Category: Science

Categories
Business Healthcare Local News Science

Retrospective observational study assessing real-world clinical impact of switching or continuing Eliquis® or Rivaroxaban presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2023

Switching from Eliquis (apixaban) to rivaroxaban in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF) patients was associated with a higher risk of stroke/systemic embolism (S/SE) and major bleeding (MB) than those who continued Eliquis

 

PRINCETON, N.J. & NEW YORK — (BUSINESS WIRE) — $BMY #ATHENS — The Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer (BMS NYSE: BMY) – (Pfizer NYSE: PFE) Alliance on Friday, presented results from ATHENS, a retrospective real-world data study, at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2023 showing that switching from Eliquis® (apixaban) to rivaroxaban in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF) patients was associated with a higher risk of stroke/systemic embolism (S/SE) and major bleeding (MB) than those who continued Eliquis.

 

“Although some NVAF patients switch direct oral anticoagulants in real-world clinical practice, either for medical or non-medical reasons, there hasn’t been a lot of information gathered on the clinical outcomes of those switches,” said Steve Deitelzweig, MD, MMM, FACC, SFHM, FACP, RVT, System Chairman for Hospital Medicine, Ochsner Health System. “The study results provide insights about the real-world risk of stroke and major bleeding associated with switching from apixaban to rivaroxaban in patients with NVAF.”

 

This retrospective study identified NVAF patients who initiated Eliquis or rivaroxaban between 01 January 2013 and 31 December 2021 using Optum’s de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart database. There were 167,868 Eliquis initiators and 65,888 rivaroxaban initiators who met study criteria. Using propensity score matching (PSM), 2,900 patients who switched from Eliquis to rivaroxaban were matched to 14,500 patients who continued Eliquis, and 2,873 patients who switched from rivaroxaban to Eliquis were matched to 14,365 patients who continued rivaroxaban.

 

“Data collected in real-world settings can enhance patient care. By gathering insights from everyday clinical practice, we can better understand how Eliquis is used and its impact on patients’ lives,” said Narinder Bhalla, MD, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Medical, Head of Cardiovascular and Established Brands at Bristol Myers Squibb. “This real-world data provides pragmatic information to help clinicians manage the care of their patients.”

 

In this study, switching from Eliquis to rivaroxaban was associated with a higher risk of S/SE (Hazard Ratio (HR):1.99, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.38-2.88) and MB (HR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.46-2.23) than those who continued Eliquis. Additionally, switching from rivaroxaban to Eliquis was associated with a similar risk of S/SE (HR:0.74, 95% CI: 0.45-1.22) and a lower risk of MB (HR:0.58, 95%CI: 0.44-0.76) compared to those who continued rivaroxaban. It is important to note that anticoagulants, including Eliquis, increase the risk of bleeding and can cause serious, potentially fatal bleeding. Please see important safety information below for Eliquis, including BOXED WARNINGS.

 

Real-world data have the potential to supplement randomized, controlled clinical trial data by providing additional information about how a medicine performs in routine medical practice. Real-world data analyses, however, have important limitations. Observational real-world studies can only evaluate association and not causality, and despite the use of methods to address differences due to measured variables, false associations may still be present. The source and type of data used may limit the generalizability of the results, and varied outcomes are possible.

 

In the ATHENS study, treatment assignments were based on pharmacy claims and actual drug exposure is unknown. Additionally, reasons for switching are not known and sample size for those who switched is much lower than those who continued treatment. Dosing criteria were not evaluated and impacts of drug dosing on outcomes were not assessed. Due to these limitations, real-world data analyses are not used as evidence to validate the efficacy and/or safety of a treatment.

 

About ATHENS

The ATHENS study was designed to assess the risk of stroke/systemic embolism (S/SE) and major bleeding (MB) among Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF) patients who switched from Eliquis (apixaban) to rivaroxaban or switched from rivaroxaban to Eliquis instead of continuing initial treatment. This retrospective study identified NVAF patients who initiated treatment between 01 January 2013 and 31 December 2021 using a large U.S. administrative claims database. There were 167,868 Eliquis initiators and 65,888 rivaroxaban initiators included in the study.

 

Within both the Eliquis initiators and rivaroxaban initiators cohorts, patients were divided into two groups and compared: switchers to a different direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) within 30 days before or 90 days after discontinuation of the initial DOAC, and continuers, or patients who continued receiving the initial DOAC. The switch date was the index date for those who switched while, for those who continued, a hypothetic index date was randomly assigned based on the distribution of the time from initial DOAC prescription to the switch date in the switchers group. Two final cohorts (switchers and continuers) within Eliquis initiators and rivaroxaban initiators were further propensity score matched (PSM) based on pre-index characteristics using a 1:5 ratio.

 

About Eliquis® (apixaban)

Eliquis® is an oral selective Factor Xa inhibitor. By inhibiting Factor Xa, a key blood clotting protein, Eliquis decreases thrombin generation and blood clot formation. Eliquis is approved for multiple indications in the U.S. based on efficacy and safety data from multiple Phase 3 clinical trials. The approval of Eliquis for stroke risk reduction in patients with NVAF is based on data from the Phase 3 ARISTOTLE and AVERROES studies of Eliquis in patients with NVAF. The approval of Eliquis for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and for the reduction in the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy, is based on data from the global AMPLIFY and AMPLIFY-EXT studies. U.S. FDA-Approved Indications for Eliquis: Eliquis is a prescription medicine indicated in the U.S. to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with NVAF; for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery; for the treatment of DVT and PE; and to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE, following initial therapy.

 

Eliquis Important Safety Information

Indications

Eliquis is indicated to reduce the risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Eliquis is indicated for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients who have undergone hip or knee replacement surgery.

Eliquis is indicated for the treatment of DVT and PE, and to reduce the risk of recurrent DVT and PE following initial therapy.

 

Important Safety Information

WARNING: (A) PREMATURE DISCONTINUATION OF ELIQUIS INCREASES THE RISK OF THROMBOTIC EVENTS, (B) SPINAL/EPIDURAL HEMATOMA

(A) Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including Eliquis, increases the risk of thrombotic events. If anticoagulation with Eliquis is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant.

 

(B) Epidural or spinal hematomas may occur in patients treated with Eliquis who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures. Factors that can increase the risk of developing epidural or spinal hematomas in these patients include:

  • use of indwelling epidural catheters
  • concomitant use of other drugs that affect hemostasis, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), platelet inhibitors, other anticoagulants
  • a history of traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal punctures
  • a history of spinal deformity or spinal surgery
  • optimal timing between the administration of Eliquis and neuraxial procedures is not known

 

Monitor patients frequently for signs and symptoms of neurological impairment. If neurological compromise is noted, urgent treatment is necessary.

 

Consider the benefits and risks before neuraxial intervention in patients anticoagulated or to be anticoagulated.

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • Active pathological bleeding
  • Severe hypersensitivity reaction to Eliquis (e.g., anaphylactic reactions)

 

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTION

  • Increased Risk of Thrombotic Events after Premature Discontinuation: Premature discontinuation of any oral anticoagulant, including Eliquis, in the absence of adequate alternative anticoagulation increases the risk of thrombotic events. An increased rate of stroke was observed during the transition from Eliquis to warfarin in clinical trials in atrial fibrillation patients. If Eliquis is discontinued for a reason other than pathological bleeding or completion of a course of therapy, consider coverage with another anticoagulant.
  • Bleeding Risk: Eliquis increases the risk of bleeding and can cause serious, potentially fatal, bleeding.
    • Concomitant use of drugs affecting hemostasis increases the risk of bleeding, including aspirin and other antiplatelet agents, other anticoagulants, heparin, thrombolytic agents, SSRIs, SNRIs, and NSAIDs.
    • Advise patients of signs and symptoms of blood loss and to report them immediately or go to an emergency room. Discontinue Eliquis in patients with active pathological hemorrhage.
    • The anticoagulant effect of apixaban can be expected to persist for at least 24 hours after the last dose (i.e., about two half-lives). An agent to reverse the anti-factor Xa activity of apixaban is available. Please visit www.andexxa.com for more information on availability of a reversal agent.
  • Spinal/Epidural Anesthesia or Puncture: Patients treated with Eliquis undergoing spinal/epidural anesthesia or puncture may develop an epidural or spinal hematoma which can result in long-term or permanent paralysis.

 

The risk of these events may be increased by the postoperative use of indwelling epidural catheters or the concomitant use of medicinal products affecting hemostasis. Indwelling epidural or intrathecal catheters should not be removed earlier than 24 hours after the last administration of Eliquis. The next dose of Eliquis should not be administered earlier than 5 hours after the removal of the catheter. The risk may also be increased by traumatic or repeated epidural or spinal puncture. If traumatic puncture occurs, delay the administration of Eliquis for 48 hours.

 

Monitor patients frequently and if neurological compromise is noted, urgent diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Physicians should consider the potential benefit versus the risk of neuraxial intervention in Eliquis patients.

  • Prosthetic Heart Valves: The safety and efficacy of Eliquis have not been studied in patients with prosthetic heart valves and is not recommended in these patients.
  • Acute PE in Hemodynamically Unstable Patients or Patients who Require Thrombolysis or Pulmonary Embolectomy: Initiation of Eliquis is not recommended as an alternative to unfractionated heparin for the initial treatment of patients with PE who present with hemodynamic instability or who may receive thrombolysis or pulmonary embolectomy.
  • Increased Risk of Thrombosis in Patients with Triple Positive Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS): Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs), including Eliquis, are not recommended for use in patients with triple-positive APS. For patients with APS (especially those who are triple positive [positive for lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin, and anti–beta 2-glycoprotein I antibodies]), treatment with DOACs has been associated with increased rates of recurrent thrombotic events compared with vitamin K antagonist therapy.

 

ADVERSE REACTIONS

  • The most common and most serious adverse reactions reported with Eliquis were related to bleeding.

 

TEMPORARY INTERRUPTION FOR SURGERY AND OTHER INTERVENTIONS

  • Eliquis should be discontinued at least 48 hours prior to elective surgery or invasive procedures with a moderate or high risk of unacceptable or clinically significant bleeding. Eliquis should be discontinued at least 24 hours prior to elective surgery or invasive procedures with a low risk of bleeding or where the bleeding would be noncritical in location and easily controlled. Bridging anticoagulation during the 24 to 48 hours after stopping Eliquis and prior to the intervention is not generally required. Eliquis should be restarted after the surgical or other procedures as soon as adequate hemostasis has been established.

 

DRUG INTERACTIONS

  • Combined P-gp and Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Inhibitors of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) increase exposure to apixaban and increase the risk of bleeding. For patients receiving Eliquis doses of 5 mg or 10 mg twice daily, reduce the dose of Eliquis by 50% when Eliquis is coadministered with drugs that are combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, or ritonavir). In patients already taking 2.5 mg twice daily, avoid coadministration of Eliquis with combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.

 

Clarithromycin

Although clarithromycin is a combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, pharmacokinetic data suggest that no dose adjustment is necessary with concomitant administration with Eliquis.

  • Combined P-gp and Strong CYP3A4 Inducers: Avoid concomitant use of Eliquis with combined P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John’s wort) because such drugs will decrease exposure to apixaban.
  • Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents: Coadministration of antiplatelet agents, fibrinolytics, heparin, aspirin, and chronic NSAID use increases the risk of bleeding. APPRAISE-2, a placebo-controlled clinical trial of apixaban in high-risk post-acute coronary syndrome patients treated with aspirin or the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel, was terminated early due to a higher rate of bleeding with apixaban compared to placebo.

 

PREGNANCY

  • The limited available data on Eliquis use in pregnant women are insufficient to inform drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse developmental outcomes. Treatment may increase the risk of bleeding during pregnancy and delivery, and in the fetus and neonate.
    • Labor or delivery: Eliquis use during labor or delivery in women who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia may result in epidural or spinal hematomas.
    • Consider use of a shorter acting anticoagulant as delivery approaches.

 

LACTATION

  • Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Eliquis.

 

FEMALES AND MALES OF REPRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL

  • Females of reproductive potential requiring anticoagulation should discuss pregnancy planning with their physician. The risk of clinically significant uterine bleeding, potentially requiring gynecological surgical interventions, identified with oral anticoagulants including Eliquis should be assessed in these patients and those with abnormal uterine bleeding.

 

Please see U.S. FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION, including Boxed WARNINGS, available at www.bms.com.

 

About the Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer Collaboration

The Bristol Myers Squibb-Pfizer Alliance (the Alliance) is committed to driving education and awareness about atrial fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). With long- standing cardiovascular leadership, global scale and expertise in this field, the Alliance strives to implement global, research-driven approaches to illuminate and address the unmet needs around strokes related to non-valvular atrial fibrillation, which are often fatal or debilitating. Through collaborations with non-profit organizations, the Alliance aims to provide patients, healthcare professionals and decision makers with the information they need to understand and take appropriate action on risk factors associated with stroke and other cardiovascular conditions.

 

About Bristol Myers Squibb

Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

 

About Pfizer Inc.: Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines.

Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 170 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com. In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on Twitter at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News, LinkedIn, YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer.

 

Bristol Myers Squibb Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding, among other things, the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. All statements that are not statements of historical facts are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives and involve inherent risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including internal or external factors that could delay, divert or change any of them in the next several years, that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause our future financial results, goals, plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many risks and uncertainties that affect Bristol Myers Squibb’s business and market, particularly those identified in the cautionary statement and risk factors discussion in Bristol Myers Squibb’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, as updated by our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document and except as otherwise required by applicable law, Bristol Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

 

Pfizer Disclosure Notice

The information contained in this release is as of August 25, 2023. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this release as the result of new information or future events or developments.

 

This release contains forward-looking information about Eliquis (apixaban), including its potential benefits, that involves substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including the ability to meet anticipated clinical endpoints, commencement and/or completion dates for our clinical trials, regulatory submission dates, regulatory approval dates and/or launch dates, as well as the possibility of unfavorable new clinical or other data and further analyses of existing clinical or other data; the risk that clinical trial data are subject to differing interpretations and assessments by regulatory authorities; whether regulatory authorities will be satisfied with the design of and results from our clinical studies; decisions by regulatory authorities impacting labeling, manufacturing processes, safety and/or other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of Eliquis; uncertainties regarding commercial success; uncertainties regarding the impact of COVID-19 on Pfizer’s business, operations and financial results; and competitive developments.

 

A further description of risks and uncertainties can be found in Pfizer’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and in its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q, including in the sections thereof captioned “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Information and Factors That May Affect Future Results,” as well as in its subsequent reports on Form 8-K, all of which are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov and www.pfizer.com.

 

corporatefinancial-news

Contacts

Media Inquiries:

Bristol Myers Squibb

Media Inquiries: media@bms.com
Investors: investor.relations@bms.com

Pfizer Inc.

Media: PfizerMediaRelations@Pfizer.com +1 (212) 733-1226

Investors: IR@Pfizer.com +1 (212) 733-4848

Categories
Environment Healthcare Lifestyle Local News Science

Mercer County Park Commission takes nature-based approach to new parking lot

‘Green infrastructure’ gentler on environment, mitigates runoff

A rolling stone gathers no moss.

But rolling stormwater, called stormwater runoff, can gather much worse than moss, including trash, oil, sediment and other troublesome pollutants. And to make matters worse, without the proper infrastructure, the debris often goes straight into our lakes, streams and rivers.

With this in mind, the Mercer County Park Commission found an opportunity to do its part in mitigating the effects of stormwater runoff by designing “green infrastructure” into a parking lot repaving project at John A. Roebling Memorial Parkin Hamilton. The park is home to the Tulpehaking Nature Center, which houses the Park Commission’s Environmental Education Department.

“As the Park Commission and Mercer County invest in improvements to our park system, we strive to do so in an environmentally conscious way,” said Park Commission Executive Director Aaron T. Watson. “We know that as stewards of over 10,000 acres of open space in the county, our decisions should improve both the quality of life for residents and the environment as a whole.”

Roebling Park is located within the 3,000-acre Abbott Marshlands, the northernmost freshwater tidal marsh in the Delaware River watershed. The stormwater from its parking lot drains directly into Spring Lake and the park’s surrounding freshwater tidal marsh.

 

The Abbott Marshlands attracts rare wildlife such as river otter, American eel, and bald eagle. It is also an important stopover for migratory birds along the Atlantic flyway. Unmanaged stormwater runoff can negatively impact water quality and the local ecosystem, create harmful algal blooms, and increase the possibility of flooding.

The stormwater runoff has also eroded portions of the existing parking lot and has made Spring Lake less appealing for fishing and boating.

 

Improvements at the Spring Lake access area are scheduled to begin in early September.

The plan includes several rain gardens, a green infrastructure option that is both beautiful and effective in form and function. Rain gardens not only absorb rainwater, but they also filter out pollutants and provide food and shelter for local wildlife. More importantly, the rain gardens at the Spring Lake parking lot will capture stormwater runoff before it flows into the lake.

Access to Roebling Park from Sewell Avenue in Hamilton will be temporarily closed to the public during construction, but will be reopened when the project is complete.

Various native shrubs, grasses and perennial wildflowers will be planted in the garden, including northern bayberry, swamp milkweed, and woodland phlox. The colorful blooms amongst the grasses will add to the visual appeal of the garden for both people and pollinators.

This is a pilot project, which is being funded through the Mercer County Open Space Trust Fund. The results will inform plans for future upgrades at other park facilities, as the Mercer County Park Commission continues to effectively steward its numerous parks and recreation facilities.

For more information on rain gardens and how you could make your own, go to http://water.rutgers.edu/Rain_Gardens/RGWebsite/rginfo.html

Categories
Art & Life Culture Education Lifestyle Perspectives Science

College student’s summer job leads to remarkable discovery in Hatchie: Keeper of the Secret

TULEPO, Miss. — Some college students flip burgers during summer breaks; some have internships; and occasionally, one is plunged into an overwhelming flood of historical revelations with biblical implications.

 

In Hatchie: Keeper of the Secret, author Ed “Doc” Holliday tells the story of Patrick, a college student home for the summer helping his grandfather harvest pulpwood in the Hatchie Hills of North Mississippi. Patrick’s plan is to earn a little money to help with college expenses — not to uncover an ancient Native American secret with ties all the way back to King Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem.

 

As Patrick’s discovery is revealed, his world begins to unravel, and an evil force is unleashed that neither Patrick nor his grandfather is prepared to confront. Written to appeal to audiences who enjoy the Indiana Jones and National Treasure films, Hatchie: Keeper of the Secret draws inspiration from true stories of early explorers to North America, like Hernando DeSoto, to build a gripping tale that propels readers to places they never knew existed and introduces them to characters they never could have imagined.

 

Full of mystery and intrigue, Hatchie: Keeper of the Secret is an action-filled adventure that culminates in a surprising ending. The book is the first of a planned seven-part series.

 

“The series revolves around an ancient Chickasaw secret that is tied to Solomon’s temple,” Holliday explained. “That is a large span of time, but the tale is wrapped around the pursuit of world peace and some battles that are almost forgotten to history.”

 

About the Author

Ed “Doc” Holliday is an author and dentist living in Tupelo, Mississippi. He and his wife, Leslie, have four adult children. He enjoys studying history and contemplating solutions to problems in society. He loves reading books, magazines, newspapers and online newsletters dealing with a wide range of topics, including history, science, investing, macroeconomics, entrepreneurships and cryptocurrencies. He enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends.

 

Holliday has written a Point/Counterpoint column in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal for the past 15 years with a friend. He has worked for years in a racial reconciliation group called Mission Mississippi, and he has been active in local and international dental missionary efforts.

 

For more information, visit www.markethatchie.com, or follow the author on Facebook and Instagram at hatchiebooks.

Categories
Business Culture Healthcare Lifestyle Science

New 2022 data from The Aesthetic Society reveals a surge in nonsurgical procedures, contributing to a 14% overall increase in aesthetic procedures

Findings demonstrate Americans spent over $11.8 billion on aesthetic procedures, up 2% from 2021

 

The Aesthetic Society, the leading authority on aesthetic plastic surgery, has just released its annual Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank report for 2022, highlighting significant trends in the field of aesthetic plastic surgery.

 

The data showcases a remarkable 14% increase in total aesthetic procedures, largely attributed to the soaring popularity of nonsurgical procedures, which witnessed a 23% jump last year. In an unprecedented milestone, the 2022 data was sourced from the same 200 plastic surgery practices across the United States, providing consistent quarterly data between 2019 and 2022.

 

“The landscape of aesthetic plastic surgery is undergoing a transformation as revealed by The Aesthetic Society’s 2022 report,” says Melinda Haws, MD, President of The Aesthetic Society.

 

“With nonsurgical procedures witnessing a surge and surgical procedures still accounting for 70% of revenue, the industry is moving towards a future defined by dynamic trends. This showcases our industry’s ability to embrace innovation and meet evolving patient preferences. As we journey forward, The Aesthetic Society is dedicated to supporting our patients through top-tier member education.”

 

“The 2022 statistics, drawn from 200 U.S. practices is a significant milestone for aesthetic data, offering consistent insights from 2019 to 2022,” explains Dr. Kye Higdon, Communications Commissioner of The Aesthetic Society.

 

“From this data we’re able to understand the trends on the horizon for our specialty and can help shape a future for aesthetics that both drives innovation and empowers our patients.”

 

The report reveals an interesting trajectory for surgical procedures. After experiencing a surge in the second half of 2020 and reaching its peak in the Spring of 2021, 2021’s surgical counts surpassed pre-pandemic levels by an impressive 55%. Although 2022 saw a decline in surgical procedures compared to 2021, the numbers remained a notable 37% above the counts in 2019. This increase was largely fueled by significant gains in body procedures, with liposuction (+63%) and abdominoplasty (+55%) leading the way. Conversely, nonsurgical procedures took some time to recover from the pandemic’s impact, with significant growth observed in the Spring of 2021, possibly reaching their peak in the Spring of 2022.

 

Quarterly data from the report indicates that the number of procedures performed by surgeons has been well-balanced throughout the year, with the Spring season (April – June) emerging as the most popular period for cosmetic enhancements. Approximately 55% of all surgical procedures were conducted in the first half of the year, with this pattern consistent across body and breast procedures, as well as other surgical treatments.

 

The average plastic surgeon performed 252 surgical procedures in 2022, showing a 13% decrease from the 289 procedures conducted in 2021. However, despite this decline, surgical counts remained an impressive 27% higher than the pre-pandemic levels of 198 procedures in 2019. 2022 saw Americans spending over $11.8 billion on aesthetic procedures overall, up 2% from the previous year.

 

Women continued to dominate the demographic of individuals undergoing aesthetic procedures, representing 95% of all procedures. Among surgical procedures, the most popular age group was 51–70-year-olds, accounting for 36% of all surgeries. The 36-50 age group closely followed with 30%, and 17–35-year-olds accounted for 27%. Patients over the age of 70 represented 8% of all surgical procedures.

 

The Aesthetic Society’s latest report offers invaluable insights into the trends shaping the aesthetic industry. Despite the decline in surgical procedures, the overall growth driven by nonsurgical treatments demonstrates the industry’s adaptability and continued evolution.

 

You can obtain a full copy of The Aesthetic Society’s 2022 statistics here.

 

About The Aesthetic Society:

The Aesthetic Society is recognized as the world’s leading organization devoted entirely to aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine of the face and body. The Aesthetic Society is comprised of more than 3,000 Active members in North America and internationally; Active Members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and have extensive training in the complete spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. International Active Members are certified by equivalent boards of their respective countries. All members worldwide adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and must meet stringent membership requirements. The Aesthetic Society is at the forefront of innovation in aesthetic plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine globally.

 

About the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank:

The 2022 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Statistics were compiled using the Aesthetic Neural Network (ANN) data. The Aesthetic Society partnered with Ronan SolutionsTM (Phoenix, AZ) to develop ANN. ANN connects directly to participating Aesthetic Society member plastic surgeons’ practice management systems to retrieve real-time, de-identified, billing data. The data is reviewed and mapped by subject matter experts to generate a dynamic, comprehensive, longitudinal, valid, and reliable repository of procedural and billing data. ANN’s automated, real-time data access also eliminates other drawbacks associated with surveys such as low response rates, cross-sectional data, inaccurate recall, need for manual data entry and the limited number and scope of questions that can be included. For the 2022 Statistics, aggregate data from 200 participating plastic surgery practices across the U.S. that consistently provided data quarterly between 2019 and 2022 were analyzed. The procedure counts were extrapolated to estimate nationwide statistics. These statistics have a standard error of +/- 6.8% at a 95% level of confidence. To enhance the reliability of trends, all prior data have been restated to reflect the consistent sample of participants.

Categories
Art & Life Culture Education Lifestyle Science

Be better than your bias — 5 areas of your life to examine

An award-winning diversity consultant and international corporate speaker, Risha Grant, has a mission to help us all be better than our BS — that’s our “biasphere”— the powerful and often invisible belief systems that we’ve been steeped in since birth and the judgment and bias we carry with us that impact our lives and the many others we encounter every day.

 

 

Analyzing your biasphere and identifying your BS raises your unconscious bias to the conscious level,” says Grant.

 

 

“If you don’t like what you discover, don’t blame or judge yourself, not because bias isn’t problematic, but because getting caught up in your feelings is a distraction. What matters is what you’re going to do about it, because once you can see your BS, you’re also quickly going to see that it’s been running your life for a long time and warping your ability to gauge reality.”

 

 

5 socializing agents that form the rings of our biasphere:

  • Family
  • Peers and friends
  • Schools or government
  • Religion
  • Mass media

 

Using stories from her personal and professional journey as well those of her clients, Grant encourages you to first examine the roots of your own BS through a process of radically accepting yourself and then to build a BS-free culture, which can only happen when you learn to radically accept others. She also shares the exercises, tools, and strategies she has taught thousands of people at all levels to make their workplaces more accepting, inclusive, and productive

 

 

About Risha Grant

Risha Grant is diversity personified: CEO. Entrepreneur. Black. Female. Small-town born and raised. Bisexual. Spiritual. Ex-preacher’s wife. Cusser. Left-handed. Former Division 1 athlete. But these traits alone aren’t what make her one of the most powerful and effective diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) experts in the US. Hailed as a “cultural competency genius” and renowned for her storytelling chops, humor, and frank delivery, she has made a career of leading her audiences as well as executives and their teams, politicians, civic leaders, and academic directors around the world to Radical Acceptance (RA) through a unique bias-busting process of self-examination and concrete advice on how to behave, lead, and manage businesses more inclusively.

 

 

In her role as a speaker and CEO of a multi-million dollar business, Grant has shifted the hearts and minds of her audiences and clients from around the world, including Google, Levi Strauss, Nestle Purina, Xerox, YouTube, Procter & Gamble, Discover Card Financial Services, Samsung Electronics America, Cox Communications, U.S. Airforce, U.S. Navy, Intuit, NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, and Harvard University.

 

She’s been featured in various national and international media including Forbes, Entrepreneur Magazine, Harvard Business Review, HR News, The Financial Times, Glamour Magazine UK, Bloomberg Media, and Black Enterprise, among others. She is also the author of two books: That’s BS! How Bias Synapse Disrupts Inclusive Cultures and the Power to Attract Diverse Markets and Be Better Than Your BS: How Radical Acceptance Empowers Authenticity and Creates a Culture of Inclusion.

 

Grant has received numerous honors such as being named one of the Top 10 Most Powerful Women Leaders in HR, one of the 40 Top Women Keynote Speakers, and made the list of Top 100 HR Experts. She was named as 1 in 9 Speakers Turning Crisis into Opportunity by Entrepreneur magazine, and for three consecutive years been an Engagedly Top 100 HR Influencer and Entrepreneur of the Year.

 

Grant will freely admit that she is a work in progress. She occasionally misuses pronouns. She prejudges others. Sometimes she walks in fear. Yet she has consistently striven to focus on love, and made it her mission to use her passion, persistence, knowledge, and experience to dismantle racism, sexism, classism, and plain old stupidism—including her own. She lives in Tulsa, Okla. with her partner, where when not teaching people how to challenge bias she is busy being the world’s best auntie.

Categories
Business Culture Science Technology

Intercept Music revolutionizes music marketing with groundbreaking AI integration in latest software update

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — PrismMediawire – Intercept Music, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sanwire Corporation (OTC: SNWR), is proud to announce the launch of its latest software version, now incorporating cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology into the music marketing process.

 

As the first in the industry to introduce AI integration, Intercept Music is empowering artists and musicians to level the playing field and market their music on-par with major labels.

 

 

The music industry has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, with the rapid advancement of technology significantly influencing the way music is produced, distributed, and consumed. AI, in particular, has emerged as a powerful tool that is reshaping the landscape of music marketing, bringing personalized and data-driven strategies to the forefront.
With Intercept Music’s latest software, artists gain access to a wealth of AI-powered features, enabling them to optimize their promotional efforts and connect with their target audience like never before. The incorporation of AI in the marketing process offers invaluable insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and trends, ensuring that artists can tailor their campaigns for maximum impact.

 

 

CEO of Intercept Music, Tod Turner, expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s pioneering achievement, saying, “We are thrilled to introduce the world’s first AI-integrated music marketing software. At Intercept Music, we believe that every artist deserves the opportunity to succeed in the music industry. With our latest update, we are bridging the gap between independent artists and major labels, providing them with sophisticated tools and resources to effectively promote their music and build a loyal fan base.”

Intercept Music’s AI-powered platform offers a wide array of features, including advanced data analytics, targeted marketing campaigns, personalized recommendations, and audience segmentation. This enables artists to identify their most engaged listeners, better understand their fan base, and tailor their content to enhance the overall fan experience.

 

Sanwire Corporation’s CEO, Ron Hughes, also commented on the significance of this innovation for investors, stating, “The integration of AI technology into Intercept Music’s software represents a major milestone for Sanwire Corporation and our shareholders. With the music industry constantly evolving, we are committed to staying at the forefront of innovation and offering our customers the latest tools to thrive in this digital era. This cutting-edge AI integration positions Intercept Music as a trailblazer in the music marketing space, and we are excited about the growth opportunities it presents.”

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to redefine how music is marketed and consumed, and Intercept Music is leading the way by providing independent artists with the same powerful marketing capabilities that were once exclusive to major labels. The latest software update reinforces Intercept Music’s commitment to empowering artists and musicians, fostering creativity, and fostering a diverse and thriving music ecosystem.
About Intercept Music:
Intercept Music, a subsidiary of Sanwire Corporation, is an innovative technology company focused on helping independent artists and musicians navigate the digital music landscape. Their advanced platform offers a wide range of marketing and distribution tools to enable artists to reach their fullest potential in the music industry.

 

Read more:

https://prismmediawire.prowly.com/256855-intercept-music-revolutionizes-music-marketing-with-groundbreaking-ai-integration-in-latest-software-update

Categories
Culture Environment Lifestyle Local News Science

Annual ‘Insect Festival’ set for Sept. 9

This year’s theme is “Bugs Rule!”

Learn about the importance of insects in our lives and how to protect their habitats through fun, hands-on activities!

Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County will sponsor the 2023 “Bugs Rule!” Insect Festival on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Mercer Educational Gardens,431A Federal City Road, Hopewell Township. The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is free and on-site parking is available. Learn about the importance of insects in our lives and how they create the biological foundation for all terrestrial ecosystems through fun, hands-on activities!

This year’s festival will feature how insects are important because of their diversity, ecological role and influence on agriculture, human health and natural resources. There will be educational activities for visitors of all ages, including the popular Scavenger Hunt and Metamorphosis game. Other highlights include “Bugs in Water,” and Q&A with  Rutgers Cooperative Extension Horticulturist, Justine Gray and Mercer Master Gardeners. Local environmental agencies and experts will offer displays and information to the public. Representatives from the Watershed Institute, Abbott Marshlands, Native Plant Society of New Jersey, Northwest New Jersey Beekeepers Association, N.J. Department of Agriculture, and more!

Attendees are invited to view the demonstration gardens on site and learn how insects interact with the different plants. The public can also learn about various methods of composting. Along the way, there will be activities designed to teach children of all ages to appreciate the beauty, diversity, and essential roles of our insect friends.

About the Master Gardeners:

The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County is a volunteer educational outreach program of Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Master Gardeners participate in many volunteer programs throughout the County. For home gardening, plant, turf, or insect questions, you can visit our Helpline office at Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and speak with our Helpline team. You can also call us at (609) 989-6853 or send us an email at AsktheMGs@mercercounty.org. Visit our website at www.mgofmc.org for more information

PHOTO: Rutgers Master Gardeners of Mercer County from left, Michele Berenwick of Lawrenceville; Amber Dalke of Princeton; Bev Phillips of Trenton; Marietta Hujber of Hamilton; and Susan Colket of Titusville don insect costumes at a previous Insect Fest and explain the importance of each insect. Look for these insects and fun activities at the upcoming 2023 Insect Festival on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine at Mercer Educational Gardens, 431A Federal City Road, Pennington.

CONTACT: Justine Gray, (609) 989-6830 justinegray@njaes.rutgers.edu

Categories
Healthcare Lifestyle Local News Science Weather & Environment

Heat advisory issued; cooling sites open in Mercer County

TRENTON, N.J. — The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Mercer County and the surrounding area from 11 a.m. Thursday, July 27, to 6 a.m. Friday, July 28, and an Excessive Heat Watch from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, July 28.

County Exec. Brian M. Hughes reminds residents that many cooling sites will be open.

Temperatures on Thursday were expected to reach the middle to upper 90s with a heat index (a measure of the combination of heat and humidity) of up to 104 degrees.

For the Excessive Heat Watch on Friday, dangerously hot conditions with heat index values of up to 106 degrees are possible. Children, older adults, people with disabilities and pets are most at risk during excessive temperatures.

The New Jersey Department of Health and the Federal Emergency Management Agency offer the following recommendations for staying safe during hot weather:

  • Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
  • People without air conditioning should reach out to NJ 2-1-1 for information regarding Cooling Centers: nj211.org/nj-cooling-centers
  • Take cool showers or baths.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
  • If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Avoid high-energy activities or working outdoors if possible.
  • Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.
  • Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Consider pet safety. If pets are outdoors, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
  • If using a mask, use one that is made of breathable fabric, such as cotton instead of polyester. Don’t wear a mask if you feel yourself overheating or have trouble breathing.

Mercer County Library System branches and municipal senior centers serve as cooling sites, although daily hours of operation vary. These locations are open to all residents. The Ewing, Hickory Corner, Hightstown, Hopewell, Lawrence, Robbinsville, Twin Rivers, and West Windsor library branches are open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Hollowbrook Branch is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 5 p.m. Call individual senior centers for hours of operation, restrictions and accommodations. Call your local senior center if you don’t see it on the list of confirmed cooling sites below.

Mercer County library branch locations

  • Ewing, 61 Scotch Road
  • Hickory Corner, 138 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor
  • Hightstown Memorial, 114 Franklin St.
  • Hollowbrook, 320 Hollowbrook Drive, Ewing
  • Hopewell, 245 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington
  • Lawrence Headquarters Branch, 2751 Brunswick Pike
  • Robbinsville, 42 Allentown-Robbinsville Road
  • Twin Rivers, 276 Abbington Drive, East Windsor
  • West Windsor, 333 North Post Road

Municipal senior center locations

  • Ewing – Hollowbrook Community Center, 320 Hollowbrook Drive; 609-883-1199
  • Hamilton Senior Center, 409 Cypress Lane; 609-890-3686;
  • Hopewell Valley Senior Center, 395 Reading St., Pennington; 609-537-0236;
  • John O. Wilson Center, 169 Wilfred Avenue, Hamilton; 609-393-6480;
  • Lawrence Senior Center (not a cooling center but will be available from 2 to 7 p.m. July 27 and noon to 7 p.m. July 28 for cooling purposes), 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence; 609-882-9246
  • Princeton Senior Resource Center, 101 Poor Farm Road, Building B; Suzanne Patterson Building, 45 Stockton St.; 609-751-9699
  • Robbinsville Township Senior Center, 1117 Route 130; 609-259-1567
  • Samuel Naples Senior Center (covering all of Trenton), 611 Chestnut Ave.; 609-989-3462
  • West Windsor Senior Center, 271 Clarksville Road; 609-799-9068

For assistance in coping with the heat or to contact your local cooling site, please call the Mercer County Office on Aging at (609) 989-6661 or toll-free at (877) 222-3737. During non-business hours, residents are encouraged to call 911 if they experience heat-related problems.

For more information regarding heat-related emergencies, please visit www.ready.nj.gov, the National Weather Service Heat Safety Tips and Resourcespage or the National Institute on Aging Hot Weather Safety page.

Categories
Art & Life Healthcare International & World Lifestyle Science

Tom Cruise: Insider reveals – the bizarre secret of his eternal youth: bird poop as skin food – most expensive bird droppings in the world

Tom Cruise’s worldwide fame as a Hollywood powerhouse and movie star has grown to the point where it is often difficult to separate the myths about him from the actual facts.

 

But now an insider from the set of the movie Mission Impossible reveals an incredible beauty secret that makes the superstar turn away from the use of Botox: the use of droppings of the Japanese nightingale.

 

In a world where beauty standards and the pressure to always look young are everywhere, Tom Cruise has proven that he goes his own way. Instead of relying on invasive measures like Botox, Cruise prefers to turn to natural and sustainable means to regenerate and nourish his skin.

 

Asami Geisha is based on an ancient Japanese tradition and draws on a recipe that is already over 600 years old.

 

The key ingredient of this unique cosmetic is the droppings of the Japanese nightingale. This may seem unusual at first glance, but in Japan this substance has been valued for centuries for its healing properties. The droppings of nightingales contain natural enzymes that regenerate the skin and give it a youthful glow. The droppings of the nightingales are disinfected by ultraviolet light and then made into a fine powder and incorporated into cosmetics.

 

The insider reports that Tom Cruise is thrilled with the amazing results. It is designed to make his skin look smoother, firmer and younger without having to undergo invasive treatments. Cruise is known for his dedication and commitment to his roles, and obviously that dedication extends to his skin care.

 

But if you want to enjoy these high-quality cosmetics, you have to dig deep into your pocket. 50 ml of “Asami Geisha” costs an incredible $490. This makes “Asami Geisha” by far the most expensive bird droppings in the world.

 

We can’t confirm the insider’s statement, but 10 years ago the media reported that Tom relied on the power of Bird Poop.

 

Here is the source:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tom-cruise-facial-bird-droppings-poop_n_1634402

 

It is clear that the extraordinary effect of the droppings of the Japanese nightingale has become a trend among Hollywood stars. Victoria Beckham, Harry Styles and Angelina Jolie have also been fans for years, according to international media reports.

Categories
Energy Lifestyle Science

Elevate the unique energy of home numbers: World-renowned numerologist explains how

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Telephone numbers, bank account numbers, and business and residence numbers can determine a person’s level of income, health status, and how that person gets along with a partner and family members, says world-renowned numerologist Jesse Kalsi.

 

His new book, The Power of Home Numbers: Discover the Best Numbers to Increase Harmony and Prosperity in Your Home, combines ancient elements of Vedic numerology with Kalsi’s extensive knowledge of numbers and their corresponding planets to deliver valuable information to readers.

 

“Each number is really a planet, with its own qualities, energy, crystals, and interactions with other planets,” Kalsi writes in his book.

 

The Power of Home Numbers is an in-depth account of the stories of hundreds of individuals who have transformed their lives by following Kalsi’s timeless wisdom about astronumerology and applying his unique system of number patching.

 

“This groundbreaking book offers an innovative approach to the specific energies of home numbers and is a powerful tool to escape stagnancy and break through blockages both big and small,” Kalsi said.

 

Through this book, readers will learn:

 

• The influences and qualities of each number from 1 through 9, as well as the amplifier 0;

• All about the original method of number patching, which Kalsi created, and which can drastically improve a home or business’ vibrations;

• The endless combinations of numbers on homes or businesses that are responsible for success or failure, happiness or desperation;

• The timing of numbers and how to work with — and not against — the cycles of life to make progress and eliminate confusion and frustration;

• The energies of famous addresses, politicians and celebrities; and

• How the proper use of jewelry, crystals and tokens can elevate your energy and expand your sense of awareness.

 

“Jesse Kalsi’s book exemplifies his skills as a numerologist and guides readers to manifest the future they deserve through their best numbers,” said Bollywood celebrity Zeenat Aman.

 

“I intend to use all the knowledge Kalsi shares in The Power of Home Numbers to protect both my family and myself. It’s a compelling must read!”

 

About the Author

Jesse Kalsi is a world-renowned numerologist. He specializes in residential and business numerology and provides valuable insight on the power of numbers and how they affect our lives. In his books, The Power of Home Numbers and All About Numbers, he combines his Eastern upbringing with his Western experience to bring awareness and understanding of this phenomenon.

 

Over the past 20 years, Kalsi has consulted thousands of people and affected their lives positively. His clients include prominent businesspeople and extremely successful communication and entertainment companies. He has appeared on many radio and television shows in the U.S., and his unique perspective on numerology has amazed his audiences.

 

A successful real estate broker by trade, Kalsi is also a Certified Federal Aviation Administration Flight Instructor and holds a commercial pilot’s license. He received his bachelor’s degree in India and holds an LLM in International Legal Studies from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California.

 

Kalsi graduated from the National Defense Academy of India and pursued advanced studies at the Indian Military Academy. He served as a Captain in the 1st Battalion, 3rd Gurkha Rifles, formerly called “The Queen’s Own.” Intending to devote his life to military affairs, he left the army when he was informed of his true life purpose while posted at the Jammu-Kashmir frontier. He originally came to the U.S. to learn to fly, but eventually returned here to make his home in California with his family.

 

For more information, visit www.jessekalsi.com, or follow the author on Facebook (iamjessekalsi) and Instagram (iamjessekalsi).

 

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Home-Numbers-Discover-Prosperity/dp/B0C6BXC9QV/