StemCell Therapy

SEATTLE, May 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --SOLIUS, a developer of innovative light therapy technologies focused on mitigating vitamin D deficiency, today announced investment from Human Longevity, Inc. (HLI) into its Series B financing.

The SOLIUS technology stimulates the production of vitamin D in the skin using a narrow spectrum of ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Vitamin D has a wide range of impact on systemic health, and supports physical, mental and immune function. SOLIUS delivers safe and effective light therapy using a personalized dosing system while filtering out nearly all other ultraviolet light. The SOLIUS technology can produce 10x more vitamin D than the sun, using 100x less ultraviolet energy. This technology is also an effective solution for at risk populations unable to absorb vitamin D orally.

HIL is a pioneer and leader in the delivery of data-driven, predictive precision health intelligence. Wei-Wu He, PhD, Executive Chairman, HLI stated: "We are excited to invest in SOLIUS as its mission is to provide the benefits of the sun without the harmful rays to unlock the healing powers of the human body. Investing in SOLIUS is another example of HLI's expertise in aggregating and leveraging technologies designed to demonstrably increase health, performance and lifespan. I welcome SOLIUS to our emerging ecosystem of longevity and performance-focused companies."

Bob Wise, SOLIUS CEO, said "Humans need sun exposure to stay healthy, and the benefits of the sun cannot be fully replicated with hormone replacement, such as oral vitamin D supplements. We are excited to partner with HLI in developing technologies that prevent disease and improve human health."

ABOUT SOLIUSSOLIUS was founded to advance the understanding of photobiology and the impact that ultraviolet light has on the human body. SOLIUS is dedicated to developing light therapies that stimulate the production of hormones via the skin. The SOLIUS products aim to improve health for people affected by conditions scientifically correlated with a reduction in sun exposure and vitamin D deficiency. For more information, visit http://www.solius.com.

About HLIHuman Longevity, Inc. (HLI) is a genomics-based, health intelligence company empowering proactive healthcare and enabling a life better lived. HLI's business focus includes the Health Nucleus, a genomic-powered, precision medicine center which uses whole-genome sequencing analysis, advanced imaging, and blood analytics, to deliver the most complete picture of individual health.

Contact: [emailprotected]

SOURCE SOLIUS

solius.com

Read this article:
SOLIUS Announces Investment from Human Longevity Inc. to Support Mission of Improving Health, Performance, and Longevity. - PRNewswire

The cost of implementing a robust operations and maintenance (O&M) strategy for hydropower accounts for a relatively small percentage of the value of electricity generated. However, failure to implement adequate and sufficient O&M can result in very high costs due to increased losses of production (direct and indirect) and higher needs for rehabilitation and equipment replacement.

This article first appeared inESI AfricaIssue 2-2020.Read thefulldigimaghereorsubscribe to receive a print copy here.

The development of hydropower continues throughout the world, with some 22GW of hydropower being added in 2018, bringing the worlds hydropower capacity to around 1,290GW. In 2018, the estimated generation from these facilities amounted to 4,200TWh, or some 16% of the worlds electricity production.

A key distinguishing feature of hydropower is its potential longevity. A hydropower facility can operate for 100 years or more, compared with 20-30 years for most other generation technologies. This article outlines the best O&M strategies that can be applied to maintain the longevity of hydropower plants through a step-by-step approach.

Step 1: Diagnose existing O&M arrangements, budgets and owner/operator capabilities

For existing hydropower fleets, assess the condition and performance of theassets and services, including risks related to major equipment and need for replacement and repairs. The intended outcome of the diagnosis is toidentify what aspects of O&M need to be improved, and to establish whether the owner needs external assistance for operation of its assets.

Carrying out the diagnosis is also a good preliminary tool for assessing the status of the existing equipment, prioritising rehabilitation and, if needed, launching related feasibility studies to improve performance and ensure future safe operation. Diagnosis of an existing fleets performance can focus on contractual or standard industry key performance indicators (KPIs).

When financing a new facility to be added to an existing fleet, considerationshould be given to the current fleets O&M performance record. This will help guide the O&M strategy for the new facility, and possibly trigger changes to the O&M strategy for the existing fleet. Where the new project is a stand-alone facility, including those developed by an independent power producer (IPP), the same KPIs can be assessed on past or existing facilities for which the IPP team has or had responsibility.

Step 2: Define the objectives to be achieved through the implementation of the O&M strategy

Meeting the define objectives based on the diagnosis in Step 1 should be seen as a long-term goal that may require multiple iterations, such as changes in the operational management of facilities, short- and medium-term maintenance, and refurbishment, or the upgrading of the facilities. In order to ensure that a companys business plan does not become too focused on only one or two performance areas (such as finance or reliability), multiple goals and objectives are required.

The objectives of the strategy must be defined by indicators to be applied at all levels, including technical, financial, human resource services, and management, among others. Vision and mission statements may be used, if they exist, or formulated, if they do not, as an anchor point for the O&M strategy. Their primary objective is to communicate the companys strategic goals and is often linked to operational performance. Such vision and mission statements only have value if they are used by management as guiding principles for the business.

Step 3: Explore various activities to be undertaken to achieve these objectives

Considerations to be addressed while preparing the list of activities for the O&M strategy should go beyond assessment of asset repairs and refurbishment to examining root causes and long-term and sustainable solutions. The output from this step includes identification of the core activities and measures required in order to achieve the strategic objectives established in Step 2, based on the diagnosis completed in Step 1.

Step 4: Examination of O&M contractual models

Depending on the capabilities identified in Step 1, along with the activities selected in Step 3, explore O&M contractual models to identify which activities will be implemented internally and which will be outsourced. This can be broken down into three models to identify which model works best, namely:

Model one: Owner retains sole responsibility for O&M. Model two: Owner outsources some O&M responsibilities to consultants, contractors, or suppliers. Model three: Owner outsources all O&M responsibility to an independent operator.

Step 5: Training and human resources management

Explore organisation and staffing options (and organograms) according to owner capacity and requirements for external training and human resources. The success of the organisation depends on the quality of its employees (skills, knowledge, and experience) at all levels of the company and how well the human resources are selected, trained, and managed.

The differences between the performance of well-run and poorly performing utility fleets are evident at multiple levels. The greatest responsibility rests at the senior and management levels. Shortcomings should be identified during the diagnosis in Step 1 and through a more detailed operational audit.

Step 6: Financing for the implementation of the O&M strategy

Estimate financial resources required for implementing the selected model, including any external contracting. For the purposes of validating the O&M strategy, the costs are often estimated in USD. However, local or other international currencies may also be used, matching the currency that was adopted for estimating the benefits in Step 2. The costs of hydropower facility O&M vary considerably due to a range of factors including:

Nature of the facilities: complex facilities with multiple units, extensive civil works, and extensive associated infrastructure cost more to operate than simple compact facilities.

Age: older hydropower facilities with manual controls, analogue systems, and outdated equipment cost more to operate than modern, fully automated, remotely operated digitalised plants.

Condition: facilities in poor condition requiring continuous attention and suffering frequent failures cost more to operate than facilities in good condition. Facilities in poor condition are likely to require significant capital investment programmes.

Location: facilities in remote locations, especially where accommodation, utilities, and other facilities need to be provided for O&M staff, cost more than hydropower facilities in urban locations.

Country: since staff costs form a significant portion of OPEX, the labour costs and available skill levels in the country have a significant impact on O&M costs, especially if lack of skills means that expatriates are required. Some other input costs (vehicles, fuel, etc.) also vary by country.

Regulatory regime: the cost of permits, licences, registrations, rents, and other administrative outgoings varies from facility to facility and by country.

Owners approach to staffing: many traditional public utilities carry larger staff resources than commercial organisations with leaner operations.

The cost schedules from this Step will be used in the cost-benefit analysis to validate the strategy and check whether the proposed strategy is sustainable and bankable.

Step 7: Cost-benefit analysis of proposed strategy

Carry out cost-benefit analysis to assess the economic viability of the proposed strategy. If the strategy does not pass the test for economic viability, it may be necessary to go back to Step 2 to adjust objectives, activities, and resources. Once financial viability of the proposed strategy is achieved, internal and external validation can be sought. This Step also includes a check that adequate funding will be available.

Step 8: Monitoring and key performance indicators

Implement the strategy and prepare annual and rolling five-year operating plans and longer-term capital programmes. Overall performance of the strategy will be monitored through KPIs specified in appropriate agreements and contractual arrangements. The terms and conditions in the O&M contract will need to reflect the obligations of the owner under its concession agreement and PPA in the case of an IPP, or the requirements of the electricity regulator in the case of a public utility.

Model 3 case study: Nalubaale-Kiira Hydropower Complex, Uganda

The Ugandan government, working with the Uganda Electricity Generation Company (UEGCL), awarded a 20-year operational, management and maintenance concession to Eskom Uganda Limited (EUL), a subsidiary of Eskom, to cover both the Nalubaale Power Station and the adjacent Kiira Power Station.

The concession agreement commenced in 2003, with the electricity generated being sold to UETCL; the agreement expires on April 1, 2023. In this Model 3 concession arrangement, all O&M responsibilities are assumed by EUL, the private operator, for a fixed duration. UEGCL supervises the asset health and assumes all risks that are deemed to be catastrophic in nature. The owner reports to Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) to enforce performance standards, especially during the periodic renewal of generation licence performance targets.

EUL, the O&M operator, assumes all operational risks and mobilises all the required capital funding to keep the assets in good condition under an investment incentive structure, based on a 12% return on investment on all verified investments (any capital replacement made by EUL is recovered through asset depreciation plus a 12% ROI) during the contract period. Utility Prudent Practices are generally the yardstick by which the assets are to be maintained. So far, no specific details of these practices have been defined in the existing contract between EUL and UEGCL due to the broad definition of prudent practices.

Under the current 20-year O&M contract with Eskom Uganda, UEGCL hasexperienced challenges and successes, which include:

Transfer of knowledge Eskom Uganda has facilitated knowledge and skills transfer to a number of trainees from academic institutions as part of the usual industrial practice of internship programmes.

Modernisation the operator has modernised some of the critical plantsystems, albeit at a slower pace than what was anticipated at contractsigning. These improvements reduced the number of forced outages at the Nalubaale Power Plant.

Due to the generic definition of prudent practices, the success of the O&M contractual arrangement with Eskom Uganda cannot be fully appraised in the absence of appropriate qualitative or quantitative assessment. Discussions are ongoing to amend the contract to improve the contractual performance measures with a focus on asset management.

Due to rapidly advancing technologies and long procurement lead times, there is an ongoing requirement to stock spare components to avoid loss ofgeneration due to forced outages.

Alkali Silicate Reaction (concrete expansion) at the Nalubaale HPP has been (and continues to be) a technical issue since 1964 when the first crack appeared, resulting in a significant reduction in the expected life of the civil structure. Therefore, a programme has been undertaken to carry out a comprehensive rehabilitation of the power station, beginning with the feasibility study already underway.

Skills retention continues to be a challenge due to ongoingindustrialisation where skilled staff are in high demand by competitors.Therefore, there is a need to continuously provide on-board training and competitive salaries to retain skilled workers.

In general, the emergence of private sector-led investment in other forms ofrenewable energy, mainly from solar PV and other small hydropower projects on seasonal rivers, has resulted in an increase in peaking requirements and start/stop cycles for the large hydropower projects on the Nile River.

This additional demand for peaking will ultimately lead to a reduction in the design life of the hydro units, particularly for Kiira HPP which was designed for baseload conditions. The impact on Nalubaale units is not seen to be as significant because the units are Kaplans and can easily follow demand; i.e., each unit has an operating range from as low as 6MW up to 18MW, providing a healthy margin of spinning reserve.

In view of these challenges, a modernisation plan for the Nalubaale-Kiira Hydropower Complex is in preparation, focusing mainly on the optimisation of the two power plants to improve their plant factor, and to find a permanent solution to concrete expansion problems at Nalubaale Power Plant. ESI

This is article is based on an adaption of the Operation and MaintenanceStrategies for Hydropower handbook, compiled by the World Bank with thesupport of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and in collaboration with the International Hydropower Association. License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.

Continue reading here:
Eight O&M steps to extend the longevity of hydropower plants - ESI Africa

It is startling the extent to which science has given us agency over our lives. Science has shown that we are not merely subject to the forces of nature or some divine power. It is the choices we make that largely determine the course of our lives.

Specific ingredients have been shown to provide a bulwark against these deadly complications.

Chillis are one such ingredient, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

The study investigated the protective benefits of chillis and found that consuming the spice ingredient on a daily basis slashes the chance of being killed by stroke by 61 percent and heart attack by 40 percent.

To arrive at this conclusion, Italian researchers followed more than 22,000 adults for an average of eight years.

DON'T MISSHigh blood pressure: Studies show adding this drink to your diet will lower your reading[TIPS]Hair loss treatment: A mineral which strengthens hair follicles to stimulate hair growth[TIPS]High blood pressure: Study reveals the best type of breakfast cereal to lower your reading[TIPS]

They found people who ate chillies four times weekly were 23 percent less likely to die young than those who avoided them.

Consuming the spicy pepper also cut risk of all forms of heart death by 34 percent.

Lead researcher Marialaura Bonaccio, from Institute for Research, Hospitalisation and Health Care Neuromed in Pozzilli, said: An interesting fact is that protection from mortality risk was independent of the type of diet people followed.

"In other words, someone can follow the healthy Mediterranean diet, someone else can eat less healthily, but for all of them chilli pepper has a protective effect".

Fellow researcher Licia Iacoviello, a Professor of Hygiene and Public Health at the University of Insubria, said: Chilli pepper is a fundamental component of our food culture.

Over the centuries, beneficial properties of all kinds have been associated with its consumption, mostly on the basis of anecdotes or traditions, if not magic.

And now we know that the various plants of the capsicum [pepper] species, although consumed in different ways throughout the world, can exert a protective action towards our health".

To enhance the benefits, you should enjoy chilis as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

According to the NHS, a healthy, balanced diet should consist of a low-fat, high-fibre diet, which should include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (five portions a day) and whole grains.

"You should limit the amount of salt you eat to no more than six grams (0.2oz) a day as too much salt will increase your blood pressure," advises them health body.

High blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against your artery walls.

It is a precursor to heart disease so it is imperative to keep it incheck.

"You should avoid food containing saturated fats, because these will increase the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood," says the NHS.

"Bad" cholesterol, otherwise known as LDL cholesterol, is a fatty substance that builds up in your blood.

It can clog up your arteries, starving the heart of oxygenated blood - a process that can lead to having a heart attack.

Go here to read the rest:
How to live longer: Eat this more than four times a week to lower risk of early death - Express

Many of the worlds multilateral organizations have the longevity of nation states. The International Telecommunication Union is older than Germany. The World Intellectual Property Organization directly descends from a body Victor Hugo helped to establish. The institutions governing global trade, by contrast, last about as long as Spinal Tap drummers.

After 25 years of existence, the World Trade Organization may be hurtling toward the irrelevance that doomed its predecessors. Robert Azevedo, whos been director-general since 2013, will step down before his term formally ends next year, four people familiar with the matter told Bryce Baschuk and Jenny Leonard of Bloomberg News.

That decision is hardly surprising. The kingdom over which he presides is crumbling. Global trade liberalization, the original purpose of the WTO and its predecessor, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, or GATT, hit a wall more than a decade ago when the Doha Round of talks collapsed, thanks in part to the perennial sticking points of agriculture and services.

The so-called free trade deals that have been signed since are better described as preferential agreements, serving as much to constrain as to open up global commerce by creating in- and out-groups. Those on the outside often do worse than if no pact had been signed at all. The biggest regional agreements that have been worked on over the past decade, the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, are more-or-less explicitly treated not as instruments to free up trade but as fronts in the long-term soft power fight between the U.S. and China.

That same rivalry last year put a finish to the Appellate Body, the WTOs most important remaining function after the fall of the Doha Round. The Geneva-based quasi-court, which adjudicates disputes between members, solved one of the most glaring problems with GATT, the inability of the trading system to bind its most powerful members. Still, it had always had its discontents both in emerging economies, which often saw it as a tool to force open their markets to powerful multinationals, and in the U.S., which equally didnt appreciate coming in on the losing side of cases.

With the rise of China as an export powerhouse and the arrival of long-standing WTO skeptic Robert Lighthizer as President Donald Trumps trade representative, the Appellate Bodys disintegration last year was all but inevitable.

Right now, global trade seems under threat in a way it hasnt been since the Cold War. In the short term, the coronavirus has brought swathes of international commerce to a halt: The WTO expects trade could decline this year by as much as 32%. World merchandise volumes, which almost always grow once you smooth out month-to-month volatilities, had been in decline for nearly a year even before the outbreak hit. The U.S.-China trade deal announced with great fanfare in January isnt worth the paper its written on, as weve argued.

Worse still, its main deliverable outcome ended up being a $200 billion-over-two-years increase in Chinese imports from the U.S. that would lean heavily on farm produce and petroleum. Thats now at the mercy of both Chinese demand and rickety virus-hit U.S. supply chains, not to mention plummeting prices and production of American oil which will push the headline dollar target even further out of reach. Trump has recently been signaling deep discontent with the agreement as he ramps up anti-Chinese rhetoric around the coronavirus. In the current moment, Januarys deal risks becoming less a balm for U.S.-Chinese relations than an irritant.

While all that seems quite grim, the course of liberalizing trade never did run smooth. GATT was born from the ashes of the International Trade Organization, which John Maynard Keynes had envisioned as a global body to eliminate trade surpluses and deficits. The WTO itself arose to fix GATTs drift into irrelevancy in the 1980s, when a young lawyer named Robert Lighthizer assisted in a previous round of might-is-right trade diplomacy between the U.S. and Japan. Few suspected, as the WTOs 1999 Seattle meeting attracted enormous anti-globalization protests, that Chinas coming membership would kick off one of the richest periods for trade the world had ever seen.

Thats reason to hope that despite the current predawn darkness, international commerce will someday find a way to rise above its current problems and open anew. The common view that trade liberalization has only helped the rich is justified yet that was a shortcoming not of the WTO, but of the governments that failed to use the benefits of open commerce to improve the welfare of working people. Perhaps it requires the fall of the existing regime for the world to build a new trading system fit for the 21st century.

David Fickling is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering commodities, as well as industrial and consumer companies. He has been a reporter for Bloomberg News, Dow Jones, the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times and the Guardian.

Go here to see the original:
Business Forum: The WTO is dead. Long live the WTO! - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Named top 5 secrets of Japanese longevity. As you know, the nation with the highest life expectancy. Japanese people often live to 100 years and remain not only physically healthy, but in clear mind and memory.

Japan is a country with the oldest population in the world. Men on average live to 87 years and women to 81. The number of citizens that crossed the threshold of 70 years, continues to grow. According to preliminary estimates, by 2025, those in Japan will be about 20 000 000. While those who have not reached the age of 50 years, local scientists call young people. As it turned out, based on the longevity of Japanese people is the high level of education. The Japanese are trying to increase their own awareness at any age and is not considered shameful to learn until old age. The more information people receive every day, the more chances that he will live many, many years.

The second secret of Japanese longevity lies in regular physical activity. This nation loves the sport. The Japanese perform like regular exercising, and strenuously practise yoga, qigong and other Eastern teachings. The third secret is proper nutrition. The Japanese do not have the habit to overeat, but food they consumed only if it is required by the body. This eliminates perpetual snacking and is sort of the prevention of obesity. Besides, the people of this country never emotionally eating and generally they have not taken food excess. Speaking of stress, the Japanese, unlike Europeans, do not consider this as harmful. Moreover, they are convinced that it helps find solutions in difficult situations and causes a person to act.

Closes the list of social activity. For the Japanese, as for other inhabitants of the planet, it is important to communicate, so they try to spend more time with family and friends. This type of interaction promotes the production of hormones of happiness, which are so necessary for the proper functioning of the body, says Planet-Today.

View original post here:
Named top 5 secrets of Japanese longevity - The Times Hub

Including healing adaptogens in your health regime is important for your longevity. Most simply put, they help push your body into recovery mode so that its able to restore itself before the next rush of fight or flight response. Adaptogens are extracted from non-toxic plants Turmeric, ashwagandha, rhodiola, cordyceps, and ginseng which help regulate the bodys stress response.

Over years of evolution, our bodies have learned to protect us from stressors by fighting or going into flight. The body does this to clear your mind, boost your energy and improve your focus. Its a survival instinct to keep us intact when we try to escape the situation. Basically so you dont die. However, we no longer have to face beasts, dangerous sabre-toothed tigers or cavemen. Back then humans only experienced these threatening situations now and then. Nowadays were faced with continuous, chronic stress from work, traffic, family, and finances. This is seriously bad for the body and keeps us in fight or flight for longer than its meant to be.

Sitting with prolonged chronic stress can seriously damage your health, mood, and quality of life over time. It ages you. Especially during COVID-19, when times are very unsettling. Fortunately, nature has a solution where healing adaptogens bring us the right kind of nutrition. These plant compounds can help us get out of the fight or flight state so that our bodies and minds can recover and restore themselves.

Its true that stress is a killer because it ages you. The more anxious our minds are the less were able to focus and perform. Thats why we need to ingest healing adaptogens regularly to stay younger for longer.

The word adaptogen originates from 1950s. They were first used as medicinal herbs all the way back in 3000 B.C., in Ancient Chinese and Ayurveda practices. Russian toxicologist Nikolay Lazarev, defined healing adaptogens as plants that increase the state of non-specific resistance when applied to stress. This means they can help protect the body against a range of stressors.

Moreover, healing adaptogens are herbs and plants with special properties that are naturally occurring in nature and can help the body resist emotional or physical stressors. They help heal stress, fatigue and work by targeting the bodys three stages of stress:

Now you can imagine being in a prolonged state of stress will inevitably result in pure exhaustion or burn out. You might be familiar with some healing adaptogens including turmeric, goji berries, maca root and various types of mushrooms. There is a very long list so there are loads to try!

Note that adaptogens are extracted from non-toxic plants which help regulate the bodys stress response. They can come from herbs, mushrooms, and roots. Most of which have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Scientists believe that these plant compounds work by acting on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This involves the interaction between the brain and adrenal glands. Otherwise called the Sympathoadrenal System. This is thepart of the nervous system that helps control the bodys stress response.

Health researchers articles state that healing adaptogens might help boost focus and endurance during tiring situations. This is particularly important for those times when you would normally feel very fatigued and weak which might decrease performance. Healing adaptogens may also help the body resist stress-induced impairments of the neuroendocrine and immune systems.

Some research suggests that healing adaptogens might even benefit those with age-related disorders and cardiovascular problems. This means that elderly people may be able to maintain their health status on a normal level, improve their quality of life and even increase longevity. Doctors also believe that adaptogens could help support standard therapies used to aid patients fighting a range of health issues.

There are many reasons why we should all be using these plant compounds to live better, longer lives. Not only do they help fight daily stressors, but they also promote a more calm and stress-free mental state. If you are less stressed you will have a much stronger immune system which is what we all need during this pandemic. Healing adaptogens also come in a variety of forms like fermented adaptogen powders to help the body address the effects of stress in a natural way.

Theyre said to improve cognitive function and mood, increase energy levels, assist with stress management, and help mental fatigue. We know they help with stress. However, they allow the body to maintain the resistance phase of general adaptation syndrome for longer. This means you will be able to avoid hitting the exhaustion phase. This means youre bulletproof when facing stress or both mental and physical stress. Whenever your heart rate goes up and the adrenaline pumps, a lot of cortisol is released. You might feel more alert and energized so youre able to protect yourself from whatever is threatening you.

But then the body needs to resist, you know straight after a presentation, intense workout or stressful exam. The body needs time to recover from the trauma of the event. More importantly, it has to restore your normal blood pressure and cortisol levels. You will be fine if the stress subsides because your body will return itself to its pre-stress state. However, if stress lingers long term and you remain on alert, your body will try to adapt to this condition.

This is not good. Your body startsrecognizing it as the new normal. Therefore you start learning to live with stress. This is acceptable, to a degree, but if your body continues at this level between alarm and resistance for a while, without time for proper recovery, stress will overtake the body and youll enter Stage 3 of GASexhaustion.

Yes, this is the part where you might feel like you just cant continue. This is the point where youve hit exhaustion and start to feel extremely anxious and tired, moody and maybe even sick. High-stress levels make you more likely to get sick which means you need rest otherwise youll see a serious decline in health and performance.

Luckily, healing adaptogens help keep you in the resistance phase of GAS longer. This means your body has time to recharge itself before any major damage is done. Scientists believe that adaptogens have a stimulatory effect, revving up the recovery process that supports healthy stress hormone levels.

It is very important to know what works best for your body. Everyone responds to healing adaptogens differently. Your friend might be using a particular compound, but It might not have the same effect on you. Thats why if you choose to experiment with adaptogensBe sure to so try them one at a time to determine the exact effect each has on you.

There are a range of benefits by taking a daily adaptogen supplement. Particularly if you want to regulate cortisol levels and improve athletic performance. You get capsules, tablets, tinctures and powders which can be mixed with water or sprinkled on food.

Most healing adaptogens are considered safe, but if youre unsure, it may be best to consult your doctor before adding them to your diet. Especially if youre taking chronic medication. Certain herbal supplements can cause mild allergic reactions or some digestive discomfort.

Experts explain that adaptogens are great at regulating the stress response. However, they may not be for everyone. Just like anything else out there. It needs to be if youve got an autoimmune disorder or youre taking an immunosuppressant. Moreover, adaptogens can cause the immune system to become more active. This is brilliant news for generally healthy people. However, it can cause complications for those whose immune systems already arent working properly.

Every adaptogen is unique in what it can do. They all have benefits but you need to know what each could help you with.

This herb is fantastic at managing due to its curcumin content. Studies state that curcumin aids in regulating inflammatory responses, which helps exercise recovery and muscle soreness. This is great for athletes who want to increase their performance. Better yet, turmeric may be an ideal supplement for just about anyone.

Note that curcumin alone is not very helpful, due to its poor bioavailability. To increase its absorption and effectiveness, always include black pepper, piperine.This increases bioavailability by 2000%. Why? Because pepper inhibits enzymes that break down curcumin in the body. Curcumin is also fat-soluble so combining it with lipids will help absorption even more.

This is a traditional herb that originates in India and could be one of the most powerful and diverse adaptogens. Healing adaptogens like this once can help enhance your health and performance. Studies have discovered that supplementing with ashwagandha can also improve your resistance to stress. This is powerful because your quality of life will be much higher. Moreover, people (about 30%) who were severely stressed also saw a significant reduction in cortisol levels when using ashwagandha.

Not only does this supplement get you out of flight or fight mode, but it also helps your aerobic endurance and strength performance. Amazingly, you might even notice an increase in the development of muscle mass. Researchers believe that healing adaptogens like this one could even help reaction time and performance on cognitive and psychomotor tasks.

If youve never heard of this one, dont stress, neither have many others.

This adaptogen grows as a flowering plant found in the arctic regions. Apparently, it can help improve stress, fatigue, athletic performance and energy levels. Researchers have learned that taking rhodiola for only four weeks can help reduce the symptoms of stressful life situations.

Another study showed it helped boost participants time to exhaustion by 24 seconds during endurance exercise. Wowee!

Used traditionally in Chinese medicine, this is a hybrid fungus that can be used for many reasons. Researchers say that its mainly used today as a performance-boosting supplement. Cordyceps are rich in adenosine, which is a component of ATP. This is the energy source the body uses for all its movements. Therefore, experts believe that cordyceps can help ATP production, which might promote endurance performance.

Other alternative medical studies show that supplementing with cordyceps may help boost metabolic thresholds. This is a marker of aerobic performance in older people. In addition, studies found that cordyceps militaries, which is a synthetic form of Cordyceps. It is also part of a mushroom blend and can aid performance with respect to time to exhaustion during exercise, and VO2 max.

The secret is pairing these with other healing adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and astragalus. This will help to promote daily energy and exercise performance. If youre passionate about exercise, then youve got even more reason to take more healing adaptogens especially pre-workout. This will help support you from the beginning of the workout through to the recovery phase. You wont feel as exhausted and will be able to recover a little more quickly, not only during the workout but also for the next session.

Another powerful plant thats particularly famous in Chinese medicine. Healing adaptogens like this one are brilliant at fighting inflammatory responses and helping to boost immunity and cognitive function. This is mainly because of the compounds ginsenosides and gintonin.

Korean studies take ginseng or a placebo a week prior to exercise and four days afterwards. Seventy-two hours after the workout, the ginseng users had significantly lowered markers of muscle damage. Other studies have demonstrated a boost in cellular health when women took ginseng for 12 weeks.

Researchers also state that Ginseng can help keep you feeling calm. You will also be able to concentrate and focus better on tasks within only eight days of usage.

So if youre feeling particularly stressed or anxious right now during the pandemic, then you might want to give Ginseng and other healing adaptogens a try.

We need to learn to manage stress better. When this happens, it can cause a cascade of other problemsmentally, physically and emotionally. Heres what to do.

The Total Guide to Adaptogenic Supplements and Herbs. Omnit. https://www.onnit.com/academy/adaptogens/

Cordyceps Sinensis 101: Why Is This Supplement So Popular? Omnit. https://www.onnit.com/academy/cordyceps-sinensis/

Examining the effects of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26609282

Efficacy of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal) in improving cardiorespiratory endurance in healthy athletic adults. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4687242/

What Are Adaptogens? Herbs and Plants That Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety. The Beet. https://thebeet.com/what-are-adaptogens-herbs-and-plants-that-can-help-reduce-stress-and-anxiety/

See the rest here:
Adaptogens And Why They're Good For Longevity - Longevity LIVE

(CNN) Severe weather in St. Louis didnt stop Nelly and Ludacris from exchanging hits Saturday in the latest edition ofVerzuzon Instagram Live.

The two rappers were set to go live at 7 p.m., but repeated issues with a Wi-Fi signal on Nellys part caused delays and even lack of audio at times.

St. Louis, where Nelly lives, was dealing with strong thunderstorms, winds and possible hail Saturday, according to theNational Weather Service.

Your Wi-Fi needs some milk Ludacris jokingly said. Folks on Twitter also chimed in with their jokes.

After a couple of attempts, though, Nelly was back for a night of nostalgia with Ludacris.

More than 400,000 viewers tuned in for the three-hour livestream. Each Grammy award-winning rapper played their string of hits including How Low and Na-NaNa-Na.

Ludacris played an unreleased version of Money Maker with Nelly singing the chorus instead of Pharrell.

Like most of the other battles that took place already, both rappers praised one another.

Your longevity is legendary, Nelly told Ludacris.

There are no other Nellys in the world, Ludacris told Nelly.

Saturdays battle was part of an ongoing series by producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland as a way to entertain fans during quarantine. Previous battles have featured singersErykah Badu and Jill Scott, singer-producersTeddy Riley and Babyfaceas well as rappers T-Pain and Lil Jon.

The-CNN-Wire & 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.

More:
Nelly and Ludacris overcome severe weather and Wi-Fi issues for Verzuz battle on Instagram Live - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort...

The coronavirus crisis poses new challenges for us all, including for the health of our skin. Being in isolation, with the accompanying stress, sanitizing measures, lack of fresh air and opportunities to exercise can result in a series of dermatological problems, such as dry skin, adult acne exacerbations, and flare-ups of other inflammatory skin conditions. The following details how being in lockdown can affect your skin, and what changes you can make to prevent it.

Think of your hands as the frontline of your defense against Covid-19. Touching contaminated surfaces can transfer the virus to your hands; touching your face (especially your mouth, eyes, and nose) is then a gateway to infection.

Face-touching has been known to be a driver of viral transmission for decades. For this reason, proper hand hygiene is a crucial preventive measure to stop the spread of Covid-19. However, it can lead to severely dry skin on your hands.

The humble, conventional bar of soap is all that is needed for effective hand cleansing to prevent virus transmission. The coronavirus has a fatty membrane that dissolves when it meets soap molecules, causing it to breakdown and become inactive. There is no benefit in the use of antibacterial soaps and using these may do more harm by removing the good bacteria of our skins microbiome (the community of microorganisms that reside on our skin). If you are not near a basin, then hand sanitizers with more than 60% alcohol is recommended by the CDC.

Rightfully, we are all taking hand hygiene seriously, so much so in fact, that there has been a dramatic rise in a type of eczema called irritant contact dermatitis. Research shows an increased incidence of hand eczema in the general population due to the zealous handwashing associated with the pandemic. Frequent hand cleansing with detergents (like soaps) leads to a gradual depletion of the fats in the superficial skin layers, and so the skin becomes less able to retain water. This disrupted skin barrier means that our hands may become dry, itchy, red, and cracked. Any break in the skin can allow bacteria and other germs in and so increase the risk of infection. Its thus important to avoid or treat very dry skin.

How can we wash our hands frequently and still maintain a healthy skin barrier? To help curb these problems, moisturizers should be used directly after handwashing and throughout the day, especially if you are prone to eczema. Its best to apply a moisturizer when hands are still damp from hand washing to lock in moisture, however, wait for your hands to dry completely if you are using a hand sanitizer. The optimal moisturizer is a thick fragrance-free cream with hydrating ingredients such as petroleum or glycerin. Ointments that may be too greasy for daytime can be applied at night under gloves. Troublesome hand eczema may need a prescription for a topical corticosteroid, to reduce inflammation. To avoid further irritation to your hands, its wise to use protective rubber gloves when washing dishes or clothes.

Psychological stress, in varying degrees, has become part of our new normal.

As a result, people dealing with chronic skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea, may experience flareups. Indeed, emotions are an important factor in many skin diseases. The answer lies in how the skin and brain communicate.

Our skin is a complex organ that plays a crucial role in barrier and immune functions. Psychological stress is perceived by the brain which activates a stress response in the systems of the body. Through a sequence of events, your body releases cortisol known as the primary stress hormone. Stress also induces the release of catecholamines, such as adrenaline, which is a crucial part of the fight or flight response. The skin is an unexpected, yet an important target for these stress responses and the result is inflammation. In turn, inflammation impacts the skins immune system functioning and blood flow.

Adding to the issue, the skin itself produces the same mediators that further drive immune and inflammation responses. A wide range of skin conditions, including psoriasis, atopic eczema, acne, contact eczema, and itching, can be triggered, or worsened, by these stress responses.

Stress has also been shown to affect the barrier properties of the skin, which normally prevents loss of water from the skin cell layers. In a study of students, exam stress caused a decrease in the skins permeability barrier. This disruption of skin barrier function can lead to flaky or dry skin.

If you are experiencing a flare-up of adult acne while in isolation, you are not alone, and stress may be to blame. This is because some stress hormones stimulate sebaceous oil glands to produce more sebum, which contributes to acne.

It is true that stress can also play a role in hair loss. Stress responses can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. This happens when an abnormal number of hair follicles go into a resting and subsequent shedding phase. Fortunately, this kind of hair loss is considered temporary.

Taking care of your skin in stressful circumstances means keeping your skin-care simple. its a good idea to avoid potential skin irritants, such as fragrance. Moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like ceramides are helpful for dryness. For flares of chronic conditions that are not improving you may require prescription treatment.

The latest guidance from the National Department of Health urges the wearing of cloth masks in public. Masks can reduce the spread of droplets, however, prolonged wearing of masks may come with a host of unwelcome problems.

Masks can cause skin irritation from pressure and rubbing. The pressure on oil ducts as well as the build-up of sweat and make-up allows for acne breakouts. The term maskne has been recently coined for the redness and pimples that people are experiencing due to PPE.

Talking and breathing creates a trap under the mask for humidity which may potentially cause bacterial overgrowth. This can result in infections such as folliculitis, a skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed.

More serious skin problems from masks can be seen in healthcare workers who use N95 respirator masks as these can cause more pressure. A study in Singapore reported staff had acne (59.6%), facial itch (51.4%), rash (35.8%), and pigmentation (85) from N95 mask use.

Face masks are a daily, and vital, part of our wardrobe for the foreseeable future. So, here is some advice for now:

If you are a healthcare worker then consider using a barrier protecting ointment in pressure areas. Good options include Vaseline or Eucerin Aquaphor, or a barrier cream with zinc oxide to restore the compromised skin barrier. For any eczema rash, a short duration of a topical corticosteroid treatment may be needed.

Sunscreen is not just needed outdoors.

There are different types of UV rays that affect the skin. UVB rays can cause sunburn and eventually lead to skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and degrade collagen and elastin. It is, therefore, the main cause of photoaging, whilst also contributing to skin cancer. UVA rays can penetrate through windows, so sunscreen is needed if you are seated near windows or where there is sunlight indoors.

Lockdown has most people spending a longer time on their electronic devices. Group calls, webinars, and social media keep us connected, but we are getting significantly more blue light exposure in the process.

While the detrimental effects of exposure to the suns UV radiation are well known, we have only recently started to understand the effects of visible light on the skin. Visible light, of which blue light is a component, makes up almost half of the solar spectrum. Its emitted from computer monitors, laptop and smartphone screens, as well as TVs and fluorescent bulbs.

Research is still on-going, but studies are showing that blue light can generate damaging free radicals that break down collagen, leading to premature aging. Blue light can also induce pigmentation which is longer-lasting compared to that induced by UV light.

When it comes to blue light protection, instead of reaching for any sunscreen, look for mineral blockers with iron oxide and added antioxidants. You can also use antioxidants in the form of vitamin C serums. These neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals from UV and visible light, as well as from pollution.

Covid-19 continues to disrupt our every-day lives and we are all still figuring out the changes needed to adapt to these unprecedented times. Perhaps now more than ever, we should make our health a priority, and this should extend to our skin.

1. Singh M, Pawar M, Bothra A, Choudhary N, Overzealous hand hygiene during COVID 19 pandemic causing increased incidence of hand eczema among general population, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2020), doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.047.

2. Garg A, Chren MM, Sands LP. Psychological stress perturbs epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis: implications for the pathogenesis of stress-associated skin disorders. Arch Dermatol. 2001 Jan;137(1):53-9 doi:10.1001/archderm.137.1.53

3. Foo CC, Goon AT, Leow YH, Goh CL. Adverse skin reactions to personal protective equipment against severe acute respiratory syndromea descriptive study in Singapore. Contact Dermatitis. 2006 Nov;55(5):291-4. Doi:

4. Arck P, Slominski A, Theoharis C, Theoharides C. Neuroimmunology of Stress: Skin Takes Center Stage.J Invest Dermatol. 2006. August ; 126(8): 16971704.

5. Mahmoud BH, Ruvolo E, Hexsel CL, Liu Y. Impact of long-wavelength UVA and visible light on melanocompetent skin. J Invest Dermatol. 2010 Aug;130(8):2092-7. doi: 10.1038/jid.2010.95

Read more:
How To Manage The Effects Of Lockdown On Your Skin Health - Longevity LIVE

An array of symptoms prolonged over weeks - Many patients suffering from 'long tail' form of coronavirus  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: More than four months ago, when the first few cases of coronavirus infection were reported in Wuhan, China, we lived in a world very different from the one we are living in now. However, it is not just our lives that have seen a significant change. Apart from the disruption of what we knew as normal, the coronavirus pandemic and the disease itselfhas seen several changes over this period of time. As new information about the virus and its mutationcomes in every day, new developments in the field of vaccines and treatments are also made. Also, as the virus has transported itself to most parts of the world, new symptoms of the disease, now known as COVID-19 have also come in sight.

Back in January, this year, the few known symptoms of coronavirus were fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Researchers and medical experts knew that the virus affects the respiratory system, causing a 'pneumonia-like' illness. However, four months later, various studies on COVID-19 patients have found that the virus can attack almost all vital organs of the body the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs. The virus has also been found to attack the blood vessels in the body, causing damage. A study has found that COVID-19 can lead to placenta damage among pregnant women, increasing the risk of premature birth, stillbirth, and other complications. Various studies have shown that the coronavirus infection is leading to thickening of the blood, and blood clots which may also eventually lead to strokes in patients. In fact, surprisingly, incidents of strokes in young COVID-19 patients have also been reported. Other symptoms of the infection that have been reported in the near past include foot sores, diarrhoea, muscle aches, headaches, etc. A very important development in terms of complications caused due to COVID-19 is also the mysterious inflammatory illness that is affecting children infected with the novel coronavirus, an issue both WHO and the CDC, USA are now probing into.

Apart from the list of symptoms of COVID-19 getting longer, over the last few months, experts have also analysed how and when do the symptoms actually occur in different people. While children have reported mostly mild symptoms, the elderly and people with existing conditions, especially respiratory problems have shown severe symptoms. Various people remain asymptomatic for very long, only to develop very mild symptoms of the disease, eventually. The longevity of the symptoms also varies greatly among age groups, ethnicity and other parameters, but has not been studied extensively, as yet.

Paul Garner, a professor of Infectious Diseases at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, shared his experience of being infected with COVID-19 in a blog for the British Medical Journal.He narrated his ordeal where he dealt with symptoms of COVID-19 over 7 weeks, calling it a 'roller coaster of ill-health'. Warning health professionals, employers, partners, and people with the disease, he wrote that the illness can last for weeks, and the long tail is not a post-viral fatigue syndrome, but the disease itself. Symptoms of coronavirus can be bizarre, change constantly, take an unpredictable course, but they do not go away too quickly.

According to a recent research and as reported by the Guardian, about one in every 20 COVID-19 patients experiences long-term on-off symptoms. More research may still be required to define the exact time period for long-term - which could mean two months, three months, or even longer.

Professor Tim Spector from King's College, London, who is the head of the research group that has developed the COVID-19 tracker app, has estimated that a small, but significant number of people may be suffering from the long-tail form of the virus.

Based on the data collected by his team on the tracker app, Professor Spector has found that about 200,000 people have reported symptoms that have lasted over the course of the study, which was 6 weeks. This observation could be important because currently, everyone's focus is on patients who are showing severe symptoms, but not those who show mild but prolonged signs of COVID-19.

These people may be going back to work and not performing at the top of their game, Spector says. There is a whole other side to the virus which has not had attention because of the idea that if you are not dead you are fine., the Guardian reported.Ive studied 100 diseases. Covid is the strangest one I have seen in my medical career, Spector says.

The rest is here:
An array of symptoms prolonged over weeks - Many patients suffering from 'long tail' form of coronavirus - Times Now

- Molecular Methods Quantified Precision and Efficiency of Nuclease-Free Gene Editingfor PKU -

- Manufacturing Enhancements Led to Improved Productivity, Quality and Scalability of Commercial Process, Confirmed in 2,000L Bioreactor -

- Data Highlight Unique Characteristics of AAVHSC Genetic Medicines Platform -

BEDFORD, Mass., May 12, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Homology Medicines, Inc. (Nasdaq: FIXX), a genetic medicines company, announced today the presentation of data at the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) 23rd Annual Meeting. Among Homologys seven presentations are data from its in vivo nuclease-free gene editing program for phenylketonuria (PKU) and in vivo gene therapy program for metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), both of which are in IND-enabling studies. Presentations also focus on the Companys commercial manufacturing platform, as well as data on the differentiating characteristics of Homologys family of AAVHSC vectors, particularly when compared to other AAVs, which highlight the potential of the Companys dual gene therapy and editing platform.

Homology has made substantial progress in understanding the unique properties of our AAVHSC-based technology and this enables us to move our dual genetic medicines platform forward to develop potential treatments, or cures, for patients, stated Albert Seymour, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Homology Medicines. We are pleased to share data here that describe the molecular methods we have developed to characterize in vivo, nuclease-free gene editing efficiency and precision at the DNA level. Additional data from our in vivo MLD gene therapy program demonstrates the impact on key biomarkers in two species, as well as the durability of effect in the murine model of disease with data out to 52 weeks. Underpinning all our programs is our internal GMP process and manufacturing capabilities, where we have now confirmed our commercial HEK293 suspension platform at the 2,000-liter scale, bringing our total internal capacity to 3,500 liters. Additionally, we are presenting data showing improved AAVHSC packaging as compared to the non-Clade F vector AAV5.

Highlights from Homologys 2020 ASGCT Presentations

The presentation, Molecular Characterization of Precise In Vivo Targeted Gene Editing in Human Cells using AAVHSC15, a New AAV Derived from Hematopoietic Stem Cells (AAVHSC), describes quantitative molecular methods to measure efficiency and precision of nuclease-free, homologous recombination-based gene editing. The studies, which used a single I.V. administration of a gene editing construct to insert the human PAH gene, which is mutated in people with phenylketonuria (PKU), in a humanized liver murine model, show:

Two posters related to Homologys internal commercial manufacturing platform will be presented.In Molecular Design and Characterization of Packaging Plasmid Sequences for Improved Production of Novel Clade F AAVHSCs, the data demonstrate:

In Development and Scalability of Transfection-Based Production and Purification of Novel Clade F Adeno-Associated Viruses Isolated from Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells (AAVHSCs), Homology describes high-quality productivity and scalability of its mammalian, suspension-based manufacturing, including:

Related to Homologys HMI-202 investigational gene therapy for MLD, the presentation, Gene Therapy for Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) That Crosses the Blood-Nerve and Blood-Brain Barriers in Mice and Non-Human Primates, details that a single I.V. administration:

In collaboration with Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Homology also presents, In Vivo Transduction of Murine Hematopoietic Stem Cells after Intravenous Injection of AAVHSC15 and AAVHSC17, which shows:

As Homology has advanced its AAVHSC technology, it is presenting mechanistic data on the platform, including the following two presentations.In Role of Terminal Galactose in Cellular Uptake, Intracellular Trafficking, and Tissue Tropism Using Adeno-Associated Viruses Isolated from Human Stem Cells (AAVHSCs), the data show:

In AAVHSCs Transduction Does Not Significantly Elicit p53-Mediated Apoptosis or Alter Cell Cycle in Human iPSCs and Primary Cells When Compared to Non-Clade F AAV Vectors, the studies demonstrate that AAVHSCs:

For more information about the presentations, visit Homologys website at http://www.homologymedicines.com/publications.

About Homology Medicines, Inc. Homology Medicines, Inc. is a genetic medicines company dedicated to transforming the lives of patients suffering from rare genetic diseases with significant unmet medical needs by curing the underlying cause of the disease. Homologys proprietary platform is designed to utilize its human hematopoietic stem cell-derived adeno-associated virus vectors (AAVHSCs) to precisely and efficiently deliver genetic medicinesin vivoeither through a gene therapy or nuclease-free gene editing modality across a broad range of genetic disorders. Homology has a management team with a successful track record of discovering, developing and commercializing therapeutics with a particular focus on rare diseases, and intellectual property covering its suite of 15 AAVHSCs. Homology believes that its compelling preclinical data, scientific expertise, product development strategy, manufacturing capabilities and intellectual property position it as a leader in the development of genetic medicines. For more information, please visitwww.homologymedicines.com.

Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including without limitation statements regarding our expectations surrounding the potential, safety, efficacy, and regulatory and clinical progress of our product candidates; our beliefs regarding our manufacturing capabilities; our position as a leader in the development of genetic medicines; and our participation in upcoming presentations and conferences. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and operations, including our preclinical studies and clinical trials, and on general economic conditions; we have and expect to continue to incur significant losses; our need for additional funding, which may not be available; failure to identify additional product candidates and develop or commercialize marketable products; the early stage of our development efforts; potential unforeseen events during clinical trials could cause delays or other adverse consequences; risks relating to the capabilities of our manufacturing facility; risks relating to the regulatory approval process; our product candidates may cause serious adverse side effects; inability to maintain our collaborations, or the failure of these collaborations; our reliance on third parties; failure to obtain U.S. or international marketing approval; ongoing regulatory obligations; effects of significant competition; unfavorable pricing regulations, third-party reimbursement practices or healthcare reform initiatives; product liability lawsuits; failure to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel; the possibility of system failures or security breaches; risks relating to intellectual property and significant costs as a result of operating as a public company. These and other important factors discussed under the caption Risk Factors in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020 and our other filings with the SEC could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent managements estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change.

See the original post:
Homology Medicines Announces Presentations on its In Vivo Gene Therapy and Gene Editing Programs and Commercial Manufacturing Platform at the American...

The moment we find COVID-19 treatments that are truly effective, well see the novel coronavirus with different eyes. Yes, the virus is highly transmissible and can lead to severe illness and death. But effective drugs that can block its ability to infect cells and meds that can reduce respiratory distress and inflammation will turn the new disease into an infection that well learn to live with.

Several experts warned this week that the novel coronavirus is here to stay, and we may never get rid of it even when the vaccines arrive. But an increasing number of reports detail various therapies that can be used to improve the odds of recovery. Some of them rely on drugs that were developed to treat other conditions. Others use stem cells. And then there are plasma transfusions from patients who survived COVID-19.

Researchers are also working on a new type of drug thats related to plasma therapy, antibody-based meds that can offer the same kind of protection as a plasma transfusion. Now, we have learned that one of the antibodies capable of blocking the SARS-CoV-2 virus from binding to cells has proven to be 100% effective in labs.

The novel coronavirus binds to human cells via a spike protein that can link up to ACE2 receptors. Then the virus enters the cell where it wreaks havoc. The cell deciphers the viruss genetic information to create more and more copies of the virus. The cell dies in the process, and the new replicas are released into the body where they are free to infect other cells and continue to replicate.

The immune system detects pathogens and can fight them very efficiently. Many people will get COVID-19 and never know it because theyll never even present any symptoms. That means the immune system cleared the virus before it could cause complications, and the resulting antibodies will be able to deal with the illness in the future, providing immunity against COVID-19 for an unknown period of time. Thats why plasma treatments work. Doctors use the antibodies from donors to treat other patients with weaker immune systems. But demand for plasma far exceeds supply, and thats why monoclonal antibody drugs would work better.

Sorrento is one of several companies working on this breakthrough type of drug. The pharmaceutical company has found what it describes as a potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody that can completely prevent the virus from linking to ACE2 cells in lab tests. The antibody is called STI-1499, and Sorrento says its been able to deliver 100% inhibition of the virus in healthy cells after four days of incubation.

Sorrento has screened billions of antibodies in its proprietary G-MAB fully human antibody library and identified hundreds of candidates that can bind to the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. A dozen of them have been able to block the interaction between S1 and ACE2.

STI-1499 stood out for its ability to completely block SARS-CoV-2 infection of healthy cells in the experiments. The company says that the virus was neutralized even in low antibody doses. This antibody will likely be the first antibody to be used in the COVI-SHIELD antibody cocktail that will include a combination of antibodies meant to deal with potential mutations of the coronavirus. STI-1499 is also expected to be used as a standalone therapy in a COVI-GUARD drug, assuming it receives regulatory approval.

Sorrento will request priority evaluation and accelerated review. Clinical trials will have to prove the antibody works just as well in patients as it does in lab conditions.

Assuming STI-1499 is effective and safe, Sorrento says itll be able to produce up to 200,000 doses per month, and the company plans to make 1 million of them while its waiting for FDA approval. Manufacturing capacity could be increased through partnerships to meet demand. If all goes well, STI-1499 might be among the first brand new drugs developed specifically to treat COVID-19.

Doctors analyzing lung CT scan. Image Source: STEPHANIE LECOCQ/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Chris Smith started writing about gadgets as a hobby, and before he knew it he was sharing his views on tech stuff with readers around the world. Whenever he's not writing about gadgets he miserably fails to stay away from them, although he desperately tries. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.

See the original post here:
The first breakthrough coronavirus antibody drug might finally be here - BGR

Trials and triumphs of the COVID-19 combat Image Credit: Gulf News

Dubai: The first case of coronavirus in the UAE was announced on January 29, 2020. Thats around three-and-a-half months ago. Time flies, you would ordinarily be inclined to think. But these are extraordinary times.

Ever since the beastly virus spread its ugly tentacles, everything weve been thinking, saying or doing has revolved around COVID-19. But beyond the general fatigue that were all beginning to feel, there is no denying that life as we know it why, even death has changed forever.

Gasping patients gone without a goodbye; family members watching funerals of loved ones on Facebook; infected couples having to leave young children in the care of others; tables turning on doctors and nurses COVIDs trying tales are heart-wrenching.

But the unimaginable trauma notwithstanding, there are those who are counting their blessings too, whether its a new mum beating the virus with her just-born; a patient coming off the ventilator after 20 days; or the UAEs health care community clocking record testing rates and its researchers achieving a treatment breakthrough.

A look at the trials, tribulations and triumphs of UAE residents since the COVID-19 combat began:

The ultimate trial

Its bad enough to lose a loved one, but not being able to bid goodbye takes away even the sense of closure.

THE WAY IT IS

Global protocols on heath safety, hygiene and social distancing stipulate that coronavirus patients must get treated in isolation, and even depart alone.

Global protocols on heath safety, hygiene and social distancing stipulate that coronavirus patients must get treated in isolation, and even depart alone, so one has no choice but to let go.

When Bangladeshi expat Tofail Alam, 51, passed away in Abu Dhabi last week, his wife Nausheen told Gulf News her husband went to see a doctor at a hospital in March because he had a bad cold.

Tofail Alam

But he was admitted the same day and transferred to a public hospital for treatment. We lost the pillar of our family to the coronavirus pandemic. It is so devastating that I simply have no words.

A friend who tried to contact Alam in hospital said, The calls never went through. So all I could do was ask the nurses about his condition. Somewhere along the line, he learnt that the father of two was no more.

Funeral on Facebook

Even in non-coronavirus cases, flight suspensions in recent times have meant that some residents havent been able to attend funerals of loved ones in other countries.

Among them: A Keralite family in the UAE who watched the funeral of their cancer-stricken son Jeuel G. Jomay, a Grade 10 student at a Sharjah school, on Facebook on April 16. They could not accompany his body when it was flown to native Kerala under lockdown.

Jeuels funeral ceremony back home began at 4am in the UAE. His cousin told Gulf News her family and Jeuels family watched the five-hour ceremony on Facebook while the St Marys Church in Sharjah provided a link to the YouTube livestreaming on its website for members here to watch the service.

None of the flights was getting sanctioned soon. Jeuels father wanted to fly with him. But that was not possible, the cousin told Gulf News at the time.

Similarly, on April 17, Dubai-based Pakistani expat Ghulam Mustafa Awan watched the funeral of his father Malik Nazir Ahmad on video. Ahmad had died of a heart and lung condition.

I tried everything, but I couldnt go and see the face of my father one last time, said Awan.

- Ghulam Mustafa Awan

In both cases, COVID-19-related restrictions prevented their travel.

Double whammy

Telling a young COVID-19 mother of three that her husband, also a coronavirus patient, has passed on can by no means be easy.

But that is precisely what Dr Samara Khatib, Consultant InternalMedicine and team lead at the COVID-19 ward at Mediclinic Parkview Hospital in Dubai, was tasked to do recently.

We had to take the help of mental health professionals to break the tragic news to the patient, who is in her 30s, said the American doctor of Syrian origin. It shook us as healthcare workers.

- Dr Samara Khatib

Coronavirus has struck other couples too in the UAE, which has meant they have had to leave their children in the care of others.

Dubai-based Suman Manning, who tested positive along with her triathlete husband Shane Manning, said her sister took care of her triplets during the ordeal. Although she showed no symptoms, she had to isolate herself and tell her kids and sister to keep away from her, while her husband was recovering in hospital.

It was a particularly trying time as the kids had just started the first week of remote learning and needed some kind of support, she told Gulf News earlier.

Were not invincible

Working on the frontlines in the face of an invisible and yet-to-be-conquered virus, doctors and nurses are probably at the highest risk of contracting COVID-19. Ask Reem Yousef, who works as an emergency nurse manager at the Emirates Specialty Hospital in Dubai.

- Reem Yousef

The Lebanese mum, who is still breastfeeding her nine-month-old baby, told Gulf News: It is really hard. I am literally wearing my heart on my sleeve for my little one, Relle. Yes, there is fear of contracting COVID-19 as we work 12-15 hours a day for five days. We try our best to manage. When I go back home, I take utmost care to completely sterilise myself before I hold my baby in my arms again.

Dr Khatib said she tests herself for the virus at least once a month. I am also very particular about hygiene. Its almost as if I suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). There is no respite on the front line and when we see our own colleagues falling prey to the virus, we feel emotionally distraught. It makes us realise we are not invincible. But we have a responsibility to stay safe and healthy as we can pass on the virus to other patients or our families back home.

Despite the best efforts though, the tables do get turned sometimes. And when that happens, the resolve to combat coronavirus only gets stronger.

As a doctor duo at Zulekha Hospital Dubai, Dr Nishath Ahmed Liyakat and Dr Unni Nair, who have recovered from COVID-19 testify, there was no way the virus would have held them back from doing their duty once they had received the treatment and completed their quarantine.

Victor and the virus

Yes, the dismal health crisis surrounding us does have its share of good news. As the official tracker posts new cases every day, there are considerable recoveries too, with each corona warrior, irrespective of whether they are a mild or critical case, emerging as an emphatic victor against the virus.

Speak to patients who have turned the blind corner, and their words inspire you. While some will tell you coronavirus is not a death sentence, others will say they do not wish their hellish experience even on their worst enemies.

- Wilfredo

Either way, there is no bitterness and no taking away from the huge sense of relief and gratitude on the road to recovery.

I hardly had any symptoms and it never felt like a death sentence. But now that I have completed my quarantine, I thank God its over, said one young Indian woman who did not want to be named.

Wilfredo, a Filipino expat, who came out of the ventilator after 20 days at Al Zahra Hospital, Sharjah, said, I prayed hard to God and placed my trust in the medical team. Now, Im getting better every day and can only remember those weeks on the ventilator like it was yesterday.

In Abu Dhabi, Raneen Abu Zaher, a Palestinian homemaker, and her newborn son, Jad, who also beat coronavirus, inspire hope.

The duo were diagnosed with the infection when Jad was just a day old. But two weeks later, when they got the all-clear, the mother of three told Gulf News, I tried to hold on to my faith, and prayed for my entire family.

UAE will not let you down

If theres one thing any patient in the UAE will vouch for, its the fact that they could not have been in better hands. Whether it is Liu Yujia, a 73-year-old visitor from Wuhan, China, who was the first patient to have fully recovered in the UAE or Aubrey Escano, 27, a Filipina from Abu Dhabi who is currently under quarantine, there has been only praise and gratefulness for the UAE for the manner in which coronavirus cases are handled.

Escano in her message said, I would like to tell COVID-19 patients not to lose hope, not to worry and continue the fight because the UAE will not let them down.

The exemplary patient care apart, the UAE has also hit international headlines for carrying out a record number of laboratory tests for coronavirus. According to the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the UAE leads global coronavirus testing with 1.5 million tests conducted since the beginning of the outbreak. The UAE daily testing average equals a four-month average of COVID-19 testing in other countries.

- Aubrey Escano

Addressing a UAE Government remote meeting today, Minister of Health and Prevention Abdul Rahman Bin Mohammed Al Owais said, The UAEs response to the COVID-19 pandemic is unique and different from other countries. The UAE has shown exceptional management of the crisis, whilst leveraging other countries experiences. However, the level of response was different, given the demographic composition in the country, which is home to more than 200 nationalities, and its distinct resources, readiness and experiences in many sectors.

On May 1, doctors and researchers at the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre also achieved a major breakthrough with a promising stem cell treatment for COVID-19 patients.

The Ministry of Economy even granted a patent for the development of the innovative method, which was administered to 73 COVID-19 patients, all of whom were cured of the virus using stem cells.

Researchers, who have completed the initial phase of clinical trials, are now working on demonstrating the efficacy of the treatment.

Now that is no mean achievement, by any measure.

Follow this link:
Coronavirus: The trials and triumphs of UAE residents - Gulf News

Physician burnout and suicide were epidemics before the current pandemic.

Nationwide, our doctors are jumping from rooftops, overdosing in call rooms and hanging themselves in hospital chapels. Its medicines dirty secret.

This unnerving account by Pamela Wible, MD during her 2015 TEDMED talk sent chills down my spine. Dr. Wible described the death of one physician by bullying, hazing and sleep deprivation a torture technique adding that each year, more than one million Americans lose their doctor due to suicide. Her cell phone has become an unofficial suicide hotline. The founder of Ideal Medical Care, Dr. Wible is also featured in the groundbreaking documentary, Do No Harm, which has been virtually screened every Sunday in May at 8pm EST. Suicide is an occupational hazard of our profession.

Physician burnout was an epidemic BEFORE the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a 2018 study, 400 physicians die by suicide each year double that of the general population. In addition, doctors have the highest suicide rate of any profession in the U.S including combat veterans. From an economic standpoint, studies estimate that physician burnout is costing the health care system approximately $4.6 billion per year. So, how do we stop this dreadful reality? Read on (HINT: its NOT through resilience and wellness trainings).

Many doctors view medicine as a calling, entering the field with immense altruism paired with a passion for science and healing the sick. The erosion of these intrinsic motivators leads to burnout which psychologist Christina Maslach defines as a syndrome of emotional and physical exhaustion, depersonalization and diminished personal accomplishment.

The stress of long hours, no sleep, poor eating, inadequate protection, the fear of contaminating loved ones, the fear of dying and seeing patients die no matter what you do, the disrespect by hospital administrators and the fear of being fired, all remain the reality for those who are in the thick of things, denounced Lynette Charity, MD, an anesthesiologist who speaks nationwide about physician burnout.

Studies also show that burnout is associated with negative clinical outcomes: decreased quality of patient care; increased number of medical errors; and higher rates of addiction, depression and suicide among physicians.

Dr. Lynette Charity, an anesthesiologist and physician advocate, speaks nationwide about burnout ... [+] among doctors.

Burnout has nothing to do with weakness, laziness or incompetence. The prevailing attitude, report Pamela Hartzband, MD and Jerome Groopman, MD in a recent NEJM article, was that burnout is a physician problem and those who cant adapt need to get with the program or leave. Turns out that structural and systemic issues are heavy culprits. Despite lip service to patient-centered care, many physicians believe the current healthcare system is propelled by money and metrics, according to Hartzband and Groopman. Doctors are well-meaning and willing to work long hours, and hospital executives know this and exploit it, as Danielle Ofri, MD aptly asserts in The Business of Health Care Depends on Exploiting Doctors and Nurses.

Medical workers in protective clothing move the body of a deceased patient to a refrigerated ... [+] overflow morgue outside the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, the epicenter of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The medical field is at a crisis. This pandemic has exposed many cracks in the U.S. healthcare system. From inadequate testing and personal protective equipment (PPE) to overcrowded emergency departments, frontline health staff are putting their lives at risk to care for highly infectious patients debilitated by Covid-19. And yet medical professionals are responding to this crisis with unprecedented selflessness, resilience and compassion.

For many physicians, Covid-19 may be the proverbial straw that breaks the camels back as they isolate themselves physically from their family and friends while encountering a surge of sickness and death, said Nisha Mehta, MD, radiologist, physician advocate and keynote speaker.

Here are a few real-world examples. About a month into the pandemic, at the end of a difficult shift, an infectious disease physician with 20 years of experience, texted me the following: Just admitted a 28yo pregnant woman in 2nd trimester w COVID. About to get intubated. I hate these days. Two weeks later, this same physician texted: I just started sobbing. I mean, bawling. But in the bathroom so my 6yo wouldnt see.

A doctor checks on a Covid-19-infected patient connected to a ventilator.

Some hospitals have created the position, Chief Wellness Officer. Others have offered resilience and meditation workshops, social hours and tips for maximizing productivity. But, according to Hartzman and Groopman, none of these solutions address the underlying problem: a profound lack of alignment between caregivers values and the reconfigured health care system. Here are some strategies that may actually curtail the wave of physician burnout and suicide:

1. Reduce administrative burden This includes prior authorizations, disability paperwork and the electronic medical record (EMR) which has simply become a burdensome billing tool. Let the bean counters and the C-Suite collect the data and enter it into the EMRs, suggested Dr. Charity, adding: Provide scribes for the doctors.

2. Flexibility over schedules A 2017 study showed that physician input in scheduling was one of the few systems solutions that reduced burnout as it allowed for individual practice styles and patient interactions.

3. Mental health support Because burnout can lead to depression, anxiety, PTSD and secondary trauma, appropriate and timely mental health treatment is critical and can include counseling and medications. In NY state, text NYFRONTLINE to 741741 to access 24/7 emotional support services.

Access to timely mental health support is critical in reducing burnout.

4. Reduce gender bias The National Academy of Medicine reported that burnout may be 20-60% higher among female vs male physicians. Over 70% of women doctors experienced gender discrimination; they are consistently paid less than their male counterparts, less likely to be referred by their professional titles and less likely to be promoted. Female physicians also spend 8.5 additional hours per week on childcare and other domestic duties, while men reported spending an extra 40 minutes on domestic work.

6. Diversify Doctor Voices We need more women and women of color to be in decision-making positions. Minority voices are not being heard, and they are being disproportionately harmed.

7. Speak Out - If youre a physician whos going through a hard time, I promise you youre not alone. Please talk to somebody. And if you see a colleague suffering, please get her/him help. You may just be saving a life. Call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

In addition to the above recommendations, a group of New York doctors (myself included) created a petition to advocate for physician protection and compensation which is being sent to legislators. It can be signed by non-healthcare workers.

Dr. Nisha Mehta, a physician advocate: "So many physicians contact me with fears, frustrations and ... [+] sadness as they experience unprecedented challenges emotionally, physically and financially."

*****

Medicine is a calling for many. But is it really worth dying for? I dont think so. Doctors are people, too. And thats not being trite. In order to stem the tide of physician burnout and suicide, we all have a role to play. If we want our doctors to be whole and full of joy, we must reaffirm their humanity and their value in society. Medical culture and health care systems must change but this will only happen when theyre forced to change. Physicians must first acknowledge and heal their own pain and suffering - for their sake and that of their patients and communities.

Visit link:
Doctor, Heal Thyself: Physician Burnout In The Wake Of Covid-19 - Forbes

THE Chinese Medicine Task Force of Malaysia (Covid-19) and Beijing Tong Ren Tang Global Expert Group for Covid-19 Prevention and Treatment have come up with a guideline to fight the pandemic.

The Malaysia Covid-19 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practice Guideline which integrates Chinese medicine practitioners practical experience in using TCM in the prevention and treatment of suspected and confirmed cases can be downloaded from http://sg.mikecrm.com/xCqqC4w.

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Department of Chinese Medicine head Assoc Prof Dr Te Kian Keong who set up the task force on March 22 said the guideline which was released on May 2, was developed based on the TCM knowledge of the clinical manifestations and disease progression of Covid-19.

It aims to serve as a reference for the TCM researchers who are participating in the anti-epidemic research, Dr Te, who is also the Centre for Research in TCM chairperson said.

He added that the guideline is possibly the first TCM prevention and treatment plan for Covid-19 released outside of China.

The task force and expert group completed this guideline with assistance from Dr Li Jun who headed the Anti-Covid-19 Medical Consultant Expert Team from China to Malaysia, and Wuhan Leishenshan Hospital deputy dean Prof Shang Dong.

On April 19, the task force in collaboration with the Institute of Integrative Medicine of Dalian Medical University, organised the China-Malaysia International Conference on Covid-19: Prevention and Treatment of Integrative Medicine.

Despite the travel ban and social distancing, knowledge exchange continued for 50 TCM experts from China and Malaysia who were engaged in a fruitful three-hour video conference to share Covid-19 prevention experiences in different countries and regions.

During the virtual session, the academics also discussed the role of TCM in aiding the treatment of the disease.

Prof Shang gave a detailed explanation on the characteristics, clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of a Covid-19 infection while touching on the range of treatment for mild to severe cases, presented research findings, and discussed the integration of TCM and western medicine in treating patients.

Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Malaysia Alumni Association president Dr Teo Chiah Shean and Dr Te explained the current situation of the pandemic and western medicine treatment for Covid-19, as well as the role and progress made by the Chinese Medicine Task Force of Malaysia (Covid-19) in the fight against the virus.

Methods to further strengthen cooperation were also discussed during the meeting.

The meeting was chaired by the Institute of Integrative Medicine Deputy Dean Prof Zhang Guixin and Education Association between Malaysia and China President Jiang Zhongqi.

Go here to see the original:
TCM guideline on Covid-19 ready - The Star Online

Advance Market Analyticsreleased the research report ofGlobal Medical WellnessMarket, offers a detailed overview of the factors influencing the global business scope.Global Medical Wellness Market research report shows the latest market insights with upcoming trends and breakdown of the products and services.The report provides key statistics on the market status, size, share, growth factors of the Global Medical Wellness.This Report covers the emerging players data, including: competitive situation, sales, revenue and global market share of top manufacturers are WTS International (United States), The Body Holiday (Saint Lucia), Mindbody (United States), Massage Envy (United States), ClearCost Health (United States), Enrich Hair & Skin (India), Golds Gym International (United States), World Gym (United States), VLCC Wellness Center (India) and Kaya Skin Clinic (India)..

Free Sample Report + All Related Graphs & Charts @ https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/sample-report/63223-global-medical-wellness-market

The changing healthcare environment requires an integrative approach to health and medical care. Growing medical cost threaten the economic vitality of the healthcare option. Medical wellness here plays a vital role as it is ideal for people with a risk factor or chronic diseases for those whose lifestyle may have significant factor influencing development and course of diseases. Medical wellness is an approach to delivering healthcare which states the optimal well-being.

Market Drivers

Market Trend

Restraints

Opportunities

Challenges

The Global Medical Wellnessis segmented by following Product Types: Type (Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Beauty Care and Anti-Aging, Preventative & Personalized Medicine and Public Health, Healthy Eating, Nutrition & Weight Loss, Rejuvenation, Other), Distribution Channel (Franchise, Company Owned Outlets)

Region Included are: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Oceania, South America, Middle East & Africa

Country Level Break-Up: United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, South Africa, Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Germany, United Kingdom (UK), the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, Turkey, Russia, France, Poland, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, India, Australia and New Zealand etc.

Enquire for customization in Report @:https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/enquiry-before-buy/63223-global-medical-wellness-market

Strategic Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Medical Wellness Market:

Chapter 1: Introduction, market driving force product Objective of Study and Research Scope the Global Medical Wellness market

Chapter 2: Exclusive Summary the basic information of the Global Medical Wellness Market.

Chapter 3: Displayingthe Market Dynamics- Drivers, Trends and Challenges of the Global Medical Wellness

Chapter 4: Presenting the Global Medical Wellness Market Factor Analysis Porters Five Forces, Supply/Value Chain, PESTEL analysis, Market Entropy, Patent/Trademark Analysis.

Chapter 5: Displaying the by Type, End User and Region 2013-2018

Chapter 6: Evaluating the leading manufacturers of the Global Medical Wellness market which consists of its Competitive Landscape, Peer Group Analysis, BCG Matrix & Company Profile

Chapter 7: To evaluate the market by segments, by countries and by manufacturers with revenue share and sales by key countries in these various regions.

Chapter 8 & 9: Displaying the Appendix, Methodology and Data Source

Finally, Global Medical Wellness Market is a valuable source of guidance for individuals and companies.

Data Sources & Methodology

The primary sources involves the industry experts from the Global Medical Wellness Market including the management organizations, processing organizations, analytics service providers of the industrys value chain. All primary sources were interviewed to gather and authenticate qualitative & quantitative information and determine the future prospects.

In the extensive primary research process undertaken for this study, the primary sources Postal Surveys, telephone, Online & Face-to-Face Survey were considered to obtain and verify both qualitative and quantitative aspects of this research study. When it comes to secondary sources Companys Annual reports, press Releases, Websites, Investor Presentation, Conference Call transcripts, Webinar, Journals, Regulators, National Customs and Industry Associations were given primary weight-age.

Get More Information: https://www.advancemarketanalytics.com/reports/63223-global-medical-wellness-market

Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter wise section or region wise report version like North America, Europe or Asia.

About Author:

Advance Market Analytics is Global leaders of Market Research Industry provides the quantified B2B research to Fortune 500 companies on high growth emerging opportunities which will impact more than 80% of worldwide companies revenues.

Our Analyst is tracking high growth study with detailed statistical and in-depth analysis of market trends & dynamics that provide a complete overview of the industry. We follow an extensive research methodology coupled with critical insights related industry factors and market forces to generate the best value for our clients. We Provides reliable primary and secondary data sources, our analysts and consultants derive informative and usable data suited for our clients business needs. The research study enable clients to meet varied market objectives a from global footprint expansion to supply chain optimization and from competitor profiling to M&As.

Contact Us:

Craig Francis (PR & Marketing Manager)AMA Research & Media LLPUnit No. 429, Parsonage Road Edison, NJNew Jersey USA 08837Phone: +1 (206) 317 1218[emailprotected]

Connect with us athttps://www.linkedin.com/company/advance-market-analyticshttps://www.facebook.com/AMA-Research-Media-LLP-344722399585916https://twitter.com/amareport

Read more here:
Medical Wellness Market to Witness Huge Growth by 2025 | WTS International, The Body Holiday, Mindbody - News Distinct

What is your position on the Federal Governments move to subject Madagascars COVID Organic herbal cure to clinical tests for probable use in Nigeria?My position is not an advisory rather it is a complementary statement to the steps the Federal Government has taken about a week now. We can see that the government is making efforts by fostering collaboration between the Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicine arm of the Ministry of Health and NAFDAC to call on traditional medicine professionals who have a cure for COVID-19 to submit it for testing. This is indeed a very good move that we must commend. But if this had come earlier, it would have been better as it would have helped in the nations fight against coronavirus.

However, I honestly think the government is yet to have sufficient believe in traditional medicine practitioners of this great nation who are learned and professionals in their practice. In point of fact, gone are the days where we can hardly find learned practitioners in this noble field of medicine. Unknown to many, natural medicine practices is changing very rapidly for good every single day; but the Federal Governments support will only make it better and safer.

It really embitters that we can embrace a solution from Madagascar even though we have everything it takes to develop and produce locally made herbs that will aid in the fight against COVID-19. Long before Covid Organics was produced, the call had gone far and wide, pleading with the Federal Government to recognise the traditional medicine in the fight against COVID-19. We are giants of Africa and we should be the ones leading in innovative and integrative ways of attending to problems like this.

You recently shared some content on your business social media pages asking the Federal Government to give you room to treat Coronavirus. Have you really developed a cure?To start with, it is important to recognise the fact that coronavirus is a global pandemic, which requires everyones support to overcome. Without doubt, the Nigerian authorities in charge of managing this virus have been doing well in identifying cases nationwide and working round the clock to combat the virus. But the fight against this pandemic may not be successful if we do not begin to look in the direction of integrative medicine. As a biochemist and natural medicine doctor leading a team of other natural medicine healthcare professionals, what good does it do if we do not add our meaningful and informed contribution to the fight against COVID-19? If given the opportunity, we have a lot to offer with integrative medicine approach as our indigenous herbs also have what it takes to combat this novel virus.

So what do you want government to do?We want to work with the Federal Government and we hope they allow us to work with them. Over the past years, we have been able to help well meaning Nigerians in the fight against some diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, cancer and asthma, among many others, through our different types of therapies. In fact, we as practitioners at Olaking International Holistic Medicine (OIHM) Company practice not less than 10 therapies, part of which includes herbal medicine, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, cupping and Islamic medicine therapies, to mention just a few.

Our call is that the Nigerian government should give room for integrative medicine where we combine both existing treatment methods with natural medicine approaches and remedies. We believe this will go a long way to help in treating Nigerians of this pandemic.

What are the treatment remedies you have developed for COVID-19 patients?Firstly, it should be said that the practitioner who does not combine and employ all that is good in each and every system of diagnosis and treatment is not worthy of the confidence of the public. On that score, I practice or employ much therapies other than my herbal medicines so far they are good, as there is no branch of medicine that is self-sufficient to cure especially chronic or viral diseases. This is very important because some patients already have underlying health issues prior to contracting COVID-19 and of course the symptoms are distinct amongst them; some do not even have symptoms yet. It should be noted that my call is and has been an integrative system of medicine whereby natural medicine will be employed alongside the orthodox medicine. This I know would surely bring remarkably, outstanding recovery rate in patients with life-threatening diseases.

Has your approach or treatment been scientifically proven?My approach is not scientific but my remedies have been scientifically proven to be safe and non-toxic at optimum doses and dosages. There is a clear difference between treatment approach and treatment remedies. My approach is based on the fact that says, the body is self-curative or there is healing power within. Most people realise, however, that the body is self-curative where a cut or broken bone is concerned; but they fail to understand that this is also the case with diseases as a whole.

It is not possible to cure a virus with scientific approach because orthodox medicine is guided by cellular pathology and considers that endogenous and exogenous causes operate in the production of disease, the constitution of a patient has no significance and causation are considered supreme, primary and worthwhile. In orthodox medicine, all patients suffering from the same disease are treated alike with special regard to the complications. Whereas in natural medicine, every sick individual is different with regard to his constitution, cause of his sickness and peculiar character of his disease.

Have you treated anybody suffering from the pandemic successfully?HIV/AIDS is a global pandemic and had since been said to be incurable. I have cured HIV and HBV patients successfully with my multifaceted and broad-spectrum regimen and this is why I so much believe that I can cure COVID-19 if given the opportunity. My knowledge and understanding of natural medicine principles and philosophy has really helped me to successfully treat, manage or cure many diseases.

In natural medicine, we do not focus on the germ or virus but on the soil, which they thrive or multiply. Our major interest is to remove the filth, which is the breeding ground of germs. Nature cure does not deny the existence of germs but it does not admit the idea that germs are the cause of diseases. Germs do not begin the trouble; they appear and flourish only where there is accumulation of morbid and toxic materials.

Coronavirus is not special and is not difficult to deal with if only we can focus on the above philosophy and make sure we view the patients as individual entities. In light of this, if a patient has a disease prior to contracting coronavirus, we will take into consideration both the disease and the newly contracted coronavirus, otherwise the inherent forces within him will lose the fight because his vitality may be too low; his injury or morbid encumbrance may be too great; harmful or inadequate treatments may have been given.

What is the proof of the efficacy of your cure?For the efficacy of my remedy for COVID-19, I sincerely have no iota of doubt about it. My belief is that SARS-Cov-2 (cause of COVID-19) will only replicate when the soil in which it occupy is accumulated with toxins which then will result to lowered vitality, abnormal composition of blood and tissue damage.

As such, the fundamental cure of COVID-19 will only be achieved by increasing the vital energy within, raising the vitality (immune system), purifying the blood stream, removing the morbid matters from the body through the organs of elimination, and modulating local inflammation in the respiratory tissues hence recruiting specific antibodies against the virus. I have severally used this principle for many so called incurable viral diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, herpes, etc., and it has actually been successful.

My remedy is a mixture of more than 10 Nigerian herbs having Euphorbia unispina as one of the major active ingredients. Whats more, the remedy is anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, antipyretic, expectorant, analgesic, depurative, antibiotic and detoxicant.

NAFDAC is saying nobody has applied for the testing of his/her drug. Does it mean you have not applied to the agency for clinical trials and certification of your remedy?Efforts have been made to no avail. Im hopeful my product will get to NAFDAC at the appropriate time so that necessary testing and clinical trials could be carried out on it.

Personally, Im ever ready tosubmit my solution, which is a combination of over 10 Nigerian herbs to the necessary agency for testing and approval. And I also want to encourage my fellow practitioners not to relent in their support to the Federal Government in all ways possible in this fight. It is not the fight of the government alone. It is a fight of the whole nation and we must do everything possible in our knowledge and practice to ensure that we save the lives of Nigerians and the wellbeing of the nation during this global trying times. We have what it takes to treat coronavirus patients with our homegrown herbs. More than ever, we need all the support we can get from the government so as to provide healthy solutions in the fight against COVID-19.

How can coronavirus be prevented naturally?In natural medicine, the major ways of preventing diseases, not just COVID-19, are by eating healthy foods, maintaining proper hygiene, exercising and taking natural supplements. All these are purposefully to increase the systems vitality and keep the immune system at optimal level in order to be able to fight against germs and diseases. Coronavirus had really made the world think more of prevention than cure and more of environmental and personal hygiene than finding cure.

Nature cure does not deny the existence of germs but it does not admit the idea that germs are the cause of diseases. Germs do not begin the trouble; they appear and flourish only where there is accumulation of morbid and toxic materials. This means that COVID-19 wouldnt have existed if the laws of nature are duly abided by and practiced with maximum honesty.

The most effective and natural way to prevent diseases is by consuming lots of cleansing and hormone-balancing foods. Avoid cooking fruits; strive to eat fruits on empty stomach and dont peel the skin off when you can eat it. Eat fruits separately to help digestion. Take cabbage raw, take fenugreek, oats, millet, mustard and peas. Take non-starchy vegetables such as green pepper, collards, cucumber, broccoli, cabbage and spinach. Take fish,beans, brown rice, walnuts, almonds and garlic (dont take if you suffer from low blood pressure). Drink enough water daily. Each morning, drink a glass of pure water with one squeezed organic lemon followed by two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Incorporate alkaline forming foods into your diet such as vegetables, olive oil, lemons, limes, asparagus, onions, parsley, raw spinach, garlic, broccoli. Minimise acid forming foods in your diet such as milk, blackberries, cranberries, beef, pork, cheese, ice cream, cashews, white rice, corn, buckwheat, white sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Stress and negative thoughts can also cause an acid environment, avoid it. Consume at least 75 per cent raw foods. Cooking, frying or heating foods at high temperature destroys precious enzymes and this leads to accumulation of toxic waste the body cant get rid of and causes lots of health problems.

Read the original here:
'Coronavirus can be treated with homegrown herbs'Saturday Magazine - Guardian

On Thursday, three leading public health experts hosted a Zoom call to discuss the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas. As the understanding of the virus within the scientific community has grown, the advice of expertsand the models theyre using to forecast the future of the diseases impacthas evolved too. The conversation was hosted by the nonprofit scientific institution The Academy of Medicine, Engineering & Science of Texas (TAMEST), and featured Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine; Rebecca Fischer, assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Texas A&M; and Lauren Ancel Meyers, professor of integrative biology at the University of Texas at Austin. The three scientists shared their views on the state of the pandemic, and discussed the risks of Texass reopening.

Here are the key takeaways from what they had to say.

Unlike other regions, Texas seems to have instituted social distancing and lockdown measures before the disease began wide-scale community spread. In New York, Hotez said, community transmission likely began in early February, and continued spreading until the city instituted social distancing measures on March 22. In Texas, though, our public safety measures went into effect before significant spread. Hotez says that relatively early action likely slowed the outbreak of the disease greatly.

Now more than ever Texans are connecting over shared stories. Enjoy your unlimited access to our site. To have Texas Monthly magazine delivered to your home, becomeasubscriber today.

That few weeks of extra time made a huge difference, Hotez said. But it also raises a question: how do we ensure that we continue to reap the benefits we saw from the sacrifice of social distancing, even as the state begins reopening businesses and relaxing guidelines? Hotez, whose son works in the beleaguered oil and gas industry, argued that economic recovery and the slowing of the disease are strongly correlated, rather than at odds with each other. How do we build the public health infrastructure that we need to sustain that recovery? he said. My big worry is that things will move ahead for the next couple of weeks, but as we move into the summer and fall, our ICUs will fill up. Thatll have people very worried about returning to work, and well begin to lose ground.

Meyers, whose team at UT-Austin has created a forecasting model used by the New York Times and 538.com as part of their projections on the disease, cautioned that a second wave may be an inevitability, based on our current understanding of how the disease spreads. According to Meyers, the R0 figure, which indicates how many other people a COVID-positive individual is likely to infect, dropped to 0.8 in Austin during the height of social distancingbut as of mid-May, it had climbed to around R0 0.95. As long as that number is under 1, the disease will eventually stop spreading, and the lower the R0 value, the quicker the outbreak comes to an end. But absent a lockdown, that number will continue to grow.

Restaurants, retailers, and hair salons have reopened, while bars and other businesses may get the green light from Governor Greg Abbott on May 18. But according to Meyers, there are two likely scenarios for the future, based on what we understand right now of the spread of the disease. Both share one thing in common: a likely spike in hospitalizations in June. Where they diverge is in how authorities and the public in general respond.

In one scenario, there are no formal restrictions on which businesses are allowed to open, no enforcement of social distancing policies, and no additional action taken when a second wave begins. (The modelers assume that about half the population is still hesitant to resume normal activity regardless of formal rules.) In that situation, she said, hospitalizations would peak to unmanageable levels, even with a very optimistic estimate of their surge capacity, by mid-June. If that happens, the sort of death toll that places like New York and Italy experienced would come to Texas. That does not include excess deaths that werent from COVID, she said, estimating that the death toll would quickly reach into the thousands.

In the second scenario, restrictions are again fully lifted, but once hospitalizations begin to spike, officials take swift action. In that situation, We put our foot on the brake before that happens, said Meyers. She mentioned eighty new hospitalizations in a day in Austin as one possible trigger for a local lockdown, which could be lifted when new admissions fall below a certain level. Our projection under that policy is that in mid-June, wed see a new lockdown lasting three months, she said. Thats significantly longer than the one we experienced from mid-March to May 1. In this case, thered likely be a third wave later in the fallbut at that point, enough of the population would probably have been exposed, and presumably have at least short-term immunity, that an additional lockdown wouldnt be necessary.

We need to have really good situational awareness, she said. We are hard at work estimating how quickly the virus is spreading as policies change, so we can take steps to slow transmission before its too late. If you wait until things look threatening in your hospitals, its too late.

The University of Texas model, which focuses on Austin but which Meyers said largely applies to other cities around the state, isnt based on testing data that comes from the state. Rather, Meyers said, its based on unprecedented coordination with the city, local hospitals, and researchers to get an accurate count of hospital admissions every day.

Hotez asked the other scientists about the problems that stem from the states relatively modest amount of testing. How do you have a robust alert system without testing data to feed into it? he asked. Fischer said the paucity of testing means that researchers still dont have a clear idea of how widely the virus is spreading, or whats happening among groups who face barriers to seeking care or who are asymptomatic.

If there is a way to expand testing to make it accessible to everyone, thats our most valuable tool, Fischer said. Fever screening is not our most useful toolits too labor-intensive, without much benefit. So when we talk about, say, students coming back to live in dorms, how do we do that? I dont know the answer to that question.

One consequence of our current lack of testing capacity is that we dont know how many Texans have been infectedwhich means that we dont know how far along we are on the path toward herd immunity, where the disease stops spreading because most people are immune to it. Currently, the detected cases represent just .2 percent of the population in Texasand thats likely an undercount. Even if the actual number of infections is ten times the number of diagnosed cases, thats still not enough to bring us close to herd immunity, Fischer argued. Without a way to expand and liberally test people, including those without signs, its really hard to gauge this, she said. And scientists arent even certain that an infection confers some period of immunity.

We dont actually know if people are immunized after infection, Meyers said. But unfortunately, the models are consistent with influenza and other respiratory infectionsthat this spreads quickly and silently, so over 50 percent of the population will have to be infected before this thing starts to dissipate on its own. Its very likely that very few people have been infected so far, so theres no silver bullet until we get a vaccine.

One grim possibility Meyers noted is that in the event we do see our hospitals overwhelmed from an unchecked spread of the disease, those who survive could get to that point more quickly. If this gets out of hand and a single-wave pandemic runs its course, we might be on the other side of this in a very bad way in a short amount of time, she saidat the cost of many thousands of lives.

The impact of the disease in Texas has thus far fallen largely on the elderly, especially those who live in long-term care facilities. While the overall case fatality rate is around 3.8 percentthat is, 3.8 percent of people who receive a clinical diagnosis die in a hospital from COVID-19a staggering 43 percent of those deaths have occurred among nursing-home residents. Parts of the state that have seen clusters of COVID-19 in nursing homes have seen much higher fatality rates. In the seven-county Brazos Valley region, for instance, its at nearly 11 percent.

People 65 and older may really need to be sheltering in place for the foreseeable future, even if the rest of the population relaxes, Meyers said.

The conversation wasnt particularly optimistic, in terms of short-term hope that transmission of the disease (and subsequent hospitalizations and deaths) will stop without additional lockdown measures. But one piece of hope that did come up centered on the ability and ingenuity of Texans to build a safer, smarter way of doing things, and an economy that adapts to the reality of the situation.

Hotez spoke of harnessing the robust scientific and engineering horsepower of Texans to create systems that can manage the spread of the pandemic. Given the amount of skill and talent in Texas, it might be possible to put in place syndromic surveillance and contact-tracing measures faster than hospitalizations and deaths spread. Because those are lagging indicators, which means that the disease spreads for several weeks before the impact of those things is felt around the state, there is still time to put them in placeif we start before those things happen.

The short answer is we need to bring the great minds and engineers together to tackle this challenge, Meyers said.

But even if youre not about to develop a contact-tracing app or a system for investigators to track and notify everyone an infected person comes in contact with, she thinks there are ways we can all help slow the spread of the diseaseone that would involve individuals taking on the responsibility of staying at home, and notifying the people theyve come in contact with, as soon as they start experiencing symptoms, so those people can also avoid potentially infecting others. It could actually go a long way, she said, Given how under-equipped we are for testing, contact tracing, and isolation.

See the article here:
What Public Health Experts Are Saying About the Coronavirus in Texas Right Now - Texas Monthly

Deepak Chopra, Special to SFGate

By Deepak Chopra, MD and Gustaf Kranck, M.Sc.

There is widespread awareness of the wellness movement in this country, and the term self-care is being more and more recognized. Since advice has existed for decades on proper diet, exercise, sleep, and the avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, in what way is self-care an advance? This seems like a critical question during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Self-care is an advance over the usual well-known preventive measures if it can do more, in other words, if there are choices that improve the whole mind-body system. Increasingly the key to self-care seems to be the vagus nerve. The general public awaits a silver-bullet treatment and a future vaccine, but the benefits associated with the vagus nerve are accessible by anyone right now.

A bit of anatomy first: twelve major nerves radiate out from the brain, and these so-called cranial nerves connect the brain to every area of the body. They function like information superhighways, constantly sending messages back and forth from brain to body. The most important cranial nerve is called the vagus nerve, named from the Latin word for wandering. The vast majority of sensory signals to and from the heart, lungs, stomach, and intestinal tract travel along the six miles of the vagus nerve.

In the past few years, a surprising discovery was made: deep, regular breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, sending a signal of relaxation that is very effective in settling down the stress response. News stories about vagal breathing, as it was named, drew widespread attention. But as research became more focused, it emerged that the vagus nerve might be something like a master key in the body. In its wanderings the vagus nerve affects the heart, lungs, digestive tract, and the immune system. These are the critical systems involved when someone becomes infected with the COVID-19.

The implication is that by stimulating the vagus nerve, a holistic benefit might come to these systems altogether. One of the co-authors of this article, Gustaf Kranck, has a personal story connected with vagal stimulation. Among the many ways that the vagus nerve can be stimulated are meditation and yoga. After getting burned-out by stress after the 2008 great recession, Gustaf began to practice meditation and felt that it saved his brain. Motivated to explore further, he hit upon the wealth of research that is being conducted on the vagus nerve. At present there are thousands of scientific papers on the subject and vagus stimulation devices are FDA approved for depression. In recent months there has been published more than 150 papers on vagus nerve and Coronavirus most of them showing clear indications that the vagus nerve is central to the disease progress.

Here it is necessary to step cautiously. Recently an eminent French researcher, Dr. Jean-Pierre Changeux, published findings that indicated a kind of medical benefit from nicotine - which neurologically acts as a vagus stimulant. The findings from France were that those who were active smokers, even while contracting Coronavirus, seemed to have a more favourable disease progress than those who had recently stopped smoking. Needless to say , a controversy erupted. Promptly after the publication of these studies in late April, the French government ordered limitations on the sale of nicotine patches from pharmacies in order to prevent hoarding.

Yet it is completely non-controversial to state that activating the vagus nerve with meditation and yoga, along with deep regular breathing and good sleep, are known conclusively to improve functioning in the systems most affected by the virus, particularly the respiratory system. Just as thoroughly documented is meditations benefit in reducing the stress response, with implications for reducing inflammation, one of the key dangers when the bodys immune system overreacts to the virus.

Gustaf made another striking observation. When meditating and doing controlled breathing practice, he could measure how this vagus nerve activation brings heartbeat and breathing rhythms to perfect sync if he was in good health. His discovery was that with a hand-to-hand wearable electrocardiogram (EKG) he could simultaneously measure with high precision both the heart rate and breathing and therefore instantly test how well they were synchronized.

This synchronization is very important. There is a sound physiological reason behind this. The vagus nerve regulates oxygen delivery in the body, so that it is used most efficiently and without waste. You need more oxygen to muscles during exercise and to the gut when relaxed. Vagal nerve stimulation seems to be crucial here, and a test of breathing and heartbeat rhythms, which is non-invasive and quite simple, may be useful in determining who is well and who is sick (we are not claiming, however, that the sickness would specifically be COVID-19). In healthy people the breath and heartbeat are in sync; in sick people the two functions go out of sync.

We hope this information is useful in promoting self-care through the methods for vagus nerve stimulation already mentioned. It costs nothing to do vagal breathing, get a good nights sleep, meditate, and practice yoga. We feel this is the direction that self-care and the virus should take.

DEEPAK CHOPRA MD, FACP, founder of The Chopra Foundation, a non-profit entity for research on well-being and humanitarianism, and Chopra Global, a modern-day health company at the intersection of science and spirituality, is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation. Chopra is a Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health at the University of California, San Diego and serves as a senior scientist with Gallup Organization. He is the author of over 89 books translated into over forty-three languages, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. His 90th book, Metahuman: Unleashing Your Infinite Potential, unlocks the secrets to moving beyond our present limitations to access a field of infinite possibilities. TIME magazine has described Dr. Chopra as one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century.

Gustaf Kranck, founder of Vagus.co - a Cambridge (UK) producer of health monitoring wearables and vagus stimulation devices. He has a M.Sc. from Aalto University in Finland and in 2019 authored the study Vagal Tone Diagnostics with hand-to-hand ECG.

See original here:
Self-Care, the Vagus Nerve, and COVID-19 - SFGate

Text Size:A- A+

New Delhi: A group of researchers associated with Ministry of AYUSH, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) have questioned the usage of only modern medicines and the neglect of Ayurveda for treatment and prevention of Covid-19.

The researchers, in an article published in the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, have called the neglect of Ayurveda an ethical issue.

The decision not to include evidence from the Indian AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) systems in the search for solutions and management of Covid-19 seems unreasonable and unfair, the researchers wrote in the paper titled Ayush, modern medicine and the Covid-19 pandemic.

The authors of the paper are Sarika Chaturvedi from DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune; Nandini Kumar, former deputy director general (senior grade), ICMR, and vice-president, Forum for Ethics Review Committees in India; Girish Tillu from Ayush Centre of Excellence; Sharad Deshpande, former professor and head of the Department of Philosophy, University of Pune; and Bhushan Patwardhan, vice-chairman of the UGC, who is also part of the Ayush Centre of Excellence.

Patwardhan and his team are researching whether Ashwagandha can be an alternate to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)as a potential preventive medicine for Covid.

Also read: Can Dabur Chyawanprash or panchkosha meditation help with Covid? Unusual trials on in India

Currently, only modern medicine therapies are used on an empirical basis, however, the same principle is not considered for the use of AYUSH systems. Appropriate use of evidence is required, the paper states.

In the ethics context and in the interest of the larger public good, we suggest the inclusion of simple and safe measures from AYUSH systems in the integrative protocols for prophylaxis and treatment of Covid-19.

Pointing out that Ayurvedic therapies are known for their immunomodulation and rejuvenation properties, which are important in Covid-19 management, the paper says that a refusal to accept empirical evidence in support of the immunomodulatory potential of Ayurvedic rasayana and other AYUSH measures is neither in the peoples interest nor that of science, besides being unethical.

Several in vitro, animal and clinical studies have demonstrated the immunomodulatory effects of the rasayana drugs such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifoloia), Amalaki (Emblica officinale) among many others, the paper adds.

Also read: Heard Charles took Ayurveda treatment: Minister seeks evidence-based AYUSH drugs for Covid-19

The paper also states that patients should be informed about all kinds of treatments available for the disease, including alternate Ayurvedic medicines, and that not giving a choice to patients is unethical.

The persons preference should be respected by providing all the relevant details about available evidence from the prevalent systems of medicine. Not informing patients of established and available alternatives is unethical, it says.

Currently in India, no hospital asks patients about their choice of therapy if they are Covid-positive. The protocol is to put patients on allopathic medicines.

The team of researchers says this is unfair, and has also questioned the exclusion of AYUSH in policy formulation.

The procedural conditions to guarantee fair decisions recommended in public health ethics include transparency, reasonable explanation and openness to revision, in addition to adherence to regulation. On this premise, the decision not to include evidence from the Indian AYUSH systems in the search for solutions and management of Covid-19 seems unreasonable and unfair, the paper argues.

While the paper raises questions, the Narendra Modi government has been trying to propagate the use of Ayurveda, with the PM himself, in one of his addresses to the nation, urging people to follow an AYUSH ministry advisory that suggested various measures to increase immunity.

Also read: After Modis appeal, AYUSH ministry gets over 2,000 proposals to tackle Covid-19 pandemic

ThePrint is now on Telegram. For the best reports & opinion on politics, governance and more, subscribe to ThePrint on Telegram.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

See the original post here:
Unethical, unreasonable to ignore Ayurveda for Covid treatment & prevention, say researchers - ThePrint

Lynn Dominguez in Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration is used to going along on the guided nature hikes her students lead as part of their RPL 552 Environmental Interpretation course.

But the pandemic upended nearly everything Central Michigan University students and faculty are used to, and so her students ventured out alone into parks and backyards all over Michigan to fulfill their assignment with cellphone videos.

"I started noticing all the pine needles and moss all over the trails at the Ludington State Park, and I honestly didn't know much about the different things that are all over the forest floor," said Amber Sadler, a senior majoring in recreation and event management. "That's how the idea originated."

She created themes, goals and objectives; messaged classmates to compare ideas; and took to the trails to record her video.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the state, a few College of Medicine team members suited up in personal protective equipment to run medical scenarios at the simulation lab in Saginaw as students and residents watched and learned from home.

Finding remote learning solutions and successes became a new way of life for students and faculty this semester. Here are a few more examples.

School of Music faculty member Alicia Marie Valoti set out to involve her entire viola studio class in a musical video. She ended up also involving alumni from around the world.

"Each of the violists you see was a CMU student of mine in some way," Valoti said, "and each, including myself, recorded three different parts to be mixed together.

"The students come from Brazil, China, Ecuador and many different parts of Michigan, and in fact, in some of the videos, students recorded themselves in their home country."Graduate assistant Shawn Bouck edited and produced the video.

In the Department of Theatre and Dance, Heather Trommer-Beardslee's DAN 232 Dance Composition students also needed to find a way to perform together. The resulting assignment became a video, "Still Dancing Together," to which each dancer contributed a solo performance.

"Students used the choreography skills they had been working on in class to continue learning and creating together despite the physical distance," Trommer-Beardslee said. Class member Alynne Welch edited the video.

'Live from Home'

Meanwhile, integrative public relations students received real-life lessons in crisis management by watching videos CMU Police Chief Larry Klaus created as he and the department managed the impact of the pandemic on campus. Elina Erzikova's JRN 551 Case Studies in Public Relations class discussed the handling from a PR perspective.

Preschoolers plug in

CMU's Child Development and Learning Laboratory connected with its preschool students and their families through an online learning service called Storypark. Daily video sessions with songs, stories and movement activities kept the children engaged and their teachers and student teachers focused on learning, said Human Development and Family Studies faculty member Holly Hoffman.

MOVE doesn't stop

Community members with Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis rely on the CMU physical therapy program's popular MOVE for Health exercise class. Unable to host it in person, student leaders in the program created a YouTube video to keep participants moving.

Honoring an Honors tradition

CMU Honors Program students wait years to ring the gong in Powers Hall to celebrate completing their senior capstone research projects. The stay-home order only spurred their creativity. Students took to Facebook to "virtually" ring the gong using everything from wind chimes to a dinner bell to a metal bowl to the power of Photoshop.

Pipeline goes online

The nine-week Health Careers Pipeline program recruits a diverse group of ninth and 10 graders from area high schools who are interested in health professions careers. It was scheduled to begin the first week of Michigan's stay-home order, so organizers took it virtual with interactive games and videos and drew nearly 100% participation, said April Osburn, executive director of the Mid-Central Area Health Education Center.

Threads can't be broken

The annual student-run Threads Fashion show, scheduled for April, took on a new look after the pandemic canceled campus events. Instead of sending models to walk the runway, organizers called on alumni to post supportive videos on Facebook and continued to create social media posts with the event's look and theme.

"Threads Fashion show is continuing to promote the brand," said faculty advisor Ian R. Mull. Organizers also created a Threads Fashion show 2020 program, offered for sale, to spotlight the designers who would have been in the show.

Lessons from nonprofits

Even from home, the Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance stuck to its 5 p.m. Thursday meetings. The academic registered student organization's members aim for careers leading nonprofit organizations. Turning their attention to the ways nonprofits are meeting needs during the pandemic, they produced a video to showcase what they've learned.

"The learning comes from students staying connected and committed," said Political Science and Public Administration faculty member Emma Powell, who works with the alliance. "I am so proud of this group I could probably write a book."

Shifting sales strategy

Marketing and Hospitality Services Administration faculty member Rebecca Dingus' MKT 340 Personal Selling course normally builds up to sales role-plays between Dingus and each of her students. This year, recognizing that not all students could meet virtually from home, she and a colleague from Marquette University recorded four versions of a sales call. Pairs of students critiqued them using the knowledge they'd gained from the course.

"They got to watch me sell four different ways," Dingus said. "It created a much richer learning experience than what I ever could have predicted." She plans to use the new assignment even when classes transition back to campus.

Sharing science stories

Anyone wanting to find successes in the College of Science and Engineering can look to the college's Facebook page.

"We've been highlighting faculty and students since the quarantine started," said Rob Wang, the college's communications coordinator. Among them:

Faculty members Jason Keeler and Jordan Watts teach with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in mind at this time, understanding that students need food, shelter, friendship and a sense of self-esteem before they can expect to succeed academically.

Junior mechanical engineering major Katya Dominguez shifted from a canceled study abroad program in South Korea to being able to quickly register for online classes and two independent studies.

Actuarial sciences and statistics sophomore Julie Colling shares strategies for keeping up with studies and taking time to reduce stress.

Forward into summer

With all campus events, camps and gatherings canceled through June 25 and the first session of CMU summer classes online only, remote connections will grow past the end of the spring semester.

The Speech-Language Specialty Clinic for area children is just one example of a vital program taking new form. About 40 virtual campers in the annual nine-week speech and language therapy program will connect through telepractice one to three times a week beginning May 26. Telepractice links the CMU student clinicians and the clinical instructors supervising them for assessment, intervention and consultation with children and their parents.

Another example is the Center for Excellence in STEM Education's summer camps, which will be held virtually as they begin in June. The free classes open for registration May 18. This year's camps will be smaller to allow for meaningful connections and will offer curbside pick-up for needed materials.

Originally posted here:
In a changed reality, finding new paths to success - The Morning Sun