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Senzime's CEO shares breakthrough patient monitoring technology for safer surgeries

Senzime

Senzime CEO Phillip Siberg joined Steve Darling from Proactive from the OTC studio in New York City to shed light on the innovative solutions offered by Senzime, aimed at significantly enhancing patient safety during and post-surgery through the power of advanced algorithms. Senzime's impressive array of tools, such as the TetraGraph and ExSpiron 2Xi, leverage real-time monitoring of neuromuscular and respiratory functions—crucial parameters during and after surgical procedures. The overarching objective of these cutting-edge technologies is to reduce in-hospital complications dramatically and drive down healthcare costs associated with surgical and high-acuity procedures. One exciting development that Siberg shared is Senzime's success in securing multiple new orders for the TetraGraph system, particularly from several prestigious German university hospitals. The German market has proven to be a strong and fruitful one for Senzime, with the company already having secured nearly 30 major hospital contracts, including pivotal partnerships with key robotic surgery centers. This expansion and adoption of Senzime's technology underscore the growing recognition of the transformative potential of their solutions within the medical community. With a robust growth trajectory, Senzime aims to achieve $30 million in sales by 2025, with the US being a pivotal market. The company's strategic move to cross-trade on the OTCQX provides accessibility to US capital markets, facilitating increased shareholder participation. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

December 08, 2023 01:25 PM Eastern Standard Time

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UDS Earns Highest Accreditation from NCQA for the Third Time in a Row

UDS

United Disabilities Services (UDS) Foundation is thrilled to announce that their Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Care Management program has received the highest accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for the third time in a row. The non-profit, committed to helping older adults, veterans, and people with disabilities lead more independent and fulfilling lives, offers services to those with a range of social and pragmatic needs, like transportation, housing, nutrition, isolation, emotional well-being, and medical problems. NCQA is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that improves healthcare quality through accreditation and certifies a wide range of healthcare organizations promoting high-quality care and recognizing high-performing health plans and providers. Evaluated on eight standards that must be met at the highest level for policy and procedures, UDS achieved 100% in the strenuous chart audit review. UDS was one of the first to achieve Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Care Management accreditation from NCQA in 2017 when it was initiated. They were awarded the highest level with a full three-year time frame and then, in 2020, again awarded the full three-year accreditation. Now, in 2023, they have achieved it once more with an A+ rating. William Kepner, the President and CEO of UDS, says, “We are delighted and proud to have once again achieved the highest accreditation from NCQA who have developed excellent standards of care. Our goal is to always provide a great customer experience and outcome, which starts with providing exceptional quality care. I am proud of our UDS support coordination team for their continuing high quality of care and support for those we serve.” We invite you to visit the UDS website at www.udservices.org to learn more about the company and its mission and services. UDS Foundation is a Lancaster, PA-based organization whose mission is to improve the lives of older adults and individuals with disabilities. UDS Foundation accomplishes that by providing a variety of home- and community-based services to help people enjoy safer, happier, and more independent lives in the comfort of their homes. Incorporated in 1970, UDS Foundation has evolved from a small organization to a company providing a network of 12 different programs through several nonprofit entities. UDS Foundation serves older adults, individuals with disabilities, and veterans throughout Pennsylvania and coordinates a network of business partners and satellite offices in multiple counties. For more information, visit www.udservices.org. Contact Details Debra Showalter +1 717-286-0047 madison@rprfirm.com Company Website https://udservices.org

December 08, 2023 11:20 AM Eastern Standard Time

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G-NiiB Oral Microbiome Immunity Formula SIM01 Alleviates Post-COVID-19 Conditions

G-NiiB GenieBiome

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 December 2023 - Hong Kong's leading biomedical and microbiome technology company, G-NiiB GenieBiome, is pleased to announce that a ground-breaking large-scale randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial ("the Trial") conducted on the efficacy of SIM01, an oral microbiome immunity formula developed by a top-notch medical school in Hong Kong, involving 463 patients who had contracted COVID-19, has strongly proved that the consumption of SIM01, an oral microencapsulated live bacteria formula, could significantly improve the gut microbiota after six months and lead to remarkable alleviation of post-COVID-19 sequelae ("long COVID"), encompassing a range of symptoms affecting different systems and organs. The findings of the Trial were published yesterday in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, the most authoritative international medical journal in infectious diseases. G-NiiB GenieBiome’s flagship product, G-NiiB Immunity+, contains the oral microbiome immunity formula SIM01. The Trial has robustly demonstrated the exceptional efficacy of SIM01 in alleviating post-COVID-19 conditions, sending a significant breakthrough and a sliver of hope for the 65 million individuals worldwide who have been profoundly impacted by the long COVID. It is widely acknowledged that post-COVID-19 symptoms exhibit substantial interindividual variability, complexity, and long-haul span, posing a dual challenge to the patient's physiological and psychological well-being. Given the current lack of targeted and effective therapies, it has emerged as one of the most formidable health challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. In its August 2021 publication, The Lancet mentioned that long COVID is the primary challenge of modern medicine. The oral microencapsulated live bacteria formula SIM01, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases this time, is the flagship product of G-NiiB GenieBiome. Multiple clinical studies have confirmed its effectiveness. This very study, known as the RECOVERY study, is the first global clinical research to testify that SIM01 can improve gut microbiota and effectively alleviate post-COVID-19 symptoms, including fatigue, memory loss, difficulty in concentration, gastrointestinal upset and general unwellness. The study results further highlight the interconnectedness of the "Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis," illustrating how probiotic metabolites absorbed through the gut can contribute to improving brain function. This also underscores the potential of restoring healthy gut microbiota as a novel intervention and strategy for addressing post-COVID-19 neurological symptoms. The publication of these research findings in The Lancet Infectious Diseases signifies authoritative recognition of their scientific and pioneering property, as well as a strong affirmation of SIM01's possibility to improve post-COVID-19 symptoms and enhance overall immune performance in patients. Ms. Rachel Fan, CEO of G-NiiB GenieBiome, stated, "The publication of the Trial on G-NiiB's microbiome immunity formula, SIM01, in the medical journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, is undoubtedly a scientific feat and a significant milestone for G-NiiB GenieBiome. It represents a great recognition of the leadership, judgment, and expertise of our founder and Chief Scientific Advisor, showcasing our leading position and innovative capabilities in microbiome research. It also serves as a strong testimony of our professional competence and product quality, demonstrating that our core technology has received authoritative approbation from the international medical community. This is considerable progress and an outstanding achievement for a pioneering company to keep a foothold in the microbiome arena. We are immensely proud." Besides, "The practical significance of this study lies in proving the scientific efficacy and multiple feasibilities of SIM01, inaugurating new avenues for microbiome research and human health exploration. From a societal perspective, G-NiiB's microbiome immunity formula, SIM01, presents the potential to offer a fresh choice for individuals suffering from long COVID while making seminal contributions to the fight against COVID-19 and other diseases. G-NiiB GenieBiome is committed to continuing its investment in innovative research and cutting-edge development, steadfastly striving to improve human health and tackle various disease challenges." Ms. Rachel Fan, CEO of G-NiiB GenieBiome, background is the clinical trial published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Utilising advanced metagenomic sequencing data, patented artificial intelligence, and microencapsulation technology, G-NiiB GenieBiome has introduced three patented oral microbiota formulations. They are SIM01, a microbiome precision immunity formula designed to enhance the immune system; SMT04, a microbiome precision gut protective formula to preserve intestinal health; and SIM03, a microbiome precision children immunity formula to develop diverse rainbow immunity. Clinical data from a renowned medical school in Hong Kong have supported these formulations. The team is currently researching to develop innovative formulations to treat and alleviate complex conditions such as fatty liver and adult eczema, aiming to meet the evolving needs of the health supplement market. Ms. Rachel Fan further added, "Our core team members excel in their respective spheres. Our collective goal is to blaze innovative transformation in the field of human health through microbiome research. By leveraging the leap we made in microbiota research, the team strives to significantly improve disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, sequentially accelerating the transition into a new era of microbiota-centric medicine." G-NiiB GenieBiome G-NiiB GenieBiome is a biotechnology company founded by world-renowned clinician-scientists and supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts in microbiology, metagenomics, bioinformatics, disease biomarkers, food technology, clinical trials, IP development and commercialization. For over a decade, our team has pioneered the use of microbiome with evidence-based science to tackle a myriad of diseases, including colorectal cancer, obesity, atopic eczema, autism, and mood disorders, revolutionizing the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Our precision portfolio of G-NiiB includes diagnostic and risk prediction tests, next-generation microbiome precision formulas, and precision medicine tailored for the Asian population. Our vision is to be a game changer in human health with microbiome solutions. Contact Details Tim Chan timchan@g-niib.com Company Website https://www.g-niib.com

December 08, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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AI-Driven Media Discovery, Distribution and Monetization Platform VideoXRM Launches Netcapital.com Funding Campaign

VideoXRM

VideoXRM, the pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) driven, B2B video distribution and discovery platform, announces the launch a $500,000 offering on the Netcapital.com digital private capital markets ecosystem. Capital from the offering will be used for the continued development and commercialization of the VideoXRM platform. The minimum investment is $300 and the offering deadline is January 31, 2024. Learn more at: https://netcapital.com/companies/videoxrm Businesses increasingly utilize video and rich media to differentiate their benefits and to reach new audiences, yet most of this complex and unstructured content remains difficult if not impossible to find. VideoXRM brings expanded exposure and ROI to this high value content, that until now, has been virtually inaccessible via conventional search technologies. Utilizing proprietary AI-machine learning technology, metadata, and granular indexing, VideoXRM is able to automatically classify videos, audio, images, etc., enabling unparalleled media discovery. The platform is ideal for company to company and company to investor engagement, news media, researchers, supply chain and procurement managers, M&A sourcing, partnering and benchmarking. VideoXRM’s revenue streams will include promotional services, highly targeted video campaigns and premium content on a pay-per-view and pay-per-subscription basis. Initial revenue is targeted by year-end 2023. VideoXRM CEO, David N. Baker, commented, “Over the past 2 ½ years we have made huge progress building out the platform and business solely with internal funding. Our accomplishments include: Commercial Launch of the VideoXRM Platform Attracting 175 companies and 9,000 videos to the platform, with many content sources in the pipeline. Developing proprietary AI/Machine learning technology to extract video and audio metadata used to classify and index content within 140,000 industry categories. 2 Patents Issued and 3 Pending. “We are launching our Netcapital offering to fund our continued growth and enhancement of our platform. In Q1 2024 we will launch an entirely new aspect of our video platform, providing capabilities that will add substantial additional value for our customers and company. We hope you will join us on our journey to build the most powerful business media distribution and discovery platform to enable the leg of growth in video and rich media communications and commerce.” Connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter and Facebook. About VideoXRM ( VideoXRM.com ) VideoXRM is an AI-driven, B2B media discovery, distribution, communication and monetization platform that connects corporate rich media content with all potential stakeholders. The platform and smart search technology creates value and knowledge from mountains of unstructured digital media, delivering greater ROI from content investments. VideoXRM’s mission is harnessing the enhanced communicative power of rich media through a new distribution and discovery paradigm. VideoXRM was Co-founded by David N. Baker, who formed Revere Data LLC (Sectorbase) which was acquired by FactSet Data Systems, Inc. His Co-founders are Vadim A. Tarasov, Byron Kwok, and David Guzy. Contact Details Catalyst IR David C. Collins +1 212-924-9800 videoxrm@catalyst-ir.com Company Website https://videoxrm.com

December 08, 2023 08:20 AM Eastern Standard Time

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HippoFi (OTC:ORHB) Hires World’s Top Regenerative Therapy Expert Dr. Gail Naughton to Drive Commercialization Plans of its Proprietary Technologies

CGR - HippoFi Inc.

There’s a strong possibility that you have experienced lower back pain or heard of injuries in which spinal discs are damaged either because of age related degeneration, playing sports, accidents, or other physical and genetic conditions. The spinal disc is the cushion between the bones or vertebra in the spine that allows for motion and stability. Currently, there is no treatment to regenerate the spinal disc, which often relates to intense pain causing patients to turn to major surgical procedures, that can lead to complications or opioid use, which can lead to addiction. Now, imagine a future where it’s possible to completely heal such injuries and regenerate not only the spinal discs, but also other body tissue and cartilage, restoring them to their original state. The medical implications would be far reaching. This future isn't as far off as one would think, thanks to trailblazers such as HippoFi, Inc. (OTC:ORHB) through its wholly owned subsidiary PUR Biologics. HippoFi’s main goal is to give back to patients the quality of life they had prior to when injuries or the aging process took their toll and eliminate the risks of surgery and dependency on painkillers. PUR’s complete line of biologic products currently includes advanced allografts and demineralized extracellular matrices (d-ECM), innovative synthetic bone-forming solutions, and cellular-derived tissues. In addition to this, the company has several patented and next-generation regenerative stem cell and growth factor driven therapeutics for treating osteoarthritis and cartilage regeneration. PUR’s product and technology portfolio are applicable to multiple large markets which conservatively could be worth about $48 billion providing the opportunity for continued growth, and increased shareholder value. Investors should be most excited for the company’s recent addition to the executive team. There is no one better placed to help HippoFi capitalize on the huge opportunity in regenerative therapeutics than the world’s foremost authority and pioneer of regenerative medicine, Gail Naughton, MBA, Ph.D. Despite their massive potential, very few cell-based products have been approved by regulatory authorities. This is understandable considering these are complex products which are difficult to manufacture. Dr. Naughton has an extensive track-record in this space, with more cell-based products approved by the FDA than nearly anyone else in the world, making her an extremely valuable addition to the team. A pioneer in cell-based therapeutics Dr. Naughton will be HippoFi’s "Head of Regenerative Therapeutics and Commercialization" and has been a driving force in regenerative medicine for over 35 years with a proven track record in monetizing significant cell-based therapeutics and bioengineered tissue technologies in addition to holding more than 140 patents. The first company that Dr. Naughton started and went public with was Advanced Tissue Sciences, which then was acquired by Organogenesis (NASDAQ:ORGO). Advanced Tissue Sciences was started in 1988 and received three of the world’s first regulatory approvals for cell-based products, including approval for Transcyte, a “skin substitute” originally termed Dermagraft, a product placed on diabetic ulcers and used for a soft tissue filler and as a cover to help the tissue heal. The company worked closely with healthcare giant Smith & Nephew (NYSE:SNN), a leader in advanced wound care and orthopedics which very early on recognized the potential of these cell-based products. The joint venture, focused on wound care and orthopedics, not only reaffirmed the potential for these novel cell-based products but also highlighted why Dr. Naughton was indeed the foremost authority on regenerative therapies. At the same time, Advanced Tissue Sciences licensed its first skincare product to a company called SkinMedica which was eventually acquired by Allergan. Though AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) bought out Allergan, that skincare product is still being sold. Dr. Naughton went on to start a second company called Histogen which went public as well. The company focuses on growing cells under embryonic conditions of very low oxygen and low gravity in order to revert the cells back to a stem-cell like condition. It then uses the byproducts of those cells in a very controlled manufacturing process to produce growth factors and extra-cellular matrix for a variety of reasons, including the regeneration of spinal discs which has demonstrated success in animal trials and the regeneration of the surface cartilage in joints which has gone to clinical trials. Dr. Naughton understands the pathways and potential pitfalls of bringing cellular and cellular derived technologies through the manufacturing process, animal trials, and clinical trials as well as working closely with the FDA which will be instrumental for HippoFi going forward. Furthermore, Dr. Naughton oversaw the design and development of the world’s first up-scaled manufacturing facility for tissue engineered products reaffirming her position as the world’s leading mind in manufactured cell-based products. Although currently focused on spine, the company has the ability to develop other orthopedic and bone care products as well as improve current products. Expediting the development of regenerative therapies HippoFi, Inc. (OTC:ORHB) has already achieved significant success in the regenerative therapies space, succeeding where others have failed. With the new commitment to work with Dr. Naughton, their combined efforts and revolutionary vision should be able to expedite the development of fully functioning biologics solutions in orthopedics that not only regenerate but restore function. One of Dr. Naughton and Hippofi’s first moves will be to continue the work she has been doing which has already shown success in animal studies. The exceptional results from these studies have shown that these novel biologic solutions could regenerate the spinal discs to the way they were before they had degenerated or were damaged, which ties in well with HippoFi’s current product portfolio and innovation focus. With such encouraging results, this means that the treatments would essentially be able to ‘turn the clock backwards’ and restore a patient’s tissues, functionality, and pain levels to the point they were before aging, disease, or injury. Dr. Naughton recently had success getting into clinical trials for human cartilage regeneration, another key area of focus for HippoFi. This is different than repairing because when tissue repairs it usually leaves a scar. HippoFi’s goal is to be able to have the normal tissue / cartilage / disc to regenerate back to where it was originally, without scarring. Right now, HippoFi is focused on the spine, mostly targeting bone growth products to help heal following spinal fusion procedures. And while that has been a great advancement for the patients, the company is concentrating on spine first because that’s where it has extensive experience and worldwide sales channels to drive today’s revenues. While Dr. Naughton also has significant experience in spine; their shared vision and experience will expand their target to other areas as they make more successes. Takeaway Although cell-based and cell-derived products and regenerative therapies have been around since the mid-80s, there are only a handful of products that have been approved by the FDA which has recently opened up new pathways to approval, seeing the importance of these technologies related to the future of patient care. With the addition or Dr. Naughton, and the company’s issued patent portfolio, HippoFi, Inc. (OTC:ORHB) is well positioned to change this and lead the future of regenerative medicine. With her extensive background in regenerative medicine and regulatory pathways combined with HippoFi’s business, sales, and clinical expertise they have clearly created a vision and strategy to expedite these innovative products to the patients that need them most - starting with spinal discs and osteoarthritis, and then moving forward with the regeneration of cartilage in knees and other joints.. For now, it seems that is the perfect time for investors to keep a watchful eye on HippoFi, and the addition of Dr. Naughton will be a major catalyst in helping the company meet their goals and address the significant and unmet needs in the $200 billion osteoarthritis, pain, and cartilage & spinal disc regeneration markets. Although the company currently has a market cap of just about $25 million, it may not remain at that valuation for too long once it starts gaining mainstream attention. Disclaimers: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor in regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, assumptions, objectives, goals, or assumptions of future events or performance are not statements of historical fact may be forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward looking statements in this action may be identified through use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements, indicating certain actions & quotes; may, could or might occur Understand there is no guarantee past performance is indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap or growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investor's investment may be lost or due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. Capital Gains Report (CGR), owned by RazorPitch Inc., is responsible for the production and distribution of this content. CGR is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment advisor. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. CGR has been retained by HippoFi Inc to produce and distribute this content. As part of that content, readers, subscribers, and webs are expected to read the full disclaimers and financial disclosure statement that can be found on our website capitalgainsreport.com All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in this article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. CGR is not a fiduciary by virtue of any persons use of or access to this content. Contact Details CapitalGainsReport.com Mark McKelvie +1 585-301-7700 markrmckelvie@gmail.com

December 08, 2023 07:35 AM Eastern Standard Time

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GRI Bio begins patent enrollment for Phase 2a study of GRI-0621 for IPF treatment

GRI Bio, Inc

GRI Bio CEO Marc Hertz joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news the company has begun patient enrollment in a Phase 2a biomarker study focused on evaluating GRI-0621 as a potential treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Patient dosing is expected to commence shortly, marking a significant milestone in the clinical development of the drug candidate. The Phase 2a study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, multi-center, placebo-controlled trial involving approximately 36 subjects diagnosed with IPF. These subjects will be randomly assigned to receive either GRI-0621 at a dose of 4.5mg or a placebo in a 2:1 ratio. The primary objective of this study is to assess the safety and tolerability of oral GRI-0621, which will be closely monitored throughout the trial. Secondary endpoints include evaluating changes in serum biomarkers collected at weeks 6 and 12. An interim analysis of the trial is planned when 24 subjects have completed 6 weeks of treatment, with the expectation of providing preliminary insights into the drug's safety and efficacy profile. The topline results from the Phase 2a biomarker study are anticipated to be available in the second half of 2024, shedding light on the drug's potential as a treatment option for IPF. In addition to these primary and secondary endpoints, the study will also explore the effect of GRI-0621 on pulmonary function at baseline, as well as after 6 weeks and 12 weeks of treatment. The trial aims to provide valuable data to advance our understanding of GRI-0621's therapeutic potential in addressing IPF, a challenging and debilitating respiratory condition. Contact Details Proactive Investors +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

December 06, 2023 01:47 PM Eastern Standard Time

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1606 Corp starts campaign to bring ChatCBDW to over 3,000 CBD merchants throughout the US

1606 Corp.

1606 Corp CEO Greg Lambrecht joined Steve Darling from Proactive to share news the company has announced a significant strategic move to launch a dedicated sales team for their product, ChatCBDW, an AI-powered merchandising Chatbot designed for the CBD industry. This initiative is set to begin with a targeted email-based marketing campaign in December, with a focus on reaching over 3,000 CBD merchants across the United States. Lambrecht shared that the company has enlisted the expertise of marketing professional Derek McCarthy to lead this ambitious outreach program. The primary objective is to personally engage with every CBD company in the US and introduce them to the capabilities of ChatCBDW. The goal is to showcase how this AI-powered tool can significantly boost sales conversions and enhance customer education efforts for CBD merchants. McCarthy, who brings with him 17 years of experience in sales and marketing, as well as a deep understanding of AI technologies for communication, emphasized the team's mission to tap into the transformative potential of ChatCBDW. The sales and marketing efforts will kick off in early December through a comprehensive email marketing campaign, complemented by a national call strategy. This strategic move by 1606 Corp represents a significant step in expanding their presence and influence within the CBD industry, positioning ChatCBDW as a valuable asset for CBD merchants seeking to enhance their customer engagement and sales processes. Contact Details Proactive Canada +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

December 06, 2023 01:24 PM Eastern Standard Time

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HKBU-led research develops novel drug delivery system for Gouteng compound for Alzheimer’s disease treatment

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 6 December 2023 - A research team led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has developed a novel drug delivery system for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The researchers have engineered exosomes, extracellular vesicles released by cells, to effectively carry the bioactive compound Corynoxine-B extracted from the Chinese herbal medicine Gouteng to the brain of mice with AD. As Corynoxine-B can induce autophagy, a process that maintains the health of cells, this new drug delivery system using exosomes can improve cognitive function and movement while reducing the symptoms of AD. The research findings have been published in the international academic journal Nature-Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy. Bioactive compound of Gouteng can treat AD AD is the most common type of dementia in which the brain cells degenerate and die, characterised by a build-up of amyloid-beta and phospho-tau protein in the brain, resulting in the decline of the brain's cognitive functions. Currently more than 55 million people worldwide are dementia patients. In Hong Kong more than 100,000 elderly suffer from dementia and the number is anticipated to soar to more than 330,000 by 2039. At present there is no curative treatment for AD. Available treatments can only delay the disease's progression and improve symptoms. HKBU's previous research projects found that Corynoxine-B, a bioactive compound of Gouteng, is effective in treating AD. However, the blood-brain barrier which protects the brain from potentially harmful substances in the bloodstream affects its uptake in brain. Exosomes serve as drug carriers To tackle this problem, a research team comprising Professor Li Min, Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) of Chinese Medicine, and Dr Ashok Iyaswamy, Research Assistant Professor of the Teaching and Research Division at the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU, along with other local, mainland and overseas scientists, have developed a novel approach to deliver Corynoxine-B to the brain using exosomes. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles released by cells which can transport molecules between cells like nanocarriers. Recent studies have shown that they could be utilised as vehicles for drug delivery. To examine whether exosomes are effective drug carriers for AD, the researchers manipulated the neuronal cells in mice to overexpress an adaptor protein Fe65 on the surface of exosomes released by these cells. Fe65 is involved in the processing of amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP), which plays a crucial role in the development of AD. By doing so, they observed more exosomes containing Fe65 were released by the neuronal cells. These engineered exosomes showed a good ability to migrate towards the neuronal cells with APP overexpressed in AD models. These findings suggest that the presence of Fe65 on the surface of exosomes enhanced their ability to specifically target and interact with the neuronal cells with elevated levels of APP, which is a characteristic feature of AD. Reduction of accumulated amyloid-beta protein Corynoxine-B is a natural inducer of autophagy which plays a crucial role in maintaining neuronal health. The research team loaded it into the engineered exosomes and injected it to the mice with AD to evaluate its potential as a therapeutic agent for the disease. Results show that engineered exosomes loaded with Corynoxine-B could enhance autophagy in mice, and were able to cross the blood-brain barrier to deliver Corynoxine-B to the brain, resulting in a 30% reduction of accumulated amyloid-beta protein. In addition, various behavioural tests including the rotarod test, open field test, contextual fear conditioning test, and Morris's water maze test conducted on mice with AD showed that the application of engineered exosomes loaded with Corynoxine-B resulted in 25% recovery of the cognitive and locomotor behaviour. Professor Li Min said: "Our study suggests that exosomes could be a promising new way to deliver drugs to the brain and treat AD. More research is needed, but this study provides hope that a cure for AD may be possible in the future. We hope that this research project will ultimately be beneficial to the elderly, individuals at high risk of neurodegeneration and neurodegenerative disease patients." Contact Details Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) Christina Wu christinawu@hkbu.edu.hk

December 06, 2023 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Microsoft Shareholder Seeks Accountability for Transgender Policies; Opposes Reid Hoffman for Board

NLPC

At the annual meeting for Microsoft Corporation on Thursday, National Legal and Policy Center will present a shareholder proposal that demands the company deliver an analysis of potential discrimination in the insurance coverage it offers employees, as it pertains to gender. Specifically, NLPC has identified coverage for so-called “transgender” staffers who desire to switch from their birth sex. Meanwhile the tech giant – otherwise generous in its benefits coverage, which includes paying for women to travel out of their home states to get abortions, if it’s unlawful where they live – has no provisions in its health plans for those who rue their life-altering “transition” decisions. In support of the proposal, NLPC also filed a proxy memo with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which explains in greater detail the reasons why shareholders should support its resolution for the Microsoft meeting, which is Proposal 5 on the company’s proxy statement. As the nonprofit shareholder reports, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission prohibits discrimination “in the payment of wages or employee benefits” based on gender, and thus Microsoft’s failure to accommodate de-transitioning workers is clearly biased and inequitable treatment. “A ‘de-transitioner’ fits into Dept. of Labor- and EEOC-protected categories of prohibited discrimination, which include ‘sex’ – expressly incorporating ‘gender identity’ and ‘sexual orientation,’” NLPC reported. “Arguably, for a ‘de-transitioner,’ the protected categories of ‘disability’ and/or ‘genetic information’ could also be cited as possible bases for discrimination.” “While Microsoft boasts about its perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign for capitulating to their radical LGBT agenda, those who are permanently scarred as a consequence of their policies have nowhere to turn for help,” said Paul Chesser, director of NLPC’s Corporate Integrity Project. As NLPC’s proposal states, many regretful transitioners are harmed with “various long-lasting side effects like chronic pain, sexual dysfunction, unwanted hair loss and hair gain, menstrual irregularities, urinary problems, and other complications. Rather than resolve mental health problems, such ‘gender affirming’ care instead often exacerbates them.” NLPC also notes how sufferers are becoming increasingly litigious, which could present material risk to Microsoft shareholders, as noted in the proxy memo to the SEC: Michelle Zacchigna had her uterus and breasts removed, and is suing the eight providers who treated her over their “recklessness.” “Distress related to my gender was treated to the exclusion of other serious mental health issues which went undiagnosed for years. Blind affirmation of my stated identity closed the door to alternative treatment options. What happened to me should never happen again.” Those who desire to “de-transition” cannot find needed treatment, whether from providers or insurance companies… Prisha Mosley said every primary care physician, endocrinologist, obstetrician, and gynecologist she’s approached on her insurance list has turned her away or said they can’t help. “I could call and be rejected every single day.” Chloe Cole said, “I reached out to every physician, every therapist who is involved with this, and I haven’t really gotten any help at all.” Cat Cattinson said, “Because of the experimental nature of gender medicine, doctors know very little about the long-term effects of medical transition and even less about the health-care needs of those who de-transition.” “Microsoft is not only vulnerable legally and financially because it fails to cover care for de-transitioners,” Chesser said, “but also because the company’s stated policies affirm it is possible to change one’s gender. If a judge and jury were to decide the company lied and convinced an employee into undergoing chemical or surgical castration, that is a material risk that Microsoft must disclose in its 10-K annual report to shareholders.” In addition to its shareholder proposal, NLPC also filed another proxy memo with the SEC to oppose the re-election of LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman for Microsoft’s board of directors. The move follows a letter that Chesser sent to Microsoft’s board in October, which asked for the removal of the tech billionaire from the board, due to his hyper-partisan political activities and his connections to the late convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Founded in 1991, NLPC promotes ethics in public life and government accountability through research, investigation, education, and legal action. ### For more information or to schedule an interview with Paul Chesser, contact Dan Rene at 202-329-8357 or drene@nlpc.org. Please visit http://www.nlpc.org. Contact Details National Legal and Policy Center Dan Rene +1 202-329-8357 drene@nlpc.org Company Website http://www.nlpc.org

December 05, 2023 01:35 PM Eastern Standard Time

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