Hawaiian Ethos Medical Cannabis Is Sun-Grown and Sustainable
Kailua-Kona—One of just two licensed medical cannabis growers and distributors on the Big Island of Hawai‘i , Hawaiian Ethos utilizes sustainable growing practices which are better for patients, the planet, and the medicine.
Sungrown on Hawai‘i Island
“In Hawaiʻi, natural light is an abundant resource, so we designed our cultivation facility to harness as much of it as possible,” says Diana Hahn, Hawaiian Ethos Communications Director.
Using the sun allows Ethos to significantly cut down on artificial lighting, one of the biggest energy expenditures in the cultivation of indoor cannabis.
Quality of Hawaiʻi Sunlight = Increased THC Production
Sunlight in Hawai’i is unique, both in its intensity and spectrum. Because Hawaii is near the equator, the sun's rays are a lot stronger than in other places. For example, Hawai‘i is exposed to more UV than anywhere else in the United States—routinely at 9-10 on the UV index. UV light has been shown to increase cannabinoid production in plants—specifically THCA. UV can also lower bacterial and fungal populations, which keeps plants clean.
“All medical cannabis sold on the island has to be grown locally, and all Hawaiian Ethos cannabis is sun-grown,” says Hahn.
The structure and orientation of Ethos’ cultivation facility lets in high elevation sunlight via efficient light-transmitting panels, allowing diffuse, broad spectrum sunlight to shine down on the plants. By growing with sunlight as the primary energy source, Ethos uses 1.3M less KwH and saves over $650,000 per year compared traditional indoor growing methods.
“Growing with the sun reduces the carbon footprint of Ethos’ operation substantially as artificial lighting also requires extra cooling. We’ve also seen that sun-grown cannabis has more ‘character.’ Unique traits in the structure of the flower as well as its cannabinoid and terpene profile are enhanced by the wide spectrum light provided by the sun,” adds Hahn.
Sustainable Packaging
Along with using the sunlight, Hawaiian Ethos is also the first dispensary in the state to introduce recyclable, compostable packaging. Rather than plastic, Ethos uses childproof cardboard boxes to meet state requirements for the majority of its products. Even the resealable inner sleeves used to keep flower fresh are compostable.
“Hawaiian Ethos strives to produce the best medicine, in order to maximize the impact we make in the lives of patients and minimize the impact we make on the earth,” said Hahn.
Traveling to Hawai’i?
Hawaiian Ethos is permitted to serve out-of-state medical cannabis patients.
Hawaiian Ethos’ first dispensary is located on Olowalu Street in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Hawaiian Ethos is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday. A Hilo location will be announced soon.
Hawaiian Ethos Medical Cannabis Is Sun-Grown and Sustainable
Kailua-Kona—One of just two licensed medical cannabis growers and distributors on the Big Island of Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Ethos’ vision is to create an example for the world that shows sustainable growing practices are better for patients, the earth, and the medicine.
Sungrown on Hawai‘i Island
“In Hawaiʻi, natural light is an abundant resource, so we designed our cultivation facility to harness as much of it as possible,” says Diana Hahn, Hawaiian Ethos Communications Director.
Using the sun allows Ethos to significantly cut down on artificial lighting, one of the biggest energy expenditures in the cultivation of indoor cannabis.
Quality of Hawaiʻi Sunlight = Increased THC Production
Sunlight in Hawai’i is unique, both in its intensity and spectrum. Because Hawaii is near the equator, the sun's rays are a lot stronger than in other places. For example, Hawai‘i is exposed to more UV than anywhere else in the United States—routinely at 9-10 on the UV index. UV light has been shown to increase cannabinoid production in plants—specifically THCA. UV can also lower bacterial and fungal populations, which keeps plants clean.
“All medical cannabis sold on the island has to be grown locally, and all Hawaiian Ethos cannabis is sun-grown,” says Hahn. Growing with the sun reduces the carbon footprint of Ethos’ operation substantially as artificial lighting also requires extra cooling.
The structure and orientation of Ethos’ cultivation facility lets in high elevation sunlight via efficient light-transmitting panels, allowing diffuse, broad spectrum sunlight to shine down on the plants.
By growing with sunlight as the primary energy source, Ethos uses 1.3M less KwH and saves over $650,000 per year compared traditional indoor growing methods.
“We’ve also seen that sun-grown cannabis has more ‘character.’ Unique traits in the structure of the flower as well as its cannabinoid and terpene profile are enhanced by the wide spectrum light provided by the sun.”
Sustainable Packaging
Along with using the sunlight, Hawaiian Ethos is also the first dispensary in the state to introduce recyclable, compostable packaging. Rather than plastic, Ethos uses childproof cardboard boxes to meet state requirements for the majority of its products. Even the resealable inner sleeves used to keep flower fresh are compostable.
“Hawaiian Ethos strives to produce the best medicine, in order to maximize the impact we make in the lives of patients and minimize the impact we make on the earth,” added Hahn.
Traveling to Hawai’i?
Hawaiian Ethos is permitted to serve out-of-state medical cannabis patients.
Hawaiian Ethos’ first dispensary is located on Olowalu Street in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. Hawaiian Ethos is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday. A Hilo location will be announced soon.
ProMIS Neurosciences Announces Second Quarter 2019 Results
Company continues to expand its portfolio of highly selective antibodies targeting root cause of Alzheimer's, ALS and Parkinson's disease
TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, Aug. 13, 2019 /CNW/ - ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. (TSX: PMN) (OTCQB: ARFXF), a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, today announced its operational and financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019.
"Over the course of the first half of 2019, the breadth and depth of our unique discovery and development platform was further evidenced as ProMIS made considerable progress in expanding its portfolio of opportunities in neurodegenerative diseases," stated Eugene Williams, ProMIS' Executive Chairman. "In the second quarter of this year, we were able to identify novel antibodies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) with selectivity for the neurotoxic form of tau. This is in addition to the prior identification of antibody candidates selectively targeting toxic forms of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) for Parkinson's disease (PD) and toxic, aggregated forms of TDP43 for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)."
Narrated updates relating to ProMIS' unique approach and capabilities can be found on the ProMIS website by clicking on the links below:
Click here for Chief Medical Officer Dr. James Kupiec's update on demonstrating early proof-of-concept with biomarkers and focused patient populations
Click here for Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Neil Cashman's overview of ProMIS' unique capability to design and develop antibodies selectively targeting toxic misfolded proteins that are a root cause of neurodegenerative diseases
Click here for Chief Development Officer, Dr. Johanne Kaplan's podium presentation at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2019 showing selective targeting of toxic oligomers by PMN310, a monoclonal antibody rationally designed for greater therapeutic potency in AD
Corporate Highlights
In June 2019, the Company completed a private placement of 4,680,000 common share units at a price of $0.25 per unit resulting in gross proceeds of approximately $1,170,000 ($1,093,492 net of share issuance costs). Each unit consisted of one common share and one common share warrant. The common shares are subject to a four-month hold period from the date of issuance. Each warrant is exercisable into one common share at a price of $0.35 per share at any time for five years.
In May 2019, ProMIS announced the identification of novel antibodies for AD with selectivity for the neurotoxic form of tau. ProMIS leveraged its proprietary drug discovery and development platform to identify several novel antibodies that selectively bind toxic oligomers of tau. The platform produced antibodies that meet a key success factor for a viable Alzheimer's disease therapy: the ability to selectively target the neurotoxic form of a protein, while sparing the normal forms of the protein, a challenge that has contributed to recent late-stage clinical trial failures. The platform not only generates high-quality antibody candidates, it delivers powerful, validated candidates in months versus years. Used in combination with new biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, researchers could dramatically improve the success and speed of future therapy development efforts.
In June 2019, ProMIS presented key data on monoclonal antibody PMN310 for AD at the Keystone Symposium on Neurodegenerative Diseases: New Insights and Therapeutic Opportunities. For nearly fifty years, the conference has attracted the world's most accomplished researchers in neurodegenerative diseases to discuss future directions in therapy and care. ProMIS Chief Development Officer Dr. Johanne Kaplan presented data showing that PMN310 possesses superior selectivity for amyloid beta toxic oligomers and improved therapeutic potential compared with other amyloid beta-directed antibodies.
Scientific Advisory Board Appointment
In June 2019, the Company appointed C. Warren Olanow, MD, FRCPC, FAAN, FRCP(Hon) to its scientific advisory board (SAB). Dr. Olanow has dedicated his career to the study of neurodegeneration, particularly Parkinson's disease, through his work in academia, scientific research, clinical trials and professional societies. He is the previous Henry P. and Georgette Goldschmidt Professor and Chairman of the Department of Neurology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and is presently Professor Emeritus in the Department of Neurology and in the Department of Neuroscience. He also serves as Chief Executive Officer of CLINTREX, a pharmaceutical advisory firm that has designed numerous clinical trials in neurodegenerative disease for the pharmaceutical industry.
Financial Results
Results of Operations – Three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018
Net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2019 was $1,858,530, compared to a net loss of $2,214,861 for the three months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. Included in the net loss amount for the three months ended June 30, 2019 were non-cash expenses of $153,461, representing share-based compensation and amortization of an intangible asset, compared to $173,544 for the three months ended June 30, 2018. The decrease in the net loss in the three months ended June 30, 2019 reflects a decrease in costs associated with external contract research organizations for internal programs, patent costs and share-based compensation offset by increased consultant salaries and associated costs and general corporate expenditures.
Research and development expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2019 were $1,042,618, as compared to $1,531,075 in the three months ended June 30, 2018. The decrease in research and development expense for the three months ended June 30, 2019 is primarily attributed to decreased costs associated external contract research organizations for internal programs and patent costs offset by higher contracted research salaries and associated costs, and higher share-based compensation.
General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2019 were $815,937, as compared to $683,786 in the three months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in general and administrative expense for the three months ended June 30, 2019 is primarily attributable to increased consultant salaries and associated costs and general corporate expenditures offset by decreased share-based compensation.
Results of Operations – Six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018
Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $4,305,107, compared to a net loss of $3,771,733 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. Included in the net loss amount for the six months ended June 30, 2019 were non-cash expenses of $417,334, representing share-based compensation and amortization of an intangible asset, compared to $502,555 for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in the net loss in the six months ended June 30, 2019 reflects the costs associated with operating the Company's AD therapeutics program, increased contracted research and consultant salaries and associated costs and general corporate expenditures.
Research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2019 were $2,813,271, as compared to $2,229,082 in the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in research and development expense for the six months ended June 30, 2019 is primarily attributed to increased spending on external contract research organizations for internal programs, higher contracted research salaries and associated costs, and higher share-based compensation offset by reduced patent costs.
General and administrative expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2019 were $1,491,861, as compared to $1,542,656 in the six months ended June 30, 2018. The decrease in general and administrative expense for the six months ended June 30, 2019 is primarily attributable to decreased share-based compensation offset by increased consultant salaries and associated costs, general corporate expenditures and foreign exchange.
Outlook
The Company will continue to build on its unique, proprietary discovery and development platform to further characterize the potential benefits of its programs selectively targeting toxic aggregates of TDP43 and SOD1 in ALS, toxic forms of α-syn in PD and other α-syn-related disorders, and toxic forms of tau and amyloid beta in AD and other dementias to further support ongoing pharmaceutical partnering discussions.
About ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc.
ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc. is a development stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing antibody therapeutics selectively targeting toxic oligomers implicated in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The Company's proprietary target discovery platform is based on the use of two complementary thermodynamic, computational discovery engines -ProMIS and Collective Coordinates – to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique precision approach, the Company is developing novel antibody therapeutics for AD, ALS and PD. ProMIS is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. ProMIS is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol PMN, and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ARFXF.
Company documents relating to the fiscal year 2018 annual report and fiscal year 2019 quarterly reports can be viewed on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) at the link below:
The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release contains certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.
Health Canada approves Tecentriq® (atezolizumab), first new treatment in 20 years for aggressive form of lung cancer(1)
Data show Tecentriq in combination with carboplatin and etoposide helped patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer live longer, with a 30% reduction in the risk of death2
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 13, 2019 /CNW/ - Hoffmann-La Roche Limited (Roche Canada) announced today that Health Canada has approved Tecentriq® (atezolizumab) in combination with carboplatin and etoposide for the first-line treatment of adults with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC),3 representing the first new treatment for the disease in more than two decades.4 Tecentriq is the first and only approved cancer immunotherapy agent in Canada for first-line small cell lung cancer.
Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada, with an average of 78 Canadians diagnosed every day.5 It is also the leading cause of death from cancer.6 SCLC is the most aggressive form of lung cancer, characterized by fast growing tumours and early metastasis, and accounts for approximately 15% of all lung cancer cases in Canada – the equivalent of 4,300 new patients each year.7 Of all new SCLC cases, two-thirds are diagnosed as extensive-stage.8 The prognosis for patients with ES-SCLC has historically been extremely bleak, with an estimated five-year survival rate of 3%.9
"Atezolizumab in combination with chemotherapy provides a clinically meaningful improvement in overall survival when compared to chemotherapy alone, while most importantly improving quality of life for patients. This is an important milestone, since previously, there were limited treatments available," says Dr. Rosalyn Juergens, Associate Professor of Oncology at McMaster University. "The Health Canada approval of the Tecentriq regimen represents a new option and we are optimistic about the role it can play for this challenging to treat patient population in the future."
This approval is based on results from the Phase III IMpower133 study, which is the first Phase III study with an immunotherapy-based combination to show improvement in overall survival and progression-free survival in first-line treatment of ES-SCLC. The study showed that Tecentriq in combination with carboplatin and etoposide helped people live longer, compared with chemotherapy alone (median overall survival [OS] was 12.3 versus 10.3 months; hazard ratio [HR] was 0.70; 95% CI: 0.54–0.91; p=0.0069) in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, corresponding to an estimated 30% reduction in the risk of death. The 1-year overall survival rate was approximately 13% higher in the atezolizumab group than in the placebo group (51.7% vs. 38.2%). Median progression free survival [PFS] was 5.2 months versus 4.3 months; HR was 0.77; 95% CI:0.62-0.96; p=0.017.10
"The unmet need in small cell lung cancer is very high as the majority of patients are diagnosed at a late stage," says Shem Singh, Executive Director Lung Cancer Canada. "New treatment options are needed and the approval of atezolizumab provides a new tool for Canadians living with small cell lung cancer to manage the disease and spend more time with their families."
About the IMpower133 study11 IMpower133 is a global randomized, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase I/III study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Tecentriq in combination with carboplatin and etoposide versus carboplatin and etoposide alone in adults with chemotherapy-naïve ES-SCLC. A total of 403 people were enrolled in the study.
The co-primary endpoints were PFS and OS in the ITT population.
The safety profile of the Tecentriq in combination with carboplatin and etoposide was consistent with the known risks of the individual treatment components. The most common adverse reactions in people receiving Tecentriq in combination with carboplatin and etoposide were: anemia (43.4%), nausea (37.9%), decreased appetite (27.3%), fatigue (27.3%), vomiting (19.7%), thrombocytopenia (16.7%), platelet count decreased (12.6%), hypothyroidism (10.1%), dyspnea (10.1%), and pyrexia (10.1%).
The IMpower133 regimen is now included as the preferred treatment option for previously untreated ES-SCLC in the 2019 NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for SCLC.12
About Tecentriq® (atezolizumab) Tecentriq is a monoclonal antibody designed to directly bind to PD-L1 expressed on tumour cells and tumour-infiltrating immune cells.13 This blocks the interactions of PD-L1 with other cell-surface receptors which regulate the activation or suppression of T cells, a type of white blood cell that protects the body from infection and disease, including cancer.14, 15
Currently, Roche has twelve Phase III lung cancer studies evaluating Tecentriq as monotherapy or in combination with other medicines.
In Canada, Tecentriq is approved in combination with bevacizumab and paclitaxel and carboplatin for the first-line treatment of adults with metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumour aberrations, and no prior systemic chemotherapy treatment for metastatic non-squamous NSCLC. Tecentriq is also approved for the second-line treatment of adults with locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumour aberrations should have disease progression on a therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving Tecentriq. In addition, under the Notice of Compliance with conditions (NOC/c) policy, Tecentriq is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum containing chemotherapy.
About Roche in Lung Cancer Lung cancer is a major area of focus and investment for Roche, and we are committed to developing new approaches, medicines and tests that can help people with the disease. Our goal is to provide an effective treatment option for every person diagnosed with lung cancer. In Canada, we currently have four approved medicines to treat certain kinds of lung cancer and a range of additional medicines under development to target the most common genetic drivers of lung cancer or to boost the immune system's ability to combat the disease.
About Roche Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalized healthcare - a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible.
Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management.
Founded in 1931, Roche Canada is committed to searching for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases while making a sustainable contribution to society. The company employs more than 1,200 people across the country through its Pharmaceuticals division in Mississauga, Ontario and Diagnostics, as well as Diabetes Care divisions in Laval, Quebec.
Roche aims to improve patient access to medical innovations by working with all relevant stakeholders. Roche Canada is actively involved in local communities through its charitable giving and partnerships with organizations and healthcare institutions that work together to improve the quality of life of Canadians. For more information, please visit www.RocheCanada.com.
All trade-marks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
Horn, L. et al. (2018) 'First-Line Atezolizumab plus Chemotherapy in Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer', The New England Journal of Medicine, 379: 2220-2229. Retrieved from:https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1809064
2
Tecentriq (atezolizumab) Canadian Product Monograph
3
Tecentriq (atezolizumab) Canadian Product Monograph
4
Horn, L. et al. (2018) 'First-Line Atezolizumab plus Chemotherapy in Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer', The New England Journal of Medicine, 379: 2220-2229. Retrieved from:https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1809064
Jin, H.T. et al. Role of PD-1 in regulating T-cell immunity. Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology. 2011; 350:17-37. Retrieved from:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21061197
SOURCE Roche Canada
Damaged hearts rewired with nanotube fibers Texas Heart doctors confirm Rice-made, conductive carbon threads are electrical bridges
HOUSTON – (Aug. 13, 2019) – Thin, flexible fibers made of carbon nanotubes have now proven able to bridge damaged heart tissues and deliver the electrical signals needed to keep those hearts beating.
Scientists at Texas Heart Institute (THI) report they have used biocompatible fibers invented at Rice University in studies that showed sewing them directly into damaged tissue can restore electrical function to hearts.
"Instead of shocking and defibrillating, we are actually correcting diseased conduction of the largest major pumping chamber of the heart by creating a bridge to bypass and conduct over a scarred area of a damaged heart," said Dr. Mehdi Razavi, a cardiologist and director of Electrophysiology Clinical Research and Innovations at THI, who co-led the study with Rice chemical and biomolecular engineer Matteo Pasquali.
"Today there is no technology that treats the underlying cause of the No. 1 cause of sudden death, ventricular arrhythmias," Razavi said. "These arrhythmias are caused by the disorganized firing of impulses from the heart's lower chambers and are challenging to treat in patients after a heart attack or with scarred heart tissue due to such other conditions as congestive heart failure or dilated cardiomyopathy."
Results of the studies on preclinical models appear as an open-access Editor's Pick in the American Heart Association's Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology. The association helped fund the research with a 2015 grant.
The research springs from the pioneering 2013 invention by Pasquali's lab of a method to make conductive fibers out of carbon nanotubes. The lab's first threadlike fibers were a quarter of the width of a human hair, but contained tens of millions of microscopic nanotubes. The fibers are also being studied for electrical interfaces with the brain, for use in cochlear implants, as flexible antennas and for automotive and aerospace applications.
The experiments showed the nontoxic, polymer-coated fibers, with their ends stripped to serve as electrodes, were effective in restoring function during monthlong tests in large preclinical models as well as rodents, whether the initial conduction was slowed, severed or blocked, according to the researchers. The fibers served their purpose with or without the presence of a pacemaker, they found.
In the rodents, they wrote, conduction disappeared when the fibers were removed.
"The reestablishment of cardiac conduction with carbon nanotube fibers has the potential to revolutionize therapy for cardiac electrical disturbances, one of the most common causes of death in the United States," said co-lead author Mark McCauley, who carried out many of the experiments as a postdoctoral fellow at THI. He is now an assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.
"Our experiments provided the first scientific support for using a synthetic material-based treatment rather than a drug to treat the leading cause of sudden death in the U.S. and many developing countries around the world," Razavi added.
Many questions remain before the procedure can move toward human testing, Pasquali said. The researchers must establish a way to sew the fibers in place using a minimally invasive catheter, and make sure the fibers are strong and flexible enough to serve a constantly beating heart over the long term. He said they must also determine how long and wide fibers should be, precisely how much electricity they need to carry and how they would perform in the growing hearts of young patients.
"Flexibility is important because the heart is continuously pulsating and moving, so anything that's attached to the heart's surface is going to be deformed and flexed," said Pasquali, who has appointments at Rice's Brown School of Engineering and Wiess School of Natural Sciences.
"Good interfacial contact is also critical to pick up and deliver the electrical signal," he said. "In the past, multiple materials had to be combined to attain both electrical conductivity and effective contacts. These fibers have both properties built in by design, which greatly simplifies device construction and lowers risks of long-term failure due to delamination of multiple layers or coatings."
Razavi noted that while there are many effective antiarrhythmic drugs available, they are often contraindicated in patients after a heart attack. "What is really needed therapeutically is to increase conduction," he said. “Carbon nanotube fibers have the conductive properties of metal but are flexible enough to allow us to navigate and deliver energy to a very specific area of a delicate, damaged heart."
Rice alumna Flavia Vitale, now an assistant professor of neurology and of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Pennsylvania, and Stephen Yan, a graduate student at Rice, are co-lead authors of the paper.
Co-authors are Colin Young and Julia Coco of Rice; Brian Greet of THI and Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center; Marco Orecchioni and Lucia Delogu of the Città della Speranza Pediatric Research Institute, Padua, Italy; Abdelmotagaly Elgalad, Mathews John, Doris Taylor and Luiz Sampaio, all of THI; and Srikanth Perike of the University of Illinois at Chicago. Pasquali is the A.J. Hartsook Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, a professor of materials science and nanoengineering and of chemistry.
The American Heart Association, the Welch Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the National Institutes of Health and Louis Magne supported the research.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez, NYC neuropsychologist, points out some essential things to consider before choosing to work from home.
Studies, surveys, and census information show that about 8 million Americans work from home at least part of the week. This amount is considerably higher today than it was back in the early 2000s. This section of the workforce is expected to grow in the coming years as online resources continue catering to this setup. The improvement of internet connectivity, collaborative applications, and software, as well as the proliferation of studies showing increases in employee productivity when working from home, have contributed to the general change of mind on this work/lifestyle choice.
But is working from home for everybody? What characteristics make for a more successful remote employee? What are some of the drawbacks for individuals working at home?
Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a Neuropsychologist in NYC with a Faculty Appointment at Columbia University. She points out that “as online tools and telecommuting become more commonplace, more conversations need to be had about what characteristics and job responsibilities a team member needs to have in order to carry out their duties successfully while working from home.”
Dr. Hafeez explains that not all personalities are the same and that employees need to be assessed in order to “determine where they would, not only feel happiest but also be more productive.”
Here Is What You Should Take Into Account If You Are Thinking Of Working Remotely:
Isolation
Everyone who has ever had to wake up to go to work on a Monday with little sleep, low energy or a personal issue gnawing at their mind, has felt the annoyance of having to go to the office and attend a Monday meeting. This does not mean, however, that working from home is ideal for you, explains Dr. Sanam Hafeez. “Nearly everyone will experience that feeling of wanting to stay home instead of heading into work. For the majority of people going to work adds meaning and stimulation to their day. Introverts may have an easier time acclimating to the lack of human interaction in a work-from-home situation, but for extroverts, the lack of camaraderie and the isolation they may feel at home may be an essential deterrent that leads them to opt for an on-site position,” says Dr. Hafeez. In a 2-year Standford University study on productivity and remote work, more than half of the study group felt too isolated at home and indicated their change of heart when it came to working from home 100 percent of the time.
Little Separation of Home and Work
Home is where the heart is. For many of us, opening the door to our house or apartment after a long day brings a feeling of calmness from the constant stimuli of the workday. “For people who consistently work at home there might be issues separating work from play, rest and family,” says Dr. Hafeez. For an organized person who can confine their work to an established workstation within the home, this might be less of an issue but for those of us who study in bed, or like to work on the dinner table or couch this presents a challenge. “Sleep Hygiene is one of the areas where this also comes to play because our bed should be for sleep and sex. If you are scattering papers across the place you sleep and spending hours upon hours working in bed, there is no signaled change to the brain that the bed is for sleep. Making it difficult later on to wind down,” explains Dr. Hafeez.
Distractions
A cardinal rule for determining whether to work at home or in the office should always be, know thyself. “This means you are being honest with yourself as to your abilities to navigate and ignore temptations and distractions on your own without the structure of an office and team environment,” says Dr. Hafeez. People who are self-disciplined tend to do well working from home because their personality is conducive to holding themselves accountable. But if you know that in the absence of a manager or co-workers you would fall victim to distractions like the TV, food, or other to-do items, then choosing to stay in office may be an important self-reflective decision you need to make for you and your career.
The Dependance of Family on Your Time
One problem with working at home if you have a lot of dependents or people that count on you is the perception to those around you that you are not busy. “This means that if you are at home and something comes up, even if not urgent, you may be asked to deal with it,” warns Dr. Hafeez. This is something to consider and a conversation to be had with those you care about. People who are people-pleasers may have a difficult time adhering to their work in a moment when someone they care about needs a favor. If you still decide to work from home “consider having systems in place to deal with needs that come up. Such systems might include pharmacy delivery services, food delivery and medical transport for older adults. This may help in navigating some issues,” suggests Dr. Hafeez.
A Decrease In Company Rapport
For those of us with an invested interest in growing within a company and investing in our career, working from home may not be the best choice in lieu of an office option. While many companies are growing off of a collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit of remote work, companies that have headquartered spaces need people present. “Presence breeds familiarity and familiarity drives rapport,” affirms Dr. Hafeez. If a big client crisis happens, the first to know are those in the office, and if you are at home, working remotely, you might lose out on the opportunity to give your input. While people w
HOW TO RESUSCITATE A BROW OR LASH EMERGENCY AT HOME OR IN THE SALON
As women, we are pretty familiar with how to handle skincare 911’s, blunders with our hair, shaving mishaps, and how to correct makeup mistakes. When it comes to brows, this particular part of our face is a bit more mysterious. Many of us grew up simply waxing, tweezing or leaving them au naturel until brows became the hottest “accessory” on our face with a multitude of options of ways to groom and improve upon them. What happens when you face a brow emergency? There is no better expert to turn to for advice than Umbreen Sheikh, a licensed cosmetologist, and founder + CEO of Wink Brow Bar and Salon in New York City.
Problem: Overplucking your brows-
Almost every woman has gotten too close to that magnifying mirror and been overzealous with a tweezer. Umbreen says, “Don’t fear. You can fake it till you make it with subtle makeup tricks that will help to create the illusion of a fuller, thicker brow. This can be done with Wink’s own Brow Perfecting Quad.” https://winkbrowbar.com/collections/our-products/products/wink-brow-perfecting-quad Brush the two powders through, then brush through again to blend for a natural-looking finish. Finally, use a highlighter to camouflage any random hairs. Umbreen says that “Drawing a straight line under your brow will help minimize the appearance of strays. This will also lighten and brighten the entire eye area, drawing more attention to the eyes.”
Problem: Creating a too wide eyebrow gap
The obvious solution to this is to fill in the points closest to the bridge of the nose to lessen the gap. This can be done via microblading. Microblading is a semi-permanent tattoo technique used to create the illusion of fuller brows. With this method, Umbreen can create almost any look and shape. First, Wink technicians consult with clients about the best brow shape for their face and choose a color that matches the natural hair color and skin undertone. The brow area is then cleaned and numbed for the treatment. Instead of using a tattoo machine, a handheld tool manually draws hair strokes. This all can take up to 30 to 40 minutes. Results can last anywhere from one to three years, depending on your skin type (the ink fades faster on oily skin), products, and lifestyle. It’s also an ideal procedure for women who have lost brow volume due to age, menopause or chemotherapy.
Problem: Unruly Brows-
Bold, feathery brows are in, but messy is an adjective you never want to be associated with your arches. “If your brow hairs are “wonky,” you need a game plan for controlling them,” says Umbreen. If your arches do need a trim, Umbreen suggests brushing your brows up towards the top of your ear with a spooly brush and cutting only the tips off the long hairs pointing the scissors down, (not parallel to the brow). "This gives trimmed brows a natural look, because none of the hairs are exactly the same length," As a finishing touch, mist a spoolie with hairspray and brush it through brows—directing the hairs up for a lifted look.
Problem: Matching your brow color to your hair exactly
In the case of the hair on your head and your eyebrows, you “don’t want to match the curtains to the carpet,” says Umbreen. Very often, a hair colorist will suggest that you tint your brows much lighter if you are going blonder. Umbreen disagrees with this. “Darker brows will act as a frame for the face and enhance your eye color. Generally, it will give you the appearance of a lot more brow.” If you have gone too light or too dark, “eyebrow tinting is the process of applying semi-permanent dye to enhance, shape, and define your brows. This can be done at salons such as Wink. “It gives the appearance of thicker, more youthful-looking brows,” says Umbreen. An average session takes only about 15 minutes and the color should last anywhere from 3-6 weeks. It’s instant gratification as your new eyebrow color will be immediately apparent.
Mistake: Plucking brows too short
Eyebrows that are too short can make your eyes and nose look too big. If you have plucked them or waxed them so that you look like you have half an eyebrow, of course, you can spend the time to pencil them in every day but that if time-consuming and takes skill to make both brows symmetrical. Or… you could get eyebrow extensions. Similar to eyelash extensions, eyebrow extensions are done with tiny fibers of mink or synthetic hairs. The brow extension fibers are then attached to either bare skin or to existing hairs, giving them a fuller, stronger look. The service is from 25 mins to 90 mins depending on thickness or amount of work required.
The Problem- You’re so squeamish for waxing or you bruise easily
You would be hard-pressed to find a woman who enjoys the tear of a strip of wax against her eyelid to remove tiny eyebrow hairs, but yet we put up with it in the name of beauty. For anyone who has ever deviated from their regular waxer on a vacation or business trip, you have most likely ended up being cut or bruised by overly aggressive waxing. There is a great alternative for everyone called organic threading. As Umbreen explains, “With its origins in Asia centuries ago, eyebrow threading is a simple process that is often considered to be one of the most painless (and least invasive) options for shaping brows. The threading process is simple and typically involves a single piece of cotton thread, After wiping the eyebrow area clean with alcohol, the thread is "twisted and pulled along areas of unwanted hair acting like a mini-lasso, lifting the hair directly from the root without the use of any chemicals or unnecessary tugging on delicate skin. As opposed to waxing, tweezing, or lasers, threading is considered one of the safest and most precise methods of hair removal, especially in the delicate areas surrounding the eye. "Threading allows our specialists to have greater control over which hairs are removed.” The technique is also "100 percent natural," which means there are no artificial waxes, chemicals, or invasive techniques used during the procedure.
The Problem- You've made your brows too big and bold.
Don’t assume you have to wash it all off. Instead, take a cotton swab dipped in makeup remover and carefully trace your brow’s natural outline. Remember, brow product should be applied within the brow’s hairline, not beyond it. Cotton swabs will remove any unwanted shading that has ventured too far outside the lines.
Trying at home to make both eyebrows symmetrical
This is one of the most common mishaps that Umbreen hears from clients who tried to ‘go it alone at home.’ Umbreen offers, “When you obsess over making your eyebrows look exactly the same, you can wind up over-plucking them. Too-thin brows are much worse than ones that are just a tad different. Your eyebrows are supposed to be sisters, not twins.
For London born Umbreen, beauty is in her blood. Her mother was a huge influence, having attended cosmetology school and owning London Salons that encompassed all areas of beauty in addition to eyebrow threading, which was quite rare at the time. Umbreen learned to “thread” brows at an early age. Umbreen jokes that her mother taught her, “The birds, the bees and the brows." Growing up, Umbreen spent much of her time in her mother’s salons while also attending University at King’s College London and graduating with a degree in Biomedical Sciences. After marrying in 2003, Umbreen moved to New York where she became PR Director of a niche magazine. In 2005, Umbreen had a son, and in 2011 her daughter was born. After her children were in school, she decided to fulfill her lifelong passion for beauty, brows and product development.
While living in New York, she realized that there were no brow salons that catered to threading and focused on understanding face shapes and how to achieve the perfect brow shape in a way that did not damage the eye area. Although many salons offered waxing, this was not a method Umbreen wished to pursue. She was dismayed by existing salons that offered one size fits all, unhygienic, or painful brow/eyelash treatments.
As someone who learned the reigns of beauty and brows from an entrepreneurial mother, the concept of women’s “Embrowerment” was essential to Umbreen. In 2014, she developed the concept for Wink. Today, her empire includes three Wink Brows Bars in Manhattan, one in Brooklyn and one in London. For those who can’t make it to the salon, Wink has an eponymous line of brow, lash and facial products available for purchase online.
Philanthropic pursuits play a significant role in Umbreen’s life. She is a committee member of “Developments in Literacy” that educates 27,000 girls in Pakistan. She is also a Lotus Circle Advisor for The Asia Foundation a non -profit international organization that works across Asia advancing the rights and opportunities for women through their empowerment program.
Umbreen resides in New York with her financier husband and two children.
Best Cities for Work-Life Balance 2019
By comparing data on work intensity, institutional support, legislation, and livability, study reveals a ranking of cities based on their success in promoting work-life balance to their citizens
Helsinki, Munich, and Oslo top the index as the cities promoting the most holistic work-life balance, compared to the most overworked cities in the study, Tokyo, Singapore, and Washington D.C.
On average, employees in Barcelona (30.5 days)and Paris (30 days)take advantage of the most amount of vacation days offered per year, whereas residents in San Francisco (9.7 days), San Diego (9.7 days), Washington D.C. (9.4 days), and Los Angeles (9.1 days) take the least.
Vancouver, Canada ranks #10 out of 40 for work-life balance worldwide.
Brooklyn,NY, USA, August, 2019 - Mobile access technology company Kisi has released a study examining which cities around the world promote the most holistic work-life balance. With the goal of enhancing an individual's personal and professional life through technological innovation, Kisi has endeavored to find out which coveted metropolises worldwide are meeting their residents’ lifestyle demands to make their city a more attractive place overall to work and live. In response to research on office culture, which addresses the needs of the modern employee, this study aims to go beyond generic metrics such as cost of living, nightlife and tourist attractions. Using data relating to work intensity, social well-being, and livability to analyze the interplay between work and life, the index assesses how successful residents are at achieving a healthy work-life balance in 40 cities around the world.
This index is not designed to be a city livability index, nor is it intended to highlight the best cities to work in. Instead, it aims to be a guideline for cities to benchmark their ability to support the fulfillment of residents’ lives by improving the aspects of life that help relieve work-related stress and intensity. With an ever-increasing burnout rate worldwide, self-care and time management are becoming higher priorities. This study was conducted in the hope that it will bring awareness to the multiple ways in which cities and countries can contribute to the overall happiness and well-being of the workforce.
DO BALANCED BRAINWAVES = HEALTHY MARRIAGE? Neuroscience Expert Shares Fascinating Link Between Brainwave Training & Romance Dating and relationships are hard work - especially in 2019. The changing face of modern romance has led to some pretty depressing stats: A recent survey found that more than 50% of sexually active individuals are dissatisfied with their sex lives; only 30% of Internet daters are in search of true love as opposed to hookups; and a staggering 23% of women aren’t happy in their relationships! It's no wonder nearly half of all marriages today end in divorce.Before you lose all faith in modern romance and turn your back on love, there may be some hope. Though some argue technology is the leading culprit in romantic demise, new tech has also given us incredible insight into love and relationships. According to Neuroscience expert Dr. Patrick Porter, there is a fascinating link between brainwaves and romance.We can't see it, but brains hum with these waves of electrical activity. At the root of all our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors is the communication between neurons within our brains. Changing our brainwaves has a dramatic effect on our physical, mental, and emotional health."Brainwave training has been found to help people de-stress and achieve emotional balance. It is proven to help people who struggle with stress, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, - all of which are extremely important factors when it comes to romance and relationships..."...says Dr. Porter, who recently presented research along with Arianna Huffington at the National Biohacking Conference in Los Angeles. According to research, sleep plays a major role in relationships. When we sleep poorly, the parts of our brain devoted to emotional empathy don’t function as well. Sleep loss causes social withdrawal and loneliness and it helps us to be less angry and aggressive. Not surprisingly, anxiety and stress can also negatively impact your relationship. It can lead to inappropriate suspiciousness or paranoia, overthinking, being indecisive, and an appropriate need for reassurance and support.Though there are several methods of brainwave entrainment, one of the most effective is "braintapping" which uses auditory and visual stimulation to synchronize and balance brainwaves. As the light and sound frequency changes, so does the frequency in the brain. Brainwave training stabilizes the limbic system which is involved in motivation, emotion, learning, and memory. Your body is calmed, your breathing becomes rhythmic, your hands warm, and your muscles relax. "The light and sound stimulation boost brain levels of serotonin, beta-endorphins, and norepinephrine. These are the same chemicals that are released during attraction and make us giddy, energetic, and euphoric," says Porter. Brainwave training and biohacking have made tremendous advances in improving symptoms of mental health conditions which are closely tied to relationships. Although in the past, brainwave training and biohacking have received criticism for being unregulated, biohackers argue that's exactly why it needs to be studied and have close attention by the public. Dr. Porter is sharing the fascinating link between brainwave training and its impact on romance and emotional health and he can also explain why balancing brainwaves may improve your love life.IN AN INTERVIEW OR ARTICLE, DR. PORTER CAN DISCUSS:Brainwaves and relationships: the science of love.The fascinating link between brainwave training and its impact on romance and emotional health.Why balancing brainwaves may improve your love life.Biohacking - the latest trend in health and wellness.How to biohack your brain with light, sound, and vibration.What mainstream biohacking means for the healthcare industry. ABOUT DR. PATRICK PORTER:Dr. Patrick K. Porter, PhD, is an award-winning author and speaker who has devoted his career to neuroscience and brainwave entrainment. As the creator of BrainTap Technology™, Porter has emerged as a leader in the digital health and wellness field. BrainTap’s digital tools and mind development apps use Creative Visualization and Relaxation, a biohacking technique that has made tremendous advances in treating mental, physical, and emotional health issues. Braintap has been praised for helping people overcome stress and insomnia, lose weight, stop smoking, manage pain, accelerate learning, and much more. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.braintap.com
Why You May Need a Personalized Nutrition Plan to Lose Weight
Losing weight is never going to be an easy process, but there are some steps that you can take to reach your goals as quickly as possible. With a custom nutrition plan, you will be able to shed pounds and sculpt the body of your dreams without starving yourself.
The Truth About Stubborn Fat
When you eat more calories than you burn, your body is going to store extra fat. While you might notice some additional tissue in your extremities, stubborn body fatalmost always accumulates in the midsection. That fat is very difficult to get rid of, and you could exercise for months without seeing any distinct changes to your abdomen and flanks. That is one of the reasons why so many people have turned to personalized nutrition plans.
Exercising Will Only Get You So Far
For many years, health experts believed that you could target specific pockets of fat with certain exercises. Unfortunately, we now know that spot reducing fat is completely impossible, and you can’t choose which areas are going to become slimmer. When you burn more calories than you consume, you are going to lose weight, but your body will do everything in its power to preserve the fatty tissue in your midsection. If you want to get rid of that fat, then you will need to have your diet dialed in.
Understanding Your Unique Nutritional Needs
Everyone has slightly different nutritional needs, and there isn’t a single type of diet that is going to work for everyone. Some people have more energy when they have tons of carbohydrates throughout the day while others feel lethargic when they are on a high-carb diet. In order to look and feel your best, you will need to stick to a diet that has been personalized for you. Your meal plan should have the proper mixture of macronutrients and the appropriate amount of calories.
The Benefits of a Personalized Nutrition Plan
Personalized meal plans have exploded in popularity in recent years, and they have helped countless people lose weight and feel better than ever. If you are tired of strict diets that seem nearly impossible to follow, then you should consider a personalized nutrition plan. With the proper diet, you could notice distinct improvements to your health within weeks.
In addition to exercising and following a strict diet, you must also schedule a comprehensive checkup with your doctor. Underlying medical conditions might be impacting your weight, and those issues need to be taken care of if you want to achieve your weight loss goals.
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