Source: CHOCOLATE Inc.

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A new study from deCODE genetics uses pedigrees and sequence data from 64,806 Icelanders to shed light on the rate and nature of mutations in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and the peculiar dynamics of its maternal transmission

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, June 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a paper published today in Cell, scientists from deCODE genetics, a subsidiary of Amgen, present the largest study to date of germline mtDNA mutations in humans and their transmission across 116,663 mother-child pairs. The study documents the astonishing extent of hypermutability at some positions in mtDNA, including the well-known deleterious A>G mutation at position 3243 which causes the MELAS syndrome. The mutation occurred 15 times in the 2,548 matrilineal pedigrees, but typically disappeared after several generations, due to its severe impact on the health of carriers.

Kari Stefansson senior author on the paper and CEO of deCODE genetics with Agnar Helgason and Erla Rut Arnadottir, scientists at deCODE genetics and authors on the paper

Strong aggregate evidence was uncovered for selection against many such short-lived deleterious mtDNA mutations in the pedigrees. The deCODE team also reported evidence for an extensive earlier episode of negative selection affecting mitochondria, called germline selection, where poorly functioning mitochondrial DNA molecules are discarded during the development of oocytes. Finally, they used the large number of transmissisons of mtDNA mutations in the pedigrees to reliably estimate that individuals inherit, on average, only around 3 units of mtDNA from their mothers – fewer than indicated by previous studies.

“It is remarkable that the hundreds of thousands of mtDNA carried by oocytes are derived from only about three of the mtDNA molecules originally carried by the mother,” noted Agnar Helgason, a corresponding author of the paper. “This drastic bottleneck determines the rapid rate at which new mutations in the mtDNA germline can become lost or fixed over just a handful of generations in a pedigree, and must be in part due to a selection process during the development of oocytes, where mtDNA molecules with deleterious mutations are removed from the germline.”

“This study takes us a few steps closer to understanding the basis of the extraordinary variation in mutation rates across the nucelotides of the mtDNA genome, even between different alleles at the same position”, said Kári Stefánsson, CEO of deCODE and a corresponding author of the paper. “Unfortunately, it is the hypermutability of some pathogenic mutations that has made them so prevalent and thereby easier to discover. However, our findings suggest that many rarer pathogenic mtDNA mutations that are responsible for disease burden in human populations remain to be discovered.”

Video: https://vimeo.com/953941695/4467620687?share=copy

Contact:
Thora Kristin Asgeirsdottir
deCODE genetics
354 894 1909
Email: thoraa@decode.is

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YIWU, China, June 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As one of the most popular categories in overseas markets, pet supplies have seen substantial development over the past decade in Yiwu. Yiwugo.com, the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world. From January 1, 2024 to June 1, 2024, data from Yiwugo shows that transactions related to the keyword “pet clothing” have increased by approximately 74.4% compared to the same period in 2023. Orders for “pet beds” have surged to 3.5 times the amount seen in 2023. Other items such as pet toys and leashes are also highly sought after by buyers.

Liu Fangxiang, who has been in the pet supplies industry for nearly 20 years, has been extremely busy recently. Her company, Yiwu Fangfang Pet Articles Firm, which owns the registered trademark PETFANGFANG and specializes in pet mats, beds, and clothing, just wrapped up the Yiwu International Pet Supplies Exhibition. Now, they are negotiating new orders with over ten potential clients. Known for its meticulous craftsmanship and high cost-performance ratio, Fangfang has become a recognized brand in several countries.

Liu Fangxiang noted that the launch of Yiwugo has greatly amplified their business advantages. In 2023, an Australian client discovered her store on the platform, and after a visit to review samples, was impressed by her expertise. After initially placing a small order, the client now regularly places full container orders, with rapid reorder rates.

With the onset of the “Christmas” procurement rush in the import-export sector, Fangfang has recently introduced a line of Christmas-themed pet products. Clients are actively purchasing, and the company anticipates a strong performance in this holiday season.

In contrast, Yiwu Shunshun Pet Products Factory (MECALAND) completed its Christmas season shipments as early as December 2023 to April 2024. According to the owner, Tu Chaozheng, their business mainly focuses on producing pet clothes and toys. With a wide range of products and professional craftsmanship, they meet the one-stop procurement needs of their customers.

Shunshun boasts a six-member professional design team, constantly refining and launching new products based on feedback from trade shows and overseas clients. In 2023 alone, they introduced over 90 new products, a high output compared to peers. Moreover, they are among the few domestic companies specializing in large-size pet clothing that can fit both cats and dogs.

Recently, a new German client recommended by a loyal customer was impressed by Shunshun’s professional and innovative designs and high-quality workmanship. This led to an initial order of 15,000 pieces. Meanwhile, South America remains one of the company’s primary markets. An elevated cat bowl they developed in 2022 sold over 200,000 units upon its launch and continues to be popular. This year, its overall sales have seen a significant increase, with a noticeable uptick in inquiries from new customers on Yiwugo, injecting fresh energy into Shunshun Pet Products.

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Source: Beijing Tsingke Biotech Co., Ltd.

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Announces Results of Skin Aging Research Conducted in collaboration with The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

SEOUL, South Korea, June 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Amorepacific hosted the “New Beauty Research Initiative (NBRI) Symposium” at its R&I Center in Yongin, Korea, on Wednesday, June 5th. At this event, Amorepacific announced the findings of its skin aging research in collaboration with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the United States.

• Professor Sewon Kang (M.D.) from the Department of Dermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine presented on “Research Trend in Skin Aging.” He introduced the current trends in skin aging research and shared the progress and future direction of studies conducted through the NBRI program.
• Professor Anna Chien (M.D.) from the same department discussed “Evaluation of Epigenetic Changes Related to Skin Aging,” presenting a case study from NBRI’s epigenetics research. This study, which was shared at the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) in Texas last month, confirmed the effectiveness of BioGF1K and camellia extract in regulating photoaging epigenetic changes.
• Dr. A-young Kim from Amorepacific R&I Center shared a case study on “Impact of Ginsenomics™ on Accelerated Skin Aging and Aging-Related Skin Regeneration,” focusing on using ginsenomics to control skin inflammation and aging.
• Professor Martin Alphonse(Ph.D.) from the Dermatology Department at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine presented on “‘Effect of NBRI Reagents on Immune Cells and Their Role in Regulating Immunometabolic Responses to PM2.5 Exposure in PBMCs,” highlighting research on the role of skin immune cells and the discovery of control substances.
• Dr. Sunyoung Park from Amorepacific R&I Center presented a study on ” A senotherapeutic ingredient, Senomune™, ameliorates skin aging-associated phenotypes,” using Amorepacific’s proprietary 30-year-old green tea root extract to regulate cell breakdown activity in aged skin.

Byung-fhy Suh, CTO at Amorepacific R&I Center, commented, “It has been truly gratifying to share our findings on skin aging with esteemed scholars worldwide via the NBRI program. Amorepacific is committed to leveraging these insights to develop superior products and enhance the health and beauty of customers around the globe.”

In December 2022, Amorepacific launched the New Beauty Research Initiative (NBRI), a collaborative research venture with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. This program has facilitated a multidisciplinary approach to studying skin aging, underscoring a commitment to advancing our understanding in this area.

About Amorepacific

As Korea’s leading beauty company, Amorepacific is devoted to meeting the various lifestyles and needs of global consumers around the world: Asia, North America, Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East. Amorepacific’s research hubs located around the world are dedicated to sustainable R&D that combines the best of natural Asian ingredients and advanced bio-technology. With its world-class products, Amorepacific is acclaimed for the innovative ways in which it is transforming global beauty trends.

More Information
https://www.apgroup.com/int/en/news/news.html

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BEIJING, June 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On June 5, iQIYI, a leading online entertainment service in China, hosted the fourth annual Golden Screenwriters’ Night, celebrating outstanding screenwriters and their remarkable works. This year’s event honored 32 screenwriters and 15 exceptional works across drama series, film, and animation, highlighting iQIYI’s dedication to fostering original content and nurturing talent.

A distinguished panel of 15 judges from the screenwriting, directing, acting, and academic communities, renowned for their professional insights and extensive experience, evaluated a diverse pool of 61 shortlisted works across drama series, films, and animations. The best entries were selected based on thematic depth, artistic quality, market value, and other criteria, showcasing the industry’s diverse storytelling skills.

The Golden Screenwriters’ Night celebrated both legendary figures and emerging voices in storytelling, with an additional special distinction for outstanding contribution. Among those recognized this year, the suspense-laden film Under The Light was honored for “Best Original Screenplay for Theatrical Film,” while the action-packed animation Heroine received recognition for “Best Original Screenplay for Chinese Comics.” Additionally, the period drama Mysterious Lotus Casebook garnered acclaim for “Best Adapted Screenplay for Long Series,” and the blockbuster drama series Blossoms Shanghai and Always on the Move were jointly honored for “Annual Outstanding Contribution.”

Xiaohui WANG, Chief Content Officer of iQIYI, showed deep respect for the honored screenwriters, acknowledging their ability to capture history, strike a balance between popular appeal and artistic merit, and authentically reflect contemporary life. “iQIYI is committed to supporting screenwriters as they take on creative challenges and produce even greater works,” said Wang.

Launched by iQIYI in 2020, Golden Screenwriters’ Night is a pioneering event in China, shining a spotlight on the screenwriters who are often behind the scenes. By encouraging young screenwriting talent and championing innovative content, the event aims to foster a healthy and thriving entertainment ecosystem in China.

This year, the event introduced several new recognition categories, including “Annual Best Comedy Screenplay” and “Annual Most Innovative Screenplay” for drama series, as well as “Best Screenplay for Animated Film” and “Best New Screenwriter for Theatrical Films” for films category.

Notable for its inclusive approach, it recognizes works from across the entire industry, not just iQIYI productions. This broad perspective includes both mainstream hits and niche productions, offering emerging screenwriters the chance to gain broader recognition. The event’s accolades cover a wide array of genres and platforms, from theatrical releases and online films to drama series and animations, demonstrating a profound respect for talent across the board.

CONTACT: iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com 

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PRAGUE, June 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Stimvia, a pioneering medical technology company specializing in neuromodulation for chronic disease treatment, has successfully completed its pilot study focused on Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and is expecting promising results.

The URIS® device operates on a principle of electrical transcutaneous nerve modulation (eTNM®).

“We are pleased to share preliminary findings indicating promising results. Patients have reported improvements in both the number of Parkinson’s disease symptoms and their overall quality of life. Furthermore, we have observed a notable reduction in resting tremor. While the precise data are still under rigorous evaluation, we remain cautiously optimistic about the potential implications of these outcomes,” states Prof. David Skoloudik, MD, Ph.D.,FESO, FEAN, the study’s lead and Vice-Dean for Science and Research at the Medical Faculty of Ostrava University.

Twelve patients with Parkinson’s Disease who met inclusion criteria participated in the study. For six weeks, patients used the URIS® device for thirty-minute stimulation sessions daily. Following this phase, patients went six weeks without stimulation, during which they continued to be monitored to assess whether any positive effects persisted after the treatment ended.

“Since the URIS® technology demonstrated a positive impact in treating Parkinson’s Disease, Stimvia plans substantial investment in further clinical trials to validate the method’s efficacy and safety. We believe our technology can introduce new, additive treatment modalities for millions of patients who currently have no other options, potentially offering a positive disease-modifying impact on those with Parkinson’s disease,” says Lukas Doskocil, CEO of Stimvia.

The company envisions treating a significant number of people with PD using its unique technology in the near future. In the United States alone, an estimated 1 million individuals are affected by these conditions, contributing to over 10 million patients globally. Parkinson’s disease ranks as the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease.

The complete data from the pilot study will be revealed in the upcoming months.

About Stimvia and URIS® technology

Stimvia is a clinical-stage pioneer MedTech company focused on developing and commercializing innovative non-invasive therapies for chronic diseases. With years of research and a series of clinical studies, Stimvia has developed a unique technology known as URIS®, featuring the peroneal neuromodulation method (eTNM®). This pioneering approach marks the first-ever non-invasive technique for stimulating deep brain structures, where many chronic diseases originate. Current clinical studies reveal that Stimvia’s technology is among the most effective in treating conditions like an overactive bladder, which impacts approximately 40 million individuals in the USA.

The company’s key technological components and methods are safeguarded by over 100 international patents across the EU, Japan, Russia, and the USA. Furthermore, Stimvia is distinguished by prestigious certifications from the globally respected German institution, TÜV SÜD.

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