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Emax Launches #LevelUp with A Modern PC Campaign

Emax

Emax is the largest electronics retailer in the GCC. It has the widest selection of electronics in the UAE, with over 200 brands and 20,000 products all under one roof. The award-winning brand offers a diverse product range that includes photography, IT, mobiles, accessories, drones and robotics, sound and vision, personal audio, gaming, personal care, home appliances, health, and fitness. The brand provides solutions to enhance people's lifestyle and homes with the latest electronics, appliances, and gadgets from trusted brands such as Samsung, Apple, Microsoft, LG, Panasonic, Sony, HP, Bose, Siemens, Lenovo and more. Emax’s latest campaign, “#LevelUpWithAModernPC” encourages consumers to share their #LevelUp Story and win a Modern PC. The campaign further brings forth the promise, "You've got the talent, We’ve got the tech”. So, if technology is the driving force behind your success story, share with us how a Modern PC will help you do what you’re good at better and faster. Innovate and churn out your best creative works. And stand a chance to win a Modern PC ”. Providing impetus to this campaign is Microsoft – a valued partner supporting empowered consumers to achieve more using modern devices. Redington is yet another pillar of strength and technological partner without whom this endeavour would be incomplete. Keeping in mind the changing dynamic of consumer experience when it comes to sophisticated gadgets, Redington offers a plethora of devices for new-gen youth and professionals. The #LevelUpWithAModernPC campaign allows users to post their stories online and get an opportunity to win a Modern PC. The campaign is open to residents in Gulf. Speaking on the campaign, Emax commented, " The rationale of the #LevelUpWithAModernPC is to encourage consumers to explore and consider technology upgrades via modern devices. With the changing paradigm, a cross-section of students, working professionals, businessmen who spend several hours on PC are constantly looking for faster, smarter and tech-savvy products to enhance their deliveries while discovering a new dimension in them." Hence whether you are already on top or are gearing to reach the top, a Modern PC is the perfect, realistic and readily available solution for all! To make this campaign a huge success, the company has roped in renowned influencers from Dubai, viz. Nimmy, Big Rossi, Faith, Ines, Nikita and many more. They will share their interesting #LevelUp stories and encourage their followers to do the same. Furthermore, to inspire the audience to share their #LevelUp stories, Emax will give a Modern PC to all the winners. These stories can be viewed on the Emax campaign website (https://emax-ms.emaxme.com/), and audiences can like and share them and leave their comments. Though the campaign has just taken flight, we expect an overwhelming reach of 12-13M impressions and some exciting entries from our audience. Contact Details Pulp Strategy Ambika Sharma ambika@pulpstrategy.com

July 27, 2021 01:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Summertime Fun Guide with Ereka Vetrini

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K2p1T5ok44&t=1s This is the second summer in a row that Americans must be thoughtful when planning family getaways. Whether hitting the road or planning a staycation, most head of households still have safety top of mind. However, being careful doesn’t mean family and friends cannot enjoy some fun in the sun together. As a TV host, Lifestyle Expert, and Working Mom, Ereka Vetrini has figured out a way to balance her career and family time. She has come up with four easy ways to get the party poppin’ and keep it cool as the temperatures heat up over the summer months. STICK WITH THE TRADITIONAL: According to a recent summertime survey, most parents plan on spending more time outside with their families. Ereka suggests sticking to the tried and true, like beach days, barbeques, and hanging out by the pool. That way families get to spend time together outdoors while being safe and socially distanced from strangers. Before heading out-and-about, She recommends packing up a tote with a new book, games for the kids, and treats the whole family will love. There’s a tasty candy brand crafted in Italy that recently launched in the United States. Fruit-tella Soft Gummies are made with fruit puree as the first ingredient. They come in two flavors, Strawberry & Raspberry and Peach & Mango. These candies are quite flavorful and each one has a fun and playful fruit character shape that makes for the perfect summertime treat. Fruit-tella can be found at CVS stores nationwide. www.us.fruittella.com Instagram: @fruittellaus Twitter: @fruittellaus https://www.facebook.com/Fruittellaus/ GET THE PARTY POPPIN’: Americas’ streaming addiction has only increased during the pandemic and parents are looking for new ways to watch TV programs and movies with their families. Ereka suggests outdoor movie nights. She says setting up a big screen in a backyard can easily do the trick, especially if you add America’s favorite snack. The most popular moviegoers treat, popcorn, just received a major upgrade with the newest innovation in microwave popcorn from Opopop. The secret to this brand’s taste is that each kernel is individually wrapped in exceptional flavors and a perfect mix of ingredients, prior to popping. Opopop comes in six fun flavors, including reimagined classics like Fancy Butter, and uniquely created experiences with Maui Heat, Vanilla Cake Pop, Salted Umami, Cinnalicious, and Chedapeno. Opopop can be purchased at Opopop.com. www.opopop.com Instagram: @opopopco https://www.facebook.com/Opopopco/ CHILL OUT: July is National Ice Cream Month and the perfect time to cool off as we head into those long hot dog days of summer. Ereka says nothing screams summer more than ice cream cake! She suggests keeping it easy with a few pre-made ice cream cakes like the Carvel Confetti Cake and the new Cookie Dough Cake from I Love Ice Cream Cakes. Ereka recommends storing one in the freezer for family barbecues, get-togethers, and pool parties. The Carvel Confetti Cake and new Cookie Dough Cake are available online at ILoveIceCreamCakes.com along with a helpful product locator or at your local grocer and bakery’s freezer section. www.Iloveicecreamcakes.com Instagram: @ILoveIceCreamCakes https://www.facebook.com/ILoveIceCreamCakes/ GRAB GEAR & GO: Many families are road-tripping throughout the summer months and that means children can catch up on reading, summer schooling, or gaming while heading to a destination. As a conscious consumer and parent, Ereka is often concerned about protecting her family’s tech gadgets from cracked screens and other mishaps that happen on-the-go. OtterBox for Kids combines trusted protection from OtterBox with products designed with kids in mind. These easy-to-use cases come in three different colors and offer an EasyGrab case stand to help little hands carry their tablet or easily hang a tablet between head rests. Other gadgets like the OtterBox Kids EasyGrab Mobile Charging & Audio Cable Bundle are available to keep the fun going while vacationing. OtterBox products are available at Verizon and Verizon.com. www.Verizon.com Instagram: @otterbox Twitter: @otterbox https://www.facebook.com/otterbox/ About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

July 26, 2021 10:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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NextFerm Technologies Announces First Commercial Purchase Order of ProteVin™ in the US

NextFerm Technologies Ltd.

NextFerm Technologies (TASE:NXFR), a food-tech company developing ProteVin™, a vegan, yeast-based, non-GMO protein alternative and other innovative yeast-based nutrients, announced that it has received first commercial Purchase Order for ProteVin™ from a US customer. The Purchase Order, of $70K, was received from PrimaLife Nutrition, a new brand aiming to be the first to launch a vegan sports protein powder based on ProteVin™ in the US and to provide athletes for the first time with a vegan formula with nutritional value similar to whey protein powder and excellent taste. This Purchase Order marks the achievement of a second out of three milestones set by the company for 2021 according to its strategic plan for commercialization of ProteVin™ in 2022. In light of the progress with a number of potential customers, the company expects to receive additional Purchase Orders for ProteVin™ by the end of 2021. On the production side, the company is currently in dialogues with several potential subcontractors in the food industry and is progressing as planned towards engagement with a subcontractor by the end of 2021. Boaz Noy, Chief Executive Officer of NextFerm, said, “ We are happy to announce of the receipt of first commercial Purchase Order for Protevin™ by PrimaLife Nutrition LLC, an emerging vegan-based sports’ nutrition brand from Florida. This order represents the achievement of yet another important milestone for commercialization Protevin™ by 2022, earlier than anticipated, and serves as a great vote of confidence in our technology and the benefits it has to the end consumers. In light of our progress with other potential customers, we expect to receive additional orders in the coming months as we advance towards engagement with manufacturing sub-contractor before the end of this year.” Walter Ross, Owner of PrimaLife Nutrition, said, “ I intend to promote Protevin™ through multiple channels, including digital campaigns as well as traditional brick and mortar stores. As someone who has received education and certifications in Sports Nutrition and Personal Training, I see great value in Protevin™ due to its high degree of sustainability and complete amino acid profile. Having a single-ingredient, environmentally friendly, and complete protein, with digestibility comparable to whey, makes Protevin™ a perfect solution. I also believe its flavor-neutral profile and a shelf-life similar to current market categories make implementing the technology and creating a demand feasible,” Mr. Ross concluded. About NextFerm Technologies NextFerm Technologies, traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE:NXFR) is a food-tech company engaged in the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of innovative, functional and vegan yeast-derived, non-GMO protein alternatives for various applications in the food and food supplement markets and the growing market for animal-derived protein alternatives. NextFerm's flagship product is ProteVin™, a vegan, yeast-derived protein alternative with nutritional value that is similar to animal-derived protein and a neutral flavor, with no aftertastes that are typical of plant-based protein. ProteVin™ is designed for a variety of categories in the alternative protein market, which is estimated at $13 billion, with an annual growth rate of 10%, including milk and dairy substitutes, meat substitutes and additional categories such as infant nutrition, adult nutrition, and sports nutrition. NextFerm is gearing up for commercialization of the product in the US in 2022. Another product currently being sold is Astaferm®, an innovative astaxanthin-based antioxidant derived from yeast that has been sold in the US since the end of 2020 through well-established and leading brands in the food supplement market in the US. The company has additional products which have been licensed to Lallemand, a global giant focused on yeast. For more information, visit the NextFerm website at: www.nextferm.com Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This announcement also includes forecasts, projections, assessments, estimates and other information which refer to future events and matters, the realization of which is uncertain and not exclusively under the Company’s control (forward-looking information). The main facts and data used to support this information are facts and data regarding the current position of the Company and its businesses (including the scope of sales and levels of profitability, manpower, commercial engagements and more), facts and data regarding the current global position of the Company’s operating segments (including industry-specific financial developments, environmental regulatory developments, the competitive environment, technological developments, the reinsurance market and more), and macro-economic facts and data (including the economic situation both in Israel and around the world, yields in the capital markets, social and state developments and more), all as known by the Company when publishing this announcement. The forward-looking information included above in this announcement is significantly based upon, in addition to the existing information held by the Company, on the Company’s current assessments and expectations of future developments vis-a-vis each one of the aforementioned parameters, and the interconnectedness of each one of these developments. The Company has no certainty that its forecasts and assessments will indeed eventuate, and the Company’s operating results may be materially different than the results assessed or implicit based on that set forth above, inter alia, as a result of a change in any of the aforementioned factors. Contact Details Nextferm Technologies Ltd. Yossi Ohana - Chief Financial Officer +972 54-771-5893 yossio@nextferm.com Investor and Media contact Meirav Gomeh-Bauer +972 54-476-4979 meirav@bauerg.com Company Website https://www.nextferm.com/

July 26, 2021 10:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Rebecca and Kirk Treece Open Minuteman Press Franchise in Missoula, Montana

Minuteman Press International Inc

Rebecca and Kirk Treece are the new owners of Minuteman Press in Missoula located at 2100 South Avenue West. They bought the long-running independent printing business Advertiser Montana Printing, which has a 40-year history in Missoula, and are now operating as a Minuteman Press franchise. Rebecca says, “It is a real honor to become part of Missoula’s thriving business community. The Palmers (former owners) had a 40-year long relationship with this community and their loyal customers have welcomed us and trusted us with their service, which has given us a great start here in Missoula.” She continues, “We are enjoying the opportunity to help others promote and grow their business. Getting the word out to the community that we are so much more than just a copy center has been key! We have been out meeting new people, marketing, and making connections through the Missoula Chamber of Commerce and BNI groups. Over the course of these six months, people have been welcoming and genuinely happy for us when we tell them about our new venture. Many have stopped by for a tour and have been responsive to learning more about the services we provide.” One of the ways Rebecca is looking to stand out as a new business owner is by expanding on the products and services offered by Minuteman Press and educating clients on what is in high demand right now. She explains, “Our high-demand products are business cards, menus, point of sale products like invoices and forms, and medical facility materials. As businesses open up, the demand for envelopes, letterhead, and other consumables has grown. Being part of Minuteman Press family has given us a huge opportunity to share with customers our expanded line of products like mailing, signage, apparel, and promotional items. It has really given us the ability to help people promote their business.” “Missoula is a growing, vibrant, and diverse community that includes the University of Montana. We are sitting on the confluence of three beautiful rivers, between two amazing national parks. Owning a business for me is all about making connections. My goal is to help people market their business so they can use their unique skills to serve their clients. These growing businesses make our community stronger and I am proud to be part of that.” -Rebecca Treece, owner, Minuteman Press Missoula (formerly Advertiser Montana Printing) Career Transition Prior to Minuteman Press, Rebecca and Kirk had varying careers. Rebecca shares, “Before owning my own business, I was utilizing my teaching degree as a vision therapist at an optometry office in Missoula, working with children and adults to improve their visual skills. My husband Kirk was previously a financial and operational manager for a large company. He and I also own a franchise of Fish Window Cleaning and Sunbelt Business Brokerage. We are familiar with business and the franchise concept, but were really drawn to the Minuteman Press structure, training, support and record of success.” While Rebecca and Kirk have experience owning a business, they had never been involved in the printing industry before. Minuteman Press really helped them fill those knowledge gaps and was crucial in finding the right business for them to buy through their special conversion program that connects sellers of independent print shops with qualified buyers. Rebecca says, “Advertiser Montana Printing was an independent print shop that had been in business for 40 years and they had a very loyal base of long-standing customers. An established customer base was the opportunity we were looking for when buying a new business. Our goal is 100% retention and we have worked diligently to meet and develop relationships with each customer. We hit the ground running and it gave us an opportunity to get experience across the board. Our local Minuteman Press field representatives were able to train us on every aspect of the business, which gave us the confidence to meet the demands of our customers.” “The support from Minuteman Press has been exceptional. The training was very comprehensive, and we felt like we were well-prepared for starting up and getting straight to work. We also know exactly who to call when we have a question or issue to manage. The network of Minuteman Press is amazing in the way that everyone is there for you at any time and in any capacity that you need. The expertise of the training and the continual mentoring are the powerful tools we need to succeed.” Owning a Business vs. Having a Job Reflecting on her experiences as an employee and as a business owner, Rebecca shares her insights on the key differences between the two. “As an employee, you work hard and serve the customer. However, you have very little control over the direction of the business. As business owners, we have the power to create the type of business we want and control its presence in the community.” As for Minuteman Press in Missoula, Rebecca and Kirk know exactly where they want to go. She says, “Our goal is to become the premier printing and advertising design company in Missoula and the Greater Northwestern Montana area. We want to develop the reputation for supplying the highest quality products and having superior customer service. We strive to make Minuteman Press in Missoula the place to go for all advice and services. The main lesson Minuteman Press impressed upon me is that if you do not like the current state of your business, change it! Get up, get out there, market, make connections, and grow your business. We have been given the tools and the support to create something great and that is extremely exciting for us.” When asked about the rewards of owning her own business, Rebecca answers, “We are truly fortunate to have a highly skilled and dedicated staff and I love coming in every day to work side-by-side with these incredible people. It is personally rewarding to create a workplace that fosters teamwork and allows employees to create and take pride in their work. It is also very satisfying to develop quality relationships with customers and members of the community.” She continues, “Professionally, our goals are to grow this business significantly over the next year and become more involved members of the community. Business ownership has many challenges but the rewards are well worth it. Owning our own business allows us to balance our work and home lives and gives us the power to make the right decisions for our future.” Minuteman Press in Missoula is located at 2100 South Avenue West, Missoula, MT 59801. For more information, call (406) 728-5200 or visit their website: https://missoula-mt.minutemanpress.com. Learn more about #1 rated Minuteman Press franchise opportunities at https://minutemanpressfranchise.com. Independent printers looking to sell their printing business can learn more about Minuteman Press International's conversion program at http://bit.ly/minutemanpressconversions. Contact Details Minuteman Press International Chris Biscuiti +1 631-249-1370 cbiscuiti@mpihq.com Company Website https://minutemanpressfranchise.com

July 26, 2021 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Premier Rugby Sevens Teams Up with FOX Sports to Televise Inaugural Games Set to Take Place on October 9, 2021

Premier Rugby Sevens

Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s), the new sports league that will debut with the top U.S. men and women players on October 9, 2021, announced FOX Sports as the league’s official television partner. The inaugural men’s and women’s tournaments will be available live across FS2, the FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com, with the championship re-airing on FS1. The league’s first events, dubbed The PR7s Inaugural Championship, will take place in Memphis at AutoZone Park on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT. “When we founded PR7s, we envisioned the top North American players competing on a national stage to showcase the most electric sport on the planet,” said Owen Scannell, Founder and CEO of Premier Rugby Sevens. “Our relationship with FOX Sports ensures existing rugby fans, and new fans alike, will receive high-quality content and live telecasts across top tier platforms. The announcement also provides a variety of sponsorship opportunities for partners to align with a sport and a league that is perfect for the next generation of young fans.” “As the exclusive television partner of Premier Rugby Sevens, we are proud to drive more awareness to this exciting new league and showcase the world-class athletes who will be part of its launch,” said Bill Wanger, EVP, Head of Programming & Scheduling, FOX Sports. “The speed of ‘sevens’ combined with the league’s tournament format featuring 15-minute games are perfect for today’s sports fans.” The league’s initial player signings feature several stars from both the Men’s and Women’s U.S. Olympic Rugby Sevens Teams, including Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Abby Gustaitis, Carlin Isles, Alev Kelter, Ilona Maher, Folau Niua, Naya Tapper, Stephen Tomasin, and Kevon Williams. The league will showcase six men’s teams and four women’s teams that play multiple games through the championship tournament on Oct. 9. In the coming weeks, additional player announcements, team names, and league partnerships will be revealed. Tickets to see The PR7s Inaugural Championship live in Memphis are on sale now at PRSevens.com/tickets. --- About Premier Rugby Sevens Premier Rugby Sevens (PR7s) is a groundbreaking professional sports league in North America. Scheduled to debut in the Fall of 2021, PR7s is the first league of its kind with both women’s teams and men’s teams under one umbrella with equal pay. With a focus on accessibility and entertaining content for fans, the league will showcase the electrifying sport of rugby sevens through a single-day touring format in cities across the United States and Canada. The PR7s Inaugural Championship will take place in Memphis on Oct. 9 and will be available via FOX Sports. To learn more about Premier Rugby Sevens, go to PRSevens.com and follow the league on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. About FOX Sports FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing FOX Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, the business has ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing relationships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Network; FS1, FS2, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes. FOX Sports’ digital properties include FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App, which provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content, instant scores, stats and alerts to iOS and Android devices. Additionally, FOX Sports and social broadcasting platform Caffeine jointly own Caffeine Studios which creates exclusive eSports, sports and live entertainment content. Also included in FOX Sports’ portfolio are FOX’s interests in joint-venture business Big Ten Network, a licensing and commercial relationship with The Stars Group that created the FOX Bet sports betting platform and the FOX Bet Super 6 free-to-play game, as well as a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network. Contact Details Eric Nemeth eric.nemeth@prsevens.com

July 22, 2021 09:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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INTRODUCING KAYLA ELIZABETH

Kayla Elizabeth

Move over shoe clips, sandal charms and clip-on medallions. Shoelry™ has entered the style scene. Up-and-coming accessory designer Kayla Elizabeth has launched her eponymous line of shoe jewelry designed to kick your look up a notch—or ten. They are made with sneakerheads in mind who like to look glam from head to toe. The collection features seven shimmering styles that attach to (and easily detach from) shoelaces. They can be worn on their own or mixed and matched, stacked and layered in multiples. Each is cast in gold- or silver-plating, decked with chromatic luxe European crystals. “I want my collection to make people feel like their best self and add a touch of luxury to their look at an accessible price point,” Kayla explains. “My first designs are timeless staples that can transform and level up any outfit, while bringing joy through sparkle and shine.” Kayla (Lastella) Antonecchia is a beauty industry veteran with an innate maximalist sense of style. Inspired by a trip to Milan, she launched her line in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic in partnership with her husband Mike Antonecchia, a music industry alum. She incorporates her love of Feng shui, all-things sparkly and celestial, and memories of her grandmother’s covetable jewelry collection into the very heart and soul of her designs and business. To learn more about Kayla Elizabeth, please visit www.shopkaylaelizabeth.com and follow on Instagram: @kaylaelizabethofficial. Contact Details Yaya Publicity Yael Fraynd +1 212-217-2621 Yael@yayapublicity.com

July 21, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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NEW STUDY SHOWS NOVEL PERSONALIZED SYSTEMS NUTRITION PROGRAM IMPROVES DIETARY PATTERNS, LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS AND HEALTH-RELATED OUTCOMES

Nlumn

The Habit PATH (Personalized Approaches To Health) Study demonstrates that a Personalized Systems Nutrition program in a workforce environment improves dietary habits, health markers, physical activity and other health-related outcomes. The Habit PATH Study helps validate a holistic approach to personal nutrition that: Introduces a new approach that customizes nutrition systems according to an individual’s phenotypic flexibility assessment, which measures health according to their ability to adapt to a temporary nutritional stressor or an environmental challenge. This technology can identify potential health concerns to allow for early intervention and treatment. Provides personal goal setting and motivational interviewing to affect behavioral change and improve an individual’s adherence to lifestyle intervention programs. The Habit PATH Study suggests that personalized nutrition programs may provide the tools and motivation to enable individuals to meet their unique needs, achieve public health recommendations and improve health-related outcomes that may help reduce the health economic burden of chronic disease. Nlumn, LLC, a personalized nutrition and health company, announced health outcomes from a study of a novel Personalized Systems Nutrition program in the June 2021 issue of Nutrients. The peer-reviewed Habit PATH Study is the first to incorporate phenotypic flexibility technology in Personalized Systems Nutrition programs to improve the dietary patterns, lifestyle behaviors and health-related outcomes of individuals in a workplace environment. “The Habit PATH Study shows that personalized science-based nutrition and behavior interventions have the potential to improve overall diet quality and health markers that could reduce the chronic disease burden and improve the overall state of health in the United States,” said Josh Anthony, Ph.D., Founder and CEO, Nlumn and co-author of the study. “The results suggest that a systems-based personalized nutrition approach, combining both biological and behavioral science, not only helps address an individual’s unique health needs, but also helps them achieve public health recommendations, including the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Consequently, personalized approaches may be more effective in motivating people to achieve public health recommendations compared to general guidelines.” Participants saw health changes that were consistent with public health recommendations including: Saturated fat intake was reduced more than 20%. Total sugar and sodium intake were reduced by almost 20%. These changes are consistent with the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines Key Recommendations to limit specific nutrients. Key nutrients such as potassium, fiber, magnesium, vitamin C and beta carotene increased, suggesting increased intake of fruit and vegetables. While this was not designed to be a weight loss study, caloric intake decreased 13% and participants saw reduced body weight, BMI, hip circumference and a reduction in body fat. Physical activity also increased. The most unhealthy participants reported a 10% reduction in total cholesterol and a 15% decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol. “This study shows that assessing health status by using phenotypic flexibility to direct personal nutrition recommendations enables positive lifestyle changes and health outcomes regardless of an individual’s level of health,” according to Iris M. de Hoogh, scientist, Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and lead author of the study. “The application of TNO’s Phenotypic Flexibility Technology helps identify early health interventions that individuals can address with their healthcare professionals before the health concern becomes a significant issue.” Anthony continued, “At a time when the U.S. is facing a multidimensional, multigenerational health crisis, and consumer demand for more nutritious food is at an all-time high, this study also helps verify the ability to use personalized subcategories to tailor food and product innovation pipelines in a meaningful way – thereby increasing the potential for long-term positive health benefits from personalized nutrition for food and insurance companies.” As part of this study, Personalized Systems Nutrition algorithms provided the employer’s food service partner with recommendations used to tailor breakfast and lunch options to align with study participants’ individual health needs. HABIT Study Results: Results of the study show that personalized nutrition programs are more effective for improving diet quality, supporting improved health-outcomes and may enable healthier lifestyle behaviors, particularly among individuals who have compromised phenotypic flexibility, a measure of the body’s ability to adapt to nutritional or environmental stressors, such as physical exercise, infections or mental stress. During the HABIT Study 10-week personalized intervention, participants showed statistically significant results: Dietary Indicators: Notable dietary improvements were observed between the intervention. Including a decrease in total and saturated fat, sugar and sodium, while showing improvements in vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and beta carotene intake, suggesting a higher intake of fruits and vegetables. Notes: 73 participants were included in the per protocol analysis. Health Indicators: During the intervention, participants received personalized dietary recommendations, coaching and personalized meals. Several health improvements were observed for the overall study population. While this was not designed to be a weight loss trial, BMI (-0.6 kg/m2; p<0.0001), body fat (-1.2%, p=0.0192) and hip circumference (-5.8 cm; p<0.0001) showed a significant decrease. Subgroup Results: In reporting health measurements, the Habit Study’s automated Personalized Systems Nutrition algorithms assigned individuals to different subgroups based on their metabolic health status determined by phenotypic flexibility assessment at baseline. Groups A (n=48) and G (n=22) represented the most and least phenotypically flexible groups, respectively. Group G had a higher degree of adiposity, and a higher age than group A. However, there were no differences in baseline dietary intake and both groups were 82% compliant with personalized meal intake. Clinical Chemistry (fasting): For group G, significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol were seen during the intervention. There were 48 and 22 subjects in groups A and G, respectively. *p<0.01, **p<0.0001 Subgroup differences during the 10-week intervention. Anthropometrics: During the intervention period, body weight significantly decreased in both group A (most healthy) and group G (least healthy). Notes: At baseline, BMI, body weight, body fat, waist circumference and hip circumference were greater in group G compared to group A. Percentages were used to normalize differences between groups, but absolute changes were proportionately greater in group G given higher starting values. Statistically significant differences are noted in the last two columns for changes in the groups A or G respectively and in the first column for changes in the per protocol study population; (*p<0.05; **p<0.001; ****p<0.0001). Subgroup population size may have limited the ability to detect differences in some measures that were observed in the overall study (per protocol) population. Dietary Indicators: When looking at subgroups A and G, the Personalized Systems Nutrition program not only improved adherence with population-based dietary guidelines, but also achieved better alignment with individual recommendations. For the unhealthiest group, G, different positive effects were seen with respect to dietary intake, consistent with their respective dietary recommendations. Protein and beta carotene intake increased in group G, but not in group A. The increase in protein intake can be directly related to the personalized advice for group G as they were recommended to consume a diet higher in protein relative to group A. The increase in beta carotene could be the result of a higher intake of fruits and vegetables. The results suggest that personalized nutrition programs may be more effective in motivating people to consume a diet that meets individual needs while moving them closer to public health recommendations overall. As such, personalized nutrition programs have added value as compared to general guidelines or one-size fits all recommendations. Physical Activity: The intervention resulted in an increase in physical activity within the study participants of more than 700 steps per day. This was accompanied by a small decrease in resting heart rate which could indicate improved physical fitness. This increase is interesting, since the intervention consisted only of dietary advice and participants did not receive recommendations on physical exercise. The increase in physical activity may be a beneficial side-effect of participating in a Personalized Systems Nutrition program. HABIT Study Trial Design The Habit Study enrolled 107 healthy men and women, aged 30 to 65 years of age, with a body mass index between 18.5 to 39.9 kg/m2, and who were recruited from a single workforce location. The intervention grouped individuals into seven diet types and created personalized recommendations based on their phenotypic, genotypic and behavioral data. The HABIT study was a single-arm, multi-phased, open-label exploratory trial designed to measure the effectiveness of personalized nutrition on changing lifestyle behaviors and health outcomes during four intervention periods. These four periods were classified as: Baseline (week 0) and run-in (week 0 - 10) Intervention Phase 1 (week 10 - 20) Intervention Phase 2 personalized coaching/advice (week 20 - 30) Follow-up (week 30 - 40) endpoint visit only. The publication focuses on the baseline through intervention Phase 1. As part of the study, participants received: An At-Home Phenotypic Flexibility Test and Sample Collection for collecting buccal cells, a series of three dried blood spots (DBS) and DNA (baseline only) samples. A Personalized Systems Nutrition Program designed by using individual on-boarding data, clinical measures and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants. Micronutrient recommendations were determined using onboarding, anthropometric and clinical measures. In addition, participants were provided with personalized recipes and meals according to their macro- and micronutrient recommendations. Three personalized coaching sessions by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) who were trained on coaching techniques and the algorithms supporting the Personalized Systems Nutrition system. These RDNs provided food and diet recommendations, helped motivated participants and coached them in setting and achieving personal goals. Study meals and compliance diaries. Starting at week 10, participants received tailored breakfast and lunch five days a week for nine weeks. Activity measurement. At the start of the trial, each participant was given a Fitbit® to measure and record their activity level. Approximately every five weeks participants would visit the study center to be tested and have data collected on: Clinical markers: Regular laboratory tests were conducted to track total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, C-peptide, and the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and Matsuda indices measuring whole body insulin sensitivity. Dietary Intake: Using a standard dietary record methodology, participants tracked their food and beverages consumed for three days (two weekdays and one weekend day) prior to all visits. Anthropometrics and Vitals: During each visit, anthropometrics--height (first visit only), weight, fat mass, waist and hip circumference--and blood pressure were measured. Wellbeing and Lifestyle: Participants’ dietary behavior was assessed using the 34-item Adult Eating Behaviors Questionnaire and their Quality of Life using the 26-item World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaire. Their daily activity and sleep were tracked with a Fitbit Charge 2 which monitored heart rate, number of steps and sleeping hours. About Personalized Systems Nutrition Personalized Nutrition is the use of individual-specific information, founded in evidence-based science, to promote dietary behavior change that may result in measurable health benefits. Personalized Systems Nutrition incorporates novel Phenotypic Flexibility Technology that customizes diets according to an individual’s phenotypic flexibility allowing them to measure their health according to their biological system’s ability to adapt to conditions of temporary stressors, such as a nutrition challenge, physical exercise, infections or mental stress. This technology helps identify potential early health interventions that individuals can address with their healthcare professionals before it becomes a significant health issue. By combining systems-based approaches to understanding a person’s biology and behavior science, Personalized Systems Nutrition programs are able to create significant and sustainable changes in a person’s health and wellness. About Nlumn Nlumn works with food, nutrition and health-based companies to translate nutrition science and technology to create new opportunities across the personalized nutrition marketplace. Our international, multidisciplinary team guides partners through all phases of strategy and development to accelerate the pace of innovation, from discovery to commercialization. Our mission is to make personalized nutrition accessible to help every individual make better choices and live a healthier life. For more information, visit www.nlumn.com. About TNO TNO (Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research) is a not-for-profit research organization with the mission to connect people and knowledge to create innovations that boost the competitive strength of industry and the well-being of society in a sustainable way. TNO’s Healthy Living unit develops social and technological innovations to help people lead healthier lives and reduce lifestyle-related chronic diseases. TNO developed the phenotypic flexibility technology that was instrumental in the Habit PATH study. For more information, visit https://www.tno.nl/en/focus-areas/healthy-living/. Contact Details AgTech PR for Nlumn Jennifer Goldston +1 816-260-0040 jennifer@agtechpr.com

July 21, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Akshaya Patra Partners with the Elanco Foundation to Receive $100,000 for COVID-19 Food Relief Efforts across India.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation USA

Akshaya Patra recently announced a new partnership with the Elanco Foundation, which has pledged $100,000 to help increase the impact of COVID-19 related food security efforts across India. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Indian government lockdown, over 1.3 billion individuals and thousands of vulnerable communities were significantly burdened and impacted by the crisis. In particular, the lockdown forced school closures limiting Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal program with millions of students not receiving meals resulting in a spike in food insecurity and malnutrition. “This is a significant moment for us at Akshaya Patra, as we work alongside the Elanco Foundation--under a unified mission--to alleviate hunger,” Jyothi Sathyan, Finance Director of Akshaya Patra, stated. “We believe that food assistance has a crucial role in humanitarian disaster relief efforts. Together with our supporters, we have been able to serve over 151 million meals to individuals and families in need since March 2020.” The partnership with the Elanco Foundation will help provide thousands of packaged meals, kitchen supplies, groceries, and hygiene kits to the tens of thousands of vulnerable individuals and communities affected by the pandemic. “As an organization committed to advancing the health and well-being of people in need, we are proud to work with the Akshaya Patra Foundation to help alleviate pressure on vulnerable communities,” said Jared Skok, Executive Director of the Elanco Foundation and Head of CSR and Sustainability at Elanco Animal Health. “The Elanco Foundation’s mission aligns well with Akshaya Patra’s efforts to promote food security for disadvantaged children and their families. Collaborating with our community partners on the ground, we are able to improve the livelihoods of those who would otherwise not have food on the table in these difficult times of the pandemic.” About Elanco Foundation The Elanco Foundation is driven by the power of animals, the promise of health, and the potential for change. Established in 2019 by Elanco Animal Health, the Foundation is committed to improving the well-being of people and animals around the world through philanthropic investments and strategic partnerships focused on enhancing food security and promoting the human-animal bond. To learn more about the Elanco Foundation, visit https://www.elanco.com/en-us/sustainability/the-foundation. About Akshaya Patra Established in 2000, Akshaya Patra is the world’s largest NGO school meal program, providing hot, nutritious school lunches to over 1.8 million children in over 19,257 schools through 57 kitchens in 12 states and two Union Territories in India. It costs only $20 to feed a child for an entire school year. Since the COVID-19 lockdown began on March 24th, Akshaya Patra has served more than 136 million meals to migrant workers and our beneficiaries and their families. Visit us at https://www.akshayapatrausa.org. Contact Details Akshaya Patra Foundation USA Ankita Narula +1 781-438-3090 ankita@apusa.org Elanco Foundation Jared Skok jared.skok@elancoah.com Company Website https://www.akshayapatrausa.org/

July 21, 2021 06:04 AM Mountain Daylight Time

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R2 Technologies Receives Series C Investment to Fuel Business Growth, Expand Corporate Footprint and Tap into the Global Market

R2 Technologies

R2 Technologies Inc. ("R2") has received an additional round of $15 million in funding from its founding investor, Pansend Life Sciences, LLC, as a Series C equity investment which closed on July 20, 2021. The investment established a post-money valuation of $150 million for R2. The funds will be used to expand the company’s corporate footprint and US commercial acceleration of Glacial Rx™, its first-to-market revolutionary CryoAesthetic™ treatment, FDA-cleared to remove benign lesions and temporarily reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. The investment will also fuel global growth and development of R2 Technologies’ upcoming innovations that are currently planned for future rollout. “It is exciting to see our founding investor, Pansend, reinvest in the company. It is a testament to our business and the growth trajectory within the US and global markets,” says Tim Holt, R2’s Chief Executive Officer. “In fact, we will be one of the first global players in aesthetics who will have an East Coast office in Miami, Florida. This expansion will give us an unprecedented advantage especially as we expand globally and mobilize our growing sales force.” In preparation for the unprecedented growth expected in the upcoming year, R2 is accelerating its manufacturing process to meet the current pent-up and future anticipated demands from the professional market. Additionally, the team will be ramping up marketing efforts to further drive education and awareness across both the consumer and professional channels. R2 is doubling down on its presence in Silicon Valley with the expansion of its main office, while establishing a Miami-based satellite office. According to a recent article, Florida has been noted as one of the hottest new business hubs with Fortune 500 businesses and tech firms expanding into the flourishing market, leading to notable financial growth. Furthermore, RealSelf named Miami at the top of its list for the most aesthetic treatment providers and plastic surgeons per capita in 2018 and noted a strong correlation between tech hub hotspots and top medaesthetic markets, making it a prime marketplace for R2’s in-office treatments. Developed by the pioneers of CoolSculpting and Fraxel, Glacial Rx was named among ‘2021 Launches Doctors are Buzzing About’ according to RealSelf, the leading and most trusted source to educate on cosmetic procedures. Most recently, R2 was named winner of the 2 nd Annual Aesthetics Tech Summit LaunchPad SBDC, hosted by Octane, a company committed to making resources, capital and mentorship available to tech and medtech startups. R2 is actively taking orders from aesthetic providers who want to offer the new Glacial Rx treatment in-office. To learn more about R2 Technologies, treatment offerings and providers, visit glacialskin.com and follow the company on LinkedIn. About R2 Technologies: Headquartered in Silicon Valley, R2 Technologies is a world leader in CryoAesthetic™ medical devices. In 2014, Pansend Life Sciences, LLC and Blossom Innovations, LLC founded R2 Technologies and licensed exclusive intellectual property from Massachusetts General Hospital. In 2019, R2 brought on strategic partner, Huadong Medicine Co., Ltd. In close collaboration with these partners and the brand’s scientific founders and world-famous luminaries in aesthetic medicine, Drs. Rox Anderson, Dieter Manstein, and Henry Chan, R2 focuses on the development, engineering, clinical research, and commercialization of groundbreaking technologies for aesthetic providers and consumers. Since inception, R2 has raised $76 million in financing led by a world-class team of experts within the aesthetics industry. Contact Details Linsey Tilbor Rubin +1 732-991-5294 ltilbor@rellmc.com Company Website https://glacialskin.com/

July 21, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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