A woman in the US has developed a tumour-like growth eight years after a stem cell treatment to cure her paralysis failed. There have been a handful of cases of stem cell treatments causing growths but this appears to be the first in which the treatment was given at a Western hospital as part of an approved clinical trial. At a hospital in Portugal, the unnamed woman, a US citizen, had tissue containing olfactory stem cells taken from her nose and implanted in her spine. The hope was that these cells would develop into neural cells and help repair the nerve damage to the woman's spine. The treatment did not work far from it. Last year the woman, then 28, underwent surgery because of worsening pain at the implant site. The surgeons removed a 3-centimetre-long growth, which was found to be mainly nasal tissue, as well as bits of bone and tiny nerve branches that had not connected with the spinal nerves. The growth wasn't cancerous, but it was secreting a "thick copious mucus-like material", which is probably why it was pressing painfully on her spine, says Brian Dlouhy at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, … Continue reading →

Senator Juan Ponce Enrile at Camp Crame on the way to the PNP Hospital. The Sandiganbayan has ordered Enriles arrest in connection with the plunder and graft cases filed by the Ombudsman. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ LEO SABANGAN MANILA, PhilippinesFor the Office of the Special Prosecutor, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile need not be under hospital arrest for his plunder case because the 90-year-old lawmaker seemed healthier after his stem cell treatment. During a hearing at the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday, prosecutor Annielyn Cabelis said Enriles motion for him to be detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital is unfounded and self-serving. Cabelis told the court that even with his age and various illnesses, Enrile is still performing quite well as senator. The prosecutor cited Enriles stem cell treatment as adding strength to the veteran lawmaker. Hes undergone stem cell surgery, adding vigor to the accused. Its not really precarious as what they told the court, Cabelis said. Associate Justice Samuel Martires noted the prosecutors claim that Enrile seemed stronger after the stem cell treatment. The justice then went on to ask the prosecutor if she feels her blood pressure going up when she is arguing with her husband. When the … Continue reading →

Stroke patients to benefit as expert targets Southend 8:00am Tuesday 8th July 2014 in News By Christine Sexton PATIENTS at risk of a stroke are set to benefit from pioneering treatments made possible by a collaboration between Southend Hospital and Anglia Ruskin University. Patients suffering the severe and life-threatening effects of a blocked artery in the brain will benefit from new procedures directly removing the blood clot. World renowned Professor Iris Grunwald joined Southend Hospital and Anglia Ruskin University in a dual role six months ago and is leading an international research trial based at the hospital into the benefits of interventional stroke treatment. She said: Southend has a history of excellence within stroke care and is considered one of the best centres in the country. Were now able to offer cutting-edge interventional stroke treatments, such as removal of clots directly from the brain with a minimally invasive technique. The chances of reopening a blocked vessel with this technique are by far higher than just medication alone and it gives us another option to help patients with the most severe strokes. Thanks to the clinical commissioning groups in this area, Southend Hospital is able to make this highly specialised procedure … Continue reading →

The Community Trust of Mid & South Canterbury has donated funds to nine organisations. The South Canterbury Stroke Club received $3040 towards its co-ordinator costs. The facility provides rehabilitative and social support for stroke survivors. It is the only organisation in New Zealand dedicated to reducing the incidence of stroke, improving treatment outcomes, and supporting those affected. The foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that supports a team of Community Stroke advisers. The trust also gave $5000 to the Timaru Bowling club, towards a second bowling green at Aorangi Park. Other groups that benefited from the trust's support were the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canterbury with $5000 towards support services for their Mid & South Canterbury clients. The Waimate Historical Society received $3000 towards a new climate control system for their archives section. The trust uses returns from investments to fund its philanthropy, donating about $1m a year to community organisations. - The Timaru Herald Read more from the original source: $3000 for Stroke club … Continue reading →