Day: April 18, 2023

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Clinical data validate pioneering MeMed BV technology improves diagnosis of pediatric patients with fever in the Emergency Department

Clinical data validate pioneering MeMed BV technology improves diagnosis of pediatric patients with fever in the Emergency Department

  • Bacterial and viral infections are often clinically indistinguishable, leading to inappropriate patient management and antibiotic misuse
  • MeMed BV® is the first FDA-cleared host-immune response assay to accurately distinguish between the two in just 15 minutes

PETAH TIKVA, Israel and HAIFA, Israel; April 18, 2023 – MeMed, a leader in the emerging field of advanced host-response technologies, and Schneider Children’s Medical Center, the only comprehensive, tertiary care hospital of its kind in Israel, today announce that clinical data from the independent, prospective Rosetta study, recently published in PLOS One, showed that the MeMed BV test provides an accurate diagnosis of bacterial versus viral infection and reduces Emergency Department (ED) physician error.

The Rosetta study paper is called: Bacterial vs viral etiology of fever: A prospective study of host score for supporting etiologic accuracy of emergency department physicians.

Fever is a common symptom in children presenting to the ED and owing to limitations of real-time decision-making, attending physicians often make presumptive diagnoses. This diagnostic uncertainty can result in sub-optimal patient management, including the precautionary use of antibiotics [1,2]. There is an urgent need for a rapid and accurate test that can assist physicians in distinguishing between bacterial and viral infections, enabling improved diagnosis and reducing the incidence of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.

To address the unmet need, MeMed developed the world’s first US FDA-cleared advanced host-response technology that differentiates between bacterial and viral infection in 15 minutes – the MeMed BV test.

The Rosetta study assessed the potential of MeMed BV to impact decision making and antibiotic stewardship in the ED by comparing its performance to physician’s etiological suspicion at patient presentation. The study enrolled 287 participants aged 3 months to 18 years, with respiratory tract infection or fever without source, in a tertiary care pediatric ED.

MeMed BV showed high diagnostic accuracy, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 96%, sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 92%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 99%. Furthermore, comparing physician suspicion to MeMed BV and to the reference standard, and assuming full adoption, the study found that MeMed BV has the potential to improve physician diagnosis and reduce errors by around two-fold, from 16% to 8%.

Meirav Mor MD, Head of Hospital Infection Control and Senior ED Physician at Schneider Children’s Medical Center, commented: “At Schneider, we’re dedicated to providing world-class pediatric care. In the Rosetta study, we assessed the impact of incorporating MeMed BV alongside our standard of care for children and discovered its significant potential for enhancing patient outcomes while also addressing the global antimicrobial resistance crisis.”

Dr. Eran Eden, MeMed’s CEO and co-founder, added: “We’re delighted to present the latest findings from the Rosetta study, focused on pediatric patients that present to the emergency room with fever without a source or respiratory tract infections. The study adds to a growing body of evidence that underscores MeMed BV’s reliability across diverse populations. This outcome serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment – to delivering tremendous clinical results, and we eagerly anticipate publishing additional in due course, exploring the use of MeMed BV in different patient populations.”

About MeMed
At MeMed, our mission is to translate the immune system’s complex signals into simple insights that transform the way diseases are diagnosed and treated, profoundly benefiting patients and society.

Follow and connect with MeMed via LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

MeMed Contacts:
Will Harris, VP Marketing, MeMed
pr@me-med.com

Media relations contact:
Consilium Strategic Communications MeMed@consilium-comms.com

About Schneider Children’s Medical Center

Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel is the only comprehensive, tertiary care hospital of its kind in the country and in the Middle East, offering the full range of pediatric disciplines under one roof to all children from 0-18. Since its establishment in 1991, Schneider Children’s has revolutionized the practice of pediatric medicine in the country and been recognized as one of the leading pediatric institutions in the world.

Schneider derives its name from its founders and major benefactors, the late Irving and Helen Schneider from New York, who also promoted its legacy to serve as a Bridge to Peace between nations. Through this open-door policy, where all children irrespective of race, religion or nationality are treated, Schneider Children’s receives patients from neighboring countries including the Palestinian Authority and Jordan, and from as far away as Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe.

Schneider Children’s comprises 250 beds, 43% of which are assigned to critical care (Intensive Care Units, Neonatology, Burns, etc.). The medical center serves as the national referral center for Hematology-Oncology, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Cardiology, and organ and bone marrow transplantation.

Just for Children

Schneider Children’s is all about children. It utilizes a unique approach to pediatric medicine where children are treated as children and not as small adults. Since they have different emotional and physical resources for healing, Schneider Children’s utilizes a “whole-child-care” multidisciplinary approach, whereby treatment is integrated with emotional, psychological, educational and developmental care.

Medical Excellence

Schneider Children’s has led many firsts in Israel and the world: multi-organ transplantation, cardiac surgery in a 780gm preemie, heart valve replacement through catheterization, discovery of new genes for mental retardation, artificial pancreas trials, and innovative surgical and therapeutic techniques. Two physicians are recipients of Israel’s highest award: the Israel Prize for Medical Research.

Academic Excellence

Schneider Children’s is a member of Clalit Health Services – the largest HMO in Israel – and its only pediatric center of 14 hospitals. Through its affiliation with the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, every department conducts the teaching and training of doctors, medical students, nurses and paramedical personnel. Over half its physicians serve on Sackler’s medical faculty, while some 14% hold the title of professor.

Schneider Children’s Medical Center contact:
Michal Konforti
michalkon@clalit.org.il

  1. Poole NM, Shapiro DJ, Fleming-Dutra KE, Hicks LA, Hersh AL, Kronman MP. Antibiotic Prescribing for Children in United States Emergency Departments: 2009–2014. Pediatrics. 2019;143. pmid:30622156
  2. Leigh S, Grant A, Murray N, Faragher B, Desai H, Dolan S, et al. The Cost of Diagnostic Uncertainty: A Prospective Economic Analysis of Febrile Children Attending an NHS Emergency Department. BMC Med. 2019;17: 48. pmid:30836976

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000804396

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Sweegen launches Sweetensify™ Flavors, debuting sweet protein brazzein technology

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., April 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global sweetness and flavor innovator, Sweegen announced today the launch of Sweetensify™ Flavors, its newest flavor tool for food and beverage producers, to create better-for-everyone products. Powered by Sweegen’s novel sweet protein technology that includes brazzein, thaumatin II, and other unique proteins, Sweetensify Flavors improve and modulate sweet flavor, creating a sugar-like experience, thereby pushing the boundaries of healthier product innovation.

“Sweetensify Flavors will change how product developers think about reducing or eliminating sugar in beverages and foods,” said Casey McCormick, vice president of global innovation at Sweegen. “The flavor expression enabled by Sweetensify Flavors optimizes the sensory experience and enables a more sugar-like taste. It is substantially better than any previous technology. We target taste receptors on a biochemistry level that others simply cannot.”

Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors debuts brazzein, the company’s highly sought-after sweet protein, as well as thaumatin II. At the time of the Sweetensify announcement, Sweegen’s thaumatin II received the Flavor Extract Manufacturer’s Association (FEMA) GRAS status.

“Our regulatory vision is to open global markets and enable brands to access unique ingredients that will support their food and beverage creativity while delivering on health and wellness,” said Hadi Omrani, senior director of technical and regulatory affairs at Sweegen.

Sweet proteins like brazzein have an affinity for different taste receptors on the tongue, especially the receptor known as T1R3, which is associated with both umami and sweetness perception. Leveraging this unique attribute, Sweetensify Flavors will enable product developers to reduce the amount of sugar they use in products while maintaining the quality of characteristic flavors and sweetness.

Thaumatin II belongs to a family of sweet-tasting proteins called thaumatins. Thaumatin II is a variant of the original thaumatin protein with a similar structure and sweetness profile. Thaumatins are known for their intense sweetness, several times greater than sucrose (table sugar). Brazzein is also several thousand times sweeter than sugar, making it a cost-effective tool for brands on a large scale. Thaumatin II is considered safe for consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The entire collection of Sweetensify Flavors has a wide range of benefits across sweet and savory applications, including enhancing flavor tonalities, blocking bitterness, reducing astringency and sweet linger, eliminating unwanted aftertastes, reducing sugar use, and blocking the burn from alcohol.

“Our product development teams are finding incredible synergies between Sweetensify Flavors and Sweegen’s state-of-the-art stevia systems,” said McCormick. “Ultimately, our solutions challenge the taste and cost of artificial sweeteners currently on the market.” McCormick further states, “Our customers are excited about the cross-application utility of the flavor collection enabled by the great pH and heat stability we see for these flavors along with high solubility.”

Sweegen’s Sweetensify Flavors are available for use in countries that allow flavors approved by the FEMA GRAS protocol. The company plans to expand its global availability rapidly.

To scale brazzein and thaumatin II sustainably, Sweegen uses a proprietary precision fermentation process, a technology that produces clean and sustainable ingredients. This allows for cost-effective commercial production of highly-sought after ingredients in global sugar reduction solutions. Sweegen’s innovation and strategic partner, Conagen, developed brazzein and thaumatins I and II with its proprietary protein and peptide production platforms and announced the development of the sweet proteins in 2021.

“We are the only company that has successfully scaled brazzein,” said Luca Giannone, senior vice president of global sales at Sweegen. “The launch of Sweetensify Flavors is one more example of how Sweegen brings to market the industry’s very best ingredient platforms and tools for enabling sugar reduction for health and wellness. This is our mission and our promise to our customers.”

Within one year of Sweegen announcing its ability to commercialize brazzein, it has received great interest in its proprietary sweet protein-based solutions. It has collaborated with several large food and beverage companies on sensory reformulations and new product developments.

“We look forward to the sensory results and feedback from our customers in anticipation of brazzein joining thaumatin II’s FEMA GRAS status,” said Giannone. “Sweegen is forging a path for better health and wellness in food and beverages with stellar ingredients. We are preserving Sweegen’s ability to continue perfecting these unique solutions with patents issued or pending worldwide.”

About Sweegen

Sweegen provides sweet-taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.

We are on a mission to reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners in the global diet. Partnering with customers, we create delicious zero-sugar products that consumers love. With the best modern sweeteners in our portfolio, such as Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, and sweet proteins brazzein and thaumatin, along with our deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market-leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer. Well. Into the Future.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996. Sweegen’s actual results may differ from the estimates, assumptions, and other illustrative material contained herein, and consequently, a reader should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, illustrative information regarding Sweegen’s bottom-up assumed market potential, assumed hit rate, and the resulting revenue based on these model inputs. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results.

Industry, Market, and Other Data

In this press release, we rely on and refer to information and statistics regarding market participants in the sectors in which Sweegen competes and other data. We obtained this information and statistics from our own internal estimates and third-party sources, including reports by market research firms and company filings. We do not expressly refer to these sources. All of this information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and the sources of such information cannot guarantee accuracy or completeness of such information. The industry in which Sweegen operates is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of important factors, any of which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by Sweegen or third parties.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the future prospects for Reb M stevia leaf sweetener, brazzein, and thaumatin. These statements are based on current expectations but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond Sweegen’s control.

Relevant risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements and, therefore, should be carefully considered. Sweegen assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Attachments

Ana Arakelian, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Sweegen
+1.949.709.0583
ana.arakelian@sweegen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8809463

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People, not the elite, are suffering due to delay in IMF tranche

Islamabad, April 18, 2023 (PPI-OT):Former President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Dr. Shahid Rasheed Butt on Tuesday said the upcoming Eid will be unexciting for the masses and dismal for the business community.

The purchasing power of the people has eroded due to rising inflation, and the rising cost of living has broken the back of the majority of the country. The majority is struggling to manage their food, so they would not be able to buy as usual for their families, he added.

Shahid Rasheed Butt said in a statement issued here today that everything, including electricity, gas, flour, sugar, ghee, vegetables, transport, house and shop rent and school fees, has become expensive, and it has become difficult for people to manage things with their shrinking income.

In one year, the price of petrol has increased by one hundred and thirty-two rupees, this trend is not stopping and is taking a toll on the economy, and the masses, but the politicians are fully engaged in a power struggle that has made them indifferent to the problems of the people, he added. The business leader said that the masses are told about the IMF loan very frequently, but six months have passed and there is no good news from the lender.

The IMF is not ready to trust Pakistan because of broken promises in the past for the sake of the elite. Some people believe that the tension between the United States and China is also the reason for the delay in the approval of the loan instalment.

Elites do not care about the IMF tranche, but the people who have nothing to do with but still have to bear its consequences. He noted that the price of oil is decreasing in the global market, but instead of giving the benefit of it to the people, it is being made expensive repeatedly.

If the government wants to earn money only by selling fuel, why is it spending billions of rupees on the tax collection agencies, he questioned. Even in these circumstances, the government is not ready to reduce its expenses, he said, adding that instead of giving assurances about the IMF deal, the government should inform masses about the reality.

For more information, contact:

Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI)

Chamber House, Aiwan-e-Sanat-o-Tijarat Road,

Mauve Area, G-8/1, Islamabad, Pakistan

Tel: +92-51-2250526, 2253145, 8432676

Fax: +92-51-2252950

Email: icci@brain.net.pk, info@icci.com.pk

Website: www.icci.com.pk

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HBL signs agreement for Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme

Karachi, April 18, 2023 (PPI-OT):HBL, Damen Support Program, and Thardeep Microfinance Foundation have joined hands to offer interest-free financing to individuals and small businesses under the Prime Minister’s Youth Business and Agriculture Loan Scheme (PMYB and ALS).

Speaking on the occasion, Khaqan Muhammad Khan, Global Head Financial Institutions and Remittance Business – HBL, said, “The Bank is committed to promoting financial inclusion and poverty alleviation. The partnership between HBL, Damen Support Program, and Thardeep Microfinance Foundation under the PMYB and ALS scheme would play a crucial role in uplifting the lives of thousands of people.”

Dr. Sonu Khangharani, CEO – Thardeep Microfinance Foundation, said, “The partnership with HBL will be instrumental in advancing our mission of promoting financial inclusion and will empower individuals from marginalized segments of society to realize their entrepreneurial dreams.”

Musharraf Khan, CEO – Damen Support Program, said, “Amidst inflationary pressures, interest-free financing is a boon that small businesses and individual entrepreneurs could take advantage of. The partnership with HBL had previously delivered successful financial inclusion projects and this scheme would provide another opportunity to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in need of financing.”

For more information, contact:

Habib Bank Limited (HBL)

Habib Bank Plaza, I.I. Chundrigar Road,

Karachi – 75650, Pakistan

Tel: +92-21-32418000 (50 lines)

Fax: +92-21-39217511

Website: https://www.hbl.com/

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Infinix unveils major #EidLoot to Kickstart Eid celebrations in advance!

Lahore, April 18, 2023 (PPI-OT):Infinix; Pakistan’s highest-selling smartphone brand introduces the biggest #EidLoot nationwide to kickstart Eid celebrations in advance. Filled with eye-glaring discounts, on-the-spot giveaways, a lucky draw, and a series of fun-filled activities, Infinix #EidLoot will kick off in 12 markets across the nation starting till Eid.

Fans can visit any of the nearest markets, buy Infinix smartphones and participate in a lucky drawer in order to win exciting gifts around Eid. Each market will also become a play arena to win instant gifts worth Rs 3000 by participating in fun dart games. Not only this, but each market will also have a series of fun-filled activities to win instant gifts. Participants should also stay updated on the Infinix Facebook page as the winner of the Lucky Draw will be announced through a live session on April 21st.

On the occasion of #EidLoot, CEO of Infinix Mr. Joe Hu expressed his views saying, “The occasion of Eid holds primary importance while it’s necessary that each person gets a chance to celebrate the festivity.’ Infinix #EidLoot reflects our efforts to ensure cherish able Eid for our fans while we also aim to bring more such activities in the future as well’’

As a part of #EidLoot celebrations, Infinix’s latest smartphones are also available for discounted prices at the Infinix Experience store located in Packages Mall, Lahore. This also means that fans can not only take part in a round of amazing activities and giveaways but can also buy Infinix smartphones at discounted prices to kickstart their Eid celebrations.

So, it’s better to hurry up and take part in #EidLoot festivities taking place nationwide before it’s too late!

For more information, contact:

Infinix Mobile Pakistan

E-mail: hello@infinixmobility.com

Website: https://www.infinixmobility.com/pk/

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How does India perceive homosexuality?

In India, homosexuality is legally permitted, but same-sex unions have not been recognized yet. That could change soon: Beginning April 18, India’s Supreme Court will start hearing final arguments to determine whether same-sex marriages should be legalized.

Gay couples in the country currently face hurdles when it comes to adoption, inheritance and alimony, among other issues.

The disparities of treatment between heterosexual and homosexual couples is also noticeable at many levels. For example, Kanav Sahgal, a writer on LGBTQ issues who works for the think tank Vidhi Center for Legal Policy, explains that hospitals usually require a patient undergoing a procedure to fill in the name of their spouse, mother, father or another person. Currently, he says, gay persons can only fill in their partner’s names under “other.”

It equally affects the definition of a beneficiary to a bank account, “The law stipulates that the spouse belongs to the opposite gender,” Sahgal tells DW.

Homosexuality in India today

Consensual intercourse between adults of the same sex was only decriminalized in the country in 2018, following a landmark decision by the Supreme Court in the Navtej Johar v. Union of India case.

“Homosexuality is not perceived very well in large parts of India,” Kanav Sahgal says. “Despite the Navtej ruling in 2018 that struck down the sodomy law and even though streaming platforms have been depicting LGBT characters in positive ways, there is still a lack of awareness about homosexuality,” he explains.

Same-sex couples mainly find acceptance in bigger cities, such as Mumbai, where LGBTQ groups like Gay Bombay and LABIA have been active for decades already.

Smaller towns and villages rarely discuss queerness and related issues. “It’s difficult for family members to accept their own children when they come out as queer,” explains Sahgal.

“The families’ love for their children is conditional to the point that you subscribe to cisgender heterosexual norms. The moment you transgress those norms, there is a problem,” he adds.

In fact, pressure to be heterosexual has been so high that parents have been known to send children to therapy to “correct” their sexual orientation.

In her 2019, American Psychological Association article, “Decriminalizing homosexuality in India,” Rebecca Clay shows how opinions are changing, based on the example of Bangalore-based psychologist Lata Hemchand.

Hemchand used to be among those offering conversion therapy. In the article, she recalls that her homosexual patients were so afraid of losing their families and social status that they would come to her saying, “I want to get out of this.” The therapist would show clients sexually provocative photos of members of the same gender and administer a small shock to the client’s wrist, aiming to have them develop an aversion to members of their own sex over time.

But following university studies on sexuality and culture in Amsterdam in 2000, Hemchand became one of India’s most LGBTQ-friendly therapists.

Homosexuality in India’s history and mythology

There have been cultural references to homosexuality on the Indian subcontinent for centuries. Sahgal mentions for example the Khajuraho temples in central India, which were built in the ninth century by Chandela rulers and feature extensive sculptures of men and women engaged in sexual acts, including homosexual intercourse.

He also mentions references to homoerotic love in the ancient Indian sex manual, Kama Sutra. There are also several references to gender-fluidity in Hindu texts. Lord Vishnu, the preserver, changes into a woman and seduces Lord Shiva, the god of destruction.

Scholars, including renowned postcolonial academic Ruth Vanita, have been seminal in ascribing homosexuality its due space in India’s cultural history. In a 2008 essay called “Homosexuality in India: Past and Present,” Vanita says any claim that homosexuality is an import from modern Europe or medieval West Asia is an “aberration.” She argues that same-sex love has not been researched as thoroughly in ancient Indian documents: Many scholars have chosen to ignore references to homosexuality in older texts or have interpreted them as heterosexual encounters.

Together with historian Saleem Kidwai, Vanita also edited “Same-Sex Love in India” (2008), which mentions 10th-century homoerotic references that developed while Sufi traditions spread across northern India as Muslim rulers expanded their territory.

The book also discusses Persian-Urdu poetry in medieval times, which often distinguished between the role of the wife and the lover and celebrated same-sex sexuality.

The authors explore how homosexuality has been tolerated by Indian communities for generations because it is easier for unmarried persons of the same gender to live together without raising suspicion.

A clash of cultures

Despite this centuries-old cultural tradition, conservative attitudes concerning homosexuality persist across India’s communities.

Meanwhile, LGBTQ activists’ hopes are up that India’s Supreme Court will legalize same-sex marriages. But simply making unions legal might not bring social acceptance. Sahgal draws parallels with Brazil, where homosexual couples face violence and social pressure even though same-sex unions have been legal in the country since 2013.

“If same-sex marriages become legal, I can visualize parents pressurizing their (male) kids to marry women and saying that even if gay marriages become legal, it doesn’t matter,” he says.

No matter what is decided by the Supreme Court, India’s majority does not support the legalization of same-sex unions, points out Sahgal: “There is still a long way to go.”

Source: Deutsche Welle

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PPP, MQM-P call for dialogue amongst political parties

PPP and MQM-Pakistan have called for dialogue amongst the political parties to bring political and economic stability to the country.

Talking to media in Islamabad today, PPP leader Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said politicians should always keep the door of dialogue open. He said political stability is vital for economic stability in the country. He said all the coalition parties will be contacted to achieve this objective.

Speaking on the occasion, MQM-Pakistan leader Abu Bakar said his party will support every effort and measure to strengthen democracy in the country and to ensure supremacy of the parliament.

Source: Radio Pakistan