StemCell Therapy

Lon Cardon, Ph.D., FMedSci

The Jackson Laboratory, an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution, today announced the appointment of Lon Cardon, Ph.D., FMedSci, a pioneer in human genetics and drug discovery, as its next president and chief executive officer.

Bar Harbor, Maine, Oct. 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Jackson Laboratory, an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution, today announced the appointment of Lon Cardon, Ph.D., FMedSci, a pioneer in human genetics and drug discovery, as its next president and chief executive officer. Effective on November 29, Cardon will succeed current President and CEO Edison Liu, M.D., who will step down after a decade of leadership. Liu will continue to serve as a JAX professor studying the functional genomics of cancer with a focus on breast cancer.

After ten years of steering JAX through impressive expansion, dramatic change and remarkable achievements, Ed has made an indelible impact at JAX as a leader, researcher, and oncologist in our local communities and within the global biomedical research field, said David Roux, chairman of The Jackson Laboratory Board of Trustees. We are now thrilled to appoint Lon as the next president and CEO of JAX. Under his leadership, Lon will guide the Laboratory as it propels into its next intense period of growth.

Timothy Dattels, vice chairman of The Jackson Laboratory Board of Trustees and chair of the Presidential Search Committee added, As both an accomplished academic researcher as well as a demonstrated successful leader in both pharma and biotech, Lon is extremely well-suited to shape the vision, impact and strategic direction of The Jackson Laboratory over the next decade.

In his new role, Cardon will develop and drive a clear, integrated strategy for the Laboratorys continued long-term success, leveraging the unique and powerful interplay of JAXs deep expertise in mammalian genetics and human genomics combined with the latest advances in digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and new computation platforms as well as its research, educational and business strengths.

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For many years there has been immense promise to translate human genetics and genomics discoveries into new diagnostics, prognostics and treatments for both common and rare diseases, said Cardon. Many of the foundational pieces are finally coming into place. The next step is to put them together to begin to realize this promise.

The Jackson Laboratory has a unique combination of critical components to finally approach the long-awaited potential of genetics for translation, coupling deep understanding of mouse models of human disease with extensive genetic and genomics expertise, large-scale research capacity, and computational and data analytics to bring it all together. I am excited to lead the organization to help shape a new era for human health where understanding all of our unique genomes will help to predict, treat and modify the course of disease.

Cardon joined BioMarin in September 2017 as chief scientific officer and senior vice president and was promoted in 2019 to chief scientific strategy officer to enrich BioMarins pipeline. Before joining BioMarin, he was a senior vice president at GlaxoSmithKline, leading departments and divisions spanning genetics, molecular biology, computational biology, statistics and epidemiology, and ultimately leading an early-to-late pipeline division called Alternative Discovery and Development. Prior to Cardons 14-year tenure in industry, he spent the first half of his career as a senior academic in the United Kingdom and United States, initially as professor of Bioinformatics at the University of Oxford and then as professor of Biostatistics at the University of Washington and co-chair of the Herbold Bioinformatics Program at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Cardon received his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado and conducted his postdoctoral research in the Department of Mathematics at Stanford University. He has been awarded a Wellcome Trust Principal Fellowship and is an elected Fellow of the U.K.s Academy of Medical Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Cardon has authored more than 225 scientific publications and 15 books and chapters, mainly focused on genetics methodology, applications and discoveries for rare and common diseases, ranging from Huntingtons disease to dyslexia. He is an elected Fellow of the UKs Academy of Medical Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

About The Jackson Laboratory

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,400 employees. Headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, it has a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center, a genomic medicine institute in Farmington, Conn., and facilities in Ellsworth and Augusta, Maine, in Sacramento, Calif., and Shanghai, China and a joint venture in Beijing. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

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The Jackson Laboratory appoints Dr. Lon Cardon as its next president and chief executive officer - Yahoo Finance

Theres growing concern about genetic discrimination in New Zealand and the lack of Government intervention in this fast-moving field.

As genetictesting becomes more accessible than ever before, there are calls for a line in the sand to be drawn and a final answer toaquestionnot yet canvassed: should insurers be able to use our geneticinformation?

Genetic discrimination is using someones genetic information to discriminate against them to treat them in a way thats different to someone else because we know something about their genetics.

Currently,lifeand health insurance companies in New Zealand are allowed to use thisdatain determining coverand premiumsfor applicants something experts sayanecdotalevidence suggest hasledto increased premiums, or no cover at all.

While insurers may argue it's their right to know a person's medical history researchers say genetics is, in fact, not a part of one's history, but a part of their future.

There are a lot of complexities in determining someone's genetic makeup and whether they are prone to getting a disease later in life.

There are also ways to mitigate and change the outcome of a patient's health once becoming privy to this information. For example, getting a mastectomywill drastically limit the chances of getting breast cancer, but there are fears an insurer may refuse cover based on a positive BRCA gene test regardless.

University ofOtago law and bioethics lecturerDr Jeanne Snellingsaysif people do have the test,and its positive, they can do things tominimisedevelopment of the disease.

They can undergo surveillance, get prophylactic preventative treatment and their risk could be quite similar to someone elses in the end. But, the insurance company is taking this absolutist approach saying that a positive test disqualifies you from obtaining life insurance cover.

There aredoubts about whether an insurance company would have staff with the expertise on hand to dissect someones genetic information.

University of Aucklands Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences Professor Andrew Shelling says it usually takes acastofspecialists to trawl through the data of an entire persons genome.

Good luck to the insurance company if they can find something, let us know. Because we have an entire team of experts from the clinicians to thebioinformaticiansto the geneticists who sit in a multi-disciplinary clinic each week trying to discuss the outcomes of what theyre looking at.

Based on the increased complexity of genetic testing nowadays, there is also a risk of getting it wrong if you dont have the right expertise. Hesaid.

There'salsoconcernpeople will not opt for undergoing genetic testing purely based on the fact it could be used by insurers -- and thus, miss out on the opportunity to decreasefuturehealth risks.

Despite the life-saving prevention available through genetic testing, experts say people avoiditand research because they are afraid of insurance discrimination.

This not only limits what a person can do to better their health in future -- but stunts medical research, particularly in minority groups like Mori and Pasifika, whose genetics are an even greater enigma to researchers than Pakeha.

Professor Shelling says we know that Mori have been discriminated against for years and this may be another form of it.

We base a lot of our genetics on European DNA, so for our Mori and Pasific people we dont always know what their results mean in a clinical setting.

We have an extra responsibility as genomic scientists to support Mori and Pasific getting genetic testing and make sure they dont get further discriminated against.

In a lot of our research studies around New Zealand, we are trying to increase the number of Mori and Pasific participants.

He fears if they have any concerns about insurance, theyllturn away from being part of these studies.

It's a conflict Jane Tiller anethical, legal and social advisor for Public Health Genomics at Melbournes Monash University --has battled for five years in Australia where a moratorium's been put in place to try and curb the issue.

Now, in Australia, you can get life insurance up to $500,000. If you try and take out more, you have to then disclose your genetic test results. she said.

She says the moratoriums a good step towards consumer protection but its a fraught approach.

"It goes up to certain financial limits and is only five years. So, we dont know what will happen in 2024 when it ends.

We are still gathering data about how its [the moratorium]working. Were remaining concerned about the lack of Government regulations on this issue.We would like to see a complete ban, like in Canada.

The moratorium isalso self-regulated by the insurance industry.

Self-regulation has been shown to be conflicted and problematic, both in Australia and New Zealand.

Theres very little transparency on how insurance companies use this data.Because this is self-regulated, theres a lot of questions around how decisions are made and what data is relied on.

The newly formed AGenDA (Against Genomic Discrimination Aotearoa) group, is lobbying for Government attention on this issue.

AGenDasmessage is that genetic discrimination is not only aconsumer protection issue, but a human rights issue.

Theysay itsnot just about making sure insurers get the information they need todiscriminate; its about stopping them from discriminatingaltogether. Its about ensuring consumers can make decisions about healthcare and learn empowering information without fear of discrimination for themselves or their family members.

They say thesectorhas come to presume divulgence -- an expectation thats been born of our insurance industry over many years.

The Financial Services Councils Richard Kiplin says its not something companies will ask for but if a client has information, it's only fair that they disclose it.

Within the New Zealand sector organisation by organisation will make their own calls. he said.

Whats important for New Zealand consumers to understand is that this is a complex area, and life companies need to assess risk and theyll do that in an appropriate way.

Genetic testing,at this point of time, is not a standard part of that -- but thats obviously evolving and moving very fast.

I think if people have had a genetic test and have information then they know information that a life and health company would want to understand. And so thats a part of the disclosure process.

Kiplin says hes open to working with researchers and other parties in future to solidify guidelines around genetic testing.

We have a robust committee structure thats been looking at some of these issues and reviewing guidelines.

The sector is never static, theres always stuff you can change and this is one of the big areas of the future.Hesaid.

AGenDAis alsoconcerned at the lack of Government intervention.

The Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs David Clark points towards the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Insurance Law Review.

"Insurer use of genetic testing results is one of many issues raised with MBIE during the course of the review, but it was not highlighted as a significant issue in the submissions (it was mentioned in two out of around 500 submissions received). Hesaid.

Clark mirrors the industrys openness to work with experts to understand the situation better.

Im told, the industryhavepreviously told my officials they are not seeing high levels of genetic testing, but I am open to further briefings on the matter.

The MBIEreview was promptedto ensure New Zealands insurance contract law is facilitating insurance markets that work well and enable individuals and businesses to effectively protect themselves against risk.

In November 2019 the Government agreed tothereform which includesmaking sure insurers ask consumers the right questions, the requirement for policies to be written and presented clearly, strengthening protection for consumers against unfair terms and extending powers to the Financial Markets Authority to monitor and enforce compliance.

Next steps for the review include release of an exposure draft Bill for consultation in late-2021.

Genetic testing has been described asa quantum leap for healthcare. A new kind ofapparatuswe can use to decode our future health.

In July 2021,the World Health Organization (WHO) provided the first global recommendations to help establish human genome editing as a tool for public health, with an emphasis on safety, effectiveness and ethics.

While their concerns are mainly based around the use of genetics to edit our DNA --WHO Director-General,Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, recognisedgenome editing and testing as a potential to advance our ability to treat and cure disease.

"But the full impact will only be realized if we deploy it for the benefit of all people, instead of fueling more health inequity between and within countries,Hesaid.

In September, the WHOrecommended DNA testing as a first-choice screening method for cervical cancer prevention.

It recognised DNA-based testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) has been shown to be more effective than todays commonly used screening methods aimed at detecting and preventing cervical cancer, a major cause of death among women worldwide.

Asgenetictestingbecomesmore mainstream,as the technologies mature,and as testsbecome moreprecise and affordable-- it evolves from being aniche offering tobecomingilluminatedon healthcarescentrestage.

And whilegenetictesting is applauded for its potential to become a part of our everyday health toolbox one question remains:should insurers be able to use our genetic information?

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Genetic discrimination: The next great health battle likely to wash up on NZ shores - Newstalk ZB

Sareptas Genetic Therapies Center of Excellence Building Exterior

The new, state-of-the-art research facility encompasses 85,000 square feet and significantly expands Sareptas global research and development capabilities.

Sareptas Chief Scientific Officer Louise Rodino-Klapac and CEO Doug Ingram were joined by distinguished guests including The Honorable JON HUSTED, Lieutenant Governor, State of Ohio; EDDIE PAULINE, President & CEO, BioOhio; JESSICA EVANS, Psy.D., Assistant Director, Speak Foundation; PAT FURLONG, President & CEO, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy; and representatives from state and local government.

Center dedicated to research and development activities to advance Sareptas industry-leading, multi-platform pipeline

The Center encompasses 85,000 square feet of space, tripling Sareptas footprint in Ohio

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SRPT), the leader in precision genetic medicine for rare diseases, today celebrated the grand opening of the Genetic Therapies Center of Excellence (GTCOE), its new research facility in Columbus, Ohio.

The 85,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility expands Sareptas research and development capabilities and footprint, which includes sites in Cambridge, Andover and Burlington, Mass. With more than 70 employees today and plans to double the number of employees by the end of 2022, the Center is focused on discovery, pre-clinical and clinical development supporting Sareptas pipeline of genetic medicines which includes RNA, gene therapy and gene editing programs. The Center also supports process development and optimization work that enables the transition from clinical-scale to commercial-scale manufacturing, a critical task facing companies developing gene therapies.

Advances in the science of genetic medicine are creating incredible opportunities to develop medicines with the potential to transform the lives of people with rare diseases. Sareptas Genetic Therapies Center of Excellence complements and enhances our existing research and development expertise and will play a central and strategic role in our future as the leader in precision genetic medicine, said Doug Ingram, president and chief executive officer, Sarepta.

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Among the guests joining the Sarepta team today for a dedication, ribbon-cutting ceremony and facility tours: The Honorable Jon Husted, Ohios Lieutenant Governor; Pat Furlong, president and chief executive officer, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD); Jessica Evans, assistant director, The Speak Foundation; local officials; and luminaries from Columbus growing biotechnology sector. At the event, Sarepta also announced a $20,000 donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, with Dee Anders, chief executive officer and executive director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio, present to accept.

Sarepta has operated in Columbus since 2018 and were proud to be at the forefront of Columbus emergence as a leading hub for biotechnology committed to the local community and the patients and families we serve, said Louise Rodino-Klapac, Ph.D., Sareptas Columbus-based executive vice president and chief scientific officer. Our growing presence in Ohio will help us strengthen our close working relationships with long-standing local partners such as Nationwide Childrens Hospital, while we work with the greatest urgency to advance our pipeline, further the science of genetic medicine and create an environment where future generations of scientific talent will thrive.

Sarepta Therapeutics decision to expand in Ohio is the latest example that Ohio is a great state to grow a business, said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. When we created the Columbus Innovation District last year, we were focused on cultivating the right environment in central Ohio to attract new investments and jobs in gene and cell therapy. This new facility is a victory, as it builds on our strategy, creating jobs and producing some of the most advanced research and development of precision genetic medicine, further solidifying Ohio as a leader in gene therapy.

About Sarepta TherapeuticsSarepta is on an urgent mission: engineer precision genetic medicine for rare diseases that devastate lives and cut futures short. We hold leadership positions in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs), and we currently have more than 40 programs in various stages of development. Our vast pipeline is driven by our multi-platform Precision Genetic Medicine Engine in gene therapy, RNA and gene editing. For more information, please visit http://www.sarepta.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Internet Posting of InformationWe routinely post information that may be important to investors in the 'For Investors' section of our website at http://www.sarepta.com. We encourage investors and potential investors to consult our website regularly for important information about us.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements." Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," "intends," "potential," "possible" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding potential opportunities in the rare disease space; the potential transformative benefits of medicines in the rare disease space; our plans to double the number of employees in Columbus, Ohio by the end of 2022; and the potential for our growing presence in Ohio to help strengthen our close working relationships with long-standing local partners while we work with the greatest urgency to advance our pipeline, further the science of genetic medicine and create an environment where future generations of scientific talent will thrive.

These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties are beyond our control. Known risk factors include, among others: we may not be able to execute on our business plans and goals, including meeting our expected or planned regulatory milestones and timelines, clinical development plans, and bringing our product candidates to market, due to a variety of reasons, many of which are outside of our control, including possible limitations on company financial and other resources, manufacturing limitations that may not be anticipated or resolved for in a timely manner, regulatory, court or agency decisions, such as decisions by the United States Patent and Trademark Office with respect to patents that cover our product candidates; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; and those risks identified under the heading Risk Factors in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as well as other SEC filings we make, which you are encouraged to review.

Any of the foregoing risks could materially and adversely affect the Companys business, results of operations and the trading price of Sareptas common stock. For a detailed description of risks and uncertainties we face, we encourage you to review our SEC filings. We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements based on events or circumstances after the date of this press release, except as required by law.

Source: Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.

Investor Contact: Ian Estepan, 617-274-4052iestepan@sarepta.com

Media Contact: Tracy Sorrentino, 617-301-8566tsorrentino@sarepta.com

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Sarepta Therapeutics Opens Genetic Therapies Center of Excellence in Columbus, Ohio - Yahoo Finance

The Supreme Court on Friday sought a response from the government on a plea challenging a notification for NEET-Super Specialities (NEET-SS) 2021 in August allowing postgraduates from a broad spectrum of medical disciplines to apply for Doctorate of Medicine (Medical Genetics) and Doctorate of National Board in Medical Genetics courses.

A Bench of Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and B.V. Nagarathna issued notice and listed the case for hearing after two weeks.

The order was passed on a petition filed by the Society of Indian Academy of Medical Genetics, which challenged the validity of the information bulletin published by the National Board of Examinations on August 31.

The society argued that the bulletin contradicted the guidelines prescribed by the National Medical Commission that only aspirants from Medicine, Paediatrics and Obstetrics could apply for the Medical Genetics courses concerned.

The petition noted that elite medical institutes such as the AIIMS restricted admissions to the Medical Genetics courses to these three streams.

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Supreme Court issues notice to government on admission to Medical Genetics courses - The Hindu

Forester Bradley W. Antill will be a guest speaker at Weldon Baptist Church on Wednesday to discuss the subject Forest Genetics and the Tree of Life.

Born in Norton, Ohio, Antill said he moved to Shallotte to take up a forestry job with the Federal Paperboard. He then moved to Henrico in 1997 for a job with the Coastal Lumber Company in Weldon, which has since changed its name in 2004 to Coastal Timberlands Company.

According to a press release, Antill will discuss how trees are the lifeblood of the local forest industries.

Actually, our very life depends on a specific tree and what we do with it, Antill wrote as an excerpt in the press release. The forest industry has always been at the forefront of genetic research, including cloning; trying to get the best tree to grow. But only one specific tree can claim to be the source of eternal life, the Tree of Life.

The Rev. Francis Kyle, the new pastor at Weldon Baptist, said they are excited to hear Antill speak on the interlaced topics he is knowledgeable and passionate about.

Those intertwining topics are land, trees, people and the God of the Bible who created the land and trees on the third day of creation by merely speaking them into existence Genesis 1:9-13, and created male and female in His image on the sixth day Genesis 1:26-27, Kyle said. And, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ, the financially poor Jewish carpenter from Nazareth yet who simultaneously and supernaturally was also the unselfish and sinless Son of God who lovingly sacrificed Himself for us selfish sinners on an old rugged wooden cross at Calvary in Jerusalem. Brad is a shining and inspiring example of intentionally living to the glory of God in ones workplace.

When asked if his discussion will combine science and religion, Antill disagreed.

I use Creation, the things I see every day in the outdoors, to relate to the Creator, he said. Romans Chapter 1, clearly states that Gods creation is one of the ways God reveals himself, to teach us about who he is. The Bible is his guidebook.

Many in the modern world may prefer to separate science from religion, while others consider creation science instead, which is the teaching and research based upon the belief that biblical accounts of the creation of the world and universe are scientific facts.

Antill also disagreed that science and faith are polar opposites since science only exists because God created the universe and placed physical laws upon which science rests.

What I do is take various elements of forestry, trapping, hunting, fishing and history to illustrate a biblical truth, he said. Man has been searching for a special tree since he was kicked out of the Garden of Eden. So, maybe we can understand that search better by seeing how it is done in forestry.

When asked what people can expect to hear on Wednesday, Antill said his devotions and talks show that the words of the Bible can be understood by seeing the fingerprints left by God surrounding everybody.

Often it involves illustrations parables, similar to what Jesus used when he taught, he said. These everyday examples illustrate a spiritual truth or application found in the Bible. My audience may learn a little bit about forestry, but I hope they learn more about the Creator and his love for us.

Antill said he is passionate about this topic because the Creator desires everyone to understand that their lives have meaning and they were not accidents.

The first decision of consequence man had to make involved a tree, he said. The last decision of consequence a man will make will involve a tree. Lets get together and talk about both.

According to the press release, the presentation is part of Weldon Baptists new Uncommon Christian Speaker Series with a free lunch provided by the churchs Hospitality Committee. Antills outdoor-themed Christian devotional books will also be for sale at a discounted price of $7.

The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the Daniel Fellowship Hall at Weldon Baptist Church, 609 Washington Ave. A question and answer session will follow at the presentation.

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'Forest Genetics and the Tree of Life': Local forester to speak at Weldon Baptist about God, living things - The Daily Herald

My grandfather was convinced that his mothers depression began with his fathers stroke. Up to that point, my mother could handle life, he said. Suddenly, she couldnt, because she couldnt do anything about my dad. But I cant help but wonder if its more complicated than that. I think about what Austin told me about the genetic vulnerabilities we all inherit, and I find it hard to believe that Elfriedes depression suddenly appeared in her 60s.

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In recent years, research has been conducted into the idea of inherited family trauma, especially in relation to descendants of survivors of the Holocaust or Indian residential schools. While these are extreme examples of a traumatic event that can affect generations, further research also suggests that inherited trauma can affect anyone.Many of us walk around with trauma symptoms we cant explain, said Mark Wolynn, author of It Didnt Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle, in an interview with Psychology Today. We might have a life-long depression that feels like ours but isnt ours.

According to Wolynn, mental illness symptoms could be the result of trauma that has been inherited. One of the most obvious signs is that we can experience a sudden onset of anxiety or fear when we hit a certain age or reach a certain milestone, he says. Its as though theres an ancestral alarm clock inside us that starts ringing.

To explore my own history, I wanted to learn more about Elfriede. So I visited my grandfather in his 24th-floor apartment in the middle of the pandemic summer. We sat a couple of metres apart; I wore a mask, and I sanitized my equipment before pushing record. My grandfathers apartment overlooked Winnipegs sprawling urban elm forest. It all seemed so far removed from the stories he was telling me.

During the war, Elfriede and her sons moved out of the city to avoid the bombings and lived with their relatives on a farm. She worked as a seamstress, trading her labour for food and other necessities. Despite the challenges, my grandfather said his mother was a joyful person during this time. We were always singing when we did the dishes, he said, adding that Elfriede was always whistling and full of vigour.

However, just because Elfriede sang and whistled doesnt mean there wasnt sadness or worry around their house. There were sad times, he admitted. In his family, it was acknowledged that this was a part of life, and he recalled his mother joking to enjoy being sad. You dont have to be strong when youre sad, she would tell him. If you need to cry, just go ahead and cry.

Talking with my grandfather about mental illness, I sometimes felt as though we were communicating across a great divide. He spoke in terms of clear causes and effects. I asked him if he had ever felt depressed or anxious, and he described a time in his early 30s, when he and my grandmother were living in Whitehorse with four children under the age of six. He hesitated to use the word anxiety but told me that there were times at the end of the month when the young couple could barely afford groceries. There was a reason for me being anxious, and I think if youre anxious for a reason, you should be.

One of the most obvious signs is that we can experience a sudden onset of anxiety or fear when we hit a certain age or reach a certain milestone. Its as though theres an ancestral alarm clock inside us that starts ringing.

But its not always that cut and dried for me. Often, I have a hard time determining what is causing my anxiety, or why some days I wake up feeling depressed and others I wake up feeling fine. I think about my unexplained anxieties or depression and I wonder if these could somehow be connected to a trauma experienced by Elfriede or one of my other ancestors whose experience of mental illness I know less about.

Of course, one of the main reasons for learning about these family histories is to also figure out ways to make mental illness a less disruptive part of ones life. Although our genetics or inherited trauma may predispose us to have a full mental illness jar, as Austin puts it, she also emphasizes that there are ways to manage its contents. Strategies such as exercise, routines, healthy eating habits, a good nights sleep or the right medication can help people avoid reaching the point where their jar is overflowing.

Just a couple of years ago, my mother began cross-stitching to help increase the size of her own jar. Most of the pieces shes stitched have a minimalist style colourful text on a plain background. Shes referred to it as a form of meditation, a way to ruminate on a particular word or phrase as she pierces the fabric with the needle and draws the thread through, over and over, until its finished. Shes stitched simple words, such as love or peace, as well as profanity-laced slogans such as fuck the patriarchy.

She stitched a series of pieces at the beginning of the pandemic, the ones that I described at the start of this essay. In the weeks after we stapled the messages to the utility poles around our neighbourhood, we watched as people shared their discoveries of the cross-stitches on local Facebook pages, describing how they had brightened their day or reminded them of the good in the world.

Its been more than a year since then, and, on the whole, I think I can confidently say that my mental health has improved. My mother and I still talk about the ways we experience our mental illness and the coping mechanisms that we have developed, but these days our conversations are less about managing mental health crises and more about whether we are feeling well enough to slowly wean ourselves off our medications. At the same time, I am now aware of the family history of mental illness that will shadow me throughout my life, possibly stitched into my very DNA, and how Im more prepared than ever to take it on.

***

Isaac Wurmann is a writer based in Berlin.

This story first appeared in Broadviews Oct/Nov 2021 issue with the title My fathers nose, my mothers anxiety.

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My mother and I have the same mental health disorders. But is it genetic? - Broadview Magazine

An international research team led bythe University of California, San Diego (UCSD) has identified a genetic cause for a syndrome that has stumped clinicians for many years. And thescientists saythey might be able toprevent the disease-causing mutation during pregnancy based on promising mouse studies.

The researchers identified the condition,dubbed Zaki syndrome,after doctors from around the world compared clinical notes that showed children born with it had DNA mutations in the Wnt-less, or WLS, gene. By boosting Wnt signaling with a drug in mouse models, they were able to reverse developmental disabilities caused by the disease, they reported in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Zaki is a rarecondition that hampers prenatal development ofthe eyes, brain, hands, kidneys and heart and that causes lifelong disabilities.The syndrome is named after Maha Zaki, M.D., Ph.D., at the National Research Center in Cairo, who was the first to spot it.

RELATED:Haisco to pay $140M to get the ball rolling on Biosplice's phase 3 osteoarthritis drug in China

The UCSD team, working withRady Childrens Institute for Genomic Medicine and researchers around the world,started by scouring databases of20,248 families who had children with neurodevelopmental disorders. They zeroed in on mutations in the WLS gene, which controls signaling levels for Wnt, a hormonelike protein that's involved in embryonic development. The scientists then created stem cells and mouse models of Zaki syndrome and used them to test a drug that boosts Wnt signaling.

The drug, CHIR99021, amped up Wnt signalingand restored development in the models. The mouse embryos grew body parts that had failed to develop, and their organs resumed normal growth, the scientists said.

The Wnt signaling pathway, discovered in the 1980s, has caught investor interest and is core to the missions of biotechs Surrozenand Biosplice Therapeutics, formerly known as Samumed. Biosplice's Wnt-modulating kinase inhibitor is in multiple phase 3 trials and has garnered licensing agreements in China and Korea in recent months. Meanwhile, Surrozen is targeting Wnt in designing regenerative medicines for diseases in the eye, lung, kidney and a host of other areas. Phase 1 studies are slatedfor next year, and the biotech hit the Nasdaq last month.

The UCSD-led team was surprised to discover that Zaki syndrome could could be prevented in preclinical models with a drug,said author Guoliang Chai, Ph.D., a former postdoctoral fellow at UCSD's School of Medicine, in a statement. Now the researchers are thinking about how to transform Zaki into an entirely preventable condition.We can see this drug, or drugs like it, eventually being used to prevent birth defects, if the babies can be diagnosed early enough.

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Researchers unravel the genetic cause of a childhood disorder and a potential way to prevent it with drugs - FierceBiotech

With the number of patients getting physically examined at outpatient departments (OPDs) of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) rising by 67% over a week, the institute will call a review meeting in a week to decide upon the operations.

The PGIMER had resumed the walk-in facility for physical consultation at its OPDs on September 27. Since then, in the six working days, 32,913 patients were physically examined while 8,540 people were given consultation on telephones. The OPDs were closed on Saturday (Gandhi Jayanti) and Sunday.

On Monday, 6,579 patients got physical consultation at the hospitals New OPD department, as compared to 3,942 last Monday. Before the resumption of the walk-in facility, nearly 3,000 patients were visiting various OPDs daily, after prior appointments through tele-consultation or official website.

Keeping in view the possibility of a third wave, the institute authorities believe that capping the number of patients for physical examination is important. The institute is providing tele-consultation only between 8 am to 9 am, to scale up physical consultation.

The number of patients coming to the institute is more than expected. Since Covid-19 cases in Chandigarh and neighbouring states are fluctuating daily, crowding at one place can spread the infection. A cap of numbers and resuming OPDs in a phased manner is a must, said a PGIMER official, who did not wish to be named.

Dr Jagat Ram, director, PGIMER, said that on an average, 6,000 patients are visiting the institute daily, and each patient has two or three attendants with them. The total footfall is more than 18,000 daily.

At present, we are trying to manage the crowd and are accessing problems being faced by patients. In a week, we will call a review meeting with heads of each department and will decide upon further action. Guidelines on OPD operations will be reviewed, he said.

Before the contagion, over 10,000 patients visited PGIMERs OPDs daily. Since the suspension of walk-in consultation and online appointments in March last year, the institute had been providing OPD services through tele-consultation. From June 21 this year, physical consultations resumed, but only after prior appointment through tele-consultation.

On September 6, the institute also restarted an online appointment facility, but with a cap of 30 patients per department to ensure adherence to Covid protocols. Later, the limit was increased to 50 patients, with 100 allowed at three major departments opthalmology (eye), hepatology (liver) and internal medicine.

Now, patients can simply walk into the institutes New OPD between 9.15am and 11am and get registered.

More:
PGIMER to review operations as OPD footfall rises - Hindustan Times

Experiments to see how human tissue will grow in zero-gravity conditions are to be conducted onboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Researchers at Airbus and the University of Zurich (UZH) plan to send materials up with the next supply flight for the ISS that will enable astronauts to grow three-dimensional organ-like tissues called organoids.

The organoids, which will be grown from human adult stem cells, cannot be produced on Earth because they require supporting skeletons due to the effect of gravity.

3D organoids are of great interest to pharmaceutical companies because they could allow drugs to be tested directly on human tissue which could produce more reliable results and eliminate the need for animal models.

Organoids grown from patient stem cells could also be used in the future as building blocks for tissue replacement therapy for damaged organs. Globally, the number of donated organs is far from sufficient to meet demand.

Initial preparatory tests on the ISS 18 months ago were successful. In this experiment, 250 test tubes containing human stem cells that spent a month on board the space station showed differentiated organ-like liver, bone and cartilage structures that developed as intended from the tissue stem cells.

In contrast, the cultures created on Earth, which were grown as controls under normal gravity conditions, showed no or only minimal cell differentiation.

In the current mission, tissue stem cells from two women and two men of different ages are being sent into space.

The researchers are testing how robust the method is when using cells of different biological variability. They expect production to be easier and more reliable in microgravity than using support structures to grow on Earth.

Currently, the focus is on production engineering issues and quality control, said UZH scientist Oliver Ulrich.

With regard to the envisaged commercialisation, we now have to find out how long and in what quality we can keep the organoids grown in space in culture after their return to Earth.

Airbus project manager Julian Raatschen said: If successful, the technology can be further developed and brought to operational maturity. Airbus and the UZH Space Hub can thus make a further contribution to improving the quality of life on Earth through space-based solutions.

The sample material will return to Earth at the beginning of October with the first results expected from November.

In June, an additional solar array was deployed on the ISS to give the station a much needed electricity boost as demand for low-gravity experiments and space tourism grows.

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Human tissues to be grown in microgravity conditions aboard the ISS - E&T Magazine

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition in which the bodys immune system attacks its own tissues. The condition typically causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. However, it may also affect other areas of the body, including the cardiovascular system, kidneys, skin, and eyes.

For some, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms can significantly affect their ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. In these situations, the person may qualify for disability benefits.

This article discusses when RA is a disability, how to know if a person living with RA qualifies for benefits, and how to claim them. We also provide tips on how to manage the symptoms of RA.

RA is a progressive condition, meaning that it will worsen over time. The pace at which the disease progresses will depend on multiple factors, including:

In a 2008 study of RA and work disability in the United States, 35% of people stopped working within 10 years of their initial RA diagnosis.

According to the Global Healthy Living Foundation, to qualify for disability benefits, a person would need to show that they are unable to work for a year or that working may result in death.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers RA a disability if a person meets the following eligibility criteria:

The SSA calculates work credits based on the total amount a person earns each year. According to the SSA, in 2021, a person can receive one credit for every $1,470 of earned income for a maximum of four credits per year.

Though the amount needed per credit often increases each year, a person can accumulate credits at different points in their life. They will not disappear if a person stops working for several years.

Disability benefits, more commonly known as Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), are available for qualified individuals. To qualify, a person must have worked and paid into social security for a number of years.

The SSA outlines the number of years a person needs to have worked to qualify for SSDI. The number of years varies based on the age of the person. According to the SSA, people 3142 years old need to have earned 20 credits in the 5 years before becoming disabled.

However, a person aged 62 years or older needs to have earned 40 credits in the 10 years before becoming disabled.

According to the SSAs monthly statistical snapshot, the average monthly benefit in June 2021 for people under 65 years old with a disability was $1,310.

The SSA classifies RA under inflammatory arthritis.

According to the SSA, to qualify for SSDI, a person living with RA needs to meet one or more of the following criteria:

In determining benefits, the SSA will also look at a persons ability to sustain work based on their Social Securitys Medical-Vocational Guidelines.

The guidelines use the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to determine how much work a person living with RA can reasonably carry out. The RFC classification outlines four broad categories based on the physical demands of a persons work. They include:

If a person cannot complete their expected work based on their disability and experience level, they may qualify for full benefits. However, a person who can complete light or sedentary work may not be eligible if they can work in a sedentary position.

The RFC also takes into account the following factors to determine if a person should receive SSDI:

People may apply for SSDI benefits online here or by calling 800-772-1213.

The SSA provides an Adult Disability Checklist to help people determine what they need before applying for disability benefits. They provide one checklist for completing an application online and another for completing an application over the phone.

The checklist details the documents and information a person needs to apply for benefits. Some of the information a person will need includes:

There is no cure for RA, but there are ways to manage its symptoms and slow its progression. The goal of most treatment plans is to:

Some standard treatment options include:

A person should talk to their doctor if they notice worsening or continued symptoms. Working closely with a doctor is important for managing symptoms and reducing the severity of RA.

RA is a chronic disease that primarily affects the joints but can also affect other parts of the body. The condition can progress to the point that a person finds it difficult or impossible to maintain their occupation.

The SSA classifies RA as a type of inflammatory arthritis. A person with RA may qualify for benefits if they become unable to work. A person must document that they meet the Social Security criteria for disability before receiving any benefits.

Although there is no cure for RA, a person can manage the condition with medications, therapies, and appropriate lifestyle changes.

See more here:
Is rheumatoid arthritis a disability? Benefits and more - Medical News Today

The Virginia woman says she and her whole family got the vaccine as soon as it was available. She's immunocompromised and susceptible to getting really sick if she caught Covid-19. She has lupus and rheumatoid arthritis and it is these diseases that add an extra layer to her frustration and anger.

"We did our part to preserve ourselves, our community, in trying to help battle this by getting vaccinated," Melendez said. "It's just unfortunate that the ignorance and laziness, for lack of better words, of other people who avoided taking the vaccine and ended up in the hospital with Covid, now has to impact me."

The antibody treatment blocks an inflammatory protein called IL-6 that causes damage in rheumatoid arthritis. That same protein plays a role in some of the serious symptoms in people with severe Covid-19 infections.

In the United States, supplies of several dose levels of this medicine have been out of stock since last Monday.

A life saver and life changer

For patients with Covid-19, the drug can be lifesaving. For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, like Melendez, it can be life-altering.

"It has restored my ability to have a fully functioning life," Melendez said. "Before it, it was so bad that simple things like brushing my teeth, combing my hair, opening a bottle of water, unfastening a pair of jeans, going to a restaurant, feeding myself were all challenges. Standing up and walking was hard. That's how bad my RA gets and I'm only 47."

Without the medication, even for a month, people can suffer debilitating flare-ups.

"It isn't easy to switch drugs, especially when you're on a serious drug like Actemra," Taylor said. "You surely don't want to be bouncing around."

Genetech is expanding manufacturing

On Thursday, Genentech sent a notice to customers saying it was "working as urgently as possible to expedite replenishments and increase manufacturing capacity and supply wherever possible."

The company said the medicine should be available for distribution starting Monday, August 30, but "given continued tight supply, Genentech anticipates additional intermittent periods of stockouts in the months ahead if the pandemic continues at the current pace."

A subcutaneous injectible form of Actemra that has not been authorized to treat Covid-19 is still available for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Snow suggested patients ask their doctors about it. It's unclear if insurance would cover it.

And for hospitalized Covid-19 patients, there are some alternatives if Actemra is not available.

"We also strongly encourage Roche to facilitate technology transfer and knowledge and data sharing to broaden access to this important treatment," the WHO said in its statement.

More pandemic shortages

"All it takes is a little spike in demand and we have problems," Fox said.

Because of the uncertainty of surges, some facilities also hoarded some medication. Genentech recently said it would not take orders back, and that should cut down on hoarding, Fox said.

"The same as any other manufacturer, they're going to make enough for what they think they need for the year. Nobody wants to have extra inventory sitting around," Ganio said.

Ganio said the American Society of Health System Pharmacists has also heard reports of shortages of in-line filters that are used with IV bags. There's been more demand for them due to the increasing use of the Regeneron antibody cocktail used to treat people with Covid-19.

"It's very frustrating. In shortage after shortage after shortage the manufacturer does not have a plan for when they can't supply product. It's often 'good luck, we're out,' " Fox said. "All decisions are made about the business first and unfortunately, there's no requirement to make anything, no matter how life saving it is."

"I know I can't be the only person who's sitting here today on edge," Melendez said. "I want to make sure they don't forget about us."

The rest is here:
Pandemic surge causes major shortage of a drug that treats rheumatoid arthritis and severe Covid-19 - CNN

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disorder. People with RA have an increased risk of diabetes, while diabetes can also raise the risk of RA. Excessive inflammation, lifestyle factors, and genetics may be among the factors that connect the two conditions.

RA and diabetes also share several risk factors and causes, including certain medications.

This article discusses the link between RA and diabetes and explains how people can prevent and treat each of these conditions.

Although diabetes and RA share some similarities in terms of their causes and risk factors, they are very different conditions.

RA is an inflammatory autoimmune disease in which the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissue. It often causes inflammation in the joints of the hands, knees, or wrists. In some cases, it may affect the lungs, heart, eyes, or other organs throughout the body.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In a person living with the condition, the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use it effectively. In either case, blood sugar levels will elevate.

The most likely connection between type 2 diabetes and RA involves inflammation and a buildup of cytokines known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the body. The Arthritis Foundation notes that TNF plays a necessary role in wound healing by causing an inflammatory effect. However, it can be harmful when too much TNF is circulating in the body.

In RA, the immune systems attack on the joints causes TNF to build up in the body. In type 2 diabetes, fat cells mainly produce TNF, which can cause the body to develop insulin resistance over time. As a result, it is possible that the inflammation and TNF associated with RA could increase the risk of a person developing type 2 diabetes.

Other possible connections between RA and type 2 diabetes involve medications and lifestyle factors that can act as risk factors for both conditions.

Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Also, RA might lead to a person having a more sedentary lifestyle, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

People living with type 1 diabetes may also be at higher risk of developing RA and vice versa.

The Global Healthy Living Foundation, a nonprofit organization, explains that type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-producing cells. It notes that a person living with one autoimmune disorder has an increased chance of developing a second one at some point in their lifetime.

People living with RA may have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers have found that people living with RA are 23% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared with the general population.

In a 2020 review, researchers noted that RA can negatively affect a persons insulin resistance, which can cause the body to develop more fat. They also reported that many people with RA who develop type 2 diabetes also have other risk factors, including obesity.

People living with RA may be more likely to develop type 1 diabetes, as both conditions are autoimmune disorders. A person who has an autoimmune condition is more likely to develop another one during their lifetime.

The Arthritis Foundation suggests that people over the age of 45 years get screenings for diabetes every 3 years, noting that this is particularly important for those living with RA.

Learn more about risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

People living with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of developing RA. In part, this may be due to both conditions being autoimmune disorders. There also may be a genetic link between the two conditions research has shown that the gene PTPN22 is linked to both conditions.

Some researchers believe that the inflammation associated with type 2 diabetes triggers RA in people who are genetically predisposed. A 2014 study in Taiwan supports this theory, finding that living with type 2 diabetes increases the risk of RA in females.

It is unclear whether type 1 or 2 diabetes could make RA symptoms worse. However, similar lifestyle changes can help both conditions, including:

Doctors can help create an effective treatment plan for a person living with RA, diabetes, or both.

A doctor can recommend a combination of medications alongside self-care strategies to slow the progression of RA and prevent joint damage. The CDC says that possible strategies for people living with RA include:

Learn some tips for dealing with rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups here.

The Arthritis Foundation notes that treating a person living with RA and type 2 diabetes is not much different than treating a person living with RA alone. One of the most important aspects for a person living with both conditions is to get regular exercise to help prevent heart disease.

A doctor may recommend a combination of medications and lifestyle adjustments to manage diabetes. In some cases, a person may find that diet and exercise modifications are enough to control their blood sugar.

If a person cannot control their blood sugar with diet and exercise alone, a doctor may recommend medication. They may recommend drugs to help the body process sugar or prescribe insulin.

Read a review of therapies and lifestyle changes for diabetes here.

RA and diabetes share some similar features, and a person with one condition may have an increased risk of the other.

People living with type 1 diabetes may have an increased risk of RA, and vice versa, due to the connection between autoimmune disorders and genetics. The inflammation associated with type 2 diabetes may put individuals with this form of diabetes at higher risk of RA. RA can make a person more likely to develop type 2 diabetes by affecting their insulin resistance.

A person living with RA should get regular screenings and watch for warning signs of diabetes. A person with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes should follow their doctors treatment advice.

See original here:
Rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes: Link, prevention, treatment - Medical News Today

A medication used widely in treating rheumatoid arthritis is out of stock due to a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations, affecting patients in the U.S. and Utah. (Adam Sotelo, KSL-TV)

SALT LAKE CITY A medication used widely in treating rheumatoid arthritis is out of stock due to a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations, affecting patients in the U.S. and Utah.

Sharon Greenwood, of Utah County, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when she was just 12 years old.

"There is no cure," Greenwood said. "Even if (arthritis) gets in your jaw, then eating is a problem because you can't chew."

Decades later and a dozen or so failed treatments, Greenwood finally has a medication that works for her tocilizumab, known by the brand name Actemra. She has been using the treatment for 10 years.

"Without it, the pain is completely debilitating," Greenwood explained.

However, Greenwood says her monthly treatment is now out of reach.

"I went in for my treatment on Wednesday with the hospital," Greenwood said that's when her nurse at Intermountain American Fork Hospital told her there was a major shortage.

"Apparently, just that morning, the drug had been called in. The nurses were told they were not to use it for anyone because it was being confiscated and gathered up to be sent to a central location," Greenwood said.

Greenwood said she was one of the last rheumatoid arthritis patients to get their treatment.

"The nurse apparently had my drug in her hand and the pharmacist said 'No, we have to take that,' and she said 'No, our patient is here waiting for it,'" she said.

#EXCLUSIVE- "There's no guarantee," Hundreds of patients... are out of crucial treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, Actemra. @genentech says surge in #COVID19 hospitalizations is to blame for unsatiable demand...& it's affecting Utahns like Sharon Greenwood. Story now on @KSL5TVpic.twitter.com/CbQz5nPGHI

Greenwood said nurses told her the drug was going to be reserved for COVID-19 and possibly cancer patients as the delta variant fuels a surge in virus cases and hospitalizations.

"They told me they were hoping to have more come in in about 4-6 weeks, which will be around the time I have my next appointment, but there's no guarantee," Greenwood said, explaining that she is worried about the possibility of not getting her next treatment.

On June 24, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization for Actemra to treat COVID-19 patients in hospitals, including adults and kids age 2 and older.

"The EUA is based on results from four randomized, controlled studies that evaluated Actemra for the treatment of COVID-19 in more than 5,500 hospitalized patients. The results of these studies suggest that Actemra may improve outcomes in patients receiving corticosteroids and requiring supplemental oxygen or breathing support," said a company spokesperson for Genentech, the U.S. manufacturer of Actemra.

Genentech is the sole manufacturer and supplier of the drug in the U.S. Its parent company, Roche, manufactures the drug outside of the U.S.

However, despite efforts to ramp up production, Genentech confirmed in a written response to KSL, "they're experiencing a temporary stock out" of the drug in the U.S. since Aug. 16.

A company spokesperson added they expect to receive scheduled replenishments by the end of August. However, they warned, if the pandemic continues to spread at its current pace, there could be more shortages in weeks and months ahead.

"The dramatic emergence of the COVID-19 delta variant, as well as the unexpected slowing of vaccination rates in the U.S., has led to an overwhelmingly high incidence of COVID-19 hospitalizations in certain areas of the country. This new wave of the pandemic has led to Genentech experiencing an unprecedented demand for Actemra IV well-over 400% of pre-COVID levels over the last two weeks alone and it continues to increase," said Lindsey Mathias, senior manager of Genentech corporate relations.

In the meantime, Greenwood said her doctor and nurses told her the drug is being stockpiled and rationed priority is going to COVID-19 patients.

"For me, it's about quality of life. But for them, it's a matter of life or death, and so it does need to go to them first because they are the greater need," Greenwood said.

Nevertheless, Greenwood said the situation underscores the impact of others' choice not to be vaccinated as Intermountain experts have previously stated 90% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated.

"Unless you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, you may never know that choosing not to be vaccinated is affecting people like me," Greenwood said, "My hope is that people would choose wisely."

The World Health Organization, in conjunction with UnitAid, released a statement last week calling on the company to ensure equal access to the medicine and look for ways to increase global supplies.

KSL's Garna Mejia is also in contact with Intermountain Healthcare, Greenwood's health care provider, for more information on what exactly the supply shortage looks like in Utah. An update is expected later this week.

The most updated information on the U.S. supply of Actemra can be found here, while information on world supplies can be found here.

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Drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and COVID-19 in short supply - KSL.com

TUESDAY, Aug. 24, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Worse functional status and increased probability of functional decline are seen for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with lower socioeconomic status (SES), according to a study published online Aug. 4 in JAMA Network Open.

Zara Izadi, M.Pharm., from the University of California in San Francisco, and colleagues examined the association between SES and functional status in patients with RA using data from the American College of Rheumatology's Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness registry. Data were included for 83,965 patients with a confirmed RA diagnosis who were seen at participating rheumatology practices.

The researchers found that the mean functional status score was worse at lower SES levels for all measures (e.g., Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire quintile 1 and 5: 1.79 and 2.43, respectively). The probability of functional decline was 14.1 and 18.9 percent in the highest and lowest SES quintile, respectively, in longitudinal analyses. Disease activity partially mediated the association between SES and functional decline (7 percent).

"We found important disparities in functional status by SES in a national cohort of individuals with RA, despite utilization of rheumatology care," the authors write. "Future qualitative research is important to further our understanding of factors that affect functional status, including factors outside of medical care that can be intervened on."

Several authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract/Full Text

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Poverty Tied to Worse Functional Status in Rheumatoid Arthritis - HealthDay News

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) As hospitals across Mississippi and around the country continue to deal with high numbers of COVID-19 patients, yet another one of their resources is running low.

One of the challenges we face is, How do we treat patients in a consistent fashion?' says North Mississippi Health Services Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jeremy Blanchard.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved tocilizumab for emergency use in late June. Two months later, a global shortage of the drug has drawn the concern of the World Health Organization.

Sometimes either those medications or our testing supplies have come at risk, Dr. Blanchard says. Most recently, we have one of our medicationsthat we use with severe respiratory dysfunctions that has a threatened supply chain right now.

The WHO says tocilizumab can play a key part in keeping patients alive and reducing the need for mechanical ventilation for the severely ill.

Very similar to the hydroxychloroquine family (of drugs) used in rheumatoid arthritis, says Hank Norwood, a pharmacist for Allegro Family Clinics.

Now Mississippi hospitals must rely on alternatives.

The steroid inhalers, the steroid packs, the antibiotic packs, and the breathing inhalers, Norwood says.

Dr. Jeremy Blanchard says NMHS hospitals have algorithms to help guide them in choosing the best treatment for a patient.

What they are is, if A happens then do B and if B happens then you do C, he explained. Its based on a positive test and a set of symptoms that says you have COVID.

But Dr. Blanchard says the best way to treat COVID is still to prevent someone from getting it.

If you were going to look at what evidence do we have that really has been effective in treating and managing COVID, the three biggies that come up first are going to be vaccination, masking and monoclonal antibodies, he says.

The WHO says it is working to expand the number of manufacturers of tocilizumab across the globe.

Continue reading here:
Mississippi hospitals dealing with global shortage of arthritis drug tocilizumab used to treat severely ill COVID-19 patients Mississippi hospitals...

In the United States, 100,000-300,000 patients die from venous thromboembolism (VTE) each year, with more than 500,000 people related hospitalizations. While in Europe, 500,000 people die from VTE each year. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of VTE. The use of biologics in patients with rheumatoid arthritis may be associated with an increased risk of VTE. We identified all patients who had been newly approved for Catastrophic Illness Card of rheumatoid arthritis extracted the claims data from the National Health Insurance research database and Registry for Catastrophic Illness Patient Database from 2003 to 2016. VTE was defined as the presence of inpatient VTE diagnostic codes (including DVT or PE) according to the discharge diagnosis protocol. An analysis of VTE variables indicated that the incidence of VTE in the biologic group (14.33/10,000 person-years) was higher than that in the conventional drug group (12.61/10,000 person-years). As assessed by the Cox proportional hazards model, the relative HR for VTE in the biologic group (HR: 1.11; 95% CI 0.79-1.55) versus that in the conventional drug group did not reach a significant difference. In conclusion, this study found no significant differences in risk were observed between the use of conventional DMARDs and biologics.

Read more:
Effect of Introducing Biologics to Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis on the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism: a Nationwide Cohort Study - DocWire News

Lorena Britton and her mother, Rosa, moved to Boston this month. It marked the fulfillment of a goal the teen set over a decade ago: to attend Harvard University.

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. Lorena Britton still remembers the moment she found out she would be attending her dream school.

That was December 17, the teen said. That was just like the best day of my life. We got the news at 7 p.m. and I stayed up all night.

The East Lake High School class of 2021 valedictorian only applied to one university. Attending Harvard had always been her goal since the day she came home from elementary school and asked her mother, Rosa, which school was the best in the nation. They even took a trip to Boston when Lorena was eight years old.

Weve had this mutual goal of getting there, said Lorena. Its such a special place to be.

Now, they both are there.

Im very proud, said Rosa, whom her daughter describes as her biggest cheerleader. So far, she hasnt let me down.

In mid-August, Lorena and Rosa packed up everything they owned and left Florida for Boston. It took four days to make the drive from the Sunshine State due to Rosas health issues. Shes been living with increasingly debilitating rheumatoid arthritis since she was 22 years old.

Brushing my teeth is hard, said Rosa, who emigrated from Venezuela knowing very little English two decades ago.

Lorena has been the caretaker for her mother for the last 8-10 years, helping with everyday tasks most able-bodied people take for granted. Her mothers arthritis has gotten progressively worse.

Thats why Lorena chose Harvard.

Its mostly the reason I want to be a doctor to help people like her, said Lorena. I just love learning.

Rheumatoid arthritis has attacked Rosas joints. She has limited mobility and is in constant pain. Lorena hopes her studies in regenerative biology at Harvard will lead to finding a breakthrough treatment or cure for her mothers physical issues.

Its been attacking me very aggressively. I cannot use my hands. I keep my spirits up and try to do my best, be happy, and all I can do is pray to God to see my Lorenas success, said Rosa. My life has been like a trial of fire.

Classes begin on September 1 for Lorena. She is eager to get back to the classroom. For a decade shes been dreaming of this day.

For herself, and her mother.

With modern science and stem cells we can probably find a cure for my moms disease, Lorena said. We depend on each other.

Lorena was awarded $2,000 from Achieva after the credit union heard about her story. Achieva has awarded $26,000 in scholarship funds this year, bringing its total to more than $200,000 in scholarships in the past 14 years.

Lorena plans to get a degree in developmental and regenerative biology.

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East Lake valedictorian goes to Harvard to study medicine and cure moms arthritis - WTSP.com

Background and Purpose

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurrence. In this work, we assessed the incidence and predictive factors of VTE in our real-life cohort of RA patients. To contextualize our results, we reviewed the available literature about this topic, we performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively followed-up patients with RA attending our Rheumatologic Clinic between January 2010 and December 2020.

Each patient was investigated for VTE occurrence. Incident cases were reported as incidence proportion and incidence rate per 1000 person-years at risk. Possible predictive factors were also exploited by regression analyses. Available literature about this topic was also assessed.

In this evaluation, 347 consecutive patients without previous evidence of VTE, attending our Rheumatologic Clinic from 2010 to 2020, were studied. In our real-life cohort, the incidence proportion of VTE was 3.7% (2.7-4.7%) and considering over 1654 person-years, an incidence rate of 7.8 1000 (2.5-11.7). Exploratively assessing predictive factors in our cohort, older age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.14, p = .015), higher body mass index (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.04-1.80, P = .026), and longer disease duration (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03-1.20, P = .006) resulted to be significant predictors of VTE occurrence during the follow-up.In our real-life cohort, VTE burden has been suggested in patients with RA.

Comparing our results with previous data derived from randomized controlled trials and administrative data, some different findings were retrieved about incidence of VTE. Assessing predictive factors, older age, higher body mass index, and longer disease duration resulted to be significant predictors of VTE occurrence during the follow-up. Taking together these observations, a further evaluation of this issue on specific designed studies is needed to provide more generalizable results to the daily clinical practice.

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Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Results from a "Real-life" Cohort and an Appraisal of Available Literature -...

As anyone who has ever lived with a dog will know, it often feels like we don't get enough time with our furry friends. Most dogs only live around ten to 14 years on average though some may naturally live longer, while others may be predisposed to certain diseases that can limit their lifespan.

But what many people don't know is that humans and dogs share many genetic similarities including a predisposition to age-related cancer. This means that many of the things humans can do to be healthier and longer lived may also work for dogs.

Here are just a few ways that you might help your dog live a longer, healthier life.

One factor that's repeatedly linked with longevity across a range of species is maintaining a healthy bodyweight. That means ensuring dogs aren't carrying excess weight, and managing their calorie intake carefully.

Not only will a lean, healthy bodyweight be better for your dog in the long term, it can also help to limit the impact of certain health conditions, such as osteoarthritis.

Carefully monitor and manage your dog's bodyweight through regular weighing or body condition scoring where you look at your dog's physical shape and "score" them on a scale to check whether they're overweight, or at a healthy weight. Using both of these methods together will allow you to identify weight changes and alter their diet as needed.

Use feeding guidelines as a starting point for how much to feed your dog, but you might need to change food type or the amount you feed to maintain a healthy weight as your dog gets older, or depending on how much activity they get.

Knowing exactly how much you are feeding your dog is also a crucial weight-management tool so weigh their food rather than scooping it in by eye.

More generally, good nutrition can be linked to a healthy ageing process, suggesting that what you feed can be as important as how much you feed. "Good" nutrition will vary for each dog, but be sure to look for foods that are safe, tasty and provide all the nutrients your dog needs.

Exercise has many physiological and psychological benefits, both for our dogs (and us). Physical activity can help to manage a dog's bodyweight, and is also associated with anti-ageing effects in other genetically similar species.

While exercise alone won't increase your dog's lifespan, it might help protect you both from carrying excess bodyweight. And indeed, research suggests that "happy" dog walks lead to both happy dogs and people.

Ageing isn't just physical. Keeping your dog's mind active is also helpful. Contrary to the popular adage, you can teach old dogs new tricks and you might just keep their brain and body younger as a result.

Even when physical activity might be limited, explore alternative low-impact games and pursuits, such as scentwork that you and your dog can do together. Using their nose is an inherently rewarding and fun thing for dogs to do, so training dogs to find items by scent will exercise them both mentally and physically.

Other exercise such as hydrotherapy a type of swimming exercise might be a good option especially for dogs who have conditions which affect their ability to exercise as normal.

Like many companion animals, dogs develop a clear attachment to their caregivers. The human-dog bond likely provides companionship and often, dog lovers describe them as a family member.

A stable caregiver-dog bond can help maintain a happy and mutually beneficial partnership between you and your dog. It can also help you recognize subtle changes in your dog's behavior or movement that might signal potential concerns.

Where there is compatibility between caregiver and dog, this leads to a better relationship and even benefits for owners, too, including stress relief and exercise. Sharing positive, fun experiences with your dog, including playing with them, are great for cementing your bond.

Modern veterinary medicine has seen substantial improvements in preventing and managing health concerns in dogs. Successful vaccination and parasite management programs have effectively reduced the incidence of disease in both dogs and humans including toxocariasis, which can be transmitted from dog feces to humans, and rabies, which can be transmitted dog-to-dog or dog-to-human.

Having a good relationship with your vet will allow you to tailor treatments and discuss your dog's needs. Regular health checks can also be useful in identifying any potential problems at a treatable stage such as dental issues or osteoarthritis which can cause pain and negatively impact the dog's wellbeing.

At the end of the day, it's a combination of our dog's genetics and the environment they live in that impacts their longevity. So while we can't change their genetics, there are many things we can do to improve their health that may just help them live a longer, healthier life.

Jacqueline Boyd, Senior Lecturer in Animal Science, Nottingham Trent University.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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Animal Expert Shares 5 Things That Will Help Your Dog Live a Longer, Healthier Life - ScienceAlert

A bat in flight.

Bats have developed a pretty bad rap sheet in the last few years. First, pop culture painted these mammals as a form of the blood-sucking Dracula, and then they were villainised for allegedly triggering a pandemic. Indeed, these poor creatures can't seem to catch a break! Aside from being adorable, bats have several other redeeming qualities like being the only mammals capable of flying and finding food even in complete darkness.

Of late, experts in genetics have uncovered a few startling facts about these Chiropterans, which could imply that they may hold the secret to healthy ageing. With the COVID-19 pandemic turning the spotlight on bats, their unique ability to stay alive against unmatched odds has also come under scrutiny.

The relationship between the size of a mammal, its metabolism, and lifespan is relatively straightforward. The larger the mammal, the slower its metabolism is, and this means a longer lifespan. While we humans ourselves are an exception to this rule, these flying mammals also deviate from this trend.

Some bats are known to live for 40 yearsthat's eight times longer than the lifespan of other animals their size! This unusually long lifespan of bats has always aroused the curiosity of scientistsit prompted them to ask the question, what was it that made these bats live longer?

The gene expression pattern in bats is very unique and has been associated with DNA repair, autophagy, immunity and tumour suppression, ensuring an extended health span for bats. Now, scientists are wondering if we could replicate a few such attributes on humans as well!

There's a cap-like structure called the telomere present at the end of each chromosomea microscopic threadlike part of the cell that carries part or all of the genetic material. This unique structure protects your chromosomes from damage. Every time your cells replicate, the chromosome loses just a little bit of the telomere. As time passes, this telomere gets very short, and either rides the wave of ageing or causes the cell to self-destruct. To put it succinctly, the shortening of your telomeres is why you age.

While this seems inevitable, studies conducted in the last few years revealed that the telomeres do not shorten in long-lived species of batslike the Myotis genus. This means that these species can protect their DNA for an unusually long-time in their lifespan.

A bat pup.

It's common knowledge that in humans, the body's ability to heal and repair any damage decreases considerably as we age. But researchers studied the genome of young, middle-aged, and old bats and found that their ability to repair DNA and damage caused by age increased as they grew older.

Another quality that contributes to their longevity is their ability to control their immune responses. With an over-excited immune response, humans tend to succumb to infections like COVID-19 quicker. In COVID-19 patients with regulated immune responses, the risk of ending up on the ventilator is much lower, reveals research.

Similarly, a controlled immune response could be why bats are able to carry numerous deadly pathogens like the coronavirus without succumbing to them easily.

Humans and bats have many similar genes but with a tweak here and a nip there. So, if we could someday discover what factors elicit these controlled immune responses and telomere shortening avoidance in bats and replicate it in humans, it would be a massive leap towards the utopian dream of a healthy, long life!

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The Bat Elixir: Geneticists Suspect that the Flying Mammal Holds the Key to Extended Healthy Life | The Weather Channel - Articles from The Weather...