PT-141, also known as bremelanotide, is an innovative new peptide hormone treatment that works for both men and women to improve sexual function. PT-141 is an effective and efficient treatment for both erectile dysfunction and increased libido in men and improves female sexual arousal in women. PT 141 peptide gives you the desire and motivation along with the ability to increase blood flow to the penis or vagina and clitoris, returning the intimacy and passion to your relationship……
PT-141 addresses those issues to help resolve sexual difficulties.
PT-141 works directly through the nervous system to increase arousal, desire, and satisfaction with sex. Treatments like Viagra and Cialis work through the vascular system and only give you the ability to achieve an erection. However, PT-141 gives you the desire and motivation along with the ability to achieve an erection, returning the intimacy and passion to your relationship.
When Can I Expect to See Results?
While patients will notice some significant increases changes in the body after the first month, the full-benefits are usually fully noticed after three to six months of therapy.
MONTH 1
Increased energy
Improved stamina
Deeper, more restful sleep
MONTH 2
Improved skin, reduced wrinkles
Stronger nails and hair
Increased metabolism
MONTH 3
Enhanced sex drive and performance
Improved mental focus
Improved joint health
MONTH 4
Continued weight reduction
Improved skin elasticity
Increased lean muscle mass
MONTH 5
Noticeably fuller and healthier hair
Reduced appearance of wrinkles, better skin tone
Continued reduction in belly fat
MONTH 6
5-10% reduction in body fat (without exercise/diet)
10% increase in lean muscle mass
Improved vitality due to organ regrowth
How Do I Take PT-141?
The easy subcutaneous self-injection of PT-141 is made just underneath your skin, and is only given once every 72 or more hours. It is often recommend that men or women dose with the medication once or twice per week at 1.25 mg per dose, or as needed, to enjoy having their desired libido and sexual function. It usually takes anywhere from 2 – 4 hours to take effect. Under the direct care of a physician your PT-141 dose will be titrated to meet your exact needs. The fact that you only need one injection every 72 or more hours allows for spontaneity. Many people who use oral medication for erectile dysfunction often comment on the fact that they have to take a pill and “wait” for it to take effect, sometimes to the chagrin of their sexual partner. With a every 72 hours or so dosing schedule PT-141 does not get in the way of spontaneity. At this twice per week dosing protocol, a 10 mg vial of PT-141 will last you a month.
Tirzepatide is a synthetic derivative of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) that has simultaneous glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) functionality as well. This combination allows Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) to lower blood glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity, boost feelings of satiety, and accelerate weight loss.
Tirzepatide was developed to fight type 2 diabetes, but has additionally been shown to protect the cardiovascular system and act as a potent weight loss agent.
Benefits of Tirzepatide
Decreases blood sugar
Reduces hunger
Reduces body fat
Dosage Information
Doses start at the 2.5 mg dose once weekly; after 4 weeks on the 2.5 mg dose, increase to the 5 mg dose once weekly. If higher doses are required, increase by 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks at the current dose. The maximum dose is 15 mg once weekly.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a synthetic analogue of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) that was developed for its ability to stimulate insulin release and thus address both type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Made up of 39 amino acids, the relatively large Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas by binding to both GIP and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors. Taken over longer periods of time, Tirzepatide increases adiponectin levels by as much as 26% as well[1]. Research shows that Tirzepatide reduces feelings of hunger, lowers insulin levels, and increases insulin sensitivity. Taken together, these effects cause significant weight loss of 11 kg (25 lbs), improve glucose tolerance, decrease fat (adipose) tissue, and reduce cardiovascular risk.
What Does It Do?
Tirzepatide increases the release of insulin from the pancreas resulting in improved glucose control. Research shows that, in individuals with Type 2 diabetes, Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) decreases hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels by 2.4% after six months. The peptide also appears to aid in weight loss, showing a dose-dependent relationship and helping individuals lose as much as 11 kg (25 lbs) over six months.
It isn’t just that Tirzepatide increases insulin release though. Research suggests that the peptide actually improves the function of pancreatic beta cells, the cells that make and release insulin. Studies suggest that Tirzepatide may actually make beta cells more effective at processing insulin, which leads not just to increases in insulin levels in the bloodstream, but decreased stress on the beta cells themselves. This may, in turn, help to slow the progressive nature of type 2 diabetes.
Research shows that Tirzepatide doesn’t just increase insulin levels at random though it appears to do so only in response to increased blood glucose levels. During fasting, Tirzepatide actually decreases insulin levels and thus helps to increase insulin sensitivity over time. It also decreases fasting levels of glucagon, which are thought to exacerbate hyperglycemia by interfering with hepatic glucose metabolism. Overall, these changes are a big part of the reason Tirzepatide has a profound effect on glucose and, ultimately, HbA1c levels.
How Does It Work?
Tirzepatide is a dual agonist of the gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor and the glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor. Action at these receptors appears to have synergistic effects that make Tirzepatide more effective than strict GLP-1 agonists that are already approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The affinity of Tirzepatide for the GIP receptor is greater than its affinity for the GLP-1 receptor.
Gastric inhibitory polypeptide, which is also referred to as the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, is synthesized naturally in the small intestine. This polypeptide binds to the GIP receptor to inhibit gastric acid secretion and gastrin release while stimulating insulin release. The latter is the primary function of GIP-R and is the primary reason that insulin levels increase following a meal.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors are found on beta cells as well as in neurons in the brain. Like GIP-R, stimulation of GLP-1R stimulates the release of insulin. Natural agonists include glucagon and GLP1, but it has also been shown to bind nearly a dozen synthetic agonists including dulaglutide, lithium, and oxyntomodulin. Activation of GLP-1R increases both insulin synthesis and insulin release, factors that have made it a desirable target in drug development. In the brain, GLP-1R stimulation lowers appetite.
Interestingly, stimulation of GLP-1R appears to increase beta cell density in the pancreas. GLP-1R stimulation increases expression of the anti-apoptotic bcl-2 gene while reducing expression of pro-apoptotic bax and caspase-3 genes. This leads to enhanced beta cell survival and, ultimately, to increased levels of insulin.
The combination of GIPR and GLP-1R activity is what gives Tirzepatide an edge over strict GLP-1R agonists. Research shows that Tirzepatide acts identically to GIP at the GIPR, but favors cAMP production over β-arrestin recruitment when acting at the GLP-1R. These details may seem esoteric to some extent, but this difference in activity from endogenous GLP-1 appears to cause GLP-1R activation without increasing physiological internalization of the receptor. The net result is enhanced GLP-1R activity with Tarazepide compared to both endogenous GLP-1 as well as other synthetic GLP-1R agonists. These slight alterations mean that Tirzepatide drastically enhances insulin secretion, promotes feelings of satiety, and reduces inflammation in adipose tissue. These combined effects make it a highly efficacious anti-diabetes peptide.
Finally, Tirzepatide appears to alter adiponectin levels, raising overall levels of the fat-burning peptide. Increased levels of adiponectin reduce fat cell differentiation and increase energy expenditure by making mitochondria more inefficient. A low level of this peptide hormone has been implicated in diseases such as type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It is worth noting that elevated adiponectin levels elevate insulin sensitivity, so it would appear that Tirzepatide modulates insulin sensitivity via several mechanisms.
Tirzepatide and Hunger
Research shows that Tirzepatide delays gastric emptying during the earliest phases of its administration but that the effect diminishes over time as a result of tachyphylaxis. These effects are similar to those seen with pure GLP-1R agonists, indicating that this action of Tirzepatide is almost completely controlled by its GLP-1 activity and not at all by its GIP activity. It appears that the effects of Tirzepatide on gastric emptying can be prolonged if the peptide is taken at a low dose for four weeks and then the dose is escalated. This also helps to mitigate side effects caused by the peptide and creates a veritable win-win for patients. Delayed gastric emptying can help to increase feelings of satiety and reduce hunger as well as food cravings. Combined with the effects Tirzepatide has on glucose levels, this can actually help to alter eating patterns over the long term.
Tirzepatide and Weight
As noted above, Tirzepatide use is associated with substantial weight loss over a six-month time interval. A comparison of Tirzepatide to other GLP-1 analogues, like degludoc, indicates a striking difference. Whereas Tirzepatide causes a dose-dependent decrease in weight over time, degludoc and other GLP-1R agonists cause weight gain.
It appears that the GIP agonism cause by Tirzepatide is what is responsible for the peptide’s long-term effects on weight. GIP appears to directly impact the insulin-sensitivity of adipocytes, which is likely the mechanism by which Tirzepatide impacts adiponectin levels. In short, Tirzepatide activates GIP receptors in fat cells, which then leads to an increase insulin sensitivity. This, in turn, leads to a reduction in adipose inflammation as well as an increase in adiponectin levels and the associated benefits. This isn’t the whole picture, however research shows that GIP signaling in the central nervous system regulates hypothalamic feeding centers leading to decreased food intake and improved glucose handling. This, in turn, leads to decreased body weight. Thus, it appears that Tirzepatide impacts weight via adiponectin signaling directly in adipose tissue and via CNS alterations that reduce hunger levels via GIPR signaling in the brain.
Tirzepatide and the Heart
As noted, Tirzepatide alters adiponectin levels. Low adiponectin has been associated with atherosclerosis, obesity, and heart disease while increased adiponectin levels have been associated with decrease risk of all of these things. Research in humans with type 2 diabetes has shown that Tirzepatide improves lipoprotein biomarkers, lowering levels of triglycerides, apoC-III, and a handful of other lipoproteins. Combined, these effects mean reduced risk of heart disease as a likely result of decreased adiposity. Research shows that increased adiponectin levels increase HDL levels while decreasing triglyceride levels, both of which are associated with lower risk of heart disease. The peptide hormone appears to go further though, reducing scavenger receptors in macrophages and increasing the levels of cholesterol efflux to greatly protect against atherosclerosis. Increases in adiponectin levels have been associated with improved nutrition, exercise, and the use of certain lipid-lowering medications. It appears that Tirzepatide has similar beneficial effects.
Research shows that GLP-1 is important in both the direct regulation of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity as well as in the indirect regulation of risk factors like inflammation and endothelial cell dysfunction. The former effects are discussed above and below in relationship to adiponectin. The effects on inflammation and endothelial function, however, appear to be mediated more directly.
In the case of endothelial function, GLP-1 signaling has been shown to induce relaxation of blood vessels leading to decreased blood pressure and enhanced end organ perfusion. This effect appears to result from increased expression of eNOS, the enzyme that generates nitric oxide and induces vascular relaxation. Interestingly, these effects appear to be enhanced in the setting of preexisting cardiovasulcar disease and diabetes.
Of course, it is well known that inflammation is directly correlated with atherosclerosis. The details are still being worked out, but GLP-1 signaling appears to decrease inflammation via a handful of mechanisms including reduced NF-κB signaling, decreased MMP-9 activity, inhibited inflammatory cytokine synthesis, and decreases in inflammatory macrophage activity. What is more, these effects appear to last as long as three months after a single dose of a GLP-1R agonist like Tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is undergoing a clinical trial to further evaluate its medium-term effects on individuals with heart failure.
Summary
Tirzepatide is a synthetic derivative of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) that has simultaneous glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) functionality as well. This combination allows Tirzepatide to lower blood glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity, boost feelings of satiety, and accelerate weight loss. Tirzepatide was developed to fight type 2 diabetes, but has additionally been shown to protect the cardiovascular system and act as a potent weight loss agent.
TB-500 Peptide is an excellent choice for active individuals or anyone grappling with persistent discomfort, injury or physical strains. It’s an ally for maintaining an active lifestyle without the setbacks of pain and slow recovery.
ACCELERATES HEALING: TB-500 speeds up recovery from acute injuries, reducing downtime and getting you back to your routine faster.
REDUCES INFLAMMATION: With its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, TB-500 helps to decrease swelling in tissues, aiding in pain relief.
ENHANCES PERFORMANCE: By promoting new blood and muscle cells, TB-500 can contribute to improved strength and endurance.
PROMOTES HAIR GROWTH: TB-500 has been associated with encouraging hair growth, making it potentially beneficial for those facing hair thinning or loss.
SUPPORTS HEART HEALTH: Research shows TB-500’s regenerative properties in various types of heart tissue, promoting overall cardiac health.
TB-500, also known as Thymosin Beta-4, is a naturally occurring peptide present in almost all animal and human cells. This powerful peptide promotes healing, enhances strength, flexibility and endurance, reduces inflammation of tissue in joints, and encourages hair growth.
Research has shown that TB-500 substantially aids in the recovery and healing of injuries that would typically take months to heal, such as tendonitis, ligament damage, and fractures. Its regenerative properties have also been recognized in various kinds of heart tissue.
TB-500 is not only effective in athletes for its injury recovery and performance-enhancing properties but also among those suffering from acute and chronic injuries or disease. It offers potential help for individuals looking to promote wound healing, decrease inflammation, and recover faster from surgeries or illnesses.
TB-500 PEPTIDE THERAPY
We appreciate the role of advanced science in amplifying the innate healing mechanisms of the human body. Just as we advocate for the importance of regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and consistent detoxification for optimum health, we also recognize the value of specific treatment approaches. One such approach is the use of peptides, specifically TB-500.
TB-500, a synthetic peptide that mimics the effects of Thymosin Beta-4 (a naturally occurring peptide), has demonstrated significant potential in aiding the recovery process from a wide variety of injuries in research contexts. It’s known for its powerful ability to facilitate tissue regeneration, stimulate new blood and muscle cell formation, mitigate inflammation, heal injuries much faster and grow / regrow hair.
In addition to its regenerative properties, TB-500 carries notable protective effects. It has shown promise in reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with injuries. If you’re grappling with chronic or acute musculoskeletal issues, sprains, or strains, TB-500 peptide therapy may offer a beneficial support system in your recovery process. The benefits of TB-500 extend beyond just wound healing, as it’s also associated with hair growth promotion, performance enhancement, and supporting heart health. We highly recommend TB-500 to aid your body in achieving optimal health and recovery.
Semaglutide is a derivative of the naturally occurring GLP-1, a peptide known to lower blood sugar levels and enhance insulin secretion. Research shows that Semaglutide may also improve heart, liver, and lung function while helping to slow or prevent the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
Semaglutide has been shown to significantly decrease appetite by delaying gastric emptying and reducing intestinal motility. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Analog Shown to Stimulate Insulin and Suppress Glucagon Secretion in a Glucose-Dependent Manner.
Semaglutide Uses
Semaglutide 5mg is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It stimulates the release of insulin and suppresses the release of glucagon, typically also resulting in dramatic fat loss. Semaglutide has been studied for its potential in vitro use.
One area of interest for semaglutide in vitro studies is its potential to stimulate the production of insulin in pancreatic beta cells. Researchers investigated the effects of Semaglutide on isolated human islets, which are clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
The researchers found that Semaglutide increased the production of insulin in response to glucose stimulation. Semaglutide also increased the expression of genes involved in insulin production and secretion, suggesting that it may have potential as a therapy for type 2 diabetes, and it typically induces marked fat loss in those who use it.
The researchers found that semaglutide increased the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and energy expenditure in adipose tissue. Semaglutide also reduced the expression of genes involved in inflammation and adipocyte differentiation, which are processes that contribute to the development of obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Another area of interest for Semaglutide in vitro studies is in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver, leading to inflammation and scarring.
In a study published in 2022, researchers investigated the effects of Semaglutide on liver cells in vitro. The researchers found that Semaglutide reduced liver fat accumulation and improved markers of liver function, suggesting that it may have potential as a therapy for NAFLD.
While much of the research on semaglutide and cardiovascular health has been conducted in clinical settings, in vitro studies have also been used to investigate the mechanisms by which Semaglutide may improve cardiovascular outcomes.
The researchers found that Semaglutide reduced the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, which are processes that contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Semaglutide also reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines in vascular smooth muscle cells, suggesting that it may have anti-inflammatory effects in the blood vessels.
While in vitro studies can provide valuable insights into the potential uses of Semaglutide, combined with the fact that many physique conscious people like bodybuilders and many others have been using Semaglutide for years now with great fat loss and other results, we must emphasize that it is important to note that this product is not intended for human consumption. Further research, including animal studies, is needed to fully understand the safety and efficacy of Semaglutide for these and other conditions.
Usual Adult Dose for Weight Loss
Initial Dose Escalation Schedule:
Weeks 1 through 4: 0.25 mg subcutaneously once a week
Weeks 5 through 8: 0.5 mg subcutaneously once a week
Weeks 9 through 12: 1 mg subcutaneously once a week
Weeks 13 through 16: 1.7 mg subcutaneously once a week
Maintenance Dose:
Week 17 and onward: 2.4 mg subcutaneously once a week
Dosing Considerations:
If dose escalation is not tolerated, consider delaying dose escalation for 4 weeks
If the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once a week is not tolerated, the dose can be temporarily decreased to 1.7 mg once a week for a maximum of 4 weeks
After 4 weeks, increase dose back to 2.4 mg once a week; discontinue therapy if the patient cannot tolerate the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once a week
Comments:
For patients with type 2 diabetes, blood glucose should be monitored at baseline and during treatment.
This drug should not be coadministered with other semaglutide-containing products or with any other GLP-1 receptor agonist.
The safety and effectiveness of using this drug in combination with other weight loss products have not been established.
This drug has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis.
Semaglutide Storage
Lyophilized Semaglutide is Stable at room Temperature for 90 days, however it is best to store in a freezer below – 8c for any extended period of time. After reconstitution Semaglutide should be refrigerated at temperatures not to exceed 35 F.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that has shown potential for in vitro use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity-related metabolic disorders. Further research is needed to fully understand its potential as a therapeutic agent, but in vitro studies suggest that it may be safe and effective for these and other conditions.
Adipotide (a.k.a. FTPP or proapototic peptide) kills fat cells, plain and simple, by targeting the blood supply of those cells. Interestingly, adipotide is able to discern the blood vessels in fat cells from the blood vessels throughout the rest of the body and is therefore highly selective. Research in monkeys shows that adipotide not only causes weight loss, it actually boosts insulin sensitivity and offsets some of the effects of type 2 diabetes.
Adipotide before and after
Although Adipotide has been found to be effective in weight loss it is still in the clinical stages and more testing is needed. Some side effects have been logged in trials and the main concern includes dehydration. This means it can cause small kidney lesions and if this is not treated can cause kidney failure. A lot more clinical trials on humans are required to deal with problems like this. But, thanks to those in the research industry they work tirelessly to help find new cures and treatment for all conditions and diseases. That is why companies such as Anabolica are here to serve the research trade to continue their excellent work to contribute to the medical establishment around the globe.
Will Adipotide Help You to Lose Weight?
If you want to lose weight, the peptide-like formula known as Adipotide may be exactly what you’re looking for. This peptide is classified as an experimental peptodomimetic and it was created in the USA in order to help people battle obesity. This ultra-modern weight loss treatment has been tested on rhesus monkeys. Many people believe that this peptide-like formula is the future of simple and stress-free weight loss.
Adipotide is often described as a peptide – however, it is not a peptide.
Adipotide is a peptodomimetic and it differs from a peptide in that it is made from small chains of matter (this matter is similar to protein). These chains are meant to simulate the performance of peptides. During tests, rhesus monkeys which were injected with this ultra-modern peptodomimetic decreased their overall body weight by eleven percent.
Adipotide decreased the body mass index, waist circumference and fatty deposits of lab monkeys.
How Does Adipotide Work?
Adipotide is designed for targeting specific blood vessels, supplying body fat (adipose tissue)with blood.
The process results in a shrinking on your vessels, forcing the fat cells to start feeding on these vessels. All that mechanism leads to an apoptosis, which is a form of PCD that normally occurs in multicellular organisms. Typically, there are 2 receptors where adipotide binds: prohibitin and ANXA2. These are found in your blood vessels, and they accomplish the role of supplying your white adipose tissue.
This formula must be injected and it works by killing fat cells. When fat cells die, there is a decrease in volume within subcutaneous fat. This triggers weight loss. With Adipotide, cells are killed selectively, in a programmed fashion. They die because they are deprived of vital nutrients.
This formula works by destroying blood supply which contributes to fat cell growth. The process of targeted induction (Apoptosis), which kills cells, is the primary mechanism by which Adipotide supports weight loss. This ‘peptide’ has a couple of domains, both of which function separately in order to combat obesity.
The first domain is a homing domain and it works by targeting a membrane-associated protein which is known as Prohibitin. The homing domain works on adipose vascular endothelial cell matter. The second domain is a membrane-disrupting domain, which causes cell death by stopping or inhibiting mitochondrial membrane activity within targeted cells.
By keeping some fat cells from getting the nutrition that they need in order to stay alive, via the blood stream, this peptide-like formula provides quick weight loss results. While rhesus monkeys are the only test subjects to date, this experimental formula does hope to human subjects.
Monkeys who received Adipotide daily via injections experienced rapid and sustainable weight loss results. These test subjects lost twenty-percent of stomach fat within twenty-eight days. Some monkeys lost thirty-nine percent of their overall body fat, while others lost less. When fat cells in monkeys were killed with Adipotide, they were then metabolized by the body. Monkeys were treated with the drug for twenty-eight days and then underwent a twenty-eight day recovery period. For this reason, long-term weight loss results in rhesus monkeys are not available. However, short-term results do look promising.
Adipotide Dosing Chart
Discover the Benefits of Adipotide
As a result of the laidback lifestyle of humans as well as the contemporary work modality, it is evident that the need for practising physical activity has significantly reduced, this causes many people to become obese and overweight.
Helps you to reduce your weight in just a few months. The process results in the loss of a certain amount of abdominal fat mass.
Adipotide contains potentiating positive effects on insulin sensitivity as it improves it drastically. It’s reflected in using insulin efficiently on your body, which has been proven to have a positive effect on decreasing on elevated levels of blood glucose.
Adipotide maintains your health, and it allows energy use from the chemical nutrients your body is receiving.
It regulates water by removing excess water and retaining it at the appropriate time.
It processes hormones, which is useful in the regulation of BP (blood pressure).
It balances the minerals in your body, which allows the correct functionality of your body.
This formula is designed to promote weight loss and this benefit has been confirmed via pre-clinical studies. As well, it offers hope to diabetics, as studies show that it reduces side effects of diabetic health conditions. Adipotide features an innovative mechanism when compared to other therapeutics which are available in the marketplace (or which are undergoing clinical trials).
Since Adipotide works without triggering psychological symptoms, it doesn’t cause modulation of neurotransmitter matter. As well, it doesn’t have an amphetamine-type mechanism. Men and women who utilize Adipotide may therefore access benefits without a high risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
Bodybuilders Are Interested in Adipotide
Bodybuilders typically have a lot of experience with peptides and they have particular interest in this one. They know from experience that peptides are powerful formulas which allow them to change their bodies with a mind to accessing an assortment of results, from faster muscle mass growth to superior fat-burning power to optimal muscle recovery.
As well, peptides may help bodybuilders to avoid the negative side effects of anabolic steroid cycles. For this reason, many bodybuilders are interested in trying out this peptide-like formula as soon as they can. Some have already experimented with synthed versions of the formula, with mixed results. During the cutting phase of bodybuilding, when men and women need to reduce body fat without losing muscle, a formula such as Adipotide could provide practical benefits.