StemCell Therapy

The Parents Association belonging to a Dungiven Primary School have issued a grave warning on how dog excrement can lead to blindness.

The warning by St Canice PS Dungiven Parents Association comes after a number of young children arrived to school with dog excrement on their shoes over the past week.

The association, took to social media to post this message calling for dog owners to clean up after their dog.

The footpaths leading to, from and around the area of our school are full of dog dirt resulting in a number of children coming to school this week with dog dirt on their shoes, not only is this disgusting but it is also very dangerous especially for our younger children who are too young to know not to touch their shoes if they are covered in dog dirt.

The message continued: Toxocariasis can cause serious illness, and can even lead to blindness. It is caused by a parasite, known as Toxocara Canis, also commonly referred to as Roundworm. The Toxocara Canis parasite lives in dogs digestive systems, and so dogs act as hosts for the parasite.

For the safety of our/your children please clean up after your dog!

The issue of dog fouling along on the Curragh Road, Dungiven, close to both St Canice Primary School and St Patricks College, has been an ongoing issue for some time.

In the past local councillor, Sean McGlinchey has called on the dog owners to clean up after their dog but last night he told the County Derry that it was now down to the local community as his previous warnings had been a waste of time.

He said: Dog fouling is an issue that is a major problem right across the Borough, it came up at council meeting last week.

In the past I have called on dog owners to clean up after their dogs but for some owners, it has been a complete waste of time. They have ignored the communitys concerns. I believe that it is now down to the local community to report the dog owners responsible. If members of the local community want to give me the information privately, I can pass it on to council to try and get the matter resolved.

Over the past few weeks, I have had parents come to me to complain about dog fouling outside our local schools and our play park and rightly so. It is an absolute disgrace and something needs to be done, said Mr McGlinchey.

The Sinn Fin mad added: If anyone has information on dog owners who are responsible for not cleaning up their dogs mess, please contact me on my mobile 07889352489.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email [emailprotected] at any time.

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County Derry Parents' Association warn of blindness as dog fouling continues - Derry Now

While the broader stock market fell Monday, many biotech shares continued to outperform.

The big mover was TG Therapeutics Inc. TGTX, -6.88% which soared 90% after releasing positive results from its Phase 3 clinical trial of its treatment for high-risk leukemia patients. The stock closed up $4.85 to $10.20 on 33.7 million shares, which is 34 times its daily average. The stock blew through several layers of resistance, but pulled back at the close below resistance from the April high at around $10.50. A breakthrough there should get the stock to $13 and then $15. Support is at the days low of $9.10 and then $8. Short interest of 22 times its average volume could accelerate the advance.

Concert Pharmaceuticals Inc. CNCE, +5.11% rocketed 62% Monday on news that Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. VRTX, +0.94% will be acquiring the companys cystic fibrosis drug, CTP-656. The stock closed at $15.64, up $5.99, at around the mid-range of the days action, which bodes well for a follow-through. Volume of 10.5 million shares was more than 85 times its average. Watch for a retest the days intraday high at $18.48, a breakthrough that could get the stock moving to test its highs from November 2015 at just under $25.

Kite Pharma Inc. KITE, +1.90% which we highlighted in our biotech article on Friday, followed through on Monday, up $1.37 to $73.90. FBR Capital mentioned the company in a research note in which it said that potential tax reform and FDA policy changes under President Trump could fuel acquisitions of clinical-stage biotech companies. RBC Capital Markets boosted its price target from $85 to $95. KITE surged last week after the company released a favorable earnings report and positive clinical data on its lead product candidate for treating patients with rare forms of blood cancer. Pulling back slightly on Thursday and Friday, the stock is now in a high-level mini-wedge formation, a break of which could lead to the next target at $90.

Amicus Therapeutics Inc. FOLD, +2.85% was relatively flat on Monday, down just 10 cents to $7.69, but is looking strong. As we noted in our article Friday, the stock rocketed 17% on Wednesday after the company CEOs daughter, Megan Crowley, who has Pompe disease, was highlighted during President Trumps address to Congress Tuesday night. The stock has broken out of a mini-consolidation pattern and across lateral resistance from its December high. At its intraday highs last week, the stock nearly reached the level it was at before its big gap down in December. If it can fill that gap, watch for a move next to $9.50.

Among other biotechs to watch, Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc. SUPN, +5.30% reached a new all-time at $30.37 on Monday, before closing at $29.75, still up $1 in a down market. The drugmaker has been rallying in the past week since topping analysts forecasts in its fourth-quarter report last Wednesday. Watch for $32-$33 in the short term.

Foundation Medicine Inc. FMI, +2.49% gained $3, or 10.6%, to $31.30 on no news Monday. Stock in the diagnostic cancer analyses company has been up six days in a row since closing at $23.10 on Feb. 24. The rally has broken the stock out of a falling wedge pattern. Our initial target of $29 was exceeded Monday, and next target is near $35.

See Harrys video-chart analysis on these stocks.

The writer has no holdings in any securities mentioned.

Harry Boxer is founder of TheTechTrader.com, a live trading room featuring his stock picks, technical market analysis, and live chart presentations.

Link:
Opinion: Harry Boxer's six biotechnology stocks to watch - MarketWatch

Market Summary Follow

Puma Biotechnology Inc is a A biopharmaceutical company

PBYI - Market Data & News

PBYI - Stock Valuation Report

Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) had a good day on the market for Wednesday March 08 as shares jumped 13.2% to close at $40.30. About 2.55 million shares traded hands on 18,346 trades for the day, compared with an average daily volume of 947,962 shares out of a total float of 36.95 million. After opening the trading day at $35.55, shares of Puma Biotechnology Inc stayed within a range of $41.15 to $35.10.

With today's gains, Puma Biotechnology Inc now has a market cap of $1.49 billion. Shares of Puma Biotechnology Inc have been trading within a range of $73.27 and $19.74 over the last year, and it had a 50-day SMA of $34.39 and a 200-day SMA of $42.20.

Puma Biotechnology Inc is a biopharmaceutical company. It is engaged in the acquisition, development and commercialization of products to enhance cancer care.

Puma Biotechnology Inc is based out of Los Angeles, CA and has some 160 employees. Its CEO is Alan H. Auerbach.

For a complete fundamental analysis of Puma Biotechnology Inc, check out Equities.coms Stock Valuation Analysis report for PBYI.

Want to invest with the experts? Subscribe to Equities Premium newsletters today! Visit http://www.equitiespremium.com/ to learn more about Guild Investments Market Commentary and Adam Sarhans Find Leading Stocks today.

Puma Biotechnology Inc is also a component of the Russell 2000. The Russell 2000 is one of the leading indices tracking small-cap companies in the United States. It's maintained by Russell Investments, an industry leader in creating and maintaining indices, and consists of the smallest 2000 stocks from the broader Russell 3000 index.

Russell's indices differ from traditional indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) or S&P 500, whose members are selected by committee, because they base membership entirely on an objective, rules based methodology. The 3,000 largest companies by market cap make up the Russell 3000, with the 2,000 smaller companies making up the Russell 2000. It's a simple approach that gives a broad, unbiased look at the small-cap market as a whole.

To get more information on Puma Biotechnology Inc and to follow the companys latest updates, you can visit the companys profile page here: PBYIs Profile. For more news on the financial markets and emerging growth companies, be sure to visit Equities.coms Newsdesk. Also, dont forget to sign-up for our daily email newsletter to ensure you dont miss out on any of our best stories.

All data provided by QuoteMedia and was accurate as of 4:30PM ET.

DISCLOSURE: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors, and do not represent the views of equities.com. Readers should not consider statements made by the author as formal recommendations and should consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions. To read our full disclosure, please go to: http://www.equities.com/disclaimer

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Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) Soars 13.2% on March 08 - Equities.com

Not only has the total number of diagnosed cases risen, but those who say arthritis has severely limited their activities has jumped 20 percent since 2002, to 24 million.

Arthritis is a painful, inflammatory condition of the joints that makes simple tasks like holding a cup, walking to a car or lifting a bag of groceries virtually impossible. It includes osteoarthritis, the most common form, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus and fibromyalgia.

The CDCs analysis of recent federal health data also found that women are more likely to have arthritis than men, and so are those who are obese or who have heart disease or diabetes. About 49 percent of people with heart disease and 47 percent of those with diabetes have been diagnosed with arthritis, along with about a third of adults who are obese.

Despite the pain and stiffness that arthritis causes, the report suggests that many people could reduce these symptoms by 40 percent with regular physical activity, which helps keep joints from stiffening. Currently, 1 in 3 adults with arthritis report being inactive.

This phrase says it all: Rest is rust, motion is lotion, Schuchat said. Even though those with arthritis may be reluctant to try exercise because of their painful joints, studies have shown that being physically active helps lubricate the joints, easing pain and improving movement.

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Arthritis Cases Surge - AARP News

BOULDER For someone who spent much of her childhood unable to see her kneecaps because of joint swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis, Jesse Knori has enjoyed a remarkable career as an athlete.

Knori, a senior nordic racer for the Colorado ski team, will retire after racing at the NCAA championships this week in New Hampshire because it wouldnt be good for her damaged joints to continue training at the levels her sport demands. She will be missed, not only because of her talent but also for the inspiration she provided to teammates for her ability to cope with pain and family tragedy.

Sometimes after a race she has to be carried from the finish line because she loses feeling in her legs.

I can feel that somethings wrong, but theres no spatial awareness of where my feet are, Knori said. Thankfully I have a really strong team. They can carry me.

Despite her arthritis she was an All-American last year, she won a race at the Alaska Anchorage Invitational this season, and she represented her country at the Under-23 nordic world championships last month, finishing 15th in a sprint race.

Her career has been one of overcoming obstacles. Knori was unable to compete her freshman season because of a long bout with whooping cough. Then she lost her father in a horseback-riding accident.

Without complaining at all, she has such dedication and perseverance, said CU nordic coach Bruce Cranmer. Knowing how much shes had to deal with, and been so positive, its an inspiration for everybody on the team.

The first signs of her disease showed up in the sixth and seventh grades. Knori started noticing she couldnt turn her neck without getting an electric pain in her spine. Then her knees began to swell.

I didnt know what my kneecaps looked like until I was probably 18, when I started seeing them again, Knori said. They were like giant grapefruits.

Knori had togive up volleyball and figure skating, which she loved. She could swim, and was on her high school team, but she longed to be outdoors. Growing up on a ranch in Jackson, Wyo., there was a lot out there to miss, so she gave cross country skiing a try and fell in love with it. It may not have been good for her joints, but it was great for her mental health.

When youre happier, your body tends to be healthier, Knori said, and I was having a great time.

She was good at it, too. After moving to Sun Valley, Idaho, she won a state high school title. She made it to junior nationals three times before enrolling at CU in 2013. There she had another major setback.

An injection that was supposed to control inflammation in her joints crashed her immune system, and within days she had whooping cough that lasted seven months. She kept going to class, but professors asked if was prudent for her to be out in public.

I would faint and puke just from coughing, she recalled. Every four weeks or so, I would have a good day. I think I trained like eight hours in six months. I just had to keep my mind positive and get ready for it to be over.

She did not consider quitting.

To me it was just, stuff happens and you get on with it, Knori said. I just loved the sport.

She joked that coughing is a good workout for abdominal muscles.But the blow that came in June after her freshman year wasnt something she could laugh off. One evening back in Jackson, her father went out for a horseback ride and his horse returned without him. Search-and-rescue was summoned.

Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post

They found him, he was brain dead on scene, Knori said. They transported him to an intensive care hospital and he passed away 12 hours after that. He hit his head on a rock.

At first, Knori wasnt sure if she could return to school, but at home there were constant reminders of her father. She went back to Boulder, grief-stricken.

I would break down (while) training, especially when we were doing really hard workouts, she said. Your mind is always challenging you when youre pushing really hard. When I would get into the red zone of training, I would break down in tears.

College ski teams spend enormous amounts of time together. There are three-hour roller-ski workouts in the summer and long van rides during the season seven hours to the Utah Invitational, 10 hours to Montana State. Her teammates were there for her.

It helped me so much more than I think any of them know, Knori said.

The camaraderie of nordic athletes goes beyond team.

When you cross the finish line, you see everyone from different teams congratulating each other and hugging each other because you all know youre doing the most masochistic sport out there, Knori said. You have to admire each and every person for doing that to themselves and loving it. Its not like they hate it. They love every second of it.

Knori is going to miss it. Being a casual recreational skier will have to suffice.

Its not smart for me, body-wise, to push it and see what I can do, Knori said. I just think I need to take care of my body a little bit more than I have for the past four years. I think Ive accomplished with skiing what I want. I still love it every day. Ill always do it. Ill be the crazy person roller skiing at age 50 because I think roller skiing is one of the more fun things anyone can do.

She wants to coach at the youth or high school level, and if one of her athletes has to go through something really difficult, she can share what battling arthritis has taught her: How she kept a positive attitude, because when she was diagnosed, she saw kids who were worse off, kids she knew would be bedridden for the rest of their lives.

Even if you are having a bad situation, Knori said, thinking positively about everything else you have in your life brings you to better places mentally than it would if you let it hold you down.

Original post:
Diagnosed with arthritis in middle school, CU's Jesse Knori managed to become a successful athlete - The Denver Post

ASK THE DOCTORS by Robert Ashley, M.D. For The Salinas Californian 9:01 p.m. PT March 8, 2017

Dr. Robert Ashley MD(Photo: Provided)

Dear Doctor: Are there natural remedies for arthritis? Exercises that could help? My pain is in the upper arms and shoulders.

Dear Reader: Osteoarthritis, the kind that youre describing, is caused by degeneration of the cartilage within a joint. Without the cartilage, one bone rubs upon the other, leading to pain and degeneration of the bone.

Doctors typically recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin; acetaminophen; and, more rarely, opiates. But NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and kidney problems when used chronically; acetaminophen at high doses can cause liver problems when used chronically; and opiate medications can lead to addiction. So I can understand your desire to look for an alternative for the pain.

The supplements chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine have been used for osteoarthritis for years. Chondroitin is one of the building blocks of cartilage in our body, so many people naturally believe that taking chondroitin can decrease the pain of arthritis.

A 2015 review of 43 randomized trials compared the use of chondroitin alone or in combination with glucosamine against the use of a placebo. Most of these studies looked at treatment for arthritis of the knees, with some looking at arthritis of the hips and hands. The studies measured pain on a 100-point scale. The use of chondroitin was found to be beneficial, whether with or without glucosamine, showing a small 8-point difference in pain compared with placebo. It didnt ease the stiffness and lack of mobility associated with arthritis, however.

In another study, a randomized trial of 606 patients with pain from osteoarthritis of the knee compared the use of glucosamine with chondroitin against the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib (Celebrex). After six months, both groups found a greater than 50 percent reduction in both pain and joint swelling. What was interesting about the study was that it took a while for the glucosamine/chondroitin to work. At one to four months, Celebrex was much better at improving pain, but at six months it was no different than the glucosamine/chondroitin combination. So with the use of glucosamine and chondroitin, it is important to be patient.

The supplements MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) are anti-inflammatory agents that have been studied in arthritis of the knees without evidence of benefit, but its possible they could decrease pain in the joints of the hands. Arnica montana is a plant-based therapy that has some potential in topical use for pain relief, with one study finding a slight benefit for arthritis of the hands. Topical use of capsaicin cream, made from chili peppers, has shown potential as well, specifically for arthritis of the knee. Other natural remedies and supplements, such as fish oil, are touted for arthritis, but their use has not been well studied.

As for exercises, I would recommend physical therapy to increase your range of motion for your shoulder and to help increase your muscular strength. Yoga, Pilates and tai chi can also be beneficial, potentially increasing your range of motion without undue stress on your already aching joints. Over time, you may well see a difference in your ability to function with less pain.

Robert Ashley, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.

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Ask the Drs.: Natural remedies for arthritis pain - The Salinas Californian

GETTY

A study of four generations born between the 1930s and 1960s found rates of the agonising condition soared in each succeeding one.

The number of cases increased over time, especially among those who were carrying too many pounds. Women were most at risk.

In the UK, 10 million people now suffer from arthritis with 8.5 million of these with the most common form osteoarthritis - which is caused by wear and tear on joints where the cartilage is worn away.

Now, in the first study of its kind, researchers found more recent generations are most at risk, with increasing BMI (body mass index) to blame.

Scientists looked at 8,817 participants from the Canadian longitudinal National Population health Survey 1994 -2011 who were split into four birth groups

These included World War II (1935-44), older and younger baby boomers from the surge of births that followed (1945-54 and 1955-64) and Generation X (1965-74), born after the baby boomers.

The findings published in Arthritis Care & Research show members of Generation X are most likely to suffer the sore, creaky joints of arthritis, the ultimate badge of ageing.

Lead author Dr Elizabeth Badley, of the University of Toronto, explained arthritis rates rose over the period, especially in obese individuals.

GETTY

Within each birth cohort the proportion reporting arthritis increased

Dr Elizabeth Badley

She said: "Overall increases due to obesity were partially offset by concurrent increases in education, income and smoking cessation."

But she believes the impact of BMI on arthritis is "likely an underestimate."

Dr Badley warned: "Cohort differences focus attention on the need to target arthritis management education to young and middle aged adults."

There were 1,598 participants in the World War II cohort, 2,208 and 2,781 in the older and younger baby boomer respectively, and 2,230 in the 'Gen Xers'.

1 of 12

Dr Badley said: "Within each birth cohort the proportion reporting arthritis increased over the 18 years from 1994/95 to 2010/11."

She added: "Obesity and sedentary lifestyle also increased substantially across all cohorts over time."

Women were more likely to report arthritis than men.

Higher education and income protected against it, with BMI and smoking the significant behavioural factors that caused it.

Dr Badley said: "The odds of reporting arthritis increased with increasing levels of BMI. For example, those who were in the severe obese category were 2.5 times more likely to report arthritis than those of normal weight.

"Furthermore, non smokers were less likely to report arthritis than current smokers."

GETTY

She added that increases in BMI have to some extent been offset by the positive impact of improvements in education and income levels and decreases in smoking rates.

She said few studies have considered the possibility of people born at different times having greater prevalence of arthritis.

Dr Badley said: "Our overall finding of a cohort effect so that at the same age individuals in recent cohorts are more likely to report arthritis than those of the same age several years earlier would imply an increase in the prevalence of arthritis.

"Although this population-based study asked about arthritis in general, it is likely that the overall findings reflect osteoarthritis given the overwhelmingly higher prevalence of this type of arthritis.

"Our results are compatible with studies showing an increasing incidence in osteoarthritis over time based on data on visits to doctors."

Later parenthood may also be a factor in the higher rates of arthritis in recent generations.

Dr Badley said: "The age at which women have their children has increased dramatically resulting in a greater age difference between parents and children in more recent cohorts.

"Older parents are more likely to have arthritis, potentially increasing awareness in their children."

GETTY

There has also been an increase in leisure time physical activity over time in Canada.

The higher prevalence of arthritis in more recent cohorts could be related to exercise increasing awareness of joint symptoms, or injury bringing on osteoarthritis.

Added Dr Badley: "Not only was the cohort effect of higher arthritis prevalence more marked in those who were obese compared to those of normal weight, in all cohorts the age of onset of arthritis in obese individuals was earlier.

"This has implications for the targeting of public health messages for the control and management of arthritis."

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Obesity sparking a RISE in agonising arthritis among younger people - Express.co.uk

The Walk to Cure Juvenile Arthritis raises funds and awareness for juvenile arthritis, which, according to the Arthritis Foundation, affects more children than juvenile diabetes, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy combined. Nearly 300,000 American children suffer from the autoimmune disorder, which causes inflammation of the joints, swelling, pain, stiffness and loss of motion.

In Kenley's case, it was impeding her ability to learn to walk.

"She was 14 months old and she was really tentative with her walking," her mother, Dongi Huss, said. "She would walk and fall and cry, take a couple more steps, then fall and cry again. I knew there was something wrong, but I had no idea what was going on."

Kenley was officially diagnosed with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis at 16 months old. She began receiving steroid injections in her joints to help prevent any long-term damage while doctors tried to determine which medication would work best for her. Now 7 years old, Kenley has been on medication almost continuously since that time.

Huss said the drugs have helped keep her daughter's symptoms under control.

"It's not something you want your kids to be on long-term, but it helps," she said. "You have to try to find that balance between medication and quality of life long-term."

Huss said Kenley's symptoms are not severe enough that she requires more invasive IV treatments like some kids so. Other than having to visit a rheumatologuist and an eye doctor and have her blood drawn several times a year, she leads a fairly normal life. She is even active in baton twirling and dance.

"She's like any other kid," Huss said." As long as her medication is working, she does everything her friends do."

On Friday, Kenley conducted a live interview on WCCO "This Morning" to help provide awareness for her condition. And Saturday she got to share her story with 2,000 people at the The Walk to Cure Juvenile Arthritis kickoff celebration at the Mall of America.

"She read her speech and she was so amazing, and then I cried" Huss said.

After the pre-event festivities, which included face painting, hair painting and entertainment, Kenley's team of supporters walked several laps around the Mall of America to help raise awareness. This year, Kenley's Krew raised more than $12,500 to help fund research on juvenile arthritis in hopes of identifying better treatments and a cure.

"We had over 75 people walking with us, cheering us on, and clapping and screaming and jumping up and down," Huss said. "It was an amazing experience. It really was."

Kenley said she thought it was important to make more people aware of her juvenile arthritis. She also enjoyed her little brush with fame.

"I really liked being on TV so my friends could watch," she said.

Huss said the Arthritis Foundation has done an amazing job of advocating for kids with juvenile arthritis, and she was grateful for the opportunity to connect with others who are dealing with the same condition.

"For us, it's just so important to raise awareness because we had no idea this even existed until we got Kenley's diagnosis," Huss said. "There are almost 300,000 kids who have this, and we had no idea. It's important for people to know there are a lot of super tough kids out there that are battling and dealing with this. The more I get the word out, the more available we are to other families that might be dealing with this, and they will know they are not alone."

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Rosemount girl is Arthritis Foundation's 2017 Youth Honoree - Rosemount Town Pages

At Neuropathy & Pain Centers of Texas, non-invasive medical procedures are the mainstay of our practice. Using the most up to date techniques, our staff treats patients as whole people, providing a comprehensive diagnostic assessment in order to design a customized strategy for relief from medical concerns in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The technology has advanced to a point that, at Neuropathy & Pain Centers of Texas, we apply stem cell treatments designed to help our patients attain their wellness goals and achieve a higher quality of life.

For instance, until recently, treatment options for people with osteoarthritis of the knee were limited. Steroid injections, joint replacement surgery, and physical therapy were often the only treatment options. Now, regenerative injections for knee osteoarthritis are available at Neuropathy & Pain Centers of Texas. Regenerative cellular therapy also has applications for treating Achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff tendonitis, and degenerative arthritis.

These injections work with the bodys natural ability to heal itself. Unlike treatments that simply address the symptoms, stem cell therapy actually promotes repair of the body, restoring degenerated tissue. Stem cell injections also contain hyaluronan, which eases pain and restores mobility by lubricating joints and tendons. This therapy fits well with Neuropathy & Pain Centers of Texass integrated approach to wellness, addressing the source of issues, rather than just treating the symptoms.

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Stem Cell Therapy - painreliefcenterstx.com

Fighting blindness: Scientists bring a key protein into focus ... Science Daily Scientists have discovered how a protein called ?2?4 establishes proper vision. To study how this protein supports vision, the researchers modeled retinal ... and more »

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Fighting blindness: Scientists bring a key protein into focus ... - Science Daily

Oak Ridge scientists said 29 million people suffer from diabetes, but half of them don't get eye exams to test for potential blindness from the disease.

As Local 8 News Anchor Lauren Davis found out, Oak Ridge National Lab has created a program that will detect just that.

Ken Tobin, the Director for Reactors and Nuclear Systems Division at Oak Ridge National Lab said, "If you catch blindness early, you can save sight in your eyes for a longer period of time than if you wait for the symptoms."

It's called diabetic retinopathy, which causes diabetic patients to lose their sight. Ken Tobin said, "By detecting it early, you can make corrections early and can save sight years. It also saves money and does a lot of good things."

Thanks to the Hubble Telemedical, created here in East Tennessee at ORNL, blindness from the disease could be prevented. The cameras have been placed in doctor's offices around the nation. The hope with the system was to make them more accessible.

"I think long term, you walk into Walmart and just like an arm cuff for blood pressure screening there will be a retinal exam to detect blindness," Tobin said.

The system helps diabetes patients, but it can also help with seniors who are susceptible to macular degeneration.

"It's a very successful program," Tobin said. "It only took seven years to go from an idea from one field of use into the medical environment, and it's helping a lot of people today. That's the most exciting part of the whole thing."

Dr. Ken Tobin with ORNL partnered with Dr. Edward Chaum with University of Tennessee Health Science Center to create the program.

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ORNL, UTHSC develop program that could prevent blindness from diabetes - WVLT

By Jane Brody

In letters to The Times, blind readers reacted with heartfelt reassurance and practical guidance to Edward Hoaglands essay, Feeling My Way Into Blindness, published in November.

Stanley F. Wainapel, clinical director of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, admitted that adapting to vision loss is a major challenge. But he disputed Hoaglands allusion to enforced passivity, pointing out that many advances in technology from screen-reading software for computers to portable devices that read menus or printed letters with a delay of only seconds can keep productivity, creativity and pleasure very much alive for people who can no longer see.

Rabbi Michael Levy, president of Yad HaChazakah, the Jewish Disability Empowerment Center, also acknowledged that transition to a world without sight is far from easy. But he insisted, Blindness does not cut me off from the world. He cited skillful use of a cane, travel devices that tell him where he is and what is around him and periodicals available in real time by telephone among myriad other gadgets that see for him.

Annika Ariel, a blind student double-majoring in English and political science at Amherst College, wrote that her problems are not with her blindness but rather from peoples attitudes that depict the blind as helpless and dependent. She said she travels independently, uses assistive technologies to complete her work as efficiently as others who can see, and excels academically and socially.

Equally inspiring was the response of Mark Riccobono, president of the National Federation of the Blind, who became legally blind at age 5 and lost all useful vision to glaucoma at 14.

I once let blindness make me a passenger in my own life, he wrote. That changed when I encountered a vast network of other blind people who convinced me that blindness did not define me, who taught me nonvisual ways to handle everyday and not-so-everyday tasks, and encouraged me to expect more of myself.

I am now a successful blind man married to a blind woman, living a rich, full life with her and our three children while heading a membership organization that helps tens of thousands of blind people. He met his wife, who was born blind, when they were both students at the University of Wisconsin.

Riccobono, 40, said that he grew up trying to hide his blindness until he met people at the federation who taught him that it was respectable to be blind and that he could do things as effectively as sighted people do.

Ive taught many blind people to use a chain saw, he told me, noting that many activities that we assume require vision really dont.

A screen-reading computer program called Jaws enables Riccobono to read whats on the screen, type and send email using synthesized speech. With the KNFB Reader app on his smartphone, three clicks on the home button turns it into a reading machine that takes pictures of text a menu, label, whatever and reads it out to you, he said.

He credited his federation with having built the best news information source out there the NFB Newsline, with access to hundreds of publications, breaking news, weather that delivers information orally by telephone, on a mobile phone, on a computer via a screen reader or in Braille.

He navigates using a long white cane, which he described as one of the most elegant pieces of technology for blind people. I find things with my cane and plunk the image into a mental map of my environment. He also uses the same GPS system available to sighted people.

Riccobono emphasized the importance of being proactive before a progressive disorder destroys vision entirely. Two of his three young children have the same condition that rendered him blind, and while they can still see, they are learning to read both print and Braille.

He advised me to tell my three friends who have varying stages of age-related macular degeneration to start now to learn to use the tools they will need when they can no longer see clearly. It will make their adjustment that much easier, he said.

The American Council for the Blind has an online list of all manner of products that can smooth the way for people with limited or no vision, including information on where to buy them. Products range from voice-activated television remotes and talking calculators to sewing and kitchen aids. There are also products for people with both vision and hearing loss.

Equally important is for sighted individuals to know how to interact effectively with people who are blind or visually impaired. First and foremost, be sure to identify yourself by name (and association, if your name may not immediately ring a bell). Dont assume the person can recognize you by your voice.

Dont channel your remarks through a third person, and speak naturally. Dont restrict your use of words like see or look when they are a logical component of a conversation. And dont raise your voice, unless the person who cant see also cant hear well.

Dont assume. Always ask first if the person needs help, whether that involves crossing a street, finding a building or carrying a package. When providing directions, be specific, using words like on the left or on the next corner.

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Brody: After blindness descends, finding the light - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

An organic retinal implant designed in Italy can stimulate retinal neurons and send signals to the brain, restoring near-normal vision indefinitely to rats with degenerative blindness without causing apparent damage to the rats' eyes. That's the claim of the researchers who developed it, who believe it could potentially lead to treatments for a major cause of blindness in humans. Other researchers, however, are more cautious.

Retinitis pigmentosa describes multiple genetic disorders that cause the photoreceptors on the retina to die. These lead to blindness, even though the other neurons concerned with signal processing and the optic nerve remain functional. There is currently no effective clinical treatment for the condition, but several groups are developing various proposals to effectively replace these lost photoreceptors by stimulating the retinal neurons artificially. While this could one day restore a patient's vision, these approaches face severe difficulties. For example, most of the implants require a power supply, and wiring into the eyeball is extremely tricky. One solution is a photovoltaic cell that generates a voltage using only the incoming light, but this faces two principal problems. First, previous researchers have found the intensity of ambient light insufficient to stimulate the neurons. Secondly, silicon is much stiffer than nervous tissue: "In the long term, [silicon] can induce a reaction by the tissue," says neuroscientist Fabio Benfenati of the Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology in Genoa, leading to encapsulation, [scarring] and things like that."

In the new research, materials scientist Guglielmo Lanzani of the Center for Nano Science and Technology in Milan and colleagues designed a more flexible, organic retinal implant based on a polymer solar cell. They deposited a thin layer of conductive polymer onto a silk-based substrate and covered it with a semiconducting polymer. When the semiconductor absorbs a photon, it creates an electronhole pair called an exciton. The positive holes are drawn into the conducting polymer, whereas the electrons remain in the semiconductor, causing a negative charge.

Surgeons led by ophthalmologist Grazia Pertile of Sacro Cuore Hospital near Verona implanted the devices underneath the retinas of Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats a strain of rats that reliably develop retinitis pigmentosa owing to a genetic mutation also found in some human cases of the disease. They placed the implants such that the semiconducting polymer was in contact with the retinal neurons, so absorption of light would apply a negative voltage to the cells. After 30days, when the swelling from the surgery had completely subsided, Benfenati's group compared the rats' vision with both untreated RCS rats and healthy rats.

They first tested the pupil's contraction in response to light, finding that although it was significantly impaired in untreated RCS rats, it was near normal in rats with the implant. In further tests using an electrode in the primary visual cortex, the researchers showed that implanted rats' light sensitivity and visual acuity was substantially better than that of untreated RCS rats, and positron emission tomography showed that the metabolism of their primary visual cortices was higher. Furthermore, the rats which naturally prefer dark environments avoided light more effectively.

The researchers tested the rats again later, both after 180days and after 300days: they found that, although the quality of the implanted rats' vision declined, it stayed just as good relative to the other rats. "There is a generalized decrease in [the rats'] sight with age," explains Benfenati. The recovery of the rats' vision appears greater than can be explained by simple photovoltaics, so the researchers suspect other effects are involved, although precisely what these are remains unclear.

After dissecting the rats, the researchers tested prostheses removed from their eyes and showed that they worked similarly to prostheses stored in sterile conditions. The researchers are now testing an adapted implant in pig's eyes: "We believe, based on these data, we could probably attempt the first [human] implant...within the next two years," says Benfenati.

"The article is indeed interesting," says ophthalmologist Mark Humayun of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He is impressed by the simplicity of using light to stimulate the implant, although he cautions: "The RCS rat retina is known to be much easier to stimulate. When it comes to a patient with longstanding retinal degeneration, we have found that ambient light intensity is insufficient and it requires intensified light often multiple Suns."

Daniel Palanker of Stanford University, is more sceptical, noting that, in their laboratory tests of the implant, the researchers use light six million times more intense than some light levels to which the rats responded. "This indicates that the visual response has nothing to do with the photovoltaic response of the polymer," he concludes. Instead, he suggests it is probably an unidentified factor (called a trophic factor) that extends the life of degenerating neurons. This is a well-documented effect of a retinal implant (even a non-functional one), and the researchers attempt to rule out this explanation by showing that a silk implant without the photovoltaic coating does not work. Palanker, however, is unconvinced: "Their control implant is much thinner (0.8m) than the real one (30m), and I suspect it could not be implanted as a flat layer," he says, "Therefore it cannot serve as a real control.

The research is described in Nature Materials.

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Organic semiconductor could reverse degenerative blindness - physicsworld.com

By Serge Berger, Head Trader & Strategist, The Steady Trader|Mar 7, 2017, 8:02 am EST Popular Posts: Recent Posts:

Biotechnology stocks as represented by theiShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index (ETF)(NASDAQ:IBB) have rallied 13% year-to-date. Thats notable considering that over the past 12 months, the IBB ETF has only rallied by about 14%.

Many traders in recent days have pointed to the continued strength in biotech stocks as a sign that the broader market is not yet ready to roll over. But it is notable that the IBB, as a result of the recent rally, has now reached an important technical level on the charts that may offer better technical resistance.

A simple yet effective trick that I repeatedly use to gauge the internal strength of the broader stock market is by checking the pulse of the so calledrisk-on groups. While these groups change over the years, they often include technology and financial stocks. In recent years, biotech, tech as a whole and small-cap stocks, among others, have led the risk-on pack.

Over the past few weeks, biotech stocks and the IBB ETF have showed both absolute and relative strength versus the broader stock market. Through this lens, one could argue that it is premature to get too defensive on the stock market in the near-term and possibly the intermediate-term until biotech stocks begin to back off some.

When I last discussed the state of biotech stocks on Feb. 1,I offered that the IBBs bullish reversal from Jan. 31 could be the beginning of a next swing higher with price targets in the$285-$290 area. Two weeks later, the upper end of this price target had been reached, and last week the IBB ETF further extended this rally into the $300 level.

Now, lets look at the charts.

On the multiyear weekly chart, we see that this recent rally has brought the IBB back to the very upper end of a sideways channel, which now also lines up with the 100-week simple moving average (blue).

Click to Enlarge

This confluence of technical resistance around the $300 area could provide a more meaningful challenge to be overcome.

Next Page

Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, http://investorplace.com/2017/03/ishares-nasdaq-biotechnology-index-etf-ibb-is-at-a-crossroads/.

2017 InvestorPlace Media, LLC

Excerpt from:
iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index (ETF) (IBB) Is at a Crossroads - Investorplace.com

SIOUX FALLS Sen. John Thune (RS.D.) has been named Legislator of the Year from the international Biotechnology Innovation Organizations Industrial & Environmental Health Section.

The award recognizes Senator Thunes support of the biotechnology industry and steadfast commitment to growing South Dakotas and the nations bio-based economy.

Thunes award was presented by Doug Berven, a member of BIOs governing board and vice president of corporate affairs at Sioux Falls-based POET, and Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIOs Industrial & Environmental Section.

Sen. John Thune has been a strong and constant champion of policies that support industrial biotechnology companies in creating jobs, revitalizing manufacturing, improving U.S. energy security and building a bio-based economy, Erickson said.

Senator Thune was first elected to the Senate in 2004, when the first Renewable Fuel Standard was under development. He helped expand the program in 2007 and has been a determined advocate in encouraging the Environmental Protection Agency to get the program on track for future growth.

Thune also was recognized helping renew tax credits for second-generation biofuels and for co-sponsoring legislation to ensure mandatory funding for energy programs in the Agriculture Act of 2014.

Through his efforts, Congress has incorporated innovative programs in the Farm bill to spur the development of biomass, purpose grown energy crops, bio-based products and renewable chemicals, Erickson said.

Thune is a strong and consistent advocate for biotechnology in his home state as well, said Joni Johnson, executive director of South Dakota Biotech, the state affiliate for BIO.

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Biotechnology group names Thune its legislator of the year - Watertown Public Opinion

The biotech industry had a rough 12 months. First the beatings came from presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton as she vowed to crush their pricing models. Now President Donald Trump is following up with similar promises.

For a long while, tickers like the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index (ETF) (NASDAQ:IBB) were toxic to investors. The thesis was that healthcare and biotech companies were untouchable with the political cloud looming above them.

Recently, and in spite of the fact that that nothing has changed from the political standpoint, the worrisome headlines became stale and lost their zing. Thats what usually happens. Traders initially over-react to the headline and then after a while, return to trading the fundamentals.

The companies in the IBB have legitimate, viable businesses. This is a classic case of a bad apples who spoil the bunch.

Technically the IBB stock price is in a breakout that I rode higher on Feb. 11 with debit call spreads.

The important price action came when the IBB reclaimed the $280 per share pivotal zone. From here at the $300 per share level, it can once again provide a base from which to mount another leg higher. This area is an important long term pivot level so has the potential to be a solid base once it is cleared.

Click to Enlarge The ongoing IBB measured move has more upside potential, but there is also resistance looming above. Whats important to me as a premium seller is to find areas where price is not going so I can safely sell risk for income.

Now that Wall Street is repricing the IBB where it should be in spite of the headlines, I want to sell downside risk.

Finding the right level can be tricky. Biotech companies are susceptible to big moves on surprise headlines. Even though the IBB risk is spread among its components, they tend to trade in unison. So if one component of the IBB moves on a headline, the rest would follow in sympathy. This makes trading IBB via sold premium as risky as a single momentum headline stock.

The Bullish Trade: Sell the IBB Jan 2018 $255/$250 credit put spread. I collected $1 per contract to open which would be a 25% yield on risk if I win. The 15% price buffer gives this trade an 85% theoretical chance of success.

Usually I like to hedge my bet. In this case I will sell opposite risk so to balance the trade. There is no rush to do so in this uber-bullish markets. So I could delay entry until I see an abatement in the exuberance over biotech stocks.

The Hedge (optional): Sell the IBB Jan 2018 $355/$360 credit call spread. I collect an additional $1 per contract to open.

If I take both sides then I would be in a sold iron condor where I need IBB to stay between $255 and $355 per share. If IBB stays in the range, this trade would yield over 60% on money risked.

I am not required to hold my options trades open through expiration. I can close either at any time for partial gains or losses.

Nicolas Chahine is the managing director of SellSpreads.com. As of this writing, he did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. You can follow him on Twitter at @racernicand stocktwits at@racernic.

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Study Free Profits From iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index (ETF) (IBB) Stock - Investorplace.com

The Cerbat Gem

RBC Capital Markets Cuts Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) Price Target to $17.00 The Cerbat Gem Puma Biotechnology Inc logo Puma Biotechnology Inc (NYSE:PBYI) had its target price reduced by RBC Capital Markets from $48.00 to $17.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday morning. They currently have a sector perform rating on the ... Puma Biotechnology Shares Plunge On Plans To Modify Neratinib European MAA, Competitor Roche's Perjeta WinBenzinga The Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) Price Target Cut to $17.00 by Analysts at RBC Capital MarketsDailyQuint Puma Biotechnology Inc Realized Volatility Hits A Notable HighCML News Smarter Analyst -Yahoo Finance -Sports Perspectives all 96 news articles »

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RBC Capital Markets Cuts Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) Price Target to $17.00 - The Cerbat Gem

That number is "alarmingly high," according to a report released Tuesday.

About 54.4 million American adults have had a doctor diagnose them with painful joint inflammation and stiffness, according to the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vital Signs Report. That breaks down to about one in four adults in the nation.

The number is probably an under-count since it does not include those who have had to go into nursing home care because of it. It also does not include people who may be suffering but haven't gone to the doctor.

"This is not your mother's arthritis," Acting CDC Director Anne Schuchat said. "Contrary to popular opinion, it is not an old person's disease."

Aging baby boomers aren't the only ones who have it. The majority of current cases of arthritis -- 32.2 million -- are in people under age 65. Women have it more than men, and the number is particularly acute for diabetics, heart patients and those struggling with obesity. About 49.3% of people with heart disease have arthritis, 47.1% of diabetics and 30.6% of people who are obese.

The new numbers come from self-reported data collected between 2013 and 2015.

The research also found that 23.7 million Americans with arthritis have had to limit their activities because of the pain. Some say they can't bend or stoop. Others report having difficulty kneeling or struggle with holding a cup; others find it tough to walk even three blocks.

Many people with arthritis take some kind of pain medication, including opioids, but there are safer and cheaper options.

"We do have to be careful about these exercise recommendations, though," said Guy Eakin, senior vice president of scientific strategy with the Arthritis Foundation. "We have more than 100 types of arthritis." That means some people can't exercise their way out of the pain, but many can and shouldn't be afraid to bike, walk or swim.

Eakin said more research into how to fight arthritis is needed. He, McDaniel and 400 other advocates went on Capitol Hill on Tuesday to talk to Congress about how to better invest in the disease.

Today, the condition costs the country $81 billion, and that number will probably go up. By 2040, scientists project, arthritis will affect 78.4 million people.

"The cost of care is dramatically outpacing what the country is putting into research," Eakin said. "Arthritis can rob people of their lives, and as a leading cause of disability, it is why people retire and go into assisted living, and it's a dramatic cost to our national economy. We can't fix health care if we can't fix arthritis."

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'This is not your mother's arthritis': Most cases found in younger Americans - CNN

Dear Doctor: Are there natural remedies for arthritis? Exercises that could help? My pain is in the upper arms and shoulders.

Dear Reader: Osteoarthritis, the kind that you're describing, is caused by degeneration of the cartilage within a joint. Without the cartilage, one bone rubs upon the other, leading to pain and degeneration of the bone.

Doctors typically recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin; acetaminophen; and, more rarely, opiates. But NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and kidney problems when used chronically; acetaminophen at high doses can cause liver problems when used chronically; and opiate medications can lead to addiction. So I can understand your desire to look for an alternative for the pain.

The supplements chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine have been used for osteoarthritis for years. Chondroitin is one of the building blocks of cartilage in our body, so many people naturally believe that taking chondroitin can decrease the pain of arthritis.

A 2015 review of 43 randomized trials compared the use of chondroitin alone or in combination with glucosamine against the use of a placebo. Most of these studies looked at treatment for arthritis of the knees, with some looking at arthritis of the hips and hands. The studies measured pain on a 100-point scale. The use of chondroitin was found to be beneficial, whether with or without glucosamine, showing a small 8-point difference in pain compared with placebo. It didn't ease the stiffness and lack of mobility associated with arthritis, however.

In another study, a randomized trial of 606 patients with pain from osteoarthritis of the knee compared the use of glucosamine with chondroitin against the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib (Celebrex). After six months, both groups found a greater than 50 percent reduction in both pain and joint swelling. What was interesting about the study was that it took a while for the glucosamine/chondroitin to work. At one to four months, Celebrex was much better at improving pain, but at six months it was no different than the glucosamine/chondroitin combination. So with the use of glucosamine and chondroitin, it is important to be patient.

The supplements MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) are anti-inflammatory agents that have been studied in arthritis of the knees without evidence of benefit, but it's possible they could decrease pain in the joints of the hands. Arnica montana is a plant-based therapy that has some potential in topical use for pain relief, with one study finding a slight benefit for arthritis of the hands. Topical use of capsaicin cream, made from chili peppers, has shown potential as well, specifically for arthritis of the knee. Other natural remedies and supplements, such as fish oil, are touted for arthritis, but their use has not been well studied.

As for exercises, I would recommend physical therapy to increase your range of motion for your shoulder and to help increase your muscular strength. Yoga, Pilates and tai chi can also be beneficial, potentially increasing your range of motion without undue stress on your already aching joints. Over time, you may well see a difference in your ability to function with less pain.

Robert Ashley, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.

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Natrual remedies available for nagging arthritis pain - Beatrice Daily Sun

Many Nova Scotians suffer with the pain of osteoarthritis. In fact, Nova Scotia is the province with the highest rate of osteoarthritis in Canada. This high rate of osteoarthritis may be due, at least in part, to the high number of seniors within Nova Scotia. We have the highest percentage of seniors in Canada, with more than 18 per cent of the population being 65 years of age or older.

In cases of advanced osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, a joint replacement procedure is an excellent treatment which provides pain relief and significant improvements in mobility. However, Nova Scotians may have to wait extended periods of time in order to receive a joint replacement.

Statistics were released recently by Nova Scotias auditor general on knee and hip replacement wait times here in Nova Scotia. The wait times are worrisome and falling far behind the national average. While the national benchmark for these joint replacement procedures is six months, Nova Scotians suffering with advanced arthritis are waiting over two years on average.

Many factors contribute to these lengthy wait times, including the number of people needing these surgeries, healthcare infrastructure and a shortage of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Many people suffering with arthritis find themselves waiting for a joint replacement for extended periods of time (years) with pain which limits their lives. Unfortunately these arthritis sufferers may not be able to perform some activities of daily life including gardening, lifting heavy objects, doing yard work and walking short distances in some cases. Thankfully there are things which can be done in the meantime in order to limit the pain and disability associated with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.

Exercise: Although exercise can be uncomfortable at times for some arthritis sufferers the discomfort typically eases after the first few minutes of exercise. The key is doing light to moderate levels of exercise on a regular basis and aiming to meet Canadas physical activity guidelines of at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week and two sessions of strengthening exercise per week. These goals could be achieved by walking briskly for 30 minutes five times per week and having two strength training sessions at a gym per week.

Weight management: Keeping a healthy bodyweight is important for the management of arthritis associated pain. If a person with osteoarthritis is overweight losing weight will help to alleviate their pain and improve their mobility.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): A PRP injection is a treatment for osteoarthritis which research has shown can provide lasting relief for the pain associated with osteoarthritis. This treatment uses a small amount of a persons own blood plasma which is rich in platelets. Platelet rich plasma works by introducing platelets (which are rich in growth factors) directly to the site of damage. This high concentration of growth factors stimulates healing within the arthritic joint. PRP is a safe treatment as it uses simply a component of your own blood.

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Arthritis patience wearing thin across the province - TheChronicleHerald.ca