StemCell Therapy

FDA Approves AstraZenecas Farxiga for Heart Failure in Adults with Reduced Ejection Fraction

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Tuesday that it has approved dapagliflozin, also known under the brand name Farxiga, for the treatment of heart failure in adults with reduced ejection fraction. The drug can potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure.

AstraZenecas Farxiga is now the first in its drug class of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors to be approved to treat adults with the New York Heart Associations functional class II-IV heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. AstraZeneca was granted with the approval of Farxiga related to heart failure by the FDA.

In a clinical trial, Farxiga appeared to improve survival and reduce the need for hospitalization in adults with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.

To determine the efficacy of the drug, researchers looked at the number of instances of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure and urgent heart failure visits. Some trial participants were given a once-daily dose of 10mg of Farxiga, while others were given a placebo. After approximately 18 months, those who were given Farxiga had fewer cardiovascular deaths, hospitalizations for heart failure and urgent heart failure visits compared to their counterparts.

Heart failure is a serious health condition that contributes to one in eight deaths in the U.S. and impacts nearly 6.5 million Americans, said Norman Stockbridge, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Cardiology and Nephrology in the FDAs Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. This approval provides patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction an additional treatment option that can improve survival and reduce the need for hospitalization.

Farxiga can cause side effects including dehydration, urinary tract infections and genetical yeast infections. It can also potentially result in serious cases of necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum in people with diabetes and low blood sugar when combined with insulin.

On Tuesday, BioCardia, Inc. also announced positive preclinical datasupporting its new drug application for anti-inflammatory cell therapy for heart failure. BioCardias allogenic neurokinin 1 receptor positive mesenchymal stem cell (NK1R+ MSC) therapy appeared to improve heart function in a study. NK1R+ MSC is being marketed under the name CardiALLO.

Alexanderstock23 / Shutterstock

Researchers looked at 26 animals treated with both low dose and high dose CardiALLO in their study. Echocardiographic measures of cardiac ejection fraction, fractional shortening and cardiac outflow all notably improved in the animals.

In light of these positive data on our allogenic NK1R+ MSC therapy, we expect to meet our internal timeline to complete our submission to the FDA for our first indication for CardiALLO, and potentially receive IND acceptance by the end of the second quarter, said BioCardia Chief Scientific Officer Ian McNiece, PhD. The MSCs that were studied are subtypes of MSC that we have delivered previously in our co-sponsored trials, which we believe have enhanced potency over MSC generated from unselected bone marrow cells. We look forward to seeing additional data from this animal study that are currently being analyzed, including histology and pathology of the heart and lungs.

BioCardia also intends to submit an IND for the use of NK1R+ MSC delivered via intravenous infusion for the treatment of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome caused by COVID-19.

Approximately 6.5 million adults in the U.S. are living with heart failure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection. In 2017, it was a contributing cause of death in one out of eight people.

Excerpt from:
FDA Approves AstraZeneca's Farxiga for Heart Failure in Adults with Reduced Ejection Fraction - PharmaLive

A mum-of-three and driving instructor who has died after a year-long battle with leukaemia was described by her heartbroken family as "the most gentle soul."

Sara Ashbrook fought courageously against the most severe form of blood cancer and managed to get through the first 100 days following a complex stem cell transplant.

That came from a 21-year-old person in Holland after the bone marrow was flown over to the UK - and the first three months after her operation were hailed a success.

The 48-year-old needed to be injected daily with medication, but one of the drugs triggered her cholesterol to dangerously rise, and she was diagnosed with pancreatitis.

Married Mrs Ashbrook, who lived in Latchford, Warrington, was left in agony and was she was rushed into the Royal Liverpool Hospital, at the end of January.

The Radio 1 fan was struggling to breathe so she was placed in an induced coma for 10 days but she survived that, and was gradually weaned off a ventilator.

Her condition had been so concerning that, at one stage, Mrs Ashbrook thought she had been kidnapped, her daughter Zoe Robinson said, and taken hostage.

"She didn't know who we were at one point," the 28-year-old added.

In mid-February, Mrs Ashbrook suffered a cardiac arrest and "died for two minutes."

But despite surviving this, the grandma-of-four, who also had two stepchildren, picked up various infections, including sepsis, and it eventually proved too much.

She died on April 11, surrounded by her heartbroken family, who were at her bedside during her last moments, wearing personal protective equipment because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Zoe told the ECHO: "Mum was a driving instructor for eight years and she fell in love with it.

"She was the most gentle soul, she really was, when in hospital she used to take chocolates and cakes in for the nurses.

"Mum was a really good model for her kids, myself, Declan, 26, and Connor, 20.

"She raised money for charities and always put everybody in front of her, no matter what their needs."

Honour our NHS heroes - from the surgeons to the porters, the nurses to the catering staff, the physios to the midwives, and the paramedics to the GPs - by helping to create a map of gratitude from every corner of Britain.

We need our health workers now more than ever as they work superhuman hours and go above and beyond to protect us.

Click HERE to drop a heart or a message on the map, and show you appreciate the efforts undertaken daily in the NHS.

You can now also make a donation to NHS Heroes Help From Home, starting from 2.. As a thank you, everyone who donates will be entered into the weekly NHS Heroes Raffle.

Click HERE to donate or to find out more - or click the link from within the Thanks a Million map.

Thanks a million, NHS workers - we love you.

Just before lockdown, Zoe fell pregnant which meant she was unable to visit her mum in Liverpool due to the infection risk.

Sara's devoted husband Ste, 43, had displayed coronavirus symptoms so also had to stay away, while Mrs Ashbrook's parents, over 70, were in the same heartbreaking position.

Zoe's husband was the only person able to go into the Liverpool hospital, before the whole family, who had been resorting to Face Time calls to see her, were eventually allowed to be with Mrs Ashbrook at the end.

Her funeral took place seven days ago, with very limited numbers permissible.

Relatives were only able to sit together if they lived in the same house, and there was no funeral car or a wake.

Zoe added: "Her death has hit us very badly.

If you have been affected by any of the details mentioned in this story there are people who can help you.

Most people grieve when they lose something or someone important to them.

The way grief affects you depends on lots of things, including what kind of loss you have suffered, your upbringing, your beliefs or religion, your age, your relationships, and your physical and mental health.

Grieving is a totally normal process but there are way to get help if you need support.

Your GP is a good place to start. They can give you advice about other support services, refer you to a counsellor, or prescribe medication if needed.

Or you can contact support organisations directly, such as Cruse Bereavement Care (0808 808 1677) Samaritans (116 123) or Love Jasmine.

"I've had fertility issues over the last eight years, but my mum always stuck by me throughout that.

"For all of us, it's really difficult.

"My heart is shattered.

Follow Luke on Twitter here

You can read more of his stories here

Email him at luke.traynor@reachplc.com or call 0151 330 5051 if you want to share any news, stories or updates.

Keep up to date with the latest breaking Liverpool news here

Like the ECHO News Facebook page here and follow @LivEchoNews on Twitter

"Mum will always by my inspiration."

To help with the family's bid to raise money to fight leukaemia, you can contribute here towards the University of Liverpool's pancreatic cancer fund.

Read more from the original source:
'Inspirational' mum-of-three and 'gentle soul' dies after year-long leukaemia battle - Liverpool Echo

Researchers are learning more about how to diagnose and better treat blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm, a rare cancer that often presents with skin manifestations, according to a review published March 2020 in Current Opinion in Hematology.1

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic neoplasm patients have suffered historically poor outcomes. Years ago, doctors were limited to treating these patients primarily with intensive chemotherapy regimens used to treat acute myeloid leukemia or acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients.

But in 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved tagraxofusp-erzs (Elzonris, Stemline).

Tagraxofusp-erz is the first approved drug indicated specifically for blastic plasmacytoid dendritic neoplasm, and its use is recommended in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology.Newer targeted agents to treat the hematologic malignancy are in the pipeline.

Notable changes in recent years

The World Health Organization (WHO) named blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) and classified it under acute myeloid leukemia and related precursor neoplasms in 2008. Some eight years later, WHO established BPDCN as a distinct entity.

Just how many people have BPDCN isnt clear. But it is thought that there are about 0.04 cases of the cancer per 100,000 people. And about three in four patients are older men.

Derived from plasmacytoid dendritic cells, BPDCN generally is an aggressive disease. It presents clinically on the skin in about nine out of every 10 cases. Skin lesions tend to be asymptomatic, often appearing as bruise-like lesions, plaques or nodules, according to the paper.

While a small percentage of patients will present with skin disease only, most show signs of BPDCN in the bone marrow, lymph nodes or visceral organs. Rarely, patients will have no cutaneous evidence and instead present with the leukemic phase of the cancer. About 30% of patients also have central nervous system involvement.

Flow cytometry to determine the immunophenotype is an essential component of diagnosing [blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm], the author wrote.

CD123, an interleukin-3 receptor alpha, is over expressed in nearly all BPDCN cases. These cancer cells also may be positive for CD4, CD56, CD303 or TCL1, according to the paper.

Some authors have found a recurrent MYC gene rearrangement in these patients. That particular genetic aberration is associated with an older age at diagnosis and worse prognosis.

Treatment is evolving

Unfortunately, doctors have to rely largely on retrospective studies looking at BPDCN treatment options.Those studies suggest that BPDCN, generally, responds better to acute lymphoblastic leukemia regimens compared to acute myeloid leukemia treatment options. However, most responses to these regimens are transient, the author reported.

Retrospective studies suggest allogeneic stem cell transplant for eligible patients in their first remission offer the highest overall survival rates, including 3- and 4-year overall survival rates ranging from 74% to 82%.Tagraxofusp-erzs targets CD123. It consists of recombinant human interleukin-3 fused to a truncated diphtheria toxin, according to the paper.

Binding the drug to CD123 on the cell surface leads to cellular internalization of the diphtheria toxin, which ultimately leads to inhibition of protein synthesis and cell death, the author wrote.

In a phase I/II clinical trial of 44 untreated or relapsed/refractory BPDCN patients, 21 of 29 previously untreated patients achieved complete remission and 13 of those went on to have a stem cell transplant. Overall response rate of the 15 patients with relapsed/refractory BPDCN was 67% with tagraxofusp-erzs, with an average overall survival of 8.5 months.

Eighteen of the 44 patients studied developed the most critical treatment-related adverse event, capillary leak syndrome. Two patients died from capillary leak syndrome during the study.Researchers are studying investigational agents aimed at treating BPDCN. These include IMGN632, a humanized antibody-drug conjugate with an anti-CD123 monoclonal antibody conjugated to a DNA-alkylating payload, the author wrote.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and efficacy of treating CD123-positive malignancies including BPDCN with the monoclonal antibody targeting CD123 and CD3 XmAb14045.

Venetoclax, a BCL-2 inhibitor, is yet another agent in the pipeline for BPDCN patients.

as knowledge is gained on the molecular changes that occur in [blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm], this will ideally lead to more targeted and effective therapies in the years to come, the author wrote.

Disclosures:

Kendra Sweet, MD, has received honoraria from Stemline Therapeutics.

References:

1 Sweet K. Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: diagnosis, manifestations, and treatment. Curr Opin Hematol. 2020;27(2):103-107.

Read this article:
Investigational agents to treat hematologic malignancy in pipeline - Dermatology Times

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Global Virus Testing Kits Market By Test Type (DFA, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-Based Tests, Agglutination Assays, Solid-Phase Assays, Others), By Virus Type, By Genetic Information (DNA, RNA), By End User, By Region, Forecast & Opportunities, 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Virus Testing Kits Market is expected to grow at a robust CAGR during the forecast period owing to the increasing consumer preference towards self-diagnosis techniques. Additionally, leading companies continuously invest in the research and development sector for the development of novel kits for viral diseases. These above-mentioned factors play a major role in propelling the growth of the virus testing kits market, globally. However, virus testing kits are expensive which might hamper the growth of the market.

The global market for virus testing kits is segmented into test type, virus type, genetic information, end-user, company and region. Based on virus type, the market can be segregated into coronavirus, influenza, hepatitis, HIV, measles, smallpox, dengue, ebola, rota virus, SARS, MERS and others. The coronavirus segment is expected to register the highest growth on the back of outbreak of pandemic caused by this virus.

Based on regional analysis, the market is divided into five regions, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, South America and Middle East & Africa. In 2019, North America held the largest market share as the leading companies present in the region keep on launching new products.

Abbott Laboratories, Autobio Diagnostics Co., Ltd., Beckman Coulter, Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company, BioMerieux SA, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Bundi International Diagnostics Ltd., CerTest Biotec, S.L., CorisBioconcept SPRL, F. Hoffman La Roche, Ltd., Hologic Inc., Luminex Corporation, Merck & Co., Inc., Mylan NV, Nectar Lifesciences Ltd., PerkinElmer, Inc., Qiagen NV, Quidel Corporation, Siemens Healthineers AG, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., etc., are some of the major leading players in the virus testing kits market, globally.

Objective of the Study:

Key Topics Covered:

1. Product Overview

2. Research Methodology

3. Executive Summary

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Virus Testing Kits Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By Test Type (Direct Fluorescent Antibody Tests (DFA), Lateral Flow Tests (Immunochromatographic Assays), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-Based Tests, Agglutination Assays, Solid-Phase Assays)

5.2.2. By Virus Type (Coronavirus, Influenza, Hepatitis, HIV, Measles, Smallpox, Dengue, Ebola, Rota Virus, SARS, MERS, Others)

5.2.3. By Genetic Information (DNA, RNA)

5.2.4. By End User (Diagnostic & Clinical Laboratories, Academic & Research Institutes, Contract Research Organizations, And Others)

5.2.5. By Company (2019)

5.2.6. By Region (Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, Middle East & Africa)

5.3. Market Attractiveness Index

6. Asia-Pacific Virus Testing Kits Market Outlook

7. Europe Virus Testing Kits Market Outlook

8. North America Virus Testing Kits Market Outlook

9. South America Virus Testing Kits Market Outlook

10. Middle East and Africa Virus Testing Kits Market Outlook

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers

11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

13. Clinical Trials

14. Competitive Landscape

14.1. Abbott Laboratories

14.2. Autobio Diagnostics Co., Ltd.

14.3. Beckman Coulter, Inc.

14.4. Becton, Dickinson and Company

14.5. BioMerieux SA

14.6. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

14.7. Bundi International Diagnostics Ltd.

14.8. CerTest Biotec, S.L.

14.9. CorisBioconcept SPRL

14.10. F. Hoffman La Roche, Ltd.

14.11. Hologic Inc.

14.12. Luminex Corporation

14.13. Merck & Co., Inc.

14.14. Mylan NV

14.15. Nectar Lifesciences Ltd.

14.16. PerkinElmer, Inc.

14.17. Qiagen NV

14.18. Quidel Corporation

14.19. Siemens Healthineers AG

14.20. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

15. Strategic Recommendations

16. About Us & Disclaimer

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1psjhk

View original post here:
Global Virus Testing Kits Market (2019 to 2025) - By Test Type, Virus Type, Genetic Information, End-user, Region, Forecast & Opportunities -...

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), researchers have developed a quick test to identify which people with glaucoma are at risk of rapid progression to blindness.

A new test can detect glaucoma progression 18 months earlier than the current gold standard method, said the study published in the journal Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics.

Glaucoma, the leading global cause of irreversible blindness, affects over 60 million people, which is predicted to double by 2040 as the global population ages.

Loss of sight in glaucoma is caused by the death of cells in the retina, at the back of the eye.

Being able to diagnose glaucoma at an earlier stage, and predict its course of progression, could help people to maintain their sight, as treatment is most successful if provided at an early stage of the disease, said study first author Eduardo Normando from Imperial College London.

The test, called DARC (Detection of Apoptosing Retinal Cells), involves injecting into the bloodstream (via the arm) a fluorescent dye that attaches to retinal cells, and illuminates those that are in the process of apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death.

Also read: Earth Day 2020: Using artificial intelligence to save coral reefs

The damaged cells appear bright white when viewed in eye examinations -- the more damaged cells detected, the higher the DARC count.

One challenge with evaluating eye diseases is that specialists often disagree when viewing the same scans, so the researchers have incorporated an AI algorithm into their method.

In the Phase II clinical trial of DARC, the AI was used to assess 60 of the study participants -- 20 with glaucoma and 40 healthy control subjects.

Also read: Huawei onboards Indian firms AI-driven keyboard into AppGallery

The AI was initially trained by analysing the retinal scans (after injection of the dye) of the healthy control participants.

The AI was then tested on the glaucoma patients.

Those taking part in the AI study were followed up 18 months after the main trial period to see whether their eye health had deteriorated.

The researchers were able to accurately predict progressive glaucomatous damage 18 months before that seen with the current gold standard OCT retinal imaging technology, as every patient with a DARC count over a certain threshold was found to have progressive glaucoma at follow-up.

These results are very promising as they show DARC could be used as a biomarker when combined with the AI-aided algorithm, said lead researcher Francesca Cordeiro from University College London (UCL) Institute of Ophthalmology.

View post:
AI helps spot early signs of glaucoma progression to blindness - Hindustan Times

COLUMBIA, Md., May 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Foundation Fighting Blindnesshas transformed all VisionWalk in-person events scheduled to take place through June 2020, into one nationwide virtual experience taking place on Saturday, June 6, 2020. This National Virtual VisionWalk Day is a new opportunity for communities to still come together, virtually, and celebrate the Foundation's accomplishments of funding research leading to treatments and cures for blinding retinal diseases.

On June 6th, the Foundation is asking VisionWalk participants to take a walk around their block, on the treadmill, or step in spirit and show how they're celebrating using #VisionWalkStrong on social media.

"Our VisionWalks may look different this year, but our mission to find treatments and cures is unchanging," says Michele DiVincenzo, vice president, events. "We are so thankful for our VisionWalk community's continued support during these difficult times. Now more than ever, we need to stand strong together and make a difference in fighting blindness."

Throughout its 15-year history and through the generosity of more than 200,000 walkers, donors, and corporate sponsors, VisionWalk has raised more than $55 million. These funds have enabled the Foundation to continue advancing its important mission of moving vision-restoring treatments from the laboratory to the patients who need them. Vision science is making great strides today more than 38 potential treatments are in clinical trials but there is still more work to do.

Join the National Virtual VisionWalk on Saturday, June 6, 2020 by visiting, VisionWalk.org.Together, we step closer to fighting blindness.

For more information, contact Michele DiVincenzo at [emailprotected] or (847) 549-1523.

About the Foundation Fighting BlindnessEstablished in 1971, the Foundation Fighting Blindness is the world's leading private funding source for retinal degenerative disease research. The Foundation has raised more than $760 million toward its mission of accelerating research for preventing, treating, and curing blindness caused by the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases including: retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and Stargardt disease. Visit FightingBlindness.org for more information.

Media Contacts:

Michele DiVincenzo

Chris Adams

Vice President, Events

Vice President, Marketing & Communications

[emailprotected]

[emailprotected]

(847) 549-1523

(410) 423-0585

SOURCE Foundation Fighting Blindness

http://www.FightBlindness.org

See original here:
Foundation Fighting Blindness Announces National Virtual VisionWalk Day - PRNewswire

Express News Service

NEW DELHI:As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the world, people from all walks of life, including the differently abled, are profoundly impacted by the new normal. The Morning Standardspoke to RN Mohanty, CEO of Sightsavers India, on the kind of impact the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown have on the sight-impaired in India.

How did Sightsavers begin? What was the mission then, and has it changed since?

After being blinded in an accident at age 12, Sir John Wilson spent his life advocating for people with visual impairments. He began plans to establish a non-government organisation to address the prevention of blindness and provide rehabilitation of those whose sight couldnt be saved. And so, on January 5, 1950, the British Empire Society for the Blind, as Sightsavers was originally known, was born. Since 1966, in India, Sightsavers has been working to eliminate avoidable blindness and that the irreversibly blind people are supported adequately to lead lives of independence and dignity. Sightsavers focusses on collaborating with various state government departments to scale up operations for the three core areas of work: eye health, inclusive education and social inclusion.

How are the facilities for the sight-impaired in India, especially compared to other countries?

India is home to a third of the worlds blind population. The country has about 12 million individuals with visual impairment as against the global total of 39 million, according to a report published by the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB). Despite this, when it comes to accessibility of education, healthcare and employment, the visually impaired are cut off. Only 29.16 percent of the blind in India are part of the education system as per a survey conducted by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The prevalence of blindness is higher among population having lower socio-economic status. Females are found to have a higher preponderance of blindness as compared to males, and the prevalence is significantly higher in rural areas.

What are some of the professions that you help the sight-impaired get into?

We work to change the attitudes of communities, schools and governments by ensuring they adopt socially inclusive policies towards people with disabilities so that they are treated with dignity and are not denied their rights to appropriate healthcare, education and income. We work to equip people with disabilities with the skills (daily living, vocational training), tools and assistance they need to earn a living and lead an independent life. Animal rearing, agriculture, small businesses, poultry farming, shops for daily needs and groceries, tailoring, teaching, and computer operators are a few of the jobs and roles that our beneficiaries undertake.

Has the ongoing pandemic brought up new hurdles for the sight-impaired?

On a global level, Sightsavers is focusing on the impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities, who are being disproportionally affected, both in terms of potentially being more at risk and less able to access health services, and also in terms of impact on the support services they require. Activities include coordinating with partners, and if needed governments, to ensure responses to the global pandemic are inclusive of people with disabilities; taking extra precautions to safeguard staff and partners in a higher risk category of developing serious symptoms from COVID-19. We will be reviewing and updating these activities as the pandemic continues as appropriate.

How can the authorities help alleviate conditions for the sight-impaired in the pandemic?

People with disabilities may be at greater risk of contracting COVID-19 because of barriers to implementing basic hygiene measures, such as handwashing. They may have difficulty in enacting social distancing because of additional support needs, barriers to accessing public health information.People with disabilities may also be disproportionately impacted by the outbreak because of serious disruptions to the services they rely on. Hence, they need additional considerations during these times.

See the original post here:
INTERVIEW | Sight-impaired in India are more affected by COVID-19 pandemic: RN Mohanty - The New Indian Express

Geetha Manjunath was working in AI R&D for multinational companies such as Xerox when she got the news that a close cousin had breast cancer. A few months later, her husbands cousin also received the same diagnosis. Both women were under 45 years of age, and this came as a shock to Geetha.

Working with technology and AI for several companies operating in space of healthcare, transport, and more, Geetha felt the need to startup in the healthcare space.

The startups patented product Thermalytix is a portable, non-invasive, radiation-free, and non-contact solution for early-stage detection of breast cancer. It works by measuring the temperature of the chest region, and generating a report. . It has over 30 installations at hospitals and diagnostic centres across 10 Indian cities.

In February last year, Niramai raised $6 million funding led by Japanese VC firm Dream Incubator, Beenext, and other investors.

Founders of Niramai - Nidhi Mathur and Geetha Manjunath

The team has been working on the idea since June 2014 and collaborating with hospitals since then to collect data and develop the initial AI model. The founders started full product development and AI fine-tuning in January 2017, and got the first reference commercial installation for the end-to-end solution by September that year.

The solution aims to enable automated screening of the population by detecting likely COVID-19 infected people. It does this by checking for fever and associated respiratory diseases using Thermalytix, which uses AL algorithms over thermal images.

The screening can be done by a health worker, reducing the pressure on clinical testing. The Fever Test solution can be deployed at the entrance of any facility, including apartments, offices, malls, hospitals, and more.

The solution was pilot-tested at a biotechnology company in March 2020.

When Niramai started out, Geetha had thought of methods other than mammography. A few researchers in the US had mentioned thermography, but the founders realised that healthcare institutions did not use thermography due to the prevailing accuracy issues.

On why they chose the thermography model, Geetha explains that there are limited methods of detecting breast cancer. The most common is mammography, which tries to find malignant lumps in the breast using density differences. Geetha says it uses X-rays, and the lumps are seen as white.

Geetha says one cannot go for a mammography more than once every two years as it can cause radiation problems. Also, women under the age of 40 have denser breasts; this means the entire breast appears white in a mammography for a woman under 40.

This eliminates over 50 percent women from getting a regular breast cancer test. Also, a mammography can be extremely painful and uncomfortable.

The Niramai team developed a novel technology to identify early-stage breast abnormalities in a privacy-aware, radiation-free way that is effective for women of all age groups.

Our technology works well on women of all age groups. We provide preventative breast health screening solutions in hospitals and diagnostic centres. Since our solution is portable, age-agnostic, and has zero radiation, we can also do the test outside hospital premises and help women in rural areas as well. These benefits very effectively address the concerns and limitations for greater adoption of screening for women across all segments. Early detection saves lives, Geetha says.

The solution automatically generates detailed quantitative reports with clinical parameters and estimates the likelihood of cancer. These scores help doctors make quick and more accurate decisions.

Our first technical solution was to identify the location of the tumour in a cancer patient. Then, we thought since the solution has no side effects and can detect very small lesions, why not use it for screening all women as a preventive measure. The initial research experiments were done in my previous organisation as a side project, Geetha recalls.

Before building a complete solution, the team needed to do clinical testing on real patients and showcase results that highlighted the benefit of the solution over existing methods. Once the AI model was in place, they needed to conceptualise and develop the complete product offering.

In January 2018, the team received its first request from an NGO to buy the solution. Niramai also partnered with Karnataka Cancer Society to evolve the usage for population screening.

Geetha says the team started generating screening camp-level reports, and improvised the solution to generate triaging reports automatically in real time.

Niramai now has two different products. The first is for population screening, and gives red/yellow/green signals.This helps a camp organiser decide whether the woman needs to be sent to hospital for a detailed check. The second, for diagnostic centres, offers detailed reports that help radiologists take informed decisions.

The first product required the team to review every image for quality. An expert radiologists review was used for each and every report for almost a year to ensure this.

Meanwhile, the team also began working on increasing the accuracy of the model for automated reporting.

The Niramai founders realised they needed more technological advancements when they put the solution in the hands of health workers.This was critical as they could make many mistakes while imaging, and it was important to adhere to protocols.

We developed novel image-quality check algorithms that now enable us to give instructions to the technician on correct image capture and help with real-time report generation, which we currently use for screening camps, Geetha says.

The team continues to do clinical trials on complicated cancer cases to make the algorithms smarter so they can identify all types of cancer while reducing false alarms.

The key challenge was convincing hospitals and doctors to try the new solution. The fact that it had no side-effects helped.

Early on, the team also partnered with a radiologist to give a certified report to the hospital so that concerns about medico-legal issues were resolved. This meant getting clearance from DCGI for the test.

The team chose available off-the-shelf hardware instead of developing a thermal sensor. This gave Niramai a good start as it did not have to wait for CE or FDA clearance.

When we saw low uptake in hospital walk-ins, we started an outreach business model for screening camps in corporate offices and rural areas. That gave a jump-start in screening numbers. Competing in contests and accelerator programmes enabled us to get some visibility, public attention, and allowed networking with key hospitals, says Geetha.

Creating awareness amongst people about preventative tests to ensure wellness, particularly encouraging women to take a cancer test, was also a challenge.

The team now aims to use its patented technology to help detect other diseases.

In April 2019, Niramai announced that it would leverage Thermalytix to detect the presence of parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, which causes Onchocerciasis (river blindness) and significant disability. The disease is common in remote African villages, and has affected nearly 17 million people.

Niramais non-invasive method is expected to help assess the efficacy of new drugs being developed to control river blindness by killing the adult worms, and accelerate elimination of the disease. The project has raised funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

(Edited by Teja Lele Desai)

How has the coronavirus outbreak disrupted your life? And how are you dealing with it? Write to us or send us a video with subject line 'Coronavirus Disruption' to editorial@yourstory.com

View original post here:
[Product Roadmap] From breast cancer to river blindness, Niramai is using tech to simplify detection - YourStory

"Flair is what marks the difference between artistry and mere competence."- William T. Riker

There are many definitions of art.

To some, it is a painting hanging on a gallery wall. To others, it's a poem. Perhaps it's the film of a favorite director, or the story of a beloved author. Similarly, there are many definitions of artist. A painter. A writer. A musician. Each one explores their respective outlet for numerous reasons, and each hopes that, in the end, they'll have brought some semblance of enjoyment to those who experience it.

By subscribing to the Star Trek newsletter, which may include personalized offers from our advertising partners, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data collection and usage practices outlined in our Privacy Policy.

Now, while I by no means fancy myself an artist, I do see myself as a creative person. I enjoy writing and, in more recent years, I've taken to the field of photography. However, while most shutterbugs look to sunsets, landscapes and changing seasons for their inspiration, my subjects range from Starships to Vulcans and even the occasional Starfleet officer.

If you haven't guessed it by now, I'm a toy photographer one who puts a pretty big emphasis on the world of Star Trek. Since looking through the lens as it were, I've been privileged enough to work alongside the likes of Diamond Select Toys, McFarlane Toys, QMx and even CBS to bring Gene Roddenberry's wagon train to the stars to life in pictorial form.

Why do I do it, you ask? It's not for popularity or prominence. Nor is it for riches or recognition. Rather, I look to the many mysteries of the final frontier simply as a means to escape my pain.

---

I was born prematurely in the Fall of 1985. As such, the gnawing pain of cerebral palsy and the uncertainty of partial blindness have been my constant companions throughout the last 34 years. Mobility is very difficult, and I can oftentimes find myself racked with weeks worth of excruciating pain from something as simple as dancing around with my six year old daughter.

As one can imagine, I've spent a fair bit of time within the depths of despair as a result of this rather unique situation. In fact, feelings of worthlessness aren't afraid to beam down and spend time with me more often than I would like.

Where is Geordi La Forge when you need him, right? Yet, while this situation can be less than ideal, it is my time behind the lens that really allows me to cope.

Growing up, I developed an interest in pop culture. And Star Trek always held a special place in my heart. Not only did it feature a diverse crew of friends hurtling through space seeking out new life and new civilizations, but Starfleet was never above including disabled individuals on their galaxy spanning adventures.

Geordi. Nog. Pike. Picard. They all dealt with disability, pain, or trauma sometimes all three ranging from blindness to artificial parts. And yet, they all enjoyed inclusion and acceptance amongst their peers, which really struck a chord with me as I grew up. What a difference from the world I lived in! A world where you were made fun of in gym class for limping, where 'friends' stopped inviting you to parties because you just too sore to dance, or where you were beat up for wearing a leg brace. These were never problems faced by the crew of the Enterpriseand, it was a world I longed to be a part of.

As I mentioned, I eventually got into toy photography. And, it was the adventures of the Starship Enterprise that would inspire my work most of all.

At first, I was quite apprehensive to take up the hobby. After all, bad eyesight and shaky hands don't exactly bode well for someone looking to express themselves through photos. However, thanks to the unending love and support from a truly wonderful wife, I decided to push forward.

Sure, most of the initial images were terribly out of focus, and those that weren't ended up as little more than plain old glamor shots against a simple white background. But, I persevered. Eventually, my photos began to improve, and I began experimenting the more comfortable I became. Granted, I don't have a fancy camera. Nor do I have any portable lighting, or state of the art photo software. What I do have though is a three-year-old cellphone, a six-year-old tablet, and the love of a franchise that forever reminds me we can do anything we put our minds to with or without personal defects.

As I plan, prepare backdrops and sketch out ideas, I find myself distracted. Not from family, friends, or life. No, but distracted from the constant aches and pains that have plagued me these last 34 years. Yes, they are still there, but as I snapshot Kirk exploring a strange new world, they're just not as prevalent.

When I photograph, I don't think about the dull ache in my knee, or the sharp pains in my feet. Instead, those issues seem lightyears away as I instead focus on what new and exciting adventure I can send Picard, Kirk or Spock on next. At the same time, the feelings of worthlessness seem to disappear with the completion of each new project. Yes it's a hobby, but it's also an escape. A distraction that puts me right in the midst of one of the grandest adventures the galaxy has ever known.

No, I don't fancy myself an artist. Nor do I do this for popularity or prominence. Rather, I snap these pictures simply as a means to trek through the pain. That said, like any good artist, I do hope those who experience my work walk away with a semblance of joy. Because, after all, isn't that really what matters most?

Never be afraid to follow your passions. Most importantly, never allow disabilities to hold you back. Who knows? With a little inspiration, you too may soon find yourself taking to the stars!

If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page.

John DeQuadros is a writer and toy photographer based in Ontario, Canada. You can find a portfolio of his work on Instagram & Twitter right now @RipRocketPix

Read more from the original source:
Trekking Through the Pain - Star Trek

BY SCOTT FUQUACandidate for District AttorneyFirst Judicial District

I read Ms. Padgett-Macias letterwith some interest, and not just because I was its principal subject. It was interesting to me because it omits what I and many others consider to be the most important abilities a District Attorney must have the ability to manage and the ability to lead.

Ms. Padgett-Macias is wrong to assert that I have no criminal law experience. In my eight years at the Attorney Generals Office, I argued over 40 cases to the New Mexico Supreme Court, and several of those cases dealt with both substantive and procedural criminal law issues.

I have, though, never been a prosecutor. Until about a year and a half ago, neither had Ms. Carmack-Altwies, who spent her career as a criminal defense attorney. And learning that never having been a prosecutor disqualifies one for the office of District Attorney would come as big surprise to several District Attorneys all over the country, including Larry Krasner, elected to be Philadelphias District Attorney two years ago. Hes successfully enacted sweeping reforms in part precisely because he is not a career prosecutor and brings a fresh perspective to the job.

The example Ms. Padgett-Macias chooses to illustrate my alleged ignorance of criminal law is illuminating, though not at all for the reason she suggests. The comments with which she takes issue concerning the seizure of vehicles owned by repeat DWI offenders were made in an online forum hosted by the Santa Fe County Federation of Democratic Women. As Ms. Padgett-Macias acknowledges, the City of Santa Fe has, in fact, seized the vehicles of repeat DWI offenders. I never suggested that any such program exists in Los Alamos County (or Rio Arriba County).

Whats most puzzling about Ms. Padgett-Macias comments is her apparent disagreement with the assertion that a repeat DWI offender the number used for illustration purposes was seven offenses is struggling with alcoholism. I know, and knew at the time of my comments, that the State imposes a mandatory minimum sentence for repeat DWI offenses. But I also know that incarceration has utterly failed to address the problem. The empirical evidence is simply irrefutable if incarceration solved the problem, we wouldnt have repeat DWI offenders of this magnitude. Without treatment, nothing changes. The refusal to recognize as much amounts to willful blindness to the root cause of what Ms. Padgett-Macias correctly identifies as a scourge of this District. While Ms. Carmack-Altwies has seemed in our limited interactions to agree that repeat DWI offenders will continue to be repeat offenders without treatment, Ms. Padgett-Macias letter now leaves me unsure. If we want to keep a person with seven DWIs from getting an eighth, were fooling ourselves if we think putting him or her in jail will accomplish that goal. Decades of experience tell us that it wont, and it is too bad that Ms. Padgett-Macias and her chosen candidate dont see that. Treating repeat DWIs with the utmost seriousness and determination, to use Ms. Padgett-Macias phrase, requires making our best attempt to prevent additional DWIs by the offender. That, in turn, requires treatment. Without it, it doesnt matter how long the term of incarceration is.

But the bigger issue with Ms. Padgett-Macias letter is that it ignores entirely the most important experience the elected District Attorney must have the ability to lead and manage the office. Ms. Carmack-Altwies has spent the last approximately year and a half managing four attorneys in one division in the office. During that time, at least one attorney under her supervision was sanctioned for failing to disclose evidence to a defendant within the time required by law.

For four years I supervised approximately 18 attorneys and staff members in the Litigation Division of the New Mexico Attorney Generals Office. The division handled the Attorney Generals litigation across the entire state and achieved great results for the state and its citizens. I learned quickly that my job as a manager was to make sure that the attorneys and staff in my division knew what the litigation and policy priorities of the office were, to make sure that they had the resources they needed to do their jobs, and to then get out of the way and let them do those jobs. On this point, Ms. Carmack-Altwies seemingly disagrees, telling the audience in a candidate forum hosted by the Los Alamos chapter of the League of Women Voters that the role of the District Attorney is, essentially, to tell the other attorneys in the office how to do their jobs. That kind of micromanagement is singularly ineffective.

The office needs leadership, and specifically the kind I provided at the Attorney Generals Office. It is leadership I look forward to having the opportunity to provide at the First Judicial District Attorneys Office as well.

Like Loading...

Related

Read the rest here:
Ability To Lead And Manage Matters In District Attorneys Office - Los Alamos Reporter

UK-based investor Tej Kohli and his wifecreated a foundation to improve the health of citizens throughout the world.His philanthropic efforts are second to none, and his foundation isaggressively working to cure corneal blindness. They intend to meet their goalof finding a cure by 2035.

He is also very interested in artificial intelligence. Because of cutting edge technology like Siri and Alexa, Kohli is projecting the industry to be $150 trillion. He has invested heavily in artificial intelligence in the same way an average person might invest in the stock market. Kohli envisions artificial intelligence contributing to the cure of blindness, which will improve the health of poor countries across the world.

Kohli and hisfamily live in London, and his community outreach has been beneficial to thepeople of the United Kingdom. He has developed a career spanning many industries and positivelyinfluencing many people.

Tej Kohli hasmany passions, but his strongest interest is in finding a cure for cornealblindness. He has devoted much of the efforts of his non-profit foundationtowards this cause. But, he and his wife have also led their foundation toprovide amenities such as education to the under-privileged. His legacy andimpact on the world is far-reaching.

The Kohlis haveused their own personal money to fund their foundation, and to add to thesupport of finding a cure. Without their resources, scientists would not be asclose to finding a cure as they are.

The majority ofpeople with visual impairments and blindness are living in some of the poorestcountries in the world. Curing blindness will go a long way towards improvingthe overall health and well-being of impoverished regions. This is trulyKohlis passion. He wants to use artificial intelligence to create a cure, andhe wants to use a cure to improve the health of citizens worldwide.

No good leaderwould be complete without also working as a mentor for the next generation.Kohli has this passion for mentoring young entrepreneurs. His company, KohliVentures, leads his entrepreneur endeavors. The focus of these efforts are ontechnological companies in areas like artificial intelligence and robotics, andhe has already led several young entrepreneurs in their endeavors in thesearenas.

He is relying onhis investment in artificial intelligence to directly affect the other causeshe cares about in global health. By improving robotics and computerintelligence, that can directly correlate to improving global health andpossibly curing corneal blindness. All of Kohlis interests tie together withan overall goal of improving global matters.

By investing in artificial intelligence, Kohli hopes to curediseases, which will in turn improve the quality of life throughout the world.

Aworld traveler and true global citizen, Tej Kohli lives full-time with his wifeand two children in London. In his free time, when he can break away from hisphilanthropic efforts, he also enjoys giving back to the community in London.

BY Elliot Preece - May 6, 2020

Related Articles

See the original post:
Tej Kohli Works to Improve Health of Impoverished Countries - FinancialNews.co.uk

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Val Sheffield is pivoting his research focus to find a way to test patients without using high demand cotton swabs.

University of Iowa Molecular Genetics Chair in the Carver College of Medicine Val Sheffield has made research breakthroughs in linking gene research and was recently named to a prestigious American research institutes class of 2020.

But amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Sheffield is pivoting his work to research an alternate way to test patients for novel coronavirus to alleviate a nationwide shortage of the parts in a COVID-19 test.

Sheffield and his team submitted a document April 1 to the FDA requesting emergency-use authorization to utilize a patient-sample collection method for COVID-19 testing.

My laboratory decided early on that we have the capability to help with [COVID-19] testing, Sheffield said. Testing is really important, but its behind where it should be because there arent enough official, FDA-approved swabs to collect samples from patients For the last month weve been trying to get FDA approval for our testing method where patients snort through the nose and spit into a tube, and the saliva sample is tested for the virus.

When the method is approved by the FDA, Sheffield said researchers can use it to test anyone. The most common coronavirus tests involve inserting a long cotton swab into a patients nostril. Sheffield anticipates beginning testing soon, with a limited number of patients in a study that will be the final step in getting FDA approval.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds launched Test Iowa, a partnership between the state and private technology companies Domo, Qualtrics, and NomiHealth. But, the Test Iowa equipment was pending certification by the State Hygienic Lab to run tests as of Friday.

In Iowa, tests are being prioritized for those over the age of 60, with chronic health conditions, are in the hospital, or live in congregate living facilities such as a nursing home.

Iowa has tested more than 63,000 people and reported more than 10,000 cases as of Wednesday. Reynolds is using widespread testing as a signal that the state can begin the steps of reopening, seemingly going against the advice of University of Iowa researchers, who concluded that a second wave of COVID-19 cases could emerge without precautions in place.

In late April, amid his shifting work, Sheffield was elected to the 2020 class of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Sheffield began as a faculty member at the UI 30 years ago and contributes to campus clinical work and research. He started as an assistant professor and has since branched out to administrative work, instruction, and research. He served as the UI Division Director of Medical Genetics for 22 years and stepped down in January to spend more time on research.

RELATED: National registrar association awards Sarah Harris with honorary membership after 30 years at UI

Sheffield has co-authored 330 peer-reviewed scientific papers, and said he has found supportive and outstanding collaborators who have been pivotal to his researchs success in his time at the UI.

My research focuses on hereditary blindness, he said. Ive worked on identifying genes that play a role in hereditary blindness. More recently, my team and I have been focusing on figuring out mechanisms by which mutations cause disease and developing treatments.

Sheffield said that his election has reinforced his obligation to serve and help others with his science. This will continue to fuel his desire to work hard and continue to further his research, Sheffield said.

David Ginsburg, James V. Neel Distinguished university professor at the University of Michigan Medical School, is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He first met Sheffield at the Howard Hughes Medical Institution.

Ginsburg said Sheffields research has been crucial to developing human genetic maps. Only a few academic scientists are elected to the U.S. organization a year, and Ginsburg said Sheffields election was well deserved.

Val is a fantastic physician scientist, Ginsburg said. Hes done landmark work figuring out what gene is defective for a whole variety of different, rare genetic diseases. He was one of the real pioneers tracking down these genes. He identified where the corresponding disease gene is located in our chromosomes for about 35 diseases When I was in medical school, we only knew the responsible gene for one human disease Today, we know the gene for about 6,000 human diseases, and Val was one of the early leaders in this work.

Ginsburg said he has seen how much members of the organization can grow once theyre inducted. Sheffield will be able to continue expanding his horizons in academia when he is inducted next spring, he added.

A big part of what drives what we do in academic medicine is interaction with colleagues and the new ideas that you get when meeting, talking, and interacting with colleagues in diverse fields, he said. Thats one of the greatest things the American Academy has to offer. I know it will give Val an opportunity to expand his research and intellectual contributions to the academic enterprise.

According to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences website, the 240-year-old American Academy of Arts and Sciences was founded by John Adams and John Hancock and aims to recognize scholars and leaders in various disciplines. Sheffield joins 11 other Hawkeyes already in the organization, including UI Cardiovascular Research Chair and Professor Francois Abboud.

Abboud said Sheffield, who he has known since 1990, is an internationally recognized leader in the field of human molecular genetics and genomics as well as someone he admires.

[Sheffield] is more than a great scientist, Abboud said. Ive always been impressed by his true commitment to his patients. What drives his scientific research is his extraordinary commitment to the patients. Science is his true passion. He is a brilliant scientist and an even more remarkable person.

Excerpt from:
University of Iowa molecular genetics researcher studying COVID-19 testing methods to alleviate test shortages - UI The Daily Iowan

Photos courtesy Newark Venture Partners

Matt Smith gives a presentation on Speak2 Software's possibilities for seniors in long-term care facilities.

The COVID-19 crisis in New Jersey has create a layer of difficulty for those trying to communicate with their loved ones in long-term care facilities.

Speak2, an app-based system created by Newark-based Speak2 Software, feels it has a solution.

CEO Matt Smith said his firms technology, which takes advantage of Amazon Alexa-like technology, will enable families to easily communicate with loved ones.

The software is used at wellness community Sycamore Living in East Hanover and soon to be installed at Reformed Church Home in Old Bridge and a Sycamore Living in the Princeton area.

Smith said the technology can be a benefit long after the pandemic is over. Among other reasons, Smith said Speak2 helps connect families that struggle with technology. Its voice-activated messaging system is designed especially for those who struggle with devices or interfaces, such as blindness or physical handicaps, he said.

And Speak2s integrated voice technology integrates with a seniors address book, allowing them to connect with friends or family through voice command calls or speak-to-text functions, without the difficulty of locating or using a phone. Smith said users can ask for help and signal emergency services by simply saying so out loud no swiping, reading or screens required.

Matt Smith, CEO of Speak2 Software.

Smith, a former health care technology consultant, said he saw the need.

I noticed the struggles that some older people have with devices when my parents were aging, he said. We looked for solutions, but there were only things such as wellness portals, which werent much of a solution.

When Amazon Dot and Echo came along a device designed at a reasonable price point for consumers it didnt take long for its users to become comfortable with the technology. Soon after that, people were enjoying smart-home features such as Google Home.

Speak2 enables seniors to receive and listen to messages through voice activation. It also enables seniors to contact support staff at their facilities or from their homes.

Smith said his product has had a nice unintended consequence: increased communication from grandchildren.

Children are not always ones who will pick up the phone and call their grandparents, he said. But being able to do this by downloading our app, they can press a microphone button on the app and send well wishes or good news from the app on their phone. For example, Hey Grandpa, we won our soccer game today. Kids are much more willing to engage with an app.

Seniors receive activation notices that messages have arrived and can play them. The system also is compatible with Amazon Screens, so family and friends can send video messages.

Smith said the platform also connects to the communitys management, allowing residents to state specific issues or requests and routing commands to the intended teams or people, such as management, maintenance, nursing, etc.

Even more, it alerts families of these very same requests, so they know exactly what is going on with their loved ones. This not only enables more efficient management of resources, but it enables predictive analytics to drive better planning and staff behaviors.

The Speak2 system connects to unit thermostats, lights and electronics, eliminating the need for remotes and minimizing the risk of injury due to a fall. Seniors can also use voice commands to access entertainment through audio books or TV control and can set reminders for medications or appointments. The system can also be used to monitor movements in and out of certain areas to help track medical issues, like mobility, nutrition or lavatory visits.

Speak2 announced in April that it will be offering its voice technology platform for free to seniors living at home and in assisted living communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

Smith is eager to install his system in Old Bridge and Princeton, but state restrictions prevent him from entering those centers during the pandemic.

He said his software is ideal to use in hospitals, and it is soon to be HIPAA compliant. Amazon is in the process of making its devices HIPAA-compliant and, once that occurs (it is expected to happen by years end), Speak2 Software is positioned to conform as well.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the U.S., Reformed Church Home and Sycamore Senior Living have signed on for the free offering, receiving donated Echo Dot devices from Amazon.

Today, more than 250 seniors have access to the tech, Smith said. Regency Pacific, a national brand of senior communities, and English Meadows, a Virginia-based company with eight communities, previously rolled out Speak2 to their residents.

This has been particularly helpful at a time when most senior communities are prohibiting visitors due to health concerns, Smith said. Loneliness and mental health already impact senior citizens at disproportionate levels, so engagement during this time is critical.

Related

Originally posted here:
Newark company feels Speak2 software can help families better communicate with those in long-term care facilities - ROI-NJ.com

Star Wars: The Clone Wars has finally come to its end, and the final season added some expansive (and tragic) depth to the Skywalker Saga prequels. One of the most important storylines Clone Wars had left to tell was that of Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker's former padawan, and how she managed to escape Order 66 and the eradication of the Jedi Order. Clone Wars revealed that Ahsoka was locked in battle with Darth Maul up to during the events of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, and that conflict raised a major question that Star Wars fans are now debating:

Could Ahsoka Tano have saved Anakin Skywalker from falling to the dark side, and becoming Darth Vader, and the entire Jedi Order from collapsing?

The question about Ahsoka's pivotal moment comes up in the penultimate episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, "The Phantom Apprentice" and "Shattered". Ahsoka Tano had to lead the Siege of Mandalore alone, as Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi were called away to rescue Chancellor Palpatine from Count Dooku and General Grievous (as seen in the opening sequence of Revenge of the Sith). When Ahsoka confronts Maul, the dark side crimelord reveals to her that he senses his former master Darth Sidious' plan is about to be carried out, and that Anakin Skywalker is Sidious' chosen apprentice. Ahsoka doesn't believe Maul's warning, thinking it's a dark side mind-trick.

When Ahsoka eventually wins her duel with Maul, she takes him into custody. We then see a new version of a key scene from Revenge of the Sith, in which Mace Windu and Yoda and the Jedi Council begin to realize that Palpatine may be an evil threat. Clone Wars adds a scene where Ahsoka joins that same meeting mid-broadcast, and steps on into one of the most pivotal moments in the entire Skywalker Saga. Even though Yoda and Windu hint that Palpatine could be a major threat, Ahsoka chooses not to mention anything about what Maul tried to warn her about. That choice obviously has fans now debating if Ahsoka didn't let one of the darkest events in the galaxy unfold, when she could've potentially stopped it.

However, anyone who watched The Clone Wars will almost certainly argue something different. The entire point of Ahsoka's story is that she fell out with the Jedi Order because she thought they had lost their way - and as it turns out, she was right. It's been examined in everything from Star Wars Rebels to the Original Trilogy films, as surviving Jedi like Obi-Wan, Yoda, or Kanan all struggle with the hindsight that the Jedi Order got too into politics and war to see the Sith threat against them with clarity. That blindness led to the rise of the dark side across the galaxy - but it was a blindness that Ahsoka didn't share. Ahsoka stayed on her own path and followed the light, and when her former masters were either dead, hiding, or corrupted, she fought on in their place and helped steer the galaxy back into the light, and bring balance back to the Force (see: Star Wars Rebels), and apparently did so more than once (see: The Rise of Skywalker).

If the Jedi Order had listened to and trusted in Ahsoka more, it may have lasted longer.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars is now streaming on Disney+.

Disclosure: ComicBook is owned by CBS Interactive, a division of ViacomCBS.

Read this article:
Star Wars: Could Ahsoka Have Saved Anakin Skywalker and the Jedi Order? - ComicBook.com

Did God send covid-19?

Some far right fundamentalist Christian pastors do claim that God sent this pestilence and blame various groups, LGBTQ people, Jews, apostate churches and the entire sinful world. Some more influential evangelical pastors like Robert Jeffress are a little more subtle but nonetheless connect this pandemic to God. Jeffress, "All natural disasters can ultimately be traced to sin." Franklin Graham doesn't think it is God's plan but, "It's because of the sin that's in the world. Man has turned his back on God." Other more moderate and liberal Christian leaders absolve God of any culpability in this pestilence or plague and say that sin has no connection to covid-19.

Some point to John 9:3 where Jesus explained that no one's sin caused a man to be born blind from birth, "...but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." Notice that Jesus says there was a purpose for the man being born blind therefore, it must have been planned. According to God himself, blindness is not just a happenstance, "Who gives them (humans) sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord?" Exodus 4:11. Also, "I create disaster." (evil KJV) Isaiah 45:7 "I create"= present tense. In Colossians 1:16 it is Jesus who created all things visible and invisible!

God planned everything before he created the world, (1 Peter 1:20, Ephesians 1:4, 2 Timothy 1:9, 1 Corinthians 2:7 and Titus 1:2). God also controls everything to conform to his purpose. (Ephesians 1:11). God has sent pestilence on his chosen people numerous times and killed thousands, in Chapter 24 of 2 Samuel, God sent a pestilence on the people of Israel and killed 70,000 men for no good reason except that he was punishing a sin of David.

The Apostle Paul says that God makes everything work out according to his plan. Ephesians 1:11. In "The Purpose Driven Life" Pastor Rick Warren writes, "[God] planned the days of your life in advance, choosing the exact time of your birth and death. The Bible says, 'You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!'" (Psalm 139:16 TLB). So, God planned and scheduled the exact time and circumstances for each covid-19 victim's birth and death,

That is the biblical truth, so help me God!

Oren Piper

Siloam Springs

Editorial on 05/06/2020

Print Headline: Letter to the Editor

Continue reading here:
Letter to the Editor - NWAOnline

Question: I was a young boy when I saw my grandmother go blind from diabetes. How does it happen? Could she have prevented it? Medical science has advanced so much. Is there any treatment these days? Chad, of Lima

How sad that your grandmother went blind from diabetes!

The complications of diabetes can be prevented by taking good care of diabetes. Good care includes achievement of near normal body weight, controlling blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, doing regular exercise and controlling the blood sugar. There is a world-famous clinic in Boston called Joslin clinic. They give gold medals to patients of diabetes who have no complications after 50 years of diabetes diagnosis. There are thousands of Americans who have Joslin Gold Medal. If your doctor writes to them certifying that you have no complications and have had diabetes for 50 years, they will send you a Gold Medal.

The effects of diabetes can be devastating to many organs in the body, including the eyes and vision. Fortunately, the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and diabetic complications has made many advancements in the past few decades. Of course, the best way to combat diabetes is prevention. That subject was discussed in previous Ask the Doctor columns.

A major portion of the damage done to our bodies by diabetes is due to its effect on our circulation.

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause the tiny blood vessels throughout our body the capillaries to shrink and shrivel away. Its these tiny capillaries that deliver the nutrients and oxygen and remove waste products from each cell in the body. This is needed for each cell and structure and organ to be healthy and function in the way it was meant. Specifically in the eye, when the capillaries shrivel, the delicate tissues of the eye are choked and become damaged.

One of the most common parts of the eye to become damaged is the nerve layer in the back of the eye the retina. If the retina does not receive proper delivery of nutrients by the capillaries, it becomes weak and sick. The cells that make up the retina starve in a sense. As a result, the retina may not function well to deliver good vision.

Diabetes can also damage the bigger blood vessels in our body by weakening the walls of these vessels. This, too, can happen anywhere within the body. Specifically in the eye, this can lead to blood leaking out of the vessel wall as the blood circulates through the eye. This causes bruises and swollen spots inside the eye. Sometimes the leakage goes unnoticed in other words, it may not cause any vision problems. Nonetheless, damage can be happening for years inside the eye of a diabetic person, and they would have no way of knowing about it unless they had an exam by their doctor or specialist called Retina Specialist. If the leakage does cause symptoms, it is typically in the form of gradual, but occasionally sudden, vision loss in one or both eyes.

The diagnosis of diabetes damage in the eye is done through direct examination by the doctor and also by sophisticated instruments and testing techniques. Such techniques involve various methods of photographing the blood vessels and surrounding nerve cells as blood circulates through the retina. Doing these tests can detect areas that are choked off or swollen, even identifying microscopic damage earlier than can be detected by direct examination by the doctor. There are techniques that help identify risk factors to help predict the risk of worsening damage. Other techniques are used to follow progression of the damage over time. Some centers use artificial intelligence to diagnose swelling inside the eyes. Still other techniques help direct which treatments might be of most help in stopping or reversing the damage already done.

Most often, the damage done by diabetes is found to be mild enough that no treatment is indicated other than strict control of diet and nutrition, exercise and weight, blood pressure and blood sugar control.

When significant eye damage is found, or when progression to damage appears likely, there are two main forms of treatment used at this time, both done in the doctors office. The first type of treatment involves using a special type of laser to treat the retina. The second form of treatment involves injecting special medication into the eye. Both types of treatment are done under strict guidelines that have been laid out through years of fine-tuned testing. The purpose of both types of treatment is to prevent, reduce or even reverse the damage caused to the eye. On occasion, actual surgery in the hospital becomes necessary. These techniques are employed by medical doctors who are sub-specialists within the field of ophthalmology.

Even though detection and treatment of diabetic damage in eyes has greatly improved in the past several decades, vision loss from diabetes remains a real threat. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of blindness in the country. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to increase rapidly in the U.S. as well as worldwide, better detection and better treatments are needed. More than one in 10 Americans has diabetes. Hopefully, a time is coming when no ones grandma goes blind from diabetes.

Michael Craig, M.D., Ophthalmologist, Advanced Vision Care, Inc., Lima.

Here is the original post:
Ask a Doctor: Vision problems and diabetes - Lima Ohio

CLINTON MercyOne Clinton Medical Center is offering a virtual version of its free program to prevent Type 2 diabetes.

Called Prevent T2, its part of the National Diabetes Prevention Program led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevent T2 is a proven program designed to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. Beginning Wednesday, May 6, the program will be offered virtually from 3-4 p.m. on Wednesdays through June, then every other week until May 5, 2021. Sessions will be offered by phone/videoconference initially, but once COVID-19 restrictions allow, theyll be held in person.

Guided by trained lifestyle coaches, groups of participants learn the skills they need to make lasting changes such as losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active and managing stress.

Individuals who answer yes to any of the following questions may have prediabetes or be at risk for Type 2 diabetes:

Are you 45 years of age or older?

Are you overweight?

Do you have a family history of Type 2 diabetes?

Are you physically active fewer than three times per week?

Have you ever had diabetes while pregnant or given birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds?

Call 563-244-3539 for more information or to sign up for virtual Prevent T2.

MercyOne Clinton is committed to helping people in the Clinton area protect themselves from the ill effects of COVID-19, and one way to do this is to take steps to quit smoking and vaping. MercyOne Clinton will offer free Freedom From Smoking classes virtually beginning Tuesday, May 12 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Virtual classes will be held on Tuesdays for seven weeks.

In addition, participants in the virtual session of Freedom From Smoking will have the opportunity for a free one-year membership ($99 value) in the American Lung Associations Freedom From Smoking Plus online program, which provides one full year of continuous support in quitting and maintaining a tobacco-free lifestyle. These free memberships are available while supplies last.

Health experts have long studied the harm caused to the immune system from smoking and vaping. Recent studies demonstrate individuals who smoke or vape are more likely to contract COVID-19 and more likely to experience severe symptoms.

Within the first 20 minutes of quitting, heart rate and blood pressure drops, within 12 hours the carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal, and within two to 12 weeks circulation improves and lung function increases.

Call 563-244-3539 for more information or to sign up for virtual Freedom From Smoking.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story.

Read more:
MercyOne offers free virtual programs to prevent Type 2 Diabetes, stop smoking - Clinton Herald

By: Lifestyle Desk | New Delhi | Updated: May 6, 2020 10:13:53 am Bael drink can have a soothing effect during summers. (Source: Getty Images)

Nothing beats a glass of bael sherbet during summers. It has a cooling effect on your body and keeps you hydrated. Known by various names like wood apple, Bengal quince, Indian bael or stone apple, this native fruit is also packed with nutrients and medicinal properties.

Nutritional value of bael fruit

According to a study in IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, bael fruit contains water, sugar, protein, fiber, fat, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C and riboflavin).

Read| Mangoes, peaches, watermelons make the Indian summer bearable: A look at how they came to be so popular

Benefits of bael fruit

Bael is known to act as a tonic for heart and brain. It is also gut-friendly and has been traditionally used to cure constipation, diarrhea, diabetes and other conditions. It contains chemicals like tannins, flavonoids, and coumarins, which reduce inflammation. While all parts of the bael tree are useful, the fruits medicinal value becomes higher when it begins to ripen, according to a study published in the journal Pharma Innovation.

The fruit is aromatic, cooling and laxative. It arrests secretion or bleeding. The unripe or half-ripe fruit is good for digestion. It is useful in preventing or curing scurvy. It also strengthens the stomach and promotes its action, the study reads.

Read| Suffering from gastric issues? Heres how this Ayurvedic herb can help

Bael fruit also has anti-fungal and anthelmintic (that expels internal parasites from the body) properties.

Besides curing diarrhea, bael fruit also helps in managing the following health issues, according to research:

Heals ulcers: Research has shown that bael, when consumed in the form of a beverage, forms a coating on the stomach mucosa and helps in healing of ulcers.

Treatment for cholera: Bael is a high source of tannin, important for treating cholera. Its rind contains about 20 per cent of the compound and the pulp about 9 per cent. The fruit is considered to be a cure for cholera.

Controls cholesterol: Bael juice controls lipid profiles and triglycerides, and reduces blood cholesterol levels.

Controls diabetes: Bael contains laxatives that keeps blood sugar levels in control, thereby helping in controlling diabetes.

The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest Lifestyle News, download Indian Express App.

IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd

Excerpt from:
Controlling diabetes to healing ulcers: Know the many health benefits of bael fruit - The Indian Express

People are feeling especially lonely during this time of social distancing. Here's a look at new data on loneliness and what it can do to your body.

MINNEAPOLIS New research is shining a light on the impacts social isolation and an overall feeling of loneliness is having on our immune systems as millions of Americans are being urged to stay home.

"Anytime a patient has a significant shift in their environment... if thats their ability to socialize with other people or increased stress... it's going to cause an inflammatory reaction in the body," said North Memorial Health Physician Assistant Leslie Milteer.

Health experts say loneliness and self isolation in these uncertain times feeds on stress which can ultimately send your immune system into overdrive.

"There are some indicators that stress of any type either physical stress or injury trauma or emotional stress actually does increase the inflammatory mechanisms of the immune system and inflammation in general is attributed to a lot of different health conditions, said Milteer.

This can ultimately put you at a greater risk for things like cardiovascular disease, severe depression, even dementia.

"That's why its so important for everyone to make sure that theyre checking in with their family members, their social networks to make sure that theyre connected and if theyre feeling really out of sorts that they try to reach out to their healthcare providers," said Milteer.

When it comes to managing loneliness induced stress, it all comes down to being self aware according to health experts.

"Make sure theyre getting enough sleep, and that theyre taking care of their physical health through movement and exercise, getting outside whenever they can safely and just being aware of whats happening with their mind and their body," said Milteer.

So while we may not be able to get out and live it up like we once could, health experts say its important to note, we need others to sustain our health even if its from a distance for the time being.

"We dont want to imply everybody... because every person is unique but the majority of people do need to have some reasonable ongoing connection with people that they love and trust... it's really important for all aspects of health," said Milteer.

KARE 11s coverage of the coronavirus is rooted in Facts, not Fear. Visitkare11.com/coronavirus for comprehensive coverage, find outwhat you need to know about the Midwest specifically, learn more about thesymptoms, and seewhat companies in Minnesota are hiring. Have a question? Text it to us at 763-797-7215. And get the latest coronavirus updates sent right to your inbox every morning. Subscribe to the KARE 11Sunrise newsletter here. Help local families in need:www.kare11.com/give11.

The state of Minnesota has set up a hotline for general questions about coronavirus at651-201-3920or1-800-657-3903, available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There is also a data portal online at mn.gov/covid19.

Read more:
The impacts social isolation has on the immune system - KARE11.com

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) "Stay Healthy" is a phrase we're hearing a lot these days. Both at home and as you get ready to head back to work. As 13 Action News prepares for The Rebound, anchor Tricia Kean shows us eating right is a big part of building a strong immune system.

"I feel like we have been pretty good. There are sometimes where the cookies look tempting," says Henderson teen Karsyn.

She and her mom, Wendy, say they're making a conscious decision every day to eat right.

DO MEAL PREP

"Well I have the time. So I'm kind of doing the meal prep. Cutting up all the vegetables, putting them in containers. So it's easy enough for her to go to the fridge or myself if we do want to snack," says Wendy.

They admit they still love their fast food. But Wendy says she's trying to cook more.

"I've brought in old recipes I used to do when the kids were little," says Wendy.

BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY

"70% of our immune cells stem from our gut. So if you want to boost your immunity, you need to feed your stomach, your gut, the healthy foods," says registered and licensed Dietician, Jennifer Trevino.

She says we all should be taking time to prepare healthier meals. It begins with lean meats like salmon, chicken and turkey.

LEAN PROTEINS

"You definitely want to get protein in your diet. Lean proteins over red meat are preferred. You want to decrease your saturated fat content," says Jennifer.

Then Jennifer says, eat lots and lots of fresh vegetables. You want to make sure you're getting plenty of vitamin C.

GET VITAMIN C

"All fruit and green leafy vegetables have vitamin C in them. So if you don't like citrus fruit it's fine. Pick up an apple, a pear, watermelon, they all have vitamin C in them," says Jennifer.

And don't worry if the fresh vegetable aisle is limited.

FROZEN VEGETABLES

"If you can't find fresh, the next best option is frozen. Frozen vegetables are picked at their prime and then flash frozen. Actually a lot of times frozen vegetables have more nutrients than fresh vegetables," says Jennifer.

Stay away from prepacked foods when you can like cookies, breakfast cereals and soda.

SIMPLE CARBOHYDRATES

"Simple carbohydrates when you break it down are basically just sugar. It spikes our glucose super super fast. That will lead to inflammation and kind of feeding your bad bacteria, that don't produce the good immunity we need," says Jennifer.

WATER, WATER, WATER

Whatever you decide to eat, good or bad, just don't overdo it. Jennifer says practice portion control and drink plenty of H2O.

"Water, water, water is the elixir of life. We're in the desert. The weather is starting to warm up. So we're gonna need more if it," says Jennifer.

As for Karsyn, she says she enjoys her mom's healthy cooking. Even when she doesn't actually know what it is!

"I love salmon so much. I love chicken. My mom makes this really good broccoli stuff and these noodles," says Karsyn.

See the original post here:
Eating the right foods to boost your immune system - KTNV Las Vegas