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Pocono Organics Launches One of the First Regenerative Organic Grown Full-Spectrum Hemp Product Lines

Pocono Organics

Pocono Organics, one of the largest regenerative organic farms in North America, has launched one of the first regenerative organic grown full-spectrum hemp product lines and the only to carry the globally recognized Rodale Institute logo on its products and packaging. Pocono Organics’ wellness product line includes artisanal, small-batch items including tinctures, creams, salve sticks, lip balms, massage oil, popular bath bombs as well as a pet-friendly organic tincture. These products are formulated in their own lab and are available online and carried in more than 30 retail outlets, spas, and doctors’ offices across multiple states. Pocono Organics, located atop the Pocono Mountains, uses the power of USDA certified organic full-spectrum hemp extract to deliver a broader range of wellness-promoting cannabinoids - creating the entourage effect that unlocks numerous potential health benefits through multiple cannabinoids versus relying solely on CBD. “I personally know the power of plant-based supplements,” said Ashley Walsh, Founder and President of Pocono Organics. “I was diagnosed with gastroparesis in my late ‘20s. It is a very painful and daily condition where my stomach is paralyzed and I am unable digest food normally. My doctors wanted to cut out parts of my stomach, insert feeding tubes, and put me on a regiment of pills. I took a different path including an organic diet as well as CBD-rich supplements, which became vital to how I managed my condition and are part of my daily wellness routine.” Power of Nanoparticle Technology Nanoparticle technology is used in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries as a way to make products instantly bioavailable to the body and to ensure precise dosing without diminished impact through first-pass metabolism – when ingested products first go through the stomach before going to work one to two hours later. “Nanoparticle technology is a game-changer for people seeking the immediate benefits of full-spectrum hemp extract,” Walsh added. “Instant bioavailability is vital for people who want to get an accurate dose they expect. The water-soluble, nanoparticle formulation has been done for select products including one of our tinctures and all of our bath bombs. It’s not seen often in this industry because it’s hard to do and is a big investment, but the value is worth it. And, we’ve kept the price in range with traditionally formulated products. We’ll be announcing a full line of nano-particle products soon made with organic ingredients.” Power of Trust “We are focused on becoming vertically integrated which is why we have invested in our in-house formulation and packaging because it’s hard to know who to trust when it comes to high quality organic CBD products,” Walsh continued. “Our mission comes from my personal healthy journey and I want to ensure our products are accessible for all – including our pets - which make this very personal for me.” According to a study done by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, nearly 70% of CBD products are mislabeled. This troubling statistic is why Pocono Organics is transparent in how and where its products are grown so that consumers can make an informed decision about products they can always trust. “Every hemp plant grown at Pocono Organics has been in our hands from hand-seeding to hand-harvesting,” said Walsh. “We hang dry our plants so that they retain higher levels of cannabinoids and terpenes – which makes a better-quality product. Each of our products include organic ingredients that you can pronounce!” Every Pocono Organics’ product has a QR code that allows consumers to review the Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent, third-party research lab ensuring there are no pesticides or heavy metals in any of the products. "I have been using Pocono Organics creams, both scented and unscented, on my clients in our spa and believe these to be top-quality products that actually work,” said Yvette Bertsch, Spa Director at the historic Congress Hall Resort in Cape May, NJ. “I was impressed by Ashley and how her products evolved from a deep desire and need for health, healing, and a better quality of daily living. Ashley’s products far surpassed me and my clients’ expectations for results, which is why I trust and use Pocono Organics.” “Kitchen Toke's foundation is rooted in the belief that cannabis is food and food is medicine,” said Joline Rivera, founder of Kitchen Toke. “Our collaboration with Pocono Organics very much fit that definition. It starts with their care in the regenerative farming practices through to the final products. Pocono Organics is a win/win for people and our environment, especially the honeybees!”\ The Pocono Organics line up can be found at more than 30 retail locations, including Kimberton Whole Foods, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, Riverwards Produce Market, Local Roots NYC, Kitchen Toke online store. “I have been recommending CBD to my patients for several years,” said Dr.Peter Hunt, a practicing chiropractor in Stroudsburg, Pa. “The primary reason is its ability to allow the body to better respond to stress and reduce inflammation. The flavonoids, polyphenols, cannabinoids, and terpenes all act together to reduce inflammation and protect the central and peripheral nervous systems. I am finding that the nanotechnology is very effective for many of my patients. Pocono Organics’ partnership with Rodale Institute ensures the highest level of organic farming that you can find, thus ensuring the highest quality products that are available.” Pocono Organics is also the only company in the world to carry the renowned Rodale Institute logo on its products and packaging as a sign to consumers of the high standards and responsible farming practices used to make these items. Rodale Institute, recognized as the global leaders in regenerative organic science and research, is a strategic partner of Pocono Organics to bring the power of soil-based farming to larger audiences. Regenerative organic agricultural practices include low-till methods and zero use of chemicals and pesticides. This farming approach produces some of the cleanest and nutrient-dense crops grown on earth – making them better for consumers – while also strengthening and healing the soil in which they are grown – which is better for our planet. Click here to learn more about Pocono Organics’ regenerative organic grown full-spectrum hemp product line. About Pocono Organics Pocono Organics is a health and wellness organization with a mission to inspire people and heal the earth. The Global Center for Research, Education, and Discovery is one of the largest regenerative organic farms in North America. Located in Long Pond, Pennsylvania, Pocono Organics has more than 380 acres of farmland and 40,000 square feet of greenhouse space. Pocono Organics has a strategic partnership with Rodale Institute, the global leaders in Regenerative Organic Agriculture practices and research and is one of their largest research satellite facilities. The farm is also home to more than 250,000 honeybees that make delicious honey and help strengthen the local ecosystem. Awarded the 2019 Environmental Innovator of the Year by the Green Sports Alliance, sustainability is a hallmark of Pocono Organics. The farm draws power from a 3MW, 25-acre solar farm and reclaims rainwater from 70,000 square feet of roofs for irrigation. Pocono Organics also serves the local community through its Clean Food, Dirty Hands school education program and veterans in transition through a Veteran Farmer Training Program. In addition, the property includes an organic farmer’s market and café, and with a 56-room adjoining hotel, is an agritourism destination, and host location for annual festivals. Please visit www.PoconoOrganics.com to learn more about Pocono Organic’s mission and work. These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. Contact Details Pocono Organics Mike Mooney +1 704-361-9499 mike@poconoorganics.com Company Website https://www.poconoorganics.com/

April 14, 2021 01:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Quidel Corporation Partners With the Bay Area Lyme Foundation to Heighten Public Awareness of Lyme Disease

Quidel Corporation

With Lyme disease season breaking out across the United States, Quidel Corporation announced today that it has partnered with the Bay Area Lyme (BAL) Foundation to help heighten public awareness to this alarming health condition that afflicts as many as 400,000 Americans each year. Quidel is the nation’s leading developer of rapid Lyme disease testing. As part of its collaboration, Quidel will serve as the sponsor for BAL’s series of free speaker forums that focus on research and science in the field of Lyme disease as well as Lyme disease prevention. These events provide new information on various Lyme topics in an open-discussion format, all designed to bring awareness around the Lyme disease epidemic with rapid ways to diagnose and treat it. Each of these events will feature a scientific researcher paired with a Lyme survivor sharing their inspirational story. The first in the series will be held via zoom on May 19 and will discuss the topic of “Herbal Treatments for Tick-Borne Diseases.” Speakers will include Sunjya Schweig, M.D., who has been studying, teaching and practicing integrative and functional medicine for over 25 years and is a member of the BAL’s scientific advisory board. Also participating will be Lia Gaertner, a BAL board member and the organization’s director of education and outreach. More information is available at speakerseries@bayarealyme.org. Quidel will also be a primary sponsor of BAL’s Emerging Leader Awards, which recognize both established and up-and-coming researchers who bring creative thinking to the field of Lyme disease. These grants support new and innovative projects and aim to attract aspiring new scientific talent to the field of Lyme. In addition, Quidel will sponsor the annual LymeAid Gala, the foundation’s annual benefit dinner and live concert to be held later this year. “The fact that symptoms of Lyme disease may not appear for weeks makes it all the more important that people take steps to avoid getting a tick bite, be aware of Lyme’s early warning signs, and then get tested immediately if they think they may have contracted it,” said Cheryl Miller, vice president of market development at Quidel. “That’s why we are so honored to be partnering with the Bay Area Lyme Foundation. Together, we work to heighten public awareness of the disease and advance scientific research in testing and treatment for Lyme.” Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that occurs when people are bitten by an infected deer tick. It can strike anyone at any age and can lead to a number of serious, life-threatening problems if not caught early. Leading the way in Lyme disease testing is Quidel’s innovative Sofia® 2 Lyme FIA. This test provides the patient as well as his or her physician with indicative results within 15 minutes, as opposed to days, which has historically been the norm. Performed in the privacy of a doctor’s office or local clinic, it is also the only test that can get results from a simple finger prick of blood. Quidel Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL) is a leading manufacturer of diagnostic solutions at the point of care, delivering a continuum of rapid testing technologies that further improve the quality of health care throughout the globe. An innovator for over 40 years in the medical device industry, Quidel pioneered the first FDA-cleared point-of-care test for influenza in 1999 and was the first to market a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in the U.S. Under trusted brand names, Sofia®, Solana®, Lyra®, Triage® and QuickVue®, Quidel’s comprehensive product portfolio includes tests for a wide range of infectious diseases, cardiac and autoimmune biomarkers, as well as a host of products to detect COVID-19. With products made in America, Quidel’s mission is to provide patients with immediate and frequent access to highly accurate, affordable testing for the good of our families, our communities and the world. For more information about Quidel, visit quidel.com. Contact Details Jim Yeager +1 818-264-6812 jim@breakwhitelight.com Company Website http://Quidel.com

April 13, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Comcast RISE Awards An Additional 19 BIPOC-Owned, Small Businesses in Twin Cities with Marketing and Technology Resources and Makeovers

Comcast West Division

Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA) today announced the second round of Comcast RISE award recipients in the Twin Cities—19 businesses will receive consulting, media and creative production services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, or technology upgrades from Comcast Business, based on the specific needs. To date, the Twin Cities has announced 32 recipients including a diverse roster of small business, from Duck Donuts in Woodbury, The Zen Bin in Minneapolis, and The Creative Studio in St. Paul. The new Comcast RISE recipients in the Twin Cities include: AG on the Cut, St. Paul Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion Early Learning Academy, Woodbury Atrebla Early Learning Center, Minneapolis Big Cutz Barbershop, Columbia Heights Center for Communication & Development – KMOJ-FM, Minneapolis Cilantro Restaurant, Woodbury Cravings Wine Bar & Grille, Woodbury DFS Consultants LLC, St. Paul H & S Booking LLC, New Hope HercLÃ©on, St. Paul K & M Construction of MN LLC, Lake Elmo Lions Gym and Wellness Center, Robbinsdale Morris Services LLC, Minneapolis Premiere Staffing Group, St. Paul Queen Anna House of Fashion, Minneapolis The Black Threadist, Brooklyn Park The Pole Barn Studio LLC, Stillwater Urban Mass Media Group/BMA, Minneapolis Work of Art Barbershop & Shave, Robbinsdale Comcast RISE, which stands for “Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment,” focuses on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, small businesses in the U.S., those hit hardest by the pandemic according to a recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research. New applications are now open to eligible BIPOC-owned, small businesses through May 7, 2021 at www.ComcastRISE.com. “At a time when so many in our small business communities are struggling, it’s incredibly humbling to be able to give back and share our knowledge and resources with those hit hardest by the pandemic. We want to help our partners and communities rise,” said J.D. Keller, regional senior vice president, Comcast Twin Cities. “I could not be more pleased to be supporting the BIPOC community and continue this positive momentum.” “The past year has seen unprecedented challenges for our business community, especially for those small-to-medium size operations owned by BIPOC entrepreneurs,” said B Kyle, president and CEO, St. Paul Area Chamber. “That’s why we’re so pleased that Comcast is offering valuable support through Comcast RISE with marketing, advertising and technical expertise. We stand behind their efforts and encourage our local businesses to apply for this important program.” Comcast RISE provides the opportunity for BIPOC-owned, small businesses nationwide to apply for one or more of the following support focus areas: Marketing Services: The following services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, and its creative agency, Mnemonic, are designed to help recipients with their marketing and media campaigns, including: Media: A linear TV media campaign to run over a 90-day period. Creative Production: Turnkey:30 TV commercial production, plus a media strategy consultation and 90-day media placement schedule. Consulting: Advertising and marketing consultations with local Effectv marketing, research and creative teams to gain insights on how to drive business. Technology Makeovers: The state-of-the-art equipment and technology upgrade from Comcast Business includes computer equipment as well as Internet, Voice and Cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for technology makeover services.) Comcast RISE is part of a larger $100 million Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative that Comcast launched in 2020. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About Comcast Business Comcast Business offers Ethernet, Internet, Wi-Fi, Voice, TV and Managed Enterprise Solutions to help organizations of all sizes transform their business. Powered by an advanced network, and backed by 24/7 customer support, Comcast Business is one of the largest contributors to the growth of Comcast Cable. Comcast Business is the nation’s largest cable provider to small and mid-size businesses and has emerged as a force in the Enterprise market; recognized over the last two years by leading industry associations as one of the fastest growing providers of Ethernet services. For more information, call 866-429-3085. Follow on Twitter @ComcastBusiness and on other social media networks at http://business.comcast.com/social. About Effectv Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, helps local, regional and national advertisers use the best of digital with the power of TV to grow their business. It provides multi-screen marketing solutions to make advertising campaigns more effective and easier to execute. Headquartered in New York with offices throughout the country, Effectv has a presence in 66 markets with nearly 35 million owned and represented subscribers. For more information, visit www.effectv.com. Contact Details Comcast Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Comcast Dave Nyberg 651-341-6401 Dave_Nyberg@comcast.com Company Website https://twincities.comcast.com

April 08, 2021 10:00 AM Central Daylight Time

Boston Biotech, Anodyne Nanotech Advances the Hero Patch Platform by Securing $4.2M in Seed Financing

Anodyne Nanotech, Inc.

Anodyne Nanotech, Inc., a Boston-based biotechnology company developing differentiated, transdermal forms of high-value drugs, announced today that it has raised $4,200,000 to expand its Hero Patch™ platform. Lead investors were Velocity Partners, Relativity Healthcare Fund, and Big Pi Ventures. “For many years the pharmaceutical industry has envisioned, but never achieved, a transdermal patch to replace subcutaneous administration of high-value biologics,” said Lampros Kourtis, Ph.D., a Partner at Velocity. “With its solid-state porous microneedles, Anodyne looks poised to succeed where others have failed.” This new class of microneedles was invented at Tufts University and is now the core technology of the Hero Patch™ platform at Anodyne, founded by Hojat Rezaei Nejad, Konstantinos Tzortzakis, and Jake Lombardo. By incorporating solvent-free bulk drug substance directly into microscopic porosities, Anodyne can load unprecedented amounts of the drug onto each microneedle. When the microneedle penetrates into the skin, the drug dissolves in the patient’s interstitial fluid and is systemically absorbed. “With the ability to load up to 5 mg of drug per square centimeter, we can administer pharmacologically relevant doses of high-value biologic drugs like peptides and monoclonal antibodies,” said Anodyne CEO Jake Lombardo. “Our in vivo studies also show that we can achieve desired pharmacodynamic effects.” Not only does Anodyne’s technique allow for unprecedented drug loading, but also using the solid-state form of the drug substance can lead to improved stability. This promise would circumvent the need for cold-chain distribution, a critically important challenge for developing countries, with cost-saving advantages for the global biopharmaceutical industry. Mr. Lombardo added that he and others have found the Hero Patch—in placebo form—to be painless and non-irritating. Anodyne has started collaborations with pharmaceutical companies to test particular biologics on the Hero Patch platform. The company plans to conduct clinical trials to characterize the bioequivalence, safety, and tolerability of several Hero Patch products. “Modern R&D is yielding dozens of miraculous biologic drugs, but our means of administering them has scarcely improved since the 19th century,” said Michael Singer, MD, Ph.D., a director at Anodyne. “Patients don’t like getting shots. Our healthcare system would save time and money if we didn’t have to give so many shots.” “We believe we have something to offer to all who work with biologics: patients, providers, pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies,” said Mr. Lombardo. “We would be particularly gratified if Hero Patch could be used for needle-free delivery of biologics to children.” About Anodyne Nanotech: Anodyne is a Boston-based, preclinical-stage biotech company developing differentiated, transdermal forms of high-value drugs. The company’s patent-pending porous microneedle technology provides the first practical and cost-effective platform, Hero Patch™, to deliver clinically meaningful doses of macromolecules and small molecules. For further information: www.TheHeroPatch.com Contact Details Anodyne Nanotech Jake Lombardo +1 732-503-3865 jake.lombardo@theheropatch.com Company Website https://www.theheropatch.com

April 08, 2021 05:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

R2 Technologies Disrupts the Aesthetics Industry with Its Groundbreaking Glacial Rx™ Treatment

R2 Technologies

R2 Technologies Inc. ("R2") the leader in CryoAesthetic™ medical devices, launches Glacial Rx™, the first revolutionary in-office CryoAesthetic™ age spot removal treatment, FDA-cleared to remove benign lesions and temporarily reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. Developed by the pioneers of CoolSculpting and Fraxel, Glacial Rx is the first and only technology that uses Cryomodulation™ to improve skin appearance and freeze melanin at the source. The treatment harnesses the power of cold, using patented cooling technology, to suppress melanin production and remove unwanted dark spots. It also brightens, soothes, and renews skin for peak results and no downtime. “I am excited to partner with Glacial Rx to be among the first to offer this novel treatment in my practice,” says Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Gregory Nikolaidis. “I believe it will be a game-changer in the category of cryoaesthetics, offering the opportunity to treat new patients who are looking for a comfortable solution to remove benign lesions.” The Glacial Rx System is an FDA Class II Device administered by trained healthcare professionals. Effective on most skin types, Glacial Rx delivers the best possible outcomes to remove age spots without the contraindications, risks, side effects or limitations associated with heat modalities. In partnership with one of the world’s fastest growing cosmeceutical skincare brands, Allies of Skin, Glacial Rx offers a curated topical regimen made with optimal active ingredient concentrations that can be provided alongside the treatment at the healthcare professional's discretion. The treatment consists of: Cool: The cold plate is applied to a spot for 15-20 seconds; no topical anesthetics or numbing agents needed. Calm: The cooling handpiece is gently moved across the face to reduce redness and puffiness, clearing the way for skin to better absorb potent topicals. Protect: Serums containing protective antioxidants and brightening agents can be applied, shielding the skin from environmental aggressors. Post-treatment take-home topical offerings, formulated with skin-beneficial plant derived actives, aid in skin recovery, accelerate skin’s desquamation process and re-epithelialization, and dramatically boost antioxidant activity to fight free radical damage. “It took us a long time to ensure that we were creating a best-in-class treatment, giving unparalleled results and superior experiences to our patients, and we are thrilled to finally bring this matchless innovation to market,” says Tim Holt, R2 Chief Executive Officer. According to a recent clinical study, 93% of spots improved at 2 months [1]; and another showed that 90% of patients said their skin was rejuvenated, brighter or more even at 1 month [2]. Launching this month in dermatology offices and med spas nationwide, Glacial Rx was named among ‘2021 Launches Doctors are Buzzing About’ by RealSelf, the leading and most trusted source to educate on cosmetic procedures. R2 is continuing to facilitate Glacial Rx system orders for practices to offer the treatment. Learn more about R2 Technologies and Glacial Rx at 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 another 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 $62 million in ﬁnancing led by a world-class team of experts within the aesthetics industry and was named winner of the 2nd Annual Aesthetics Tech Summit LaunchPad SBDC, hosted by Octane, a company committed to making resources, capital and mentorship available to tech and medtech startups. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ [1] Evaluation of the Dermal Cooling System for the Enhanced Treatment of Benign Pigmented Lesions and Common Skin Conditions - Interim Analysis - Nov 2020 - TD-0993 [2] Evaluation of a New Dermal Cryotherapy System for the Treatment of Benign Pigmented Lesions - Interim report - May 2018 - TD-0992 Contact Details Linsey Tilbor Rubin +1 732-991-5294 ltilbor@rellmc.com Company Website https://glacialskin.com/

April 07, 2021 08:17 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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How Medicaid Compliant Annuities Work by: Jennifer Lang Financial Services

Jennifer Lang Financial Services, LLC

Contact Details Jennifer Lang Financial Services, LLC. Jennifer Lang +1 877-487-8926 mail@jenniferlangfinancialservices.com Company Website https://www.jenniferlangfinancialservices.com

April 06, 2021 10:05 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Start of Lyme Disease Season Provides Heightened Risks for Americans Wanting to Go Outdoors After a Year of COVID-19 Restrictions

Quidel Corporation

As America slowly and hopefully extricates itself from the coronavirus pandemic, another health concern lies just around the corner: the start of Lyme disease season. To complicate matters, Lyme disease is one of the distinct underlying conditions that make those afflicted more vulnerable for coronavirus complications. “The warm weather of spring and summer makes everyone want to get outdoors and never more so than this year when so many of us have spent the past 12 months hunkered down in our own homes,” says Judi Tilghman, Ph.D., vice president of technology assessment at Quidel Corporation, the nation’s leading developer of rapid Lyme disease testing. “The key is to be smart in taking steps to avoid getting a tick bite in the first place and then getting tested immediately if you think you may have contracted Lyme.” Lyme disease afflicts as many as 400,000 Americans every year and can lead to a number of serious, life-threatening problems if not caught early. The challenge is that unlike a mosquito bite where people know immediately if they have been bitten, deer ticks that may carry Lyme disease are tiny—the size of a poppy seed—and symptoms may not appear for two to six weeks. That makes it critically important that anyone who spends time outdoors in heavily wooded areas—hikers, hunters, campers—or travels to such places be particularly vigilant. Some of the basic symptoms of a Lyme infection—fever, malaise, fatigue, muscle aches and headaches—can resemble COVID-19, which, according to Dr. Tilghman, is “still another reason to get tested if you feel any of these symptoms coming on. The vast majority of patients tested are negative, so getting results quickly with Quidel’s Sofia® 2 Lyme FIA test can provide peace of mind for individuals while also allowing physicians to more rapidly pursue testing and treatment for other diseases that may be causing the patient’s symptoms.” While Dr. Tilghman acknowledges that a walk in the woods, a return to playing outdoor sports on grassy fields, or camping by a river or lake is an appealing way to relieve stress from the coronavirus lockdown, she warns that such activities do come with the risk of ticks that carry Lyme and other illnesses. For anyone who intends to spend time in wooded/grassy areas during the height of Lyme disease season, she recommends: Shower right away as ticks often remain on skin for hours before attaching themselves. Showering and using a washcloth can remove unattached ticks. Check your entire body for ticks, including low-visibility areas such as the groin, underarms and the back of your neck. If you find a tick on your body, use a pair of tweezers to pull it off very gently but firmly. Watch for early signs which may include a rash (often shaped like a bullseye), flu-like symptoms, fever, body aches, headache and fatigue. Watch for later symptoms, which could appear weeks or months after being bitten. These may include a rash on areas of your body, joint pain, neurological problems, heart problems (such as an irregular heartbeat), eye inflammation, liver inflammation (hepatitis) and severe fatigue. Get to a doctor or clinic right away, and ask to be tested if you sense you might have Lyme disease. The innovative Sofia 2 Lyme FIA test is an in-office test that provides indicative results within minutes as opposed to days, which has historically been the norm. Performed in the privacy of a doctor’s office or local clinic, it is also the only test that can get results from a simple finger prick of blood. The best solution, of course, is to not get a tick bite in the first place; and there are many precautions people can take to lessen the chance of getting bitten. Dr. Tilghman says these include: wearing long pants and shirts, a hat and gloves when in wooded areas; sticking to trails and avoid walking through low bushes and long grass; putting lavender oil or insect repellants on your legs and arms and any bare skin; and tick proofing your yard by clearing brush and leaves and mowing your lawn regularly. About Quidel Corporation Quidel Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL) is a leading manufacturer of diagnostic solutions at the point of care, delivering a continuum of rapid testing technologies that further improve the quality of health care throughout the globe. An innovator for over 40 years in the medical device industry, Quidel pioneered the first rapid diagnostic point-of-care test for influenza in 1999 and was the first to market a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in the U.S. Under trusted brand names, Sofia®, Solana®, Lyra®, Triage® and QuickVue®, Quidel’s comprehensive product portfolio includes tests for a wide range of infectious diseases, cardiac and autoimmune biomarkers, as well as a host of products to detect COVID-19. With products made in America, Quidel’s mission is to provide patients with immediate and frequent access to highly accurate, affordable testing for the good of our families, our communities and the world. For more information about Quidel, visit quidel.com. Contact Details Jim Yeager +1 818-264-6812 jim@breakwhitelight.com Company Website http://Quidel.com

April 05, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Hong Kong Baptist University-led research reveals hyocholic acids arepromising agents for diabetes prediction and treatment

Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach – 1 April 2021 - A series of studies led by researchers from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) have revealed that hyocholic acid and its derivatives (collectively known as HCAs), a component of bile acids that facilitate fat digestion, are a promising risk indicator of type 2 diabetes. The strong efficacy of HCAs in regulating blood glucose levels and protecting against diabetes has also been uncovered. The findings open a window for the development of HCA-based predictive markers as well as anti-diabetic drugs. The research results have been published in the international scientific journals Cell Metabolism and Nature Communications. High concentration of HCAs protects pigs from diabetes Inspired by the traditional Chinese medical book Compendium of Materia Medica, which recorded the use of pig bile to treat excessive thirst, a condition known today as diabetes, Professor Jia Wei, Chair Professor of the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU, led research teams to conduct a series of studies on the role of HCAs in glucose homeostasis and diabetes prevention. Diabetes is characterised by high blood glucose levels. Through a series of tests conducted on 55 humans, 32 mice and 12 pigs, Professor Jia’s team confirmed that fasting blood glucose levels in pigs are significantly lower than that of humans and mice. As HCAs constitute nearly 80% of bile acids in pigs, while the proportions in humans and mice are only about 2% and 3% respectively, a negative correlation between HCAs and blood glucose levels was observed. The result indicates the potential role of HCAs in the maintenance of stable glucose levels. This may explain why pigs, unlike humans, seldom suffer from diabetes despite their low physical activity levels and consumption of a calorie-rich diet. HCAs correlate with diabetes and metabolic health To analyse the correlation between the levels of HCAs and the occurrence of diabetes in humans, data was collected from two large-scale cohort studies, namely the Shanghai Obesity Study and the Shanghai Diabetes Study. The researchers examined the serum bile acid profiles of 1,107 participants of the Shanghai Obesity Study, which was published in 2013. The participants were divided into three groups: healthy lean, healthy obese and obese with type 2 diabetes. It was discovered that the levels of serum HCAs were significantly lower in the healthy obese and obese with type 2 diabetes groups. In another study, the serum bile acids of 132 participants of the Shanghai Diabetes Study were investigated. They were all healthy (at baseline) when they were enrolled in the study between 1998 and 2001. Ten years later, 86 of them had become metabolically unhealthy, while 46 remained healthy. Analysis showed that, compared with those who remained healthy ten years later, those who had become metabolically unhealthy had significantly lower baseline levels of serum HCAs, illustrating that levels of HCAs are a strong predictor of metabolic syndromes such as diabetes. HCAs regulate blood glucose levels in animal models Through a series of laboratory experiments, the researchers looked further into the mechanisms that underpin the key role that HCAs play in regulating blood glucose levels. In an animal model experiment, the researchers suppressed the synthesis of HCAs in the livers of a group of pigs by around 30%, and they found that their blood glucose levels increased by 30% when compared with the control group. HCAs were then given to the pigs, after which their blood glucose levels eased off. Another experiment conducted by the researchers focused on the effect of HCAs on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is a hormone produced by L-cells, a type of enteroendocrine cell that enhances insulin secretion and decreases blood glucose. In a laboratory setting, different kinds of bile acids, including HCAs, were applied to L-cells, at varying levels of concentration. Results showed that at a high concentration of 50 micromolar, HCAs were the most effective at stimulating GLP-1 secretion when compared with other types of bile acids. The findings also revealed that HCAs regulate blood glucose levels by stimulating the secretion of GLP-1 and thus insulin production. Potential for diabetes prediction and treatment “The results of our studies provide evidence of how HCAs help to regulate blood glucose levels, and they have revealed the mechanism of how it is achieved at a cellular level. HCAs demonstrate promising potential, and they could be developed into an agent for the prediction and treatment of type 2 diabetes,” said Professor Jia. “As gut microbiota can regulate the metabolism of HCAs, targeting the intestines instead of the pancreas could be a prospective novel strategy for treating diabetes. We will further investigate how to increase the secretion levels of HCAs in diabetic patients by regulating the intestinal bacteria,” he added. Researchers from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Afﬁliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Peking University, the Afﬁliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, China Agricultural University, Sichuan University and the University of Hawaii were also involved in the studies. Contact Details Hong Kong Baptist University Christina Wu, Communication and Public Relation Office +852 3411 7828 christinawu@hkbu.edu.hk Company Website https://www.hkbu.edu.hk/

April 01, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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CMMC Center of Excellence Announces Engagement Agreement with Ordr

Interoperability Clearinghouse

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Center of Excellence (CMMC COE), hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public-private partnership serving the public and private sectors for more than 15 years, is excited to announce a partnership with Ordr, an industry leader in continuous discovery, device asset inventory visibility and security of all connected devices, including unmanaged IoT, IoMT, and OT devices. This unique partnership will extend efforts by providing complete device asset inventory discovery for compliance within the CMMC COE Marketplace to improve cybersecurity protection and resilience for the global defense industrial base network of contractors, vendors, and suppliers. “We are excited to embark on this journey with Ordr”, said John Weiler, Chairman of the Board at CMMC Center of Excellence, “The foundation of CMMC starts with visibility into devices in the network and the risks they bring. This new partnership will further help advance the goals and objectives for improving the supply chain security and resilience for the US Department of Defense (DoD)”. Ord provides a purpose-built platform for asset inventory and security. It discovers and secures all connected devices -- from traditional servers, workstations and PCs to IoT, IoMT and OT devices. Using agentless and passive methods of data collection, connected devices can be automatically discovered and classified. Devices with vulnerabilities, weak ciphers/certificates or are subject to recall are identified. Ordr’s machine learning engine also maps and baselines device communication patterns to establish “Flow Genomes”. Ordr can then alert on anomalous behavior and dynamically generate micro-segmentation policies to allow devices only appropriate access. “The Ordr team is thrilled to be joining the pioneering organizations and innovators that make up the CMMC COE,” said Greg Murphy, Chief Executive Officer at Ordr. “We are working with DIB contractors, vendors, and the supplier community to enable them to meet CMMC regulations quickly and efficiently. Being a part of the CMMC COE accelerates that effort.” The executed Engagement Agreement establishes a collaborative engagement between Ordr and the CMMC COE to partner in the furthering of their respective and complementary missions and objectives regarding the adoption, use, and expansion of CMMC based cybersecurity practices, risk management, and compliance for the DIB contractor, vendor, and supplier community of providers creating a broader CMMC ecosystem globally to improve security and resilience. Specific actions will include: The co-development of CMMC advisory services, cyber training and education programs to accelerate CMMC certification, increase cyber adoption and improve cyber protection & resilience. Co-sponsor symposiums, training programs and podcasts leveraging their combined cyber and IT expertise. Host regular working groups, with other partners, to enable collaboration and communications. Establish an independent Industry Cyber Security Advisory Council with peer organizations to advise and educate leaders across government and industry on the continued evolution and effectiveness of CMMC. The CMMC-COE ( http://cmmc-coe.org ) and Ordr partnership will focus on bringing together the many disparate cyber and national security communities of interest to reduce complexity, improve awareness, and accelerate industry effort to become more cyber resilient against the growing threats from nation states and criminal enterprises. The CMMC-COE establishes both a Market Place and Knowledge Clearinghouse that will include resources that support the overall effort, including white papers; tutorials; recorded webcasts; presentations; and more that will help reduce the cost and burden on small and medium size contractors already struggling from the impact of COVID. For more information on the CMMC COE, please visit http://cmmc-coe.org, email info@cmmc-coe.org or call 703-863-3766. For more information on Ordr, please visit https://ordr.net/solutions/cmmc/, email info@ordr.net or call 833.673.7999 #### Contact Details John Weiler Executive Director, IT-AAC Chairman, CMMC COE john.weiler@it-aac.org 703-863-3766 Monica Wallace for Ordr Monica.Wallace@ruderfinn.com 650-346-8994 About Us ---------- CMMC-COE.ORG is a unique non-profit public-private partnership, with a vision to accelerate Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) adoption, and reduce time & cost for security compliance for our partners by leveraging commercial best practices, CMMC standards, and innovative solutions for a measurable success. Our mission, focused on DOD mission objectives, cost containment and expeditious CMMC compliance, is to help the DIB improve cyber posture and resilience, and simplify its acquisition. The CMMC-COE is hosted by the Information Technology Acquisition Advisory Council (IT-AAC), a public/private partnership (P3) chartered in 2007 as an honest broker to reach outside the confines of the Federal IT advisories that lack dynamic reach into the Global IT Market, and dedicated to the adoption of commercial IT management standards of practice and innovations emanating from the Global IT market. Team IT-AAC has already demonstrated the value of its decade long investment, and provides a unique value to agencies seeking to achieve accelerate the transformation of legacy processes and systems. Our Just-in-Time SMEs apply an innovative suite of Technology Business Management and Agile Acquisition Processes needed to assure the business value of commercial IT. The Interoperability Clearinghouse (ICH), is the managing partner that make up the 24 NGO/SDO organizations that make up the IT-AAC. ICH provides the contract vehicles, clearances, and critical resources proven to guide sustainable, measurable and repeatable processes needed to drive better investment decisions as the speed of mission need, while aligning existing processes, methods and workforce with IT reform mandates contained in Clinger Cohen Act, FITARA, IT MGT Act, EO13838. About Ordr ------------ Digital transformation has led to the inevitable explosive increase of connected devices. The scale and diversity of these devices, and the capacity for network connectivity introduces risks. Every single device is a potential attack vector and must be secured. Ordr delivers visibility and security of all connected devices -- from traditional servers, workstations and PCs to IoT, IoMT and OT devices. Ordr discovers what devices are in the network, profiles device behavior and risks, and then automates appropriate action. Contact Details CMMC Center of Excellence Bob Dix +1 703-975-6633 bob.dix@it-aac.org Company Website https://cmmc-coe.org

March 30, 2021 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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