannot assure you that our plans, intentions, expectations or strategies will be attained or achieved.

Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, (i) our plans to develop and commercialize our product candidates, (ii) the initiation, timing, progress and results of our current and future preclinical studies and clinical trials and our research and development programs, (iii) our ability to take advantage of expedited regulatory pathways for any of our product candidates, (iv) our estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing, (v) our ability to successfully acquire or license additional product candidates on reasonable terms, (vi) our ability to maintain and establish collaborations or obtain additional funding, (vii) our ability to obtain regulatory approval of our current and future product candidates, (viii) our expectations regarding the potential market size and the rate and degree of market acceptance of such product candidates, (ix) our ability to fund our working capital requirements and expectations regarding the sufficiency of our capital resources, (x) the implementation of our business model and strategic plans for our business and product candidates, (xi) our intellectual property position and the duration of our patent rights, (xii) developments or disputes concerning our intellectual property or other proprietary rights, (xiii) our expectations regarding government and third-party payor coverage and reimbursement, (xiv) our ability to compete in the markets we serve, (xv) the impact of government laws and regulations and liabilities thereunder, (xvi) developments relating to our competitors and our industry, (xvii) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the timing and progress of our ongoing clinical trials and our business in general and (xviii) other factors that may impact our financial results. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Although we believe that we have a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, we cannot guarantee that the future results, levels of activity, performance or events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur at all. Factors that may cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements in this press release are discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Risk Factors contained therein. Except as otherwise required by law, we disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Contacts

Investors:Maghan Meyers(212) 600-1902 orappliedtherapeutics@argotpartners.com

Media:media@appliedtherapeutics.com

Patients:SORD@appliedtherapeutics.comDottie Caplan, SVP Patient Advocacy and Engagementdcaplan@appliedtherapeutics.com617.417.8114

Applied Therapeutics, Inc.

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Applied Therapeutics Reports Biomarker Data from Pilot Trial of AT-007 in SORD Deficiency - Yahoo Finance

Uttar Pradesh has reported a case of the Zika virus, which caused havoc in Kerala a few months ago. The Centre has dispatched a multi-disciplinary team to Kanpur in UP where an Indian Air Force personnel tested positive with Zika on October 23.

The local authorities in Kanpur have formed multiple teams and started implementing precautionary action in the affected person's his residential area and the workplace.

According to Kanpur chief medical officer (CMO) Nepal Singh said, as many as 22 samples of people the patient came in contact with have been sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for examination.

What is Zika virus?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Zika virus as a mosquito-borne flavivirus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys. It was later identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania, it further said.

The global health body has recorded outbreaks of Zika virus disease in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.

Transmission

Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti. These mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking during early morning and late afternoon/evening.

This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.

Zika virus is also transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products, and organ transplantation.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the disease caused by the Zika virus are mild fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or a headache and usually last for 2-7 days.

The symptoms are very similar to other disease. Zika received special attention after the 2015-2016 outbreak in Brazil.

Treatment

No vaccine is yet available for the prevention or treatment of Zika virus infection. Development of a Zika vaccine remains an active area of research, according to WHO.

How to prevent yourself from Zika?

Protection against mosquito bites during the day and early evening is a key measure to prevent Zika virus infection. Special attention should be given to prevention of mosquito bites among pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and young children.

The WHO recommends wearing clothing (preferably light-coloured) that covers as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as window screens and closed doors and windows; and applying insect repellent to skin or clothing.

Things to know about Zika virus disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States, Zika is linked to birth defects. Its infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly that is a sign of incomplete brain development.

Zika virus infection is also a trigger of Guillain-Barr syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis, particularly in adults and older children. The infection in pregnancy also results in complications such as fetal loss, stillbirth, and preterm birth.

It also said that returning travellers infected with Zika can spread the virus through mosquito bites and sex. The CDC, in one of its advisories, said that even if the travellers do not feel sick, after returning from an area with risk of Zika, they should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for three weeks so they do not spread Zika to uninfected mosquitoes.

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Zika virus in UP: Symptoms, treatment and other things to know - Hindustan Times

Alger, an investment management firm, published its Alger Small Cap Focus Fund third quarter 2021 investor letter a copy of which can be downloaded here. During the third quarter, the largest portfolio sector weightings were Health Care and Information Technology. The largest sector overweight was Health Care. The portfolio had no exposure to the Financials, Materials, Real Estate, or Utilities sectors. You can take a look at the funds top 5 holdings to have an idea about their best picks for 2021.

Alger, in its Q3 2021 investor letter, mentioned Nevro Corp. (NYSE: NVRO) and discussed its stance on the firm. Nevro Corp. is a Redwood City, California-based medical device company with a $4.2 billion market capitalization. NVRO delivered a -29.93% return since the beginning of the year, while its 12-month returns are down by -25.08%. The stock closed at $121.29 per share on October 22, 2021.

Here is what Alger has to say about Nevro Corp. in its Q3 2021 investor letter:

"Nevro Corp. was among the top detractors from performance. Nevro has developed and commercialized a proprietary high frequency spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system. More broadly, this technology is known as neuromeodulation, which involves treating pain with electrical stimulation. Today, Nevro's technology is primarily used to treat chronic lower back and leg pain. However, the company received FDA approval to use its system for the treatment of chronic pain associated with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) in July, which represents a potentially significant market opportunity. We believe Nevros underperformance resulted from the company producing weaker-than-expected results for the three-month period ended June 30 and, more importantly, issuance of guidance for the third quarter that was well below investor expectations. The company also withdrew full-year revenue guidance due to limited visibility regarding COVID-19 related recovery trends and timelines. For the third quarter guidance, Nevro attributed its disappointing outlook to the impact of the pandemic and a slow recovery in procedure volumes as patients appear to be holding off on physician office visits and surgeries. However, investors have also been concerned that Nevro may be losing share to competitors and that SCS market growth has moderated. We have sold the position."

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Based on our calculations, Nevro Corp. (NYSE: NVRO) was not able to clinch a spot in our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. NVRO was in 26 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the first half of 2021, compared to 29 funds in the previous quarter. Nevro Corp. (NYSE: NVRO) delivered a -21.28% return in the past 3 months.

Hedge funds reputation as shrewd investors has been tarnished in the last decade as their hedged returns couldnt keep up with the unhedged returns of the market indices. Our research has shown that hedge funds small-cap stock picks managed to beat the market by double digits annually between 1999 and 2016, but the margin of outperformance has been declining in recent years. Nevertheless, we were still able to identify in advance a select group of hedge fund holdings that outperformed the S&P 500 ETFs by 115 percentage points since March 2017 (see the details here). We were also able to identify in advance a select group of hedge fund holdings that underperformed the market by 10 percentage points annually between 2006 and 2017. Interestingly the margin of underperformance of these stocks has been increasing in recent years. Investors who are long the market and short these stocks would have returned more than 27% annually between 2015 and 2017. We have been tracking and sharing the list of these stocks since February 2017 in our quarterly newsletter.

At Insider Monkey, we scour multiple sources to uncover the next great investment idea. For example, lithium mining is one of the fastest-growing industries right now, so we are checking out stock pitches like this emerging lithium stock. We go through lists like the 10 best EV stocks to pick the next Tesla that will deliver a 10x return. Even though we recommend positions in only a tiny fraction of the companies we analyze, we check out as many stocks as we can. We read hedge fund investor letters and listen to stock pitches at hedge fund conferences. You can subscribe to our free daily newsletter on our homepage.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.

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Heres Why Alger Sold its Nevro Corp. (NVRO) Position - Yahoo Finance