StemCell Therapy

FARMINGTON, Conn., March 20, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --ImStem Biotechnology, Inc. (Farmington CT), a biopharmaceutical company pioneering the development of human embryonic stem cell (ESC) derived mesenchymal stem cells (hES-MSC), through a proprietary method using a trophoblast intermediate stage (hence also known as T-MSC) for the treatment of neurological, autoimmune, and rare orphan diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has lifted the clinical hold and cleared the Investigational New Drug (IND) application to evaluate IMS001 for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). IMS001 is an investigational, allogeneic cell product to be administered intravenously to patients suffering from MS. We believe this is the first hES-MSC based allogeneic cell therapy accepted for clinical trial by the FDA. The company plans to initiate a phase 1 clinical study in patients with relapsing-remitting, secondary, and primary progressive forms of MS in 2020 in the US.

"As an inventor of our proprietary technology, we look forward to building a company whose foundation lies in our science based upon years of pioneering research," said Dr. Xiaofang Wang, Chief Technology Officer of ImStem Biotechnology.

About IMS001

IMS001 is an investigational, allogeneic, hES-MSC product derived from human embryonic stem cell line. IMS001 has demonstrated preclinical immunomodulatory and blood-brain-barrier (BBB) repair activities, which may lead to potential therapeutic benefits in a wide array of neurological, autoimmune, and rare orphan diseases with high unmet medical needs. These mechanistic properties may lead to therapeutic benefits in diseases such as MS, potentially reducing relapses, disability progression, and inducing disease arrest.

About ImStem Biotechnology

ImStem Biotechnology, Inc. is aspiring to revolutionize how serious diseases with significant unmet needs are treated with a new generation of regenerative and cellular therapies. Pioneering research led to the proprietary state-of-the-art pluripotent stem cell technology, enabling off-the-shelf, allogeneic stem cell-derived products to be manufactured in scale, differentiating itself from the typical challenges imposed by autologous adult cell therapy products. The company's mission is to advance the science and understanding of human pluripotent stem cell based regenerative cellular therapies through novel and creative development pathways and to fulfill unmet medical needs in serious diseases. And its development strategy focuses on neurologic, autoimmune, degenerative, and rare orphan diseases. ImStem biotechnology Inc. is a privately held company headquartered in Farmington, CT. For more information, visit http://www.imstem.com.

Media Contact:Investor Relations235411@email4pr.com860-281-7836

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SOURCE ImStem Biotechnology, Inc.

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ImStem Biotechnology Announces FDA has Lifted the Clinical Hold on the Investigational New Drug Application for IMS001 for the Treatment of Multiple...

The "Global Next-Generation Biomanufacturing Market: Focus on Workflow, Product Type, Medical Applications, End Users, 5 Regional Data, 19 Countries' Data, and Competitive Landscape - Analysis and Forecast, 2019-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Next-Generation Biomanufacturing Market Report projects the market to grow at a significant CAGR of 10% during the forecast period, 2019-2029.

The rapid maturation of the biopharmaceutical sector denotes the increasing importance of biomanufacturing as the most basic procedure for the development and manufacture of biologic-based products. With increasing commercialization of biopharmaceuticals and the addition of more products in the development pipeline, biopharmaceutical companies are looking forward to adopting novel biomanufacturing strategies with an increased focus on balancing innovation in process design, performance, and efficiency with speed and cost.

The need for advanced biomanufacturing practices in order to meet the demand of the growing patient population has paved the way for the development of next-generation biomanufacturing products. Next-generation biomanufacturing products are designed to provide seamless services that are superior in terms of both quality and efficiency as compared to first-generation products. Increased funding from private investors and the government for the development of next-generation biomanufacturing facilities promoting rapid technological advancement in biomanufacturing products is one of the most prominent factors driving the growth of the next-generation biomanufacturing market.

One of the major trends of the next-generation biomanufacturing market is the shifting focus toward the adoption of single-use products, such as single-use bioreactors and single-use biocontainers. This is mainly attributed to the huge number of benefits associated with single-use products, with regard to cost savings, reduced risk of product contamination, and increased flexibility in multi-product facilities.

With more companies entering the next-generation biomanufacturing market through product innovations, several novel next-generation biomanufacturing products are expected to come up, actively driving the growth of the market in the upcoming years.

Expert Quote

The leading contributors in the global next-generation biomanufacturing market predominantly prefer partnerships and alliances to sustain the market competition and strengthen their business position. Most of the market leaders are collaborating with technology-based startups to gain their expertise in technology.

Research Highlights

The leading contributors to the global next-generation biomanufacturing market predominantly prefer partnerships and alliances to sustain the market competition and strengthen their business position. Most of the market leaders are collaborating with technology-based startups to gain their expertise in technology.

Monoclonal antibody product segment with relatively high market approval rates is dominating the next-generation biomanufacturing market, by the medical application. Monoclonal antibodies segment was valued at $6.66 billion in 2018, contributing to 45% of the total market share in 2018.

In terms of end-users, commercial-stage end-user dominated the global next-generation biomanufacturing market and was valued at $11.39 billion in 2018. On the other hand, for both commercial-stage end-users and preclinical and development stage end users, biopharmaceutical companies were the major contributor of revenue, followed by CMOs/CDMOs.

Among the different regions, North America leads the global next-generation biomanufacturing market in 2018, with the U.S. being the major contributor to revenue. In 2018, North America contributed 35.40% of the total market share and the U.S. alone contributed to more than 95.4% of its market share.

This market intelligence report provides a multidimensional view of the global next-generation biomanufacturing market in terms of market size and growth potential. This research report aims at answering various aspects of the global next-generation biomanufacturing market with the help of the key factors driving the market, threats that can possibly inhibit the overall market growth, and the current growth opportunities that are going to shape the future trajectory of market expansion.

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Furthermore, the competitive landscape chapter in the report explicates the competitive nature of the global market and enables the reader to get acquainted with the recent market activities such as product launches, partnerships, and product approvals, among others. The research report provides a comprehensive analysis of the product sales, and manufacturers and trend analysis by segment and by region.

This report is a meticulous compilation of research on more than 10 players in the market ecosystem and draws upon insights from in-depth interviews with the key opinion leaders of the leading companies, market participants and vendors. The report also profiles 15 companies including several key players, such as Merck KGaA, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Danaher Corporation, Eppendorf AG, Sartorius AG, GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft, bbi-biotech GmbH, Esco Group of Companies, Pierre Gurin, Solaris Biotechnology Srl., PBS Biotech, Inc., ZETA GmbH, Applikon Biotechnology BV, Meissner Filtration Products, Inc., and Shanghai Bailun Biotechnology Co. Ltd.

Key Topics Covered

Executive Summary

1 Product Definition

2 Scope of the Work

2.1 Overview: Report Scope

2.2 Segmentation of the Global Next-Generation Biomanufacturing Market

2.3 Assumptions and Limitations

2.4 Key Questions Answered in the Report

2.5 Base Year and Forecast Period

3 Research Methodology

3.1 Overview: Report Methodology

4 Global Next-Generation Biomanufacturing Market Overview

4.1 Ever-Evolving Healthcare Scenario

4.2 Biomanufacturing: An Introduction

4.3 Upstream and Downstream Processing

4.4 Biopharmaceutical Market Growth Boosting Demand for Biomanufacturing

4.5 Key Technology Trends

4.6 The Future of Biomanufacturing: Next-Generation Biomanufacturing

4.7 Global Next-Generation Biomanufacturing Market Size

4.8 Market Dynamics

4.8.1 Impact Analysis of Market Dynamics

4.9 Assumptions and Limitations

5 Industry Insights

5.1 Overview

5.2 Regulatory Scenario

5.3 Patent Landscape

6 Competitive Landscape

6.1 Overview

6.2 Key Developments and Strategies

6.2.1 Partnerships and Alliances

6.2.2 Business Expansions

6.2.3 New Offerings

6.2.4 M & A Activities

6.2.5 Others

6.3 Market Share Analysis

7 Global Next-Generation Biomanufacturing Market (by Workflow and Product)

7.1 Overview

7.2 Upstream Biomanufacturing

7.2.1 Continuous Upstream Biomanufacturing Products

7.2.1.1 Bioreactors/Fermenters

7.2.1.2 Bags and Containers

7.2.1.3 Cell Culture Products

7.2.1.4 Filtration Systems

7.2.1.5 Mixing Systems

7.2.1.6 Sterilizers

7.2.1.7 Biosafety Cabinets

7.2.1.8 Incubators

7.2.1.9 Other Instruments and Accessories

7.2.2 Single-Use Upstream Biomanufacturing Products

7.2.2.1 Single-Use Bioreactors/Fermenters

7.2.2.2 Single-Use Bags and Containers

7.2.2.3 Single-Use Tubing and Connectors

7.2.2.4 Single-Use Mixing Systems

7.2.2.5 Single-Use Sensors and Probes

7.3 Downstream Processing

7.3.1 Downstream Biomanufacturing Products

7.3.1.1 Chromatography Systems

7.3.1.2 Filtration Systems

7.3.1.3 Membrane Adsorbers

7.3.1.4 Instruments and Accessories

7.3.1.5 Single-Use Equipment and Accessories

8 Global Next-Generation Biomanufacturing Market (by Medical Application)

8.1 Overview

8.2 Monoclonal Antibodies

8.3 Vaccines

8.4 Recombinant Proteins

8.5 Hormones

8.6 Others

9 Global Next-Generation Biomanufacturing Market (by End User)

9.1 Overview

9.2 Biopharmaceutical Companies

9.3 CMOs/CDMOs

9.4 Research Institutions

10 Global Next-Generation Biomanufacturing Market (by Region)

10.1 Overview

10.2 North America

10.3 Europe

10.4 Asia-Pacific

10.5 Latin America

10.6 Middle East & Africa

11 Company Profiles

11.1 Overview

11.2 Applikon Biotechnology B.V.

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Global Next-Generation Biomanufacturing Markets, 2019-2029: Focus on Workflow, Product Type, Medical Applications, End-users, and Competitive...

The goal of this article is to teach you how to use price to earnings ratios (P/E ratios). Well look at Level Biotechnology Inc.s (GTSM:3118) P/E ratio and reflect on what it tells us about the companys share price. Level Biotechnology has a P/E ratio of 14.93, based on the last twelve months. That is equivalent to an earnings yield of about 6.7%.

See our latest analysis for Level Biotechnology

The formula for price to earnings is:

Price to Earnings Ratio = Share Price Earnings per Share (EPS)

Or for Level Biotechnology:

P/E of 14.93 = NT$21.800 NT$1.460 (Based on the year to December 2019.)

(Note: the above calculation results may not be precise due to rounding.)

The higher the P/E ratio, the higher the price tag of a business, relative to its trailing earnings. That isnt necessarily good or bad, but a high P/E implies relatively high expectations of what a company can achieve in the future.

One good way to get a quick read on what market participants expect of a company is to look at its P/E ratio. As you can see below Level Biotechnology has a P/E ratio that is fairly close for the average for the healthcare industry, which is 14.4.

Level Biotechnologys P/E tells us that market participants think its prospects are roughly in line with its industry. If the company has better than average prospects, then the market might be underestimating it. Further research into factors such as insider buying and selling, could help you form your own view on whether that is likely.

Companies that shrink earnings per share quickly will rapidly decrease the E in the equation. That means even if the current P/E is low, it will increase over time if the share price stays flat. Then, a higher P/E might scare off shareholders, pushing the share price down.

Most would be impressed by Level Biotechnology earnings growth of 22% in the last year. In contrast, EPS has decreased by 9.2%, annually, over 5 years.

Its important to note that the P/E ratio considers the market capitalization, not the enterprise value. In other words, it does not consider any debt or cash that the company may have on the balance sheet. In theory, a company can lower its future P/E ratio by using cash or debt to invest in growth.

Such expenditure might be good or bad, in the long term, but the point here is that the balance sheet is not reflected by this ratio.

Level Biotechnology has net cash of NT$344m. This is fairly high at 46% of its market capitalization. That might mean balance sheet strength is important to the business, but should also help push the P/E a bit higher than it would otherwise be.

Level Biotechnologys P/E is 14.9 which is above average (12.9) in its market. With cash in the bank the company has plenty of growth options and it is already on the right track. So it is not surprising the market is probably extrapolating recent growth well into the future, reflected in the relatively high P/E ratio.

Investors should be looking to buy stocks that the market is wrong about. If the reality for a company is better than it expects, you can make money by buying and holding for the long term. We dont have analyst forecasts, but you might want to assess this data-rich visualization of earnings, revenue and cash flow.

Of course you might be able to find a better stock than Level Biotechnology. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have grown earnings strongly.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.

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Despite Its High P/E Ratio, Is Level Biotechnology Inc. (GTSM:3118) Still Undervalued? - Simply Wall St

PRINCETON, N.J., March 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PDS Biotechnology Corporation (Nasdaq: PDSB), a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing multiple therapies based on the Companys proprietary Versamune T-cell activating technology, today announced that Andrew Saik has resigned as the Companys Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and a director of the board to pursue other professional opportunities, effective immediately. Mr. Saik joined PDS Biotech following the merger with Edge Therapeutics in March 2019, where he was the CFO. The board of directors has initiated a search to identify a successor.

The Companys board of directors has appointed Frank Bedu-Addo, Ph.D., the Companys President and Chief Executive Officer, as interim Principal Financial Officer and Janetta Trochimiuk, PDS Biotechs Controller as interim Principal Accounting Officer until a permanent replacement has been named. Ms. Trochimiuk is a seasoned finance professional with over 20 years of experience, serving as Controller and CFO of private and publicly listed companies. Ms. Trochimiuk holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Bernard M. Baruch College and is a licensed CPA.

On behalf of our board of directors, we would like to thank Andrew for his service and contributions as we transitioned to a public company and successfully bolstered our balance sheet with the recent capital raise based on our promising Versamune platform technology. We wish him continued success in his future endeavors and look forward to announcing a permanent successor in the near term, said Dr. Frank Bedu-Addo, CEO of PDS Biotech.

About PDS BiotechnologyPDS Biotech is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company developing multiple therapies based on the Companys proprietary Versamune T-cell activating technology platform. The Versamune platform effectively delivers tumor-specific antigens for in vivo uptake and processing, while also activating a critical immunological pathway, the type 1 interferon pathway, thus resulting in the production of potent tumor-specific killer T-cells. Using Versamune, PDS Biotech is engineering therapies designed to better recognize cancer cells and break down their defense systems to effectively attack and destroy tumors. PDS Biotechs pipeline combines the Versamune technology with tumor-specific antigens across several cancer types. To learn more, please visit http://www.pdsbiotech.com or follow us on Twitter at @PDSBiotech.About PDS0101PDS Biotechs lead candidate, PDS0101, combines the utility of the Versamune platform with targeted antigens in HPV-expressing cancers. In partnership with Merck, PDS Biotech is advancing a combination of PDS0101 and KEYTRUDA to a Phase 2 study in first line treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer. In partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), PDS Biotech is also advancing a combination of PDS0101 and two clinical stage immunotherapies to a Phase 2 study in advanced HPV-associated cancers. A third phase 2 study is to be performed in advanced localized cervical cancer combining PDS0101 with the chemoradiotherapy, which is the standard of care.

Forward Looking StatementsThis communication contains forward-looking statements (including within the meaning of Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended) concerning PDS Biotechnology Corporation (the Company) and other matters. These statements may discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future plans, trends, events, results of operations or financial condition, or otherwise, based on current beliefs of the Companys management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as may, will, should, would, expect, anticipate, plan, likely, believe, estimate, project, intend, and other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation:; the Companys ability to protect its intellectual property rights; potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the resignation of the Companys Chief Financial Officer or the Companys ability to find a replacement Chief Financial Officerthe Companys anticipated capital requirements, including the Companys anticipated cash runway and the Companys current expectations regarding its plans for future equity financings; the timing for the Company or its partners to initiate the planned clinical trials for its lead assets, PDS0101 and PDS0102; the Companys interpretation of the results of its Phase 1 trial for PDS0101 and whether such results are sufficient to support additional trials or the future success of such trials; the successful implementation of the Companys research and development programs and collaborations, including any collaboration studies concerning PDS0101 and the Companys interpretation of the results and findings of such programs and collaborations and whether such results are sufficient to support the future success of the Companys product candidates; the acceptance by the market of the Companys product candidates, if approved; the timing of and the Companys ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Food and Drug Administration or other regulatory authority approval of, or other action with respect to, the Companys product candidates; and other factors, including legislative, regulatory, political and economic developments not within the Companys control, including unforeseen circumstances or other disruptions to normal business operations arising from or related to COVID-19. The foregoing review of important factors that could cause actual events to differ from expectations should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with statements that are included herein and elsewhere, including the risk factors included in the Companys annual and periodic reports filed with the SEC. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.Media & Investor Relations Contact:

Deanne RandolphPDS BiotechPhone: +1 (908) 517-3613Email: drandolph@pdsbiotech.com

Tram Bui / Alexander LoboThe Ruth GroupPhone: +1 (646) 536-7035 / +1 (646) 536-7037Email: tbui@theruthgroup.com / alobo@theruthgroup.com

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PDS Biotechnology Announces Resignation of Andrew Saik as CFO - Associated Press

Biotechnology-Based Chemical Market Industry Forecast To 2024

Garner Insights has titled a new research report named as Biotechnology-Based Chemical Market 2020 to its consistently extending database. The report clarifies this through a series of channels which include data ranging from rudimentary data to an undeniable estimate. It consolidates all the fundamental factors that are foreseen to change inside the market. The information would thus be used to heighten an organizations standing in the worldwide market.

Based on the industrial chain, this report mainly elaborates the definition, types, applications and major players of Biotechnology-Based Chemical market in details. Deep analysis about Biotechnology-Based Chemical market status (2014-2019), enterprise competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of enterprise products, industry development trends (2020-2024), regional industrial layout characteristics and policies has also be included.

Get a Sample Report @:https://www.garnerinsights.com/Global-Biotechnology-Based-Chemical-Market-Report-2020#request-sample

Major Manufacturer Detail:Queenslands world-class agriculture industry,Sarnia-Lambton Research,UK and Norway business funding agencies,Technology Strategy Board (TSB),Innovation Norway

The Important Type Coverage:Bio-pharma,Agri-biotech,Bio-informatics and,Bio-services

Segment by ApplicationsFood and beverages,Agriculture,Fuel,Energy,Animal feed

The Biotechnology-Based Chemical report consists of streamlined financial data obtained from various research sources to provide specific and trustworthy analysis. Evaluation of the key market trends with a positive impact on the market over the following couple of years, including an in-depth analysis of the market segmentation, comprising of sub-markets, on a regional and global basis. The report also provides a detailed outlook of the Biotechnology-Based Chemical market share along with strategic recommendations, on the basis of emerging segments.

Enquire Here For Discount Or Report @https://www.garnerinsights.com/Global-Biotechnology-Based-Chemical-Market-Report-2020#discount

Some Of The Major Geographies Included In This Study:

North America (U.S and Canada and Rest of North America)Europe (Germany, France, Italy and Rest of Europe)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea and Rest of Asia-Pacific)LAMEA (Brazil, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Rest of LAMEA)

Some major points covered in this Biotechnology-Based Chemical Market report:

1. An overall outlook of the market that helps in picking up essential data.2. The market has been segmented on the basis of the product types, applications, end-users, as well as the industry verticals, in light of numerous factors. Considering the market segmentation, further analysis has been carried out in an effective manner. For better understanding and a thorough analysis of the market, the key segments have further been partitioned into sub-segments.3. In the next section, factors responsible for the growth of the market have been included. This data has been collected from the primary and secondary sources and has been approved by the industry specialists. It helps in understanding the key market segments and their future trends.4. The report also includes the study of the latest developments and the profiles of major industry players.5. The Biotechnology-Based Chemical market research report also presents an eight-year forecast on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow.

View Full Report @ https://garnerinsights.com/Global-Biotechnology-Based-Chemical-Market-Report-2020

About Us:Garner Insights is a Market Intelligence and consulting firm with an all-inclusive experience and vast knowledge of the market research industry.Our vast storage of research reports across various categories, gives you a complete view of the ever changing and developing trends and current topics worldwide. Our constant endeavor is to keep on improving our storage information by providing rich market reports and constantly improving them.

Contact Us:Mr. Kevin Thomas+1 513 549 5911 (US)+44 203 318 2846 (UK)Email: [emailprotected]

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Biotechnology-Based Chemical Market Key Drivers, Business Insights, Trends And Forecast To 2024 - Daily Science

Prevent Blindness Declares April as Women's Eye Health and Safety Month to Educate Public on Ways to Save Sight

CHICAGO, March 26, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Because women have higher rates of eye diseases and eye conditions than men, Prevent Blindness, the nation's oldest non-profit eye health organization, has designated April as Women's Eye Health and Safety Month. The group provides free information to the public on various eye health topics, including vision issues, possible changes in vision during pregnancy, cosmetic safety and more.

Women have a higher prevalence of many of the major vision problems, including:

The National Eye Institute states that 26 percent more women aged 12 and older have uncorrected visual impairment due to refractive error compared with men aged 12 and older. And, 14 percent more women aged 40 and older have refractive errors compared with men aged 40 and older. Additionally, women are also more likely to have autoimmune conditions, which often come with visual side effects.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, for women, fluctuating hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone can affect the eye's oil glands, which can lead to dryness. Estrogen can also make the cornea less stiff with more elasticity, which can affect how light travels into the eye. The dryness and the change in refraction can cause blurry vision and can also make wearing contact lenses difficult.

Pregnancy brings an increase in hormones that may cause changes in vision. Women with pre-existing eye conditions, like glaucoma, high blood pressure or diabetes, need to alert their eye doctor that they are pregnant (or planning to become pregnant).

Lastly, women often make the majority of their family's health care decisions and are often responsible as caregivers for the health care choices of their children, partners, spouse, and aging parents. It is important to remind women to make their own vision and eye health a priority to prevent unnecessary vision loss in the future.

Prevent Blindness recommends steps that should be taken to protect vision and eye health, including:

OCuSOFT Inc., a privately-held eye and skin care company dedicated to innovation in eyelid hygiene and ocular health, is partnering once again with Prevent Blindness in support of April's Women's Eye Health and Safety Month.

"Today, obviously there are significant challenges in maintaining overall health," said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. "We want to remind women of all ages that there are many ways to protect the gift of sight today so that it can be enjoyed for many years to come."

For more information on women's eye health, including fact sheets on eye diseases and eye protection, please visit https://www.preventblindness.org/see-jane-see or call (800) 331-2020. Prevent Blindness offers a free listing of financial assistance services in English and Spanish at: https://www.preventblindness.org/vision-care-financial-assistance-information.

About Prevent Blindness Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020. Or, visit us on the Web at preventblindness.org or facebook.com/preventblindness.

SOURCE Prevent Blindness

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Prevent Blindness Urges Women to Make Their Vision Health a Priority Today to Help Protect it for the Future - Yahoo Finance

The Fatal Eggs is a parable of bureaucratic bungling and drastic countermeasures

Mar 25th 2020

Editors note: The Economist is making some of its most important coverage of the covid-19 pandemic freely available to readers of The Economist Today, our daily newsletter. To receive it, register here. For more coverage, see our coronavirus hub

The Fatal Eggs. By Mikhail Bulgakov. Translated by Hugh Aplin.Hesperus Press; 112 pages; 6.99.

WHEN PROFESSOR Vladimir Persikovs wife runs off with an opera singer, she leaves him a note. An unbearable shudder of revulsion is aroused in me by your frogs, she tells him. In The Fatal Eggs, a little-known novella by Mikhail Bulgakov, a pestilence spawned by the professors zoological research threatens not just his marriage, but civilisation itself.

The scourge in the storypublished in 1925 and set three years lateris not a disease, exactly. In their imagination of epidemics, novels such as Mary Shelleys The Last Man, The Plague by Albert Camus or Jos Saramagos haunting Blindness might seem more apposite in the time of covid-19. Nor is this biting tale Bulgakovs finest work (that is his satirical fantasia, The Master and Margarita). But as a parable of bureaucratic bungling, avoidable disaster and drastic countermeasures, it is horribly relevant.

In his laboratory in Moscow, Persikov discovers a ray of life that makes amoebae and tadpoles reproduce at speed. Thrilled, he orders extra kit from Germany and exotic eggs from across the Atlantic (like the virus, this is a globalised affair). Foreign powers covet the new technology, but the Soviet state requisitions it to help kick-start poultry production. The apparatchik in charge of the state farm, Alexander Faight, was once a flautist in Odessa; he is carrying his instrument when he encounters a giant serpent, which he tries to pacify with a waltz from Eugene Onegin. He fails, and the beast eats his wife.

The Russian author takes digs at the church, heedless carousers in the streets, blinkered scientistsand, naturally, at the Bolsheviks. But his depiction of blas, incompetent officialdom resonates across the ages and all forms of government. Honest to God, itll work out, Faight says blithely of the poultry plan, like a president recommending an unproven drug. Disaster ensues because the authorities botch their deliveries, sending the hens eggs meant for the farm to Persikov, and his exotic specimens to the farm. Then, after the creatures hatch, the first, all-too familiar response is disbelief and denial. Faight stammers a report to two security agents; one thinks he is hallucinating, the other that a circus animal might have escaped. A newspaper editor dismisses an urgent telegram as a drunkards raving.

Before long, though, everyone goes berserk. Martial law is declared in Moscow amid a flood of refugees. Like quarantined Europeans applauding ambulances from their balconies, cowering citizens take to the pavements to salute the cavalrymen on their way to interspecies battle, and the marching gas squadrons with breathing tubes over their shoulders and with cylinders on straps behind their backs. Artillery units bombard forests; aeroplanes spray poison. Civilian casualties mount. And, following a perennial instinct, vigilantes hunt for someone to blame.

In the end, the weather intervenes, as some hope it might today. An unseasonable summer frost kills the serpents and freezes the eggs, and a year after the trouble arose, it is all over. Moscow, Bulgakov writes encouragingly, again began to dance, to burn and to spin with lights.

Dig deeper:For our latest coverage of the covid-19 pandemic, register for The Economist Today, our daily newsletter, or visit our coronavirus hub

This article appeared in the Books and arts section of the print edition under the headline "The yolk of fate"

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Bulgakovs biting vision of an avoidable plague - The Economist

Elmiron, a medication used to treat bladder conditions, may be associated with a rare eye condition called pigmentary maculopathy, according to recent scientific reports. Pigmentary maculopathy reportedly occurs after long-term Elmiron treatment.Ring of Fires Farron Cousins discusses this with Scott Hardy, the President of Top Class Actions.

Transcript:

*This transcript was generated by a third-party transcription software company, so please excuse any typos.

Farron Cousins:A popular bladder medication called Elmiron has now been linked to very serious side effects that affect a patients eyes and their vision. Joining me now to talk about this investigation is Scott Hardy with top class actions and Scott, unfortunately this is a very common story. We see this with a lot of pharmaceuticals all the time. One of the biggest areas of, of, of legal practice in the country today is bad pharmaceuticals and it looks like we may have another one on our hands. So tell us whats happening here.

Scott Hardy:Sure. So weve actually reported on Elmiron in the past, and its connection to possible macular degeneration, but whats really peaking attorneys interest right now is the connection to pigmentary macula, maculopathy. And so its similar to macular degeneration, but it can also result in blindness for people. A very good friend of top class actions was just talking to me last night and she said, shes got this bladder condition. And she said, you know, Scott, I wanted to take Elmiron because the bladder condition is so painful. Its, its terrible. But knowing about this side effect, I dont want to go blind and there are support groups of people out there that take Elmiron and that have said, yeah, Im starting to see some of these symptoms.

And so thats what these attorneys are going after because people havent been warned that if they take Elmiron for this bladder issue that they could go blind and its, it hasnt been populated out there and this is the only drug thats affective for this specific condition. So it puts these folks in a very tough position of, do I, do I suffer the pain and the discomfort of having this, this bladder issue? Or do I roll the dice and take Elmiron for some relief and hope that I dont have permanent vision problems after taking it?

Farron Cousins:See, thats a really interesting point there because usually what we see in the cases of these pharmaceuticals, the lawsuits, is itll be a relatively new drug thatll come out and the pharmaceutical companies go out there and tell doctors, hey, our drug is way more better than something thats been on the market for 20 years. So please start prescribing this and then the side effects pop up. The patient has to switch to the other. But in this one, as you say, there is no other one. So were not looking at necessarily the same scenario that we typically see with these pharmaceutical cases where they push something they know is dangerous as better than something that is not.

So this is a very tough position I guess for, for these patients to be in. And, you know, you mentioned somebody you know has a bladder condition, a family member of mine has one and these are exceedingly painful for people. They, they want relief, they need relief and its going to put them in the position, well do I want this pain, this constant pain to stop and possibly go blind or do I just live with pain and not risk it? Thats a horrible choice for anyone to have to make.

Scott Hardy:It really is and the problem is that people dont know if they will be impacted by it and they dont know if they can start taking Elmiron and get some relief for their bladder issue and then start experiencing partial blindness, blurred vision, other problems, and then go, okay well Im going to stop. Because unfortunately some of these medical issues, once that ball starts rolling down that hill, there is no stopping it and so its unclear, you know, Ive had friends with MS that were taking a specific drug and then as soon as they tested positive for a certain condition, they stopped taking it. Because it could cause death, once they tested positive. For this one, they dont know. You know, if youre taking Elmiron and then all of a sudden you start having blurry vision, you start having vision issues and you stop taking the drug, it might be too late.

And thats what we, you know, Id love for the makers of Elmiron to come out and say, hey, heres a strategy. Because thats what they did with this MS drug is they said, hey, our drug works and so were going to test you every six months and as soon as you hit positive for this specific condition, well tell you if you continue taking this drug and you have this condition, it can kill you. What do you want to do? Elmiron hopefully will have a similar strategy to come out with and say, well run tests, use our drug, get that relief that you want. But heres some tests and if you start suffering these problems, then well pull you off it, then well figure out a new treatment solution.

Farron Cousins:Absolutely. So lets hope that that happens. As of right now, obviously this investigation is still ongoing and, you know, if it yields the results that its already been yielding, we can expect, you know, pretty significant lawsuits in the near future. So folks, if youre on this drug, if you know anybody on this drug, please follow the link in the description of this video. Head on over to top class actions and if you havent already done so, please do subscribe to their weekly newsletter. Scott Hardy with top class actions, always a pleasure. Thank you.

Scott Hardy:Youre welcome. Thanks for your time.

See the original post here:
Bladder Medication Linked To Dangerous Eye Problems - The Ring of Fire Network - The Ring of Fire Network

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If you're thinking about selling products online but you're unsure where to begin then don't worry, you have definitely come to the right place.

Whether you've been running your business for years or you've only just started, you need to be sure you're as prepared as you can be when it comes to selling your products online. Luckily, there are lots of ways in which you can do exactly that. From working out which products you're going to sell to finding out a way to direct traffic to your store, you need to be sure you're doing all that you can to prepare for your launch in advance. Whilst it may be overwhelming at first, you'll be thankful when your business is a huge success. With that in mind, here are 13 things to consider before selling your products online:

One of the first things you need to do when it comes to selling your products is to put together a business plan. Whether youve already started working on one or youre yet to give it a go, having a business plan in place in the best way to ensure your business is going to get off to a strong start. It will feature your mission statement, your goals and all of the steps youre going to need to take in order to run your business successfully.

Although it can take some time to put together, having a business plan is essential for those that want to succeed. For some tips and tricks when it comes to putting together a business plan, you can visit this site here.

While youre putting together your business plan, you also need to think about the products youre going to sell. Whether youre selling your full product line online or youre just choosing a select few products, having a clear idea of what you want to list online will make all of your other decisions much easier. If youre unsure what you should be selling online, you may want to take a look at what your competitors are doing and what is performing well for them. It may be that you launch a couple of products, to begin with, and then build on your range.

When youre thinking of your products, you need to consider whether or not youre going to be buying them yourself or getting them from a supplier. Although both are great options, you need to think about your business model before you started selling things online. Have you always created your own products? Do you make enough profit margin? For a guide to making your own products for your business, you can visit this site here.

Another important thing to consider when it comes to your products is how much stock youre going to need at once. If youre a small business that only gets one or two orders a week, chances are youre not going to need to keep high levels of stock. If youre expecting lots of orders, however, youre going to need to ensure you have the stock levels that are needed to fulfil the orders. If you notice youre getting busier and busier each week, you may want to consider increasing your stock in small increments.

If you have to invest a lot into your stock before it sells, its best to start with small numbers at first.

Once you have started to think about the products youre going to sell and the quantity of stock youre going to need to think about where youre going to be selling them. Whether youre using social media as your sole platform or youre using sites like Etsy or eBay, its important you know which platform your target audience is most likely going to be using. If youre unsure, you may want to trial a couple of different platforms before you find what is right for you. For advice when it comes to choosing the right platform to sell your products, you can visit this site here.

Another great way to sell your products online is to build your own website, which is what most online sellers should be aiming to do as their business starts to grow. If youre going to be setting up your website from the start of your launch, you need to be sure youre doing all that you can to make it a success. This means hiring a designer and web developer, putting all your efforts into writing the web copy and ensuring that it works from a user perspective. The more time you put into your website, the better.

If youre worried about creating a website, there are lots of people that you can outsource the work to. Not only will this help free up your time but it will also ensure that your website is fully functional from the get-go.

Once you have built your website or started listing your products online, you need to think about how youre going to be driving traffic to your website. From focussing on your SEO to working with a paid ads specialist, there are lots of ways to get people to click through to your site. Although it may not happen right away, after a little bit of hard work youll soon start to see your numbers grow. Patience is key when it comes to traffic.

Another great way to direct traffic to your site and to grow your brand is to use social media to promote your products. Again, this is not something that will happen instantly but if youre consistent in your message it will come. Whether youre using Instagram to share photos of your products or youre using Facebook to go live and show a behind the scenes look at running a business, the more followers you have the more chance you have of turning them into paying customers.

When it comes to followers, you need to ensure theyre all within your target audience if you want a high chance of converting them.

If youre struggling to grow your brand and direct traffic to your site, working with influencers and bloggers is a great idea. Working with influencers who have a similar target audience to you will allow you to get your products in front of people who may be interested. Although it will cost you, its proven to be super effective.

Another important thing to consider when it comes to selling your products online is how youre going to be shipping your products once they start to sell. Whether youre using a shipping company or youre heading to the post office on your own, you need to choose the method that is easiest for you. In most cases, it will come down to the time and cost that you have to invest. For more information when it comes to shipping, you can visit this site here.

Speaking of shipping, you also need to think about whether or not youre going to be charging for delivery. Although some companies choose to offer free delivery over a certain spend, often not possible for those that are running small businesses from their home. If you do want to charge free delivery, you need to ensure your prices reflect that.

Another important thing to consider is whether or not you need to put together a refund and returns policy. Although you dont necessarily want to think about people returning your products and asking for refunds, having a policy in place will make it much easier should this happen. If you can, try to include this policy on your website.

If you need help when it comes to putting together a refund and returns policy, you can visit this site here.

Finally, you need to think about whether or not you have a contingency plan in place. Although you may never need to use it, knowing what youre going to do if your business is not successful is important as it will allow you to prepare in advance. After all, you never know what could happen in the world of business.

Are you thinking of starting an online business selling products? What can you do to ensure your business is a success from the start? How will you be selling your products? Did we miss anything? Let me know your thoughts and ideas in the comments section below.

More here:
Effect of Banner Blindness on Design - BBN Times

Pastor Terry Goerz,Redeemer Lutheran Church

Jesus healed a man who was born blind. The church officials of the day refused to believe that Jesus could have done this, since in their eyes Jesus was a sinner. He was healing on the Sabbath, the holy day, when no work was to be done.

The blind man testified he was born blind and Jesus put some mud on his eyes, told him to go wash, and he could see.

They refused to believe. They called his parents who testified that he was born blind and now he could see, but they did not know how.

They called the blind man again who again testified that Jesus had restored his sight. They still refused to believe, Jesus was a sinner, and God does not use sinners to heal.

The man born blind not only had his physical sight restored, but he had his spiritual sight restored as he worshiped Jesus as the Son of Man, that is the long promised Messiah who was to save the world.

Jesus concluded this account saying in John 9:39, For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.

When we read this account from scripture we may feel what dummies. Couldnt they see the obvious? Sadly, this same blindness is all around us today. God creates us as spiritual beings, knit together in the womb, yet multitudes of babies are murdered in the womb.

It is now legally possible to take your own life, or anothers, through the euthanasia legislation. Homosexuality, described as an abomination to God, is now celebrated as an alternative life style. Marriage, which is described in scripture as the lifelong union of one man and one woman, is ignored with same sex marriage becoming common.

It seems our society today suffers from the same blindness that the church officials of Jesuss day suffered from. We think, as a society, we are so advanced, so smart, so enlightened. Yet the word of God seems to be screaming what dummies.

The real problem, though, is not connected to mankinds natural intelligence. As a result of the fall of man in the garden of Eden we are all born in sin and conceived in iniquity. We are naturally alienated enemies of God and destined for an eternity separated from God in a torturous place called hell; unless we have our spiritual eyes opened. Without God working in our lives, mankind cannot see and understand what is obvious.

As Jesus said earlier, For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.

Paul tells us the same thing in 1 Corinthians 1:18,19 for the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.

Fortunately for mankind we have a God who is full of mercy and grace. It is His desire that all mankind be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. This is the message of reconciliation that has been committed to all Christians.

2 Corinthians 5: 1921: That God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting mens sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christs ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christs behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

While there may be some value in rallying and lobbying against the blindness that is so obvious in our society, the real answer is to apply the balm that opens their eyes. God made Jesus to be sin for us. Jesus has paid the penalty for the sin of the whole world, past, present and future.

We who serve our Lord should be acting as Christs ambassadors and telling all those around us that God wants to be reconciled to them, that forgiveness and life eternal are a free gift available to all who will believe.

God will use that message in those whom He has called and chosen to open their eyes to the truth. One by one God will use us as He snatches the lost from the fire.

Blessings!

Link:
Inspiration - We are all Christ's ambassadors | - South Peace News

Can the Coronavirus be the key to getting Bill Cosby out of the slammer? His lawyers hope so.

As per Page Six, Cosbys legal team is filing a motion to get him released from his Pennsylvania jail and put on house arrest amid reports that at least one prison officer has tested positive for COVID-19.

At his age, Cosby is at a greater risk of having serious complications if he were to contract the Coronavirus. Not to mention the close quarters in prison.

His lawyers say he is not a threat to the public if hes allowed to serve his time from home due to his advanced age and blindness. He would wear an ankle monitor and his wife would supposedly take care of him.

Will the plea work? We will have to wait and see. Considering his Pennsylvania mansion is 9,000-square-feet, as Page Six notes, he can easily practice social distancing.

Related:Celebrity Inmate Bill Cosby Says He'd Rather Do A Decade In Prison Than Show Remorse

Another celebrity-turned-criminal dealing with COVID-19 is Harvey Weinstein. Hehas tested positive for the virus, as we reported on The Things. Will Weinstein be handed a get out of jail free card too, so he doesnt spread it around?

Cosby may even push for Weinstein to be given special treatment. Cosbys publicist called Weinsteins conviction a sad day for the American judicial system, as NBC News reported.

Two peas in a pod? At least theyre not in the same prison.

Next:More Trouble For Harvey Weinstein... He Tests Positive For Coronavirus!

Mason Disick Takes To Social Media And Spills Info About Kylie Jenner

See the rest here:
Free Cosby... From Coronavirus | TheThings - TheThings

in Lifestyle 27-03-2020 01:00:00 0 Comments

If you're lucky enough to have your own garden, there's lots of ways you and your family could enjoy it - and connect with nature and benefit from a wellbeing boost in the process.

With social distancing at the height of the agenda at present, you might need to make sure you keep a safe distance from neighbours, so be sensible and follow the all-important guidelines. But gardens can bolster wellbeing for both children and adults, says gardening writer, presenter and horticultural influencer Ellen Mary.

Mary, who specialises in gardening for wellbeing, has just launched a 30 Moments In Nature challenge on her website, featuring activities to help people reconnect with nature.

"We all lead such busy lives, with everyday stresses of work, school and digital life, that 'nature deficit disorder' and even 'plant blindness' has become all too real," she says.

"There is nature everywhere, and spotting it, even in the most unlikely places, can give a much better understanding of how we are all connected - to nature, not our phones."

Here, Mary offers top tips on how you and your children can reconnect with nature in your own garden...

1. Garden tracing

This is an activity many of us took part in at school as a child and it's still really good fun, no matter what age we are. Children can learn about plants and trees in their garden, identify them and be outside away from computers and mobile phones. Studies have shown that walking among trees reduces levels of cortisol and can even boost the immune system.

Activity: Take a walk in your garden with some paper and a crayon. Trace the bark of a tree, if you have one, and a fallen leaf to stick on the paper by your tracing. Look closely at the tree, identify it, touch the bark and the leaves. Back inside, put it on your fridge. Each time you look at your tracing, remember how you felt in the garden, the smells and the air on your face.

2. Walk barefoot

Walking barefoot brings us into direct contact with the planet and allows us to absorb the natural energy the earth provides. This is known as 'earthing' and it's said to have a host of benefits. Great on a warm morning in the garden.

Activity: Get your socks off! Put your shoes aside. Feel liberated by walking outside on the lawn or a soft outdoor surface with bare feet. Feel the natural negative charge from the earth being absorbed through the soles of your feet. Allow it to happen, accept it. Breathe deeply and relax.

3. Spot a star constellation

When we are busy looking down at phones and laptops, it's easy to forget to look up. By looking up at the night sky not only is it a hub of fascination and awe but it's also a relaxing activity before bedtime. Finding shapes in the moon and trying to spot star constellations can be a lovely way to switch off before a good night's sleep.

Activity: Did you ever stare at the stars as a child and wonder what they are? Glistening in the sky, light years away. It's really good fun identifying star constellations but if you can't work out where Orion is, make your own shapes in the sky like a dot-to-dot drawing.

4. Sow some seeds

Sowing seeds is now only a great way to grow your own food, but also for children to understand where their food comes from. Great seeds to try with children are sunflowers, nasturtiums and microgreens, which grow really quickly.

Activity: Be mindful and sow some seeds. Before you do, feel the seeds in your hand. What is the texture, shape, size? Look close at the detail - does each seed differ? Smell them and if they are edible, taste them. Be marvelled at the way those tiny seeds become big fruits, vegetables or flowers.

5. See life beneath

Picking up a large stone from your garden, your children will be able to marvel at the life beneath. They'll be fascinated by the woodlice, ants, worms and beetles. We forget that inner child as we grow up and life takes over.

Activity: Revisit those memorable moments with your children, lifting a stone in your garden and encouraging the children to stay inquisitive and keep looking.

Original post:
Fun ways for kids to reconnect in the garden - The Portugal News

Monday marked the turning. There appeared a line that we all stepped over together into this odd, unsettled twilight land we now find ourselves in.

On Friday thousands still gathered at Bondi beach. But a friend who was there said the vibe, which couldnt be captured by the pictures (themselves now viral), was more complex. There was this instinct to come together one last time, to seize the dwindling moment, he told me. It was less wilful blindness, he said, and more paradoxically a life-affirming impulse in the face of the terrible known unknown that was coming next.

By Sunday, Bondis brief Weimar Republic moment was over. The beaches were fenced shut. We all knew now, if we didnt know it then, that our lives would enter a new, much darker phase, unlike anything most of us have experienced.

By Monday an estimated 88,000 people lost their jobs in the hospitality industry alone and tried to file for unemployment. The system crashed under the demand.

Black Monday brought waves upon waves of frightening news (record job losses, NRL season over, Olympics wont go ahead, Queensland to shut borders, 3,000 Australians stranded on cruise ships; pubs, cafe, licensed premises, gyms etc all shut at midday). There were heartbreaking sights: the streets all across the country empty, except for thousands and thousands of people queuing at a mandated social distance for Centrelink. The next day people started lining up at 4:30am.

The virus is invisible but the economic devastation is a tragedy you could see. Each job loss represents a seismic explosion in an individuals world. By the end of Monday at least 15% of people I know had lost a substantial portion of their income, or their jobs or businesses they had spent decades building up.

And in all this - when you need it most you cannot get a hug from your friends

Suddenly jobless in my circle were yoga teachers, barmen, baristas, cafe owners, a university support worker, university cleaner, personal trainers, roadies, two tour managers for bands, freelance journalists, friends in PR and regional journalism, playwrights, coffee cart owners, sound engineers, winery owners, chefs, cinema operators, kitchen hands, film production crew, ushers at theatres, stage hands, driving instructors, those doing contract work for financial services, event organisers, florists and professional MCs.

When I spoke to these friends, the conversations were flooded with fear.

As a society, white Australia has not experienced this level of fear collectively before.

Fear is everywhere this week. You can see it in peoples eyes and hear it in their voices. It even leeches out of text messages as if the virus had the power to distort even the most disembodied form of communication.

But mostly fear is in the air thick and heavy all around us like an invisible pea soup, carrying an almost chemical taint. This taint feels hormone-like in its elements, a kind of an anti-pheromone that repels rather than attracts. Passing people quickly on the streets the fear is dense and hard to move though and when home, secure in our houses, we carry it back with us on our clothes and around our bodies.

There is cruelty heaped upon cruelty with this pandemic. The fear is not just the mortal fear of contracting what could be a deadly virus, the fear is losing your job and having no money, the fear is being evicted and made homeless, the fear is foreclosure, the fear is being separated from your family whether interstate or overseas (or in my case, a town two hours away), the fear is bankruptcy and sacking your staff, the fear is your debt, the fear is for the education and anxiety of your children, the fear is for the health of your elderly parents, the fear is for your immunocompromised friends. It goes on.

The fear also includes each persons unique personal reckoning. Right now were all meeting our own fears and limits. Character is being swiftly revealed. Each persons bundle of fear is different: you are in an imperfect or dysfunctional relationship, or you are isolated alone in an enormous tower in the city in a 50 sqm flat, or you are single and lonely and miss your friends, or you are sheltering with a violent or unpredictable partner, or you are overwhelmed by your children, or you are in substandard or insecure housing, or you are with near strangers in your random share house, or with your boyfriend of three weeks, whom you really dont know that well yet.

And in all this, when you need it most you cannot get a hug from your friends.

What parts of ourselves are we going to meet there in our quarantine houses and apartments, during our 4am insomnia and aching with loneliness and heartache for the lovely, bright lost world outside our doors?

On Monday, in central Victoria, it was the last day of trade for many small, independent businesses in my town. The high street had changed overnight. A man (security? management?) stood at the door of the butchers shop in gloves, wiping down doors, policing social distancing. Shoppers were wearing face masks, people swerved away from each other when passing in the street. Everything looked familiar, and entirely strange. The weather was crisp and sunny and the gold leaves were yet to turn.

I got my last coffee from my favourite cafe and stood in a warming patch of autumnal sun.

Across the street there was a funeral home, and a service was coming out. There were plastic chairs spaced far apart in the forecourt and large bottles of hand sanitiser on trestle tables.

People came out dispersing onto the street. I watched and waited then I saw it people hesitating, then hugging each other quickly on the road.

Watching this broke my heart. It was a bit of the old world of touch and comfort and a bit of the new world of fear and distance. This is the week were crossing over.

The cafe shut indefinitely now, the tables were packed away. I stood still in the patch of sun for a long time after, crying outside a funeral for a stranger, and then walked home to isolate.

Brigid Delaney is a Guardian Australia columnist

Read the original here:
We crossed over this week: coronavirus is heaping cruelty upon cruelty - The Guardian

I watched Love is Blind with my eyes closed, and I cant say I was surprised.

After days of hearing all about Netflixs new hot dating show, I decided to see what the hype was about, and given the unique circumstances presented in the program experiment, I decided to play along. If the dating was going to be blind, I would be blind too. But it turns out, love really probably isnt all that blind. Theres a lot one can still gather from the sound of anothers voice.

For those unfamiliar, the rules are simple. Participants had about ten days in pods to shop around for a fiance before they must decide whether to get married in a matter of just a few short weeks following a brief getaway to Mexico together. But heres the catch: singles were barred from actually seeing each other until a marriage proposal was accepted in the pod.

With nothing to go off in the way of their appearance except for their voice, which, as I discovered, you can still tell a lot from, it presented a daunting experiment to those participating. Is love really blind? Can couples really disconnect emotional compatibility with physical attraction? Do we really have dating reversed in the real world? Intriguing questions to be sure, but they were presented in a limited experiment at best.

For one, the cast of characters turned out to be pretty predictable. I only kept my eyes shut for the first episode, and by the time episode two rolled around, Cameron and Lauren had already gotten engaged. Both quirky, cute, geeky and charming, it came as little surprise. These traits and mannerisms could be picked up on just by the sounds and inflection in each of their voices, and Lauren had given away that she was black by telling off another guy who speculated about her race.

The other couples in the season were even more predictable, particularly Barnett who was found stuck between Amber and Jessica. Sure its judgmental and assuming, but its human, and all three sounded just as attractive as they looked, and the participants could probably pick up on the others level of attractiveness through the pod. It was no surprise either that Mark, a fitness instructor, was hitting things off with Jessica too, whose high-pitched feminine voice painted a relatively accurate picture as one of the shows prettiest people.

In the end, the couples to end up engaged in Mexico had found their partner evenly matched in their level of attractiveness despite not even seeing each other before they got engaged. Subconsciously, I suspect deep down that they all saw what I did in the blindness of the pods, imagining the figure behind the wall through the context presented by the sounds of their voice and any other clues in their background, i.e., fitness expert. After all, its human nature.

The biggest surprise to come when opening my eyes for the rest of the series was how well the singles so often dressed as if they were preparing for a magazine photoshoot. These people were talking to a wall and drinking copious amounts of alcohol, so why dress up? They were on TV to be fair, but there was plenty of time to play dress up in the more momentous occasions on the show such as the second proposals where their looks were revealed and their trips to Mexico.

The experiment seemed to work, for some couples. Of course thats something to celebrate, and I wish them all the best. But the experiment remained limited in scope as the couples no doubt were able to sense identifiable physical characteristics through the sound of the others voice.

So is love blind? Probably not.

The rest is here:
I Watched 'Love Is Blind' With My Eyes Closed - The Federalist

The CW shared spring premiere dates, which sees season two of In the Dark debut April 16 and DCs Stargirl premiere May 19.

Perry Mattfeld stars in In the Dark. She plays Murphy, a messy 20-something who struggles with love, alcohol and blindness. CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. Television, in association with Red Hour Films, produce the show. Executive producers are Corinne Kingsbury, Ben Stiller, Jackie Cohn, Nicholas Weinstock, Michael Showalter and Emily Fox .

DCs Stargirl follows high school student Courtney Whitmore as she inspires an unlikely group of heroes to stop the villains of the past. Brec Bassinger, Luke Wilson and Amy Smart star. That show debuts a day after its digital debut on DC Universe.

Geoff Johns executive produces with Melissa Carter, who is co-showrunner, and Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Greg Beeman. Berlanti Productions and Mad Ghost Productions produce the series in association with Warner Bros. Television.

Go here to see the original:
The CW Shares Start Dates for In the Dark and DCs Stargirl - Broadcasting & Cable

It is with great sadness to announce that Beverly Patte Szewczyk of Rochester (Penfield), NY, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2020, at the age of 78.

Bev was born in Holyoke, MA. She spent her childhood in Dryden, NY and graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Physical Education. She spent her child-raising years in Rochester (Brighton), NY and Madison, CT. Bev loved the outdoors, sports, and was involved in many PTA activities. She passed these passions on to her children and grandchildren.

Bev was an amazing woman who was an inspiration to anyone who knew her. Even with her blindness, she always had a positive outlook on life. She was a fun-loving spirit and had a recognizable laugh that brightened up any room. Her incredible strength was very evident during her battle to survive numerous medical issues over that last several months. She lived a fantastic life.

Bev is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Richard Szewczyk; her son, Todd Szewczyk and wife Kim (Hollis, NH); and her daughter, Kathleen Kenney and husband Dan (Jamison, PA). She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Lindsey, Kyle and Brian Szewczyk and Kylie and Danny Kenney; her brother, George Patte and wife Mary; and sister, Mary Ann Hester and husband Gerry. She is predeceased by her parents, George and Patricia Patte; and her, sister Kathy Malison.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be postponed and announced at a later date due to the virus pandemic that has affected the entire nation. Lansing Funeral Home in Lansing, NY, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Bevs name to ABVI (Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired), 500 South Clinton Street, Rochester, NY 14520.

To share a memory, please visit http://www.lansingfuneralhome.com.

See the original post:
Obituary: Beverly Patte Szewczyk - The Ithaca Voice

Regenerative Medicine Market: Snapshot

Regenerative medicine is a part of translational research in the fields of molecular biology and tissue engineering. This type of medicine involves replacing and regenerating human cells, organs, and tissues with the help of specific processes. Doing this may involve a partial or complete reengineering of human cells so that they start to function normally.

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Regenerative medicine also involves the attempts to grow tissues and organs in a laboratory environment, wherein they can be put in a body that cannot heal a particular part. Such implants are mainly preferred to be derived from the patients own tissues and cells, particularly stem cells. Looking at the promising nature of stem cells to heal and regenerative various parts of the body, this field is certainly expected to see a bright future. Doing this can help avoid opting for organ donation, thus saving costs. Some healthcare centers might showcase a shortage of organ donations, and this is where tissues regenerated using patients own cells are highly helpful.

There are several source materials from which regeneration can be facilitated. Extracellular matrix materials are commonly used source substances all over the globe. They are mainly used for reconstructive surgery, chronic wound healing, and orthopedic surgeries. In recent times, these materials have also been used in heart surgeries, specifically aimed at repairing damaged portions.

Cells derived from the umbilical cord also have the potential to be used as source material for bringing about regeneration in a patient. A vast research has also been conducted in this context. Treatment of diabetes, organ failure, and other chronic diseases is highly possible by using cord blood cells. Apart from these cells, Whartons jelly and cord lining have also been shortlisted as possible sources for mesenchymal stem cells. Extensive research has conducted to study how these cells can be used to treat lung diseases, lung injury, leukemia, liver diseases, diabetes, and immunity-based disorders, among others.

Global Regenerative Medicine Market: Overview

The global market for regenerative medicine market is expected to grow at a significant pace throughout the forecast period. The rising preference of patients for personalized medicines and the advancements in technology are estimated to accelerate the growth of the global regenerative medicine market in the next few years. As a result, this market is likely to witness a healthy growth and attract a large number of players in the next few years. The development of novel regenerative medicine is estimated to benefit the key players and supplement the markets growth in the near future.

Global Regenerative Medicine Market: Key Trends

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the rising focus on cell therapy products are the key factors that are estimated to fuel the growth of the global regenerative medicine market in the next few years. In addition, the increasing funding by government bodies and development of new and innovative products are anticipated to supplement the growth of the overall market in the next few years.

On the flip side, the ethical challenges in the stem cell research are likely to restrict the growth of the global regenerative medicine market throughout the forecast period. In addition, the stringent regulatory rules and regulations are predicted to impact the approvals of new products, thus hampering the growth of the overall market in the near future.

Global Regenerative Medicine Market: Market Potential

The growing demand for organ transplantation across the globe is anticipated to boost the demand for regenerative medicines in the next few years. In addition, the rapid growth in the geriatric population and the significant rise in the global healthcare expenditure is predicted to encourage the growth of the market. The presence of a strong pipeline is likely to contribute towards the markets growth in the near future.

Global Regenerative Medicine Market: Regional Outlook

In the past few years, North America led the global regenerative medicine market and is likely to remain in the topmost position throughout the forecast period. This region is expected to account for a massive share of the global market, owing to the rising prevalence of cancer, cardiac diseases, and autoimmunity. In addition, the rising demand for regenerative medicines from the U.S. and the rising government funding are some of the other key aspects that are likely to fuel the growth of the North America market in the near future.

Furthermore, Asia Pacific is expected to register a substantial growth rate in the next few years. The high growth of this region can be attributed to the availability of funding for research and the development of research centers. In addition, the increasing contribution from India, China, and Japan is likely to supplement the growth of the market in the near future.

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Global Regenerative Medicine Market: Competitive Analysis

The global market for regenerative medicines is extremely fragmented and competitive in nature, thanks to the presence of a large number of players operating in it. In order to gain a competitive edge in the global market, the key players in the market are focusing on technological developments and research and development activities. In addition, the rising number of mergers and acquisitions and collaborations is likely to benefit the prominent players in the market and encourage the overall growth in the next few years.

Some of the key players operating in the regenerative medicine market across the globe areVericel Corporation, Japan Tissue Engineering Co., Ltd., Stryker Corporation, Acelity L.P. Inc. (KCI Licensing), Organogenesis Inc., Medtronic PLC, Cook Biotech Incorporated, Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., Integra Lifesciences Corporation, and Nuvasive, Inc.A large number of players are anticipated to enter the global market throughout the forecast period.

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Regenerative Medicine Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecast To 2025 - Daily Science

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., March 26, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cyto CBD, the CBD company that created precision medical dosing, is partnering with Cumberland Medical Associates and Purple Lotus Aesthetics to help transition patients from opioid-focused treatments to Cannabidiol (CBD) for chronic pain management.

A highly anticipated study, published in January 2020, in Postgraduate Medicine Journal showed that 53% of chronic pain patients that were on opioids for over a year at least were able to reduce their opioid usage and/or completely discontinue opioids with daily supplementation of CBD in just eight weeks. This is why Dr. Sanjiv Dalvi and his wife, Dr. Sumedha Dalvi, who are both certified Addiction and Regenerative Medicine Specialists, started integrating Cyto CBD into their practice at Cumberland Medical.

"The potential benefits of CBD are undeniable, as we are seeing more and more data to support its use in our chronic pain patients. Additionally, given the holistic nature of the product, we are seeing an improvement in overall quality of life, as patients are getting better sleep and experiencing lower stress levels," said Dr. Sanjiv Dalvi, MD, PhD. "We use Cyto CBD because it is a medical grade product with research to confirm its quality. The company owns the entire production chain, including the farm where the hemp is cultivated, and their pharmaceutical approach to quality gives us confidence in recommending it and using it with our patients."

Cumberland Medical focuses on holistic health, pain management, mental health and sleep medicine. The clinic now serves as a hub where patients can access Cyto CBD products through their team of specialists and/or by purchasing the products in office, for personal use.

"With all of the attention that CBD is getting, it is important to remember that this is a product that is ultimately being ingested or applied to our bodies. That is why CBD products should be no less than medical grade and the reason Cyto CBD is manufactured at facilities that are cGMP certified and fully registered with the FDA," said Dr. Cohin Kakar, Chief Marketing Officer of Cyto CBD. "We are thrilled to bring an alternative therapy to the community in North Carolina that we can confidently endorse as safe with high purity."

Cyto CBD is now available at Cumberland Medical and will be available at their upcoming partner practice, Purple Lotus Aesthetics, scheduled to open in the summer of 2020. To schedule an appointment or learn more, please contact Cumberland Medical at (910) 864-0689 or visit their practice located at 5085 Morganton Road, Suite 100, Fayetteville, NC 28314.

About Cyto CBD Headquartered in Los Angeles, California and part of The Anthos Group, Cyto CBD is exclusively available at clinics and pharmacies that focus on health and medical care. Cyto CBD has pharmacists and physicians on staff, endorsements from physicians all over the world, and they serve on the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) Board. Cyto CBD also won the Global Health & Pharma Award for Most Innovative CBD Company in 2019. Cyto CBD is an educator in the industry, as the team hosts regular educational webinars, keeping the medical community updated and informed around new science in CBD and cannabinoids.

For more on Cyto CBD visit cytocbd.com, and follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

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Cumberland Medical & Purple Lotus Aesthetics Partner With Cyto CBD To Address Opioid Epidemic In North Carolina - The Mountaineer

By A. Rahman Ford, PNN Columnist

No group is more worthy of the revolutionary benefits of stem cell therapy than Americas military veterans. While the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) thinks the field is in its infancy and much more research is needed before stem cells are offered as treatment, brave practitioners are stepping forward to help veterans NOW.

Dr. Joseph Kanan and his staff at the Tullahoma Chiropractic Center are providing free stem cell therapy for veterans who suffer from chronic pain. Kanan in partnership with Veterans in Pain recently performed his first pro bono procedure on a veteran named Ryan, who has severe hip pain. Stem cell injections into Ryans hip, which are not covered by insurance, normally would have cost $6,500. Ryan got them for free.

I think veterans do a lot for our country and there are very few doctors that are performing medical procedures like this, Kanan told The Tullahoma News. We were very glad to be able to do this for him.

Kanan says his Tennessee clinic performs stem cell therapy for veterans twice a month and has had good results so far. One patient was able to avoid a knee replacement and reported consistent improvement one year after the procedure. Patients can expect to experience 10 percent improvement every month for 10 months.

Veterans in Pain is a non-profit that connects military veterans with civilian physicians who provide free regenerative medicine treatments for chronic pain. VIP has provided $250,000 worth of services since 2019.

VIP founder and president Micaela Bensko is herself a stem cell therapy recipient. She spent years in a wheelchair after an accident in her driveway left her with severe spine damage that led to arachnoiditis, a chronic inflammation of spinal nerves. A friend suggested stem cell therapy, which inspired Bensko to establish VIP as a resource for veterans.

Veterans in Pain connects each veteran with a volunteer physician in their area. If one cannot be located, the cost of transportation and accommodations are covered for treatments, as they were for Ryan. Veterans associated with VIP visit schools, organizations and corporations sharing their story of recovery. Most of VIPs funding is provided by small individual donations, grants and grassroots fundraising.

According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly two-thirds of veterans report having chronic pain, with about 9% having severe pain. Chronic pain among veterans is closely associated with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, poor sleep and substance abuse disorders. Many veterans suffer from more than one condition.

Because of red tape and a shortage of pain management specialists at the VA, many veterans suffering from chronic pain are left devoid of proper diagnosis and treatment, causing many to self-medicate or search for answers on their own.Chronic pain can lead to substance abuse, a common and growing trend among veterans. A 2017 study found that 30% of military suicides were preceded by alcohol or drug abuse.

The dire plight of military veterans suffering from chronic pain is yet another compelling reason for the FDA to loosen its regulation of stem cell therapy. Our heroes are counting on it.

A. Rahman Ford, PhD, is a lawyer and research professional. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and the Howard University School of Law, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Howard Law Journal. Rahman lives with chronic inflammation in his digestive tract and is unable to eat solid food. He has received stem cell treatmentin China.

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Non-Profit Offers Free Stem Cell Therapy to Veterans - Pain News Network

Yewei Jia,1,* Wei He,1,* Hanxiao Zhang,2 Lei He,1 Yanben Wang,1 Tan Zhang,1 Jiaxuan Peng,3 Peng Sun,2 Yu Qian1

1Department of Orthopaedics, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, Peoples Republic of China; 2The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Childrens Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, Peoples Republic of China; 3Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi 530021, Peoples Republic of China

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Correspondence: Yu QianDepartment of Orthopaedics, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, Peoples Republic of ChinaTel +86 13905754033Email doctor120@hotmail.com

Purpose: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common degenerative joint diseases in the world, characterized primarily by the progressive degradation of articular cartilage. Accumulating evidence has shown that Morusin, a flavonoid derived from the root bark of Morus alba (mulberry) plants, exerts unique protective properties in several diseases. However, its effects on OA, specifically, have not yet been characterized.Methods: In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of Morusin on mouse chondrocytes and its underlying mechanism in vitro. In addition, the protective effect of Morusin on destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model was also explored in vivo.Results: In vitro, IL-1-induced activation of inflammatory factors (TNF-, IL-6, INOS and COX2) was dramatically suppressed by Morusin. Further, Morusin treatment inhibited the expression of ADAMTS5 and metalloproteinase (MMPs), both of which regulate extracellular matrix degradation. Morusin also decreased IL-1-induced p65 phosphorylation and IB degradation. In vivo, degradation of the articular cartilage following surgical DMM, which mimicked OA pathology, was abrogated following treatment with Morusin, thus demonstrating a protective effect in the DMM model.Conclusion: Herein, we demonstrate that Morusin reduces the OA inflammatory response in vitro and protects against articular cartilage degradation in vivo potentially via regulation of the NF-B pathway. Hence, Morusin may prove to be an effective candidate for novel OA therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: osteoarthritis, chondrocytes, Morusin, IL-1, NF-B pathway

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Morusin Ameliorates IL-1-Induced Chondrocyte Inflammation and Os | DDDT - Dove Medical Press