Business, Education and Schools, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities, Product Launches

NPA Launches IMPACT Fellowship Program

ROCKVILLE, Md. -- The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) today announced a fellowship program designed to help researchers from marginalized communities advance their careers. Using tools to improve skills, better understand strengths, provide exposure to new fields, and develop new networks, the IMPACT Fellowship Program is a groundbreaking effort assisting postdoctoral scholars of all disciplines.

There are approximately 70,000 postdoctoral scholars across the United States who conduct the bulk of the nation's early-stage research. In addition to their important work within their fields, ranging from economics to life sciences, these scholars serve as mentors and instructors for graduate students while preparing to enter the full-time workforce in leadership positions. As members of minority racial, ethnic, gender, geographic, and other communities, some postdoctoral scholars face high barriers to career and personal success others do not.

"Unfortunately, all postdoctoral scholars do not share equal access to critical resources, especially those from marginalized communities or from historically underfunded institutions," said NPA executive director and chief executive officer, Thomas P. Kimbis. "A year after the height of protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd and just before the celebration of Juneteenth, we are proud to announce this intentional step in the right direction."

"As the national association of postdoctoral scholars, we are very aware of this inequity within our own membership," commented NPA Board chair, Stephanie Eberle. "By taking a hands-on, peer-driven approach, IMPACT provides new tools to help program fellows succeed while encouraging them to bring lessons learned back to their communities."

IMPACT is set to run its first program of fellows for six months starting this summer, to be followed by another class in 2022. IMPACT program graduates will comprise a growing and supportive community to scholars looking to strategically build upon existing skills, recognize opportunities, and advance in their careers.​ The program will also feature engagement with leaders from areas such as business, communications, finance, and policy that are outside the fellows' disciplines, providing them new career insights and connections.

NPA diversity officer, Matthew Aguirre, noted "The IMPACT fellowship program has taken a team of leaders to establish, and we cannot express our excitement to be a part of it. This will be the program's pilot year, but will only grow to serve the postdoctoral community, specifically those from marginalized and under-resourced communities."

"Leadership and inclusion skill sets are increasingly recognized as essential competencies for postdoctoral scholars," added Vipul Sharma, who serves as a diversity officer alongside Aguirre. "IMPACT is a small step on a national scale to initiate an equitable and inclusive culture in research."

The NPA is currently seeking applicants for fellows as well as corporate, individual, and philanthropic sponsors of the first class of this multi-year, signature program.

Applicants for fellows: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/IMPACTProgram

Sponsors information: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/mpage/IMPACT

About National Postdoctoral Association:

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational association headquartered in Rockville, MD. Founded in 2003, the NPA envisions an inclusive community where all postdocs are empowered, valued, recognized, and supported in their current and future endeavors. The NPA serves the entire postdoctoral community, including its 19,000 individual and 215 organizational members.

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0916s2p-natpostdoc-logo-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/

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Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, Manufacturing

Kalyagen and Uniwell Announce Partnership to Manufacture Proprietary and Third-Party Skin Care Products

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Kalyagen® and Uniwell Laboratories announced today that they have entered into a joint venture to produce the unique, patent-pending Juviqa Stem Cell Beauty System and expand Uniwell's manufacturing capabilities to include cosmetics.

"We are pleased to announce our expanded partnership with UniWell to produce the Juviqa skin care system," said Christian Drapeau, CEO and Chief Scientist of Kalyagen®. "This will help us further our mission to bring science-based cutting-edge stem cell products to consumers, this time targeted to provide anti-aging and regeneration to the body's largest, and most visible, organ - the skin."

Through its affiliate Biogen Stemceuticals, Inc., Kalyagen® has invested in and installed at UniWell a unique production line that has been designed and calibrated to allow for the manufacture of skincare products using all-natural ingredients. Currently, most skincare products - even high-end ones and products claiming to be "natural"- are still using chemical emulsifiers and/or antimicrobials which can be harsh and tend to dry the skin.

"We've worked with Kalyagen for some time now manufacturing its STEMREGEN stem cell supplement," said Armando Fitz, VP of Sales of UniWell. "Through this partnership with Kalyagen, we now have the ability to manufacture the Juviqa stem cell beauty system and produce white label and private-branded cosmetic and skincare products and stem cell-based serums for our current and future clients."

"There is no skincare system anywhere like Juviqa," said Herbert Dogan, CMO of Kalyagen®. "It delivers visible, transformational results that, until now, have only been available through the use of needles and expensive treatments. It will truly create a paradigm shift in the skincare industry."

Five years in development, Juviqa is a seven-product, five-step skincare system that can be applied at home or in a spa. It is a unique and patent-pending blend of a) proprietary plant-based extracts documented to allow the body to release its own stem cells to repair and rejuvenate the skin, b) additional science-based nutrients documented to enhance the biological processes that ultimately diminish signs of aging, targeting smoothness, elasticity, firmness, and radiance, c) a unique microdermabrasion product that trigger the skin's inherent repair process, d) a novel breakthrough skin penetrant allowing the skin to absorb large regenerative molecules provided by the last crown jewel of the Juviqa system, e) a stem cell regenerative serum. Juviqa is available as a complete system, though several underlying components will be available separately. Kalyagen® and Biogen Stemceuticals are seeking cosmetic industry joint venture partners.

About Kalyagen

Kalyagen® was founded by Christian Drapeau, author of the bestseller Cracking the Stem Cell Code. Kalyagen® is a leader in the research and development of natural products aimed at supporting stem cell function of the body. Stem cells constitute the natural repair system of the body, and stem cell enhancers have been documented to strongly contribute to improving health and quality of life. Kalyagen is the majority owner of Biogen Stemceuticals, Inc., the developer and manufacturer of the Juviqa Stem Cell Beauty System. For more information, please visit: http://www.kalyagen.com/

About UniWell

UniWell Laboratories is a 178,000 sqf full-service cGMP manufacturing and packaging facility for nutraceuticals, OTC pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements. UniWell is a premier custom formulator and complete turnkey solution provider for contract manufacturing & private label dietary supplements and nutraceuticals. Its OTC-Grade & FDA registered state-of-the-art facility allows for the development of innovative technologies & product solutions that are best-in-class. UniWell manufactures, produces, & packages industry-leading products that meet the highest standards for quality. It produces multiple categories of products from its GMP facility and offers expertise in development & fulfillment of numerous product types including: powders, liquids, capsules, tablets and gels. For more information, please visit: http://www.uniwelllabs.com/

CONTACT:
Biomics, LLC (dba Kalyagen®)
Herbert Dogan, Chief Marketing Officer (310-433-8072)
hgd@kalyagen.com

UniWell Laboratories
Armando Fitz, VP Sales (817-510-1850)
afitz@uniwelllabs.com

Social media: @kalyagen #stemthetideoftime #stemthetide #thestemregeneffect

Disclaimer: None of the statements contained in this press release have been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The products and information in the release are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0615s2p-uniwell-line-300dpi.jpg

*Caption: Skin care production line at Uniwell

Related link: https://www.kalyagen.com/

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Business, Free News Articles

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware Contributes $250,000 to Exceptional Care for Children’s Future Young Adult Center

NEWARK, Del. -- Exceptional Care for Children (ECC), Delaware's first and only residential, pediatric skilled nursing facility, recently received a $250,000 contribution from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware towards its future young adult center to provide specialized care for youth aging out of pediatric care.

BluePrints for the Community, the donor-advised fund of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware at the Delaware Community Foundation, has contributed over $21 million to the community since its inception in 2007. It was established to serve Delawareans, with emphasis on, but not limited to, the needs of the uninsured and underserved, and to reduce health care disparities in minority population and address social determinants of health.

"Exceptional Care for Children is unique in its purpose, mission, and resident population as a whole, which sets us apart from other healthcare providers. In order to continue to meet the unique needs of our children as they age, our organization plans to construct a contiguous building on our campus that will eventually be home to our adolescents and young adults. A gift of this size is transformational for our organization and we are grateful that Highmark Delaware recognizes the growing needs of medically-fragile children and their families in our community," said John L. White, LNHA, Executive Director of Exceptional Care for Children.

Presently, the residents of Exceptional Care for Children must transfer out of ECC prior to their 21st birthday. To fill the healthcare gap that exists between adolescent and adulthood for medically complex individuals, ECC has launched a capital campaign to construct a 22-bed skilled nursing building on their property called the "Bridge Unit". This building will work to ensure that there is a deliberate transition and not transfer of care for Delaware's most fragile citizens.

"Exceptional Care for Children has long provided quality skilled nursing for some of our most vulnerable children. We are proud to be part of their new bridge unit to continue caring for youth with unique needs and circumstances," said Nick Moriello, President of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware.

About Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware serves approximately 441,000 members through the company's health care benefits business. It is an influential company in the market generating an economic impact of $135 million and supporting more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs across the state. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit https://www.highmarkbcbsde.com/.

About Exceptional Care for Children

Exceptional Care for Children improves the lives of medically-fragile children and their families through skilled nursing, transitional services, and palliative care. We are a haven for healing fragile bodies when improvement is possible, and a refuge for nurturing vulnerable spirits when a cure is unattainable. For more information, visit https://exceptionalcare.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kyle Conner
Director of Development
kconner@exceptionalcare.org
302-444-6108
www.exceptionalcare.org

Related link: https://exceptionalcare.org/

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Business, Free News Articles

California Surgeon is the First to Offer Transumbilical Breast Augmentation with Silicone Implants

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. -- Jacob Haiavy, MD of Inland Cosmetic Surgery has made history by performing transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) with silicone gel-filled implants. Dr. Haiavy is only the third surgeon to ever place silicone implants through the discreet incision in the navel.

It was previously believed that only unfilled saline breast implants could be placed through the small incision in the umbilicus, with the saline filling being added through a tube after placement. Silicone gel-filled implants, on the other hand, are pre-filled, and were thus thought to require a larger incision than is possible through the transumbilical plane. This left patients desiring the natural, lightweight feel of silicone breast implants with prominent incisions on or near the breasts.

The addition of the transumbilical incision option for silicone gel-filled implants is a significant milestone in the history of breast augmentation; since attaining FDA approval in 2006, silicone implants have become the preferred implant of hundreds of thousands of breast augmentation patients every year. Not only is the small TUBA belly button incision inconspicuous compared with incisions around the breasts, but Dr. Haiavy believes this technique also facilitates an easier recovery compared with traditional augmentation methods.

"A 'scarless' transumbilical approach appeals to so many patients, but many were torn between this preferred incision option and their desire for the wonderful feel of silicone implants. I am delighted to report patients can now have the best of both worlds," explains Dr. Haiavy.

Transumbilical silicone breast augmentation (TUSBA) is performed along the body's natural planes.

After over 20 years of experience with TUBA using saline implants, Dr. Haiavy collaborated with colleague Gabriel H. Patino, MD to develop the technique for placing silicone implants. He has dubbed the technique for placing silicone implants through a transumbilical incision "TUSBA," which stands for "Transumbilical Silicone Breast Augmentation."

Like TUBA, the TUSBA surgery is performed using blunt instruments to create a tunnel from the incision in the belly button to the breast. Through this tunnel, a pocket is created under the chest muscle, the breast pocket is expanded, and then the work is carefully inspected using an endoscopic camera.

Finally, the silicone gel implants are placed using the Keller Funnel(r) No-Touch(tm) technique, in which the implant is transferred directly from its sterile packaging using a hydrated plastic funnel, which is much like a piping bag used for frosting a cake. The Keller Funnel(r) allows the implant to be placed gently, with excellent precision and zero direct handling by the surgeon, thereby reducing the risk of infection.

While patients will experience a similar soreness in the breasts as they do after other breast augmentation techniques, there is minimal discomfort in the abdomen, Dr. Haiavy explains. He prescribes routine recovery measures, but finds that patients have an easier recovery overall after TUBA versus other augmentation methods.

There is one caveat to the technique: Dr. Haiavy limits TUSBA patients to a maximum breast implant volume of about 400 cc, or an increase of roughly two cup sizes. Still, he says, this is a substantial enough increase that many patients will be able to reach their desired outcome with TUSBA.

"Good candidates for TUSBA breast augmentation include non-smokers in good health who want the natural feel of silicone breast implants without visible scarring. It would also be an excellent choice for those who want to replace lost breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss. I am confident I can achieve an excellent outcome for patients requiring silicone implants of 400 cc or less."

About Inland Cosmetic Surgery:

Inland Cosmetic Surgery offers comprehensive cosmetic surgery and aesthetic services to patients in Rancho Cucamonga and surrounding areas in Southern California. As Medical Director of Inland Cosmetic Surgery and Ahava Medical Spa, Dr. Haiavy has performed over 15,000 cosmetic surgery procedures and is known for his caring approach and superb results. Visit https://www.inlandcosmetic.com/ for more information about Inland Cosmetic Surgery.

Related link: https://www.inlandcosmetic.com/

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Awards and Honors, Business, Education and Schools, Free News Articles, Hospitals and Nursing

ACNM Dorothea Lang, Excellence in Leadership and Innovation, and Lifetime Visionary Award Winners

SILVER SPRING, Md. -- ACNM Award Winners -- The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is pleased to announce the winners of Dorothea Lang Award Winners, Excellence in Leadership and Innovation Award, and Lifetime Visionary Award.

Dorothea Lang Award Winners

This award is given by the A.C.N.M. Foundation, Inc. to an exceptional midwife who has demonstrated vision and leadership, has been certified for 10 years, and represents exceptional "unsung heroines" who have demonstrated pioneering vision and innovative leadership in midwifery.

Pandora Hardtman, DNP, CNM, RN, FACNM
Elizabeth Hill-Karbowski, PhD, CNM, FACNM
Pamela Reis, PhD, CNM, NNP-BC, FACNM

Excellence in Leadership and Innovation Award

Honors an exceptional CNM/CM who is an ACNM member, has been certified for less than ten years, and has demonstrated innovative, creative endeavors in midwifery and/or women's health clinical practice, education, administration, or research.

Simon Ellis, CNM, ARNP

Simon's extraordinary work spans multiple domains including clinical practice, education, research, the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), and the Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health (JMWH). Simon has provided gender affirming health care for TNB individuals since becoming a midwife. They developed and implemented a gender health program at Cedar Rivers Clinic in Washington state to provide services previously unavailable in the area. Currently, Simon provides full-scope perinatal care, full spectrum family planning care, gynecologic and well-person care, and transgender perinatal and gynecologic care.

They have completed advanced trainings not only in transgender care, but also in Centering Pregnancy facilitation and miscarriage management, increasing the range and quality of the care they provide. Their broad scope of practice brings the art and science of midwifery to a wide variety of patients, many of whom only have the opportunity to go to a midwife because Simon has been a pioneer in the profession.

Simon has put immeasurable time and energy into educating other clinicians about how to provide high-quality health care to individuals who are TNB. One of Simon's most creative and wide-reaching accomplishments is the Transgender Health Care Toolkit. They were the primary contributor and project manager for this transgender health care guide for clinicians that is freely available online and has been accessed by midwives and other types of clinicians across the United States and around the world.

Lifetime Visionary Award

Honors an exceptional CNM/CM who is an ACNM member, has been certified for at least ten years, and has provided either continuous outstanding contributions or distinguished service to midwifery and/or MCH, or contributions of historical significance to the development and advancement of midwifery, ACNM, or MCH.

Peter Johnson, PhD, RN, CNM, FACNM, FAAN

Dr. Johnson is a rare blend of excellence, innovation, and leadership across many disciplines. As a distinguished role model among ACNM's men in midwifery, he has achieved a progressive and substantive identity within the local, regional, national, and international communities of the professions of nursing and midwifery. Throughout his career as a midwifery clinician, educator, regulatory expert, scholar, researcher, professional association leader, and global midwifery and health strategist, he has demonstrated diversity and inclusion as a framework for action.

The advancement of gender equity, the empowerment of women and the protection and promotion of human rights are among his guiding principles. He has been identified on the world stage as an articulate advocate for the dual professions of nursing and midwifery, speaking forcefully for standards of quality in health care, and respect for professional skills, decision-making and leadership in advancing maternal and newborn health.

About ACNM

With over 6,500 members, ACNM is the professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States. ACNM promotes excellence in midwifery education, clinical practice, and research. With roots dating to 1929, our members are primary care providers for women throughout the lifespan, with a special emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic and reproductive health. ACNM provides research, administers, and promotes continuing education programs, establishes education and clinical practice standards, and creates liaisons with state and federal agencies and members of Congress to increase the visibility and recognition of midwifery care.

Learn more at https://www.midwife.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
ACNM Membership & Communications
240.485.1813; membership@acnm.org

Related link: https://www.midwife.org/

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Business, Free News Articles

The Spodak Dental Group Offers Helps Sleep Apnea Patients Reduce Risk of COVID-19 Infections

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. -- New research found that patients who have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. To help patients who suffer from OSA, Dr. Tiffany Dudley and the Spodak Dental Group team are offering complimentary consultations to offer education and treatment options.

"Treating patients who suffer from sleep apnea is one of the most important services we offer as dentists," said Dr. Tiffany Dudley, general dentist at Spodak Dental Group. "With the additional short- and long-term complications associated with the COVID-19 virus, it's even more pressing to help our patients and future patients manage their sleep apnea."

The new report, based on more than 80,000 health records, suggests positive airflow pressure therapy can reduce a patient's risk of infection.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common and potentially life-threatening medical disorder that occurs when the soft tissue in a person's throat repeatedly collapses and blocks the airway during sleep. These partial reductions and complete pauses in breathing can last up to 30 seconds and can occur as many as 100 times per night, which lead to a lack of oxygen to a person's organs.

Untreated OSA increases a person's risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, depression, memory loss and more. Both men and women of any age or body type can suffer from the condition.

Dr. Dudley is offering complimentary sleep apnea screenings and 30-minute virtual consultations for anyone who feels he or she might suffer from sleep apnea. Please visit http://www.sdgvirtual.com/ to schedule a consultation.

The Spodak Dental Group, a 2017 Inc. 5000 honoree, has evolved to become South Florida's premier, comprehensive dental facility, and comprises a world-class association of dental professionals poised to provide full-service dental care second-to-none in both scope and skill. The Spodak Dental Group team includes General and Restorative Dentists, Endodontists, Periodontists, Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Master Ceramic Artists and Anesthesiologists, as well as one of the nation's only in-office dental labs.

Spodak Dental Group is located at 3911 W. Atlantic Ave. Call or text (561) 303-2413 or visit https://www.SpodakDental.com/ for more information or to schedule a virtual or in-office appointment.

Related link: https://www.spodakdental.com/

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Business, Free News Articles

The Beauty Secrets Men Don’t Want to Tell You: from Bro-tox to Dermal Fillers

BOSTON, Mass. -- The saying 'look good, feel good' does not only ring true for women. Being more physically attractive can have positive implications for career-minded and goal-oriented men. Women have been reaping the benefits of these non-invasive procedures for decades, but recently The Spiegel Center has seen the number of procedures performed on men increase by over 100%. So, if you have been thinking about plastic surgery and aesthetic options you are not alone, we bet your friends are thinking about it too.

Rhinoplasties have stood at the forefront of male plastic surgery for years, but we have recently seen a shift in men's concerns that has resulted in an uptick of aesthetic trends. Each male patient has their individualized concerns and goals, but the common thread amongst most is their desire to look refreshed, without it appearing obvious they have received any treatments. In the past men solely relied on Botulinum (Botox) to achieve this look. Although 'Bro-tox' once dominated the male aesthetic industry, men have now discovered the effectiveness of Tear Trough filler.

Dr. Onir, The Spiegel Center's aesthetic injector has found, "Men love getting their tear troughs filled because it is a fast and effective way to younger-looking lower eyelids without the need for surgery. What used to require a full operation can now be done in moments with the right knowledge and skills. Another popular option is Accutite -- a new non-surgical treatment to 'de-puff' the under eyes."

The Spiegel Center is home to experts in gender and aesthetics. People travel from all over for facial feminization, but to know what makes a face feminine means you know what it takes to make or enhance male attractiveness. Men and women having the same procedures need different techniques and different results.

Dr. Spiegel explains, "For men, we want more horizontal eyebrows, so we do Botox differently. This principle applies to almost all procedures whether it be the eyelid for a blepharoplasty, nose shape for a rhinoplasty, we even want the cheeks to be shaped differently, so we put filler in different areas than we do for women. The different location for cheek fillers, for example, between men and women can be millimeters apart, and the distinction makes all the difference."

To cater to these differences requires a lot of knowledge and a careful eye. The experts at The Spiegel Center understand, appreciate, and know the different techniques required to help you look attractive within your gender. Getting it right includes getting it right for men.

Tear trough hollowing can be treated by injections of hyaluronic acid fillers to restore lost volume and improve darkness and shadowing around the lower eyelids. This is an area where it is especially important to see an expert facial doctor because while the results are natural and beautiful in skilled hands if done incorrectly or by a less experienced practitioner, an unnatural bulge or bluish skin color can result. Dr. Onir and Dr. Spiegel are recognized experts at facial injections including complex regions such as the tear troughs. They have provided patients with personalized care and natural-looking results for over 20 years in the Boston area.

The Spiegel Center located on Boylston Street (Rt. 9) in Newton is comprised of an impressive team, including Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel who has been selected as one of the top five facial plastic surgeons on the East Coast and chosen as one of the 15 most influential plastic surgeons in the world. He is recognized by his peers as an expert in the most complex revision surgeries and has received almost every major award available to Facial Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Onir Spiegel is acknowledged as one of the country's Most Loved Injectors and specializes in facial aesthetics. Learn more at: https://www.drspiegel.com/

Related link: https://www.drspiegel.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

Chicago Support Group Part of National Network Taking Aim at Chronic Pain

CHICAGO, Ill. -- More than 50 million Americans live with chronic pain. The U.S. Pain Foundation addresses the incredibly isolating and difficult experience that affects all aspects of a person's life-their ability to work, their self-confidence and identify, personal relationships and social engagement, and more. Studies show that people who experience daily pain are significantly more prone to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.

But it does not have to be that way.

Led by Becky Fleming of Orland Park, Illinois, a support group that meets monthly via Zoom is helping alleviate the myriad of struggles faced by individuals with chronic pain. Becky Fleming draws on her own experiences with migraine to help educate and encourage attendees.

The support groups offer attendees the chance to connect and talk with others who understand the unique challenges of disabling pain. But there's also an educational component-leaders help participants understand new treatment options, self-management strategies, mindfulness techniques, and more.

"I have lived with chronic pain for 17 years. For many years, I felt alone and feared my chronic pain would make my life unmanageable. I felt like I lost so much of my life. It's been a long road to get to the place I'm in now, and I hope to help others on their path towards a better life while living with chronic pain," says Fleming.

The group is part of Pain Connection, a national network of support groups created through U.S. Pain Foundation, the largest organization in the country dedicated to serving people with chronic pain. Led by Gwenn Herman, LCSW, DCSW, who lives with chronic pain herself, Pain Connection offers an intensive training to volunteers looking to become effective group leaders.

After completing the training program, support group leaders return to their communities ready to establish a group for other people with chronic pain. The leaders use the training and their own experiences with chronic health conditions to facilitate dialogue and understanding among group members, and nurture a sense of community that can be so valuable.

The group, which meets via Zoom on 10 June 2021 from 3:30 pm to 5 pm CST, and plans to continue monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month in the coming year. To learn more, contact Becky Fleming at USPainChicago@gmail.com.

U.S. Pain Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving those who live with pain conditions and their care providers. It offers dozens of programs and services designed to empower, educate, connect, and advocate for people living with conditions that cause pain. Learn more at https://uspainfoundation.org/.

Related link: https://uspainfoundation.org/

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Business, Free News Articles, NonProfit and Charities

BioAustin Appoints New Leadership and Unveils An Expanded Strategic Focus In Central Texas As BioAustinCTX

AUSTIN, Texas -- Life Science industry organization BioAustin today announced changes to its leadership team, brand positioning, and long-term strategy focused on facilitating the continued growth of the life science industry in Central Texas. Over the past several years, Austin and the Central Texas region have developed into one of the fastest-growing life science hubs in the U.S. With more than 240 companies and a variety of nonprofit community ecosystem organizations involved in the life science sector, the Central Texas Region has emerged as a significant life science innovation center and is attracting investment for early-stage startups and relocations for established companies.

BioAustinCTX℠ is undertaking new initiatives to identify and facilitate programs to support the continued growth of the life science industry in the Central Texas region. This evolving strategy will encompass new programs to build collaboration, communication, and growth across companies, community partners, and academic institutions focused on the life science sector. Steps taken in the first six months include changes in Board leadership, repositioning the organization as BioAustinCTX with a broader focus across the Central Texas region, restructuring internal operations to improve efficiency, and the launch of a redesigned monthly newsletter and new website (https://www.bioaustinctx.com). Over the next year, BioAustinCTX will be rolling out new programs including the relaunch of its vaunted "BioBash" life sciences networking event.

John Burns Ph.D. and Mary Costello have stepped down from the BioAustin Board as of the end of 2020. Their time, commitment, and contributions over the past several years are greatly appreciated. Elisa Maldonado-Holmertz has served on the BioAustin Board of Directors since 2017 and will continue to serve on the BioAustinCTX Board. Elisa also serves on the Board of Directors of the Texas Medical Device Alliance.

Scott Collins PhD, CEO of Austin Innovation Group, was appointed as President of BioAustinCTX. Scott stated, "I will lead the organization with the expertise and guidance of the Board of Directors and through collaborations with our community partners, including THBI, TEXGHS, ACC, UT-Dell Medical School, Austin Chamber of Commerce, Austin Health Council, THBD, Texas Health CoLab, ACC Bioscience Incubator, Texas State Star Park, the Austin Technology Incubator and our members."

Newly appointed to BioAustinCTX Board of Directors as of January 2021 is Timothy Sullivan. Timothy is CEO of Zeteo Biomedical LLC, a Pflugerville, TX-based medical device company. Timothy has a long history of supporting the development of the life science industry in Central Texas over the past two decades. Timothy currently serves as an Advisor to the UT Dell Medical School Catalyst program, the ACC Bioscience Incubator, and is a founding member of the TEXGHS Global Health Security Consortium. Further expansion of the BioAustinCTX board is likely in the coming year.

Additionally, Cathy Diehl and Melissa Hartman joined the BioAustinCTX operations staff. Cathy took the lead position managing the new BioAustinCTX website and monthly newsletter production, and Melissa manages the back office accounting and bookkeeping tasks.

About BioAustinCTX

BioAustinCTX is a nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas focused on advancing the life science industry in the Central Texas Region. Visit BioAustinCTX for more information https://bioaustinctx.com, email: operations@bioaustinctx.com

Related link: https://bioaustinctx.com/

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Business, Free News Articles

Mouth bacteria could make stronger vaccines

HAMPTON, N.J. -- Three researchers have published a groundbreaking paper https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-021-00341-4 on the importance of oral bacteria in the fight against infectious diseases like influenza, HIV, and COVID-19, Gingivax LLC announced today.

The bacteria in our mouths have traditionally been recognized as a nuisance or worse. They are the cause of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Since we were kids, we were taught to vigilantly brush our teeth twice a day to keep them healthy.

But it turns out that oral bacteria also contain a secret: Research indicates that they possess the tools necessary to boost our immune systems against nastier pathogens, like the coronavirus. The new paper, published in the prestigious journal NPJ Vaccines, suggests that we can exploit these bacteria by using bits and pieces of them in vaccines.

Vaccines work by stimulating an immune response, specifically the part of the immune system responsible for producing antibodies. Small molecules called adjuvants are typically added to vaccines to make them more potent and, hence, elicit a stronger immune response.

Unfortunately, the "gold standard" of adjuvants - an aluminum salt called alum - is no longer seen as adequate because it does not activate all of the necessary components of the immune system to elicit a robust mucosal antibody response. Specifically, it does not activate Th17 cells, which play a central role in the production of antibodies in mucosal surfaces, such as those found in our mouths and noses. (Protecting these surfaces is key to stopping infectious respiratory diseases like influenza and COVID.)

Worse, there has been little progress over the last few decades in the development of new adjuvants, largely a result of the steep regulatory hurdles required for approval.

Until new adjuvants are developed, vaccine technology will be severely limited.

That is why Gingivax, a new company centered around the benefits of the oral microbiome, is investigating oral bacteria as a potential source of new adjuvants. Molecules extracted from these bacteria, which can activate crucial Th17 cells, could be added to vaccines to increase their efficacy.

This isn't the first time that bacterial components have been investigated as potential adjuvants. Previous research examined the use of gut bacteria, but the adjuvants derived from them can cause serious adverse events in patients. Because safety is the top concern in vaccine development, an alternative path is needed.

That is why we have turned to oral bacteria. Research indicates that the adjuvants derived from them can activate the immune response without overstimulating it and triggering adverse events.

Gingivax is currently seeking grants to conduct research in the development of novel adjuvants.

Learn more: http://www.gingivax.com/

Contact info:
Gingivax LLC
Name Marcelo Freire
Email Marcelo@gingivax.com

Related link: http://www.gingivax.com/

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