Monthly Archives: May 2012

Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor Launches TryMunity, a Social Site for Accident Victims, Survivors and Supporters of …

Posted: Published on May 15th, 2012

MCKINNEY, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A local 27-year-old Dallas man, Mike Black, survives after being thrown from his car and landing 40-feet away on his head. Black was not expected to live after suffering the most severe brain injury possible in an accident. With a Glasgow coma scale of only three and a dim prognosis from doctors, his family had little hope. In search of answers, they turned to the internet to get information and peer support from others who have had a loved one experience a traumatic, life-changing tragedy or illness. The online search for information on their sons condition offered quite a bit of technical information related to Blacks injuries, but no place to discuss their tragedy with someone who had experienced the same and learned ways to live through it and give them hope. The family formed a page on Facebook, The Beans Recovery Group, where friends and family could follow Blacks (The Beans) progress from coma, to his first meal to his first words and first steps. Eventually, others who had experienced similar traumas found the Facebook page and began sharing their own positive stories of recovery, giving hope to Black and his family. After Blacks insurance ran … Continue reading →

Posted in Brain Injury Treatment | Comments Off on Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor Launches TryMunity, a Social Site for Accident Victims, Survivors and Supporters of …

Study: Marijuana may help with MS symptoms

Posted: Published on May 15th, 2012

SAN DIEGO, May 14 (UPI) -- Smoking marijuana may be an effective treatment for spasticity -- a common and disabling symptom of multiple sclerosis, U.S. researchers suggest. Principal investigator Dr. Jody Corey-Bloom, professor of neurosciences and director of the Multiple Sclerosis Center at the University of California, San Diego, and colleagues randomly assigned 30 study participants to either the intervention group -- which smoked marijuana once daily for three days -- or the control group. After an 11-day interval, the participants crossed over to the other group. "We found that smoked cannabis was superior to placebo in reducing symptoms and pain in patients with treatment-resistant spasticity, or excessive muscle contractions," Corey-Bloom said in a statement. The researchers used a modified Ashford scale to grade the intensity of muscle tone by measuring such things as resistance in range of motion and rigidity. The researchers also looked at physical performance -- using a timed walk -- and cognitive function. Patients were also asked assess their feeling of "highness." The study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found the marijuana was generally well tolerated, but it has mild effects on attention and concentration. The researchers noted that larger, long-term studies were needed … Continue reading →

Posted in MS Treatment | Comments Off on Study: Marijuana may help with MS symptoms

FDA Warns MS Stent Treatment Unproven, Possibly Deadly

Posted: Published on May 15th, 2012

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) just issued a warning alert that a multiple sclerosis (MS) stent treatment is both unproven and potentially deadly. Health care professionals and patients are being warned about injuries and deaths linked to use of an experimental procedure, sometimes referred to as liberation therapy or liberation procedure, used in the treatment of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI). CCSVI is characterized by a narrowing (stenosis) of veins in the neck and chest; some experts believe that CCSVI is precursor or contributor to MS, impairing brain and upper spinal cord blood drainage. The experimental procedure uses balloon angioplasty devices or stents to widen narrowed chest and neck veins; however, the agency has been advised of incidents of death, stroke, stent detachment and migration, damage to the treated vein, blood clots, cranial nerve damage, and abdominal bleeding linked to the experimental procedure. Specifically, the FDA announced that at least two people died from the experimental procedure, said Reuters. Another patient is now permanently paralyzed, and others suffered bleeding in the brain, suffered strokes, blood clots, or other side effects. Stents are steel mesh coils that prop open arteries; balloon angioplasties utilize a balloon at the tip of … Continue reading →

Posted in MS Treatment | Comments Off on FDA Warns MS Stent Treatment Unproven, Possibly Deadly

Health Canada Approves New Testosterone Topical Solution for Men

Posted: Published on May 15th, 2012

Axironis the only approved testosterone replacement therapy with innovative application device TORONTO, May 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Axiron (testosterone topical solution, 2%) has been approved by Health Canada for testosterone replacement therapy in men for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone (hypogonadism). Axiron is a first-of-its-kind. It is a topical, alcohol-based testosterone solution applied to the underarm once daily using a metered dose applicator that avoids contact with the hands. The recommended starting dose is 60 mg once daily, preferably applied at the same time each morning.1 "The approval of Axiron signals valuable innovation in the treatment of male testosterone deficiency," says Dr. Serge Carrier, Urologist, McGill University. "With its novel applicator and odorless solution that dries in around two minutes, Axiron offers a treatment regimen that fits more naturally with a man's daily routine." Clinical trial data indicated that Axiron can restore blood concentration of testosterone within the normal range in most men.2 Axiron is expected to be available in Canada in the first quarter of 2013 and will provide a new option for healthcare professionals helping to treat the signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency. The product expands Eli Lilly Canada's focus in men's … Continue reading →

Posted in Hormone Replacement Therapy | Comments Off on Health Canada Approves New Testosterone Topical Solution for Men

Scientists Discover Clues to Muscle Stem Cell Functions

Posted: Published on May 15th, 2012

Study reveals a potential key to new treatment strategies for Muscular Dystrophy Newswise May 14, 2012 - Oakland, Calif. A study conducted by Childrens Hospital & Research Center Oakland scientists identifies how skeletal muscle stem cells respond to muscle injury and may be stimulated to improve muscle repair in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a severe inherited disease of muscle that causes weakness, disability and, ultimately, heart and respiratory failure. The study, led by Julie D. Saba, MD, PhD, senior scientist at Childrens Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI), shows that a lipid signaling molecule called sphingosine-1-phosphate or S1P can trigger an inflammatory response that stimulates the muscle stem cells to proliferate and assist in muscle repair. It further shows that mdx mice, which have a disease similar to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, exhibit a deficiency of S1P, and that boosting their S1P levels improves muscle regeneration in these mice. A research report describing the study findings will be published online (http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi %2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0037218) on May 14, 2012 in the journal Public Library of Science ONE (PLoS ONE). Skeletal muscle is the biggest organ system of the human body. It is important for all human activity. Muscles can be injured by trauma, inactivity, aging and … Continue reading →

Posted in Stem Cell Research | Comments Off on Scientists Discover Clues to Muscle Stem Cell Functions

New York Stem Cell Foundation scientist grows bone from human embryonic stem cells

Posted: Published on May 15th, 2012

Public release date: 14-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ] Contact: David McKeon dmckeon@nyscf.org 212-365-7440 New York Stem Cell Foundation NEW YORK, NY (May 14, 2012) -- Dr. Darja Marolt, an Investigator at The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Laboratory, is lead author on a study showing that human embryonic stem cells can be used to grow bone tissue grafts for use in research and potential therapeutic application. Dr. Marolt conducted this research as a post-doctoral NYSCF Druckenmiller Fellow at Columbia University in the laboratory of Dr. Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic. The study is the first example of using bone cell progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells to grow compact bone tissue in quantities large enough to repair centimeter-sized defects. When implanted in mice and studied over time, the implanted bone tissue supported blood vessel ingrowth, and continued development of normal bone structure, without demonstrating any incidence of tumor growth. Dr. Marolt's work is a significant step forward in using pluripotent stem cells to repair and replace bone tissue in patients. Bone replacement therapies are relevant in treating patients with a variety of conditions, including wounded military personnel, patients with birth defects, or patients who have suffered other traumatic injury. … Continue reading →

Posted in Stem Cell Research | Comments Off on New York Stem Cell Foundation scientist grows bone from human embryonic stem cells

Regenerative Sciences Receives $2M Investment for Orthopedic Stem Cell Initiatives

Posted: Published on May 15th, 2012

DENVER, May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Regenerative Sciences, Inc., a company dedicated to advancing orthopedic care through non-surgical adult stem cell procedures, today announced that it has secured a $2M investment from philanthropist, visionary and businessman John C. Malone, PhD, chairman of Liberty Media Corporation. In addition to advancing Regenerative Sciences' clinical and lab-based stem cell research, the investment will help support the national expansion of their Regenexx Physician Network. Regenerative Sciences' Regenexx procedures utilize a patient's own stem cells to help repair a broad range of common injuries and degenerative conditions, including cartilage lesions, torn ligaments and tendons, osteoarthritis and bulging spinal discs. For many, the procedures offer a viable alternative to arthroscopic surgery, open-joint surgery, or joint replacement surgery. Regenexx patients experience little or no downtime from the procedures and avoid the lengthy rehabilitation period associated with most surgical procedures. "We are proud of our accomplishments in the field of regenerative interventional orthopedics and it's exciting that our work has drawn the attention of such a noted entrepreneur and philanthropist," said Christopher J. Centeno, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Regenerative Sciences. "Dr. Malone shares our vision for forging the next generation of minimally invasive regenerative treatments. This investment … Continue reading →

Posted in Stem Cell Research | Comments Off on Regenerative Sciences Receives $2M Investment for Orthopedic Stem Cell Initiatives

Stem Cell Market & Cord Blood Banking Industry Research Reports at 10% Discount – Limited Period Offer

Posted: Published on May 15th, 2012

DALLAS, May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ReportsnReports.com announces a Flat 10% Discount on ALL market research reports by BioInformant WorldWide, LLC through June 20, 2012. Whether stem cells are to be studied functionally or based on source tissues, our database of reports on stem cells is sure to meet your research requirements. Here is a list of reports on which you get a Flat 10% Discount through June 20, 2012: The stem cell research products market (excluding stem cell antibodies) was valued at $1.28 billion for the full year 2011 and is projected to increase to $2.10 billion by 2016. The total market for all types of stem cell products - including stem cell research products, stem cell antibodies, and stem cell therapies - was valued at $5.72 billion for the full year 2011. This report identifies, defines, and quantifies each market segment within the stem cell product industry. This research helps you with data and analysis on rate of entrants to the cord blood banking industry, revenue distinctions among existing banks, effect of new entrants for existing competitors, leveraging global tactics for growth and more. As of 2012, 510 cord blood banks are active in 97 countries around the … Continue reading →

Posted in Stem Cell Research | Comments Off on Stem Cell Market & Cord Blood Banking Industry Research Reports at 10% Discount – Limited Period Offer

Human Embryonic Stem Cells Used To Grow Bone Tissue

Posted: Published on May 15th, 2012

May 15, 2012 A New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) scientist has shown in new research that human embryonic stem cells can be used to grow bone tissue grafts for use in research and potential medical applications. Dr. Darja Marolt, an investigator at the NYSCF, is the lead author of the study, which was published this week in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). It is the first example of using bone cell progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells to grow compact bone tissue in quantities large enough to repair centimeter-sized defects. When implanted in mice and studied over time, the implanted bone tissue supported blood vessel in-growth, and continued development of normal bone structure, without demonstrating any incidence of tumor growth. This is a significant step forward in using pluripotent stem cells to repair and replace bone tissue in patients, noted the researchers. Bone replacement therapies are relevant in treating patients with a variety of conditions, wounds, birth defects, or other traumatic injuries. Dr. Marolt conducted this research as a post-doctoral NYSCF Druckenmiller Fellow at Columbia University in the laboratory of Dr. Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic. Since conducting this work, Marolt has continued … Continue reading →

Posted in Stem Cell Research | Comments Off on Human Embryonic Stem Cells Used To Grow Bone Tissue

Research and Markets: Stem Cell Research Products: Opportunities, Tools & Technologies 2012 (Updated)

Posted: Published on May 15th, 2012

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/lffnp7/stem_cell_research) has announced the addition of the "Stem Cell Research Products: Opportunities, Tools & Technologies 2012 (Updated)" report to their offering. Stem cells are primitive cells found in all multi-cellular organisms that are characterized by self-renewal and the capacity to differentiate into any mature cell type. Several broad categories of stem cells exist, including embryonic stem cells, derived from blastocysts; fetal stem cells, obtained from aborted fetuses; adult stem cells, found in adult tissues; cord blood stem cells, isolated from umbilical tissue; dental stem cells, derived from deciduous teeth; cancer stem cells, which give rise to clonal populations of cells that form tumors or disperse in the body; and animal stem cells, derived from non-human sources. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all of the specialized embryonic tissues. In adult organisms, stem and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing specialized cells. Of interest to researchers is the potential for use of stem cells in regenerative medicine to treat conditions ranging from diabetes, to cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. Additionally, the ability to use stem cells to improve drug target validation and toxicology screening is of intense interest … Continue reading →

Posted in Stem Cell Research | Comments Off on Research and Markets: Stem Cell Research Products: Opportunities, Tools & Technologies 2012 (Updated)