Eighteen gerbils were given a drug to make them deaf in one ear, before being given an injection of 50,000 progenitor cells into the cochlea, which translates sounds into nerve impulses which can be sent to the brain. On average about a third of the cells grafted themselves to the ear and replace the damaged nerve cells. Brain scans showed that the gerbils typically recovered 45 per cent of their hearing after 10 weeks. In humans this would translate to someone who could formerly not hear a lorry passing by their window gaining the ability to follow a conversation in a crowded room, researchers said. They added that the results were variable, with some gerbils recovering up to 90 per cent of their hearing and others seeing very little improvement, depending on how many of the cells took hold. More research is needed to establish that the benefits of the treatment are lasting and that it is safe for use on humans, but the study represents a "huge step forward" in deafness research, the team said. Dr Marcelo Rivolta, who led the study, said: "Stem cells have been used in animal models of deafness before, mostly the mouse, with different … Continue reading →

The versatile cannabis plant may have a new use: it could be used to control epileptic seizures with fewer side effects than currently prescribed anti-convulsants. Ben Whalley at the University of Reading, UK, and colleagues worked with GW Pharmaceuticals in Wiltshire, UK, to investigate the anti-convulsant properties of cannabidivarin (CBDV), a little-studied chemical found in cannabis and some other plants. There is "big, historical, anecdotal evidence" that cannabinoids can be used to control human seizures, says Whalley, but the "side-effect baggage" means there have been relatively few studies of its pharmaceutical effect on this condition. The team investigated the effectiveness of CBDV one of around 100 non-psychoactive cannabinoids found in cannabis as an anti-convulsant. They induced seizures in live rats and mice that had been given the drug. These animals experienced less severe seizures and lower mortality compared with animals given a placebo. The drug also had fewer side effects and was better tolerated than three of the most widely prescribed anticonvulsants. Epileptic seizures affect about one per cent of the population. Left uncontrolled, they can lead to depression, cognitive decline and death. If you control the seizures, says Whalley, "the chances of death drop away completely". The decision about … Continue reading →

MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. [http://www.upsher-smith.com] today announced that subscribers to Epilog.us can now access the latest information related to Practice Management & Epilepsy at http://www.Epilog.us. Led by Dr. Aatif Husain, Director of the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship, Professor of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, and Dr. John Stern, CoDirector of the Seizure Disorder Center and Professor of Neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, areas of focus include: the importance of billing code accuracy; commonly utilized billing codes in epilepsy and neurology; and epilepsy quality measures from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58062-upsher-smith-epilog-us-practice-management-epilepsy-resources-available "Physicians generally do not want to deal with coding and billing-related issues, that is a reality. Unfortunately, another reality is that we have to deal with these issues," said Dr. Husain. "It is often difficult to determine the most appropriate billing codes that one can use. I'm happy to say that as far as common epilepsy ICD-9 codes (as well as common CPT codes) are concerned, these are available in the billing codes compendium available on the Epilog.us website." Relative to AAN's epilepsy … Continue reading →

ScienceDaily (Sep. 11, 2012) A team of Australian researchers, led by University of Melbourne has developed a genetic test that is able to predict the risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Lead researcher Professor Stan Skafidas, Director of the Centre for Neural Engineering at the University of Melbourne said the test could be used to assess the risk for developing the disorder. "This test could assist in the early detection of the condition in babies and children and help in the early management of those who become diagnosed," he said. "It would be particularly relevant for families who have a history of autism or related conditions such as Asperger's syndrome," he said. Autism affects around one in 150 births and is characterized by abnormal social interaction, impaired communication and repetitive behaviours. The test correctly predicted ASD with more than 70 per cent accuracy in people of central European descent. Ongoing validation tests are continuing including the development of accurate testing for other ethnic groups. Clinical neuropsychologist, Dr Renee Testa from the University of Melbourne and Monash University, said the test would allow clinicians to provide early interventions that may reduce behavioural and cognitive difficulties that children and adults with … Continue reading →

BRANSON, Mo., Sept. 12, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A local Branson family is hosting the 1st annual Rock the Spectrum concert, featuring Pearl Nation & DJ Imperial, on September 29, 2012, to support families affected by autism in Missouri. Join in on the festivities at the Outback Pub 1922 W. Hwy 76 from 7:00pm - 1:00 a.m. Rock the Spectrum will raise money for autism treatment grants for early intervention that is not covered by insurance or school districts. "We feel honored to be able to help bring awareness to this growing epidemic. This is an awesome community of people that need help and a wonderful community of people answering the call. We know what Generation Rescue stands for and have seen great things as a result of their vision. Our goal is to help as many families as possible through the funds raised at the first annual Rock the Spectrum event and continue to grow this event for years to come!" say event hosts Brent & Cristal Hedrick. Rock the Spectrum attendees will enjoy live music, food, drinks and fun "block party" activities, including dunk tanks and beer pong; and will also enjoy free snacks from Colby's Kettle Corn … Continue reading →

OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- TOMY, a leading global designer, producer and marketer of toys and collectible products sold to preschoolers, youths and adults, proudly announces a large scale donation in conjunction with Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. TOMY will donate up to five hundred Chuggington Wooden Railway playtables and train sets, with a total value of up to $250,000, to preschools who serve children with autism. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism affects one in 88 children and one in 54 boys. TOMY's donation is designed to help preschools serving children with autism provide wholesome and engaging play opportunities within educational environments. "Train play is perennially popular with preschoolers, especially boys, engaging them with action-oriented vehicle play, construction elements, imaginative role play and more. Through the years we have had customers who have children with autism tell us how much they love and play with our trains, and we wanted to provide that opportunity to as many preschoolers across the country as we could," states Greg Kilrea, president of TOMY International. "We are thrilled to be working with Autism Speaks through their network of family services, which will … Continue reading →