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Dr. Nicholas Franco, MD, Shares Insights on Kidney Stones: Causes, Prevention, and Treatments

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2 years ago

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Michigan, US, 12th June 2024, ZEX PR WIRE, Dr. Nicholas Franco, MD, a retired urologist who served in Montreal, New Orleans, and Southwest Florida, shares his extensive knowledge of kidney stones’ causes, prevention, and treatments. Dr. Franco’s insights aim to help individuals understand and manage this common health issue.

Kidney stones are produced in the kidneys, however stones can be found be found throughout the urinary tract including in the ureters and the bladder. Kidney stones are usually symptomatic and become symptomatic when a stone or stones is passed into the ureter or block the passage of urine into the ureter. The passage of a kidney stone usually starts with a sudden intense colicky pain in the side and can extent all the way to the lower abdomen and groin area. In men the pain is sometimes felt in their testicle . Also frequent urination , urinary urgency with excessive frequency of urination, bloody urine, and cloudy and foul smelling urine with or without fever can be experienced.

Kidney stones form when waste in the urine become highly concentrated, leading to the crystallization and formation of stones.  The stones can be calcium based (80%), Uric Acid based (5-10%), Struvite/infected stones (10%) and Cystine stones(1%). Dr. Franco explains that several factors contribute to this problem. One of them, he says, is dehydration. Dr. Nicholas Franco says dehydration, resulting from inadequate water intake, leads to concentrated urine, which increases the risk of stone formation. Dietary habits, he adds, also play a significant role, with high intake of salt, sugar, and fructose (found in table sugar and high fructose corn syrup) being common contributors. Dr. Franco adds that lifestyle factors such as both excessive and insufficient exercise, obesity, and weight loss surgery further elevate the risk. Additionally, Dr. Franco says that certain medical conditions and a family history of kidney stones can predispose individuals to this condition. Dr. Franco also notes that nutritional imbalances, including consuming too much animal protein and insufficient calcium, are contributing factors.

The good news, Dr. Nicholas Franco says, is that Kidney Stones are preventable. Preventing kidney stones, he states, involves making dietary and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk. Dr. Franco emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated by drinking more than 12 glasses of water daily to keep urine less concentrated with waste products. To quote him, “Aim for urine that is light yellow to clear.” He adds that limiting sugar and salt intake is crucial, as is avoiding salty foods like chips, canned soups, and packaged meals. In his professional opinion, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables helps make the urine less acidic, reducing the likelihood of stone formation. While protein is necessary, Dr. Franco says, excessive animal protein can increase urine acidity, so a balanced diet is essential, and seeking guidance from a dietitian can be beneficial. He notes that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is also necessary, but avoiding high-protein or crash diets is more important. He advises that people at high risk of kidney stones should aim for calcium-rich foods. That’s because dietary calcium helps prevent stones by binding with oxalate in the gastrointestinal tract, thus reducing the absorption of oxalates . Adding citrate based foods such as lemonaid to one’s diet can reduce calcium  stone formation.Calcium oxalate stones are the most common form of calcium based stones and by far account for the majority of symptomatic kidney stones. 

When kidney stones occur, Dr. Nicholas Franco says, treatment depends on the size and type of the stone and the severity of symptoms. He notes that increasing water intake and using medications to manage pain. In an acute episode, an alpha blocker such as Tamsulosin (Flomax) and reduction of urine acidity(in the case of uric acid stones) can help pass the stone naturally for small stones. He also highlights Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy(ESWL) as a way of treating kidney stones. ESWL he says, is a noninvasive non-surgical procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to break the stones into smaller fragments that can be passed in the urine. Ureteroscopy, another treatment method, he says, involves inserting an endoscope through the urethra into the ureter to retrieve or break up the stone. For large or complicated stones, Dr. Nicholas Franco says, a minimally invasive surgical procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy/nephrolithotripsy is performed to remove the stones directly from the kidney using an endoscope passed trough a tiny skin incision.

Dr. Franco advises individuals who have had kidney stones or are at increased risk to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice. This includes seeing a doctor or registered dietitian to evaluate medical history and dietary habits and to recommend appropriate changes.

As Dr. Nicholas Franco, MD, enjoys his retirement, his legacy of excellence and commitment to advancing urological care continues to benefit the medical community and countless individuals affected by kidney stones. His insights provide a valuable resource for understanding and managing this common yet manageable condition.

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Wall Street Veteran Peter Larsen Unveils ‘Quantum Scalp’ to Bridge Institutional-Retail Divide

Published

3 hours ago

on

May 4, 2026

By

Retail Divide

 

Peter Larsen, a veteran quantitative trader with over three decades of experience on Wall Street, has emerged from retirement to launch Quantum Scalp, a new financial technology firm aimed at democratizing access to institutional-grade algorithmic trading. 

The company announced today that it has secured $100 million in private capital to build a systematic trading platform designed to provide retail investors with tools previously exclusive to investment banks and hedge funds. The funding round included participation from family offices, former industry colleagues, and a sovereign wealth fund.

 

A Career Built on Market Microstructure 

Larsen’s career parallels the evolution of modern electronic trading. He began at Bear Stearns in 1993 as a junior market analyst, joining during the early shift from floor trading to screen-based execution. Throughout the 1990s, Larsen developed statistical models for fixed-income desks, working within the cohort of quantitative analysts who fundamentally rewired the industry’s approach to risk and execution.

In 2001, Larsen moved to Lehman Brothers as a consultant within the firm’s Quantitative Proprietary Trading division. During his tenure, he served as a lead analyst on the Penn-Lehman Automated Trading Project (PLAT). The initiative, a collaboration between Lehman Brothers and the University of Pennsylvania, developed one of the earliest realistic simulators for testing automated trading strategies. PLAT remains a cited reference in academic and industry circles regarding market microstructure and algorithmic execution. 

Larsen retired in 2006, prior to the financial crisis of 2008. For the next fifteen years, he remained active in an advisory capacity, monitoring the widening disparity between institutional and retail trading capabilities. 

Addressing the Intelligence Gap

 

According to Larsen, the post-2010 retail trading revolution reduced costs through commission-free trading and fractional shares but failed to close the “intelligence gap.” 

“Cheap access without an edge isn’t democratization,” Larsen said in an interview at Wyoming. “It often results in capital flowing more efficiently toward institutions that possess superior data and execution tools. Our objective is parity.” 

The catalyst for Larsen’s return to the market was the advancement of artificial intelligence and optimization technologies between 2022 and 2024. Larsen posits that modern transformer-based forecasting and hybrid systems now allow for the compression of capabilities that previously required large quantitative teams. 

Technology and Compliance

 Despite the company name, Quantum Scalp does not utilize quantum computing hardware. Larsen was explicit in clarifying the technology stack to avoid investor confusion. 

“The system is quantum-inspired,” Larsen stated. “We utilize optimization algorithms derived from quantum mechanics, such as simulated annealing variants and tensor-network methods, running on classical GPU infrastructure. Combined with AI-driven signal processing, this allows for portfolio construction and signal weighting at a latency and scale that was not feasible five years ago.”

 The platform operates on three distinct layers:

1.  Signal Layer: Ingests market data, alternative data, and macroeconomic indicators to generate short-horizon forecasts.

2.  Optimization Layer: Applies quantum-inspired algorithms to weight signals and construct positions under risk constraints.

3.  Execution Layer: Manages order routing and slippage, leveraging methodologies originally developed during the PLAT project. 

Industry Skepticism and Regulatory Landscape The launch comes amidst heightened scrutiny of AI-driven retail trading platforms. Regulators in the United States and Europe have increased oversight regarding algorithmic advice given to non-institutional investors. Critics note that previous attempts to democratize quantitative tools, such as early robo-advisors and AI trading startups, have often struggled to match backtested performance in live markets.

Larsen acknowledges the risks inherent in the sector. “We are not selling a guaranteed return,” he said. “Anyone claiming to sell a ‘money printer’ is misrepresenting the product. We are providing the same class of tools, analysis quality, and execution discipline utilized by major desks. How that utility is employed remains the responsibility of the investor.”

 

A Second Act 

At 75, Larsen represents a rare profile in the fintech sector, which is typically dominated by younger founders. Colleagues describe the venture as consistent with his long-standing focus on market structure integrity.

 The firm plans to begin rolling out access to the platform later this year, subject to regulatory compliance and final testing phases. For Larsen, the venture is a corrective measure to a career spent building advantages for the institutional side of the market.

 “I worked for the house for thirty years,” Larsen said. “I intend to provide the players with a system that levels the field.” 

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Press Release

Galatea by Inkitt Celebrates 100+ Five-Star Reviews Amid Rising Popularity

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1 day ago

on

May 3, 2026

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California, USA, 3rd May 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — Galatea, the rapidly growing digital reading platform developed by Inkitt, has surpassed 100 five-star reviews, marking a significant milestone in its continued rise among global readers. The achievement highlights strong user satisfaction and reinforces Galatea’s position as more than just a reading app. As part of Inkitt’s broader story-to-screen ecosystem, Galatea plays a central role in transforming reader-driven content into multi-format entertainment, extending all the way to television through CandyJar.

This milestone arrives at a time when audiences are actively seeking more flexible and engaging ways to consume stories. Galatea has responded by offering a format that aligns with modern habits while still preserving the emotional depth that readers expect from strong storytelling.

A Milestone That Reflects Real Reader Loyalty

Reaching over 100 five-star reviews signals more than short-term success. It reflects consistent reader satisfaction and an ability to maintain engagement over time. Users frequently highlight how seamlessly the platform fits into their daily routines, whether they are reading during short breaks, while commuting, or winding down at night.

This accessibility has helped Galatea build a loyal user base. Readers are not simply downloading the app and leaving. They return regularly to continue stories, explore new releases, and stay connected to ongoing narratives. The growing number of five-star reviews demonstrates that users are finding lasting value in the experience.

In an environment where attention is divided across multiple platforms, this level of retention is notable. Galatea has managed to create a product that readers continue to engage with long after their first interaction.

A Reading Experience Designed for Modern Habits

Galatea has built its platform around the idea that reading should adapt to the reader. Instead of presenting long chapters that require uninterrupted time, the platform delivers stories in episodic segments that are easy to consume. This structure makes reading more approachable and encourages consistent engagement.

The platform also offers multiple formats within a single story. Readers can move seamlessly between ebook and audiobook modes, allowing them to switch based on their situation. In addition, Galatea includes chat-style storytelling, where narratives unfold through text-message-like conversations. This format introduces variety and reflects how people naturally communicate today.

Audio is another defining feature of the platform. Full narration and carefully designed sound elements support the storytelling experience and add depth to each scene. Rather than acting as a background feature, audio plays an active role in shaping how stories are experienced.

Together, these features create a reading environment that feels flexible, engaging, and suited to modern lifestyles.

A Story-to-Screen Pipeline That Sets It Apart

Galatea’s growth is closely tied to Inkitt’s larger story-to-screen model, which differentiates it from traditional reading platforms. The process begins on Inkitt, where writers share their work and reader engagement determines which stories gain traction. The most promising titles are then published on Galatea, where they reach a wider audience in enhanced formats.

From there, the most successful stories move into television development on CandyJar. This structured pipeline allows content to evolve naturally, moving from written storytelling to screen adaptation based on proven audience demand.

This model offers a clear pathway for writers. Instead of navigating uncertain publishing routes, authors can see their work progress step by step, guided by reader response. It also ensures that the stories adapted for television already have a built-in audience, reducing risk and increasing the likelihood of success.

For readers, the pipeline adds another layer of engagement. Stories they discover on Galatea have the potential to expand into visual formats, creating a deeper connection to the content. This continuity strengthens the overall experience and sets the platform apart in a crowded market.

Content That Reflects What Readers Actually Want

Galatea’s content strategy is built on real user behavior. By leveraging data from Inkitt, the platform identifies stories that already resonate with readers. This ensures that the content available on Galatea aligns closely with audience preferences.

Genres such as romance, fantasy, thriller, drama, and Young Adult continue to perform strongly, reflecting consistent demand across a wide range of readers. At the same time, the platform introduces new voices and perspectives, maintaining a balance between familiar themes and fresh ideas.

This approach reduces the uncertainty often associated with content selection. Instead of relying on predictions, Galatea uses measurable engagement to guide its decisions. The result is a library that feels both curated and relevant.

For writers, this system creates meaningful opportunities. Success is determined by reader response, allowing emerging authors to gain visibility and build an audience based on the strength of their work.

Listening to Feedback and Improving the Experience

The increase in five-star reviews also reflects Galatea’s responsiveness to its users. Feedback plays a direct role in shaping the platform’s development. Readers frequently mention features such as customizable settings, smooth navigation, and the ability to switch between formats without interruption.

These elements contribute to a user-friendly experience that appeals to a broad audience. Small improvements, driven by real feedback, continue to enhance the platform’s usability.

Galatea’s ability to adapt has become a key strength. As user expectations evolve, the platform remains focused on refining its features while maintaining the core aspects that readers value.

Meeting the Demand for Flexible Storytelling

Modern readers are looking for flexibility, and Galatea has positioned itself to meet that demand. The platform allows users to engage with stories in different ways, depending on their preferences and schedules.

Whether through short reading sessions, audiobook listening, or interactive chat-based formats, users can choose how they want to experience each story. This adaptability makes it easier to stay engaged without disrupting daily routines.

The ability to move between formats also adds to the overall experience. A reader can begin a story in text form, continue it as an audiobook, and explore chat-style interactions within the same narrative. This level of flexibility keeps the platform dynamic and appealing.

Building a Community Around Stories

As Galatea continues to grow, it is also building a strong and engaged community. The increasing number of five-star reviews reflects not only individual satisfaction but also a shared enthusiasm among users.

Readers actively recommend the platform, share feedback, and contribute to its visibility. This organic growth has played an important role in expanding Galatea’s reach.

For writers, this community creates valuable opportunities for connection and recognition. Authors can engage with readers directly and see how their work resonates in real time. This interaction strengthens the relationship between creators and their audience.

Each positive review adds to the platform’s credibility and encourages new users to explore what it has to offer.

Looking Ahead

Surpassing 100 five-star reviews marks an important milestone, but it also signals continued growth. Galatea remains focused on expanding its content library, improving its features, and strengthening its role within Inkitt’s story-to-screen ecosystem.

The integration with CandyJar creates new possibilities for content development, allowing stories to move beyond the app and reach wider audiences. This connection positions Galatea as a key part of a larger entertainment strategy rather than a standalone platform.

As more readers discover the app, the platform is expected to continue building momentum and attracting new users. The steady increase in positive feedback suggests that it is meeting the expectations of its audience and adapting effectively to changing preferences.

Conclusion

Galatea’s achievement of over 100 five-star reviews reflects its ability to deliver a reading experience that aligns with modern expectations. By combining flexible formats, data-driven content, and a clear path from story to screen through CandyJar, the platform offers something distinct in the digital reading space.

As part of Inkitt’s broader vision, Galatea represents more than a reading app. It is a central piece of a storytelling ecosystem where ideas begin with readers and have the potential to grow into larger forms of entertainment. With strong user engagement and a clear direction for growth, Galatea continues to establish itself as a platform that understands both storytelling and the people who enjoy it.

For more information, please feel free to visit https://galatea.com/ 

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Press Release

Milestone Launches Project : Tsavkisi, The First Design-Code Community Near Tbilisi

Published

2 days ago

on

May 2, 2026

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Milestone has launched Project : Tsavkisi, a residential land-plot development situated on a hillside in the Tsavkisi area, just an 18-minute drive from Tbilisi, Georgia. The project comprises 63 individual land plots, each offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest and the city.

Tbilisi, Georgia, 2nd May 2026 – Milestone has launched Project : Tsavkisi, a residential land-plot development situated on a hillside in the Tsavkisi area, just an 18-minute drive from Tbilisi, Georgia. The project comprises 63 individual land plots, each offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest and the city.

Project : Tsavkisi is a thoughtfully planned community with a unified architectural identity, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. It is designed for those who wish to build a residence in a scenic setting while remaining just minutes away from central Tbilisi.

The presale is now open.

The development spans 10 hectares, with 24,000 m² dedicated to curated shared public spaces, including children’s playgrounds, sports courts, and forest walking paths. The project includes professionally maintained shared areas and green zones, along with 24/7 secured territory. 

The architectural vision of Project : Tsavkisi is rooted in a landscape-oriented approach. To create a unique living environment, the project has developed a set of architectural guidelines – a Design Code, where every element is thoughtfully connected to the next. The Code extends from façade materials and roofing guidelines to color selection. A recommended palette of muted, earth-derived tones is designed to maintain visual harmony with the natural landscape. The project adopts a low-density development strategy that maintains visual openness and integrates seamlessly with the natural terrain, avoiding high retaining walls and other intrusive structural elements. 

Homeowners are offered the flexibility to develop individual designs in accordance with the Design Code or to select from a catalogue of nine pre-designed residential houses. They have been created in collaboration with established architectural studios, recognized for their experience in residential design and landscape-driven planning.

The project is designed for residents who lead active urban lives but seek a home in a quiet, natural setting, without sacrificing their connection to the city. Project : Tsavkisi sets a benchmark for holistic suburban development, where each residence contributes to a unified architectural identity.

About Milestone

Milestone is a Georgian real estate development and management company based on innovative vision and ideas, defining environments for quality life. Expanding its portfolio, the company is currently developing a new residential project in the heart of Tbilisi, set to be introduced soon. 

Media Contact

Organization: Milestone

Contact Person: Lasha Eliadze

Website: https://www.projecttsavkisi.ge/

Email:
info@milestone.ge

Contact Number: +995598399899

City: Tbilisi

Country:Georgia

Release id:44575

The post Milestone Launches Project : Tsavkisi, The First Design-Code Community Near Tbilisi appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section

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