Genetherapy

New Guidance Issued on Genetic Testing of Children

March 4th, 2013

Newswise For the first time, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) spoke with one voice and released a set of recommendations and guidelines on best practices for genetic testing and screening of children.

Genetic screening is done more on children than on any other group, with about 4 million newborns screened every year for nearly 40 metabolic and endocrine disorders including phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis and hypothyroidism, as well as hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease. Most states have adopted the uniform panel, although some states include a variety of additional conditions.

Despite gains in technology and the study of genetics, such guidelines had not been updated by either group in at least a decade.

We now have geneticists, pediatricians and ethicists all in consensus about what are the best guidelines for genetic testing and screening of children, said pediatrician Lainie Ross, MD, PhD, Carolyn and Matthew Bucksbaum professor and associate director at the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics at the University of Chicago.

Ross is the lead author of the policy statement, published by AAP, and the companion technical paper, published by the ACMG. The new guidelines were released on Feb. 21, 2013.

The two groups also were unified in their call for greater parental involvement in the genetic testing and screening of children.

Currently, genetic screening of newborns is mandatory and this has led to minimal or no engagement of parents. Parents are often not told that screening is happening. When they are told, very little information typically is provided, even though they had the right to refuse screening in most states.

The new statement promotes mandatory offering of screening. A mandatory offer means parents must be informed that screening is available and should be provided with an overview of what will be screened for, the type of results they may get, the minor risks involved and the potential benefits if their child is found to have a disorder that requires immediate treatment.

After such education and counseling, parents then would be asked to give permission for screening. While there are no guidelines on what form that consent would take, it could be as easy as a verbal agreement to go ahead.

In our world, we want every baby to be screened. The move from mandatory screening to mandatory offering is to engage parents, to make sure that parents know about screening and give permission for it, Ross said. If they say no, the next step is not to say OK but to engage in further conversation because refusal should be a very rare event given the high benefit-to-risk ratio.

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Seven Genetic Risk Factors Associated with Common Eye Disorder

March 4th, 2013

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Newswise A professor from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is one of the lead authors of a study identifying seven new regions of the human genome that are associated with increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness among older adults.

The AMD Gene Consortium, a network of international investigators representing 18 research groups, also confirmed the existence of 12 other regions called loci that had been identified in previous studies. The authors report their findings online in the journal Nature Genetics. Supported by the National Eye Institute (NEI), a part of the National Institutes of Health, the study represents the most comprehensive genome-wide analysis of genetic variations associated with AMD.

This work represents a big step forward toward solving why some people get AMD, while others do not, said Sudha Iyengar, PhD, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and a member of the consortiums senior executive committee. This disease is not caused by a single change in the DNA, but represents many events that accumulate over the lifetime of a patient. Identification of these genes provides molecular windows into the AMD disease process.

AMD affects the macula, a region of the retina responsible for central vision. The retina is the layer of light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye that houses rod and cone photoreceptor cells. Compared with the rest of the retina, the macula is especially dense with cone photoreceptors; humans rely on the macula for tasks that require sharp vision, such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. As AMD progresses, such tasks become more difficult and eventually impossible. Some kinds of AMD are treatable, but no cure exists. An estimated 2 million Americans suffer from AMD.

Since the 2005 discovery that certain variations in the gene for complement factor Ha component of the immune systemare associated with major risk for AMD, research groups around the world have conducted genome-wide association studies to identify other loci that affect AMD risk. These studies were made possible by tools developed through the Human Genome Project, which mapped human genes, and related projects, such the International HapMap Project, which identified common patterns of genetic variation within the human genome.

The consortiums analysis included data from more than 17,100 people with the most advanced and severe forms of AMD, which were compared to data from more than 60,000 people without AMD. The 19 loci that were found to be associated with AMD implicate a variety of biological functions, including regulation of the immune system, maintenance of cellular structure, growth and permeability of blood vessels, lipid metabolism, and atherosclerosis.

As with other common diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, an individual persons risk for getting AMD is likely determined not by one but many genes. Further comprehensive DNA analysis of the areas around the 19 loci identified by the AMD Gene Consortium could turn up undiscovered rare genetic variants with a disproportionately large effect on AMD risk. Discovery of such genes could greatly advance scientists understanding of AMD pathogenesis and their quest for more effective treatments.

This compelling analysis by the AMD Gene Consortium demonstrates the enormous value of effective collaboration, said NEI director Paul A. Sieving, MD, PhD. Combining data from multiple studies, this international effort provides insight into the molecular basis of AMD, which will help researchers search for causes of the disease and will inform future development of new diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Other lead authors of the study include: Gonalo R. Abecasis, D. Phil., University of Michigan; Lindsay A. Farrer, PhD, Boston University; Iris Heid, PhD, University of Regensburg, Germany; and Jonathan L. Haines, PhD, Vanderbilt University.

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Seven Genetic Risk Factors Associated with Common Eye Disorder

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7 genetic risk factors found to be associated with common eye disorder

March 4th, 2013

Public release date: 4-Mar-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jessica Studeny jessica.studeny@case.edu 216-368-4692 Case Western Reserve University

A professor from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine is one of the lead authors of a study identifying seven new regions of the human genome that are associated with increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness among older adults.

The AMD Gene Consortium, a network of international investigators representing 18 research groups, also confirmed the existence of 12 other regions called loci that had been identified in previous studies. The authors report their findings online in the journal Nature Genetics. Supported by the National Eye Institute (NEI), a part of the National Institutes of Health, the study represents the most comprehensive genome-wide analysis of genetic variations associated with AMD.

"This work represents a big step forward toward solving why some people get AMD, while others do not," said Sudha Iyengar, PhD, professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and a member of the consortium's senior executive committee. "This disease is not caused by a single change in the DNA, but represents many events that accumulate over the lifetime of a patient. Identification of these genes provides molecular windows into the AMD disease process."

AMD affects the macula, a region of the retina responsible for central vision. The retina is the layer of light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye that houses rod and cone photoreceptor cells. Compared with the rest of the retina, the macula is especially dense with cone photoreceptors; humans rely on the macula for tasks that require sharp vision, such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. As AMD progresses, such tasks become more difficult and eventually impossible. Some kinds of AMD are treatable, but no cure exists. An estimated 2 million Americans suffer from AMD.

Since the 2005 discovery that certain variations in the gene for complement factor Ha component of the immune systemare associated with major risk for AMD, research groups around the world have conducted genome-wide association studies to identify other loci that affect AMD risk. These studies were made possible by tools developed through the Human Genome Project, which mapped human genes, and related projects, such the International HapMap Project, which identified common patterns of genetic variation within the human genome.

The consortium's analysis included data from more than 17,100 people with the most advanced and severe forms of AMD, which were compared to data from more than 60,000 people without AMD. The 19 loci that were found to be associated with AMD implicate a variety of biological functions, including regulation of the immune system, maintenance of cellular structure, growth and permeability of blood vessels, lipid metabolism, and atherosclerosis.

As with other common diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, an individual person's risk for getting AMD is likely determined not by one but many genes. Further comprehensive DNA analysis of the areas around the 19 loci identified by the AMD Gene Consortium could turn up undiscovered rare genetic variants with a disproportionately large effect on AMD risk. Discovery of such genes could greatly advance scientists' understanding of AMD pathogenesis and their quest for more effective treatments.

"This compelling analysis by the AMD Gene Consortium demonstrates the enormous value of effective collaboration," said NEI director Paul A. Sieving, MD, PhD. "Combining data from multiple studies, this international effort provides insight into the molecular basis of AMD, which will help researchers search for causes of the disease and will inform future development of new diagnostic and treatment strategies."

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7 genetic risk factors found to be associated with common eye disorder

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Genzyme’s Head of Rare Diseases Honored by the Genetic Disease Foundation

March 4th, 2013

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Genzyme, a Sanofi company (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), today announced that Genzymes Head of Rare Diseases, Rogerio Vivaldi, MD, has been honored as the Genetic Disease Foundations Industry Person of the Year. The award is given to an individual in the life sciences industry who has made outstanding contributions to advancing medical research and bringing new therapies to people living with rare genetic diseases.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Vivaldi has worked to identify the unmet needs of those living with rare genetic diseases, such as Gaucher disease, said Elisa Ross, President of the Genetic Disease Foundation (GDF). We are pleased to recognize Dr. Vivaldi for his dedication and commitment to improving patients lives.

The award will be presented tonight at the GDF Gala at New Yorks Gotham Hall.The eventwill raise funds for the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

I am truly honored by this award. As a physician in Brazil, I saw firsthand the importance of diagnosis and treatment for rare genetic diseases, said Dr. Vivaldi. At Genzyme we continue the mission to develop and deliver transformative therapies to all patients affected by rare genetic diseases.

The Genetic Disease Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1997 by patients and families affected by genetic disorders. The Foundations mission is to help prevent and treat genetic diseases by supporting research and counseling and conducting educational initiatives.

About Genzyme, a Sanofi Company

March 4th, 2013

McCabe Genetics Lot 139 2013

By: Flinton McCabe

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McCabe Genetics Lot 139 2013 - Video

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The Genetics Behind Age-related Macular Degeneration Detailed In New Study

March 4th, 2013

March 4, 2013

redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports Your Universe Online

A coalition of 18 different research organizations has identified seven new genetic regions associated with an eye disorder that is a common cause of blindness in older individuals, according to a study published online Sunday in the journal Nature Genetics.

The AMD Gene Consortium study also confirmed that 12 regions of the human genome (also known as loci) previously identified by scientists were also associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), the research which was led by experts from the University of Michigan, Boston University, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Regensburg in Germany represents the most comprehensive genome-wide analysis of genetic variations associated with AMD.

Officials with Vanderbilt University Medical Center said that the research could point to new biological pathways and therapeutic targets for AMD. In addition, Jonathan Haines, Ph.D., director of the Nashville, Tennessee-based universitys Center for Human Genetics Research, said that their efforts have made it possible to explain nearly two-thirds of the genetics associated with the development of this degenerative eye condition.

The NEI, which is a part of the US National Institutes of Health and supported the AMD Gene Consortiums efforts, explained that the condition targets a persons macula, or the part of the retina responsible for central vision. The macula typically helps people in tasks that require sharp vision, including reading and driving. However, AMD makes those tasks more difficult and eventually impossible as it progresses, and there is no known cure.

In their research, the consortium looked at data for more than 17,000 of the estimated two million Americans currently suffering from AMD. The test subjects each had more advanced, severe forms of the condition, and their genetic information was compared to that of over 60,000 people not suffering from the condition.

The 19 loci that were found to be associated with AMD implicate a variety of biological functions, including regulation of the immune system, maintenance of cellular structure, growth and permeability of blood vessels, lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis, researchers from Boston University Medical Center explained in a statement.

Further comprehensive DNA analysis of the areas around the 19 loci identified by the AMD Gene Consortium could turn up undiscovered rare genetic variants with a disproportionately large effect on AMD risk, they added. Discovery of such genes could greatly advance scientists understanding of AMD pathogenesis and their quest for more effective treatments.

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The Genetics Behind Age-related Macular Degeneration Detailed In New Study

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Cancer Genetics, Inc. Receives Regulatory Approvals for MatBA®-DLBCL, A Proprietary Microarray Test for the Diagnosis …

March 4th, 2013

RUTHERFORD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Cancer Genetics, Inc. (CGI), a leader in oncology-focused personalized medicine, today announced it has received CLIA and New York State approvals for clinical use of its proprietary mature B-cell neoplasm array or MatBA (patent 13/475,034) for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. MatBA-DLBCL will assist clinicians in the diagnosis and prognosis of DLBCL.

DLBCL is the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), a diverse group of hematological malignancies. An estimated 190,000 people in the United State suffer from DLBCL, and up to 24,500 new U.S. cases diagnosed each year, which accounts for up to 40% of all NHL cases. Newly-diagnosed patients have a median age of 64 years, and disease progression and outcomes vary widely, due in part to the genomic characteristics of each individual patients cancer. This creates a strong clinical need for accurate and molecularly-informed prognostic testing both at the time of initial diagnosis and throughout ongoing disease monitoring efforts to ensure selection of the best treatment plan for an individual patient. However, current prognostic modalities rely primarily on clinical features.

CGIs MatBA-DLBCL microarray provides clinicians with information on genomic alterations in DLBCL, including regions of gain and loss that are associated with disease outcome.

A research collaboration between the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and CGI using 87 patient samples, as well as the analysis of two open datasets including 171 samples (GSE11318, Lenz et al.) and 51 high risk samples (E-MEXP-3463, Taskinen) and other published datasets showed that:

CGI believes that it is the only laboratory to have a CLIA and New York State approved microarray for the genomic assessment of DLBCL. The MatBA-DLBCL Array CGH assay joins the DLBCL CompleteSM program offered by CGI, which includes a suite of esoteric tests used in the diagnosis, prognosis and clinical management of DLBCL patients. This newly-approved DLBCL test extends CGIs ongoing commitment to developing new diagnostic and disease management tools for some of the most costly and critical unmet needs in oncology today. MatBA-DLBCL joins MatBA-CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and MatBA-SLL (small lymphocytic leukemia) in CGIs suite of CLIA- and New York State-approved proprietary microarrays for the clinical management of underserved hematological malignancies.

About Cancer Genetics, Inc.

Cancer Genetics, Inc. (CGI) is an emerging leader in the field of personalized medicine, offering products and services that enable cancer diagnostics as well as treatments that are tailored to the specific genetic profile of the individual. CGI is committed to maintaining the standard of clinical excellence through its investment in outstanding facilities and equipment. Our reference laboratory is both CLIA certified and CAP accredited. In addition, we have approvals and accreditations from the states of Florida, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey. The company has been built on a foundation of world-class scientific knowledge and IP in solid and hematologic cancers, as well as strong research collaborations with major cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering and the National Cancer Institute.

CGIs dedicated staff takes pride in our specialized laboratory services, superior turnaround time (TAT), enhanced reporting, EMR integration, and ongoing research and development for new oncology tests. CGIs full-service cancer genetic practice and path to innovation with research makes for optimal patient care management. For further information, please see http://www.cancergenetics.com.

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Cancer Genetics, Inc. Receives Regulatory Approvals for MatBA®-DLBCL, A Proprietary Microarray Test for the Diagnosis ...

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Myriad Genetics Win on Gene Patent Ownership Is Appealed

March 4th, 2013

Myriad Genetics Inc. (MYGN)s Australian court victory recognizing its ownership of patents for genes linked to cancer risks will be appealed by a group representing cancer patients, a law firm said.

Cancer Voices Australia and Yvonne DArcy, a Brisbane resident diagnosed with breast cancer, sued in 2010 to stop Myriad and Genetic Technologies Ltd. (GTG) from patenting an isolated DNA associated with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers, according to Maurice Blackburn Lawyers. The firm said it has filed the appeal in the Federal Court of Australia today.

We intend to continue the challenge to the monopoly created by the patent held by Myriad, Rebecca Gilsenan, a lawyer at Melbourne-based Maurice Blackburn, said in an e-mailed statement.

The issue has divided the global medical community, with groups including the Association for Molecular Pathology and the American College of Medical Genetics arguing that Myriad is trying to get legal ownership of parts of the human body. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which specializes in patent law, has twice ruled that genes can be patented.

The Myriad case returns to the U.S. Supreme Court this year after the U.S. high court agreed Nov. 30 to hear the Association for Molecular Pathologys appeal.

Australian Federal Court Justice John Nicholas ruled Feb. 15 that the method used by Myriad and Genetic Technologies of purging a gene of biological material is a manufacturing process that can be patented.

Some scientists argue they have been stymied in researching new medicines and treatments because they may come up against demands for royalties or letters demanding they stop using patented inventions. Companies such as Genomic Health Inc. (GHDX) have argued they cant attract investment dollars if they cant protect their research from competitors.

I wont give up the fight, DArcy said in todays statement. We need to continue for future generations of people who at some point in their life, may need treatment for cancer and other diseases.

The case is: Cancer Voices Australia v. Myriad Genetics. NSD643/2010. Federal Court of Australia (Sydney).

To contact the reporter on this story: Joe Schneider in Sydney at jschneider5@bloomberg.net

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Myriad Genetics Win on Gene Patent Ownership Is Appealed

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Interleukin Genetics and Renaissance Health Service Corporation Enter into a Preferred Participation Agreement for …

March 4th, 2013

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (ILIU), which is pioneering the use of genetic information for the prevention and improved management of certain chronic conditions of aging, today announced that it has entered into a three year Preferred Participation Agreement with Renaissance Health Service Corporation, and certain of its affiliates and subsidiaries, (collectively RHSC). Pursuant to the Agreement, RHSC has agreed to reimburse Interleukin a fixed price for each PST genetic test that it processes for a customer of RHSC.

Interleukins proprietary PST genetic risk panel for periodontal disease severity and tooth loss susceptibility addresses the need to identify individuals who are at greater risk of severe periodontitis, a primary cause of tooth loss.

We are encouraged by RHSCs efforts to advance personalized health in dentistry through the use of our unique periodontal susceptibility risk test, PST, said Kenneth S. Kornman, CEO, Interleukin Genetics.

About Renaissance Health Service Corporation

Renaissance Health Service Corporation (RHSC) is the parent organization for a family of companies that are leaders in the dental insurance industry. RHSC companies are among the largest and oldest group of dental benefit providers in the United States, covering 11 million people and paying out nearly $3 billion in dental benefits in 2012. Currently, the companies employ approximately 1,200 people, who are located in Indianapolis, Indiana; Sherwood and Little Rock, Arkansas; Louisville, Kentucky; Okemos and Farmington Hills, Michigan; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Raleigh and Charlotte, North Carolina; Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio; and Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis, Tennessee.

About Interleukin Genetics

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (ILIU) develops and markets a line of genetic tests under the Inherent Health and PST brands.The products empower individuals to prevent certain chronic conditions and manage their existing health and wellness through genetic-based insights with actionable guidance. Interleukin Genetics leverages its research, intellectual property and genetic panel development expertise in metabolism and inflammation to facilitate the emerging personalized healthcare market. The Company markets its tests through partnerships with health and wellness companies, healthcare professionals and other distribution channels. Interleukin Genetics flagship products include its proprietary PST genetic risk panel for periodontal disease and tooth loss susceptibility sold through dentists and the Inherent Health Weight Management Genetic Test that identifies the most effective diet and exercise program for an individual based on genetics. Interleukin Genetics is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. and operates an on-site, state-of-the-art DNA testing laboratory certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). For more information, please visit http://www.ilgenetics.com.

Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements. Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks related to the adequacy of the Companys capital resources and the need for additional funding, that the offering of dental plans by RHSC affiliates that include the PSTtest will be delayed significantly, that RHSC affiliates may not be successful in developing or marketing such dental plans, and that such dental plans may not be accepted by dental customers, as well as the risks and uncertainties described in the Companys annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company disclaims any obligation or intention to update these forward-looking statements.

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Interleukin Genetics and Renaissance Health Service Corporation Enter into a Preferred Participation Agreement for ...

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Charlotte family funds research into gene therapy for rare Batten disease

March 4th, 2013

Laura King Edwards was a high school junior when her sister Taylor was born in 1998.

Despite the age difference, they became very close.

When Taylor was 1, Lauras summer job was babysitting, five days a week, 10 hours a day. They spent afternoons curled up on the couch, watching TV or taking naps.

She called me Rar Rar before she could say my name, Laura recalls. I called her T.

Taylor taught herself to read at 3 and excelled in kindergarten. But in first grade, she began having trouble with homework and with her vision. She was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited disorder that causes a gradual vision loss.

But that turned out to be wrong. In 2006, just three weeks before her eighth birthday, Taylor got an even more devastating diagnosis neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, also called Batten disease.

When Laura Googled the words, she read only a few sentences before she started to cry.

Batten disease is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disease that results in the death of neurons in the brain, retina and central nervous system.

Early symptoms are vision loss, seizures, clumsiness and personality changes. Eventually, it leaves children blind, bedridden and unable to communicate. There is no known cure or effective treatment.

To get the disease, Taylor had to inherit a defective copy of a particular gene from each of her parents. Her sister Laura got one good copy and one bad copy, so shes a carrier, which means shes healthy but could pass the gene on to her children.

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Charlotte family funds research into gene therapy for rare Batten disease

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Genetics and Genome-Guided Personalized Medicine in Thailand Part3/3 – Video

March 4th, 2013

Genetics and Genome-Guided Personalized Medicine in Thailand Part3/3
Presented by Professor Wasun Chantratita Director of Pharmacogenomics project under collaboration between Thailand Center of Excellence for Life Sciences, Mahidol University, Bangkok and Head of Virology and Molecular Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand The 2nd Meeting of South East Asian Pharmacogenomics Research Network (SEAPharm) Symposium for Genetic and Genome-Guided Personalized Medicine in Asia

By: ThePharmacogenomics

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Genetics and Genome-Guided Personalized Medicine in Thailand Part3/3 - Video

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Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy Before and After Stem Cell Therapy – Video

March 4th, 2013

Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy Before and After Stem Cell Therapy
Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy Improvement in a week after Stem Cell Therapy He is a known case of Myotonic MD with history of gradual onset of progressive lower extremities muscle weakness since age of 25 years. He also has history of delayed milestones. His weakness is progressive in nature. He falls while walking so walks with human support only. He has complaints of early fatigue and slurred speech due to tongue hypertrophy. He has atrophy of proximal muscles of all extremities. He has modified independence in almost all ADL. Neurologically, hypotonic, hyporeflexic. On examination: lower limb distal muscles are 0/5 on MMT while proximal muscles are having 2++/5 on MMT. Upper extremities left side proximal muscles are 1++/5 while right side proximal muscles are 3 #713;/5, distal muscles are 3++/5 in upper extremities. Functionally, modified independence in all ADL. On FIM he scores 99. After Stem Cell Treatment 1. His face looks more fresh. 2. His neck used to fall back previously but now he can control his neck well in each movement. 3. Back muscle strength has improved. 4. Bridging is better now. He can lift his back more up now which he couldn #39;t do at all. 5. His stamina has improved. 6. His shoulder strength has improved. Shoulder shrugging is better now. Active shoulder flexion, range of motion is more now. 7. Side lying to sitting he can do without any support which was not possible before. 8. Drooling of saliva from mouth in night is completely stopped. 9. His legs used ...

By: neurogenbsi

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Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy Before and After Stem Cell Therapy - Video

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Stem Cell Therapy for Autism Part 1 – Video

March 4th, 2013

Stem Cell Therapy for Autism Part 1
He is a known case of Autism with history of full term caesarean section delivery and cried immediately after birth with near normal motor milestones. But as he was put in school, there were regular complaints of him being hyperactive. He was then diagnosed to have Autism. He was shifted to special school then. Neurologically, he has near normal tone, reflexes and muscle power. On examination: he has hyperactivity. He has aggressive behaviour with episodes of violence and beating others. He has repetitive speech (echolalia), but it is need based. He has social isolation. He is bowel bladder trained. He is independent in most ADL. Functionally, he needs supervision in most ADL. On FIM he scores 106. After Stem Cell Therapy 1. Angry spells are short lasting than before. Earlier, if he used to be upset for half hour at a stretch, now he calms down in 2 minutes. 2. Did not ask for toothpaste for second time which he used to do daily. 3. He does not insist on bathing 2-3 times a day like before. Now, he takes bath once a day. 4. Visits washroom once in 2-3 hours and then washes his hand normally and leaves the washroom. Earlier, he used to go to washroom every hourly and wash his hand, spill water on his clothes and arms. 5. Eye contact attention span improved. 6. Sitting tolerance improved and attends for 30 mins session. 7. Listening skills and observation skills on demand improved. 8. Screaming behavior reduces when given paper tearing activity. 9. His parents feel his ...

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Stem Cell Therapy for Autism Part 1 - Video

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Stem Cell Therapy for Autism Part 1 Tamil – Video

March 4th, 2013

Stem Cell Therapy for Autism Part 1 Tamil
He is a known case of Autism with history of full term caesarean section delivery and cried immediately after birth with near normal motor milestones. But as he was put in school, there were regular complaints of him being hyperactive. He was then diagnosed to have Autism. He was shifted to special school then. Neurologically, he has near normal tone, reflexes and muscle power. On examination: he has hyperactivity. He has aggressive behaviour with episodes of violence and beating others. He has repetitive speech (echolalia), but it is need based. He has social isolation. He is bowel bladder trained. He is independent in most ADL. Functionally, he needs supervision in most ADL. On FIM he scores 106. After Stem Cell Therapy 1. Angry spells are short lasting than before. Earlier, if he used to be upset for half hour at a stretch, now he calms down in 2 minutes. 2. Did not ask for toothpaste for second time which he used to do daily. 3. He does not insist on bathing 2-3 times a day like before. Now, he takes bath once a day. 4. Visits washroom once in 2-3 hours and then washes his hand normally and leaves the washroom. Earlier, he used to go to washroom every hourly and wash his hand, spill water on his clothes and arms. 5. Eye contact attention span improved. 6. Sitting tolerance improved and attends for 30 mins session. 7. Listening skills and observation skills on demand improved. 8. Screaming behavior reduces when given paper tearing activity. 9. His parents feel his ...

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Stem Cell Therapy for Autism Part 1 Tamil - Video

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Auvi-Q; An Alternative to the EpiPen

March 3rd, 2013

Persons with potentially life-threatening allergic reactions to specific allergens (such as bee stings or certain foods) are told to carry an epinephrine auto-injector with them at all times. A typical epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) is a device about 5 ½ inches in length by one inch in diameter containing a single dose of injectable epinephrine. When an allergic reaction occurs, the user is supposed to inject the epinephrine into his/her thigh as soon as possible. I carried an EpiPen myself for a time, after I suffered a severe allergic reaction to multiple stings by ground-dwelling yellow jacket wasps. But as time went by I stopped carrying it because it just didn’t seem necessary, and because carrying it every day was inconvenient. Fortunately, I’ve never had another severe allergic reaction like that first one. But what if I did?

Now there’s an alternative, called Auvi-Q. Auvi-Q is still just a single dose of injectable epinephrine. But Auvi-Q is shaped entirely differently; it’s about the length and width of a credit card and the width of a smart-phone. The manufacturer hopes that it will appeal to the younger generation used to carrying credit/debit cards and phones. More importantly, once the cover is removed Auvi-Q talks the user through the entire process of injection with a soothing human voice. (To hear the instructions, view the video on the Auvi-Q website.) The verbal instructions may be helpful to some users and caregivers, since it may be years before the device is needed and one could forget how to use the device in that time.

The maker of Auvi-Q hopes that younger persons will find the device “cool”, and so perhaps they’ll be more willing to carry it than the EpiPen. (The manufacturer of the EpiPen takes issue with an Auvi-Q marketing claim that 2/3 of EpiPen users don’t actually carry their EpiPen with them.) Time will tell whether Auvi-Q is different enough to find a place in the competitive epinephrine auto-injector market.

Source:
http://humanbiologyblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/auvi-q-alternative-to-epipen.html

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Cloning Goes Commercial

March 3rd, 2013

The first adult animal to be cloned was Dolly the sheep. At the time (1997) the event was seen as a remarkable technological feat, of importance primarily to research biologists. In the decade that followed other animals were cloned in research laboratories around the world. Initial success rates were low, but in recent years the techniques have improved to the point that the cloning of adult animals is becoming economically feasible.

For example, a Texas company called Crestview Genetics is now in the business of cloning polo ponies. Polo is a big sport in many countries, and good polo ponies are in great demand. According to an article a polo trade journal, a three-month-old clone of a polo pony called Cuartetera sold for $800,000 in Argentina in 2010. Crestview expects to be able to create up to 30 clones of valuable polo ponies and horses a year. You do the math.

Cloning animals for a profit is likely to become even more commonplace within the next decade. The most likely candidates, obviously, are animals that are worth a lot to somebody, like prizewinning bulls for breeding cattle; championship dogs; rare or endangered animals; even beloved pets. How much would you be willing to pay to have your pet cloned?Source:
http://humanbiologyblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/cloning-goes-commercial.html

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