Conspiracy theories of QAnon find fertile ground in an unexpected place the yoga world – Minneapolis Star Tribune

During the pink-salt-lamp-lit evening classes she'd conduct at Yess Yoga in Minneapolis, Marnie Bounds frequently shared a mixture of metaphysical philosophies about the "subtle body," a person's energetic layers that transcend the physical, while folding in her own astrological interpretations.

After the pandemic started, Bounds' classes moved online and she added a weekly info session "What on Earth Is Happening?" that brought something new to the mix: QAnon.

QAnon is the movement that falsely believes former President Donald Trump has been working to destroy a child sex-trafficking cabal of Satanists run by prominent Democrats and celebrities. Its adherents include a handful of Minnesota politicians along with members of the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, including horn-helmeted, self-declared shaman Jake Angeli.

But the QAnon movement also has found a surprising foothold in the yoga and alternative-medicine community.

Julia Szilagyi, a yoga teacher in Naples, Fla., noticed a spike in QAnon-influenced yoga teachers last spring, around the same time that people started wearing masks. She believes QAnon influencers observed the yoga community's focus on freedom and authenticity, and then lured in vulnerable yogis via social media.

"I started hearing things like, 'QAnon encourages me to think outside the box,' from people I've known and worked with for a long time," Szilagyi said.

QAnon believers are typically anti-vaccine, a view shared by some practitioners of alternative medicine.

"The anti-vax part of QAnon is deeply embedded in libertarian beliefs about the body/individual as self-property and the needle as invasion," said Jack Bratich, a professor at Rutgers University and expert on conspiracy theories. "It can connect to 'body as temple' [theories] in Western versions of yoga, where more 'natural' health beliefs also circulate.

"QAnon takes this a step further to say vaccinations are part of a deep state plan to control people through microchips."

That was precisely the view voiced by Twin Cities teacher Bounds in a YouTube video she posted in November. Bounds opined that people who got the COVID-19 vaccine might get a chip implanted under their skin. She also stated that COVID is "hugely important ... for our evolutionary process."

Since May, she has crafted regular 60- to 90-minute informational sessions for her YouTube channel, "The Time Is Now: Teachings for the Great Awakening", which has more than 170 subscribers.

Bounds and Yess Yoga did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

E. Romero, a yoga teacher in Tucson, Ariz., said she became concerned when she heard an offhand comment made by Bounds during an online yoga class, implying that protesters were somehow less enlightened than those in the know.

"That really worried me as a BIPOC person," said Romero. "There were some things she was saying that sounded almost Trumpian. I started to think, 'That's not possible I am in a yoga space.'"

How did some people in the yoga community, which uplifts care, connectedness and a holistic approach to the environment and humanity, come to embrace QAnon?

Los Angeles-based yoga teacher Seane Corn and other wellness community influencers first noticed QAnon beliefs spreading among yoga followers via social media. They called it out in a joint message posted last September. (Corn has 109,000 followers on her Instagram account.)

"Conspirituality," a podcast focused on the intersection of far-right extremism and New Age spirituality, compiled a list of nearly 50 prominent yoga and wellness community influencers who espouse QAnon theories.

The followers of QAnon claim to receive information from "Q," a self-proclaimed, mysterious "government insider" with a supposed high-level security clearance.

Since 2017, "Q" has posted cryptic messages ("Q drops") to online boards. According to QAnon, the "Great Awakening" would happen when Trump won the 2020 election. An apocalyptic showdown would ensue, destroying the aforementioned child sex-trafficking cabal and transforming America.

Neither happened, but QAnon persists.

Facebook continues to shut down QAnon pages, calling the conspiracy theory a "militarized social movement." The FBI labeled QAnon a domestic terrorist threat but Trump has said its followers "basically believe in good government."

Following President Joe Biden's inauguration, some QAnon believers have tried to rationalize the transfer of power, convincing themselves that Biden is part of Trump's plan to take down the global cabal.

Rutgers professor Bratich said QAnon's stance against masking and surveillance makes it attractive to "the influencers community around lifestyle. I think yoga becomes part of that."

He said QAnon is as much a religious movement as a political one: "QAnons are developing a sort of holy war/spiritual warfare around good and evil. Trump is good, and he's going to destroy the evil Satan-worshiping cabal. It's pretty classic Christian demonology."

QAnon's presence in the yoga community sounded an alarm for Minneapolis-based teacher Serita Colette, who was born in Kerala, India, a renowned center for the spiritual practice.

"These people sound very lost and disassociated from the tradition," she said. It's an example, Colette said, of the ways that yoga has become subject to cultural appropriation. At the same time, she said, QAnon is creating "a deeper distaste for communities of color, which, by and large, have not been met with great experiences in the white-dominant [American] yoga world."

For longtime yogis, QAnon's presence disrupts the core of yoga.

"If you are going to honor yoga's philosophy and roots in the practice, you are either one or the other either a yoga teacher or a QAnon person," said Szilagyi. "They can't exist together."

@AliciaEler 612-673-4437

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Conspiracy theories of QAnon find fertile ground in an unexpected place the yoga world - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Speaking for our canine patients: How to find and communicate signs of chronic pain – DVM 360

Veterinarians are keenly aware that many patients present with signs of pain that may be unrecognized or misinterpreted by the owner as normal aging. During a recent Fetch dvm360 virtual conference, Michael Petty, DVM, owner of Arbor Pointe Veterinary Hospital and Animal Pain Centerin Canton, Michigan, discussed how veterinarians could better detect pain in their canine patients and communicate this pain to owners. Owners see their dog every single day, and many painful behaviors can become the norm for that owner to observe, he said.

There are many reasons why owners may not realize their dog is in pain, and it is the veterinarians responsibility to show them what we are seeing. Petty started by dispelling common myths surrounding pain in dogs.

Many veterinarians have heard owners say that their older dog can no longer do a particular activity, such as jump on the couch, followed by, Well, at least theyre not in pain because the dog is not vocalizing. But, as we watch the dog walk around our exam room with a stiff gait or struggle to rise, we know the truth. Silence does not signify the absence of pain. Although dogs will vocalize in an acutely painful situation, they rarely convey when pain is chronic.

Another common misconception is that the dog is just getting old. Petty noted that old dogs can still do the same activities as younger ones. They lose muscle mass over time, just like humans, so they must do these activities at a lower level, but many older dogs still want to run and jump and go for walks. Chronic pain is what keeps many of these dogs from doing activities they previously enjoyed.

In some cases, owners are aware that their pet is in pain, but worry that medications arent safe for older pets. This is our chance to educate clients that many medications are, in fact, safe but that alternative therapies exist as well, such as physical therapy and acupuncture, Petty said.

Finally, some owners are concerned about their budget and whether they can afford to treat their dogs pain. According to Petty, there are 4 budgets that we deal with in each case: emotional, physical, time, and money. One of the great things about veterinary medicine is that we can often do something for the pet to help ease its pain and stay within the owners financial constraints.

Before we can show an owner that their pet is in pain, we must find it. Detecting pain starts as soon as the patient arrives at the clinic, and all members of the veterinary team play a role. When patients enter the clinic, team members should observe how they walk. Do their hind feet scuff on the floor? Do they lag behind the owner? How do they take a step, such as over a curb in the parking lot? Team members can pass this information on to the veterinarian prior to the exam.

The next step is to screen for pain using chronic pain scales. It is always important because pain might not be obvious to the client or to you, said Petty. It is always obvious to the dog or cat in pain, but they may not care to show it.

Several validated pain scales exist. Veterinarians should select a scale that is easy to use and designed specifically for dogs in chronic pain situations, such as the Canine Brief Pain Inventory1 or Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs.2 The client questionnaire portions of these scales can be used to screen for signs of pain that may not be observed in the clinic. Veterinarians can use pain scales along with the examination as a part of the new Canine OsteoArthritis Staging Tool,3 which allows them to assess for early risk factors and monitor patients throughout their life for the advancement of disease and assessment of therapy.

Once initial observations and screening questionnaires are completed, the veterinarian can perform a thorough pain examination. Once the veterinarian becomes skilled at this exam, it can usually be performed in a matter of minutes as part of a thorough physical. Petty offered several tips for how to perform a pain exam on canine patients:

Except in the case of very small dogs, pain examinations are best performed with the patient on the floor.

Observe the patients stance and how they rise from the floor. A nonpainful dog will jump up with all 4 limbs nearly simultaneously. A dog with hind end pain will stand with front limbs first, then pull the rest of the body to a standing position.

Many dogs will shake their body after rising. A normal dog will shake from nose to tail, whereas a dog in pain will stop shaking their body at the painful location.

Start by petting the dog to help it relax and to generally feel for areas of heat or sensitivity.

Assess passive range of motion in each limb. Multiple joints can be assessed together by moving the limb, and placing a hand or finger over the joint can allow you to feel for the presence of crepitus.

Dont forget to check the toes and look for signs of scuffing in the hindlimbs. This will be most notable on the nails of the middle digits, which may be worn down.

Check for spine and neck pain. An easy way to assess neck pain is to hold a treat, move it around, and watch how the patient moves its neck and head to follow the treat.

If a patient is too aggressive to examine, reschedule for a day when an oral premedication can be given. It is also okay to perform the exam and radiographs under full sedation, but there are some pain responses you wont be able to assess in these cases.

The final step in confirming pain in canine patients is diagnostics.

Radiographs are the number one diagnostic tool we have to find a problem, confirm our clinical impression, and convince the owner that their pet is painful, Petty said. He encouraged veterinarians to show the client the radiographs, point out abnormalities, and even consider sending them a copy of the image with markings on it to show concerning areas along with a written explanation of the findings.

It is in our patients best interest that we identify pain early so we can intervene and improve quality and quantity of life. By building confidence in our skills to detect pain and communicate it clearly with owners, we can discuss treatment options. By treating our painful patients, we will not only improve the quality of their life but also the strength of the bond they share with their owners.

Kate Boatright, VMD, a 2013 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, is a practicing veterinarian and freelance speaker and author in western Pennsylvania. She is passionate about mentorship, education, and addressing common sources of stress for veterinary teams and recent graduates. Outside of clinical practice, Boatright is actively involved in organized veterinary medicine at the local, state, and national levels.

References

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Speaking for our canine patients: How to find and communicate signs of chronic pain - DVM 360

Will Massage Therapy Help Recovering COVID-19 Patients? – Massage Magazine

Well also share valuable resources to support your own professional learning and decision-making processes. And finally, we will present two ongoing research projects that explore how the pandemic has affected, on the one hand, massage therapists in their personal and professional lives and, on the other hand, massage therapy clients and their interest in seeking treatment during times of social distancing.

As the COVID-19 pandemic holds the world in its grip, many questions are on the table that have not yet been answered. We are confronted with much uncertainty; and it is often difficult to know which data, claims and guidelines are based on trustworthy scientific resources and what is unfounded speculation or even misinformation.

The swirling mixture of facts and fiction spread by different sources requires us to be diligent in our discernment of the information we receive so we can make appropriate therapeutic and clinical decisions for our clients and for our own best practices as we navigate these extraordinary times.

We will start out by summarizing some of the symptoms of COVID-19 based on a report from the Harvard School of Medicine. Then, we will review three protocols for systematic review that have been proposed to analyze existing evidence-based data on the effectiveness of massage therapy for different client populations and how massage therapy may help alleviate specific COVID-related symptoms.

What we know with certainty is that COVID-19 presents itself in a variety of rather perplexing ways, affecting different people and populations via entirely different means. According to the Harvard Medical School,1 symptoms observed in people infected with the COVID-19 virus range from such common flu-like symptoms as fever, body aches, dry cough, fatigue, chills, headaches, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell, to more severe symptoms such as high fever, severe cough and shortness of breath, which often indicates pneumonia.

In addition, COVID-19 can cause a range of such neurological symptoms as muscle weakness, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, confusion, dizziness, brain fog, delirium, seizures and even strokes. Some COVID-19 patients can also experience such gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite, as well as abdominal pain and discomfort. Symptoms can appear to be mild for some time and then worsen rapidly; and these symptoms can also appear in any type of combination, such as, some people only experience neurological or GI symptoms without showing any type of respiratory symptoms.

There is some indication that the immune system of a person infected with COVID-19 can overreact and release too many immune messengers, called cytokines, into the bloodstream, which causes the body to attack its own tissues, potentially causing long-lasting harm. These cytokine storms trigger an exaggerated inflammatory response that could damage organs in the body and result in blood clot formations.

The topic of blood clots is especially important for us, as massage therapists; and it is advised to educate yourself on this matter as new research and updated information become available. Ruth Werner has written an excellent article on the topic of COVID-19-Related Coagulopathy.2

As the number of COVID-19 cases increases around the world, more patients are recovering from this disease, often dealing with many persistent symptoms and potentially long-lasting effects on their bodies that are not yet fully understood. Many convalescent patients are being treated within a traditional medical framework of care, and they are also seeking complementary therapies, including massage therapy.

What, however, do we know about the effects of massage therapy on recovering COVID-19 patients? To answer some of the questions, three research studies have been proposed to explore how massage therapy can support recovering COVID-19 patients from different populations presenting with a variety of specific symptoms.

The first article by Wu L. et al., The effect of massage on the quality of life in patients recovering from COVID-19: A systematic review protocol,3 presents a study conducted as a systematic research protocol.

For this project, all published randomized controlled trials (in English and Chinese languages) related to the topic of the effects of massage on COVID-19 patients available in a chosen number of databases will be analyzed according to primary and secondary outcome criteria.

The primary outcome is defined as the influence of massage on the quality of life of convalescent patients, and the secondary outcomes are defined as accompanying symptoms, average hospitalization time, clinical curative effect, and negative COVID-19 results rate on two consecutive occasions. The authors aim to provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence for researchers in the field of alternative health care.

The second research article by Zhou Ke-Lin et al., Tuina (massage) therapy for diarrhea in COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis,4 proposes a systematic review of the existing evidence of the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy for diarrhea symptoms in coronavirus patients.

The chosen outcomes that this database research and analysis will focus on are defined as the improvement of diarrhea symptoms and adverse effects. The study aims to explore how Tuinaas one of the most widely used alternative medicine interventions worldwidecan affect the digestive system and help alleviate aversive diarrhea symptoms caused by COVID-19.

In the third research article, the authors, Zhou Ke-Lin et al., propose yet another protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis; in this case, focused on the pediatric population and pulmonary symptoms caused by COVID-19. The authors state that there is an urgent need for alternative medicine treatments to help relieve symptoms related to COVID-19 in children during self-quarantine, supporting their chances of survival and recovery from the virus.

In their article, Pediatric massage therapy for restoring pediatric lung function from COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis,5 Zhou and his co-authors propose a systematic review of a number of electronic databases, including Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI and CINAHl to evaluate the role of pediatric massage therapy on the effectiveness and safety in pulmonary function of COVID-19 convalescent children based on the outcomes improvement of pulmonary function and adverse effects.

As therapists navigating this pandemic, it is part of our responsibility to look at research data and discern what we need to know in order to practice safely. In addition to the scientific and medical side of COVID-19, there are also the human, emotional and personal sides.

How are you as a practitioner and health care provider doing personally? How are you dealing with the restrictions, limitations, uncertainties and heartbreak? Do you have a support network that helps you cope with the situation?

You may be interested to learn that there is a research study currently going on that strives to understand and document the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic for health care professionals. Ann Blair Kennedy, PhD, assistant professor at USC Greenville, South Carolina, and Smith Heavner-Sullivan, RN, from Prisma Health, Greenville, South Carolina, have created Project COPE: Share Your Story. Originally starting out as an observation study of COVID-19-induced burnout and the impact of the pandemic on nurses and doctors in the ER, the project has now been expanded to include such other groups of health care professionals as massage therapists.

In a Research Perch interview with Doug Nelson, president of the Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF),6 Kennedy and Heavner-Sullivan discuss the different experiences of health care workers whose services are deemed essential versus non-essential and how being allowed to work or not work during the shutdown affects their moral distress. Participants in this study are invited to fill out weekly surveys as well as upload video logs to document their personal experiences.

This combination of collecting both quantitative and qualitative data during an ongoing crisis is a unique opportunity since most studies exploring the effects of disasters on health care workers have been conducted after the events took place. Participation in this research study is still possible. If you would like to contribute your unique experience as a health care professional during the pandemic, please visit the website to learn more.

To bring our exploration of research related to COVID-19 and massage therapy full circle, it is important to also include the experiences of massage therapy clients. How are they feeling about massage during times where social distancing is recommended? Do they continue to seek treatments, perhaps look for complementary treatments for the first time, or are they staying away from massage therapy altogether? How do their decisions affect their health and well-being, emotional state and mood?

In another episode of Research Perch,7 Nelson interviews Niki Munk, PhD, LMT, associate professor at Indiana University School of Health and Human Sciences, Indianapolis, Indiana, and her student, Mica Rosenow, about their currently ongoing study, Assessing Affective Measures in the 2020 Pandemic. This research project focuses on exploring affective characteristics (mood) in massage therapy clients and how they navigate and manage their emotions during the time of the pandemic.

Munk and Rosenow encourage massage therapists to invite their clients to participate in this survey-based study to share their individual experiences. The more data that can be collected, the more valuable insights for our work as massage therapists can be gained so that we ultimately can better understand the people we are treating and help them reach their personal goals more efficiently. Please visit massagetherapyfoundation.org/iu-study-2020-pandemic-survey to learn more about this ongoing research study.

COVID-19, with its many expressions and often perplexing presentations, has certainly turned our world upside down. In addition to the hardships and heartbreaks we have experienced, this pandemic has also opened the doors to new insights and learning opportunities that are explored by the many research projects currently underway.

If you are interested in getting involved in research and helping our professional field grow during this time of crisis, we invite you to visit the website of the Massage Therapy Foundation, listen to the Research Perch podcasts, and participate in the two above-noted research studies.

Another great resource to receive information about COVID-19 is the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, an open-access, peer-reviewed publication housed on massagetherapyfoundation.org that features articles presenting research on COVID-19 and related symptoms. The Massage Therapy Foundation offers many valuable resources to help practitioners support their clients and also guide educators on how to teach students about how to put that research into practice. Take advantage of the wealth of support and information available to you through these extraordinary resources.

We sincerely hope that there is a silver lining for you in these challenging times as we learn and grow together, discern facts from fiction, and collect valuable data through evidence-based research so we can make confident decisions for our best practices and the well-being of ourselves and our clients.

About the author

Andrea Winzer, M.Sc., LMT, BCTMB, holds a masters degree in ecology and is a board certified massage and bodywork therapist. She practices CranioSacral Therapy and offers a variety of holistic treatment modalities with a focus on the integration of body-mind-spirit, release of physical and emotional trauma from the body, and supporting mental health therapies through trauma-sensitive bodywork. She wrote this article on behalf of the Massage Therapy Foundation.

Footnotes

1. Harvard Health Publishing, COVID-19 basics: Symptoms, spread and other essential information about the new coronavirus and COVID-19. Harvard Medical School; 2020. (health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-basics). Accessed November 2020.

2. Werner, Ruth. COVID-19-Related Coagulopathy. Massage & Bodywork. July/August 2020.

3. Wu, L, Dong, Y, Li, J, Huang, J, Wen, D, Peng, T, Luo, J. The effect of massage on the quality of life in patients recovering from COVID-19. Medicine. June 5, 2020;99(23):e20529.

4. Zhou, K, Dong, S, Fu, G, Cui, S, Guo, S. Tuina (massage) therapy for diarrhea in COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020; Jul 10; 99(28):e21293.

5. Zhou, K, Dong, S, Wang, K, Fu, G, Niu, Y, Xie. Xoap, Guo, S. Pediatric massage therapy for restoring pediatric lung function from COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020; Aug 14; 99(33):e21581.

6. Massage Therapy Foundation. Update on Project Cope: Share Your Story. Research Perch; University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Prisma Health, Clemson University, and Indiana University; accessed November 2020; massagetherapyfoundation.org/update-on-project-cope-share-your-story-research-perch.

7. Massage Therapy Foundation. Assessing Affective Measures in the 2020 Pandemic. Research Perch; Indiana University Study;. accessed November 2020; massagetherapyfoundation.org/iu-study-2020-pandemic-survey.

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Will Massage Therapy Help Recovering COVID-19 Patients? - Massage Magazine

Protecting Traditional Chinese Medicine Products in the United States and China – IPWatchdog.com

In theory, product claims provide the strongest patent protection because they are not limited to the use or preparation of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) product. In reality, however, infringement assessment often involves looking at the methods used to prepare the TCM product.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is a subset of herbal medicine. TCM patent applications generally fall into four categories.

These categories reflect the main objectives of TCM patent protection: namely, to protect the formula, craft, original materials, and commercial products.

Method Claims

Method claims are useful when the TCM products preparation, purification, or extraction process is innovative, but the final composition is unclear. Its important to define the claim form based on the characteristics of raw materials, the process, and dosage. Raw materials should include all components and proportions used to prepare the TCM product. The process should include all steps and conditions, such as temperature, pressure, time, etc. The dosage can be broadly described as medicament, if a person skilled in the art could understand what that means in light of the patent; otherwise, the dosage needs to be specific. Below is an example of a TCM method claim:

A method for producing a medicine for postpartum treatment, prepared from:20-30 parts by weight of motherwort, 3-9 parts by weight of angelica, 1-6 parts by weight of ginseng, 6-12 parts by weight of astragalus, and 5-13 parts by weight of Polygonum multiflorum, Peach kernels 4-7 parts by weight, Cyperus rotundus 6-9 parts by weight, mixed with water and decocted twice, the amount of water added each time is 10 times the amount of raw materials, and the decoction is 1-3 hours each time. The decoction is combined, filtered, and the filtrate is concentrated into a clear paste with a relative density of 1.25 to 1.28, 40 to 70 parts by weight of brown sugar and 5 to 10 parts by weight of dextrin are added to make granules, which are dried into granules.

A method claims scope extends to the product obtained by the method. Article 11 of Chinas Patent Law provides that after the invention patent right is granted, unless otherwise provided in this law, no entity or individual may exploit the invention without the permission of the patentee, that is, not use, promise to sell, sell, or import products directly obtained in accordance with the patented method.

Use Claims

Use claims are useful when the TCM products application is innovative.The Examination Guidelines provides this basic formula: The application of substance X in the preparation of therapeutic drug Y. Further, if effective ingredients are known, the claim can be written as [t]he application of substance X in the preparation of therapeutic drug Y, where the effective ingredients are Z.

A use claims scope, however, is limited to the claimed use.Therefore, obtaining a corresponding method claim is advantageous when applicable to protect the preparation, packaging, and promotion of the TCM products.

Product Claims

Lastly, product claims are useful when the TCMs final composition is known. In theory, they provide the strongest patent protection because they are not limited to the use or preparation of the TCM product. In reality, however, infringement assessment often involves looking at the methods used to prepare the TCM product. The bottom line is that there needs to be sufficient evidence that a product prepared by a different method is the same product prepared by the inventor.

As discussed before, method claims are useful when the TCM products preparation, purification, or extraction process is innovative, but the final composition is unclear. Most TCM patents fall under this category and these patents present some unique challenges in litigation.

For example, Beijing Yadong Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Yadong) and Guizhou Kangna Shengfang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Kangna) were involved in a TCM patent dispute in the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate Peoples Court. [(2006)??????8603?.] The Court found that claim 3 of Patent No. ZL02134148.6 was different from Yadongs TCM capsules. Specifically, the Court found that in claim 3, Fructus corni is decocted three times with waterdrug residue plus 5 times the amount of 90% ethanol for reflux extraction twice, 1 hour each time, where Yadongs capsule was Fruit Cornus plus ethanol refluxed for a second timedrug residue for use, which constituted a significant difference.Therefore, the prescription and preparation method of Yadongs capsules did not fall within the protection scope of claim 3.

Another example includes the appeal of a patent infringement dispute between Guizhou Baixiang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Baixiang) and the patent owner Zhao Shusheng. [(2011)???????6?.] Baixiang, the defendant, obtained drug registration approval and disclosed its preparation method in the drug label. The most significant difference is that the asserted patent recites using two ethanol reflux and the defendant adopted the technique of three ethanol refluxes, and the time of each reflux was also different.

The plaintiff argued that three-reflux and two-reflux are technologically equivalent. The Court disagreed for two reasons. First, although three-reflux and two-reflux both extract the active ingredients from yantuo, the plaintiff did not provide sufficient evidence that they achieve the same extraction results. Second, the defendant showed that three-reflux had far better extraction results than two-reflux. Plaintiffs witnesses also admitted that increasing the number of refluxes was more efficient.

These are typical examples of TCM patent disputes where the active ingredients are mostly characterized by extraction and preparation methods, making it difficult to enforce patent rights.

TCM, as a subset of herbal medicine, has similar patent protection principals and challenges in the United States. Composition claims are useful when the active ingredients are known and can be limited to a specific use. For example, Frisun, Inc. (Wuhan, China) obtained U.S. Patent No. 7,575,772 on Process and composition for syrup and jam from Luo Han Guo fruit that brings all the advantages of Luo Han Guo together to meet todays market demand for a natural, sugar-free sweetener. In TCM research, Luo Han Guo (or Monk fruits) is known to have the potential to be natural sweetener with a low glycemic index and can therefore be an alternative to sugar for diabetic populations. See, e.g., Ying. Z., Yan. Z., Jeff. E., Chi-Fu. H., Insulin secretion stimulating effects of mogroside V and fruit extract of Luo Han Kuo (Siraitia grosvenori Swingle) fruit extract., Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica., 44 (11): 1252-1257 (2009).

The number of patent acquisitions for herbal medicines has grown significantly.From 1976 to 2003, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted a total of 1,968 herbal patents. [Surge in US patents on botanicals, NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY VOLUME 22 NUMBER 6 JUNE 2004.] Since 2019, the USPTO has received more than 4,000 herbal patent applications since 2019. This number is fairly conservative, because many new application forms have not yet been made public.Below are a few:

Patent protection for TCM can present many challenges because of the various types of TCM products and the uncertainty of the active ingredients. As herbal medicine patents become more popular, we can expect to see similar challenges in enforcing patent rights in herbal medicine technology.

Shui Li is an intellectual property lawyer with Robins Kaplan. Her experience is in cross-border disputes, and she has worked with a variety of technology industries, including medicinal chemistry, biotechnology, video streaming, telecommunication, and semiconductors.

Yongfeng Zheng is General Counsel of Tasly Holding Group Co. Ltd. He holds a Doctor of Law, Master of Medicine, and is Vice-President of China Patent Protection Association.

Chunxuan Li is a partner and patent attorney at the Beijing Lifang Law Firm.

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Protecting Traditional Chinese Medicine Products in the United States and China - IPWatchdog.com

DVT Medication Recalled, Here’s What to Know Now – Healthline

A medication commonly used to treat deep vein thrombosis, Enoxaparin Sodium Injection, USP, has been voluntarily recalled due to a packaging error in which the labels dont accurately list the correct dose.

The recall, which was issued by pharmaceutical company Apotex Corp. Tuesday, Feb. 2, states that syringe barrels containing 150 mg/mL are mislabeled as containing 100mg/mL, and vice versa.

Enoxaparin sodium is an anticoagulant used to treat pulmonary embolism, blood clotting disorders, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) a condition in which blood clots form in veins located deep within the body.

When administered with aspirin, it can help prevent angina (chest pain) and heart attacks.

Taking the incorrect dose of the injection can lead to bleeding and clotting complications.

Incorrect syringe barrel marking could lead to miscalculation and inaccurate dose administration to patients, the recall states.

The affected products were produced in two batches: CS008 and CT003.

The batches were distributed by Apotex Corp. nationwide to wholesalers and warehousing chains.

If a patient prescribed a 150 mg/mL bottle received a mislabeled bottle that contained 100 mg/mL, they could receive 2 mg of enoxaparin rather than 2.5 mg of enoxaparin, the recall explains.

If a patient who typically uses a 100 mg/mL bottle received a mislabeled bottle that contained 150 mg/mL, they might end up taking 3.75 mg of enoxaparin instead of 3 mg of enoxaparin.

The prescribed dosing of enoxaparin sodium is based off of a persons age, weight, condition being treated, severity of the condition, overall health, and how well they tolerate the medication.

The injection is administered either once or twice a day.

Taking a higher dose of enoxaparin sodium can lead to bleeding complications.

Some patients could experience symptoms like bruises on mucosal or skin surfaces, blood in urine or stool, said Dr. Natalia Neparidze, a Yale Medicine hematologist and assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine.

Too low of a dose can lead to clotting.

Taking too little of the intended dose of the drug will result in suboptimal, inadequate anticoagulation, putting patients at risk for recurrent or worsening thrombosis, such as deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, Neparidze said.

Taking a lower dose may cause pain or swelling in the extremities in patients with deep vein thrombosis.

Dr. Britt Tonnessen, a Yale Medicine vascular and endovascular surgeon and associate professor of surgery at Yale School of Medicine, said the warning signs of a clot include shortness of breath or pain with breathing, racing heart, or stroke.

Its unlikely that someone could detect their dose is off, Tonnessen added.

According to Neparidze, very minor dosing differences may not cause significant bleeding or clotting complications. But if the incorrect dose is continually taken, complications may occur.

Because the dose is based on weight, people who are under or overweight may be more sensitive to changes in dosing.

While injecting a reduced dose on a single or a few occasions is unlikely to cause harm, continued use of a lower dose than prescribed could lead to a recurrence of blood clots, Tonnessen said.

Anyone with a syringe barrel from the affected batches should immediately talk with a doctor and have the medication replaced with the correct dose, Neparidze said.

Doctors dont recommend skipping a dose.

In the event that there will be a delay in receiving the new batch of medication, patients should contact their doctor to make arrangements for alternative treatment in the interim, Tonnessen said.

Anyone who received the affected medication should contact Inmar Rx Solutions at 1-855-667-8717 to arrange a return, the recall states.

Any adverse events should be reported to the FDAs MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

A medication commonly used to treat deep vein thrombosis, Enoxaparin Sodium Injection, USP, has been voluntarily recalled due to a packaging error in which the labels dont accurately list the correct dose.

Taking the incorrect dose of the injection can lead to bleeding and clotting complications.

Doctors dont recommend skipping a dose, so if you have a bottle included in the recall, talk with your doctor immediately.

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DVT Medication Recalled, Here's What to Know Now - Healthline

Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market Overview, Global Analysis Market Size, Share, Top Trends, Growth and Forecast 2017 2025 – Atlantic…

Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Snapshot

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to medical products and practices that are not part of mainstream practices. While complementary medicine can be used along with mainstream medical practices, alternative medicine are used in place of standard medical treatments. Some CAM therapies have been found to be safe and effective unlike some that have been found to be ineffective or possibly harmful.

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Complementary and alternative medicine includes a host of botanicals and nutritional substances such as herbal supplements, dietary supplements, and vitamins. A large number of CAM products are regarded to be safe as they are produced by nature or are present in nature. However, this may not be necessarily true for all natural products. In addition, some naturally sourced medicines may affect the action of other medicines. For instance, St. Johns wort a herb which is used for depression may interfere with the way certain anticancer drugs work.

Herbal supplements can have unwanted effects when used on their own, in combination with other drugs, or in large doses. Vitamins can also be harmful on the body. Too much of vitamin can be detrimental on health, even in a healthy person. Supplements do not need approval from federal government before being commercially available.

Patients of chronic diseases who are considering using complementary or alternative medicine need to talk to their doctor or nurse. This is because some therapies of complementary and alternative medicine may interfere with mainstream medicine or can be also be harmful. The claims of efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine therapy needs to be ascertained before bringing into use.

Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Overview

The global market for alternative and complementary medicines is projected to experience substantial growth in the next few years. The rising expenditure of the healthcare facilities is considered as the major factor that is likely to encourage the growth of the overall market in the coming years. In addition, the increasing number of initiatives being taken by Governments across the globe to promote alternative and complementary medicines is projected to accelerate the markets growth. Thanks to these factors, the global alternative and complementary medicine market is likely to exhibit a promising growth rate in the near future.

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Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Key Trends

A significant rise in the number of initiatives by NGOs and government organizations to encourage the use of alternative and complementary medicines is estimated to bolster global market in the near future. In addition to this, technological advancements in this field and the rising inclination of consumers towards these medicines and practices are likely to offer lucrative growth opportunities for the leading players operating in the alternative and complementary medicine market across the globe. However, the lack of scientific results is expected to hamper the overall growth of the market in the next few years.

Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Market Potential

Alternative and complementary medicines make use of several tradition methods to help the patients, most of which are not completely supported scientifically. As a result, the use of these medicines in several developed economies is comparatively less. Nonetheless, with a rising focus on research and development activities in order to find clinical support and the emergence of new methods and medicines are anticipated to encourage the growth of the global alternative and complementary medicine market throughout the forecast period.

Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Regional Outlook

From a regional perspective, Europe is considered as one of the leading segment, thanks to the significant revenue contribution in the last few years. This region is expected to account for a large share of the global alternative and complementary medicine market with the rising use of botanicals. In addition to this, the increasing awareness among consumers regarding the availability of effective alternative and complementary medicines and the benefits they offers are expected to encourage the growth of the Europe market in the coming years.

Furthermore, with the rising popularity of medical tourism, the alternative and complementary medicine market in Asia Pacific is projected to witness a steady growth in the next few years. Moreover, the presence of a large number of new players operating in this region is likely to offer promising growth opportunities over the forecast period. The Middle East and Africa segment is anticipated to experience a healthy growth in the alternative and complementary medicine market in the near future.

Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Competitive Analysis

The global market for alternative and complementary medicines is presently at a highly competitive stage and is predicted to experience an intense level of competition among the leading players in the coming years. The prominent players in the market are focusing on the expansion of the product portfolio so as to attract a large number of consumers across the globe. This is likely to help them in creating a brand name and acquiring a leading position in the global market. Some of the leading players operating in the alternative and complementary medicine market across the globe are Herb Pharm, Yoga Tree, Quantum Touch Inc., Helio USA Inc., Pure encapsulations, Inc., Pacific Nutritional Inc., Deepure Plus, Herbal Hills, Iyengar Yoga Institute, The Healing Company, and Nordic Naturals.

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TMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.

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Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market Overview, Global Analysis Market Size, Share, Top Trends, Growth and Forecast 2017 2025 - Atlantic...

Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market Growth Analysis and Forecast to 2026 by Applications and Competitors with key players position (Pacific…

The Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market grew in 2019, as compared to 2018, according to our report, Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market is likely to have subdued growth in 2020 due to weak demand on account of reduced industry spending post Covid-19 outbreak. Further, Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market will begin picking up momentum gradually from 2021 onwards and grow at a healthy CAGR between 2021-2025.

Deep analysis about Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market status (2016-2019), competition pattern, advantages and disadvantages of products, industry development trends (2019-2025), regional industrial layout characteristics and macroeconomic policies, industrial policy has also been included. From raw materials to downstream buyers of this industry have been analysed scientifically. This report will help you to establish comprehensive overview of the Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market

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The Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market is analysed based on product types, major applications and key players

Key product type:BotanicalsAcupunctureMind, Body, and YogaMagnetic Intervention

Key applications:Direct ContactE-trainingDistance Correspondence

Key players or companies covered are:Pacific NutritionalHerb Pharm.Herbal HillsHelio USADeepure PlusNordic NaturalsPure encapsulationsIyengar Yoga InstituteJohn Schumachers Unity Woods Yoga CenterYoga TreeThe Healing CompanyQuantum Touch

The report provides analysis & data at a regional level (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa , Rest of the world) & Country level (13 key countries The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, China, Japan, India, Middle East, Africa, South America)

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Key questions answered in the report:1. What is the current size of the Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market, at a global, regional & country level?2. How is the market segmented, who are the key end user segments?3. What are the key drivers, challenges & trends that is likely to impact businesses in the Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market?4. What is the likely market forecast & how will be Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market impacted?5. What is the competitive landscape, who are the key players?6. What are some of the recent M&A, PE / VC deals that have happened in the Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market?

The report also analysis the impact of COVID 19 based on a scenario-based modelling. This provides a clear view of how has COVID impacted the growth cycle & when is the likely recovery of the industry is expected to pre-covid levels.

Contact us:i2iResearch info to intelligenceLocational Office: *India, *United States, *GermanyEmail: [emailprotected]Toll-free: +1-800-419-8865 | Phone: +91 98801 53667

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Alternative And Complementary Medicine Market Growth Analysis and Forecast to 2026 by Applications and Competitors with key players position (Pacific...

Pune health brief: IMA Pune unit doctors join relay hunger strike, Sound Centre for Hearing Care inauguration and more – The Indian Express

IMA Pune unit doctors join relay hunger strike on Tuesday

The Indian Medical Assocations Pune unit doctors under the President Aarti Nimkar joined their counterparts across the nation by participating in the relay hunger strike on Tuesday. The doctors will fast from 8 a.m.till 8 p.m. On Tuesday, Dr Sanjay Patil, Chairman of the Hospital Board of India Pune chapter said. While 20 have already joined the stir since Tuesday morning several doctors are working across hospitals and are on a hunger strike, Dr Patil said.

Indian Medical Association doctors are on a nationwide Relay Hunger Strike since February 1 till 14 to protest against the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) notification allowing Ayurveda doctors to perform Surgery. The IMA National President Dr J. A. Jayalal, IMA Maharashtra State President Dr R. S. Londhe and several other leaders are visiting the Pune branch on Tuesday afternoon to support the Pune doctors.

Syed Kirmani inaugurates Sound Centre for Hearing Care

Punes first of its kind Sound Centre for Hearing Care was today inaugurated by Former Test Cricketer and Sound Ambassador Padma Syed Kirmani and Avinash Pawar, Managing Director, Widex Sivantos Audiology WSA India. With a vision to provide a comprehensive solution to people with hearing problems from all age groups, Amit Patil, Director and Proprietor World of Hearing Sound Center said that they decided to come up with one stop, World Sound center that can provide a range of services from diagnosis for children with communication and hearing disabilities to providing hearing aids, Cochlear Implants and speech therapy suited to individual needs and requirements.

The Sound Centre also has special services for Tinnitus (constant discomfort noise in the ear), Hearing Screening (OAE & BERA), Widex Digital Hearing Aids, Batteries, and Hearing Aid Accessories for the hearing-impaired population.. Avinash Pawar said; World of Hearing Sound Centre has a sound station and accessories lounge, so users can experience the connectivity and clarity of hearing sounds without any distortion. Sound Ambassador Syed Kirmani is also a Widex Moment hearing aid user.

Ruby Hall Clinic opens new polyclinic at Pimple Saudagar

Ruby Hall Clinic, a multi-speciality tertiary care services in Pune announced the opening of its newest centre in Pimple Saudagar. This will give better access to families located at the North-Western Metropolitan Corridor of Pune for hospital services.Bomi Bhote, Chief Executive Officer, Ruby Hall Clinic;Dr. Manisha Karmarkar, Chief Operating Officer, Ruby Hall Clinic and others were present at the inauguration.This polyclinic will cater to the IT diaspora who live in the vicinity along with the geriatric population as well as middle-class residents of the area.Dr. Sudheer Rai, Chief Operating Officer, Ruby Hall Clinic Hinjawadi and Pimple Saudagar.

India Multiple Sclerosis Day observed on Feb 7, appeal for a national registry

This years India Multiple Sclerosis MS Day celebrations were held on the first Sunday of February . On Feb 7 Multiple Sclerosis Society of India connected with its members and MS community virtually to felicitate India MS person of the Year 2020 Punkaj Gupta.The virtual sessions were be multilingual and the highlight of this years India MS day celebration was a talk by Dr Dheeraj Khurana Neurologist at PGIMER, Chandigarh on COVID VACCINE & MS- India perspective.

Renuka Malaker , National Secretary of India MSSI said that there were several who were still unaware of MS.Malaker has been a caregiver for the last 28 years to her husband who has Primary Progressive MS.Despite improved diagnostic facility and many more people are getting diagnosed with MS, accurate data is still unavailable on incidence of MS, Malaker said. The Atlas of MS launched by MS International Federation UK shows in India the approximate number of people living with MS is 0 to 25 people/100000.

The 3rd edition of the Atlas of MS also shows that the number of people with MS across the globe has increased from 2.3 million in 2013 to 2.8 million in 2020. MS hits one between the ages of 20 to 40 years which is the most productive working age. Early diagnosis and quick treatment is most critical, Malaker said adding that the society has appealed for the need to collect and compile incidence and prevalence of MS in India apart from building a national registry.

Sancheti Healthcare Academy introduces Masters course in Expressive Movement Therapy

Sancheti Healthcare Academy (SHA) announced the launch of its Masters Program in Expressive Movement Therapy (Dance Therapy). Approved by Pune University,Manisha Sanghvi, Executive Director of Sancheti Group of Institutes said that the young generation needs much more than just an education and a career, such allied and alternative medical professions will help create stability and resilience in our youth.

After five years of relentless effort in building a strong foundation towards developing this course and the awareness about the use of Creative art therapies in the healthcare sector. We not only found great results while using this at our hospital but also in other populations, Sanghvi said. The eligibility criteria for admission also offers a wide range of students the ability to pursue Masters Degree. A graduate of Arts, Psychology, Dance, doctors, therapists, professionals, teachers, trainers, can avail of this professional degree, Sanghvi added. Dr. Nikita Mittal, Founder of Life and Dance, and Co-founder of this Masters Program said the course is being conducted with support from Kinections, New York. Kinections is headed by Dr. Danielle Fraenkel.

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Pune health brief: IMA Pune unit doctors join relay hunger strike, Sound Centre for Hearing Care inauguration and more - The Indian Express

OPINION: Colorful words overemphasize the obvious – Arkansas Online

I'm back again with random thoughts blowing around my brain. Is that what headwinds are?

People have a strange habit when they're describing the color of things.

I'm looking for a car that's blue in color.

Blue in color. What else could the blue signal? Could it be blue in taste? Blue in sound? I'm sure it's not blue in mood.

From the wine pages of The Washington Post: "The 1982 Montbray Cabernet Sauvignon was brick red in color yet still bright and alive on the nose and palate, with spice-box aromas of clove, pepper and fenugreek."

(Wine writing is so, so fancy.)

So the wine is brick red in color and not in flavor? Not in composition?

One reader wrote to the food staff of The Post about the fruit of a quince bush in her yard.

It's small, and yellow in color, and frankly, over the years, I've just let it fall to the ground without doing anything with it.

Yellow in color? Not yellow in terms of cowardice?

The craziest example of all was from a story about football uniforms.

They'll have a darker burgundy jersey, and pants that are actually gold in color.

So, the pants aren't made of the element gold? Thanks for that clarification.

Similarly, an article in The Post recommending wrapping baked goods in colorful red, blue, green and gold cellophane.

I have never seen uncolorful or colorless red cellophane, have you?

We have all heard of smallpox. The sometimes deadly disease, also called variola, causes eruptions on the skin that can leave a person with pockmarks. We don't need to worry about catching it now because vaccines have eradicated it, though it had been around for many centuries.

"Currently, there is no evidence of naturally occurring smallpox transmission anywhere in the world," the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases reports.

But the American Heritage Dictionary definition got weird. The disease is called smallpox to contrast it to the great pox, which was syphilis. The sexually transmitted disease causes larger pockmarks. (Please trust me when I urge you not to search on Google for images of syphilis. I sincerely regret having done so.) The great pox spread across Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Because we've been hearing about vaccines every day for months now, I'll inject a bit of history. Smallpox was the virus that inspired the first vaccine that worked.

The World Health Organization explains: "The smallpox vaccine, introduced by Edward Jenner in 1796, was the first successful vaccine to be developed. He observed that milkmaids who previously had caught cowpox did not catch smallpox and showed that inoculated vaccinia protected against [the] virus."

These two words have most of the same letters, but they have different meanings. The difference has grown a little hazy over the years.

Alternately means some things happen by turns. First one, then the other, then back again to the first.

She watched parts of two TV shows alternately because she didn't have a DVR.

The team alternately practices at two high school baseball fields.

Alternatively is following a path other than the original option.

He asked me to phone him. Alternatively, I sent him a text.

We could have Key lime pie. Alternatively, we could have chocolate mousse pie.

(Please note that the much shorter word or could easily replace alternatively.)

Similarly, less conventional music is called alternative music. Alternative medicine offers treatments not found in the mainstream. And, though we see fewer and fewer newspapers each month, an alternative newspaper might offer less formal content and writing style. All three cases offer a different option.

People often use alternate when they mean alternative. From The Post:

The United States risks being left behind by other countries if it doesn't develop alternate energy technologies.

Instead, the writer meant the country needs a different energy source.

Legal proceedings use alternate when describing juries, but alternative is more accurate.

The next day, the 12 jurors and two alternate jurors settled into their jury sections and the proceedings began.

Those two jurors are other options.

Authorities sometimes suggest using a different route from the normal one. So alternative is needed here:

Officials warned drivers to expect delays, saying they might need to use alternate routes.

Naturally, as I often note, things change. Merriam-Webster says alternative is a synonym for alternate, partly because more and more people are using alternate when they mean alternative. Still, most people on the dictionary's Usage Panel say the two words are not synonymous. Each word has its place.

I'll confess that the pandemic has made it hard for me to feel rejuvenated for a while. Though chocolate does help.

When you would like to feel rejuvenated, you do something that makes you feel like your old self again. Or you might rejuvenate a weak football team, a crummy couch or a bad public image.

And yet, juvenate isn't a word. Normally, the prefix re- means something is happening again. I'm trying to find a philosophical reason behind this. You can be made young again, but you can't be made young? Maybe I'll stick with invigorate and reinvigorate.

A news guy this week was asking a guest to opine on some situation:

What's your analysis so far?

Your analysis sounds exactly like urinalysis.

I am so immature.

Sources include Merriam-Webster, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, The American Heritage Dictionary, The Washington Post, Society for Applied Microbiology, the World Health Organization. Reach Bernadette at

bkwordmonger@gmail.com

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OPINION: Colorful words overemphasize the obvious - Arkansas Online

Bionano Customer Praxis Genomics Accredited by College of American Pathologists, Completing First LDT in US for Constitutional Genetic Disorders that…

SAN DIEGO, Dec. 28, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bionano Genomics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BNGO), announced today that Praxis Genomics, LLC received accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), making it the first CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified diagnostic lab in the United States to offer a laboratory developed test (LDT) based on whole genome analysis with Saphyr. The LDT is designed for postnatal patients suspected of a constitutional genetic disorder. Praxis uses optical genome mapping (OGM) with Bionanos Saphyr System as an alternative to traditional methods of chromosomal microarray (CMA) and karyotyping (KT), as they seek to improve the rate of clinical diagnosis for patients with genetic disease. CMA and KT together typically diagnose 30-50% of patients tested. Recent studies have found that OGM with Saphyr is concordant with CMA and KT and also diagnoses a significant fraction (18-25%) of the patients who could not be diagnosed with traditional methods.

Medical guidelines recommend successive rounds of analysis with CMA, KT, repeat expansion testing, single gene or gene panel testing and whole exome sequencing until a pathogenic variant is identified or until the different techniques have been exhausted. At Praxis, this tiered approach is replaced by whole genome analysis using OGM with Saphyr for structural variants (SVs) and, when requested, whole genome analysis by next-generation sequencing (NGS) for single nucleotide variants (SNVs). This workflow eliminates costly and time-consuming steps like cell culture and tedious manual data analysis across multiple platforms and provides a streamlined approach for detection of all types of genomic aberrations designed to achieve a higher rate of diagnosis faster, easier, and at a lower economic cost to labs and payors.

Several diagnostic labs in the U.S. such as PerkinElmer Genomics and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics have already launched Saphyr based LDTs targeting a specific clinical indication, a form of muscular dystrophy called FSHD1. While development of whole genome clinical tests with Saphyr have been in progress in Europe for various clinical applications including inherited genetic disorders and leukemias, the Praxis clinical service is the first to provide whole genome analysis in the U.S.

Erik Holmlin, PhD, CEO of Bionano Genomics commented: We want to congratulate Praxis Genomics and its founder Dr. Peter L. Nagy on their CAP accreditation, making their Saphyr-based test the first whole genome analysis LDT in the U.S. in a CAP/CLIA setting. We believe this accreditation is a key step on the path to reimbursement of Saphyr-based LDTs by third party payors. While Praxis is first, we expect several other U.S. laboratories to offer whole genome LDTs for various clinical applications in the future, establishing Saphyr as a key tool for next generation cytogenomics. By adding whole genome sequencing, Praxis intends to demonstrate that Saphyr and NGS complement each other to provide answers to patients and families affected with genetic disorders. As more Saphyr-based tests enter the LDT stage worldwide, we believe it is possible to create a paradigm shift for cytogenomic applications in cancer and genetic disease that have the potential to improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Peter L. Nagy, Founder and CEO of Praxis Genomics will present case studies of diagnoses made with OGM at Bionanos Next-Generation Cytogenomics Symposium on January 11, 2021. Register for the event here: https://bit.ly/3fPULzs

About Bionano GenomicsBionano is a genome analysis company providing tools and services based on its Saphyr system to scientists and clinicians conducting genetic research and patient testing, and providing diagnostic testing for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disabilities through its Lineagen business. Bionanos Saphyr system is a platform for ultra-sensitive and ultra-specific structural variation detection that enables researchers and clinicians to accelerate the search for new diagnostics and therapeutic targets and to streamline the study of changes in chromosomes, which is known as cytogenetics. The Saphyr system is comprised of an instrument, chip consumables, reagents and a suite of data analysis tools, and genome analysis services to provide access to data generated by the Saphyr system for researchers who prefer not to adopt the Saphyr system in their labs. Lineagen has been providing genetic testing services to families and their healthcare providers for over nine years and has performed over 65,000 tests for those with neurodevelopmental concerns. For more information, visitwww.bionanogenomics.com or http://www.lineagen.com.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as may, will, expect, plan, anticipate, estimate, intend and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes and are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations concerning, among other things: the capability of Praxis Genomics LDT to replace the tiered approach for detection of pathogenic variants currently recommended by medical guidelines; our expectations regarding reimbursement for Saphyr-based LDTs by third party payors; Saphyrs potential as a powerful new tool in cytogenetics and its potential contribution to improvements in traditional cytogenetics; Praxis Genomics intended use of the Saphyr system and our services, including to demonstrate Saphyrs capabilities in comparison to NGS; the ability to integrate data from the Saphyr system into other offerings by Praxis Genomics; expanded adoption and utilization of the Saphyr system for various clinical applications; improvements in patient outcomes driven by increased use of Saphyr-based tests in the LDT arena; and Saphyrs potential as an indispensable tool for personalized medicine and furthering understanding of cancer in the medical community. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include the risks and uncertainties associated with: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and the global economy; general market conditions; changes in the competitive landscape and the introduction of competitive products; changes in our strategic and commercial plans; our ability to obtain sufficient financing to fund our strategic plans and commercialization efforts; the loss of key members of management and our commercial team; and the risks and uncertainties associated withour business and financial condition in general, including the risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in other filings subsequently made by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events or otherwise.

CONTACTSCompany Contact:Erik Holmlin, CEOBionano Genomics, Inc.+1 (858) 888-7610eholmlin@bionanogenomics.com

Investor Relations Contact:Ashley R. RobinsonLifeSci Advisors, LLC+1 (617) 430-7577arr@lifesciadvisors.com

Media Contact:Darren Opland, PhDLifeSci Communications+1 (617) 733-7668darren@lifescicomms.com

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Bionano Customer Praxis Genomics Accredited by College of American Pathologists, Completing First LDT in US for Constitutional Genetic Disorders that...

Chiesi Global Rare Diseases Announces First Patient Treated in Expanded Access Program for Pegunigalsidase Alfa for Proposed Treatment of Fabry…

- Program grants access to investigational therapy for Fabry disease patients in the United States who cannot be adequately treated with currently available FDA-approved drugs -

BOSTON, Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chiesi Global Rare Diseases, a business unit of Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., an international research-focused healthcare group (Chiesi Group), today announced the first patient has been treated in the Expanded Access Program (EAP) in the United States for pegunigalsidase alfa, currently in development for the treatment of Fabry disease. Treatment was initiated on December 21, 2020 by Ozlem Goker-Alpan, M.D., founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Lysosomal & Rare Disorders Research & Treatment Center (LDRTC) in Fairfax, Va, and Lauren Noll, Clinical Research Coordinator.

The initiation of treatment in the first patient enrolled in our EAP is an important milestone for the Fabry disease community and another reflection of our commitment to supporting patients, caregivers and their healthcare providers as they make important decisions about their health and disease management, said Giacomo Chiesi, Head of Chiesi Global Rare Diseases. Through this EAP, many patients can have access to treatment with pegunigalsidase alfa as we continue to work diligently to advance this therapy through the final stages of the regulatory review process in the months ahead. We would like to thank the Fabry patient and medical community for the support they have provided to us in the setup of this program.

The EAP is open to patients with a clinical diagnosis of Fabry disease who, in the opinion of the treating physician, have no comparable or satisfactory alternative treatment options with currently available FDA-approved therapies for Fabry disease. Other eligibility criteria apply. Patients participating in the EAP receive infusions of pegunigalsidase alfa every two weeks at 1mg/kg body weight. Information related to adverse events and other limited data will be collected from participants.

We are focused on providing patients with the widest possible range of options for high quality care, said Dr. Goker-Alpan. This is an exciting time for the Fabry disease community. We are pleased to participate in this EAP and will continue to support all efforts to help more patients have access to the treatments they need.

Pegunigalsidase alfa is an investigational product and currently not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The effectiveness and safety of pegunigalsidase alfa have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA. Before FDA review and approval, no conclusions can be drawn on pegunigalsidase alfas efficacy and safety profile. When seeking expanded access, treating physicians should consider all possible risks of treatment with pegunigalsidase alfa. Access must be compliant with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Investigators should not seek reimbursement for product provided to patients who participate in a government-funded insurance program.

In November 2020, the FDA extended the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date to April 27, 2021 for review of the Biologics License Application (BLA) seeking accelerated approval of pegunigalsidase alfa for the proposed treatment of adult patients with Fabry disease. Concurrently with the EAP, pegunigalsidase alfa is being evaluated in patients with Fabry disease under an open Investigational New Drug application in the Phase III BALANCE, BRIGHT and BRIDGE clinical trials and other related open label studies.

The Expanded Access Program is listed on ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04552691 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04552691). Additional information on Chiesis Expanded Access policy is available at https://www.chiesiusa.com/sustainability/expanded-access-programs/. Treating physicians must submit requests on behalf of their patients for consideration via the EAP request portal at https://chiesi.versaic.com.

About Fabry Disease

Fabry disease is an X-linked inherited disease that results from deficient activity of the lysosomal GalactosidaseA enzyme resulting in progressive accumulation of abnormal deposits of a fatty substance called globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in blood vessel walls throughout a person's body. Fabry disease occurs in one person per 40,000 to 60,000. Fabry patients inherit a deficiency of the GalactosidaseA enzyme, which is normally responsible for the breakdown of Gb3. The abnormal storage of Gb3 increases with time and, accordingly, Gb3 accumulates, primarily in the blood and in the blood vessel walls. The ultimate consequences of Gb3 deposition range from episodes of pain and impaired peripheral sensation to end-organ failure particularly of the kidneys, but also of the heart and the cerebrovascular system.

About Pegunigalsidase Alfa

Pegunigalsidase alfa is an investigational, plant cell culture-expressed, and chemically modified stabilized version of the recombinant -Galactosidase-A enzyme. Protein sub-units are covalently bound via chemical cross-linking using short PEG moieties.

About Chiesi Global Rare Diseases

Chiesi Global Rare Diseases is a business unit of the Chiesi Group established in February 2020 and focused on research and development of treatments for rare and ultra-rare disorders. The Global Rare Diseases unit works in collaboration with Chiesi Group to harness the full resources and capabilities of our global network to bring innovative new treatment options to people living with rare diseases, many of whom have limited or no treatments available. The unit is also a dedicated partner with global leaders in patient advocacy, research and patient care. For more information visit http://www.chiesiglobalrarediseases.com.

About Chiesi Group

Based in Parma, Italy, Chiesi Farmaceutici is an international research-focused healthcare group with 85 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and a global presence in 29 countries. Chiesi researches, develops, and markets innovative drugs in the respiratory therapeutics, specialist medicine, and rare disease areas. Its R&D organization is headquartered in Parma (Italy), and is integrated with R&D groups in France, the USA, the UK, and Sweden to advance Chiesi's pre-clinical, clinical, and registration programs. Chiesi employs nearly 6,000 people. Chiesi Group is a certified Benefit corporation. For more information, please visitwww.chiesi.com.

Chiesi Group Media ContactValentina BiaginiSenior Group Communication Manager Chiesi Groupv.biagini@chiesi.com

Chiesi USA Media ContactJenna UrbanBERRY & COMPANY PUBLIC RELATIONS, LLCT: 212 253-8881jurban@berrypr.com

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Chiesi Global Rare Diseases Announces First Patient Treated in Expanded Access Program for Pegunigalsidase Alfa for Proposed Treatment of Fabry...

Cannabis and pain management: Is alternative plant medicine becoming the new norm? – The GrowthOp

Article content continuedAs time goes on, alternative plant medicine is slowly contributing to a change in the way pain management is viewed and/or executed. / Photo by BLAIR GABLE /REUTERS

For example, NSAIDs can be beneficial, but theyve also been associated with complications involving the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and renal systems. For their part, opioids have proven their effectiveness in different situations, but have also demonstrated their potential to cause cognitive deficiencies, motor impairment and respiratory depression. Opioids also, unfortunately, represent a substantial addiction and dependency risk among specific groups of individuals.

As time goes on, alternative plant medicine, such as cannabis, numerous cannabinoids and terpenes, are slowly contributing to a change in the way pain management is viewed and/or executed.

The cannabis plant contains over 100 cannabinoids, but some of them are more well-known than others, including CBD and THC. Numerous cannabinoids are medically and therapeutically beneficial in multiple ways, but CBD, THC, cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerols (CBG) analgesic properties stand out. So far, it has been found that CBC contains both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, while CBG has been shown to have stronger analgesic activity than THC.

Aside from the analgesic properties of different cannabinoids, various terpenes found in the cannabis plant are analgesics as well, especially myrcene. One 2008 study expanded on this, stating that: Myrcene is analgesic, and such activity, in contrast to cannabinoids, is blocked by naloxone, suggesting an opioid-like mechanism. Another terpene that contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory attributes is -caryophyllene.

In addition, cannabinoid analgesics have generally been well-tolerated in clinical trials. The World Health Organization (WHO) also reported that CBD is non-psychoactive, non-toxic and non-addictive, as well as has a good safety profile.

Although theres more to learn about cannabinoids and pain management, various surveys of cannabis users have shed light on the substitution of cannabis products for opioids. Specifically, one 2017 survey focused on U.S. and Canadian cannabis users. The following was reported: Our findings are consistent with prior surveys of American and Canadian marijuana users in which substitution of marijuana for opioids was prevalent due to better symptom management and fewer adverse and withdrawal effects.

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Cannabis and pain management: Is alternative plant medicine becoming the new norm? - The GrowthOp

Dept pushing for cannabis use in Thai traditional medicines – Bangkok Post

The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine is pushing for the use of medical cannabis in traditional Thai medicines, with plans to cultivate the cannabis plant at 150 Tambon Health Promoting Hospitals nationwide.

Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Amporn Benjaponpitak, has declared the department's use of cannabis with Thai traditional medicine in the 2020 fiscal year a success.

Dr Amporn said the Public Health Ministry had included medical cannabis in its service plan for the 2020 fiscal year.

This was in line with the government's policy to make further use of local wisdom and knowledge to develop innovative processed agricultural products.

It is also the government's policy to promote research and development on medical cannabis to add economic value to the plant, said Dr Amporn.

For the 2021 fiscal year, the department will focus on developing quality cannabis farms to generate income for people and ensuring there is a sufficient supply of medication made with medical cannabis in the national healthcare scheme.

According to the department's chief, the department has piloted a project to cultivate cannabis at Tambon Health Promotion Hospitals in collaboration with community enterprises.

In the project's first phase, medical cannabis will be cultivated for the production of traditional Thai medicine. Three hospitals have already cultivated cannabis plants.

The second phase is aimed at increasing the number of medical cannabis farms to 150 nationwide.

Presently, 54 hospitals in 20 provinces and 11 health areas have received a licence to cultivate cannabis from the narcotic drugs committee.

In the third phase, medical cannabis will be used to treat palliative care patients. The goal of this phase is to promote the cultivation of medical cannabis by community enterprises.

Dr Amporn added that the department's medical cannabis plan for the 2021 fiscal year had the objective of developing legal cannabis farms for the production of traditional Thai medicine, educating people about legal medical cannabis and increasing health options for people.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin disclosed that the draft of the Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Act is in its second reading stage by a committee chaired by himself.

The Kratom Act draft is expected to be reviewed by parliament in early 2021.

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Dept pushing for cannabis use in Thai traditional medicines - Bangkok Post

Eating This One Food Every Day May Help Weaken COVID-19 – Yahoo Lifestyle

This year has been a crash-course in COVID knowledge. In January we had a vague understanding of the virus; 12 months later, we can recite the best ways to avoid exposure, rattle off nearby testing centers, and run through common symptoms from memory. And, as vaccination looms in the not-so-distant future, we continue to learn more about how best to fight and weaken COVID-19. Based on new research and expert opinion, you might consider armoring yourself with an ancient superfood: mushrooms.

Here's why, and for more COVID-related tips, here's The One Vitamin Doctors Are Urging Everyone to Take Right Now.

Perhaps one of the most polarizing foods in terms of taste, doctors, and nutritionists agree that mushrooms can provide a vital boost against COVID-19.

Jenny Bennett, a naturopathic doctor in Seattle with a focus on immune-mediated conditions, says that both shiitake and maitake mushrooms are "phenomenal for immune system enhancement."

"Shiitake especially," she says. "There is a ton of research on how it reduces viral activity, and can actually reduce the amount of virus in your body."

Mushrooms naturally inhibit viral enzymes, according to studies like those cited in the Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine, but their superpowers don't end there. They can also slow viral uptake, meaning you might actually get less sick and see symptoms progress at a slower rate if you incorporate mushrooms into a regular diet.

Beyond their direct benefits, mushrooms also help your body by stimulating an immune response in generalthere's evidence that they promote biochemical factors (i.e. alkalinity) that help prevent viral replication.

So when's the right time to make mushrooms a part of your diet?

"They're best taken the moment you feel the symptoms," Dr. Bennett advises. "You always get the best effects when you take them immediately, and taking them early will reduce symptoms progressing further."

Story continues

In the name of being preventative rather than reactive, you might consider incorporating mushrooms into meals now, regardless of whether or not you've contracted COVID-19. For those of us who aren't inherent fans of the health staple, nutritionist Sharon Katzman offers advice on how to make them more appetizing.

If you're more mushroom-averse, she says, you can buy dry or powdered varieties and sprinkle them into other dishes. Or, if you're into soups, try adding mushrooms to your favorite broth.

Dr. Bennett adds that it's also effective to buy mushrooms fresh and sautee them in butter or a bit of oil.

"Or, you can steep them as teas," she says, with a laugh. "They actually don't taste terribly fungal."

Mushroom tea may sound unappetizing, but when taken with a side of 2020, maybe it's the most fitting beverage we've had all year. You could also try one of these 23 Healthy Mushroom Recipes.

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Eating This One Food Every Day May Help Weaken COVID-19 - Yahoo Lifestyle

Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market In-Depth Analysis & Forecast 2017-2025 – NeighborWebSJ

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to medical products and practices that are not part of mainstream practices. While complementary medicine can be used along with mainstream medical practices, alternative medicine are used in place of standard medical treatments. Some CAM therapies have been found to be safe and effective unlike some that have been found to be ineffective or possibly harmful.

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Complementary and alternative medicine includes a host of botanicals and nutritional substances such as herbal supplements, dietary supplements, and vitamins. A large number of CAM products are regarded to be safe as they are produced by nature or are present in nature. However, this may not be necessarily true for all natural products. In addition, some naturally sourced medicines may affect the action of other medicines. For instance, St. Johns wort a herb which is used for depression may interfere with the way certain anticancer drugs work.

Herbal supplements can have unwanted effects when used on their own, in combination with other drugs, or in large doses. Vitamins can also be harmful on the body. Too much of vitamin can be detrimental on health, even in a healthy person. Supplements do not need approval from federal government before being commercially available.

Patients of chronic diseases who are considering using complementary or alternative medicine need to talk to their doctor or nurse. This is because some therapies of complementary and alternative medicine may interfere with mainstream medicine or can be also be harmful. The claims of efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine therapy needs to be ascertained before bringing into use.

Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Overview

The global market for alternative and complementary medicines is projected to experience substantial growth in the next few years. The rising expenditure of the healthcare facilities is considered as the major factor that is likely to encourage the growth of the overall market in the coming years. In addition, the increasing number of initiatives being taken by Governments across the globe to promote alternative and complementary medicines is projected to accelerate the markets growth. Thanks to these factors, the global alternative and complementary medicine market is likely to exhibit a promising growth rate in the near future.

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Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Key Trends

A significant rise in the number of initiatives by NGOs and government organizations to encourage the use of alternative and complementary medicines is estimated to bolster global market in the near future. In addition to this, technological advancements in this field and the rising inclination of consumers towards these medicines and practices are likely to offer lucrative growth opportunities for the leading players operating in the alternative and complementary medicine market across the globe. However, the lack of scientific results is expected to hamper the overall growth of the market in the next few years.

Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Market Potential

Alternative and complementary medicines make use of several tradition methods to help the patients, most of which are not completely supported scientifically. As a result, the use of these medicines in several developed economies is comparatively less. Nonetheless, with a rising focus on research and development activities in order to find clinical support and the emergence of new methods and medicines are anticipated to encourage the growth of the global alternative and complementary medicine market throughout the forecast period.

Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Regional Outlook

From a regional perspective, Europe is considered as one of the leading segment, thanks to the significant revenue contribution in the last few years. This region is expected to account for a large share of the global alternative and complementary medicine market with the rising use of botanicals. In addition to this, the increasing awareness among consumers regarding the availability of effective alternative and complementary medicines and the benefits they offers are expected to encourage the growth of the Europe market in the coming years.

Furthermore, with the rising popularity of medical tourism, the alternative and complementary medicine market in Asia Pacific is projected to witness a steady growth in the next few years. Moreover, the presence of a large number of new players operating in this region is likely to offer promising growth opportunities over the forecast period. The Middle East and Africa segment is anticipated to experience a healthy growth in the alternative and complementary medicine market in the near future.

Global Alternative and Complementary Medicine Market: Competitive Analysis

The global market for alternative and complementary medicines is presently at a highly competitive stage and is predicted to experience an intense level of competition among the leading players in the coming years. The prominent players in the market are focusing on the expansion of the product portfolio so as to attract a large number of consumers across the globe. This is likely to help them in creating a brand name and acquiring a leading position in the global market. Some of the leading players operating in the alternative and complementary medicine market across the globe are Herb Pharm, Yoga Tree, Quantum Touch Inc., Helio USA Inc., Pure encapsulations, Inc., Pacific Nutritional Inc., Deepure Plus, Herbal Hills, Iyengar Yoga Institute, The Healing Company, and Nordic Naturals.

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Ashwagandha, Ayurvedic super herb that helps you look younger and live longer just ask Meghan, Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow – AsiaOne

Do you want to sleep better, look younger and live longer? Your answer may lie in a wonder herb thats been used in Indian traditional medicine, or Ayurveda, for thousands of years: Withania somnifera, or ashwagandha.

Also called Indian ginseng or winter cherry, its name is derived from the Sanskrit words ashwa, meaning horse, and gandha, meaning smell, referring both to the unique musky smell of its roots, reminiscent of a stallion, and its ability to give horse-like strength and vitality.

Ashwagandha is a small shrub with yellow flowers, a member of the night shade family. While every part of the plant is useful, its the stout, fleshy roots that are sought after as a supplement, either powdered or added to a tincture, and available as powder or in capsules.

Now popular the world over American celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston and Meghan Markle have this wonder herb in their repertoire it has been found to aid in curing ailments from weakness to infertility.

In Ayurveda, ashwagandha was identified as a rasayana thousands of years ago a herb that improves tissue health and rejuvenates you in the process, says Sheela Rani Chunkath, retired chief secretary of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, and a columnist who writes about Ayurveda.

Ashwagandha is one of the most commonly used herbs in Ayurveda, for the vata constitution, which is associated with air and space. Balanced vata energy helps maintain supple skin and joints, a healthy body weight, healthy cognitive function and a healthy nervous system.

Commonly available as a churna , a finely sieved powder that can be mixed with ghee (clarified butter) or milk, ashwagandha is traditionally taken with ghee and honey. The powder can also be mixed into energy balls, smoothies and lattes.

Dhananjay Sharma, president of one of Indias oldest Ayurvedic companies, Shree Baidyanath Ayurveda Bhawan, describes the herb as an adaptogen, a combination of amino acids and vitamins, that gives it the ability to adapt to both physical and mental stress in the environment by reducing cortisol levels.

According to the Kama Sutra , the Indian treatise on sex, ashwagandha is a potent sexual stimulant. Studies show the herb may increase testosterone production and boost sperm health.

Ashwagandha has long been a favourite with athletes for helping build strength and endurance and aid recovery, and studies suggest it can improve the brains memory functions including attention and concentration. It appears to slow the degeneration of brain function in people with diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinson, according to a 2011 report in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine .

The herb can energise and calm at the same time. Chyawanprash, a nerve tonic thats been used by Indians for years as a health booster, contains ashwagandha. A study published in the journal Phytomedicine in 2000 showed that the herb had the ability to reduce anxiety levels, as did another in 2012 published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine .

The second part of its botanical name, Withania somnifera, translates as sleep-inducing, and reflects its relaxing and calming properties. It can be used at bedtime and has been shown to induce restful sleep , without the drowsiness associated with sleep medications.

Ashwagandha may help prolong youth, and preserve beauty. It is used as a hair mask, to strengthen the roots of the hair, and as a paste with dried ginger and lemon peel to cure acne. It has high levels of antioxidants that stave off free radicals to fight signs of ageing such as wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines and blemishes. A liquid mixture of ashwagandha can be applied as an ointment to treat cuts, bruises and skin inflammation.

The herb also has a high concentration of withanolides, naturally occurring steroids that studies suggest fight inflammation and tumour growth. While it is used as a complementary treatment to ease the fatigue and pain from chemotherapy, scientists are keenly exploring whether it might aid directly in the fight against cancer .

Now research shows this powerful herb also has the potential to help stop the coronavirus pandemic .

The Indian Institute of Technology at Delhi and Japans National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, in a collaborative study, discovered that an efficient natural compound found within ashwagandha may be effective in developing a drug to fight the coronavirus.

The study, published online in the Journal of Biomolecular Structure Dynamics in June, concluded: Ashwagandha stem may provide preventive and therapeutic benefits in the current pandemic.

Another study by researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, published in the same journal in July, came to similar conclusions: The status of Withania somnifera as an immunity enhancer, anti-diabetic agent and blood pressure and hormonal regulation is well known. The present study suggests that additionally, the Ayurveda herb ashwagandha could prove to be an alternative to available treatments of Covid-19.

Despite its myriad benefits, ashwagandha is not for everyone. Pregnant women should not take it. It may aggravate autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Having too much of this herb may irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

This article was first published in South China Morning Post.

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Ashwagandha, Ayurvedic super herb that helps you look younger and live longer just ask Meghan, Jennifer Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow - AsiaOne

Immunotherapy Continues on Positive Trajectory in Lymphoid Malignancies – OncLive

The treatment landscape of lymphoid malignancies space is rich with available immunotherapy agents, said Joshua Brody, MD. However, the field continues to push toward improving response rates by refining established modalities, such as CAR T-cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitors, as well as introducing novel modalities.

During the5th AnnualInternational Congress on Immunotherapies in Cancer, a program run by Physicians Education Resource (PER), Brody, an assistant professor of medicine, hematology, and medical oncology and director of the Lymphoma Immunotherapy Program at The Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai, gave a presentation on established and upcoming immunotherapies in the lymphoid malignancy pipeline.

We are somewhat lucky, and maybe a bit spoiled in lymphoid malignancies, such as lymphomas and some B-cell malignancies, to have [seen] a huge amount of progress [with immunotherapy], said Brody.

However, lymphoid malignancies are highly heterogeneous. As such, not all patients are able to derive responses from the same therapy, Brody explained.

CAR T-cell therapy represents a significant advance in the treatment paradigms of several hematologic malignancies, including lymphoid malignancies, said Brody.

The results [of CAR T-cell therapy treatment] for patients with aggressive B-cell lymphomas have been amazing, Brody said. [CAR T-cell therapy] has shown higher response rates [in this space] than any other immunotherapy for any type of cancer; response rates are above 80%. Many of those [responses] are long lasting, complete remissions [CRs].

Notably, it is thought that patients who remain in CR for at least 6 to 12 months after CAR T-cell therapy infusion are likely cured of their lymphoma, Brody said. For example, it is likely that around 35% to 40% of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who receive CAR T-cell therapy are effectively cured.

Third-line [DLBCL], the most common type of lymphoma, [was thought to be] an incurable disease setting, said Brody. We [thought we could] cure people in the first- or second-line setting, but not beyond. Im not sure how we define a miracle, but it seems miraculous to me to change the incurable to partly curable.

Now, ongoing research efforts are attempting to refine CAR T-cell therapies to enhance responses and expand the utility of the modality to other hematologic malignancies beyond DLBCL, acute leukemia, and mantle cell lymphoma, explained Brody. For example, developing armored CAR T cells and fourth-generation CAR T cellsT cellsredirected for antigenunrestricted cytokineinitiated killingmay allow for improved delivery of cytotoxic payloads to liquid as well as solid tumors.

Additionally, novel CAR T-cell therapies may overcome some of the ongoing challenges observed with current, autologous products, such as toxicity, accessibility, and feasibility. For example, utilizing an allogeneic approach to CAR T-cell therapy may allow for an off-the-shelf option that could alleviate the risk of cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity.

Beyond CAR T-cell therapy, bispecific monoclonal antibodies, such as the investigational CD20/CD3-directed REGN1979 agent, could potentially be used in patients who progress after CAR T-cell therapy. Findings from a phase 1 trial (NCT02290951) demonstrated high objective response rates and CR rates among patients with heavily pretreated, relapsed/refractory NHL who were treated with REGN1979.1

Although the toxicity challenges of CAR T-cell therapies are likely not going to be solved with bispecific antibodies, the novel agents may offer an alternative option that can decrease the risk of adverse effects.

At least with [bispecific antibodies], we can tweak and optimize [dosing] a bit, explained Brody. CAR T-cell therapy is usually a one-shot therapy, [whereas] bispecifics can be given in low, medium, or high doses. We can up-titrate the therapy to try to minimize or avoid some of these toxicities.

Additionally, bispecific antibodies are potentially able to avoid antigen escape, which is a common concern with CD19/CD20-directed CAR T-cell therapies, Brody explained.

PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have transformed the treatment landscape in melanoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and bladder cancer. However, Hodgkin lymphoma is the most responsive disease to antiPD-1 agents because chromosomal amplifications or translocations are hardwired to overexpress PD-1, Brody said.

As such, responses with checkpoint inhibitors, such as nivolumab (Opdivo), are seen in around 70% of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma who progress following autologous stem cell transplant.2

The introduction of checkpoint inhibitors to this space has been particularly encouraging for younger patients who fail curative-intent chemotherapy and who, historically, had dismal prognoses.

Currently, ongoing efforts are attempting to bring PD-1 inhibitors to the second-line setting and, potentially, up-front settings in combination with chemotherapy.

Although it is true that hot tumors are more likely to respond to immunotherapy compared with cold tumors, it is not the only factor that contributes to whether a tumor will respond. As such, alternative methods of improving immune response in patients with lymphoid malignancies are being evaluated.

For example, one investigational method is to utilize radiotherapy or other means to mobilize dendritic cells loaded with tumor antigens to antigen-presenting cells. Ultimately, this compound could serve as a therapeutic anti-cancer vaccine to deliver the antigens, as well as costimulatory signals, to the cancer cells.

As such, an ongoing trial (NCT03789097) led by Brody is currently testing an in situ vaccine combining radiation therapy, the immune cell growth factor Flt3L/CDX-301, the immune-cell activating factor Poly-ICLC, and pembrolizumab (Keytruda).3 Initial findings from the study have yielded encouraging results, according to Brody.

In situ vaccines such as this may be able to cross prime T cells and increase the effectiveness of immunotherapy for patients, Brody concluded.

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Immunotherapy Continues on Positive Trajectory in Lymphoid Malignancies - OncLive

The 10 best ear pressure points – Medical News Today

Although it is not yet proven how acupressure works, there is some evidence to suggest that when performed properly, it may help relieve pain and tension around the body. Activating ear pressure points may help ease symptoms of tinnitus, headache, earache, and more.

Acupressure is a type of alternative or complementary medicine. It has played a vital role in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years.

The core technique of acupressure therapies involves applying pressure with the fingers to certain points on the body. The applied pressure sends a signal to the body to start healing itself.

Many believe that, if applied regularly and to the right areas, acupressure can help treat symptoms related to the ears and prevent symptoms from returning.

The following are acupressure points that may help a person find relief for ears- and head-related problems.

The ear apex, or erjian, is a pressure point used to treat a variety of symptoms. It is at the very top center of the ear, also called the apex.

According to a 2011 study, applying pressure to different auricular pressure points, which are on and around the ear, may have specific therapeutic results.

Many believe that stimulation of the ear apex pressure point can play a role in alleviating migraines and help with earaches and tension headaches.

The acupressure point located at the crown of the head, in line with the tips of the ears, is also known in TCM as the Governor Vessel 20, GV 20, DU 20, or baihui. There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that activating this pressure point may help with tinnitus.

Tinnitus is a condition in which a person hears a noise, such as humming or ringing, in their ears when there is no outside source of the sound.

The daith point is at the smallest fold of cartilage in the ear, just above the opening to the ear toward the front.

According to the American Migraine Foundation (AMF), some people pierce the daith because of the reported relief to migraine pain.

However, the AMF add that reports of success are purely anecdotal and that there is no research to support this theory. Acupressure practitioners claim that activating this pressure point may help with tension or migraine headaches.

Learn more about daith piercings and migraines here.

The union valley, also known as the LI 4 or the hegu pressure point in TCM, is an acupressure point located in the skin between the forefinger and thumb. This pressure point may help alleviate pain in various parts of the body.

An older study from 1999 recommends using hand acupressure points to address any ailment for which people typically recommend acupressure.

There is a point located along the hairline near the temple, one on each side of the head. Acupressure practitioners refer to this point as ST 8 or touwei.

In a 2006 study, researchers found that using these two points provided an effective treatment for tinnitus.

Applying pressure to the temples may help alleviate ear and head pain.

The evidence is anecdotal, although some people may find relief for their headaches or earaches by rubbing their temples when the pain starts to come on.

In the center of the forehead, just above the bridge of the nose and between the eyes, is a point known as the third eye. TCM practitioners also refer to it as yintang or EX HN 3.

Activating this pressure point may help alleviate pain in the head, eyes, and ears.

There is anecdotal evidence that this point may also help with tinnitus.

There is an acupressure point located at the center of the base of the skull. TCM practitioners refer to it as GV 16 or fengfu.

According to a 2015 study, applying pressure to this point is good for relieving local pain and pain in other areas of the body.

Ear gate, also referred to as ermen, san jiao 21, or SJ 21, is right in front of where the earlobe starts.

Many believe that applying pressure to ear gate can help alleviate head pains and tinnitus.

The pressure point located slightly behind the earlobe may help with tinnitus, earaches, and headaches.

There are several studies that look at the effectiveness of acupressure.

Although the studies vary in size, quality, and the condition they analyze, most find that using acupressure to treat various conditions has favorable results.

A 2015 review of studies looked at data on acupressure of the ear for treating a variety of illnesses, including pain in different parts of the body.

The researchers found that acupressure can positively affect peoples symptoms. However, it is still unclear what the exact mechanisms of acupressure are.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) state that activating acupuncture pressure points may play a role in decreasing the occurrence of tension headaches and fending off migraine headaches.

The NCCIH caution that while it is reasonable for people with chronic pain to consider acupuncture as a possible solution, there is no consensus in clinical practice guidelines about acupuncture recommendations.

A person interested in using acupressure should seek guidance from their doctor, who may provide information or refer them to a certified acupuncture specialist, who can provide therapy and instruction.

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The 10 best ear pressure points - Medical News Today

When to go to the emergency room. And when not to. – UAB News

Emergency departments are crowded, and patients might want to consider alternative care options such as urgent care centers.

Emergency departments are crowded, and patients might want to consider alternative care options such as urgent care centers.Hospital emergency departments are pretty busy places at the best of times. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they have become busier still. Wait times are up, and space is limited at hospital emergency departments across Alabama.

We are busy, said Andrew Edwards, M.D., interim chair of the UAB Department of Emergency Medicine. We have patients presenting with COVID-19-like symptoms. We have patients with major emergencies such as stroke, heart attack and traumatic injury. And we have a lot of patients who come to us for a variety of conditions, some of which might be better handled at alternative care sites, which would reduce the overcrowding we see in the EDs.

Edwards is quick to affirm that the UAB emergency departments at the main hospital, UAB Highlands Hospital and the freestanding facility at Gardendale are safe for patients who need emergency medical care.

One unfortunate result of the coronavirus pandemic is that people are scared to go to an emergency room when they have a medical issue that requires emergency care, Edwards said. People experiencing heart attack, stroke or other significant health issues should not delay getting medical care for fear of contracting the virus.

But UAB also offers several alternative care options for those conditions or illnesses that, while serious, may not require the services of an emergency department.

We have several options that patients can use outside of the emergency room that may be appropriate for some medical issues, Edwards said. One is simply your primary care physician, who can now often be reached quickly through patient portals and telemedicine. Another is UAB Medicines Urgent Care Clinic in Southside.

The most common medical conditions seen at UABs emergency departments that fall outside of the most serious issues such as stroke, heart attack and trauma include general aches and pains, arthritis symptoms, shortness of breath, headache, cough, joint or back pain, and high blood pressure. While some of these symptoms could indicate a major emergency, many could fall into the category of issues well suited to alternative care options.

If you are not sure, by all means, go to the nearest emergency department, Edwards said.

Options outside of the emergency room include:

Our emergency departments are open for business, Edwards said. But as we deal with the overcrowding and large volumes that we are experiencing now during the pandemic, we want to remember that there are other options that can be considered.

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When to go to the emergency room. And when not to. - UAB News

You’re Their Santa’: Teen Gives Gifts to Hospitalized Children on Christmas – NBC10 Boston

With a first-hand understanding of life with a Traumatic Brain Injury,Meredith Casey organized a campaign to deliver gifts to children who will wake up in the hospital on Christmas Day.

Casey, a Freshman at North Reading High School, suffered a life-changing brain injury five years ago. She since created a non-profit, the Mighty Meredith Project, dedicated to raising awareness about Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and helping others with a message of kindness at the heart of her organization.

The motto: "Be Kind, Its Good For the Mind."

Many of this year's fundraising events for the Mighty Meredith Project were cancelled due to the pandemic, but that didnt stop her from spreading kindness.

Right now, Casey is in the middle of running a Fill The Box campaign, an annual toy and gift card drive that benefits the Child Life organizations at the two hospitals where she continues to receive care:The Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center and Boston Children's Hospital.

About 250 gifts were delivered to neurology clinics at the two hospitals Friday and will be handed out to children on Christmas.

My neurologist comes up to me with tears in his eyes and is like, 'Youre Santa Clause. Youre their Santa Clause, Meredith,'" Casey said. "And everyone in my community helps so I think it brings the community together, especially this year. Its going to be something special.

The presents were wrapped by North Reading High School students this year as part of their community service credits. In the past, Casey has held wrapping parties with friends,but had to adapt this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The goal is to gift $20,000 to the hospitals. Donations can be made at the Mighty Meredith website, through Amazon, or by downloading the completewish listand dropping items off at a designated site.

The community also banded together to write 500 thank you notes to first responders, each with a $5 dollar gift card to Dunkin' inside.

"Just a little thank you for all you do," Casey said.

Meredith Casey prepares 250 presents to be delivered to children who will spend Christmas in neurology clinics at Boston hospitals.

Casey was only 11 years old when she suffered a life-changing brain injury on Dec. 15, 2015.

I was in fifth grade," Casey recalled. "I was picking up my science homework - a fluke accident - and I stood right up into my granite counter top.

After feeling sick for days, doctors told Casey she had a concussion. But over the next few months, her health continued to decline.

Months went by, I had my first MRI scan - nothing," Casey said. "Second MRI scan- there was a blood clot found at the base of my brain.

During this time, Casey lost her balance and needed a cane. She went to physical therapy, tried alternative medicine and endured endless tests. Finally, medical professionals came to a diagnosis- a Traumatic Brain Injury. A condition that affects her every single day of her life.

I live in chronic pain. Everyday pain," Casey said. "People ask me on a scale of one to 10 - I hate the scale, I hate the scale so much - scale of one to 10 its a seven. People say, 'Thats so high.' Im kind of used to it at this point. I dont know what a day without pain is like.

She chose to battle that pain through the Mighty Meredith Project, which is built on three pillars; mighty smart, mighty giving and mighty kind.

I started it to raise awareness for traumatic brain injuries, give back to the medical community and my favorite- promote kindness," Casey said. "It really sprouted from the kindness that other people showed me during my toughest of days.

That kindness came from the community, doctors and child life-specialists who became an integral part of her life.

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You're Their Santa': Teen Gives Gifts to Hospitalized Children on Christmas - NBC10 Boston