StemCell Therapy

Dr Nicolas Poirier reveals how immunotherapies can be designed to recalibrate the immune system for long-term maintenance of autoimmune remission.

Autoimmune conditions affect more than 23.5 million Americans and as many as one in four in the UK. According to recent statistics these conditions are on the rise and some, including Type I diabetes, are three times more common that a few decades ago. While treatments have been developed, there is no cure for autoimmune conditions most therapeutics focus on relieving inflammation and the pain associated with it.

Drug Target Reviews Hannah Balfour spoke with Dr Nicolas Poirier, the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of OSE Immunotherapeutics, to understand their novel approach to targeting and treating autoimmune diseases; using immunology to rebalance the immune system.

because their therapeutics target the immune system, rather than a localised specific tissue, the products are transferable between different autoimmune conditions

A lot of companies focus on inhibiting or killing immune cells, but what we have learned in the last five to 10 years is that not all immune cells are pathogenic. There are bad guys of course, but there are also good guys in the immune system, which help to fight or control autoimmune attacks, explained Dr Poirier. He clarified that for each immune cell, there is a corresponding regulatory subtype, such as the well-known T regulatory (Treg) cells. B cells also have a regulatory subtype and so do macrophages.

Dr Poiriers team target their products to specifically inhibit the pathogenic cells and activate the regulatory cells, manipulating the balance of the immune system to reduce autoimmunity. While this may have various short-term effects on disease symptoms, the overarching goal is to maintain remission and prevent flare-ups in the long term.

At present, the company has two therapeutics in trials, which, according to their CSO, have similar effects but utilise different biologic mechanisms of action.

Both are therapies using monoclonal antibody (mAb) fragments as their active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Dr Poirier revealed the use of fragments was particularly important in establishing a safe level of toxicity.

OSE-104 is a mAb fragment therapy which selectively binds to the CD28 T-cell receptor to block activation of T cells that have the potential to be pathogenic. They also discovered that their fragment can promote Treg cell expansion.According to Dr Poirier, other companies have attempted to develop similar therapies using full mAbs and despite working well in a murine model, they turned out to be traumatically toxic in humans, because they activate the receptors and as a result the whole immune system. Instead, his team developed antibody fragments large enough to specifically bind target receptors, but that are unable to activate the receptors they bind to, blocking them instead.

Interleukin 7 (IL-7) is a haematopoietic growth factor secreted by stromal cells in the bone marrow and thymus. It is produced by keratinocytes, neurons and epithelial cells, but is not by normal T lymphocytes.

It is also thought that CD127 may be involved in transforming T cells into memory T lymphocytes.A second drug, OSE-127, with a similar mode of action, is expected to enter Phase II trials in 2020. These immunomodulatory mAb fragments target the CD127 receptors on the surface of T cells. CD127 receptors are alpha chains of IL-7 receptors (IL-1Rs) that bind IL-7 and are expressed on the surface of effector T cells. IL-7 regulates the migration of effector T lymphocytes, particularly in the gut. Therefore, the blockade of IL-7R prevents pathogenic T cells from entering gut tissue to cause inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Memory T cells circulate for years after an initial infection and prompt faster future responses to their specific antigens. According to Dr Poirier, the production of memory T cells against autoantigens is responsible for the chronicity of autoimmune conditions such as IBD, because each time we have an expansion of memory T cells which recognise autoantigens, we have a relapse of the disease.

Dr Poirier also added that OSE-127 has a further action; IL-7 signalling effects transcription, promoting the proliferation and survival of T cells. By blocking this action, OSE-127 prevents the long-term survival of immune cells such as memory T cells.

Dr Poirier explained that the main challenges in the field of autoimmune therapy research are obtaining and using models that accurately reflect the human condition and immune system.

He revealed: one of most challenging aspects of targeting the immune system is the translation from technical research which is based on in vitro assays on human cells and in vivo in mice to then a therapeutic in a human patient.

According to Dr Poirier, they are now involved in a human translational immunology programme to overcome the inaccuracies of animal models. Within this programme they are moving away from the use of animal models and instead are developing ex vivo tissue sample assays from patients. As part of the project, they have access to samples, such as skin from psoriasis patients or colon tissue from IBD patients, on which they can directly test drug candidates on the pathogenic tissue that contains both the pathogenic and regulatory immune cells. Using this we can directly demonstrate or identify if the drugs work exactly as we want.

Dr Poirier also revealed that these therapies are still proof-of-concept, from which they intend to learn and optimise their system. Due to their therapeutics targeting the immune system, rather than a localised specific tissue, the products are transferable between different autoimmune conditions. As a result, he suggested that the time spent modifying and developing these pharmaceuticals to be as efficacious and targeted as possible, will make future developments less costly because they can continue to modify and extend the indications. A further area of discovery Dr Poirier believes will be important in the future is working on actively resolving inflammation in autoimmune conditions.

Dr Poirier presents a novel approach for the treatment of autoimmune conditions, moving away from past techniques of broad immunosuppression and towards selectively activating and repressing different subtypes of immune cells. Moving forward, Dr Poirier suggests there will be further modification and development of their mAb fragments in order to target other immune cells related to different conditions.

He also highlighted that progression in R&D models, such as ex vivo patient tissue samples, should also contribute to future success and drug discovery.

Related topicsAntibodies, Biologics, Biopharmaceuticals, Disease research, Drug Development, Drug Discovery Processes, Drug Targets, Monoclonal Antibody, Research & Development, t-cells, Therapeutics

Originally posted here:
Rebalancing the immune system to treat autoimmune disease - Drug Target Review

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Its getting pretty real out there folks. The world has decided to put our immune systems to the test with the coronavirus. If we dont take the proper precautions, we can get sick and no one wants that. You can wash your hands all day long and keep away from people. But if your immune system isnt up to snuff, it can be all for naught. So head on over to Amazon to pick up the Genius Mushroom Lions Mane Immunity Booster to make sure it is.

When you pick up the Genius Mushroom Lions Mane Immunity Booster, you will be on the right road to having a healthier body. Even without the coronavirus shaking up the world, you dont want to get sick. Even the common cold can make day to day living difficult. These pills get your immune system in top shape because they are made with three of the best mushrooms in the world.

Not all mushrooms are the same. There are plenty of varieties out there. And the three that comprise the Genius Mushroom Lions Mane Immunity Booster work really well at improving your body. It is made with cordyceps, lions mane, and reishi mushrooms. Each one bringing a specific benefit to your life that will make your days a lot easier to get through.

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If you have any worries about the coronavirus, you should pick up the Genius Mushroom Lions Mane Immunity Booster. It will help you fight back against this annoying disease. Youll also get a boost during the day to make work so much easier to deal with. And for those of you that like to work out, all of this adds up to make it easier to lose weight and get into shape. So pick up a bottle now. No need to wait.

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Get Your Immune System In Top Shape With This Immunity Booster - Men's Journal

These cells play a key protective role in immunity to infection however, if unregulated, they can also cause tissue damage in autoimmune disorders.

The research, published in theJournal of Experimental Medicine, should help us design more effective vaccines to prevent infections such as MRSA and may also assist help us develop of new therapies for autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis.

The immune system functions to control infection, utilising various immune cells, such as T cells to respond to and control invading microbes. However, if these immune cells are not highly regulated, they can attack and damage body tissues, leading to the development of autoimmune diseases.

Molecules called T cell receptors (TCRs) allow T cells to recognise components of infectious agents with exquisite specificity. The TCRs enable T cells to respond to and eventually eliminate the infectious agent.

Professor Kingston Mills, Professor of Experimental Immunology, School of Biochemistry and Immunology in the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Dublin explained that: Until now scientists thought that there were two discrete populations of T cells, expressing either or TCRs. The s are the most common T cells in the body.

They play a key role in remembering prior infection or immunisation and thereby help protect us against re-infection and mediate vaccine-induced protective immunity. The s are more prevalent at mucosal surfaces, such as the lung or gut, and provide an immediate first line of defence against pathogens that invade through these routes.

We have discovered a new cell type that expresses both and TCRs. This rare population of chimeric or hybrid - T cells has properties of both and T cells. Importantly, they are normally highly activated and poised to act as first responders to control bacterial infection.

However, given this high level of activation, they are effectively Jekyll and Hyde cells because in certain contexts they can also precipitate autoimmune responses.

Using a model of Staphylococcus aureus infection, Mills and his team found that these cells are rapidly mobilised during infection and play a key role in quickly eliminating the microbes from the body.

By introducing these hybrid - T cells, it may represent a novel approach in the design of more effective vaccines against Staph aureus and other infectious diseases, while advancing our ability to control their response may yield additional therapeutic options.

Mills added: In a model of autoimmune disease, we found that the hybrid T cells can also trigger the inflammatory cascade that mediates tissue damage in autoimmunity. Therefore, approaches for inhibiting these highly activated immune cells in susceptible individuals may open up new approaches for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and multiple sclerosis.

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The 'Jekyll and Hyde' of immune cells - Health Europa

Its the time of year when we start reaching for the Berocca tablets in an attempt to keep those cold and flu viruses at bay.

But with the recent spread of coronavirus to the UK, its never been more important to keep your inner security guard in tip-top condition.

Its no surprise that eating well, getting a good nights sleep and washing your hands regularly can help support your bodys ability to fight off infections, but are there other ways to boost your bodys defence mechanism?

Heres how the immune system works, and how to keep it in balance...

So what is it?

The immune system is a network of cells, organs, proteins and antibodies that work to protect you against bacteria, viruses and parasites. It doesnt only work when we feel ill.

Every day we inhale one hundred million viruses, according to the Medical Research Council, and the immune systems job is to keep us safe. There are two main parts: the innate response and the acquired response.

The innate response works out what is friend and foe, then tries to flush out the invader its this that can make us feel feverish or snotty. The acquired response remembers specific invaders and sends the right cells to kill them off.

How do you stop germs spreading?

The NHS says the best defence against germs is to follow basic hygiene washing hands with hot soapy water, or using hand sanitiser.

Use a tissue or your sleeve to catch a cough or sneeze, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands are not clean.

Does wearing a face mask help?

Since the outbreak of coronavirus, sales of face masks have risen 800%, and its likely youve seen people wearing them in busy locations, like at train stations or in airports.

But there is no conclusive evidence to suggest they can stop virus particles from entering the mouth and throat. They may stop you self-contaminating by putting your hands in your mouth or nose.

What about supplements?

Many over-the-counter products claim to boost your immune system, but there is little evidence to show that they do. If you have a poor diet, it may help to take a daily multi-vitamin, but if you are healthy and eat well getting lots of fibre, fruit, veg and healthy fats your immune system should have everything it needs to run optimally.

Age matters

Unfortunately, the immune system declines by about 2-3% a year from our 20s, which is why older people are more susceptible to infections, says Janet Lord, professor of immune cell biology at the University of Birmingham. Death rates from diseases like pneumonia and bronchitis are three times higher among elderly people.

1. Spice things up Season your food with garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric and cayenne pepper. These have antioxidant, detoxification and antimicrobial properties.

2. Drink green tea Its rich in antioxidants called Polyphenols, which are efficient infection fighters.

3. Get enough sleep A good nights sleep (were talking 7-9 hours) can bolster the T cells, which fight infection in the body. One study also showed that just one night of 4 hours sleep depleted the bodys natural killer cells by 70%.

4. Reduce stress The brain and the immune system are in constant communication when we are stressed, the brain produces more cortisol and prepares the body for emergency situations. But while it is doing that, it depresses our immune system. Try relaxation exercises like yoga or meditation. Positive thinking can also go a long way.

5. Keep warm It turns out its true what your mother said cold viruses are more infectious at temperatures lower than 37C, which is the average core body temperature. So wrap up warm when you go outside.

6. Fluids, fluids, fluids Staying hydrated helps your body naturally eliminate toxins and other bacteria that might cause illness. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.

7. Essential oils Lemon has powerful antibacterial properties and has been shown to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which fight off infections. Diffuse six drops of lemon oil in a diffuser (like the Tisserand Aroma Spa Diffuser, 39.95) to help give your immune system a boost.

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7 ways to improve your immune system that are better than coronavirus face masks - Mirror Online

Researchers have studied how the human body responds to viral infection when already infected by fungi, offering insights into the immune system.

New research has found that the bodys immune response to fungal infections changes when a patient is also infected by a virus.The study, carried out by researchers at the University of Birmingham, the Pirbright Institute and University College London, all UK, sheds fresh light on the immune systems ability to deal with co-infection.

Although clinicians understand how the immune system responds to fungal and viral infections, much less is known about what happens when both occur together.

Typically, white blood cells will attack pathogens through phagocytosis where a pathogen is engulfed by the white blood cell. In fungal infections, however, this process sometimes reverses ejecting the fungus back out of the white blood cell via a process called vomocytosis. The researchers were able to show that this process of expulsion is rapidly accelerated when the white blood cells detect a virus.

The team used advanced microscopy techniques to study live white blood cells exposed to two different types of virus, HIV and measles, alongside the fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans. This opportunistic pathogen is particularly deadly among HIV+ patients.

Instead of becoming simply less able to deal with the fungus, the researchers found that the white blood cells began expelling the fungal cells much more rapidly.

Lead author, Professor Robin May, Director of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection at the University of Birmingham, explained: We found the macrophages ejected their prey the fungal cells much more quickly when the virus was present. This was very unexpected, but could be an attempt to free up those white blood cells to deal with the new viral invaders.

The team used advanced microscopy techniques to study live white blood cells

As the vomocytosis occurred with both viruses, the researchers concluded that the effect was likely to be a general response to viral co-infection.

Professor May added: This is the first time that scientists have studied our immune systems response to fungal infection in the much more realistic setting of a secondary (viral) infection. We dont yet know whether this mechanism makes the white blood cells more or less effective in fighting off either infection. Although expelling the fungal cell will free up the macrophage to attack the virus, it also sets free the fungal cell to continue its spread through the body.

Dr Dalan Bailey, head of the Viral Glycoproteins group at Pirbright, commented: This is another interesting example of transkingdom interactions between microbes, this time fungi and viruses. We are only beginning to understand the complexity of microbe interactions within the host and this collaboration sheds new light on this exciting new area of research.

Investigating these processes in animal models will be the next step for the team, with a longer term goal of harnessing the mechanisms used to trigger the expulsion of fungi and use them to help clear these pathogens from the body.

The study was published in PLOS Pathogens.

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Study reveals how immune system handles fungal and viral infections - Drug Target Review

BURLINGAME, Calif., March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Inflammatix, a pioneering molecular diagnostics company delivering precision medicine at the point of care, announced findings from a new study published today in Nature Communicationsthat demonstrate its ability to identify patients with bacterial versus viral infections using a data-driven approach that measures the immune system response. The molecular classifier used in the study forms the basis of Inflammatix's HostDx rapid tests, which the company is developing to overcome traditional challenges of diagnosing acute infections and sepsis.

"When seeing a sick patient with a suspected infection in the emergency room, most physicians are forced to basically make an educated guess about whether the patient has a bacterial or viral infection, and then treat accordingly. Unfortunately, despite best efforts, this guessing game can have terrible outcomes for patients and for our health system," said Tim Sweeney, M.D., Ph.D., cofounder and chief executive officer of Inflammatix.

"For 20 years, researchers have been looking for a way to use transcriptomics the study of the body's gene expression to classify patients with acute infections. To date, others' attempts to apply machine learning to this problem have not held up when applied to diverse patient populations. Our new study is the first time that a locked, multi-gene signature has been validated in a blinded, independent clinical cohort. It represents a major technical breakthrough in translating our tests to the clinic."

For the new publication, Inflammatix and Stanford University scientists applied advanced machine learning to develop a 29-gene classifier ("BVN-1") that can identify bacterial, viral or no infections across 1,069 blood samples from 18 prior studies of patients diagnosed with acute infections. The patients represented a wide range of geographic regions, clinical care setting and disease contexts.

The researchers then tested the locked classifier i.e., without modification or retraining on an independent cohort of 109 patients from Stanford University's intensive care unit who underwent evaluation for acute infection and sepsis. They found that the test was highly accurate in diagnosing infections, especially among patients tested within 36 hours of hospital admission a critical time for determining treatment. Among this subset, the test demonstrated an AUROC of 0.92 (95% CI; 0.83-0.99) for identifying patients with bacterial infections and 0.91 (95% CI; 0.82-0.98) for viral infections.

The molecular classifier also demonstrated higher accuracy than standard biomarkers -- procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) that have been associated with acute infections and sepsis. Among the subset of patients with PCT and CRP results in the Stanford ICU cohort, the Inflammatix test had an AUROC of 0.87 (95% CI; 0.8-0.94) for bacterial infections, compared to 0.83 (95% CI; 0.75-0.92) for PCT and 0.70 (95% CI; 0.6-.081) for CRP. Neither PCT nor CRP could positively identify viral infections.

"To wit, 100 percent of the patients in this cohort were on antibiotics, but many did not have an underlying bacterial infection. Improved diagnostics would benefit patients and have a major impact on the healthcare system," said Dr. Sweeney.

"Furthermore, our machine learning team has demonstrated the power of our computational platform in a highly heterogeneous and difficult field. We look forward to bringing the same computational tools to bear across multiple other infectious and inflammatory diseases."

Antibiotic resistance and sepsis lead to more than 700,0001 and 5 million2 respective deaths worldwide each year. Inflammatix's HostDx Sepsis and HostDx Fever tests use proprietary machine learning algorithms that incorporate the expression of multiple immune genes (host response) to identify the presence of bacterial or viral infections and to determine if a patient has or is likely to develop sepsis. Inflammatix's simple-to-use, sample-to-answer HostDx system is designed to produce results at or near the point of care in 30 minutes or less. The company plans to advance its HostDx tests through commercial launch in Europe and submission to the United States Food and Drug Administration in 2021.

In January 2020, Inflammatix announced it had received $32 million in Series C financing. Prior to that, in November 2019, the company announced a cost-sharing contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, to further develop its HostDx tests. The agreement is worth up to $72 million based on achieving certain milestones.*

CitationMayhew, MB et al. A generalizable 29-mRNA neural-network classifier for acute bacterial and viral infections. Nature Communications, 2020.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-14975-w

About InflammatixInflammatix is a molecular diagnostics company that is reimagining diagnostics by "reading" the patient's immune system to deliver rapid results that improve patient care and reduce major public health burdens. The company's initial focus is on acute infection and sepsis, where its HostDx tests combine proprietary biomarkers and advanced machine learning to help physicians quickly get the right treatments to the right patients. Each test will be developed to run on the company's sample-to-answer isothermal instrument platform in under 30 minutes, enabling the power of precision medicine at the point of care. The Burlingame, Calif.-based company funders include Khosla Ventures, Northpond Ventures, Think.Health Ventures, Grey Sky Venture Partners and the Stanford-StartX Fund. For more information, please visit http://www.inflammatix.com and follow the company on Twitter (@Inflammatix_Inc).

*This project has been funded in part with Federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under Contract Nos. 75A50119C00034 and 75A50119C00044.

Media Contact: Tracy Morris650-380-4413tracymorrispr@gmail.com

1Interagency Coordination Group on Antimicrobial Resistance. No Time to Wait: Securing the Future from Drug-Resistant Infections; Report to the United Nations. April 2019.2Rudd KE, et al. Global, regional, and national sepsis incidence and mortality, 19902017: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. Lancet 2020; 395:200-211.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-inflammatix-study-in-nature-communications-outlines-breakthrough-in-diagnosing-acute-infections-by-reading-the-immune-system-301016311.html

SOURCE Inflammatix

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New Inflammatix Study in Nature Communications Outlines Breakthrough in Diagnosing Acute Infections by Reading the Immune System - BioSpace

As cases ofcoronavirusspread around the world, doctors are learning more about what it does to the human body. Most cases are mild, but the illness officially known as COVID-19 can become severe if a person's immune system cannot repair damage to the lungs caused by the virus, CBS News medical contributor Dr. Tara Narula said. The disease has infected almost 89,000 people worldwide and killed more than 3,000 people. In the United States, the death toll rose to six on Monday.

"The issue with COVID-19 is that this virus can affect the lower tract of your airways," Narula, a cardiologist at Northwell Health, said Monday on "CBS This Morning." The virus can damage the cells that line the respiratory tract in the lungs, she explained. When that happens, "your immune system launches a response to try to clean up and repair."

But for some people, the immune system response "is so overwhelming, it's not in check," Narula said. If that's the case, the lungs can be flooded with fluid and cellular debris.

"Essentially the lungs start to drown, and that's a situation that can become a severe pneumonia. The pneumonia can then progress to what we call sepsis, where you can have a drop of blood pressure and multi-organ failure, and that's how it really causes death," she said.

In China, where the virus originated, 80% of cases have been mild, Narula said.

"Only about 14% were severe and even less were critical," she said.

Some research has estimated the death rate at about 2%, Narula said, but added that it's probably lower because there are likely more mild cases than what have been detected.

"In the grand scheme of things, for most people if they get it, it will end up being a mild disorder," she said.

Narula said the virus is transmitted through person-to-person contact by droplets.

"So if I cough or sneeze, those droplets can travel up to six feet and enter your mouth, or your nose or your lungs," she said. "Another way is if I cough or sneeze and it lands on a surface or an object and then you touch that same object or surface and touch your face."

Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. People could also have a headache, diarrhea, muscle aches, sore throat, runny nose and congestion, Narula said.

An infected person can pass on the virus to others even if they are not showing any symptoms.

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What the coronavirus does to the body and how it can become severe - CBS News

India confirms a total of 28 coronavirus cases

The coronavirus outbreak has affected a total of 70 countries around the world. India reportedtwo fresh cases of coronavirus on Monday, one in Delhi and the other in Telangana. With the biggest jump in numbers, Indiareportsa total of 28 cases as of today. A group of 15 Italian tourists who traveled Rajasthan last month tested positive. Union health minister Harsh Vardhan told the media that the positive case reported in Delhi interacted with his family of six members in Agra. All six members are infected from the virus.

COVID-19 can spread easily from an infected person. It can cause symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat and some may experience difficulty in breathing. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent the spread of coronavirus. it is important to avoid any panic situation insteadfollow the right prevention methods to fight the spread of coronavirus.

A strong immune system can help you fight the infection naturally. Lifestyle coach Luke Coutinho sharessome amazingtips to boost one's immunity to stay safe during thisoutbreak.

"A virus can impact someone with low immunity. So if you have a low immune system, viruses, bacteria, infections are more likely to affect you as compared to those with strong immunity," Luke explains. In the video, he stresses on the importance of a strong immune system and explains that if you maintain a strong immune system, you can possibly prevent a viral infection. Even if you get it, a strong system can help you fight against it effectively.

Avoid public gatherings to prevent coronavirus spreadPhoto Credit: iStock

Several foods can help you boost immunity but Luke highlights that foods alone will not boost your immune system. It has to be combined with sleep, exercise, stress management and many other factors.

Also read:Delhi Reports First Case And One More In Telangana; WHO Guidelines On How Use Masks To Protect Against Coronavirus

1. Ginger has strong immunity-boosting properties. Include it in your foods or prepare ginger tea.

2. Spinach, not in the raw form can also help you boost immunity. Steam or boil it lightly as it to prepare an immunity-boosting recipe.

3. Yogurt is great for your gut health. A healthy gut promotes strong immune system.

4. Almonds are loaded with nutrients. A handful of almonds or 8-10 almonds can be consumed daily.

5. Turmeric is one of the best options you must add to your diet for better immunity. But it should be combined with black pepper and good fat like coconut oil or pure ghee. Take a half tablespoon of turmeric, one tablespoon of ghee or coconut oil and a small amount of pepper. It will boost the absorption of turmeric.

6. Green tea is a healthy beverage. You can drink up to 2-3 cups of fresh green daily.

7. Add more fruits to your diet. Fruits like papaya, berries and kiwi are some great immunity boosters.

8. Add more protein to your diet. A virus affects the tissues and can destroy cells and protein helps in repairing tissues. Make sure that you add a small amount of protein to every meal.

9. Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are also great immunity boosters.

10. Garlic is also loaded with immunity-boosting properties. Consume raw garlic or boil some garlic and ginger in hot water to prepare a tea.

11. A healthy soup with a combination of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, tomato, onion, garlic, ginger, pumpkin and turmeric.

Add more immunity boosting foods to your dietPhoto Credit: iStock

Also read:Coronavirus Outbreak In India: Samples Taken From 6 People In Noida Test Negative

Other tips to boost immunity-

Luke suggests you must combine other healthy practices with a diet loaded with immunity boosters. Some of these include-

1. Proper sleep

2. Regular exercise- at least 30 minutes of exercise

3. Wash your hands more often or use a sanitiser

4. Try deep breathing or pranayam to supply more oxygen to the body

5. Beat stress with yoga, meditation, exercise or other activities you like

Also read:Flu Shots Can Prevent Coronavirus - This And Other Myths Busted

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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India Confirms 28 Coronavirus Cases; Do Not Panic But Boost Your Immunity With These Amazing Expert Tips To Fight It - NDTV News

Miskawaan Health Group Medical Director Dr Johannes Wessolly outlines key steps to improving the immune system

With the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic bringing parts of the world to a panic-stricken standstill, now is the best time to think about the state of ones overall health and wellbeing and just how susceptible you might be to an infection.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200304005875/en/

Miskawaan Health Group Medical Director Dr Johannes Wessolly. (Photo: Business Wire)

Global average life expectancy increased 5.5 years between the years 2000 and 2016, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While our life expectancy is rising, all too often, our quality of life is not enhanced in an equal measure. For over 30 years, Miskawaan Health Groups Medical Director, Dr Johannes Wessolly, has used a functional medicine approach to tailoring treatments for his patients in a natural and effective manner.

At the forefront of functional medicine, Miskawaan uses highly accredited doctors, scientists, and oncologists as well as technology solutions such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to innovate and create cutting-edge, highly personalised treatments for patients. Founded by Dr Wessolly & David Boehm, Miskawaan fuses its offering of the best of German technology with the art of Thai hospitality to ensure peace of mind, excellent health and longevity for its clients.

Below, Dr Wessolly highlights a few important steps toward improving the immune system, safeguarding the body against disease, and advancing optimal health.

In life and in health, defense is the best offense.

None of us need to be told that proper nutrition and restful sleep are two of the basic keys to maintaining mental and physical wellbeing, and yet, for one reason or another, were not doing either of those enough. To effectively shield the body against the novel coronavirus and other viruses for that matter means actively seeking ways to lower ones vulnerability to infection. Keep your immune system as strong as it can be by ensuring sufficient intake of vitamins, in particular vitamins C and D and zinc, which together work as boosters for the system. If you find yourself in a congested area, wear a mask and make sure you disinfect your hands as often as possible.

Despite the prevalence of the most advanced technologies for curing a spectrum of diseases, the saying prevention is better than cure still holds water. Be intentional in your investment in long-term solutions to the protection of your health.

Treat the cause, not the symptom.

Instead of waiting until you feel something might be amiss, recognise that time is of the essence, and that what you do today could greatly affect the trajectory of your health in the future. Where traditional medicine is structured to manage symptoms, functional medicine strives to address the causes. In functional medicine, a doctor will ask why a person is sick and then try to understand if there are underlying dysfunctions that are causing a condition instead of simply masking its symptoms with a prescription.

Recognising the complexity of the human body as one biological system rather than a collection of organs, Miskawaans doctors begin with a comprehensive one-on-one session that lasts a minimum of 60 minutes. During this in-depth consultation, our doctors look for interactions among genetic, environmental, hormonal and lifestyle factors that can influence chronic inflammation and long-term health. Illness may manifest differently and progress at varying speeds depending on the body, and that is precisely due to these markers. We strive to identify the why before approaching the how.

Story continues

In addition to personalised nutritional programmes and post-disease recovery support, Miskawaan offers infusions and injections, from 100% natural customised proprietary IV infusions to therapies for cancer, diabetes, mitochondria and more, making treatments available to patients at every stage of their health journey.

Its all personal.

Every person is genetically and biochemically unique, so why do we believe that a traditional, one-size-fits-all approach of prescribing the same medications will work? The approach should be patient-centric rather than the traditional disease-centric.

Functional medicine is a philosophy of optimal health, where the complexity of the human body is examined through alternate interpretations of diagnostic data and health treatments are customised for each patient.

Holistic diagnostics, punctuated with a personal touch that references warm Thai hospitality, is the hallmark of every Miskawaan clinic. At Miskawaan, which carries out more extensive testing through its own biotechnology lab and collaborative health technology ecosystem supported by access to the top labs across the globe, diagnostics include testing for food intolerance, heavy metals and minerals, blood and pathology, cardiovascular and peripheral-vascular, and metabolic profiling.

In functional medicine, a personalised health treatment plan targets the specific manifestations of disease in each individual. Our goal is to use natural therapy to maximise the inherent efficiency of the immune system. We then work with you to embark on a health roadmap with the objective of improving health and vitality.

Visit http://www.miskawaanhealth.com for more information.

Please download high-resolution images through this link: http://ftp.catchonco.com/Miskawaan.zip.

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For media enquiries or interview opportunities, please contact CatchOn, a Finn Partners Company: Manica Tiglao Direct Line: (852) 2807 0899 | Email: manica.tiglao@finnpartners.com

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Why Functional Medicine is the Future of Healthcare - Yahoo Finance

WASHINGTON The mother of an American imprisoned in Iran said Wednesday she fears her son is at risk of contracting the coronavirus given the scale of the outbreak in the country and reports that the illness has spread to a major prison where he was held temporarily.

Michael White, a U.S. Navy veteran, had just finished treatment for cancer when he was detained in Iran in July 2018, according to his mother, Joanne White.

"For months, Iranian authorities have refused to provide Michael, a cancer patient with a compromised immune system, with basic medical care and his health has rapidly declined," Joanne White said in a statement issued Wednesday.

"I believe his life is imminently at risk and the situation is made even more urgent by the fact it's been a month since we last had verifiable proof Michael is alive," White said.

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Michael White was recently transferred from a prison in Mashad to Evin prison in Tehran, she said, where he stayed 11 days until he was returned to Mashad. The lawyer for another American held in Iran, Siamak Namazi, said Monday the coronavirus was detected at Evin and one inmate who tested positive was removed.

Iranian authorities insist the virus has not been found in Evin prison. But on Tuesday, a judiciary spokesman said at a press conference that 54,000 prisoners have been temporarily released to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Iranian prisons.

"I am also concerned by credible reports of an outbreak at Evin prison because, at the end of January, Michael was suddenly transferred from Mashhad to Evin where he spent eleven days in a cramped intake cell before being returned to Mashhad without explanation," Joanne White said.

Given his fragile health, there was a serious danger that Michael White could die behind bars, she said.

"Time is running out for the Iranian regime to release Michael alive and avoid the consequences that would certainly follow should he die in their custody,' she said.

Joanne White, who said her son voted for President Donald Trump, demanded the White House take action to secure her son's release.

"It is also long past time for the administration my son so proudly voted for to DO SOMETHING to bring him home," she said in the statement.

A State Department spokesperson told NBC News that officials are "working with the Swiss on a daily basis to ensure the health, safety, and release of U.S. citizens currently imprisoned in Iran."

Iran has denied any mistreatment of foreign prisoners or that it withholds adequate medical care. Iran's U.N. mission was not immediately available for comment.

Iranian authorities have struggled to contain the spread of coronavirus. The illness has killed 92 people in Iran and there are 2,922 confirmed cases of the virus, according to the country's health ministry spokesman.

Dan De Luceis a reporter for the NBC News Investigative Unit.

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New research on body fat uncovers the clearest mechanism yet for how the female and male immune systems operate differently.

Men and women are more or less susceptible to different diseases. Women, for example, are more prone to autoimmune diseases like arthritis and lupus where the immune system attacks healthy cells.

We also know men are more prone to metabolic diseases where there are problems in how food is converted into energy, resulting in conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, or high blood sugar levels. This makes men more susceptible to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

While this suggested that men and women have differences in their immune systems, there was little specific proof for that, until now.

The new paper in Nature provides researchers with a new roadmap to look for the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms at work in men and women.

It also opens up the possibility of future drugs tailored to men or women to treat metabolic and immune diseases, as well as the secondary illnesses associated with them, like cancer.

Researchers from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, and University of Melbourne, set out to understand why men are more prone to obesity and metabolic diseases than are women.

It was already well known that when mice eat a high fat diet, the males become obese much faster than the females. In a bid to find out why, researchers minutely examined the body fat of mice.

Body fat, or what we call the adipose, isnt just fat, says senior author Axel Kallies, professor at the Peter Doherty Institute.

It is actually an organ that plays an important role in making hormones and messenger molecules to regulate metabolism. So we looked at every cell type we could think of by isolating them from the adipose and comparing males and females.

What they found completely surprised them. They discovered that the immune systems operating in the body fat of males and females were starkly different.

The male mice had many more and different types of white blood cells called Regulatory T cells (Treg cells). Indeed, males had three to four times as many Tregs cells as females.

These cells play a crucial role in limiting the otherwise harmful inflammation that is triggered when our immune system is alerted to an infection.

They also found that males had a unique type of stromal cell. These are the cells that make up the connective tissue that shape organs.

Not only did we discover dramatic differences in Treg cells, we also discovered a stromal cell type that responds directly to testosterone and is specific to males, says study lead author Ajithkumar Vasanthakumar.

This was surprising because past research on key organs involved in the immune systemthe lymph nodes, spleen, and bloodhad found no difference in Treg cells between males and females.

When they delved further to understand why males had so many more Treg cells in their body fat, they discovered the male-specific stromal cells. It is these stromal cells that create the environments, or niches, for Treg cells to adapt to specific organs, like body fat.

In this way, stromal cells influence how the immune system in an organ develops, and in body fat these stromal cells are different between males and females.

The team also found that male fat contained many more pro-inflammatory cytokinesthe immune system messenger molecules that allow different cells to communicate with each other and are important in triggering an immune response and inflammation.

This is probably the most striking and clear finding that goes toward explaining the differences in male and female immune systems, says Kallies.

In an earlier study we biopsied human adipose tissue and found the same type of Treg cells as we find in mice, so there is every reason to believe that similar systems are at play.

We now have a fairly complete picture at the molecular, cellular, and hormonal level of what is going on, and it may well apply in different parts of the body, though the details of how it works may vary from organ to organ.

For example, instead of the stroma cell niche in body fat resulting in differences in Treg cells between men and women, in other organs the stroma may affect the female and male immune systems in a different way.

Kallies says the findings show that male body fat is more primed to inflammation than female body fat. That may explain why men are more susceptible to obesity and metabolic diseases, which are associated with high levels of inflammation.

Kallies suggests that the higher levels of Treg cells in men are an adaption to try and control this stronger inflammation. If men didnt have this different Treg cell mechanism in place then they would be even worse off than they are now when it comes to metabolic diseases.

The interaction, via messenger molecules, between stroma cells and the immune system and how this differs between males and females represent a new target for research and possible new drugs, says Kallies.

It means we have a more informed way of targeting these metabolic and autoimmune diseases, and the secondary conditions they are associated with like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

But the other key implication is that it underlines the urgent need for medical research to end the bias towards investigating only male physiology, and end the under-representation of women in clinical trials.

A 2018 study reported that between 1997 and 2000, of the 10 prescription drugs the US Food and Drug Administration suspended because of severe side effects, eight caused greater health risks in women.

It is just outrageous that you can have drugs being tested only on male animals and clinical trials only including males when we know the metabolism of men and women is different, says Kallies. We need to be taking into account the differences between males and females from the very start of research.

Source: University of Melbourne

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Body fat reveals immune differences between the sexes - Futurity: Research News

A mothers mental health during pregnancy has a direct impact on the development of her babys immune system, according to a new Canadian study published in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy.

Previous research has shown a link between a mothers mental state and the development of asthma and allergies in her babies, but this is the first study in humans to identify the mechanism at work.

Our study shows that what happens to the mother during pregnancy could affect the levels and function of the cells that produce immunoglobulin in children, said Dr. Anita Kozyrskyj, a pediatric epidemiologist and a leading researcher on gut microbes at the University of Alberta (U of A).

The research team analyzed the health records of 1,043 mother-infant pairs who were participating in the CHILD Cohort Study, a project that follows the health of thousands of Canadian children into their teens.

The mothers completed regular questionnaires about their mood during and after their pregnancies, asking, for example, whether they felt sad or overwhelmed. Stool samples from the babies were examined for the presence of intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), an antibody that plays a crucial role in immunity.

This immunoglobulin is really important in the microbiome for developing oral tolerance to environmental antigens, said lead author Liane Kang, who conducted the study for her MSc and is now studying medicine at the U of A.

The findings show that moms who reported symptoms of depression during their third trimester, or persistently before and after the birth, were twice as likely to have babies with the lowest levels of immunoglobulin A in their gut. The mothers symptoms did not have to be severe enough for a clinical diagnosis of depression. No link was found with postpartum depression.

The results remained even when variable factors such as breastfeeding and antibiotic use by the mothers and babies were taken into account.

We know that women who have psychological distress are less likely to breastfeed and interact with their children, said Kang. Antibiotic use could also impact how the infant gut microbiome is developing.

Despite all these factors there was still a link between depression and lower immunoglobulin A in the infant.

Kozyrskyj noted that the lowest levels of immunoglobulin A were found in infants between four and eight months old, when they would normally begin to produce their own immunoglobulin.

The largest impact of depression in the mothers was seen in this startup phase of the childs own immune system, she said.

Lowered immunity places the babies at risk for respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, as well as asthma and allergies, and may also lead to a greater risk for depression, obesity and autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, say the researchers.

Kozyrskyj suggests that higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol may be transferred from depressed moms to their fetuses and interfere with the production of cells that will make immunoglobulin after birth. She said more research is required to understand this link between the maternal microbiome and infant immune development.

New mothers are going through a very different stage in their life where they have to take care of another human being, and there are a lot of stressors that come with that, said Kang.

Both researchers said their study indicates that more mental health supports are needed for pregnant women.

These findings should not be used to blame mothers, said Kozyrskyj. Maternal mental health does not occur in isolation.

Source: University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry

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Mom's Mental Health During Pregnancy Tied to Baby's Immunity - PsychCentral.com

One hundred years ago, a world recovering from a global war that had killed some 20 million people suddenly had to contend with something even more deadly: a flu outbreak.

The pandemic, which became known as Spanish flu, is thought to have begun in cramped and crowded army training camps on the Western Front. The unsanitary conditions especially in the trenches along the French border helped it incubate and then spread. The war ended in November 1918, but as the soldiers returned home, bringing the virus with them, an even greater loss of life was just around the corner; between 50 million and 100 million people are thought to have died.

The world has suffered many pandemics in the years since at least three serious flu outbreaks among them but no pandemic has been as deadly, nor as far-reaching.

As the world reacts to a headline-grabbing yet far, far less deadly outbreak of Covid-19, caused by a new coronavirus, BBC Future looks back to our 2018 special marking the 100th anniversary of Spanish Flu to see what we learned from one of the most devastating diseases in recent history.

Pneumonia is often the killer

Many of the people dying from Covid-19 are succumbing to a form of pneumonia, which takes hold as the immune system is weakened from fighting the virus.

This is something that it shares with Spanish flu though it must be said that the death rate from Covid-19 is many times lower than that of Spanish flu. Older people and those with compromised immune systems who make up the majority of those who have been killed by the disease so far are more susceptible to infections that cause pneumonia.

Read more: The flu that changed the world

Few places escaped

Air travel was in its infancy when Spanish flu struck. But there are few places on Earth that escaped its horrific effects. Its passage across the world was slower, carried by railway and passenger steamer rather by airliners. Some places held out for months, or even years, before the flu arrived and wreaked its terrible toll.

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Coronavirus: What can we learn from the Spanish flu? - BBC News

Looking for advice on how to boost your immune system? Whether you find yourself coming down with colds more often than you'd like, or you are (understandably) worried about the Coronavirus, now is a pretty good time to give your immune system a bit of TLC. Late winter is a particularly common time for people to catch cold and flu because our immune systems have been depleted over the harsh winter months. Follow these steps to build up your immune defences and (hopefully) avoid catching anything.

For more health and beauty advice, visit out hub page.

Getting more sleep is probably the single best thing you can do for your health in general, and your immune system in particular. Even a single night of poor sleep or not enough sleep makes you more vulnerable to viruses and infections, to say nothing of chronic sleep deprivation.

Find our how to sleep well in our in-depth guide.

Food is another basic building block of your immune system: we need a varied diet not just to survive, but to keep healthy over time. Eating more vegetables, fruit, lean protein, and fibre has multiple health benefits, including strengthening the immune system. try to avoid processed and fas food as much as you can it's nutritionally poor and doesn't give your body enough of the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally.

If you're able to, try cooking at home more check our our food hub page for simple and inspiring recipes, most of which can be made in about half an hour.

While supplements cannot replace a healthy diet (you'll read this on every bottle and packet of vitamins), there are a couple of supplements that have been proven to improve your immune system. One of them is vitamin D, which the NHS recommends we all take between late autumn and early spring if we live in the Northern hemisphere.

The other is vitamin C but in order to get the real benefits, you might need to invest in more than fizzy vitamin C tablets. Look for Liposomal vitamin C instead it won't cure a cold that's already there, but it has been clinically proven to improve your immune system (and your skin, which is a bonus).

It is important not to rely on multivitamins to protect your from colds and flu, though sadly, it really doesn't seem to work that way.

Health Plus Vitamin D 400iu...

Yes, drinking more water boosts your immune system. It does so by improving your kidney function, allowing your kidneys to work more efficiently to flush out toxins from your body, making you less likely to fall ill. Water also helps increase blood supply to the brain, which in turn improves melatonin production that is essential for sleeping well.

There no need buy water for hydration, either tap water is perfectly fine and safe for you to drink. Just remember to refill your reusable water bottle.

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Ted Baker Glass Water Bottle...

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Aerobic exercise exercise that quickens your breath and increases your heart rate has been proven to boost your immune system by immunoglobulin (infection- and virus-fighting antibodies) levels in your blood. You should aim to do some form of exercise that makes you slightly out of breath every day. This doesn't have to mean going to the gym daily, but can include fast walking, swimming, gardening, and even cleaning.

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How to boost your immune system: 5 ways to fend off cold and flu symptoms - Real Homes

Photo: Courtesy of Dominik Martin via Unsplash By Kristy Or March 05, 2020

Whether youre trying to fight the flu or build up your immunity, these commonly used ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine will help keep you feeling at your best

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Traditional Chinese Medicine has been making its way back into the mainstream with the popularisation of more natural methods of achieving health and wellness. In Chinese medicine, Qi is the vital energy that helps regulate the body and keep it functioning normally. Any disruptions in the Qi are primarily seen as the source of physical and mental health issues including common ailments like the flu, fever, cough, depression and anxiety.We spoke to two Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners - Gianna Buonocore from Integrated Medicine Institute and Cecilia Cheung from Health Wise- for advice on which herbs to add to your diet to help boost your immune system and improve your wellbeing.

The most commonly suggested ingredient by the two experts to add to your routine to boost your immunity is the Astragalus Root - or Huang Qi - as known in Chinese. The root is a principle herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for increasing an individuals vitality and promotes immune boosting compounds. Astragalus Root is typically combined with Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu) and Ledebouriella Root (Feng Feng) to create a soup. According to Cecilia Cheung, this soup is like building a defensive wall to protect your body from cold and flu and is generally good for everyone at all stages of life.

See also:Urban Escapes: Where To Find The Cleanest Air In Asia

Fresh ginger is often prescribed to boost the energy levels in individuals. According to Gianna Buonocore, it not only soothes an upset stomach but helps fire up your immune system and helps clear the pathogen by inducing sweat. Ginger has been used to treat many initial flu and heat symptoms like dry and sore throat, constipation and fatigue. It can also assist with promoting blood circulation and aids in relieving constipation, vomiting symptoms and morning sickness.

Garlic has been widely recognised for its many antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects. The active ingredient inside garlic known as allicin, has antimicrobial properties which is activated through the action of chopping, crushing or chewing raw garlic - though Buonocore warns that these properties are destroyed during cooking. It is great for preventing and treating cold and flus, including relieving symptoms such as coughs, clear(ing) phlegm and enhanc(ing) immunity Cheung adds.

Chrysanthemum is a cooling herb and has antimicrobial properties which has a cleansing effect on the body and can help to clear pathogenic heat. Cheung describes chrysanthemums as a lung clearing herb as it is known to treat ailments like headaches, sore, throats, acne and ulcers. It has also been prescribed for issues like sleeplessness, strained eyes and high blood pressure.

Read more:In Good Health: How Traditional Chinese Medicine Is Evolving In Leaps And Bounds

Buonocore states that Goji Berries or Wolfberry Fruit are often used to improve health, vitality, longevity, energy and stamina. In Chinese Medicine, it is typically prescribed to treat poor eyesight, diabetes and anemia. Add them to your breakfast or include them in your tea for extra nutrients.

For those suffering from insomnia, restlessness, fatigue or loss of appetite, red jujube dates have often been used as a treatment by Chinese medicine doctors. The dates are said to have properties to calm the mind, reduce stress and decrease anxiety. Buonocore recommends a cup of jujube tea before bed (as it can) promote a restful nights sleep or treat insomnia.

See also:Hate The Gym? Here Are 8 Alternatives That You Can Try

In Chinese medicine, rose buds have a warming effect, and are used to alleviate abdominal pain, reduce indigestion, improve blood circulation in the body, and help to regulate menstruation and alleviate abdominal cramps. Buonocore suggests that rose bud tea can be combined with goji berries or red dates to combat tiredness, fatigue and sluggishness, however for those suffering from sore, dry throat, or constipation, Cheung recommends limiting your intake.

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The Traditional Chinese Medicine Ingredients That Can Help To Boost Your Health - Hong Kong Tatler

Chronic kidney disease commonly known as CDK is a type of kidney disorder in which there is a gradual loss of kidney function and develops complications of high blood pressure and may also lead to heart attacks if the pressure of blood against the walls of blood vessels is not controlled. The new research reveals that the immune system has some link with hypertension.

The research team from TMDU (Tokyo Medical and Dental University) found that in patients of chronic kidney disease, the Tumor Necrosis factor (TNF- ) signaling factor of the immune system may provoke hypertension.

The complete study results are published in the journal Kidney International.

The immune system works very efficiently to provide protection against any pathogen that permeates the body to sustain normal health by finding out all the health-related threats, delivering the immune cells and changing the expression of a gene.

But the researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan have discovered that there is a link between salt-sensitive hypertension and the immune system in individuals suffering from CKD (chronic kidney disease).

Also read- Mental Health of a Pregnant Mother may Influence the Immunity of her Unborn Child

Chronic kidney disease is a fundamental cause of about million deaths and has influenced over eight hundred million individuals worldwide. The substantial intricacy of chronic kidney disease is hypertension or high blood pressure.

The researchers have found that the development of CKD can be controlled by regulating normal blood pressure. High blood pressure is the main cause of CKD. Many individuals suffering from CKD have shown an increased sensitivity to salt. Increased salt sensitivity is a condition that is very hard to control because the salt intake from the diet has an excessive impact on blood pressure.

Salt sensitive hypertension is caused by a pathway known as WNK-SPAK-NCC phosphorylation cascade if over activated unsuitably because it causes increased reabsorption of salts in the kidney. it has not been assured that WNK-SPAK-NCC causes high blood pressure in patients of CKD or not and the regulation of phosphorylation cascade is still unknown.

Researchers used a diseased mouse model and found high levels of lysine deficient protein kinase 1 protein (WNK1) in the kidneys of mice suffering from CKD. High levels of WNK 1 protein causes an elevated triggering of the proteins SPAK and NCC. In mice suffering from CKD, the WNK-SPAK-NCC pathway stayed triggered when fed a diet with a high amount of salt, causing salt-sensitive hypertension.

The investigators also studied recent researches indicating that the immune system has a great impact on salt sensitivity. High levels of TNF- (a pro-inflammatory cytokine) were certain in the kidney of mice bearing CKD and stipulation of TNF- causes and elevated levels of WNK 1.

Also read- Duration of a Pregnancy is Linked With the Changes in Newborns DNA

Dr. Eisei Sohara, the first author of this study says that the transcription of WNK1 was not increased by TNF- but TNF- controlled the degeneration of mature WNK1 protein.

Normally a protein NEDD4-2E3-ligase degenerates mature WNK1 and it was found that TNF- increases the levels of WNK1 protein and prevents the transcription of protein that degenerates WNK1. Investigators confirmed the relation between salt sensitivity and immune system by restraining TNF- and found that the salt sensitivity of mice bearing CKD fed a diet with a high amount of salt was reversed.

The widely used antihypertensive drugs are thiazide diuretics that are NCC inhibitors but the effectiveness of these drugs vary among chronic kidney disease patients. Considerable response to thiazide diuretics is usually observed from individuals with high activity of NCC. The results of this research play a significant role to choose better NCC inhibitors in the future

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Immune System May Provoke Salt Sensitive Hypertension in CDK - Spark Health MD

KIRKLAND, QC, March 4, 2020 /CNW/ - Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada launches a new public awareness campaign about cancer immunotherapy, a type of cancer treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer.1 The campaign, Redefining Cancer Treatment, aims to raise awareness and inform Canadians about cancer immunotherapy by sharing the stories of four Canadians from different parts of the country and their personal journeys.

"When most Canadians think of cancer treatment, typically cancer immunotherapy is not on their radar," said AnnA Van Acker,President and Managing Director, Merck Canada. "The goal of this campaign is to help educate Canadians about the different types of cancer treatments to help empower us all to have more informed conversations with our caregivers."

Shannon, a B.C. local, is one of the patients featured in the campaign. In 2005, not long after she was married, Shannon was diagnosed with melanoma. Despite precautionary methods, she got pregnant. By 2011, her cancer had significantly progressed, and she and her husband were told there was a strong chance neither she nor her unborn child would survive.

"Having cancer was hard enough but learning that there was a strong chance that neither myself nor our child would survive was devastating," said Shannon. "Despite the odds, I gave birth to our daughter, and then started on cancer immunotherapy. Being a mother has changed my life and motivated me to help others with advanced cancer learn about the treatment options available."

The campaign will run on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, and the patient stories will be also featured on the website, http://www.redefining-cancer-treatment.ca. Here, Canadians can learn more about different cancer treatment options and find useful resources for care and support.

"Cancer immunotherapy is a pillar in cancer care, alongside surgery, radiation and chemotherapy," said Dr. Krista Noonan, medical oncologist, B.C. Cancer Agency. "Continued research and development of cancer treatments are important and can contribute to improved outcomes for patients."

About Cancer ImmunotherapyCancer patients are treated with surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation, and cancer immunotherapy. Immuno-oncology, a field of medical research which uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer, is an additional pillar in cancer-care treatment.2 Cancer immunotherapyis used to stop or slow the growth of cancer, stop cancer from spreading to other parts of the body, help the immune system work better to destroy cancer cells, and deliver toxins, such as radiation or chemotherapy, directly to cancer cells.3

There are several different types of cancer immunotherapy used to treat cancer.

Canadians are encouraged to visit http://www.redefining-cancer-treatment.ca to learn more.

About Merck CanadaFor more than 125 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world.

In Canada, Merck markets a broad range of vaccines, pharmaceutical and animal health products and is one of the top R&D investors in Canada, with investments totaling $69 million in 2018 and more than $1 billion since 2000. Based in Kirkland, Qubec, Merck employs approximately 680 people across the country. For more information about our operations in Canada, visit http://www.merck.ca and connect with us on YouTubeand Twitter @MerckCanada.

SOURCE Merck

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Redefining Cancer Treatment Shines Light on Cancer Immunotherapies - BioSpace

In its recently added report by MRInsights.biz with the title Global Stem Cell and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Alopecia Therapies Market has provided a comprehensive analysis of the market structure which includes unique insights about the market for the given period. The report covers the competitive landscape and the conspicuous market players anticipated to lead the global Stem Cell and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Alopecia Therapies market for the forecast period, 2019-2024. One of the main targets of this report is to classify the various dynamics of the market. The forenamed market is greatly transforming because of the moves of the key players and brands including developments, product launches, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions that in turn change the view of the global face of the industry.

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london-based photographers david vintiner and gem fletcher document individuals who form part of the transhumanism culture throughout europe, russia and the united states in their latest collaborative photo series, I want to believe an exploration of transhumanism. the five-year-long project explores the core idea behind transhumanism the belief that human beings are destined to transcend their mortal flesh through technology.

neil harbisson hears color neil harbisson was born with achromatism, a rare disease that renders him colourblind. rather than overcome achromatism, harbisson created a new sense to go beyond the human visual spectrumin 2004 he had an antenna implanted into his skull. the antenna allows him to perceive visible and invisible colours as audible vibrations, including infrareds and ultraviolets.

the photo series by vintinerand fletcher illustrates three gradual stages of transhumanism from testing ground, patient zero to humanity 2.0. at the lowest tier, testing ground looks into individuals who have created wearable technology to expand their human abilities, improving everything from concentration to mental health.patient zero studies those who have taken permanent action to become half human and half robot. in the final chapter, humanity 2.0, the transhumanist subjects focus on life extension and immortality.

the work of the individuals in this book demonstrates how optimizing our brains and bodies could revolutionize and redefine humanity. as human architects, we are only limited by our imagination, explains vintiner and fletcher.

kevin warrick widely considered as one of the first cyborgs.kevin warrick is a pioneering professor in cybernetics and considered by many as the worlds first cyborg. kevin instigated a series of experiments involving the neuro-surgical implantation of a device into the nerves of his left arm in order to link his nervous system directly to a computer. this enabled him to have a symbiotic connection with a robotic hand. he could control the hand using his own brain signals from anywhere in the world, as well as sense what the robot hand was feeling.

humans are now gods. we are now able to create and design humans, but do humans have the foresight to do it in the right way? questions the photographers.

cyborg arm

for many transhumanists, life extension and immortality is the goal. transhumanism started as early as 1923 and has developed over recent years through the rise of sci-fi themed books, movies and the democratization of technology. as studies on experimental genetic engineering, tissue regeneration and stem cell treatments are also becoming more apparent in todays world, transhumanists hope to extend the life of the human body anywhere from twenty to 500 years longer than the average lifespan.

vintiner and fletcher are working together on releasing the photo series as a book, which can be funded on crowd-funding platform kickstarter, here.

moon ribas sensing earthquakesmoon ribas is connected to online seismographs allowing her to perceive the seismic activity of the planet through vibrations in her body. the vibration she feels depends on the intensity of the earthquake. if she is standing in newcastle, she can sense earthquakes happening everywhere from japan to greece. she describes the sensation as having two heartbeats, her biological heartbeat and the earthbeat, which has its own rhythm inside her body.

dr natasha vita-more a leading expert on human enhancement and emerging technologies

dr. aubrey de grey biomedical gerontologist and the chief science 0fficer of SENS research foundation

liz parrish founder of bioviva

dr max more president and CEO of the alcor life extension foundation

patient zero - james young after an accident that left him a double amputee, james young turned to bionics to redesign his body. obsessed with the metal gear solid, he worked with gaming giant konami and prosthetic sculptor sophie de oliveira barata to develop an advanced bionic arm inspired by the computer game.

carbon fibre bionic limb

patient zero - rob spence known as the eyeborg, rob spence lost an eye as a child while playing with his grandfather's shotgun. inspired by a love of the bionic man and his interest in documentary filmmaking, spence created an eye with a wireless video camera inside. the camera is not connected to his optic nerve but sends footage to a remote receiver. over the years, he has created several different aesthetics for the eye, from a realistic 'hidden camera' version to a terminator inspired glowing red version.

patient zero - neil harbisson neil harbisson was born with achromatism, a rare disease that renders him colourblind. rather than overcome achromatism, harbisson created a new sense to go beyond the human visual spectrumin 2004 he had an antenna implanted into his skull. the antenna allows him to perceive visible and invisible colours as audible vibrations, including infrareds and ultraviolets.

image out of rob spence's eyes

new ways of seeing - EYEsect the experimental device aims to recreate the experience of seeing the world like a chameleon, with two single steerable eyes. in changing the way we perceive the world around us, eyesect alters our version of reality enabling new ways to sense and experience our environment.

new ways of seeing - north sense created by liviu babitz and scott cohen, north sense is a small matchbox-sized artificial sense organ that delivers a short vibration every time the user faces north, similar to the biological abilities of migratory birds, extending the human perception of orientation.

new ways of seeing - aisen caro chacin / echolocation the echolocation headphones are a pair of goggles that aid human echolocation. it is designed to substitute the users vision augmenting our spatial awareness with sound, similar to the abilities of bats and whales. the device has both the potential to aid the visually impaired and provide sighted individuals with a new sense.

project info:

title:I want to believe an exploration of transhumanism

artistic director: gem fletcher

photographer: david vintiner

kick starter page: I want to believe

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cyborgs, robots, and biohackers: the first-ever survey of transhumanism - Designboom

Systematic paleontology

Aneuretopsychidae Rasnitsyn and Kozlov, 1990.

Burmopsyche gen. nov.

LSID (Life Science Identifier). urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:15E5EB7B-004B-4AA7-A807-F2EE5C095EF0.

Etymology. The generic name is derived from Burma, the original English name of Myanmar, and -psyche, a typical suffix of generic names in Aneuretopsychidae. Gender: feminine.

Type species. Burmopsyche bella sp. nov.

Other species included. Burmopsyche xiai sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Head triangular in dorsal view, with ocelli raised on ocellar dome, with lateral and medial ocelli at edges of dome. Maxillary palps three-segmented. Antennae moniliform, slender, shorter than proboscis. Wings membranous, without spots or patterns of infuscation aside from pigmented pterostigma between termination of Sc and R1. Forewing ovate to subtriangular, relatively broad at base, with more or less distinct tornus and narrow but extended clavus; Sc reaching middle of wing length or beyond, with strong humeral vein and short distal branch to costal margin; R1 long and simple, braced to Rs by three crossveins; Rs separating from R1 proximally, in basal one-fifth of wing; Rs four-branched with two forks, of which Rs1+2 fork distinctly shorter than that of Rs3+4; stem of M elongate and straight, forking nearly at wing midlength, distal to Rs fork; M three-branched; connection between M and CuA obtuse Y-shaped, with prominent, strong upper arm (M5) and lower arm (base of CuA) much shorter, crossvein-like; CuA long, reaching at least three-fourths of wing length or more, straight in basal half, then broken lineshaped, with three crossveins to M; CuP long, braced to CuA by two strong crossveins, which form a characteristic hexagonal cell; three anal veins long and subparallel to CuP and to each other; A1 and A2 connected by strong, oblique crossvein forming pseudo-loop (apomorphy of family); A3 with long oblique crossvein to wing margin. Hind wing subtriangular, with wide folding vannus and well-developed jugum; hind wing R1 bearing a distinctive row of setal hooks along its medial third (potentially to link with posterior portion of forewing during flight); venation of remigium more or less similar to forewing. Legs slender, with setation of femora and especially tibiae arranged in transverse linear series, those of tibiae and tarsi longer and stiffer on inner surfaces; distitarsi slightly expanded with ventral surfaces flattened to faintly concave and covered in microtrichia; pretarsal claws large, broadly arched, and widely separated by broad and blunt unguitractor. Female cercus dimerous (two cercomeres).

Remarks. The new genus undoubtedly belongs to Aneuretopsychidae based on the opisthognathous siphonate mouthparts, the presence of pseudo-loop in the anal area of the forewing, and the well-developed jugum of the hind wing. It differs from other genera of Aneuretopsychidae by the relatively small body size [except for Aneuretopsyche minima; Rasnitsyn and Kozlov, 1990 (2)], three-segmented maxillary palps, and three-branched M in both fore- and hind wings.

In addition to the two species described here, there are two additional undetermined specimens embedded in the same piece of amber, at least one of which may represent a third species of the genus (see note S1 and fig. S1).

Burmopsyche bella sp. nov. (Figs. 1, A to J, and 2, A, C, D, and fig. S2)

(A) Burmopsyche bella gen. et sp. nov.; holotype, NIGP166158a (left); paratype, NIGP166158b (right). (B and C) Burmopsyche bella gen. et sp. nov.; holotype, NIGP166158a. (B) Habitus in lateral view. (C) Head and proboscis, enlarged from the red template in (B). (D to F) Burmopsyche bella gen. et sp. nov.; paratype, NIGP166158b. (D) Habitus in lateral view. (E) Head and proboscis, enlarged from the red template in (D). (F) Genitalia, enlarged from the green template in (D). (G to J) Burmopsyche bella gen. et sp. nov.; paratype, NIGP166159. (G) Habitus in dorsal view. (H) Line drawing of (G). (I) Proboscis. (J) Genitalia, enlarged from the green template in (G). (K) Reconstruction of mouthparts of Aneuretopsychidae (note the opisthognathous orientation of mouthparts). (L to P) Burmopsyche xiai sp. nov.; holotype, NIGP171685. (L) Genitalia, enlarged from the green template in (O). (M) Habitus in right lateral view. (N) Proboscis, enlarged from the red template in (M). (O) Habitus in left lateral view. (P) Proboscis, enlarged from the red template in (O). An, antennae; Ce1, cercus segment 1; Ce2, cercus segment 2; Fc, food channel; Ga, galea; Hy, hypopharynx; Mxp, maxillary palp. Scale bars, 2 mm (A, B, D, M, and O), 1 mm (G and H), 0.5 mm (C, E, and P), and 0.2 mm (F, I, J, L, and N). Photo credit: B.W., Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

(A) Burmopsyche bella gen. et sp. nov.; holotype, NIGP166158a. (B) Burmopsyche xiai sp. nov.; holotype, NIGP171685. (C) Burmopsyche bella gen. et sp. nov.; paratype, NIGP166158b; forewing. (D) Burmopsyche bella gen. et sp. nov.; paratype, NIGP166159; forewing. Scale bars, 1 mm.

LSID. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: 204B591A-2B9F-40F8-88C0-67D8C5FB5BFC.

Etymology. The specific epithet is from the Latin bellus, meaning beautiful.

Materials. NIGP166158, two adults preserved in an amber piece: holotype, NIGP166158a, a well-preserved incomplete specimen of unknown sex (distal part of abdomen is missing, legs partly preserved); paratype, NIGP166158b, a nearly complete female (forewings apices missing) embedded in the same piece of amber. Paratype, NIGP166159, a nearly complete female of somewhat smaller size, with right wings partially destroyed.

Locality and horizon. Noije Bum Village, Tanaing Town, northern Myanmar; lowermost Cenomanian, Upper Cretaceous.

Diagnosis. Body length 7 to 8 mm. Forewing length 8 to 10 mm; fork of Rs1+2 slightly shorter than stem; fork of Rs3+4 about 1.3 as long as its stem, longer than fork of Rs1+2; M1 simple, M2+3 with distinct fork; CuA long, in basal half straight, in distal half broken linelike, hexagonal cell as long as distal portion of CuA.

Description. Head spheroidal in lateral view, length 1.02 mm, width 0.77 mm, approximately half of greatest width of thorax, with prolonged siphonate mouthparts. Three prominent ocelli present on vertex (not visible in holotype, but well preserved in paratype NIGP166159); compound eyes large and rounded, occupying most of the head. Antennae connected to head in frontal region below ocelli; scapus poorly visible, elongate; pedicellus relatively large, apically dilated; flagellum moniliform, with approximately 49 to 50 flagellomeres (42 in paratype NIGP166159), up to three times wider than long; each flagellomere slightly flattened, with three setal whorls (proximal, medial, and distal), with medial whorl composed of the most prominent setae and positioned slightly closed to proximal whorl. Entire length of antenna (in holotype) 4.10 mm. Proboscis thin, flexible, consisting of three lobes, apparently lacking any terminal absorptive structures such as pseudolabellae. Hypopharynx greatly slender, about 3.80 mm long, needle-like at tip; galeal sheaths of proboscis as long as hypopharynx. Other head and mouthpart structures, including clypeus, labrum, and maxillary palpi not visible as preserved.

Thorax length 3.12 mm, width 1.79 mm, pronotum very small, mesonotum and metanotum subequal in size. Legs entirely covered with annulate setae (shown in paratype NIGP166158b); coxae and femora not shortened; tibiae slightly longer than femora; tarsi five-segmented, basitarsus longest, nearly as long as remaining tarsomeres combined; pretarsi with two curved claws and unpaired arolium. Abdomen (based mainly on the paratype NIGP166158b) stout, slightly shorter than wings, preabdominal segments obscured, postabdominal (VI to XI) segments tapering apically. Cerci dimerous, distal cercomere filamentary (in paratype NIGP166158b, dorsally curved as preserved; in NIGP166159, straight), with dense, nonisometric setae.

Forewing oblong-subtriangular, with distinct tornal angle at about 0.7 wing length with blunt apex. Forewing length about 10.5 mm, maximum width 4.15 mm, length/width ratio 2.5:1. Sc long, straight, reaching beyond middle of wing, with strong humeral vein at base and short distal branch to costal margin, in apical portion connected to R1 by short crossvein sc-r1. R1 long, simple, in distal third gently curved toward wing apex. Pterostigma well developed, extensive, at base extending toward RS1+2 along r1rs1+2 crossvein, in distal part bounded by R1. Rs separating from R1 in basal one-fifth of wing, four-branched, forking somewhat before middle of wing; fork of Rs1+2 slightly shorter than stem; fork of Rs3+4 about 1.3 as long as its stem, longer than fork of Rs1+2; stem of Rs3+4 with distinct curve at first crossvein to M. Base of medial vein braced to base of R1 by short crossvein r-m. M forking at center of wing distal to Rs fork, having three branches meeting wing margin, M1 simple, M2+3 with distinct fork. CuA long, ending nearly at three-fourths of wing length just beyond tornus, in basal half straight, in distal half broken linelike, braced to CuP by two long crossveins, of which distal one is strongly oblique; hexagonal cell as long as distal portion of CuA. CuP long, ending somewhat before or beyond level of Sc apex, apical portion of CuP after distal cua-cup crossvein sharply curved toward wing margin. Three anal veins long and subparallel to CuP and to each other, A2 reaching middle of wing length, at level of M fork; A1 and A2 connected by strongly oblique crossvein, which is relatively short and located slightly distal to cubito-medial Y-vein; A2 markedly curved at this point. Space posterior to third anal vein wide, crossed by oblique crossvein from A3 to wing margin. Crossveins numerous, concentrated mainly in distal half of wing, arranged in three more or less distinct rows; crossveins mostly forwardly inclined or upright.

Hind wing delicate, somewhat smaller than forewing, subtriangular in shape, with distinct apical angle and smooth tornus. Hind wing length about 8.45 mm, width of remigium about 3.6 mm. Bases of all main veins close to wing base. Costal space narrow, Sc long and simple, with short apical crossvein to R1. Pterostigma not developed. Vein R1 with distinctive row of long, anteriorly directed hooked setae. Branching pattern of Rs and M and arrangement of crossveins similar to forewing. Spaces between cubital and anal veins expanded, crossed by long crossveins: three in intercubital space, one in space CuP-A1, and one in space A1-A2 (in addition to two short basal crossveins a1-a2). Veins CuP and A1 fused for short distance before separating close to wing base. Vannus folded twice, vannal (claval) fold apparently located behind A1; vein A3 and jugal (anal) fold not discernible, as well as jugal veins, if present.

Burmopsyche xiai sp. nov. (Figs. 1, L to P, and 2B)

LSID. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act: C925539E-A099-47F8-A9AA-4537153887DC.

Etymology. The specific name honors Mr. Fangyuan Xia, director of the Lingpoge Amber Museum in Shanghai.

Holotype. NIGP171685, a nearly complete female with distal parts of antennae missing.

Locality and horizon. Noije Bum Village, Tanaing Town, northern Myanmar; lowermost Cenomanian, Upper Cretaceous.

Diagnosis. Body length about 12 mm. Forewing length about 9 mm; fork of Rs1+2 about as long as its stem; fork of Rs3+4 about 2.5 as long as stem; M1+2 with deep fork, M3 simple and more or less smooth at crossvein junctions; CuA long, ending nearly at 0.8 of wing length just beyond tornus, hexagonal cell relatively short, half as long as distal portion of CuA.

Description. Body length 12.1 mm, thorax length 3.0 mm, abdomen length 7.2 mm. Head length 1.9 mm, seriously distorted; with prolonged siphonate mouthparts. Most of the head and body structures obscured. Preserved part of antenna, 1.63 mm. Maxillary palpi short, about 0.53 mm long, three-segmented. Proboscis about 3.08 mm long.

Thorax length 3.07 mm, width 0.62 mm. Legs with short, dense setae (visible only in hind tibiae and tarsi), hind legs distinctly longer than fore and mid legs. Length: profemur 1.31 mm, protibia 1.92 mm, protarsus 1.48 mm; mesofemur 1.54 mm, mesotibia 1.97 mm, mesotarsus 1.64 mm; metafemur 2.28 mm, metatibia 2.08 mm, metatarsus 1.81 mm; tarsus pentamerous, basitarsus longest, but shorter than other four tarsomeres combined; pretarsus obscured. Abdomen slender, tapering apically, length 7.16 mm, with two cercomeres.

Forewing ovate, with rounded apex, claval area and posterior (inner) margin not visible (overlapped by hind wing), tornal angle unclear. Forewing length 8.95 mm, maximum width 4.3 mm, length/width ratio 2:1. Sc long, straight, reaching beyond middle of wing, with strong humeral vein at base possibly having a short vein to costal margin at about middle of wing length; Sc near apex connected to R1 by short crossvein sc-r1. R1 long, simple, gently curved toward apex of wing. Pterostigma not preserved. Rs separating from R1 in basal one-fifth of wing length, forking somewhat before middle of wing; fork of Rs1+2, about as long as its stem; fork of Rs3+4, about 2.5 as long as stem, longer than fork of Rs1+2; stem of Rs3+4 with distinct curve at first crossvein to M. Medial vein fork near center of wing somewhat distal to Rs fork, having three branches meeting wing margin, M1+2 with deep fork, M3 simple and more or less smooth at crossvein junctions. Base of CuA slightly inclined backward, forming an obtuse Y-vein with long M-arm (M5). CuA long, ending nearly at 0.8 of wing length just beyond tornus, in basal half straight, in distal half broken lineshaped, braced to CuP by two relatively short crossveins; hexagonal cell relatively short, half as long as distal portion of CuA. CuP long, ending at least at the level of Sc apex or beyond; apical part of CuP not visible but must be quite long and without sharp curve to wing margin. A1 long and subparallel to CuP, its distal portion not visible; other anal veins visible only at their bases. A1 and A2 connected by long, strongly oblique crossvein possibly located somewhat before cubito-medial Y-vein; portion of A2 distal to this crossvein not visible. Space posterior to A3 narrow, crossed by short oblique crossvein from A3 to wing margin. Crossveins numerous, concentrated mainly in distal half of wing, indistinctly arranged in three rows, mostly upright or inclined backward.

Hind wing subtriangular in shape, with obtuse apex and smooth tornus; length about 7.6 mm, width of remigium 3.35 mm. Both hind wings slightly bent at costal margin toward wing plane, such that Sc not visible. Pterostigma not developed. Branching pattern of remigium more or less similar to forewing, except for more expanded intercubital space crossed by three long crossveins instead of two as in forewing. Vannus folded, details of venation not discernible.

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Mouthpart homologies and life habits of Mesozoic long-proboscid scorpionflies - Science Advances