Category Archives: Health

What is new in the field of Health. Trending topics, and cutting edge research in the are of Health. Press Releases that give us updates on Health.

iaedp™ Foundation Announces Change to Certification Program, to Begin in 2021


According to Bonnie Harken, Managing Director at iaedp™, “The iaedp Certification Program began in the early 1990’s and has grown exponentially to include leaders and pioneers in the field.

The International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals (iaedp™) Foundation, which has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions since 1985, has announced the discontinuation of the group’s Equivalency Route to Certification at the end of year. The other path to Certification offered by iaedp™, the Traditional Route, will become the standard for which Certification as an Eating Disorders Specialist is awarded.

According to Bonnie Harken, Managing Director at iaedp™, “The iaedp Certification Program began in the early 1990’s and has grown exponentially to include leaders and pioneers in the field. Because of our dedication to providing education and promoting effective care for patients, we continually raise the standards in order to accomplish our mission.”

This is one of the many steps taken by the iaedp™ Certification program to achieve industry standards set forth by the Institute of Credentialing Excellence (ICE). These steps were formalized in 2003 and have been accelerated by Beth Harrell, iaedp™ Director of Certification, after being recognized as a Credentialing Specialist through ICE in 2017. Steps achieved include: 1) psychometric evaluation of certification testing standards including test questions for the Certification Exam; 2) proctoring for the online test; 3) tightening of requirements on Traditional and Equivalency applications; 4) strengthening policies and procedures that support certification, and 5) the closing of the Certification process for leaders in the field, known as the Equivalency Route to Certification.

For additional information about iaedp™ and Certification, visit iaedp.com and go to Certification Overview.

About the iaedp™ Foundation: Since 1985, the International Association of Eating Disorders Professionals has provided education and training standards to an international and multidisciplinary group of various healthcare treatment providers and helping professions. MemberSHARE.iaedp.com is an iaedp™ business journal and online member resource to learn about noteworthy member achievements, continuing education webinars and U.S. and international chapter activity and events; for more information, visit MemberSHARE.

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New Evidence Linking Vaping to Oral Cancer and Gum Disease Highlights Importance of Dental Hygiene Routines, says Premier Care Dental Group


The dental office is based in Pasadena, California and serves patients from throughout the San Gabriel Valley area.

All smokers — not just vapers but also users of more old fashioned tobacco products — should quit but not everyone will, so practicing great oral hygiene habits will at least mitigate the chances of developing oral ailments.

A May 27 article on Healio News reports on new findings that e-cigarette use may increase an individual’s risk for oral cancer and periodontitis, also known as gum disease. Pasadena-based Premier Care Dental Group says that all smokers — not just vapers but also users of more old fashioned tobacco products — should quit but not everyone will, so practicing great oral hygiene habits will at least mitigate the chances of developing oral ailments.

Premier Care Dental Group notes that many activities and diets can be harmful to a patient’s teeth and gums, including the frequent consumption of sugary or acidic foods and drinks as well as smoking. While these lifestyle choices may or may not represent additional health problems, the group says that committing to strong oral hygiene standards and biannual checkups conducted by a dentist certainly provides better odds for preserving one’s oral health.

The dental group also says that good oral hygiene habits naturally start with regular brushing and flossing. According to many dental health associations, the ideal time to brush is at least thirty minutes after eating as this allows tooth enamel that’s been subjected to various acids and sugars to reharden and protect the teeth before brushing commences. Premier Care Dental Group says that flossing is just as important as it allows patients to reach spots in between teeth that might otherwise be too hard to reach with a normal toothbrush.

That being said, Premier Care Dental Group says that even patients with the most vigilant approach to oral hygiene are likely to encounter some form of dental ailment in their lifetime — few of us escape the occasional cavity or the need for a root canal. That’s when a dentist’s help can become a truly urgent matter. Patients already getting regular checkups are likely to experience additional benefits as dentists are trained to spot various maladies before the issues have a chance to progress into more serious ailments. No matter the timing, however, Premier Care Dental Group says that patients will be able to find some level of relief if they are experiencing adverse symptoms – but the earlier they seek professional assistance for an ailment, the more likely they are to save their time, money, and heartache.

Interested readers can learn more about Premier Care Dental Group by calling (626) 624-4560 or by visiting their website at https://www.premiercaredentalgroup.com/.

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Advanced Kiosks Deploys New Line of Body Temperature Sensing Kiosks


Guardian Kiosk detecting body temperature

Guardian Kiosk

“A kiosk that determines if a visitor has an elevated body temperature is an amazing addition to the more traditional methods of building access control.”

Advanced Kiosks, an industry-leading supplier of computer self-service kiosks, has announced the newest addition to their product line. Responding to an increased demand for improved building access control resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Advanced Kiosks is releasing the Guardian kiosk.

The Concord, NH based company is continuing to expand its products and services to meet the demands of their customers. Already in 2020 they have expanded the hours of their technical support to 24/7, providing support to their customer base around the clock. They recently announced the addition of automated weekly reporting for their core ZAMOK™ Kiosk Management Software, delivering information about a customer’s fleet of kiosks directly to their email inboxes.

There has been a sharp increase in the desire to reduce person to person interaction because of the COVID-19 situation. Meanwhile, many businesses want to open back up to their customers as soon as it is safe to do so. One of the arrows in the quiver of self-service kiosk solutions is a body temperature sensing kiosk that can read a person’s temperature and trigger a warning if they are running a fever. Combined with facial recognition technology, this is a powerful solution for business owners.

“Many business owners are in a difficult position,” says Jeff LeBlanc, director of User Experience at Advanced Kiosks. “While the safety of their employees and customers is paramount, they also need to look at how to provide their services to stay in business. A kiosk that determines if a visitor has an elevated body temperature is an amazing addition to the more traditional methods of building access control.”

The Guardian kiosk uses advanced technology to read the temperature from a person’s face, with an accuracy of less than 1 degree Fahrenheit. If the temperature is over a predetermined threshold, an alert is sounded. Additionally, the kiosk uses an artificial intelligence system to analyze the face and see if the person is known to the kiosk, such as a company employee, providing a stronger level of access control than typical key card access methods. The facial recognition technology even works if the person is wearing a mask, and can in fact be configured to sound an alert if a mask is absent.

The Guardian is part of a full self-service automation solution that reflects the way business will be conducted in the wake of COVID-19. Additional offerings include kiosks to provide document scanning, wayfinding, queue management, and even remote video conferencing. All of these services come together to allow many vital services to be offered in ways that limit person-to-person contact.

Advanced Kiosk plans to start shipping units immediately. Early demand seems strong, with public spaces such as universities, restaurants, and hospitals expected to place the first orders.

Visit YouTube to see the Guardian in action. More information can be found at the Advanced Kiosks web site: https://advancedkiosks.com

About Advanced Kiosks:

Advanced Kiosks – one of the largest kiosk manufacturers in the ever-growing self-service kiosk market – is located in Concord, NH and has its tech doors open 24-7 for not only its own customers but the owners of computer kiosks from any kiosk manufacturer.

For more details about self service kiosks for your business, visit the link below:

https://advancedkiosks.com/

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Cryoshift Makes Arizona it’s Home, Opening The First Location in Gilbert


We believe that when you come to Cryoshift regularly, not only for cryotherapy but also for our other wide-ranging services, you will feel happier and healthier, which will help you conquer each day, each workout, each injury, and so on.

Cryoshift, the Valley’s newest boutique wellness center offering enhanced wellness and recovery services, is now open in Gilbert. Located at 3755 South Gilbert Road at the Crossroads Towne Center, Cryoshift offers a range of services that use extreme temperatures for recovery and rejuvenation results.

“The first time I tried cryotherapy, it was a little uncomfortable, but as soon as I stepped out of the chamber and started warming up, I immediately began to see the benefits set into place. Shortly after, I began doing it daily and noticed that I have improved memory and focus, improved mood, slept better and had less pain overall. That’s when I knew that I wanted to help other people feel this way on a daily basis,” said Kris Price, co-owner and franchisee of Cryoshift in Gilbert.

“We opened Cryoshift as a way to help people be happier and more successful. We believe that when you come to Cryoshift regularly, not only for cryotherapy but also for our other wide-ranging services, you will feel happier and healthier, which will help you conquer each day, each workout, each injury, and so on,” said Billy Sunkenberg, co-owner and franchisee of Cryoshift in Gilbert.

Cryoshift uses proven technologies to complement a healthy lifestyle and improve the patient’s overall wellbeing. Services include Impact® whole-body cryotherapy, NormaTec® compression therapy, Jacuzzi Clearlight ® infrared therapy, and Cryo Slim-Tone-Sculp℠. The process and benefits of each are listed below.


  • Impact whole-body cryotherapy uses nitrogen vapor to produce cold temperatures that promote the natural healing of the body. The three-minute treatment begins when the cryo chamber fills with nitrogen vapor and a dry chill drops to a range of -90° Celsius to -120° Celsius.
  • NormaTec compression therapy uses a dynamic massage pattern and compresses air to enhance blood flow and speed recovery in the legs, arms, and hips. Patients will experience a kneading similar to a massage as it compresses and then releases the focus area.
  • Jacuzzi Clearlight infrared therapy utilizes light to heat the body and detox your system by activating the deep tissues, promoting oxygen flow and increasing circulation. Infrared therapy helps patients relax with an invigorating deep tissue sweat and leave patients fully refreshed, rejuvenated and renewed.

Cryoshift offers affordable memberships that encourage guests to prioritize the body’s recovery process into their normal health and wellness routines. Memberships will be priced at $179 a month and will include 30 sessions of any combination of whole body cryotherapy, compression therapy or infrared therapy. For non-members, the first session will be complimentary but afterward, drop-ins will be $25. If the guest signs up for a membership the same day, they will receive the membership at a discounted rate of $149.

Cryoshift in Gilbert is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. For more information or to book an appointment, please visit https://gilbert.cryoshift.com/ or call 480-207-1435.

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About Cryoshift

Cryoshift Cryotherapy is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Impact Cryotherapy, Inc. Both are based in Atlanta, GA. Cryoshift Cryotherapy currently offers unit-level and area representative opportunities to qualifying entrepreneurs. For more information, please visit http://www.cryoshift.com

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SPH Analytics National Study on Patient Experience with Telehealth Finds Significant Shift in Attitudes and Behaviors During the Height of the Pandemic


National survey shows significant changes in consumer attitudes and behaviors pre-pandemic to the period once the pandemic was declared

National survey shows significant changes in consumer attitudes and behaviors pre-pandemic to the period once the pandemic was declared

For providers and payers who want to influence consumer receptivity to virtual care… it is critical to quickly understand consumer sentiment, consumer needs and the opportunity at hand, and to proactively change consumer engagement and operating models to best leverage this market opportunity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has set the stage for massive changes in healthcare delivery, and telehealth is seeing its limelight. A May 2020 Frost & Sullivan survey predicts a sevenfold growth in telehealth services by 2025, indicating that people are more receptive than ever to using phone and Internet services to receive care.

SPH Analytics, a leader in healthcare quality, experience analytics and patient engagement, surveyed consumers regarding their level of engagement with their healthcare just prior to the World Health Organization declaration of the Coronavirus pandemic on March 11 and continued post declaration through June 17. The survey began just as the virus emerged in the United States and spanned to also cover the early stages of states’ reopening. Results of patients’ reception to, willingness for and actual usage of virtual provider visits highlight the opportunities for providers and health plans alike to meet new consumer demands while simultaneously improving their quality and experience metrics.

Comparing over 500 responses from consumers nationwide, results show significant changes in their attitudes and behaviors pre-pandemic to the period once the pandemic was declared:


  • Increased telehealth visits. Pre-pandemic, only 11% of respondents said they had had a virtual visit. Once the pandemic was declared, the percentage increased to 14%. By the middle of June, 33% of consumers surveyed said they had participated in a telehealth visit, an increase of over 200% in the span of just a few months.
  • Higher reception to virtual care during a crisis. Pre-pandemic, only 7.6% of respondents were extremely interested in receiving virtual care from their primary doctor. Once the pandemic was declared, the percentage doubled to 15% who were extremely interested in receiving virtual care from their primary doctor. By May, the percentage of strong supporters of telehealth has dropped to 9% as the economy started to re-open and in-person doctor visits became available again, and in mid-June only 6% of consumers were still extremely interested in virtual care. The percentage of respondents who were very interested in telehealth remained at 12% from March through May but has increased to 20% in June.
  • Virtual care is much more popular with a familiar face. 26% of respondents in mid-June say they are extremely interested or very interested in receiving virtual care from their personal physician. However, when asked if they would consider a virtual visit with doctors from a leading medical provider that did not include their personal physician, only 11% of consumers showed interest in virtual care from an unfamiliar provider.
  • Willingness to wait varies with the circumstances. When asked to choose between waiting several days to see their own doctor or seeing a new doctor quicker via a virtual visit, consumers were evenly split between waiting for their doctor or trying a virtual visit prior to the pandemic declaration. This number sharply increased shortly after the pandemic declaration, as 64% of respondents opted to choose a virtual visit with a new doctor over waiting several days to see their personal doctor. By mid-June, the percentage of consumers who preferred virtual care from a new doctor declined, but remained ahead of pre-pandemic levels (57% vs. 50%).
  • Walk-in clinics are still the preferred alternative to virtual care, but recent research indicates that preference for a virtual visit is gaining momentum. Prior to the pandemic, only 25% of consumers said they would prefer a virtual visit over going to a walk-in clinic for a high fever or other medical problem that needed treatment. Immediately after the pandemic declaration, the percentage of consumers who said they would prefer a virtual visit over a walk-in clinic spiked to 40%, but that proportion has dropped back somewhat (33%) in mid-June.
  • The pandemic has led to greater appreciation of virtual care over emergency rooms for non-emergency care. Prior to the pandemic, 46% of consumers chose a virtual visit with a new doctor over going to an emergency room. In the weeks after the pandemic was declared, 60% favored a virtual visit over an emergency room visit. As of mid-June, 58% of consumers preferred a virtual visit over an emergency room.

“This research indicates that amidst the pandemic, consumers rapidly changed their attitudes and behaviors,” said Amy Amick, President and CEO of SPH Analytics. “The emergence of the pandemic drove a remarkable and rapid shift to consumer perceptions, reflecting a far higher receptivity to virtual care models; however, as time has passed, some consumer mindsets are returning to close to pre-pandemic perspectives on virtual care. For providers and payers who want to influence consumer receptivity to virtual care, and seek to take advantage of this growing care venue, it is critical to quickly understand consumer sentiment, consumer needs and the opportunity at hand, and to proactively change consumer engagement and operating models to best leverage this market opportunity.”

Continued Amick, “Furthermore, the emergence of telehealth has the opportunity to virtually overnight become a very real driver in patient/member overall satisfaction, and as a result, can have material impact on the financial equation for the provider and health plan. For instance, how will a member’s experience with telehealth impact their CAHPS feedback? How can telehealth models help close gaps in care, and how can we prevent telehealth from creating gaps in care? Our intent is to provide our clients with deep insight into their patient or member population, no matter which care venue the patient leverages, to enable that client to drive exceptional patient and member experience and engagement and strong health outcomes.”

SPH Analytics has deep expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research that enables health plans and providers to understand the patient or member experience, as well as patient engagement solutions that can close care gaps through patient education and appointment setting.

For more information about SPH Analytics and patient engagement and experience solutions, visit SPHAnalytics.com.

About SPH Analytics

SPH Analytics (SPH), a leader in healthcare analytics and population health management,

empowers clients to analyze and interpret their clinical, financial, and consumer experience data

to maximize their performance. SPH’s Population Care™, Population Value™, and Population

Engage™ solutions are built on the innovative Nexus™ Platform, providing insights and impact

to integrated health networks, ACOs, hospitals, ambulatory care providers, physician groups, and health plans. SPH’s quality measure dashboards, financial risk measurement, healthcare survey and patient outreach solutions, and consulting services empower clients to meet the Triple Aim by improving population health, reducing overall cost of care, and improving the patient experience.

SPH Analytics is a recognized leader in the industry, earning accolades as a top ranked population health vendor by KLAS, top-ranked satisfaction measurement firm in the health plan market by Modern Healthcare, and ranked number one in MACRA and MIPS Support Technology for Value-Based Care by Black Book Research. SPH Analytics has been providing insights to clients for more than 35 years and serves clients in all 50 states. Corporate headquarters are in metro Atlanta. SPH Analytics is a portfolio company of the $3 billion STG Partners. For more information, call 1-866-460-5681 or visit SPHAnalytics.com.

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Senior Housing News Launches 2020 Architecture & Design Awards Program


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Communities from around the U.S. and world can now submit new construction and renovation projects in 11 categories this year: 55+, Active Adult, Affordable, Assisted Living, Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Hospice, Independent Living, International, Renovation/Repositioning, Skilled Nursing/Post-Acute Care and Standalone Memory Care.

“Particularly in light of reduced travel and conference participation this year, The 2020 SHN Architecture & Design Awards is a great way to virtually showcase the latest work of senior housing owners, operators and developers, for a global audience,” said George Yedinak, founder of Senior Housing News. “Now in its seventh year, we look forward to presenting this annual awards competition, which year after year highlights the latest best-in-class ideas driving the future of senior living design.”

Submissions are now open until October 31, 2020. Winners will be announced in December 2020.

A panel of industry experts with backgrounds in development, architecture and interior design will judge the projects, evaluating entries based on design and aesthetic criteria. Not only will judges analyze design elements such as color, light and landscape architecture, they will also consider community functionality by analyzing key features that are critical to property type, such as universal design techniques.

For more information about the awards and this year’s competition, visit http://www.shnawards.com.

About the SHN Architecture & Design Awards

The Senior Housing News Architecture & Design Awards recognize cutting-edge design, excellence and innovation in senior living. The annual awards contest celebrates unique projects and companies that are improving the lives of seniors through innovative design. Visit http://www.shnawards.com for more information about this year’s contest, as well as past winners.

About Aging Media Network / Senior Housing News

Aging Media Network is an innovative publishing company based in Chicago, Illinois, and is the publisher of Senior Housing News, Reverse Mortgage Daily, Home Health Care News and Skilled Nursing News.

Senior Housing News (SHN) is the leading independent source for news and information covering senior housing and senior living. With a global reach of more than 30,000 industry professionals, SHN boasts an audience that includes senior housing operators, developers, banking institutions, real estate investment trusts, private equity and service providers catering to the industry. Visit http://www.seniorhousingnews.com for more information.

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Microblading Benefits Highlighted as Face Masks Become Part of New Normal, says Beverly Hills Permanent Makeup


The Los Angeles salon says that it is a leader in all types of permanent makeup — including microblading.

Now more than ever before, individuals will be seeking out perfect eye makeup looks to accentuate their mostly-concealed faces.

A June 1 article on People reported on beauty experts’ makeup tips while wearing a face mask. In light of the country slowly opening back up while adjusting to new rules regarding public spaces, makeup experts expect to see an increase in available products for areas of the face that aren’t covered such as eyelids, lashes, and brows. Beverly Hills Permanent Makeup agrees, saying now more than ever before, individuals will be seeking out perfect eye makeup looks to accentuate their mostly-concealed faces.

The Beverly Hills salon says that this latest result of the pandemic coincides with the recent increase in an emphasis on creating full-looking eyebrows to frame the face. While trends change and the focal point of makeup looks vary, Beverly Hills Permanent Makeup says that well-shaped and filled brows will be here to stay for a while, especially if faces must continue to be partially covered.

Beverly Hills Permanent Makeup says that semi-permanent makeup options such as microblading provide individuals with both the convenience of saving time from their daily makeup routine as well as having a lasting perfect look. The beauty clinic says that microblading offers a solution for a variety of issues that individuals might struggle with, including difficulties with a steady hand or needing their makeup to last all day and night, through rain, sweat, and tears.

Beverly Hills Permanent Makeup says that the process behind microblading is very simple and the results can last for many months. Using tiny needles, small dots of pigment are placed individually to create an appearance functionally identical to that of an individual’s brow hair. This results in fuller, natural-looking brows that leave almost no tell that work has been done.

The Beverly Hills salon says that microblading should not be confused with tattooing though, as there are significant differences between the two procedures. While tattoo artists generally use a tattoo machine, microblading artists don’t. Instead, the salon continues, they hand draw fine, detailed lines to create a natural look that’s beautiful, yet subtle.

The beauty clinic says that it’s important for individuals to thoroughly research microblading artists and ensure that they are properly qualified to receive the best results possible. At Beverly Hills Permanent Makeup, resident makeup artist Ellie not only holds several permanent makeup credentials but she is also well respected in both the aesthetic community as well as with reconstructive surgeons.

Readers interested in learning more about microblading services or permanent makeup offerings at Beverly Hills Permanent Makeup can call (424) 247-6411 or visit its website at https://www.bhpermanentmakeup.com/.

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COVID-19 Has Small Negative Impact on Market for Companion Diagnostics: Kalorama


Kalorama Information logo

In its latest report on companion diagnostics, IVD market research firm Kalorama Information updated market sizes and forecasts for the market for tests tied to therapeutic selection or effectiveness. To get a sense of the current marketplace, analysts informally surveyed oncology treatment centers in hospitals, as well as pharmaceutical companies serving them to determine recent market trends. The analysts found:

  • Initial (March 2020) decline in CDx requisitions, yet by April 2020 this was largely resolved;
  • Less than 10 percent reduction in test volume reported;
  • Budgets largely frozen, no capital expenditures will be initiated in the foreseeable future;
  • Some backlog on processing tests due to restructuring of hours and laboratory layout requirements; and
  • By appointment only lab draws were in effect beginning around February 2020 for some facilities and ongoing through April 2020 which impacted test volume slightly.

Delaying treatment in patients with overall good prognosis would be detrimental to the outcome in some patients prescribed targeted therapies, primarily cancer therapies. Therefore, oncologists report only minimal delays in treatment which is often determined case-by-case, dependent on factors such as disease status, cancer type, age of the patients, etc.

For example, systemic therapy may be delayed for a short period in patients aged 50 or older with non-aggressive tumor types; in contrast, delaying treatment in an aggressive tumor could be catastrophic to the patient’s outcome.

Spartan Bioscience developed its CE and FDA approved DNA analyzer to detect risk of poor treatment choices for patients taking various antiplatelets, antidepressants and PPIs. People carrying CYP2C19 mutations can impair drug metabolism and alter response to drug therapy. Over the first-half of 2020, Spartan Bioscience has shifted its technology to focus on detecting COVID-19 and Legionella using its qPCR on-site DNA analyzer.

Along with new developments, diagnostic service providers are also shifting workloads to address the demand for COVID-19 services. MiraDx, for example, has opened its CLIA-certified lab to providing COVID-19 test services. The lab has an analyze capacity of over 9,000 tests with no backlog, reported by MiraDx. The company also reports test results are available in approximately 48 hours and are being prioritized for hospitals, essential workers and field-based healthcare workers. MiraDx lists the test at $150 per completed test.

There is also a growing trend for treatment centers, specifically cancer treatment centers, and research hospitals to get involved in the COVID-19 recovery plan. The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, Maryland, United States) is gearing up to commence a Phase II trial to promote recovery from COVID-19 with ivermectin or bicalutamide endocrine therapy. The study is an interventional trial with an estimated enrollment of 60 participants that have had a confirmed PCR test of COVID-19 infection and require inpatient hospitalization due to COVID-19 with minimal or no respiratory symptoms. Estimated start date is June 2020 with estimated completion in June 2021.

About Kalorama Information

For more than 30 years, Kalorama Information has been a leading publisher of market research in healthcare areas, including in vitro diagnostics (IVD), biotechnology, healthcare, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals.

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Pittsburgh Neurologists Among First to Document U.S. Case Showing Potential Link Between Guillain-Barré Syndrome and COVID-19


Dr. Sandeep Rana, head author of the study and neurologist at Allegheny General Hospital

Physicians from Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) in Pittsburgh, part of Allegheny Health Network (AHN), are among the first in the country to document a potential association between the onset of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The case study was just published in the June issue of the Journal of Clinical Neuromuscular Disease.

GBS is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath of the peripheral nervous system, which significantly interrupts signal transmission to the brain. Roughly two thirds of patients with GBS contract the illness shortly after a severe viral, respiratory or bacterial infection.

“Although the number of documented cases internationally is notably small to date, it’s not completely surprising that a COVID-19 diagnosis may lead to a patient developing GBS. In fact, similar connections were made during the 2016 Zika virus outbreak,” said Sandeep Rana, MD, neurologist at AGH and lead author of the case study. “The increase of inflammation and inflammatory cells caused by the infection may trigger an irregular immune response that leads to the hallmark symptoms of this neurological disorder.”

Patients diagnosed with GBS will experience progressive, ascending, symmetrical paralysis of the arms and legs, with or without cranial nerve involvement. For many, the disorder initially presents itself with tingling or numbness in the lower portion of the body and advances upward, with muscles losing complete ability to respond to stimuli. In extremely severe cases, patients may progress to total paralysis.

According to a case study published in April in the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, COVID-19 stimulates inflammatory cells and produces various inflammatory proteins or “cytokines” and as a result, creates immune-mediated processes. Since GBS is an immune-mediated disorder, the molecular imitation of the body’s response may play a critical factor.

In “Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Associated Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Case Report,” (doi: 10.1097/CND.0000000000000309) a 54-year-old man was transferred to AGH with ascending limb weakness and numbness that followed symptoms of a severe respiratory infection. Upon arrival, clinicians noted areflexia and further diagnostic testing showed he was positive for COVID-19.

He was started on a five day regimen of intravenous immunoglobulin for a presumed diagnosis of GBS. However, he continued to progress and experienced complications of elevated heart rate at rest, double vision, and burning sensation throughout the body.

During his follow up neurological examination he was noted to have profound weakness in his legs, moderated weakness in his arms and facial muscles as well as minor weakness in his muscles that control eye movement.

“The electrical abnormalities of this patient were consistent with demyelinating form of GBS syndrome. As we continue to observe COVID-19 and its manifestations, we’re anticipating that the rate of GBS incidents may be higher than initially expected,” continued Dr. Rana.

A series of similar observations have been made by clinicians at three hospitals in northern Italy in April. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine (DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc2009191), “Guillain–Barré Syndrome Associated with SARS-CoV-2,” clinicians examined five patients that developed GBS of an estimated 1,200 cases with COVID-19 infections. Introductory reports of a potential connection were also published in The Lancet from researchers in Wuhan, China (doi: 10.1016/S1474-4422(20)30109-5.)

“Since GBS can significantly affect the respiratory system and other vital organs being pushed into overdrive during a COVID-19 immune response, it will be critically important to further investigate and understand this potential connection,” Rana concluded.

For more information on Allegheny General Hospital and the Neuroscience Institute at Allegheny Health Network, visit ahn.org.

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About the Allegheny Health Network:

Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org), a Highmark Health company, is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The Network is composed of 12 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home and community-based health services, a research institute, and a group purchasing organization. The Network provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, trauma care, cardiovascular disease, organ transplantation, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women’s health, diabetes, autoimmune disease and more. AHN employs approximately 21,000 people, has more than 2,500 physicians on its medical staff and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

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P2 Science Launches Product for State and Non-Profit Employees


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P2 Science, Inc. (P2) announced today the company has started commercial sales of the 24-6™, which is a product case containing 24 bottles of sanitizer and 6 bottles of P2 moisturizer. The new P2 moisturizer is formulated around the patented forest-derived, Citropol® platform and is designed to mitigate the effects on the skin of frequent hand-washing and sanitizer use. The liquid sanitizer is made under an FDA registration.

In a time when hand-washing and the sanitizing of hands and surfaces is being done in offices and places of work with a frequency never before seen, it is critical that skin care become an important part of each individual’s daily regimen. For this reason, P2 ensures that any sale or donation of P2 sanitizer is accompanied by P2 skincare products, built around the Citropol proprietary bio-derived ingredients, designed and made in Naugatuck Connecticut.

Currently the 24-6 is sold only for use by employees of qualified government and non-profit groups operating in the State of Connecticut. Earnings from sales of the 24-6 will help support the P2 pro-bono work with All Our Kids Inc. (AOK) and other CT non-profits. P2 is currently supplying AOK with sanitizer to help facilitate safe operation of their childcare facilities.

Neil Burns, P2’s CEO commented “We are pleased to be able help the state of Connecticut get back to work with our new P2 skincare products. We thought it only right to accompany sanitizer with high-performance moisturizer to ensure the best experience for the users.”

The Citropol platform is a genuine new development in the personal care and cosmetics ingredients market, introduced commercially by P2 in April. It is a patented new class of low MW liquid polymers that are made from terpenes derived from the forest. The products demonstrate an excellent safety profile and typically impart lubricity, shine and moisture retention properties in a wide range of skin and hair care products

About P2 Science:

P2 Science is renewable chemistry company. The co-founders of P2, Professor Paul Anastas and Dr. Patrick Foley, worked together at the Yale Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering. P2 has developed and patented green chemistry technologies for converting renewable feedstocks into high-value specialty products. Investors in P2 include BASF Venture Capital, Xeraya Capital, Elm Street Ventures, Connecticut Innovations, Ironwood Capital, HG Ventures and Chanel. The company started up its first manufacturing plant in September of 2018 which produces novel renewable aroma chemicals and cosmetics ingredients. For more information, see http://www.p2science.com

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