WAKAMONO Launches The World's First Anti-Coronavirus Surgical Mask
These Nano Biotech Masks Have Been Proven Effective Against Covid-19 & More, With Data-Driven ResultsOctober 15, 2020 - WAKAMONO has launched an antimicrobial medical mask created to not only filter viruses and bacteria but to kill them on contact. The world's first Nano Biotech application mask, WAKAMONO utilizes a GECIDE FABRIC layer that is covered with millions of organic nanoparticles that "trap", weaken and destroy viruses and bacteria upon contact. This mask has been shown to be effective against 99% of the strains of SARS-CoV-2 which is the Human Coronavirus strain causing the COVID-19 pandemic. This unique mask is also capable of self-killing Coronavirus strains including strain NL63, 229E and inactivates influenza A H1N1 - the enveloped viruses and Poliovirus-I - the non-enveloped viruses. WAKAMONO Medical Mask kills 99.9% of pathogenic bacteria and has data-driven results available for further reference. In addition to the antiviral properties, WAKAMONO surgical masks meets and exceeds the highest FDA standards of the US, which is ASTM F2100 level 3 and European CE EN 14683 Type IIR. It is also certified biosafety (according to tests for in vitro cytotoxicity) and made with organic and natural components. The masks are free from any metal nanoparticles and has been tested/certified by independent labs including FDA, Eurofins and Pacific BioLabs and more. WAKAMONO is priced at $79.99 (box of 50), 2-4 (50 boxes) for $45 and 5 and more (50 boxes for $29. The masks are available for purchase now at https://wakamonobio.com/product/the-wakamono-mask. Additional imagery here
About WAKAMONO NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY LEADERS UNITE TO STAND WITH SCIENCE WAKAMONO is a science-led nanobiotechnology company that focus on the discovery, development, manufacturer of nanomaterial primarily for medical devices, food, functional foods, cosmetics. At WAKAMONO, we are blending our heart, science and ingenuity to create products to guide the future of people. Today, WAKAMONO is continuous to be at the forefront of research to prevent and protect diseases especially SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19 that continues to threaten lives. By applying Nano Biotech, we aspire to be the premier research and manufacturer-intensive biotechnology company in the world. For more information visit wakamonobio.com.
World Animal Protection highlights the threat of superbugs on World Food Day
TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2020 /CNW/ - The rise of superbugs from industrial farming is presenting a danger to public health worldwide says global charity World Animal Protection. This is because on industrial farms, animals are routinely given the same important antibiotics used to treat humans who are seriously ill.
Today, on World Food Day, a report released by the organization shows that superbugs are emerging on farms from antibiotic overuse and those antibiotic resistant bacteria are entering our food chain and our environment. Almost three-quarters of the world's antibiotics are used in animals, the majority on industrial farms. Antibiotics are often used to sustain low-welfare practices, such as the raising of fast-growing meat chickens and painful procedures performed on piglets, including cutting their teeth and tails. Many of these animals are housed in stressful, cramped conditions that can provide the perfect breeding ground for the spread of infection and emergence of disease.
This is risky business - when superbugs are passed from animals to people, they make us less able to fight disease. Already, 700,000 people die each year from infections that cannot be treated by antibiotics. The World Health Organization has declared that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 global public health threats.
Last year, a study from the Council of Canadian Academies warned of the potential rise in the percentage of bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotic treatments. The report said that overuse of antibiotics on farm animals raised for food contributes to this.
As of December 2018, in Canada, a veterinary prescription is required for antibiotics given to farm animals. However, administering antibiotics to farm animals for disease prevention is still commonplace, as revealed by the Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System report.
One solution to help stop the superbug crisis, would be to keep farm animals in higher welfare, healthier conditions, to promote stronger immunity and better resilience. Some of these farms exist in Canada, but not enough. And with the current pandemic on everyone's mind, there is growing concern of when and how the next pandemic will come. Previous outbreaks such as Avian Flu and swine flu emerged from farm animals.
A recent public poll shows that 4 out of 5 people surveyed across 15 countries, including Canada, are concerned that the next pandemic could come from farm animals.
Overall poll results showed that:
4 out of 5 would refuse to shop with retailers that don't ensure animals are treated well and antibiotics are used responsibly in the meat they sell.
75% of Canadians are concerned about the possibility of a pandemic originating from farm animals.
82% of Canadians believe antibiotics should only be used to treat sick animals.
Lynn Kavanagh, Farm Campaign Manager for World Animal Protection says, "The government needs to implement stricter laws to reduce the use of antibiotics in farming. And improve on its reporting and monitoring of antibiotic usage on farm animals. Having higher welfare standards on farms would help to lessen the need to use antibiotics in the first place. The government should also be supporting farmers to make a transition to higher welfare and more sustainable farming practices."
More Canadians are becoming aware of the cruelty of industrial farming and its negative effect on our environment, too. The same poll also showed that over half of Canadians felt that the way farm animals are currently treated is unsustainable for our health and the health of our planet.
There's a growing concern of the negative impact of industrial farming from environment groups too.
Greenpeace International Senior Strategist, Monique Mikhail, says, "Industrial animal farming is tearing down our forests, polluting our water, warming the planet and harming our health. We must end industrial animal farming and its unacceptable dependence on antibiotics, drastically reduce how much meat we produce and eat, and transition to a just and ecological food system."
It's clear that things need to change. World Animal Protection is calling for the end of industrial farming, reduced production and consumption of farm animal products and for remaining farm animal production to be high welfare. This includes keeping animals out of cages, allowing them access to the outdoors, with plenty of space to move around and to be able to perform natural behaviors.
World Animal Protection is urging governments adopt a one health approach that recognizes the link between the wellbeing of people, animals and the environment.
About World Animal Protection
From our offices around the world, including China, Australia, Brazil, Kenya and Canada, we move the world to protect animals. Last year, we gave more than 3 billion animals better lives through our campaigns that focus on animals in the wild, animals in disasters, animals in communities and animals in farming. For more information visit https://www.worldanimalprotection.ca/.
SOURCE World Animal Protection
4 Essential Life Changes to Support an Increase in Exercise
Did you know that more than 80 percent of adults and adolescents fall short of recommendations for aerobic activity? From cardiovascular health and weight maintenance to supporting mental health, exercise has numerous benefits, but it can be difficult to fit physical activity into your busy lifestyle. Whether you're a seasoned couch potato or a weekend warrior, consider these four essential lifestyle changes to help you get more exercise.
Walk More
You don't have to hit the gym to get a good workout. Just walking is one of the best exercises you can do. Encourage yourself to walk more by parking farther away from the supermarket, walking to work or taking a stroll around the neighborhood after dinner. What if the weather is bad? Try getting a treadmill so you can walk while watching your favorite tv show.
Improve Your Nutrition
It's hard to get moving when you're running on empty. If your diet is devoid of nutrient dense foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains, you won't have the energy you need to power through a workout. Are you confused about what should go on your plate? Consider seeing a nutritionist who can develop customized nutrition plans for your unique energy needs.
Stay Hydrated
Exercising makes you sweat, which means that hydration is essential when you're working out. Even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness and muscle cramps, so remember to keep a bottle of water handy whether you're hitting the gym, track or your local park. It's also important to drink 15 to 20 ounces of water in the hour or two before you begin your workout.
Get More Sleep
Nearly half of American adults don't get enough sleep, and lack of shut-eye had numerous consequences including reduced athletic performance. If you're not getting at least seven hours of sleep at night, you may find yourself cutting your exercise sessions short in favor of a nap or crashing on the couch. Do you prefer to exercise early in the morning? Try sleeping in your workout clothes so you can catch a few extra z's and wake up ready to go.
Remember, getting enough exercise isn't just an individual problem. Working out is more fun together, so get your family, friends and community involved. Take the kids to the park, hit the gym with a buddy or start a neighborhood jogging group. You can also sign up for exercise classes at your local gym or community center.
Exercises You Can Do at Home to Improve Your Balance and Coordination
Proper balance and coordination are a necessity for living a happy and healthy life. Unfortunately, natural aging, injuries, and other situations can lead to balance and coordination problems. If you're having issues, here are some easy home exercises you can start adding into your workout routine today to regain your coordination and balance.
Tree Pose
If you've noticed that your balance and coordination is off just a bit, then the tree pose is a great exercise to start with. You'll want to start with your hands up in the air and join your palms together. This is the top of your tree. Then, bring one of your legs off of the ground and hold it flat against your inner thigh. Try holding the pose for 10 seconds and work your way up to a minute or more. Be sure to repeat with both legs.
High Knees
An easy exercise to learn for any person is the high knees. This simply works by starting in a standing position on your non-slip foam exercise balance pad. Then, proceed to kick one of your knees up towards your chest. Drop it back to the floor and repeat with the other leg.
Bosu Squats
Squats tend to be an easy go-to for many different people. You can use your basic knowledge of squatting to help enhance your balance when you institute the use of a BOSU. This half-dome shape creates a level of instability that really forces your body to adapt to balancing on the uneven surface. Be sure to take your time throughout the squat as your body is going to be constantly adjusting throughout the entire movement.
Single Leg Deadlift
The deadlift is a very popular exercise for its ability to work an abundance of muscles throughout the body with one movement. You can make the deadlift work to enhance your balance by performing it with one leg. Keep one leg firmly planted on the ground and raise the other leg behind you. You'll notice that your torso will lower towards the ground. Add dumbbells to each hand to increase the difficulty of this exercise.
When it comes to balance and coordination, most of us can use some improvement. Whether you're having balance problems or you're just looking for a way to make your workout even harder, the above four exercises can be the answer that you've been looking for. Remember to start with a minimal amount of reps and ensure you're doing the exercise correctly before proceeding to increase your rep range.
Health Canada Approves KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) as First-line Treatment for Patients with Metastatic or Unresectable Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Approval Based on Significant Overall Survival Findings from Phase 3 KEYNOTE-048 Trial
KEYTRUDA® is an anti-PD-1 therapy that works by helping increase the ability of the body's immune system to help detect and fight tumour cells.1
The Canadian Cancer Society predicts that more than 6,550 Canadians will develop head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in 2020 and 1,900 will die from it.2
KIRKLAND, QC, Oct. 15, 2020 /CNW/ - Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced that Health Canada has approved KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, for the first-line treatment of metastatic or unresectable recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) as monotherapy, in adult patients whose tumours have PD-L1 expression [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥ 1] as determined by a validated test.3 Health Canada also approved KEYTRUDA for the first-line treatment of metastatic or unresectable recurrent HNSCC in combination with platinum and fluorouracil (FU) chemotherapy, in adult patients.4
"Pembrolizumab targets and fights tumour cells by helping increase the ability of the body's immune system," said Dr. Lillian Siu, Senior Scientist and medical oncologist at the Princess Margaret, BMO Chair in Precision Cancer Genomics. "This is a new treatment option that physicians can now consider in managing patients with metastatic or recurrent head and neck cancer."
Head and neck cancers describe different tumors that develop in or around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses and mouth.5More than 90% of head and neck cancers begin in the squamous cells that line the moist, mucosal surfaces lining the mouth, nose and throat.6,7 The five-year relative survival rate for all stages of HNSCC is approximately 66%8 and the Canadian Cancer Society predicts that more than 6,550 Canadians will develop HNSCC in 2020 and 1,900 will die from it.9
"As a survivor of head and neck cancer, I welcome new treatment options like KEYTRUDA," said John-Peter Bradford, HNSCC survivor. "It's significant for patients to have a treatment option to battle with this disease."
About KEYNOTE-048 Trial
Health Canada's approval for HNSCC is based on findings from the phase 3 study KEYNOTE-048, a randomized, multicenter, open-label, active-controlled trial conducted in 882 patients with metastatic or recurrent HNSCC who had not previously received systemic therapy for recurrent or metastatic disease and who were considered incurable by local therapies.10 Randomization was stratified by tumor PD-L1 expression (TPS≥50% or <50%), HPV status (positive or negative), and ECOG PS (0 vs. 1).11
The results of KEYNOTE-048 showed treatment with KEYTRUDA® in combination with chemotherapy resulted in a median overall survival of 13.0 months compared to 10.7 months with standard treatment (cetuximab in combination with chemotherapy) (HR=0.72 [95% CI, 0.60-0.87]; p=0.00025).12 In the monotherapy study arm, the median overall survival was 12.3 months with KEYTRUDA® compared to 10.3 months with standard treatment in the PD-L1 CPS ≥1 population (HR=0.74 [95% CI, 0.61-0.90]; p=0.00133).13
"The approval of KEYTRUDA® for the first-line treatment of recurrent and metastatic HNSCC further reinforces Merck's continued commitment to pursue research and development in immuno-oncology with the ultimate goal of improving patient lives," says AnnA Van Acker, President, Merck Canada. "HNSCC can have a significant negative impact on patients, affecting a person's appearance or their ability to eat or speak. We are proud that our work can help these patients and provide new treatment options for the first-line management of their disease."
About Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancers can occur in the mouth (oral cavity), the middle part of the throat near the mouth (oropharynx), the space inside and around the nose (nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses), the upper part of the throat near the nasal cavity (nasopharynx), the voice box (larynx), the lower part of the throat near the larynx (hypopharynx), or the salivary glands.14Depending on the location, HNSCC can cause abnormal patches or open sores (ulcers) in the mouth and throat, unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth, sinus congestion, sore throat, earache, pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice, difficulty breathing, or enlarged lymph nodes.15 The primary risk factors associated with head and neck cancer are tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Other risk factors include human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (for oropharyngeal cancer), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection (for nasopharyngeal cancer).16
About KEYTRUDA®
KEYTRUDA® is an anti-PD-1 therapy that works by helping increase the ability of the body's immune system to help detect and fight tumour cells.17 KEYTRUDA® is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumour cells and healthy cells.18
KEYTRUDA® was first approved in Canada in 2015 and currently has 16 indications in several disease areas, including advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), bladder cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), classical Hodgkin lymphoma and melanoma.19
Merck's Research Program
Merck has the industry's largest immuno-oncology clinical research program. There are currently more than 750 trials studying pembrolizumab across a wide variety of cancers and treatment settings. This clinical program seeks to understand the role of pembrolizumab across cancers and the factors that may predict a patient's likelihood of benefitting from treatment with this medication, including exploring several different biomarkers.
Our Focus on Cancer
Our goal is to translate progressive science into innovative oncology medicines to help people with cancer worldwide. At Merck Oncology, helping people fight cancer is our passion and supporting accessibility to our cancer medicines is our commitment. Our focus is on pursuing research in immuno-oncology and we are accelerating every step in the journey — from lab to clinic — to potentially bring new hope to people with cancer.
About Merck
For more than 125 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals — including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases — as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world. For more information about our operations in Canada, visit www.merck.ca and connect with us on YouTube and Twitter.
Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).
17 KEYTRUDA® Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. Updated October 9, 2020.
18 KEYTRUDA® Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. Updated October 9, 2020.
19 KEYTRUDA® Product Monograph. Merck & Co. Inc. Updated October 9, 2020.
Almost 4 in 10 employees are less motivated at work since the pandemic
Morneau Shepell's Mental Health Index™ for September shows 10-point decline from the pre-pandemic benchmark of 75
TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2020 /CNW/ - Morneau Shepell, a leading provider of total wellbeing, mental health and digital mental health services, today released its monthly Mental Health Index™ report, revealing a consistent trend of negative mental health among Canadians at the six-month mark of the pandemic. The findings show that strained mental health of Canadians may be here for the long term, driven by concerns about the second wave of the pandemic, an impending lockdown and continued uncertainties regarding when things may settle, and what life may look like.
The Mental Health Index™ score is -10, highlighting an uneven pattern since the start of the pandemic. The survey reported modest increases from April to July, a decline in August and a return to July's score (-10) in September. The score measures the improvement or decline in mental health from the pre-2020 benchmark of 75. The Mental Health Index™ also tracks sub-scores against the benchmark, measuring financial risk (3.1), psychological health (-1.9), isolation (-9.7), work productivity (-10.8), anxiety (-11.5), depression (-11.8) and optimism (-12.3). Financial risk stands out with a decline after several months of improvement.
"The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is well underway, with case counts rapidly increasing and many provinces seriously assessing the need to revert back to previous lockdown measures," said Stephen Liptrap, president and chief executive officer. "As we look to the coming months, it's critical that governments and organizations recognize the risk that the impending isolation will have on Canadians' wellbeing and take proactive action. If Canadians' mental health and wellbeing needs are not addressed, the resilience of our country will face a significant long-term threat."
Change in workplace routine detrimental to wellbeing, but employees less willing to access physical or mental health support
Changes in physical workplace and routine are having a significant impact on Canadian employees' mental health. Individuals who recently returned to the jobsite had a lower mental health score (-11.0), than those who either remained at the worksite (-7.1) or had always been and continued to work from home (-8.6). Those with the lowest scores are employees who are working from home as a result of the pandemic (-11.4) and those who are both working from home and at the jobsite (-12.9).
The pandemic is also impacting employee productivity. Almost four in 10 (36 per cent) of employees indicated that they are finding it more difficult to feel motivated to work and 34 per cent of respondents said they find it more difficult now than before the pandemic to concentrate on work.
"Motivation is impacted by ongoing strain," said Paula Allen, senior vice president of research, analytics and innovation. "A decline in motivation suggests emotional exhaustion. Right now we have two main things driving that exhaustion. We are often not balancing work with fun, social contact and exploration. Rest is also important but we need more than rest to have balance. Additionally, some are working more and others are experiencing work as more draining because of concerns about job security or needing to deal with multiple mental and situational distractions, on top of the actual work. Both types of issues can be helped with planning and getting coaching or counselling."
Despite the decline in mental health and risks to physical health, many Canadians have become less willing to access care. A significant proportion of individuals indicate that the pandemic has made them less likely to access healthcare for physical (29 per cent) and mental health needs (24 per cent) than prior to COVID-19.
"When life is disrupted, we are more likely to ignore important aspects of self-care. We might put things on hold or somehow think everything will automatically get better when things are less disrupted," said Allen. "Although Canadians are experiencing significant change in all areas of life, accessing physical and mental health support must remain a constant. Employers play a critical role in this by reinforcing the need for self-care and promoting resources such as employee assistance programs and virtual healthcare."
Six months in, Canadians' concerns revert back to those in COVID-19's early stages
As Canadians respond to the pandemic's second wave, the common concerns reported at the beginning of COVID-19 have resurfaced. The research found that the top concerns impacting mental health are the financial impact of the pandemic (38 per cent), fear of getting ill (34 per cent) and fear of a loved one dying (30 per cent) – echoing the concerns reported in April and May. When analyzing the mental health of individuals based on their fears, those who are most concerned about loneliness during the pandemic had the worst mental health score (-25.8).
Another trend reversing since the start of the pandemic is Canadians' ability to put aside emergency savings. After several months where Canadians were saving more each month, September marks a decline in the level of emergency savings. This is having a significant impact on Canadians, as those with emergency savings (-5.3) are reporting a much higher mental health score than those without (-23.4). One trend that has remained consistent throughout the pandemic is the impact by gender; individuals identifying as female had a lower mental health score (-12.2) than those identifying as male (-8.2) for the sixth consecutive month. Additionally, parents, younger individuals, those with lower household incomes and non-White populations continue to have lower mental health scores.
About the Mental Health Index™
The monthly survey by Morneau Shepell was conducted through an online survey in English and French from August 21 to August 30, 2020, with 3,000 respondents in Canada. All respondents reside in Canada and were employed within the last six months. The data has been statistically weighted to ensure the regional and gender composition of the sample reflect this population. The margins of error for the survey are +/- 3.2 per cent, valid 19 times out of 20. The Mental Health Index™ is published monthly, beginning April 2020, and compares against benchmark data collected in 2017, 2018 and 2019. The full Canada report can be found at https://www.morneaushepell.com/permafiles/93048/mental-health-index-report-canada-september-2020.pdf.
About Morneau Shepell
Morneau Shepell is a leading provider of technology-enabled HR services that deliver an integrated approach to employee wellbeing through our cloud-based platform. Our focus is providing world-class solutions to our clients to support the mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing of their people. By improving lives, we improve business. Our approach spans services in employee and family assistance, health and wellness, recognition, pension and benefits administration, retirement consulting, actuarial and investment services. Morneau Shepell employs approximately 6,000 employees who work with some 24,000 client organizations that use our services in 162 countries. Morneau Shepell is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MSI). For more information, visit morneaushepell.com.
SOURCE Morneau Shepell Inc.
New scientific study shows brain injuries can be unbroken by innovative neuro-technologies
Canadian veteran Capt. Trevor Greene pushes the limits of physical, cognitive and PTSD recovery from Afghanistan axe attack
SURREY, BC, Oct. 14, 2020 /CNW/ - A recently published scientific study led by the Centre for Neurology Studies at HealthTech Connex and a research team from Simon Fraser University (SFU), reports the latest breakthroughs from ProjectIron Soldier. Captain (retired) Trevor Greene, who was attacked with an axe to the head while serving in Afghanistan, continues to push conventional limits in brain health recovery.
The research study published in Frontiers of Human Neuroscience is led by neuroscientist Dr. Ryan D'Arcy, and involves tracking Capt. Greene's neuroplasticity and his physical, cognitive and PTSD improvements as he rewires his brain using the latest and most advanced brain technologies.
Capt. Greene and Dr. D'Arcy recounted their remarkable progress and showcased their mission to lead scientific breakthroughs in neuroplasticity through a recent TEDx talk (Link to TEDx video: https://bit.ly/3hHSeqW).
In 2006, retired Canadian soldier Capt. Greene survived a severe brain injury when he was attacked with an axe to the head, during his combat tour in Afghanistan. He spent years in various therapies and rehabilitation, and in 2009, he started working with Dr. D'Arcy. In 2015, the B.C. and Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion helped outfit Trevor with a robotic exoskeleton, which helped him continue re-learning to walk. Called Project Iron Soldier, this exciting initiative was the inspiration to develop the Legion Veterans Village, a $312M Centre of Excellence for PTSD, mental health and rehabilitation dedicated to veterans and first responders (currently under construction in Surrey).
Capt. Greene and the Project Iron Soldier research team have continued with intensive daily rehabilitation, but the team experienced an extended plateau in progress using conventional therapy alone.
To breakthrough the plateau, the Centre for Neurology Studies launched an intensive 14-week trial using the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (or PoNS™). The PoNS is a neurostimulation technology that sends a series of small electrical impulses to the brain through the tongue (known as translingual neurostimulation)to safely facilitate neuroplasticity. The team tracked improvements in brain vital sign improvements using NeuroCatch® Platform (or NeuroCatch®). NeuroCatch is a rapid objective measure of cognitive brain function.
"When Trevor experienced a plateau in his rehabilitation, we tried intensive conventional treatment approaches, but to no avail," says Dr. D'Arcy, co-founder of HealthTech Connex, which operates the Centre for Neurology Studies, and an SFU professor. "It was only after combining in the PoNS with this rehabilitation therapy that we could break through these latest barriers and demonstrate significant improvements in his brain vital sign measurements."
Results of the study: The newly published results in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience demonstrate that PoNS neurostimulation, paired with intensive rehabilitation, may stimulate neuroplasticity to overcome an extended recovery plateau as objectively measured by NeuroCatch and other brain scanning technologies. The main findings were:
Capt. Greene showed significant gains in clinical outcome measures for physical therapy, even after 14 years since the axe attack. Capt. Greene and his wife Debbie Greene also reported notable and lasting improvements in cognition and PTSD symptoms.
Capt. Greene showed significant brain vital sign improvements in cognitive function, particularly in auditory sensation (as measured by the N100 response), basic attention (as measured by P300 response), and cognitive processing (as measured by N400 response).
Says Capt. Greene, "I first saw the power of neuroplasticity in the early days when Ryan showed me MRI images of my brain showing healthy brain tissue taking over for the damaged bits. Later on, I saw the full power of the PoNS device when I got demonstrably stronger, steadier and more coordinated after using it regularly for just a few weeks. It's really been a game changer for me and my family."
"Trevor's amazing progress is no doubt pushing the frontiers of medical science by overcoming perceived limits of brain recovery," says Dr. Shaun Fickling, the study's lead author who completed his PhD at Simon Fraser University. "These brain imaging results provide valuable insight into the importance of unleashing the power of neuroplasticity to inspire countless people impacted by brain and mental health conditions."
Dr. D'Arcy concludes, "These neuro-technology breakthroughs have considerable impacts to inspire many of us to push beyond conventional limits in neurological and mental health recovery."
*Note to media: Project Iron Soldier B-roll video and photos available.
SOURCE HealthTech Connex Inc.
Evidence Partners Selected for Lazaridis Institute's ScaleUp Program
OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 14, 2020 /CNW/ - Evidence Partners Inc., provider of the world's first AI-enabled literature review automation software, DistillerSR, today announced that it has been selected by the Lazaridis Institute to be part of the sixth cohort of the Lazaridis ScaleUp Program. The prestigious program helps Canada's highest potential companies accelerate their growth and enhance their ability to compete internationally through mentorship, intensive workshops, and access to a global network of experts. Evidence Partners was one of 13 firms selected for the program.
"We are honoured to be selected into this highly respected program and to be recognized as one of the 13 most promising scaleup companies in Canada," said Peter O'Blenis, CEO, Evidence Partners. "The timing of our selection is ideal. We are growing quickly, expanding market share globally, and investing aggressively in our product, AI-technologies and, of course, our Ottawa-based team. This program will help to both focus and accelerate these efforts."
Systematic literature reviews are the cornerstone of evidence-based research. Medical and scientific researchers use systematic literature reviews to collect secondary data, critically appraise research studies, and synthesize findings qualitatively or quantitatively.1 The challenge with systematic reviews is that they are difficult to do, take a long time and are error prone.
DistillerSR is used by pharmaceutical and medical device companies, contract research organizations, as well as universities, governments, and NGOs. The cloud-based platform brings together AI and intelligent workflows that automate the management of researchers' systematic collection of secondary data to produce transparent, audit ready and compliant literature reviews faster and more cost effectively. As a result, DistillerSR enables researchers to inform time-sensitive critical health policies, clinical practice guidelines, and regulatory submissions.
About Evidence Partners For more information about Evidence Partners and DistillerSR, visit www.evidencepartners.com
Russell Alexander Law Firm Offers Tips for Divorcing in Ontario During the Coronavirus Pandemic Lawyers say couples should be prepared, as courtroom procedures have changed
LINDSAY, Ontario —With marriages strained by the coronavirus pandemic, interest in divorce is spiking. But divorce lawyer Russell Alexander warns that couples seeking to separate need to be prepared for a much different process than that which pre-dated the pandemic. Alexander is author of the new book, “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Divorce, ” which he delayed the release of just to include a special bonus chapter on divorcing during a pandemic.
Courtroom procedures have changed due to social distancing requirements, while backlogs have made cases move slower than ever. Everyone from lawyers to judges will be communicating through videoconferencing apps.
“The process of going through a divorce has undergone a dramatic transformation since March,” said Alexander, who founded the Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers which has offices throughout Ontario. “It’s harder, takes longer and can be more frustrating. That’s why we recommend working together instead of going to court.”
Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers has long helped clients find alternatives to messy and expensive courtroom battles, but Alexander said that a collaborative approach is more important than ever. With courtrooms facing a backlog of cases, divorces are taking longer and even when couples get time before a judge they are often talking through videoconferencing apps, which can make the process more stressful.
Alexander recommended that anyone seeking a divorce make sure that they have an up-to-date computer and high-speed internet in order to videoconference with their lawyers and court officials; consider alternatives to going to court; and be patient as the process unfolds.
“Divorce is never easy, but divorcing during a pandemic is going to be more stressful than usual as it drags on,” added Alexander. “If you don’t try a collaborative approach, you may find the pandemic is over before your marriage.”
Thebook, “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Divorce,” is available to purchase online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple Books, as well as through Bibliotheca, Rakuten Kobo, Tolino and Baker & Taylor. Readers may also pick up a copy at the list price of $22.12 at the firm’s six offices throughout Ontario. All proceeds will be donated to theGiving Fundin support of various community-based programs.
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RussellAlexander Collaborative Family Lawyers
Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers is committed to practicing exclusively in the area of family law in Ontario dealing with all aspects, including separation and divorce, child custody and access, spousal support, child support, and division of family property. A team of lawyers provide guidance from start to finish, helping clients identify and understand the legal issues as well as the options and opportunities available through the transition. The firm has offices in Lindsay, Whitby, Oshawa, Markham, Peterborough and Toronto, Ontario. For more information, visit: http://www.russellalexander.com
Episode 19 - The Train It Right Life - It's Ok To Be Alone
Welcome to the Train It Right Life Podcast with Alicia Bell. Today Alicia sits down to discuss Covid19, Toronto, Gyms, Water and why it's ok to be alone. Enjoy!
