Gene therapy involves the transfer of genetic material, usually in a carrier or vector, and the uptake of the gene into the appropriate cells of the body. Cell therapy involves the transfer of cells with relevant function to the patient. Some protocols use both gene therapy and cell therapy.

Cell And Gene Therapy Market research is an intelligence report with meticulous efforts undertaken to study the right and valuable information. It provides a clear understanding of the subject matter and has been accumulated by suing primary and secondary research techniques.

The study report presents the market overview as market size, revenue, share, forecast and market drivers. In addition, report offers an in-depth analysis about the product scope and market opportunities and market risks for the participants. The report provides the description about the profile of the top manufacturers of Cell And Gene Therapy Market.

Get the PDF Sample Copy of this report @: https://www.a2zmarketresearch.com/sample?reportId=313733 Note In order to provide more accurate market forecast, all our reports will be updated before delivery by considering the impact of COVID-19.

Top Key Players Profiled in this report:

JW CreaGene

Vericel

Tego Sciences

GC Pharma

MolMed

AnGes

Gilead Sciences

Corestem

AVITA Medical

Dendreon

CO.DON

Medipost

Osiris Therapeutics

Amgen

Biosolution

CollPlant

Japan Tissue Engineering

Organogenesis

Orchard Therapeutics

Stempeutics ResearchGlobal Cell And Gene Therapy Market research report offers: Market definition of the global Cell And Gene Therapy market along with the analysis of different influencing factors like drivers, restraints, and opportunities. Extensive research on the competitive landscape of global Cell And Gene Therapy Identification and analysis of micro and macro factors that are and will effect on the growth of the market. A comprehensive list of key market players operating in the global Cell And Gene Therapy market. Analysis of the different market segments such as type, size, applications, and end-users. It offers a descriptive analysis of demand-supply chaining in the global Cell And Gene Therapy market. Statistical analysis of some significant economics facts Figures, charts, graphs, pictures to describe the market clearly.

Various factors are responsible for the markets growth trajectory, which are studied at length in the report. In addition, the report lists down the restraints that are posing threat to the global Cell And Gene Therapy market. It also gauges the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers, threat from new entrants and product substitute, and the degree of competition prevailing in the market. The influence of the latest government guidelines is also analyzed in detail in the report. It studies the Cell And Gene Therapy markets trajectory between forecast periods.

Regions Covered in the Global Cell And Gene Therapy Market Report 2021: The Middle East and Africa (GCC Countries and Egypt) North America (the United States, Mexico, and Canada) South America (Brazil etc.) Europe (Turkey, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.) Asia-Pacific (Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia)

Get up to 30% Discount on this Premium Report @: https://www.a2zmarketresearch.com/discount?reportId=313733 The cost analysis of the Global Cell And Gene Therapy Market has been performed while keeping in view manufacturing expenses, labor cost, and raw materials and their market concentration rate, suppliers, and price trend. Other factors such as Supply chain, downstream buyers, and sourcing strategy have been assessed to provide a complete and in-depth view of the market. Buyers of the report will also be exposed to a study on market positioning with factors such as target client, brand strategy, and price strategy taken into consideration.

Reasons for buying this report: It offers an analysis of changing competitive scenario. For making informed decisions in the businesses, it offers analytical data with strategic planning methodologies. It offers seven-year assessment of Cell And Gene Therapy Market. It helps in understanding the major key product segments. Researchers throw light on the dynamics of the market such as drivers, restraints, trends, and opportunities. It offers regional analysis of Cell And Gene Therapy Market along with business profiles of several stakeholders. It offers massive data about trending factors that will influence the progress of the Cell And Gene Therapy Market.

Table of Contents:Global Cell And Gene Therapy Market Research Report 2021-2027Chapter 1 Cell And Gene Therapy Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3 Global Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Global Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Global Cell And Gene Therapy Market Forecast

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Cell And Gene Therapy Market Trends, Growth, Size, Analysis and Forecast by 2024 with Top Players: JW CreaGene,Vericel,Tego Sciences,GC...

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

One of the ways scientists hope to offer better treatments for vision loss is through gene therapy, where carefully selected genetic material is injected into the eyes to address mutations. Researchers have been left surprised by the effectiveness of an experimental form of this treatment, which involved an injection into one eyeball yet improved vision across both.

Gene therapies have the potential to treat all kinds of health conditions, ranging from cancer, to diabetes in dogs, to obesity and damaged spinal cords. One area where we're seeing some really exciting progress is in hereditary vision loss, with studies demonstrating the potential of gene therapy to treat color blindness, progressive retinal diseases and glaucoma, with some recently receiving approval from the FDA.

This latest study was conducted by scientists at the University of Cambridge, the University of Pittsburgh and Paris Institut de la Vision, and focuses on a form of inherited vision loss called Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). This affects around one in 30,000 people and usually occurs in young folks aged in their 20s and 30s, destroying their retinal ganglion cells and in turn the optic nerve. Once the condition takes hold, vision can deteriorate to the point where the subject is considered legally blind in just a matter of weeks, with recovery occurring in less than 20 percent of cases.

The majority of patients suffer from the same mutation affecting the MT-ND4 gene, so the researchers were hopeful of targeting this mutation as a way of improving treatment outcomes for sufferers of LHON. They trialed their gene therapy as part of a study involving 37 patients who had suffered vision loss in the preceding six to 12 months. This meant injecting a viral vector packed with a modified complementary DNA called rAAV2/2-ND4 into the vitreous cavity at the back of just one eye, with a sham treatment injected into the other eye.

We expected vision to improve in the eyes treated with the gene therapy vector only, says study author Dr Yu-Wai-Man. Rather unexpectedly, both eyes improved for 78 percent of patients in the trial following the same trajectory over two years of follow-up.

To investigate the reasons behind this unexpected outcome, the team studied the gene therapys effects in macaques, which have a similar vision system to humans. This enabled them to analyze the tissues from different parts of the eye to see how the viral vector DNA had spread. This provided evidence of interocular diffusion, with the viral vector DNA turning up in the retina, optic nerve and anterior segment of the untreated eye.

As someone who treats these young patients, I get very frustrated about the lack of effective therapies, says senior investigator Dr Sahel, from the University of Pittsburgh. These patients rapidly lose vision in the course of a few weeks to a couple of months. Our study provides a big hope for treating this blinding disease in young adults.

The research was published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

Source: University of Cambridge

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Single gene therapy injection surprisingly boosts vision in both eyes - New Atlas

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

New York, Dec. 15, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Cell and Gene Therapy Global Market Report 2020-30: COVID-19 Growth and Change" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05996809/?utm_source=GNW

The global cell and gene therapy market is expected to decline from $6.68 billion in 2019 to $6.92 billion in 2020 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.61%. The slow growth is mainly due to the COVID-19 outbreak that has led to restrictive containment measures involving social distancing, remote working, and the closure of industries and other commercial activities resulting in operational challenges. The entire supply chain has been disrupted, impacting the market negatively. The market is then expected to recover and reach $13.23 billion in 2023 at a CAGR of 24.10%.

The cell and gene therapy market consists of sales of cell and gene therapies by entities (organizations, sole traders and partnerships) that develop cell and gene therapies. Cell therapy refers to the transfer of intact, live cells that are originated from autologous or allogenic sources and gene therapy refers to the introduction, removal, or change in the genome for treating diseases. The market consists of revenue generated by the companies developing cell and gene therapy products by the sales of these products.

North America was the largest region in the cell and gene therapy market in 2019. It is also expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period.

In December 2019, Roche, a Swiss multinational healthcare company, acquired Spark Therapeutics for $4.3 billion. The acquisition supports the commitment of Roche to bring transformational therapies and innovative approaches to people with serious illnesses. Spark Therapeutics will continue to work within the Roche Group as an independent company. Spark Therapeutics, headquartered in Philadelphia, is a fully integrated commercial company involved in the discovery, production, and distribution of gene therapies for genetic disorders including blindness, hemophilia, lysosomal storage, and neurodegenerative diseases.

The cell and gene therapy market covered in this report is segmented by product into cell therapy; gene therapy and by application into oncology; dermatology; musculoskeletal; others.

Limited reimbursements preventing patients from receiving treatments are expected to limit the growth of cell and gene therapy (CGT market. In 2019, Trinity Life Sciences, a life sciences solution provider, researched national and large regional commercial health insurance plans in the US. It found that the confluence of increasing price, patient volume and number of CGTs on the market is likely to change the reimbursement model for CGTs and impact payer budgets by 5-10%. Payers realize that financing needs to be generated for cost management due to the uncertainty surrounding reimbursement of ancillary costs. Limited reimbursements and uncertain insurance plans are preventing patients from receiving high-cost CGT, which is expected to limit market growth.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is shaping the cell and gene therapy (CGT) market. (CAR) T-cell therapy is a combination of cell and gene therapy in which T cells are collected from the patients blood and are genetically engineered to produce modified receptors at their surface, known as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). These modified T cells with special structures (receptors) are reinfused into the patient. Then, the modified receptors of T cell help in targeting the surface antigen of the cancer cell that ultimately results in the killing of tumor cells in patients. In 2020, the US-FDA approved Bristol-Myers Squibbs two CAR-T cell therapies to treat lymphoma and multiple myeloma and is set to be launched. Currently, FDA approved CAR-T cell therapy treatments like Tisagenlecleucel for the treatment of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children and Axicabtagene ciloleucel for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma.

Steady investment and consolidation in cell and gene therapies contributed to the growth of the cell and gene therapy (CGT) market. After recognizing the potential of the CGT market, 16 out of the 20 largest biopharma companies by revenue, added CGT products to their portfolio. For instance, Merck invested $109 million in viral vector and gene therapy manufacturing in April 2020. Moreover, 12% of industrial clinical pipeline products and at least 16% of preclinical pipeline products consist of CGT. Steady investment and consolidation in CGT production capacity led to an increase in production capacity and also contributed to the growth of the market.Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05996809/?utm_source=GNW

About ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

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Cell and Gene Therapy Global Market Report 2020-30: COVID-19 Growth and Change - GlobeNewswire

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Pune, Maharashtra, India, December 16 2020 (Wiredrelease) Allied Analytics :Cancer gene therapy is an approach for the cancer treatment, where genetically engineered vectors such as viruses are used to transfer or replace a mutated gene (that is causing cancer) with a heathy gene. This technique can be used for both the prevention and treatment of disease. The most commonly used techniques for the treatment using cancer gene therapy includes oncolytic virotherapy, gene transfer, and gene-induced immunotherapy.

Cancer Gene TherapyMarket: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2023, the Global Cancer Gene Therapy Market accounted for $289 million in 2016, and is estimated to reach $2,082 million by 2023, registering a CAGR of 32.4% from 2019 to 2023. North America is the highest contributor in the cancer gene therapy market in 2016; however, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth rate.

Download Free Sample Report@ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2605

The key companies profiled in the report include Adaptimmune, GlaxoSmithKline, Bluebird bio, Inc., Merck, Celgene, Shanghai Sunway Biotech, BioCancell, Shenzhen SiBiono GeneTech, SynerGene Therapeutics, and OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals.

The rise in prevalence of cancer, ethical acceptance of gene therapy for cancer treatment, and the advancement in this field drive the market growth. In addition, benefits of cancer gene therapy over conventional cancer therapies, increase in government support, and rise in biotechnological funding that encourage the R&D activities for cancer gene therapy fuel the growth of the cancer gene therapy market. However, high cost associated with the treatment and unwanted immune responses are expected to restrain the market growth.

Among the therapy segment, oncolytic virotherapy segment is the largest contributor toward the market growth and gene transfer therapy segment is anticipated to be a lucrative market due to the positive results for these therapies during the preclinical and clinical trials for the treatment of cancer.

In 2016,North Americaaccounted for maximum contribution to the total revenue generated, owing to the high prevalence rate of cancer, presence of high disposable income, and high funding for R&D activities associated with cancer gene therapy. However,Asia-Pacificis expected to witness the highest CAGR during the analysis period, attributable to rise in incidence rate of cancer, increase in government initiative to improve healthcare infrastructure, and rise in healthcare expenditure.

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Allied Market Research (AMR) is a market research and business-consulting firm of Allied Analytics LLP, based in Portland, Oregon. AMR offers market research reports, business solutions, consulting services, and insights on markets across 11 industry verticals. Adopting extensive research methodologies, AMR is instrumental in helping its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their market domains. We are equipped with skilled analysts and experts, and have a wide experience of working with many Fortune 500 companies and small & medium enterprises.

This content has been published by Allied Analytics company. The WiredRelease News Department was not involved in the creation of this content. For press release service enquiry, please reach us at contact@wiredrelease.com.

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Cancer Gene Therapy Market Global Opportunities and Industry Share Expected Surpass $2082 Million b - PharmiWeb.com

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

FNF Research (fnfresearch.com) offering a comprehensive analysis on the [2020-2026] Gene Therapy Market Report by Quantitative Research Incorporating Impact Of Economic And Non-economic Aspects where users can benefit from the complete market research report with all the required useful information about this market. This is the latest report, covering the current COVID-19 impact on the market. The rapidly changing market scenario and initial and future assessment of the impact are covered in the report. The report discusses all major market aspects with an expert opinion on current market status along with historic data. This market report is a detailed study on the growth, investment opportunities, market statistics, growing competition analysis, major key players, industry facts, important figures, sales, prices, revenues, gross margins, market shares, business strategies, top regions, demand, and developments.

TheGene Therapy Marketreport entails a comprehensive database on Upcoming market estimation based on historical SWOT data analysis. It enables clients with quantified data for current market perusal. It is a professional and detailed report focusing on primary and secondary drivers, market share, leading segments, and regional analysis. Listed out are key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with upcoming and trending innovation. Business policies are reviewed from the techno-commercial perspective demonstrating better results. The report contains granular information & analysis pertaining to the Gene Therapy Market size, share, growth, trends, segment, and forecasts from 2020-2026.

According to the research report, " [185+ Pages PDF Report] Global gene therapy market was valued at approximately 1.4 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach a value of around USD 3.4 billion, at a CAGR of around 14.7% between 2019 and 2027. Gene therapy is the kind of experimental method that makes use of genes for treating or preventing disease by inserting foreign genetic material like DNA or RNA into the persons cells. "

Request an Exclusive Free Sample Report of Gene Therapy Market: https://www.fnfresearch.com/sample/gene-therapy-market-by-type-germ-line-gene

(The sample of this report is readily available on request).

The FREE Sample Report Includes:

(**Note: The sample of this report is updated with COVID-19 impact analysis before delivery.**)

Top Market Players Profiles Covered in This Report:

Advanced Cell & Gene Therapy

Audentes Therapeutics

Benitec Biopharma

Biogen

Blubird Bio Inc.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

CHIESI Farmaceutici SPA

Eurofins Scientific

Geneta Science

Genzyme Corporation

Gilead

GlaxoSmithKline PLC

Inquire To Know Additional List of Market Players Included, Request Here: https://www.fnfresearch.com/inquiry/gene-therapy-market-by-type-germ-line-gene

Key Offerings:

The market research report also offers information on potential investment opportunities, strategic growth market analysis, and probable threats that will adhere to the client to systematically and creatively plan out the business models and strategies. The critical data analysis in the Gene Therapy market report is laid out in an upright way. This means that the information is represented in form of infographics, statistics, and uncomplicated graphs to make it an effortless and time-saving task for the client.

Growth of the overall global trust and corporate service market has also been forecasted for the period 2020-2026, taking into consideration the previous growth patterns, the growth drivers, and the current and future trends.

(**The consulting and implementation services segment to account for the highest market share during the forecast period.**)

The scope of the Gene Therapy Market report has a wide spectrum extending from market scenarios to comparative pricing between major players, cost, and profit of the specified market regions. The numerical data is supported by statistical tools such as SWOT analysis, BCG matrix, SCOT analysis, and PESTLE analysis. The statistics are depicted in a graphical format for a clear picture of facts and figures.

The generated report is strongly based on primary research, interviews with top executives, news sources, and information insiders. Secondary research techniques are utilized for better understanding and clarity for data analysis.

Download Report PDF Brochure Here to Know the COVID-19 Pandemic Business Impact Analysis on Gene Therapy Market: https://www.fnfresearch.com/sample/gene-therapy-market-by-type-germ-line-gene

The report provides a complete view of the Gene Therapy market and encompasses a detailed type of portfolio and strategic developments of key vendors. To know the competitive landscape of the Gene Therapy market, an analysis of Porters five forces model is done. The study cover market attractiveness analysis, in which type, source type, and application segments are specialized based on the market size, growth rate, and attractiveness.

The report study further includes an in-depth analysis of industry players' market shares and provides an overview of leading players' market position in the Gene Therapy sector. Key strategic developments in the Gene Therapy market competitive landscape such as acquisitions & mergers, inaugurations of different products and services, partnerships & joint ventures, MoU agreements, VC & funding activities, R&D activities, and geographic expansion among other noteworthy activities by key players of the Gene Therapy market are appropriately highlighted in the report.

Customization Service of the Report:

(**FNF Research provides customization of reports as per your need. This report can be personalized to meet your requirements.**)

Table of Contents

Scope of the Gene Therapy Market Report:

Gene Therapy Market Historic Data (2019-2026):

Gene Therapy Market Forecast (2020-2026):

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Research Coverage:

The Gene Therapy market has been segmented based on offering, technology, end-use application, and end-user. It also provides a detailed view of the market across four main regions: North America, Europe, APAC, and RoW.

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Gene Therapy Market Share 2020, By Product Analysis, Application, End-Use, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies & Forecast up to 2026 - The...

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Los Angeles, USA, Dec. 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glioblastoma Multiforme Pipeline Expected to Offer Myriad of Novel Therapies in the Next Decade

Glioblastoma Multiforme Clinical Trial Analysis and Pipeline Assessment report offers an analysis of 120+ companies working for the development of therapies for Glioblastoma Multiforme

DelveInsights Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) Pipeline Insight, 2020 report proffers a comprehensive coverage of all the companies under pipeline and growth prospects across Glioblastoma Multiforme pipeline, collaborations and agreements taking place, in-depth commercial assessment, and competitive analysis.

Some of the key highlights of Glioblastoma Multiforme Pipeline Report

Glioblastoma Multiforme pipeline is robust and possesses multiple potential drugs in late and mid-stage developments, which are yet to be launched. 120+ companies are dedicatedly working in advancing the GBM pipeline in the foreseeable future.

Some of the Glioblastoma Multiforme Pipeline Therapies

Regorafenib: Bayer Healthcare

Regorafenib is an orally-administered inhibitor of multiple kinases. Sold under the brand name, Stivarga, Regorafenib is approved for use in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. The drug is currently under investigation for the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme which is mentioned. The molecule is in the phase III stage of clinical development.

CYNK 001: Celularity

CYNK-001 is the only cryopreserved allogeneic, off-the-shelf NK cell therapy being developed from placental hematopoietic stem cells as a potential treatment option for various hematologic cancers and solid tumors. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently cleared Celularitys Investigational New Drug (IND) Application for CYNK-001 in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

Know more about GBM pipeline therapies and product profiles, request @ https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/glioblastoma-multiforme-gbm-pipeline-insight

Upcoming Glioblastoma Multiforme Therapies

Scope of Glioblastoma Multiforme Pipeline Therapeutics report

Key Questions regarding Current Glioblastoma Multiforme Treatment Landscape and Emerging Therapies Answered in the report

Table of Contents

Browse Detailed TOC, Emerging Drugs and Key Companies @ Glioblastoma Multiforme Drug Pipeline Landscape

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Excerpt from:
Glioblastoma Multiforme Pipeline Expected to Offer Myriad of Novel Therapies in the Next Decade - GlobeNewswire

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Graphite Bio, a next-generation gene editing company focused on therapies that harness targeted DNA integration to treat or cure serious diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared its investigational new drug (IND) application for the experimental gene editing therapy GPH101 to initiate a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in patients with severe sickle cell disease (SCD).

The FDA clearance to advance our first investigational therapy, GPH101, into clinical development is a tremendous milestone enabling us to rapidly advance our targeted DNA integration approach into the clinic and bringing Graphite Bio one step closer to making a difference for patients, said Josh Lehrer, M.Phil., M.D., FACC, chief executive officer at Graphite Bio. We are eager to initiate enrollment for the CEDAR clinical trial in early 2021, which will be a historic milestone as the first experimental treatment designed to correct the mutation that is the underlying cause of sickle cell disease. With targeted gene integration, GPH101 seeks to restore normal hemoglobin expression, which has been the ultimate goal of sickle cell disease treatment for more than 70 years.

CEDAR, a Phase 1/2, multi-center, open-label clinical study is designed to evaluate the safety, preliminary efficacy and pharmacodynamics of GPH101 in adult and adolescent patients with severe SCD. An inherited blood disorder affecting 100,000 Americans and millions of people worldwide, SCD is caused by a single mutation in the globin gene that leads to damaged and misshapen red blood cells resulting in anemia, blood flow blockages, intense pain, increased risk of stroke and organ damage, and reduced life span.

GPH101 is Graphite Bios lead investigational therapy that will be evaluated as a potentially curative therapy for patients suffering from SCD. The investigational therapy harnesses the power of CRISPR and DNAs natural homology-directed repair mechanisms to cut out the mutation in the sickle globin gene and paste in the correct natural (wild-type) DNA sequence, with the aim of curing SCD through directly correcting the underlying disease-causing mutation and leading to the production of completely normal red blood cells.

Graphite Bio recently entered into a definitive license agreement for GPH101 with Stanford University, where the investigational therapys preclinical development was advanced at the Center for Definitive and Curative Medicine. The agreement includes exclusive rights to develop selected therapies employing efficient genome editing in hematopoietic stem cells by targeted DNA integration in hemoglobinopathies and several other indications. The preclinical development for GPH101 was led by Stanford Medicine with support from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM).

Todays announcement represents an important step toward making gene editing by targeted DNA integration a therapeutic reality for patients. Clinical entry for GPH101 represents the culmination of decades of research and scientific investment, said Matthew Porteus, MD, PhD, co-founder of Graphite Bio. The scientific platform behind Graphite Bios pipeline was born out of a passion for improving the treatment paradigm for people with sickle cell disease, and it is my hope that this platform can one day offer a cure for this and many other devastating diseases.

About Graphite Bio

Graphite Bio is a next-generation gene editing company focused on the development of potentially curative therapies for patients suffering from serious diseases. The companys targeted DNA integration platform harnesses the natural cellular process of homology directed repair (HDR) to efficiently repair genetic defects at their source, deliver genetic cargo with precision and engineer new cellular effector functions. Graphite Bio is leveraging its differentiated platform, initially focused on ex vivo engineering of hematopoietic stem cells, to advance a portfolio of transformative treatments with potential for saving and dramatically improving patients lives. The company was co-founded by academic pioneers in the fields of gene editing and gene therapy, including Maria Grazia Roncarolo, MD, and Matthew Porteus, MD, PhD, and is backed by Versant Ventures and Samsara BioCapital. For more information, please visit http://www.graphitebio.com.

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Graphite Bio Receives IND Clearance to Initiate Clinical Trial for Next-Generation Gene Editing Therapy GPH101 in Sickle Cell Disease - Business Wire

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Global Gene Therapy Market - Analysis By Vector Type, By Application, By Region, By Country (2020 Edition): Market Insights, Covid-19 Impact, Competition and Forecast (2020-2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Global Gene Therapy Market was valued at USD 1221.84 Million in the year 2019.

Escalating number of cases related to various chronic diseases including Cancer, Cardiovascular and Neurological Disorders, Alzheimer's and Sickle Cell Diseases, with companies investing heavily in incorporating advanced technology supported by growing collaboration between bio-pharma companies and research institutes to advance in the field of Gene therapy, has been anticipated to infuse growth in the market for Gene Therapy during the forecast period of 2020-2025.

Under the Vector Type segment, AAV vectors, followed by Retrovirus & Gammaretrovirus and Lentivirus, are anticipated to witness the largest market share owing to growing investment in adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors to advance research programs against strategically selected cell targets. Increasing prevalence of various diseases across the globe will further accelerate the gene therapy market growth during the coming years.

Among the regions, North America, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific, will experience remarkable market share owing to the presence of various leading global companies including Orchard Therapeutics, Voyager Therapeutics, and Spark Therapeutics. With companies investing in adoption of advanced technology supported by enhanced focus on expanding product pipeline by manufacturers to advance in the field of Gene Therapy will further facilitate the market growth during the forecast period.

Scope of the Report

Key Topics Covered:

1. Research Methodology and Executive Summary

1.1 Research Methodology

1.2 Executive Summary

2. Strategic Recommendations

3. Gene Therapy Market: Product Outlook

4. Global Gene Therapy Market: Sizing and Forecast

4.1 Market Size, By Value, Year 2015-2025

5. Global Gene Therapy Market Segmentation - By Vector Type, and By Application

5.1 Competitive Scenario of Global Gene Therapy Market: By Vector Type

5.1.1 Lentivirus - Market Size and Forecast (2015-2025)

5.1.2 AAV - Market Size and Forecast (2015-2025)

5.1.3 Retrovirus & Gammaretrovirus - Market Size and Forecast (2015-2025)

5.1.4 Others - Market Size and Forecast (2015-2025)

5.2 Competitive Scenario of Global Gene Therapy Market: By Application

5.2.1 Neurological Disorders - Market Size and Forecast (2015-2025)

5.2.2 Cancer - Market Size and Forecast (2015-2025)

5.2.3 Cardiovascular Diseases - Market Size and Forecast (2015-2025)

5.2.4 Others - Market Size and Forecast (2015-2025)

6. Global Gene Therapy Market: Regional Analysis

6.1 Competitive Scenario of Global Gene Therapy Market: By Region

7. North America Gene Therapy Market: An Analysis (2015-2025)

7.1 North America Gene Therapy Market: Size and Forecast (2015-2025), By Value

7.2 North America Gene Therapy Market - Prominent Companies

7.3 Market Segmentation By Vector Type (Lentivirus, AAV, Retrovirus & Gammaretrovirus and Others)

7.4 Market Segmentation By Application (Neurological Disorders, Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases and Others)

7.5 North America Gene Therapy Market: Country Analysis

7.6 Market Opportunity Chart of North America Gene Therapy Market - By Country, By Value, 2025

7.7 Competitive Scenario of North America Gene Therapy Market : By Country

7.8 United States Gene Therapy Market: Size and Forecast (2015-2025), By Value

7.9 United States Gene Therapy Market Segmentation - By Vector Type, and By Application (2015-2025)

7.10 Canada Gene Therapy Market: Size and Forecast (2015-2025), By Value

7.11 Canada Gene Therapy Market Segmentation - By Vector Type, and By Application (2015-2025)

8. Europe Gene Therapy Market: An Analysis (2015-2025)

9. Asia Pacific Gene Therapy Market: An Analysis (2015-2025)

10. Global Gene Therapy Market Dynamics

10.1 Drivers

10.2 Restraints

10.3 Trends

11. Market Attractiveness

11.1 Market Attractiveness Chart of Global Gene Therapy Market - By Vector Type, 2025

11.2 Market Attractiveness Chart of Global Gene Therapy Market - By Application, 2025

11.3 Market Attractiveness Chart of Global Gene Therapy Market - By Region, 2025

12. Competitive Landscape

12.1 Major Technological Innovations, Mergers & Acquisitions and Role of Manufacturers During COVID-19

12.2 Product Pipeline of Leading Gene Therapy Companies

12.3 Market Share Analysis

13. Company Analysis (Business Description, Financial Analysis, Business Strategy)

13.1 Voyager Therapeutics

13.2 Novartis AG

13.3 Spark Therapeutics Inc.

13.4 MoldMed S.P.A.

13.5 Orchard Therapeutics PLC

13.6 Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.

13.7 AnGes Inc.

13.8 Akcea Therapeutics

13.9 BlueBird Bio Inc.

13.10 Sarepta Therapeutics

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fvdzkj

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Gene Therapy Market Analysis by Vector Type, Application, Region - Global Market Insights, Covid-19 Impact, Competition and Forecast to 2025 -...

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BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Decibel Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing transformative treatments to restore and improve hearing and balance, today announced that their clinical product candidate, DB-020, has been granted Fast Track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). DB-020 is an investigational therapy for the prevention of cisplatin-induced hearing loss, a serious and debilitating condition for which there are no currently approved therapies.

Cisplatin remains one of the most effective tools we have to treat solid tumors in many patients. Unfortunately, it is associated with significant and irreversible hearing loss and tinnitus in the majority of patients who receive the drug, said Patrick Cobb, M.D., Medical Director, Oncology Research at St. Vincent Healthcare and an investigator in an ongoing Phase 1b clinical trial with DB-020. I've seen first-hand the adverse impact that cisplatin-induced hearing loss has on my patients lives and Im encouraged by the potential to mitigate what has previously been an unavoidable, permanent consequence for these patients.

Decibel is conducting a Phase 1b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial intended to explore the ability of DB-020 to prevent cisplatin-related ototoxicity, which often includes hearing loss, tinnitus and speech recognition problems. DB-020 is being administered to cancer patients for the prevention of cisplatin-induced damage to the inner ear. In this trial, DB-020 is injected into the patients ear shortly before each cycle of cisplatin. The active ingredient, sodium thiosulfate, then diffuses into the cochlea, where it irreversibly binds to cisplatin and prevents it from destroying the sensitive cells necessary for hearing, while not limiting the beneficial anti-tumor effect of cisplatin as a chemotherapy. The statistical power of the study is increased as patients serve as their own control, with one ear receiving treatment with DB-020 and the other receiving placebo.

Fast Track designation is expected to enable us to advance on our goal to provide a meaningful treatment option that prevents patients from experiencing ototoxic effects of cisplatin without risking interference with its important anti-cancer efficacy. We look forward to working with the FDA as we progress our DB-020 clinical program, said Laurence Reid, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Decibel.

FDAs Fast Track designation is designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs that are being developed to treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need. The purpose of the designation is to bring important new drugs to patients earlier across a wide range of diseases.

About DB-020

DB-020 is an investigational therapy for the prevention of cisplatin-induced hearing loss. Decibel completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 1 clinical trial of DB-020 in healthy volunteers, in which DB-020 was well tolerated. An ongoing, Phase 1b randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trial is assessing safety and efficacy in patients receiving cisplatin chemotherapy. Cisplatin, a commonly used chemotherapy agent, is known to cause hearing loss, tinnitus and speech recognition difficulty. DB-020 comprises a proprietary formulation of sodium thiosulfate, or STS, which has been optimized for delivery to the ear. By locally disabling cisplatin in the cochlea, DB-020 is designed to protect hearing without interfering with cisplatins anti-cancer activity.

About Decibel Therapeutics, Inc.

Decibel Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to discovering and developing transformative treatments to restore and improve hearing and balance, one of the largest areas of unmet need in medicine. Decibel has built a proprietary platform that integrates single-cell genomics and bioinformatic analyses, precision gene therapy technologies and expertise in inner ear biology. Decibel is leveraging its platform to advance gene therapies designed to selectively replace genes for the treatment of congenital, monogenic hearing loss and to regenerate inner ear hair cells for the treatment of acquired hearing and balance disorders. Decibels pipeline, including its lead gene therapy program, DB-OTO, to treat congenital, monogenic hearing loss, is designed to deliver on our vision of a world in which the privileges of hearing and balance are available to all. For more information about Decibel Therapeutics, please visit http://www.decibeltx.com or follow @DecibelTx.

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Testosterone is an important hormone in males, contributing to many aspects of development, which is why low testosterone can be so noticeable.

During your teenage years, testosterone initiated your facial hair to start growing, your voice to deepen, your muscles to strengthen, and your sperm to start producing. As you reached adulthood, your testosterone production plateaued and began to decline.

While the decline is normal, your testosterone may have dropped lower than expected, leading to some unwanted symptoms.

Understanding low testosterone

Low testosterone, also known as Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome, happens when testosterone production dips below what your body needs to function normally.

In healthy males, a normal level of testosterone in the blood is between 350 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter, according to viTal4men testosterone replacement therapy clinic.

So, how will you be clued into low testosterone levels? Here are a few symptoms you may have noticed, according to the American Urology Association:

Low testosterone is not the only culprit behind these symptoms, as other issues such as diabetes, drug use, and obesity may be at play.

To help narrow it down, some specific symptoms are associated with low testosterone, according to WebMD:

Another term for the natural decline in testosterone over the years is andropause which, like menopause, can affect your mental state, as well. For example, you may be moody or depressed and have a hard time concentrating. You may also have trouble sleeping and low energy and motivation during the day.

What you can do

When your low testosterone is connected to a medical or lifestyle issue, treating those causes can improve testosterone production. In other cases, low testosterone may not have an easily identifiable cause.

Fortunately, diagnosing low testosterone is as simple as taking a blood test, which viTal4men offers for free, along with a 10-to-15-minute consultation with a medical practitioner who specializes in treating low testosterone.

At the viTal4men Clinic, we treat low testosterone levels with testosterone replacement therapy to get you back to your optimum level, viTal4men says.

Testosterone replacement therapy will help raise and maintain your testosterone levels with options that you and your provider will choose, based on what works best for you. These may include gels, patches, injections, oral medication, or surgically implanted pellets.

Injections are one of the most common and effective methods, as the right dosage will lead to improvements in energy, muscle mass, sexual desire, and verbal memory, along with a decrease in body fat about three weeks after treatment. Your depressive symptoms may improve as well, although that can take about 18 to 30 weeks to kick in. Throughout the process, youll need to continue receiving injections every 7 to 9 days at 15-minute consultations.

In addition to testosterone therapy, viTal4men offers discount erectile disfunction medication; services for diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure management; fat-burning B12/MIC injections; flu vaccines; wellness exams; and other general health care. The clinic accepts most major medical insurances.

For more information and to make an appointment for your free testosterone level test, visit Vital4Men.com.

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Do you have symptoms of low testosterone? - KTAR.com

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At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, now-familiar symptoms like diarrhea and a loss of smell or taste hadnt yet been confirmed; now, theyre hallmark signs of the illness. Although we know much more about the novel coronavirus now than we did months ago, doctors are still discovering new side effects of infection, including hair loss and lingering fatigue. The latest discovery? Research points to a surprising link between COVID-19 and erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to obtain and/or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual function.

A review of research published earlier this year was the first to note a correlation between survivors of COVID-19 and ED, plus evidence of other sexual and reproductive issues in recovered men, both short- and long-term.

The virus causes your body to have a very strong [immune] response, which can impact the cardiovascular system, circulation, and the heart, explains Anthony Harris, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H., CIO and associate medical director for WorkCare.

Any major stressor can disrupt your normal hormone function, which can, in turn, completely obliterate the libido, says Amin Herati, M.D., director of male infertility and mens health at the Brady Urological Institute and assistant professor of urology at Johns Hopkins University. Since COVID-19 infiltrates so many different parts of the body, from the skin to the brain, experts say its no surprise that ED could be a lingering effect, even post-recovery.

The causes of ED vary widely. Psychologically, there must be arousal; physiologically, the brain and body need to release the proper compounds to initiate an erection; and physically, the penis must be able to become erect.

Its like a car, Dr. Herati says. There has to be a desire to get in the car, plus a key in the ignition and gas in the tank. Long story short: Lots can go wrong along the way. And when the novel coronavirus starts to replicate in the body, the resulting illness can mess with every piece of this system, from blood vessels to testosterone levels, resulting in ED.

Any major illness that affects the body can [cause ED], but COVID-19 has this strong systemic, inflammatory response that really drives the hormones down, Dr. Herati notes. When hormone levels drop, guys will notice reduced spontaneous nocturnal and morning erections. That loss of desire for intercourse, and also the diminished spontaneous erection, is something that some guys have noticed with COVID-19.

Remember that strong immune response? Dr. Harris says it also affects your blood vessels, heart, and lungs, and that impact can affect your erection. (In this case, the driver might want to get moving, but the car wont start.)

COVID-19 attacks blood vessels, and symptoms caused by this complication of the virus have been well-documented over the past few months. Blood clots in the lungs, for example, can cause intense breathing issues, while clots closer to the skins surface can cause COVID toes. If blood flow is weakened or blocked by COVID-19, ED could be one of the ways that underlying issue presents itselfafter all, a healthy erection requires healthy blood flow.

And in a more general sense, weaker overall health caused or aggravated by the virus could also play a role. Men with poor health are at greater risk for developing ED and also for having a severe reaction to COVID-19, per the Cleveland Clinic. For instance, ED could point to underlying issues with the heart or circulation, especially when combined with COVID-19. If youre barely getting enough blood to other parts of your body because of clotting or a weakened heart, achieving an erection will be difficult.

Beyond the physical effects, the mental toll of recovering from the virus might play a role in suppressing libido. There is a very strong association with [ED] and the psychological effects from COVID, Dr. Harris says. We have to be aware of that.

For certain people, recovery is not so simple. So-called long-haulers, or people who have technically recovered from COVID-19, but still experience long-term symptoms or side effects, could be particularly at risk for ED caused by psychological distress. Depression, anxiety, and fatigue can all destroy the sex drive, leading to reproductive issues.

Until COVID-19 has been around long enough to study its long-term effects, experts cant be sure which symptoms are most likely to lingeror who is most at risk for prolonged illness.

But there is some hope. Testosterone levels often rebound to their normal levels once a temporary illness has passed. To my knowledge, there is no data that says that COVID-19 affects the [structures of the penis], Dr. Herati says. With hormones replaced and blood vessels intact, ED could be a short-term issue.

Still, there is no guarantee. I can give you a solid I dont know, Dr. Harris says. We dont know how long these effects will last prospectively, but weve seen them last for three months, six months, or even longer. Like with neurological and cardiovascular symptoms, there simply isnt enough research yet to determine how long patients can expect ED to last after COVID-19.

Whether or not COVID-19 directly causes ED, the two conditions are at least correlated. (Other adverse effects like permanent lung damage, chronic fatigue, and even death, however, are confirmed side effects of the illness.)

But it is crucial to note that theres no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine causes ED. Its side effects are akin to those of the annual flu shot, which is also encouraged by medical experts. Avoiding ED could be reason enough to seek out the vaccine. This is why men should go get vaccinated, Dr. Harris says with a laugh. Its worth it.

COVID-19 is a serious illness, and your first step should be addressing serious symptoms and side effects, like shortness of breath or heart problems. Compared to these complications, ED should hit the bottom of the priority list. (Keep in mind that when youre sick, you might not be in the right mental state to maintain an erection, either.)

But if youve recovered and youre still experiencing ED, its a good idea to chat with your doctor. They will be able connect you with a urologist, who can help determine the cause of your ED and offer potential solutions.

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Irving, Texas. December 17, 2020

Las Colinas Cancer Center is a recognized leader in clinical research and personalized cancer care with their state-of-the-art equipment, facilities and specialists dedicated to providing the utmost cancer care to patients. The center provides cancer care to patients with various types of cancer, including colon, breast, and lung cancer.

The team at Las Colinas Cancer Center is committed to providing the personalized, compassionate cancer treatment that will make all the difference in cancer care. Their state-of-the-art facility located in North Texas provides those battling cancer and blood disorders a haven to get professional care from some of the nations most experienced oncology specialist in a supportive, caring environment with an integrated approach to treatment.

Las Colinas Cancer Care offers customized treatment programs integrating the most sophisticated therapies, including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, external beam radiation therapy, radiation therapy, such as MammoSite therapy, a five-day targeted radiation therapy that results in a much lower recurrence rate and improved cosmetic results. Professionals at the cancer center work together with patients to design a specialized treatment plan.

The center ensures that their patients care is unmatched with its cutting-edge technology,diagnostic and cancer treatment equipment. The clinic provides various cancer treatment options. They understand that cancer therapy can include multiple modalities that work together to fight cancer and improve life depending on the particular situation. The cancer treatment options include; cancer surgery, radiation therapy, spiritual support, complementary and integrative medicine, and more.

Las Colinas Cancer Center has built a long-standing reputation as an exceptional medical oncology cancer treatment center committed to delivering their patients with the best, modern, and advanced cancer care that includes state-of-the-art radiation oncology treatment using high precision stereotactic radiosurgery. The clinic also offers prostate seed implant therapy, a non-invasive method where seeds are placed directly into the patients prostate to target cancer. The procedure is fast and comes with very few side effects, allowing patients to recover faster and resume their everyday routines.

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Las Colinas Cancer Center is Recognized as a Leader in Clinical Research and Personalized Cancer Care - Irving Weekly

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In a year upended by COVID-19, it seems like our immune systems have received more attention than ever before. But many unhealthy behaviors brought on by the pandemic make it harder for our bodies to fight off infections.Here are some tips on maintaining a balanced immune system that can protect you this winter:

The first line of defense is a healthy lifestyle. These factors can put you at risk:

Eating too much, or too little, can be harmful. Make sure that you include enough healthy foods in your diet, and avoid consuming too many items that are low in fiberor high in fat, salt and/or sugar. Unhealthy eating can contribute to the risk of developinghealth problems and even some illnesses:

No supplement will cure or prevent disease. However, aproper diet can help prepare the body to better fight disease.

"The thing about foods is that they combine a bunch of nutrients and vitamins into a complete package," said Sandra Darling, a preventive medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic."You can't extract one compound like antioxidant green tea and just take that one compound and expect to have benefits. It doesn't work like that."

Make sure to include fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Don't forget about whole grains and nuts.

Vitamin C can stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections.Citrus fruits, strawberries, red bell peppers and kiwis are richin vitamin C.With such a variety to choose from, its easy to addfoods high in this nutrientto any meal. However, high doses of some vitaminscan be toxic, especially when taken regularly.

Beta carotenefunctions as anantioxidant, a compoundthathelps defend your cells from damage caused by potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help reduce risk of chronic diseases and boost health. Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and broccoli contain high amounts of beta carotene. Vitamin A, which the body creates from beta carotene,helpsthe lungs work properly in addition to other benefits.

Studies have shown that compounds in garliccan boost the disease-fighting response of some types of white blood cells in the body when they encounter viruses. Eating it while you are sick can help decreasehow long you stay sick and reduce the severity of symptoms. Garlic can also lowerthe risk of becoming sick in the first place.

Ginger may help decrease inflammation andrelieve congestion. It may alsosoothe nausea and digestive issues. Don't focus too much on the particular foods or supplements, but make sure are getting a sufficient amount of all the necessary nutrients from healthy foods in your diet.

Health-promoting bacteria in the colon are also animportant part of the immune system, Darling said. Focus on high-fiber foods, and specifically foods that contain the type of fiber called inulin. Good sources of inulin include artichoke, asparagus, and chicory root. Yogurt contains live and active cultures or probiotics. Try to choose the low-fat plain kindrather than theflavored varieties that can be loaded with sugar.

Don't forget to drink plenty of water.Try to avoid snacking irregularly. If you do snack, choosefresh fruits and raw vegetables rather than foods that are high in sugar, salt or fat.

"Pack carrot sticks, pack almonds,"said Erin Michos, preventive cardiologist at the Johns Hopkins Hospital."I'm a snacker, so I'm not going to tell you not to snack. I am just going to say snack on things that are good for your body, that boost your immunity."

It's important to maintain yourweight within healthy ranges. One of the measures that can help in measuring and interpreting yourweight is body mass index(BMI).BMI from18.5 to 24.9 is considered to bewithinhealthy range. Fat cells are not justpassive reservoir of energy, but canactually secretehormones thatincrease inflammation making overweight people more vulnerable to diseases. Making meal plans and schedulingfood intakesin advance can help to keep weight under control, especially if you are working remotely.

Studies indicate that sleep plays a crucial role in the functioning of the immune system. Breathing and muscle activity slows down, freeing up energy for the body to fight off illness. Sleep is important forimprovingT cellfunctioning. T cellsrespond to viral infections and boost the immune function of other cells. Cytokines, a type of protein in theimmune system that target infections,are also produced and released during sleep.Studies have also shown that sleep even improves the effects of vaccines.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommend that adults aged 1860 years sleep at least sevenhours each night. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 3adults dont get enough sleep.

Insufficient sleep makes it more likely one willcatch the common cold or the flu. A study showed that people whosleep less than six or seven hours per night have a higher risk of infection in a short term.

Researchshows creating a good sleep routineis essential for a good nightsleep and helping your immune system. Limit the amount of caffeine and alcoholyou consume before bed. Alcohol can make you sleepy, but can affect your sleep cycle. Caffeine can cause you to you feel wired, making it hard to fall asleep. Darling recommends avoiding electronic screens for at least 60 minutes before sleep.

Create a sleep schedule. Havingconsistent cues before bed can playa large role in your nighttimeroutine. Brushing your teeth, readinga bookand other activities can give your body signsit's time foryou to wind down for the day.

Moderate exercise improves cardiovascular health, lowers blood pressure andhelps control body weight. It also promotescirculation of the cells and substances of the immune system, which allows them to move through the body freely and do their job efficiently. It may reduce inflammation and help your immune cells regenerate regularly.

Unfortunately, only about 1 in 5 adults and teens get enough exercise to maintain good health, according to American Heart Association.Here is how lack of activity can affect the body and lower your immune response:

Moderatephysical activityis recommended during the pandemic and can also combat obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Health experts recommend a moderate-intensity exercise routine, two to three times a week,for up to 45-minutesfor good immune health. Try to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, or 30 minutes, five days a week. Maintaining continued exercise routinemight be particularly essential for the elderly.

However, avoid pushing yourself too hard for too long.Prolonged (more than 1.5 hours) intense exerciseperformed without food intake can temporarilysuppress your immune system,providing the opportunity for infections to take hold. To determine whether the exercise is moderate or vigorous, you can use the "talk test."

"When you're doing a moderate activity like brisk walking, you can talk but you can't sing," Darling said."And then if you are doing vigorous physical activity, likeswimming laps, or jogging or playing tennis, you would not be able to talk or sing."

As the pandemic continues, many people have been experiencingvarious levels of continued stress. Nearly 8 in 10 adults say the coronavirus pandemic is amajor source of stress in their life.

Stress causes your body to release cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. Increased cortisol levels in the bloodstream can cause inflammation, which altershow your body's immune system responds toinfections. Moreover, long-term inflammation promotes imbalances in immune cell function and can evensuppress immune response. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the effects of stresson immune system.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine,controlling your stress is key to improving your immune system. Here's a look the impact stress has on the body:

Once you know your triggers workloads, kids or relationships you can makesmall changes can help manageyour stress levels. Here are a few modification to help reduce your stress:

If you can't minimize stress, make sure to have acoping mechanism that works for you, says Michos, the preventive cardiologist from Johns Hopkins. Some of the activitiesthat may help you manage your stress includemeditation, exercise, journaling, yoga, and other mindfulness practices. Stay away from adverse coping mechanisms like smoking or drinking too much alcohol. Smoking can actually weaken your body's defenses.

Ifyoure experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, go to an emergency room, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255or visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness site,nami.org,for additional resources.

Overall, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and keeping stress down are some of the most important ways to help keep your immune system healthy and reduce your chances of infection and disease. Take it easy, take a walkand put down those smokes.

However, don't go overboard. Too muchimmune response can causeimmune system to malfunction as well.

"You've probably heard about autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or even in COVID, where the immune system might go overdrive," Michos said."So, we don't wanthyperimmunity either. What you're talking about is trying to have overall balance, so everything is working in check."

It's also important to keep wearing mask in public, maintaining social distancing and sanitizinghands before touching face. These measures will help you to avoid exposure to novel coronavirus and flu viruses, among others.

SOURCE Healthline.com; John Hopkins Medicine; Mayo Clinic; Stress.org and USA TODAY research

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How to strengthen your immune system this winter - USA TODAY

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Vitamin D is certainly enjoying its moment in the sun. Not only has the vitamin been highlighted lately for its potential role in COVID-19 severity, but now new research suggests it may be linked to a healthier gut microbiomea critical part of your immune system function, hormone regulation, and bone health.

Published in the journal Nature Communications, the research looked at data from 567 men participating in a larger study on osteoporotic fracture risk.

Researchers used rRNA sequencing to identify the types of bacteria present in stool samples, and compared it to vitamin D levels in blood serum samples. Those researchers found that participants with more active vitamin D also had higher overall microbiome diversitywhich is considered essential for better gut health.

So, whats the connection? According to senior study author Deborah Kado, M.D., director of the Osteoporosis Clinic at UC San Diego Health, its all about a substance called butyrate. If you have a healthy gut, Kado said, your beneficial bacteria produce more butyrate, which is basically the by-product made when fibers are broken down by those happy bacteria. Butyrate leads to an increase of vitamin D. So, the more you have, the more D you absorb.

But heres the catch: The word active is more important than it might seem, because you can be getting enough vitamin D from sunlight and supplements (the National Institutes of Health recommends 600 international units [IU] per day), but if your body isnt metabolizing that, you wont get the benefits the vitamin providessuch as building and maintaining bones, increasing lean body mass, boosting aerobic fitness, and improving your immune systemaccording to Kado.

The good news is that its likely you can boost how much vitamin D youre absorbing through healthy habits, she told Runners World.

Gallery: 13 Healthy Foods That Boost Your Memory, According to Nutritionists (Eat This, Not That!)

It seems plausible that we can make lifestyle changes to maximize our gut bacterial health that will, in turn, help our overall health.

In addition, as your gut function improves, your vitamin D absorption will, too.

There are many aspects of good health that can optimize vitamin D signaling, Kado said. The easiest is ensuring you get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables of many different colors in your daily diet. Not only will this provide important vitamins and minerals, but will also promote a nourishing environment for healthy gut bacteria.

Although the study results only included older menand Kado cannot say for certain that women and younger people would have similar outcomesshe does believe that based on previous research, its likely everyone would experience the same association between vitamin D and gut health.

The takeaway? Feed your gut rightand that includes regular exercise, research findsand youll strengthen that vitamin D absorption.

The health of the bacteria in our gut relate to being able to maximize vitamin D metabolism in our bodies, Kado said, and thats important for a range of health benefits, including osteoporosis and immune function.

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You Might Not Absorb as Much Vitamin D as You ThinkHere's How to Maximize the Process - msnNOW

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio The COVID-19 pandemic has led to implementation of unprecedented physical distancing strategies crucial to limiting the spread of the virus. While the most immediate threat from COVID-19 is the physical health of those infected, the pandemic will also have wide-ranging effects on the social and mental health of others living through the crisis.

Social isolation occurs when an individual does not have adequate opportunities to interact with others. Physical distancing and isolation can present certain challenges, such as spending days or weeks at home with limited resources, stimulation, and social contact.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social isolation can threaten health, and regular social interactions and having a strong personal network are important to a persons mental and physical health, resilience, and longevity. Health concerns stemming from social deprivation include high blood pressure, sleeplessness or less restful sleep, anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide. In addition, lack of human interaction may increase hormone levels that contribute to inflammation and weakened immunity, thereby increasing the risk of diseases.

Although it remains critical that we follow physical distancing requirements to combat the spread of COVID-19, it is equally important that we remain socially connected with our family, friends, colleagues, and community to prevent the negative health outcomes caused by being socially isolated and lonely. The following are some strategies for feeling more socially connected during this time.

If you are struggling with chronic loneliness, hopelessness, anxiety, or depression, you are not alone. With professional support, you can improve your mental wellbeing and enjoy life again.

Professional counseling services are available for the AFMC workforce and their families.

Civilian employees may contact the Employee Assistance Program for free, confidential counseling services at 866-580-9078 or visit the EAP website at AFPC.af.mil/EAP.

Military members can contact their local mental health clinic for services. Military OneSource is another option for military and their families. For more information, call 800-342-9647 or visit militaryonesource.mil.

For more information on coping with social isolation and loneliness, visit the Civilian Health Promotion Services video library at USAFwellness.com. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also has an informative PDF Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health with advice for managing social isolation under quarantine.

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Coping with social isolation | News | standard.net - Standard-Examiner

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

During a breast self-exam two months ago, I felt a lump. This month, the lump seems to have disappeared. My cousin, who had breast cancer, is suggesting I get it checked anyways. I'm nervous to go to the doctor because of COVID-19. Is it safe to get a mammogram and other breast cancer screenings, or is it OK to wait, even with a family history?

As a woman, you know your body better than anyone, including your health care provider, so taking time to do breast self-exam is important. Finding a lump in your breast can be scary and cause anxiety. And with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, I can appreciate your concerns about safety.

Mayo Clinic is taking many precautions related to COVID-19, and we are committed to ensuring the safety of our patients and visitors. The risk of contracting COVID-19 from coming in for a screening, such as a mammogram, is very low. Though many people may tell you that waiting a week or two for a breast cancer screening will not cause significant issues, I believe that delaying screening or delaying seeking medical attention can make a difference in terms of treatment if cancer is detected.

Keep in mind that a self-exam of the breast can be difficult for some women, depending on their breast consistencies. Some women might have lumpy breasts, and it might be difficult to discern which lump is cancer and which one is not. So a breast self-exam is good, but it's not enough. In my opinion, it is important to see a health care professional for diagnosis.

It is also important to note that different ethnic groups get different kinds of breast cancer. Young African American women and Latinas more commonly get the aggressive form of breast cancer called triple-negative breast cancer. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of targeted treatments that can be used with these women. So if you are an African American or Latina woman, that is another reason for you to seek medical attention as early as possible.

If breast cancer is detected early, such as in stage 1 or stage 0, the likelihood is that the cancer is highly curable. But if you wait until the cancer starts to grow, especially if it starts to spread to the lymph nodes, then the cure rate is much lower. If it starts to spread somewhere else in the body, then it may become incurable. In addition, treatments for patients with stage 0 or stage 1 breast cancer are often simpler. These patients often only require surgery, radiation and endocrine therapy. Chemotherapy usually is required for patients with more advanced disease, with a larger tumor or lymph node involvement.

In the past few months, I have seen a few women who reported finding a lump in their breast back in February or March at the beginning of the pandemic. Due to their concerns about COVID-19, they decided to wait to seek medical attention. In one patient, the mass continued to grow. She now has cancer growing through her skin, and it has become difficult to treat. I would encourage you if you feel anything different in your breast compared to what it was previously to seek medical attention right away.

Depending upon your situation, in addition to the traditional mammogram, there also is tomosynthesis, which is the 3D mammogram that can provide clearer images for women with dense breast tissue. Additionally, your health care professional also might order a breast MRI, which is the most sensitive test and looks at all of the breast area, including regional lymph nodes around the breasts.

The other benefit to visiting a health professional sooner rather than later is to discuss your personal risk and what, if any, preventive measures might be valuable based on your family history.

There are ways that we can calculate the risk of breast cancer in each patient. Currently, there are multiple models used. Some of these models include Gail's model and another called the Tyrer-Cuzick model. These models take into account your age at menarche, how many children you have and if you had a previous breast biopsy. All of those things can be plugged into the calculation. Then it will come up with your estimated lifetime risk of breast cancer and the best screening mechanisms for you.

If you meet certain criteria, such as in the Gail's model, and if your risk is more than 1.66% in five years, that would qualify some patients to receive medication to prevent breast cancer. In other words, the hormone blockers that are used to treat patients who already have breast cancer also can prevent breast cancer from happening in high-risk patients. These medications can cut down the risk up to almost 70%.

Being proactive and doing a monthly breast self-exam is a great first step for maintaining overall health. Regardless of COVID-19, I would encourage you to reach out to your primary health care provider to set up a screening appointment and get an answer about the lump you found.

Dr. Saranya Chumsri, Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville

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Breast cancer screening and COVID-19 | Feeling Fit - yoursun.com

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

By Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, Clinical Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine

In so many of my daily conversations with patients, colleagues, and friends, there is almost always a moment when someone exclaims I wish men knew how to support their female partners better when it comes to menopause. From those conversations, Ive discovered a constant theme: women living through menopause just want to know they are not alone, that they can speak about their experiences openly with their partners, and that they will be supported and loved. Normalizing menopause is the most important way a man (or anyone, really) can support a partner or the women in their life going through it, and there are myriad ways to treat many of the infamous symptoms caused by menopause that have unnecessarily and unjustly shrouded mid-life women in silence and shame.

For too long, the word menopause was whispered or quietly referred to as the change or the m worda phase of life when women were said to be irrational, irritable, cold, and sexless, some of the worst of the false stereotypes. Archie Bunker famously referred to menopause on national TV as Ediths Problem. It was certainly groundbreaking material for the 70s, but attitudes havent changed enough with the times. Recent studies show that despite plenty of progress, only 30% of women report talking about their menopausal symptoms with their healthcare provider, and 50% of women feel that the topic is taboo. It often takes women and their partners a while to acknowledge that changes to their mental health, sex drive, and body as they reach mid-life may be due in large part to the menopausal transition and not necessarily the relationship.

Little research has been done around mens attitudes or understanding of female menopause but studies are emerging. A 2019 survey, published in the Menopause: the Journal of the American Menopause Society, found that 63% of survey respondents reported that their partners menopausal symptoms had affected them personally, including emotional strain (34%), reduced frequency of sex/intimacy (33%), and trouble sleeping (10%). This proves male partners are aware of their female partners menopausal transition, but they are less aware of how to be supportive. In the same survey, less than half of the respondents knew there were treatments available for menopausal symptoms.

Destigmatizing menopause starts with knowing the facts. According to the Mayo Clinic, menopause is a natural biological process that a woman officially reaches when she has gone 12 months without her period, signaling the end of her reproductive years. In the years leading up to menopause, called perimenopause, the ovaries produce less and less estrogen, the hormone that regulates the female reproductive system, until the ovaries are no longer active. As a result of declining estrogen and other biological changes, women in perimenopause may experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, brain fog and other cognitive challenges, depression, and loss of sex drive. Women also often experience vaginal dryness, pain with sex, and other changes to their pelvic health. They will also be at higher risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, and other health problems.

The good news is that there are many safe hormonal and non-hormonal treatments and lifestyle changes that can mitigate menopausal symptoms and help women and their partners maintain a healthy relationship. The biggest barrier to these treatments is STIGMA. For a start, men can tell their partners that they love them unconditionally and will support them as they speak with their doctor or medical providers about treating their symptoms. They can also offer to join their partner for an appointment or telehealth conversation or help them develop a list of questions to ask. Regular exercise; holistic practices like yoga and meditation; eating a healthy and balanced diet; and taking calcium and vitamin D can also help to ease menopausal symptoms and create mutually beneficial opportunities for partners to spend time together and reconnect.

And yes, aging will change sex for both partnersregardless of gender!but there are many ways to keep things vibrant. Most importantly, men should let their partners know how much they love them and keep the lines of communication open. Be aware that intercourse may become painful or uncomfortable for a perimenopausal or menopausal woman through no fault of her own. Reassuring your partner that its okay is crucial to her self-confidence. A womans medical provider can recommend hormonal and non-hormonal treatments, medications, and devices to help with arousal and desire, and potentially refer her to a pelvic floor specialist if the pain is severe. There are many over-the-counter lubricants and vaginal moisturizers available as well.

Most importantly, find ways to have amazing sex that honor your partners body where it is. Most womenage notwithstandinghave their best orgasms without intercourse. And remember, it does take two to tangomen will endure changes to their sex drive as they age too. There is increasing evidence that men go through their own menopause of sorts. Both partners need to be open with their doctors for guidance on how they can address aging-related issues like erectile dysfunction and decreased energy and desire.

Menopause is not a time to check out and be afraid to broach the topic or become resentful. Ideally, a man who is involved and supportive can make a big difference for his partner going through the menopausal experience and in the relationship. Reducing the stigma about menopause and normalizing the conversation and the experience will go a long way.

Dr. Mary Jane Minkin is a practicing gynecologist, with a special interest in menopause. She is a North American Menopause Society Certified Menopause Clinician. Dr. Minkin is also the co-director of the Sexuality, Intimacy and Menopause for cancer survivors program at the Smilow Cancer Center. She has taught at Yale University School of Medicine for over 41 years, and is a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences.

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A Time to Man-Up: Supporting the Menopausal Women in Your Life - The Good Men Project

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Ever feel like you have an endless craving for all the junk food salty, sweet or both that you can get your hands on?

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You just cant seem to give it up and keep eating, especially during times of heavy stress. And theres certainly been plenty of stress to keep us hitting the bags of chocolate the last several months.

Especially when were stressed, junk food often soothes us with the least amount of fuss and effort. We look for sugary and fatty foods to make us feel good, says registered dietitian Beth Czerwony, RD. But there are ways to get control of your food cravings, instead of them controlling you.

Junk food is food that is unhealthy for you, just as the word junk implies. It runs the gamut from sickly sweet (think: cookies, candy and cake) to heavy on saturated fats (think: fried and processed foods). Eating too much junk food can have short- and long-term consequences for your body thanks to these ingredients.

Eating foods rich in saturated fats can increase your cholesterol levels and the amount of plaque in your blood vessels. If you have blood vessels that are stiffening and not moving blood effectively, you have a higher risk for heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes, says Czerwony.

Too much sugar in your diet can lead to weight gain, a risk factor for diabetes. Some animal studies also suggest that artificial sweeteners make our bodies resist insulin. This may also increase the likelihood of developing prediabetes, diabetes and heart disease.

Most Americans are walking around with prediabetes, putting them at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, Czerwony adds. Once you have diabetes, doctors treat you as if youve already had a heart attack because the rate of heart disease is so much higher. All of these health issues affect all the organs, so its important to get a handle on them.

Czerwony lists four reasons you may be craving sweets and other junk food.

Unfortunately, our bodies are hard-wired to crave junk food. When you eat foods you enjoy, you stimulate the feel-good centers in your brain, triggering you to eat even more.

Especially in patients with excess weight and obesity, the brains reward processing system for food is like its mechanisms related to substance abuse. Sugar makes us want to eat more sugar. Fat makes us want to eat more fat, notes Czerwony. Our brains are chasing that pleasurable state of food euphoria.

Studies suggest that sleep deprivation is associated with increased hunger (especially snack and sweet cravings). And you can blame it on your hormones. Lack of sleep causes hormone shifts:

If its normal for you to eat junk food, it can be hard to break that cycle, explains Czerwony. Youre used to not cooking, preparing or planning. You eat whatevers on hand because thats what youve always done.

Stress, or emotional, eating really is a thing and its the result of both nature and nurture.Some people find food helps distract them from negative thoughts and feelings. Others learned as children to use food to cope.

Hormones are also responsible. Like lack of sleep, ongoing stress causes the body to increase levels of cortisol and other hormones connected to hunger. Studies show this hormone tsunami increases appetite along with your desire for sugary and fatty foods.

Czerwony says these strategies can help you master your food cravings:

Czerwony also emphasizes that its OK to ask for help when youre feeling stuck. Talk with your primary care physician or a registered dietitian. Thats what were here for: to educate and empower you to make better decisions. We can help you choose healthier options and modifications rather than focusing on things you have to cut.

When you make an effort to understand what flavors you do and dont like, its easier to find healthier alternatives. Czerwony offers a few ideas to get you started:

Try changing up the style of food instead of the food itself.

Figure out a great switch to keep you going.

Resisting food cravings is important if youre trying to lose weight or reduce blood pressure or cholesterol. But there is such a thing as being too restrictive. If youre relatively healthy, at a healthy weight, and your blood pressure and blood sugar are on point, feel free to indulge if you plan for it, Czerwony says.

Many of my patients eat around their craving. When they want something chocolatey, they eat a piece of fruit that doesnt hit the spot. Then they go for an ice pop with the same result and it goes on, Czerwony says.

Just eat what youre craving, really enjoy it and be done with it, she suggests. That way, youll be satisfied and wont need to go back for more.

Follow this link:
Heres the Deal With Your Junk Food Cravings - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

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Michelle Janas (PhD) trained as an immunologist and worked in research and experimental medicine for 20 years. She recently embarked on a career change into social work.

On 1 December, a landmark judgment was delivered in the case of Bell & Anor v The Tavistock And Portman NHS Foundation Trust [2020] EWHC 3274. The High Court was asked to determine whether children experiencing gender dysphoria could give informed consent to receive puberty-suppressing drugs, by achieving Gillick competence.

The court found that competence to consent to such treatment is was highly unlikely for 13-year-olds and very doubtful for those aged 14 or 15. While consent can be presumed for young people aged 16 and 17, medical professionals may want to seek court approval before treatment if there are doubts as to whether it would be in the young persons long-term best interests.

The judgment will be implemented on 22 December. If the Tavistock or the two NHS trusts who administer the treatment appeal by then, and this is granted by the Court of Appeal, implementation will be deferred until the appeal is decided.

However, on the day of the judgment, NHS England, which commissions the Tavistocks Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), ordered it to cease referring patients under 16 to paediatric endocrinology clinics for puberty blockers unless a best interests order for the child in favour of the treatment has been made.

It also ordered GIDS to review all current patients under 16 it had referred for puberty blockers, with lead clinicians either making a best interests application to the courts to determine what should happen or safely withdrawing treatment.

Although NHS England has commissioned a full review of services for children and young people experiencing issues with their gender identity, for the foreseeable future such medical treatment via the GIDS clinic will not be an option for children under 16 without a court order.

This is an important judgment for social work. GIDS provides social work support and also liaises with social workers already working with the children referred to it, while many practitioners work with children with gender identity issues.

There were two factors that combined to play key roles in this decision: that the treatment is experimental in nature and, because of this, there are unknown and potentially profound lifelong consequences that a child will struggle to comprehend for their adult self.

In this article I will refer directly to the judgment throughout and attempt to outline why the treatment was determined to be experimental, and how the experimental classification impacted on the ruling of competence. I draw upon my 20 years of experience in working in research medicine and early-stage clinical trials, as well as my interest in the ethics of social science research, which I have written about previously.

Puberty blockers (PBs) are formally known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHas). This is important as this medication was originally developed for a different use to how it was being prescribed at GIDS. These drugs act by supressing the release of the sex hormones and are typically used to treat prostate cancer and breast cancer, and to assist in fertility treatments in women. Controversially, GnRHas are sometimes used to chemically castrate male sex offenders in other countries.

In children, these drugs are used to treat a very rare condition called precocious puberty, in which puberty occurs early at around the age of six. GnRHas halt this premature puberty until the child has reached the appropriate developmental age of around 12 hence the name puberty blockers.

The diagnosis of gender dysphoria in itself is somewhat contested, but one which the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines as a difference between ones experienced gender and assigned gender, and significant distress or problems functioning.

GnRHas were being prescribed by GIDS as an off-label treatment meaning the medication is not being used for its licensed purpose to treat gender dysphoria in adolescent children after the commencement of normally timed puberty. Off-label use of medication is relatively common, particularly for paediatric populations. The caveat, however, is that there should be justifiable scientific evidence that the treatment is safe and beneficial for the patient. The safety data here is paramount, as it helps prevent catastrophic unintended consequences of untested medications, as seen in the thalidomide scandal of the 1950s.

The court found that for PBs, the evidence for safety and efficacy was lacking. Indeed, the judges found the absence of data on the age distribution of patients (until 2019-20), the proportion of children referred to it for the treatment with an ASD diagnosis and the percentage who move on to take cross-sex hormones surprising.

Also, an interim report from a GIDS Early Intervention Study (which commenced in 2011) concluded that for 44 young people who received pubertal suppression, there was no overall improvement in mood or psychological wellbeing using standardized psychological measures (para 73).

The judges also noted an incongruence between the GIDS claim that puberty blockers were fully reversible and other evidence, including the NHS websites section on the treatment of gender dysphoria, which states, little is known about the long-term side effects of hormone or puberty blockers in children with gender dysphoria (para 67).

Therefore, due to the lack of both safety and efficacy data on the use on GnHRas for gender dysphoria, the court has considered the treatment to be experimental in nature.

For experimental medicines to become licensed, they need to progress through a strictly defined series of clinical trials, starting from small-scale safety studies and then increasing in size and complexity as the efficacy of the treatment is tested. The design of the studies is agreed in advance, including all the data to be collected, and the patients are carefully monitored. It is an issue which is currently writ large in the public imagination, as we watch the Covid vaccine make its way through these hurdles. To date, GIDS has been unable to produce data from the types of clinical trials that would set puberty blockers along the road to licensing for gender dysphoria. But it has also not produced sufficient scientific evidence to justify their use as off-label medication.

The court stated explicitly that it was not addressing whether the use of PBs for gender dysphoria was effective, but whether a child could consent to such experimental treatment. Two key issues were defined by the court: whether Gillick competence could be achieved and whether the information being given was adequate (to enable Gillick competence).

Gillick competence is the legal test, in which a minor can consent to surgical, medical or dental treatment in the absence of a parent or guardian. The child needs to show sufficient maturity to understand what is involved (Lord Scarman, 1986). Whilst case law has made clear that the child does not need to comprehend all the peripheral detail, they do need to be able to demonstrate sufficient understanding of the salient facts (Cobb J, 2019).

It is important to note that the demonstration of Gillick competence is crucial for these children, as GIDS guidelines state that although the parents or guardian must also be in agreement, they cannot give consent on behalf of the child.

The judges considered both evidence presented and case law, and as it is not within my expertise to cover them all, (Marina Wheeler QC gives a neat summary). I will instead restrict myself to medical aspects. One of the pertinent pieces of medical information given in evidence was that practically all children (although, as stated above, GIDS could not give exact data) who started on puberty blockers progress to cross-sex hormone (CSH) treatment (testosterone for females and estrogen for males). Therefore, it was considered relevant by the court that a child was able to understand both the consequences of PBs and CSHs for Gillick competence.

The issues of lifelong and life-changing implications were raised throughout the judgment. These included the possibilities presented in evidence by GIDS regarding uncertainty of apparent long-term physical consequences of puberty blocking on bone density, fertility, brain development and surgical options (para 62).

The judgment cites several pieces of evidence regarding the courts concerns on a childs ability to understand the impact on future fertility and sexual relationships. This includes the GIDS testimony that for children these implications will always involve some act of imagination (para 122) and a witness statement from a 13-year-old trans boy who wrote, I havent really thought about parenthoodI just have no idea what me in the future is going to think. Also, Kiera Bell, who brought the legal challenge, stated in evidence, It is only until recently that I have started to think about having children and if that is ever a possibility.

In determining competence, the judgment states that a child must not only have sufficient understanding of the factors relevant to the present, but also be able to objectively weigh information relevant to the future (para 124). Thus, although a child might understand the concept of fertility loss, it is not the same as understanding how this might affect their adult life (para 139).

Induced sterility is a principal ethical dilemma in paediatric cancer medicine, as the treatments given for advanced or complex tumours can render a child infertile. However, as the treatment is usually a final life-saving option, sterility, although distressing, is perhaps considered acceptable. The court also refers to this to emphasise the gravity of these types of decisions by stating that apart from life-saving treatment, there will be no more profound medical decisions for children than whether to start on this treatment pathway (para 149), a statement which gives context to the courts justification for the high bar it has set.

Therefore, although the court acknowledges that a lack of evidence in experimental medicine is not a barrier to competence per se, it is the combination of this with the potentially profound lifelong consequences that a child will struggle to comprehend that has led it to conclude that Gillick competence for a child under 16 is highly unlikely to be reached, no matter how much information and support is given.

This judgment also gives social work pause for thought. Social workers, by virtue of the profession, are interested in issues of social justice and welcome diversity and difference. However, just as for the medical profession, we do need to ensure that foremost, we do no harm.

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Puberty blockers and consent to treatment: an analysis of the High Court's ruling - Communitycare.co.uk

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Robust pooled analysis demonstrating how CTC count may help to optimize treatment choices

BOLOGNA, Italy and HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa., Dec. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Menarini Silicon Biosystems, a pioneer of liquid biopsy technology, today announced the results of a pooled analysis of 14 clinical trials on the relevance of circulating tumor cell (CTC) count to predict both disease prognosis and treatment efficacy in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). This global study, based on 4079 cases across all advanced breast cancer subtypes, is the largest pooled analysis to-date on the role of serial CTC count in the MBC setting. It included individual patient data and was selected for an oral presentation at the 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

The analysis was led by Minetta C. Liu, MD, Professor and Research Chair for the Department of Oncology and Consultant in the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, USA and Prof. Prof, Dr med Wolfgang Janni, Professor of Obstetrics, Adult and Pediatric Gynecology of the University Hospital Ulm, Germany. According to Dr. Liu, "This pooled analysis represents an international collaboration including an unprecedented number of multi-institutional clinical trials conducted across Asia, Europe, and North America. Colleagues kindly provided de-identified, individual patient level data from prospective clinical studies published in the peer-reviewed literature to generate a dataset of over 4000 participants. This statistical power allowed us to achieve our main objective namely, to further define and validate the role of CTC enumeration for early monitoring of disease status in patients with metastatic breast cancer, irrespective of subtypes defined by hormone receptor and HER2 status."

Data from this pooled analysis were gathered at baseline and then at a median of 29 days after treatment initiation.Detection, capture, isolation and phenotyping of tumor cells circulating in the blood in all patients was carried out with Menarini Silicon Biosystems' CELLSEARCH CTC System. Results were determined by commonly used log rank and Cox regressions tests. The focus of these statistical analyses was on the association between serial CTC enumeration results and overall survival (OS) in the full patient cohort and defined subgroups. Subgroups included patients with hormone receptor positive, HER2 type and triple negative MBC as well patients whose breast cancer type was not specified. The conclusion across all groups is that patients whose CTC status is negative, both at baseline and follow-up, namely the reference group, have a median OS rate of 47.05 months compared to 17.87 months for those with a positive CTC status at both check points (p-value <0.0001). The importance of conducting follow-up analyses of patient CTCs is underlined by the data from all subgroups because they indicate that patients, whose CTC status went from positive to negative, had an OS of 32.2 months (HR 0.49, p-value <0.0001) an almost two-fold increase in the OS of patients whose CTC status remained positive.

"With the efficacy of novel therapies increasingly linked to the biological characteristics of a given tumor and the urgent need to continue to improve clinical interventions in the metastatic setting, this study strongly supports the potential of early CTC monitoring in all subtypes of MBC to optimize individual patient management along the treatment pathway and thereby improve patient outcomes," further commented Prof. Dr med Wolfgang Janni.

For Fabio Piazzalunga, President and CEO of Menarini Silicon Biosystems: "The results of this large and robust pooled analysis represent not only a major contribution to the expanding body of evidence aimed at validating the role of repeat CTC counts to optimize clinical interventions for the more difficult to treat MBC, they are also a testimony to the importance of developing more sophisticated prognostic/predictive approaches alongside new targeted therapies to reach the ultimate goal of improving both patient outcome and quality of life." As the pioneer in liquid biopsies, Menarini Silicon Biosystems is committed to developing its technology to help physicians identify appropriate treatment strategies in the challenging environment of heterogenous advanced breast cancers and growing number of therapeutic options from which to choose.

About CELLSEARCH

CELLSEARCH is the first and only clinically validated blood test cleared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for detecting and counting CTCs to aid physicians in managing patients with metastatic breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers when used in conjunction with other clinical methods of monitoring. The test is also approved by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) for use in monitoring patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer. The CELLSEARCH Systemis the most extensively studied CTC technology, with research published in more than 650 peer-reviewed publications.

For more information on the full intended use and limitations of the CELLSEARCH system, please refer to the Instructions for Use athttp://documents.cellsearchctc.com/.

About Menarini Silicon Biosystems

Menarini Silicon Biosystems offers unique rare cell technologies and solutions that provide clinical researchers with access to unparalleled resolution in the study of cells and their molecular characterization.

Menarini Silicon Biosystems, based in Bologna,Italy, andHuntingdon Valley, Pa., U.S., is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Menarini Group, a multinational pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostics company headquartered inFlorence, Italy, with more than 17,000 employees in 140 countries.

Contact: Linda Pavy - [emailprotected]

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1362208/Menarini_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Menarini Silicon Biosystems

Original post:
New Global Pooled Analysis Supports Clinical Utility of Circulating Tumor Cell Count for Early Monitoring of Metastatic Breast Cancer - PRNewswire

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Want to know the easiest one thing you can do to predict your risk of disease later in life? Take the jiggle test. This easy test can help you differentiate the type of fat on your body, and if your body is holding any of the fat that causes the risk of disease.

Biologically, there's an enormous difference between subcutaneous fatthe stuff that's right below your skin, the stuff that makes up love handles and the likeand visceral fat, which is inside your abdominal wall, wrapped around your internal organs. The easiest way to tell the differences might be this: subcutaneous fat jiggles, but visceral fat doesn't. Subcutaneous fat is fat you can pinch; visceral fat is the solid stuff that makes your gut stick out. And unlike subcutaneous fat, visceral fat isn't just hanging out, keeping us warm. It's a lot more dangerous to our bodies than you think.

Here's why, and for more helpful tips, be sure to check out our list of 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work.

Visceral fat secretes more than 100 biochemicals, which are collectively known as adipokines. But they ought to be known as adipo-unkinds, because they include such nasty substances as:

Resistin, a hormone that undermines your body's ability to metabolize glucose ad leads to high blood sugar

Angiotensinogen, a compound that raises blood pressure

Interleukin-6, a chemical associated with arterial inflammation

Tumor necrosis factorwhich is as bad as it soundscauses inflammatory issues such as Crohn's disease and various forms of arthritis.

Now, this is a bit different for those that have "pear-shaped" bodies. Studies suggest that subcutaneous fat in your hips and thighs is associated with reduced insulin levels and increased insulin sensitivity (meaning that it actually protects against diabetes). People who are "pear-shaped" and store fat in their hips and thighs also tend to have higher HDL cholesterol (the good kind) and lower triglycerides.

According to the National Institutes of Health, people who carry excess fat around their waists are at a greater risk of dying early from cancer and heart disease. So, the jiggle or pinch test can clue you into the need to reduce your visceral belly fat. An even better test involves a tape measure. Just wrap it around your waist at your belly button so the tape is parallel with the floor. Read it and consider the findings of an analysis of waist circumference and mortality in 650,000 adults published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings. The data determined that men with a waist circumference of 43 inches had more than a 50% greater risk of death than did men with a 37-inch waist. And women with a 37-inch waist had an 80% higher risk of death than women with a 27.5-inch waist.

For more information on the dangers of visceral fat and a practical guide to getting rid of it, check out my book Zero Belly Diet: Lose Up to 16 lbs. in 14 Days!.

Read more:
This One Thing Can Predict Your Risk of Disease, Says Science - Yahoo Lifestyle

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Period poops are totally normal, but there are a few things you can do about them.

Image Credit: LuckyBusiness/iStock/GettyImages

Mood swings, cramps and food cravings are just a few surefire symptoms you can expect during your menstrual cycle. But that time of the month often also comes with unpleasant GI side effects like period poops.

Indeed, a January 2014 study in BMC Women's Health found that nearly three-quarters of people with uteruses experienced at least one tummy-related issue during their period, with abdominal pain and diarrhea being most frequent.

We spoke to experts to learn how your period can mess with your poop habits, plus ways you can get your bowels back on track.

Loose poops may predominate when you have your period.

"Diarrhea has been associated with periods due to the increase in prostaglandins [hormone-like compounds] during the uterine shedding," Shweta Desai, MD, a urogynecologist and chief wellness advisor at Love Wellness, tells LIVESTRONG.com.

"While the prostaglandins cause your uterus to contract [and to shed its lining], they also cause the intestines to contract as well, thus leading to increased cramping and diarrhea in some cases," Dr. Desai explains.

2. But You Could Be Constipated

Conversely, your period may back up your bowel movements. Period-related hormones can cause constipation, but the exact mechanism is still unknown, Dr. Desai says.

"There are far more studies in pre-clinical models (i.e. mice, rats) than in humans, but studies have shown that estrogen can decrease gastrointestinal motility," says Lea Ann Chen, MD, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine.

Here's the thing: High estrogen levels appear to reduce colon transit time i.e., they slow down your poop's travel through your GI tract which can lead to being clogged up, Dr. Desai explains.

"Other studies have suggested that [the hormone] progesterone may play a bigger role in causing constipation," Dr. Desai says. "Regardless of which hormone is the culprit, constipation has been related to the menstrual cycle due to fluctuations in hormonal levels."

3. Food Cravings Dont Help

If you're jonesing for junk food during your period, shifts in your hormones are likely to blame. For example, the neurotransmitter serotonin fluctuates throughout your cycle, and when levels are low, you might experience food cravings, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The problem is, eating lots of sugary and fatty foods may affect your bowel movements.

"If you're experiencing period-related bowel changes, it's important to avoid foods that trigger diarrhea and continue to eat a high-fiber diet in order to avoid constipation," Dr. Desai says.

4. Certain Health Conditions Can Make Things Worse

Certain health conditions can exacerbate period-related bowel changes, Dr. Desai says.

Case in point: uterine fibroids, which are benign pelvic tumors that arise from the smooth muscle cells of the uterus.

"If the fibroid is located close to the rectum, there is a possibility that it can place pressure on the rectum, leading to constipation," Dr. Desai says.

"Also, if you suffer from irritable bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome, symptoms can fluctuate during your cycle," she adds.

5. Stress and Anxiety Play a Role

The same BMC Women's Health study also found a link between period-related emotional symptoms and stomach complaints. People who had feelings of anxiety or depression during menstruation were more likely to report two or more GI issues. The researchers thought this had something to do with the gut-brain link.

Dr. Desai agrees that emotional factors like stress can affect bowel habits.

"Stress can cause the bowels to slow down, thus leading to increased time for the stool to pass through the digestive tract, which can lead to constipation," she explains.

How to Combat Period Poops

Daily exercise can help reduce stress and keep you regular.

Image Credit: fizkes/iStock/GettyImages

While you might not be able to fully prevent period poops, Dr. Desai offers strategies to help mitigate tummy problems during your menstrual cycle:

The best way to manage period-related bowel issues is to maintain a healthy diet (think: fruits, veggies and whole grains).

Avoid triggers for diarrhea, such as:

2. Add Certain Supplements

Follow a bowel-friendly regimen of probiotics and fiber supplementation to help keep you regular and your stool a good consistency.

If you're not sure where to start with these supplements, ask your doctor or pharmacist to point you in the right direction.

Reducing stress and staying active are also great ways to keep your bowels moving and healthy. Combine the two with stress-reducing exercises like yoga and stretching.

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Period Poops: Why They Happen and What You Can Do About Them - LIVESTRONG.COM

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Following the harassment of Christian Cooper in Central Park in May 2020, Black birders created #BlackBirdersWeek to celebrate Black nature enthusiasts and highlight their belonging in outdoor spaces. Since then, dozens of campaigns have emerged to amplify and appreciate Black academics, scientists, and naturalists.

Next up is #BlackInMarineScienceWeek, running from November 29th to December 5th.Led by founder Dr. Tiara Moore and organizers Amani Webber-Schultz, Dr. Camille Gaynus, Carlee Jackson, Al Troutman, Jasmin Graham, Jeanette Davis, Kris Howard, Leslie Townsell, Kaylee Arnold, and Jaida Elcock, this week represents an opportunity for community building and improved representation.

There are few Black folks in ecology and even fewer in marine ecology, says Arnold, a science communicator and disease ecologist. The network that Ive gained through organizing this week is phenomenal. Meeting other Black marine scientists and showing that to the world, especially young Black folks, is a way to say we exist, were here. We have a full day dedicated to young kids, which is unique and exciting.

The organizers hope that the week will help normalize Black folks doing marine research, inspire younger generations, and remind everyone to check their preconceived notions.

"When I say I study sharks people seem concerned about my swimming or my hair, [and] sometimes respond with 'Oh, thats super interesting'... I dont know if that's because it's unusual for people to study sharks or because Im Black and I study sharks, recalls Elcock, an elasmobranch movement ecologist, science communicator, and co-founder of Minorities in Shark Science. Science is for everybody. People say there isn't diversity because [Black] people arent interested... thats clearly not true theres a whole week dedicated [to it]."

Discussion this week will address the fact that exclusion, not lack of interest, led to todays lack of representation. Centuries of segregation and underinvestment in Black neighborhood pools led to, and are perpetuated by, these incorrect and harmful ideas.

My grandparents and my mom said there were just no pools for her to go to... I had a very different experience. Despite people trying to push us out of the water and science, we persevered, and now we get to break down those stereotypes, notes Arnold.

Black in Marine Science Week is here to do just that, showcasing organizers and participants from every imaginable marine science niche, all shaping how society views the oceans and its inhabitants.

There's more Black folks than even we know and are showcasing. I hope that if the media picks up on the number of us as well, and has better representation. Seminar series are extremely white, and now you have a resource of people you can invite instead, emphasizes Arnold, pointing to the necessity of non-Black marine scientists to step up and ensure representation continues beyond this joyous and educational week.

Visit link:
Dozens of bird and mammal species have been saved from extinction since 1993 - Massive Science

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AACHEN, HENNIGSDORF and BERLIN, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / December 10, 2020 / The Uniklinik RWTH Aachen ("Uniklinik RWTH Aachen") has successfully translated the collaboration for research and biomarker validation with SphingoTec GmbH ("SphingoTec") into clinical routine. The routine measurements of the innovative biomarkers are providing organ-specific information for monitoring critical care conditions such as sepsis and acute kidney injury and support clinical decisions to improve patient outcomes.

Uniklinik RWTH Aachen is one of Germany's most modern hospitals due to the way it integrates diagnostics and therapy, research and teaching under the same roof. Following a patient-centric approach, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen has adopted innovative pathways in intensive medicine by introducing these new diagnostic tools for monitoring organ function of critically ill patients. The routine measurements of penKid(R) and bio-ADM(R) provide clinicians with more insights on the disease pathology and etiology of clinical symptoms and facilitate more efficient, timely, and adequate treatment.

Prof. Dr. Gernot Marx, the Director of the Clinic for Operative Intensive Care and Intermediate Care at Uniklinik RWTH Aachen explained: "Critically ill patients are highly dynamic with many complications interfering in the diagnostics process, thus a very challenging environment for introducing innovations. We have been looking for a long time for the right diagnostic tools to allow us a faster and better diagnosis, risk stratification, and monitoring of the disease progression so that we can provide the best available treatment immediately for acute cases. The first routine measurements do confirm the utility and value of these novel diagnostic biomarkers in clinical decision-making and ultimately in maximizing the patient's benefit. "

In intensive care units, 1 in 3 patients is developing acute kidney injury [1]. The existing diagnostic parameters for the determination of renal function or kidney damage, which are routinely used as standard procedure, have a considerable time delay or are influenced by inflammation or other diseases. These limitations are underlining the need for more precise tools to support clinical decisions. The biomarker penKid(R) offers real-time information about the kidney function with the first measurement and without being influenced by co-morbidities or the frequently occurring inflammation in critically ill patients [2,3,4]. Moreover, penKid(R) shows the best representation of the current kidney function, measured by the glomerular filtration rate (true GFR). [5]

World-wide, sepsis is accountable for 1 in 5 deaths [6]. Reduced organ perfusion in shock, which can be determined by existing laboratory values, is the culprit for the fatal course, but it can be induced by various factors. The loss of endothelial function is often a main cause for shock in sepsis, but it could not be detected by blood-based tests so far. The measurement of the bio-ADM(R) biomarker now allows for the first time the direct assessment of endothelial function in real time [7,8,9] independent of co-morbidities and inflammation, thus supporting precise and rapid treatment decisions.Dr. Andreas Bergmann, founder and CEO of SphingoTec added: "We are excited that the initial clinical evaluation ended in a successful translation of the biomarkers into clinical routine. The comprehensive amount of routine data on our biomarkers collected by Prof. Gernot Marx and his team will allow us to deepen our knowledge of the biomarkers and to explore further application areas. Encouraged by this implementation of our novel diagnostic tools at the frontlines of medical care, we intend to offer them in a near future on a larger scale in other European countries."

References [1] Ponce et. al. (2016), Acute kidney injury: risk factors and management challenges in developing countries Int. J. Nephrol. Renovasc. Dis., DOI: 10.2147/IJNRD.S104209[2] Hollinger et. al. (2018) Proenkephalin A 119-159 (Penkid) Is an Early Biomarker of Septic Acute Kidney Injury: The Kidney in Sepsis and Septic Shock (Kid-SSS) Study, Kidney Int Rep, DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2018.08.006[3] Siong Chan (2018) Proenkephalin in heart failure[4] Beunders et. al. (2017) Proenkephalin (PENK) as a novel biomarker for kidney function.[5] Beunders, R. et al. (2019), Proenkephalin compared to conventional methods to assess kidney function in critically ill sepsis patients, Shock,, doi:10.1097/SHK.0000000000001510(6) Rudd et al (2020), Global, regional, and national sepsis incidence and mortality, 1990-2017: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study, The Lancet, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)32989-7(7) Geven (2018): Vascular Effects of Adrenomedullin and the anti-Adrenomedullin Antibody Adrecizumab in Sepsis. Shock. doi: 1097/SHK.0000000000001103(8) Mebazaa (2018): Circulating adrenomedullin estimates survival and reversibility of organ failure in sepsis: the prospective observational multinational Adrenomedullin and Outcome in Sepsis and Septic Shock (AdrenOSS-1) study. doi:10.1186/s13054-018-2243-2(9) Caironi (2017): Circulating biologically active adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) predicts hemodynamic support requirement and mortality During Sepsis. Chest. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2017.03.035.

Uniklinik RWTH AachenThe Uniklinik RWTH Aachen is a supramaximal care provider that combines patient-oriented medicine and nursing, teaching and research at an international level. With 36 specialist clinics, 28 institutes and five interdisciplinary units, the University Hospital covers the entire medical spectrum. Excellently qualified teams of doctors, nurses and scientists are competently committed to the health of the patients. The bundling of patient care, research and teaching in one central building offers the best conditions for intensive interdisciplinary exchange and close clinical and scientific networking. Around 8.000 employees provide patient-oriented medicine and care according to recognised quality standards. With 1.400 beds, the University Hospital treats around 50.000 inpatient and 200.000 outpatient cases per year.

About SphingoTec SphingoTec GmbH ("SphingoTec"; Hennigsdorf near Berlin, Germany) develops and markets innovative in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests for novel and proprietary biomarkers for the diagnosis, prediction and monitoring of acute medical conditions, such as sepsis, acute heart failure, circulatory shock, and acute kidney injury in order to support patient management and provide guidance for treatment strategies. SphingoTec's proprietary biomarker portfolio includes bioactive Adrenomedullin (bio-ADM(R)), a biomarker for real-time assessment of endothelial function in conditions like sepsis or congestive heart failure, Proenkephalin (penKid(R)), a biomarker for real-time assessment of kidney function, and Dipeptidyl Peptidase 3 (DPP3), a biomarker for cardiac depression. IVD tests for SphingoTec's proprietary biomarkers are made available as sphingotest(R) microtiter plate tests as well as point-of-care tests on the Nexus IB10 immunoassay platform by SphingoTec's subsidiary Nexus Dx Inc. (San Diego, CA, USA) alongside a broad menu of established and commonly used tests for acute and critical care.

About penKid(R)sphingotest(R) penKid(R) measures Proenkephalin (penKid(R)), a stable fragment of the kidney stimulating hormone Enkephalin. penKid(R) has been demonstrated to be a real-time surrogate biomarker for glomerular filtration rate, the gold standard to assess renal function. Measuring penKid(R) blood concentrations allows for timely information on kidney function in critically ill patients. Early assessment of worsening and improving of renal function on intensive care units and in emergency departments allows adjustment of nephrotoxic drug administration and the initiation of kidney-protective strategies to prevent acute kidney injury and thereby improve outcomes. Learn more about penKid(R) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SYhs7it4R4About bio-ADM(R)sphingotest(R) bio-ADM(R) measures bioactive Adrenomedullin (bio-ADM(R)), a hormone maintaining endothelial function. The endothelium contributes to blood pressure and separates blood from the surrounding tissue. Elevated blood levels of bio-ADM(R) predict blood pressure break down and leaky vessels resulting in oedema. Imbalanced endothelial function is the major cause of shock ultimately resulting in organ dysfunction and death. Early identification of an imbalance in endothelial function allows guidance of vasopressor and diuretic therapy in critically ill patients to improve outcomes. Learn more about bio-ADM(R) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52lrrRNb0k4

Press contact Dr. Mathias BrandstdterLeitung UnternehmenskommunikationUniklinik RWTH AachenPauwelsstrae 3052074 AachenTelefon: 0241 80-89893mbrandstaedter@ukaachen.dewww.ukaachen.de

Ruxandra LenzSr. Manager Marketing and CommunicationsSphingoTec GmbHNeuendorfstr. 15 A16761 HennigsdorfTel. +49-3302-20565-0press@sphingotec.dewww.sphingotec.com

SOURCE: SphingoTec GmbH via EQS Newswire

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Uniklinik RWTH Aachen is the First Hospital to Implement Sphingotec's Innovative Biomarkers in Clinical Routine with the Aim of Making Intensive Care...

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Winter is here, and this year feels different for a variety of reasons. The ongoing pandemic has many of us reconsidering the usual plans to travel home for the holidays, amplifying the feelings felt during the most stressful time of year. And thats on top of the dread of watching the sun peace out at around 4:30pm every day. While theres not much we can do about the darkness, there are a number of actions we can take to ease Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD. Here are the best foods for fighting the winter blues naturally.

In most cases, SAD emerges around late fall and early winter every year. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include oversleeping, fatigue, change in appetite (especially cravings for food that are high in carbohydrates), and weight gain. Symptoms may start out mild and get worse as the season progresses.

The exact causes of SAD are unknown, but doctors have an idea of what might trigger it.

In the winter, theres a decrease in sunlight. And its thought that this could cause a drop in serotonin, a brain chemical that affects your mood, Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, a plant-based registered dietitian and owner of Plant-Based Eats in Stamford, CT, tells LIVEKINDLY.

This in turn can trigger depression. Shorter days may also disrupt your circadian rhythm (your bodys internal clock) as well as the bodys level of melatonin, which affects your sleep patterns and mood.

| iStock.

Everyone has days where they feel down, but its important to monitor your symptoms. The Mayo Clinic notes that you should see a doctor when you feel unmotivated to partake in activities that you normally enjoy, especially if youre experiencing the above symptoms or thinking about suicide or self-harm.

Gorin notes that some foods can help lift your mood. but again, seeking professional help is best as the first course of action. Left untreated, symptoms of SAD may worsen.

A reduction in serotonin caused by the winter blues could lead to cravings for carbs, as consuming carbohydrates can increase your bodys release of serotonin, says Gorin. When reaching for carbs, choose fiber-rich options such as oats, quinoa, fruits, and vegetables.

Whole grain rice, pasta, and bread are also choice options. Oh, and potatoes just keep the skin on, as thats where approximately half of the dietary fiber and the majority of nutrients (like potassium and vitamin C) are found. Choosing carb-rich, high-fiber foods has an extra boon: dietary fiber helps maintain bowel health, lowers cholesterol levels, and helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Eating protein-rich foods releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure as part of the reward system and feelings of motivation. Eating low-fat, protein-rich foods can also give you more energy a huge plus for anyone who struggles with sluggishness in winter. Choose foods that are rich in plant protein and low in fat (i.e., tofu, tempeh, beans, and legumes) and combine them with whole grain carbs like brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and wheat berries, for a filling, energizing meal. (See here for the top vegan sources of protein.)

Blueberries, strawberries, cranberries, and raspberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. That helps control cortisol, your bodys primary stress hormone that puts a stopper on functions that are not essential to the fight-or-flight response to stressful situations. With the exception of cranberries, fresh berries can get pricey in winter, but frozen is just as good (and much less expensive). Add berries to your morning oatmeal and sprinkle it with omega-rich nuts or seeds for a hearty, filling, and mood-balancing meal.

| Natalia Khimich / iStock.

The field of nutritional psychiatry is uncovering the connection not only between what you eat and your overall mental well-being, but also what kind of bacteria lives in your gut, according to Harvard Health. About 95 percent of your serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract. This means that your gut does much more than just digest your meals; it also plays a significant role in how you feel. Studies have shown that following a traditional diet, such as the Mediterranean or Japanese diets, is associated with a 25 to 30 percent lower risk of depression. This is partly because these diets tend to be high in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains and low in meat, dairy, and processed and refined foods.

In addition, many of the foods in those diets are fermented, which helps promote gut health. A healthy gut is home to billions of good bacteria, which protect the intestinal lining from bad bacteria, reduce inflammation, improve your bodys ability to absorb nutrients, and activate neural pathways between your gut and your brain.

Add fermented foods to your diet like sauerkraut (make your own with this jar), kimchi, tempeh, and miso. For tips on making fermented foods at home, see here.

Some research suggests that eating dark chocolate may lower symptoms of depression. Theres also that old anecdote that people with periods crave chocolate during that-time-of-the-month because of its mood-boosting abilities. According to Harvard Health, you should choose 70 percent dark chocolate or higher in order to obtain the most flavanols, an antioxidant found in cocoa, red wine, and blueberries.

Dark chocolate also has anti-inflammatory benefits and may help improve mood and lower stress levels, says Gorin.

Although theres no definitive proof, a big mug of dairy-free hot chocolate certainly cant hurt on a dreary, chilly day.

On a final note: In addition to food, Gorin notes to get moving. Exercise does wonders for lifting your mood. Find what kind of movement brings you joy whether thats yoga, running, or bike riding.

More:
How to Reduce the Winter Blues With Plant-Based Food - LIVEKINDLY

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith