StemCell Therapy

Obesity is a health condition which involves accumulation of a large amount of fat. Unlike what we think, Obesity is not just a cosmetic condition. It, in fact, involves and increases the risk of a lot of other disorders such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and even certain types of cancers. Obesity is caused by a range of factors it usually involves eating a lot of calories and not burning enough of them which causes the fat to accumulate. Genetics is also one of the causes of obesity. Speaking to HT Lifestyle, Yash Vardhan Swami, Nutritionist, Health and Fitness Expert said, To gain weight we need to eat more calories than we burn (over time) and to lose weight, we need to eat lesser calories. To control this equation, we can eat more or fewer calories, or we can burn more or fewer calories. We can also do a bit of both.

Yash Vardhan Swami further added that this formula applies to everyone irrespective of the genetic makeup that they are a part of. Can our genes make it harder to lose weight? Certain gene variants can make it easier for us to gain weight by making it easier for us to eat more calories than what we burn over time which would lead to weight gain by increasing drive to eat (hunger and cravings) or reducing drive to move/burn calories (in simple terms, making us lazier).

ALSO READ: Health tips for adolescents: 5 problems due to obesity, ways to lose weight

The nutritionist further referred to the presence of the FTO Gene also known as the obesity gene, FTO gene is Fat Mass and Obesity Associated Gene which raises the risk of obesity. Referring to the part played by the FTO gene, the expert added, If you have one copy of gene (one parent), there would be a difference of 1.5kgs only (on an average). If you have two copies of the gene (both parents), there would be a difference of 3kgs only (on an average). So, if we are up to 3kgs up, we can blame our genetics. If it's more, genetics are not to be blamed. The expert recommended regular exercise which can reduce and slash the effect of the FTO gene and can prevent obesity.

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Obesity and genetics: Expert shares insights - Hindustan Times

Its a quirk of history that the foundations of modern biology and as a consequence, some of the worst atrocities of the 20th century should rely so heavily on peas. Cast your mind back to school biology, and Gregor Mendel, whose 200th birthday we mark next month. Though Mendel is invariably described as a friar, his formidable legacy is not in Augustinian theology, but in the mainstream science of genetics.

In the middle of the 19th century, Mendel (whose real name was Johann Gregor was his Augustinian appellation) bred more than 28,000 pea plants, crossing tall with short, wrinkly seeds with smooth, and purple flowers with white. What he found in that forest of pea plants was that these traits segregated in the offspring, and did not blend, but re-emerged in predictable ratios. What Mendel had discovered were the rules of inheritance. Characteristics were inherited in discrete units what we now call genes and the way these units flowed through pedigrees followed neat mathematical patterns.

These rules are taught in every secondary school as a core part of how we understand fundamental biology genes, DNA and evolution. We also teach this history, for it is a good story. Mendels work, published in 1866, was being done at the same time as Darwin was carving out his greatest idea. But this genius Moravian friar was ignored until both men were dead, only to be rediscovered at the beginning of the new century, which resolved Darwinian evolution with Mendelian genetics, midwifing the modern era of biology.

But theres a lesser-known story that shaped the course of the 20th century in a different way. The origins of genetics are inextricably wedded to eugenics. Since Plato suggested the pairing of high-quality parents, and Plutarch described Spartan infanticide, the principles of population control have been in place, probably in all cultures. But in the time of Victorian industrialisation, with an ever-expanding working class, and in the wake of Darwinian evolution, Darwins half-cousin, Francis Galton, added a scientific and statistical sheen to the deliberate sculpting of society, and he named it eugenics. It was a political ideology that co-opted the very new and immature science of evolution, and came to be one of the defining and most deadly ideas of the 20th century.

The UK came within a whisker of having involuntary sterilisation of undesirables as legislation, something that Churchill robustly campaigned for in his years in the Asquith government, but which the MP Josiah Wedgwood successfully resisted. In the US though, eugenics policies were enacted from 1907 and over most of the next century in 31 states, an estimated 80,000 people were sterilised by the state in the name of purification.

American eugenics was faithfully married to Mendels laws though Mendel himself had nothing to do with these policies. Led by Charles Davenport a biologist and Galton devotee the Eugenics Record Office in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, set out in 1910 to promote a racist, ableist ideology, and to harvest the pedigrees of Americans. With this data, Davenport figured, they could establish the inheritance of traits both desirable and defective, and thus purify the American people. Thus they could fight the imagined threat of great replacement theory facing white America: undesirable people, with their unruly fecundity, will spread inferior genes, and the ruling classes will be erased.

Pedigrees were a major part of the US eugenics movement, and Davenport had feverishly latched on to Mendelian inheritance to explain all manner of human foibles: alcoholism, criminality, feeblemindedness (and, weirdly, a tendency to seafaring). Heredity, he wrote in 1910, stands as the one great hope of the human race; its saviour from imbecility, poverty, disease, immorality, and like all of the enthusiastic eugenicists, he attributed the inheritance of these complex traits to genes nature over nurture. It is from Davenport that we have the first genetic studies of Huntingtons disease, which strictly obeys a Mendelian inheritance, and of eye colour, which, despite what we still teach in schools, does not.

One particular tale from this era stands out. The psychologist Henry Goddard had been studying a girl with the pseudonym Deborah Kallikak in his New Jersey clinic since she was eight. He described her as a high-grade feeble-minded person, the moron, the delinquent, the kind of girl or woman that fills our reformatories. In order to trace the origin of her troubles, Goddard produced a detailed pedigree of the Kallikaks. He identified as the founder of this bloodline Martin Kallikak, who stopped off en route home from the war of independence to his genteel Quaker wife to impregnate a feeble-minded but attractive barmaid, with whom he had no further contact.

In Goddards influential 1912 book, The Kallikak Family: A Study in the Heredity of Feeble-Mindedness, he traced a perfect pattern of Mendelian inheritance for traits good and bad. The legitimate family was eminently successful, whereas his bastard progeny produced a clan of criminals and disabled defectives, eventually concluding with Deborah. With this, Goddard concluded that the feeble-mindedness of the Kallikaks was encoded in a gene, a single unit of defective inheritance passed down from generation to generation, just like in Mendels peas.

A contemporary geneticist will frown at this, for multiple reasons. The first is the terminology feeble-minded, which was a vague, pseudopsychiatric bucket diagnosis that we presume included a wide range of todays clinical conditions. We might also reject his Mendelian conclusion on the grounds that complex psychiatric disorders rarely have a single genetic root, and are always profoundly influenced by the environment. The presence of a particular gene will not determine the outcome of a trait, though it may well contribute to the probability of it.

This is a modern understanding of the extreme complexity of the human genome, probably the richest dataset in the known universe. But a meticulous contemporary analysis is not even required in the case of the Kallikaks, because the barmaid never existed.

Martin Kallikaks legitimate family was indeed packed with celebrated achievers men of medicine, the law and the clergy. But Goddard had invented the illegitimate branch, by misidentifying an unrelated man called John Wolverton as Kallikaks bastard son, and dreaming up his barmaid mother. There were people with disabilities among Wolvertons descendants, but the photos in Goddards book show some of the children with facial characteristics that are associated with foetal alcohol syndrome, a condition that is entirely determined not by genetic inheritance, but by exposure to high levels of alcohol in utero. Despite the family tree being completely false, this case study remained in psychology textbooks until the 1950s as a model of human inheritance, and a justification for enforced sterilisation. The Kallikaks had become the founding myth of American eugenics.

The German eugenics movement had also begun at the beginning of the 20th century, and grown steadily through the years of the Weimar Republic. By the time of the rise of the Third Reich, principles such as Lebensunwertes Leben life unworthy of life were a core part of the national eugenics ideology for purifying the Nordic stock of German people. One of the first pieces of legislation to be passed after Hitler seized power in 1933 was the Law for the Prevention of Genetically Diseased Offspring, which required sterilisation of people with schizophrenia, deafness, blindness, epilepsy, Huntingtons disease, and other conditions that were deemed clearly genetic. As with the Americans tenacious but fallacious grip on heredity, most of these conditions are not straightforwardly Mendelian, and in one case where it is Huntingtons the disease takes effect after reproductive age. Sterilisation had no effect on its inheritance.

The development of the Nazis eugenics programmes was supported intellectually and financially by the American eugenicists, erroneously obsessed as they were with finding single Mendelian genes for complex traits, and plotting them on pedigrees. In 1935, a short propaganda film called Das Erbe (The Inheritance) was released in Germany. In it, a young scientist observes a couple of stag beetles rutting. Confused, she consults her professor, who sits her down to explain the Darwinian struggles for life and shows her a film of a cat hunting a bird, cocks sparring. Suddenly she gets it, and exclaims, to roars of laughter: Animals pursue their own racial policies!

The muddled propaganda is clear: nature purges the weak, and so must we.

The film then shows a pedigree of a hunting dog, just the type that you might get from the Kennel Club today. And then, up comes an animation of the family tree of the Kallikaks, on one side Erbgesunde Frau and on the other, Erbkranke Frau genetically healthy and hereditarily defective women. On the diseased side, the positions of all of the miscreants and deviants pulse to show the flow of undesirable people through the generations, as the voiceover explains. Das Erbe was a film to promote public acceptance of the Nazi eugenics laws, and what follows the entirely fictional Kallikak family tree is its asserted legacy: shock images of seriously disabled people in sanatoriums, followed by healthy marching Nazis, and a message from Hitler: He who is physically and mentally not healthy and worthy, may not perpetuate his suffering in the body of his child. Approximately 400,000 people were sterilised under this policy. A scientific lie had become a pillar of genocide in just 20 years.

Science has and will always be politicised. People turn to the authority of science to justify their ideologies. Today, we see the same pattern, but with new genetics. After the supermarket shootings in Buffalo in May, there was heated discussion in genetics communities, as the murderer had cited specific academic work in his deranged manifesto, legitimate papers on the genetics of intelligence and the genetic basis of Jewish ancestry, coupled with the persistent pseudoscience of the great replacement.

Science strives to be apolitical, to rise above the grubby worlds of politics and the psychological biases that we are encumbered with. But all new scientific discoveries exist within the culture into which they are born, and are always susceptible to abuse. This does not mean we should shrug and accept that our scientific endeavours are imperfect and can be bastardised with nefarious purpose, nor does it mean we should censor academic research.

But we should know our own history. We teach a version of genetics that is easily simplified to the point of being wrong. The laws in biology have a somewhat tricksy tendency to be beset by qualifications, complexities and caveats. Biology is inherently messy, and evolution preserves what works, not what is simple. In the simplicity of Mendels peas is a science which is easily co-opted, and marshalled into a racist, fascist ideology, as it was in the US, in Nazi Germany and in dozens of other countries. To know our history is to inoculate ourselves against it being repeated.

This article was amended on 20 June 2022. The mass shooting in Buffalo, US, in May 2022 was at a supermarket, not a school as an earlier version said.

Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics by Adam Rutherford is published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson (12.99). To support the Guardian and Observer order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Delivery charges may apply

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Where science meets fiction: the dark history of eugenics - The Guardian

Researchers at Boston University on Thursday announced a breakthrough discovery about a gene associated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease.This risk is tied to the APOE4 gene, which destroys brain cells if a person carries the gene. It puts them at higher risk for developing the disease, although inheriting the gene doesn't necessarily mean one will develop the disease, according to the NIH. The APOE3 gene is the most common and isn't known to affect Alzheimer's risk.Although the link between the gene and the disease is well established, the mechanism responsible for the underlying risk in brain cells has been unclear in research until the recent discovery, according to researchers from the BU School of Medicine.Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and is the most common cause of dementia. It affects more than 5.8 million individuals in the United States.In the recent finding, two important aspects of the gene were discovered the human genetic background associated with the gene is unique to APOE 4 patients and the genetic defects are unique to human cells.Our study demonstrated what the APOE4 gene does and which brain cells get affected the most in humans by comparing human and mouse models. These are important findings as we can find therapeutics if we understand how and where this risk gene is destroying our brain," said assistant professor in the BU School of Medicine Julia TCW.Researchers used three models to investigate the effects of the gene on brain cells, human-induced pluripotent stem cells, post-mortem human brains and experimental models.It is also known that the gene carries a risk for Parkinson's disease and rare genetic diseases.

Researchers at Boston University on Thursday announced a breakthrough discovery about a gene associated with the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

This risk is tied to the APOE4 gene, which destroys brain cells if a person carries the gene. It puts them at higher risk for developing the disease, although inheriting the gene doesn't necessarily mean one will develop the disease, according to the NIH. The APOE3 gene is the most common and isn't known to affect Alzheimer's risk.

Although the link between the gene and the disease is well established, the mechanism responsible for the underlying risk in brain cells has been unclear in research until the recent discovery, according to researchers from the BU School of Medicine.

Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and is the most common cause of dementia. It affects more than 5.8 million individuals in the United States.

In the recent finding, two important aspects of the gene were discovered the human genetic background associated with the gene is unique to APOE 4 patients and the genetic defects are unique to human cells.

Our study demonstrated what the APOE4 gene does and which brain cells get affected the most in humans by comparing human and mouse models. These are important findings as we can find therapeutics if we understand how and where this risk gene is destroying our brain," said assistant professor in the BU School of Medicine Julia TCW.

Researchers used three models to investigate the effects of the gene on brain cells, human-induced pluripotent stem cells, post-mortem human brains and experimental models.

It is also known that the gene carries a risk for Parkinson's disease and rare genetic diseases.

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Researchers discover genetic variants that increase Alzheimer's risk - WCVB Boston

This article is sponsored by BASE10 Genetics. This article is based on a Q&A discussion that took place during the Clinical Conference, with Dr. Phil Jacobson, Senior Medical Director at Base10 Genetics. The Q&A took place on May 5, 2022. The discussion has been edited for length and clarity.

Skilled Nursing News: Im here with Dr. Phil Jacobson whos the senior medical director of the company. Hell share with you a little bit about himself and what they do.

Dr. Phil Jacobson: BASE10 provides data-driven technology platforms and software solutions to help improve patient care, as well as reduce costs and reduce the time burden for staff. I have an extensive background in academic and clinical practice in managing respiratory viruses, as well as with quality improvement, including designing sepsis alert tools and things that use technology to enhance patient care.

What is clinical decision support and how has it evolved?

Historically, clinical decision support I think of as clinical pathways or clinical protocols for specific disease entities, which can standardize care, and those pathways when theyre instituted correctly, they resulted in improved outcomes, as well as considerable cost savings. What weve done at BASE10 is develop some of these pathways in a way that uses consensus-based guidelines from authoritative entities such as AMDA, CDC, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and American Thoracic Society.

They come from the best experts in the world with these consensus ways of diagnosing and managing these things. Im going to focus my comments today mostly on the infectious disease management aspect of this. Now, the way its evolved though, its gone beyond just saying to the providers and the nurses, heres a pathway, heres an algorithm, figure out how your patient fits into this.

Now, what weve been able to do at BASE10 is create software that actually reads the electronic chart and uses pertinent data from the patient, and pinpoints the area of the algorithm which is specific for that patient, so that you get very pointed recommendations about diagnosis and management from the software that we provide.

What pathways and tools have worked in the long-term care settings, and are they widely used?

Pathways are used throughout hospitals and some long-term care facilities. Theres some very interesting recent literature on pathways, most notably the one from the University of Missouri investigators. They developed the Missouri Health Quality Initiative. What these investigators did was they looked at 11 facilities in the St. Louis area, and they instituted clinical pathways for specific entities such as bacterial pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and influenza.

What they did was they planted nurse practitioners every day in each of those facilities, in addition to instituting these clinical pathways. Then what they found was that by using the clinical pathways and the nurse practitioners, they were able to get earlier detection and earlier treatment for these infectious disease entities, thereby reducing the severity of illness, and ultimately, considerably reducing hospitalizations over a six-year period. They demonstrated a considerable reduction in hospitalizations with improved care, early detection, and a savings of approximately $35 million.

Now, the issue becomes how do you implement this at scale, having a practitioner on site every single day in this environment that may not be so simple? The next best thing we think is to have this technology answer, the software that can actually read the patient chart and have the pertinent data available to providers who are offsite so that they can better manage the patients without being physically present. We think that that could be something thats really important.

Theres another very important study done out of Ontario, Canada. This one didnt involve nurse practitioners, but it involved 22 facilities looking specifically at the management of bacterial pneumonia to see if they could prevent hospitalizations by using clinical pathways. The clinical pathway they used was one where they instituted antibiotics IV fluids, pulse oximetry, and supplemental oxygen, if necessary. Half the patients were on the clinical pathway track and the other half just went about with standard operating procedures.

In some cases, they used standing orders to empower the nursing staff to just institute the pathway when the diagnosis was made, or the providers would be saying, okay, we got the diagnosis, go ahead and institute the pathway without giving specific explanations of what to do. What they found was once again they were able to get earlier detection, and earlier treatment of bacterial pneumonia, and they had marked improvement over the controls in terms of hospitalization rate for the pathway group so obviously improved care, but so much so also that they saved on average $1,000 per patient per diagnosis of pneumonia. Once again, another demonstration of how pathways or protocols can enhance, and this one didnt even use the technology that I was talking about or the software reading the chart.

What are the implications of clinical decision support on quality and medication management which is something we hear in the nurse space all the time right now?

The three basic things that this can accomplish are improved care, cost savings, and time savings for the staff. All things that Ive heard throughout the theme of todays activities. In terms of the pathways themselves and keeping up to date with consensus guidelines, thats one of the things that were doing. Were taking the experts in the fields from all those authoritative entities. Were able to give the best possible practice of these pathways and keep them up to date.

Now, some things are static but if you think about the pandemic how much has changed in terms of what the recommendations are, the monoclonal antibodies arent working very well, etc. Were able to stay up to date about what the treatment guidelines are and what the diagnostic guidelines are from these entities.

In addition to that, it allows for these disparate points of data from the patient specifically to be captured in a way thats useful for the management of the patient. Instead of the providers and the nurses scrounging around the chart, looking for data such as allergies or previous infection or renal function, or things that are really important, the software is able to provide this in a nutshell right in front of the face and provide recommendations associated with it.

Our software even uses data from antibiograms so that you can know what the resistance patterns are within the particular facilities. Up until this time, Ive been emphasizing early detection and early diagnosis to prevent hospitalizations, to get better treatment, to have decreased severity of illness, but a very important aspect of infection management is preventing overdiagnosis and overtreatment, and theres a strong public health initiative about antibiotic stewardship.

We dont want to overuse antibiotics. What happens when we use antibiotics too much? For one thing, antibiotics have side effects just like any other drug. If you think about long-term care residents, there are already potentially a lot of other drugs, and the potential for drug-drug interactions which are adversarial is considerable. Thats one place where its a problem.

The use of antibiotics can create an environment thats ripe for an infection called Clostridium difficile to thrive. Clostridium difficile can cause severe gastroenteritis which can be life-threatening, and in fact, does kill many patients every year. Maybe the most common and worst of all, the problems associated with the overuse of antibiotics is a multiple of drug resistance. The more we use antibiotics, the more pathogens evolve, so that they become resistant. When true infections occur, these antibiotics arent available to us to use, to treat these infections. This is a major public health problem in which thousands and thousands of people die every year because of multiple drug resistance.

For these reasons, we have to find a way with technology to pinpoint, to thread the needle of catching infections early, and get them treated while preventing overdiagnosis and overtreatment for all of these reasons.

Can you tell me what the cost benefits are? What cost benefits can be seen by implementing a successful clinical decision support system?

There are direct and indirect cost benefits, and the direct cost benefits are things like prevention of hospitalization, getting less severe ailments, and on the other side of that, prescribing too many drugs and too many lab tests are also very costly. There are some very direct, measurable cost benefits associated with using appropriate infectious disease management, and threading that needle as I mentioned about not underdiagnosing but not overdiagnosing. Then there are a number of indirect costs associated with it.

If you think about the time that a nurse spends just administering the drug seems fairly simple, but what does a nurse have to do? They have to find the drug wherever its stored, whether its a refrigerator or some compartment closet. They have to get that open. They have to use a scanning tool. They have to check the right drug, the right patient, and the right dose.

They have to come and administer the drug. If its an oral drug, they may have to bring some water. Then, of course, theres making sure the patients able to take the drug plus the charting that goes along with it.

Every seemingly simple task has a lot of micro-tasks associated with it and is time-consuming. If you think about the scheduled drug, well, that can really throw off workflows. These are the types of indirect time-related costs that could be associated with this problem. We estimated at BASE10 that just for infectious disease management alone, we believe that up to 75% based on CDC reports and other people that about 75% of antibiotics prescribed, are inappropriate or overused. Thats a lot, and so just having this antibiotic stewardship can be something really important.

In addition to that, we estimate that savings, with appropriate infectious disease management direct costs of that facility of about 100 residents, could save about $80,000 per year just by getting this right, and from indirect cost and time, about 80 hours per year per 100-bed facility. We could see that theres a lot of different things that could be done to save time and to save money.

Another thing that BASE10 does to help facilities is reporting. Were talking about infectious diseases right now. Theres a lot of responsibility for state and government reporting. As many of you know during the pandemic, COVID reporting was a major burden on facilities, very time-consuming, and very difficult. Fifty-seven percent of facilities incurred citations for inappropriate or underreporting of COVID, and these citations come with hefty fines, and weve instituted a way with our technology to offer the service and take on the burden of reporting.

Additionally, the clients have been extremely pleased with the amount of time that was saved from the staff not being burdened with this. In short, I think that weve heard a lot about lobbying and doing things with the government, but we at BASE10 are focusing on creative solutions to how to take better care of the patients, how to do it at lower costs, and how to do it with reducing the burden of time thats obviously on the shorthanded facilities.

BASE10 Genetics brings hope to the lives of vulnerable patients by helping them access the latest in precision medicine technologies through our disease management platform. To learn more, visit http://www.base10genetics.com.

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Clinical Conference: A Discussion with BASE10 Genetics - Skilled Nursing News

Fathers Day is celebrated on different days in various places around the world, but most of them honor their dads on the third Sunday in June. Somehow it is always so difficult to come up with an idea of what could be the best present to show our love to our dads as they rarely need anything, and actually, nothing seems good enough to express our gratitude.

But what it takes is just a little bit of creativity. This woman on TikTok decided that she could recreate some of her dads photos from his youth and make a cute video for him, showing how similar they actually look.

More info: TikTok

Image credits: lakynthrifts

TikToker lakynbowman, also known as Lakyn Bowman, is a 26-year-old woman from West Tennessee who has a business of transforming her thrift finds into home decor to promote sustainability.

She is also quite busy creating content on social media, especially on TikTok, where she shares her thrift finds for her home, her business and also shows what outfits can be composed of second-hand clothing.

Image credits: lakynthrifts

Image credits: lakynthrifts

Bored Panda has already talked about one of her videos that went viral with 8.8 million views a few months ago. In that video, Lakyn decided to recreate her grandmothers photos from when she was young as a gift for her birthday.

She wanted to surprise her grandma and did her hair and makeup exactly like in the pictures. The granddaughter also found some clothes that looked very similar and posed in the same way as her grandma did. If you would like to read more, you can follow this link.

Image credits: lakynbowman

This time we are looking at her latest photo recreation video that she dedicated to her dad in honor of Fathers Day. She again found similar-looking clothes and manipulated her hair to look like she had a short bob like her dad when he was a kid. She nailed the poses and the comparison shots are proof that these two people are definitely family.

Lakyn herself confessed in the text overlay in the video that she was a bit freaked out looking at her dads old photos and seeing how much the two of them look alike, and its fascinating to observe with the naked eye how genes work.

Image credits: lakynbowman

Image credits: lakynbowman

While seeing photos side by side is very satisfying, the best part about this gift was the dads reaction. Lakyn posted a video of her dad watching the montage for the first time and it made the dad quite emotional as he couldnt stop smiling.

The man recognized his jersey and his coat, praising his daughter for doing such a good job. Actually, he was so impressed that he wanted to see the video a couple of more times.

You can hear Lakyn asking her dad which of the recreations he liked the most and his answer was I like all of them! But he was especially happy about the one in which she was wearing a red jacket because it was the actual jacket he wore in that photo.

The dad also revealed a little bit of more context to the photo in which he was wearing a blue shirt. Apparently, he was a cheerleader for a while because he wasnt allowed to play more than 2 basketball games on a weekend, so he asked if he could participate in the game as a cheerleader.

Image credits: lakynbowman

Image credits: lakynbowman

The dad said that he remembered all of the photos and you could see the nostalgia in his eyes reminiscing about the times he did sports. He also said that he really misses his dark hair, as now it has silver strands in it.

He noticed that Lakyn even has his eyebags and they both agreed that Lakyn is definitely her fathers kid. Lakyn confessed that she was really excited to do this because couldnt grasp how her face could be so similar to her dads.

Image credits: lakynbowman

Image credits: lakynbowman

Before surprising her dad with the video, Lakyn did one for her mom on Mothers Day as well. Lakyn isnt so sure that she has any physical similarities with her mom, but she has heard from some people that they do. With the power of makeup, clothes, poses and filters, it would be hard to think that the two women are strangers.

Moms reaction was as wholesome as the dads. She loved the result and told Lakyn that the swing picture in the park was actually taken by her, even though she didnt remember that because she was so little.

Image credits: lakynbowman

Its quite impressive how children can grow up looking so similar to their parents and even though its easily explained by science, its mesmerizing nonetheless.

Have you ever looked at your parents pictures from their youth and were surprised to discover you now look like them? Do you see the similarities between Lakyn and her dad in these pictures? Let us know in the comments!

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Genetics Really Said Copy And Paste: People Are Amazed At How Similar This Woman Looks To Her Dad In These 5 Recreation Photos - Bored Panda

Varicose veins are a very common manifestation of chronic venous disease, affecting over 30% of the population in Western countries. In America, chronic venous disease affects over 11 million men and 22 million women aged 4080 years old. Left untreated it can escalate to multiple health complications including leg ulcers and ultimately amputations. A new international study by Oxford researchers published on 2 June 2022 in Nature Communications establishes for the first time, a critical genetic risk score to predict the likelihood of patients suffering with varicose veins to require surgery, as well as pointing the way towards potential new therapies.

In a vasttwo-stage genome-wide association study of varicose veins in 401,656 individuals from UK Biobank, and replication in 408,969 individuals from 23andMe, Oxford researchers identified 49 genetic variants that increase the risk of varicose veins. They highlighted pathways including problems with the connective tissues of the body, and the immune system as key players in varicose vein pathology.

This study was an interdisciplinary collaborative effort across the Medical Sciences Division at the University of Oxford. Researchers from theNuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, theNuffield Department of Surgical Sciencesand theNuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Healthworked withan Americancommercial, direct to consumer genotyping company called23andMeto explore which people were moresusceptible to developingVaricose veins.

Lead authorProfessor Dominic Furnisscommented: 'The inclusion of surgeons in the research team was vital as they enabled the identification of patients whose disease was more severe, and they had therefore had surgery. This lead to the discovery of49 genetic variants at 46 areas into the genome thatpredisposes to Varicose veins. This breakthroughgreatly improves our team's knowledge of the biology of Varicose veins, and it will be the foundation of further research into the biology and potentially new treatment'.

Co-authorProfessor Krina Zondervansaid: 'This large study brings together a great deal of new evidence of the genetics underlying varicose veins, a condition that is highly prevalent in women and in pregnancy. It opens up exciting new avenues for the development of new future treatments.'

Reference:Ahmed WUR, Kleeman S, Ng M, et al. Genome-wide association analysis and replication in 810,625 individuals with varicose veins. Nat Commun. 2022;13(1):3065. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-30765-y

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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49 Genetic Variants That Increase the Risk of Varicose Veins Identified - Technology Networks

Different structures were detected between the Brazilian and US genetic bases

Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that most Brazilian cultivars (red circle) were grouped with a subgroup of US cultivars (green circle). Most of them belonged to MG VI, VII, VIII and IX (Fig.1A). Based on the Evanno criterion (Fig.1B), the structure results based on four groups (K=4) showed a high K value (312.35), but the upper-most level of the structure was in two groups (K=2; K=1885.43).

Population structure analysis between Brazilian and US germplasms. (A) Principal component analysis of Brazilian and US soybean cultivars based on SNPs markers; (B) Delta K as a function of the number of groups (K); (C) assignment coefficients of individual cultivars (bar plots) considering K=2; and (D) considering K=4.

Considering K=2 (Fig.1C), the Brazilian cultivars jointly presented an assignment to the Q1 group (green) equal to 86.7% which was much higher than that observed for the US cultivars (43.9%). Considering K=4 (Fig.1D), the Brazilian cultivars jointly presented an assignment to the Q2 group (red) of only 4.7% while the US cultivars jointly presented an assignment to the Q2 group of 27.4%. The Q1 group (green) has a lower assignment in Brazilian cultivars than US accessions (11.1%, and 30.1%, respectively). These results demonstrate that the set of Brazilian cultivars has a narrower genetic base compared to US cultivars.

When we compared the cultivars between maturity groups, we observed a clear differentiation between early and late groups. The highest genetic distances (0.4158) observed were between MG 000 and MG VIII-IX cultivars (Supplementary Table S1).

To examine the influence of maturity groups on population structure, we analyzed the average assignment coefficients (K=4) of Brazilian and US cultivars for each maturity group (Supplementary Figure S1). Brazilian cultivars from maturity group V presented Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 equal to 30.4%, 1.9%, 32.1, and 32.0%, respectively; US cultivars from this same maturity group (V) presented means of Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 equal to 9.2%, 8.2%, 65.1%, and 17.6%, respectively. This result indicates that, although belonging to the same maturity group, the Brazilian group V cultivars present considerably different allelic frequencies than the US cultivar group V cultivars, especially for Q3 and Q4. US cultivars belonging to earlier maturity groups (00, 0, I, and II) had significantly higher mean assignment coefficient to Q2 group (red) compared to other later maturity groups (V=8.2%, VI=8.1%, VIII=5.0%, and IX=13.6%). In the case of Brazilian cultivars, the average assignment coefficients for Q2 were much lower (V=1.9%, VI=4.2%, VII=5.6%, VIII=4.9% and IX=4.9%). These results demonstrate an important allelic pool that distinguishes early to late genetic materials present in Q2.

In general, the Brazilian germplasm showed few differences between maturity groups (Supplementary Table S1 and Fig.2A). This was also observed when we generated a population structure analysis exclusively with these cultivars (Fig.2C). In contrast, the US germplasm showed a high variation of genetic distance when we analyzed their maturity groups (Supplementary Table S1) with a clear clustering of cultivars (Fig.2B), which is more obvious when we observed their exclusive population structure analysis (Fig.2D). The results show that early cultivars tend to be genetically distant from late cultivars in the US. The maturity groups from the southern-breeding program of the US (V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX) tend to be less genetically divergent versus northern groups (00, 0, I, II, III, and IV). This agrees with previous studies indicating distinct Northern and Southern genetic pools in the US6. There is a low divergence among US soybean cultivars from maturity groups higher than V (Fig.2B). In contrast, cultivars from MG 00 and 0 were more genetically distant from cultivars of MG III and IV while maturity groups I-II were an intermediate group. The population structure analysis showed a high influence of Q2 in cultivars with MG 00-II. For cultivars in MG III and IV, we observed an increase of Q1. Finally, there is a high influence of Q3 in cultivars with maturity groups higher than V, which agrees with the genetic distance data.

Population structure analysis of Brazilian and US cultivars according to their maturity groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) within Brazilian (A) and US (B) germplasms for each maturity groups; population structure of the Brazilian (C) and the US (D) genetic basis arranged according to their maturity groups.

The results demonstrate that both genetic bases had few increases in genetic distance among modern genetic materials (releases after 2000) when compared to cultivars from the 1950s to 1970s (Supplementary Table S2). According to the IBS genetic distance mean, the Brazilian genetic base was more diverse over the decades compared to US germplasm especially when we compared cultivars released before the 1970s and released after the 2000s (Supplementary Table S2).

Average assignment coefficients (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) from genetic structure results were calculated for both germplasm pools. All accessions were sorted according to their origin and decade of release (Fig.3). We observed high genomic modifications over the decades in the Brazilian germplasm. Modern genetic materials (20002010) had Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 values of 36.8%, 2.3%, 31.7%, and 26.0%, respectively, while old accessions (1950-1960s) had means of Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 equal to 1.6%, 6.6%, 7.0%, and 84.7%, respectively. A high decrease was observed for Q4 starting in the 1990s whereas Q1 and Q3 highly increased during the same period. For the US genetic base, we observed an increase of Q3 and a decrease of Q2 over time. Old cultivars (19501970) had Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 values of 36.0%, 33.7%, 12.3%, and 18.1%, respectively, while modern cultivars (20002010) had Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 of 24.3%, 17.5%, 40.3%, and 17.8%, respectively.

Mean assignment coefficients of the Brazilian and US cultivars belonging to the different decades of release (1950 to 2010) to STRUCTURE groups (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) considering K=4.

Modification during the 1990s became more evident upon analysis of the PCA and genetic structure results of the Brazilian genetic base considering the decades of release (Fig.4A and C). We observed an increase in the influence of the Q2 in modern genetic materials (20002010) when we compared the results to old genetic materials (19501970). In contrast, the US genetic base showed few variations over time according to the average of genetic distance (Supplementary Table S2), PCA, and the exclusive population structure analysis (Fig.4B and D). These results suggest a large influence of new alleles in the Brazilian germplasm after the 1990s.

Population structure of Brazilian and US cultivars according to their decade of release. Principal component analysis (PCA) within Brazilian (A) and US (B) germplasm for each decade; population structure of the Brazilian (C) and the US (D) genetic bases arranged according to their decade of release.

Seventy-two SNPs with FST0.4 between Brazilian and US cultivars were identified (Supplementary Table S3). These SNPs are located on chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 16, 18, and 19 (Supplementary Figure S2). Twenty-six 100-Kbp genomic regions with a high degree of diversification between Brazilian and US genetic bases were also found (Table 1). The results for Tajimas D showed that these regions had balancing events that maintained the diversity of their bases. Two regions on chromosome 6 (47.3 47.4 Mbp and 47.347.4 Mbp) and another on chromosome 16 (31.1031.20 Mbp) had few variations in Brazilian accessions (Supplementary Table S4). In contrast, the allele distribution for most of the SNPs present in these genomic regions in US germplasm was higher compared to Brazilian germplasm. An opposite scenario was observed for the other three regions located on chromosomes 7 (6.30 6.40 Mbp), 16 (30.70 30.80), and 19 (3.00 3.10) (Supplementary Table S4). The allele variance was higher in the Brazilian genetic base than US germplasm for these three intervals.

Six SNPs located close to maturity loci E1 (Chr06: 20,207,077 to 20,207,940bp)14, E2 (Chr10: 45,294,735 to 45,316,121bp)15, and FT2a (Chr16: 31,109,999 to 31,114,963)16 had a large influence on the differentiation of the Brazilian and US genetic bases (Fig.5). For the SNPs ss715607350 (Chr10: 44,224,500), ss715607351 (Chr10: 44,231,253), and ss715624321 (Chr16: 30,708,368), we found that the alternative allele was barely present in US germplasm whereas the Brazilian genetic base had an equal distribution between reference and alternative alleles. When we examined the SNPs ss715624371 (Chr16: 31,134,540) and ss715624379 (Chr16: 31,181,902), the frequency of the alternative allele remains low in the US germplasm. However, the alternative alleles of these two SNPs were present in more than 78% of the Brazilian accessions in contrast to the previous three SNPs. Finally, the alternative allele for SNPs ss715593836 (Chr06: 20,019,602) and ss715593843 (Chr06: 20,353,073) were extremely rare in Brazilian germplasm with only 2% of the accessions carrying them. In contrast, the US germplasm had an equal distribution of reference and alternative alleles in their accessions. However, all accessions with the alternative alleles belonged to MGs lower than VI with less than five cultivars in MG V.

The allele frequency distribution for SNPs close to loci (A) E1 (chromosome 6), (B) E2 (chromosome 10), and (C) FT2a (chromosome 16) in Brazilian and US germplasms.

Ten SNPs were identified related to the genes modifier mutations present in Brazilian and US germplasm; these were distributed on chromosomes 4, 6, 10, 12, 16, and 19 (Supplementary Table S5). These SNPs had differing allele frequencies and could distinguish both genetic bases. Six modifications had a clear influence on the maturity of the accessions whereas two of these had a large influence in some decades of breeding (Supplementary Figure S3). The SNP ss715593833 had a similar haplotype as two SNPs described as close to the E1 loci (ss715593836 and ss715593843) due to the linkage disequilibrium (LD) among them. At the end of this chromosome, we also observed another three relevant SNPs in LD: ss715594746, ss715594787, and ss715594990. In the US germplasm, we observed a decrease in the alternative allele in accessions with MG values lower than IV. We detected other relevant modifications on chromosome 12 for SNPs ss715613204 and ss715613207. Both SNPs had a minor allele frequency higher than 0.35 in Brazilian germplasm with an increase in the alternative allele in cultivars with MGs higher than VII. In contrast, alternative alleles for both SNPs were extremely rare in the US germplasm except for accessions with MG higher than VII.

There were 312 genomic regions that differentiate northern (00 IV MG) and southern (V IX MG) cultivar groups (Supplementary Table S6), which included the Dt1 locus. We compared the SNPs observed in the genomic region close to the Dt1 gene (Chr19: 45.2045.30 Mbp) with the growth habit phenotype data available for 284 lines at the USDA website (www.ars-grin.gov). The phenotypic data suggests that these SNPs are associated with growth habit. Moreover, our diversity analysis demonstrated a putative selective sweep for the Dt1 gene in the northern germplasm, which has the dominant loci fixed for Dt1; the southern lines tend to be more diverse compared to the northern US cultivars (Supplementary Table S7). In contrast, other genomic regions have lower nucleotide diversity in southern accessions compared to the northern accessions. An important disease resistance gene cluster was observed on chromosome 13 bearing four loci: Rsv1, Rpv1, Rpg1, and Rps317,18,19,20. In this interval, we observed two genomic regions (29.70 29.80 Mbp and 31.90 32.00 Mbp) under putative selective sweeps in the southern germplasm (Supplementary Table S8).

Besides these regions, 1,401 SNPs with FST values higher than 0.40 between northern and southern US cultivars were also identified (Supplementary Table S9). In addition, there were 23 SNPs with FST values higher than 0.70 spread on chromosomes 1, 3, 6, and 19. Seven of them were located close to another important soybean locus: E1 (involved in soybean maturity control) (Supplementary Table S10). These SNPs clearly differentiate northern and southern US cultivars with the reference allele fixed in northern genetic materials, and the alternative alleles in southern accessions. Gene modification in US germplasm was also detected in our study. One hundred twenty-six SNPs were identified in FST analysis modifying 125 genes (Supplementary Table S11).

Finally, we detected 1,557 SNPs with FST values higher than 0.40 between super-early cultivars (00 0 MG) and early cultivars (III IV MG) (Supplementary Table S12). Seventeen SNPs had FST values higher than 0.70 spread on chromosomes 4, 7, 8, and 10. The SNPs identified on chromosome 10 were close to the E2 locus. We also detected 168 SNPs associated with modifications in 164 genes (Supplementary Table S13).

We observed two SNPs with large differences in allelic frequencies in the Brazilian germplasm (Supplementary Figure S4). On chromosome 4, SNP ss715588874 (50,545,890bp) had a decrease of the allele A in cultivars released after 2000 with only nine of the 45 Brazilian cultivars with this allele. A similar situation was observed on chromosome 19 for ss715633722 (3,180,152bp) with half of the modern accessions having the presence of allele C. Both SNPs had similar distribution according to their decades in the US genetic base with a large influence of reference alleles.

There were 126 genomic regions spread on almost all soybean chromosomes in Brazilian cultivars. The only exception was chromosome 20 (Supplementary Table S14). Our analysis between cultivars released before and after 1996 identified 30 putative regions under breeding sweep events. Thirteen regions had a decrease in diversity in modern genetic cultivars according to Tajimas D and results. Two genomic regions observed were close to important disease resistance loci: one on chromosome 13 (30.30 30.40 Mbp) close to the resistance gene cluster (with Rsv1, Rpv1, Rpg1, and Rps3)17,18,19,20 and another on chromosome 14 (1.70 1.80 Mbp) with a southern stem canker resistance loci21,22. In contrast, thirty-one genomic regions had an increase in diversity in modern cultivars, which suggested putative introgression events in these accessions. Two genomic regions were observed, on chromosome 2 (40.90 40.10 Mbp) and 9 (40.3040.40 Mbp). Thesewere previously reported to have an association with ureide content and iron nutrient content, respectively23,24.

Besides these regions, there were also 409 SNPs with FST values higher than 0.40, distributed across all soybean chromosomes. There were 73 SNPs with FST values higher than 0.70 (Supplementary Table S15). Some of these SNPs were also reported to be associated with important soybean traits such as plant height, seed mass, water use efficiency, nutrient content, and ureide content23,24,25,26,27.

We also identified gene modifications with a high impact on the Brazilian genetic base when we compared cultivars according to their decade of release. Of the 409 SNPs identified in FST analysis, we observed 40 SNPs causing modifications in 39 soybean genes (Supplementary Table S16). Three SNPs with FST values higher than 0.70 were associated with non-synonymous modifications: ss715588896 (Glyma.04G239600 a snoaL-like polyketide cyclase), ss715607653 (Glyma.10g051900 a gene with a methyltransferase domain), and ss715632020 (Glyma.18G256700 a PQQ enzyme repeat).

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Genetic relationships and genome selection signatures between soybean cultivars from Brazil and United States after decades of breeding | Scientific...

PAID CONTENT | Earlham's Judy Marshall went to her primary care physician for help with losing weight...he told her that "genetics" would not allow that to happen. Judy changed doctors looking for an answer...their answer was a bunch of pills. Judy decided to visit with Dr. Vince Hassel to see if the ChiroThin system would be the solution to her weight loss and health goals. The answer is a BIG YES! She lost 20-25 pounds on the program and is now even more focused on her own well-being and is ecstatic with the results! If you follow his advice and stick to the program, Dr. Hassel's plan WILL WORK where other's fail, period. LEARN MORE at http://www.weightlossindesmoines.com or call/text 515-423-8396

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Fernside dairy farmer Julie Bradshaw is passionate about the ability of genetics to create the most efficient herd of cows. Photo / Supplied

A five-year irrigation study has helped Julie Bradshaw make science-based decisions on her Fernside dairy farm.

Bradshaw also uses genetics to improve her herd, as part of her goal to reduce her farm's environmental footprint.

Bradshaw took part in the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) co-innovation study from 2016 to 2021.

The study provided landowners with real-time data and forecasts to make science-based irrigation decisions.

This data included measured rainfall, soil moisture, soil temperature, drainage and estimated evaporation, as well as two, six and 15-day rainfall and weather forecasts.

The practical study gave each farmer a fantastic insight into their own land and irrigation practices, while also providing a broader picture of what was happening in the catchment, Bradshaw said.

Having access to precise data also helped Bradshaw and her neighbouring farmers to apply exactly the right amount of irrigation and fertiliser at the right time which aided in mitigating environmental impacts.

"It was amazing. We had so much data and information that we had never had before," she said.

"[This] has helped us make decisions about irrigation and fertiliser use ... backed up by facts and scientific data."

Having these records also made it easier for Farm Environment Plans and audits, Bradshaw said.

"We can show that we have been using our water resource correctly."

All farmers involved in the study were able to see each other's data and this high level of transparency helped the group understand what was happening in various parts of the catchment, Bradshaw said.

"We have always been very open - it's just information and data about water. Getting to know more about other farms is helpful because we are learning from each other along the way."

Although the study had ended, Bradshaw still logged in to the group's website most days to enable her to make accurate decisions about water allocation for the Cust Main Drain Water User's Group.

The group was established 25 years ago to manage water allocation during the irrigation season when water takes were restricted.

"It has been such a bonus to be able to see where everyone is sitting in terms of the moisture on their paddocks, as this helps me to allocate the water more accurately to where it is needed.

"Not only do you see today's moisture levels but you also get a future reading, so you can see where things are heading."

Last year Bradshaw and her husband Peter received the Sire Proving Scheme Farmers of the Year Award from the Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC).

The couple had worked with LIC for 15 years and the award recognised their record-keeping and commitment to having their entire herd DNA-tested.

"We have a KiwiCross herd which is a cross between Holstein-Friesian and Jersey cows," she said.

"I am really passionate about the ability of genetics to improve your overall herd quality. Having 99 per cent of the ancestry of the cows recorded is an immense help when doing the breeding."

Bradshaw believed improving the overall quality of the herd meant, that if she needed to reduce her stock levels in the future, she knew exactly which animals had the best genetics to meet future farming limits.

She was committed to using science to reduce her impact on local waterways.

"Genetics and DNA testing are so helpful when you think about the possibility of reducing herd numbers in the future.

"We must think ahead and use science to help us make the best decisions both for our business operation and for the environment."

Bradshaw was also participating in a six-month farming project, which examined how the next generation of farmers used innovation to improve their practices.

Waimakariri Landcare Trust (WLT) and Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL) have partnered with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for this project, with support from MPI's Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund, along with Environment Canterbury, Ballance, and DairyNZ.

Bradshaw aimed to learn more about genetics through the course of the MPI innovation project.

"We have three cows that LIC would like a bull calf out of, so that will be an interesting process to follow.

She was also keen to use the MPI innovation project to improve the quality of the grass throughout the farm.

"With the colder and wetter spring we had last year, followed by a cloudy and cooler summer, our grass didn't contain enough sugar and energy for the cows. We want to work on that throughout this project."

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Science and genetics used to boost Fernside farm - New Zealand Herald

Recent reports of poliovirus detected in samples from a sewage treatment works in London have rightly generated significant concern among public health agencies and medical staff. The poliovirus detected is what is called vaccine-derived poliovirus this is not wild poliovirus.

There are currently two poliovirus vaccines: the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) and the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). Vaccine-derived poliovirus is linked to the use of the OPV as this vaccine uses weakened poliovirus to produce an immune response.

The weakened poliovirus can still infect people and be shed by the vaccinated person. This can result in the weakened virus spreading from person to person. And in rare cases, this weakened poliovirus can change to a more dangerous strain of the virus that can cause disease.

In areas with high levels of vaccination, the community is protected and the spread of the more dangerous virus is stopped. But in areas with lower vaccination rates, unvaccinated people may be exposed to poliovirus that has originated as a weakened vaccine strain but is now a more dangerous version. This virus is referred to as a vaccine-derived poliovirus.

As the global vaccine initiatives have resulted in the near eradication of poliovirus, the number of cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus has overtaken the number of infections with wildtype poliovirus. In 2021, there were 697 new cases of vaccine derive poliovirus compared with just six cases of wildtype poliovirus, globally.

Vaccination with IPV does not immunise people with an infectious virus. Instead, it uses poliovirus that has been chemically inactivated. This means the virus is unable to infect people, removing the risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus. This vaccine is considered very safe. For this reason, many countries have moved away from using OPV and adopted IPV.

The UK switched from using OPV to IPV in 2004. However, OPV remains an incredibly effective vaccine that has been instrumental in bringing about the near eradication of poliovirus and remains widely used throughout the world.

While there is no risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus infection when using the IPV, the making of IPV does lead to a potential biohazard risk. To make IPV, large volumes of infectious poliovirus must be produced and then inactivated. This large-scale production of poliovirus has inherent risks and any breach of biocontainment in a population with low vaccine coverage can have serious consequences as poliovirus could be reintroduced.

Vaccination strategies with either OPV or IPV, therefore, involve a certain level of risk. In either case, the risk is astonishingly low. However, for some time scientists have been seeking to develop new and safer methods for poliovirus vaccination. One potential candidate for a new poliovirus vaccine is the use of virus-like particles (VLPs).

VLPs are assembled from the proteins that make up the outer shell of the virus, called a capsid. This allows the immune system to react to this empty shell and triggers a protective immune memory response, so the next time the immune system is exposed to a viral capsid (such as in the case of a viral infection), it can generate an effective response that rapidly controls and eliminates the virus.

Because VLPs contain no genetic material from the virus, they are safe to manufacture and use without the risk of spreading the actual disease. This method has already been used very effectively to produce the human papillomavirus vaccine.

A further advantage of using VLP vaccines for a disease such as poliovirus is the potential to produce VLPs in production systems such as yeast. At the University of Leeds, we have shown that yeast can be made to produce poliovirus VLPs and then grown in large quantities.

The production system for these VLPs uses a similar infrastructure to other yeast-based manufacturing, such as the brewing of beer. This means that large quantities of VLPs can be produced quickly and safely in a very cost-effective way.

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Frans Jordaan and Dr Ben Greyling, researchers at the Agricultural Research Council, write about the importance of choosing bulls based on breeding and performance indices, rather than their visual appearance.

The days of buying bulls based purely on their functional appearance are over. While functional efficiency is important, it is also crucial that the buyer does his or her homework regarding the genetic potential and merit of the bulls prior to the auction so as to be able to make an informed decision on the day of the auction.

Auction catalogues are, however, not always easy to interpret and can be challenging for commercial and stud breeders during the auction amidst a lot of activity going on and no time to waste between the lots on auction.

If breeders are knowledgeable regarding the interpretation of best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values, which depict an animals genetic potential, it can be a huge advantage in helping them meet their breeding objectives much quicker.

It needs to be asked whether breeders really understand these figures and the use of breeding values as a selection tool for choosing the best bull for their herds.

It will always be risky to buy a registered bull without breeding values, especially since a bull can have such a huge genetic impact on a cowherd. In addition to this, genetic improvement is a slow process and can only be achieved over generations.

This implies that the wrong choice of bull can be so detrimental to your herd that it can be costly to recover from the damage caused and will be a setback to achieving your breeding goals.

Always keep in mind that genetic change is easy to bring about, but to accomplish it in a positive direction (improvement in weaning weights and breeding values, for example) is much more difficult to achieve. If a stud breeder succeeds in achieving genetic improvement, it will also be of benefit to commercial beef producers by enabling them to increase profitability in their enterprises.

Often, experienced breeders will say that they are quite familiar with certain breeding lines and bulls in the breed, and that they can recognise the qualities they want in a bull.

However, variation within a breed is also a reality; frame type, for instance, can differ within a breed, and bulls at a younger age that are still in a developing phase can make visual selection quite challenging. Also keep in mind that the visual appearance of an animal is not just the result of breeding, but a combination of breeding (genetics), management and feeding.

It is also important to note that good genetics can be hidden with poor feeding, and bad genetics with good feeding. Although functional efficiency will also always be important, the wrong choice of bull can have a negative effect that may only be discovered after one generation or, in some cases, even later in the production cycle of a calf crop.

A phenotypic wean index of above 100 is really no guarantee of good genetic material. It only implies that the animal gave an above-average performance within his own contemporary group. The genetic quality of the group will determine the level of genetics.

Important factors to consider related to genetic principlesThe following are factors to considering when choosing a bull for your operation:

Blup valuesIt is important to keep in mind that breeding values across breeds are not comparable, which means that a breeding value of +5 for the weaning weight of a Bonsmara bull is not comparable with that of a Simmentaler bull with the same breeding value of +5.

The breed average of the specific breed should rather be a benchmark of whether or not the bull is better or worse than the average animal in that breed for a specific trait, such as wean direct. It is important for commercial farmers to be aware of this so they do not make this mistake regarding different breeds.

Breeding valuesThere is good news for commercial beef producers who are familiar with indices. Breeding value indices also appear on some of the breeds auction catalogues and can be interpreted as normal indices, such as phenotypic wean indices.

A breeding value index of 100 means the animal is average for a specific trait within the whole breed and not just within his contemporary group. The same principle applies for an animal with a breeding value index above 100, which will be genetically better than the average animal in the breed for a specific trait.

Obviously, the commercial breeder will focus more on growth traits because this is of more economic value to him/her, but the stud breeder can also ensure that other traits of importance are captured in young potential breeding animals, which will ultimately be to the benefit of the commercial breeder. Reproduction, the most important trait when it comes to genetic selection, should already be captured in the young bulls genetic ability and be to the benefit of the bull buyer.

If the buyer interprets breeding values correctly, the following selection decisions are possible:

Balanced breeding valuesA bull should breed smaller calves at birth, but not too small! A calf that is too small at birth will also end up as a small, undesirable calf at wean because of the high correlation between birth-, wean- and year-old weights. The ideal bull for replacement heifers will be above breed average for wean direct and maternal traits.

Beef breeders are primarily meat producers, and post-wean growth will always be important, especially to feedlots. It is therefore important for a breeding bull to be at least on breed average for growth traits such as weight at weaning, one year and 18 months.

But be cautious to select for extreme breeding values for post-wean weights. Weight at 18 months is also an indication of mature weight, and if selection on growth is the only priority, the result will be bigger cows with higher maintenance requirements. If a poor or extensive environment cannot support these bigger-framed animals, it will have a negative influence on calving percentage.

The feed-conversion-ratio breeding value is also important for feedlots, and a smaller value or below breed average value is more desirable, as in the case of the phenotypic feed conversion ratio value.

The less feed needed to increase live body weight by 1kg, the more efficient the animal is in a feedlot environment. Feed conversion ratio is a combination of two traits, namely growth rate and feed intake, and is an indication of how efficiently the animal can transform feed into meat.

To improve reproduction or the fertility of your herd, always keep the reproduction statistics of the bulls dam in mind. In addition to this, the scrotal circumference breeding value of the bull has to be on or above breed average.

Email Frans Jordaan at [emailprotected], or Dr Ben Greyling at [emailprotected].

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Genetics-based guidelines to buying a bull at an auction - Farmer's Weekly SA

Researchers have found that people whose genes put them at increased risk of dementia can reduce their chances of getting the condition by up to 43% if they follow seven habits for healthy living.

It was already thought that a healthy lifestyle could cut the risk of dementia, but until now it has been less clear if this applied to people with genetic variants that make them more likely to develop the condition.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says dementia is the seventh leading cause of death among all diseases worldwide and is responsible for millions of older people enduring disability and dependency. With the proportion of older people increasing in almost every country, the WHO expects dementia cases to rise to 139 million by 2050.

A study from the American Academy of Neurology investigated whether people with a higher genetic risk could reduce their chances of getting the condition. Researchers followed almost 12,000 people for 30 years and scored them on how closely they followed the American Heart Associations Lifes Simple 7 a list of lifestyle habits linked to good cardiovascular health.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce dementia risk, even for people genetically predisposed to develop the condition.

Image: American Heart Association

1. Manage your blood pressure. Keeping your blood pressure within a healthy range reduces the strain on your heart, arteries and kidneys.

2. Control cholesterol. High cholesterol contributes to plaque which can clog arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke.

3. Reduce blood sugar. High levels of blood sugar can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves.

4. Get active. Theres strong evidence daily physical activity increases the length and quality of your life.

5. Eat better. A healthy diet is one of the best ways to prevent cardiovascular disease.

6. Lose weight. Shedding a few pounds can reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels and skeleton.

7. Stop smoking. Smokers have a higher risk of developing a range of serious illnesses including heart disease.

Participants in the dementia study were asked to score themselves on a scale of 0 to 14 depending on how closely they followed all seven healthy habits. Researchers also calculated their genetic risk, based on whether they had variants linked to a higher or lower chance of getting Alzheimers disease, which is a major cause of dementia.

Alzheimers Diesease, a result of rapid ageing that causes dementia, is a growing concern. Dementia, the seventh leading cause of death worldwide, cost the world $1.25 trillion in 2018, and affected about 50 million people in 2019. Without major breakthroughs, the number of people affected will triple by 2050, to 152 million.

To catalyse the fight against Alzheimer's, the World Economic Forum is partnering with the Global CEO Initiative (CEOi) to form a coalition of public and private stakeholders including pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotech companies, governments, international organizations, foundations and research agencies.

The initiative aims to advance pre-clinical research to advance the understanding of the disease, attract more capital by lowering the risks to investment in biomarkers, develop standing clinical trial platforms, and advance healthcare system readiness in the fields of detection, diagnosis, infrastructure and access.

The participants had an average age of 54 when the research started. Around 9,000 had European ancestry and 3,000 African ancestry.

By the end of the study 1,603 people with European ancestry and 631 people with African ancestry had developed dementia. Those with the highest scores for following a healthy lifestyle were much less likely to have dementia, including participants who had genetic variants linked to Alzheimers.

Study author Adrienne Tin, from the University of Mississippi Medical Centre in Jackson, says: The good news is that even for people who are at the highest genetic risk, living this same healthier lifestyle [is likely to] lower risk of dementia.

Alzheimers is among the 10 leading causes of death in the US.

Image: Statista/Alzheimers Association

In those with European ancestry, participants with the highest scores for living healthily were up to 43% less likely to get dementia than those scoring lower. For those with African ancestry, following the healthy habits was linked to a 17% lower risk of developing the condition. But the studys authors say the smaller numbers of people with African heritage taking part means the findings are less certain for this group, so more research is needed.

Dr Rosa Sancho, from Alzheimers Research UK, told The Times: Dementia risk depends on many factors. Some, like our age and genetic make-up, we cannot change, while others like diet and exercise, we can. This study supports the idea that what is good for the heart is also good for the brain.

If adopting these seven healthy habits can reduce the number of people who get dementia, it wont just be individuals who benefit. The World Health Organization says dementia has high global social and economic costs too. Informal carers - including family and friends - spend an average of five hours a day caring for sufferers, and the global financial bill is expected to be more than $2.8 trillion by 2030.

There are many organizations around the world working to help accelerate advances in prevention and treatment of the condition. Davos Alzheimers Collaborative is led by the World Economic Forum and The Global CEO Initiative on Alzheimers Disease and is investing $700 million over six years into drug development and healthcare diagnostics.

Speaking at a meeting of the DAC Learning Laboratory in May 2022, its co-chair, George Vradenburg, highlighted the importance of remembering that Alzheimers can affect anyone, regardless of their economic, racial or geographic status.

We are explicitly global in character. We want to make sure from the very beginning of this effort that we involve low- and middle-income countries and that we pay attention to all societies, all resource settings and all racial and ethnic legacies as we move forward on the path to cure Alzheimers.

Written by

Simon Read, Senior Writer, Formative Content

The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not the World Economic Forum.

See the article here:
7 lifestyle habits which can halve your risk of dementia - World Economic Forum

Trends Cell Biol. 2010 Dec; 20-206(12-6): 715722.

1Department of Craniofacial Development and MRC Centre for Transplantation, Kings College London; NIHR comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre at Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College London, London, UK

1Department of Craniofacial Development and MRC Centre for Transplantation, Kings College London; NIHR comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre at Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College London, London, UK

2Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, UK

1Department of Craniofacial Development and MRC Centre for Transplantation, Kings College London; NIHR comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre at Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College London, London, UK

1Department of Craniofacial Development and MRC Centre for Transplantation, Kings College London; NIHR comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre at Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College London, London, UK

2Advanced Centre for Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London, UK

Teeth exhibit limited repair in response to damage, and dental pulp stem cells probably provide a source of cells to replace those damaged and to facilitate repair. Stem cells in other parts of the tooth, such as the periodontal ligament and growing roots, play more dynamic roles in tooth function and development. Dental stem cells can be obtained with ease, making them an attractive source of autologous stem cells for use in restoring vital pulp tissue removed because of infection, in regeneration of periodontal ligament lost in periodontal disease, and for generation of complete or partial tooth structures to form biological implants. As dental stem cells share properties with mesenchymal stem cells, there is also considerable interest in their wider potential to treat disorders involving mesenchymal (or indeed non-mesenchymal) cell derivatives, such as in Parkinson's disease.

Teeth are complex organs containing two separate specialized hard tissues, dentine and enamel, which form an integrated attachment complex with bone via a specialized (periodontal) ligament. Embryologically, teeth are ectodermal organs that form from sequential reciprocal interactions between oral epithelial cells (ectoderm) and cranial neural crest derived mesenchymal cells. The epithelial cells give rise to enamel forming ameloblasts, and the mesenchymal cells form all other differentiated cells (e.g., dentine forming odontoblasts, pulp, periodontal ligament) (Box 1). Teeth continue developing postnatally; the outer covering of enamel gradually becomes harder, and root formation, which is essential for tooth function, only starts to occur as part of tooth eruption in children.

Tooth development

Tooth development is traditionally considered a series of stages that reflect key processes (). The first step is induction, in which signals from the epithelium to the mesenchyme initiate the developmental process. As localized proliferation of the dental epithelial cells takes place, the cells form a bud around which the mesenchymal cells condense. Differentiation and localized proliferation of the epithelial cells in the bud leads to the cap stage. It is at this stage that crown morphogenesis is initiated by the epithelial signalling centre, an enamel knot regulating the folding of the epithelium. By the bell stage, the precursors of the specialized tooth cells, ameloblasts, coordinate enamel deposition, and odontoblasts, which produce dentine, are formed. Tooth eruption involves the coordination of bone resorption and root development, and occurs postnatally.

Throughout tooth development, signals are exchanged between epithelial and mesenchymal cells to coordinate each process. The key initial signals occur at induction (epithelium) and bud formation (mesenchyme). Once the mesenchymal cells receive signals from the epithelium, the mesenchyme sends reciprocal signals back to the epithelium. Strategies for biological replacement teeth aim to utilize these first signal exchanges by identifying either epithelial cells that can induce a naive mesenchyme or mesenchymal cells that can induce a naive epithelium to stimulate tooth development.

Repair, restoration and replacement of teeth is unique among clinical treatments because of the huge numbers of patients involved. Paradoxically, although teeth are nonessential for life and thus not considered a major target for regenerative medicine research, in comparison with neural or cardiac diseases, for example, this very fact makes teeth ideal for testing new cell-based treatments. Because the patients are not usually ill, if anything goes wrong it is far less life threatening, and the accessibility of teeth means that treatment does not require major surgery. Added to this is the existence of highly proliferative stem cell populations in teeth, which can be easily obtained from naturally lost or surgically removed teeth. These stem cells can be used for tooth repair, restoration and regeneration and, significantly, non-dental uses, such as developing stem cell-based therapies for major life-threatening diseases. An important but often overlooked advantage of teeth as a source of stem cells is that postnatal root formation (a rich source of dental stem cells) is a developmental process, and thus cells involved in root formation are more embryonic-like than other sources of dental stem cells. The humble tooth clearly has a very important role to play in future developments in regenerative medicine.

In this review, we outline the important biological properties of dental stem cells and illustrate examples of research showing the rapid progress being made in using these cells for tooth repair. We also highlight the major obstacles that need to be overcome before any form of usable, cell-based tooth replacement becomes available to practising dentists.

Several populations of cells with stem cell properties have been isolated from different parts of the tooth. These include cells from the pulp of both exfoliated (children's) and adult teeth, from the periodontal ligament that links the tooth root with the bone, from the tips of developing roots and from the tissue (dental follicle) that surrounds the unerupted tooth. All these cells probably share a common lineage of being derived from neural crest cells and all have generic mesenchymal stem cell-like properties, including expression of marker genes and differentiation into mesenchymal cell lineages (osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes) in vitro and, to some extent, in vivo. The different cell populations do, however, differ in certain aspects of their growth rate in culture, marker gene expression and cell differentiation, although the extent to which these differences can be attributed to tissue of origin, function or culture conditions remains unclear.

The possibility that tooth pulp might contain mesenchymal stem cells was first suggested by the observation that severe tooth damage that penetrates both enamel and dentine and into the pulp stimulates a limited natural repair process, by which new odontoblasts are formed, which produce new dentine to repair the lesion [1,2]. Putative stem cells from the tooth pulp and several other dental tissues have now been identified (Box 2) [38].

Human third molar as a source of dental stem cells

Human third molars (wisdom teeth) start their development postnatally, during childhood (ages of 56 years) and begin their calcification process from the age of 710 years. By the age of 1825 years, the roots of the third molars have completed their development. These teeth are most commonly extracted and discarded in the dental clinic, but because they are still undergoing root development, they provide an excellent source of dental stem cells including DPSC, PDL cells and SCAP cells ().

The first stem cells isolated from adult human dental pulp were termed dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) [3]. They were isolated from permanent third molars, and exhibited high proliferation and high frequency of colony formation that produced sporadic, but densely calcified nodules. Additionally, in vivo transplantation into immunocompromised mice demonstrated the ability of DPSCs to generate functional dental tissue in the form of dentine/pulp-like complexes [4]. Further characterization revealed that DPSCs were also capable of differentiating into other mesenchymal cell derivatives in vitro such as odontoblasts, adipoctyes, chondrocytes and osteoblasts [912]. DPSCs differentiate into functionally active neurons, and implanted DPSCs induce endogenous axon guidance, suggesting their potential as cellular therapy for neuronal disorders [1315].

Stem cells isolated from the pulp of human exfoliated deciduous (children's milk) teeth (SHED) have the capacity to induce bone formation, generate dentine and differentiate into other non-dental mesenchymal cell derivatives in vitro[1620]. In contrast to DPSCs, SHED exhibit higher proliferation rates [21], increased population doublings, osteoinductive capacity in vivo and an ability to form sphere-like clusters [16]. SHED seeded onto tooth slices/scaffolds and implanted subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice differentiated into functional odontoblasts capable of generating tubular dentine and angiogenic endothelial cells [18].

Studies using SHED as a tool in dental pulp tissue engineering in vivo, where pulp removed because of infection is replaced with stem cells, have revealed that the tissue formed has architecture and cellularity closely resembling that of dental pulp, a tissue important for tooth vitality [19]. Another interesting clinical application has been suggested by investigations of the therapeutic efficacy of SHED in alleviating Parkinson's disease (PD) [20]. Transplantation of SHED spheres into the striatum of parkinsonian rats partially improved the apomorphine evoked rotation of behavioural disorders. The results of this study indicate that SHED might be a useful source of postnatal stem cells for PD treatment. SHED are isolated from children's exfoliated teeth, however, so autologous stem cell therapy for a disease such as PD would require that these cells be stored from childhood. DPSCs, which are obtained from adult tooth pulp, might well have similar properties, however, and collection and expansion of these autologous cells would simply require removal of a tooth from the patient.

SHED and other dental stem cells are derived from cranial neural crest ectomesenchyme, and so developmentally and functionally would appear identical, but studies have shown that they do differ and have different gene expression profiles. SHED have significantly higher proliferation rates compared with DPSC and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells [21]. Comparison of the gene expression profiles showed 4386 genes that are differentially expressed between DPSC and SHED by two-fold or more. Higher expression in SHED was observed for genes that participate in pathways related to cell proliferation and extracellular matrix formation, including several growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor (TGF)- [21]. TGF- in particular is important, because it is released after damage to dentine and might act to mobilize pulp stem cells to differentiate into odontoblasts [1,22].

DPSC are highly proliferative and retain their stem cell characteristics after prolonged culture [23]. They could therefore be used as a generic allogeneic source of mesenchymal stem cells. Their use as autologous cells, however, is currently restricted to children who have not yet lost all their deciduous teeth. Commercial banking of these cells is thus becoming widespread to enable them to be used once the child becomes an adult. Limited studies have shown that frozen SHED cells do maintain their properties after cryopreservation for 2 years [24], but one caveat is that the effects of long-term storage (10 years, plus) have not yet been assessed. Because children naturally lose 20 deciduous teeth, there are multiple opportunities to bank these cells, unlike cord blood, for example.

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a fibrous connective tissue that contains specialized cells located between the bone-like cementum and the inner wall of the alveolar bone socket that acts as a shock absorber during mastication (Box 2). The PDL has long been recognized to contain a population of progenitor cells [25] and recently, several studies [26] identified a population of stem cells from human periodontal ligament (PDLSC) capable of differentiating along mesenchymal cell lineages to produce cementoblast-like cells, adipocytes and connective tissue rich in collagen I in vitro and in vivo[2629].

The periodontal ligament is under constant strain from the forces of mastication, and thus PDLSC are likely to play an endogenous role in maintaining PDL cell numbers. This might explain why they are better than other dental stem cell populations at forming PDL-like structures [17].

A unique population of dental stem cells known as stem cells from the root apical papilla (SCAP) is located at the tips of growing tooth roots (Box 2). The apical papilla tissue is only present during root development before the tooth erupts into the oral cavity [30]. SCAP have the capacity to differentiate into odontoblasts and adipocytes [27]. These cells are CD24+ but expression is downregulated upon odontogenic differentiation in vitro coincident with alkaline phosphatase upregulation. SCAP cells exhibit higher rates of proliferation in vitro than do DPSC [27]. By co-transplanting SCAP cells (to form a root) and PDLSC (to form a periodontal ligament) into tooth sockets of mini pigs, dentine and periodontal ligament was formed. These findings suggest that this population of cells, together with PDLSC, could be used to create a biological root that could be used in a similar way as a metal implant, by capping with an artificial dental crown. Most human tissues from early in their development are not clinically available for stem cell isolation; however, because roots develop postnatally, the root apical papilla is accessible in dental clinical practice from extracted wisdom teeth. Thus, a very active source of stem cells with embryonic-like properties (i.e., in the process of development) can be readily obtained. Further experiments on the properties of these cells obtained from human teeth following expansion in culture are needed.

The dental follicle is a loose ectomesenchyme-derived connective tissue sac surrounding the enamel organ and the dental papilla of the developing tooth germ before eruption [31]. It is believed to contain progenitors for cementoblasts, PDL and osteoblasts. Dental follicle cells (DFC) form the PDL by differentiating into PDL fibroblasts that secrete collagen and interact with fibres on the surfaces of adjacent bone and cementum. DFC can form cementoblast-like cells after transplantation into SCID mice [32,33].

Dental follicle progenitor cells isolated from human third molars are characterized by their rapid attachment in culture, expression of the putative stem cell markers Nestin and Notch-1, and ability to form compact calcified nodules in vitro[34]. When DFC were transplanted into immunocompromised mice, however, there was little indication of cementum or bone formation [34]. DFC, in common with SCAP, represent cells from a developing tissue and might thus exhibit a greater plasticity than other dental stem cells. However, also similar to SCAP, further research needs to be carried out on the properties and potential uses of these cells.

There are several areas of research for which dental stem cells are currently considered to offer potential for tissue regeneration. These include the obvious uses of cells to repair damaged tooth tissues such as dentine, periodontal ligament and dental pulp [1619,3236]. Even enamel tissue engineering has been suggested [37], as well as the use of dental stem cells as sources of cells to facilitate repair of non-dental tissues such as bone and nerves [1215,20,38,39].

The periodontium is a set of specialized tissues that surround and support the teeth to maintain them in the jaw. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that affects the periodontium and results in irreversible loss of connective tissue attachment and the supporting alveolar bone. The challenge for cell-based replacement of a functional periodontium is therefore to form new ligament and bone, and to ensure that the appropriate connections are made between these tissues, as well as between the bone and tooth root. This is not a trivial undertaking, as these are very different tissues that form in an ordered manner (spatially and temporally) during tooth development. One aim of current research is to use different populations of dental stem cells to replicate the key events in periodontal development both temporally and spatially, so that healing can occur in a sequential manner to regenerate the periodontium [34].

A conceptually simpler approach to periodontal regeneration methods involves engineered cell sheets to facilitate human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cell transplantation [35]. Periodontal ligament cells isolated from a human third molar tooth were cultured on poly(N-isopropylacryl-amide) (PIPAAm)-grafted dishes that induce spontaneous detachment of the cells as viable cell sheets upon low temperature treatment. HPDL cells sheets were implanted into athymic rats that had the periodontium and cementum removed from their first molars. Fibril anchoring resembling native periodontal ligament fibres, together with an acellular cementum-like layer, was observed, indicating that this technique could be applicable to future periodontal regeneration. Although promising, this approach does not take into account any replacement of bone that might be required.

The outstanding issue with these approaches is the extent to which any reconstituted periodontium can maintain integrity and function during mastication over long periods of time. Current treatments for severe periodontitis are poor, however, and thus, despite their flaws, any new dental stem cell-based treatments are likely to be the subject of intensive clinical research in the near future.

Dental pulp needs to be removed when it becomes infected, and this is particularly problematic for root pulp that requires endodontic (root canal) treatment. The restoration of tooth pulp is thus a much sought after goal in dentistry because the current practice of replacing infected pulp with inorganic materials (cements) results in a devitalized (dead) tooth. A recent study demonstrated de novo regeneration of dental pulp in emptied root canal space using dental stem cells [36]. DPSC and SCAP isolated from the human third molars were seeded onto a poly-D,L-lactide/glycolide scaffold and inserted into the canal space of root fragments, followed by subcutaneous transplantation into SCID mice. Subsequent histological analysis of the tooth fragments 34 months after surgery indicated that the root canal space was completely filled with pulp-like tissue with well established vascularization. Moreover, a continuous layer of mineralized tissue resembling dentine was deposited on the existing dentinal walls of the canal [36]. Recent studies using genetically marked cells in mice have suggested that adding stem cells makes little difference to the extent to which an empty pulp cavity regenerates because the majority of cells are provided by the vasculature (Sharpe P.T, unpublished data). Stem cell pulp restoration might therefore not be a problem of providing exogenous stem cells but one of surgically ensuring that an adequate blood supply is maintained after pulp removal.

The current state of the art in tooth replacement is a dental implant that involves screwing a threaded metal rod into a predrilled hole in the bone, which is then capped with a plastic or ceramic crown. Implant use requires a minimum amount of bone to be present. Because these implants attach directly to the bone without the PDL shock absorber, the forces of mastication are transmitted directly to the bone, which is one reason implants can fail. In cases where there is insufficient bone for implants, such as tooth loss as a consequence of the bone loss that occurs in postmenopausal osteoporosis, implants have to be preceded by bone grafts. The ultimate goal in dentistry is to have a method to biologically replace lost teeth; in essence, a cell-based implant rather than a metal one. The minimum requirement for a biological replacement is to form the essential components required for a functional tooth, including roots, periodontal ligament, and nerve and blood supplies. Paradoxically, the visible part of the tooth, the crown, is less important because, although essential for function, synthetic tooth crowns function well, and can be perfectly matched for size, shape and colour. The challenge, therefore, for biological tooth replacement is ultimately one of forming a biological root.

Currently, the major challenges in whole tooth regeneration are to identify non-embryonic sources of cells with the same properties as tooth germ cells and to develop culture systems that can expand cells that retain tooth forming potential (). This is even more challenging when considering the fact that tooth development requires two cell types, epithelial and mesenchymal [4042].

Tooth formation in vitro from combinations of mouse epithelial and mesenchymal cells. The epithelium (red arrow) and mesenchyme (black arrow) are separated from pre-bud stage tooth primordia,and cells dissociated in single cell populations. (a) The cells are recombined (as shown in this figure) and grown in vitro for 6 days. (b) Gross appearance after 9 days in culture with higher magnification of a tooth primordium. (c) Sections of tooth primordia from (a), showing development to the bell stage.

The induction of odontogenic potential lies in the dental epithelium [4345]. Dental epithelium from pre-bud stages can induce tooth formation when combined with nonodontogenic mesenchyme as long as the mesenchymal cells have stem cell-like properties in common with neural crest cells [46]. After epithelial induction of the mesenchyme, this becomes the inductive tissue and reciprocates inductive signals back to the now noninductive epithelium. Tooth regeneration can thus be approached in one of two ways; identification of either epithelial or mesenchymal cells than can induce tooth formation in the other cell type.

No sources of epithelial cells capable of inducing odontogenesis have been identified to date, other than the endogenous dental epithelium of early stage embryos. The main limitation for identifying sources of epithelial cells that can be grown in culture and form teeth after association with inducing mesenchymal cells is that these epithelial cells retain an immature state.

The epithelial rests of Malassez (ERM) are a group of cells that remain during root formation; thus, these cells are present in adult teeth and can be isolated and cultured [5155]. When ERM cells are maintained in vitro on feeder layers, they can be induced to form enamel-like tissues following recombination with primary (uncultured) dental pulp cells [55].

Oral mucosa epithelial cells from embryos and adults have been used in recombination experiments and shown to give rise to complex dental structures, but not whole functional teeth, when combined with embryonic dental mesenchyme [56,57]. Some evidence of tooth formation was seen when oral epithelial lines established from p-53-deficient mouse embryos at embryonic day (E)18 were combined with fetal E16.5 molar mesenchymal tissues and transplanted for 23 weeks [56]. Postnatal oral mucosal epithelium might also offer some potential as a replacement for embryonic dental epithelium, because cells isolated from young animals, grown as cell sheets and re-associated with dental mesenchyme from E12.5 embryos, can give rise to tooth-like structures [57].

There are sources of epithelial cells that can contribute to tooth formation following culture, suggesting that exogenously adding factors to these cells could make them inducible. Such factors, include signalling proteins of the fibroblast growth factor bone morphogenetic protein and Wnt families, but the issue of reproducing the temporal, spatial and quantitative delivery of these, as seen in vivo, is daunting. Identification of key intracellular factors (e.g., kinases, transcription factors.) is likely to be a more fruitful direction because these are more easily manipulated.

The ability of non-dental mesenchymal cell sources to respond to odontogenic epithelial signals following in vitro expansion was demonstrated when it was shown that expanded adult bone marrow stromal cells would form teeth in vitro when combined with inductive embryonic oral epithelium [46]. This study also showed that embryonic tooth primordia could develop into complete teeth, following transplantation into the adult oral cavity. Such transplants, when left for sufficient time, will form roots and erupt [47,58]. The issues with producing inductive epithelium in vitro illustrated in the above section suggest that the alternative approach of identifying mesenchymal cells with inductive capacity might be more fruitful. The cells that have this capacity in vivo are the early embryonic neural crest-derived ectomesenchyme cells that have already received the first inductive signals from the dental epithelium (Box 1). Bone marrow mesenchymal cells, although able to respond to odontogenic signals from the epithelium, are only able to induce tooth formation after receiving these epithelial signals. Such priming of bone marrow mesenchymal cells by inducing factors or embryonic dental epithelium is possible, but in reality too laborious and difficult to be of any clinical value.

If ectomesenchyme cells have odontogenic-inducing capacity, can this be maintained in vitro? Embryonic tooth primordia mesenchymal cells from mice have been shown to retain their potential to respond to odontogenic signals following in vitro culture after immortalization but it is uncertain if cells with inducing capacity can retain this following culture (Jung H.-S., personal communication). Similarly, equivalent cells from human embryos have been isolated and shown to form teeth in re-association experiments (Volponi A.A. and Sharpe P.T., unpublished data).

Adult dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells are an obvious source of cells to replace embryonic ectomesenchyme because they are derived from cranial neural crest and are dental cells. Indeed, these cells retain expression of many genes expressed in neural crest, in addition to a number of stem cell marker genes. However, it has yet to be shown that adult dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells retain any odontogenic inductive or responsive capacity. One interesting direction is to identify the factors expressed by ectomesenchyme cells (embryonic dental mesenchyme) that render them capable of forming teeth that are not expressed by adult dental stem cells. Approaches similar to those developed for producing induced pluripotent stem cells can be used to convert adult dental stem cells into ectomesenchyme cells that can form teeth.

Functional teeth can be experimentally bioengineered in mice by re-association of dissociated tooth cells [4851]. These experiments actually demonstrate the ability of dissociated cells to re-aggregate, however, rather than the bioengineering of whole teeth. The cells used are obtained from embryonic tooth primordia, many of which are required to produce one tooth. When tooth germs are dissociated and allowed to re-associate in an extracellular matrix (scaffold), they sort out and re-aggregate to reform the tooth germs [48,51]. The re-aggregation produces multiple small toothlets, whose shape bears no resemblance to that of the scaffold used (). Similarly, the tooth germ epithelial and mesenchymal cell components can be physically separated, the cells dissociated and recombined, whereupon they sort and re-aggregate to reform the tooth germ [48,51]. In this case, 5104 cells dissociated from multiple tooth germs are required to generate a single new tooth germ [48]. The large cell numbers required necessitate in vitro expansion of epithelial and mesenchymal cells that will retain their odontogenic properties.

Diagrammatic representation of the generation of biological replacement teeth. Suitable sources of epithelial and mesenchymal cells are expanded in culture to generate sufficient cells. The two cell populations are combined to bring the epithelial and mesenchymal cells into direct contact, mimicking the in vivo arrangement. Interaction between these cell types leads to formation of an early stage tooth primordium, equivalent to a tooth bud or cap, around which the mesenchyme cells condense (dark blue dots) (see also Box 1). The tooth primordium is surgically transplanted into the mouth and left to develop.

Despite some progress, there remain major obstacles to formulating safe, simple and reproducible cell-based approaches for tooth repair and regeneration that could be used on patients. It is clear that there is both a clinical need for such treatments and a vast patient resource. Dental stem cells have many advantages, and results to date suggest that teeth are a viable source of adult mesenchymal stem cells for a wide range of clinical applications. Ultimately, the use of these dental stem cells over other sources of mesenchymal stem cells for therapeutic use will not only depend on ease of use and accessibility, but also on the efficiency and quality of repair in relation to cost. Dental pulp cells grow well in culture and, unusually, the proportion of cells with stem cell properties appears to increase with passage. The molecular basis of this phenomenon needs to be investigated because it might provide a paradigm for increasing stem cell numbers in cultures of other cell types.

For whole tooth regeneration, there remain many major issues that will take considerable time to resolve. Most immediate is the identification of epithelial and mesenchymal cell populations that can be maintained and expanded in culture to provide the large numbers needed to make a tooth. Related to this is the issue of whether the cells will need to be autologous (expensive, but safe) or allogeneic (cheaper, but with possible rejection problems). Finally, an additional fundamental issue that needs to be considered is that human tooth development is a much slower process than in mice. Human tooth embryogenesis is approximately eight times slower, and postnatal development lasts several years. Thus, whereas growth, implantation and eruption of bioengineered mouse teeth might take a few weeks, the equivalent time to create a functional human tooth might be many months or even years. Research thus needs to be done to investigate ways of possibly accelerating human tooth development.

Diagrammatic representation of tooth development.

Photograph and diagram of a human third molar tooth following extraction. A hemisected tooth showing the internal tissues is shown on the right. Because the tooth was in the process of erupting, root growth is incomplete, and the apical papilla is visible. A diagrammatic representation of this tooth is shown on the left.

Research in the author's laboratory is supported by the MRC, Wellcome Trust and the Department of Health via the NIHR comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre award to Guys. YP is supported by the UK Stem Cell Foundation. We are grateful to Han-Sung Jung for his permission to cite unpublished work and to Andrea Mantesso for comments on the manuscript.

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Stem cell-based biological tooth repair and regeneration - PMC

Stem cells are found throughout the body

The term stem cell may conjure up thoughts of some rare type of cell that can only be found in very specific locations. The opposite is really true. Stem cells are pretty ubiquitous in the body, appearing in many different organs and tissues including the brain, blood, bone marrow, muscle, skin, heart, and liver tissues. In these areas, they lie dormant until needed to regenerate lost or damaged tissue. They can do this because of their unique abilities to become many different types of cells and to replicate rapidly. (You can read more about the unique traits of stem cells here.)

As stem cells can be found throughout the body, it may seem as though they can easily be harvested for transplantation and regenerative medicine, but its the volume and the age of stem cells that are the main driving factors in where they are collected. Volume is important because there is no conclusive way to spur replication, so as of now, what you get is what you get. Age is also a factor because as stem cells age, they lose their ability to reproduce and differentiate into other cell types, they may become contaminated with a latent virus or affected by a disease, or they may have been exposed to toxins and have undergone mutation. They are also more likely to cause an autoimmune response, which is when your body attacks itself.

Found in large numbers during gestation, embryonic stem cells are by far the youngest stem cells and have the unique ability to become any type of cell in the body. There is a lot of controversy and ethical considerations concerning the embryonic stem cell. Thankfully, we can also acquire stem cells that form just a little bit later down the road and can be found in the umbilical cord blood and cord tissue. These stem cells are more limited in the types of cells they can become, something known as being tissue-specific, and they stay with us throughout our lives, which is why they are referred to as adult stem cells.

Extracting the cord blood is painless and risk-free

The second to youngest stem cells are still called adult stem cells even though they can be collected at the time of delivery. Cord blood stem cells were discovered in 1978, and after the first cord blood transplant in 1988, the cord blood banking industry was formed. Cord tissue stem cells were discovered in the late '90s, and this discovery spurred cord tissue banking for many cord blood banks. Cord blood and cord tissue stem cells have the special quality of being the purest and youngest tissue-specific stem cells you can collect and function more quickly and effectively than adult stem cells from other sources. They are also easily collected at the time of birth. (Dive into the differences between cord blood and cord tissue.)

Placental tissue can also be easily collected at the time of birth

The placenta and other amniotic tissues are also a rich source of the same type of stem cells found in cord tissue, and as with cord tissue, they can be easily collected at the time of birth. Despite these similarities to cord tissue, the major difference is that the placental tissue has a mix of the baby's and the mother's stem cells, and in order for these to be properly utilized in a stem cell treatment, they need to be separated. As the mother's stem cells often replicate more quickly than the fetal stem cells, placental stem cells are more likely to be preserved for the exclusive use of the mother.

A bone marrow draw requires the use of anesthesia and usually takes 20 days to fully recover

There are also areas where stem cells can be collected later in life. Bone marrow is rich in the blood-forming stem cells like those found in cord blood. To collect bone marrow stem cells, a needle is inserted into the soft center of the bone and requires the donor to undergo anesthesia. While it would be best to obtain bone marrow stem cells right from the person who needs them, the bone marrow procedure could be too much for the patient or the patients bone marrow could be too diseased. If this is the case, a matching donor must be found. A matching donor may be hard to obtain, and unfortunately, all non-related stem cell transplants come with a high degree of risk for an autoimmune response like graft-versus-host disease. (Read more about how cord blood and bone marrow compare.)

The procedure for capturing peripheral blood stem cells is like a long blood donation

As noted earlier, blood contains stem cells, just not too many. To gather a large number of stem cells from blood, the blood- and immune systemforming stem cells in bone marrow need to be coaxed out and collected. The non-surgical procedure is called apheresis. It begins days before the stem cell transplant with injections to get the stem cells in the bone marrow to enter the blood stream. The blood is then drawn from one arm and filtered through a machine to catch the stem cells from the peripheral blood. The rest of the blood is returned to the donor's other arm through another needle. Unfortunately, these stem cells have proven less effective compared with cord blood and bone marrow stem cells. In a meta-analysis of 9 trials totaling 1,111 patients, researchers found time to engraftment was slower and the frequency of graft-versus-host disease was greater in transplantations using peripheral blood than bone marrow. Researchers believe this has something to do with the removal of the stem cells from their bone marrow environment although the exact reason is not clear.

Obtaining adipose-derived stem cells requires a liposuction-like procedure that may itself take weeks of healing

Adipose stem cells are collected from fat tissue by way of an invasive liposuction-like procedure and are not the same as those found in cord blood or bone marrow. This means they are not used to treat the blood cancers and diseases that cord blood or bone marrow treat. The adipose tissue is more abundant in the same kind of stem cells found in cord tissue. These stem cells show promise for heart and kidney disease, ALS, wound healing and some autoimmune diseases.

Because stem cells taken from the patient and re-infused within 48 hours fall under different guidelines than stem cells collected through other methods, a market has sprung up for adipose stem cells, with many clinics touting their benefits in treatments that go well beyond current research. There is an inherit risk in using stem cell therapies neither approved by the FDA nor a part of an FDA-approved clinical trial.

Dental pulp can be collected as a child loses his or her baby teeth

A relatively new discovery is the stem cells in dental pulp. Teeth contain the same type of stem cells as adipose tissue and umbilical cord tissue, so once again, they are not used to treat the blood cancers and diseases that cord blood or bone marrow treat. Like cord tissue, however, dental pulp could hold future potential for heart and kidney disease, ALS, wound healing and some autoimmune diseases, and collection could involve simply saving all the teeth that fall out as the child grows.

Its too early to know if dental pulp will prove to be an quality source of these types of stem cells, and the volume of stem cells is known to be small. As cord tissue stem cells are plentiful and have been being used in clinical trials for the past 20 years, comparing its progress to that of dental pulp is akin to comparing a great 9-year-old tee ball player to the upcoming major league superstar. Dental pulp as a source of stem cells is a new idea, and maybe it has potential, but it's still has to undergo years of trials, data collection and analysis before it will be a proven science.

Stem cells can be found throughout the body, but the volume of the stem cells, the age and purity of the stem cells, the ease of collecting, the degree to which they have proven successful in transplants and clinical data and any ethical considerations are all major factors as to which is the preferred source. These are all factors where cord blood and cord tissue prove superior.

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Where Stem Cells Are Found, & the Difference That Makes | Cryo-Cell

Research Article

24 Jun 2022

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Carrying MicroRNA-181c-5p Promote BMP2-Induced Repair of Cartilage Injury through Inhibition of SMAD7 Expression

Qiang Zhang|Le Cao|...|Yongping Wu

The therapy role of mesenchymal stem cell- (MSC-) derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cartilage regeneration has been well studied. Herein, we tried to analyze the role of human umbilical cord MSC- (hUCMSC-) EVs carrying microRNA- (miR-) 181c-5p in repair of cartilage injury. After successful isolation of hUCMSCs, the multidirectional differentiation abilities were analyzed. Then, the EVs were isolated and identified. After coculture of PKH26-labled EVs with bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs), the biological behaviors of which were detected. The relationship between the predicted early posttraumatic osteoarthritis-associated miRNA, miR-181c-5p, and SMAD7 was verified. Gain- and loss-of functions were performed for investing the role of miR-181c-5p and SMAD7 in BMP-induced chondrogenesis in vitro and in vivo. hUCMSC-EVs could be internalized by BMSCs and promote the proliferative, migratory, and chondrogenic differentiation potentials of BMSCs. Additionally, miR-181c-5p could target and inhibit SMAD7 expression to promote the bone morphogenic protein 2- (BMP2-) induced proliferative, migratory, and chondrogenic differentiation potentials of BMSCs. Also, overexpression of SMAD7 inhibited the repairing effect of BMP2, and overexpression of BMP2 and miR-181c-5p further promoted the repair of cartilage injury in vivo. Our present study highlighted the repairing effect of hUCMSC-EVs carrying miR-181c-5p on cartilage injury.

Research Article

22 Jun 2022

Human Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of ARDS in Rat

Zurab Kakabadze|Nicholas Kipshidze|...|David Chakhunashvili

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the main causes of high mortality in patients with coronavirus (COVID-19). In recent years, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the number of patients with ARDS has increased significantly. Unfortunately, until now, there are no effective treatments for ARDS caused by COVID-19. Many drugs are either ineffective or have a low effect. Currently, there have been reports of efficient use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of ARDS caused by COVID-19. We investigated the influence of freeze-dried human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HPMSCs) in ARDS rat model. All animals have received intratracheal injection of 6mg/kg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The rats were randomly divided into five groups: I: LPS, II: LPS+dexamethasone, III: LPS+HPMSCs, IV: HPMSC, and V: saline. ARDS observation time was short-term and amounted to 168 hours. The study has shown that HPMSCs are able to migrate and attach to damaged lung tissue, contributing to the resolution of pathology, restoration of function, and tissue repair in the alveolar space. Studies have also shown that the administration of HPMSCs in animals with ARDS model significantly reduced the levels of key cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-. Freeze-dried placental stem cell is a very promising biomaterial for the treatment of ARDS. The human placenta can be easily obtained because it is considered as a medical waste. At the same time, a huge number of MSCs can be obtained from the placental tissue, and there is no ethical controversy around their use. The freeze-dried MSCs from human placental tissue can be stored sterile at room temperature for a long time before use.

Research Article

20 Jun 2022

GMP Compliant Production of a Cryopreserved Adipose-Derived Stromal Cell Product for Feasible and Allogeneic Clinical Use

Mandana Haack-Srensen|Ellen Mnsted Johansen|...|Annette Ekblond

The emerging field of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMP) holds promise of treating a variety of diseases. Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) are currently being marketed or tested as cell-based therapies in numerous clinical trials. To ensure safety and efficacy of treatments, high-quality products must be manufactured. A good manufacturing practice (GMP) compliant and consistent manufacturing process including validated quality control methods is critical. Product design and formulation are equally important to ensure clinical feasibility. Here, we present a GMP-compliant, xeno-free, and semiautomated manufacturing process and quality controls, used for large-scale production of a cryopreserved off-the-shelf ASC product and tested in several phase I and II allogeneic clinical applications.

Research Article

18 Jun 2022

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Encapsulated with Pluronic F-127 Enhance the Regeneration and Angiogenesis of Thin Endometrium in Rat via Local IL-1 Stimulation

Shuling Zhou|Yu Lei|...|Jiang Gu

Thin endometrium (< 7mm) could cause low clinical pregnancy, reduced live birth, increased spontaneous abortion, and decreased birth weight. However, the treatments for thin endometrium have not been well developed. In this study, we aim to determine the role of Pluronic F-127 (PF-127) encapsulation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) in the regeneration of thin endometrium and its underlying mechanism. Thin endometrium rat model was created by infusion of 95% ethanol. Thin endometrium modeled rat uterus were treated with saline, hUC-MSCs, PF-127, or hUC-MSCs plus PF-127 separately. Regenerated rat uterus was measured for gene expression levels of angiogenesis factors and histological morphology. Angiogenesis capacity of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1)-primed hUC-MSCs was monitored via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), Luminex assay, and tube formation assay. Decreased endometrium thickness and gland number and increased inflammatory factor IL-1 were achieved in the thin endometrium rat model. Embedding of hUC-MSCs with PF-127 could prolong the hUC-MSCs retaining, which could further enhance endometrium thickness and gland number in the thin endometrium rat model via increasing angiogenesis capacity. Conditional medium derived from IL-1-primed hUC-MSCs increased the concentration of angiogenesis factors (basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)). Improvement in the thickness, number of glands, and newly generated blood vessels could be achieved by uterus endometrium treatment with PF-127 and hUC-MSCs transplantation. Local IL-1 stimulation-primed hUC-MSCs promoted the release of angiogenesis factors and may play a vital role on thin endometrium regeneration.

Review Article

18 Jun 2022

Role of Primary Cilia in Skeletal Disorders

Xinhua Li|Song Guo|...|Ziqing Li

Primary cilia are highly conserved microtubule-based organelles that project from the cell surface into the extracellular environment and play important roles in mechanosensation, mechanotransduction, polarity maintenance, and cell behaviors during organ development and pathological changes. Intraflagellar transport (IFT) proteins are essential for cilium formation and function. The skeletal system consists of bones and connective tissue, including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, providing support, stability, and movement to the body. Great progress has been achieved in primary cilia and skeletal disorders in recent decades. Increasing evidence suggests that cells with cilium defects in the skeletal system can cause numerous human diseases. Moreover, specific deletion of ciliary proteins in skeletal tissues with different Cre mice resulted in diverse malformations, suggesting that primary cilia are involved in the development of skeletal diseases. In addition, the intact of primary cilium is essential to osteogenic/chondrogenic induction of mesenchymal stem cells, regarded as a promising target for clinical intervention for skeletal disorders. In this review, we summarized the role of primary cilia and ciliary proteins in the pathogenesis of skeletal diseases, including osteoporosis, bone/cartilage tumor, osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc degeneration, spine scoliosis, and other cilium-related skeletal diseases, and highlighted their promising treatment methods, including using mesenchymal stem cells. Our review tries to present evidence for primary cilium as a promising target for clinical intervention for skeletal diseases.

Research Article

18 Jun 2022

Global Research Trends in Tendon Stem Cells from 1991 to 2020: A Bibliometric and Visualized Study

Huibin Long|Ziyang Yuan|...|Ai Guo

Background. Tendinopathy is a disabling musculoskeletal disorder affecting the athletics and general populations. There have been increased studies using stem cells in treating tendon diseases. The aim of this bibliometric and visualized study is to comprehensively investigate the current status and global trends of research in tendon stem cells. Methods. Publications related to tendon stem cells from 1991 to 2020 were retrieved from Web of Science and then indexed using a bibliometric methodology. VOSviewer software was used to conduct the visualized study, including coauthorship, cocitation, and cooccurrence analysis and to analyze the publication trends of research in tendon stem cells. Results. In total, 2492 articles were included and the number of publications increased annually worldwide. The United States made the largest contribution to this field, with the most publications (938 papers, 37.64%), citation frequency (68,195 times), and the highest -index (103). The most contributive institutions were University of Pittsburgh (96 papers), Zhejiang University (70 papers), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Chinese University of Hong Kong (both 64 papers). The Journal of Orthopaedic Research published the most relative articles. Studies could be classified into five clusters: Animal study, Tissue engineering, Clinical study, Mechanism research, and Stem cells research, which show a balanced development trend. Conclusion. Publications on tendon stem cells may reached a platform based on current global trends. According to the inherent changes of hotspots in each cluster and the possibilities of cross-research, the research in tendon stem cells may exist a balanced development trend.

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Stem Cells International | Hindawi

However, breast milk is a constantly changing fluid so in a way it's a moving target, with some components still not fully understood, says Fewtrell, the professor of paediatric nutrition at University College London.

"We can quite successfully produce formulas to provide adequate and safe nutrition so the baby grows and develops as expected," she says. "Indeed, there have been improvements to the composition of formulas in recent years so that they can more closely reproduce the growth patterns and some outcomes seen in breast-fed infants. However I think it would be impossible to ever mimic the 'non-nutrient' components in this complex fluid."

As for my investigation into my own body's toxic load, and the harmful chemicals that were perhaps present in my breastmilk, Bloxam, the dietician, reassures me: "I'd encourage breastfeeding wherever possible as the benefits for mother and baby would far outweigh any risks [from contamination]."

Still it appears I'm not the only one wondering about the ingredients in my own milk. Stephanie Canale, previously a family medical doctor, is the founder of Lactation Lab in California, a private company that analyses breast milk for nutritional content as well as environmental toxics.Mothers send in frozen samples of their breast milk to check the levels of various ingredients including minerals and vitamins. The idea is that they can then adapt their diet accordingly.

Canale says that when we look at a baby's nutrition, we need to include everything from prenatal vitamins to the food a breastfeeding mother consumes and the meals a weaning baby eats. Formula may be one part of that mosaic, in families where it is used.

"It's this holistic approach," says Canale who would like to see stricter regulations in the US about the contents of formula. "I'm from Canada and it still surprises how much high-fructose corn syrup is present in US products, including formula. Moms are going to drive this change by saying we need to be better aware of what is going into these products, especially formula because that child is eating the same thing every single day there's no variation [like there is naturally with breast milk]."

In the case of the toxic chemicals whether they find their way into breast milk or into formula the question is clearly not just about how we can provide our children with safe nutrition. It is also about how we can provide them and future generations with a safe, liveable environment, and reduce pollution along the entire food chain. One answer, surely, is to start by using fewer harmful chemicals in the first place.

* Listen toMy Toxic Cocktail, Anna Turns's investigation for BBC Radio 4's Costing the Earth series on BBC Sounds.Go Toxic Free: Easy and Sustainable Ways to Reduce Chemical Pollutionby Anna Turns is out now

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The surprising science of breast milk - BBC

Stem cell supplements are usually composed of natural materials and ingredients that helps support your bodys stem cells.

Stem cells, which can be easily described as the bodys building blocks or raw-material cells, are the cells responsible for all healing and growth processes in the body (1).

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Actif Stem Cell Mega Support is one of the most complete and advanced formulas on the market, using 15 factors to support stem cell growthand decrease DNA damage.It has been clinically proven to support stem cell renewal, boost cognitive function, and assist in circulation while decreasing the signs of aging and offering regeneration to your system.

Their enhanced formula includes L-carnosine for neurons, L-leucine to boost muscles and prevent fatigue, organic methylfolate to enhance the metabolism of cells. Actif Stem Cell Mega Support is also non-GMO, gluten free, and made in the USA, in GMP (Good Manufacturing Process) certified facilities. For these reasons, its our #1 pick.

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Stem Cell Worx Intra-oral Spray, is formulated by scientists and biochemists to activate your own adult stem cells instead of inserting new ones. The spray provides a 95% absorption rate versus the 20% average from pills and capsules.Over 50% of this product is protein and it has one of the highest content formulas on the market in terms of natural immune factors.

Its manufactured in the USA using GMP certified facilities that have been inspected and approved by the FDA.When it comes to independent clinical studies, this product has several to back up its claims (which can be found on the companys website).

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Enzymedica Stem XCellis a potent, research-backed formula that is designed to help boost and protect your stem cells from free radicals.This formula contains powerful stem cell supporting ingredients including glutathione, SOD, and alpha-lipoic acid along with 6 more enzymes that are designed to enhance the effectiveness and potency of the pure Stem XCell formula.

Their patented NT020 blend has been studied extensively and proven to promote health and growth in your bodys cells. Enzymedica Stem XCell contains no fillers andis vegetarian friendly. The company also supports the Autism Hope Alliance, Vitamin Angels, and Green Mountain Energy.

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Enzyme Science Stem XCell Proincludes antioxidants likegreen tea, red wine, and blueberry in a special and powerful formulathat helps boost immune and cellular health while preventing oxidative damage from free radicals.This product is designed with a patented NT-020 blend that was developed by researchers and scientists and studied for the ability to maintain and produce stem cells.

Enzyme Science Stem XCell Procontains no egg, soy, yeast, dairy, preservatives, salt, sucrose, casein, potato, rice, corn, wheat, nuts, artificial colors, or flavors. It is also gluten free and doesnt use any ingredients that are produced using biotechnology.

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Nu-Derm Cell Biotic Complete Complex offers powerful gastrointestinal and anti-aging support for older adults through the use of. DE111TM, lactobacillus rhamnosus, lactobacillus casei, and more.

Each capsule contains 5.75 billion probiotic bacteria that will help improve your digestive health without a prescription. Nu-Derm Cell Biotic Complete Complex is made in the USA and manufactured using GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice).

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Regenexx Advanced Stem Cell Support Formula has an 8 in 1 regenerative formula thatcan help your joint mobility. This supplement is tested in vitro using real human mesenchymal stem cells. The laboratory studies showed that these supplements help to maintain a healthy cell environment thanks to the special formula.

Regenexx Advanced Stem Cell Support Formula is oneof the rare stem cell supplements that is drinkable and comes in delicious flavors like strawberry and banana.

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Healthycell AC-11 repairs your DNA using Amazonian Uncaria tomentosa, Cats claw, and other natural ingredients. Over 40 peer-reviewed studies and nearly 20 years of research have backed this supplement up and it has 10 US patents.

Healthycell AC-11 isvertically integrated, sustainably sourced, located from the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest origin, and extracted in Brazil. It has no preservatives, no fillers, no flow agents, and no GMOs.

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BioXcell Stem Cell Enhanceris 100% AFA (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) with blue green algae.This natural product has been shown to provide a variety of fantastic benefits for your health.

It helps regenerate your DNA, restore broken stem cells and increase adult cell metabolism, decrease intestinal problems, and keeps your mental health boosted as you have improved cognition and memory.

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Digestacute Autoimmune-X Advanced Formula isrecommended by some of the nations most respected immune restoration practitioners, including Dr. C. Nomal Shealy, who is the President of the American Holistic Medical Association.It is organically grown and does not contain any soy, GMOs, fillers, L-glutamine, and other ingredients.

Digestacute Autoimmune-X Advanced Formula is cruelty-free and does not test on animals.

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Stem Vida StemAliveis made in the USA and is 100% natural, non-stimulating and caffeine free.Stem Vida StemAlive rejuvenates your your stem cells and repairs your tissues and organs.

The first thing we looked at, when formulating our rankings for the best stem cell supplements, was the clinical trials. If a product was not backed by clinical trial data, it did not meet our purity requirement and was thus axed. All of the products on our list are independently tested and examined by scientists. In the case of Healthycell, over 2 decades of clinical study has gone into ensuring this product was safe and effective.

Another requirement we looked at was the ingredients. Making sure that the ingredients were all natural and pure, while still being potent, was very important. Organic and biologically sourced ingredients, like those found inActif Stem Cell Mega SupportandDigestacute Autoimmune-X Advanced Formula,are crucial when it comes to healthy and reliable stem cell supplements.

We also looked at the manufacturing process. Many low-quality supplements will come from China, which can be damaging and even dangerous to ones health especially when something as potent as stem cells are involved. It was important to us that products only originated from the USA and were manufactured in certified labs. Youll find on our list thatStem Cell Worxwas manufactured in an FDA-certified lab, andEnzymedicais manufactured in GMP-certified labs, among others.

Another thing we looked at was the cost. Stem cell supplements can be costly, especially ones with quality materials. However, the supplement industry has a bad habit of creating 10-20x markups, so we know that very expensive supplements are not necessarily always the best. As such, we tried to balance our rankings between price, quality, and affordability to ensure everyone was able to afford stem cell supplements.

1. Stem cell supplements can favorably alter gene expression.This translates to regulating and lowering the possibility of cells replicating in error. Gene expression is given a chance to mutate positively or harmfully each time that a cell divides. By taking stem cell supplements, you can tip the scales in your favor and lessen the chance that stem cells will divide poorly(2).

In addition, stem cell supplements can also help your stem cells replicate more frequently (3).

Because the stem cells are positively linked with a reduction in the signs of aging, causing your stem cells to replicate more often will lead to a better aging process, fewer side effects associated with aging, and overall better quality of life.

Having more stem cells can lead to looking and feeling younger for a more extended time. Stem cells are directly related to an adult bodys ability to heal from injury and natural degradation as a result of telomere shortening, otherwise known as aging.

2.The stem sell supplement vitaminD can support those who have multiple sclerosis. As an autoimmune disease that hinders the ability of nerve cells to send signals from one place to another, multiple sclerosis is thought to be currently incurable.However, vitamin D supplementation may possess the ability to reverse nerve cell damage caused by multiple sclerosis (4).

While this is not technically curing multiple sclerosis, this does offer victims of the autoimmune disease a fighting chance and can potentially extend their lifespan to natural levels so they can live out the rest of their life normally. In addition, it may provide patients with enough time for a cure to be found in the future.

3. Certain stem cell supplements may improve stem cells in the brain. During one study, animals were provided with blueberry, vitamin D, green tea, and carnosine as stem cell supplements. This resulted in a reduction of inflammatory effects, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, that improved brain function and health overall (5).

In addition, this indicates that nutritional supplements can improve the overall environment for brain stem cells and lower the risk that they will change into sick or diseased cells in the future. As functioning stem cells are directly related to greater overall health, particularly when it comes to neurological function, this indicates that better brain health can safely be attributed as a benefit to stem cell supplements.

A healthier brain is already at a lower risk of suffering from neurodegenerative diseases in the future (6).

In this way, stem cell supplements can be seen as effective agents which reduce the likelihood of a person developing a neurodegenerative disease.

4. Stem cells supplements can provide improved cognitive and memory function.A study during which certain animals were provided with various nutritional supplements showed that sufficient supplementation could cause the proliferation of new stem cells (7).

This is likely due to an increase in overall healthy brain cells as described above but is specific enough that it warrants its own attention.Memory loss is a major concern for anyone leaving middle-age. Taking good nutritional supplements to assist with stem cell reproduction and function is a good way to combat this effect.

5. Stem cellsupplementscan lead to increased energy and endurance.As stem cells are chiefly responsible for the restoration of the body, those who supplement their stem cells with the right nutritional additives can expect greater recovery time from workouts and greater energy reserves to draw upon during times of stress or excess energy release (8).

This effect can allow people to build muscle more quickly or remain fit for longer; even as they start to ascend in age. The bodys physical capabilities naturally decline as it grows older, but increased stem cell production can truncate this effect or delay it for longer than normal. This can lead to improved physical ability and function.

6. Stem cell supplements can provide faster recovery times from injuries or sicknesses.Those who suffer from chronic illnesses or from major bodily injuries can expect faster recovery times if they have an excess of stem cells(9).

Because stem cells are responsible for physical repair, having extra cells may lead to quicker overall recovery time and fewer long-term side effects as a result of the initial injury.In addition, a plethora of reparative stem cells can lead to fewer mistakes during the healing process or a better healing process in general.

While certain major injuries have a tendency to cause permanent damage or lower function depending on injury location, excess stem cells, bolstered by a good nutritional environment, may result in near-perfect healing of the wounded area. This effect has applications for cancer patients or victims of regular physical trauma from everyday accidents.

7. Stem cells supplements may delay the onset of aging.Regular aging side effects, ranging from common symptoms like the wrinkling of the skin to serious problems like diseases that affect the elderly, may be truncated or reduced thanks to healthy stem cell abundance.

Taking stem cell supplements will make your stem cells more plentiful and more effective in general. Both of these will result in a gentler aging process than is normal. Although stem cells cannot stop the aging process permanently, lessening the negative aspects of growing older will allow people to enjoy their later years more fully and allow them to maintain healthy lifestyles for longer. In many cases, aging side effects are exacerbated as older people become less active or stop making healthy choices as a result of chronic pain or discomfort. By remaining healthy for longer, this potentially destructive loop is delayed as well.

8. Stem cell supplements can lead to more effective stem cell activity, preventing the body from being as vulnerable to certain illnesses.The human body is naturally under attack from various viruses and other diseases at all times. While the immune system is normally quite effective at keeping out these potential threats, minor damage incurred from daily activity or normal cell replication can breach these defenses.

Having help from your stem cells can allow these gaps to be closed more quickly and lessen the chances of various viruses infiltrating a bodily system. While stem cells cannot directly stop diseases from entering a body, they can promote a greater immune response and a faster recovery time in the events that it does become infected (10).

9. Stem cell supplements can promote healthy weight due tothebodys greater ability to maintain itself.It is still important to maintain a good exercise routine and dietary guidelines, but many people struggle with staying within a healthy weight range even when keeping these factors in consideration.

Stem cells already work to keep a healthy body in a homeostatic condition, where will function most optimally. Boosting the number of stem cells in the bloodstream beyond their regular number will improve this effect and make it harder for your body to fall out of balance (11).

In addition, stem cells ability to improve muscle growth will allow for easier exercise improvements and consistency (12). Because stem cells passively boost overall energy, keeping up a healthy exercise routine will be more achievable for many people.

Combined with a good exercise routine and smart nutritional practices, lots of people can experience a body within a healthy weight much more easily.

10. Stem cells improved through supplements can help increase alertness. Research shows that stem cells that grow healthily and in good environments, boost brain function and cognitive effectiveness, this directly translates to a better attention span and greater alertness (13).

The possible uses for improved attention span and alertness are limitless. People suffering from chronic fatigue or who have to work a job during the nighttime hours can benefit from being more awake and being able to think more clearly than before. This can be particularly effective for professions such as doctors for emergency response personnel, where their jobs and the lives of others often depend on their alertness levels.

Greater attention span can also assist people who suffer from attention-based disorders, such as ADD, who may face greater challenges in life due to their condition.

1. Stem cell supplements may be harmful for the liver. Stem cell supplements which use blue-green algae as one of their key ingredients may impose certain side effects on their users (14).

While most people should be able to take blue-green algae without worry, some blue-green algae products may contain certain contaminants that can damage the liver. These negative components can be things like harmful bacteria, certain toxic metals, or microcystins.

2. Children should not take stem cell supplements in any form but especially those which contain blue-green algae. Children are generally more sensitive to blue-green algae products and may react negatively to ingesting or absorbing the substance in any way (15).

3. Stem cell supplements can cause IBS like symptoms. If contaminated blue-green algae are consumed by a supplement user, they may experience liver damage, weakness, rapid heartbeat, shock, thirst, vomiting, nausea, or stomach pain. More extreme reactions may result in death, so it is critical that anyone considering taking a stem cell supplement product ensures that the product uses cleared and contamination-free blue-green algae.

4. Women who are pregnant should avoid blue-green algae stem cell supplementation products due to the unforeseen side effects that stem cell production may have on an unborn fetus. Pregnant women already have more stem cells in their body due to the developing baby in their uterus and adding more stem cells to this process may complicate factors or lead to unforeseen developments that can cause negative health effects for either the mother or the child (16).

5, Finally, all boosts to stem cell production can inadvertently cause cancer, even in people that have not developed cancer in their life.The inherent risk of stem cells is that they can become any type of cell at all, including cancer cells(17).

Those with a family history of cancer should be careful when considering taking a stem cell supplement as this may increase their chances of developing cancer inadvertently.

Most stem cell supplements are taken either pill or spray form. Regardless of whichever method is used, dosages should not go above 500 mg taken twice daily, or 1000 mg in total per day. Depending on the exact product used, some stem cell supplements will have all of this limit reached with a single pill or tablet while others will require two or three tablets or capsules to reach 500-1000 mg.

Sprays are somewhat different. Recommended dosage varies by product and is harder to measure due to the application method used. However, users should avoid spraying too much of the supplement on to their skin at any one time. This will prevent oversaturation of compounds (such as blue-green algae) in the body and give the body time to adapt to the improvement of its stem cells.

How long does it take for stem cell supplements to work?The length of time between supplement administration and results varies greatly from product to product. This is because every persons stem cells are unique and will respond to boosting from supplementation differently. However, stem cell production occurs all the time, so results should not take very long to experience in some capacity.

What does stem cell pills do? Stem cell therapy, also known as regenerative medicine, promotes the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional, or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives.

Does fasting increase stem cells? Yes, MIT researchers have found that fastingdramatically improves stem cells ability to regenerate, in both aged and young mice.

Where do stem cells come from?Stem cells that are boosted by supplements come from bone marrow or other organs which may possess stem cell niches (18). These niches are where reparative stem cells reside in advance of damage for a particular organ or part of the body. In this way, stem cells are always around where they are needed to begin the healing process.

How long do stem cells live? Some stem cells have lasted five months and others for more than three years.

Do supplements create new stem cells?No. Stem cells are technically never truly replicated. This is because stem cells transform into the cells required for correct healing and restoration of damaged tissue (19).

Therefore, stem cells dont really replicate: they produce new cells which then perform the required task to ensure bodily health.New stem cells are made in the bone marrow or in stem cell niches throughout various internal organs or tissues (20).

Stem cell supplements boost stem cells by improving their effectiveness or creating positive environments where they can flourish and remain healthier for longer.Stem cells that are more effective have greater health benefits on the body, which is why supplements are effective.

Do stem cell supplements and therapywork for back pain? Yes, stem cell therapy may have the potential to be an alternative to invasive spine surgery.

Are stem cell supplements safe?Stem cell supplements do not have negative side effects as of yet. There have been no recorded medical issues as a result of ingesting or absorbing stem cell supplements. However, stem cells may cause cancer on their own, so promoting stem cell growth and activity may cause cancer down the road.

Overall, stem cell supplements by themselves are not dangerous or harmful. Children should not take stem cell supplements due to their developmental progress and an increase in possible side effects.

Does insurance pay for stem cell supplements and therapy? Medicare also does not cover stem cell injections. To be clear, proven bone marrow transplants/hematopoietic stem cell therapies such as for leukemia, which are established therapies covered by insurance, are a different story.

How long can you live after a stem cell transplant? A stem cell transplant may help you live longer. In some cases, it can even cure blood cancers. About 50,000 transplantations are performed yearly, with the number increasing 10% to 20% each year. More than 20,000 people have now lived five years or longer after having a stem cell transplant.

Does radiation kill stem cells? Radiation therapy and chemotherapy aimed at killing cancer cells may have the undesirable effect of helping to create cancer stem cells, which are thought to be particularly adept at generating new tumors and are especially resistant to treatment, researchers say.

How much are stem cell injections? The cost can vary, but is usually around $3,000 to inject one body area and $5000 for two areas. The final cost of the treatments will ultimately be determined by what particular injections are being done. Stem cell therapy and fat grafts are typically not covered by your insurance company.

How do stem cells start? Stem cells start off as a basic, undeveloped cell, that is sent to an area in need of new material. Once there, stem cells become the required cell to ensure proper organ or tissue function. Stem cells can become muscle cells, skin cells, blood cells, brain cells, or more. Because of this unique transformative ability, stem cells possess unparalleled healing capabilities.

The body naturally wears itself down from daily activity and from experiencing various damages and illnesses. Over time, these maladies pile up and impair function or lead to a lower quality of life. Ingesting or absorbing stem cell supplements can lessen these effects and improve many aspects of living.

How do stem cells affect gene expression? Stem cell supplements can favorably alter gene expression, lowering the possibility of cells replicating in error. In addition, stem cell supplements can also help your stem cells replicate more frequently which can lead to a better aging process, and a better quality of life.

View post:
Top 10 Best Stem Cell Supplement Brands - Healthtrends

This formula has been utilized by Doctors and Professionals for decades and is now available to you. It provides you with natural and powerful support to power up your immune system against attacks.

Stronger, more powerful immune defense. Experience expedited healthy injury recovery. Healthy regeneration. Less sick days and a revitalized energy level.

IMMU-STEM is crafted with the most potent, all-natural ingredients for a stronger, powerful immune system. Spirulina has been clinically proven as a primary active ingredient to enhance and support the bodys response to viral contagion, for fast-acting protection, in an ever-changing world. Combined with other powerhouse botanicals you can enjoy less downtime due to sick days and extract more life enjoyment!

FIGHT VIRAL ATTACKS

Natural ingredients

Designed for optimal absorption

Complete trace mineral support

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Stem Cell Wellness Kit

Human stem cells are essential for the growth and maintenance of our organs, bones, and systems. They are also amazing tools of discovery for scientists at the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine and researchers around the world studying how to stop diseases. However, predatory businesses across the country are misusing the term stem cells to market unapproved, unproven, and unsafe procedures that are often expensive and largely ineffective. Its important to understand what stem cell therapy really means.

Lets start by creating two categories of stem cell therapies approved (by the FDA) and unapproved. Whether a stem cell therapy is approved or unapproved has critical implications for the science, effectiveness, and safety of the procedure.

(In addition to blood stem cell transplants), the FDA lists a limited number of additional approved products on its website.)

More recently, hundreds of businesses around the country referring to themselves as clinics have begun marketing various versions of stem cell therapy that promise to help patients with serious conditions like Parkinsons disease and more common ailments like joint pain. In reality, most of these types of stem cell therapy do not use stem cells at all. Rather, they remove tissues that presumably contains adult stem cells from one body part and inject those cells into another part of the body.

Furthermore, there is no proof that any stem cell therapy offered by stem cell clinics is effective or safe. Unlike FDA-approved procedures, which are subject to years of rigorous trials, unapproved treatments marketed directly to patients are developed and performed with little oversight. While stem cell clinics often tout testimonials from satisfied customers, there has never been a large-scale clinical trial to demonstrate that the perceived benefits of a stem cell therapy arent the result of a placebo effect. In recent years, the FDA has begun to expand regulations and enforcement of these clinics.

Thanks to decades of data, we know much more about the effectiveness of blood stem cell transplants. We also know they are not instant cures. While the procedure itself only lasts a few hours, recovery can take weeks. During this period, patients are monitored closely by physicians and nurses for side effects and for evidence of recovery.

There are side effects associated with approved and unapproved stem cell therapies. The possible side effects of blood stem cell transplants are detailed on the Cancer.org website. Patients considering an unapproved stem cell therapy should be aware that these procedures carry serious risks and that these risks may not be managed by a qualified care team. Injecting even a persons own tissue in a different body part has resulted in severe illness and, in some cases, blindness.

Therapies offered by stem cell clinics come with financial risk as well. Because these procedures are generally not covered by insurance, people seeking treatment are required to pay large out-of-pocket fees with no guarantee of improved health.

In their advertising, stem cell clinics promise unsubstantiated relief or even cures for everything from knee pain to Parkinsons disease, often taking advantage of vulnerable individuals who may feel they have nowhere else to turn. In reality, there is no strong evidence to back up claims that any stem cell therapy works let alone has lasting benefits.

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How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work and What Are the Risks? | ISCRM

The new report by Expert Market Research titled, GlobalHuman Embryonic Stem Cell MarketReport and Forecast 2022-2027, gives an in-depth analysis of the global human embryonic stem cell market, assessing the market based on its segments like applications and major regions. The report tracks the latest trends in the industry and studies their impact on the overall market. It also assesses the market dynamics, covering the key demand and price indicators, along with analysing the market based on the SWOT and Porters Five Forces models.

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The key highlights of the report include:https://bit.ly/3A1uYjO

Market Overview (2017-2027)

Historical Market Size (2020): USD 0.7 billion Forecast CAGR (2022-2027): 10%

The human embryonic stem cell market is being driven by the thriving medical sector. The rising demand for embryonic stem cells can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases around the world owing to the rising adoption of unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle among the youth and middle-class population. The increased risk of premature death as a result of chronic diseases is a growing concern. Therefore, human embryonic stem cells are gaining popularity in the medical sector. Furthermore, the increase in research grants and private as well as public funding for the development of effective and safe stem cell therapy products is further aiding the market growth. The rising investments from key players towards enhancing human embryonic cell therapy is expected to aid the market growth in the forecast period. In post-COVID days, as the various sectors recover from the negative impacts of the pandemic, human embryonic stem cells are likely to witness a rise in demand.

Industry Definition and Major Segments

Human embryonic stem cells, also known as human embryonic stem cells are self-replicating cells derived from human fetal tissue or human embryos that develop into tissues and cells of 3 primary layers. Furthermore, human embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and are roughly 3-5 days old. It is highly versatile, as it may split into new stem cells and even transform into any type of cell in the human body, allowing it to regenerate or repair any diseased organ or tissue.

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The human embryonic stem cell market, on the basis of application, can be segmented into:

Regenerative Medicine Stem Cell Biology Research Tissue Engineering Toxicology Testing

The regional markets for human embryonic stem cell include:

North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East and Africa

Among these, North America represents a significant share of the human embryonic stem cell market.

Market Trends

The rising population along with the rapidly evolving medical infrastructure of emerging economies like India and China is expected to provide an impetus to the human embryonic stem cell market. Furthermore, technological advancements and increasing research and development investments and initiatives are expected to generate opportunities in the market. Researchers and scientists are increasingly leaning toward the transformation of human embryonic stem cells into a number of mature cell types that represent various tissues and organs in the body, as embryonic cells provide unequalled data relating to a variety of disorders. The increasing efforts by the governments of various nations towards enhancing human embryonic stem cell therapy is likely to be another key trend bolstering the market growth in the forecast period.

Key Market Players

The major players in the market Astellas Pharma Inc, Stemcell Technologies Inc., Biotime INC, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., among others. The report covers the market shares, capacities, plant turnarounds, expansions, investments and mergers and acquisitions, among other latest developments of these market players.

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Expert Market Research (EMR) is a leading market research and business intelligence company, ensuring its clients remain at the vanguard of their industries by providing them with exhaustive and actionable market data through its syndicated and custom market reports, covering over 15 major industry domains. The companys expansive and ever-growing database of reports, which are constantly updated, includes reports from industry verticals like chemicals and materials, food and beverages, energy and mining, technology and media, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and packaging.

EMR leverages its state-of-the-art technological and analytical tools, along with the expertise of its highly skilled team of over 100 analysts and more than 3000 consultants, to help its clients, ranging from Fortune 1,000 companies to small and medium-sized enterprises, easily grasp the expansive industry data and help them in formulating market and business strategies, which ensure that they remain ahead of the curve.

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Global Human Embryonic Stem Cell Market to be Driven by the Rapid Technological Advancements in the Forecast Period of 2022-2027 Designer Women -...