Vagus nerve

• SetPoint Medical , a clinical-stage healthcare company dedicated to patients with chronic autoimmune diseases, announced that it has been accepted into the Total Product Life Cycle (TPLC) Advisory Program (TAP) Pilot from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the development of its novel neuroimmune modulation platform for people living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
• The FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) launched the TAP Pilot to help expedite development and patient access to safe and effective high-quality medical devices upon FDA approval.
• In October 2023, the FDA expanded the program to include neurological and physical medicine devices.
• SetPoint's integrated neurostimulation device uses precise vagus nerve stimulation to activate innate anti-inflammatory and immune-restorative pathways to treat autoimmune conditions.

• SetPoint Medical , a clinical-stage healthcare company dedicated to patients with chronic autoimmune diseases, announced that it has received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use of its novel neuroimmune modulation platform for people living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).
• Breakthrough Device Designation will enable interactive communication and priority regulatory review with the FDA, and support reimbursement and patient access upon FDA approval of SetPoint’s technology.
• This Breakthrough Device Designation is based on evidence demonstrating that SetPoint's treatment has the potential to reduce demyelination and promote remyelination.
• In 2020, the FDA also granted Breakthrough Device Designation to SetPoint's device for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

• This piece of folk advice has been around for aeons, and is one that many of us try to live by.
• But is there actually any real benefit to this practice?
• According to research, yes, there is indeed some benefit to savouring fleeting moments of joy – also known as “micro-joys”.
• Some studies suggest a magic number: five positive emotions to one negative emotion for optimal wellbeing.

Better self-regulation has a ripple effect on various aspects of our lives – such as preventing addiction or self-defeating behaviours (including procrastination, blame and perfectionism). Making time to do even just small, personal tasks such as making lists, tracking daily budgets and even working on your posture each day can help strengthen your self-regulation and ward off against failures.

Finding micro-joy

• First, research suggests that some people’s genetics may make them more likely to benefit from micro-joys than others.
• Studies show that people who are highly sensitive to their environment may disproportionately benefit from engaging in positive activities, such as micro-joys.
• Here are a few ways you can practice finding joy in the little things:

Change your routine. Trying adding a 10-minute burst of joy into your normal morning, afternoon or evening routine which can give you a moment of delight to look forward to. For example, savouring a cup of tea.
Look out for moments of humour. Humour can be a great way to find joy each day. But if you find it hard to see joy in your day, try to imagine how your favourite comedian might hilariously interpret the events of your day.
Be spontaneous. Challenge your routine by introducing spontaneity into your day – even if you’re typically a meticulous planner. Embrace the unexpected – even if just for a rejuvenating, five-minute break to call a friend you haven’t spoken with in a while.
Pursue moments of connection and shared laughter with strangers, neighbour or acquaintances. Strengthening these social bonds can add a joy to your day.
Pause and appreciate. Taking regular breaks to savour the simple act of being alive throughout your day can bring a renewed sense of mindfulness and gratitude that result in joy. For example, listen to the birds singing, or allow yourself to laugh out loud when someone says something funny.
Engaging in small moments of joy daily holds the potential to elevate both short- and long-term wellbeing for many – though for some the impact of these activities will be more subtle than for others.
Jolanta Burke does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

• ROCKAWAY, N.J., Jan. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- electroCore, Inc. (Nasdaq: ECOR), a commercial-stage bioelectronic medicine and wellness company, today announced the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent related to systems and methods for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• U.S. Patent No.
• 11,865,329 entitled “Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” generally relates to methods for treating the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that include applying one or more electrical impulses transcutaneously to the vagus nerve for approximately 90 seconds to approximately 3 minutes.
• The electrical impulses may comprise bursts of 2 to 20 pulses.