SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire -06/04/12)- Medistem Inc. (MEDS) announced today positive safety data from the first 5 patients enrolled in the Non-Revascularizable IschEmic Cardiomyopathy treated with Retrograde COronary Sinus Venous DElivery of Cell TheRapy (RECOVER-ERC) trial. The clinical trial uses the company's "Universal Donor" Endometrial Regenerative Cells (ERC) to treat Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). According to the study design, after 5 patients enter the trial, they must be observed for a two month time period before additional patients are allowed to enter the study. Patient data was analyzed by the study's independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), which concluded that based on lack of adverse effects, the study be allowed to continue recruitment. "Medistem is developing a treatment for CHF that uses a 30-minute catheter-based procedure to administer the ERC stem cell into the patients' hearts. The achievement of 2 month patient follow-up with no adverse events is a strong signal for us that our new approach to this terrible condition is feasible," said Thomas Ichim, CEO of Medistem. The RECOVER-ERC trial will treat a total of 60 patients with end-stage heart failure with three concentrations of ERC stem cells or placebo. The clinical trial is being conducted by Dr. Leo … Continue reading →

SAN ANTONIO After four life-risking surgeries as a child to treat her epilepsy, Morgan Carey decided to lobby lawmakers to raise awareness about her disorder, teach students what to do if someone around them has a seizure, and adopt a diet and exercise routine to stay healthy. Shes 14. Morgan was diagnosed with epilepsy a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures over time at the age of 8. She suffers from one of its rarest forms. Her seizures are not violent and she doesnt convulse, but they are constant day and night- and dont respond to medication. Only about 100 such cases have been documented in the world. But thats not the only rare thing about the auburn-haired teenager: She is one of 44 students in the country selected by the Epilepsy Foundation to be ambassadors on the topic and attended a workshop in Washington D.C. last month to learn advocacy outreach. If you have a pulse, you have a purpose, Morgan said in a recent interview. Before my surgery, (at age 12), I dont think I was a very good person. I thought everything was about me. It really opened my eyes to do something bigger … Continue reading →

The Autism Collaborative Center at Eastern Michigan University is set to receive a $500,000 grant from the State of Michigan. The grant was included in next year's state budget for the Michigan Department of Community Health, which was passed May 31 by the Michigan House and Senate and is subject to approval by Governor Rick Snyder. The money will be used to support the center's operations and expand its ability to serve families, which is particularly important as the new autism insurance mandate takes effect. Autism is a complex and costly disorder that results in significant difficulties in communication, socialization, learning and behavior. Treatment for children and young adults with autism requires individualized intervention. "Eastern Michigan University is grateful to the Michigan legislature and to Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville for recognizing the valuable work being done at Eastern's Autism Collaborative Center," said Susan Martin, Eastern Michigan's president."This grant will help our center's staff to continue their exceptional and distinctive work in helping Michigans families." Richardville (R-Monroe) said that, "EMU's Autism Collaborative Center is an invaluable resource to countless families dealing with autism throughout southeast Michigan. This year's grant follows last year's state grant of $500,000, which is being used … Continue reading →

Many people suffer from strokes, yet many recover. Sadly, over 140,000 people pass away every year due to a stroke in the U.S. alone. In addition, close to 795,000 others experience a stroke. Strokes are a grave problem, causing lasting disability in many who suffer from them. The fact that less Americans die from stokes than in the past is very promising though, and thankfully there is help for those who do survive this medical emergency. Yoga can offer help and aid in recovery to those who have survived a stroke. Modified yoga can help stroke patients New research suggests that yoga can aid in the recovery of stroke patients. This particular study demonstrated the following benefits to stroke patients after eight weeks in an modified yoga class: Increased balance Added flexibility Advanced endurance New strength Longer steps with increased speed While yoga can be beneficial to stoke patients, The University of Maryland Medical Center did point out that it is important for stroke patients to consult their healthcare provider before beginning yoga since some poses can be hazardous to certain individuals. Wheelchair yoga can help stroke patients to recover more quickly Original post: Yoga for Stroke Patients … Continue reading →