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golden empire jili hack BEND, OREGON (AP) — Eliza Wilson is a little nervous as she draws the microphone close, but she is determined to share her life story. “My father was a disabled veteran,” she says. “I first experienced homelessness when I was 5 years old.” Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * BEND, OREGON (AP) — Eliza Wilson is a little nervous as she draws the microphone close, but she is determined to share her life story. “My father was a disabled veteran,” she says. “I first experienced homelessness when I was 5 years old.” Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? BEND, OREGON (AP) — Eliza Wilson is a little nervous as she draws the microphone close, but she is determined to share her life story. “My father was a disabled veteran,” she says. “I first experienced homelessness when I was 5 years old.” Wilson, who’s 36, leads programs focused on unhoused youth. On a recent Saturday, she is addressing a citizen assembly, a grassroots gathering seeking solutions to tough local challenges. Her audience consists of 30 ordinary Oregonians. They are acupuncturists and elk hunters; house cleaners and retired riverboat pilots. None are public policy experts. All the same, these participants have been asked to recommend new strategies for combating youth homelessness — a major problem in this affluent Oregon city and the surrounding rural areas of Deschutes County. This unusual experiment in small-D democracy is underwritten by more than $250,000 in grants from backers such as the Rockefeller Foundation and Omidyar Network. As a key early presenter, Wilson wins rapt attention, clicking through data-rich slides and sharing her story of crisis and recovery. That’s how citizen assemblies should work, says Kevin O’Neil, an innovation specialist at the Rockefeller Foundation. His research shows Americans are frustrated with what they perceive as aloofness and gridlock within civic institutions. “People want to be directly involved in decision-making,” O’Neil says. “They recognize the value of expertise, but they don’t want to delegate decision-making to experts.” Assemblies can help “overcome polarization and strengthen societal cohesion,” says Claudia Chwalisz, founder of DemocracyNext. Her nonprofit, launched in Paris in 2022, champions such assemblies worldwide, hoping they can “create the democratic spaces for everyday people to grapple with the complexity of policy issues, listen to one another, and find common ground.” At least, that’s the theory. To succeed, citizen assemblies can’t settle for a few days of harmonious dialogue among well-intentioned strangers. They need to inspire policy changes or new programs from government and other civic institutions. In Europe, such wins abound. In the United States, results are spottier. The most fruitful U.S. effort to date was a 2021 people’s assembly in Washington State that produced 148 ideas — including more solar canopies and food composting — to combat climate change. More often, progress is challenging. An assembly in 2022 in Petaluma, California, spun up ideas to repurpose a long-time county fairground site. Two years later, the fair still operates under short-term leases; its long-term destiny remains in limbo. In Colorado’s Montrose County, enacting an assembly’s bold ideas for improving rural day care has been “more of a marathon than a sprint,” says organizer Morgan Lasher. Can central Oregon do better? It may take years to know, but evidence so far shows both the assembly system’s opportunities and the challenges. Bend’s local economy is strong, with a jobless rate of just 4.2% and median household income of more than $80,000. As housing costs have skyrocketed, though, the spectacle of people living in tent and trailer encampments has become more common. A January count found more than 1,800 people were homeless in Deschutes County, up from 913 in 2020. In 2023, DemocracyNext and Healthy Democracy, a Portland, Oregon, nonprofit, connected with Bend officials interested in bringing the assembly idea to central Oregon. Josh Burgess, an Air Force veteran, who moved to Bend and became the proverbial “advance man” for DemocracyNext. Operating in a county evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans, Burgess built rapport with both liberal and conservative members on the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. “It took four or five meetings to get there,” Burgess recalls. Organizers decided to focus on homelessness among ages 14 to 24, where opportunities for progress seemed greatest. To pick citizens for the assembly, organizers contacted 12,000 county residents before selecting just 30. Everything was balanced by age, race, gender, and geography – a slow, costly requirement. Even so, advocates such as Michelle Barsa of Omidyar Network says assemblies’ big edge comes from using “an actual representative sample of the community, not just the people who always show up at town-hall meetings and yell into a microphone for three minutes.” At the northern edge of Oregon State’s Bend campus, a few hundred yards from the Deschutes River, is the McGrath Family atrium, a sunlight-drenched space with panoramic woodland views. It feels almost like a spa. As the Bend assembly gets started, black tablecloths at a huge, U-shaped table convey gravity. Name tags identify attendees as “Noelle,” “Dave,” “Alex.” The first few hours go slowly, but everything perks up after lunch. Eliza Wilson takes command, introducing herself as director of runaway and homeless youth services at J Bar J, a social-services organization. Her voice is unfailingly steady, but emotions race fast across her face: hope, frustration, empathy, resolve, and more. “Teens get really good at hiding their homelessness,” Wilson explains. “We don’t share family business outside of the family. I was really fortunate that a high-school counselor pointed me, at age 15, to the first youth shelter that had just opened in Bend. I stayed there for three years, until I graduated from high school. I finally got on my feet at age 21.” As Wilson finishes, questions stream in. “Are there any programs advocating for children to get back to their parents?” one woman wants to know. “Is there open communication between you guys and the school district?” a man asks. Wilson and other presenters respond with a road map of what exists today. They point out how homeless youth are in a precarious but not hopeless situation, counting on allies for a couch to sleep on. Less than 20 percent live outside in encampments. Practically everyone in the audience takes notes. The next day, assembly members strike up conversations with young adults who were once homeless. Chronic problems — and glimmers of ideas about how to address them — tumble forth. Flaws in the foster parent system. The risk of sexual abuse. The unique challenges that LGBTQ youth face. Attendees — who shared their thoughts with the Chronicle on the condition they be identified only by their first name — regarded those conversations as eye-opening breakthroughs in their hunt for policy recommendations. “I’m coming away with a whole different point of view,” Ken told me. He had arrived believing that poor parenting and drug abuse led to homelessness, and that affected families should personally address such challenges. Now, he said, he was interested in broader solutions. Several local officials stopped by to watch the assembly proceedings. Phil Chang, a Deschutes County commissioner, said the broad-based assembly creates “social license for us to do things that the community wants.” Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Conservative county commissioner Tony DeBone worries that Oregon’s rollback of drug-offense laws has worsened social problems; he also believes that an economic upturn would do the most good. Still, he says, he’s willing to see what the assembly can offer. Ultimately, the assembly’s effectiveness will depend on whether its recommendations can overcome bureaucratic inertia, says Tammy Baney, executive director of the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council. Proposed changes in police interactions with homeless youth could be acted on within a month or two if local law enforcement is receptive, she says. Improving Oregon’s gridlocked foster-care system might be much harder. “It all depends on how much political will there is,” Baney says. _____ George Anders is editor-at-large at the Chronicle of Philanthropy, where you can read the full article. This article was provided to The Associated Press by the Chronicle of Philanthropy as part of a partnership to cover philanthropy and nonprofits supported by the Lilly Endowment. The Chronicle is solely responsible for the content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy. Advertisement AdvertisementUS President-elect Donald Trump on Monday praised Japan's SoftBank for its decision to invest $100 billion in the United States and create 100,000 new jobs, a big win for his incoming administration. "This historic investment is a monumental demonstration of confidence in America's future," Trump said during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, flanked by SoftBank chief executive Masayoshi Son. "It will help ensure that artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and other industries of tomorrow are built, created and grown right here in the USA," added Trump, who takes office from US President Joe Biden next month. Speaking alongside Trump, Son confirmed the investment company's financial commitment, adding that Trump's victory had "tremendously increased" his confidence in the US economy. "I am truly excited to make this happen," added Son, 67. - Second commitment - Son's announcement is around double the amount he committed SoftBank to in December 2016, shortly before Trump began his first term as president. The Japanese investment holding company ultimately parted with around $100 billion through its Vision Fund, with much of the money supplied by sovereign wealth funds in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. "President Trump is a double-down president," Son said on Monday, adding: "I'm going to have to double down." Son made his name with successful early investments in Chinese e-commerce titan Alibaba and internet pioneer Yahoo, but has also bet on catastrophic failures such as WeWork. He has repeatedly said that "artificial superintelligence" will arrive in a decade, bringing new inventions, new medicine, new knowledge and new ways to invest. The SoftBank Group posted a bumper second-quarter net profit last month, returning to the black after net losses in the first quarter and the previous financial year. The company indicated back in March that it had $26 billion ready to be deployed for new investments. - Tariff worries - Stephen Moore, an economic advisor to Donald Trump, said the announcement marked a "great day." "The importation of capital into the US is a huge leading indicator for jobs and prosperity to come," Moore, an economist at the conservative Heritage Foundation, told AFP in a message. On the campaign trail, Trump pledged to boost the US economy by cutting red tape and fast-tracking investments, including into the oil and gas sector. US financial markets surged following his victory on November 5, with the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite index and the broad-based S&P 500 both hitting fresh records. Despite the enthusiasm in the markets, some analysts have voiced concern that Trump's proposals to implement new tariffs on US imports and deport millions of undocumented workers could end up hurting growth, and causing a spike in inflation. "The increased likelihood of substantial new tariffs on US imports would have the most consequential effect on economic growth," economists at Wells Fargo wrote in a recent note to clients, adding they had "bumped up" their inflation outlook and slightly cut their GDP forecast following Trump's win. Other analysts say the impact of Trump's tariff plans will largely depend on how they are actually implemented. "The impact on inflation need not be particularly significant for monetary policy," economists at Goldman Sachs wrote in a recent investor note. But, they added "this could change if the White House imposes a 10 percent universal tariff," referring to one of Trump's proposals on the campaign trail. Speaking in Mar-a-Lago on Monday, Trump insisted that, "properly used," tariffs would be positive for the US economy. "Our country right now loses to everybody," he said. "Almost nobody do we have a surplus with." "Tariffs will make our country rich," he added. da-tu/nro

( MENAFN - GetNews) Millimeter wave (mmWave) innovation and a small float spark investor excitement as Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO) captures attention in the drone tech space. Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO) , a leader in millimeter wave (mmWave) technology, is making headlines with its cutting-edge innovations in wireless connectivity, specifically for surveillance drones. Leveraging high-speed, low-latency links, Peraso's technology is ideal for drones that require real-time data transfer, making it a game-changer in sectors like security, logistics, and remote monitoring. With a remarkably low float of just 3.9 million shares , Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO) has become a high-potential stock to watch. To put this in perspective, the float is nearly 20 times smaller than that of Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS) , which recently experienced a massive rally, climbing from $0.80 to $1.50 in a matter of weeks. This kind of volatility could signal a similar breakout opportunity for Peraso. The global drone market continues to expand at an unprecedented pace, driven by demand for advanced applications in both civilian and military sectors. Peraso's mmWave technology is uniquely positioned to serve this booming market, as it provides the ultra-fast data speeds and minimal latency essential for drones used in real-time surveillance, precision delivery, and beyond. Investors are Taking Note The combination of a small float, advanced technology, and growing market demand has led to increased interest from retail and institutional investors alike. Stocks with a limited float like Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO) often see significant price movements when demand spikes, offering the potential for sharp gains in a short timeframe. Analysts Are Watching the Drone Boom The adoption of mmWave technology is becoming a cornerstone of the next generation of drone communication systems. With industries increasingly turning to autonomous solutions, companies like Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO) are set to ride the wave of this transformation. As Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO) continues to innovate and expand its influence in the drone tech sector, all eyes are on Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO) as a potential breakout stock. With its affordable price point , compelling technology, and bullish market indicators, this is one ticker investors won't want to miss tuned for updates as the drone mystery unfolds and Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO makes its mark in the world of advanced mmWave technology stocks in the drone sector, including Peraso Inc. (NASDAQ: PRSO), Joby Aviation Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR), Unusual Machines Inc. (NYSE: UMAC), Mobilicom Limited (NASDAQ: MOB), and Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS) , have demonstrated notable momentum and deserve a spot on every investor's radar. Disclaimers: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors with a safe harbor with regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, assumptions, objectives, goals, and assumptions about future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward looking statements in this action may be identified through use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements, indicating certain actions & quotes; may, could or might occur Understand there is no guarantee past performance is indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap or growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investor's investment may be lost or due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. TheStreetReports (TSR) is responsible for the production and distribution of this content."TSR" is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment advisor. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. "TSR" authors, contributors, or its agents, may be compensated for preparing research, video graphics, podcasts and editorial content. "TSR" has not been compensated to produce content related to "Any Companies" appearing herein. As part of that content, readers, subscribers, and everyone viewing this content are expected to read the full disclaimer in our website. MENAFN16122024003238003268ID1108999899 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.NOVATO, Calif. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hennessy Advisors, Inc. (Nasdaq: HNNA) today reported results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 . "So far in 2024, the U.S. stock market and economy have thrived on a wave of optimism," said Neil Hennessy , Chairman and CEO. "With the presidential election and initial Federal Reserve rate cuts now behind us, investors can return their focus to core fundamentals of the U.S. economy, which appear solid." "Over the course of more than four decades in this business, I have witnessed the economic resilience of the United States through periods of high inflation, rising interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty. Today, I believe many economic fundamentals are strong. Unemployment is low and stable, corporate earnings and cash flows are robust, and our banking system is both healthy and viable. With positive consumer sentiment, I see spending driving corporate profits, and I believe this will spur the stock market's continued growth through the end of the year and beyond. As always, our focus remains on navigating any economic environment to deliver long-term value for our shareholders," he continued. "In the one-year period ended September 30, 2024 , the Dow Jones Industrial Average returned 28.85% and the S&P 500 ® Index returned 36.35% (on a total return basis). Over the same period, all 17 Hennessy Funds posted positive returns. Over the longer term, 15 of the Hennessy Funds posted positive returns for the three-year period ended September 30, 2024 , and all 16 Hennessy Funds with at least 10 years of operating history posted positive returns for both the 5-year and 10-year periods ended September 30, 2024 ," stated Neil Hennessy . "In 2024, we successfully executed on all three fronts of our long-standing business strategy," said Teresa Nilsen , President and COO. "Over the twelve months ended September 30, 2024 , we purchased assets related to the management of $72 million in mutual funds, we welcomed $549 million in net new assets under management, and we benefited from nearly $1 billion in market appreciation." "The effective execution of our business model drove a 23% increase in our average assets under management over the prior year, creating a strong start to fiscal year 2025 with total assets under management up more than 50% since September 30, 2023 ," she continued. "Our fiscal year results reflect both the strength of our consistent strategy and the dedication of our talented team, whose focused efforts have driven the success of Hennessy Advisors for over 35 years. I am immensely proud of what we've accomplished and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead." Summary Highlights for the Fiscal Year (compared to fiscal year 2023): Twelve Months Ended Sept 30, Change 2024 2023 Dollar Percent Total Revenue $ 29,646,194 $ 24,019,874 $ 5,626,320 23.4 % Net Income 7,096,701 4,770,888 2,325,813 48.8 % Earnings Per Share (Diluted) 0.92 0.63 0.29 46.0 % Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding (Diluted) 7,721,781 7,603,676 118,105 1.6 % Average Assets Under Management 3,686,942,501 2,991,689,979 695,252,522 23.2 % As of Sept 30, 2024 2023 Total Assets Under Management $ 4,642,363,105 $ 3,032,041,791 $ 1,610,321,314 53.1 % Cash and Cash Equivalents, Net of Gross Debt Balance 23,671,594 20,225,668 3,445,926 17.0 % About Hennessy Advisors, Inc. Hennessy Advisors, Inc. is a publicly traded investment manager offering a broad range of domestic equity, multi-asset, and sector and specialty funds. Hennessy Advisors, Inc. is committed to providing superior service to shareholders and employing a consistent and disciplined approach to investing based on a buy‐and‐hold philosophy that rejects the idea of market timing. Supplemental Information Nothing in this press release shall be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security to any person in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, purchase, or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" for which Hennessy Advisors, Inc. claims the protection of the safe harbor contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward‐looking statements relate to expectations and projections about future events based on currently available information. Forward‐looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results and are not necessarily accurate indications of the times at which, or means by which, such performance or results may be achieved. Forward‐looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including those described in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the reports that Hennessy Advisors, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Unforeseen developments could cause actual performance or results to differ substantially from those expressed in, or suggested by, the forward‐looking statements. Hennessy Advisors, Inc. management does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the forward-looking statements and undertakes no responsibility to update any such statement after the date of this press release to conform to actual results or to changes in expectations. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hennessy-advisors-inc-reports-46-increase-in-annual-earnings-per-share-302329179.html SOURCE Hennessy Advisors, Inc.

In recent years, with the ongoing advancements of new technology, more content creators have been developing online personas to attract and interact with viewers, as seen with the growing number of virtual YouTubers, or VTubers. Some may use this technology to create a recognizable mascot character or to separate their real and online identities. Others, lacking self-confidence, might hide behind a fictional representation. However, there are also some people who use AR and AI technology to deceive others. In early 2024, Kaiga Yokota, a 33-year-old resident of Moriguchi, Osaka, used AI to design a character so realistic that it could be mistaken for a real woman. He proceeded to set up social media accounts and pose as this woman online, advertising his services to help people become more attractive to the opposite sex. At this stage, while his actions may be dishonest, it’s hard to say they were inherently illegal. He was simply a man using a symbol to conduct his business. The same could easily be said for VTubers. By June 2024, the social media page of Yokota’s online personality, going by the name of Miru Nanase, had amassed approximately 90,000 followers. He offered people the chance to become more appealing to the opposite sex by transforming their appearance, personality, and communication skills. Many people were interested in the services, but appointments had to be made by signing up through the LINE messaging app. However, the lack of responses to comments from interested users and the absence of testimonials led many to question the legitimacy of the business and even the existence of Miru Nanase. On December 5, Yokota was arrested on suspicion of fraud. The allegations state that between April 16 and May 6, he swindled a total of 1.25 million yen from a 35-year-old man living in Yamato-Takada City, Nara Prefecture. The money was paid with the expectation of receiving advice on attracting women and as investment funds for forex trading. Yokota has not disputed the transaction but claims that there was no deception involved. Setting aside the questionable logic of paying a stranger on social media substantial sums of money for dating advice — not once, but three whole times, it’s currently unclear whether the prosecution’s case will hinge entirely on Yokota’s use of the AI-generated images and persona to present the advice as coming from an attractive woman, or if the accusations are more related to possible non-delivery of actual dating advice. Either way, like our lonely man from Nara learned, we should approach internet interactions with a healthy dose of skepticism and remember that online actions can sometimes have real consequences. Source: Mainichi Shimbun via Hachimakiko Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- Japanese communications company to introduce AI love advice specialist -- AI Samurai: The artificially intelligent, armored samurai that will answer all your questions -- Tokyo government’s official AI-powered dating app, Tokyo Enmusubi, has officially launchedThe U.S. Commerce Department is intensifying its scrutiny on China Telecom's American operations, amid fears of potential misuse of access to U.S. data for the benefit of Beijing. This action follows the department's issuance of a preliminary determination indicating the risks to national security posed by the company. A reliable source has confirmed that the department's decision stems from last week's report by the New York Times, which highlighted these concerns linked to China Telecom and its integration in U.S. networks and cloud services. The company has been granted a 30-day period to counter the department's national security risk claims, as the apprehension over potential data leakage to China increases tension in international business relations. (With inputs from agencies.)

By Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald (TNS) MIAMI — As her students finished their online exam, Arlet Lara got up to make a cafe con leche . Her 16-year-old son found her on the kitchen floor. First, he called Dad in a panic. Then 911. “I had a stroke and my life made a 180-degree turn,” Lara told the Miami Herald, recalling the medical scare she experienced in May 2020 in the early months of the COVID pandemic. “The stroke affected my left side of the body,” the North Miami woman and former high school math teacher said. Lara, an avid runner and gym goer, couldn’t even walk. “It was hard,” the 50-year-old mom said. After years of rehabilitation therapy and a foot surgery, Lara can walk again. But she still struggles with moving. This summer, she became the first patient in South Florida to get an implant of a new and only FDA-approved nerve stimulation device designed to help ischemic stroke survivors regain movement in their arms and hands. This first procedure was at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. Lara’s rehab was at at the Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, part of a partnership between Jackson Health System and UHealth. Every year, thousands in the United States have a stroke , with one occurring every 40 seconds, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of strokes are ischemic, often caused by blood clots that obstruct blood flow to the brain. For survivors, most of whom are left with some level of disability, the Vivistim Paired VNS System, the device implanted in Lara’s chest, could be a game changer in recovery, said Dr. Robert Starke, a UHealth neurosurgeon and interventional neuroradiologist. He also serves as co-director of endovascular neurosurgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital, part of Miami-Dade’s public hospital system. Arlet Lara, the first patient in South Florida to get an FDA-approved nerve stimulation implant, right, runs into her rehabilitation neurology physician Dr. Gemayaret Alvarez, before her physical therapy appointment on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at Lynn Rehabilitation Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The implant is designed to help stroke survivors regain function in their arms. (Alie Skowronski/Miami Herald/TNS) Arlet Lara, the first patient in South Florida to get an FDA-approved nerve stimulation implant designed to help stroke survivors regain function in their arms, goes through exercises while her therapist activates the device during her physical therapy appointment on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at Lynn Rehabilitation Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The activation works as positive reinforcement to her muscles when she completes the exercise correctly. (Alie Skowronski/Miami Herald/TNS) Arlet Lara, the first patient in South Florida to get an FDA-approved nerve stimulation implant, does an exercise while Neil Batungbakal, rehabilitation therapist, activates the implant with the black trigger during her physical therapy appointment on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at Lynn Rehabilitation Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The implant is designed to help stroke survivors regain function in their arms. The activation works as positive reinforcement to her muscles when she completes the exercise correctly. (Alie Skowronski/Miami Herald/TNS) Arlet Lara, the first patient in South Florida to get an FDA- approved nerve stimulation implant, does an exercise while Neil Batungbakal, rehabilitation therapist, activates the implant with the black trigger during her physical therapy appointment on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at Lynn Rehabilitation Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Arlet Lara, the first patient in South Florida to get an FDA-approved nerve stimulation implant, right, runs into her rehabilitation neurology physician Dr. Gemayaret Alvarez, before her physical therapy appointment on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at Lynn Rehabilitation Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The implant is designed to help stroke survivors regain function in their arms. (Alie Skowronski/Miami Herald/TNS) The Vivistim Paired VNS System is a small pacemaker-like device implanted in the upper chest and neck area. Patients can go home the same day. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the stroke rehabilitation system in 2021 to be used alongside post-ischemic stroke rehabilitation therapy to treat moderate to severe mobility issues in hands and arms. Lara’s occupational therapist can activate the device during rehabilitation sessions to electrically stimulate the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain down to the abdomen and regulates various parts of the body’s nervous system. The electrical stimulation rewires the brain to improve a stroke survivor’s ability to move their arms and hands. Lara also has a magnet she can use to activate the device when she wants to practice at home. Her therapy consists of repetitive tasks, including coloring, pinching cubes and grabbing and releasing cylindrical shapes. After several weeks of rehabilitation therapy with the device, Lara has seen improvement. “Little by little, I’m noticing that my hand is getting stronger. I am already able to brush my teeth with the left hand,” she told the Miami Herald in September. Since then, Lara has finished the initial six-week Vivitism therapy program, and is continuing to use the device in her rehabilitation therapy. She continues to improve and can now eat better with her left hand and can brush her hair with less difficulty, according to her occupational therapist, Neil Batungbakal. Lara learned about the device through an online group for stroke survivors and contacted the company to inquire. She then connected them with her Jackson medical team. Now a year later, the device is available to Jackson patients. So far, four patients have received the implant at Jackson. Related Articles Starke sees the device as an opportunity to help bring survivors one step closer to regaining full mobility. Strokes are a leading cause of disability worldwide. While most stroke survivors can usually recover some function through treatment and rehabilitation, they tend to hit a “major plateau” after the first six months of recovery, he said. Vivistim, when paired with rehabilitation therapy, could change that. Jackson Health said results of a clinical trial published in the peer-reviewed medical journal The Lancet in 2021 showed that the device, “when paired with high-repetition, task-specific occupational or physical therapy, helps generate two to three times more hand and arm function for stroke survivors than rehabilitation therapy alone.” The device has even shown to benefit patients 20 years from their original stroke, according to Starke. “So now a lot of these patients that had strokes 10-15 years ago that thought that they would never be able to use their arm in any sort of real functional way are now able to have a real meaningful function, which is pretty tremendous,” Starke said. Vivistim’s vagus-nerve stimulation technology was developed by researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas’ Texas Biomedical Device Center and is being sold commercially by Austin-based MicroTransponder, a company started by university graduates. Similar devices are used to treat epilepsy and depression . For Lara, the device is a new tool to help her recovery journey. “Everything becomes a challenge so we are working with small things every day because I want to get back as many functions as possible,” Lara said. Patients interested in Vivistim should speak with their doctor to check their eligibility. The FDA said patients should make sure to discuss any prior medical history, including concurrent forms of brain stimulation, current diathermy treatment, previous brain surgery, depression, respiratory diseases and disorders such as asthma, and cardiac abnormalities. “Adverse events included but were not limited to dysphonia (difficulty speaking), bruising, falling, general hoarseness, general pain, hoarseness after surgery, low mood, muscle pain, fracture, headache, rash, dizziness, throat irritation, urinary tract infection and fatigue,” the FDA said. MicroTransponder says the device is “covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance with prior authorization on a case-by-case basis.” To learn more about the device, visit vivistim.com. ©2024 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Haiti’s children ‘dragged into hell’ as gang violence rages

Wild first season in expanded Big 12 comes down to final weekendFormer Presidential Candidate Marianne Williamson Launches Bid for DNC Chair

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