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Communication Service for the Deaf Names Jessica Kennedy the New President of CSD Health

Communication Service for the Deaf

As September’s Deaf Awareness Month celebrations begin, Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is happy to announce that Jessica Kennedy has been named the new President of CSD Health. Kennedy has previously served as CSD’s Vice President of Legal and Compliance. The new CSD health division will be the home of all the organization’s health care initiatives, with a focus on ensuring that there is equitable healthcare access for Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, hard-of-hearing, and late-deafened people whose daily lives are impacted by barriers to accessible communications options within the healthcare system. One of the fundamental rights belonging to every human being is access to medical care. Yet, even within the United States, deaf communities are often not afforded this dignity. Changes must be made. CSD is prioritizing the healthcare space as a top issue for advocacy and change. “We believe Jessica is the perfect person to lead our work to achieve truly accessible and equitable healthcare experiences and outcomes for our community,” said Chris Soukup, CEO of CSD. “This division will confront the challenges within the healthcare system head-on and advocate for real and lasting change.” The current system is full of barriers that deaf communities must navigate daily. Users of American Sign Language (ASL) are at a higher risk for poor health knowledge and inequitable access to medical and behavioral care in our current health system due to cultural and language barriers. For example, miscommunication when using a third-party interpreter can result in more than simple frustration-- it jeopardizes primary care. Because of this, deaf communities often have significant health disparities and are often excluded from health outreach programs and mass media healthcare messages. Deaf patients can embody a unique culture that is unfamiliar to most medical and mental healthcare providers. This lack of cultural and linguistic competency often results in higher rates of inaccurate evaluations, misdiagnoses, and inappropriate treatments. To answer these concerns, Kennedy envisions the health division advocating for equitable and accessible health reform efforts, promoting innovative and transformative ideas to strengthen health care for deaf communities, bridging access in federal and state public health emergencies, and working towards culturally responsive medical providers for our communities. “Healthcare access is critical,” Kennedy signed in ASL. “Good health is a human need that binds all humanity together. When it is not accessible, or groups get left behind, that separates us as a global community. We must and will do better." About Communication Service for the Deaf Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is the world's largest Deaf-led social impact organization. For more than four decades, CSD has been a leader in creating and providing accessible and innovative solutions for the Deaf community. Today, CSD continues its work to create opportunities for personal and economic growth within the Deaf community, explicitly addressing leadership and employment. For more information, please visit CSD and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. About Jessica Kennedy Jessica Kennedy is an attorney and disability rights advocate. As the Vice President of Legal and Compliance for Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc. (CSD), Ms. Kennedy proudly served as part of a team dedicated to empowering people with disabilities. Previously, she was the Deputy General Counsel and Policy Director at MNsure, contributing to the implementation and overhaul of Minnesota’s health insurance exchange and the dynamic policy landscape that followed. Prior to MNsure, Ms. Kennedy served as an in-house attorney for the Minnesota Department of Human Services, advising on healthcare and privacy issues. She received her B.A in political science from the University of Minnesota and her J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul. Ms. Kennedy currently serves as a board member of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Bar Association and MNsure, as a board member representing consumers eligible for public health care program coverage. Media Contact: Waymon Hudson media@csd.org About Communication Service for the Deaf Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is the largest Deaf-led social impact organization in the world. For more than four decades, CSD has been a leader in creating and providing accessible and innovative solutions for the Deaf community. Today, CSD continues its work to create opportunities for personal and economic growth within the Deaf community, specifically addressing leadership and employment. For more information, please visit CSD and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Contact Details Communication Service for the Deaf Waymon Hudson media@csd.org Company Website https://www.csd.org/

September 01, 2022 11:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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Is Growing Awareness Of Good Oral Hygiene Driving Growth Of Electric Toothbrush Market?

Bruush Oral Care Inc.

Learn More about Bruush Oral Care Inc., by gaining access to the latest research report. The debate over whether electric or manual toothbrushes do a better job of cleaning your teeth has raged for decades. While both manual and electric toothbrushes are effective at removing plaque, powered toothbrushes often are easier for people who have dexterity issues, such as the elderly, people with disabilities or children, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). The Journal of the American Dental Association published a survey that found that 13,000 out of 16,000 patients who used an electric toothbrush reported better oral health. Still, only 36% of adults say they use an electric toothbrush, according to a report by consumer marketing analysis firm Mintel. The global electric toothbrush market size was estimated to be worth $4.3 billion in 2022 and projected to increase to just over $6 billion by 2027, according to Statista. The market is being driven by the prevalence of periodontal diseases and heightened awareness of the advantages of electric toothbrushes. Electric toothbrush bristles vibrate or rotate to remove plaque buildup from teeth and gums. There are pros and cons to an electric toothbrush. On the plus side, they’re easy to use; most have timers so users can tell whether they’ve brushed their teeth for the full two minutes dentists recommend, and some people feel that their teeth are cleaner. “If you choose an electric toothbrush, make sure the toothbrush is comfortable to hold and easy to use,” said Thomas Salinas, a prosthodontist with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “Whether you choose an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush, remember that what’s most important is daily brushing and flossing.” Electric toothbrushes also may generate less waste. The ADA recommends replacing your toothbrush every three months, and with an electric toothbrush, you’re just replacing the brush head — not the entire device as you would with the manual version. What Are The Drawbacks? However, electric toothbrushes are more expensive than their manual counterparts; they require charging, and they’re difficult to travel with. And replacing brush heads can be expensive. Replacement brush heads for Sonicare can cost as much as $43 for a three-pack, and the price of Oral-B line of brush heads reaches as high as $40 for a three-pack, depending on the model. What Is A Solution? An example of a more affordable alternative is the Brüush (NASDAQ: BRSH) electric toothbrush, which comes in five colors. Like Blue Apron Holdings Inc. (NYSE: APRN) and Stitch Fix Inc. (NASDAQ: SFIX), which send their food and clothing products to customers who sign up, Brüush’s subscription model makes it easy for consumers to stay on top of replacing their brush heads every three months as dentists recommend. If you sign up for a subscription, Brüush will send you three new brush heads every six months for $18 — just $6 per brush head. The Brüush toothbrush has six cleaning modes for every type of brusher — daily, white, gentle, gum, max, and tongue. Brüush’s electric toothbrush kit sells for $79 and includes the electric toothbrush, three brush heads, and a USB power adapter and charger. The Brüush lithium-ion battery lasts for four weeks on a single charge, and the compact magnetic case makes traveling with the device convenient. Visit Brüush’s website to learn more about the company and its products. About Bruush Oral Care Inc. Bruush Oral Care Inc. is on a mission to inspire confidence through brighter smiles and better oral health. Founded in 2018, Brüush is an oral care company that is disrupting the space by reducing the barriers between consumers and access to premium oral care products. The Company is an e-commerce business with a product portfolio that currently consists of a sonic-powered electric toothbrush kit and brush head refills. Brüush has developed a product to make upgrading to an electric brush appealing with three core priorities in mind: (i) a high-quality electric toothbrush at a more affordable price than a comparable electric toothbrush from the competition; (ii) a sleek, countertop-friendly design; and (iii) a convenient brush head refill subscription program that eliminates the frustrating experience of purchasing replacement brush heads at the grocery/drug store. The Company is rooted in building a brand that creates relevant experiences and content, with the goal of becoming the go-to oral care brand for millennials and Generation Z.For more information on Bruush Oral Care Inc visit https://bruush.com. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details TraDigital IR - Colette Eymontt colette@tradigitalir.com Company Website http://www.tradigitalir.com

September 01, 2022 09:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Obesity And Back Pain: BioRestorative Therapies Inc. Is Working To Address 2 Common Ailments That Plague Americans with a Major Near Term Data Catalyst

BioRestorative Therapies, Inc.

In 2016, Americans spent roughly $380 billion on lower back and neck pain. In the same year, medical costs for adult obesity in the United States were $260.6 billion. That’s why BioRestorative Therapies Inc. (NASDAQ: BRTX) is working to develop treatments for these 2 indications, laser-focusing on obesity and lower back pain. Lower back pain and obesity are major health crises. Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and obesity has been identified as a national security threat by the Department of Defense. With the escalation of both lower back pain and obesity in recent years, companies have realized the market potential for finding ways to improve the lives of those suffering from these conditions. Companies such as Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE), Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) and Vertex Inc.. (NASDAQ: VRTX) seem to have recognized the market potential for potential obesity treatments and are actively looking for the next breakthrough in obesity therapies. FDA Authorizes BioRestorative to Begin Phase 2 Clinical Trials For Chronic Lower Back Pain Indication; Development For Brown Fat Indication Underway BioRestorative Therapies is looking into the viability of BRTX-100 as an alternative to current treatments for chronic lower back pain that manages the pain rather than attacking the root cause such as pain relievers, steroid injections and opioids. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized BioRestorative to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial using BRTX-100 to treat persistent lower back pain resulting from pain-causing degenerative discs. Currently, BioRestorative Therapies is actively recruiting patients to participate in the Phase 2 study. More information can be found here https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04042844?term=brtx&draw=2&rank=1. Another treatment BioRestorative is developing is ThermoStem, which targets obesity and metabolic disorders through the use of brown adipose-derived stem cells to generate new brown fat tissue. This brown fat tissue has been shown to increase metabolic activity and potentially regulate metabolic dysfunction in mice. New Developments Might Promise Better Health BioRestorative Therapies’ leadership is excited about the company’s ability to continue developing its two major technologies that could potentially provide access to multibillion-dollar markets. The company raised $23 million last November 2021 and is funded to prosecute its phase 2 clinical trial targeting chronic lumbar disc disease. Major Catalyst Near Term BioRestorative plans to unveil major safety data for its new therapies within the first quarter of 2023. Company leadership believes this will be a major catalyst for driving growth because positive safety data would provide acceleration to enrollment in and provide major validation for BRTX-100’s Phase 2 clinical trial for lower back pain. BioRestorative also reports that top key opinion leaders (KOLS) are highly engaged in the company’s research and development and are having their clinical sites participate in BioRestorative’s clinical trial. The Company also reports they are oversubscribed in terms of high-quality clinical site selection. With the company’s recent developments, upcoming safety data reveals and involvement of KOLS, BioRestorative is confident that it is heading in a positive direction and is hopeful it will positively impact the lives of millions. BioRestorative Therapies was founded by scientists and researchers committed to developing stem cell therapies to address unmet needs in patients with highly prevalent conditions.Our advances in stem cell biology and delivery protocols harbor great promise in conditioning our bodies’ own regenerative potential to treat major diseases more effectively than current interventions.Today, BioRestorative is actively developing programs that aim to dramatically increase quality of care for both (i) chronic back pain caused by disc degeneration, as well as (ii) metabolic disorders including obesity and diabetes. This post contains sponsored advertising content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Investor Relations ir@biorestorative.com Company Website https://www.biorestorative.com/

September 01, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Communication Service for the Deaf Welcomes Michael McLaurin to its Board of Directors

Communication Service for the Deaf

Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is excited to welcome Michael McLaurin to their Board of Directors. McLaurin brings more than 14 years of experience as an accountant, CPA, and certified finance specialist in healthcare to CSD, as well as his experience as a community advocate and leader. As part of the CSD Board of Directors, McLaurin will help guide CSD’s overall strategies, create innovative plans, and help steer CSD into a sustainable future that furthers its mission and impact on the Deaf and hard of hearing community. CSD’s CEO Chris Soukup says, “Michael brings important healthcare industry and financial management expertise to the CSD Board of Directors. He is highly regarded in the accounting field and has been important to other nonprofit organization boards. With CSD’s new healthcare services plan, Michael will be a great resource. We look forward to his support across all CSD companies and community-focused programs.” McLaurin has a long history as an active advocate of the Deaf community. He graduated from Texas Tech University with BBAs in Management and Marketing and earned a master’s in accounting from the University of Mississippi. As a CPA, McLaurin has a deep appreciation for finance and is currently the Director of Accounting at Texas Health Resources. He oversees business accounting functions for five hospitals and surgical centers, a management company, and a supply chain group in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. “We're excited to welcome Michael to the CSD Board. He will add huge value to the organization with his financial expertise from across all types of businesses,” said Board Chair Rogelio Fernandez. “I look forward to using my expertise and leadership skills to make a contribution to CSD’s programs,” said McLaurin. “I am excited to support CSD in creating a better world for Deaf and hard of hearing people. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet impactful leaders and to continue the rich history of change and growth of this Deaf-led organization to make an even stronger social impact.” McLaurin also serves as the Board Vice President of Deaf Action Center based in Dallas, Texas. His expertise, years of experience, and first-hand experience in the Deaf community guides his passion to create positive change, an outlook he will now bring to CSD’s Board of Directors. About Communication Service for the Deaf Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is the largest Deaf-led social impact organization in the world. For more than four decades, CSD has been a leader in creating and providing accessible and innovative solutions for the Deaf community. Today, CSD continues its work to create opportunities for personal and economic growth within the Deaf community, specifically addressing leadership and employment. For more information, please visit CSD and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Contact Details Katie Murch kmurch@csd.org Company Website https://www.csd.org/

August 31, 2022 10:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Partnership for Food Safety Education Promotes “Don’t Wash Your Chicken”

Partnership for Food Safety Education

Salmonella causes more foodborne illnesses than any other bacteria.* To celebrate National Food Safety Education Month in September, the non-profit Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE), in collaboration with Drexel University and New Mexico State University, has launched “ Don’t Wash Your Chicken,” an educational program aimed at households preparing and cooking raw chicken at home. Informed by research from Drexel University, this program explains why certain poultry handling practices at home are risky and provides practical guidance people can take to reduce their risk of food poisoning. “This year marks the 25th anniversary of collective efforts to advance safe food handling messages, including safe poultry handling,” said Britanny Saunier, PFSE executive director. “This program addresses why people still wash their chicken and helps them understand why they don’t need to wash raw poultry. It is our hope that, collectively, we’re able to break through those barriers and influence real behavior change that reduces the rate of foodborne illnesses through these new tools.” This program features four animated videos to help home cooks stay healthy while preparing and cooking raw chicken. Aimed to reach a younger audience, the videos provide surprising, catchy food safety messages to grab the audience’s attention. Recent research found that home cooks continue to wash raw poultry because they desire to control the process of preparing food, lack of trust in chicken processing, and the habitual nature of the behavior. Research also revealed that home cooks are willing to change their behavior if they understand the “why” behind the guidance. This program aims to help households understand how chicken is processed before they get it, learn the risks of washing raw poultry, as well as how to safely handle and cook poultry at home. Along with the videos, this program highlights three key safe poultry handling messages: Washing or rinsing chicken increases risk. Salmonella, Campylobacter, and other harmful bacteria live on raw chicken. Washing or rinsing doesn’t remove this: worse, it helps the bacteria spread. When you add water through washing or rinsing, you give these bacteria a way to travel throughout your kitchen. Chicken has already been washed. Today’s manufacturing cleans the chicken, so there is no filth, feathers, or anything else on it that needs to be washed off. Poultry may have a coating of water and protein: this gets cooked off, or you can remove it with a clean paper towel. There’s a better, safer way to cook chicken. If you see anything on the chicken you want to get rid of, wipe it off with a clean paper towel. Separate raw chicken from fresh and ready-to-eat foods. Keep surfaces clean by washing them with hot, soapy water. Cooking chicken to 165°F using a food thermometer will kill any dangerous bacteria and make it safe to eat. For more campaign information and resources, visit the PFSE website at fightbac.org/poultry. * According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention About the Partnership for Food Safety Education The non-profit Partnership for Food Safety Education is the creator and steward of the popular Fight BAC!® national food safety education campaign and the national leader in disseminating information around the linkage of food safety consumer education with positive health outcomes. Food safety and health educators, and consumers, can download free food safety education information from the Partnership’s website at www.fightbac.org. Contact Details Shawnté R. Loeri +1 804-677-2971 sloeri@fightbac.org

August 30, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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SHATTERPROOF TO BRING CHICAGO COMMUNITY TOGETHER FOR RISE UP AGAINST ADDICTION EVENT ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Shatterproof

WHAT: Shatterproof, a national nonprofit focused on reversing the course of the addiction crisis in America, will host an event on Saturday, Saturday 10 for the Chicago community to rise up against addiction and support family, friends, neighbors and colleagues impacted by the disease. The third Rise Up Against Addiction Walk will give the community the opportunity to bring the disease of addiction into the light and share inspiring stories of hope and recovery. Participants will unite to engage in several activities geared toward ending the stigma associated with substance use disorder, including a 5K walk. Other highlights include: • The Shatterproof Community Resource Village, showcasing substance use disorder resources from local organizations • The Memorial Gallery, featuring an area dedicated to photos and stories of lost loved ones • Celebrate Recovery Wall, an interactive space to unite and celebrate with hundreds of others in recovery • An opening ceremony profiling local walkers touched by addiction and recognition of top teams, fundraisers and leading event sponsors Revenues raised from the Rise Up Against Addiction event supports Shatterproof’s work in advocating for changes in federal and state policy as well as programming focused on saving lives and changing the conversation about addiction. **For more information or to register for the Rise Up Against Addiction 5K Walk event, visit: https://fundraise.shatterproof.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=623 WHO: Local families touched by addiction and leading event sponsors. Shatterproof executives: L. Patrick Reedy, CFRE, Chief Development Officer and Kirsten Suto Seckler, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer – Speaking and available for interviews Caitlin Strebing, Shatterproof Ambassador and Chicago Walk Captain who lost her brother to a fentanyl overdose a year ago. – Available for interviews WHEN: Saturday, September 10, 2022 8:00 a.m. Site opens 9:00 a.m. Opening Ceremony begins 9:30 a.m. Walk begins WHERE: Soldier Field 1410 Special Olympics Drive Chicago, IL 60605 About Shatterproof: Shatterproof is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the U.S. Shatterproof harnesses the models of business, the rigor of science and the power of a national movement to create change and save lives through three pillars of work: revolutionizing the addiction treatment system, breaking down addiction-related stigmas and supporting and empowering our communities. Find Shatterproof on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube: @ShatterproofHQ or follow them on Instagram at @weareshatterproof. To learn more, visit www.Shatterproof.org. Contact Details Shatterproof Lauren Lawson-Zilai +1 240-910-5483 press@shatterproof.org Company Website https://www.shatterproof.org/

August 29, 2022 12:32 PM Eastern Daylight Time

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Awarded $260K

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology announced it has been awarded $260,000 as part of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, a federal government initiative for colleges and universities to assist low-income, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Education earlier this month set aside $51.7 million in 189 new grant awards to institutions of higher education such as The Chicago School to provide disadvantaged college students effective preparation for doctoral studies. “We are excited to implement new programs that will further set up our students for success in school and in their chosen professions,” said Dr. Michele Nealon, President of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. “We are deeply invested in enlarging the pipeline of mental health professionals who will go on to work in underserved communities where they are needed most.” Through McNair grant funding, The Chicago School will offer research or other scholarly activities, such as summer internships and seminars to students. McNair-funded initiatives also prepare students for doctoral study through tutoring, academic counseling, and assistance with securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs. McNair projects may also fund financial and economic literacy of students, mentoring programs, and exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to disadvantaged students. The Chicago School is a majority minority-serving institution serving more than 6,000 students, maintains campuses in six major metro areas and an online program. Two-thirds of its students identify as people of color. About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Integrating theory with hands-on experience, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides education rooted in a commitment to innovation, service, and community for thousands of diverse students across the United States and globally. Founded in 1979, the nonprofit, regionally accredited university now features campuses in iconic locations across the country (Chicago, Southern California, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Dallas) and online. To spark positive change in the world where it matters most, The Chicago School has continued to expand its educational offerings beyond the field of psychology to offer more than 30 degrees and certificates in the professional fields of health services, education, counseling, business, and more. Through its engaged professional model of education, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and an extensive network of domestic and international professional partnerships, The Chicago School’s students receive real-world training opportunities that reflect their future careers. The Chicago School is proud to be a part of TCS Education System, a nonprofit, integrated system of colleges and universities that work collaboratively to advance student success and community impact. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Integrating theory with hands-on experience, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides education rooted in a commitment to innovation, service, and community for thousands of diverse students across the United States and globally. Founded in 1979, the nonprofit, regionally accredited university now features campuses in iconic locations across the country (Chicago, Southern California, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Dallas) and online. TCSPP continues to expand its educational offerings beyond the field of psychology to offer more than 30 degrees and certificates in the professional fields of health services, nursing, education, counseling, business, and more. Through its engaged professional model of education, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and an extensive network of international partner institutions, The Chicago School’s students receive real-world training opportunities that reflect their future careers. The Chicago School is a proud affiliate of TCS, a nonprofit system of colleges advancing student success and community impact. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. Contact Details Vivien Hao +1 323-893-4743 vhao@thechicagoschool.edu

August 26, 2022 06:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Awarded $260K For Students

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology announced it has been awarded $260,000 as part of the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, a federal government initiative for colleges and universities to assist low-income, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Education earlier this month set aside $51.7 million in 189 new grant awards to institutions of higher education such as The Chicago School to provide disadvantaged college students effective preparation for doctoral studies. “We are excited to implement new programs that will further set up our students for success in school and in their chosen professions,” said Dr. Michele Nealon, President of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. “We are deeply invested in enlarging the pipeline of mental health professionals who will go on to work in underserved communities where they are needed most.” Through McNair grant funding, The Chicago School will offer research or other scholarly activities, such as summer internships and seminars to students. McNair-funded initiatives also prepare students for doctoral study through tutoring, academic counseling, and assistance with securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs. McNair projects may also fund financial and economic literacy of students, mentoring programs, and exposure to cultural events and academic programs not usually available to disadvantaged students. The Chicago School is a majority minority-serving institution serving more than 6,000 students, maintains campuses in six major metro areas and an online program. Two-thirds of its students identify as people of color. About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Integrating theory with hands-on experience, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology provides education rooted in a commitment to innovation, service, and community for thousands of diverse students across the United States and globally. Founded in 1979, the nonprofit, regionally accredited university now features campuses in iconic locations across the country (Chicago, Southern California, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Dallas) and online. To spark positive change in the world where it matters most, The Chicago School has continued to expand its educational offerings beyond the field of psychology to offer more than 30 degrees and certificates in the professional fields of health services, education, counseling, business, and more. Through its engaged professional model of education, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and an extensive network of domestic and international professional partnerships, The Chicago School’s students receive real-world training opportunities that reflect their future careers. The Chicago School is proud to be a part of TCS Education System, a nonprofit, integrated system of colleges and universities that work collaboratively to advance student success and community impact. To learn more, visit www.thechicagoschool.edu. Contact Details The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Vivien Hao +1 323-893-4743 vhao@thechicagoschool.edu The Chicago School of Professional Psychology Victor Abalos +1 818-321-5371 vabalos@thechicagoschool.edu

August 26, 2022 06:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Hong Kong Baptist University scientists develop versatile compound for treating Alzheimer’s disease

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 24 August 2022 - A study led by researchers from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has demonstrated that a multifunctional organic compound named F-SLOH has the potential to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at an early stage. The team found that it can inhibit the aggregation of amyloid-beta (Aβ), and reduce the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins and neuroinflammation in the brain to improve the pathological features of AD. The findings have been published in the international academic journal Redox Biology. The study conducted by Professor Li Min (left), Professor Ricky Wong Man-shing (right) and Dr Iyaswamy Ashok (middle) provides the first in vivo evidence that F-SLOH is an effective agent that can target and treat multiple neurodegenerative changes in an AD mouse model. AD is the most common cause of dementia. It accounts for nearly 65% of dementia cases in elderly Hong Kong Chinese. It is pathologically characterised by the abnormal aggregation of Aβ, the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins and neuroinflammation in the nerve cells in the brain, which cause progressive neuronal loss and cognitive impairment. Currently there is no cure for AD, and the available medicines can only relieve its symptoms. Inhibiting the abnormal aggregation of Aβ and the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins is considered the primary and a promising therapeutic approach to treat AD. F-SLOH as theragnostic agent for AD In the search for novel therapeutic and diagnostic methods for AD, a research team comprising Professor Li Min, Professor of the Teaching and Research Division and Associate Dean of the School of Chinese Medicine; Professor Ricky Wong Man-shing, Professor of the Department of Chemistry of the Faculty of Science; and Dr Iyaswamy Ashok, Research Assistant Professor of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU, demonstrated the in vivo therapeutic efficacy of a compound called F-SLOH in reducing the abnormal aggregation of Aβ, the hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins and neuroinflammation in the nerves cells in the brain, thereby improving the learning and memory functions of mice with AD. F-SLOH is a multi-functional cyanine probe synthesised by a team led by Professor Ricky Wong Man-shing for the detection of biological materials such as proteins and peptides. Its features include real-time visualisation of Aβ aggregation in brains, excellent permeability across the blood-brain barrier and low bio-toxicity. Previous studies showed that F-SLOH could inhibit the abnormal aggregation of Aβ species and provide neuroprotection against neurotoxicity induced by the abnormal aggregation of Aβ in vitro at the cellular level. F-SLOH improves pathological features in AD mice To determine the therapeutic efficacy of F-SLOH for AD, the researchers injected or fed F-SLOH to a group of transgenic AD mice. Histopathology and biochemical analyses showed that in mice treated with F-SLOH, Aβ oligomers (one of the Aβ species) and Aβ plaque deposits (the clumps of Aβ) were dramatically reduced in their hippocampus and their brains when compared with the AD mice in the control group who had not been fed F-SLOH. The researchers also found that F-SLOH can reduce the levels of an amyloid precursor protein that generates Aβ and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. In an immunoblot analysis of the transgenic AD mice brian, the F-SLOH treatment group showed a significant reduction in the levels of the amyloid precursor protein and its metabolites compared to the control group. In other experiments on the transgenic AD mice after F-SLOH treatment, the researchers separated the soluble and insoluble tau proteins in their brain tissue samples. The results showed that F-SLOH treatment significantly reduced the levels of insoluble tau protein in the brains of AD mice, which forms neurofibrillary tangles, one of the pathological features of AD. F-SLOH improves memory and cognitive functions in AD mice Aggregation of Aβ is closely related to the dysfunction of the links between nerve cells and memory decline. The researchers conducted two experiments to test the memory functions of AD mice. In the first experiment, mice were trained to swim in a water maze, reach a platform and remember its position. After the platform was removed, researchers observed whether the mice were able to recall and approach the original position of the platform. Compared to the control group, transgenic AD mice treated with F-SLOH spent more time swimming around the platform’s original position, showing that they can better memorise the platform’s location. In the second experiment, mice were placed in a chamber and exposed to an audio tone followed by an instant small electric shock to their feet from the floor of the chamber. On the following day, they were put back in the chamber but without any electric shock. When the mice were exposed to the same audio tone, they “froze” their body movements due to the fear of an electric shock. The transgenic AD mice treated with F-SLOH exhibited a longer freezing time than that of the control group. The results of the two experiments showed that AD mice treated with F-SLOH have better memories compared to the control group, suggesting that F-SLOH improved AD mice’s memory and cognitive functions. F-SLOH shows early potential for treating AD The researchers also revealed that F-SLOH degraded the abnormal aggregation of Aβ and reduced the levels of tau protein hyperphosphorylation, the amyloid precursor protein and its metabolites through the activation of the transcription factor EB. Transcription factor EB is the main regulator of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, a major mechanism for degrading ageing intracellular macromolecular proteins, including the intracellular metabolites such as Aβ aggregates. Professor Li Min said: “AD patients lose their self-management abilities and require long-term care as the disease progresses. As the population is ageing in Hong Kong, the prevalence of AD is likely to increase. There is an urgent need to develop new drugs that can treat or slow down the progression of AD. The current study suggests that the compound F-SLOH has promising theragnostic potential for treating AD at an early stage.” Professor Ricky Wong Man-shing said: “The study provides the first in vivo evidence that F-SLOH is an effective agent that can target and treat multiple neurodegenerative changes in an AD mouse model. The research findings can drive advancements in AD diagnosis and treatment in humans.” Contact Details Communication and Public Relations Office at HKBU Christina Wu christinawu@hkbu.edu.hk

August 25, 2022 10:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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