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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
US CDC vaccine panel cites nonexistent study in Thimerosal review, sparks controversy
A general view of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia September 30, 2014. Photo|:REUTERS/ Listen to article A review on the use of the preservative thimerosal in vaccines slated to be presented on Thursday to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's outside vaccine committee cites a study that does not exist, the scientist listed as the study's author said. The report, called "Thimerosal as a Vaccine Preservative" published on the CDC website on Tuesday, is to be presented by Lyn Redwood, a former leader of the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense. It makes reference to a study called "Low-level neonatal thimerosal exposure: Long-term consequences in the brain," published in the journal Neurotoxicology in 2008, and co-authored by UC Davis Professor Emeritus Robert Berman. But according to Berman, "it's not making reference to a study I published or carried out." Berman said he co-authored a similarly named study in a different journal - Toxicological Sciences - that came to different conclusions than those suggested by Redwood. "We did not examine the effects of thimerosal in microglia... I do not endorse this misrepresentation of the research," he said. Reuters is the first to report on the inaccurate citation from Redwood's planned presentation. Later on Tuesday, the CDC uploaded a new version of Redwood's presentation, removing the slide that cited the Berman study. The meeting has become increasingly controversial after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. just weeks ago abruptly fired all previous 17 members of the expert panel and named eight new members, half of whom have advocated against vaccines. The CDC ACIP Slides have been removed from the CDC website. Will they reappear for public review before the meeting? Or is HHS "radical transparency" = hiding data and presentations from the public and presenting false data to ACIP? — Dr. David B (@boulware_dr) June 25, 2025 Kennedy, a long-time anti-vaccine activist, founded the Children's Health Defense. Both Republican US Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Democratic US Senator Patty Murray of Washington said the June 25 and 26 meeting should be postponed. The summary of the presentation suggested that there are enough thimerosal-free flu vaccines and that all pregnant women, infants and children should receive only those shots. Those aren't CDC slides. They are the slides for the presentation by Lyn Redwood, former president of Children's Health — Helen Branswell 🇨🇦 (@HelenBranswell) June 25, 2025 It was not clear if the new advisory panel would be asked to vote on such a move. Redwood's presentation was in contrast to a separate report posted by CDC staff on the CDC website on Tuesday that says evidence does not support a link between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. Kennedy has long pushed a link between vaccines and autism contrary to scientific evidence. Redwood could not be immediately reached for comment. An HHS spokesman said the study being referenced was the Toxicological Sciences study Berman said was being misrepresented. The CDC's briefing material reviewed some studies on neurodevelopmental outcomes and vaccines that contain thimerosal, which has long been used in the US in multi-dose vials of medicines and vaccines to prevent germs from growing in them. According to the CDC report, 96% of all influenza vaccines in the US were thimerosal free during the 2024-25 flu season. It also added that the number of pregnant women receiving a thimerosal-containing flu vaccine has decreased over time, with only 0.3% of doses given in 2024 containing thimerosal. Kennedy wrote a book in 2014 claiming that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative, causes brain damage. On Monday, Cassidy, who heads the US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, called for the meeting to be delayed, saying it should not take place with a relatively small panel and without a CDC director in place. Murray, a senior member and former chair of the HELP Committee, has also called for the fired panel members to be reinstated or the meeting be delayed until new members are appropriately vetted. Earlier, a newly appointed panel of vaccine advisers by US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. is now down to seven after a member withdrew ahead of the committee's first meeting, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said on Tuesday. Earlier in June, Kennedy had named eight members to serve on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC)Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), including several who have advocated against vaccines, after abruptly firing all 17 members of the independent committee of experts. "Dr. Michael Ross decided to withdraw from ACIP during the financial holdings review required of members before they can start work on the committee," HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said in a statement, adding the committee would have benefited from his service and expertise. The New York Times first reported the news on Ross' departure. A list of voting members for the panel on the CDC's website didn't feature Ross' name as of Tuesday night. The panel, which advises the US CDC on who should get the shots after they are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is due to meet on June 25 and 26. It will vote on the safety of flu shots and discuss proposed recommendations for use of the combined MMRV vaccine for children under 5 years of age, according to a draft agenda on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website last week. A review on the use of the preservative thimerosal in vaccines will also be presented by Lyn Redwood on Thursday during the meeting, a former leader of the anti-vaccine group Children's Health Defense.
Miami Herald
09-06-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
JBA AI Earns FDA SaMD Recognition
A New Era of Accessible Health Monitoring GARDEN GROVE, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / June 9, 2025 / JBA AI, the flagship health-tech division under AQ Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and JBA Brands, proudly announces several major global milestones in its mission to make preventive healthcare more accessible, intelligent, and affordable. JBA AI has been officially recognized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Software as a Medical Device (SaMD). In addition, the platform has now received Class B Medical Device approval from Vietnam's Ministry of Health. These achievements affirm the platform's safety, clinical effectiveness, and international credibility. The JBA AI mobile application is already available globally for Android users and will soon be released on iOS. It enables contactless, non-invasive vital signs monitoring directly through smartphones or tablets. In just 60 seconds, the app delivers insights on over nine key health metrics. These include heart rate, heart rate variability, blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, stress index, and estimated glucose and blood pressure trends. This is achieved using AI-powered facial signal analysis through camera-based remote photoplethysmography technology. Expanding its impact even further, JBA AI has partnered with one of Vietnam's largest financial institutions, which serves more than 30 millions members. Together, they are preparing to launch JBA AI nationwide, making preventive health monitoring more accessible through a trusted and widespread digital network. "JBA AI is more than a health app - it's a certified medical device. Recognized by both the FDA and Vietnam's Ministry of Health," said Tracy Trang Nguyen, founder and CEO of JBA AI. "We're proud to deliver trusted, clinically guided tools for daily health monitoring worldwide." Nguyen is a Vietnamese American engineer and wellness industry leader who developed JBA AI after surviving cancer. Her personal health journey inspired her to combine advanced artificial intelligence with affordable wellness solutions. Under her leadership, JBA AI complements other products within the JBA Brands portfolio, such as GlucoTrojan, Joint Revive Fucoidan, and Vegan Collagen, to form a fully integrated health ecosystem. JBA AI is already gaining traction and is starting to expand into pharmacies, corporate wellness programs, public health campaigns, and family clinics across the United States, Vietnam, and other countries. The platform's franchise-ready model supports rapid local deployment while keeping costs low and impact high. It is designed to help people monitor their health in real-time, without the need for needles, wearable devices or clinic visits. JBA AI is currently welcoming franchisees, affiliates, and institutional partners to help bring this technology to communities around the world. Whether at home or in partnership with healthcare providers, JBA AI is redefining preventive care through data-driven technology and a compassionate approach to well-being. Contact Information Catherine Marino Marketing Managercat@ 714 903 1009 SOURCE: AQP One, Inc. press release
Axios
03-06-2025
- General
- Axios
Scoop: UTA to skip Utah Pride and all 2025 festivals during review
For the first time since 2022, the Utah Transit Authority will skip the Utah Pride Festival, following a pause on all festival and parade participation for the remainder of the year. Why it matters: Utah GOP lawmakers have previously expressed concerns over UTA's participation in the state's largest annual LGBTQ+ celebration. In 2023, text messages revealed some of them urged UTA to pull a rainbow-decorated bus that was set to appear in the parade. State of play: UTA spokesperson Gavin Gustafson told Axios that sitting out this year's events is necessary to "conduct a comprehensive review of our fare agreements, ensuring consistency and responsible stewardship of public funds." Gustafson said UTA board members and administrators made the decision in April and that it's centered on Ticket as Fare agreements, which allow tickets to approved events to serve as UTA passes. Zoom in: Axios obtained an April 2 email sent to senior leadership by executive director Jay Fox calling for the immediate cancellation of "all current agreements, plans, purchases, or discussions related to any UTA festival and parade participation this year." The email said the agency plans to provide a report in October to state lawmakers detailing the agreements and "their value." It also included talking points and guidance for responding to questions around the directive because it "may raise questions and concerns," and it told management to expect employee disappointment over the decision.
Mid East Info
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to visit Japan to highlight global role of mobility innovation and continued motorsport growth
Dubai, UAE: The President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Mohammed Ben Sulayem will embark on a high-level visit to Japan this week, underscoring the strategic importance of the country in shaping the future of global mobility, automotive innovation, and motorsport development. The visit reaffirms the FIA's commitment, as the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, to collaborating with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), global governments, mobility clubs and national sport authorities (ASNs) to advance sustainable mobility and inclusive motorsport growth. Japan, as a leading technological and industrial powerhouse, plays a critical role in driving innovations that have far-reaching, worldwide impact. Mobility innovation in the country is setting global standards, with advanced public transportation systems, smart city development, ongoing research into alternative fuels, and growing Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms. Last year's Japan Mobility Show attracted record numbers of over 1.25m as it emphasised sustainability and cross-industry collaboration. In the sporting sector the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) reported over 200,000 licensed drivers actively participating in motorsport – a growth of over 20% in the last five years, alongside record attendance at this year's Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, marking the highest turnout since 2006. During his visit, Ben Sulayem will engage in key discussions with prominent government leaders and stakeholders, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Koji Murofushi the Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, and Hiromasa Nakano, Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Hosted by JAF, Ben Sulayem will also take part in a tour of the City Circuit and JAF Control Tower, showcasing Japan's investment in motorsport infrastructure and urban racing concepts. Speaking ahead of his visit, Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: 'Japan continues to be a beacon of technological leadership in the automotive sector, motorsport passion, and innovative mobility solutions which improve people's quality of life. This visit is an opportunity to strengthen our ties and align our shared goals that can benefit the global community. 'It also reflects the FIA's broader vision to drive progress in innovation, safety, and sustainability across mobility and motorsport. With its powerful combination of industrial strength, governmental commitment, and rich sporting heritage, Japan stands as a key partner in realising these global objectives.' This visit aligns with the FIA's broader vision to foster innovation, safety, and sustainability across mobility and motorsport, while promoting accessibility worldwide. Japan's unique combination of industrial capability, governmental support, and sporting heritage makes it a pivotal partner in achieving these objectives. The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wildix Rolls out Fully Embedded Agentic AI for UCaaS that's Modular, Codeless, Autonomous
Real-time, codeless automation with shared memory, native privacy controls and proven ROI, now live in 1,000+ environments TALLINN, Estonia, May 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wildix, a global Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) provider, today announced the launch of the industry's first fully embedded agentic AI layer for UCaaS, now operational across more than 1,000 customer environments. Designed to adapt to how each organization operates, the AI layer automates interactions across voice, chat, SMS, WhatsApp and web, without relying on static scripts or bolted-on bots. The system interprets language, references past exchanges and applies contextual logic to guide each decision. Modular by design, the system can be tailored to specific workflows, whether it's routing calls in public services, handling appointments in healthcare or managing surges in retail. Configuration happens through a visual no-code studio, making deployment fast, repeatable and scalable for partners and customers alike. According to Gartner, agentic AI will autonomously resolve 80% of customer service issues by 2029, leading to a 30% reduction in operational costs. "Wildix's launch of its agentic AI solution that works across all types of communication channels is very timely," said Oru Mohiuddin, Research Director, IDC. "Businesses are increasingly looking to automate workflows that can help to drive customer satisfaction and efficiency simultaneously. Solutions that can help to achieve this will resonate closely with customer demand." Wildix brings that future forward, with contextual automation, shared memory, and no-code design that deliver ROI from day one. It reduces overflow, speeds up response and proves its value from the start. "Organizations are under pressure to accelerate service, reduce costs and improve responsiveness," said Dimitri Osler, co-founder and CIO, Wildix. "This release is designed to meet those expectations immediately. Our AI doesn't just assist. It executes, adapts and integrates natively into existing workflows with zero disruption." Core Capabilities That Support Business Outcomes Wildix AI automates the high-frequency, high-friction tasks that slow teams down — scheduling, call routing, follow-ups and FAQs, while maintaining full context across every interaction. Key capabilities include: Codeless AI studio to launch expert workflows in minutes Multilingual support in 13+ languages, across voice and chat Sentiment-aware escalation to route complex or emotional cases to humans Native integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, WhatsApp, and Omnichannel deployment, including browser, mobile, headsets and embeddable widgets Persistent memory across agents, channels and sessions GDPR-aligned architecture with transcription engines separated from LLMs to protect PII The system is available across the full Wildix suite, including x-bees for sales-oriented teams, x-hoppers for retail and Collaboration 7 for business operations. Real-world automation, measurable impact Wildix partners work directly with customers to define metrics before deployment, from first-contact resolution to overflow cost reduction, and configure automation to deliver visible, immediate value. In the United Kingdom, a growing network of telehealth providers implemented the AI system across more than 40 dental practices to address peak-hour call volumes. Today, the AI receptionist handles scheduling, reminders and insurance queries, reducing third-party overflow costs and increasing billable appointment time. "This is one of the cleanest ROIs we've ever delivered," said Stewart Donnor, Global Head of Sales Engineering, Wildix. "It cuts overflow costs, increases billable time and it gives clinics their front desk back." In Spain, the Valencian Football Federation uses Wildix AI to absorb seasonal surges in fan inquiries, including ticketing, schedules and match-day updates. The system handles tens of thousands of contacts during peak events, without requiring year-round staffing. "We saw the demand was going to grow before it became a problem," said Jaime Mestre, IT Manager, Valencia Football Federation. "With Wildix and the support of our Wildix Leader Network Gold Partner, we've created a system that understands our members, responds instantly and gives our staff time to focus on what really matters." Scalable AI Architecture for Long-Term Growth Wildix has spent years building AI features designed for real business use cases, from live call summaries and multilingual support to headset-triggered in-store alerts and sales coaching. This latest release consolidates those innovations into a single automation layer that can scale without disrupting daily operations or introducing third-party complexity. Upcoming enhancements include unified scoring to assess both AI and human agent performance, CRM-driven coaching with real-time next-best-action prompts, native WhatsApp automation with live handoff and expanded language support. To explore Wildix's AI-powered solutions, visit About Wildix Wildix is a global provider of Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) solutions, designed to simplify business collaboration and drive measurable performance. With fully integrated telephony, video, messaging, and AI capabilities, Wildix helps organizations connect securely and effectively, whether in-office, hybrid, or frontline. Its vertical retail platform, x-hoppers, delivers instant, hands-free communication to staff on the move, improving customer experience and operational speed. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Deliah MathieuVP of Global Communications, Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
