“Sarepta Therapeutics' Investigational Gene Therapy SRP-9003 for the Treatment of Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2E Shows Sustained Expression and Functional Improvements 2 Years After Administration - GlobeNewswire” plus 4 more

“Sarepta Therapeutics' Investigational Gene Therapy SRP-9003 for the Treatment of Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2E Shows Sustained Expression and Functional Improvements 2 Years After Administration - GlobeNewswire” plus 4 more

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• Sarepta Therapeutics' Investigational Gene Therapy SRP-9003 for the Treatment of Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2E Shows Sustained Expression and Functional Improvements 2 Years After Administration - GlobeNewswire
• Breaking the Spell: Fighting Myths About COVID-19 Vaccination - Psychiatric Times
• Love the outdoors? Beware the tiny but vicious lone star tick - Tallahassee Democrat
• Invesco Ltd.: Form 8.3 - Scapa Group Plc - Yahoo Finance UK
• Holding(s) in Company - Yahoo Finance UK

Sarepta Therapeutics' Investigational Gene Therapy SRP-9003 for the Treatment of Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2E Shows Sustained Expression and Functional Improvements 2 Years After Administration - GlobeNewswire Posted: 18 Mar 2021 01:31 PM PDT -- Protein expression in muscle was sustained for two years following treatment in the low dose cohort, with mean beta-sarcoglycan expression of 54% at 24 months, compared to 36% at Day 60, as measured by western blot -- -- Mean NSAD score improvement of 5.7 points from baseline was sustained through 24 months in low-dose cohort, and mean NSAD score improvement of 4.0 points from baseline at one year in high-dose cohort -- -- Results in both cohorts continue to reinforce the safety and tolerability profile of SRP-9003 --CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SRPT), the leader in precision genetic medicine for rare diseases, today shared new results from the ongoing study of SRP-9003 (rAAVrh74.MHCK7.hSGCB), the Company's investigational gene therapy for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy Type 2E (LGMD2E). In the first look at expression data from biopsies taken two years after a single administration of SRP-9003, results found sustained protein expression in muscle tissue. In functional outcomes assessments taken two years following treatment in Cohort 1 (low-dose cohort) and one year after treatment in Cohort 2 (high-dose cohort), patients continued to demonstrate stability in their NSAD (North Star Assessment for Dysferlinopathies) total score and improvements on timed function tests. Results are being presented today at the 2021 Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Annual Clinical and Scientific Conference.SRP-9003 is in development for the treatment of LGMD2E (also known as beta-sarcoglycanopathy and LGMDR4), a devastating monogenic neuromuscular disease caused by a lack of beta-sarcoglycan (beta-SG) proteins. SRP-9003 is a gene therapy construct that transduces skeletal and cardiac muscle, delivering a gene that codes for the full-length beta-SG protein, the absence of which is the sole cause of the progressive degeneration and a shortened lifespan characterized by the disease."This data is the first look at longer-term expression data with any gene therapy for muscular dystrophy. The meaningful and sustained levels of beta-sarcoglycan protein expression at two years and continued strength of the functional outcomes measured are tremendously positive and support continued advancement of this investigational treatment for patients," said Louise Rodino-Klapac, Ph.D., executive vice president and chief scientific officer, Sarepta Therapeutics. "In Cohort 2, we also saw strong expression of delta-sarcoglycan and gamma-sarcoglycan proteins in addition to beta-sarcoglycan, which suggests that SRP-9003 is working to restore the dystrophin associated protein complex, or DAPC, which provides biological support for the sustained functional benefits observed in both cohorts. LGMD2E is one of the most severe forms of LGMD and causes significant disability in children while frequently leading to early mortality and the data continue to suggest this treatment could bring much needed hope to these patients."Efficient transduction in skeletal muscle and robust beta-sarcoglycan protein expression were seen in both dose cohorts following infusion with SRP-9003, and significant creatine kinase (CK) reductions were observed.Cohort 1 (Dosed at 1.85×1013 vg/kg), 24 months following treatment:As measured by western blot, mean beta-SG of 54% at 24 months of normal control, compared to 36% measured at Day 60.Percent immunofluorescent (IF) positive fibers was 48% compared to normal control, compared to 51% at Day 60.Participants showed a mean intensity of 35% of transduced beta-SG, properly localized to the muscle sarcolemma, as measured by IF, compared to 47% at Day 60.The mean NSAD improvement from baseline of 5.7 points at 18 months was sustained through 24 months.All three participants demonstrated continued improvements from baseline across all functional measures, including time-to-rise, four-stair climb, 100-meter walk test and 10-meter walk test. Cohort 2 (Dosed at 7.41×1013 vg/kg), 12 months following treatment:At Day 60, the expression of beta-SG (72% mean positive fibers and 73% mean intensity) resulted in increased expression of delta-sarcoglycan, with 65% mean positive fibers and 103% intensity, and gamma-sarcoglycan, 60% mean positive fibers and 97% intensity. These results suggest treatment with SRP-9003 demonstrates reconstitution of the DAPC, which could lead to improved membrane integrity and thus improved clinical motor outcomes measures.All three participants demonstrated improvements from baseline across all functional measures, including the NSAD, time-to-rise, four-stair climb, 100-meter walk test and 10-meter walk test.The mean NSAD improvement from baseline was 4.0 points at one year, compared to 3.7 at 6 months. In an exploratory evaluation of all SRP-9003 treated patients compared to a natural history cohort; patients treated with SRP-9003 demonstrated significant improvements in functional outcomes after 24 months. The mean decline in total NSAD score for patients in the natural history cohort was 4.6 points while SRP-9003 treated patients demonstrated a mean improvement of 4.6 points for a clinically meaningful difference of 9.2 points.Since the last update from this study in October 2020, there have been no new drug-related safety signals observed, and no decreases in platelet counts outside of the normal range and no evidence of clinical complement activation observed in either dose cohort.  About SRP-9003 and the Study SRP-9003 uses the AAVrh74 vector, which is designed to be systemically and robustly delivered to skeletal, diaphragm and cardiac muscle, making it an ideal candidate to treat peripheral neuromuscular diseases. AAVrh74 has lower immunogenicity rates than reported with other human AAV vectors. The MHCK7 promoter has been chosen for its ability to robustly express in the heart, which is critically important for patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy Type 2E (LGMD2E), also known as beta-sarcoglycanopathy and LGMDR4, many of whom die from pulmonary or cardiac complications.This open label, first-in-human study is evaluating a single intravenous infusion of SRP-9003 among children with LGMD2E between the ages of 4 and 15 years with significant symptoms of disease. The SRP-9003 study has two cohorts, each studying a different dose-per-kilogram based on the weight of the patient. Three participants in the low-dose cohort (Cohort 1) were treated with a one-time infusion of SRP-9003 dosed at 1.85×1013 vg/kg and an additional three participants in the high-dose cohort (Cohort 2) received a one-time infusion dosed at 7.41×1013 vg/kg based on linear standard qPCR titer method. The six participants were between the ages of 4 and 13. Post-treatment biopsies were taken at 60 days.Sarepta has exclusive rights to the LGMD2E gene therapy program initially developed at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital.About Limb-girdle Muscular Dystrophy Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies are genetic diseases that cause progressive, debilitating weakness and wasting that begin in muscles around the hips and shoulders before progressing to muscles in the arms and legs.Patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy Type 2E (LGMD2E) begin showing neuromuscular symptoms such as difficulty running, jumping and climbing stairs before age 10. The disease, which is an autosomal recessive subtype of LGMD, progresses to loss of ambulation in the teen years and often leads to early mortality. There is currently no treatment or cure for LGMD2E.Sarepta has five LGMD gene therapy programs in development, including subtypes for LGMD2E, LGMD2D, LGMD2C, LGMD2B and LGMD2L, and holds an option for a sixth program for LGMD2A.About Sarepta Therapeutics At Sarepta, we are leading a revolution in precision genetic medicine and every day is an opportunity to change the lives of people living with rare disease. The Company has built an impressive position in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and in gene therapies for limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs), mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT), and other CNS-related disorders, with more than 40 programs in various stages of development. The Company's programs and research focus span several therapeutic modalities, including RNA, gene therapy and gene editing. For more information, please visit www.sarepta.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Known risk factors include, among others: success in preclinical trials and clinical trials, especially if based on a small patient sample, does not ensure that later clinical trials will be successful; the data presented in this release may not be consistent with the final data set and analysis thereof or result in a safe or effective treatment benefit; different methodologies, assumptions and applications we utilize to assess particular safety or efficacy parameters may yield different statistical results, and even if we believe the data collected from clinical trials of our product candidates are positive, these data may not be sufficient to support approval by the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities; if the actual number of patients suffering from LGMD is smaller than estimated, our revenue and ability to achieve profitability may be adversely affected; we may not be able to execute on our business plans and goals, including meeting our expected or planned regulatory milestones and timelines, clinical development plans, and bringing our product candidates to market, due to a variety of reasons, some of which may be outside of our control, including possible limitations of company financial and other resources, manufacturing limitations that may not be anticipated or resolved for in a timely manner, regulatory, court or agency decisions, such as decisions by the United States Patent and Trademark Office with respect to patents that cover our product candidates and the COVID-19 pandemic; and even if Sarepta's programs result in new commercialized products, Sarepta may not achieve the expected revenues from the sale of such products; and those risks identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in Sarepta's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as well as other SEC filings made by the Company which you are encouraged to review.Any of the foregoing risks could materially and adversely affect the Company's business, results of operations and the trading price of Sarepta's common stock. For a detailed description of risks and uncertainties Sarepta faces, you are encouraged to review the SEC filings made by Sarepta. We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Sarepta does not undertake any obligation to publicly update its forward-looking statements based on events or circumstances after the date hereof.Internet Posting of Information We routinely post information that may be important to investors in the 'For Investors' section of our website at www.sarepta.com. We encourage investors and potential investors to consult our website regularly for important information about us.Source: Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.Investors: Ian Estepan, 617-274-4052 iestepan@sarepta.com Media: Tracy Sorrentino, 617-301-8566 tsorrentino@sarepta.com

Breaking the Spell: Fighting Myths About COVID-19 Vaccination - Psychiatric Times Posted: 17 Mar 2021 12:00 AM PDT To help in the prevention of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on December 11, 2020. One week later, the same action was issued for the Moderna vaccine (Table 1).1,2 The availability of vaccines against COVID-19 has provided a sense of optimism, as many have endured prolonged isolation and quarantine, the mental health effects of the pandemic, and the morbidity and mortality of the disease. However, for vaccines to achieve the desired affect there must be a minimum number of individuals who accept it. Vaccine hesitancy is not a new issue; it has been widely studied. In fact, the World Health Organization identified it as 1 of the top 10 global health threats in 2019.3 A large survey by the Pew Research Center found the intent to get the COVID-19 vaccine dropped from 72% in May 2020 to 51% by September 2020.4 Of those respondents, 77% reported a concern that vaccine swould be prematurely approved without long-term safety data. Among the individuals who did not want the vaccine, 76% expressed concern about its potential adverse effects, whereas 72% wanted to know more about its efficacy before administration. Of the individuals who intended to get the vaccination, 19% expressed a great deal of confidence about safety and efficacy, 45% reported a fair amount of confidence, and 35% reported not much or no confidence at all (Figure 1).4 The intent to get vaccinated increased in December 2020, as 60% of Americans said that they would "definitely" and "probably" get COVID-19 vaccination once it is possible.5 More recently, the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) surveyed 1676 adults in the United States from November 30 to December 8, 2020. They found that 71% of respondents reported they would "definitely" or "probably" get the COVID-19 vaccine, whereas 27% expressed concern and were hesitant to receive it.6 The sample was randomized to represent the population, including Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black adults. Vaccine hesitancy was high in individuals identifying as Republicans (42%), rural residents (35%), and Black adults (35%) (Figure 2).6 For comparison, during the 2009 influenza A H1N1 pandemic, the early estimates of vaccine acceptability were between 50% and 64%.7 To address lagging hesitancy and resistance, vaccine myths and disinformation need to be addressed, and clear and consistent messages should be delivered to the community about the importance of receiving the vaccine. Psychiatrists can and should take time to address these issues with their patients. Types of Vaccines Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. In the 2 COVID-19 vaccines currently available, the mRNA carries instructions to make the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) attach, or spike, protein to the host cells. After the vaccine is injected, the mRNA is taken up by the macrophages near the injection site and instructs these cells to make the spike protein. This spike protein then appears on the surface of the macrophages inducing an immune response.8,9 Viral vector vaccines. These types of vaccines take another virus and replace its genetic material with the sequence coding for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The virus acts as a delivery system, or vector, for this genetic sequence.10 Replication-defective adenovirus vector vaccines. The AstraZeneca/Oxford University vaccine uses a simian adenovirus vector, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses a human adenovirus vector to carry the DNA coding for the spike protein to the host cells and deliver it to the nucleus.10 The cell's machinery produces the spike protein, which then induces the immunologic response.10 The virus contained in this vaccine does not replicate inside cells, as the genes responsible for replication have been deactivated. These vaccines are not authorized in the US. Replication-competent viral vectors. Merck's vaccine uses a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV) vector.10 The researchers replaced part of its RNA sequence with RNA coding for the spike protein. Unlike the adenoviruses, this vector displays the spike protein on its surface. Because rVSV is replication competent, this platform more closely mimics a real viral attack.10 This vaccine is still in clinical trial. Protein subunit vaccines. These include SARS-CoV-2 spike protein but no genetic material. Novavax's investigational vaccine, NVX-CoV2373, is made from recombinant nanoparticles studded with coronavirus spike proteins.11 It is awaiting results from phase 3 trials from multiple sites. COVID-19 Vaccine Safety The mRNA vaccines are classified as reactogenic: They generate a brisk immune response, which is expected to cause some adverse effects in most individuals who receive them. The most common reported reaction has been pain at the injection site.12 Other commonly reported systemic adverse effects have included chills, fatigue, headache, and joint and muscle pain.1 In most individuals who received the vaccine, these effects resolved within a couple of days.12 In general, the adverse effects are more common in younger vaccine recipients, with the second dose predictably producing more adverse effects than the first one.1 Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have been reported in some recipients shortly after the first dose.13 A review in JAMA Network notes that anaphylaxis is rare, with an estimated rate of 11.1 cases per million doses of the vaccine.12 The likely culprit for these reactions is polyethylene glycol, a compound in the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.13 Following these reports, post-vaccination observation has been made mandatory: 30 minutes for those with a history of severe allergic reactions of any kind and 15 minutes for everyone else.12,14 The number of cases of Bell palsy reported in the trials of both mRNA vaccines was small and not more frequent than expected in the general population. Hence, it is not certain whether the vaccine caused the paralysis.15 Mental Illness Exacerbation in Context of Vaccine Hesitancy Mental health professionals can expect anxiety, paranoia, and even delusions in the context of vaccine hesitancy. Widespread conspiracy thinking can make it more difficult to achieve proper control of the pandemic and promote adherence to healthy behaviors. Vigilant fact-checking and challenging irrational thinking are essential. Stressful circumstances could trigger or exacerbate mental illness, and the debunking of vaccine-related myths should include an assessment of whether the beliefs represent mental symptoms that need treatment. Anxiety about vaccine safety and adverse effects correlates with increasing scores on the Vaccine Conspiracy Belief Scale,16 obtaining information from social media, and lower educational status. Conspiratorial beliefs are inversely correlated with adhering to safety restrictions and behaviors, and related to pseudoscientific practices and vaccine hesitancy.17 Studies also found that individuals with strong COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs tended to have lower education.18 The right framing can present the vaccine as a gain instead of a risk.19 Prospect theory posits that in the context of uncertainty, a behavior expected to prevent a loss is more likely to be selected.20 Anecdotally, individuals who have lost loved ones to the illness are likelier to accept the vaccine. Current conspiracy theories suggest that vaccines are riskier than reality and downplay the risks of COVID-19 illness. Current misinformation suggests the vaccine is related to infertility, poisoning, and other imagined severe effects. This risk-benefit analysis, of course, does not stand up to scientific scrutiny, but careful debunking of misinformation in the context of a positive therapeutic alliance can result in a more realistic and balanced view of the situation. In individuals with mental illness, the propensity to overinflate threats and avoid risks may contribute to vaccine hesitancy, as in the case in anxiety disorders.21 The same mechanism could apply to psychotic disorders but has not been formally studied (Table 2). Confronting and Overcoming Vaccine Myths and Misconceptions A survey conducted by the Yale New Haven Health System showed that 1 out of 6 health care workers expressed reluctance to getting the vaccine in the first wave, with the most common reason being medium- and long-term safety issues.22,23 Health care staff also expressed concerns about lack of existing research and data transparency, uncertainty about the inclusion of minority groups in the trials, a rushed process, RNA technology, underlying or preexisting conditions not studied, political influence, and length of expected immunity from the vaccine.23 The KFF's vaccine monitoring system found similar hesitancy trends in the general population.6 A probing yet nonconfrontational approach combined with directing individuals toward objective resources may work best in addressing some of the common misconceptions. Motivational interviewing techniques can also tackle vaccine hesitancy.24 "The vaccine will alter my DNA/make me infertile." The concept of using mRNA as a novel therapeutic tool dates to the early 1990s.25 The mRNA is not designed to integrate with host DNA, nor can it typically do so given its rapid degradation.22 In the COVID-19 vaccine, once the immune response is initiated against the spike protein, mRNA is degraded by the cells.22 "I already had COVID-19, so I do not need the vaccine." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals who previously had COVID-19 get vaccinated. Health experts do not know how long the immunity lasts postinfection because this can be variable depending upon the individual.26 "Not everyone with COVID-19 dies, so I will be fine without the vaccine." As of February 2, 2021, there were 26,034,475 cases of COVID-19 in the US and 439,955 deaths.27 The long-term effects are still unknown, but COVID-19 is suspected to cause dysautonomia, cardiovascular, and neurologic sequelae. Thus, vaccination is recommended not only to protect oneself immediately, but also in the long run and for those who are at high risk.22 "By taking the vaccine I will get the COVID-19 infection or will test positive for COVID-19." The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain the live virus, and vaccines are unable to trigger the full disease. An individual who has received the vaccine will not test positive for COVID-19 in the absence of infection.26 "Would the vaccine make me psychotic or does it have a microchip?" Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have made their vaccine ingredients available to the public. They both contain mRNA along with lipids and other ingredients that help to maintain the pH for stability.22 Patients with mental illness, especially those with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, can become paranoid about vaccine contents.28 Initially, direct the individual to the drug companies' websites and ingredient lists. Address this particular concern with a careful assessment of psychosis in vulnerable patients. "Vaccines cannot be trusted, as they were rushed in the process of their development." During the clinical trials, the companies used the vaccine in a large sample of volunteers to establish its safety and efficacy. It took a few months for the clinical trials to collect substantial data, which was further scrutinized by the experts in the FDA, and the 2 vaccines received EUA. In addition, many vaccine safety monitoring systems are in place: the V-safe, National Healthcare Safety Network, and others are tasked with identifying adverse events not encountered in clinical trials.26 The only missing piece, in fact, is long-term effectiveness data, as most adverse effects with vaccines tend to occur in the first 6 weeks after administration. To refute this misconception, point out that the pandemic's impact led to unprecedented collaboration between governments and pharmaceutical companies and considerably shortened bureaucratic wait times. Dr Khawaja is assistant professor of internal medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine. Dr Iqbal is assistant professor of psychiatry at the Baylor College of Medicine. Dr Shah is professor and executive vice chair, Barbara & Corbin J. Robertson Jr. Chair in Psychiatry at Menninger, chief of the Division of Community Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr Moukaddam is associate professor, Menninger Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, and Ben Taub Adult Outpatient Services director, medical director, Stabilization, Treatment & Rehabilitation (STAR) Program for Psychosis. She also serves on Psychiatric TimesTMAdvisory Board. References 1. US Food and Drug Administration. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. January 28, 2021. Accessed February 2, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine 2. US Food and Drug Administration. Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. January 28, 2021. Accessed February 2, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/moderna-covid-19-vaccine 3. Lazarus JV, Ratzan SC, Palayew A, et al. A global survey of potential acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine. Nat Med. 2020:1–4. 4. Tyson A, Johnson C, Funk C. US public now divided over whether to get COVID-19 vaccine. Pew Center Research. September 17, 2020. Accessed February 2, 2021. https://www.pewresearch.org/science/ 2020/09/17/u-s-public-now-divided-over-whether-to-get-covid-19-vaccine 5. Funk C, Tyson A. Intent to get a COVID-19 vaccine rises to 60% as confidence in research and development process increases. Pew Research Center. December 3, 2020. Accessed February 11, 2021. https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2020/12/03/intent-to-get-a-covid-19-vaccine-rises-to-60-as-confidence-in-research-and-development-process-increases 6. Hamel L, Kirzinger A, Muñana C, Brodie M. KFF COVID-19 vaccine monitor: December 2020. Kaiser Family Foundation. December 15, 2020. Accessed February 2, 2020. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/report/kff-covid-19-vaccine-monitor-december-2020 7. Reiter PL, Pennell ML, Katz ML. Acceptability of a COVID-19 vaccine among adults in the United States: How many people would get vaccinated? Vaccine. 2020;38(42):6500-6507. 8. Baden LR, El Sahly HM, Essink B, et al. Efficacy and safety of the mRNA-1273 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. N Engl J Med. 2021;384:403-416. 9. Polack FP, Thomas SJ, Kitchin N, et al. Safety and efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 vaccine. N Engl J Med. 2020;383(27):2603-2615. 10. O'Callaghan KP, Blatz AM, Offit PA. Developing a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine at warp speed. JAMA. 2020;324(5):437-438. 11. National Institutes of Health. Phase 3 trial of novavax investigational COVID-19 vaccine opens. National Institutes of Health (NIH) press release. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/phase-3-trial-novavax-investigational-covid-19-vaccine-opens. Accessed Feb 10, 2021. 12. Shimabukuro T, Nair N. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis after receipt of the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. JAMA. 2021. 13. Castells MC, Phillips EJ. Maintaining safety with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. N Engl J Med. 2020:NEJMra2035343. 14. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim consideration: preparing for the potential management of anaphylaxis after COVID-19 vaccination. December 31, 2020. Accessed February 2, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/managing-anaphylaxis.html 15. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccination considerations for people with underlying medical conditions. December 29, 2020. Accessed February 2, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/underlying-conditions.html 16. Sallam M, Dababseh D, Eid H, et al. High rates of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its association with conspiracy beliefs: a study in Jordan and Kuwait among other Arab countries. Vaccines (Basel). 2021;9(1):42. 17. Teovanović P, Lukić P, Zupan Z, et al. Irrational beliefs differentially predict adherence to guidelines and pseudoscientific practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appl Cogn Psychol. 2020:10.1002/acp.3770. 18. Georgiou N, Delfabbro P, Balzan R. COVID-19-related conspiracy beliefs and their relationship with perceived stress and pre-existing conspiracy beliefs. Pers Individ Dif. 2020;166:110201. 19. Glare P, Fridman I, Ashton-James CE. Choose your words wisely: the impact of message framing on patients' responses to treatment advice. Int Rev Neurobiol. 2018;139:159-190. 20. Abhyankar P, O'Connor DB, Lawton R. The role of message framing in promoting MMR vaccination: evidence of a loss-frame advantage. Psychol Health Med. 2008;13(1):1-16. 21. Exner C, Zetsche U, Lincoln TM, Rief W. Imminent danger? Probabilistic classification learning of threat-related information in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Behav Ther. 2014;45(2):157-67. 22. Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. 9 common COVID-19 vaccine myths explained. December 23, 2020. Accessed February 2, 2021. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/8-common-covid-19-vaccine-myths-explained/ 23. Roy B, Kumar V, Venkatesh A. Health care workers' reluctance to take the Covid-19 vaccine: a consumer-marketing approach to identifying and overcoming hesitancy. NEJM Catal Innov Care Deliv. 2020;10.1056/CAT.20.0676. 24. Gagneur A. Motivational interviewing: a powerful tool to address vaccine hesitancy. Can Commun Dis Rep. 2020;46(4):93-97. 25. Verbeke R, Lentacker I, De Smedt SC, Dewitte H. Three decades of messenger RNA vaccine development. Nano Today. 2019;28:100766. 26. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Ensuring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. January 28, 2021. Accessed February 2, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html 27. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID data tracker. Accessed February 2, 2021. https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home 28. Gramigna J. Schizophrenia diagnosis among top risk factors for mortality in COVID-19 patients. Healio. January 28, 2021. Accessed February 2, 2021. https://www.healio.com/news/psychiatry/20210 128/schizophrenia-diagnosis-among-top-risk-factors-for-mortality-in-covid19-patients ❒

Love the outdoors? Beware the tiny but vicious lone star tick - Tallahassee Democrat Posted: 18 Mar 2021 11:03 AM PDT Gardeners and others who spend time outside need to beware some of nature's smallest creatures. Those who venture out in our area are undoubtedly familiar with the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, first described by Linnaeus in 1758. Lone star ticks feed on the blood of various domesticated and wild animals as well as humans. More: Strategic mowing or disking another way to help wildlife | Rosenthal More: 'Adorblers' delight: Small but mighty birds a joy in uncertain times | Wild Tallahassee This tick was first considered merely a nuisance as it does not transmit Lyme disease, but more recent studies have shown that this species can transmit various other pathogens to humans and other animals. Lone star ticks enjoy a large and expanding range in the U.S. due to increased populations of white-tailed deer, their primary host. They are found from the Gulf coast north to the Great Lakes and southern Maine and as far west as central Texas to Nebraska. Wild turkeys are also a common host throughout their range. Female lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).  (Photo: Courtesy of J. Occi, Rutgers Center for Vector Biology) White spot is identifier Adult lone star ticks are three to four mm in length and are brown with eight legs. Females have a white spot near the center of the back, giving this tick its common name. The male has varied white streaks or spots around the edges of the top of the body. Each tick goes through three life stages and feeds on different hosts at each stage. They have piercing sucking mouth parts that pierce through the skin of the host. The tick attaches to the skin by the tubular hypostome and secretes a cement that "glues" the tick to the host until feeding is complete. Each tick feeds only once during each life cycle stage, and a blood meal is required for molting into the next stage. After feeding is complete, the tick withdraws its mouth parts and drops to the ground either to molt or to deposit eggs. A tick's lifecycle begins when a blood-engorged adult female tick falls from the host, and after several days, deposits about 5,000 eggs on the soil in a protected location, such as in mulch or leaf litter. Following an incubation period, larvae hatch from eggs and progress through a resting period, after which they seek a host by "questing." Dog Tick (note white behind head); Lone Star tick (white dot on back); Deer Tick. ---  (Photo: American Lyme Disease Foundation) Questing is a behavior that entails climbing up an object, like a blade of grass, and waiting for a host to touch the larva. The larva, one-half to one mm in length, grasps the host and then moves about, seeking a preferred feeding site. Upon finding a suitable location, the larva then attaches, blood-feeds for one to three days, detaches its mouthparts, and then drops from the host to digest its blood meal and to molt into a nymph. Nymphs, one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half mm in length, repeat this process, but after dislodging from their second host, they molt into adults. The entire life cycle typically takes about two years. In Florida, adult ticks peak in spring In Florida, lone star ticks may be active at any time of the year, but seasonal spikes in the population may occur with adult numbers peaking April to June, nymphs during May to September, and larvae during July to September. Unfortunately, it does not get cold enough in our area to kill lone star ticks in winter. While ticks may readily attach to humans in the outdoors, they also may be brought into the home by household pets. A local reaction to a tick bite is common and often consists of a raised red area that can be quite itchy. Unless it becomes infected, primarily from scratching, such reactions generally resolve within a week or two. More ominously, lone star ticks spread serious diseases. On a personal note, my husband and I have each been affected by one of the four diseases described below. The Lone Star tick  (Photo: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI) STARI appears to be transmitted by the lone star tick. Those bitten by such ticks will occasionally develop a circular rash similar to the rash of early Lyme disease, but the lone star tick cannot carry the bacillus that causes Lyme. STARI may be accompanied by fatigue, headache, fever, and muscle or joint pains. Unlike Lyme, STARI has not been linked to arthritis, neurologic disease, or chronic symptoms. Although the cause remains unknown, some physicians treat it with antibiotics. Ehrlichiosis Ehrlichia chaffeensis is the cause of human monocytic ehrlichiosis, and the lone star tick is the primary vector to humans. Signs of ehrlichiosis typically begin within two weeks after the bite of an infected tick. Early signs within the first five days of the illness are usually mild or moderate and may include fever and chills; severe headache; muscle aches; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite; mental confusion, and rash (more common in children). If antibiotic treatment is delayed, ehrlichiosis can sometimes become a very severe illness. Late stage symptoms include damage to the brain or nervous system, respiratory failure, uncontrolled bleeding, organ failure, or death. Fortunately, this disease may be effectively treated with doxycycline. Rickettsiosis Rickettsiosis is a disease caused by infection of one of several bacteria in the genus Rickettsia. The bacterium that causes Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is also in this group. R. parkeri rickettsiosis is generally less severe than RMSF and is almost always associated with an ulcerated necrotic lesion at the site of the tick attachment. Within two to 10 days, the patient may develop a fever, headache, rash, and muscle aches. Doxycycline is also effective in resolving this illness. Tularemia Tularemia is caused by a bacterium (Francisella tularensis) that affects many mammals, including humans, and transmission from lone star ticks is one way that this disease can be acquired. Illness may range from mild to life-threatening, and while the form of the disease varies based on the method of transmission, all are accompanied by fever which can be as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The ulceroglandular form is most common and is characterized by a skin ulcer that appears at the site where the tick has injected the bacteria into the body. The ulcer is accompanied by swelling of lymph glands in the region. The glandular form is similar to that above but without an ulcer. Because this is a rare disease, it can be difficult to diagnose, but it can be effectively treated by a variety of common antibiotics. Autoplay Show Thumbnails Show Captions Last SlideNext Slide Tips for prevention  It is important to note that the best way to prevent developing any of these serious illnesses is avoiding a lone star tick bite in the first place. Many management practices have been evaluated for the reduction of tick numbers in a local area. These practices include acaricide (insecticides for ticks) applications, vegetative management (controlled burning or mechanical removal of under-story brush and other plants), and exclusion of the host animals. The use of a repellent or pesticide, correctly applied to clothing and on gear following specific product label instructions, is considered the best tick bite prevention. Wearing light colored clothing; inspecting clothing, gear, and pets; conducting a full body tick check; and showering after being outdoors are all recommended steps toward preventing tick bites. Removing ticks that have become attached as soon as possible may prevent the injection of disease organisms as the tick sucks blood before it injects its saliva. Removal of nymph ticks can be challenging because of their tiny size, and if you or your pet have ever gotten into a "bed" of "seed ticks," you are aware of what a daunting task removal of hundreds of tiny ticks can be. I can attest to the difficulty of removing them from a black dog with long hair. If your clothing is infested with many "seed ticks," putting the clothing in the dryer at a high heat setting will kill them within six minutes, far easier than trying to remove them one by one. While you should be wary of the lone star tick, please don't let their presence prevent you from spending time outside, especially if that involves working in your garden. Susan Barnes  (Photo: UF/Leon County Extension) Susan Barnes is a Master Gardener Volunteer with UF/IFAS Extension Leon County, an Equal Opportunity Institution. For gardening questions, email the extension office at AskAMasterGardener@ifas.ufl.edu. Never miss a story:  Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page. Read or Share this story: https://www.tallahassee.com/story/life/home-garden/2021/03/18/love-outdoors-beware-tiny-but-vicious-lone-star-tick-diseases/4740939001/

Invesco Ltd.: Form 8.3 - Scapa Group Plc - Yahoo Finance UK Posted: 18 Mar 2021 07:07 AM PDT

1.

KEY INFORMATION

(a)

Full name of discloser:

Invesco Ltd.

(b)

Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.

(c)

Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree

Scapa Group PLC

(d)

If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:

(e)

Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure

17-03-2021

(f)

In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A"

N/A

2.

POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a)

Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:

5p Ordinary GB0007281198

Interests

Short Positions

Number

%

Number

%

(1)

Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:

2,867,848

1.52%

(2)

Cash-settled derivatives:

(3)

Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:

Total

2,867,848

1.52%

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed. Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b)

Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:

Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3.

DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in. The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a)

Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security

Purchase/sale

Number of securities

Price per unit

5p Ordinary

Sale

1,358,449

2.13 GBP

(b)

Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security

Product description e.g. CFD

Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position

Number of reference securities

Price per unit

(c)

Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i)

Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security

Product description e.g. call option

Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.

Number of securities to which option relates

Exercise price per unit

Type e.g. American, European etc.

Expiry date

Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii)

Exercise

Class of relevant security

Product description e.g. call option

Exercising/ exercised against

Number of securities

Exercise price per unit

(d)

Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security

Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion

Details

Price per unit (if applicable)

4.

OTHER INFORMATION

(a)

Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"

None

(b)

Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"

None

(c)

Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?

NO

Date of disclosure

18-03-2021

Contact name

Philippa Holmes

Telephone number

+44 1491 417447

Holding(s) in Company - Yahoo Finance UK Posted: 18 Mar 2021 07:04 AM PDT Globe Newswire GOGL - Filing of 2020 Annual Report on Form 20-F Golden Ocean Group Limited (NASDAQ and OSE: GOGL) (the "Company") announces that its annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 (the "Annual Report") has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The Annual Report may be accessed through the Company's website, www.goldenocean.bm, or in the link below. The Annual Report is also available on the website of the Commission, www.sec.gov. Shareholders may also request a hard copy of the Annual Report, which includes the Company's complete 2020 audited financial statements, by contacting the Investor Relations department. Golden Ocean Group LimitedHamilton, BermudaMarch 18, 2021 Contact Person: Peder Simonsen: Chief Financial Officer, Golden Ocean Management AS +47 22 01 73 45 This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Attachment Golden Ocean 2020 Form 20-F

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