StemCell Therapy

If youve ever butchered anything from a rabbit to a hog and butchered is the right word, not the bleached harvested you know there will be blood. Butchering, after all, is a bloody business.

While 95% of Americans are carnivores, its a safe bet that nearly 99.9% of them havent thought much about where their meat comes from or how it gets to them so well, clean.

Covid-19 changed that willful blindness and put Americas industrialized and exploitive meat delivery system on the front page of every newspaper because it wasnt just killing hogs, cattle and poultry. It was is also killing the people doing most of the butchering.

As of May 26, according to in-depth reporting by Leah Douglas of the Food & Environment Reporting Network, or FERN, 73 U.S. food processing workers have died since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak in America. Sixty-seven of them, or nine out of 10, were meatpacker employees.

In the broader picture, reports Douglas, of the 19,785 food processing workers that tested positive for the virus, 17,893 of them, again, nine out of 10, worked in animal disassembly or meatpacking factories.

Meat industry titans know they have a terrible problem. Most are now spending mega-millions on worker facemasks and shields, workplace dividers, personal health monitoring and other long-overdue measures to protect the health and safety of its shoulder-to-shoulder workforce.

All the money, monitoring, and motivation, however, will never overcome the weakest link in todays meatpacking chain: its success rises and falls on a river of quickly trainable, overwhelmingly immigrant labor who are low-wage cogs in an international protein machine oiled mostly with blood.

And little of this is by accident. Since the early 1980s, meatpackers have used two powerful tools, industrial innovation and the lack of government oversight and, more often than not, government complicity to regain the dominating market power they enjoyed a century ago.

In fact, Exactly 100 years ago, noted Politico, May 25 the five biggest U.S. meatpackers were responsible for 82% of the beef market. After years of litigation and decades of new competition because of government intervention the top four firms controlled only 36% of cattle slaughter by 1980.

Then came the near-complete abandonment of corporate ag antitrust action by the Reagan, Bush I, Clinton, Bush II, Obama and Trump administrations. When it comes to antitrust, White Houses arent white, red or blue; theyre green as in green lights.

No surprise then that now the top four beef packers again control about 85% of the U.S. (beef) market, noted Politico. The market concentration is similar for poultry and pork slaughterers.

Equally impressive is the industrys political power. For almost 30 years, the federal government has conceded to meatpackers calls for cheaper, in-house inspection regimes, the speeding up of kill lines to increase throughput, and cuts in the number of federal meat inspectors.

That power was on full display when the White House empowered Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, through the Defense Production Act, to get at-risk meatpacker workers back on the job, pandemic or not, a month ago. Today, U.S. meat plants are running at 91% capacity.

And for what?

Local farmers hurting. Definitely not for the benefit of independent hog farmers, cattle ranchers or feedlot finishers. In May, livestock industry groups forecast pandemic-fueled, 2020 hog losses at $5 billion and cattle losses at $13.5 billion.

And thats only if a second round of Covid-19 a likely possibility, warn experts doesnt slam livestock growers this winter.

Whatever happens in the market, Congress needs to reexamine meatpacker concentration after allocating some of the $3 trillion of government Covid cash to build express lanes for smaller, local, independent meatpackers to form and grow.

Congress did it for ethanol and corn farmers, and it can do it for livestock and poultry farmers. Call it what it is: job creation, rural development, smart use of taxpayer money.

Lets just stop calling it harvesting because, in fact, its a very bloody business.

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The bloody business of meatpacking - Farm and Dairy

From Washington to Los Angeles, the scene has become eerily mundane in the last week: The soft thud of a tear gas canister landing on pavement, followed by a billow of white smoke enveloping a throng of fleeing demonstrators.

On a scale not seen in decades, police across the United States have resorted to tear gas and other "riot control agents" to break up protests stemming from the death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police.

But if the immediate effects of a tear gas blast such as choking, watering eyes and nausea are well-known, the broader impact for thousands of people may be much harder to gauge, particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because tear gas damages respiratory airway linings, even healthy protesters who inhale it "are more prone to get the infection" caused by the viral disease, with African-Americans and other minorities especially vulnerable, Satya Achanta, an assistant professor of anesthesiology at Duke University, said in an interview this morning. Four years ago, Achanta was co-author of a scientific overview of tear gas's effects.

"Many believe the risks of tear gas exposure are understated and that perceived risks are based on insufficient human epidemiological and mechanistic data," the authors concluded at the time.

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Those gaps remain today, Achanta said. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for example, says in an online fact sheet that "long-term health effects are unlikely to occur" once exposure ends and the immediate symptoms go away, the evidence is inconclusive, he said.

Tear gas is an umbrella term for a variety of compounds, with two of the most common known in shorthand as CS and CN after their chemical makeups, according to the fact sheet.

Despite the name, those compounds are solids; they work by irritating skin or other tissue.

CDC describes their effects as poisonous. While the immediate impact should quickly wear off once a victim is out of range, long-lasting exposure or a exposure to large doses, particularly in confined settings, can lead to blindness, glaucoma or immediate death because of burns to the throat and lungs, the agency says.

Under the international Chemical Weapons Convention, to which the United States is a signatory, tear gas is deemed a riot control agent that's banned as "a method of warfare," according to the fact-checking organization PolitiFact.

But if its use in military conflict is thus prohibited, the United States has no specific rules for its deployment by law enforcement or training requirements for its use against civilians, an online petition charges.

The petition, posted on the website Change.org, had drawn almost 37,000 signatures as of this morning. It calls for banning or limiting the use of such compounds.

Studies suggest that children are more vulnerable to severe injuries, the petition says, with exposed infants at risk of developing pneumonitis and needing extended hospitalization.

In a sign that the issue is becoming more politically sensitive, the U.S. Park Police yesterday disputed allegations that its officers deployed tear gas in clearing demonstrators from a square across from the White House on Monday, while acknowledging in a statement that pepper balls and smoke canisters were used (see related story).

Pepper spray, also widely used by police, comprises extracts from chili peppers.

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GEORGE FLOYD PROTESTS: Could tear gas blasts lead to more cases of COVID-19? - E&E News

The United States has experienced a week of outrage following the killing of George Floyd. Protestors have turned out daily in most major cities to demand an end to police brutality and justice for Floyd and other Black Americans, including Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, who have died at the hands of racial injustice.

As crowds reach the thousands, police and other law enforcement officials have started using extreme measures of crowd control, like pepper spray, tear gas, and rubber bullets.

Whats more, videos all over social media have documented the use of flash-bang grenades to subdue crowds. The controversial explosive has been used against protestors in Seattle, Cleveland, Washington, D.C., and other major cities. NBC News correspondent Jo Ling Kent, was actually hit by a flash-bang as she reported live from Seattle.

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But what, exactly, are flash-bang grenades and how do they work? Heres what you need to know about them and injuries they can cause.

Also known as stun grenade, a flash-bang is a non-lethal explosive device that emits an extremely loud bang and bright lights to disorient people as it goes off. They can cause temporary blindness and shifts in hearing, typically lasting a few seconds, per a paper in the American Journal of Operations Research.

There are various types of flash-bangs used for different circumstances, but the type police turn to for crowd control are aerial flash-bangs, which can fly between 20 to 30 feet into the air and advance 50 to 300 meters. There is little regulation and transparency for how these devices are tested, according to an Oregon Public Broadcasting report. Especially when used in urban areas, experts say the trajectory of a flash-bang may be unpredictable due to wind currents.

So while flash-bangs can be used in crowd control circumstances, they are controversial. In February, North Carolinas Supreme Court declared flash-bangs weapons of mass destruction, ruling that it is an explosive and incendiary weapon.

AFPGetty Images

Flash-bangs produce a stunningly loud sound, and that has the potential to cause hearing loss if it hits near you, says Ashley Larrimore, M.D., an emergency medicine physician at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. A flash-bang can hit around 175 decibels when it is detonated, she says. For comparison, a jet engine is about 140 decibels.

The closer you are to the detonation, the more dangerous it becomes. The sudden noise causes temporary deafness, ear ringing, and disruption of the inner ear fluid, which can cause loss of balance, Dr. Larrimore explains. If a person is in a crowd, this is unlikely to cause any permanent damage. However if the person is near it when it detonates, the noise could be enough to cause permanent hearing loss.

The devices can also cause eye pain due to the flashes of bright light that happen on impact, according to a report from the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA). That light has the potential to harm the tissue of your retina (the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of your eyes), the report found.

Flash blindness can also occur, a reversible change in the state of the eye due to a sudden increase in light. During this temporary state of blindness, virtually nothing is visible except a positive or negative afterimage, the IDA report states.

There is a disproportionately high risk of injuryand even deathdue to debris generated from a flash-bang, especially within a close range, according to Physicians for Human Rights (PHR). Flash-bangs are not like traditional grenadesthey do not spray shrapnel when the pin is pulled, Dr. Larrimore says. There is no explosive in the device and the container is not designed to fragment. However, they do go off with enough force that if there are rocks or other debris nearby, that theoretically can be propelled into the air and hit bystanders causing puncture wounds to the skin, eyes, and chest.

PHR specifically breaks down what can happen after a flash-bang attack into four different injury types:

According to a 2015 ProPublica report, at least 50 people in the United States have been seriously injured, maimed, or killed by flash-bangs since 2000.

Physicians for Human Rights opposes the use of flash-bangs, noting in an online statement that they have no place in effective crowd management.

The best way to avoid injury from a flash-bang is doing your best to avoid them entirely, Dr. Larrimore says. If you are protesting or happen to be near a protest, she recommends being aware of the people around you. If the crowd becomes agitated or violent, try to leave the scene before police use crowd control measures.

While you could consider ear protection, this is likely not safe to use in a large crowd where it is important to be able to see and hear what is going on around you for your own safety, she says. If you are injured by [a flash-bang], it is important to seek medical care.

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What Is a Flash-Bang Grenade? Heres How They Work and Why Theyre Dangerous - Prevention.com

As crowds continue to gather across the country toprotest the death of George Floyd, authorities meet them with tear gas and pepper spray in attempt to prevent moreviolence.

While some protests have ended peacefully, others in cities like Pittsburgh, Minneapolis and St. Louis have beenconfronted witha line of police in riot gearfiring tear gasand projectiles into crowds protesting the death of Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis.

In some incidents,members of the news media appeared to betargeted, by police and protesters alike. On Saturday night,Branden Hunter, a reporter for the Detroit Free Press, went to an emergency room in Detroit after police administered tear gas during a protest.

It's not the first time these "riot agents"were used by authorities to disperse crowds of protesters and it certainly wont bethe last. If youre planning to join one of theseprotests, heres what you need to know to protect yourself against tear gas and pepper spray.

Viral photos:A photo page of striking moments from the weeks protests.

What is pepper spray?Pepper spray is a lachrymatory agent, which means it stimulates the eyes to produce tears.

The main active ingredient in pepper spray is an oil known as oleoresin capsicum, the same agent that provides heat in chili peppers, according to Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency physician in New York City.

Pepper spray is typically dispersed into the air as an aerosol or as small particles in a liquid spray, according tothe National Capital Poison Center. Pepper sprays and mists can travel 8 to 12 feet, saidSabre, a popular brand of pepper spray. Gel sprays can travel 20% further.

The chemical irritant can cause a feeling of bubbling or boiling in your eyes, temporary blindness and eye pain. The effects can last from 30 to 45 minutes. Glatter said symptoms also may includeburning in the throat, wheezing, dry cough, gagging and difficulty speaking.

People who inhale pepper spray may develop a sudden elevation of blood pressure, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack, he added. Those with asthma also maybe at higher risk for complications.

Skin exposure can cause pain, redness, swelling and itching, according to the National Capital Poison Center.

Dr. Kelly Johnson-Arbor, Medical Director at National Capital Poison Center, said even though pepper spray is technically a natural agent, it can still cause great harm especially to those with underlying conditions.

"Some people interpret natural as safe and thats definitely not true," she said.

Johnson-Arbor urgedprotesters who experience the effects of pepper spray for more than an hour to seek medical care.

How to treat pepper sprayGlatter saidthe most important thing to remember is not to rub your eyes if you get sprayed because it will spread the compound deeper into the eye.

Immediately blinking allows tears to help flush away some of the oils contained in the pepper spray. However, he recommendedusing baby shampoo or diluted dish-washing soap with water to remove them.

While many people are seen on television pouring milk on their face after getting pepper sprayed during protests, Glatter said that only helps reduce the burning sensation but doesn't remove any of the oil.

Johnson-Arbor said there is no scientific evidence to prove baby shampoo works against pepper spray.A 2018 studyfound no difference between baby shampoo or plain water alone.

"Water overall is the best treatment that people can use," she said.

But a simple8-ouncebottle of water won't do.Johnson-Arbor advised people beprepared with lots of water if they expect authorities to disperse riot agents during a protest.

What is tear gas?Tear gas isnt technically a gas, Glatter said. Its a powder that is heated and mixed with a liquid or solvent and released from canisters as an aerosol.

There are different types of tear gas. The two commonly used by law enforcement are 2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS) and chloroacetophenone (CN).

Glattersaid tear gas should be considered a nerve agent in that it doesnt just irritate cells, but also activates specific pain receptors leading to intense and burning pain on all affected areas. It can cause pain and burning in the eyes, mucous membranes, throat, lungs and skin.

Along with pain and tear production, tear gas also causes exaggerated muscle cramping in the eye and sensitivity to light that leads to eye closure, Glatter said.

Tear gas can affect every part of the body. The nosecan experience burning, nasal mucosal swellingand a running nose. Other effects include difficulty swallowing, drooling and severe burning inside the mouth and on the tongue.

People with asthma or chronic inflammatory lung disease (COPD) are most at risk for severe complications as a result of tear gas. Glatter said tear gas can cause an asthma attack or dangerous swelling in the upper airway that could lead to asphyxiation and even death.

"If you dont experience such devastating airway or respiratory effects, your skin feels like its on fire, he said.

Actual burns and blisters could form as a result. Ingestion of tear gas through the mouth can also lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

You get it not a pretty picture, Glatter said.

Johnson-Arbor strongly urges people not to pick up tear gas canisters. She's seen reports ofprotesters throwing them back at authorities, a practice whichcanbe very dangerous.

Tear gas canisters can detonate, exposing protesters to propellants, solvents and explosives. Johnson-Arbor noted reports of brain injuries in previous years due to exploding tear gas canisters.

If the canisters are about to explode, they can also be very hot and cause burn injuries if picked up.

"If a canister lands nearby, then get out of the way," she said.

How to treat tear gasThe Centers for Disease Control and Preventionrecommendedimmediately leavingthe area and getting tofresh air quickly if exposed to tear gas, or similarriot control agents.

If the tear gas was released outdoors, the agency advised seekingthe highest ground possible as the dense vapor cloud travelsclose to the ground. If exposed indoors, leave the building as soon as possible.

The CDC saidto quickly take off any clothing that may have tear gas on it. If clothing needs to be pulled over the head, like a shirt or sweater, Glatter said it must be cut off to limitexposure to the eyes or mouth.

Place all removed clothes in a plastic bag and wash any tear gas from skin as quickly as possible with soap and water. Dont use soap for your eyes.For burning eyes or blurred vision, the CDC recommends risingeyes with plain water for 10 to 15 minutes.

Glatter said contact lenses should be removed with clean gloves and glasses should be washed with soap and water. Glasses can be used again, but the CDC advises against reusing the contacts, even if theyre not disposable.

While theres no approved antidote for tear gas, Glatter said theres a few home remedies that could help ease effects after exposure. He said some people use lemon juice or antacids such as Maalox water.

That said, water remains the most available and effective solvent for irrigation in the setting of any type of ocular burn, he said.

Long term effects and complications of tear gas, pepper sprayExperts saylow level agents such as pepper spray and tear gas dont usually result in permanent or long-lasting health effects, however, exposure to higher concentrations can be more harmful.

Glatter said significant damage to the corneal epithelium, the outermost layer of the cornea, could lead to visual impairment. Other complications include laryngospasm, a spasm of the vocal cords, or pulmonary edema, fluid in the lungs, in people with a history of lung disease.

Cases of prolonged exposure could result in first- and second-degree burns and blistering. The CDC recommendedtreating with standard burn management techniques including use of medicated bandages.

Glatter said children as well as those with chronic lung disease, hypersensitivity syndromes and older people with heart and kidney disease are more at risk for severe outcomes of pepper spray or tear gas.

How to prepare yourself for a protestJohnson-Arbor urgedprotesters to be prepared if they anticipate authorities to disperse tear gas or use pepper spray.

Dress in long sleeves and pants so the agents can't come in contact with skin. Don't wear contact lenses to protestsas tear gas or pepper sprayparticles can get stuck between the eye and lens and cause damage.

She suggestedwearing some protective gear such as goggles. While many protesters are seen with cloth masks to protect themselves from the coronavirus, Johnson-Arbor said they won't do much against tear gas or pepper spray.

While they provide some protection, cloth masks have varying degrees of filtration, aren't tight-fittingand not medical grade. There are no studies of how pepper spray or tear gas penetrates cloth masks and most masks are open on either side.

"Overall, the masks may provide some protection but it won't be enough to avoid exposure overall," Johnson-Arbor said.

Lastly, she advisedpeople to arm themselves with enough waterto thoroughly irrigate their eyes if exposed to pepper spray or tear gas.

Follow Adrianna Rodriguez on Twitter:@AdriannaUSAT.

Continue reading here:
Going to protest George Floyds death? Heres how to protect yourself against tear gas, pepper spray - Austin American-Statesman

Sibley, Iowa A Worthington man, who was electrocuted while working an a construction project in Sibley in 2018, has filed a negligence lawsuit against the City of Sibley.

According to documents filed in Osceola County, Victor Maldonado was part of a renovation crew that was working on a building in downtown Sibley, on September 26, 2018. During the project, Maldonado was lowering an aluminum down spout to connect to the buildings gutter, when the down spout came in contact with an electrical line that sent a current through the down spout and Maldonados body causing, according to the lawsuit, devastating electrical burn injuries, and causing Maldonado to fall off the buildings roof, about 20 feet to the alley below, causing severe injuries.

Maldonados lawsuit accuses the City of Sibley of negligence for allegedly failing to keep the electrical line a required minimum distance from the building. As a result, Maldonado asserts the City of Sibley knew, or should have known, that a serious injury would result.

Maldonados suit says he suffered severe burns, facial and cranial fractures, brain injury, loss of function in limbs, blindness in one eye and other injuries. Maldonados wife, Lidia Ochoa, who is also listed in the filing as his Guardian, is also a plaintiff in the action.

The suit asks for unspecified damages, and Maldonado has demanded a jury hear the case.

See more here:
Worthington Man Sues City Of Sibley In Connection With 2018 Electrocution & Fall - KIWARadio.com

Social media has become a battleground, central to raising awareness and resources for the #blacklivesmatter movement and protests. Videos of protests and police violence are constantly circulating and trending.

While social media platforms like Twitter are essential to raising awareness about the injustice people of color face, it's also a place where people can share their opinions. This mixture of information and emotion can be a source of anxiety and pain for some people. As a society that spends a substantial amount of time consuming media, it's important to learn how to process the emotions that come from it and know when to take a break.

If you need a break from social media, but you still want to be informed, you might want to read one of the several books circulating right now detailing the racism, systematic oppression and the plight of black people in the U.S.

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Color Blindness by Michelle Alexander exposes the racial discrimination embedded into the American legal system, designed to deny African Americans their civil rights.

Another book that examines racism is White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo. This book asks an age-old question: Why is it so hard for white people to talk about racism? White Fragility discusses how the media, cultural representations and other institutions contribute to the racial insulation of white people. These topics might not be stress-relieving, but they will keep you informed and educated during a media detox.

Journaling can be a good way to combat anxiety, stress, and even depression, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Pouring out your thoughts about the news and what you are seeing on social media can be a personal, impactful way to handle all that's happening. For African Americans and for those who are protesting injustice, it is important to put down all of the different emotions instead of keeping them bottled inside.

Like journaling, meditation helps to clear the mind and lower stress levels. Meditation can help you understand and heal pain, and promote a more relaxed state of mind. Apps like Headspace and Calm can help you to be more intentional about taking time to meditate.

It can be hard to manage how much you use social media because our phones are always close by. Using the Screen Time function on an iPhone or downloading a similar app allows you to limit how much time you spend on certain apps. This can help to control how much time you spend on social media like Instagram or Twitter.

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4 ways to cope with feeling overwhelmed by social media and the news - Red and Black

There is growing discontent in Hyesan following the forced mobilization of members of the Socialist Womens Union of Korea (SWUK) for construction projects, Daily NK has learned.

The district office and SWUK office in Hyesans Unchong Village was recently ordered by the government to have local residents participate in road construction, building apartments, construction work in Samjiyon, and on [unspecified] historical sites, a Ryanggang Province-based source told Daily NK on June 2. This has led to heavy complaints from women who are being forced to work on these projects everyday.

There is no getting out of the mobilizations for construction work, the source said, adding, If you are physically unwell or unable to work, you have to pay a financial penalty.

With the closure of the Sino-North Korean border due to COVID-19 and fewer sources of income than before, it has reportedly become more difficult for many women to pay out bribes to avoid forced mobilizations.

Women in Uchong Village are reportedly being asked to work on construction projects one or twice a week until their completion and everyone is having a tough time, the source said.

A WOMANS BURDEN

Complaints have also been raised by women in other parts of Hyesan who have been roped into all kinds of forced labor.

There are differences in how people are mobilized depending on the area, the source told Daily NK. In the Songbong area of Hyesan, for example, they made it mandatory for a dependent in each household to work for ten days, so even women are being forced to work.

This suggests that women are taking on the burden of working on state projects because their husbands cannot leave their regular jobs.

Many North Korean women are responsible for housework while also supporting their families by selling goods at local markets. Being forced to work on construction projects means they have less time to make money for their families.

The source explained that the complaints are focused on the governments blindness to the circumstances women are facing.

Many women are expressing their discontent, claiming that their households suffer when they are called away to work on projects for long periods of time. Some women are even avoiding state mobilizations when they can, the source said.

One major complaint is that many women rely on earning a small amount of money every day to live on and run their household, so it is impossible to make ends meet when they are called away from their families for ten days at a time to work on a construction project, the source continued.

No one is happy, since household work has to be left to the husband, children or elderly parents while the women are away, he added.

HEAVY-HANDED PUNISHMENT

North Korean authorities have adopted a heavy-handed approach to curbing open complaints against mobilizations and responding to cases where women have evaded forced labor outright.

Local district offices and the Ministry of State Security (MSS) [in Hyesan] have been investigating evasion vases and several women have been taken away by the MSS, the source said. They are forced to write down an apology, and threatened with violence or being sent to forced labor camps if they refuse.

Such written apologies are typically reserved for those accused of serious national crimes; perpetrators of smaller infractions are typically asked to prepare written reflections on their mistakes.

Daily NK understands that SWUK members were mobilized for projects in Samjiyon in July of last year and again in March of this year (both link to articles in Korean).

Please direct any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.

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North Korean women in Hyesan voice discontent over forced labor - Daily NK - DailyNK

Good evening. Im Diya Chacko, and its Monday, June 1. Heres whats happening with the coronavirus in California and beyond.

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From a human perspective, as a person, we need this. Period. From a public health perspective, Im worried.

Thats what one Cal State Long Beach epidemiology lecturer had to say about the protests sweeping California and the nation over the weekend, and continuing today. With the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man in police custody in Minneapolis, long-standing anger over police violence against black people has collided with the newer threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data show that the coronavirus has been especially devastating to black communities, with African Americans suffering a disproportionate share of COVID-19 deaths. When I report each week that we have seen elevated numbers of black deaths in this county due to COVID-19, I am reporting on the consequences of these long-standing inequities, said Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer.

The situation has left protesters facing a dilemma: How do you balance the desire to exercise the constitutional right to assemble against the risk of contracting or spreading a virus that has killed thousands? Political protests of up to 100 people are one of two types of mass gatherings allowed under the states updated shelter-in-place order (the other is in-person religious gatherings). Theyre also permitted under L.A. Countys latest guidance. But its still unclear how such gatherings could affect the spread of COVID-19.

Many of those who marched in the Los Angeles area said they were willing to face that risk. Over the weekend, most protesters wore masks, and some passed out hand sanitizer. I dont think I was the only person debating, Is this safe? But this is bigger than us, a protester said.

In the Bay Area, a caravan of thousands of vehicles drove through downtown Oakland for more than three hours on Sunday in order to demonstrate without violating social-distancing guidelines. Were in the middle of a pandemic that is inequitably and disproportionately impacting black and brown bodies, said the organizer. So its important for us to have different ways to protest.

The California Department of Public Health has released guidelines for protesting during the pandemic. Read more on this in the Your questions answered section of this newsletter.

A woman holds a sign as protesters caravan through Oakland on Sunday.

(Johana Bhuiyan/Los Angeles Times)

California cases and deaths as of 5:30 p.m. PDT Monday:

Track the latest numbers and how they break down in California with our graphics.

The Newsom administrations roadmap to reopening California.

(Priya Krishnakumar/Los Angeles Times)

See which counties are reopening with our tracker.

Several L.A. County coronavirus testing sites were closed Monday in the wake of the protests, with Health Services Director Christina Ghaly saying they were affecting public safety. Testing at Dodger Stadium and Kedren Community Health Center continued, while other locations were closed. Officials say they expect to reopen all sites on Tuesday.

Although many of Californias rugged northern counties have largely been spared from COVID-19, their remoteness hasnt inoculated them from the economic fallout of the shutdown. Many businesses that rely on tourists are wondering if they will last through the summer. We make 70% of our revenue in three months, said the owner of a campground in Nevada City. And we cant do that right now.

Even Santa Cruz County, which houses tech and other businesses, depends greatly on seasonal tourism and the revenue generated by the 19,000 students and hundreds of faculty and employees at UC Santa Cruz. That campus is now closed, and city and county have been urging visitors they once welcomed to stay away, at least for now. I understand why people are itching to reopen, and the amount thats at stake in terms of the economy and jobs and peoples livelihoods, said a local bookstore owner. But Im going to be completely driven by science.

Although state health officials issued recommendations for universal COVID-19 testing in skilled nursing facilities, critics say that the state has merely laid out guidelines that shift responsibility onto counties and nursing homes to actually perform the tests. The likely result: Scores of individual, uncoordinated plans with no clear rules for how programs will work, what is required and who will pay. We just have a lot of unanswered logistical questions, said the director of emergency preparedness for the California Assn. of Heath Facilities.

For general safety, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds (heres a super-fun how-to video). Stop touching your face, and keep your phone clean. Practice social distancing, maintaining a six-foot radius of personal space in public. And wear a mask if you leave home. Heres how to do it right. Watch for symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and loss of taste or smell. If youre worried you might be infected, call your doctor or urgent care clinic before going. Heres how to care for someone with COVID-19, from monitoring their symptoms to preventing the virus spread. If your job has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, heres how to file for unemployment. Here are some free resources for restaurant workers and entertainment industry professionals having trouble making ends meet. Advice for helping kids navigate pandemic life includes being honest about uncertainties, acknowledging their feelings and sticking to a routine. Heres guidance from the CDC. In need of mental health services? Here are resources for coping during the crisis from the CDC and the L.A. County Department of Public Health. L.A. County residents can also call (800) 854-7771 or text LA to 741741.

From engineers to cancer researchers, scientists with no experience in virology are putting their diverse talents to use to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Theyre working to improve the design of coronavirus tests, studying new treatments and discovering methods to disinfect N95 masks for safe reuse. For many, the work provides a way to make a difference now that the pandemic has shut down their other research projects. It is a consolation, said a stem cell biologist at UCLA. It would be awful to be sitting, waiting to do something useful.

SpaceXs Crew Dragon astronaut capsule successfully docked with the International Space Station on Sunday, a little less than 19 hours after its historic launch from Florida. To prepare for the launch during the pandemic, NASA had to evaluate the astronauts remaining training sessions and decide which could be held remotely, such as learning how to use the space stations kitchen.

What is this economic crisis in which we find ourselves? A recession? A depression? Something new and entirely different? The Times asked a range of economists to consider that question and propose a single policy or action government officials could embrace that would make a difference. Their answers range from the passage of paycheck relief programs to keep workers at their jobs to an extreme ramp-up of antibody testing to aid the reopening of businesses.

Todays question comes from readers who want to know: How can I protest while reducing the risk of transmitting the coronavirus? The California Department of Public Health has a few guidelines.

Even during the pandemic, you have the right to engage in protests under the protection of the 1st Amendment.

However, in-person protests do run the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Even with adherence to physical distancing, such gatherings may result in increased rates of infection, hospitalization and death, especially among more vulnerable populations, according to the agencys COVID-19 website.

Protesters should wear face coverings and try to maintain six feet of social distancing as much as possible during demonstrations, especially if chanting. Its also advisable to carry hand sanitizer and try to avoid touching surfaces that others may also touch. After participating, consider self-quarantining for the recommended period of 14 days, particularly if youre regularly in close contact with vulnerable people.

DPH also suggests you consider whether you and other participants can safely protest from within your cars, as thousands did in the Bay Area on Sunday. In-car protests are not considered to be gatherings, as long as participants stay in their cars and otherwise remain apart from individuals who are not part of their households.

Got a question? Our reporters covering the coronavirus outbreak want to hear from you. Email us your questions, and well do our best to answer them. You can find more answers in our Frequently Asked Questions roundup and in our morning briefing.

For the most up-to-date coronavirus coverage from The Times, visit our homepage and our Health section, listen to our Coronavirus in California podcast and follow us on Twitter and on Instagram.

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Coronavirus Today: Protesting and COVID-19 - Los Angeles Times

MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Personalis, Inc. (Nasdaq: PSNL) today announced a collaboration with Sarepta Therapeutics (Nasdaq: SRPT), a leader in precision genetic medicine for rare disease. As part of this research collaboration, Sarepta will be working with the Personalis team to characterize immune response to precision genetic therapeutics, utilizing Personalis advanced proprietary analytics.

We are excited to announce this collaboration with Personalis. By bringing together Sareptas expertise in precision genetic medicine and Personalis advanced neoepitope prediction, our goal is to better characterize certain types of immune response to benefit patients with rare disease, said Dr. Tanya Teslovich, Senior Director, Genomics at Sarepta.

We are excited to work with Sarepta to apply our proprietary analytics in the rapidly emerging area of genetic medicine. This collaboration demonstrates the extensibility of our technology platform beyond cancer to additional therapy development areas, said Dr. Richard Chen, CSO at Personalis.

About Personalis, Inc.

Personalis, Inc. is a growing cancer genomics company transforming the development of next-generation therapies by providing more comprehensive molecular data about each patients cancer and immune response. The Personalis ImmunoID NeXT Platform is designed to adapt to the complex and evolving understanding of cancer, providing its biopharmaceutical customers with information on all of the approximately 20,000 human genes, together with the immune system, from a single tissue sample. Personalis also provides genomic information to the VA Million Veterans Program as part of their goal to sequence over a million veteran genomes. The Personalis Clinical Laboratory is GxP aligned as well as CLIA88-certified and CAP-accredited. For more information, please visit http://www.personalis.com and follow Personalis on Twitter (@PersonalisInc).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains or may imply "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. For example, forward-looking statements include statements regarding potential positive outcomes resulting from the collaboration of Personalis and Sarepta, such as the ability of the collaboration to yield novel discoveries. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in Personalis filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including in the Risk Factors and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations sections of the Companys most recently filed periodic report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings and in the documents incorporated by reference therein. Except as otherwise required by law, Personalis disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Link:
Personalis Announces Scientific Collaboration with Sarepta Therapeutics on Immune Response to Precision Genetic Therapeutics - Business Wire

GOVERNMENT

Baker names Judy Chang undersecretary of energy

Governor Charlie Baker has a new undersecretary of energy: Judy Chang, formerly an energy economist with the Brattle Group consultancy. Changs main job in state government will be to advise Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Katie Theoharides on developing and implementing energy policies. Chang replaces Patrick Woodcock, who was promoted to be commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources in February. JON CHESTO

JOBS

Companies cut 2.8 milion jobs in May, far less than expected

US businesses shed 2.8 million jobs in May, significantly less than the 9.3 million job losses that were expected. The payroll company ADP reported Wednesday that businesses have let go of a combined 22.6 million jobs since March, with the bulk of the layoffs occurring in April. The virus forced employers to shutter offices, factories, gyms, and schools, while demand for gasoline, clothing, airline tickets, hotel rooms, and restaurant meals quickly vanished. The damage was concentrated in two sectors. Manufacturers cut 719,000 jobs in May. The trade, transportation, and utilities sector let go of 826,000. Other sectors that suffered as part of Aprils 19.6 million job losses saw their layoffs slow sharply. The leisure and hospitality industry which includes hotels and restaurants shed 105,000 jobs last month, down from a revised 7.7 million losses in April. The private industry report comes two days ahead of the official monthly job figures from the US Labor Department. Economists expect the Friday report will show 8 million job losses in May as the unemployment rate approaches 20 percent. ASSOCIATED PRESS

FINANCE

N.Y. regulators probe Deutsche Banks ties to Jeffrey Epstein

New York state regulators are investigating Deutsche Banks relationship with the disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein, adding another compliance issue to a growing list for chief executive Christian Sewing. The New York Department of Financial Services has been looking into the banks dealings with Epstein as part of a broader look into the German lenders compliance and controls, according to a person familiar with the matter. Epstein was arrested last year on federal sex-trafficking charges more than a decade after he pleaded guilty to Florida state charges of soliciting an underage girl for sex. His death in a New York City jail was ruled a suicide. BLOOMBERG NEWS

ENERGY

Germany wants major boost to offshore wind power

The German government wants to increase offshore wind power capacity fivefold by 2040 as part of its plan to wean the country off fossil fuels. The Cabinet on Wednesday agreed on a bill that would set a goal of 40 gigawatts of installed offshore wind power capacity in 20 years, from about 7.5 gigawatts at present. It also raised the target for 2030 from 15 gigawatts to 20. Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said the new offshore wind target for 2030 would help Germany achieve its goal of meeting 65 percent of its gross electricity consumption with renewable energy in a decade. ASSOCIATED PRESS

INTERNATIONAL

France blasts US probe into digital taxes

France slammed the United States over its probe into digital taxes that are being considered by a number of countries, saying it contradicts Washingtons call for unity among leading economies. There is a real contradiction between the US demanding unity within the Group of Seven which we support and the possiblity of new trade sanctions, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said after a G-7 telephone conference Wednesday. The French and US government agreed a truce earlier this year in a dispute over Frances digital services tax, according to which Washington is holding back on sanctions and Paris is suspending the collection of its levy. France will resume collecting the tax at the end of the year unless there is an agreement in talks at the OECD on new global tax rules. On Tuesday, the Trump administration started investigations into digital services taxes considered by several trading partners from the European Union to India. A similar investigation into Frances tax led to the threat of tariffs. BLOOMBERG NEWS

VIDEO CONFERENCING

Zoom sales climb as virtual meetings become the norm

Zoom Video Communications Inc. demonstrated that paying customers have flocked to its virtual-meeting software, transforming the once-niche appmaker into a popular communications service and positioning it to benefit as the nature of work, school, and life is upended. Zoom reported that sales soared in the three months ending April 30, when the coronavirus pandemic spurred a wave of stay-at-home orders for millions of people worldwide. The company expects the trend to continue the rest of the year, and projected that revenue and profit will leapfrog investors earlier expectations. While security and privacy issues plagued the system early in the quarantine, Zoom has become an essential service, attracting more than 300 million participants some days, up from 10 million in December. The software maker allows gatherings of as long as 40 minutes for no charge. While Zoom has attracted more buzz than corporate rivals, the results Tuesday suggested it can attract the paying clients needed to compete against services from Microsoft, Cisco Systems, and Google. BLOOMBERG NEWS

COSMETICS

Coty wants Kim as well as Kylie

Coty Inc. cant seem to get enough of the Kardashians. The cosmetics company is in talks with Kim Kardashian West for a possible collaboration with respect to certain beauty products, according to a regulatory filing. The possible partnership comes just months after Coty closed a $600 million deal with the reality TV stars sister, Kylie Jenner. Coty agreed last month to sell Clairol and other brands for $4.3 billion in part to prioritize investment in Kylie Cosmetics. BLOOMBERG NEWS

POULTRY

CEO of 2nd largest US chicken producer charged with price fixing

The chief executive officer of Pilgrims Pride Corp., Americas second-biggest chicken producer, was charged by US prosecutors with conspiring to fix prices as part of an antitrust investigation of chicken-processing companies. Jayson Penn was indicted by a grand jury in Colorado along with Roger Austin, a former vice president of the company, the Justice Department said Wednesday. They face a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million fine. The allegations against the leader of a top American poultry producer were the latest bombshell to hit the meat industry thats been reeling from thousands of workers sickened by COVID-19, forcing shutdowns at processing plants. The US government is also probing potential market manipulation at beef processors, who were turning big profits while farmers suffered from plant outages. BLOOMBERG NEWS

Excerpt from:
Sarepta to expand in Ohio - The Boston Globe

BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Stoke Therapeutics, Inc., (Nasdaq: STOK), a biotechnology company pioneering a new way to treat the underlying cause of genetic diseases by precisely upregulating protein expression, today announced the appointment of Julie Anne Smith to its Board of Directors. Ms. Smith has also been appointed to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Ms. Smith will replace Samuel Hall, Ph.D., whose term on the Board of Directors expired.

Julie brings more than two decades of experience in the life sciences industry, with a strong track record of successfully developing and commercializing medicines for rare and inherited diseases. Her expertise in drug development for neurodegenerative diseases will be particularly valued as we advance STK-001 for Dravet syndrome into the clinic later this year, said Edward M. Kaye, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Stoke Therapeutics. We thank Sam for his many important contributions to Stoke from our inception and as we matured through our successful IPO to become a public company prepared to enter the clinic with STK-001, the first potential medicine developed using our TANGO platform. We welcome Julie to the Board and look forward to her insights and contributions.

This is an exciting time for Stoke as it transitions to a clinical stage company and looks to the future, said Ms. Smith. I am pleased to work with the Board members and the executive leadership team as they advance their work in Dravet and expand the pipeline to help people who are living with severe genetic diseases and realize the potential of the TANGO platform.

Ms. Smith currently serves as President and CEO of ESCAPE Bio, Inc., a biotechnology company developing precisely targeted therapeutics for genetic forms of neurodegenerative disease. She previously served as President and CEO of Nuredis, Inc., a biotechnology company developing small-molecule therapies for nucleotide repeat disorders such as Huntingtons disease. In 2014, Ms. Smith was appointed President and CEO at Raptor Pharmaceuticals, a public biotechnology company with two commercial medicines for orphan diseases, where she served until its acquisition in 2016 (by Horizon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). Prior to joining Raptor, Ms. Smith served as the Chief Commercial Officer at Enobia Pharmaceuticals (acquired by Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). Earlier in her career, she held positions of increasing responsibility at Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc, Genzyme, Novazyme and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

Ms. Smith previously served on the board of directors of Audentes Therapeutics, Inc., a genetic medicines company, and as a director on the Health and Emerging Companies Section Governing Boards of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). She currently serves on the board of directors of Exelixis, Inc., a public genomics-based drug discovery company. Ms. Smith holds a B.S. in biological and nutritional sciences from Cornell University.

About Stoke Therapeutics

Stoke Therapeutics (Nasdaq: STOK), is a biotechnology company pioneering a new way to treat the underlying causes of severe genetic diseases by precisely upregulating protein expression to restore target proteins to near normal levels. Stoke aims to develop the first precision medicine platform to target the underlying cause of a broad spectrum of genetic diseases in which the patient has one healthy copy of a gene and one mutated copy that fails to produce a protein essential to health. These diseases, in which loss of approximately 50% of normal protein expression causes disease, are called autosomal dominant haploinsufficiencies. Stoke is headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, visit https://www.stoketherapeutics.com/ or follow the company on Twitter at @StokeTx.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to: Stokes expectation about timing and execution of anticipated milestones with respect to STK-001, including advancement of STK-001 to the clinical stage, and expansion of the Companys pipeline. Statements including words such as plan, continue, expect, or ongoing and statements in the future tense are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions, which, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause Stokes actual activities or results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement, including risks and uncertainties related to Stokes ability to develop, obtain regulatory approval for and commercialize STK-001 and its future product candidates, the timing and results of preclinical studies and clinical trials, Stokes ability to protect intellectual property; and other risks set forth in our most recent annual or quarterly report and in other reports we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are based on our current believes and expectations and speak only as of the date of this press release. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements.

Original post:
Stoke Therapeutics Appoints Julie Anne Smith to its Board of Directors - Business Wire

HOUSTON, June 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Golden Helix Foundation and the Pharmacogenomics Access & Reimbursement Coalition (PARC) will co-present the inaugural Pharmacogenomics Access & Reimbursement Symposium (PARS) at the National Academy of Sciences Building on October 8, 2020 in Washington D.C. to define opportunities to expand patient access to personalized medicine. Public- and private- sector members across healthcare will assemble to develop a path forward through discussions of best practices, improved economic evaluation and strategic alignment.

"Since genetic variation impacts medication responses, it is important to leverage technologies that can translate genetic information into care tailored for each patient.Market access is a critical step in achieving widespread adoption of personalized medicine." Sara Rogers, PARC Co-Chairman and Director at the American Society of Pharmacovigilance.

The symposium program includes speakers from industry, government agencies, payer organizations, health systems and health policy organizations. Thought leaders will explore the newest developments in health technology assessment, health economics and value-based payment strategies for pharmacogenomics. In addition to convening decision-makers from around the world, the symposium will develop solutions that identify actionable ways that stakeholders can work together to democratize personalized medicine.

"Defining the value of personalized medicine interventions is of utmost importance to expedite the incorporation of these innovative healthcare solutions in routine clinical practice that would directly impact patient care and quality of life." Christina Mitropoulou, The Golden Helix Foundation Managing Director, Executive Board member and Principal Investigator of the Ubiquitous Pharmacogenomics Consortium.

Organizations across health care have partnered to support the symposium, including Intermountain Precision Genomics, Medical Device Innovation Consortium (MDIC) and Pharmacogenomics Research Network (PGRN). Stakeholders are encouraged to join the discussion by registering to participate athttp://www.parcoalition.org/symposium. A live webcast will be provided to accommodate attendees who prefer to participate remotely.

About the Golden Helix Foundation The Golden Helix Foundation is an international non-profit research organization (registered London-based UK charity) aiming to advance research and education in the area of genome and personalized medicine. The Golden Helix Foundation aims to promote the development of research and the transfer and communication of knowledge from researchers and scientists in the wider scientific community through collaborative projects and conferences in the field of pharmacogenomicsand personalized medicine.

About the Pharmacogenomics Access & Reimbursement Coalition (PARC)PARC seeks to address barriers to patient access and payer coverage of Pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing by sharing resources and leveraging shared expertise in PGx. For more information, please contact [emailprotected] and follow @PGxARC

American Society of PharmacovigilanceP.O. Box 20433Houston, TX 77225www.stopADR.org

Contact: Geneva MorelDirector of Communications Email: [emailprotected] phone: 469-939-8475

SOURCE American Society of Pharmacovigilance

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The Golden Helix Foundation and PARC Co-Present International Meeting to Expand Patient Access to Personalized Medicine - PRNewswire

Mark Williams The Columbus Dispatch

TuesdayJun2,2020at5:11PM

A Massachusetts-based biopharmaceutical company plans to create 100 jobs as part of an expansion of its Columbus operations.

Sarepta Therapeutics will open an 85,000-square-foot building at 3435 Stelzer Rd. as part of its Gene Therapy Center of Excellence.

The company says it will invest more than $30 million, and that hiring for research, technician and general operations positions will begin immediately.

Employees currently working out of the companys offices in Dublin will move to the new building over time.

Sarepta, based in Cambridge, focuses on gene therapy programs to treat rare diseases.

It has two approved drugs for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and more than 40 treatments in development.

Duchenne slowly steals muscle, making children weaker and weaker as they grow older. Many died by their mid-20s. The disease afflicts mostly boys.

We are confident that gene therapy will revolutionize genetic medicine, and we chose Ohio for our Gene Therapy Center of Excellence because we believe Columbus will become a hub for genetic medicine innovation, the companys president and CEO, Doug Ingram, said in a statement.

mawilliams@dispatch.com

@BizMarkWilliams

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Sarepta to expand Columbus operations, add 100 jobs - The Columbus Dispatch

SALT LAKE CITY, June 04, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN, Myriad or the Company), a global leader in molecular diagnostics and precision medicine, today announced the publication of a prospective study demonstrating that the EndoPredict test predicts which patients with ER+, HER2- early-stage breast cancer will benefit from neoadjuvant therapy. The article titled, The EndoPredict score predicts response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and neoendocrine therapy in hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer patients from the ABCSG-34 trial, appeared online in theEuropean Journal of Cancer.

This study demonstrated that the EndoPredict (EP) test predicted response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy or neoadjuvant endocrine therapy in women with ER+, HER2 negative early-stage breast cancer, said Peter Dubsky, M.D., lead author, speaking on behalf of the Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group (ABCSG). Based on these findings and prior studies, we are confident the EndoPredict test can add valuable information to aid in personalized treatment selection in neoadjuvant therapy and provides an important basis for future design of neoadjuvant clinical trials.

The primary objective of this prospective study was to test the predictive value of the EndoPredict test regarding tumor response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NaCT) or neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) within the ABCSG-34 trial. The analysis included data from 217 women with HR+ breast cancer. Of these, 134 patients were assigned to receive NaCT (eight cycles of anthracycline/taxane) according to aggressive clinico-pathologic tumor features. The remaining 83 patients were clinically identified as having luminal A-like types of breast cancer and were assigned to receive NET (six months of letrozole). The primary endpoint was residual cancer burden RCB0/I (i.e., good tumor response) vs. RCB II/III (i.e., poor tumor response) at time of surgery.

In the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group, 125 patients had high EP scores and nine had a low EP score. The results show that 26.4 percent of those with a high score showed a good tumor response (RCB0/I) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, while all patients with a low score showed only a poor tumor response (Table 1). In the luminal A group receiving neoendocrine therapy, 39 patients had a high EP score and 44 had a low EP score. The results show that 27.3 percent of those with a low EndoPredict score and 7.7 percent with a high score achieved excellent tumor response (RCB0/I) to neoendocrine therapy (Table 1).

EndoPredict Low Score

EndoPredict High Score

0.0

%

26.4

%

p=0.0001

In this prospective study, we demonstrated that the EndoPredict test is a useful tool pre-operatively, said Ralf Kronenwett, M.D., director of International Medical Affairs at Myriad. In two distinct ER-positive, HER2-negative cohorts selected by clinicians to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy or neoadjuvant endocrine therapy, EndoPredict identified patients with poor neoadjuvant treatment response. Clinicians can use information to determine who might forgo these therapies prior to surgery.

About EndoPredictEndoPredict is a second-generation, 12-gene molecular prognostic test for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. The test provides vital information that helps clinicians devise personalized treatment plans for their patients. EndoPredict has been validated in more than 4,000 patients with node-negative and node-positive cancer and has been used clinically in more than 20,000 patients. In contrast to first-generation multigene prognostic tests, EndoPredict detects the likelihood of late metastases (i.e., metastasis formation after more than five years) and, therefore, can guide treatment decisions regarding the need for chemotherapy, as well as extended anti-hormonal therapy. Accordingly, therapy decisions backed by EndoPredict confer a high level of diagnostic safety. For more information, please visit: http://www.endopredict.com.

About Myriad GeneticsMyriad Genetics Inc., is a leading personalized medicine company dedicated to being a trusted advisor transforming patient lives worldwide with pioneering molecular diagnostics. Myriad discovers and commercializes molecular diagnostic tests that: determine the risk of developing disease, accurately diagnose disease, assess the risk of disease progression, and guide treatment decisions across six major medical specialties where molecular diagnostics can significantly improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. Myriad is focused on three strategic imperatives: transitioning and expanding its hereditary cancer testing markets, diversifying its product portfolio through the introduction of new products and increasing the revenue contribution from international markets. For more information on how Myriad is making a difference, please visit the Company's website: http://www.myriad.com.

Myriad, the Myriad logo, BART, BRACAnalysis, Colaris, Colaris AP, myPath, myRisk, Myriad myRisk, myRisk Hereditary Cancer, myChoice, myPlan, BRACAnalysis CDx, Tumor BRACAnalysis CDx, myChoice CDx, Vectra, Prequel, Foresight, GeneSight, riskScore and Prolaris are trademarks or registered trademarks of Myriad Genetics, Inc. or its wholly owned subsidiaries in the United States and foreign countries. MYGN-F, MYGN-G.

Safe Harbor StatementThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements related to the EndoPredict test adding valuable information to aid in personalized treatment selection in neoadjuvant therapy and providing an important basis for future design of neoadjuvant clinical trials; and the Company's strategic directives under the caption "About Myriad Genetics." These "forward-looking statements" are based on management's current expectations of future events and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those set forth in or implied by forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: uncertainties associated with COVID-19, including its possible effects on our operations and the demand for our products and services; our ability to efficiently and flexibly manage our business amid uncertainties related to COVID-19; the risk that sales and profit margins of our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services may decline; risks related to our ability to transition from our existing product portfolio to our new tests, including unexpected costs and delays; risks related to decisions or changes in governmental or private insurers reimbursement levels for our tests or our ability to obtain reimbursement for our new tests at comparable levels to our existing tests; risks related to increased competition and the development of new competing tests and services; the risk that we may be unable to develop or achieve commercial success for additional molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services in a timely manner, or at all; the risk that we may not successfully develop new markets for our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services, including our ability to successfully generate revenue outside the United States; the risk that licenses to the technology underlying our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services and any future tests and services are terminated or cannot be maintained on satisfactory terms; risks related to delays or other problems with operating our laboratory testing facilities and our healthcare clinic; risks related to public concern over genetic testing in general or our tests in particular; risks related to regulatory requirements or enforcement in the United States and foreign countries and changes in the structure of the healthcare system or healthcare payment systems; risks related to our ability to obtain new corporate collaborations or licenses and acquire new technologies or businesses on satisfactory terms, if at all; risks related to our ability to successfully integrate and derive benefits from any technologies or businesses that we license or acquire; risks related to our projections about our business, results of operations and financial condition; risks related to the potential market opportunity for our products and services; the risk that we or our licensors may be unable to protect or that third parties will infringe the proprietary technologies underlying our tests; the risk of patent-infringement claims or challenges to the validity of our patents or other intellectual property; risks related to changes in intellectual property laws covering our molecular diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical and clinical services and patents or enforcement in the United States and foreign countries, such as the Supreme Court decisions in Mayo Collab. Servs. v. Prometheus Labs., Inc., 566 U.S. 66 (2012), Assn for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc., 569 U.S. 576 (2013), and Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank Intl, 573 U.S. 208 (2014); risks of new, changing and competitive technologies and regulations in the United States and internationally; the risk that we may be unable to comply with financial operating covenants under our credit or lending agreements; the risk that we will be unable to pay, when due, amounts due under our credit or lending agreements; and other factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as any updates to those risk factors filed from time to time in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q or Current Reports on Form 8-K. All information in this press release is as of the date of the release, and Myriad undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

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Myriad Genetics Announces Publication of a Prospective Clinical Study of the EndoPredict Test in Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer - GlobeNewswire

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Chemical compound restores tetracycline's effectiveness by blocking bacterial resistance

Shown above are two different 3D views of TetX7 (green), a tetracycline-destroying enzyme that causes resistance to all tetracycline antibiotics (the small multicolored molecule in the center). Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have found that genes that confer the power to destroy tetracyclines are widespread in bacteria that live in the soil and on people.

The latest generation of tetracyclines a class of powerful, first-line antibiotics was designed to thwart the two most common ways bacteria resist such drugs. But a new study from researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has found that genes representing yet another method of resistance are widespread in bacteria that live in the soil and on people. Some of these genes confer the power to destroy all tetracyclines, including the latest generation of these antibiotics.

However, the researchers have created a chemical compound that shields tetracyclines from destruction. When the chemical compound was given in combination with tetracyclines as part of the new study, the antibiotics lethal effects were restored.

The findings, available online in Communications Biology, indicate an emerging threat to one of the most widely used classes of antibiotics but also a promising way to protect against that threat.

We first found tetracycline-destroying genes five years ago in harmless environmental bacteria, and we said at the time that there was a risk the genes could get into bacteria that cause disease, leading to infections that would be very difficult to treat, said co-senior author Gautam Dantas, PhD, a professor of pathology and immunology and of molecular microbiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Once we started looking for these genes in clinical samples, we found them immediately. The fact that we were able to find them so rapidly tells me that these genes are more widespread than we thought. Its no longer a theoretical risk that this will be a problem in the clinic. Its already a problem.

In 2015, Dantas, also a professor of biomedical engineering, and Timothy Wencewicz, PhD, an associate professor of chemistry in Arts & Sciences at Washington University, discovered 10 different genes that each gave bacteria the ability to dice up the toxic part of the tetracycline molecule, thereby inactivating the drug. These genes code for proteins the researchers dubbed tetracycline destructases.

But they didnt know how widespread such genes were. To find out, Dantas and first author Andrew Gasparrini, PhD then a graduate student in Dantas lab screened 53 soil, 176 human stool, two animal feces, and 13 latrine samples for genes similar to the 10 theyd already found. The survey yielded 69 additional possible tetracycline-destructase genes.

Then they cloned some of the genes into E. coli bacteria that had no resistance to tetracyclines and tested whether the genetically modified bacteria survived exposure to the drugs. E. coli that had received supposed destructase genes from soil bacteria inactivated some of the tetracyclines. E. coli that had received genes from bacteria associated with people destroyed all 11 tetracyclines.

The scary thing is that one of the tetracycline destructases we found in human-associated bacteria Tet(X7) may have evolved from an ancestral destructase in soil bacteria, but it has a broader range and enhanced efficiency, said Wencewicz, who is a co-senior author on the new study. Usually theres a trade-off between how broad an enzyme is and how efficient it is. But Tet(X7) manages to be broad and efficient, and thats a potentially deadly combination.

In the first screen, the researchers had found tetracycline-destructase genes only in bacteria not known to cause disease in people. To find out whether disease-causing species also carried such genes, the scientists scanned the genetic sequences of clinical samples Dantas had collected over the years. They found Tet(X7) in a bacterium that had caused a lung infection and sent a man to intensive care in Pakistan in 2016.

Tetracyclines have been around since the 1940s. They are one of the most widely used classes of antibiotics, used for diseases ranging from pneumonia, to skin or urinary tract infections, to stomach ulcers, as well as in agriculture and aquaculture. In recent decades, mounting antibiotic resistance has driven pharmaceutical companies to spend hundreds of millions of dollars developing a new generation of tetracyclines that is impervious to the two most common resistance strategies: expelling drugs from the bacterial cell before they can do harm, and fortifying vulnerable parts of the bacterial cell.

The emergence of a third method of antibiotic resistance in disease-causing bacteria could be disastrous for public health. To better understand how Tet(X7) works, co-senior author Niraj Tolia, PhD, a senior investigator at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the NIH, and co-author Hirdesh Kumar, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in Tolias lab, solved the structure of the protein.

I established that Tet(X7) is very similar to known structures but way more active, and we dont really know why because the part that interacts with the tetracycline rings is the same, Kumar said. Im now taking a molecular dynamics approach so we can see the protein in action. If we can understand why it is so efficient, we can design even better inhibitors.

Wencewicz and colleagues previously designed a chemical compound that preserves the potency of tetracyclines by preventing destructases from chewing up the antibiotics. In the most recent study, co-author Jana L. Markley, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in Wencewiczs lab, evaluated that inhibitor against the bacterium from the patient in Pakistan and its powerful Tet(X7) destructase. Adding the compound made the bacteria two to four times more sensitive to all three of the latest generation of tetracyclines.

Our team has a motto extending the wise words of Benjamin Franklin: In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death, taxes and antibiotic resistance, Wencewicz said. Antibiotic resistance is going to happen. We need to get ahead of it and design inhibitors now to protect our antibiotics, because if we wait until it becomes a crisis, its too late.

Gasparrini AJ, Markley JL, Kumar H, Wang B, Fang L, Irum S, Symister C, Wallace M, Burnham CAD, Andleeb S, Tolia NH, Wencewicz TA, Dantas G. Tetracycline-inactivating enzymes from environmental, human commensal, and pathogenic bacteria cause broad-spectrum tetracycline resistance. Communications Biology. May 15, 2020. DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0966-5

This work is supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), grant number R01 AI123394; the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, training grant number T32 GM007067; the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, training grant number T32 DK077653; and Washington University, W.M. Keck Postdoctoral Program in Molecular Medicine and the Chancellors Graduate Fellowship Program.

Washington University School of Medicines 1,500 faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Childrens hospitals. The School of Medicine is a leader in medical research, teaching and patient care, ranking among the top 10 medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Childrens hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare.

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Antibiotic-destroying genes widespread in bacteria in soil and on people - Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis

What happened

Shares of Intellia Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NTLA) rose as much as 18% today after the company announced an expansion of its partnership with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:REGN).

The pair will jointly develop drug candidates to treat hereditary blood disorders hemophilia A and hemophilia B. Additionally, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals will gain rights to develop drug candidates using both in vivo (inside the body) and ex vivo (outside the body) drug candidates and delivery tools developed by Intellia Therapeutics.

The gene editing pioneer will earn a combined up-front payment of $100 million in cash and equity. It ended March 2020 with roughly $250 million in cash. As of 11:05 a.m. EDT, the pharma stock had settled to a 12.1% gain.

Image source: Getty Images.

Investors have punished Intellia Therapeutics for falling behind peers CRISPR Therapeutics and Editas Medicine in clinical development. The company will be the last of the trio of CRISPR gene editing companies to enter clinical trials. While it told investors the delay was largely due to work on delivery technologies -- one of the most important components of a genetic medicine -- Wall Street didn't have much patience.

As a result, Intellia Therapeutics boasts a market valuation of $1 billion, which is far behind the $3.9 billion valuation of CRISPR Therapeutics and the $1.5 billion market cap of Editas Medicine.

Today's news might not completely remove doubt from the minds of investors, but it serves as a reminder that Regeneron Pharmaceuticals remains a committed development partner. If other CRISPR gene editing platforms stumble in the clinic because of a lack of attention to delivery technologies, Intellia Therapeutics might be rewarded for its slow-and-steady approach.

Things are finally heating up for Intellia Therapeutics. In addition to the expanded partnership with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals announced today, the gene editing pioneer announced in March that a sickle cell disease drug candidate being developed with Novartis had earned the green light for clinical trials from regulators.

Meanwhile, the company's lead drug candidate is expected to begin a phase 1 clinical trial in the second half of 2020. Multiple other drug candidates are expected to earn regulatory permission in 2021 for clinical trials. There's a long way to go for Intellia Therapeutics, but investors will finally have tangible milestones to look forward to in the coming quarters.

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Here's Why Intellia Therapeutics Gained as Much as 18.0% Today - Motley Fool

The Forest Service is proposing to remove the prohibition against logging trees larger than 21 inches that grow in national forests on the eastside of the Cascades in Oregon. The probation was put into place when ecological studies demonstrated the critical importance of large-diameter old-growth trees to overall forest ecosystem function.

The Forest Service argues that it needs the flexibility to cut larger fir and other tree species competing with ponderosa pine to restore forest health. The agency suggests thinning the forests will enhance the resilience of the forest against the ravages of wildfire, bark beetles, and other sources of tree mortality.

The so-called need for restoration to what ails the forest by chainsaws medicine reflects the agencys Industrial Forestry Paradigm. By happy coincidence, such restoration happens to provide wood fiber to the timber industry, and typically at a loss to taxpayers.

One might assume that green and fast-growing trees are more desirable than dead or slow-growing trees. What the agency doesnt acknowledge due to its inherent Industrial Forestry bias is that healthy forest ecosystems require significant sources of tree mortality. The healthy forest that the Forest Service promotes is a degraded forest ecosystem.

Dead trees provide food and shelter to many plants and animals. By some estimates, more species depend on dead trees than live trees. These species live in mortal fear of green forests, which is the ultimate expression of the Industrial Forestry Paradigm.

Indeed, the second-highest biodiversity in forest ecosystems occurs after high severity wildfires kill most of all living trees.

However, due to the Industrial Forestry worldview bias of foresters and the Forest Service, that views any source of tree mortality as antithetical to forest health. Forest health is not the same as forest ecosystem health.

Logging does not restore forest ecosystems. It removes the snags and down wood that is critical wildlife habitat for many species of animals and plants. It removes carbon that is stored in those trees. It compacts soils and spread weeds. Logging roads fragment forest habitat and provide access for ORVs, hunters, and just more human disturbance for wildlife.

Worse for our forest ecosystems, thinning/logging can reduce the genetic diversity of our forest, eliminating, rather than enhancing, forest resilience. We know that some individual trees possess genetic traits that allow them to endure drought or resist bark beetles, and even some ability to survive some wildfires.

If foresters were concerned about forest ecosystem health, not just whether trees remained green until they were cut for lumber, they would welcome the wildfires, bark beetles, drought, and all the other sources of mortality that maintain healthy functioning forest ecosystems.

Yet the Forest Service continuously justifies timber cutting to restore forest health and resilience to the forest by trying to limit or exclude the very ecological processes like high severity wildfire, bark beetles, mistletoe, and other agents that sustain healthy forest ecosystems.

Allowing natural processes to thin the forest or select which trees have the best attributes to survive is how you preserve healthy forest ecosystems. Chainsaw medicine, the favored response of the timber industry for restoration, is not the solution; it is the problem.

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The Problem With Chainsaw Medicine: the Forest Service's Move to Cut Oregon's Big Trees - CounterPunch

Based on market cap,CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CRSP)ranks as the top biotech focused on developing CRISPR gene-editing therapies. It's more than 2 1/2 times the size ofEditas Medicine (NASDAQ:EDIT) and nearly four times larger thanIntellia Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NTLA).

But based on stock performance so far in 2020, Intellia wins the prize as the hottest CRISPR biotech stock. Its shares have soared more than 40%, thanks in large part to the expansion of its partnership with Regeneron.

While CRISPR Therapeutics and Intellia have captured investors' attention lately, Editas Medicine could now be the CRISPR stock to really watch. There are both near-term and long-term reasons why investors should keep their eyes on this company.

Image source: Getty Images.

In March, Editas and its partner Allerganannounced the dosing of the first patient in a phase 1/2 clinical study evaluating EDIT-101 in treating Leber congenital amaurosis type 10 (LCA10), an inherited form of blindness. Editas CEO Cynthia Collins called it "a truly historic event," as it wasthe world's first human study of anin vivo (inside the body) CRISPR gene-editing therapy.

Editas' Chief Scientific Officer Charlie Albright stated in the company's Q1 conference calllast month that the study "has been cleared to continue based on a review of safety data on the first patient." That's great news, especially considering the pioneering nature of the LCA10 therapy.

I don't necessarily look for this clinical trial to provide a big catalyst for Editas over the next few months, at least not directly. But it could give the biotech an indirect catalyst.

Editas Medicine's experience with EDIT-101 in targeting LCA10 has enabled it to move forward with EDIT-102, a CRISPR therapy targeting another genetic eye disease, Usher syndrome 2A. Allergan is currently reviewing a preclinical data package for the potential licensing of EDIT-102. Editas expects a decision from Allergan on exercising its option for EDIT-102 by the third quarter of 2020.

My hunch is that Allergan will decide to license EDIT-102 unless some safety issue emerges in the phase 1/2 study for EDIT-101. A positive decision would likely cause Editas' shares to jump.

CRISPR Therapeutics is the leader in developing a CRISPR therapy for treating rare blood diseases sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. The company and its partner, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, expect to report additional data from two phase 1/2 studies in progress evaluating CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing therapy CTX001 later this year.

Editas is behind CRISPR Therapeutics right now. But I won't be surprised if Editas emerges as a winner in sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia over the long term.

The company plans to file for FDA approval by the end of 2020 to begin clinical testing of EDIT-301 in treating sickle cell disease. EDIT-301 uses its proprietary enzyme Cas12a (also known as Cpf1) instead of Cas9, the enzyme most commonly used in CRISPR gene-editing therapies.

Editas thinks that EDIT-301 could be the best-in-class CRISPR therapy for treating both sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. One reason behind the biotech's confidence is that the therapy edits the HBG1 and HBG2 genes rather than theBCL11Ae gene targeted by CRISPR Therapeutics' CTX001. Editas believes that this difference will give EDIT-301 a better safety profile than CTX001 will have. The company also thinks that using Cas12a will lead to sustained higher fetal hemoglobin levels than using the Cas9 enzyme will.

There's another intriguing possibility for Editas Medicine. Its partner on EDIT-101, Allergan, was recently acquired by AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV). The primary reason for this deal was for AbbVie to reduce its dependence on Humira, which faces biosimilar competition in the U.S. beginning in 2023.

AbbVie has other arrows in its quiver for offsetting the inevitable loss of revenue from Humira -- notably including its new immunology drugs Rinvoq and Skyrizi. However, the closer the date approaches for Humira's U.S. sales decline, the more I suspect that AbbVie will be interested in making additional smaller deals to boost its top line.

If EDIT-101 is successful in phase 1 testing and advances to phase 2, Editas Medicine could very well be on AbbVie's acquisition radar. The biotech wouldn't be so expensive that it would require AbbVie to take on a lot of additional debt. Buying Editas could also boost AbbVie's oncology program since Editas has several preclinical programs that use CRISPR gene editing in cancer cell therapies.

To be sure, Editas Medicine is a speculative play. For that matter, so are CRISPR Therapeutics and Intellia Therapeutics. All of these biotech stocks face significant risks that their gene-editing therapies won't work or won't be safe. But the possibility of near-term catalysts and the tremendous long-term potential for Editas make this CRISPR biotech one for investors to closely watch.

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Why Editas Medicine Is Now the CRISPR Stock to Really Watch - Motley Fool

The former Walter Reed Army Medical Center, now known as The Parks at Walter Reed, is adding a new development. A partnership of Hines, Urban Atlantic and Triden Development Group recently closed on a 1.5-acre site for the construction of The Hartley, a 323-unit luxury community. The team has two other communities underway: The Brooks, an 89-unit condominium building, and the 301-unit The Vale. All these projects are set to add much-needed supply to the upper northwest part of Washington, D.C., which has seen limited multifamily construction in the past decades.

Katie Wiacek, managing director with Hines, shared details about the upcoming residential projects and revealed the companys plans within the $1 billion master development. Wiacek expects the live-work-play destination to add a total of more than 2,000 affordable, market-rate and luxury units, as well as senior housing apartments.

READ ALSO: Whos Still Investing in DCs Multifamily Market?

How will The Hartley differ from the other two residential developments that are currently underway at The Parks at Walter Reed?

Wiacek: The Hartley will differentiate from The Vale when it comes to its location within the Parks, design, as well as scale. The Hartley is situated within the retail center and active plaza at the north end of the site, while The Vale is adjacent to the bucolic Great Lawn and the historic Arts Park district. Both projects offer high-quality unit finishes and great building amenity packages, but with different interior design aesthetics. The Hartley has more of a nature-inspired, modern look, while The Vale has an artistic, contemporary vibe.

The Hartley is expected to include 58,000 square feet of retail space, whereas The Vale will have only 18,000 square feet. Moreover, units at The Hartley will be slightly larger. The other residential development, The Brooks, encompasses 89 condominiums with a different unit mix, unit sizing and amenity package.

What features set The Hartley apart from other multifamily projects?

Wiacek: The Hartley will have a Whole Foods store on the ground floor. At the same time, the project is designed to feature an indoor-outdoor connection, something that is also at the heart of the master plan. The ground-floor lobby connects through a staircase to the second-floor amenity space, which includes a double-height club room with views to the Parks plaza, and a coworking lounge and game lounge with access to two courtyards. These include a pool, an outdoor fitness area, grilling and dining areas, as well as a Zen garden. A gym and fitness studio space connects directly to the courtyards outdoor fitness zone. The penthouse level includes a more intimate party lounge and roof deck.

How will sustainability and technology be integrated in The Hartley?

Wiacek: Sustainability and energy efficiency are very important to The Parks project. The Hartley is designed to a LEED Silver standard and will include elements like a green roof, energy-efficient HVAC system, lighting and appliances. The site is an infill development, being constructed atop an existing ground-level parking garage, much of which will be reused.

The project is a short walk to the metro station as well as several bus routes, and multiple bike share stations will be added within The Parks. The technology part will include features such as smart thermostats, an intercom entry system and a package management system.

The Parks at Walter Reed will also include ambulatory care. Tell us a bit more about how your project is approaching resident health and wellness.

Wiacek: Access to health care will be found on the site, with a planned ambulatory care facility by Howard University. Childrens National Medical Center is constructing a pediatric research and innovation campus within the historic Walter Reed site, anchored by its Center for Genetic Medicine Research and Rare Disease Institute, as well as Johnson & Johnson JLABS @ Washington, D.C., Virginia Tech and The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. A clinic will house comprehensive primary-care services that will provide more convenient access to expert care for new and existing patients in northwest Washington, D.C.

We are fortunate to build on the legacy of the historic Walter Reed Army Medical Center, which was a place of healing for over a century. That legacy will be physically represented via the adaptive reuse of historic buildings and open spaces as we recognize that the built and natural environments have a tremendous impact on human health and wellness.

Plans for the development also include the creation of outdoor spaces, ranging from the historic Great Lawn and rose garden to a new playground and the retail-oriented central plaza. The site offers recreational opportunities for an active lifestyle, linking directly to Rock Creek Park and to healthy dining in the retail offerings. Whats also great about The Parks outdoor amenities is that they will be open to the wider community.

What can you share about financing the development?

Wiacek: Each project at The Parks at Walter Reed was separately financed. The Hartley project was financed with equity from a qualified opportunity fund through Bridge Investment Group and development partners Hines, Urban Atlantic and Triden Development Group. Santander Bank and EagleBank provided a construction loan.

What is the timeline for these projects?

Wiacek: Three projects are currently underway, including The Brooks, The Vale and The Hartley.The Brooks and The Vale are currently scheduled to open by the end of 2020 and early 2021, respectively.

What is the status of the other components of The Parks at Walter Reed?

Wiacek: We are in design now for two mixed-use, residential-over-retail projects. These projects will both be built above an existing parking garage that is being renovated under The Hartley contract. Our goal is to get these new projects underway by spring 2021, to align with The Hartley.

READ ALSO: Coronavirus Dents Multifamily Development

What impact do you expect The Parks at Walter Reed to have on D.C.s real estate market?

Wiacek: We think The Parks beautiful green spaces, unique historic buildings and walk-to retail opportunities will make it the Districts next mixed-use, live-work-play destination.

What about the impact on D.C.s multifamily sector in particular?

Wiacek: The District has a significant amount of multifamily in the pipeline. However, upper northwest D.C., where The Parks is located, has had limited new construction in the past decades. This project will provide an opportunity for new and existing residents to live and stay within this well-established area of northwest D.C., with great access to downtown and Maryland. The Parks offers an ideal blend of urban, walkable retail and amenities, with significant parks and open space.

Do you think the demand for luxury units in Washington, D.C., will shift in upcoming quarters, considering the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic?

Wiacek: COVID-19s resulting job losses may affect apartment demand in the D.C. area, though it is too early to forecast the exact impacts and duration. D.C.s economy has historically been bolstered by the stability of the federal government, which, in the wake of COVID-19, may add jobs that help offset job losses in the hospitality and service industries.

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Washington, DCs The Parks at Walter Reed Makes Headway - Multi-Housing News

Scientists at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), Alberta Childrens Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), and Owerko Centre at UCalgarys Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) have made a breakthrough discovery that could lead to treatment of Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading genetic cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study, involving mouse models, shows promise of translating to treatment for people diagnosed with FXS.

FXS causes intellectual disabilities and hyperactive behaviour, usually more commonly seen in males than females. Children and adults with FXS are missing a protein vital to brain development called FMRP. Among other functions, FMRP helps develop synapses between neurons in the brain.

Dr. Raymond W. Turner, PhD, and members of his study team including Drs. Xiaoqin Zhan, PhD, Hadhimulya Asmara, PhD, and Ning Cheng, PhD, made the discovery while studying ion channels in the brain special proteins that conduct currents through cells, enabling communication within the brain.

If I had to make an analogy, it might be akin to insulin and diabetes. With FXS, individuals are missing this protein lets try putting it back in, says Turner, study lead, and professor in the departments of Cell Biology and Anatomy, and Physiology and Pharmacology at the CSM. In 30 minutes, the protein distributed throughout the brainand accomplished what its supposed to do at the single-cell level.

Unlike injected insulin, which helps someone with diabetes control their blood sugar for a few hours, the FMRP injection helps restore protein levels in the cerebellum and brain for up to one day after the injection. Hyperactivity was reduced for almost 24 hours, says Zhan, a postdoctoral scholar in the Turner lab.

We did one injection and we tested for it one day later, and three key proteins that are known to be in Fragile X were still at restored normal levels.

In other, unsuccessful attempts to inject mouse models with FMRP to mitigate FXS, scientists used the entire molecule. But Turner and his colleagues used a fragment of FMRP which was able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Its not a full FMRP molecule at all but rather a fragment with important structural features and functional components that are active in doing things like controlling ion channels or the levels of other proteins, says Cheng, a research associate in the Turner lab.

Extensive FMRP expression in normal brain (A) is missing in FMRP knockout mice (B) but restored one hour after tat-FMRP injection (C).

Turner lab

In the next phase, the researchers will investigate using other parts of the FMRP molecule to mitigate cognitive disorders associated with FXS. Unlike a lot of drug therapies where you hope you can get your drug to one specific group of cells, FMRP is expressed in just about every cell in the brain, so an all-encompassing wide-based application is what you want, says Turner.

Beyond potential treatments for FXS, the research could help develop treatments to offset behavioural symptoms characteristic of other Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The findings are published in Nature Communications.

Funding for the study was provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation through ACHRI, Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) Explorer grant, and fellowship support from FRAXA and Fragile X Research Foundation of Canada, the HBI and CSM Postdoctoral Fellowship programs.

This technology has a patent through Innovate Calgary, the universitys knowledge transfer and business incubator centre, which continues to develop its commercial path through partnership/investment to advance this discovery as a viable treatment for patients.

The Turner lab works on the role of an ion channel complex they discovered that controls multiple functions in the cerebellum that led them to look at the effects of losing FMRP in the knockout mouse model. The reason replacing FMRP was so effective is that it turns out to be part of the very ion channel complex the lab has been studying for 10 years.

Led by theHotchkiss Brain Institute,Brain and Mental Healthis one of six research strategies guiding the University of Calgary toward itsEyes Highgoals. The strategy provides a unifying direction for brain and mental health research at the university.

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Scientists discover breakthrough toward treatment of Fragile X syndrome the leading genetic cause of autism - UCalgary News