In human genetics, the Mitochondrial Eve (also mt-Eve, mt-MRCA) is the matrilineal most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of all living humans. In other words, she is defined as the most recent woman from whom all living humans descend in an unbroken line purely through their mothers and through the mothers of those mothers, back until all lines converge on one woman.

In terms of mitochondrial haplogroups, the mt-MRCA is situated at the divergence of macro-haplogroup L into L0 and L16. As of 2013, estimates on the age of this split ranged at around 150,000 years ago,[note 3] consistent with a date later than the speciation of Homo sapiens but earlier than the recent out-of-Africa dispersal.[4][1][5]

The male analog to the "Mitochondrial Eve" is the "Y-chromosomal Adam" (or Y-MRCA), the individual from whom all living humans are patrilineally descended. As the identity of both matrilineal and patrilineal MRCAs is dependent on genealogical history (pedigree collapse), they need not have lived at the same time. As of 2013, estimates for the age Y-MRCA are subject to substantial uncertainty, with a wide range of times from 180,000 to 580,000 years ago[6][7][8] (with an estimated age of between 120,000 and 156,000 years ago, roughly consistent with the estimate for mt-MRCA.).[2][9]

The name "Mitochondrial Eve" alludes to biblical Eve, which has led to repeated misrepresentations or misconceptions in journalistic accounts on the topic. Popular science presentations of the topic usually point out such possible misconceptions by emphasizing the fact that the position of mt-MRCA is neither fixed in time (as the position of mt-MRCA moves forward in time as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages become extinct), nor does it refer to a "first woman", nor the only living female of her time, nor the first member of a "new species".[note 4]

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Early research using molecular clock methods was done during the late 1970s to early 1980s. Allan Wilson, Mark Stoneking, Rebecca L. Cann and Wesley Brown found that mutation in human mtDNA was unexpectedly fast, at 0.02 substitution per base (1%) in a million years, which is 510 times faster than in nuclear DNA.[11] Related work allowed for an analysis of the evolutionary relationships among gorillas, chimpanzees (common chimpanzee and bonobo) and humans.[12] With data from 21 human individuals, Brown published the first estimate on the age of the mt-MRCA at 180,000 years ago in 1980.[13] A statistical analysis published in 1982 was taken as evidence for recent African origin (a hypothesis which at the time was competing with Asian origin of H. sapiens).[14][15][16]

By 1985, data from the mtDNA of 145 women of different populations, and of two cell lines, HeLa and GM 3043, derived from a Black American and a !Kung respectively, was available. After more than 40 revisions of the draft, the manuscript was submitted to Nature in late 1985 or early 1986[16] and published on 1 January 1987. The published conclusion was that all current human mtDNA originated from a single population from Africa, at the time dated to between 140,000 and 200,000 years ago.[17]

The dating for "Eve" was a blow to the multiregional hypothesis, which was debated at the time, and a boost to the theory of the recent origin model.[18]

Cann, Stoneking and Wilson did not use the term "Mitochondrial Eve" or even the name "Eve" in their original paper; it appears to originate with a 1987 article in Science by Roger Lewin, headlined "The Unmasking of Mitochondrial Eve."[19] The biblical connotation was very clear from the start. The accompanying research news in Nature had the title "Out of the garden of Eden."[20] Wilson himself preferred the term "Lucky Mother"[21] and thought the use of the name Eve "regrettable."[19][22] But the concept of Eve caught on with the public and was repeated in a Newsweek cover story (11 January 1988 issue featured a depiction of Adam and Eve on the cover, with the title "The Search for Adam and Eve"),[23] and a cover story in Time on 26 January 1987.[24]

Shortly after the 1987 publication, criticism of its methodology and secondary conclusions was published.[25] Both the dating of mt-Eve and the relevance of the age of the purely matrilineal descent for population replacement were subjects of controversy during the 1990s;[26][27][28][29] Alan Templeton (1997) asserted that the study did "not support the hypothesis of a recent African origin for all of humanity following a split between Africans and non-Africans 100,000 years ago" and also did "not support the hypothesis of a recent global replacement of humans coming out of Africa."[30]

Cann, Stoneking & Wilson (1987) harvtxt error: multiple targets (2): CITEREFCannStonekingWilson1987 (help)'s placement of a relatively small population of humans in sub-Saharan Africa was consistent with the hypothesis of Cann (1982) and lent considerable support for the "recent out-of-Africa" scenario.

In 1999 Krings et al. eliminated problems in molecular clocking postulated by Nei (1992)[citation needed] when it was found that the mtDNA sequence for the same region was substantially different from the MRCA relative to any human sequence.

In 1997, Parsons et al. (1997) published a study of mtDNA mutation rates in a single, well-documented family (the Romanov family of Russian royalty). In this study, they calculated a mutation rate upwards of twenty times higher than previous results.[31] This study has been cited by Creationists to justify the emergence of "Eve" only 6,000 years ago.[32] As Donald Chittick pointed out, the "6000 year date for Eve brings to mind the Biblical time scale and is an uncomfortable result for evolutionism."[33]

Although the original research did have analytical limitations, the estimate on the age of the mt-MRCA has proven robust.[34][35] More recent age estimates have remained consistent with the 140200 kya estimate published in 1987: A 2013 estimate dated Mitochondrial Eve to about 160 kya (within the reserved estimate of the original research) and Out of Africa II to about 95 kya.[3] Another 2013 study (based on genome sequencing of 69 people from 9 different populations) reported the age of Mitochondrial Eve between 99 and 148 kya and that of the Y-MRCA between 120 and 156 kya.[2]

Without a DNA sample, it is not possible to reconstruct the complete genetic makeup (genome) of any individual who died very long ago. By analysing descendants' DNA, however, parts of ancestral genomes are estimated by scientists. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA are commonly used to trace ancestry in this manner. mtDNA is generally passed un-mixed from mothers to children of both sexes, along the maternal line, or matrilineally.[36][37] Matrilineal descent goes back to our mothers, to their mothers, until all female lineages converge.

Branches are identified by one or more unique markers which give a mitochondrial "DNA signature" or "haplotype" (e.g. the CRS is a haplotype). Each marker is a DNA base-pair that has resulted from an SNP mutation. Scientists sort mitochondrial DNA results into more or less related groups, with more or less recent common ancestors. This leads to the construction of a DNA family tree where the branches are in biological terms clades, and the common ancestors such as Mitochondrial Eve sit at branching points in this tree. Major branches are said to define a haplogroup (e.g. CRS belongs to haplogroup H), and large branches containing several haplogroups are called "macro-haplogroups".

The mitochondrial clade which Mitochondrial Eve defines is the species Homo sapiens sapiens itself, or at least the current population or "chronospecies" as it exists today. In principle, earlier Eves can also be defined going beyond the species, for example one who is ancestral to both modern humanity and Neanderthals, or, further back, an "Eve" ancestral to all members of genus Homo and chimpanzees in genus Pan. According to current nomenclature, Mitochondrial Eve's haplogroup was within mitochondrial haplogroup L because this macro-haplogroup contains all surviving human mitochondrial lineages today, and she must predate the emergence of L0.

The variation of mitochondrial DNA between different people can be used to estimate the time back to a common ancestor, such as Mitochondrial Eve. This works because, along any particular line of descent, mitochondrial DNA accumulates mutations at the rate of approximately one every 3,500 years per nucleotide.[1][38][note 5] A certain number of these new variants will survive into modern times and be identifiable as distinct lineages. At the same time some branches, including even very old ones, come to an end when the last family in a distinct branch has no daughters.

Mitochondrial Eve is the most recent common matrilineal ancestor for all modern humans. Whenever one of the two most ancient branch lines dies out, the MRCA will move to a more recent female ancestor, always the most recent mother to have more than one daughter with living maternal line descendants alive today. The number of mutations that can be found distinguishing modern people is determined by two criteria: firstly and most obviously, the time back to her, but secondly and less obviously by the varying rates at which new branches have come into existence and old branches have become extinct. By looking at the number of mutations which have been accumulated in different branches of this family tree, and looking at which geographical regions have the widest range of least related branches, the region where Eve lived can be proposed.

Newsweek reported on Mitochondrial Eve based on the Cann et al. study in January 1988, under a heading of "Scientists Explore a Controversial Theory About Man's Origins". The edition sold a record number of copies.[39]

The popular name "mitochondrial Eve", of 1980s coinage,[19] has contributed to a number of popular misconceptions. At first, the announcement of a "mitochondrial Eve" was even greeted with endorsement from young earth creationists, who viewed the theory as a validation of the biblical creation story.[40][41][42][non-primary source needed]

Due to such misunderstandings, authors of popular science publications since the 1990s have been emphatic in pointing out that the name is merely a popular convention, and that the mt-MRCA was not in any way the "first woman".[43] Her position is purely the result of genealogical history of human populations later, and as matrilineal lineages die out, the position of mt-MRCA keeps moving forward to younger individuals over time.

In River Out of Eden (1995), Richard Dawkins discussed human ancestry in the context of a "river of genes", including an explanation of the concept of Mitochondrial Eve.[44] The Seven Daughters of Eve (2002) presented the topic of human mitochondrial genetics to a general audience.[45] The Real Eve: Modern Man's Journey Out of Africa by Stephen Oppenheimer (2003)[39] was adapted into a Discovery Channel documentary.[46]

One common misconception surrounding Mitochondrial Eve is that since all women alive today descended in a direct unbroken female line from her, she must have been the only woman alive at the time.[43][47] However, nuclear DNA studies indicate that the size of the ancient human population never dropped below tens of thousands. Other women living during Eve's time may have descendants alive today but not in a direct female line.[citation needed]

The definition of Mitochondrial Eve is fixed, but the woman in prehistory who fits this definition can change. That is, not only can our knowledge of when and where Mitochondrial Eve lived change due to new discoveries, but the actual Mitochondrial Eve can change. The Mitochondrial Eve can change, when a mother-daughter line comes to an end. It follows from the definition of Mitochondrial Eve that she had at least two daughters who both have unbroken female lineages that have survived to the present day. In every generation mitochondrial lineages end when a woman with unique mtDNA dies with no daughters. When the mitochondrial lineages of daughters of Mitochondrial Eve die out, then the title of "Mitochondrial Eve" shifts forward from the remaining daughter through her matrilineal descendants, until the first descendant is reached who had two or more daughters who together have all living humans as their matrilineal descendants. Once a lineage has died out it is irretrievably lost and this mechanism can thus only shift the title of "Mitochondrial Eve" forward in time.[citation needed]

Because mtDNA mapping of humans is very incomplete, the discovery of living mtDNA lines which predate our current concept of "Mitochondrial Eve" could result in the title moving to an earlier woman. This happened to her male counterpart, "Y-chromosomal Adam," when older Y lines from Africa were discovered.[citation needed]

Sometimes Mitochondrial Eve is assumed to have lived at the same time as Y-chromosomal Adam (from whom all living people are descended patrilineally), and perhaps even met and mated with him. Even if this were true, which is currently regarded as highly unlikely, this would only be a coincidence. Like Mitochondrial "Eve", Y-chromosomal "Adam" probably lived in Africa. A recent study (March 2013) concluded however that "Eve" lived much later than "Adam" some 140,000 years later.[7] (Earlier studies considered, conversely, that "Eve" lived earlier than "Adam".)[48] More recent studies indicate that Mitochondrial Eve and Y-chromosomal Adam may indeed have lived around the same time.[49]

Mitochondrial Eve is the most recent common matrilineal ancestor, not the most recent common ancestor. Since the mtDNA is inherited maternally and recombination is either rare or absent, it is relatively easy to track the ancestry of the lineages back to a MRCA; however, this MRCA is valid only when discussing mitochondrial DNA. An approximate sequence from newest to oldest can list various important points in the ancestry of modern human populations:

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While the feminisation is not necessarily undesirable in the production of many species, as females tend to grow faster, its a disaster for tilapia producers, who prefer all-male stock. It could also have negative consequences for broodstock producers across a wide range of species, as feminisation of male broodstock is likely to have a very negative impact on fertility levels and rates of reproduction.

Til-Aqua International, a Dutch genetics company, has developed a strain of YY males over the past 25 years, using manual genetic selection rather than hormone treatment to produce 99.7 percent male offspring, which are sold for ongrowing.

However, in mid-2019 the company noticed a dramatic increase in the proportion of females in its juveniles, prompting them to start an investigation.

Our customers began to complain about the proportion of females in the fish wed sold them. We thought that it might be something they were doing wrong with their diagnostics, but site visits showed that there really were a high proportion of females. So we started to investigate our own operations and procedures, explains Hanneke van den Dop, the companys experienced fish vet.

But our internal investigation showed that nothing had changed in our own procedures, so we started to look into other variables as external variables can have an impact on the sex ratio of tilapia. The investigation was very time-consuming and lasted from July 2019 until May 2020, as it takes time to produce a sufficient amount of test groups and repeat the tests several times, she adds.

Their investigation uncovered that there had been a change in formulations of the feed by a well-known commercial aquafeed producer that they were using.

We finally worked out that the change in the proportion of females coincided with a change in the antioxidants used in the feeds. And one of our customers, in Africa, who was using the same feeds had noticed the same affects, while other customers, using different feeds, did not have problems, says van den Dop.

The feed manufacturer had, it transpired, replaced E321 and E324 with two other antioxidants. Van den Dops follow-up research showed that one of these is considered to be an endocrine disrupter, while the other is considered a weak oestrogen. As a result, Til-Aqua initiated a series of feed trails to investigate whether the change in antioxidants could have been responsible for the oestrogenic effects and changed sex ratios in their fish.

In order to achieve this, juvenile offspring of different genetic lines were tested with several feeds in the first weeks of their life the time when tilapia gender is determined. Thousands of fingerlings were dissected, and their gonads were examined macroscopically and microscopically, and the trials found that in various cases only 8 percent of the tilapia were males from broodstock that initially produced more than 99 percent males. They also discovered large numbers of individuals that contained gonads or gonadal tissue of both sexes. Meanwhile their trials showed deteriorated gonads in the broodstock.

Til-Aqua flagged up the results of their trials with the feed provider.

It was a brand we had used for 30 years with great satisfaction and in excellent cooperation, but this changed dramatically when they changed their feeds and we confronted them with our findings, says van den Dop.

When we brought it up they said they were using the antioxidants at levels within the limits of EU legislation and were therefore not responsible for any undesirable side-effects, she continues.

Given that the change in ingredients and its results had proved incredibly stressful to the staff at Til- Aqua, and could have dramatically undermined the trust of their customers, van den Dop was appalled.

Til-Aqua is now in the process of providing compensation to their customers. They also have to flush out each of the biofilters in their own production site.

In our trials, using very high water refreshment rates, just like in a flow-through system, produced higher male ratios up to the normal 99 percent we had been getting with the old feeds. It was clear that RAS led to an accumulation of the antioxidants, so were now having to flush each of the biofilters in our system to ensure that theres no residual feminising effect, van den Dop explains.

Meanwhile, according to van den Dop, the producer continues to use the antioxidants in its feeds. While this may have an upside for some farmers in species such as trout, carp and sturgeon the females grow faster, she points out there may also be some widespread negative trade-offs.

Because the fish are under oestrogenic influence, they are more susceptible to parasites and disease using the feeds that lowered the ratio of males produced fry that were weaker, which is an issue both in terms of animal welfare and sustainability, she says.

And there could be more tangible drawbacks for broodstock producers, particularly those using RAS.

We saw a degeneration of the gonads of our broodstock, and the use of RAS worsened these symptoms by accumulating these additives, van den Dop reflects.

In the meantime she is hopeful that the EU will ban the use of these two antioxidants, which can potentially have such a disruptive influence on the hormones of fish.

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Fears over feminising antioxidants in fish feeds - The Fish Site

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Men may have a surprising genetic advantage over women, according to new research carried out at the University of St Andrews.

The study, published today inProceedings of the Royal Society Series B Biological Sciences, focused on genes that are present on the X chromosome.

These are carried by individuals of both sexes but with females typically having a double dose.

Traditionally, the over-representation of the X chromosome among females has been thought to lead to it favouring a genetic blueprint that benefits females at the expense of males.

But the St Andrews team have shown that, in many cases, the X chromosome instead sides with males in the battle of the sexes.

The research didnt specifically focus on human genetics and instead applies to all creatures that exhibit sex differences.

Across the animal kingdom males and females of the same species can differ remarkably in their size, shape, life-history and behaviour.

Males of the blanket octopus, for instance, are barely the size of the females eye, and males of the rusty tussock moth grow large ochre wings while females have tiny vestigial ones.

However, despite these striking differences, the two sexes generally share the same genome the set of genetic instructions that act as a blueprint for building an organism.

This can lead to problems, as the genome that encodes the best male might not be the one that encodes the best female, and any evolutionary advance that better serves the interests of males is likely to come at the expense of females.

This all depends on where in the genome they are found and on aspects of the species lifestyles, such as whether mums tend to be younger than dads.

Thomas Hitchcock said: The average ages of mothers and fathers in the population can also tilt the balance of genes interests in favour of one sex. If, as in humans, the average father is older than the average mother, then our model shows that this will lead almost all genes to shift their interests towards what works best for males.

Professor Andy Gardner, added: In general, these different parts of the genome will disagree about how best to balance the fitness of females against males.

This can lead to an interesting intragenomic conflict, where an individuals own genes can go to war against each other, and the fallout from that is expected to be harmful for both females and males.

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Genes take side in the battle of the sexes - Science News - Deadline News

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The NCAA Woman of the Year program is rooted in Title IX and has recognized graduating female college athletes for excellence in academics & athletics

COLLEGE STATION, Texas Raena Eldridge of the Texas A&M women's swimming and diving team earned a conference-level nomination for NCAA Woman of the Year, as announced by the NCAA Tuesday afternoon. While 161 female student-athletes in total were nominated, Eldridgeis one of 59 student-athletes nominated from the Division I level. She is joined by Kentuckys Asia Seidt as the Southeastern Conferences nominees.

The NCAA Woman of the Year program is rooted in Title IX and has recognized graduating female college athletes for excellence in academics, athletics, community service and leadership since its inception in 1991.

Eldridge graduated from A&M in May with degrees in animal science and genetics, while also earning a business minor. She boasted a 3.979 cumulative GPA through her five years in Aggielandand has begun Vet School at NC State. Eldridge wasnamed the Arthur Ashe, Jr., Female Sports Scholar of the Year, awarded to one male and one femalestudent-athlete each year that exhibit academic excellence as well as community activism in addition to their athletic contributions.The Rockwall, Texas, native was A&M's female nominee for the H. Boyd McWhorter Scholar-Athlete Post-Graduate Scholarship, and for the second year in a row, was named the Bill Erwin Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year at A&M's annual Building Champions Awards. She earned College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Academic All-America honorable mention accolades as a sophomore and garnered first team honors as a junior and senior.

A team captain for her final two seasons, Eldridge was a part of four consecutive SEC Team Championships throughout her career. She was a two-time CSCAA All-American and earned All-SEC Second Team honors as a sophomore. Eldridge helped earn big points for the Aggies at SEC Championships as a sophomore, helping the 200 medley relay team reach the podium with a second-place finish, while adding a fifth-place finish with the 200 free relay squad. Individually at SEC Championships, she contributed a pair of top 16 finishes in the 100 back and 50 free that season. Eldridge also swam on winning teams in the 400 free relay and 400 medley relay to help the Aggies win the team title at the 2017 U.S. Open.

Away from the pool and the classroom, Eldridge served as a Student Technician at the Genetics Research Lab and as a member of the Pre-Vet Society. She was a project leader for the Aggie Research Scholars Program and started SPLASH, a non-profit organization that teaches swimming and swim safety. Eldridge also contributed her time at Save Our Streets Ministries in Bryan since 2016, mentoring elementary school girls.

The Woman of the Year Selection Committee, made up of representatives from the NCAA membership, will now choose the Top 30 honorees 10 from each division from the conference-level nominees. The Top 30 honorees will be announced in September. From there, the selection committee will narrow the pool to three finalists from each division. The NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics will select the 2020 Woman of the Year from the nine finalists.

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Eldridge Earns Conference-Level NCAA Woman of the Year Nomination - KAGSTV.com

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AUSTIN Aug 14, 2020 (Thomson StreetEvents) -- Edited Transcript of Aspira Women's Health Inc earnings conference call or presentation Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 8:30:00pm GMT

Aspira Women's Health Inc. - Global Medical Director of Genetic Services

Aspira Women's Health Inc. - CFO

Aspira Women's Health Inc. - CEO, President & Director

Good afternoon, and welcome to Aspira Women's Health Second Quarter 2020 Conference Call. My name is Jessie, and I will be your coordinator for the call today. (Operator Instructions) As a reminder, this conference is being recorded today.

Leading the call today are Valerie Palmieri, President and Chief Executive Officer; Bob Beechey, Chief Financial Officer; and Dr. Lesley Northrop, Global Head of Innovation and Clinical Development. After the prepared remarks, we will open the call for Q&A.

Before we begin, I'd like to remind everyone that some statements made during the prepared remarks and the Q&A session, including statements relating to Aspira Women's Health expected future performance, future business prospects or future events or plans are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, actual outcomes and results are subject to risks and uncertainties and could differ materially from those anticipated due to the impact of many factors beyond the control of Aspira Women's Health. The company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Participants are directed to the cautionary note in today's press release as well as the risk factors set forth in Aspira Women's Health annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

At this time, I would like to turn the call over to Valerie Palmieri, President and Chief Executive Officer. Valerie?

Valerie Barber Palmieri, Aspira Women's Health Inc. - CEO, President & Director [2]

Thank you, operator. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. This afternoon, we will review our second quarter 2020 accomplishments and financial performance. I'll also provide an update on our strategy to manage the near-term COVID-19 disruption as well as our longer-term plans to emerge stronger when the pandemic is behind us.

We firmly believe that our strategy is the right one and that our technology and pipeline will be vital to lowering the overall health care burden and reducing significant inefficiencies in the care pathway. It's all about getting the right patient to the right doctor and finding cancer at the earliest stage. This mission is the core of our company.

Let me first start with our new company name Aspira Women's Health, which now better reflects our organization's mission and vision. We have already established ourselves as a market leader for ovarian cancer risk assessment. But with this new name, we are also elevating our brand and highlighting our key focus on women's health. Women's health, or known as Femtech, is one of the fastest-growing sectors in health care. Through our data-driven approach, we aim to deliver solutions that help women aspire to take control of their gynecologic health and empower providers to deliver optimal care.

Keep in mind that our CLIA lab's name has always been ASPiRA LABS. So we already have a well-respected brand recognition with this name, and this was simply a matter of synchronizing our corporate name. Our website domain has been changed to Aspira Women's Health, and we have launched a new company logo and brand, CUSIP and stock symbol AWH. In summary, our team is very excited about this long overdue change to better reflect our vision to help globally transform women's health.

I am now moving on to the business update. I will focus first on the pandemic's impact on our company and what we've seen so far in the third quarter.

As I mentioned on our Q1 call, we continue to execute on our 4-part COVID strategy. Number one, first and foremost is our focus to ensure employee safety and business continuity. All office-based employees nationwide as well as on average, 60% of our sales team are still working remotely. While keeping their health and safety paramount, our sales team is able to enter the field on a limited targeted basis in accordance with local guidelines. We continue to expect limitations on the number of face-to-face customer calls for a period of time relative to specific geographies. We have also developed protocols and training for instances where physical visits are allowed to ensure both employee, customer and patient safety.

I'm now moving on to business continuity. Our lab operations requires on-site essential employees. As previously discussed, we have put in place staffing and reagent contingency plans to ensure 0 downtime.

The second part of our strategy is focused on cash preservation and liquidity management. We continue our efforts to reduce costs, such as travel, entertainment and discretionary spend while we are maintaining our commitment to critical product development. Bob will discuss our balance sheet and how we were able to strengthen it over the quarter in detail.

The third part of our plan is maximizing productive use of employee time and emerging from this crisis even stronger. In terms of productivity, our sales team is focused on maintaining close relationships with existing customers remotely, so that we can resume our sales trajectory upon return to normalcy. We developed a virtual territory management process using a number of tools. These tools include virtual sales rep visits, digital marketing, social media and a new provider/patient ordering portal. Regarding telehealth, we are also developing a process for our genetics offering, which will allow patients to access genetic testing directly.

The last part of our plan is to help our communities while continuing to work on our product pipeline development. Regarding community support, in the second quarter of 2020, we began offering COVID-19 antibody testing and began preparations for offering COVID-19 antigen testing. This testing is part of our presurgical risk assessment program as well as preparing for potential Connecticut State support. On June 10, we announced the completion of our laboratory validation of COVID antibody test as well as a laboratory validation of several additional oncology biomarkers, which we will also add to our presurgical risk test offering. We are offering the Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody assay, which has a 99.81% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The current turnaround time for this assay for a test is 24 to 48 hours. Our planned offering of COVID-19 antigen testing has been postponed due to manufacturer instrumentation delays. We are now planning to offer this test in late Q3 or early Q4 2020.

Regarding our product pipeline development, we've made several significant strides in the pipeline. And as a result, on the call today, we have Dr. Lesley Northrop, our Global Head of Innovation and Clinical Development. Dr. Northrop has been with the organization just over a year and has been leading all of our clinical trial and product development efforts. On the call today, she will provide a comprehensive update on our product development pipeline.

As you remember, our core focus last year was commercial adoption. For 2020, we are continuing our focus on commercialization, but we are also in-sourcing many of our development capabilities. Coupling our strong customer base, internalizing our development team, we are now looking to expedite trial enrollment. In fact, during COVID, we have seen improvements in enrollment with this approach.

The 2019 and 2028 advancements we have made in our protein technology, our genetic technology and now with a strong base of clinical practices will pave the way to build a strong portfolio of proprietary solutions which Dr. Northrop will discuss in detail.

Before I turn the call to Dr. Northrop, I would also like to discuss our commercial performance in Q2. As you know, we have a 2-pronged commercialization approach, direct sales and a platform strategy. We continue to believe that our platform strategy to penetrate large IDNs and OB/GYN super groups will pay off with accelerated adoption of our overall product pipeline.

The decentralized arrangement should help our products integrate into the care pathway of the respective institutions and super groups. These large deals have a significant lead time. And with the COVID-19 pandemic, it may slow down our efforts to finalize these deals. That being said, our partners continue to engage and are excited about the prospect of internalizing our technology. We will continue to work on this model as we seek to drive wider adoption of OVA1Plus in our expanded portfolio pipeline.

I am now moving on to our direct sales channel. We hit our low point in volume during the third week of April, as previously discussed. The volume is tracking at 40% to 50% of pre-COVID volume. This volume decrease was driven by 2 major factors. First, most hospital facilities eliminated all elective surgeries, and in the case of suspected late-stage ovarian cancer, biopsies were only performed to confirm malignancy and chemotherapy was administered without surgery. This allowed deferring primary surgery to reduce disease to a later safer time.

The second major factor affecting volume was deferral of annual visits. Relative to the scarcity of limited operating room capacity based on a survey of 124 customers, we saw that the majority of customers were using OVA1Plus to determine who needs surgery immediately or determine who can postpone surgery. In fact, based on the survey, 82% of these patients were high-risk or symptomatic, they needed to be seen with a high sense of urgency or post an ER visit.

After April's low point, we have seen a steady increase of volume. In fact, in May, the volume was at 60% of pre-COVID run rate; in June, it was at 74%; and in July and August, it is holding in the low 80% range. Keep in mind, this is during a time when major states such as Texas, Arizona and Florida, are experiencing a second wave of COVID, so we are encouraged by the rate of volume pickup that we are seeing with OVA1Plus.

In terms of total ordering physicians for the quarter, 1,789 physicians ordered OVA1Plus with 85% of these customers being repeat customers. The repeat customer rate of Q2 2019 was 73%. So even with the majority of our reps having limited face-to-face visits, we experienced a 16% improvement in the rate of repeat business year-over-year. This clearly illustrates the impact of our technology has on patient care, the stickiness of the technology and the overall retention and growth opportunity we have with our expanded portfolio with this customer base.

We have also activated our commercial organization to transform and perform in a virtual environment. As we expand our sales force, we do anticipate a change in the mix of our sales force to put a higher emphasis on inside sales personnel to maximize the effectiveness of those reps in the field.

In summary, we have 3 fundamental commercial pillars, which we are critically and acutely focused on. We are leading a virtual and nonvirtual commercial strategy together to expedite impact in the following ways. Number one, we are strategically magnifying our newly redesigned brand and its impact to the entire patient life cycle for the short term and the long term to drive clinical trial enrollment. We are also listing the awareness of this devastating nature of the disease of ovarian cancer, and the importance of the focus on women's health, coupled with the ovarian cancer awareness month, which occurs in September. And third, we are illuminating health care disparity awareness to advance clinical care pathways to earlier and more effective diagnosis.

Embodied in all 3 pillars are awareness and adoption-driving strategies, encompassing digital marketing, search engine optimization, social media, website initiatives, telehealth, and the construction of deep and wide virtual and nonvirtual clinical KOL teams across North America.

Overall COVID initially had a major impact on doctors' visits and elective surgeries. Despite these headwinds, we continue to execute on our 4-point strategy, which included stabilizing the business, managing our balance sheet, maximizing sales productivity and driving innovation to address a very large market opportunity.

At this point, I'll turn the call over to Dr. Lesley Northrop to share the progress on our innovation pipeline. Dr. Northrop.

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Lesley Northrop, Aspira Women's Health Inc. - Global Medical Director of Genetic Services [3]

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Thank you for the introduction, Valerie. I'm pleased to be on the call and look forward to meeting you all at future investor conferences. By way of background, I'm a molecular trained Ph. D., clinically boarded molecular geneticist and licensed laboratory director working in women's reproductive health diagnostics for the past 15 years.

Being on the forefront and changing clinical management, diagnostics and IVF and now oncology, I have landed the perfect position at Aspira Women's Health, and I'm excited to continue my life passion in bettering women's health at a company with an established foundation. I've been in Aspira Women's Health for the past year immediately diving into the company goals of taking study design concepts to launching trials, active recruitment and building upon our 10 years of R&D and clinical foundation as a pelvic mass and ovarian cancer expert. I've assembled a team of experts, moved Aspira Women's Health from an outsourced model to an in-source model and believe this will improve our ability to execute our new product pipeline.

The team includes bioinformatic scientists, clinical trial coordinator, data scientists and clinical research scientists to develop new technology with a goal of developing personalized medicine for some of the most significant gynecological diseases.

Let me now provide an update on our innovation pipeline and product enhancement. As despite the pandemic, we've been able to make progress on expanding our site selection from 2 sites pre-COVID up to 9 sites with continued enrollment.

Health care quality has been a core value of our company as we lead the charge for bringing ovarian cancer risk assessment disparity to the forefront. Health care disparity is becoming more recognized during COVID. As a result, we have added 3 additional sites to our study. Our #1 goal is to remove CA125 as a standard of care for all women at risk for ovarian cancer. As stated previously, we are enriching our 2 previously published studies to expand our published disparity evidence to support and to change the standard of care. We have not only engaged site initiation with Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, but we have also enrolled 3 additional sites in ethnically diverse population. The goal of this study is to validate OVA1 as there is disparity in cancer detection when testing across ethnically enriched population outside of Caucasian women as compared to CA125.

Based on our initial published data, OVA1 is 2.3x more sensitive in detecting ovarian cancer in African-American women than in CA125 or 79.2% versus 33.3% sensitivity using the 2007 ACOG cutoff metric. Second, I would like to update everyone on our third-generation ovarian cancer risk assessment test, which is now branded as OVANEX. Our last call, we briefly reviewed our IRB-approved prospective trial on OVANEX. OVANEX is designed to address the market 3x that of OVA1. Specifically, it is for women who have a benign mass and are currently monitored 2 to 4 times per year with CA125 and transvaginal ultrasound. We believe that this test will help clinicians and patients to better understand the risk of malignancy and if surgery can be delayed by monitoring the patient over time.

We have enrolled 7 practices to date which is up from 1 site in Q1 and are continuing our enrollment to allow us large adoption under the confines of this pandemic. We are tracking to launch of the product in phases, projecting the end of 2021 to early 2022.

OVANEX will be the protein foundation of our high-risk early detection solution of OvaInherit. The study is designed across 2 separate cohorts. Those asymptomatic women with a genetic predisposition and symptomatic women who are at risk due to being observed with a pelvic mass. This, coupled with OVA1, provides a solution for monitoring as well as a solution for surgical triage risk assessment.

Our next study is focused on OvaInherit. It's a real-time, multi-site study being performed with our current OVA and genetics commercial testing sites that are also established clinical research institutions. The name of this study is OVA360, providing us a 360 view in combining the established prevalence of protein with molecular targets of gynecological cancers. This study will explore specific genomic targets with the potential to define the key driver of female gynecological cancer, starting with ovarian cancer. We are developing a cell-free cell tumor, DNA-based test to identify early cancer development. This test is being developed as a multimodal, risk-based assessment test in combination with our already established 7 protein biomarkers plus molecular profiling, including transcriptomic and epigenomic patterns, RNA and methylation. This new test will interrogate bioinformatic solutions, such as machine learning, to monitor those who are genetically predisposed due to carriers of pathogenic variants and high prevalent genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer, for instance, BRCA1 and 2.

OvaInherit will have a new algorithm developed on symptomatic women first and then trained for cancer detection in the asymptomatic, high-risk predisposed population without a pelvic mass. Currently, clinicians can order CA125 in conjunction with ultrasound to assess risk of developing cancer. However, there is a lack of clinical utility and significant concerns on false positive/negative rates using the standard method that warrants a new biomarker surveillance test for early detection of ovarian cancer.

We believe that our algorithm will outperform this current standard of care and provide a precise measurement of tissue-specific type cancer as an early detection test. We will be partnering with key thought leaders in the genomics community to support the OvaInherit product.

Finally, we mentioned in our previous call, we are working on developing a future test which is in aid in detection of endometriosis, the brand name is ENDOCHECK. With the high clinical demand for a less-invasive test for early assessment of endometriosis, ENDOCHECK will address a total addressable market in the U.S. of a roughly 6 million to 7 million women. This is a large unmet need in the OB/GYN and IVF community as endometriosis is treated based on symptoms and may take up to 10 years to diagnose, sometimes with multiple surgeries.

We have leveraged our 10 years of research and rich biorepository of benign disease and have proven proficiency in being able to decipher endometriosis from nonendometriosis. Our end goal is to develop a test with sensitivity and specificity greater than laparoscopic biopsy. We are in the early phases of assay test validations and plan to launch our prospective clinical trial by the end of the year. We will be working with well-established pharmaceutical and academic institutions in collecting enriched sample cohorts to validate and perform our prospective trials. Our goal is to bring a noninvasive endometriosis detection solutions to the market to provide proactive management of this debilitating disease.

In summary, the goal of our research and clinical efforts is to launch new products that impact a woman's entire life cycle starting at puberty with ENDOCHECK, to her hereditary risk for cancer with genetics including high-risk screening with OvaInherit, to premenopausal benign mass monitoring with OVANEX and lastly, our ovarian surgical risk assessment, OVA1Plus.

I would like to now turn the call over to Bob for a review of our financial results. Bob?

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Robert Harry Beechey, Aspira Women's Health Inc. - CFO [4]

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Thank you, Dr. Northrop. Product revenue was $743,000 for the 3 months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $1.1 million for the same period in 2019. The 32% product revenue decrease is primarily due to a decrease in the number of our tests due to the impact of COVID. The number of OVA1Plus tests performed decreased 21% to approximately 2,458 OVA1Plus tests during the 3 months ended June 30, 2020 compared to approximately 3,129 OVA1Plus tests for the same period in 2019. The revenue per OVA1Plus tests performed decreased to approximately $295 compared to $324 for the first quarter. Included in the Q2 revenue and the average unit price were approximately $79,000 in onetime revenue adjustments related to prior periods, which account for $32 of the sequential decline. The slight increase after excluding onetime items was driven by realization of our new contract price from Cigna as of April 1, 2020, slightly offset by a decrease in the mix of Medicare patients who, given their demographic, had reduced visits to doctors as these older patients self-quarantined due to COVID. The decrease in the mix of Medicare patients was temporary as we have seen the mix of Medicare and Medicare Advantage patients revert back to historical pre-COVID mix in July.

Gross profit margin on OVA1 was 37% in the second quarter compared to 45% for the prior year period. Total operating expenses were approximately $4 million in the second quarter as compared to $4.2 million in the first quarter due to a decrease in nonrecurring expense items.

Our cash balance at June 30, 2020, was $10.9 million, not including the proceeds of our private placement which closed in the third quarter. Cash utilization for Q2 was $3.3 million compared to $3.8 million in the prior year. The cash utilization reflects the reduced volumes we experienced, primarily in April and May, offset by cost reductions we have taken during the pandemic.

Our cash position was impacted by 3 major factors: one, we received proceeds and warrants in the amount of approximately $5.1 million when our stock price maintained levels above $1.80 for 10 consecutive days on June 13, 2020. 100% of warrant holders exercised their warrants. Secondly, we were granted a loan, pursuant to the Payroll Protection Program, which was established under the CARES Act, which is being utilized primarily to fund payroll in the amount of approximately $1 million. We are using the proceeds alone in a manner that will qualify us for complete forgiveness of the loan under the terms of the CARES Act and the PPP. Third, we implemented cost controls and cash preservation measures to continue to curtail areas of natural savings, such as travel and entertainment. In addition, we curtailed the use of contractors and consultants and reviewed our entire vendor spend for savings. We're doing this while making modest, targeted investments in our digital and remote marketing capabilities.

As we previously announced, we also successfully amended the terms of our State of Connecticut financing with respect to the target employment levels in the state. We achieved the revised employment milestones during the second quarter and have submitted the requisite forms and are awaiting final approval and funding.

Lastly, subsequent to the end of the second quarter, we closed on our private placement for $11 million prior to transaction costs. This financing, together with cash on hand at the end of the second quarter and the expected financing from the State of Connecticut will enable us to execute on our product pipeline and continue to drive growth through targeted investments and refinement of our commercial team.

I'll now turn it back over to Valerie.

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Valerie Barber Palmieri, Aspira Women's Health Inc. - CEO, President & Director [5]

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Thank you, Bob. Before we open up the call for Q&A, let me restate our focus on building the company for sustainable growth for the near term and the long term. Our goal is to strengthen our overall commercial position so we emerge stronger post pandemic. In parallel, we are executing quickly on our larger mission to serve the 20 million women in the U.S. starting with ovarian cancer risk assessment, serial pelvic mass monitoring and eventually tackling the largest disease, endometriosis. Keep in mind, the hereditary ovarian cancer monitoring test, OvaInherit, is incremental to this market, and this product will be for women with and without a mass.

Ovarian cancer accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system and is the only gender-specific cancer with greater than a 50% mortality rate. Our work in products are at the forefront of changing the standards of care and detection of ovarian malignancies. We believe we are helping close the gap in detection and, more importantly, survival for women.

In the near term, we believe OVA1Plus, coupled with our disparity differentiation and genetics testing will become the standard of care in pelvic mass risk assessment for ovarian cancer. For the longer term, we are moving full steam ahead with our planned launches of OVANEX for pelvic mass monitoring, ENDOCHECK for endometriosis and lastly, OvaInherit for high-risk genetic predisposition monitoring.

We also believe in this new COVID era that health care disparities and the importance of diagnostic information might actually be further elevated to reduce disparate care and ensure that all women of every socioeconomic background receive the best possible care. Our end in mind is the incorporation of our current technology with precision-based modalities to allow for noninvasive, early detection of gynecologic disease over the entire patient life cycle. As with our brand, we aspire a woman to take control of her gynecologic health and empower providers to deliver optimal care. In order to dive more into our name change, our expanded portfolio, and our scientific leadership, we will be holding a KOL call in September during ovarian cancer awareness month.

We are now happy to open up the call for Q&A and answer any of your questions. Operator?

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Questions and Answers

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Operator [1]

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(Operator Instructions) Our first question comes from the line of Brian Weinstein with William Blair.

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Andrew Frederick Brackmann, William Blair & Company L.L.C., Research Division - Associate [2]

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This is actually Andrew on for Brian. Thanks for all the details in the pipeline. Valerie, maybe to start. You spoke a little bit in your prepared remarks when discussing how the product was being used in the quarter. But as we think about longer term here, I'm curious what your thoughts are on how COVID-19 changes the value proposition of your core offering today. And then have you seen any evidence already which gives you the confidence that your products are going to be sort of net winners in a post-COVID world? And if so, could you maybe talk a little bit more about that?

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Valerie Barber Palmieri, Aspira Women's Health Inc. - CEO, President & Director [3]

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Sure. Well, first off, thank you for the question, Andrew. And Brian sent me a note, so I knew that you were going to be on the call. So in terms of -- yes. So I think that when we first were told or we all were told nationwide that elective surgeries were on hold. And at first, we thought, wow, this is -- this could potentially be a major issue for us. And will they stop even utilizing OVA1 until elective surgeries are opened up. But what we saw was, and it was pretty quick when it bottomed out in middle of April -- middle of March to the middle of April, the middle April was the lowest point, we saw week-over-week volume coming back. And even with states, such as Florida, Arizona, California as well as Texas, which are big states for us, and we know they're already in a second wave of COVID, we're still seeing a lot of stickiness. And I think what's -- based on this 124 customer survey that we did, we saw that the test is being used at another level, meaning that the doctors -- there's pent-up demand right now for surgeries. There's pent-up demand in terms of just getting OR time and making sure you're taking the most-serious patient to the OR first. So we are seeing, is it a new application for the test? It's really it's on label use. But I think that now doctors are saying, I need just like going for a biopsy, whether it's a prostate biopsy or derm biopsy, I really need to assess this patient before I schedule the OR. So our goal is that it actually extends and that it actually -- as I said, we're looking at gathering the data and potentially writing a paper on how it's being used during COVID.

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Andrew Frederick Brackmann, William Blair & Company L.L.C., Research Division - Associate [4]

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Okay. Great. Thanks for the clarification on how it's being used. Maybe secondly, maybe for Dr. Northrop. You mentioned some potential biopharma and academic partnerships for the ENDOCHECK product and trial. Could you maybe give us an update on how those partnerships are intended to sort of assist in the development here? And then when should we be expecting to hear an update around any of those partnerships?

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Valerie Barber Palmieri, Aspira Women's Health Inc. - CEO, President & Director [5]

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Sure, Andrew. I'll start and then let Dr. Northrop fill in. So what you have seen and as everyone knows, if you read, whether it's pharma, whether it's any company, we have seen enrollment actually decline, right, because patients aren't going to the doctors. So I think there's a combination here is that the -- where we are starting these studies, we're starting them at large call points. And we already have very steep relationships due to some of the partnership things that we have in the queue. And so I think what you have here is as we laid the foundation last year and now when we're launching these studies, we're actually seeing quite an appetite to -- for these larger partners to join the study. So I'll let Lesley jump into some of the details, but it's actually been this -- I would say, this method at which we're gaining study partners has actually worked pretty well. Lesley?

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Lesley Northrop, Aspira Women's Health Inc. - Global Medical Director of Genetic Services [6]

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Yes. Thank you, Valerie. And nice to e-meet Andrew. Yes, we have some long-standing conversations, and we're in negotiation process with some large institutions that have enriched biorepository things where we're able to utilize their sample. And so right now, it's just more so hammering out the relationship, and how and when we'll get those samples. I can't give you a definitive date of when you could expect to hear an update, but there will definitely be something in the queue coming down the line here that we can hopefully make a formal announcement on where those samples are coming from and who are we receiving them from.

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Andrew Frederick Brackmann, William Blair & Company L.L.C., Research Division - Associate [7]

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Okay. Perfect. And then lastly, I know you referenced this in the past, but maybe for those a bit less familiar. Could you maybe talk a little bit more about the tech transfer product that you're developing? And then I guess as you go through that, could you maybe just describe the value that you think it brings to your customers?

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Edited Transcript of AWH.OQ earnings conference call or presentation 13-Aug-20 8:30pm GMT - Yahoo Finance

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Whether you own a cat or not, there are probably a few things youve always wondered about them.

And so, Insider spoke with veterinarians to get answers to a few common cat questions that you might have.

Contrary to popular belief, cats cannot sniff out people who are allergic to them, Rover veterinarian Gary Richter told Insider.

He explained that if cats are paying extra attention to someone with allergies, its likely because they are responding to that persons body language.

People with allergies tend to ignore or avoid the cat in the room, which reduces the felines fear of an unfamiliar person. Cats are most likely to be drawn to someone who gives them their space and allows them to approach the human first, said Richter.

Some felines seem to lose control when they are around catnip. Fortunately, as Richter told Insider, the plant isnt harmful to or addictive for cats.

Some cats are drawn to catnip because it takes over their olfactory senses. There is no harm in letting your cat enjoy the scent should they be attracted to it catnip can be used for training or playtime, said Richter.

But keep in mind your cat might begin to feel nauseous or become irritated if you give them too much of it.

Veterinarian Megan Teiber said that its possible to train a cat to use a toilet but the drawbacks may outweigh the benefits of being able to flush your cats waste away.

A change in urine production is often the first sign of a serious medical condition, and if the cat is using the toilet as opposed to the litter box, this is more likely to be missed, said Teiber.

Its also worth noting that if a family member accidentally leaves the toilet lid down, closes the bathroom door, or is occupying the bathroom, the cat may have accidents around the house.

Some folklore holds that cats can tell if someone is pregnant and are drawn to people who are expecting but no, cats are not furry pregnancy tests.

Richter explained that cats just have an incredible sense of smell and are great at reading body language.

During pregnancy, women experience profound changes in their hormone levels which can affect their personal scent, so cats can understand that something is changing based on the new smell, said Richter.

Plus, a persons body temperature often rises in the first trimester of pregnancy. So if you notice a cat snuggling up to someone who is pregnant, they might just be enjoying the extra body heat.

Although male cats have a reputation for being more companionable than female cats, Teiber said there arent significant personality differences between the two.

A lot of people seem to think that male cats are generally more affectionate than female cats. I think there is simply a lot of individual variation and that there is no clear difference between male and female cats, said Teiber.

Some cats do fine when eating only dry food. However, wet cat foods are generally higher in protein and are always higher in moisture than dry foods, which more closely matches feline nutritional needs, said Jennifer Coates, veterinarian and advisor at Pet Life Today.

And as Jaimee Alsing, an animal nutritionist with PurringPal, previously told Insider, cats can actually avoid chronic dehydration by having wet food in their diet.

Chronic dehydration too often leads to tooth decay, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections. Many health issues can be prevented simply by adding a daily meal of wet food to your cats diet, said Alsing.

But Coates said if you still insist on feeding your cat only dry food, give it to them in several small, measured meals throughout the day rather than leaving a bowl of it out at all times.

Teiber said that sometimes female cats appear more affectionate to their owners after a spay, but spaying doesnt actually alter a cats personality.

Prior to being spayed, female cats frequently cycle in and out of heat, so their energy is often focused on mating. Once they are spayed, they may be able to relax and focus more attention on their human companions, said Teiber.

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, after they are neutered, male cats may behave less aggressively and spray less, though overall cat personality is still mainly a product of genetics and upbringing.

Carrying around extra fat can put felines in danger of developing chronic health conditions. Fortunately, it can be easy to tell if your cat is overweight.

When looking down on them from above, overweight cats lack a discernible waist. From the side, an overweight cats belly is closer to the ground than [it is to] the chest, said Coates.

Another sign that your cat is too plump is if you cannot feel their last few ribs by lightly running your hands over their sides, Coates added.

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Veterinarians answer 8 questions about cats that you've always wanted to ask - Business Insider Australia

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The Global Hormone Replacement Therapy Market has witnessed continuous growth in the past few years and is projected to grow even further during the forecast period (2020-2026). The assessment provides a 360 view and insights, outlining the key outcomes of the industry. These insights help the business decision-makers to formulate better business plans and make informed decisions for improved profitability. In addition, the study helps venture capitalists in understanding the companies better and make informed decisions. This report studies the Global Hormone Replacement Therapy market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity.

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The total market is further divided by company, by country, and by application/type for the competitive landscape analysis.

The report estimates 2020-2026 market development trends of Hormone Replacement Therapy Market.

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The report makes some important proposals for a new project of Hormone Replacement Therapy Industry before evaluating its feasibility.

In conclusion, Hormone Replacement Therapy market report presents the descriptive analysis of the parent market supported elite players, present, past and artistic movement information which is able to function a profitable guide for all the Hormone Replacement Therapy Industry business competitors. Our expert research analysts team has been trained to provide in-depth market research report from every individual sector which will be helpful to understand the industry data in the most precise way.

How we have factored the effect of Covid-19 in our report:

All the reports that we list have been tracking the impact of COVID-19 the market. Both upstream and downstream of the entire supply chain has been accounted for while doing this. Also, where possible, we will provide an additional COVID-19 update supplement/report to the report in Q3, please check for with the sales team.

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COVID-19 Impact On Hormone Replacement Therapy Market Size, Status And Forecast 2020-2026 - Galus Australis

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News Release

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

According to a new study, mortality rates from the most common lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), have fallen sharply in the United States in recent years, due primarily to recent advances in treatment.

The study was led by researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health. The findings were published August 12, 2020, in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Reduced tobacco consumption in the U.S. has been associated with a progressive decrease in lung cancer deaths that started around 1990 in men and around 2000 in women.Until now, however, we have not known whether newer treatments might contribute to some of the recent improvement, said Douglas R. Lowy, M.D., NCI deputy director and co-author of this study. This analysis shows for the first time that nationwide mortality rates for the most common category of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, are declining faster than its incidence, an advance that correlates with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of several targeted therapies for this cancer in recent years.

In this study, researchers looked at data for both NSCLC, which accounts for 76% of lung cancer in the U.S., and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), which accounts for 13% (other subtypes of lung cancer that constitute the remaining share of cases were not covered in this study). In the last decade, new treatments for NSCLC have become available, including those that target genetic changes seen in some NSCLC tumors as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors that help the immune system better attack NSCLC. In contrast, there have been limited treatment advancements for SCLC.

Although death records do not distinguish between lung cancer deaths attributable to NSCLC versus SCLC, the cancer diagnosis records compiled by NCIs Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry program do distinguish between these two subtypes of lung cancer. Therefore, the researchers were able to estimate lung cancer mortality trends for these specific lung cancer subtypes by linking the lung cancer death records for each patient back to the incidence data for these patients in the SEER cancer database.

The researchers found that, in recent years, deaths from NSCLC decreased even faster than the decrease in NSCLC incidence and the decrease in deaths was associated with a substantial improvement in survival. Among men, for example, deaths from NSCLC decreased 3.2% annually from 2006 to 2013 and 6.3% annually from 2013 to 2016, whereas incidence decreased 1.9% annually during 2001 to 2008 and 3.1% annually from 2008 to 2016.

Two-year survival for men with NSCLC improved over this time, from 26% for patients diagnosed in 2001 to 35% for those diagnosed in 2014. Similar improvement was observed for women. In addition, improvements in two-year survival were seen for all races/ethnicities, despite concerns that the newer cancer treatments, many of which are expensive, might increase disparities.

The researchers had originally considered the possibility that lung cancer screening might help explain the decreases in NSCLC mortality, but their findings suggest that lung cancer screening rates, which remained low and stable, do not explain the mortality declines. Instead, the rapid decline in deaths reflects both declines in incidence (due in large part to reductions in smoking) and improvement in treatment.

In contrast, the decrease in deaths from SCLC corresponded with the decrease in incidence, and two-year survival was largely unchanged. Among men, for example, deaths declined 4.3% annually and incidence 3.6% annually. Findings were similar among women. The reduced mortality from SCLC over time, therefore, primarily reflects declines in incidence again, due largely to reduced smoking.

The researchers note that the accelerating decline in NSCLC mortality that began in 2013 corresponds with the time when clinicians began routinely testing patients for genetic alterations targeted by newly approved drugs. In 2012, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommended that all patients with nonsquamous NSCLC undergo genetic testing. Subsequently, genetic testing for EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutations and ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) gene rearrangements which are targeted by the newer treatments increased substantially. Because immune checkpoint inhibitors were not in widespread use over the period of the analysis, the authors suspect that most of the survival benefit was attributable to effective EGFR or ALK inhibitors or other advances in therapy. The effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors on NSCLC survival is significant, which suggests that this improving trend in survival should continue beyond 2016.

The survival benefit for patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with targeted therapies has been demonstrated in clinical trials, but this study highlights the impact of these treatments at the population level, said Nadia Howlader, Ph.D., of NCIs Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, who led the study. We can now see the impact of advances in lung cancer treatment on survival.

About the National Cancer Institute (NCI): NCI leads the National Cancer Program and NIHs efforts to dramatically reduce the prevalence of cancer and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families, through research into prevention and cancer biology, the development of new interventions, and the training and mentoring of new researchers. For more information about cancer, please visit the NCI website at cancer.gov or call NCIs contact center, the Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH):NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov.

NIHTurning Discovery Into Health

###

Read this article:
New treatments spur sharp reduction in lung cancer mortality rate - National Institutes of Health

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

A DNA test can augment or jumpstart your understanding of your family history -- from identifying close cousins all the way back to your earliest ancestors. Some tests claim to reveal your "ethnicity" -- though that's a controversial and thorny topic. And some services can shed light on your genetic predisposition for diseases and physiological traits ranging from eye color to your tolerance for cilantro.

Over the past 20 years, DNA testing has entered the mainstream, driven by higher visibility, lower prices and improving science. Back in the aughts, a do-it-yourself DNA test cost about $1,000. But in recent years, the kits have become very affordable, with a wide range of DNA testing companies -- from trailblazers such as 23andMe and Ancestry to upstarts such as Living DNA -- offering rather sophisticated analysis of your genetic makeup for as little as $75 -- or less, if you can find a deal on Black Friday or during the periodic holiday discounts throughout the year.

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There are three types of DNA tests -- each with its own particular strengths, limitations and rationales.

Once you've been tested, each company will present you with an analysis of your geographical origin; some claim to be able to pinpoint a specific country, town or even "tribe." Some will also serve up "matches" from their DNA databases, which will give you a head start on connecting with possible relatives, and offer some degree of family tree research support. AncestryDNA, for example, offers a subscription service that includes access to hundreds of databases containing birth, death and marriage announcements, census documents, newspaper archives and other historical records.

Some companies sell tests designed for specific ethnicities or specialized kits that claim to shed light on your optimal skin care regimen or weight; others offer tests designed to identify the genetic makeup of your cat or dog. The experts I spoke to were dubious of the efficacy and value of these tests and recommended avoiding them.

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Though there's no blood involved with modern DNA testing -- you either swab the inside of your cheek or fill a small test tube with your saliva -- there are plenty of reasons to be leery of the companies that sell these kits. Your success in DNA test genealogy is largely dependent on supplying highly personal information about yourself and your relatives -- from your genetic data to your mother's maiden name, that traditional cornerstone of password security.

Concerns over data privacy and security are well-founded, and experts warn that regulation -- especially in the US -- lags far behind the technology. And you should know that some DNA testing companies may share data with pharmaceutical companies and law enforcement agencies. Bottom line: Think critically before volunteering information about your health history and familial connections to any DNA testing company or organization.

Read more: In the future, not even your DNA will be sacred

DNA testing, and genealogy more broadly, involves a complicated mixture of genetics, probabilities and guesswork. The various DNA testing services use different labs, algorithms, equipment and criteria to analyze your genetic material; though you should expect some degree of overlap between analyses from different companies, they may differ significantly. There's also an element of critical mass -- the larger the company's database, the larger the sample they use to analyze your results, and the more accurate your test result should be.

We tried some of the top DNA testing services, assessing the breadth and depth of their offerings, methodologies, reputation and price. Take a look at our recommendations below. And if you've taken any of these DNA tests, tell me about your experience with it in the comments below.

Looking for more in-depth info on DNA testing services in general? Jump to our DNA test kit explainer.

Founded in 2006, 23andMe is one of the pioneers of DNA testing for consumers. In 2017 it became the first such service to win the FDA's approval as a risk screener for diseases. It has become one of the most well-known DNA testing companies -- and well-funded, since taking in a $300 million stake from GlaxoSmithKline, which uses the company's customer data to research and design new drugs. Still, the company recently announced a round of layoffs, citing a slowdown in the DNA testing market likely caused by increasing concerns about privacy.

23andMe segments its analysis into three main categories -- health, ancestry and traits. The basic ancestry and traits test, which costs $99, includes an analysis of your genetic makeup including your regions of origin, maternal and paternal lineage and Neanderthal ancestry. Once you opt in, the company's match database -- which has more than 10 million profiles -- will identify and offer to connect you with people who share a DNA match with you.

The company's DNA health test, which starts at $199, adds information about your genetic predisposition for late-onset Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other diseases. The service also includes analysis of your carrier status as a potential genetic carrier for disorders like Cystic Fibrosis and Sickle Cell Anemia as well as indicators for lactose intolerance and other "wellness" issues. The $499 VIP Health and Ancestry package provides priority lab processing, premium customer support and a personalized walkthrough of your results.

I found 23andMe's website and mobile app very easy to navigate and brimming with interesting, comprehensible information about both my ancestry and health as well as the science of genetics and genealogy. The main dashboard offers intuitive links to exploring your ancestry, learning about the genetic risks for health conditions, building out a family tree and connecting with relatives. Among all of the DNA tests I tried, 23andMe delivered the best introduction to my recent and ancient genealogy along with analysis of my genetic health. The only real drawback is that it does not offer integrated access to historical documents.

23andMe does provide easy access to a full range of privacy preferences and consent options, however. (That noted, 23andMe's terms of service and privacy statement is among the most extensive, exceeding 20,000 words.) You can ask the company to store your saliva sample indefinitely for future testing or have them discard it. Having signed off when I first signed up, I subsequently changed my mind about giving the company permission to share my data with researchers outside of 23andMe, and was able to retract my consent with the click of a button.

Read more:Ancestry vs. 23andMe: Which DNA testing kit is best for tracing your family history?

Founded in Utah in the 1990s, Ancestry.com -- the parent company of AncestryDNA -- started out as a publishing and genealogy company. Since then, it has had a somewhat tumultuous corporate existence, having been bought, sold, publicly traded and then purchased by private equity groups.

The company's basic DNA kit service, which costs $99, provides you with an "ethnicity estimate" derived from its proprietary sequencing techniques. It's noteworthy that the company's genetic testing, which is outsourced to Quest Diagnostics, is distinct from most other companies that use paternal Y chromosome and/or maternal mitochondrial DNA methodologies, and less is known about the particular criteria it uses.

That noted, AncestryDNA's database of 16 million profiles is the largest of all of the testing services. The company also maintains a powerful tool for searching through hundreds of historical document databases -- but any substantive research will quickly bring you to a paywall. Ancestry's databases are further bolstered by its partnership with FamilySearch.org, a genealogical records site run by the Mormon church.

An entry-level membership, which provides access to more than 15 billion US records, costs $99 for six months or $25 per month, after a free two week trial. The "World Explorer" membership, for $40 per month, broadens your access to international records, and the "All Access" tier, starting at $50 per month, includes unlimited access to Ancestry's historical and contemporary database of more than 15,000 newspapers and military records from around the world.

AncestryDNA offers a personalized health report with "actionable insights," access to genetic counseling resources and an online tool to help you map your family's health over generations. But its results are not diagnostic -- though the test result must be approved by one of the company's physicians -- and they do not have FDA approval. For now, 23andMe maintains the advantage when it comes to introductory DNA testing for health risks and genetic screening. But AncestryDNA's service is particularly well-suited for leveraging an introductory DNA analysis into deep historical research to build out a family tree.

AncestryDNA allows you to download your full DNA results profile and upload the raw data into other tools, and it provides reasonably good control over your privacy preferences, though the options are not as granular as others.

Read more: What AncestryDNA taught me about DNA, privacy and the complex world of genetic testing

Founded in 2000, FamilyTreeDNA offers a comprehensive suite of reports and interactive tools to analyze your DNA and build a family tree. With a credible claim to "the world's most comprehensive DNA matching database," FamilyTreeDNA offers all three types of tests -- autosomal DNA, Y-DNA and mtDNA. And it's the sole company to own and operate its own testing facility: The Gene-by-Gene genetic lab, located in Houston.

The company's entry-level "family ancestry" package costs $79 -- though it's frequently discounted to $59. The test results provide information about your ethnic and geographic origins, identifies potential relatives and offers access to the company's massive DNA database. I paid $275 for a broad DNA test that included analysis of my mtDNA and Y-DNA -- tests that cost $119 and $159, respectively, when you buy them individually -- as well as the "Family Finder," the company's autosomal test.

Though the user interface is a bit more complicated than what you'll find on other sites, FamilyTreeDNA provides the most complete suite of introductory tools of any provider I tested. For each type of test, you are presented with matches -- I got more than 22,000 for my autosomal DNA test -- a chromosome browser, migration maps, haplogroups and connections to ancestral reference populations, information about mutations and a link that allows you to download your raw data. Suffice to say, there are numerous threads to pull on to learn about yourself, your family and your health.

FamilyTree also offers a number of higher-end tests, for those interested in digging deeper, including a range of Y-DNA tests that will trace the path of your male ancestors and the history of your surname. The company also allows you to upload raw DNA data files from other services and transfer your autosomal information to its database to expand your universe of matches and relationships.

From a data security and privacy perspective, there are several things I find appealing about FamilyTreeDNA. The company does its own DNA testing in house, processing and storing your sample in its lab. Posted prominently on the front page of its website is a promise that the company will never sell your DNA to third parties. Like most other companies, however, FamilyTreeDNA may use your aggregate genetic information for internal research and may comply with requests from law enforcement -- unless you opt out.

The three services above are our top choices for the best DNA test. But they weren't the only ones we tested. What follows are some additional options, none of which eclipsed the 23andMe, Ancestry or FamilyTreeDNA in any significant fashion.

Based in Israel, MyHeritage was founded in 2003, and like a number of other services profiled here, started out as a genealogy software platform. Over time, it acquired a number of historical databases and eventually added DNA testing in 2016. (MyHeritage outsources its DNA analysis to FamilyTreeDNA.) In 2018, MyHeritage experienced a security breach, exposing the email addresses and hashed passwords of more than 92 million users.

MyHeritage offers a free tier of service that includes some basic family tree-building and access to excerpts of historical documents. It won't get you too far.

The basic DNA testing and analysis service, which starts at $79, includes the usual fare -- a report of your genetic makeup across the company's 42 supported ethnicities, the identification of relatives and connections to them where possible. All things considered, I preferred FamilyTreeDNA's presentation of my DNA information. But MyHeritage highlighted a first cousin living in the US, with whom I shared about 15% of my DNA, and offered to show me her family tree -- if I paid a $209 annual subscription fee.

Yes, that's expensive -- a free 14-day trial is available -- but the company maintains an impressive online database of historical documents that includes 3.5 billion profiles in addition to information about over 100 million subscribers and their collective 46 million family trees. This enormous database is powered by Geni.com, a genealogy social media site that's also MyHeritage's parent company.According to the New York Times, Geni.com has assembled "the world's largest, scientifically vetted family tree."

In 2019, MyHeritage launched a health screening test similar to the one offered by 23andMe. As part of this effort, the company partnered with PWNHealth, a network of US physicians who oversee the process. I was required to complete a personal and family health history questionnaire -- it was 16 questions -- which was then ostensibly reviewed by a doctor. Though the company says it may recommend a "genetic counseling" session administered by PWNHealth, my health results were simply delivered along with my ancestry analysis.

On the plus side, I like MyHeritage's straightforward access to a range of comprehensible privacy preferences. Still, overall, I found MyHeritage's user interface far less intuitive and more difficult to navigate than others. Though the company's offering is broad -- it's one of the few to offer a comprehensive research database of historical documents, DNA analysis and health screening -- I found the integration among them to be a bit clumsy.

Living DNA describes itself as a "consumer genealogy DNA service that does not sell or share customers' DNA or data with third parties," which gives you a sense of its priorities -- or, at least, its sense of customers' concerns. LivingDNA's headquarters in the UK may also be a factor in its distinctive mission statement, as it's subject to the more stringent data and privacy regulations of the GDPR.

LivingDNA divides its offerings in a different way than others. A $49 starter kit provides a "taster" with an introductory overview of your ancestry in eight geographical regions and access to the company's genetic matching tool, in addition to some data about personal fitness and nutrition. The full autosomal DNA testing kit costs $99 and expands the percentage-based ancestry breakdown to 80 regions and features information about maternal and paternal haplogroups. The "wellbeing package" includes reports about your physiological compatibility with vitamins, foods and exercise. And the $149 deluxe package incorporates all of this.

Recent ancestry results are presented with a breakdown of percentage by country as well as the percentage attributable to more detailed regions, as well as the origin and migration path of haplogroups. In February 2020, LivingDNA introduced an African Ancestry DNA test report that features data on 72 regions in Africa and, according to the company, "five times the detail of any other test on the market." The report is available for free to existing customers.

That noted, the company has a very limited family match database; a company representative declined to give me a specific number but said that it contained less than 1 million profiles. My wife, who took the test, returned exactly zero matches. So, if you're looking to identify and make connections with relatives, there are better choices in the market. That noted, LivingDNA has a very solid reputation for both the quality of its DNA analysis and privacy terms among experienced genealogists.

There are a number of companies -- including Full Genomes, Veritas Genetics, Nebula Genomics and Dante Labs -- that can sequence all of your DNA, otherwise known as your genome. This level of analysis is appropriate for advanced users only. Not only is it expensive -- these tests can run into the thousands of dollars, in some cases -- it requires a sophisticated understanding of both genetics and a range of technical tools required to explore and interpret your results.

The least expensive whole genome tests cost about $300. For example, Full Genome's 30X test -- which scans every targeted location of your genome 30 times on average -- is considered the standard for a clinical analysis. It costs $1,800.

For most people, the main rationale for sequencing the whole genome is to dive deep into your genetic health outlook. You can glean your personal risk factors for diseases, drug sensitivities and your status as a carrier; that is, what you might pass on to your kids. But there are also plenty of applications for advanced genealogical projects.

All of these efforts can also be undertaken -- to a less intense degree -- with some of the more affordable options outlined above. But whole genome sequencing provides a significantly more comprehensive, accurate and high resolution analysis.

If you want to dip your toe into this realm. you might want to start with Nebula Genomics. You can also upload an existing DNA sequence from Ancestry or 23andMe's DNA database and get Nebula's reports at a reduced price.

HomeDNA sells testing kits under a number of brands, including DNA Origins, and has a retail presence at Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens. The company's tests claim to combine genetic research and "ancestral tracking" techniques that can identify the town or village where your ancestors originated with a high degree of accuracy. Many experts dispute these claims.

The company offers a range of ancestry testing services starting at $69. That's the price point for the maternal and paternal lineage kits and the "Starter Ancestry Test," which uses DNA markers to develop an estimate of your origins in Europe, Indigenous America, East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa -- and shows you the modern population groups that share your DNA. The $124 "Advanced Ancestry Test" expands the analysis to 80,000 autosomal genetic markets, 1,000 reference populations and 41 gene pools.

I'll note that the HomeDNA test kit contained no warning about not eating or drinking for any period of time prior to taking the test -- unlike every other kit I used. And of the four swabs the company sent, one broke. The test kit just didn't seem as rigorously hygienic as the others.

For $199, HomeDNA claims that the Asian Edition of its GPS Origins Ancestry Test can analyze 17 Asia-specific gene pools and hundreds of Asia-specific reference populations. In addition to a $164 paternity kit, the company also sells a variety of specific kits to determine your sensitivities to particular animals and foods, one to help you achieve a healthy weight, and another that promises to "unlock your skin's full potential."

For $39, the company will allow you to upload a raw data file from another DNA testing service and pinpoint your origin to a particular town or city. There are also kits to help you identify you screen your dog or cat for genetic diseases and traits.

But this company doesn't have a sterling reputation in the genetic genealogy world. When we recently spoke with Debbie Kennett, a genetic genealogist from University College London, she referenced the company's notoriety for delivering "bizarre results" and expressed doubt about the efficacy of its specialized tests for particular ethnic groups. HomeDNA did not respond to CNET's inquiry about its testing process or results.

And the HomeDNA reports don't stack up particularly well against those returned by other companies. Results are summarized on a single webpage, though you also get a PDF that certifies that you've "undergone DNA testing" and shows the continents and countries where your DNA originates. The company also throws in a boilerplate 20-page explainer about DNA science and technology. HomeDNA does not offer access to any matching databases -- so there's no obvious next step or any actionable data that comes with your results. Given this, I'd recommend choosing a different DNA testing service.

Claiming to have the most comprehensive database of African lineages, African Ancestry promises to trace its customers' ancestry back to a specific country and identify their "ethnic group origin." But a number of experienced genealogists have cited issues with this company's marketing claims and science.

Unlike most other companies, African Ancestry doesn't offer an autosomal DNA test. Instead, it offers an mtDNA test or a Y-DNA test (for males only). In contrast to your standard DNA analysis, African Ancestry's report doesn't provide the percentage of DNA that's likely to have originated across a range of regions. Instead, African Ancestry claims to trace your DNA to a specific region of Africa.

According to experts, however, African Ancestry's DNA tests come up short. As explained in a blog post by African American genetic genealogist Shannon Christmas, the company's methodology simply doesn't analyze a sufficient number of DNA markers to deliver on its marketing promises.

Furthermore, he writes, "Ethnicity is a complex concept, a concept not as rooted in genetics as it is in sociopolitical and cultural constructs. There is no DNA test that can assign anyone to an African ethnic group or what some refer to as an 'African tribe.'" African Ancestry isn't the only company that claims to be able to determine your ethnicity or "ethnic group of origin." But its claim to narrow things down to a single "tribe" of origin is overblown, as any African tribe would ostensibly contain multiple haplogroups.

In an email to CNET, African Ancestry responded: "African Ancestry makes it clear that ethnic groups are social and cultural groupings, not genetic ones. However, based on extensive genetic research of African lineages performed by African Ancestry's co-founder and Scientific Director (who holds a Ph.D. in Biology and specializes in human genetics), we find that contrary to laymen's beliefs, there are ethnic groups that share genetic lineages. Our results pinpoint genetic lineages that share the same genetics as our test takers. Given the vast number of lineages in our African Lineage Database, we are able to provide the ethnic groups of the people with that shared lineage."

The company's PatriClan Test analyzes eight Y-chromosome STRs and the YAP, which it says is a critical identifier for African lineages; and the MatriClan Test analyzes three regions of the mitochondrial DNA: HVS1, HVS2 and HVS3. But though these tests offer lower-resolution results than others, African Ancestry's services are considerably more expensive. The company's Y-DNA test and mtDNA tests cost $299 each -- or you can take them both, and get an eight-pack of "certificates of ancestry" and a four-pack of t-shirts, for $679.

On the plus side, African Ancestry says that it does not maintain a database of customer information and that it will not share or sell your DNA sequence or markers with any third party -- including law enforcement agencies. The company's terms and conditions run to just over 2,200 words, making them considerably more concise than the disclosure statements of most other companies we included in this roundup. And African Ancestry promises to destroy your DNA sample after your test results are delivered.

That said, even if you accept the company's take on tribal and ethnic genetic markers, African Ancestry remains too expensive to recommend at its current price.

If you're using a home DNA testing service, you're likely looking for one of three things:

Ancestry and family history: The first big draw of a full DNA test is that you'll get a detailed breakdown on ancestry and ethnicity, and the migration patterns of your common ancestors. Spoiler alert: Your ethnic background may be radically different than you think it is. You'll also find out what a haplogroup is.

Relative identification: With your permission, some DNA services will let you connect with relatives you never knew you had -- other folks with matching DNA who have used the service and likewise given their permission to connect to possible relations.

Health and disease info: DNA testing can also indicate which conditions for which you may have a preponderance. It's a controversial feature, to be sure. Knowing that you have a genetic predisposition to a certain form of cancer may make you more vigilant for testing, but it may also lead to increased stress -- worrying about a potential health condition that may never develop, even if you're "genetically susceptible" to it. The possibility of false positives and false negatives abound -- any such information should be discussed with your doctor before you act upon it.

Afraid of needles and drawing blood? Good news: That's not an issue with these tests. All you need to do is spit into a vial or rub a swab in your mouth -- all the genetic data needed for these tests is present in your saliva -- and ship the DNA sample to the company for analysis.

The reason that a saliva sample works as well as blood (or hair follicles or skin samples) is that your DNA -- which is short for deoxyribonucleic acid -- is present in all of them. It's the basic genetic code present in all of your cells that makes up your key attributes, from the color of your eyes to the shape of your ears to how susceptible you are to cholesterol.

The key terms you need to know when comparing DNA testing services are:

SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism): Genotyping is done by measuring genetic variation. One of the more common is SNP genotyping, which measures the variations of a single nucleotide polymorphism. The more of these a company measures, the more granular the analysis.

Autosomal DNA testing: An autosomal test that's effective for men and women, and which traces lineage back through both maternal and paternal bloodlines.

Y-DNA: The Y-DNA test can only be administered to men, and traces DNA back through the patrilineal ancestry -- basically from father to grandfather to great grandfather and so on.

mtDNA: The mtDNA is matrilineal and lets you trace your ancestry back through your mother, grandmother, great grandmother and so on.

David Gewirtz contributed to this story. The current version is a major update of past revisions, and includes hands-on impressions of most of the services listed.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

Read more:
Best DNA test in 2020: 23andMe vs. AncestryDNA and more - CNET

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

New Jersey, United States,- The most recent Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market Research study includes some significant activities of the current market size for the worldwide Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing market. It presents a point by point analysis dependent on the exhaustive research of the market elements like market size, development situation, potential opportunities, and operation landscape and trend analysis. This report centers around the Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing business status, presents volume and worth, key market, product type, consumers, regions, and key players.

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Unveiling a brief about the Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing market competitive scope:

The report includes pivotal details about the manufactured products, and in-depth company profile, remuneration, and other production patterns.

The research study encompasses information pertaining to the market share that every company holds, in tandem with the price pattern graph and the gross margins.

Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market, By Type

Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market, By Application

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Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Note: Due to the pandemic, we have included a special section on the Impact of COVID 19 on the Direct-to-consumer Genetic TestingMarket which would mention How the Covid-19 is Affecting the Industry, Market Trends and Potential Opportunities in the COVID-19 Landscape, Key Regions and Proposal for Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market Players to battle Covid-19 Impact.

The Direct-to-consumer Genetic TestingMarket report is compilation of intelligent, broad research studies that will help players and stakeholders to make informed business decisions in future. It offers detailed research and analysis of key aspects of the Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing market. Readers will be able to gain deeper understanding of the competitive landscape and its future scenarios, crucial dynamics, and leading segments of the global Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing market. Buyers of the report will have access to accurate PESTLE, SWOT and other types of analysis on the global Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing market. Moreover, it offers highly accurate estimations on the CAGR, market share, and market size of key regions and countries. Players can use this study to explore untapped Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing markets to extend their reach and create sales opportunities.

The study encompasses profiles of major Companies/Manufacturers operating in the global Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market.Key players profiled in the report include:23andMe, MyHeritage, LabCorp, Myriad Genetics, Ancestry.com, Quest Diagnostics, Gene By Gene, DNA Diagnostics Center, Invitae, IntelliGenetics, Ambry Genetics, Living DNA, EasyDNA, Pathway Genomics, Centrillion Technology, Xcode, Color Genomics, Anglia DNA Services, African Ancestry, Canadian DNA Services, DNA Family Check, Alpha Biolaboratories, Test Me DNA, 23 Mofang, Genetic Health, DNA Services of America, Shuwen Health Sciences, Mapmygenome, Full Genomes and More

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Segmental Analysis:The report has classified the global Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing market into segments including product type and application. Every segment is evaluated based on share and growth rate. Besides, the analysts have studied the potential regions that may prove rewarding for the Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing manufcaturers in the coming years. The regional analysis includes reliable predictions on value and volume, there by helping market players to gain deep insights into the overall Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing industry.

Key Types:Diagnostic ScreeningPrenatal, Newborn Screening, and Pre-Implantation DiagnosisRelationship Testing

Key End-Use:OnlineOffline

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The authors of the report have analyzed both developing and developed regions considered for the research and analysis of the global Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing market. The regional analysis section of the report provides an extensive research study on different regional and country-wise Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing industry to help players plan effective expansion strategies.

Regions Covered in the Global Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market: 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)

Years Considered to Estimate the Market Size:History Year: 2015-2019Base Year: 2019Estimated Year: 2020Forecast Year: 2020-2025

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Impact of COVID-19 on Global Direct-to-consumer Genetic Testing Market with Covid-19 Effect Analysis | likewise Industry is Booming Globaly with Key...

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Michigan scientists have spent years monitoring beach safety by testing the water for pathogens. But now, amid a global pandemic, some researchers are using those same techniques to tack rates of COVID-19 infection. And instead of wading into lake waters, theyre sifting through human waste to find the novel coronavirus.

Thankfully I have two, wonderful, 20-year-old male students who have no problem working with it, said Tami Sivy, chemistry professor at Saginaw Valley.

Sivy and her team of two students have been testing wastewater collected from various waste treatment facilities in the area since April. Its an effort they believe will allow communities to know theyre experiencing a coronavirus surge days before human test results.

But for Sivy and other researchers, the work started at the beach.

For the last five years, the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has been working with labs across the state to train them in quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or qPCR methods to provide beach monitoring, said Shannon Briggs, toxicologist in the Water Resources Division of EGLE.

Its a genetic testing method that turns around faster results than previous methods used to test for E. coli on beaches.

And we thought, Why would we want to know tomorrow if we should have swam today? Briggs said.

If a human has been infected with coronavirus, traces of the virus show up in their feces. Scientists are then able to collect samples from wastewater plants and test it for the presence of the virus by looking for the specific sequences in the genetic code that are indicators of the virus being present.

When they collect wastewater they arent working with active virus, because while the virus travels through the digestive track, its effectively killed and researchers dont need the virus to be active to detect it in waste.

Were used to thinking of DNA as genomic material, Sivy said. This virus is an RNA virus, so it has a different type of genomic material.

In the wastewater sample, theyre specifically looking for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, which is responsible for the novel coronavirus. That lets them track how much virus in a given community. But the question then became, what should the researchers do with this data?

We cant just release the results to the public because, number one, theyre not going to necessarily understand. And, number two, you dont want to cause any sort of panic, Sivy said.

Saginaw Valley and other labs work with local health departments of the areas they are sampling. If they see something concerning, they call the health department to warn them that the area could be experiencing a surge in cases - sometimes up to five days before human testing shows an increase.

At Michigan State University, researchers are testing wastewater samples once a week. In June they saw a peak in the amount of virus in the wastewater. They later realized that the peak coincided with an outbreak at Harpers bar in downtown East Lansing.

Harpers bar was connected to more than 180 cases of COVID-19. Harpers remains closed pending authorization to reopen from the Ingham County Health Department.

So now were saying, okay, if we could get this result faster, if we could get it to somebody, and somebody like in public health could go in and maybe improve the messaging, look at whats going on, maybe close activities down that are leading to spread of the virus a little faster, said Joan Rose, water microbiology professor at MSU and Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research.

Rose said they want to be able to help public health departments, because theyre of course overwhelmed.

Right now, Roses lab is streamlining its testing, she said, and improving the communication with the local health department. Theyve been providing reports to the health departments and theyve spoken with people in the state Department of Health and Human Services, she said.

With students returning to campus soon, Rose said, the testing method will be helpful to track any spread of the virus on campus and be used to supplement testing the university says it will require of symptomatic students and students who may have been exposed.

At the end of July, MSU emailed students to notify them that students living at Holmes Hall, a summer residence hall, had tested positive for COVID-19.

This type of testing cant tell researchers exactly how many people are infected, instead it provides a snapshot of how a community is doing compared to previous weeks. But it could be used to monitor specific areas, like nursing homes, Rose said.

So that if the sewage is negative coming out of a nursing home, they dont have to be tested all the time, she said.

And if we start to see the virus show up or start going up, can you do something quickly before you spread it around to this very sensitive population where mortality is quite a concern, Rose said.

Other labs across the state are working toward using qPCR methods to track coronavirus infection rates.

Oakland University is putting together a public-private partnership to test wastewater in the greater Detroit area and beyond.

Its is working with a private company called Aquasight which has, according to its website, developed a full-service program with sample design and logistics, ddPCR testing lab capabilities, data modeling, digital dashboard and heat maps.

Oakland Universitys lab will work with Aquasight to set up a sewage testing facility. Macomb County Public Works and MSU are also involved with the project, with pilot testing being done in Clinton Township.

The Oakland lab has been using qPCR methods since around 2014, said David Szlag, environmental science associate professor at Oakland University. But he said they want to start testing sewage for COVID-19 because its can help provide public health officials and politicians with usable data to help manage things like allocation of personal protection materials and school or industry closings.

We can see a signal in the sewage about a week before you see that increase in clinical cases. Because were testing the whole community, were catching the asymptomatic people, Szlag said.

The turnaround for the sewage tests is about 24 to 36 hours, Szlag said.

Were going to basically be able to test 100,000 people twice a week, he said. And basically see is the amount of virus increasing or decreasing in this community. And that will precede or lead the clinical data.

The Upper Peninsula could also start seeing wastewater monitoring for COVID-19.

Josh Sharp is an associate professor of Biology at Northern Michigan University. This is their first year doing beach monitoring for e-coli, but theyre already looking to utilize the qPCR methods to test for COVID-19.

Sharp said their lab has done some preliminary studies and shipped wastewater samples to Michigan State, but they still need to train students and staff on using the qPCR method in this way. They also need money for equipment and are currently looking for state and federal funding sources, Sharp said.

The use of this type of testing for COVID-19 has been growing.

Labs across the United States and the world are communicating with each other as part of a global effort to learn from each other to improve the testing methods, Rose from MSU said. And she believes that Michigan labs could play a significant role.

Michigan could really lead the way because theres a lot of interest from across the state, Rose said. Im hearing more communities and more utilities saying Oh I wonder if we can monitor here.

MSU is going to start looking at the cases against the wastewater results from back in April to compare how many cases they were finding in a community with human testing versus how much was found in the sewage, Rose said.

She said Michigan is primed to take a statewide approach, To really watch whats going on, implement prudently, control measures and remind the public and all of us that we can move forward with this and control, hopefully, the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued executive orders requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nosewhile in public indoor and crowded outdoor spaces. See an explanation of what that means here.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

For more data on COVID-19 in Michigan, visit https://www.mlive.com/coronavirus/data/.

Read more on MLive:

Whitmer vetoes bill to give healthcare workers legal immunity during a state of emergency

Michigans wealthy counties are increasing their reliance on government assistance at a faster pace

Northern Michigan restaurant listed as coronavirus exposure site

Read this article:
How Michigan scientists are using beach testing tools to find COVID-19 infections - MLive.com

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

New Jersey, United States,- Market Research Intellect aggregates the latest research on At-home Genetic Testing Market to provide a concise overview of market valuation, industry size, SWOT analysis, revenue approximation, and regional outlook for this business vertical. The report accurately addresses the major opportunities and challenges faced by competitors in this industry and presents the existing competitive landscape and corporate strategies implemented by the At-home Genetic Testing market players.

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Key highlights from COVID-19 impact analysis:

Unveiling a brief about the At-home Genetic Testing market competitive scope:

The report includes pivotal details about the manufactured products, and in-depth company profile, remuneration, and other production patterns.

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At-home Genetic Testing Market, By Type

At-home Genetic Testing Market, By Application

Other important inclusions in the At-home Genetic Testing market report:

A brief overview of the regional landscape:

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Market Research Intellect provides syndicated and customized research reports to clients from various industries and organizations with the aim of delivering functional expertise. We provide reports for all industries including Energy, Technology, Manufacturing and Construction, Chemicals and Materials, Food and Beverage, and more. These reports deliver an in-depth study of the market with industry analysis, the market value for regions and countries, and trends that are pertinent to the industry.

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At-home Genetic Testing Market 2020 Size by Product Analysis, Application, End-Users, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and Forecast to 2027 -...

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

New Jersey, United States,- The most recent Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market Research study includes some significant activities of the current market size for the worldwide Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing market. It presents a point by point analysis dependent on the exhaustive research of the market elements like market size, development situation, potential opportunities, and operation landscape and trend analysis. This report centers around the Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing business status, presents volume and worth, key market, product type, consumers, regions, and key players.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted lives and is challenging the business landscape globally. Pre and Post COVID-19 market outlook is covered in this report. This is the most recent report, covering the current economic situation after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Key highlights from COVID-19 impact analysis:

Unveiling a brief about the Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing market competitive scope:

The report includes pivotal details about the manufactured products, and in-depth company profile, remuneration, and other production patterns.

The research study encompasses information pertaining to the market share that every company holds, in tandem with the price pattern graph and the gross margins.

Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market, By Type

Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market, By Application

Other important inclusions in the Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing market report:

A brief overview of the regional landscape:

Reasons To Buy:

About Us:

Market Research Intellect provides syndicated and customized research reports to clients from various industries and organizations with the aim of delivering functional expertise. We provide reports for all industries including Energy, Technology, Manufacturing and Construction, Chemicals and Materials, Food and Beverage, and more. These reports deliver an in-depth study of the market with industry analysis, the market value for regions and countries, and trends that are pertinent to the industry.

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Direct-To-Consumer (DTC) Genetic Testing Market 2020 Size by Product Analysis, Application, End-Users, Regional Outlook, Competitive Strategies and...

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

The research report of Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market study report covers all main geographical regions and sub-regions in the world and focuses on product sales, cost, and Preimplantation Genetic Testing market size and growth opportunities in these regions. The Preimplantation Genetic Testing market industry provides market research data status (2013-2018) categorizes the Preimplantation Genetic Testing market into key dynamics, region, type and application.

The prime objective of this report is to help the user understand the market in terms of its definition, segmentation, market potential, influential Preimplantation Genetic Testing market trends, and the challenges that the market is facing. Deep researches and analysis were done during the preparation of the report. The readers will find this report very helpful in understanding the market in depth.

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The data and the information regarding the Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market report are taken from reliable sources such as websites, annual reports of the companies, journals, and others and were checked and validated by the industry experts. The facts and data are represented in the report using diagrams, graphs, pie charts, and other pictorial representations. This enhances the visual representation and also helps in understanding the facts much better.

Data and information by manufacturer, by region, by type, by application and etc., and custom research can be added according to specific requirements.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market by Top Manufacturers:IlluminInc.A.Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.Agilent TechnologiesInc..PerkinelmerInc..CoopersurgicalInc.. (A Subsidiary of the Cooper CompaniesInc..)ABBott LaboratoriesNaterInc.A.Rubicon Genomics (A Subsidiary of Takara Bio Usa HoldingsInc..)Oxford Gene TechnologyYikon GenomicsScigeneBeijing Genomics InstituteGood Start GeneticsInc..Invicta GeneticsCombimatrix CorporationGenea LimitedProgenesisBy Product: & ServiceReagents & ConsumablesInstrumentsSoftware & ServicesBy Procedure TypePreimplantation Genetic ScreeningPreimplantation Genetic DiagnosisBy Application: -AneuploidyStructural Chromosomal AbnormalitiesSingle Gene DisordersX-linked DisordersHLA TypingGender IdentificationBy End User: -Maternity Centers & Fertility ClinicsHospitalsDiagnostic Labsand Service ProvidersResearch Laboratories & Academic Institutes

Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market by Regions:

The Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market contains the SWOT analysis of the market. Finally, the report contains the conclusion part where the opinions of the industrial experts are included.

Points Covered in The Report

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The complete profile of the companies is mentioned. And the capacity, production, price, revenue, cost, gross, gross margin, sales volume, sales revenue, consumption, growth rate, import, export, supply, future strategies, and the technological developments that they are making are also included within the report.

The growth factors of the market are discussed in detail wherein the different end users of the market are explained in detail.

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Detailed Global and Regional Preimplantation Genetic Testing Industry Production, Sales and Consumption Status and Prospects Professional Market Research Report Standard Version

Chapter 1 Industry Overview

1.1 Definition

1.2 Assumptions

1.3 Research Scope

1.4 Market Analysis by Regions

1.4.1 North America Market States and

1.4.2 East Asia Market States and

1.4.3 Europe Market States and

1.4.4 South Asia Market States and

1.4.5 Southeast Asia Market States and

1.4.6 Middle East Market States and

1.4.7 Africa Market States and

1.4.8 Oceania Market States and

1.4.9 South America Market States and

1.5 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Size Analysis

1.5.1 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Size Analysis by Consumption Volume

1.5.2 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Size Analysis by Value

1.5.3 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Price Trends Analysis

1.6 Preimplantation Genetic Testing Industry Impact

Chapter 2 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Competition by Types, Applications, and Top Regions and Countries

2.1 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing (Volume and Value) by Type

2.1.1 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Consumption and Market Share by Type

2.1.2 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Revenue and Market Share by Type

2.2 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing (Volume and Value) by Application

2.2.1 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Consumption and Market Share by Application

2.2.2 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Revenue and Market Share by Application

2.3 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing (Volume and Value) by Regions

2.3.1 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Consumption and Market Share by Regions

2.3.2 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Revenue and Market Share by Regions

Chapter 3 Production Market Analysis

3.1 Global Production Market Analysis

3.1.1 2015-2020 Global Capacity, Production, Capacity Utilization Rate, Ex-Factory Price, Revenue, Cost, Gross and Gross Margin Analysis

3.1.2 2015-2020 Major Manufacturers Performance and Market Share

3.2 Regional Production Market Analysis

3.2.1 2015-2020 Regional Market Performance and Market Share

3.2.2 North America Market

3.2.3 East Asia Market

3.2.4 Europe Market

3.2.5 South Asia Market

3.2.6 Southeast Asia Market

3.2.7 Middle East Market

3.2.8 Africa Market

3.2.9 Oceania Market

3.2.10 South America Market

3.2.11 Rest of the World Market

Chapter 4 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Sales, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions

4.1 Global Preimplantation Genetic Testing Consumption by Regions

4.2 North America Preimplantation Genetic Testing Sales, Consumption, Export, Import

4.3 East Asia Preimplantation Genetic Testing Sales, Consumption, Export, Import

4.4 Europe Preimplantation Genetic Testing Sales, Consumption, Export, Import

4.5 South Asia Preimplantation Genetic Testing Sales, Consumption, Export, Import

4.6 Southeast Asia Preimplantation Genetic Testing Sales, Consumption, Export, Import

4.7 Middle East Preimplantation Genetic Testing Sales, Consumption, Export, Import

4.8 Africa Preimplantation Genetic Testing Sales, Consumption, Export, Import

4.9 Oceania Preimplantation Genetic Testing Sales, Consumption, Export, Import

4.10 South America Preimplantation Genetic Testing Sales, Consumption, Export, Import

Chapter 5 North America Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Analysis

5.1 North America Preimplantation Genetic Testing Consumption and Value Analysis

5.1.1 North America Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market

5.2 North America Preimplantation Genetic Testing Consumption Volume by Types

5.3 North America Preimplantation Genetic Testing Consumption Structure by Application

5.4 North America Preimplantation Genetic Testing Consumption by Top Countries

5.4.1 United States Preimplantation Genetic Testing Consumption Volume

5.4.2 Canada Preimplantation Genetic Testing Consumption Volume

5.4.3 Mexico Preimplantation Genetic Testing Consumption Volume

..And many More

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Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market Analysis and Prediction by Leading Manufacturers, Its Application and Types with Region by 2023 - Bulletin Line

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Associate research specialist Miranda Stauss and senior scientist Roger Wiseman process small vials of spit collected from volunteers.

At far right, Tom Friedrich, professor in the UW School of Veterinary Medicine, explains a consent form as his colleague Matt Reynolds, center, assistant professor in the UW School of Veterinary Medicine, hands a volunteer small vial for collecting spit as part of a trial of a new COVID-19 saliva test.

A volunteer spits in a small vial as part of a trial of a new COVID-19 saliva test.

A vial with saliva is processed as part of a trial of a new COVID-19 saliva test.

Wearing an N95 face masks, associate research specialist Miranda Stauss and senior scientist Roger Wiseman process small vials of spit collected from volunteers as part of a trial.

Researchers sort small vials of spit collected from volunteers.

Stauss processes small vials of spit.

Vials of spit are collected from volunteers as part of the trial.

Volunteers at four sites in Madison are being tested for the virus that causes COVID-19 by spitting in a vial, which may prove faster, cheaper and less complicated than other common tests, according to University of WisconsinMadison researchers.

Scientists from UWMadisons AIDS Vaccine Research Laboratory, a team that in recent years has also turned its attention to COVID-19 and Zika virus outbreaks as need arose, have tuned a relatively simple genetic testing process to find evidence of the novel coronavirus in saliva.

With support from a National Institutes of Health grant program that hopes to expand testing in the United States by fall, the researchers have collected hundreds of samples from volunteers at three UWMadison sites and a local elementary school. The tests were completed in hours, a stark contrast to common wait times of several days or even weeks for results from other kinds of COVID-19 tests.

Tom Friedrich, professor in the UW School of Veterinary Medicine, explains a consent form and the process of volunteers spitting in a small vial as part of a trial of a new COVID-19 saliva test.

This sort of testing, if it is successful and can be expanded, offers hope that schools and workplaces could receive rapid turnaround testing to assist in the complex decision of managing education during the outbreak with a test that is still sensitive enough to catch the people who are contagious, but exceptional in terms of accessibility, cost, and turnaround time says David OConnor, professor at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.

They made their early findings available in late July in a brief study posted on medRxiv, a website for health sciences research that has not yet been peer-reviewed and published in a scientific journal. The test has not been approved for clinical diagnosis. The UWMadison researchers are studying whether this type of test can be administered frequently and efficiently.

Recent studies show that frequent, repeated testing is key to detecting infected people quickly, says Tom Friedrich, professor in the UW School of Veterinary Medicine. Because people can be contagious before they show symptoms of COVID-19, rapid testing can allow them to isolate and protect others before they even realize they are infected.

The project started in February even before the first COVID-19 cases appeared in Madison when OConnor and Friedrich were working with UW Hospital and Clinics to see if recent flu-like illnesses were actually the new virus.

We were interested in knowing whether there was silent spread of the virus in Madison, says OConnor. Fortunately, diagnostic testing became available very quickly. We shifted gears to adapting an alternative type of nucleic acid testing.

Most testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, uses a chemical process called polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, to make copies of the genetic material in a small sample so they are easier to identify. The Madison group employs a different method, called reverse-transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) to amplify the identifiable parts of virus available in saliva samples.

The advantage of RT-LAMP is that it is easier to set up than PCR, and doesnt require specialized instrumentation, OConnor says. We realized that this sort of testing might be more appropriate for places like workplaces, schools and nursing homes that might require on-site, frequent, repeated testing.

RT-LAMP also uses different chemicals than the PCR process, which has become so vital to pandemic testing that supply chains and manufacturing capacity have been stretched thin. And RT-LAMP requires fewer steps, using simpler and less expensive instrumentation than PCR.

I set up an (RT-LAMP kit) one Saturday afternoon and confirmed that indeed we could do the assay, says AVRL scientist Dawn Dudley. However, it soon became clear that this technique was not as sensitive as PCR especially in its easiest form.

Both PCR and RT-LAMP processes work better if the genetic material the nucleic acids that make up DNA and RNA are separated from the rest of the stuff in saliva, but the simplest version of RT-LAMP skipped that step. David Beebe, a UWMadison pathology professor with experience in putting lab tests on small, reproducible chips, and Salus, the Madison-based spinoff company he helped create in 2013, joined the group to design and produce an extraction process that would work outside lab settings and make the RT-LAMP test much more accurate with a small saliva sample.

Dudley and scientist Christina Newman spent months adapting the test for saliva, because the group expected people would get pretty tired of the common sampling method, a swab (now also in short supply) run sometimes deep into the nose.

Scientists Roger Wiseman and Miranda Stauss process small vials of spit collected from volunteers.

Collection is more comfortable, which is especially important if you are getting tested twice a week and important for children, Dudley says. Swabs can be quite invasive and somewhat damaging over time. Spitting into a tube? Not so bad.

Newman also set up the testing sites including AVRL and the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center where the researchers unload their gear from a minivan twice a week and collect samples across a folding table from as many as 60 people on some days.

Basically, people come, sign the consent, and spit into a tube that is left in a cooler, Dudley says. It takes less than five minutes.

With small groups, processing can be finished, results read via a color change in the test tube and delivered in a matter of hours and probably without a team of lab-trained scientists.

Other groups are also testing the effectiveness of the new test. Chris Mason, a UWMadison alum who is now a professor at Cornell University, is running a trial of his labs LAMP-based test with city workers in Racine, Wisconsin, where the collecting and processing is done mostly by firefighters. Salus is working on a commercial version of the test that can be deployed in small, mobile labs that Newman says could be straightforward enough to be operated by people without lengthy lab science training.

The researchers have run more than 400 tests, finding two positive cases and one that may be a false positive. Each result positive and negative, save the potential false positive has been confirmed laterby checking the saliva sample with the clinical-lab-standard PCR testing. Because the RT-LAMP test is not yet approved for clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 infection, the researchers have UW Hospital and Clinics doctors contact volunteers who tested positive and advise them to get a PCR test as soon as possible.

Read this article:
Simpler COVID-19 test could provide results in hours from saliva - University of Wisconsin-Madison

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Global Genetic testing services Market presents an in-depth review and technical research, with useful facts and figures, of the current and future state of the Genetic testing services market worldwide. Genetic testing services market provides information on emerging market opportunities and business factors, developments and evolving technologies that will fuel these growth trends. The report provides a comprehensive overview including Comparison of Definitions, Range, Use, Production and CAGR (percent), Form Segmentation, Share, Revenue Status and Outlook, Capacity, Demand, Market Drivers, Production Status, and Outlook and Opportunities, Export, Import, Growth Rate for Emerging Markets / Countries.

Get Sample Copy of this Report https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=4744

Our industry professionals are working reluctantly to understand, assemble and timely deliver assessment on impact of COVID-19 disaster on many corporations and their clients to help them in taking excellent business decisions. We acknowledge everyone who is doing their part in this financial and healthcare crisis.

The market research study on Genetic testing services was collected through comprehensive primary research through interviews, surveys, and findings of experienced analysts and secondary research. The study also provides a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data obtained from industry analysts and market participants from Genetic testing services around key points in the value chain of the industry.

The Regional Analysis of This Report Covers the Following Major Companies

Useful findings of this research are-

-Study of historical data.

-Analysis of existing scenarios in every domestic and national sector.

-Study of patterns, accessible knowledge and data figures.

-Use of validated project methods for the next five years.

Statistical analysis, figures and prime data included in the report contains-

-Market size (current and projected for the last few years)

-Market share analysis as per different companies)

-Market forecast)

-Demand)

-Price analysis)

-Market contributions (Size, Share according to geographical boundaries)

The report benefits Market Investigators, companies, Vendors, Buyers, Suppliers, Individual professionals and Competitive organizations

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Genetic testing services Market Segmentations type:

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Fact.MR follows a multi- disciplinary approach to extract information about various industries. Our analysts perform thorough primary and secondary research to gather data associated with the market. With modern industrial and digitalization tools, we provide avant-garde business ideas to our clients. We address clients living in across parts of the world with our 24/7 service availability.

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New Fact.MR Report: Impact of COVID-19 Crisis on Genetic Testing Services Market Production and Demand 2020 2025 - The Cloud Tribune

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Editors note: You might have heard that being pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or delivering right about now is strange, in this age of coronavirus. But how? In what ways? Were going to show you -- with a different persons experience each week. To contribute your own story, scroll all the way to the bottom of this article and tap the link.

Going though in vitro fertilization, or IVF, under normal circumstances, can be a challenge, both mentally and physically -- and for some, thats phrasing it mildly.

Youre going in for bloodwork, sometimes every other day. Youre attending never-ending doctors appointments. Theres a ton on your mind and you just want everything to go well. Its an often-heavy process.

Take it from Sarah*, who asked that we not use her real name, for privacy reasons. Sarah is 32, married, and lives in Farmington Hills, Michigan. She didnt mince words when it came to describing her own IVF situation. Some examples:

Ugh. No one wants to hear of another human going through something like that.

So imagine then, that your support person, like in Sarahs case, her husband, is now unable to attend any of those painful procedures or appointments.

Its scary, Sarah said.

Its also unprecedented. Safe to say, no one assumed the globe would be gripped by a pandemic this year; a true health crisis -- and no one knows when things will return to normal.

But dont get her wrong: Sarah is grateful that shes able to proceed with IVF -- which, spoiler alert, she is. (More on that soon!)

She even added that the couple has decent insurance, and said for many, theyre not so lucky. Most insurance companies dont cover things like IVF, which can total as much as $40,000 for just one round.

But all that money talk, that feels stressful, too. Sarah said if she were to contract COVID-19, her cycle would be canceled. Thats a frightening thought, lingering over ones head.

So then youd be out money, time and pain, Sarah said. (Its like), is it worth it to be doing this?

Sarah has been knee-deep in all things IVF-related for much of the year. She began the journey and went through round one starting in February.

First up, she had two to three weeks of injections, to hopefully produce more eggs.

Sarah took the injections, and then doctors performed a surgery to retrieve her eggs. She said she got through it just fine.

Next, this is typically the time when, if you had any embryos that made it through the egg-retrieval process, the doctors will mix them with sperm, and then youd transfer.

For Sarah, this was when COVID-19 arrived in the United States and started becoming more and more of a growing concern.

She and her husband had ended up with one embryo, so the next step would be a second surgery to make sure nothing is blocking the implantation of said embryo.

But COVID hit right when I was scheduled to go in, Sarah said. So we decided to postpone (and) see how things would play out.

That felt frustrating for the couple, too.

Theyve been playing the waiting game for a long time -- married 6 years, and trying for a baby for about four of those years.

And we dont have a lot of time to wait, Sarah said. We dont want the issues (that led us to IVF in the first place) to get any worse, and were not getting any younger.

Sarah and her husband opted to move forward with the second surgery.

And with the coronavirus pandemic continuing, You had to go through it alone, when youre already scared, Sarah said.

Doctors were able to perform the transfer, but Sarahs husband wasnt allowed to attend.

The whole process is devastating, Sarah said. Youre getting ready to conceive a child and your husband cant even be there.

It was already a tense time.

Then, the couple learned that their embryo transfer failed.

You want answers right away, Sarah said. But doctors arent meeting. So you need to wait for a Zoom call. Youre not being able to see your results and youre not being able to get answers.

Having to survive the failed transfer during quarantine was really tough.

Most doctors (tell you) to stay busy and lean on your support system during all (the waiting), Sarah said.

Because indeed, there is a lot of waiting. More than you might imagine.

(When it comes to) waiting for results in IVF, theres waiting a week to find out if you were able to get any embryos after the first round of injections and egg retrieval surgery, Sarah said. (Then you wait) another two weeks after that for genetic testing on those embryos to see if they are viable, and then of course, the two weeks waiting to find out if youre pregnant after the embryo transfer to see if all your efforts worked.

And, considering coronavirus, Sarah said, all of the now-solo waiting felt especially challenging.

Youre just trapped at home and not able to stay busy to keep yourself mentally healthy, she recalled. I know for me, my friends and family have been my rock during these four years leading to IVF. ... Its been so hard, being isolated.

In discussing the future with Sarah, she sounds optimistic: Theres something cheerful in her tone, and shes so willing to open up and chat about all of this with a total stranger (editors note: which I so admire!)

She and her husband will try again. In fact, theyre set to start a second round of IVF in September.

Her husband has been one of her only comforts throughout this strange time, Sarah said, so she hopes she can have him present for more in-person appointments and procedures this time around. But the future remains incredibly uncertain.

We dont know whats going to happen, Sarah said. In an ideal world, Id probably wait. But with time constraints, you have to try.

Sarah and her husband will likely hole up a bit, leading up to their second IVF round. Luckily, they both have jobs that allow them to work from home. Its a seemingly small perk, but it becomes quite notable through all of this.

And then two weeks or so before the cycle, Sarah said, itll start: Theyll be extra cautious and they wont leave the house until its all over. Too much is at stake.

It makes sense.

Sarah said she wants to help show a different perspective when it comes to pregnancy.

After all, shes had just as many doctors appointments and stressors, if not more, than your average expecting mother.

I hope it helps others who are in the same boat, she said.

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My (hopeful) pandemic pregnancy: Inside the world of IVF and COVID-19 -- Its terrifying' - KSAT San Antonio

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Everyone would like to have thicker hair. Well, almost everyone -- but our focus today is not on those rare unicorns whose complaint is that their hair is just too thick, too luxurious and too lustrous. This article is for the rest of us who would like to have more or thicker hair or at least stop losing what we have.

A number of treatment options have been the staple considerations for normal male and female pattern hair loss for years. For men, finasteride, minoxidil and hair transplantation have long been the most effective interventions. Womens treatment options used to be even more limited, with minoxidil alone being the main option for female pattern hair loss. However, a growing body of research supports that hormone replacement and/or platelet rich plasma injections could be the miracle grow for failing follicles!

First, a note about hormone replacement therapy: A physician named Dr. Glaser published an article in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2012 which made an observation that has unfortunately gained little attention likely because it runs counter to how people usually think about hair loss and testosterone. Dr. Glaser surveyed 285 women who had been on subcutaneous testosterone therapy for more than a year for the treatment of androgen deficiency and 63% of the women who had reported hair thinning prior to treatment reported hair thickening after treatment began. This finding has received little attention, but a 63% response rate deserves further investigation.

Several patients in my own clinic who complained of thinning hair, went on androgen replacement prescribed by their endocrinologist or ob-gyn for other reasons. These patients hair became markedly thicker and more voluminous on testosterone. Although Premier Dermatology does not offer hormone replacement therapy (HRT), androgen levels are one of the laboratory tests that we order as part of our screening panel for causes of hair loss. If we have a female hair loss patient with low androgen levels (either low or low normal), we offer referral to a physician who performs HRT for discussion of risks and benefits of a trial of androgen replacement therapy for hair loss. Results that we have seen have paralleled the 63% response rate that Dr. Glaser published.

Second and just as exciting, Platelet Rich Plasma, also known as PRP, is an option that is fast becoming an important treatment strategy for treating hair loss in both men and women, be it for common hair thinning or for certain alopecia syndromes. PRP is a blood product derived from a patients own blood. The process involves the following: A fraction of blood (up to 22ml in our practice) is drawn from the individual patient into a syringe (depends on the extent of hair loss). This is a relatively small amount compared to blood donation. The blood then is spun in a centrifuge to separate its components (White & Red Blood Cells, Platelet Rich Plasma and Platelet Poor Plasma). The Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is collected into a syringe. The PRP is then injected into a treatment area (the scalp for hair loss).

The basis behind PRP is that growth factors and other proteins within platelets promote healing and induce tissue regeneration and rejuvenation. Platelets contain growth factors and biologically active molecules that are normally released when platelets are outside of blood vessels such as when a person gets a cut and starts to bleed into surrounding tissue. Injecting PRP into the subdermal fat induces platelet degranulation (release of platelet contents) which causes tissue exposure to platelet growth factors. In plain terms, PRP delivers growth factors to stimulate hair follicles.

To achieve best results, PRP is performed in a series of treatments. Typically, two to three treatments are performed once per month initially. It is often recommended that treatments take place every 6 months after the initial series of treatments to continue hair regeneration and maintain or enhance results.

PRP has numerous other applications in dermatology the most common of which is as an adjunct to microneedling for skin rejuvenation or treatment of acne scars. However, PRPs greatest potential may be as a treatment to help grow or maintain hair.

At Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta, we are committed to offering scientifically-backed, effective and state of the art treatments. Kathryn Filipek, PA-C has extensive cosmetic, surgical and medical dermatology experience and is responsible for the hair loss branch of our practice. If you are interested in exploring PRP and hair loss options, call today to make an appointment with Ms. Filipek. It is our privilege to take care of you and your familys skin, vein, and hair care needs.https://premierdermatologyatlanta.com/

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Platelet rich plasma and thicker hair | Health Wellness - NorthFulton.com

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There are many reasons you can gain weight that have nothing to do with food.

Sometimes weight gain is easy to figure out. If you've changed your eating habits, added more dessert or processed foods, or have been spending more time on the couch than usual, you can typically blame those reasons if you gain a few pounds. But sometimes figuring out why you gained weight is trickier than that.

And while we're living in unprecedented times, whenstress levels are high and activity levels are lower due to quarantine and gym shutdowns, it's normal to gain weight and it's nothing to be ashamed of. But sometimes weight gain is more complicated than that. Weight gain is often caused by more than just the calories you eat and exercise (or lack thereof). The "calories in, calories out" approach is pretty dated when it comes to weight loss, so it makes sense that gaining weight is more complex than that too.

If you've gained weight and are having a hard time pinpointing the cause, keep reading below for five reasons that could be to blame.

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If you're a woman and are dealing with unexplained weight gain, one of the first things you should check out are your hormones. Your hormones regulate so many important processes in your body, including your metabolism.

Hormone issues are pretty complicated though, so you typically need to get lab work done to really understand what's going on. "There are five key hormones that can affect weight and when any of these happen individually or in combination it can trigger fat storage and weight gain," according to Alisa Vitti, a functional nutritionist, hormone health expert and founder of hormone health care companyFLO Living.

Those five hormone issues are:

Several medical conditions that involve hormones can also be to blame for unexpected weight gain.

"When you have a diagnosed condition like PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, PMS -- it means that your body's hormones are not functioning optimally. You could have excess estrogen, you could have elevated cortisol or insulin insufficiency all creating scenarios by which both your cycle as a whole becomes dysfunctional and weight becomes a problem," Vitti says.

"The weight is the symptom of the hormonal imbalance and truly taking care of the hormonal issue is the best way to resolve weight discrepancy," she adds. How you balance hormones depends on your personal situation and health care provider, but generally, it involves lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, and some doctors can prescribe you other things to help like hormone therapy.

Now that you know that hormones are an important part of the weight gain puzzle, you should know how stress can play a role. One of the ways it works? Stress affects hormones, which as we've seen can affect weight, not to mention your sleep too.

"Prolonged low-grade chronic stress is a huge factor for women especially," Vitti says. "Managing invisible domestic work, managing children, working full time, taking care of elderly parents, remembering every detail and managing one's own emotional reaction to current stressful events takes a huge toll on women's adrenals." Your adrenal glands produce the hormones that help regulate your metabolism, blood pressure and immune system, among other things.

The stress of living through a pandemic can cause weight gain.

Stress, and the habits that can result from stress, are part of a bigger picture that Vitti says can all add up to weight gain and inflammation. "Skipping meals, relying on coffee, being depleted of micronutrients from not eating nutrient-dense meals, overexercising, not getting enough sleep, being woken up in the night on a regular basis, working the night shift, being exposed to xenoestrogens in conventional cleaning or beauty products, pesticides in foods, sugar-- [they] can all disrupt these hormones and create a biochemical environment where inflammation and weight gain occur," Vitti says.

"So it's important to understand that because the old model of calorie restriction and increased exercise will absolutely not address all of these underlying factors."

Certain medications can cause weight gain as a side effect.

A common culprit behind unexplained weight gain is medication. Whether you're taking something every day or in the short term, many medications have weight gain as a side effect.

If you're dealing with weight gain and suspect it could be due to a medication you are taking, talk to your doctor to see if there's anything you can do to mitigate the side effects like adjust your dose or maybe switch to a different medication. Some examples of medications that can cause weight gain are antidepressants, diabetes medications and blood pressure medications.

It may be a hard truth to accept but people do usually gain some weight as they age. This happens because as you get older your basal metabolic rate, or the amount of calories your body needs, begins to decline -- and so does muscle mass.

This means you can eat the same and exercise the same at 50 as you did at 30 years old, but not have the same amount of muscle or be able to maintain the same weight. In order to combat this, it's important to adjust your food intake and fitness routine accordingly. For example, focusing on adequate protein intake and strength training can be helpful for maintaining healthy muscle mass as you age.

Failing to get adequate sleep can show up on the scale.

Missing out on quality sleep is one reason why weight gain can creep up on you. When you'resleep deprived, you're probably not that motivated to eat healthy, cook or exercise in the first place. And when you're not getting enough sleep, you're more likely to crave unhealthy foodsand eat more because you feel so exhausted.

Lack of sleep can throw off your hormones, leading to the issues Vitti mentioned above, and it can mess up your appetite signals, which also explains the tendency to overeat when you're tired.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

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Quarantine weight gain: 5 reasons that have nothing to do with food - CNET

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Amid the pandemic, staying healthy is a top priority for most.

CLEVELAND As the state of Ohio continues it's fight against thecoronavirus pandemic, staying healthy seems to be a top priority for everyone.

But outside of washing your hands, not touching your face and proper social distancing, how can you increase your health and overall wellness? The Cleveland Clinic recommends boosting your immune system.

You diet can have a huge impact on your immune Health.

I believe in the power of immune-boosting foods, says Dr. Darling. Choosing whole, unprocessed foods does wonders for overall health, says Preventive medicine physician and wellness expert Sandra Darling.

She suggests adding foods like garlic, prebiotics, vitamin C-rich foods, and antioxidants to your diet to give your system a boost.

Listen, we know it's hard, but living under constant stress is detrimental to the body. Too much stress "cause causes the body to produce too much cortisol, the stress hormone. Over time, elevated cortisol lowers your resistance to fighting off infection and contributes to poor sleep and higher blood pressure," according to the clinic. Dr. Darling suggests making sure you get enough sleep, exercise and try meditation.

A little bit of positivity goes a long way. "Research shows that positive thoughts reduce stress and inflammation and increase resilience to infection while negative emotions can make you more susceptible to the common cold and flu," according to the Clinic.

If you've done all that you can when it comes to taking care of your immune system health, the Clinic recommends trying supplements and or essential oils.

The Clinic also recommends making sure you're taking time for yourself to rest in recharge. There's a lot going on in the world, you can't pour from an empty cup--so fill yours up!

For more information on the Clinic tips and resources, click here.

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Cleveland Clinic: Four ways to boost your immune health - WKYC.com

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Source: Jackie Shepherd / drjessicashepherd.com

Youll be hardpressed to find any area of life that hasnt changed since the onset of COVID-19. And that includes, pregnancy. With the pandemic looming on, with no end in sightparticularly for the United Stateswomen are thinking seriously about family planning, contraception and delaying having children.

Which means birth control.

We spoke to Dr. Jessica Shepherd, practicing OB/GYN and womens health expert at the University of Illinois, about the options available to women these days, specifically the hormone-free IUD called the Paragard, what Black women can do to advocate for a safer, healthier pregnancy and delivery, and what we can do to get the most out of our gynecological visits.

MadameNoire:Have your patients expressed concerns about getting pregnant or giving birth in the midst of this pandemic?

Dr. Jessica Shepherd: I think thats a very valid concern that patients have and should discuss with their doctors. Most pregnancies are unplannedif you want to call it that. But for those who are planning and have those questions, it could require a visit.

MN: In addition to the pandemic, Black women face additional concerns during pregnancy and labor. Do your patients speak to you about these concerns?

Dr. Shepherd: Oh yeah, I think thats the overwhelming topicmore than just this year. But this year has really made it a discussion topic. The increased maternal mortality rate is a public health issue. Its all intertwined but Im glad its being discussed more so we can be very open with our intent on how we plan to fix that.

MN: How is childbirth different because of COVID?

Dr. Shepherd: The process is different in the sense that we cant have more than one person in the delivery room. Many times, if someone is COVID positive, prior to delivery, we have to keep them isolated. And also postpartum if mom is COVID positive, they have to determine the babys status before theyll allow mom to be with baby.

Most hospitals now are testing patients with rapid testing or if they have a c-section or planned induction date, theyll try and test them about a good 48 hours prior to their admission to the hospital. So these protocols are not always easy to implement because deliveries happen any and every time. But its really for the safety of everybody.

Also using PPE wear during delivery, making sure physicians wear eye protection, face shield and the N-95 masks because some people cant get tested before they start the delivery process if theyre already in labor.

The best way to be preventative is to assume that everyones positive.

MN: What do you advice do you offer expectant mothers? Its a public health issue but its not their fault so is there anything you can advise to ensure that theyre able to have a safe pregnancy and delivery?

Dr. Shepherd: There are a few things that Id highlight. If I could name three specific goals that a woman could do it would be:

Not like people dont go prepared but now that we know that this is something to be focused on, its important to go with concise questions. And find a way to document or record the information that you get. If you need to have that information for later, you have access to it. And you can also share that information with someone else so that they know what they heard was exactly as they heard it.

Have a family member, a confidant, a family member, or friend come to visits with them, if thats possible. Because of the pandemic, thats less likely but there are telehealth appointments that can be done. There are consults that can be done with family members around. What we see now because of COVID is bringing people into delivery rooms or appointments via FaceTime so thats a great way that you can have more than one ear open to the information thats being delivered. So you can ensure that more than one person heard it. And that helps to reiterate the messaging.

A lot of times when we give patients information, it can be misconstrued or misunderstood. So one of the ways of navigating through that is having someone there that can reiterate the message and also make sure that it stays prioritized.

Outside of race of the pandemic, I always encourage patients who feel that the relationship they have with their physiciansometimes its not always a physician problem or a patient problem. Sometimes its a communication problem. The communication can be a little off. So thats when you can ask for a second opinion or a different provider or going to another specialist. And you really want to make sure that youre paying attention because one of the things we dont advocate for or dont advise is changing care late in the pregnancy. Thats not helpful to anyone because theres so much time and information that was missed.

And sometimes it can be difficult to determine what needs to be done when you have such a time sensitive process.

Source: Bryan Bedder / Getty

MN: For those people who are trying to avoid getting pregnant during this time, how do you ensure that you dont have a toxic reaction to the birth control that you choose?

Dr. Shepherd: I think one of the things is discussing with your physician prior to having contraceptive counseling is for patients to know whats in what theyre getting.

Now, the great thing about the Paragard is there is no hormone. Its a 100% hormone free. So youre less likely to see what we hear patients referring to when they talk about side effects of contraception. Usually, theyre referring to a hormonal side effect rather than something else. Its usually due to the active ingredient. And the Paragard only has a couple of active ingredients, so if there is an issue we would know what caused it.

MN: Can you tell us more about the Paragard? How is it were able to have birth control with no hormones?

Dr. Shepherd: The Paragard is one of those forms of contraception thats been around for a very long time. Its an IUD. The IUD has been around decades. Its been so longstanding because its reliable. Its hormone free and maintenance is very low. So, once its inserted, its completely reversible. It works for a maximum of two years.

MN: Would you say that women should avoid adding any types of additional hormones to their bodies?

Dr. Shepherd: No, I wouldnt say that. I think when you look at the world of contraception and whats available to womenwhat has been developed over the decades, I think there is absolute need for all forms of contraception, whether they have hormones or not. The availability and the flexibility within our options and choices as women which is the most important.

When you look at how many women are allowed to have that freedom, that should be the take home message.

Yeah, there are going to be a lot of women who dont respond to hormonal birth control but there are millions of women who use contraception, it doesnt matter what kind. And thats the beautiful part about where we are today because prior to contraceptives being developed, women had no options. Like, none. Weve come a long way and I wouldnt label it as something that is not good to have.

MN: What about affordability of birth control?

Dr. Shepherd: When you think about affordability, I usually go to my mainstay of Planned Parenthood. But when you think about contraceptive counseling, people have insurance. They have insurance plans. The most important distinction of whether they go to Planned Parenthood or whether they go to the doctors office is about what am I looking for? What are my expectations? What have I experienced in the past? And using that as a guideline to narrow down your choices of birth control and what looks best for that person. Its a very individual decision.

Most people come in after theyve had an uh oh moment and realize they need to be on birth control. But its really a conversation that should start early in age. Not that they should start at that time but that they have the information. When you have young women who at least know whats available so they can make better decisions for themselves.

MN: When can you do a telehealth appointment and when should you go into your gynecologists office?

Dr. Shepherd:I think thats been something thats changed over the last five months. The telehealth visits can really accomplish more than one would think. I know a lot of people are freaked out like, What?! How are you going to do an exam? Its not so much of the exam but the foundationwith any medical disciplinethe basis of the relationship starts in the information room.

That requires a lot of information that needs to be extracted from the patient, starting the discussion. When you look at it from that perspective, you can start the discussion and determine if its something thats urgent and the patient needs to come in right away or two weeks out or maybe they can get their question resolved right then.

In my practice, the top three things I saw patients for on telehealth were abnormal uterine bleeding, contraceptive counseling, and IUDS. So we would do the initial consultation and then bring them in for the insertion.

I saw an increase in IUD patients over this time because people were thinking about things that were longstanding so the features of the IUDS really made a stand out appearance because it has such low maintenance

MN: How can women make sure they get the most out of their gynecological visits? Too often we go into those appointments anxious or scared and then we end up leaving without giving or receiving the information we wanted.

Dr. Shepherd: One of the best features is to come prepared. We all have it in our heads, right and then you get there and then you have some anxiety and then you leave and youre like, I literally forgot to ask A, B, and C. So writing it down is sometimes the best and easiest advice to take.

Now, I would say the challenge is when patients have the expectation that the questions they bring are all going to be answered. That sometimes can fail.

The relationship between a physician and patient should be one thats ongoing. So the expectation of going and getting twenty questions answered versus we can look at those questions and say lets tackle the most important ones that are impacting you right now and then lets do a follow up visit and get to the rest of those questions. Sometimes its a part B and part C type of visit.

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Dr. Jessica Shepherd Talks Family Planning During COVID And Getting The Most Out Of Your Gyno Visits - MadameNoire

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Janelle Ayres, a physiologist specializing in infectious diseases at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, describes this concept as a disease tolerance mechanism the ability, sometimes hard-wired, sometimes induced by environmental factors, to survive infections without falling ill. Our traditional view has been: To survive an infection, you have to kill it, she told me. We have a very disease-centric approach to biology. But infection doesnt always equate to disease. Many of the most frightening pathogens tuberculosis, cholera, polio and now the coronavirus dont cause illness in everyone they infect. Some people experience these infections with few if any symptoms. Their immune systems evidently handle the invasion with the perfect balance of aggression, restraint and repair or tolerance to stave off disease. The drugs of the future, Ayres hopes, will enable these native tolerance mechanisms that help some shrug off, with few ill effects, the diseases that sicken and kill others.

The Covid-19 pandemic has already prompted many physicians to bend in this direction. So few tools exist to reliably eliminate the virus from our bodies that they have, out of necessity, turned to the idea of prodding the immune system in various ways. They have shifted their focus in a manner that Ayres has long argued is necessary: from eradicating the pathogen to helping the patient survive the pathogen. They are, in a way, pinning their hopes on innate tolerance mechanisms.

Dozens of trials are currently underway that focus on the immune system. These involve everything from cheap, over-the-counter pain medication to expensive antibodies manufactured in living cells. The drugs they are testing include anakinra, used by Navarro-Milln; leronlimab, a drug with anti-inflammatory properties originally developed to treat H.I.V.; and drugs that block IL-6 (full disclosure: My wife works for Genentech, owned by Roche, which manufactures tocilizumab, one of the IL-6 blockers). One study in Britain is testing high doses of a stomach-friendly formulation of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ibuprofen, better known in the United States as Advil. (Dont try this at home.) Researchers are even looking into low-dose X-ray radiation as a way to calm the immune system, a method that was used in the early 20th century to treat pneumonia but has since fallen out of use.

Theres an intriguing trial on an old drug originally developed to treat gout, a painful inflammatory condition of the joints, called colchicine. The drug, which was recently shown to offer protection against heart attacks, targets the very pathway called NLRP3 inflammasome that some scientists believe is naturally dampened in bats. Unlike biologics, which are given intravenously, colchicine can be taken in pill form. And while biologics can cost hundreds of dollars per dose, colchicine is dirt cheap. We think that in the setting of this viral infection, NLRP3 gets activated aberrantly, says Priscilla Hsue, a professor of medicine at U.C.S.F. and one of the physicians overseeing the trials. And that leads to downstream badness. The drug, its hoped, will prevent the immune system from ever getting to the point where it becomes overly activated. The study aims to start treatment early by sending pills to the homes of patients who have tested positive for Covid-19. The thought is, If we can intervene early with an anti-inflammatory agent, we can have an impact on slowing down progression and keeping patients off ventilators, Hsue says.

It remains to be seen which, if any, drug will work best, and what might be the unforeseen consequences of suppressing the immune system in the midst of its battle with the coronavirus. Some trials are already showing failures. Despite promising results from early, weak studies, two of the strongest trials to date on the IL-6 blockers tocilizumab and sarilumab suggest no benefit. (The pharmaceutical companies running the studies, Roche and Regeneron, are continuing with other trials testing their IL-6 blockers.)

Or maybe the studies would have produced better results had they been designed differently. Thomas Yadegar, who thinks tocilizumab can be a lifesaver, if used in the right way, surmises that one study didnt employ stringent-enough criteria for choosing its study patients. Navarro-Milln thinks the trials tried to treat patients too late in the course of the disease. She likened these efforts to trying to cure Stage 4 metastatic cancer probably doomed from the start.

Other researchers also raise this issue of timing when doctors should administer drugs to curb immune responses in a more general sense. Suppressing the immune system too soon after infection could be counterproductive because it might squelch the initial antiviral response and allow the coronavirus to proliferate, says Dawn Wahezi, a pediatric rheumatologist at Childrens Hospital at Montefiore. Yet treating too late may make it impossible to quell the eventual immune overreaction. Knowing when is the right time I think thats one of the key components, Wahezi told me. Theres a very delicate window where immunomodulators can help.

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How Covid Sends Some Bodies to War With Themselves - The New York Times

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For Adam Winney, a 26-year old with Type 1 diabetes, grocery shopping during the early days of a pandemic was an infuriating task. Everything was sold out, except for the one type of food he couldnt eat.

The only things left were carbs, carbs, carbs, the Van Nuys resident said. Ive never been more furious than back in March.

For the record:

1:54 PM, Aug. 11, 2020A previous version of this story said an insulin pump delivers insulin to the pancreas of a person with Type 1 diabetes. The pump actually infuses the insulin under the skin so it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Winneys disease has deprived his body of insulin, a hormone thats needed to turn the sugar in carbohydrates into energy. Without it, his blood sugar can spike to dangerous levels, eventually leading to serious health problems like cardiovascular disease, nerve damage and kidney failure.

But the insulin pens he relies on to keep his body in balance cost him upwards of $1,000 a month, since his health insurance doesnt cover the medication. After the coronavirus outbreak cost him his job as a receptionist at a hair salon, that expense was beyond his reach. He went six weeks without the long-acting insulin he usually takes every day.

I was fighting nausea every morning, he said, a sign that his body was susceptible to diabetic ketoacidosis, a state of dangerously high blood sugar levels that has landed him in the hospital before. Your body just falls apart.

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COVID-19 presents a unique set of challenges to the roughly 34 million Americans like Winney who are living with diabetes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people with Type 1 diabetes are probably more susceptible to a severe case of COVID-19. Those with Type 2 diabetes the more common form that begins when people lose their sensitivity to insulin are definitely at increased risk of severe COVID-19, according to the CDC.

For instance, a study of more than 7,300 COVID-19 patients in China found that those with Type 2 diabetes needed more medical care and were nearly 50% more likely to die than patients without diabetes. The risk of death was especially high for people who had trouble controlling their blood sugar, researchers reported. Another study of more than 1,200 COVID-19 patients in the U.S. found that the mortality rate for those with diabetes or high blood sugar was 29%, compared with 6% for those without diabetes.

The extent to which you control your diabetes is a risk factor, said Dr. Daniel Drucker, a senior scientist at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at the University of Toronto. Theres a lot we can do about that, by making sure that your diabetes is optimally controlled.

Insulin is essential for keeping blood sugar in check, but the pricey medicine is harder to get if a job disappears, along with the health insurance that came with it.

The cost of insulin varies from patient to patient. It depends on the type of insulin they need some take effect within 15 minutes; others last more than a day as well as the dose. Some insurance plans pick up more of the tab than others.

The financial strain brought on by the pandemic has forced Royce Jonathan Miller of Yuba City to consider rationing the insulin he takes for Type 1 diabetes. He has kept his job as an optician at Walmart, but since his father-in-law lost his job at a maintenance company that closed operations due to the pandemic, Miller has become the sole provider for the four people in his household.

Brandi DaVeiga programs the insulin pump that helps her control her Type 1 diabetes.

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

Miller has an insulin pump, which uses a tube to infuse a small amount of insulin under the skin so it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. He is supposed to change out the pieces that connect to his body every three days. Lately, hes been wondering if thats absolutely necessary.

Im starting to think, I can stretch that up for two cycles, every six days, and hopefully it doesnt get infected, Miller said. But I do realize that if I am to make myself sick and wind up in the hospital, that will be a bigger burden.

A nationwide survey of 5,000 people with diabetes conducted for the American Diabetes Assn. found that one in four have rationed supplies to cut the cost of their diabetes care since the start of the pandemic.

Now is not the time to let up on helping these individuals manage their disease, because it may in fact be helpful in preventing them from getting severe COVID-19, Drucker said.

People with Type 2 diabetes may face even greater hardship in affording their insulin, said Dr. Francisco Prieto, a family health physician in Sacramento.

Not everyone who has Type 2 has to take insulin, Prieto said. Those who do are typically folks who either have the most severe cases of diabetes or have failed all the previous oral and injectable treatments. That means they may need to take even more insulin on a daily basis than Type 1 patients, he said.

Since 2019, 11 states have set limits on the amount insurance companies can set as co-payments for insulin. Each of those states has enacted price caps ranging from $25 to $100 per month since the coronavirus outbreak took off in March.

California may soon join the list. In February, Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian (D-North Hollywood) introduced a bill that would cap insulin co-pays at $50 for a 30-day supply, or $100 per month. It passed in June by a 64-4-11 vote, but the Senate Health Committee has not scheduled a hearing that would allow the bill to move forward.

Winney said a price cap would give him some peace of mind. These days he relies on free samples provided by one of his doctors, but that generosity may not last.

I see that as an incentive to finally change insurance, he said.

Brandi DaVeiga, who has Type 1 diabetes, at home in Lakewood.

(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

Ensuring an affordable supply of insulin would help people with diabetes manage their disease better, said Brandi DaVeiga, a stay-at-home mom in Lakewood with Type 1 diabetes. She has good coverage now through her husbands health insurance plan, but when she was between plans three years ago, she began skipping insulin doses to make her supply last longer. On several occasions, her blood sugar levels rose dangerously high, and she ended up in the emergency room.

Its really stressful, she said of managing diabetes during a pandemic. And that doesnt help your blood sugar.

The fact that people with diabetes are rationing their insulin when they need it most points to larger problems with healthcare access in this country, Drucker said.

COVID-19 is reminding us of the importance of doing everything we can in our vulnerable, at-risk populations, he said. Lets do everything we can to optimize their health because that may, in turn, reduce their risk of having a bad outcome with this virus.

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Amid COVID-19, people with diabetes struggle to get insulin - Los Angeles Times

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No matter what type of diabetes you have, the goal of diabetes treatment is to control blood sugars and keep them within the healthy range.

Type 1 diabetes must be treated with insulin, since the pancreas does not produce insulin naturally. People with type 2 or gestational diabetes don't always need insulin treatment, and will often focus on lifestyle changes and oral medications that encourage insulin production or decrease insulin resistance.

With proper access to healthcare, diabetes is highly treatable, says Katherine Araque, MD, an endocrinologist and director of endocrinology of the Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

Here are the four main ways you can treat and manage your diabetes.

Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas in healthy individuals. It helps facilitate the process of converting blood sugar into fuel, so that glucose doesn't build up in the blood.

In people with type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce insulin, so they need synthetic insulin. This can happen in two ways:

People with type 2 diabetes are treated with insulin when they are unable to control their blood glucose levels with lifestyle changes and medication. Overall, roughly 24% of people with diabetes are treated with insulin, according to a 2018 study published in Diabetes Care.

If you need insulin, your doctor will provide specific guidance on how much you need and when you should take it.

Although people with type 1 diabetes will need insulin, they may also be prescribed medication if they have some remaining pancreas function. The medication can encourage insulin production in the body.

People with type 2 diabetes are prescribed medication when they can't control their blood sugars through diet and exercise. Oftentimes, people with type 2 diabetes use more than one medication to control their condition.

However, medications are usually not recommended for pregnant people with gestational diabetes.

Common medications used to treat diabetes include:

Metformin is the most common medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It's sometimes used to treat type 1 diabetes in people who still have some insulin production, along with insulin.

Metformin helps control blood sugar by making it easier for the body to absorb glucose. It's usually taken twice a day, with meals. Even when used alone, metformin can reduce A1C levels by 1.5% on average, which is enough to drop blood sugar levels from diabetes to prediabetes.

Sulfonylureas are a class of drugs that encourage the pancreas to release more insulin. They're used to treat type 2 diabetes. They are often taken once or twice a day before meals.

Sulfonylureas have a similar efficacy to metformin, and can be used alongside it.

TZDs make it easier for the body to use insulin; they reduce insulin resistance. They can be used to treat type 2 diabetes. They are taken 1 to 2 times per day.

After a year of taking TZDs, people with type 2 diabetes reduced their A1C levels by 1.4%, according to a 2019 study published in Vascular Health Risk Management.

Exercise is important for people with all types of diabetes. "Exercise helps at multiple levels: it increases base metabolic rate, fights insulin resistance, and helps with weight loss," says Araque.

Exercise helps muscles burn glucose and reduces insulin resistance. When you exercise, your muscles burn more glucose, removing it from the bloodstream and helping to lower blood sugar levels.

For example, a 2017 study published in Biomedical Research followed 120 obese teens, who did two hours of aerobic exercise twice a day for six days a week. After five weeks, their average fasting blood sugar was reduced by 0.84 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) for males and 1.04 nmol/L for females. The researchers described this as "an extremely significant difference."

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with diabetes get the normally recommended amount of exercise: 150 minutes of exercise each week, including two days of strength workouts that incorporate major muscle groups. The American Diabetes Association recommends starting with small changes, like walking daily.

Any exercise will help, but some may be especially beneficial. For example, a 2019 study published in Diabetologia found that afternoon exercise decreased blood sugars more than morning exercise.

Overall, you should work with your doctor to identify an exercise program that will benefit you, Araque says.

Healthy eating is critical for people with diabetes. As food breaks down, it releases glucose into your blood. Some foods, including processed sugars and carbohydrates, raise blood sugars more than other foods, like proteins or leafy vegetables.

In particular, people with diabetes need to be aware of how many carbs they eat per day. They should also create an eating plan that includes the following:

For example, the DASH diet and Mediterranean diet which both emphasize healthy fats, lean protein, protein and vegetables have been proven to help people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes control blood sugar.

Read more about the best ways to eat if you have diabetes:

Diabetes is a chronic but manageable condition, Araque says. People with diabetes should work with their doctor, nutritionist, and an exercise professional to design a program that meets their needs.

"The most important message is if they follow these recommendations they can get this under control and decrease risk for complications," Araque says. "Patients should have hope."

Originally posted here:
4 of the best ways to treat diabetes and lower blood sugar - Insider - INSIDER

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