Legacy Medical Consultants (LMC) announces its newest product portfolio addition with the recent Q code approval for Reeva FT™, a terminally sterilized, full-thickness, dual-layered amnion/chorion allograft designed for covering and protection during advanced wound treatment.
“There is a critical need in the wound care space for these advanced allograft products,” says Jonathan Knutz, CEO of Legacy Medical Consultants, “and we continue to deliver solutions that innovate while advancing a well-established and proven medical technology.”
What Is Reeva FT?
Reeva FT is a lyophilized human placental-based allograft consisting of amnion and chorion membranes, with the retention of the intermediate layer. Reeva FT provides a protective covering to the surrounding environment in acute and chronic wounds. The graft also introduces a naturally derived extracellular matrix that acts as a scaffold to support native tissue during treatment. Reeva FT hydrostatically adheres to wounds and has a 5-year shelf life when stored at ambient temperature.
Sizes
Reeva FT is offered in a variety of sizes: 2×2 cm, 2×3 cm, 4×4 cm, 4×6 cm, 4×8 cm, and 10×15 cm. Reeva FT is confirmed by the FDA Tissue Reference Group to meet the criteria for regulation solely under Section 361 of the PHS Act as defined in 21 CFR Part 1271.
In the most recent HCPCS announcement by CMS, Reeva FT was assigned a new HCPCS Level II code of Q4314.
Below are a few basic processes followed throughout DNA testing. The general procedure entails:
• Isolating DNA from a sample containing the needed DNA of unknown origin, as well as isolating DNA from the test sample (e.g., blood, semen, skin tissue, or saliva) from a known individual.
• Processing the DNA to obtain test results
• Determining the variations in the DNA test results (or types) from specific regions of the DNA
• Comparing and interpreting the test findings from the unknown and known samples to have a conclusion.
Delve into the world of DNA analysis and uncover the equipment used in this intricate process. For a comprehensive understanding of your genetic makeup, don’t miss the opportunity to get this premium DNA Test, which offers valuable insights into ancestry, health traits, and more.
How is DNAAnalyzed?
The DNA sample is taken to a forensic laboratory. These labs differ significantly in terms of how they have been organized and the kind of analyses they provide. Many laboratories can test nuclear DNA, which is the copy of DNA found in every cell’s nucleus. However, specialized procedures such as mtDNAanalysis and Y-chromosome among others are only available in a few sophisticated labs. Let us take a closer look at a few of these strategies.
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP)
One of the first forensic approaches for analyzing DNA is restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). It measures the length of DNA strands with repeating base pairs. Variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) is a type of repetition that can occur anywhere between one and thirty times.
• Process: To do RFLP analysis, researchers must dissolve DNA in an enzyme that breaks down the strand at specific locations. The length of each strand of DNA is affected by the number of repeats. The investigators compare the sizes of the strands in the samples. RFLP analysis requires a piece of uncontaminated DNA for the best and accurate results.
Short and Tandem Repeat Analysis (STR)
RFLP analysis is slowly being phased out in favor of short tandem repeat (STR) analysis in many laboratories. One of the most significant benefits of this technology is that it can begin with a considerably smaller quantity of DNA.
STR analysis evaluates the frequency of repeat of base pairs in specific segments on a DNA strand after DNA amplification. Repeats of two, three, four, or five base pairs are known as dinucleotide, trinucleotide, tetranucleotide, or pentaLetnucleotide repeats. Investigators frequently look for tetranucleotide or pentanucleotide repetitions in PCR-amplification samples because they offer high accuracy.
• Process: The sample is amplified using a polymerase chain reaction technique. PCR copies DNA similarly to how DNA duplicates itself in a cell, yielding nearly unlimited amounts of genetic material by using agarose gel media.
Importance of DNA Analysis:
DNA analysis’s primary goal is to create a visual representation of DNA. A DNA “image” resembles a fingerprint taken from a flat surface with columns of dark-colored parallel bands, and it is unique to every individual. The DNA “fingerprint,” or profile, of a DNA sample, must be compared, either to DNA from a suspect or to a DNA profile kept in a database, to identify the sample’s owner.
Equipment Used to Analyze the DNA:
DNA testing investigates several loci in human DNA when investigating possible a match. Human DNA differs by around one-tenth of one percent, or roughly three million base pairs (a person has three billion in total); therefore, you must identify highly variable regions. Sterile cotton swabs are the most commonly used tools to collect samples because they limit the possibility of contamination. However, you can study any fluid or tissue from any item or object. Some of the lab equipment used in DNA analysis include:
Thermostatic Cycler:
There are different equipment used for each procedure. A thermal cycler holds a block of tubes carrying PCR mixture. It raises or lowers the block’s temperature in pre-programmed steps, as used in PCR (polymerase chain reaction), a common technique in DNA analysis. This splits and amplifies the DNA, resulting in multiple copies of the same strand. The approach is used to evaluate even little or deteriorated materials. The DNA, on the other hand, must still be tested.
DNA Analyzer:
To detect particular nucleotide sequences, a DNA probe labeled with a radioactive molecular marker may bind to a complementary DNA sequence in the sample resulting in a unique pattern for each person, which can then match a different sample.
It is more likely that scientists will find a match if there are more loci present. The recommended number is approximately four to six probes. After that, the amount of time and money spent on testing skyrockets.
Dyes and Electric Fields:
After amplification, another approach referred to as short tandem repeat (STR) is implemented. This process involves the use of either gel electrophoresis or capillary electrophoresis. Both methods use an electric field to see any repetitive DNA sequences across 13 distinct loci. Researchers can use silver staining, intercalating dyes like ethidium bromide, or fluorescent dyes to make the sequences more visible. The chances of two people having an exact match are roughly one in a billion, which means only approximately six or seven people on the planet will have a match.
DNA Isolation Kits:
Most molecular biology procedures, such as cloning, library preparation, and sequencing, need plasmid DNA purification as a starting material. There are ready-to-use plasmid purification kits and reagents to extract high-quality plasmids from bacterial and fungal cell types, such as those offered by Modern Biology. Select the purification scale (from miniprep to gigaprep), format (spin, vacuum, or magnetic), and compatibility with automated systems using the specified filters.
DNA test kit investigates several loci in human DNA when investigating possible a match. Human DNA differs by around one-tenth of one percent, or roughly three million base pairs (a person has three billion in total); therefore, you must identify highly variable regions.
Polymerase Chain Reaction Machines (PCR)
When you’re able to make several copies of a DNA segment, you can conduct various tests at the same time. You may, for example, run one test after another without causing the original sequence to be damaged. You may create a control segment and then compare it to other segments. A single tissue sample may be submitted, and numerous test results can be obtained. This is made possible by the polymerase chain reaction machine, which is why it is standard equipment in DNA analysis laboratories.
Occupational fatigue in the healthcare sector impacts not just the well-being and efficiency of medical professionals across the board, but also their ability to perform tasks with the necessary precision and care that is required. The healthcare environment, known for its high stakes and demanding nature, cannot afford the lapses in performance and attention to detail brought on by fatigue.
This issue is particularly pronounced among nurses, who face intense physical and mental demands in their day-to-day roles.
The Rising Challenge of Occupational Fatigue in Healthcare
With reports indicating that up to 70% of healthcare workers are experiencing high stress and burnout, industry observers are concerned that these issues are not only taking a toll on personal health but are also hindering patient care. The physically demanding nature of healthcare work, characterized by long hours, night shifts and the emotional toll of patient care, places an enormous burden on all personnel – particularly nursing professionals. In this pressured environment, replete with labor shortages and employee retention difficulties, the introduction of cost-effective, medical-grade anti-fatigue mats as a premium standing solution helps hospitals, healthcare systems and facilities to effectively address these challenges. A comprehensive analysis, encompassing a wide range of studies, sheds light on the extent of this challenge:
Prevalence of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs)
A significant review found that a staggering 77.2% of nurses experience WMSDs within a year. This high incidence rate highlights the physical strain of nursing duties, which often include extended periods of standing, and underscores the need for effective interventions.
Impact on Physical and Mental Health
The disorders most commonly affect the lower back, legs, neck and shoulders, indicating the areas most at risk due to the physical demands of nursing. Beyond physical discomfort, these conditions profoundly impact the mental health of nurses, emphasizing the dual facets of occupational fatigue.
Association with Medication Administration Errors (MAEs)
Further analysis from thirty-eight studies indicates that fatigue is a contributing factor to MAEs and near misses. This association is troubling, given that such errors pose a grave threat to patient safety and reflect the critical need to address fatigue in healthcare settings.
Cognitive Performance and Patient Safety
The link between occupational fatigue and reduced cognitive performance — including attention and vigilance — is directly associated with poor nursing performance. This connection further emphasizes the risk that tired healthcare professionals pose to patient safety.
Enhancing Healthcare Environments with Ergonomic, Premium Anti-Fatigue Mats
Premium Anti-Fatigue mats offer a profound solution to these challenges, symbolizing a tangible expression of management’s concern for the health of professionals. Designed for the high-traffic nature of medical settings, these mats are engineered to encourage subtle leg movements, boosting circulation and alleviating pressure on the joints and spine.
This innovation not only minimizes fatigue but also plays a crucial role in preventing chronic musculoskeletal disorders, significantly reported by nursing professionals. Moreover, the cycle of fatigue contributes to nagging ailments, sick days, long and short-term injuries as well as a higher turnover rate, adding pressure to an already strained healthcare environment and disrupting the continuity of patient care.
Furthermore, the psychological benefits of working in a more comfortable and thoughtfully designed space are immense. Such improvements convey a strong message of appreciation to the workforce, leading to increased morale, higher job satisfaction and a stronger commitment to patient care.
The Importance of Choosing Professional Ergonomic Solutions
In distinguishing between professional-grade ergonomic, Premium Standing Solutions and inferior products, it’s critical to understand that not all mats are created equal.
Professional ergonomic mats are designed with healthcare settings in mind, incorporating antimicrobial properties essential for maintaining sterile conditions. In contrast, underperforming mats may harbor bacteria and offer insufficient support, posing risks rather than providing benefits.
What to look for:
Choose a “Best-in-Class” Premium anti-fatigue product
Complete comfort and support wherever one stands
Superior durability and longevity
Smooth, sealed surface and bottom with antimicrobial properties
A Warranty that reduces mat replacement
Professional Grade Construction that guarantees the beveled edges will never curl reducing dangerous trip hazards
Meticulous craftsmanship that ensures the mats will never separate and always maintain their buoyancy
Commitment to “Made in the USA” construction
Exemplary performance throughout various industries
Example: WellnessMats are regarded as the gold standard for almost 30 years
Prioritizing Employee Well-being as a Strategic Healthcare Investment
Allocating resources towards enhancing employee well-being is a strategic decision that addresses immediate and long-term challenges. This approach not only mitigates worker fatigue but also reduces the broader financial and operational costs associated with high employee turnover and patient safety incidents. Providing Premium Anti-Fatigue Mats is often the most economical way to minimize these avoidable expenses. By prioritizing investments in the work environment, healthcare leaders can foster a positive culture that respects and values the contributions of nursing professionals, leading to significant improvements in patient care.
Acknowledging the complex interplay between various factors contributing to occupational fatigue is the first step, Healthcare institutions can begin to develop effective strategies to safeguard the well-being of their workforce and enhance the quality of patient care.
Beyond physical interventions, addressing the ergonomic challenges in healthcare necessitates a multifaceted approach. This includes ergonomic assessments, training and systemic changes to manage workloads and promote a culture of safety. By investing in comprehensive wellness strategies, healthcare facilities demonstrate a deep commitment to their staff’s well-being, enhancing team cohesion, morale and ultimately, patient care quality.
Looking Forward: A Call to Action for Healthcare Leaders
The integration of medical-grade anti-fatigue mats into healthcare settings is more than an ergonomic intervention: it’s a visible sign of an institution’s dedication to the well-being of its employees and the safety of its patients. This decision reflects an understanding of the intricate link between the health of the workforce and the quality of patient care delivered. By adopting such innovative solutions, healthcare leaders take a crucial step toward creating a healthier, more productive and resilient healthcare environment.
Incorporating these ergonomic solutions, grounded in evidence-based best practices for patient safety, not only addresses the pressing issue of occupational fatigue among healthcare workers but also advances the standards of patient care. By focusing on the health and well-being of healthcare workers, facilities not only improve their operational performance but also demonstrate a firm commitment to excellence in patient care.
Healthcare management teams can provide these standing solutions as a way of demonstrating their appreciation of the tireless work performed by employees. Professionals will appreciate the unmatched comfort, support and durability of these products which translates into improved employee safety, productivity and morale.
Amy Hester, Phd, Rn, Bc, Faan, Chairwoman And Ceo, Hd Nursing
About Dr. Amy Hester, PhD, RN, BC, FAAN, Chairwoman and CEO, HD Nursing: Amy has 25 years of nursing experience including over a decade of med/surge and neuro nursing followed by unit management and hospital administration. In 2015, she earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science and has since published and spoken extensively on the subject of falls and injury prediction and prevention. She retired from UAMS in 2018 after 26 years of service to dedicate her time fully to HD Nursing. She is adjunct faculty at UAMS College of Nursing. As an entrepreneur, she mentors others to help them with their own endeavors. Amy also serves as the Chair of the HD Nursing Board of Directors.
&Amp; Daniel Bouzide, Founder And President, Wellnessmats
About Daniel Bouzide, founder and president, WellnessMats: A self-driven entrepreneur dating back to the 1980’s, Daniel Bouzide has always had a passion for innovative business opportunities. While not every venture has turned to gold, most have been successful, enjoyable, and highly educational. Determination and resiliency, coupled with creativity, have always been the driving factors to Daniel’s success.
In 2005, Daniel founded Smart Step Therapeutic Flooring. He saw a tremendous void in the ergonomic standing category whereas better/best products were simply not available. As a one-man operation, he started a Michigan-Based company and began selling the best anti-fatigue mat on the marketplace.
The initial successes came quickly, and soon a professional sales team followed. In 2007, Smart Step merged with Meramec, the USA-based Manufacturer in Missouri and formed American Pro Marketing. This partnership has proven tremendously successful and has allowed both parties to soar as corporate America began understanding and appreciating the values in Premium Standing Solutions.
To date, the American Pro Marketing Brands that include Smart Step, WellnessMats and others, are the leaders in the Premium Anti-Fatigue Mat Category. With eight divisions, APM proudly produces 1.2 million Premium Standing Solutions each year in St. Louis, MO.
Avation Medical, an innovative neuromodulation and digital health company on a mission to make non-invasive peripheral neuromodulation accessible to patients across a variety of clinical conditions, has named Michael Hoffman, a veteran of bringing innovative medical technologies to market, as vice president of market access and payer relations for its newly launched Vivally System. Vivally is the first FDA-cleared, non-invasive closed-loop neuromodulation system to treat symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) in adults. Hoffman will play a pivotal role in formulating, executing, and optimizing market access strategies and reimbursement for Vivally, and establishing and expanding coverage with commercial and government payers, and employer groups in the U.S.
“Adding Michael to the Avation leadership team is our next step in launching Vivally,” said Jill Schiaparelli, founder and CEO of Avation Medical. “Patients have been crystal clear that they want a surgical-free, non-invasive treatment option for their OAB symptoms. Our focus now is to ensure that Vivally is easily accessible to the 46 million patients suffering from OAB in this country.”
Hoffman has more than two decades of experience in the healthcare industry and, specifically, helping to gain and expand access and coverage for innovative products including for medical treatment for multiple sclerosis at Octave Bio and for novel autoimmune diagnostics from ExaGen.
“I’m excited to work with Vivally because it is the only closed-loop non-invasive wearable neuromodulation system for OAB and eliminates the need for surgery and drugs,” said Hoffman. “The market is always looking for first-of-its-kind innovation that meets an unmet need of a large market. I look forward to working with my payer contacts on expanding coverage and access for Vivally.”
Schiaparelli adds that the OAB patient population is unhappy with current options, noting that while OAB is a chronic condition, nearly 90 percent of patients drop out of the care pathway after just two years of any treatment. “Before Vivally, patients had to choose between drugs and their side effects or the risks, and the scars of surgery; the choices are so unappealing that most patients would rather live with OAB, a chronic condition that requires the use of diapers and catheters,” said Schiaparelli. “We’re already seeing great interest from clinicians, and patients and look forward to Michael helping to pave the way toward market access for our treatment option.”
Using proprietary algorithms and electromyographical sensors, Vivally detects and automatically calibrates the level of energy being delivered to a patient’s tibial nerve during stimulation to ensure optimal, customized therapeutic output in a true real-time, closed-loop system. Worn on the ankle, Vivally is used by patients at home for therapy sessions lasting only 30 minutes, as little as once per week. Unlike other approaches for bladder treatment, Vivally requires no surgery, drugs, or needles, which is a major advancement in the treatment of urinary urge incontinence and OAB.
In two multi-center clinical trials, the Vivally System was shown to significantly reduce daily void, incontinence, and urgency episodes and improve patient quality of life while facilitating an 89-percent therapy compliance rate. Symptom reduction was demonstrated out to one year, even with a decrease in therapy frequency. Vivally was recently featured on the cover of Urology®, the Gold Journal.
The Vivally System is a convenient, next-generation, at-home wearable neuromodulation therapy that is discreet, comfortable, and easy to use. Urology teams collaborate with their patients through online diaries and individualized data to validate, treat, and monitor symptoms for optimal success. Clinicians can increase the number of patients they are able to effectively treat while reducing the cost of care, thus positively impacting both patients and the healthcare system.
Hyperfine, Inc. (Nasdaq: HYPR), the groundbreaking health technology company that has redefined brain imaging with the first FDA-cleared portable magnetic resonance (MR) brain imaging system—the Swoop® system—today announced that the first patients have been enrolled in the CARE PMR (Capturing ARIA Risk Equitably with Portable MR) observational study.
Purpose
The study is designed to assess the clinical utility and workflow benefits of Swoop® system images acquired at infusion centers and clinics to help physicians detect amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) in Alzheimer’s patients receiving amyloid-targeting therapy at the times specified in the labeling (before the fifth, seventh, and fourteenth infusions).
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia worldwide, affecting more than six million people in the U.S. alone1. Patients with Alzheimer’s can now be treated with amyloid-targeting therapy, which reduces the amyloid plaque burden in the brain. Potential side effects for patients using amyloid-targeting therapy exist, including ARIA, and patients are required to receive multiple MRI brain scans during their first year of treatment as included in the FDA-approved labeling for the medication.
Dr. Tammie Benzinger, professor of radiology and neurological surgery at the Washington School of Medicine and primary investigator of CARE PMR
“We’ll be evaluating whether portable MR brain imaging can reliably identify brain swelling and bleeding, which have been associated with amyloid-targeting therapies. This information can help determine whether portable MR imaging—offered at the same time as anti-amyloid infusions—could lessen the inconvenience for patients.”
Mass General Brigham has also begun scanning Alzheimer’s patients with the Swoop® system to obtain longitudinal data as well as enroll patients in the CARE PMR protocol to screen for ARIA events. This work, led by Drs. Teresa Gomez-Isla and W. Taylor Kimberly, will evaluate the Swoop® system to understand its potential role in the overall continuum of Alzheimer’s care.
Maria Sainz President of Hyperfind
“The newly approved amyloid-targeting therapy represents a major milestone in the global fight against Alzheimer’s, bringing hope of additional years of independent living to patients. The required MRI scans to image brain abnormalities in patients receiving amyloid-targeting therapy present workflow challenges for patients and providers. Patients can be safely scanned with the Swoop® system wherever in a healthcare setting is most convenient, and we believe that it greatly simplifies the workflow and provides significant benefits in care efficiency and cost. We look forward to investigating its potential as a screening tool and exploring how this accessible and affordable portable MRI modality can help address the challenges of access to care and equity challenges intrinsic to new treatments for this devastating global disease.”
Swoop® Portable System
The Swoop® system is a portable, AI-powered, ultra-low-field MR brain imaging system designed to be available when and where physicians need it, potentially allowing for timelier treatment decisions. Brain images acquired with the Swoop® system can help physicians diagnose a variety of neurological conditions without the delays, costs, and inconvenience of a conventional high-field MRI scan.
Xeno Biosciences Inc.,: A strong clinical stage drug discovery and development company advancing therapeutics for the treatment of obesity and metabolic diseases, announced today a change in executive leadership as of September 2023, and the completion of an additional financing round in February of 2024. This financing of $1.15M will fund a Phase 1b trial of the company’s lead compound, Xen-101, in obese individuals. The trial is expected to have top line results by the end of the year.
Dennis D. Kim, MD, MBA
The new president and CEO, Dennis D. Kim, MD, MBA, has 25 years of obesity and metabolic drug development expertise experience and has brought multiple obesity and metabolic disease drugs to the clinic and to market, including Byetta® (exenatide), Symlin® (pramlintide), Contrave® (bupropion/naltrexone), and seladelpar. He has been involved in numerous IPO’s/secondary offerings and has been the chief medical officer of multiple public companies, most recently at CymaBay Therapeutics, where he oversaw the design and execution of seladelpar Phase 3 Pivotal Program.
Dr. Kim Notes
“I’m excited to be spearheading the development of Xeno’s new oral obesity drug which has been shown to have high tolerability in initial Phase I trial and has a novel mechanism of action. I have dedicated my career to this area of science and medicine. After many years of development, I am truly gratified to see obesity pharmaceuticals as having the potential to impact the lives of billions of people around the world. There is a strong unmet need for a drug with the profile of Xen-101 and I look forward to our Phase 1b clinical trial results in obese adults in the near future.”
“Dennis has an extraordinary depth of knowledge and is highly respected in the obesity field; I could not imagine anyone more perfect to lead our company,” said Jeff Arnold, Chairman and a Director at Xeno Biosciences since 2017. “We are delighted that he has decided to join us and lead this exciting project.”
Plastics industry veterans Benjamin Harp and Tom Rybicki have launched Polymer Medical Inc. to provide healthcare and biosciences clients with contract injection-molding and assembly services. The new company’s focus will be producing critical drug-delivery systems, medical disposables like syringes, medical devices for home healthcare to orthopedics, specialty packaging, and pharmaceutical disposables among other services. Harp and Rybicki each have decades of experience founding and operating plastics industry manufacturers for healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals.
Benjamin Harp, Polymer Medical President
“There’s a rising demand for medical devices partly because of changes in demographics and approaches to home healthcare; the time is right for a new entrant like Polymer Medical. Our knowledge of the specifications and science of producing polymers for healthcare and bioscience along with what we understand about delivering product quality and innovation give us a competitive edge.”
Polymer Market to Grow
According to an array of analyst reports, researchers expect the medical polymers market to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than five percent through 2030, reaching more than $30 billion. Harp and Rybicki also believe North American customers are more eager than before the pandemic to favor U.S.-based providers for their supply chain. The field is already packed with competition, but Harp and Rybicki see Polymer Medical’s creativity, design know-how, process control, and tooling expertise as critical differentiators.
Tom Rybicki, vice president of Operations for Polymer Medical
“When a client comes to us, we’ll provide Design for Manufacturing analysis to offer ways to improve on what they’re already trusting us to make. When we take an order from a customer, we assess their tool, or mold, for those big or small things that could disrupt production. That saves money for the customer and ensures quality.”
Investment In Management Systems
Quality is a centerpiece for Polymer Medical, which is why Harp says the new company has invested in its quality management systems, in part, to meet ISO 13485:2016 standards for medical devices. After analysis by Polymer Medical’s degreed engineers and RJG Master Molder® qualified technicians and managers, Harp’s employees will produce customers’ designs in ISO-7 and ISO-8 clean manufacturing environments. The company also provides cleanroom assembly and packaging.
“Tom and I have more than 50 years of experience,” Harp adds. “The decision to found Polymer Medical was done after careful consideration of the landscape and market opportunity; we will raise the level of competition and quality for customers.”
Polymer Medical’s newly refurbished plant is at 168 Thorn Ave., Orchard Park, N.Y.
Harpe Bioherbicide Solutions, Inc., an agricultural technology company focused on providing natural and sustainable herbicide solutions, announced today that Dr. Peter Eckes, former President of BASF leading Crop Protection R&D, Seed and Trait R&D and Regulatory in the Agricultural Solutions division, has joined its board and will serve as board chairperson.
Bill Buckner, CEO of Harpe Bioherbicide
“We’re thrilled to bring Peter’s vast, global experience developing and delivering innovation to our mission of creating new, natural weed control options for farmers and consumers.”
Through more than a 30-year career in the agricultural industry, Dr. Peter Eckes provides a unique appreciation for what it takes to bring innovation to the modern agriculture marketplace at scale without losing sight of farmer and consumer needs.
“Harpe has both a compelling value proposition and strong business plan to bring new and natural weed control innovations to life,” said Eckes. “I look forward to supporting and accelerating Harpe’s efforts to meet the critical need for the next generation of weed control and consumer demands for more natural inputs.”
Eckes assumes board leadership from Aidan J. Connolly, President of AgriTech Capital, who will remain as a Harpe Bioherbicide board member.
“As important as it is for a start-up to have a laser focus, fresh perspectives can make all the difference in the world,” said Connolly. “I’m working closely with Peter to ensure we make the most of his leadership and build on the momentum Harpe has achieved.”
Additional Board Members
Additional Harpe Bioherbicide board members include CEO Buckner; Kip Tom, CEO of Tom Farms and former UN Ambassador; Robb Fraley, former CTO for Monsanto Co.; Chad Brommer, Harpe Bioherbicide co-founder and CTO; and Daniel Pepitone, Harpe Bioherbicide co-founder and COO.
In addition to serving as Board chair, Eckes will lead the company’s scientific advisory committee, which includes Adrian Percy, Executive Director of the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative at North Carolina State University; Stephen Powles, Professor at University of Western Australia; and Wesley Everman, Associate Professor and Extension Weed Specialist at North Carolina State University.
Through wide-spectrum control of broadleaf and grass seeds or weeds, the platform of Harpe Bioherbicide products will deliver new opportunities for organic agriculture through a series of all natural herbicide formulations for pre, post and desiccation use patterns. In addition, a series of tailored Harpe Bioherbicide pre and tank mix formulations will improve control of tough-to-kill weeds, including those resistant to current synthetic chemistries, facilitating the reduction, replacement, and enhancement of synthetic herbicides used in row and specialty crop, and commercial markets.
This year’s BioAgTech World Congress will be in Raleigh, April 23-26. 2024. Harpe is a candidate for the BioAgTech Innovator Award and World Congress Wi-Fi sponsor. Approximately 1300 attendees from 250 companies and 60 countries will be in attendance. Those attending are invited to visit Booth #22 to learn more about Harpe Bioherbicide formulations.
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition affecting over 50% of people with a uterus in their lifetime. Ligaments, fascia and pelvic floor muscles support the pelvic organs. When these support systems are compromised, one or more of the organs can shift out of position into or out of the vaginal canal. This shift can affect the bladder, rectum, uterus, urethra, or small intestines. INTIMINA’s medical expert, Margo Kwiatkowski, doctor of physical therapy shares insights into pelvic organ prolapse and treatment.
Who is at risk?
Pelvic organ prolapse affects over 50% of people with a uterus in their lifetime. INTIMINA and dr Margo Kwiatkowski explain this condition, who is at risk, and the treatment options.
Pelvic organ prolapse affects over 50% of people with a uterus in their lifetime. INTIMINA and dr Margo Kwiatkowski explain this condition, who is at risk, and the treatment options.
The support structures for the pelvic organs can be compromised by acute trauma, such as vaginal childbirth, or by long-term pressure-management issues, as seen in people with chronic constipation. The most significant risk factors for developing POP are vaginal childbirth, family history, chronic constipation, chronic cough, and higher BMI.
“Age is also identified as a risk for developing prolapse, with a higher likelihood in perimenopause and menopause. Symptoms of prolapse vary depending on the organ affected but commonly include a sensation of heaviness in the vagina, a bulge present in the vagina, urinary or faecal incontinence, incomplete bladder or bowel emptying and lower back or groin pain”, says Dr Kwiatkowski.
Treatment
Treatment options vary and depend greatly on the severity of the prolapse and its impact on the patient’s quality of life. Dr Kwiatkowski explains:
“The first line of treatment should be pelvic floor therapy with a physical or occupational therapist. These medical providers have specialised training to treat pelvic floor muscles and organ disorders. Pelvic therapy treatments for prolapse include education about proper bowel and bladder health, strategies to manage abdominal pressure correctly, and strengthening exercises. Bowel and bladder health can often be well managed with hydration, dietary changes, using a stool under the feet during bowel movements, and improved breathing strategies during defecation.
Learning how to manage intra-abdominal pressure involves improving posture, correcting lifting strategies, reducing habits of bearing down or breath-holding, and teaching proper core engagement while coughing and sneezing.
Strengthening exercises a pelvic health therapist provides will be unique to the individual’s needs. Some patients need to improve their pelvic floor strength and coordination; others need to prioritise strength in the abdominals and hips. Kegel exercises have not been shown to improve the anatomical severity of prolapse but can help with the management of symptoms, including stress incontinence.5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Isolated kegel contractions help increase pelvic floor muscle strength along with strengthening surrounding muscles to provide support for the pelvic floor further. A pelvic health therapist should thoroughly examine individuals with prolapse before beginning a pelvic floor muscle strengthening program. This is because kegel exercises are not necessary for some people with prolapse. Furthermore, it is important to have guidance on the proper performance of pelvic floor muscle contractions.
Another treatment option for pelvic organ prolapse is using a pessary. A pessary is a medical device worn inside the vagina to support the pelvic organs. Pessaries can be properly sized and managed by a urogynecologist, gynaecologist, and some pelvic health therapists. Pessaries come in various shapes and sizes to achieve the best fit and support for a person’s unique anatomy. Finding the best pessary can take a few trials. Some pessaries can be left in for months, while others need to be removed daily. Most people can learn to manage a pessary on their own at home. Pessaries are excellent long-term treatment options for those looking to avoid or prolong surgery.
Studies have demonstrated that pessaries can improve prolapse-related symptoms, pelvic floor muscular support, and potentially improve the stage or severity of the prolapse. While pessaries are specifically fitted for the individual, some over-the-counter products work similarly and may be more easily accessible. ”
Estrogen
Another treatment option for managing the symptoms of prolapse is the use of topical vaginal estrogen. “In perimenopause and menopause, estrogen significantly declines. Estrogen is responsible for many bodily functions, including vaginal blood flow and natural tissue lubrication. A similar effect happens as long as a person is lactating after childbirth. This lack of estrogen creates an environment in the vagina where prolapse symptoms are more noticeable due to dryness and a loss of tissue elasticity. Topical vaginal estrogen can be used to replenish the vaginal tissues without affecting the body as a whole. By reducing dryness and improving blood flow to the muscles and other soft tissues, prolapse symptoms can improve significantly”, says Dr Kwiatkowski.
Surgery
Surgery is another treatment option for prolapse. Surgical intervention will vary depending on many factors, including the prolapse’s severity, the patient’s age, which organs are affected, and co-morbidities such as a genetic hypermobility disorder.
Dr Kwiatkowski continues: “A person’s native tissues can be used for repair, or a surgeon may recommend using mesh to augment the tissues. The mesh used in current vaginal prolapse repairs is different than the abdominal mesh used in pelvic surgeries decades ago and no longer poses the same risks. Most surgical intervention involves elevating the organs into their anatomical position and fixating them in place. Successful surgery is determined by the patient’s satisfaction regarding symptom resolution, not simply if the anatomy has improved. Prolapse repairs can fail; some need revisions after ten to twenty successful years. A person may consider surgery if their prolapse is significantly affecting their quality of life and conservative measures have not been successful.”
“Prolapse is a common diagnosis, but it does not mean that symptoms associated with it are “normal.” Many people falsely assume that their lives must change drastically following a POP diagnosis. On the contrary, many people continue to live highly active lives with well-managed symptoms. Many younger women go on to have more children without worsening prolapse and with good recovery postpartum. The key to living a fulfilled life with prolapse is finding the best tools for your unique body. For some individuals, this means closely managing constipation and weight gain; for others, it might mean regular full-body and pelvic floor muscle strengthening. The diagnosis of prolapse does not need to interfere with a person’s quality of life, as there are excellent medical providers to help navigate the many treatment options available”, concludes Dr Kwiatkowski.
Summus Medical Laser® has partnered with RegenMed to establish a comprehensive Real-World Evidence Program. The program will support thousands of providers around the world by developing and sharing best practices for improving patient recovery and care. The RWE Program will expand Summus Laser’s Class IV Laser Therapy research to generate validated and statistically significant datasets that will be used to enhance patient care, outcomes, and to further product innovations.
Summus’ RWE Program
Summus’ RWE Program builds upon recent FDA guidance on the use of RWE to support regulatory decision-making for medical devices. The program is based on Circles, RegenMed’s patented, technical platform and turnkey process for generating clinical, scientific, and financial value from real-world evidence. The program’s initial Circles will collect and analyze real-world evidence on peripheral neuropathy from dozens of providers in the U.S. In the coming months, the program will grow to include additional pathologies and providers outside of the U.S.
Dr. Phil Harrington
Dr. Phil Harrington, an internationally recognized expert in laser therapies, will be instrumental in developing the program’s clinical surveys and outcomes assessments. Dr. Harrington says, “I am excited to be working with RegenMed in executing the RWE Program. This will help to expand Summus’ clinical and scientific correlations and reach a broader team of providers to collect valuable data.”
Pete Cousins, the COO of Summus Medical Laser
“We look forward to unlocking new frontiers of innovation and patient care through the RWE Program. Collaborating with RegenMed presents an invaluable opportunity to accelerate and push the limits of laser therapy and its capabilities, ultimately advancing medical science and enhancing patient outcomes.”
