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World’s 1st HIV-to-HIV Lung Transplant Performed at NYU Langone Health

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NEW YORK, June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The world’s first HIV-positive-to-HIV-positive lung transplant was performed at NYU Langone Health. 

The surgery brings new hope for HIV-positive patients in need of lung transplants, as it opens a pool of potential donors who were previously ineligible.

“This is a watershed moment for the HIV-positive community and represents real progress in creating equity in organ transplantation,” said Sapna Mehta, MD, clinical director of NYU Langone Transplant Institute and co-architect of the research protocol, sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, that enabled the complex procedure. “While these transplants are still only allowable under certain research protocols, this marks an expansion of options for people in need of a lifesaving organ.”

Approximately 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV. People with HIV can live long, healthy lives due to advances in antiretroviral therapies, or ART. Most people using ART are unable to transmit the virus and have near-normal life expectancies.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Bertrand Nelson, 56, has had HIV for nearly 26 years. In 2000, he was diagnosed with HIV and sarcoidosis, which can affect the lungs and spread to the liver. The disease had not yet spread from his lungs, and soon after diagnosis his doctors told him it was in remission. 

Then, in 2021, he acquired Legionnaires’ disease and was hospitalized for weeks with severe pneumonia. The disease reactivated his sarcoidosis, which attacked his liver. His condition worsened in 2024—he required an increasing amount of oxygen to breathe—and his doctor referred him to NYU Langone Transplant Institute to be evaluated for both lung and liver transplants. A research protocol for lung transplantation under the 2013 HIV Organ Policy Equity Act, or HOPE Act, had begun, and he was evaluated for HOPE dual-organ transplant in 2025.

“Transplantation of HOPE hearts and abdominal organs has been done before, but this has not been done in lung transplantation. It takes a special kind of patient to be willing to do something that hasn’t been done before,” said Mark A. Sonnick, MD, transplant pulmonologist at NYU Langone Transplant Institute and co-author of the research protocol with Dr. Mehta.

NYU Langone Transplant Institute is one of the only transplant centers in the United States equipped and approved under a research protocol to perform HOPE lung transplants. Nelson received the first in the world on March 21, 2026, by Stephanie H. Chang, MD, surgical director of lung transplantation at NYU Langone. He received a new liver that same day, performed by Karim J. Halazun, MD, surgical director of liver transplantation at NYU Langone. 

Nelson is now off oxygen for the first time in four years and getting back in shape after years of limited mobility. 

He credits his mother, who will be 82 in August, for always supporting him and helping him throughout his journey.

“I want to be well for her,” he said. “I want her to see me thriving.” 

He hopes his story of perseverance might inspire others and help raise awareness of people in the HIV community in need.

“There are so many others who need access to this level of care, and the more organs that become available, the better the odds of finding the right match and living a long life,” he said.

About NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone Health is a fully integrated health system that consistently achieves the best patient outcomes through a rigorous focus on quality that has resulted in some of the lowest mortality rates in the nation. Vizient Inc. has ranked NYU Langone No. 1 out of 118 comprehensive academic medical centers across the nation four years in a row, and U.S. News & World Report recently ranked four of its clinical specialties No. 1 in the nation. NYU Langone offers a comprehensive range of medical services with one high standard of care across seven inpatient locations, its Perlmutter Cancer Center, and more than 330 outpatient locations in the New York area and Florida. The system also includes two tuition-free medical schools, in Manhattan and on Long Island, and a vast research enterprise.

Media Inquiries
Colin DeVries
Phone: 212-404-3588
Colin.DeVries@NYULangone.org

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SOURCE NYU Langone Health

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proof-it and The Tennessee Whiskey Trail Announce The 2026 TN Collective Tasting Notes Contest

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ATLANTA, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 Tennessee Collective, a collaborative effort between 11 Tennessee distilleries, and proof-it, a next-generation consumer authenticity and engagement platform, proudly announces a partnership to commemorate the release of the The 2026 Tennessee Collective American Whiskey, a delicately crafted new addition to the whiskey industry of Tennessee that will give consumers a unique look into the craft, process, and flavor of each bottle, and direct participation with those who made it.

Each bottle will come with proof-it technology, giving consumers the chance to see the passion in each bottle.

A celebration of the long and rich history of distilling in the state of Tennessee, this new American Whiskey from The Tennessee Collective is a bold testament to the dedication and alliance of the industry. WIth efforts from Big Machine Distillery, Gate 11 Distillery, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Leiper’s Fork Distillery, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Old Dominick Distillery, Old Glory Distilling Co., Peg Leg Porker Distillery, Short Mountain Distillery, Sugarlands Distilling Co., and Tennessee Legend Distillery, this bottle is a new entry in the history and camaraderie of the Tennessee whiskey distilling industry.

“proof-it has become an integral partner in the Tennessee Collective, creating an exclusive digital experience that connects consumers more deeply to the bottle, the blend and the distilleries behind it,” said Charity Toombs, Executive Director of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. “Just as importantly, their technology has given us a valuable window into our customers—helping us better understand who they are, how they engage with the Collective and what interests them most about the product and blend.”

The whiskey will be available starting September 1, 2026 at each of the participating distillery’s tasting rooms, as well as online for pre-order at www.tnwhiskeytrail.com/tn-collective. Each bottle will come with proof-it tag technology, giving consumers the chance to see the passion that went into each bottle, while also offering the chance to discover what makes this bottle unique. This year’s release unlocks a new way to engage with the story of each distiller involved, as each individual distillery’s allocation of bottles will come with a custom video and the story of their specific contribution to the whiskey, only accessible via the proof-it tag on the neck. Beyond a collector’s item, each bottle tells the story of its own existence in eleven different parts and celebrates the craftsmanship that went into this release.

To celebrate the launch, proof-it will also be hosting the Tennessee Collective Tasting Notes Contest through January 7, 2027, offering buyers an opportunity to explore the whiskey’s depth. Simply tap an unlocked smartphone to the unique proof-it tag on each bottle, and users can offer opinions and notes on what they taste in the rich complexity of this unique whiskey. The best entry to the Tennessee Collective Tasting Notes Contest will win tickets to Grain and Grits Festival 2026!

About Tennessee Whiskey Trail

Where the whiskey meets the road. Seven years ago, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail was launched by the Tennessee Distillers Guild as a celebration of our state and its signature spirits. Today we host more than 30 stops across the state, offering a taste of Tennessee and a road map for adventure. Visitors to the Trail can soak up the sights and sounds that have been shaped by Tennessee whiskey, whether stopping by for a sip or making a weekend of it. For more information, visit www.tnwhiskeytrail.com and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail’s Instagram @tnwhiskeytrail.

About proof-it

The proof-it™ platform enables consumers to learn the stories behind the labels of the brands they love, and manage their collections in revolutionary ways. Combining authenticity, consumer engagement, and tamper-proof technology at once, proof-it™ is leading the way into the next generation of consumer engagement and brand building. Look for the proof-it™ Wings™ logo and simply tap it with your unlocked phone.To learn more about the ways proof-it™ can enhance your consumer experience and beyond, visit www.proofit.app.

proof-it™ is powered by Aware Technologies, Inc., providing complete visibility throughout a product’s journey, and enabling new ways for brands to interact with their customers.

Full contest rules are available here: https://scan.proofit.app/contests/rules/tennessee-collective-rules-2026

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SOURCE Aware Technologies, Inc.

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IDScan.net Data Breach: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Launches Investigation Into Exposure of Personal Information

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National class action firm offering free case evaluations to individuals impacted by IDScan.net cybersecurity incident

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from the IDScan.net data breach. IDScan.net experienced a data breach on or about September 1, 2026.

What Happened

IDScan.net learned around September 1, 2026, that an unauthorized party may have accessed or copied customer information stored in its cloud accounts. The company secured its systems and brought in outside cybersecurity specialists to investigate the incident, which remains ongoing.

Information Exposed

The IDScan.net data breach may have compromised certain personal information, including full names and driver’s license or other government-issued identification numbers.

Who May Be Impacted

Individuals who received a data breach notification from IDScan.net may face an increased risk of identity theft and fraud.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action to pursue legal remedies for individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised in the IDScan.net breach. The firm will evaluate your rights and potential claims at no cost.

Recommended Protective Steps

Review account statements and credit reports regularly and remain vigilant for suspicious activity. Confirm whether your information was involved in the IDScan.net incident and preserve any letters or emails you received about the breach. Consider placing fraud alerts and credit monitoring.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney today: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492; Email: medelson@edelson-law.com; Web: www.edelson-law.com. Or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About IDScan.net

IDScan.net is a technology company that provides identity verification and data capture solutions for businesses and organizations.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, federal antitrust violations, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above to connect with our team regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/idscannet-data-breach-edelson-lechtzin-llp-launches-investigation-into-exposure-of-personal-information-302876772.html

SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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Real Time • Tide Watching | “Greater BRICS cooperation has become the leading echelon of the Global South” —- Qian Feng and Xu Feibiao on 20 Years of BRICS Cooperation and the Next Decade

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NEW DELHI, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A report from haiwainet.cn

Marking the 20th anniversary of the BRICS cooperation mechanism and ahead of the New Delhi Summit, this episode of Real Time • Tide Watching is joined by Professor Qian Feng, Fellow and Director of the Research Department at Tsinghua University’s National Strategy Institute, and Professor Xu Feibiao, Research Professor and Director of the Center for BRICS and G20 Studies of China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR). They focus on the highlights of the 18th BRICS Summit, new progress in BRICS cooperation, and the trajectory of China-India relations, and engage in an in-depth discussion on the next decade of BRICS cooperation.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/real-time–tide-watching—greater-brics-cooperation-has-become-the-leading-echelon-of-the-global-south–qian-feng-and-xu-feibiao-on-20-years-of-brics-cooperation-and-the-next-decade-302876780.html

SOURCE haiwainet.cn

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