Scientists, led by University of Washington, have developed a new method for designing and building protein based drugs. Using computers, the scientists designed molecules that can target important proteins in the body. They include the insulin receptor, as well as vulnerable proteins on the surface of viruses. "The ability to generate new proteins that bind tightly and specifically to any molecular target that you want is a paradigm shift in drug development and molecular biology more broadly," said David Baker in a press release issued by University of Washington. Baker was a recipient of the 2021 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for “developing technology that allowed the design of proteins never seen before in nature, including novel proteins that have the potential for therapeutic intervention in human diseases.” Protein-based drugs bind to a specific molecular target, which then becomes either activated or deactivated. Antibodies are protein-based drugs that can treat a wide range of health disorders, including COVID-19 and cancer. However, protein-based drug development is challenging and expensive. A research paper is published in Nature. It describes how the scientists combined recent advances in computational protein design to develop a strategy for creating new proteins that bind molecular targets in a manner similar to antibodies. The scientists developed software that can scan a target molecule. It can identify potential binding sites and generate proteins targeting those sites. It can then screen from millions of candidate binding proteins to identify those most likely to function. "When it comes to creating new drugs, there are easy targets and there are hard targets," said research co-leader Longxing Cao. "In this paper, we show that even very hard targets are amenable to this approach. We were able to make binding proteins to some targets that had no known binding partners or antibodies." The scientists produced over half a million candidate binding proteins for twelve selected molecular targets. They included insulin receptors and proteins on the surface of the influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). "We look forward to seeing how these molecules might be used in a clinical context, and more importantly how this new method of designing protein drugs might lead to even more promising compounds in the future," said research co-leader Brian Coventry. SingularityHub summarizes the findings. They note that the candidate binding proteins “were highly efficient at blocking their targets.” Some cut off growth signals that can lead to cancer. Others point the way to a universal flu vaccine that could neutralize multiple strains. Previously published results indicate that the method provided protection against COVID-19 in mice. This may lead to new treatments for cancer, diabetes, infection, inflammation, and beyond. SingularityHub notes that the research results “could fundamentally change medicine.” They are based on powerful artificial intelligence methods for protein folding research. And they may allow scientists to design and build protein-like drugs from the ground up.

Researchers at Karolinska Institute have found a way of stabilizing the p53 protein, and making it more potent. P53 protects our cells from cancer. By adding a spider silk protein to p53, the researchers have shown that it is possible to create a protein that is more stable and more capable of killing cancer cells. P53 plays a key role in the body's defense against cancer. If a cell is lacking functional p53, it quickly becomes a cancer cell. And it starts to divide uncontrollably. "The problem is that cells only make small amounts of p53 and then quickly break it down as it is a very large and disordered protein," says researcher Michael Landreh in a press release issued by Karolinska Institute. "We've been inspired by how nature creates stable proteins and have used spider silk protein to stabilize p53. Spider silk consists of long chains of highly stable proteins, and is one of nature's strongest polymers." Discovered in the late 1970s, p53 has been called the guardian of the genome. It can stop cells with DNA damage from turning into cancer cells. Essentially, p53 shuts down a cell if it detects any damage that could cause the cell to grow into cancer. Mutations of the p53 gene are found in roughly half of all tumors. That makes it the most common genetic change in cancer. A paper is published in Structure. The researchers report that they attached a small section of a synthetic spider silk protein onto the human p53 protein. When they then introduced it into cells, they found that the cells started to produce p53 in large quantities. The new protein also proved to be more stable than ordinary p53 and more capable of killing cancer cells. Using electron microscopy, computer simulations, and mass spectrometry, the researchers were able to show that the likely reason for this was the way the spider silk part managed to give structure to p53's disordered sections. "Creating a more stable variant of p53 in cells is a promising approach to cancer therapy, and now we have a tool for this that's worth exploring," says senior researcher Sir David Lane, who was one of the discoverers of p53. "We eventually hope to develop an mRNA-based cancer vaccine, but before we do so we need to know how the protein is handled in the cells and if large amounts of it can be toxic." Writing in The Conversation, Landreh explains that spidroins are a bit like p53. They are proteins that spiders spin into silk. They are also large, floppy, and easily clumped together. But unlike p53, spidroins are capped by a small part that is very stable. And it can easily be made by the cellular protein production machinery. “To test if the spider silk-p53 protein is active, we put it into cancer cells that contain so-called ‘reporter genes’, which cause the cell to light up if p53 turns on genes that make the cell stop growing,” says Landreh. “To our surprise, the fusion protein gave a stronger response than normal p53, which means that we could in principle use the spider silk domain to increase the ability of p53 to shut down cancer cells.” Landreh comments that, while this research result is not a new cancer therapy, it opens up new possibilities for cancer therapy. The researchers now plan to test how well healthy human cells tolerate the spider silk proteins. They also plan to test whether the addition of spidroins extends the lifetime of the p53 protein inside the cells.

Longevity and healthy aging may seem like navigating a minefield. Do you feel like you are living life on the edge? Are you waiting for a miniature mine located in some system in your body to implode? Preventative measures support healthy aging on a molecular level. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. However, nature does provide powerful tools to support optimal metabolic functioning for better aging. Metabolic Functioning Metabolism is the constant chemical dance taking place on a molecular level to transform, store, and burn energy and remove generated byproducts. “Energy can neither be created nor destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another.” - Natural Law of the Conservation of Energy We consume (or eat) three forms of energy: Carbohydrates (broken down into glucose), Proteins (broken down into amino acids), and Fats (broken down into glycerol and fatty acids). The body, however, mostly only burns energy as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Metabolism involves catabolic processes, to break down and convert food to storable and usable energy. And it involves anabolic processes, to generate new cells for growth and maintenance. The body readily shifts from catabolic and anabolic processing based on available fuel sources and current energy output. Role of Mitochondria Mitochondria are tiny organs contained inside a cell. It is in the mitochondria where the body breaks down glucose and fats (with the help of oxygen) into ATP. Mitochondria are like the boiler in a steam engine. They are the energy producers of the cell and are found in almost every cell in the human body. Some cells (mainly in the brain, heart, and eyes) live and function as long as the body does. But most human cells, especially those in the blood and digestive systems, die and need to be replaced every 3 to 120 days. Roughly 1% of all cells in the human body have to be replaced daily. For healthy cell turnover, precise DNA replication keeps our bodies on a smooth path for healthy aging, with active mitochondria providing plenty of energy. Role of Blood Glucose Red blood cells are one of the few cells in the body lacking mitochondria. However, they are the truckers delivering glucose and fatty acids to the mitochondria to formulate ATP. Carbohydrates are converted by the body into glucose. Insulin, secreted by the pancreas, facilitates moving glucose across cell walls and into the mitochondria for breakdown. If blood sugar levels drop too low, it interferes with cognitive functioning since carbohydrates are the fuel used by the nervous system. On the other hand, years of frequent heavy carbohydrate loading may result in high blood sugar levels. When this happens, the body either does not produce enough insulin or becomes insensitive to insulin. If insulin cannot move glucose into cells, the body turns to fat for fuel. That may sound tempting to only burn fat to increase weight loss, but it is deadly. The body cannot dispose of large amounts of the waste byproduct (ketones) from converting fat to ATP. When ketones build up in the blood, it can lead to a coma and death. The Intricate Biochemical Dance Your body works hard to give you what you want when you want it. Unfortunately, the metabolic system is surprisingly delicate. Free radicals (unstable highly-reactive unbonded molecules) are a natural byproduct of generating ATP. A free radical’s need to stabilize its ion charge creates destructive reactions that can damage DNA. This plays a role in speeding up the aging process. To improve the life of an engine, you change the oil on time as recommended by the manufacturer. If you do not, the microscopic flecks of metal from the natural wear inside the engine reduce its performance and life. Attention to diet and exercise changes your oil, so to speak, to reduce inflammation and fight free radicals. For example, blueberries are a functional food proven to offset DNA damage caused by free radicals. Die ...

Scientists at Salk Institute and Genentech have shown that they can safely and effectively reverse the aging process in middle-aged and elderly mice. They did this by partially resetting their cells to more youthful states. "We are elated that we can use this approach across the life span to slow down aging in normal animals. The technique is both safe and effective in mice," says researcher Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte in a press release issued by Salk Institute. "In addition to tackling age-related diseases, this approach may provide the biomedical community with a new tool to restore tissue and organismal health by improving cell function and resilience in different disease situations, such as neurodegenerative diseases." A research paper is published in Nature Aging. It describes how the scientists tested cellular rejuvenation approaches in healthy animals as they aged. Cells carry molecular clocks that record the passage of time. Reprogramming molecules known as "Yamanaka factors” permit resetting the molecular clocks. The results of previous studies indicate that Yamanaka factors can be successfully used to counter the signs of aging and increase life span in mice with a premature aging disease. In young mice, the Yamanaka factors can accelerate muscle regeneration and improve the function of other tissues like the heart, brain, and optic nerve. In the new study, one group of mice received regular doses of the Yamanaka factors from the time they were 15 months old until 22 months, approximately equivalent to age 50 through 70 in humans. Another group was treated from 12 through 22 months, approximately age 35 to 70 in humans. And a third group was treated for just one month at age 25 months, similar to age 80 in humans. "What we really wanted to establish was that using this approach for a longer time span is safe," says researcher Pradeep Reddy. "Indeed, we did not see any negative effects on the health, behavior or body weight of these animals." The results of the study indicate that after treatment the mice resembled younger animals in many ways. Both kidneys and skin resembled those of younger animals. And metabolic molecules in the blood of treated animals did not show normal age-related changes. Apparent restoration of youth was observed in the animals treated for seven or ten months with the Yamanaka factors, but not in the animals treated for just one month. When the treated animals were analyzed midway through their treatment, the effects were not yet as evident. This suggests that perhaps the treatment is not simply pausing aging, but actively turning it backwards. "At the end of the day, we want to bring resilience and function back to older cells so that they are more resistant to stress, injury and disease," concludes Reddy. "This study shows that, at least in mice, there's a path forward to achieving that." The scientists are planning more research on how specific molecules and genes are changed by long-term treatment with the Yamanaka factors. They are also developing new ways of delivering the factors. Of course the road from mice in the laboratory to humans in the clinic will be long. But this seems like a promising beginning.

Scientists examined the impact of omega-3 supplements on cellular aging-related biomarkers. And they found reasons to recommend omega-3 supplements. It has been suggested that omega-3 supplements may lessen accelerated aging and early mortality. Previous studies indicate that men and women in the top 20 percent of omega-3 fatty acid intake had 15% and 18% lower cardiovascular disease mortality 16 years later, respectively. That's compared to those in the lowest 20 percent. There is also evidence that omega-3 promotes longevity at a cellular level. In fact, higher blood levels of omega-3 are associated with longer telomeres. Telomeres are DNA segments at the end of chromosomes. They help to maintain genomic integrity during cell division. And, thereby, they promote healthy cellular aging. There are indications that short telomeres accelerate age-related disease, especially cardiovascular disease. Another benefit of omega-3 supplements that has been suggested by previous studies is that they may regulate the response to stress. And, therefore, they may reduce the severity of stress and support healthy mood. A research paper is published in Nature Molecular Psychiatry. It summarizes previous results of the trial. They showed that 4 months of omega-3 supplementation lowered basal inflammation and oxidative stress. The study also provided new data related to the stress response of biomarkers relevant to telomere length and cellular aging. Biomarkers included cortisol, inflammatory cytokines, and telomerase. More than 100 sedentary, overweight, middle-aged participants of both genders received either omega-3 or a placebo for four months. Before and after the trial, participants underwent the Trier Social Stress Test. It's a standard acute stress test that reliably provokes strong stress-related physiological responses. The scientists measured salivary cortisol, telomerase in peripheral blood lymphocytes, and inflammation-related cytokines (various types of interleukin). It appears that omega-3 supplements altered telomerase, stress reactivity, overall cortisol, and inflammation levels. By lowering overall inflammation and cortisol levels during stress, and by boosting repair mechanisms during recovery, omega-3 may slow accelerated aging and enhance mood. The new results of the trial indicate that four months of omega-3 supplements led to a profile of stress resilience. This was manifest in lower overall levels of cortisol and inflammation during stress, and higher levels of telomerase and anti-inflammatory activity during recovery. The results have direct relevance to aging biology and psychiatry. The scientists emphasize that, in the US, dietary intake of omega-3 is well below the values recommended by, for example, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. While cautioning that these findings are preliminary and need to be replicated for validation, the scientists suggest that omega-3 supplements may limit the impact of repeated stress on cellular aging and depression risk. Each serving of Thrivous Omega Cardioprotector provides a clinical dose of Omega 3 Lysine Complex. This form of Omega 3 is five times more bioavailable than traditional fish oil, and has a longer shelf life. Thrivous designed Omega Cardioprotector to enhance heart function and circulation for better aging. As indicated above, the Omega 3 in Thrivous Omega may also combat cellular aging and stress.

MIT researchers have devised a way to monitor individual populations of neurons. It can reveal how the neurons interact with each other. The engineers used a new functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) probe, based on an engineered enzyme delivered by a virus. Functional MRI measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow. "If we want to figure out how brain-wide networks of cells and brain-wide mechanisms function, we need something that can be detected deep in tissue and preferably across the entire brain at once," says senior Alan Jasanoff in a press release issued by MIT. "The way that we chose to do that in this study was to essentially hijack the molecular basis of fMRI itself." A paper is published in Nature Neuroscience. In it, researchers describe a non-invasive imaging method that works across the brain. The method is based on a probe (or “genetic reporter”) delivered by viruses. It codes for a protein that sends out a signal whenever the neuron is active. Researchers called the protein NOSTIC (nitric oxide synthase for targeting image contrast). It's an engineered form of an enzyme, which is called nitric oxide synthase. The NOSTIC protein can detect elevated calcium levels that arise during neural activity. It then generates nitric oxide, leading to an artificial fMRI signal that arises only from cells that contain NOSTIC. The probe is delivered by a virus that is injected into a particular site. It then travels along axons of neurons that connect to that site. That way, the researchers can label every neural population that feeds into a particular location. "When we use this virus to deliver our probe in this way, it causes the probe to be expressed in the cells that provide input to the location where we put the virus," explains Jasanoff. "Then, by performing functional imaging of those cells, we can start to measure what makes input to that region take place, or what types of input arrive at that region." Experiments with laboratory rats allowed the researchers to determine which neural populations send input to the striatum. This is a brain region that is involved in planning movement and responding to reward. Input was monitored during or immediately following a rewarding stimulus. The researchers hope to use the same approach to study other networks in the brain. And they aim to develop a broader perspective on how the brain works as an integrated whole. "One of the things that's exciting about the approach that we're introducing is that you can imagine applying the same tool at many sites in the brain and piecing together a network of interlocking gears, which consist of these input and output relationships," concludes Jasanoff. “With regular fMRI, we see the action of all the gears at once. But with our new technique, we can pick up individual gears that are defined by their relationship to the other gears, and that's critical for building up a picture of the mechanism of the brain."

Researchers led by Linköping University have built an artificial organic neuron (a nerve cell). It can be integrated with a living plant, and an artificial organic synapse. Both the neuron and the synapse are made from printed organic electrochemical transistors. "We've developed ion-based neurons, similar to our own, that can be connected to biological systems," explains researcher Chi-Yuan Yang in a press release issued by Linköping University. “Organic semiconductors have numerous advantages - they're biocompatible, biodegradable, soft and formable. They only require low voltage to operate, which is completely harmless to both plants and vertebrates.” A paper is published in Nature Communications. In it, the researchers describe the artificial neuron. They report that they have integrated the neuron with a Venus flytrap, a carnivorous plant that catches its prey in a trap formed by the plant’s leaves. The electrical pulses from the artificial neuron can cause the plant's leaves to close, although no fly has entered the trap. "We chose the Venus flytrap so we could clearly show how we can steer the biological system with the artificial organic system and get them to communicate in the same language," says lead researcher Simone Fabiano. The researchers have used printable organic electronics - electrochemical circuits - optimized for manufacturing in printing presses on thin plastic foil. Thousands of transistors can be printed on a single plastic substrate. The printed transistors can emulate the neurons and synapses found in biological systems. "For the first time, we're using the transistor's ability to switch based on ion concentration to modulate the spiking frequency," says researcher Padinhare Cholakkal Harikesh. The spiking frequency gives the signal that causes the biological system to react. "We've also shown that the connection between the neuron and the synapse has a learning behavior, called Hebbian learning,” adds Fabiano. “Information is stored in the synapse, which makes the signaling more and more effective." Hebbian learning is “the process by which the strength of the connection between two neurons increases or decreases based on activity,” explains SingularityHub. This is similar to how information is encoded into the brain, with the strengths of connections between biological neurons controlling the function of different brain circuits. The researchers note their organic electrochemical technology could find applications in future brain-machine interfaces, prosthetics, and intelligent soft robotics. The technology could facilitate anything that requires integrating artificial devices with biological systems. And the possibility to fuse multiple sensing elements in artificial neurons could enable the development of event-based wearable electronics and medical implants, able to continuously monitor health in the human body. SingularityHub notes that the demonstration of an artificial neuron that can interface directly with biological systems is a significant breakthrough. “With further work, this could make the merging of man and machine a far more realistic prospect.”

Researchers at German Sports University have studied the effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) supplements on performance and muscle strength recovery of athletes. Previous studies have shown that alpha lipoic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Those effects have been demonstrated in multiple clinical trials. Alpha lipoic acid is also frequently used as a dietary supplement for competitive athletes. However, quantitative information on the effects of ALA supplementation in healthy individuals or in competitive athletes was limited. According to the researchers, this was one of the first scientific studies of the physiological effects of alpha lipoic acid supplements in athletes after exercise. A research paper is published in Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. It describes the results of a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial in which 17 male athletes participated. All participants were experienced in resistance- and endurance- intensive sports. The specific questions that the researchers investigated are: Does a single treatment with ALA after acute exercise increase the ability to recover? Does a short-term chronic application of ALA during a high-intensity training period affect the ability to recover? Does the application of ALA after acute and during chronic training protocol prevent the loss of performance? The subjects were divided into two groups. The participants in one group received a 150 mg dose of ALA. And the participants in the other group received a placebo. Then all participants underwent a standardized single training session and a high intense training week with supplements. They used 150 mg alpha lipoic acid or placebo before and after exercise. The intensive training week included strength training sessions and long runs. Blood samples were taken at scheduled times after exercise. And markers for muscle damage, inflammation and oxidative stress were investigated. In addition, the researchers also measured the maximum performance in a specific exercise (back squat). The results of the study indicate that a moderate inhibition of muscle damage and inflammation was observed in the participants that took ALA. Performance in the back squat after intensive training was significantly reduced in the placebo-group. But performance wasn't reduced in the alpha lipoic acid group. No significant anti-oxidative effects were observed. The researchers conclude that alpha lipoic acid supplementation during intensive training periods results in a reduction of muscle damage, reduction of inflammation, and better recovery. Therefore, ALA supplements could help athletes in long-term endurance training or in sports that induce oxidative stress, such as marathons and weight training. The researchers also observe that more studies are needed for a quantitative understanding of the positive effects of alpha lipoic acid supplements. Thrivous develops Alpha Neuroprotector to enhance brain and nerve function for better aging. Each serving of Alpha provides a clinical dose of alpha lipoic acid, in combination with other science-backed nutrients. As suggested by the results of this study, Thrivous Alpha may contribute to enhancing the effect of exercise on muscles.

As a teen, I had the good fortune to extensively backpack in various national parks and wilderness areas. My friend provided high-quality outdoor equipment. Part of the deal to use her "nice stuff" was treating it with respect. The tent was staked out tight, so it didn’t leak; but not too tight to avoid straining the zippers and seams. I was regularly instructed to open and close the zippers with a steady, smooth motion. I learned that treating the equipment with mindful intent prolonged its serviceable life. Joints and Bones Compare joints and bones to tent zippers. Treating them with care allows us to enjoy active aging. Proper nutrition and exercise keep our bodies moving as they were designed, allowing us to enjoy any adventure that might come our way. On the other hand, the breakdown or degeneration of joint cartilage limits choices based on pain and stiffness. The normal aging process is also associated with bone deterioration which increases the risk of bone fractures (especially for post-menopausal women). Dietary supplements designed to support the joints and bones can help keep us enjoying the activities that make life worth living. Reduce the Impact of Aging The skeletal system, made of hard mineral bones, gives us structure. The joints, where the bones are connected together, allow movement. Joints consist of intact cartilage to cushion the bones as they pass each other. The early signs of natural aging and breakdown of joints start with inflammatory responses. In addition, if the cartilage in the joint becomes damaged or compressed, movement causes joint inflammation and pain. Prolonging an active lifestyle requires detailed attention to reducing inflammation. When investigating supplements to support joint health, the following supplement ingredients often pop up. Glucosamine Chondroitin Turmeric S. Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) Collagen Peptides Boswellia Serrata MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) Finite Resources Given you have finite resources, which of these supplements should you choose? Which have clinically been shown to be the most effective for protecting joints, reducing joint stiffness and pain, and improving movement? Glucosamine Glucosamine (a component of cartilage derived from shellfish) comes in two supplement forms: glucosamine hydrochloride (GH) glucosamine sulfate (GS) A meta-analysis concluded GH is ineffective at reducing knee pain. GS supplementation did not appear to significantly reduce pain either. However, after twenty-four weeks, GS supplementation may help improve movement and use. Another meta-analysis found daily long-term (3 years) GS supplementation may provide a small or moderate improvement in joint space narrowing. For individuals engaged in activities with high joint impact (i.e. soccer or running), studies indicate 1.5-3.0 mg of daily glucosamine supplementation may reduce biomarkers of type II collagen degradation but not increase type II collagen production. (Collagen is the protein building block of fibrous connective tissue.) Chondroitin Chondroitin, another component of cartilage, often accompanies glucosamine in joint supplements. Unfortunately, many meta-analyses find that several chondroitin studies employed poor or unsound methods and were often funded by companies producing chondroitin. Studies with better quality parameters show mixed results. Turmeric Extract The Indian spice turmeric contains polyphenol curcumin, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Numerous studies ( examine.com ) show highly-consistent and notable results of turmeric supplementation helping to reduce overall inflammation and pain to naturally improve quality of life. In a study of patients with knee pain, 1,500 mg of daily turmeric supplementation was as effective as 1,200 mg of ibuprofen for pain reduction with fewer reports of gastrointestinal issues. A 2017 study of rugby players dealing with osteo-muscular pain found naturally derived curcumin “could represent a promising safe, analgesic rem ...

Orem UT – Thrivous, the human enhancement company, has partnered with Consolidated Health Solutions to provide personalized medicine coaching. Thrivous' mission is to help customers access technology with the greatest potential to improve their brains and bodies. Customers may achieve better results when they: Have a better understanding of personalized medicine. Engage in a more complete review of their current health. Receive coaching to support personalized medicine. Through a series of short discovery appointments, coaches educate customers about personalized medicine, review their current health, and connect them with relevant medical service providers. Depending on individual needs, the discovery process includes the following: Introduction: 60-minute appointment that covers health history, desired outcomes, current supplements and medications, how healthcare systems work, and how functional medicine coaching may help. Lab Order: 30-minute appointment that covers recommendations for lab work (such as blood, genetic, and epigenetic tests) to facilitate personalized medicine, and placement of orders. Insurance may cover most of the cost. Lab Review and Referral: 30-minute appointment that covers lab work results, an explanation of how personalized medicine may help, and referrals to relevant medical service providers. Personalized medicine coaching is available to all new and existing Thrivous customers in the United States. That includes customers who may need personalized assistance with concerns or confusion about their health. And it includes customers who may want personalized assistance with maintaining or enhancing their health. Customers may sign up for personalized medicine coaching on the Thrivous website. After a customer provides initial discovery information via an online form, a coach will contact the customer using the customer's preferred method of communication. About Thrivous Thrivous is the human enhancement company. Its mission is to help people access technology with the greatest potential to improve their brains and bodies. Thrivous develops nootropics to enhance cognition and geroprotectors to combat aging. Each nutrient and each dose is based on multiple human studies. And its rigorous quality control is completely open source. For more information, contact [email protected]. About Consolidated Health Solutions Consolidated Health Solutions specializes in helping medical clinics and practitioners utilize industry leading technologies and services to streamline operations. Its goal is to help medical practitioners set up an efficient business so they can focus on providing patients with the attention and services they need.