StemCell Therapy

Never, certainly in my lifetime, has a situation brought the entire world together to fight an enemy but even in this gathering strength there is division.

Dissenting opinion is critical for coming to resolutions if everyone thinks the same, then no new objectives can be created and perhaps areas of blindness will prevail. You can think of examples just like me whether it is in business when companies like IBM and Chrysler didn't think they needed to change or regimes like Nazi Germany thought they were invincible.

But our threat is more than another company or new way of doing things our enemy is not a scapegoat it is a virus. Perhaps a non-living entity that has no agenda but to survive and replicate.

Pope Francis delivered his-Urbi Et Orbi blessings an empty St. Peter's Square square - Getty-Images

It's easy to hate an enemy like this. And all of humanity is threatened in one way or another. Yes, we're touched in different ways we've probably all seen something on social media that shows that for some it's the heartbreak of cancelling or postponing important events like graduations, weddings or milestones like proms - things that many of us have taken for granted.

For some it means not being able to be at the side of people we love in person who are losing their lives to Covid-19.

For some its desperation to work because money is running out and income is needed to get necessities to live.

This is a humanitarian crisis affecting that's hard to get our heads around just how impacted the planet is - it's not like other tragic news events we've learned about before - it's not only affecting a segment of the world - it's all of us this time. And technology can bring us anywhere to see its affects on all of humanity instantly. It's a lot for many of us to process.

It's the worst of all things - thebrokenness of illness and those treating the victims worldwide, and of of the unimaginable suffering.

Africa - Where virus protection is almost non-existent - AP

It's the best of all things - theresilience of humanity singing to each other from theirbalconies to show solidarity and love.

The images are astounding from the Pope praying inan empty St. Peter's Square to celebrities catching and quarantining and even succumbing to illness just like any other human.

The horribleness of this modern-day plague and from now I just want to call it "The-Sickness-That-Must-Not-Be-Named" (because like Voldemort I don't want to give it any more power by naming it and frankly I'm just sick of saying or seeing its name) is a thing that everyone in the world can relate to in some fashion. It's the thoughts, images, sounds and emotions we go to bed with and wake up with.

There's some sort of tragic beauty in realizing the frailty and strength in humanity in all of this.

Then come the blamers and finger-pointers.

Did SARS-CoV-2 start in a "Wet Market" in Wuhan and come fron an animal a bat? A pangolin? Something else? Is it possible that "germ warfare" is going on here and the virus was purposely created? I've seen arguments on both sides and the jury still isn't out yet - "US explores possibility that coronavirus spread started in Chinese lab, not a market" (CNN, Thursday, April 16, 2020) and "Scientists Are Tired of Explaining Why The COVID-19 Virus Was Not Made in a Lab" (Monday, April 20, 2020).

Either way, who is responsible? Some want to point to an entire country as though every person living in China or those of Chinese descent are to blame, wherever they live - how can those thoughts be justified?

Should government leaders have acted sooner? In an unprecedented circumstance it's always easiest to look back and say what should have been done, but difficult to assess at the time.

When should countries, states, and cities attempt to go "back to normal"? And what does that mean? And who gets to decide which is the absolute "right" thing to do?

Midwest governors partnering to assess re-opening states - Daily Mail UKAnd it boils down to then threats, anger, hostility and I hope not violence against those who are considered at the least foolhardy and at the worst completely irresponsible and dangerous.

And now its turning into threats, anger, hostility for those on opposite ends of how we should proceed, and I fear violence against - not only in protestors but people on the street and against the police who will be charged with keeping order agains those who are at the least foolhardy and at the worst completely irresponsible and dangerous.

As a parent of children of any age, this is a terribly challenging time that ranges from families suffering in survival mode all the way to parents attempting to teach their children to be reasonable and to consider multiple perspectives because they have the luxury to do so.

We greatly value those who are providing "front line" services to our communities, commonly called "essential workers." But what of those who are saying "all jobs are essential" because simply living period depends on their paycheck?

What are the impacts of heading "back to normal" too quickly to prevent further economic destruction but wreaking havoc on our critically weakened healthcare system?

And further down what is the impact of hatred that is developing between groups of people that are polar opposites of these issues?

These are not easy times or easy answers.

Italians singing to each other during lockdown for Covid-19 - Times of Israel

All of this concerns me, but I realize that I cannot control others' thoughts, opinions and I certainly have no idea how to put myself in the shoes of those who are in varied ways facing the brunt of these circumstances beyond what I'm experiencing at the present moment.

All I CAN do, is hope to try to teach my older teens to think carefully about multiple viewpoints and not to not rush to judgment about anything, to not spread information without facts and to avoid the destructiveness of scapegoating, name-calling and insensitivity toward others because none of that makes anything better. Thank goodness, they aren't the types that do this anyway.

No matter the situation, this has been difficult, and I realize my kids have a right to their own frustrations, confusion, feelings of missing out, etc. But past this there needs to be helpfulness, resourcefulness and flexibility - and above all hope.

Subscribe by email here to make sure you don't miss a post. It's spam-free and you can opt out whenever you like.

I'd love to stay connected to you. Type your email address in the box and click the "create subscription" button. My list is completely spam free, and you can opt out at any time.

Go here to see the original:
Pandemic: The World United In Physical Humanity, Divided In Mental Resolve - ChicagoNow

Reprinted with permission fromWorld At Large, a news website which covers politics, nature, science, health, and travel.

Age-related macular degeneration (MD) is a variety of ocular disease that affects so many millions of people, its downright characterized as nothing more than the process of aging.

In fact, the study of MD has proven itself to be so fruitful for understanding aging as a whole, MD has become one of the first places that scientists have looked to in order to attempt to repair the damage of aging and restoring youthful, or normal function.

Now in a new paper published in Nature, researchers demonstrate an alternative to stem cells by creating replacement photoreceptors from skin fibroblast cells via pharmacological-conversiona process that promises to be cheaper, faster, and unburdened by ethical and legal restrictions.

Containing the genetic code for every protein we need to build and repair our cells, DNA can become damaged over time through the stresses of life. Similarly to how scratches or cracks in a CD prevent lasers from reading the information on the disk, damaged DNA becomes difficult, and even impossible for our RNA (which you could imagine as the laser inside the CD player) to read the genetic information contained therein.

WATCH: Blind Man Develops Smart Cane That Uses Google Maps and Sensors to Identify Ones Surroundings

The photoreceptor is the neuron in the eye that turns on visual circuity in response to light which enables us to have vision, says Sai Chavala, Ph.D. and author of the new paper.

The loss of photoreceptors can result in MD and other retinal diseases that lead to irreversible blindness. In this new study, however, cells called fibroblasts can be chemically reprogrammed to produce photoreceptor-like cells that are now shown to restore vision in mice.

Fibroblasts are cells that help maintain the structural integrity of connective tissues, and a reduction in fibroblast cell count leads to wrinkled skin.

Sai Chavala and colleagues from the Center for Retina Innovation in Dallas, Texas, found a set of five compounds that can drive embryonic fibroblast cells to convert themselves into retinal, rod-like, photoreceptors in both mice and human cells.

Stem cell-based strategies are extremely exciting, Dr. Chavala tells World at Large, but adds that generating these cells can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Describing his strategy of chemically reprogramming existing cells as a breakthrough, Chavala added that the generation of the photoreceptors using his method requires a fraction of the time.

In the study, these converted photoreceptors were transplanted into the eyes of 14 blind mice to see if they would restore vision.

CHECK OUT: LEGO Unveils New Bricks That Will Help Teach Blind Children to Read Braille

Owing to their nature, mice with working vision prefer dark spaces, and so a test of whether or not the transplant was a success was fairly straight forward; create a bright space and a dark space and wait to see which one was preferred by the mice.

Six mice were found to not only have restored visual function and reflexesnotably in the pupilbut they also preferred to spend their time in the dark space. Chavala hypothesizes that it could have been down to how many of the chemically-reprogrammed cells survived the transplant into the retina that determined whether vision was restored in the mice or not.

What makes interventions like thesewhich involve creating brand new cells to replace the damaged onesso effective and exciting in the field of aging is that they present an alternative to natural replication by bypassing the difficulties that our own cells have with trying to repair themselves from DNA that features double-strand breaks or other blemishes.

Adding that these conversions of fibroblasts to photoreceptors has also been done in humans, Chavala detailed why he believes the treatments and future research to spring from this discovery are going to change the field of ophthalmology.

CHECK OUT: In World First Blind People Have Their Vision Restored Thanks to Stem Cells From Deceased Organ Donors

We [] believe this can be a game changer in the field of regenerative ophthalmology. We also believe this is a platform technology and have already started establishing protocols to generate retinal ganglion cells valuable for patients suffering from glaucoma, says Chavala.

In addition to bypassing the ethical and political restrictions and hiccups with using embryonic human stem cells, the process takes two weeks, costs less, and is more scalable than using stem cells.

WATCH: Hundreds of People Are Being Cured of Blindness Every Day With Cheap, Minutes-Long Surgery

It is intriguing to postulate that the addition of other molecules or modifications to the culture conditions can yield other types of neurons beneficial for a variety of neurological diseases, he adds, discussing possible alternatives to photoreceptor generation from fibroblasts.

Finally, Chavala is rapidly approaching human trials and hopes to have an FDA-approved treatment out the other end of the pipeline in 2-3 years, saying he is thrilled with the possibility of allowing millions of people to regain their lost vision.

Its Not Hard To See That You Should Share This Good News With Your Friends On Social Media

See more here:
Irreversible No Longer: Blind Mice See Again Thanks To New Method of Synthesizing Lost Cells - Good News Network

DOG owners are being warned to be vigilant about a deadly infection.

Dogs could be at risk of serious illness from the increasingly common lungworm disease which can be caused by the animals eating garden slugs, according to a leading vet charity.

The average British garden contains up to 20,000 slugs and snails and, following Decembers recording breaking warm temperatures, that number is likely to increase.

As slug numbers increase thanks to recent warm, wet weather, families at home are being warned to be mindful of the increased risk of lungworm when letting dogs play in back gardens during the coronavirus lockdown.

Up to now, there have been 47 cases of lungworm reported across Dorset.

This number includes two in Weymouth, two in Dorchester, one in Puddletown and one in Bridport.

Company Bayer has set up a lungworm map monitoring cases and showing how much of a concern the disease is in any specific area around the country.

The PDSAs most current Wellbeing report says that 26 per cent of the UK adult population has a dog with an estimated 9.9 million pet dogs.

PDSA vet, Fran Neve, says: Cases of lungworm are becoming much more common and the condition can pose a risk to dogs across much of the UK.

"Once pets are infected, lungworm can go on to cause serious problems such as heart failure, kidney disease, breathing difficulties, seizures and bleeding/clotting disorders.

"Common symptoms include unexplained bleeding, coughing, seizures and even blindness.

"Symptoms can develop very quickly, and owners should contact their vet by telephone if they see any changes in their pets health.

"Owners can protect their dogs form lungworm by making sure their regular worming routine includes lungworm protection that is veterinary-licensed.

Slugs carry the lungworm parasite and some dogs deliberately eat the slimy invertebrates. Animals can also be infected when they forage in long grass and when slugs crawls into their food and drink containers.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of the infection include: coughing, changes in breathing or struggling to breathe, going off food, upset stomach with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, weight loss, tiredness, unexplained or excessive bruising, pale gums, blindness and bleeding.

How to prevent your dog catching lungworm

Regular worming treatments

Picking up your dogs faeces quickly. This will help prevent the spread of lungworm

Removing toys and bowls from the garden overnight so they are not exposed to slugs and snails

Changing the water in water bowls frequently

Lungworm cannot be transmitted to humans.

For more informations visit pdsa.org.uk and to check the map visit mypetandi.bayer.com/uk/lungworm-map/

READ MORE:Animal lovers send pet rehoming figures soaring amid Covid-19 crisis

Read more from the original source:
Dog owners warned to be vigilant about 'increasingly common' lungworm - Somerset County Gazette

There have been 187 cases of lungworm recorded within a 50 mile area of Bolton and dog owners have been urged to take precautions.

Data released by Bayer shows that cases have occurred in Hindley, Atherton and Radcliffe, as well as in the surrounding area.

Warm, wet weather encourages slugs and snails, increasing the chances of dogs contracting lungworm.

PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing said: "Lungworm is becoming more common in dogs across the UK. They can catch the deadly parasite if they eat infected slugs, snails and frogs; they might do this accidentally when they eat grass, drink from outdoor water bowls and puddles or play with toys which have been left outside.

"Lungworm infections are very serious and can be fatal. However, the good news is you can easily prevent infections by following a regular worming programme, with a product that includes lungworm prevention.

"Symptoms of lungworm include coughing and breathing problems, weigh loss, seizures, blindness and bruising caused by blood clotting problems. It's very important to contact your vet immediately if your dog is showing any of these symptoms."

For more information on lungworm visit the PDSA website and to check the map visit Bayer.

Read more:
Dog owners warned about deadly lungworm as cases reported near Bolton - The Bolton News

Herpes zoster (shingles) is not only painful and can significantly alter daily life for sufferers, but it can also leave them with devastating, long-lasting pain and nerve damage. Anti-viral drugs administered within 72 hours of the first signs of the telltale rash can treat shingles in its earliest stages to help reduce symptoms and avoid serious complications.

The typical shingles outbreak often starts with a general feeling of unwellness or fatigue. Other early signs and symptoms include mild skin irritation; a burning, tingling, itching, or numbness concentrated in 1 small area on 1 side of the body; aching muscles, fever, headache, chills, and gastrointestinal distress like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pain can be intense and stabbing, and it usually worsens over the course of the illness.

Within 5 days of the first symptoms, an itchy and burning rash comprised of blisters filled with clear fluid typically forms. This is the infectious period, lasts 7 to 10 days until the blisters scab over, dry up, and grow smaller.

Individuals who experience these symptoms and have a history of chickenpox should consider the likelihood of shingles and seek a medical diagnosis. This is particularly true if blisters develop on the face.

Blisters near or in the eye can cause lasting eye damage or blindness, noted the National Institute on Aging.1 Hearing loss, a brief paralysis of the face, or, very rarely, swelling of the brain can also occur.

The risk of developing shingles increases for people over the age of 60; cancer, HIV and organ transplant patients; diabetics and anyone who is under a lot of stress.

Antiviral medicinesincluding acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovircan shorten the length and severity of the illness. According to the CDC, These medicines are most effective if you start taking them as soon as possible after the rash appears.2

OTC and prescription pain medications can be used as needed. Itchiness can be alleviated by using wet compresses, calamine lotion, and colloidal oatmeal baths.

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of shingles, afflicting up to 20% of patients. This long-term, debilitating nerve pain occurs in the same areas that were covered by the rash. Steroids, analgesics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and the application of capsaicin or lidocaine in transdermal patch form can help deliver pain relief.

The risk of developing PHN, its duration, and severity increases with age. Additionally, its incidence is greater among immunocompromised individuals, those who have pain during the early stages of shingles, and those who experienced a severe rash that covered a large portion of skin. Patients over the age of 60 who do not seek treatment for the illness are more likely to develop PHN than those who are treated.

Other complications of shingles may be rare, but serious, including postherpetic itch, brain inflammation, hearing or vision problems, pneumonia, bacterial skin infections, facial paralysis, loss of taste, and vertigo.

Although there is no cure for shingles, an effective vaccination against it is available as the first line of defense. Shingrix was licensed by the FDA for adults 50 and older in 2017. It has proven to be over 90% effective at preventing shingles in clinical trials, and is recommended by the FDAs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices as the preferred shingles vaccine.

Read this article:
The Importance of Early Treatment for Shingles - Drug Topics

David Leitch, director of John Wick, Deadpool 2 and Hobbs & Shaw, has partnered with Amblin, as well as producing partner Kelly McCormick on a new project for the big screen. They are adapting a biopic based on the book My Victory at Dakar, by Jutta Kleinschmidt, who was the first and only woman to win the brutal off-road endurance race The Dakar Rally.

Variety describes the treacherous race:

The Dakar Rally often called the most dangerous race on the planet is found at the intersection of impossible terrain and logistical blindness. Originating in 1978, the multi-stage race began in Paris and ended in Dakar, Senegal. Now, some 40 years later, the race has claimed over 70 lives and victory at Dakar remains the Everest of motorsports. The 2020 rally took place in the Saudi Arabian desert for the first time, and drivers werent told the course until minutes before the start of each stage.

And Kleinschmidts journey:

Kleinschmidt, who was born in Germany, bought her first motorcycle at age 18. After studying physics, she worked at BMW for six years before quitting in 1992 to pursue her passion of motorsports. In 1997, she became the first woman ever to win a stage of the rally and, in 1999, she earned recognition finishing third overall as half of the first all-female team to stand on the winners podium. In 2001, after 15 years of trying, Kleinschmidt won the race.

The script will be penned by Greta Heinemann (Good Girls), who grew up on the Bavarian-Austrian border, just minutes from where Kleinschmidt was raised. This sounds like an inspiring and exciting story that will make for a great movie. Are you interested in this kind of sports movie?

Continue reading here:
JOHN WICK's David Leitch to Produce Amblin's Biopic About the First Woman to Win Off-road Endurance Race 'The Dakar Rally' - GeekTyrant

Retinal Prosthesis Market report provide the COVID19 Outbreak Impact analysis of key factors influencing the growth of the market size (Production, Value and Consumption). This Retinal Prosthesis industry splits the breakdown (data status 2014-2019 and Six years forecast 2020-2026), by manufacturers, region, type and application. This study also analyses the Retinal Prosthesis market Status, Market Share, Growth Rate, Future Trends, Market Drivers, Opportunities and Challenges, Risks and Entry Barriers, Sales Channels, Distributors and Porters Five Forces Analysis.

Retinal Prosthesis Market competitive landscapes provides details by topmost manufactures like (Philips Healthcare, Retina Implant, Second Sight Medical Products, Bionic Eye Technologies, Bionic Vision Australia, VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Abbott Vascular), including Capacity, Production, Price, Revenue, Cost, Gross, Gross Margin, Growth Rate, Import, Export, Market Share and Technological Developments

Get Free Sample PDF (including COVID19 Impact Analysis, full TOC, Tables and Figures)of Retinal Prosthesis[emailprotected]https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=2161980

Retinal Prosthesis Market Competition by Manufacturers (2020 2026): Retinal Prosthesis Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers, Retinal Prosthesis Market by Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers, Revenue and Share by Manufacturers, Average Price by Manufacturers By Market, Manufacturers Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Type, Market Competitive Situation and Trends, Market Concentration Rate.

Scope of Retinal Prosthesis Market:Retinal Prosthesis is being used for improving eyesight of people with partial or complete blindness. The technology is still in its nascent stage hence a mixed speculation continues to hover around it.

Visual devices such as bionic eye and visual prosthesis are expected to have bigger impact in years to come, which in turn will pave the way for retinal implant market.

The global Retinal Prosthesis market is valued at xx million US$ in 2018 and will reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of xx% during 2019-2025. The objectives of this study are to define, segment, and project the size of the Retinal Prosthesis market based on company, product type, end user and key regions.

On the basis of product type, this report displays the shipments, revenue (Million USD), price, and market share and growth rate of each type.

Argus II Implantable Miniature Telescope

On the basis on the end users/applications,this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, shipments, revenue (Million USD), price, and market share and growth rate foreach application.

People with Partial Blindness People with Complete Blindness Retina Implant Alpha AMS

Do You Have Any Query Or Specific Requirement? Ask to Our Industry[emailprotected]https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=2161980

Retinal Prosthesis Market: Regional analysis includes:

The Study Objectives Of This Retinal Prosthesis Market Report Are:

Contact:

ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email:[emailprotected]

Browse More Reports Visit @https://www.mytradeinsight.blogspot.com/

View post:
Retinal Prosthesis Market Research Report 2020 Elaborate Analysis With Growth Forecast To 2026 Cole Reports - Cole of Duty

Bhubaneswar: At a time when studies have been affected across the board owing to the nationwide lockdown, the picture is even grimmer for blind students as online classes are of little help for them.

India is home to 20 per cent of total visually-impaired population in the world which counts nearly 62 million among which 8 million are afflicted with complete blindness and the remaining with low vision.

However, the silver lining amidst this crisis is that many youngsters have come forward to record audiobooks which are reportedly providing immense help to the blind students to take up their studies.Abhaya Mohanta, Co-founder of We4You, which records audiobooks for the blind students in the state, said,

Several youngsters and people from other states have joined us for taking up the initiative during the lockdown. While everyone is scared and confused about how to spend the time effectively, we have received several volunteers who are willing to become voice donors. From passionate youngsters to motivated elderly people, a lot of volunteers are getting associated with this noble initiative through which they can properly utilise their time during this lockdown and can even contribute their bit towards being responsible and sensible citizens of the country.

The procedure is simple and it doesnt involve any physical presence to lend your voice.Mohanta said, We send the volunteers books through WhatsApp or email by scanning the books properly or in PDF format. More than 80 new volunteers have joined us for recording audio materials during corona lockdown.He said the books meant for students from Class I to post graduation are recorded in various languages like English, Hindi and Odia. Students preparing for competitive examinations across the country also send the PDF of the required books and they are also being recorded and delivered through mail.

The books are provided free of cost and are easily accessible. The audiobooks are also being provided through memory chips, pen drives, compact disks, MP3 players and other storage devices as preferred by the students. Till now we have sent audio books to more than 10,000 active users across the country and state.

Sunanda Menon, a resident of Bangalore, who spends three hours a day for recording large volume of literature books for the blind students, said Since all of us are staying home during the lockdown, this initiative has opened an opportunity to provide some good services to the blind students.

Amita Singh, head of Odisha Bikerni Bike Group, said that recording multiple books for the blind students is definitely a tough job but doing this one can break the boredom during the lockdown. I recorded as many books as possible in a day, she added.

Pabitra Patra, a Plus III first year a blind student of Ravenshaw University, said Classes have already been started through a video app but that is not helpful for us. The audiobooks, however, help us in accessing necessary study material.

Arindam Ganguly, OP

Read more here:
Audiobooks come to the rescue of visually impaired students - OrissaPOST

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., April 21, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Graybug Vision, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative medicines to treat vision-threatening diseases of the retina and optic nerve, announces that a recent publication of the article Sustained treatment of retinal vascular diseases with self-aggregating sunitinib microparticles in Nature Communications was recognized as an Editors Highlight by the journal.

The article details the findings of a collaborative preclinical research project involving scientists at Graybug Vision and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The researchers developed a novel non-inflammatory polymer microparticle formulation containing sunitinib, an approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor drug that blocks vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors. The microparticle formulation was specifically designed to self-aggregate into a depot in the eye.

The study demonstrated that a single intravitreal (IVT) injection of sunitinib microparticles potently suppresses choroidal neovascularization in a mouse model for six months, far longer than the effect of an IVT injection of aflibercept in the same model. The sunitinib microparticles were also shown to block VEGF-induced leukostasis and retinal nonperfusion, which are associated with the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

The invention of new compositions and methods to produce non-inflammatory polymer microparticles for the eye was a key achievement in prior research led by Justin Hanes, Ph.D., Lewis J. Ort Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Center of Nanomedicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Peter J. McDonnell, Director of the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins. Graybug Vision was founded on the basis of technologies initially developed by Justin Hanes in collaboration with co-author Peter A. Campochiaro, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Retinal Cell and Molecular Laboratory at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

VEGF signaling plays a critical role in retinal diseases like wet age-related macular degeneration, and our experiments with the sunitinib sustained-release formulation showed efficacy and durability, said Ming Yang, Vice President of Research and Development at Graybug Vision. Based on the results reported in this publication, Graybug advanced GB-102 into clinical development to evaluate its potential to improve the lives of patients with ocular diseases, concluded Ming Yang.

GB-102, Graybugs microparticle depot formulation of the anti-VEGF sunitinib malate, is currently in Phase 2 clinical development in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). It seeks to reduce the need for frequent IVT injections by expanding treatment duration to six months while reducing the burden of current treatments.

About Wet AMDWet AMD is one of the most common retinal diseases, leading to vision decline caused by excess VEGF. VEGF is a protein produced by cells that stimulates the formation of abnormal new blood vessels behind the retina, called choroidal neovascularization. The leakage of fluid and protein from the vessels causes retinal degeneration and leads to severe and rapid loss of vision. Early intervention is essential to treat wet AMD. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the prevalence of wet AMD in the United States is estimated at 1.75 million people. We estimate that approximately 20 million adults are affected by wet AMD worldwide.

About Graybug VisionGraybug Vision is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative medicines to treat diseases of the retina and optic nerve. The companys proprietary ocular delivery technologies are designed to maintain effective drug levels in ocular tissue for up to six months and potentially longer, improving patient compliance, reducing healthcare burdens and ultimately delivering better clinical outcomes. Graybugs lead product candidate, GB-102, a microparticle depot formulation of sunitinib malate, inhibits multiple neovascular pathways for the intravitreal treatment of retinal diseases, including wet age-related macular degeneration, with a six-month dosing regimen. This approach is differentiated from the current standard of care, which requires more frequent dosing and primarily targets one neovascular pathway. Graybug is also using its proprietary technologies to develop GB-401, an injectable depot formulation of a beta-adrenergic prodrug, for primary open angle glaucoma, with a dosing regimen of once every six months or longer, and GB-103, a longer-acting version of GB-102, designed to maintain therapeutic drug levels in the retinal tissue for 12 months with a single injection. Founded in 2011 on the basis of technology licensed from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Graybug is headquartered in Redwood City, California. For more information, please visitwww.graybug.com.

Story continues

Read this article:
Nature Communications Highlights Research by Scientists at Graybug Vision and Johns Hopkins University on Sustained Treatment of Retinal Diseases -...

Taiwan develops AI infrared thermometer. (NHRI image) Taiwan develops AI infrared thermometer. (NHRI image)

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) Many Southeast Asian nations have expressed interest in acquiring a next-generation infrared thermometer developed by Taiwan that is being touted as smart and able to reduce erroneous readings.

Designed by the National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), a government-sponsored and mission-oriented medical research center, the thermometer incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

The AI feature allows the device to detect people's faces before reading their temperatures, which reduces errors due to interference by radiation emitted from objects held by the individual being measured for example, a cup of hot coffee or cold drink. The feature is particularly commercially attractive at a time when countries around the world are deploying thermometers to screen suspected patients of the coronavirus.

Compared to other types of contactless thermometer, the system delivered satisfactory results in an experiment of 200 people in open spaces, said Liao Lun-de (), assistant investigator of NHRIs Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine. The masks, hats, and glasses the individuals wore were not found to have affected the temperature readings.

The device will sound an alarm and automatically take photos of individuals whose temperatures exceed a certain level. The alerts will be dispatched to disease control staff so they can respond in an efficient and timely fashion.

The mechanism, which integrates real-time thermal sensor software and AI neuroscience, among other technologies, is also cost-competitive, as some thermometers are priced at over NT$200,000 (US$6,653) a unit, said Liao.

Read the original here:
Taiwan's AI thermometer draws interest in SE Asia - Taiwan News

Our lifestyles have changed dramatically in recent weeks. As we all do our bit to stem the spread of Covid-19 by staying at home, our sleeping, eating and working patterns have been thrown into disarray. Most of us are moving less, getting less access to fresh air and less exposure to sunlight.

This may mean that our bodies are not receiving the essential minerals and vitamins they need. And getting the right balance of nutrients is essential to keeping our bodies functioning properly all the more important when we are all trying to ensure our immune systems are strong.

Vitamin D, in particular, might be a problem at the moment, as the body relies on sunlight to produce it. People currently isolating in apartments, with no access to outside space, need to be conscious of a potential deficiency.

Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin, since it is made by the body after being in the sun. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. You need calcium for the normal development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. It also helps maintain proper blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Ten to 15 minutes of sunshine, three times a week, is enough to produce the body's requirement of vitamin D for most people at most latitudes, explains Dr. Nadine Aoun, clinical dietician at Medcare.

Try to eat a wide variety of colourful vegetables every day and follow a balanced diet

While it is difficult to get enough vitamin D from food sources alone, Dr Mariam Khalfan Al Suwaidi, head of Healthpoints department of dermatology, highlights some foods that can help. Foods high in vitamin D include oily fish, mushrooms, eggs and dairy products, and vitamin-D-fortified foods. Also try to eat a wide variety of colourful vegetables every day and follow a balanced diet to ensure you get all vitamins and minerals.

Given the importance of Vitamin D, and the struggles that many people have getting it in sufficient quantities, particularly under the current circumstances, Natasha Rudatsenko, founder of the online health and fitness platform, Health Nag, recommends taking a supplement.

It is absolutely essential, she says. Vitamin D contributes a lot to our overall immunity as well as hormonal balance, so this is something I recommend taking for absolutely everyone. 5,000 to 7,000 IU is a good daily dose. Go for its active form, the one that is most bioavailable to our body, Vitamin D3. Its a fat-soluble vitamin, so it is good to take it with something fatty. The most convenient way of getting vitamins, in my opinion, is still http://www.Iherb.com."

As a general consensus, medical experts recommend that you do not overdo the vitamin supplements. With some vitamins, too much can be as harmful as too little. The aim is to try to achieve a balanced and healthy diet, before you go reaching for the supplements.

Dr Aoun offers a breakdown of the vitamins you need, and some of the foods you should be consuming to get them:

Vitamin A: Helps form and maintain healthy teeth, bones, soft tissue, mucus membranes and skin. Found in beef, liver, eggs, shrimp, fish, fortified milk, sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, spinach and mangoes.

Vitamin B6: Helps form red blood cells and maintain brain function. It also plays an important role in the proteins that are part of many chemical reactions in the body. Found in meat, fish, poultry, legumes, tofu and other soy products, and bananas.

Vitamin B12: Like the other B vitamins, this is important for metabolism. It also helps form red blood cells and maintain the central nervous system. Found in meat, poultry, fish, milk, cheese, fortified soy milk and cereals.

Vitamin C: An antioxidant that promotes healthy teeth and gums. It helps the body absorb iron and maintain healthy tissue. It is also essential for wound healing. Found in citrus fruit, potatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes and Brussels sprouts.

Vitamin E: Also an antioxidant. It helps the body form red blood cells and use vitamin K. Found in vegetables oils, leafy green vegetables, whole grains and nuts.

Vitamin K: Without this, blood would not stick coagulate. Found in spinach, broccoli and kale.

Biotin (B7): Essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, and in the production of hormones and cholesterol. Found in whole grains, eggs, soy beans and fish.

Niacin (B3): A B vitamin that helps maintain healthy skin and nerves. Found in meat, poultry, fish, fortified and whole grains, mushrooms and potatoes.

Folate: Works with vitamin B12 to help form red blood cells. It is needed for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function. Found in fortified grains and cereals, asparagus, spinach, broccoli, legumes (black-eyed peas and chickpeas) and orange juice.

Pantothenic acid: Essential for the metabolism of food. Found in chicken, whole grains, broccoli, avocados and mushrooms.

Riboflavin (vitamin B2): Important for body growth and the production of red blood cells. Found in milk, yogurt, cheese, whole and enriched grains, and cereals.

Thiamine (vitamin B1): Helps the body cells change carbohydrates into energy. Found in soy milk and watermelon.

Updated: April 21, 2020 02:24 PM

See the rest here:
How to make sure you are getting enough vitamins: foods, supplements and everything you need to know - The National

Severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), a betacoronavirus, with a fulminant atypical pneumonia presentation, sharing a high sequence identity with that of SARS-CoV-1 and bat-SARS-like coronavirus the global pandemic of 2020 has affected every continent except Antarctica where no humans live.

The convention on International Civil Aviation (Convention), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), U.S., Regulation (EC) No. 216/2008, Regulation (EC) No. 216/2008, Canadian and other law must adapt to reflect the 21st century. Airworthiness is the measure of an aircraft being suitable for a safe flight. Aerosol and fomite (objects or materials that are likely to carry infection, such as elevator buttons or bathroom taps) transmission of COVID-19 is plausible because viruses can propagate or function properly and are infectious in aerosols for hours and on surfaces for days.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organizations (WHO) Director General and Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, indicated that the RNA viruses emanated from China, have mutated and are transmitted from human to human as they are what we call RNA viruses, or those that have mainly RNA as their genetic material (one being COVID-19), in comparison to DNA. RNA viruses mutate constantly and do not have the mechanisms to correct these mistakes like those of human cells, which replicate with DNA. The mistakes appear in the genetic sequence coding for the corona protein with a total length of 1,273 amino acids showing 27 amino acid substitutions (a mutation).

Since 2002, COVID-19 has been a perfect example where multiple genes of a virus have exceptionally high mutation rates since its origin, causing it to be more severe in some cases or transmit more easily and depending on the temperature. According to scientists, the coronavirus thrives in cold and dry conditions and may not be a stranger next winter if it wanes over the summer.

Not long ago, accurate RNA detection was decisive in the diagnosis of COVID-19 through the COVID-19 RT-PCR test, a real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, for the qualitative detection of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA, and next generation sequencing has facilitated the identification of the pathogen. The amino acid sequence of COVID-19 is different from other coronaviruses, particularly in the regions of 1ab polyprotein and surface glycoprotein or S protein.

The first novel coronavirus genome sequence of COVID-19 was discovered on Jan. 10 and was deposited in the GenBank database and uploaded to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data. By Jan. 20, Thailand, Japan and South Korea confirmed all cases were exported from China. France reported its first case on Jan. 24 and Germany reported cases related to an individual visiting from China.

Brazilian scientists conducted preliminary studies, which showed the virus in Brazil to be different from the one observed in Wuhan, China by three mutations, two of which draw the virus close to the strain detected in the Bavarian region of Germany.

COVID-19 spread so quickly throughout Wuhan because it is a densely populated area. With international business travellers and tourists leaving China, individuals asymptomatic or ill with the virus transmitted to others on airplanes, which were densely packed and often delayed, and with many having no ventilation system. When airplanes were ventilated, the bleed air supply was a mixture of fresh, cold air fromoutside and recirculated air from the cabin. The airworthiness in aircrafts were compromised, violating the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 14 CFR s. 91.7 civil aircraft airworthiness: a) No person may operate a civil aircraft unless it is in an airworthy condition.

The Canadian counterpart is the Canadian Aviation Regulations, SOR/96-433 (s. 521.30), which states: The Minister shall establish, in respect of an aeronautical product, a certification basis consisting of: a) subject to subsections (2) and (5), the applicable standards of airworthiness referred to in s. 521.31 that are in force on the date of application for the type certificate.

Regulation (EC) No. 216/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of Feb. 20, 2008 included the common rules in the field of civil aviation and established a European Aviation Safety Agency, repealing Council Directive 91/670/EEC, Regulation (EC) No. 1592/2002 and Directive 2004/36/E. Currently, the United Kingdom is a member state of the European Aviation Safety Agency, Article 20, until Dec. 31, when the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority will assume responsibility over the airworthiness of aircraft in the U.K.

Aside from human to human transmission of the virus, which mainly occurs through saliva droplets and direct and indirect contact with surfaces, Dr.Neeltje van Doremalen et al have raised a legitimate concern over aerosol and surface transmission in a study published by the New England Journal of Medicine titled Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-1.

Their data comprised 10 experimental conditions with the two viruses in five environmental conditions aerosols, plastic, stainless steel, copper and cardboard. The strength to stand or endure SARS-CoV-2 was equivalent to that of SARS-CoV-1 under the study of van Doremalen et al indicating differences of epidemiologic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and the latter, which probably come about from other factors such as high viral burden (high numerical expression of the virus quantity in a given volume) in the upper respiratory tract (nose and nasal passages, paranasal sinuses, the pharynx and part of the larynx) and the possibility of individuals affected with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 to shed and transmit the virus.

The Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) received its 26th ratification on March 5, 1947. After ratification, the ICAO was born, on April 4, 1947, becoming a specialized agency of the United Nations connected to the Economic and Social Council.

Although Article 14 of the convention defines COVID-19 as a communicable disease, thereby dealing with the prevention of the spread of disease, Article 35, which reflects cargo restrictions, speaks of munitions. In the Cambridge Dictionary, munitions are defined as military weapons guns and bombs as well as implements that take into account a tool or other piece of equipment for doing work or implements of work, which include arms, ammunition, weaponry and defence systems. Blacks Law Dictionary, international law and U.S. statutes do not include communicable diseases under munitions of war.

Given the pandemic, Article 37(e) adoption of international standards and procedures requires a change to reflect certain issues in countries.

With the significant number of cases and the severe implications of the virus, COVID-19 is the biggest public health threat in the world. The Convention on International Civil Aviation, the ICAO, as well as U.S., U.K., Canadian and other law, must give due consideration to the new implications of coronaviruses.

Esther Carenza is a senior law clerk who works primarily in the area of legal-medical research and as a legal-medical consultant. She was also a mentor-supervisor for the Medico-Legal Society of Toronto project at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law and Osgoode Hall Law School. E-mail her atecarenza1@gmail.com.

Photo credit / blacklight_traceISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Interested in writing for us? To learn more about how you can add your voice toThe Lawyers Daily,contact Analysis Editor Peter Carter atpeter.carter@lexisnexis.caor call 647-776-6740.

The rest is here:
COVID-19 and civil aviation - The Lawyer's Daily

According to Carl Germano, R.D., CNS, CDN, the author of Road to Ananda: Simple Guide to the Endocannabinoid System, Hemp Phytocannabinoids/CBD, and Your Health, the use of pesticides, herbicides, and genetic modification is not uncommon in the hemp industry. Plus, hemp is a bioaccumulator, meaning it's very efficient at removing toxins and pollutants from the air, water, and soil. (The plant is so good at this that it's actually being used to help clean up dirty environments.) This means that if your hemp is not grown and processed carefully, you might be getting toxins in your extract. Look for an organic, non-GMO product that's been certified from a third party and tested for heavy metals.

Also, if not stored and handled properly, hemp is prone to growing certain kinds of fungi that can produce aflatoxin, a substance that can cause liver damage and other health issues. Yet another reason to buy from a reputable brand that handles the crop properly and tests for aflatoxin.

Read the rest here:
6 Things Experts Look For In A High-Quality Hemp Oil - mindbodygreen.com

WEST LAFAYETTE Purdue University is continuing to lend expertise and resources to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic through increasing Indianas testing capacity for the virus thanks to a partnership with the Indiana State Department of Health and Indiana hospitals.

The Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) located in Purdues College of Veterinary Medicine is working with Fort Wayne-based Parkview Health to start conducting COVID-19 tests for human patients. Testing began after the lab received Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certification to conduct human diagnostic testing, with Parkview agreeing to provide clinical oversight.

Testing will be expanded in collaboration with other hospitals, with all samples sent directly from partner hospitals to the ADDL. To avoid a testing backlog, hospitals interested in working with the ADDL are required to complete the Partnership Inquiry form.

The goal is to turn around results the same day that samples are received in the lab.

The lab was certified in a matter of days after Purdue leaders suggested using the ADDL to conduct tests and address the states limited testing capacity and need for resources. State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG, said in a recent daily briefing with Gov. Eric Holcomb that resources are still limited for COVID-19 testing in Indiana as the number of cases continues to rise.

The College of Veterinary Medicine has a long history of providing services to protect animal and human health, said Willie Reed, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Providing COVID-19 testing is yet another way to support the citizens of Indiana during this unprecedented public health crisis. The project was shepherded by David Broecker of the Purdue Research Foundation and involves several partners including the foundation, the Indiana State Department of Health, Parkview Hospital, the Purdue community.

Broecker is the chief innovation and collaboration officer for the Purdue Research Foundation.

Dr. Kenitra Hendrix, director of the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, says the ADDL had a unique opportunity to assist with COVID-19 testing in Indiana because of the labs expertise in providing infectious disease testing and immunity surveillance for animals across the state.

The ADDL is uniquely positioned to contribute skills and expertise in the detection of pathogens to the fight against COVID-19, while maintaining our diagnostic support of animal health and the safety of the food supply, Hendrix said.

Hendrix says the samples are being tested using a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) testing method that the ADDL uses regularly for animal specimens. The ADDL team, working with state health authorities, adjusted its intake and sample processing procedures to gain the necessary certification to use the PCR testing capability on human specimens.

Our team has worked diligently to prepare to perform this testing, Hendrix said. It is rewarding to be able to take on this role in support of the citizens of our state.

The project is a cross-disciplinary, collaborative effort with the Indiana State Department of Health, the Purdue Research Foundation and the Purdue community.

Indiana continues to increase our capabilities and preparedness for rapidly testing patients to support our front-line health care workers, Box said. We are grateful to Purdue and the ADDL for helping to make testing more available for Hoosiers who are helping others during this pandemic.

Parkview Health provided clinical expertise on obtaining a CLIA license and setting up the lab for human testing.

It still takes several days to get results that are sent out to central labs across the country, said Dr. Michael J. Mirro, chief academic research officer at Parkview Health. Even the new tests are limited by supply constraints. What Purdue has done is fantastic and shows the ingenuity associated with creative problem solving. Paired with the significant amount of time invested by the Parkview lab team, we believe this will have a positive impact on the states testing capacity.

The ADDL is a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) facility accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD). BSL-2 laboratories are used to study moderate-risk infectious agents or toxins.

Hendrix says that additional partnerships with other hospitals across the state are possible. More information and a form for potential partners are available at https://purdue.vet/covid19testing.

See the rest here:
Purdue starts limited COVID-19 testing in diagnostic lab with Fort Wayne's Parkview Health - FW Business

(WBNG) -- If you're feeling those isolation blues, finding a new companion could help with loneliness. However, before adopting a pet, the Broome County Humane Society says you need to be prepared.

"Animals cost us something every year outside of just food and the supplies they need. Every year they need vaccines, you have to be prepared for the unexpected, whether you're getting a dog from a shelter or from a breeder, sometimes they have health conditions that you can't anticipate," said Broome County Humane Society Executive Director Karen Matson.

Marvin Diaz, a Vestal resident, adopted a new puppy, Theo, in late March during the pandemic. He says his family planned to have a puppy, but the pandemic still brought a few challenges.

"Going to a vet, that was the only thing. We called the next day after we got them, and they said as of that Friday, veterinary medicine had become a non-essential type of business unless it was for emergency situations," said Diaz.

Diaz says a new puppy need a lot of time and attention that will last beyond any time spent in quarantine.

"I know the next month or so we might be at home, but a dog is going to be around for more than a month or two. This is a long-term commitment and I think that's an important thing to realize," said Diaz.

After the pandemic, the humane society says they're finding ways to help so animals don't have to be returned.

"We have ample food and supplies to help people in need right now, so hopefully the number of animals being turned over for those type of reasons can stay low because we do have some resources to help out," said Matson.

If you're looking to adopt, you can visit the Broome County Humane Society's website.

See the original post:
Thinking of adopting a pet during quarantine? Here's what you need to know - WBNG-TV

Sun and lower humidity are expected to start the week. The next storm system will move through the area Wednesday night. For the second straight weekend, a very strong tornado occurred just north and east of the local viewing area. An EF-4 tornado struck Walthall County last Sunday. Another powerful twister moved through Lamar County last night. We will await the damage survey from the National Weather Service for a rating. In the local area, there were some spotty hail and wind damage reports.

THE FORECAST:

Today and Tonight: Clouds will at least be a part of skies through Monday morning. More sunshine will become available by afternoon. Temperatures will warm into the upper 70s with light, north winds. With an overnight reading in the low 60s, some passing clouds are expected. Models hint at a passing shower near dawn, but activity should be brief and isolated, if at all.

Up Next: An area of surface high pressure will bring lower dewpoints and pleasantconditions through Tuesday. Temperatures will stay above average through the week, and hover in the low-to-mid80s with lows near 60. The next low pressure system is set to develop and pass to our north late Wednesday and Thursday, which will bring a return to showers and storms along the Gulf Coast. While considerably less robust than the last two storm systems, one or two storms could maintain some strength through the local area Wednesday night. The Storm Prediction Center has parts of Pointe Coupee Parish and southwest Mississippi in a 2/5 slight risk for severe weather. Anotherweak system is poised to move through on Saturday afternoon with just isolated activity.

The Mississippi River: At Baton Rouge, major flood stage continues with a level of 43.7 as of Monday morning. The river is expected to fall very slowly through the next two weeks. The high water is primarily an issue for river traffic and river islands, although some inundation will continue for a few spots north and south of Baton Rouge that are not protected by levees. Unprotected low-lying areas will be flooded and agricultural operations will be impacted on the west side of the river. The grounds of the older part of Louisiana State University's campus become soggy. This includes the area around the Veterinary Medicine building, the Veterinary Medicine Annex, the stadium and ball fields. The city of Baton Rouge and the main LSU campus are protected by levees at this level. The level is also high in New Orleans and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has opened the Bonnet Carre Spillway.

THE EXPLANATION:

Northwesterly winds in the upper levels of the atmosphere will maintain drier air and quieter weather over the next two days. A weak disturbance over northwestern Texas on Monday morning could potentially cause an isolated shower around daybreak Tuesday but this chance is fleeting. The next, more substantial storm system will zip across the southern tier on Wednesday. This upper level trough will pull moisture northward through the day. By evening, a surface low pressure reflection will move across Arkansas and north Mississippi with a trailing cold front. This system will take a slightly more northern track, meaning the wind fields will not be quite as favorable for severe weather as the last system. Also, the nighttime passage will leave a little less warmth and instability as well. Still, enough ingredients are showing up on forecast model guidance that one or two strong thunderstorms will be possible, especially north and west of Baton Rouge. Given the non-zero possibility of a strong storm, the Storm Prediction Center has placed areas from McComb to St. Francisville and points north in a slight risk for severe weather. This system will exit on Thursday morning with quiet weather to follow until another weak disturbance arrives on Saturday. At this time, that one looks low impact.

--Josh

The WBRZ Weather Team is here for you, on every platform. Your weather updates can be found on News 2, wbrz.com, and the WBRZ WX App. on Apple and Android devices. Follow WBRZ Weather on Facebook and Twitter for even more weather updates while you are on the go.

More here:
Quiet beginning to the week - WBRZ

Parnell

Veterinary Medicine Market: Competitive Landscape

The last chapter of the Veterinary Medicine market research report focuses exclusively on the competitive landscape. It examines the main market players. In addition to a brief overview of the business, analysts provide information on their assessment and development. The list of important products in preparation is also mentioned. The competitive landscape is analyzed by understanding the companies strategies and the initiatives they have taken in recent years to overcome intense competition.

Veterinary Medicine Market: Drivers and Restraints

The report explains the drivers of the future of the Veterinary Medicine market. It assesses the different forces which should have a positive impact on the whole market. Analysts have looked at investments in research and development for products and technologies, which should give players a significant boost. In addition, the researchers undertook an analysis of the evolution of consumer behavior which should have an impact on the cycles of supply and demand in the Veterinary Medicine market. In this research report, changes in per capita income, improvement in the economic situation and emerging trends were examined.

The research report also explains the potential restrictions on the Veterinary Medicine market. The aspects assessed are likely to hamper market growth in the near future. In addition to this assessment, it offers a list of opportunities that could prove lucrative for the entire market. Analysts offer solutions to turn threats and restrictions into successful opportunities in the years to come.

Veterinary Medicine Market: Regional Segmentation

In the following chapters, analysts have examined the regional segments of the Veterinary Medicine market. This gives readers a deeper insight into the global market and allows for a closer look at the elements that could determine its evolution. Countless regional aspects, such as the effects of culture, environment and government policies, which affect regional markets are highlighted.

Ask for Discount @ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ask-for-discount/?rid=21894&utm_source=COD&utm_medium=007

What will the report contain?

Market Dynamics: The report contains important information on influencing factors, market drivers, challenges, opportunities and market trends as part of the market dynamics.

Global Market Forecast: Readers receive production and sales forecasts for the Veterinary Medicine market, production and consumption forecasts for regional markets, production, sales and price forecasts for the Veterinary Medicine market by type and consumption forecasts for the Veterinary Medicine market per application.

Regional Market Analysis: It can be divided into two different sections: one for the analysis of regional production and one for the analysis of regional consumption. Here, analysts share gross margin, prices, sales, production, CAGR, and other factors that indicate the growth of all regional markets examined in the report.

Market Competition: In this section, the report provides information on the situation and trends of competition, including mergers and acquisitions and expansion, the market shares of the three or five main players and the concentration of the market. Readers could also get the production, revenue, and average price shares of manufacturers.

Key Players: The report provides company profiles for a decent number of leading players in the Veterinary Medicine market. It shows your current and future market growth taking into account price, gross margin, income, production, service areas, production locations and other factors.

Complete Report is Available @ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/Veterinary-Medicine-Market/?utm_source=COD&utm_medium=007

We also offer customization on reports based on specific client requirement:

1- Free country level analysis for any 5 countries of your choice.

2- Free Competitive analysis of any market players.

3- Free 40 analyst hours to cover any other data points

About us:

Verified market research partners with the customer and offer an insight into strategic and growth analyzes, Data necessary to achieve corporate goals and objectives. Our core values are trust, integrity and authenticity for our customers.

Analysts with a high level of expertise in data collection and governance use industrial techniques to collect and analyze data in all phases. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research reports.

Contact us:

Mr. Edwyne FernandesCall: +1 (650) 781 4080Email: [emailprotected]

Get Our Trending Report

Leather Conditioner Market Size, Growth Analysis, Opportunities, Business Outlook and Forecast to 2026

Tags: Veterinary Medicine Market Size, Veterinary Medicine Market Trends, Veterinary Medicine Market Forecast, Veterinary Medicine Market Growth, Veterinary Medicine Market Analysis

More:
Veterinary Medicine Market 2020 Break Down by Top Companies, Applications, Challenges, Opportunities and Forecast 2026 Cole Reports - Cole of Duty

Purdue University is continuing to lend expertise and resources to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing Indianas testing capacity through the capabilities of the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Thanks to a collaborative effort involving Purdue, the Purdue Research Foundation, the Indiana State Department of Health and Indiana hospitals, the ADDL is utilizing its skills and expertise in the detection of pathogens to conduct COVID-19 tests on specimens from partner hospitals with the goal of providing results the same day the samples are received.

The ADDL began COVID-19 testing after obtaining the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certification required for laboratories performing testing on human samples. This effort does not diminish the ADDLs diagnostic support for animal health and the safety of the food supply, which remains its first priority. Because of limited capacity to perform COVID-19 testing, the ADDL will only accept specimens from pre-approved partner hospitals.

*The ADDL has limited available capacity. Interested Hospitals should complete the Partnership Inquiry form if they wish to be contacted should testing capacity increase.

Follow this link:
COVID-19 Testing by the ADDL at Purdue University - Purdue Veterinary News

Veterinarian Aree Laikul from Kasetsart University's faculty of Veterinary Medicine, vaccinates a horse amid an outbreak of the deadly African Horse Sickness (AHS) in the country, at Farm Mor Por stable in Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand April 20, 2020. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

Nakhon Ratchasima (Reuters) - Thailand began vaccinating some 4,000 horses on Monday in a bid to contain the spread of the deadly African Horse Sickness (AHS), a disease that only affects horses and other equine animals.

More than 200 horses in seven provinces have died since the outbreak was first reported earlier this year, the first time the highly infectious AHS virus, transmitted by insects, has appeared in Southeast Asia.

Horse owners in northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province have installed mosquito nets on stables and conduct regular temperature and health checks, while putting sick horses under quarantine.

The government has also banned the import and export of horses, zebras and related animals.

Veterinarians say if the disease cannot be contained by the mass vaccination, it could wipe out all 11,800 horses in Thailand, where they are kept mostly for racing and leisure riding for tourists and private owners.

Without any prevention, 10 out of 10 horses will contract the virus... nine out of 10 sick horses will die from it, Aree Laikul a veterinarian from Kasetsart Universitys faculty of Veterinary Medicine who is helping the vaccination drive.

There have been no reported cases of AHS in humans, and it is not related to the coronavirus pandemic.

AHS is endemic in the central tropical regions of Africa, from where it spreads regularly to Southern Africa and occasionally to North Africa, according to information from the World Organization for Animal Health.

Editing by Kay Johnson & Simon Cameron-Moore

Continue reading here:
Thailand begins mass vaccination of horses to curb African Horse Sickness spread - Reuters

In just a few months, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has put billions of humans at risk. But as researchers work around the clock to understand SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the disease, some have begun to worry that countless others may be at stake: animals who could catch the germ from their distant Homo sapiens cousins.

Recent reports of SARS-CoV-2 infecting creatures such as monkeys, dogs, ferrets, domestic cats and even a tiger have raised the possibility that the pathogen could plague other speciesincluding, perhaps, ones already imperiled by other, non-infectious threats.

Though researchers suspect the virus originated in a wild creature such as a bat, they stress that humans remain the virus most vulnerable victims, as well as the hosts most likely to spread the disease from place to place. There is also no evidence that animals are passing the pathogen to people, says Jane Sykes, a veterinarian and animal virus researcher at the University of California, Davis. However, studying the creatures this stealthy virus has affected so far could help scientists understand what makes some speciesbut not otherssusceptible.

Coronaviruses are notoriously indiscriminate infectors. The number of different coronaviruses that exist in the wild number in at least the hundreds, with most likely inhabiting the bodies of bats. On the whole, members of this large family of viruses seem very capable of frequent hops into new species, including humans, making recent detections of SARS-CoV-2 in non-human animals somewhat unsurprising, says Linda Saif, a virologist and animal coronavirus expert at Ohio State University. Already, a commonality in these cases has emerged: the molecular compatibility of the virus with its host.

To infect a cell, a virus must first break in. This encounter typically requires the pathogen to fit itself into a specific molecule, called a receptor, on the surface of its target cell. Its a bit like a key opening a lock. Not all viral keys will work on a given cells lock, but the better the fit, the more easily the virus can gain access.

Unfortunately for humans and our animal relatives, SARS-CoV-2s key, called spike protein, is a multifunctional tool. It homes in on a cellular lock called ACE2a blood pressure-regulating protein thought to be universal among vertebrates, the group that includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, says Jim Wellehan, a zoologist and microbiology at the University of Floridas College of Veterinary Medicine.

Millions of years of evolution have subtly tweaked the shape of ACE2 in each of these lineages. But in domestic cats and several primates, the regions of ACE2 that bind to SARS-CoV-2s spike protein look nearly or completely identical to the vulnerable human version.

Such molecular similarities may help explain why a cat in Belgium and another in Hong Kong, each under the care of owners who fell ill with COVID-19, reportedly tested positive for the virus in March. During the SARS outbreak that began in 2002, SARS-CoV-1a similar coronavirus that also uses ACE2 to enter cells (albeit less effectively than SARS-CoV-2)also hopped from sick humans into domestic felines.

Sykes says these isolated incidents shouldnt be cause for alarm. Although a recent study in the journal Science corroborated that cats can contract SARS-CoV-2 when experimentally dosed with large amounts of virus, pets probably arent getting seriously sick very often in the real world, she says. (If they were, wed probably know by now.)

The felines most at risk, Sykes says, are probably those in the company of sick owners, who may be exposing their pets to high quantities of viral particles. Even then, infection isnt a guarantee. Another recent study, which has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, found no evidence of the virus in a group of cats and dogs that had spent several weeks cooped up with several SARS-CoV-2-infected humans. Large surveys in places like Hong Kong, the United States and South Korea have borne out similar results: thousands of pet cats, as well as horses and dogs, tested negative for the new coronavirus. (But another studyalso not peer-revieweddid find antibodies against the virus in some feral felines from Wuhan, China, hinting that the animals may have encountered the pathogen before.)

Theres also no evidence that infected cats can shuttle the virus into humans, Sykes says. And while the researchers behind the new Science study noted that cat-to-cat transmission was possible in confined laboratory spaces, these artificial settings are poor proxies for the natural world, she says. Just because an animal can harbor a virus in its body doesnt mean it will be good at spreading the pathogen.

Findings in domestic cats dont always translate into other species, even closely related ones. Earlier this month, a Malayan tiger named Nadia at the Bronx Zoo made headlines when she tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Though the cause remains unclear, zoo personnel suspect an infected keeper unwittingly passed the pathogen to the tiger during routine care, triggering a dry cough and diminished appetite in the big cat. (A handful of other tigers, as well as a trio of lions, seemed slightly ill as well, but werent tested.) A vulnerable ACE2 molecule might explain Nadias spate of mild symptoms. But more than 10 million years of evolution separate domestic cats from their wild tiger kinand the two species arent always susceptible to the same diseases.

A recent mouse study reinforces the importance of ACE2 in the spread of the new virus. These rodents version of ACE2 is pretty dissimilar to ours, making them resistant to the new coronavirus; only when genetically engineered to express human ACE2 do mice fall ill. Yet other animals with less human-like variations of ACE2, including dogs and ferrets, can be vulnerable to the new coronavirus without any genetic rejiggering. ACE2 is not the whole story, Saif says.

Another influential factor in cross-species transmission is probably proximity. Even if a creatures molecular makeup isnt perfectly compatible with the pathogen, frequent exposures to humans harboring the coronavirus could eventually sicken a small percentage of the population.

This scenario may be what has played out in dogs, who seem to be poor hosts for the new coronavirus, according to the recent Science study. Some 470 million canines are kept as pets, and almost none appear to have caught SARS-CoV-2 naturally: So far, only two pupsa Pomeranian and a German shepherd, both in Hong Konghave tested positive for the pathogen.

Ferrets present a curious case as well. While their ACE2 receptors dont seem to be a perfect fit for the new coronavirus, the germ can take hold in their lungs. Researchers have known for decades that the airways of these weasel-like mammals make them susceptible to several infectious respiratory illnesses that affect humans, including the flu and the original SARS, Saif says. SARS-CoV-2, another lung-loving microbe, is no exception. Stricken with the germ, ferrets come down with fevers and coughs, helping spread the pathogen when in close contact.

Still, anatomical similarities cant fully explain why viruses find success in certain mammals. Guinea pig airways, for example, also bear some resemblance to ours, but these rodents dont always experience disease like we do. That leaves the full story of ferrets odd viral vulnerabilities somewhat mysterious, Saif says. Perhaps the ferret immune system is easily duped by the virus and struggles to purge the pathogens early on during infection.

With these preliminary findings in hand, pet owners worldwide are understandably worried about their furry family members. Sykes encourages them not to fear contagion and instead foster solidarity with our animal kin.

Its important we emphasize that human-to-human transmission is whats driving this pandemic, she says. People need to be enjoying the human-animal bond, rather than thinking about abandoning their pets.

Still, Sykes and other experts advise caution around pets, especially for owners who have reason to suspect theyve been infected with the new coronavirus. The CDC recommends treating cats and dogs as you would any other family member: self-isolating for the duration of an illness to avoid the spread of disease. Pet owners should also try to ensure their furred companions comply with physical distancing measures as much as possible, Saif adds, which means keeping them indoors and limiting contact with people and animals outside their own households.

A handful of studies have begun to survey other species for susceptibility to the new coronavirus. So far, the virus appears capable of infecting batsthe suspected original animal source of the pathogenas well as golden Syrian hamsters, but struggles to replicate in the bodies of chickens, pigs and ducks.

With more than 6,000 species of mammals inhabiting the globe, these lists are by no means comprehensive. But researchers are unlikely to get answers about other animals until they test them directly, says Smita Iyer, a virologist and immunologist at the University of California, Davis. With new viruses like these, you just dont know what you dont know.

Nevertheless, researchers have begun to take precautions against the possibility that the virus will move not from animals into humans, but the other way around. The major vector [of disease] is us, says Wellehan, who interacts with several mammalian species including bats in his work. I dont see them as a threat. I see them as potential victims.

Should humans accidentally carry SARS-CoV-2 back into the wild, the effects could be catastrophic, especially if a threatened or endangered species contracted severe disease. Concerns about our vulnerable great ape cousins, who harbor coronavirus-friendly versions of ACE2 on their cells, have already prompted conservation sites and parks to shutter.

Zoos that house wild cousins of species already shown to be vulnerable are also adopting new safety measures. At the Smithsonians National Zoo, keepers are donning extra protective equipment and practicing extensive physical distancing around primates, felids (the group that includes wild cats such as tigers, lions and cheetahs) and mustelids (relatives of ferrets, such as otters). Also being monitored are animals such as civets, the small, cat-like mammals that played a crucial role in the SARS outbreak nearly two decades ago.

Guarding these species from infection isnt an easy process, says Don Neiffer, the National Zoos chief veterinarian. Amidst a pandemic, resources are limited, he says, and some of the changes have been especially difficult for active species that spend a lot of their time engaging in play with keepers. However, Neiffer stresses, these measures are in place to maximize protection for as many species as possible for the duration of the outbreak.

By keeping wild animals safe, were also protecting ourselves. Even if most other animals dont experience severe forms of COVID-19, Saif says, they could quietly harbor the pathogen in their bodies. The virus might then be poised to reenter the human population in the future, sparking another devastating outbreak.

The breadth of the SARS-CoV-2s evolutionary reach should be an eye-opener, Iyer says. Cross-species transmissions happen in all directions: animal to animal; animal to human; and human to animal. These jumps brought us the pandemic in the first place, she says, and should be a cautionary tale for people as they continue to encroach on and destroy the worlds wild spaces.

We might want to start with the basics and respect the territory of our neighbors out in nature, Iyer says. Theres a reason theyre called wild animals.

Follow this link:
Why the New Coronavirus Affects Some Animals, but Not Others - Smithsonian