StemCell Therapy

Source: Data Sneak Peek: Groups Involved in Patient Adherence Teams

Source:
http://microarray.wordpress.com/feed/

Via Scoop.it – inPharmatics

Companies on the forward edge are putting a heavy emphasis on digital in their commercial models — but how can mobile technologies assist pharmaceutical and biotech firms in this transition?   Tablets to support the sales force – While sales forces are shrinking, they still play a vital role in educating prescribers on new medications. The pharma industry, taking the lead of companies like GSK, is starting to incent sales reps based on quality of service versus amount of sales (read more here in the WSJ). One of the tools that is helping deliver better service is the tablet. Reps with an iPad can deliver more interactive and engaging product information, capture signatures for compliance and make the most of a few quick minutes with a doctor in the time it would take a laptop to boot up.   Online and mobile drug sampling programs – Companies now have the ability to leverage PDMA-compliant mobile apps and websites that allow physicians to request free product samples that they can distribute to their patients to gauge efficacy and assist with adherence. Because the Internet never sleeps, physicians can do this no matter what shifts they are working, independent of time zone or location, 24 hours a day.   Direct-to-HCP mobile advertising – It used to be that most online and mobile advertisements for drugs were placed only in industry magazines, blogs and online communities geared toward healthcare professionals and general consumer websites. We see this changing, with emergence of mobile networks focused on healthcare such as Tomorrow Networks, which is comprised of more than 50 medical apps. Pharma companies can now buy ad placements in mobile apps made exclusively for physicians and other healthcare professionals. A physician can be looking up treatment information at the point of care and see an ad for a medication that is relevant to their patient’s ailment. That’s incredibly powerful for the physician and advantageous for the advertiser.   mDetails – Physicians want to learn about the best drugs and treatments for their patients. mDetails are multimedia mobile product presentations that provide information about drugs in a way that allows physicians to absorb detailed information at their own pace — and in their own time. Because mDetails are distributed on smartphones – it lets physicians fit pharma product education into ‘found time’ at any point during their day that’s convenient for them.   By employing a multi-channel approach and by helping healthcare professionals do their jobs better instead of just selling to them, pharmaceutical companies can reach their target audiences and develop deeper value-based relationships. The aforementioned examples are just a few of the ways that pharmaceutical companies can leverage the ever-growing mobile channel; there are many more evolving every day.
Via http://www.mhimss.org

Source:
http://microarray.wordpress.com/feed/

Via Scoop.it – inPharmatics
UK Government launches G-Cloud store with 257 cloud computing suppliers. Offering the public sector around 1,700 cloud computing services for year-long contracts. The G-Cloud initiative, dubbed CloudStore, aims to bring a broader range of cloud computing suppliers to the government market and increase the flexibility in procurement contracts
Via http://www.govstore.net

Source:
http://microarray.wordpress.com/feed/

The $3 billion California stem cell agency, which is facing its possible demise in five years, is exploring an afterlife that dips into "venture philanthropy" on a national level as well as investment ties with Big Pharma.

The Golden State's unprecedented research program laid out those possibilities in a "transition plan" sent this week to Gov. Jerry Brown and the state legislature. The plan was required under a law passed two years ago. The agency's future direction was also aired at a meeting last month in Los Angeles.

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine(CIRM) will run out of funds for new grants in 2017. Its only real source of funding is cash that the state borrows (bonds). CIRM says that only $864 million remains for new research awards, and some of its recent grant rounds exceed $200 million. The current position of the agency is that it is "premature" to consider asking voters in financially strapped California to approve another multi-billion dollar bond measure.

The venture philanthropy effort involves creation of a nonprofit organization. CIRM Chairman Jonathan Thomas said in January that he is "test-driving (the proposal) with some high net worth donors we know to be interested in the stem cell space." Thomas was addressing the Citizens Financial Accountability and Oversight Committee, the only state entity specified charged with overseeing the agency and its directors. He said,

"We're busily putting together in conjunction with a national organization called the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine the plans for a nonprofit venture philanthropy fund."

He said it would "would accept applications for awards from researchers and companies all over the country, not just those funded by CIRM, but those funded by NIH or the New York Stem Cell Foundation or the state of Maryland or whatever."

The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine is an industry-dominated lobbying group, based in Washington, D.C.  The group's executive director and co-founder is Michael Werner, a longtime pharma and health industry lobbyist, who is also a partner in the influential Washington law firm of Holland and Knight.

The "biopharma investment fund" proposed by CIRM is less well developed. CIRM said it plans to explore opportunities with companies to fund stem cell research in California. The transition document uses as an example an $85 million deal between Pfizer and UC San Francisco, which gives the company special access to biomedical research.

The transition plan also touches on other issues such as winding down grants after its new grant money runs out, along with protecting intellectual property.

The plan could be considered a marketing tool for the agency's afterlife efforts. The document devotes a good portion of its nine pages to recounting the history of CIRM and touting its accomplishments.

Thomas used the occasion of the submission of the plan as a springboard for a piece yesterday on the CIRM research blog.He concluded his item by quoting from the plan itself. CIRM's achievements during the past seven years, he wrote, "will allow California to continue world (stem cell) leadership in the coming decades."

Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss

With the $700,000 Institute of Medicine inquiry into the performance of the California stem cell agency half complete – at least publicly – the blue-ribbon panel seems to be coming up short on comments from outside of the agency itself.

The major public effort by the IOM to secure comments is the passive posting of forms to be filled out on the IOM web site.

How many responses has the IOM received on those forms? The IOM has not disclosed that information despite two inquiries earlier this month by the California Stem Cell Report.

The prestigious institute is undertaking the study of $3 billion agency under contract with CIRM, which is paying the IOM $700,000. Some CIRM directors have expressed hope that the IOM findings will help build support for another multi-billion dollar state bond measure to renew financing for CIRM. It is scheduled to run out of money for new grants in five years.

So far, the IOM panel has held two public meetings, one in Washington, D.C., and one in the San Francisco area. The final California hearing is scheduled for April 10 in Irvine with the last public meetings scheduled for later this year in Washington.

So far, the panel has heard only from CIRM employees or directors as well as researchers who have received tens of millions of dollars in CIRM grants. The IOM has not heard publicly from a single independent witness.

The IOM has posted on its web site forms seeking comments from the public, grant recipients, beneficiary institutions and businesses. However, passive postings of forms are unlikely to generate more than a relative handful of responses. To produce significant numbers requires aggressive and targeted follow-up.

It is also unclear exactly what the IOM is doing to seek information from biotech businesses and unsuccessful grant applicants. Some businesses have complained publicly about the tiny share of funding that industry has received. And some CIRM directors have expressed concern for several years about the inadequacies of business funding.

On Feb. 12, the California Stem Cell Report queried the IOM about its efforts at outreach, asking for specifics on what is being done. Christine Stencel, a spokeswoman for the IOM, replied,

"The IOM has been obtaining and compiling lists of organizations and people to circulate the questionnaires as widely as possible among target groups. For example, IOM has sent a notice to some 300 stakeholder groups encouraging participation."

Other specifics were not forthcoming. (The full text of the questions and responses can be found here.)

On Feb. 15, the California Stem Cell Report followed up with these additional questions,

"Regarding the 300 stakeholder groups, how are those defined? Please give me a few examples.

"Based on your response, is it correct to say that the IOM is not sending out questionnaires directly to all CIRM grant applicants, including those who were rejected?

"Is it correct to say that no special effort -- other than that described in your response -- is being made to seek responses from stem cell businesses?

"The failure to provide numbers on the responses so far would indicate that the numbers are so small that the IOM is choosing not to disclose them. If that is not the case, please email me the numbers."

As of this writing, the IOM has not responded to those questions. We will carry its response verbatim when we receive it.

Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss

Here is the text of the questions submitted Feb. 12 by the California Stem Cell Report to the Institute of Medicine concerning its attempts to secure comments on the operation of the $3 billion California stem cell agency along with the IOM response.

The response from Christine Stencel, a spokeswoman for the IOM, follows these questions from the California Stem Cell Report.

"I will be writing a piece on Wednesday dealing with the online surveys that IOM has posted. For that piece, please tell me very, very  specifically what the IOM is doing to generate responses. For example, is the IOM buying ads in newspapers or online, asking the public to fill out the forms? Is it hiring a polling firm to call households for responses?  Also please tell me exactly what is being done to generate responses on all the other surveys that have been posted.

"Additionally, please tell me how many responses that the IOM has received so far in each category on the survey forms for CIRM grantees, industry partners and leadership. Thank you."

The IOM response on Feb. 15:

"The IOM has been obtaining and compiling lists of organizations and people to circulate the questionnaires as widely as possible among target groups. For example, IOM has sent a notice to some 300 stakeholder groups encouraging participation. We do not have the resources to hire a polling firm or place ads.

"The purpose of these questionnaires is to extend the committee's information gathering beyond in-person meetings and the standard listing of an email address or phone number for the study on the project website. Not all people who might have useful experiences or perspectives on CIRM may be able to attend the in-person meetings and not all may visit the project website and find the study contact information. This is a proactive effort to reach more people.

"Anyone who knows of individuals or organizations with information on CIRM that would be useful for the committee's knowledge can share the links to the questionnaires with them. This will help spread the word and get the committee insights they need.

"I don't have information on the number of responses so far. Ultimately, as noted at the top of each survey, the responses will be aggregated and de-identified and placed in the public access file in addition to being shared with the committee.

"I trust this will be useful for your readers."

The California Stem Cell Report then asked the following questions on Feb. 15.

"Thank you for your response. A few follow-up questions:
Regarding the 300 stakeholder groups, how are those defined? Please give me a few examples.

"Based on your response, is it correct to say that the IOM is not sending out questionnaires directly to all CIRM grant applicants, including those who were rejected?

"Is it correct to say that no special effort -- other than that described in your response -- is being made to seek responses from stem cell businesses?

"The failure to provide numbers on the responses so far would indicate that the numbers are so small that the IOM is choosing not to disclose them. If that is not the case, please email me the numbers. Thank you."

The IOM had not responded to the follow-up questions as of this writing on Feb. 21.

Source:
http://californiastemcellreport.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss

21-02-2012 06:22 Download here: newsdirect.nma.com.tw Maastricht University professor Mark Post hopes to have the world's first "test-tube" burger ready for October and wants celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal to cook it. Post, head of physiology at the university, has spent the past six years working on turning stem cells into meat. The first burger would cost more than £200000, but if commercially viable producing meat this way would reduce green house emissions. Sources: Sydney Morning Herald, AFP

Read the original:
Frankenburger: test-tube hamburger to be unveiled in October - Video

Breakthrough stem cell research at Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, Calif. has the potential to revive endangered species. Researchers at the Center for Regenerative Medicine are aiming to turn stem cells into gametes. Once new eggs and sperm are created, “test tube babies” can be born, possibly preserving a species.

In 1972, researchers preserved skin cells of certain endangered species at the Frozen Zoo, hoping that future technology would help to revive populations, and today Scripps researchers are combining the frozen skin cells with human stem cells to generate stem cells specific to the animal. Stem cells are turned into gametes through re-programming, a process in which retroviruses are used to bring the cells back to earlier stages of development. Last month, scientists created mouse sperm cells through this process.

Scientists view this method of species preservation as a last resort when cheaper, simpler means have failed. For instance, the white rhino, whose population is numbered at seven in the world, would benefit immensely since other methods of trying to save the species have failed. Scientists also hope to help the drill, a West African primate threatened by hunting and habitat degradation.

—compiled by Michelle Lim

Originally posted here:
One Response to “Rescuing the white rhino?”

Click photo to enlarge

Don Lichi, a psychologist and president of Emerge Ministries Inc., talks about his battle with bone marrow cancer and how it is affecting his life, during an interview at his office on Jan. 31.

AKRON, Ohio — Don Lichi has always wanted to leave a legacy of a life well-lived.

Exactly what that means has been at the center of his thoughts since November, when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow).

"At the moment my doctor used the word 'cancer,' my life changed. I have always been a caregiver, but I've had to learn to receive" said Lichi, a prominent psychologist and vice president of Akron, Ohio's Emerge Ministries. "As a man of faith, I am a big believer in healing. I pray for healing.

"If God chooses to take me, I want to be ready for that, too. But I want my life to have been lived in a way that is worthy of being remembered."

A life-changing time

Lichi, 59, was preparing in November for his 12th marathon when he started having excruciating back pain. At first, his doctor thought it might be a slipped disk, but subsequent medical tests revealed it was cancer.

Now, Lichi is undergoing treatment that is preparing him for a stem cell transplant.

"Your life can change on a dime. One day you're moving along, seemingly healthy, with a lot of energy and a fulfilling ministry, and then your world is turned upside down," a visibly emotional Lichi said. "My tears come pretty quickly — sometimes out of pain, sometimes out of the joy of knowing I'm not going through this journey alone, sometimes out of frustration, sometimes out of fear of the unknown — but I am thankful that

I have an inner compass, which is Jesus Christ, to guide me as I go through this storm."

In addition to being on the leadership team at Emerge (a full-service evangelical Christian mental-health outpatient center in Akron, Ohio), Lichi is an adjunct professor at Ashland Theological Seminary and Trinity International University in Illinois. He has spoken about pastoral health, Christian education, parenting, marriage and family issues, at various conferences and workshops, and published several articles on Christian mental health.

He has also done ministry in India, Brazil, Thailand, Ecuador, Germany, Switzerland, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Romania, China, Malaysia, Russia, Hungary and Nicaragua. He has served as counsel to pastors and ministry leaders.

Following own advice

The Rev. Paul Sartarelli, senior pastor at The Chapel, is a friend and ministry partner. Sartarelli was with Lichi when he received the cancer diagnosis and said Lichi has graciously applied the same coping mechanisms to his own life that he has counseled others to use.

"He has really dealt with this well. It's a testimony of who he is. He is a man full of faith. He is a man full of wisdom," Sartarelli said. "As a counselor, he always has great advice, and he is practicing all of the things that he has encouraged others to do over the years. He has been an immeasurable resource to others. Now, it's time for us to come alongside him and be his support system."

The diagnosis Nov. 8 showed the multiple myeloma had attacked a section of his lumbar, putting pressure on his sciatic nerve root and rendering him unable to walk. A December surgery was successful in inflating a balloon to reposition the damaged section of the lower lumbar. Although the procedure gave Lichi some relief, the pain continues.

A recent MRI shows the cancer, which has occupied more than half of his bone marrow, has reached bones of his lumbar, chest, neck and hips. Lichi, who uses a wheelchair, reacted to the news by focusing on what he called "the good news": The cancer does not appear to be in the spinal cord.

God's intervention

Lichi also is focusing on what he calls "God moments" — times when it is clear to him that his source of strength is intervening on his behalf. One of those instances occurred in January, when his primary oncologist prescribed a crucial medication that cost $8,000 out-of-pocket for three weeks of treatment.

"We had no idea how we were going to pay for it, but I trusted God and asked my family and friends to pray with me for whatever God could provide," Lichi said. "An anonymous source called my office one morning, and by the end of the day, the cost of the (first round of) Revlimid was completely covered. I can't tell you how grateful we are to the couple who provided for that and all of the people who have prayed, sent cards, prepared a meal, showed an act of kindness and shared their love."

His treatment includes pain medication, which has been reduced over time, steroids to reduce inflammation and another round of Revlimid. He just completed his fourth round of chemotherapy, which began in November, and needs to complete two more rounds before his bone marrow transplant.

A circle of care

Lichi has found comfort and support in his relationships with his clients, friends and family. His church family at Stow Alliance Fellowship is in that circle of care. He shared his testimony in church to thank congregants and to encourage them to build strong relationships with God and each other.

"When we're shaken as deeply as Don has been with something like cancer, there has to be a foundation within. He is demonstrating that it's the relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, and the relationships with others that enable you to say, 'Even this does not have to overwhelm me,'" said the Rev. John Kitchen, senior pastor at Stow Alliance Fellowship. "Don is showing us that even though we are devastated, even though our very existence may come into question, the facts about who God is and what God continues to provide for us doesn't change."

Before becoming a psychologist, Lichi thought he would be a minister. As a counselor, he finds himself helping pastors, who are among his clients, and considers his work a ministry, or calling of God.

"One of my greatest joys is helping men and women fulfill their call as ministers. It is incredibly fulfilling. Part of what I want to be remembered for is ministering to those who are on the front lines of the faith community," Lichi said. "God has blessed me with the opportunity to help others heal, to embrace the gift of life. I just hope I am remembered for the love that I have tried to give to others."

Visit link:
CANCER, HOPE AND FAITH: Ill therapist finds strength in God, friends

Published Saturday, February 25, 2012 12:19 AM

By COLETTE M. JENKINS

Akron Beacon Journal

AKRON, Ohio -- Don Lichi has always wanted to leave a legacy of a life well-lived.

Exactly what that means has been at the center of his thoughts since November, when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow).

"At the moment my doctor used the word 'cancer,' my life changed. I have always been a caregiver, but I've had to learn to receive" said Lichi, a prominent psychologist and vice president of Akron, Ohio's Emerge Ministries. "As a man of faith, I am a big believer in healing. I pray for healing.

"If God chooses to take me, I want to be ready for that, too. But I want my life to have been lived in a way that is worthy of being remembered."

Lichi, 59, was preparing in November for his 12th marathon when he started having excruciating back pain. At first, his doctor thought it might be a slipped disk, but subsequent medical tests revealed it was cancer.

Now, Lichi is undergoing treatment that is preparing him for a stem cell transplant.

"Your life can change on a dime. One day you're moving along, seemingly healthy, with a lot of energy and a fulfilling ministry, and then your world is turned upside down," a visibly emotional Lichi said. "My tears come pretty quickly -- sometimes out of pain, sometimes out of the joy of knowing I'm not going through this journey alone, sometimes out of frustration, sometimes out of fear of the unknown -- but I am thankful that I have an inner compass, which is Jesus Christ, to guide me as I go through this storm."

In addition to being on the leadership team at Emerge (a full-service evangelical Christian mental-health outpatient center in Akron, Ohio), Lichi is an adjunct professor at Ashland Theological Seminary and Trinity International University in Illinois.

He has also done ministry in India, Brazil, Thailand, Ecuador, Germany, Switzerland, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Romania, China, Malaysia, Russia, Hungary and Nicaragua. He has served as counsel to pastors and ministry leaders.

The Rev. Paul Sartarelli, senior pastor at The Chapel, is a friend and ministry partner. Sartarelli was with Lichi when he received the cancer diagnosis and said Lichi has graciously applied the same coping mechanisms to his own life that he has counseled others to use.

"He has really dealt with this well. It's a testimony of who he is. He is a man full of faith. He is a man full of wisdom," Sartarelli said. "As a counselor, he always has great advice, and he is practicing all of the things that he has encouraged others to do over the years. He has been an immeasurable resource to others. Now, it's time for us to come alongside him and be his support system."

Lichi is focusing on what he calls "God moments" -- times when it is clear to him that his source of strength is intervening on his behalf. One of those instances occurred in January, when his primary oncologist prescribed a crucial medication that cost $8,000 out-of-pocket for three weeks of treatment.

"We had no idea how we were going to pay for it, but I trusted God and asked my family and friends to pray with me for whatever God could provide," Lichi said. "An anonymous source called my office one morning, and by the end of the day, the cost of the [first round of] Revlimid was completely covered. I can't tell you how grateful we are to the couple who provided for that and all of the people who have prayed, sent cards, prepared a meal, showed an act of kindness and shared their love."

View original post here:
Psychologist depends on faith in battle with cancer

AKRON, OHIO — Don Lichi has always wanted to leave a legacy of a life well-lived.

Exactly what that means has been at the centre of his thoughts since November, when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow).

“At the moment my doctor used the word ‘cancer,’ my life changed. I have always been a caregiver, but I’ve had to learn to receive” said Lichi, a prominent psychologist and vice-president of Akron, Ohio’s Emerge Ministries. “As a man of faith, I am a big believer in healing. I pray for healing.

“If God chooses to take me, I want to be ready for that, too. But I want my life to have been lived in a way that is worthy of being remembered.”

Lichi, 59, was preparing in November for his 12th marathon when he started having excruciating back pain. At first, his doctor thought it might be a slipped disc, but subsequent medical tests revealed it was cancer.

Now, Lichi is undergoing treatment that is preparing him for a stem cell transplant.

“Your life can change on a dime. One day you’re moving along, seemingly healthy, with a lot of energy and a fulfilling ministry, and then your world is turned upside down,” a visibly emotional Lichi said. “My tears come pretty quickly — sometimes out of pain, sometimes out of the joy of knowing I’m not going through this journey alone, sometimes out of frustration, sometimes out of fear of the unknown — but I am thankful that I have an inner compass, which is Jesus Christ, to guide me as I go through this storm.”

In addition to being on the leadership team at Emerge (a full-service evangelical Christian mental-health outpatient centre in Akron, Ohio), Lichi is an adjunct professor at Ashland Theological Seminary and Trinity International University in Illinois. He has spoken about pastoral health, Christian education, parenting, marriage and family issues, at various conferences and workshops, and published several articles on Christian mental health.

He has also done ministry in India, Brazil, Thailand, Ecuador, Germany, Switzerland, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Romania, China, Malaysia, Russia, Hungary and Nicaragua. He has served as counsel to pastors and ministry leaders.

The Rev. Paul Sartarelli, senior pastor at The Chapel, is a friend and ministry partner. Sartarelli was with Lichi when he received the cancer diagnosis and said Lichi has graciously applied the same coping mechanisms to his own life that he has counselled others to use.

“He has really dealt with this well. It’s a testimony of who he is. He is a man full of faith. He is a man full of wisdom,” Sartarelli said. “As a counsellor, he always has great advice, and he is practising all of the things that he has encouraged others to do over the years. He has been an immeasurable resource to others. Now, it’s time for us to come alongside him and be his support system.”

The diagnosis Nov. 8 showed the multiple myeloma had attacked a section of his lumbar, putting pressure on his sciatic nerve root and rendering him unable to walk. A December surgery was successful in inflating a balloon to reposition the damaged section of the lower lumbar. Although the procedure gave Lichi some relief, the pain continues.

A recent MRI shows the cancer, which has occupied more than half of his bone marrow, has reached bones of his lumbar, chest, neck and hips. Lichi, who uses a wheelchair, reacted to the news by focusing on what he called “the good news”: The cancer does not appear to be in the spinal cord.

Lichi also is focusing on what he calls “God moments” — times when it is clear to him that his source of strength is intervening on his behalf. One of those instances occurred in January, when his primary oncologist prescribed a crucial medication that cost $8,000 out of pocket for three weeks of treatment.

“We had no idea how we were going to pay for it, but I trusted God and asked my family and friends to pray with me for whatever God could provide,” Lichi said. “An anonymous source called my office one morning, and by the end of the day, the cost of the (first round of) Revlimid was completely covered. I can’t tell you how grateful we are to the couple who provided for that and all of the people who have prayed, sent cards, prepared a meal, showed an act of kindness and shared their love.”

His treatment includes pain medication, which has been reduced over time, steroids to reduce inflammation and another round of Revlimid. He just completed his fourth round of chemotherapy, which began in November, and needs to complete two more rounds before his bone marrow transplant.

He and his wife, Marcie, were scheduled to go to University Hospital this week for in-patient treatment orientation, which takes a minimum of four hours. The transplant involves using high-dose chemotherapy with a transfusion of stem cells previously collected from Lichi, which will replace the diseased marrow.

Although Lichi’s journey since November has been tempestuous, he has been back at work, counselling at Emerge, since January. John Palmer, president of Emerge, said that while he expected Lichi to return to work, he was pleasantly surprised he returned so soon.

“Don is not ignoring the facts of his situation. He acknowledges what is going on with the cancer, but at the same time, he acknowledges his hope in God. He is the kind of person who is not going to sit around when he can do something useful,” Palmer said.

“He’s an amazing person who has such deep compassion for people, and he’s courageous in continuing to help people in such a joyful way while going through his own crisis.”

Lichi has found comfort and support in his relationships with his clients, friends and family. His church family at Stow Alliance Fellowship is in that circle of care. He shared his testimony in church to thank congregants and to encourage them to build strong relationships with God and each other.

“When we’re shaken as deeply as Don has been with something like cancer, there has to be a foundation within. He is demonstrating that it’s the relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, and the relationships with others that enable you to say, ‘Even this does not have to overwhelm me,’” said the Rev. John Kitchen, senior pastor at Stow Alliance Fellowship. “Don is showing us that even though we are devastated, even though our very existence may come into question, the facts about who God is and what God continues to provide for us doesn’t change.”

Before becoming a psychologist, Lichi thought he would be a minister. As a counsellor, he finds himself helping pastors, who are among his clients, and considers his work a ministry, or calling of God.

“One of my greatest joys is helping men and women fulfil their call as ministers. It is incredibly fulfilling. Part of what I want to be remembered for is ministering to those who are on the front lines of the faith community,” Lichi said. “God has blessed me with the opportunity to help others heal, to embrace the gift of life. I just hope I am remembered for the love that I have tried to give to others.”

Akron Beacon Journal

Read the original post:
Therapist battles cancer with help of others and hope in God

BELGRADE, Mont., Feb. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bacterin International Holdings, Inc. (NYSE Amex: BONE), a leader in the development of revolutionary bone graft material and antimicrobial coatings for medical applications, will release its financial results for the three and 12 months ended December 31, 2011 after the close of regular market trading on Thursday, March 22, 2012. A conference call will follow at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (1:30 p.m. Pacific Time).

Conference Call Details:

Date: Thursday, March 22, 2012
Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time)
Dial-In Number: 1-877-941-1427
International: 1-480-629-9664
Conference ID#: 4519974

The conference call will be broadcast simultaneously and available for replay here and at the investor section of the company's Web site at http://www.bacterin.com/index.htm.

Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Hayden IR at 1-646-755-7412.

A replay of the call will be available after 7:30 p.m. Eastern time on the same day and until April 22, 2012.

International replay number: 1-858-384-5517
Replay pin number: 4519974

About Bacterin International Holdings

Bacterin International Holdings, Inc. (NYSE Amex: BONE) develops, manufactures and markets biologics products to domestic and international markets. Bacterin's proprietary methods optimize the growth factors in human allografts to create the ideal stem cell scaffold to promote bone, subchondral repair and dermal growth. These products are used in a variety of applications including enhancing fusion in spine surgery, relief of back pain, promotion of bone growth in foot and ankle surgery, promotion of cranial healing following neurosurgery and subchondral repair in knee and other joint surgeries.

Bacterin's Medical Device division develops, employs, and licenses bioactive coatings for various medical device applications. Bacterin's strategic coating initiatives include antimicrobial coatings designed to inhibit biofilm formation and microbial contamination. For further information, please visit http://www.bacterin.com.

Important Cautions Regarding Forward-looking Statements

This news release contains certain disclosures that may be deemed forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as "continue," "efforts," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," "strategy," "will," "goal," "target," "prospects," "potential," "optimistic," "confident," "likely," "probable" or similar expressions or the negative thereof. Statements of historical fact also may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. We caution that these statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors, including, among others: the Company's ability to launch beta and full product releases, the Company's ability to obtain FDA concurrence use for anti-microbial coatings in a timely manner; the Company's ability to meet its obligations under existing and anticipated contractual obligations; the Company's ability to develop, market, sell and distribute desirable applications, products and services and to protect its intellectual property; the ability of the Company's sales force to achieve expected results; the ability of the Company's customers to pay and the timeliness of such payments, particularly during recessionary periods; the Company's ability to obtain financing as and when needed; changes in consumer demands and preferences; the Company's ability to attract and retain management and employees with appropriate skills and expertise; the impact of changes in market, legal and regulatory conditions and in the applicable business environment, including actions of competitors; and other factors. Additional risk factors are listed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading "Risk Factors." The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

Contact:

INVESTOR INQUIRIES:
Hayden IR
James Carbonara, Regional Vice President, 646-755-7412
james@haydenir.com 

Brett Maas, 646-536-7331
brett@haydenir.com

Read the rest here:
Bacterin International Holdings, Inc. Schedules Fourth Quarter 2011 Financial Earnings Conference Call

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire -02/24/12)- A2Z Health Expo today announced it will hold its 5th annual Health Expo at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, CA on Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 4pm to 10pm. According to Dr. Ben Drillings, Director, the keynote speaker for the event will be the co-founder of the Samueli Foundation, Susan Samueli, PhD. Mrs. Samueli serves on the Board and Advisory Board of the Susan Samueli Center for Integrated Medicine (SSCIM) at UC Irvine. SSCIM promotes integrative medicine by providing education, scientific research and a model of clinical care that emphasizes healing of the whole person. Mrs. Samueli was honored with the UCI Medal in March 2000, the 2002 Ellen Cooperman Angel Award Recipient from the John Wayne Cancer Institute and the 2005 General William Lyon Crystal Vision Philanthropy Award from the Orangewood Children's Foundation. In 2006, Susan and Henry Samueli became the owners of the NHL franchise the Anaheim Ducks. The topic of Mrs. Samueli at the expo is: "Integrated Clinic in the 21st Century: Innovations, New Models & Challenges."

The A2Z Health Expo event is focusing on bringing together healthcare professionals, philanthropists, academicians, that are interested in learning more about the integrated clinic model. The expo aims to build a network relationship and sharing of ideas within the health community. Attendees include MDs, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Nutritionists, Schools & Spa owners, and general public.

Joining Mrs. Samueli are a bevy of prestigious speakers: Kerry Crofton, PhD., the author of the award-winning book, Wireless Radiation Rescue, and co-founder and executive Director of the International Advisory Board Doctors for Safer Schools; Dr. Nathan Newman, innovator of Stem Cell Lift -- cutting edge cosmetic surgery, without cutting;
And Ms. Alexa Zaledonis, who is the current chair of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork as well as the owner of Even Keel Wellness Spa.

Dr. Drillings is urging the healthcare community to come and learn about the integrated clinic model. This is a must see expo!

The Skirball Cultural Center is located at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049. To register to the event, please visit http://www.a2zhealthexpo.com or email us at expo@a2zhealthexpo.com or call (818) 700-0286.

Originally posted here:
Susan Samueli, PhD of the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine UC Irvine to Headline A2Z Health Expo in Los ...

Bar Harbor – Yijun Ruan, Ph.D., an American geneticist who has pioneered new techniques to sequence and map DNA to better understand cancer growth and stem cell properties, will be the first scientist to join the new Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine (JAX Genomic Medicine) in Farmington, Conn.

Ruan is currently associate director and senior group leader at the Genome Institute of Singapore and professor of biochemistry at the National University of Singapore. He is also an investigator with the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) project, an international consortium of research groups funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute.
Ruan said he was attracted by The Jackson Laboratory’s famously collaborative research environment, and plans to “take a community approach to tackle genomic questions through intensive collaboration.” Through innovating new technologies and studying how the human and mouse genomes are regulated, he said his goal is to translate research findings into personalized medicine. Ruan has also been appointed director of JAX Genomic Sciences, and will be bringing his current research program and team with him to JAX Genomic Medicine.
JAX Genomic Medicine will unite doctors, patients, scientists and industry to find new ways to tailor disease diagnosis, prevention and treatment to each person’s unique genetic makeup, or genome. Ruan and other recruits will begin initial operations this year in leased space while a 173,000-square-foot permanent facility is designed and built. Construction will begin in 2013, and the new facility will open in 2014.
“Yijun’s broad interests in genome biology, coupled with his innovative approach to developing new research techniques, make him an ideal member of the new JAX Genomic Medicine research team,” said Bob Braun, Ph.D., Jackson’s associate director and chair of research.
After earning BS and MS degrees in microbiology from Huazhong Agricultural University in Wuhan, China, Ruan obtained his Ph.D. in plant molecular biology from the University of Maryland, College Park, where he also conducted postgraduate research. Following scientific appointments at Monsanto Co. in St. Louis and Large Scale Biology Corp. in Vacaville, Calif., Ruan was recruited to the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS) in 2002. Edison Liu, M.D., former director of GIS and now president and CEO of The Jackson Laboratory, credits Ruan for building the institute’s state-of-the-art genomic technology platforms and its award-winning genome biology programs.
Ruan is an author of 70 research papers and holds patents in Japan, Singapore and the United Kingdom for the DNA analysis techniques he helped to develop. A U.S. citizen, Ruan is married and has two children.
In addition to recruiting research faculty, JAX Genomic Medicine is currently hiring a site director, science coordinator, senior human resources manager, facilities manager and senior financial analyst in Connecticut. Job announcements are on The Jackson Laboratory’s website at http://www.jax.org/careers/connecticut.html.
Braun notes that The Jackson Laboratory is expanding the research faculty at its headquarters campus in Bar Harbor, Maine, as well as recruiting faculty in Connecticut.
The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution and National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center based in Bar Harbor, Maine, with a facility in Sacramento, Calif., afuture institute in Farmington, Conn., and a total staff of about 1,400. Its mission is to discover the genetic basis for preventing, treating and curing human disease, and to enable research and education for the global biomedical community.

For more health news, pick up a copy of the Mount Desert Islander.

Read the rest here:
First researcher joins The Jackson Lab for Genomic Medicine in Conn.

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire -02/24/12)- A2Z Health Expo today announced it will hold its 5th annual Health Expo at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, CA on Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 4pm to 10pm. According to Dr. Ben Drillings, Director, the keynote speaker for the event will be the co-founder of the Samueli Foundation, Susan Samueli, PhD. Mrs. Samueli serves on the Board and Advisory Board of the Susan Samueli Center for Integrated Medicine (SSCIM) at UC Irvine. SSCIM promotes integrative medicine by providing education, scientific research and a model of clinical care that emphasizes healing of the whole person. Mrs. Samueli was honored with the UCI Medal in March 2000, the 2002 Ellen Cooperman Angel Award Recipient from the John Wayne Cancer Institute and the 2005 General William Lyon Crystal Vision Philanthropy Award from the Orangewood Children's Foundation. In 2006, Susan and Henry Samueli became the owners of the NHL franchise the Anaheim Ducks. The topic of Mrs. Samueli at the expo is: "Integrated Clinic in the 21st Century: Innovations, New Models & Challenges."

The A2Z Health Expo event is focusing on bringing together healthcare professionals, philanthropists, academicians, that are interested in learning more about the integrated clinic model. The expo aims to build a network relationship and sharing of ideas within the health community. Attendees include MDs, Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Nutritionists, Schools & Spa owners, and general public.

Joining Mrs. Samueli are a bevy of prestigious speakers: Kerry Crofton, PhD., the author of the award-winning book, Wireless Radiation Rescue, and co-founder and executive Director of the International Advisory Board Doctors for Safer Schools; Dr. Nathan Newman, innovator of Stem Cell Lift -- cutting edge cosmetic surgery, without cutting;
And Ms. Alexa Zaledonis, who is the current chair of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork as well as the owner of Even Keel Wellness Spa.

Dr. Drillings is urging the healthcare community to come and learn about the integrated clinic model. This is a must see expo!

The Skirball Cultural Center is located at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049. To register to the event, please visit http://www.a2zhealthexpo.com or email us at expo@a2zhealthexpo.com or call (818) 700-0286.

See more here:
Susan Samueli, PhD of the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine UC Irvine to Headline A2Z Health Expo in Los ...

Newswise — The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) is pleased to announce the winner of the 2012 McEwen Award for Innovation, a coveted prize in the field of stem cell research and regenerative medicine. The 2012 recipient is Rudolf Jaenisch, MD, Founding Member of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Professor of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in recognition of his pioneering discoveries in the areas of genetic and epigenetic control of development in mice that directly impact the future potential of embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells for therapeutic utility.

The McEwen Award for Innovation is supported by the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The $100,000 award honors original thinking and groundbreaking research pertaining to stem cells or regenerative medicine that opens new avenues of exploration towards the understanding or treatment of human disease or affliction.

“Rudolf Jaenisch has consistently contributed new and groundbreaking discoveries to stem cell biology and regenerative medicines that have changed the way stem cell research is conducted, said Fred H. Gage, PhD, ISSCR President. “Importantly, Rudolf not only has an uncanny sense of the next big question, but also conducts his experiments with such thoughtful and critical experimental design that his results have an immediate impact. This critical attention to detail and experimental design has greatly benefited the many gifted students that have passed through his lab and now populate many of the major stem cell centers throughout the world. Rudolf is very deserving of this award.”

Winner of the inaugural McEwen Award for Innovation in 2011, Shinya Yamanaka, MD, PhD, ISSCR President-Elect agrees. “Dr. Rudolf Jaenisch has always been on the cutting-edge of our field and his research has been a source of inspiration not only for myself, but has influenced the careers of some of our most esteemed colleagues.”

Dr. Jaenisch will be presented with the award at the ISSCR 10th Annual Meeting, in Yokohama, Japan, on Wednesday, June 13, 2012.
***
The International Society for Stem Cell Research is an independent, nonprofit membership organization established to promote and foster the exchange and dissemination of information and ideas relating to stem cells, to encourage the general field of research involving stem cells and to promote professional and public education in all areas of stem cell research and application.

Comment/Share

Go here to read the rest:
ISSCR Honors Stem Cell Research Pioneer with Prestigious McEwen Award for Innovation

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Maven Semantic (http://www.mavensemantic.com) announces updates to their Embryonic Stem Cells research database.

The new database is now available to marketing, business development, competitor intelligence, KOL, medical affairs and related departments in the life sciences sector.

The database currently tags 27,000 individuals working in Embryonic Stem Cells. http://bit.ly/zc0cU4.

Top 10 Countries for Embryonic Stem Cells Research (ranked by number of senior researchers)

Leading organisations in Embryonic Stem Cells research include:

Albert Einstein College of Medicine Baylor College of Medicine Brigham and Women's Hospital California Institute of Technology Chinese Academy of Sciences Cornell University Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Duke University Medical Center Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Genome Institute of Singapore Harvard Medical School Howard Hughes Medical Institute Hubrecht Laboratory Indiana University School of Medicine Institut Pasteur Institute for Frontier Medical Sciences Institute of Human Genetics Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Karolinska Institute Keio University School of Medicine Lund University Mount Sinai Hospital New York University School of Medicine Seoul National University University College London University of Cambridge University of Chicago University of Massachusetts Medical School University of Michigan University of Pennsylvania University of Toronto University of Tsukuba Weill Medical College of Cornell University Zhejiang University

The database also includes pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies, CROs, hospitals, government labs and other organisations active in the Embryonic Stem Cells research field.

Sample companies in database include:

AgResearch Ltd Amgen Inc Axiogenesis AG Cellartis AB Cellular Dynamics International, Inc Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd DNAVEC Corporation ES Cell International Pte Ltd F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd Genentech, Inc GENPHARM INTERNATIONAL, INC Geron Corporation Hayashibara Biochemical Laboratories, Inc Illumina, Inc Ingenium Pharmaceuticals AG Invitrogen Corporation Japan Science and Technology Corp KENNEDY KRIEGER, INC Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc

What is Maven:

- Largest database of international medical professionals, with over 6,000,000 people and over 500,000 medical organisations;

- All records are downloadable to excel or in-house database, with email, postal address and phone contacts;

- Profile and segment the entire database using over 47,000 diseases and therapeutic areas

For more information visit http://www.mavensemantic.com/

Read the original:
Maven Semantic: Embryonic Stem Cells Research Database

GeneCell International Launches Educational Cord Blood Workshops for South Florida Expecting Parents

Miami, FL. (PRWEB) February 24, 2012

GeneCell International, a cutting-edge South Florida provider in the processing and cryogenic preservation of umbilical cord blood stem cells, announced today it would commence monthly cord blood workshops to advance the education in the community.

GeneCell International specializes in the collection, transport, processing and cryogenic storage of adult stem cells from various sources including; umbilical cord blood, dental pulp and adipose tissue (fat) that can later be used to treat a variety of diseases. The laboratory is also involved in scientific research and development with a range of stem cells from various adult tissues.

Umbilical cord blood preservation is a process by which blood is collected from the umbilical cord of a newborn baby and is stored cryogenically in a specially-designated bank. According to the National Marrow Donor Program, cord blood contains cells that can be transfused to a patient to treat various diseases, including lymphoma and leukemia. The list of illnesses that can be treated with cord blood continues to grow.

In addition, the cord blood can be used to treat the child from whom the blood was collected as well as some first-degree relatives who are a close genetic match, such as family members. Cord blood banking is regulated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and each year more and more parents choose to save their children’s cord blood should the medical need arise. “I think, to have the ability to inform our community on the differentiation from hematopoietic stem cells to mesenchymal stem cells, and potentials of these noncontroversial stem cells is outstanding”, said GeneCell’s Marketing Manager, Aixa G. Cortez.

During the workshops, GeneCell’s Director of Research and Laboratory Operations, Dr. Todd R. Flower, and our Laboratory Bio-tech Professionals will address significant new research and the compelling benefits of the collection, processing, cryogenic storage and science behind cord blood Stem Cells. Expecting parents in Miami are invited and encourage attend this workshop to learning more about this medical advancement. “What is most rewarding is to be able to update these expecting parents and their families on the current and future treatments of these stem cells as well as explain the controversial dereferences about them", added Physicians’ Relations Manager, Lisa L. Reyes.

Alongside its commitment to educating the public on the benefits of cord blood preservation, GeneCell is committed to being on the forefront of stem cell research. GeneCell International is the only Cord Blood and Dental Pulp Processing and Cryogenic Storage Laboratory to offer this cutting-edge, “regenerative medicine” technology in Miami, Florida.

About GeneCell International

GeneCell International, LLC is a trusted provider in the collection, processing and storage of adult stem cells from various sources which have the potential to treat a variety of diseases and disorders. Headquartered in Miami, Florida and with local offices in Central Florida, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Peru, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela, GeneCell operates state of the art laboratories and storage facilities for the cord blood and dental pulp of thousands of clients. For more information and to learn more about cord blood banking, dental pulp or other GeneCell services, please visit our website at http://www.GeneCell.com.

###

Lourdes Balestena, Public Relations
GeneCell International, LLC
305-300-0845
Email Information

Read the original:
The First and Only Cord Blood Laboratory in Miami Florida Announces Today the Implementation of a Cord Blood Workshop

Heston Blumenthal is set to serve up a 207,000 'test-tube' burger later this year.

The tasty meal will be the first beef patty ever created in the laboratory thanks to the efforts of Dutch stem cell scientist Dr Mark Post, from the University of Maastricht.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Vancouver, Canada, Dr Post said: 'In October we're going to provide a proof-of-concept showing that with in-vitro methods, out of stem cells we can make a product that looks like and feels and hopefully tastes like meat.

'That first hamburger is going to cost 250,000 euros.'

After experiments which progressed from mouse meat to pork, it will make a grand public entrance in October.

The current plan is for Blumenthal to cook it for a mystery guest, to be chosen by the research project's anonymous funder.

The minced meat will have been grown from bovine muscle and fat stem cells cultured in Dr Post's laboratory.

Currently Dr Post is still working with unappetising half-millimetre thick strips of lab-grown meat that are pinky-yellow in colour.

But he is confident that over the course of this year he will produce a burger virtually indistinguishable from one bought in the high street.

The research has a serious aim - to address the problem of unsustainable livestock farming.

'These animals are very inefficient in the way they convert vegetable matter to animal protein,' he said.

Test Tube Burger Is 'Petri Dish' Of The Day

1 Comments

The research aims to address the problem of unsustainable livestock farming

3:57am UK, Monday February 20, 2012

Heston Blumenthal is set to serve up a 207,000 'test-tube' burger later this year.

The tasty meal will be the first beef patty ever created in the laboratory thanks to the efforts of Dutch stem cell scientist Dr Mark Post, from the University of Maastricht.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Vancouver, Canada, Dr Post said: 'In October we're going to provide a proof-of-concept showing that with in-vitro methods, out of stem cells we can make a product that looks like and feels and hopefully tastes like meat.

'That first hamburger is going to cost 250,000 euros.'

After experiments which progressed from mouse meat to pork, it will make a grand public entrance in October.

The current plan is for Blumenthal to cook it for a mystery guest, to be chosen by the research project's anonymous funder.

The minced meat will have been grown from bovine muscle and fat stem cells cultured in Dr Post's laboratory.

Currently Dr Post is still working with unappetising half-millimetre thick strips of lab-grown meat that are pinky-yellow in colour.

But he is confident that over the course of this year he will produce a burger virtually indistinguishable from one bought in the high street.

The research has a serious aim - to address the problem of unsustainable livestock farming.

'These animals are very inefficient in the way they convert vegetable matter to animal protein,' he said.

'Cows and pigs have an efficiency rate of about 15%, which is pretty inefficient. Chickens are more efficient and fish even more.

'Meat demand is going to double in the next 40 years. Right now we are using 70% of all our agricultural capacity to grow meat through livestock.

'You can easily calculate that we need alternatives. If you don't do anything meat will become a luxury food and be very, very expensive.'

In time, he expected the cost of test-tube meat to be brought down to affordable levels. It may then present consumers with the same kind of choice they currently have between buying battery farm or free range eggs.

The process of making test tube meat involves first obtaining the stem cells and allowing them to proliferate around 30-fold. Every muscle cell is accompanied by four or five stem cells.

The stem cells are grown in a culture medium containing all the nutrients and vitamin 'food' they need.

To construct three dimensional tissue, the cells are mixed with a collagen gel in a culture dish containing velcro 'anchor points'.

Between the anchor points, they self-organise into fully-fledged chunks of muscle. An important step is to make them contract using electrical stimulation.

Finally the beef strips are harvested, minced up, and moulded into a patty. To make the burger more realistic, the muscle meat is mixed with fat grown the same way from a different kind of stem cell.

Three thousand pieces of muscle are combined with around 200 pieces of fat.

Dr Post refuses to reveal the identity of the private individual financing the research, who wants to remain anonymous.

But he said he was a well known figure with 'deep pockets'.

Follow this link:
Test-tube burger 'petri dish' of the day

23-02-2012 14:54 http://www.euronews.net Dutch scientist Mark Post hopes that he will be able to produce the world's first test-tube burger later this year. He says it will look, and taste identical to a regular quarter-pounder. In the laboratory, he has already grown small strips of beef from bovine stem cells, and is now looking at ways to increase production. It is white because there are no blood cells. But researchers hope that once cooked, these cells will look and taste the same as conventionally produced meat.

See original here:
euronews science - In Vitro meat - Video