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Study Shows 90% of Persistent Lyme Patients Excluded from Clinical Trials

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Research highlights need to expand PLD eligibility criteria to reflect real world data

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Real-world data from the largest U.S. Lyme disease registry, MyLymeData, shows current clinical trials for persistent Lyme disease (PLD) systematically exclude most patients who are clinically diagnosed with the condition. A groundbreaking analysis of over 4,000 patients reveals that 9 out of 10 people with PLD are barred from participating in clinical trials, primarily due to outdated eligibility criteria.

Excluding 90% of patients results in small studies that take too long, cost too much, and don’t apply to most patients

The impact is severe. Nearly two million Americans live with PLD, with 72% reporting poor or fair health—compared to just 13% of the general population. These patients also face elevated suicide risk.

“The way researchers currently design clinical trials excludes 90% of patients, resulting in small studies that take too long, cost too much, and don’t apply to most patients,” states Lorraine Johnson, CEO of LymeDisease.org and principal investigator of MyLymeData. “Overly stringent criteria exclude the very patients we need to study, leaving clinicians without relevant findings for their practice.”

Key findings:

Most exclusions stem from co-existing tick-borne infections or previous misdiagnoses of chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgiaRelaxing unnecessary restrictions could increase patient enrollment from 10% to 64%This is the first real-world data analysis of PLD trial criteria, despite FDA’s 2018 recommendation to broaden eligibility across all medical research

The study, “Optimizing Exclusion Criteria for Clinical Trials of Persistent Lyme Disease Using Real-World Data,” was funded by Bay Area Lyme Foundation.

“Clinical trials are crucial to finding effective treatments,” emphasizes co-author Dr. Raphael Stricker, “but they must include the PLD patients that clinicians treat every day. Otherwise, the trials are out of touch with the real world.”

The study coauthors are Lorraine Johnson of LymeDisease.org, Los Angeles, CA; Mira Shapiro of Analytic Designers LLC, Bethesda, MD; Deanna Needell of the University of California at Los Angeles, CA; and Raphael Stricker, of Union Square Medical Associates, San Francisco, CA.

About LymeDisease.org

LymeDisease.org is a national nonprofit dedicated to advocacy, education, and research related to Lyme disease. As the organization behind MyLymeData, the largest patient-led Lyme disease registry in the United States, we work to accelerate scientific discovery and improve patient care.

Additional Resources:

This study can be downloaded here.

To enroll in MyLymeData, visit www.MyLymeData.org .

For more information about findings from the registry, visit the MyLymeData Viz Blog

LymeDisease.org

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SOURCE LymeDisease.org

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HFS Research Launches Data Intelligence Suite, Delivering Proprietary Enterprise Intelligence Across AI, GCCs, Buyer Sentiment, and Pricing

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New suite transforms proprietary datasets on AI, global operations, and enterprise investment into actionable intelligence for business leaders

NEW YORK, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HFS Research, a leading global research and advisory firm, today announced the upcoming launch of its HFS Data Intelligence Suite, a new set of proprietary intelligence assets designed to help enterprise leaders move beyond fragmented insights and make decisions grounded in real-world data. The suite will be formally launched on May 5, 2026.

As enterprises face increasing pressure to make faster, higher-stakes decisions, many continue to rely on incomplete or inconsistent data, often spread across internal sources, vendor narratives, and static research. While access to information has increased, confidence in that information has not kept pace.

The HFS Data Intelligence Suite addresses this gap by bringing together HFS’s proprietary datasets into a unified, accessible platform that reflects what is actually happening across enterprise technology and operations.

The suite includes:

A library of more than 1,800 real-world AI deployments, enabling leaders to identify what is delivering measurable outcomes across industries and functionsIntelligence on over 1,500 Global Capability Centers (GCCs), providing visibility into how enterprises are structuring and evolving their global operationsThe Enterprise Mandate Index, built on more than 500,000 data points, offering a data-driven view of enterprise priorities and investment trendsThe HFS / HEX Benchmark Suite, delivering independent benchmarks for pricing and performance across services and technology engagements

Together, these assets provide enterprise leaders with a clearer, more comprehensive view of market activity, supporting decisions across AI investment, global operating models, sourcing strategy, and commercial performance.

According to Ashish Chaturvedi, Executive Research Leader at HFS Research and lead for the initiative, “Enterprises are not lacking in data, they’re lacking in usable, connected intelligence. With the Data Intelligence Suite, we are bringing together our proprietary datasets in a way that allows leaders to move beyond isolated insights and see the full picture. This is about enabling faster, more confident decision-making based on what is actually happening in the market.”

The launch of the Data Intelligence Suite reflects a broader evolution in the HFS model—from delivering research and analysis to providing structured, interactive intelligence that can be directly applied to enterprise decisions.

“The analyst model is being overtaken by a simple reality: if your insights aren’t grounded in real data, they won’t survive AI scrutiny,” said Phil Fersht, CEO and Chief Analyst at HFS Research. “This is our move to put proprietary intelligence at the core of how HFS delivers value. The future isn’t more reports, it’s decision-grade intelligence leaders can actually act on.”

Saurabh Gupta, President at HFS Research, added, “The traditional analyst business model is under pressure. Seventy to eighty percent of what analysts produce can now be found through AI tools. The Data Intelligence Suite represents the other twenty percent: proprietary, structured, verified data that enterprises cannot get anywhere else.”

The HFS Data Intelligence Suite will formally launch on May 5, 2026, with demonstrations and previews already being offered to select enterprise leaders and early access provided to a subset of clients. The suite will be available to subscribers, with premium tiers and advisory add-ons for deeper engagement.

About HFS Research
HFS Research is a leading global research and advisory firm helping Fortune 500 companies navigate IT and business transformation. With a focus on bold insights and practical strategies, HFS empowers enterprises to make confident decisions through deep research, demand-side data, and direct engagement with industry leaders. For more information, visit www.hfsresearch.com.

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SOURCE HFS Research

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ContractorHUB Announces Strategic Investment from Webrunner Media to Deliver End-to-End Growth Infrastructure for Contractors

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Strategic partnership aligns marketing and operations to help contractors attract, convert, and operate more effectively, supported by strategic investment from Webrunner Media.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ContractorHUB, an AI-native operating system built to help contracting businesses scale, announced a strategic partnership with Webrunner Media, a leading full-stack marketing agency for contracting businesses. The partnership will improve access to quality growth solutions for contractors by connecting expertise in customer acquisition to advanced business operations technology.

As part of the partnership, Webrunner Media‘s founding team has also made a strategic investment in ContractorHUB, reinforcing a shared commitment to building long-term infrastructure that supports sustainable growth for contractors.

Together, the companies aim to create a new category of end-to-end growth infrastructure for contractors—an integrated foundation that helps contractors not only generate stronger demand, but effectively convert that demand into revenue while improving profitability.

Delivering a Better Growth Solution for Contractors

Contractors today often rely on disconnected tools and service providers to manage different parts of their business. Marketing platforms generate leads, while operational systems manage execution, creating gaps between demand generation, delivery and attribution.

This fragmentation can lead to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and the inability to truly measure performance. The partnership between ContractorHUB and Webrunner Media is built to close that gap.

By aligning Webrunner’s performance-driven marketing expertise with ContractorHUB’s intelligent operational platform, contractors gain a more integrated approach to growth.

“Contractors don’t just need more leads, they need a complete system to turn demand into growth,” said Sarah Parks, Co-Founder & CEO of ContractorHUB. “This partnership allows us to better connect marketing and operations for our customers, while also bringing Webrunner’s expertise directly into our product strategy, so we can build smarter, more impactful tools for contractors.”

Setting a New Standard for the Contracting Industry

The collaboration between ContractorHUB and Webrunner Media represents a shift in the home services technology landscape toward more connected, ecosystem-driven solutions.

By combining marketing execution with operational infrastructure, the partnership enables:

improved visibility across the customer lifecyclestreamlined access to customer acquisition solutionsmore efficient conversion of leads into revenuedirect input from a leading contractor marketing firm into ContractorHUB’s product strategy

This integrated approach provides contractors with stronger tools while reducing friction across their workflows.

Matt Parks, ContractorHUB Founder and Chief Product and Innovation Officer said, “Not only does this alignment solve fragmentation problems for customers, but it breeds innovative new solutions as we collaborate with Webrunner to drive product advances, too. It’s rare to have experts in both operational excellence and customer acquisition at the same product development table, and we’re excited to put that expertise to work for our customers.”

Strategic Investment Signals Continued Momentum

Webrunner Media’s investment follows ContractorHUB’s latest round of funding, which included an earlier operator-led investment from contracting business owners actively using the platform, as part of a rolling close.

“We work closely with contractors across North America and see firsthand where technology falls short,” said Marc Levesque, Co-Founder and CEO of Webrunner Media. “What stood out about ContractorHUB was how clearly Matt and Sarah understand those challenges, and how effectively the product is already solving them in the field. That gave us immediate confidence in both the solution and the team, and we’re excited to support what we believe is a meaningful step forward for the industry.”

This combination of operator investment by customers and ecosystem investment from an industry partner reflects a deliberate approach to building alongside the end user and key service providers in contracting.

Building a Foundation for Long-Term Growth

ContractorHUB believes the future of the industry will be defined by platforms that unify how contractors operate their businesses.

The company expects its partnership with Webrunner Media to serve as a foundation for deeper collaboration across marketing, operations, and performance management, while continuing to expand its strategic partnerships across the contracting and home service ecosystem.

About ContractorHUB

ContractorHUB was built from firsthand experience to help small businesses run smarter, more human-centered organizations that give people back their most valuable asset—time. It is an AI-native software platform that enables home service businesses to scale with confidence by centralizing everything they need in one place.

About Webrunner Media

Webrunner Media is a full-service digital marketing agency helping contractors scale with confidence. Specializing in SEO, PPC, Web Design, and Marketing Automation, Webrunner delivers the strategy and execution contractors need to grow — and has become the trusted marketing partner for 100+ contractors pursuing long-term, sustainable growth.

Media Contact:

Sarah Parks
Co-Founder, CEO
sjp@contractorhub.app

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SOURCE ContractorHUB

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Brooklyn Steel Co. Expands into Home Electrics with Launch of All-in-One Espresso Machine

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NEW YORK, Apr. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Responding to the growing demand for elevated, café-quality experiences within the home, Brooklyn Steel Co. is expanding its presence in home electrics with today’s launch of its first at-home espresso machine. This introduction marks a new chapter for the brand, moving beyond cookware and kitchen essentials to offer thoughtfully designed home coffee solutions.

Combines professional-grade features with accessible pricing, alongside the launch of a newly redesigned website

In tandem with the product launch, Brooklyn Steel Co. has also unveiled a newly redesigned website, created to reflect the brand’s expanded focus on at-home coffee and provide a more immersive, streamlined shopping experience. To explore the new espresso machine and complementary accessories, visit www.brooklynsteelco.com.

“This launch marks a new chapter for Brooklyn Steel Co. as we expand into home coffee,” said Allison Picard, Product Development Manager at Core Home. “We designed this machine to deliver consistent, café-style performance at home in a way that is straightforward and easy to use.”

Redefining the At-Home Coffee Experience

The Brooklyn Steel Co. Talos 20 is designed to transform daily coffee rituals, making them more intentional, personal, and accessible. Built for both beginners and aspiring home baristas, the machine combines precision engineering with an intuitive, all-in-one design, eliminating the need for multiple devices.

Positioned to compete with higher-end machines at a more accessible price point, the Talos 20 espresso machine delivers a balance of performance, design, and value, allowing customers to build a complete at-home café experience complemented by a growing collection of accessories.

Precision Engineering for Professional Results

The Talos 20 sets itself apart by integrating professional-grade performance into a streamlined design. 

Key Features at a Glance

Integrated Conical Burr Grinder (27 settings) for precise, fresh grindingProgrammable Grind, Extraction & Temperature to save your preferred settings and deliver consistent espresso automatically with every use20-Bar Italian Pump for rich, café-quality espressoPID Temperature Control + Dual Thermoblock System for consistent heat and faster transitions360° Steam Wand for microfoam milk and latte artReal-Time Pressure Gauge for dialing in espresso extraction

Together, these features create a streamlined system that supports consistent espresso extraction, stable temperature control, and precise milk texturing—all within a single, integrated machine.

Unlike many entry-level options, the Talos 20 includes a commercial-size 58mm portafilter and a full suite of barista tools—including a bean hopper, hopper extender, milk pitcher, dosing ring, tamper, tamping mat, single and double filter baskets, and cleaning tools—providing a complete setup out of the box and bridging the gap between accessibility and professional performance.

The Brooklyn Steel Co. Talos 20 is available for purchase directly through the company’s website and on Amazon, retailing for $499 with free shipping. For more information, visit www.brooklynsteelco.com.

Brooklyn Steel Co. is a New York-based brand known for thoughtfully designed cookware and kitchen essentials. With a focus on elevating everyday rituals, the brand creates products that bring intention and style into daily routines.

With its first espresso machine and newly launched website experience, Brooklyn Steel Co. brings its focus on design and performance into the at-home coffee category, offering customers a more seamless and elevated way to shop and brew.

Brooklyn Steel Co. is part of Core Home, a global housewares company known for developing innovative products across kitchen, hydration, and home categories. Learn more at www.brooklynsteelco.com.

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SOURCE Core Home

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