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Optometry

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Optometry is a health care profession that involves examining the eyes and applicable visual systems for defects or abnormalities as well as the medical diagnosis and management of eye disease.

Traditionally, the field of optometry began with the primary focus of correcting refractive error through the use of spectacles. Modern day optometry, however, has evolved through time so that the educational curriculum additionally includes intensive medical training in the diagnosis and management of ocular disease, in most of the countries of the world, where the profession is established and regulated.

Optometrists (also known as doctors of optometry in the United States and Canada, by higher degree in the United Kingdom and worldwide for those holding the O.D. degree) are health care professionals who provide primary eye care through comprehensive eye examinations to detect and treat various visual abnormalities and eye diseases. Being a regulated profession, an optometrist's scope of practice may differ depending on the location. Thus, disorders or diseases detected outside the treatment scope of optometry (i.e those requiring certain surgical interventions) are referred out to relevant medical professionals for proper care, more commonly to ophthalmologists who are physicians that specialize in tertiary medical and surgical care of the eye. Optometrists typically work closely together with other eye care professionals such as ophthalmologists and opticians to deliver quality and efficient eyecare to the general public.

The term "optometry" comes from the Greek words (opsis; "view") and (metron; "something used to measure", "measure", "rule"). The word entered the language when the instrument for measuring vision was called an optometer, (before the terms phoropter or refractor were used). The root word opto is a shortened form derived from the Greek word ophthalmos meaning, "eye." Like most healthcare professions, the education and certification of optometrists is regulated in most countries. Optometric professionals and optometry-related organizations interact with governmental agencies, other healthcare professionals, and the community to deliver eye and vision-care.

The World Council of Optometry, World Health Organization and about 75 optometry organisations from over 40 countries have all over the world adopted the following definition, to be used to describe optometry and optometrist.[1]

Optometry is a healthcare profession that is autonomous, educated, and regulated (licensed/registered), and optometrists are the primary healthcare practitioners of the eye and visual system who provide comprehensive eye and vision care, which includes refraction and dispensing, detection/diagnosis and management of disease in the eye, and the rehabilitation of conditions of the visual system.[2]

Optometric history is tied to the development of

The history of optometry can be traced back to the early studies on optics and image formation by the eye. The origins of optometric science (optics, as taught in a basic physics class) date back a few thousand years BC as evidence of the existence of lenses for decoration has been found in Greece and the Netherlands.[citation needed]

It is unknown when the first spectacles were made. The British scientist and historian Sir Joseph Needham, in his Science and Civilization in China, discusses the occasional claim that spectacles were invented in China. He states that the belief may have been based on a source that was modified during the Ming dynasty (14th - 17th century), that the original document made no references to eyeglasses, and that the references that were there[which?] stated the eyeglasses were imported.[3]

Alternatively, research by David A. Goss in the United States shows they may have originated independently in the late 13th century in Italy as stated in a manuscript from 1305 where a monk from Pisa named Rivalto stated "It is not yet 20 years since there was discovered the art of making eyeglasses".[4] Spectacles were manufactured in Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands by 1300.

In 1907, Professor Berthold Laufer, who was a German American anthropologist, stated in his history of spectacles 'the opinion that spectacles originated in India is of the greatest probability and that spectacles must have been known in India earlier than in Europe'.[5][6]

In Sri Lanka It is well documented that during the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu the IV (AD 1346 1353) of the Gampola period the ancient tradition of optical lens making with natural stone called Diyatarippu was given royal patronage. A few of the craftsman still live and practice in the original hamlet given to the exponents of the craft by royal decree.

But Joseph Needham stated in his "Science and Civilization" that the paper by Laufer had many inconsistencies, and that the references in the document used by Laufer were not in the original copies but added during the Ming dynasty.[7]

However, the German word brille (eyeglasses) is derived from Sanskrit vaidurya.[8] Etymologically, brille is derived from beryl, Latin beryllus, from Greek beryllos, from Prakrit verulia, veluriya, from Sanskrit vaidurya, of Dravidian origin from the city of Velur (modern Belur). Medieval Latin berillus was also applied to eyeglasses, hence German brille, from Middle High German berille, and French besicles (plural) spectacles, altered from old French bericle.[9]

Benito Daza de Valdes published the first full book on optometry in 1623, where he mentioned the use and fitting of eyeglasses.[10] In 1692, William Molyneux wrote a book on optics and lenses where he stated his ideas on myopia and problems related to close-up vision. The scientists Claudius Ptolemy and Johannes Kepler also contributed to the creation of optometry. Kepler discovered how the retina in the eye creates vision. From 1773 until around 1829, Thomas Young discovered the disability of astigmatism and it was George Biddell Airy who designed glasses to correct that problem that included spherocylindrical lens.[11]

Although the term optometry appeared in the 1759 book A Treatise on the Eye: The Manner and Phenomena of Vision by Scottish physician William Porterfield, it was not until the early twentieth century in the United States and Australia that it began to be used to describe the profession. By the early twenty-first century however, marking the distinction with dispensing opticians, it had become the internationally accepted term.

Optometry is officially recognized in many jurisdictions.[12] Most have regulations concerning education and practice. Optometrists, like many other healthcare professionals, are required to participate in ongoing continuing education courses to stay current on the latest standards of care. The World Council of Optometry has a web resource that provides basic information on eye care providers for more than 46 countries.

In 1993 there were five countries in Africa with optometric teaching institutes: Sudan, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania.[13]

Sudan's major institution for training of optometrists is the Faculty of Optometry and visual Sciences (FOVS), originally established in 1954 as the Institute of Optometry in Khartoum; the Institute joined with the ministry of Higher Education in 1986 as the High Institute of Optometry, and ultimately was annexed into Alneelain University in 1997 when it was re-named to the FOVS. Currently the FOVS has the following programs: 1) BSc optometry in 5 years with sub-specialization in either orthoptics, contact lenses, ocular photography or ocular neurology; 2) BCs in ophthalmic technology, requiring four 4 years of training; and BCs in optical dispensary, achieved in 4 years. The FOVS also offers MSc and PhD degrees in Optometry. The FOVS is the only institute of its kind in Sudan and was the first insitution of higher education in Optometry in the Middle East and Africa.[citation needed] In 2010, Alneelain University Eye Hospital was established as part of the FOVS to expand training capacity and to serve broader Sudanese community.

The Ghana Optometric Association (GOA) regulates the practise of Optometry in Ghana. After the six-year training at any of the two universities offering the course, the O.D degree is awarded. The new optometrist must write a qualifying exam, after which the optometrist is admitted as a member of the GOA, leading to the award of the title MGOA.

The first optometry course in Mozambique was started in 2009 at Universidade Lurio, Nampula. The course is part of the Mozambique Eyecare Project. University of Ulster, Dublin Institute of Technology and Brien Holden Vision Institute are supporting partners.

In Nigeria, optometry is regulated by the Optometry and Dispensing Opticians Registration Board of Nigeria established under the Optometry and Dispensing Opticians ( Registration ETC ) Act of 1989 (Cap O9 Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004). The Boards publishes from time to time lists of approved qualifications and training institutions in the federal government gazette.[14] The Doctor of Optometry degree is awarded after a six-year training at one of the accredited universities in Imo, Edo and Abia states.

From 2010 Optometry was first introduced in Bangladesh in Institute of Community Ophthalmology Under Medicine Faculty of University of Chittagong http://icoedu.org. This institute offers a four years Bachelor of science in Optometry (B.Optom) course. Currently there are 60 Graduated Optometrists in Bangladesh. The association which controls the quality of Optometry practice all over the country is named as 'Optometrists Association of Bangladesh' which is also a country member of World Council of Optometry(WCO).

In the year 2018 Chittagong Medical University formed and the Bsc. in Optometry course shifted to this University.

In Bangladesh Optometrists perform primary eye care like Diagnosis and primary management of some ocular diseases, Prescribe Eye Glasses, Low vision rehabilitation, contact lens practice and all type of Orthoptic evaluations and management.

The Optometrists Board of the Supplementary Medical Professions Council regulates the profession in Hong Kong.[15] Optometrists are listed in separate parts of the register based on their training and ability. Registrants are subject to restrictions depending on the part they are listed in.[16] Those who pass the examination on refraction conducted by the Board may be registered to Part III, thereby restricted to practice only work related to refraction. Those who have a Higher Certificate in Optometry or have passed the Board's optometry examination may be registered to Part II, thereby restricted in their use of diagnostic agents, but may otherwise practice freely. Part I optometrists may practice without restrictions and generally hold a bachelor's degree or a Professional Diploma.[17]

There are around 2000 optometrists registered in Hong Kong, 1000 of which are Part I.[18] There is one Part I optometrist to about 8000 members of the public. The Polytechnic University runs the only optometry school. It produces around 35 Part I optometrists a year.[19]

In 2010, it was estimated that India needs 115,000 optometrists; whereas India has approximately 9,000 optometrists (4-year trained) and 40,000 optometric assistants/vision technicians (2-year trained).[20] In order to prevent blindness or visual impairment more well trained optometrists are required in India.[21] The definition of optometry differs considerably in different countries of the world.[22] India needs more optometry schools offering four-year degree courses with a syllabus similar to that in force in those countries where practice of optometry is statutorily regulated and well established with an internationally accepted definition.

In 2013, it was reported in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology that poor spectacle compliance amongst school children in rural Pune resulted in significant vision loss.[23]

In 2015, it was reported in the Optometry and Vision Science that, optometrists need to be more involved in providing core optometry services like binocular vision and low vision.[24]

At present there are more than fifty schools of optometry in India. In the year 1958, two schools of optometry were established, one at Gandhi Eye Hospital, Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh and other one at Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Hyderabad in Telangana, under second five-year plan by Director General of Health Services of Government of India. These schools offered diplomas in optometry courses of two years duration validated by State Medical Faculties.

Subsequently, four more schools were opened across India situated at Sitapur Eye Hospital, Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh, Chennai (formerly Madras) in Tamil Nadu, Bengalooru (formerly Bangalore) in Karnataka and Regional Institute of Ophthalmology, Thiruvananthapuram (formerly Trivandrum) in Kerala.[25]

The Elite School of Optometry (ESO) was established in 1985 at Chennai and was the first to offer a four-year degree course.

Academic degrees such as Bachelor of Optometry, Master of Optometry and Doctor of Philosophy in Optometry are awarded in India by the universities recognised by University Grants Commission (India),[26] a statutory body responsible for the maintenance of standards of higher education in India.

Optometrists across India are encouraged to register with the Optometry Council of India, a self-regulatory body registered under the Indian Company Act.[27]

It takes four years to complete a Degree in Optometry. Today, optometry courses are well received by citizens. More universities and higher education studies are about to implement the courses, e.g., National Institute of Ophthalmic Sciences in Petaling Jaya whereby it is the academic arm of The Tun Hussein Onn National Eye Hospital.

Optometry is taught as a five/four-year Doctor/ Bachelors/ Bachelors with Honors course at many institutions notable among which are Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences (DOVS) FAHS, ICBS, Lahore, Pakistan Institute of Community Ophthalmology (PICO) Peshawar, College of Ophthalmology & Allied Vision Sciences (COAVS) Lahore and Al-Shifa Institute of Ophthalmology Islamabad. After graduation the optometrists can join a four-tiered service delivery level (Centre of Excellence, Tertiary/Teaching, District headquarter and sub-district /Tehsil headquarters). M.Phil in Optometry is also available at select institutions such as King Edward Medical University, LahoreDepartment of Optometry & Vision Sciences (DOVS) FAHS, ICBS, Lahore started bridging programmes for Bachelors/ Bachelors with Honors to become Doctor of Optometry OD, Post Professional Doctor of Optometry(PP-OD), Transitional Doctor of Optometry(t-OD).Optometry is not yet a regulated field in Pakistan as there is no professional licensing board or authority responsible for issuing practice licenses to qualified optometrists. This creates difficulty for Pakistani optometrists who wish to register abroad.University of Lahore has recently launched Doctor of optometry (OD).Imam Hussain Medical University also has launched Doctor of Optometry Program. Chairman Imam Hussain Medical University Dr Sabir Hussain Babachan has vowed to regulate OD curriculum according to international standard.

Optometry is regulated by the Professional Regulation Commission of the Philippines. To be eligible for licensing, each candidate must have satisfactorily completed a doctor of optometry course at an accredited institution and demonstrate good moral character with no previous record of professional misconduct. Professional organizations of optometry in the Philippines include Optometric Association of the Philippines[28] and Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists, Inc. (IPAO).

In Saudi Arabia optometrists must complete a five-year doctor of optometry degree from Qassim University and King Saud University also they must complete a two-year residency .

Tertiary education for optometrists takes 3 years at the following institutions.

Singapore Polytechnic - Diploma in Optometry Singapore Polytechnic

Ngee Ann Polytechnic - Diploma in Optometry Ngee Ann Polytechnic

Since late 1990, Thailand has set goal to provide more than 600 optometrists to meet the minimal public demands and international standards in vision cares. There are more than three university degree programs in Thailand. Each program accept students that have completed grade 12th or the third year in high school (following US education model). These programs offer "Doctor of Optometry" degree to graduates from the program that will take six years to complete the courses. Practicing optometrists will also required to pass licensing examination (three parts examinations) that is administrated through a committee under the Ministry of Public Health.

Nowadays, the number of practicing optometrists in Thailand is still less than one hundred (2015). However, it has projected that the number of practicing optometrists in Thailand will greatly increase within the next ten years. In theoretical scenario, the number of optometrists should be able to meet minimal public demands around 2030 or earlier.

Since the formation of the European Union, "there exists a strong movement, headed by the Association of European Schools and Colleges of Optometry (AESCO), to unify the profession by creating a European-wide examination for optometry" and presumably also standardized practice and education guidelines within EU countries.[29] The first examinations of the new European Diploma in Optometry were held in 1998 and this was a landmark event for optometry in continental Europe.[30]

There is no regulatory framework and optometrists are sometimes trained by completing an apprenticeship at an ophthalmologists' private office.[31]

Optometric tasks are performed by ophthalmologists and professionally trained and certified opticians.

Hellenic Ministry of Education founded the first department of Optometry at Technological Educational Institute of Patras in 2007. After protests from the department of Optics at Technological Educational Institute of Athens (the only department of Optics in Greece, until 2006), the Government changed the names of the departments to "Optics and Optometry" and included lessons in both optics and optometry. Optometrists-Opticians have to complete a 4-year undergraduate honours degree. Then the graduates can be admitted to postgraduate courses in Optometry at universities around the world.

Since 2015, a Master of Science (MSc) course in Optometry is offered by the Technological Educational Institute of Athens.

The Institute of Vision and Optics (IVO) of the University of Crete focuses on the sciences of vision and is active in the fields of research, training, technology development and provision of medical services. Professor Ioannis Pallikaris has received numerous awards and recognitions for the Institute's contribution to ophthalmology. In 1989 he performed the first LASIK procedure on a human eye.

Optometrist education takes 4 years in the medical universities in Hungary, and they will get a Bachelor of Science degree. They work in networks and retail stores and private optics, very few are located in the Health Care care system as ophthalmologists as an assistant.[32]

The profession of Optometry has been represented for over a century by the Association of Optometrists, Ireland [AOI]. In Ireland an optometrist must first complete a four-year degree in optometry at Dublin Institute of Technology. Following successful completion of the degree, an optometrist must then complete professional qualifying examinations to enter the register of the Opticians Board [Bord na Radharcmhaistoiri]. Optometrists must be registered with the Board to practice in the Republic of Ireland.

The A.O.I. runs a comprehensive continuing education and professional development program on behalf of Irish optometrists. The legislation governing optometry was drafted in 1956. Some feel that the legislation restricts optometrists from using their full range of skills, training and equipment for the benefit of the Irish public. The amendment to the Act in 2003 addressed one of the most significant restrictions: the use of cycloplegic drugs to examine children.

In Italy Optometry is unregulated profession. It is taught at seven universities: Padua, Turin, Milan, Salento,[33] Florence, Naples and Rome, as three years course (like a BSc) of "Scienze e tecnologie fisiche" as sector of the Physics Department. Additionally, courses are available at some private institutions (as at Vinci Institute near Firenze) that offer advanced professional education for already qualified opticians (most of the Italian optometrists are also qualified opticians, i.e. "ottico abilitato"). In the last thirty years several verdicts from High Court (Cassazione) proof that optometry is a freely practice and has truly education path.[34]

In Norway, the optometric profession has been regulated as a healthcare profession since 1988. After a three-year bachelor program one can practice basic optometry. At least one year in clinical practice qualify for a post-degree half-year sandwich course in contact lens fitting, which is regulated as a healthcare specialty. A separate regulation for the use of diagnostic drugs in optometric practice was introduced in 2004.

In Russia, optometry education has been accredited by the Federal Agency of Health and Social Development.[citation needed]There are only two educational institutions that teach optometry in Russia: Saint Petersburg Medical Technical College, formerly known as St. Petersburg College of Medical Electronics and Optics, and The Helmholtz Research Institute for Eye Diseases. They both belong and are regulated by the Ministry of Health. The optometry program is a four-year program. It includes one to two science foundation years, one year focused on clinical and proficiency skills, and one year of clinical rotations in hospitals. Graduates take college/state examinations and then receive a specialist diploma. This diploma is valid for only five years and must be renewed every five years after receiving additional training at state accredited programs.

The scope of practice for optometrists in Russia includes: refraction, contact lens fitting, spectacles construction and lens fitting (dispensing), low vision aids, foreign body removal, referrals to other specialists after clinical condition diagnoses (management of diseases in the eye).

Optometrists in the United Kingdom are regulated by the General Optical Council under the Opticians Act 1989 and distinguished from medical practitioners.[35] Registration with the GOC is mandatory to practice optometry in the UK. Members of the College of Optometrists (incorporated by a Royal Charter granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II)[36] may use the suffix MCOptom.

The National Health Service provides free sight tests and spectacle vouchers for children and those on very low incomes. The elderly and those with some chronic conditions like diabetes get free periodic tests.[37] Treatment for eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts is free and checked for during normal eye examinations.

In the United Kingdom, optometrists have to complete a 3 or 4 (Scotland) year undergraduate honours degree followed by a minimum of a one-year "pre-registration period", (internship), where they complete clinical practice under the supervision of a qualified and experienced practitioner. During this year the pre-registration candidate is given a number of quarterly assessments, often including temporary posting at a hospital, and on successfully passing all of these assessments, a final one-day set of examinations (details correct for candidates from 2006 onwards). Following successful completion of these assessments and having completed one year's supervised practice, the candidate is eligible to register as an optometrist with the General Optical Council (GOC) and, should they so wish, are entitled to membership of the College of Optometrists. Twelve universities offer Optometry in the UK: Anglia Ruskin, Aston, Bradford, Cardiff, City, Glasgow Caledonian, Hertfordshire, Manchester, University of Plymouth, Ulster University at Coleraine, University of Portsmouth and University of the West of England, Bristol.

In 2008 the UK moved forward to offer the Doctor of Optometry postgraduate program. This became available at the Institute of Optometry in London in partnership with London South Bank University.[38][39] The Doctor of Optometry post graduate degree is also offered at one other UK institution.Aston University

In 1990, a survey of the opinions of British medical practitioners regarding the services provided by British optometrists was carried out by Agarwal[40] at City, University of London. A majority of respondents were in favour of optometrists extending their professional role by treating external eye conditions and prescribing broad spectrum topical antibiotics through additional training and certification.

Since 2009, optometrists in the UK have been able to undertake additional postgraduate training and qualifications that allow them to prescribe medications to treat and manage eye conditions.[41] There are currently three registerable specialties:

In Canada, Doctors of Optometry (O.D.) typically complete four years of undergraduate studies followed by four to five years of optometry studies, accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. There are two such schools of optometry located in Canadathe University of Waterloo and the Universit de Montreal. Canada also recognizes degrees from the twenty US schools.

In Canada, Doctors of Optometry must write national written and practical board exams. Additionally, optometrists are required to become licensed in the province in which they wish to practice. Regulatory of professions is within provincial jurisdiction. Therefore, regulation of optometry is unique to individual provinces and territories. In Ontario, optometrists are licensed by the College of Optometrists of Ontario.

In Canada, the profession is represented by the Canadian Association of Optometrists. In the province of Ontario, the Ontario Association of Optometrists is the designated representative of optometrists to the provincial government.

Optometrists in Canada are trained and licensed to be primary eye care providers. They provide optical and medical eye care. They are able to diagnose and treat most eye diseases and can prescribe both topical and oral medications[43]

Doctors of Optometry (O.D.) (optometrists) usually function as primary eye care providers. They provide comprehensive optical and medical eye care, but usually not surgery. They are trained and licensed to prescribe all topical medications (prescription eye drops), most oral medications, as well as administer diagnostic agents.[44][45][46] In some states, optometrists may also be licensed to perform certain types of eye surgery.[47]

Doctors of Optometry (O.D.) (optometrists) may prescribe corrective lenses (glasses and contacts) to aid refractive errors (e.g., myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, astigmatism, double vision (prism)). They manage vision development in children including amblyopia diagnosis/treatment or vision therapy. They are trained and state licensed to diagnose and manage all ocular diseases (ophthalmology - branch of medicine diagnosing and treating eye disease) and their associations with systemic health. Common eye conditions managed include: infections (bacterial/viral), allergy, inflammation (uveitis), diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration etc. They can also remove ocular foreign bodies and can order blood panels or imaging studies (CT/MRI). However, optometrists are not trained to perform invasive surgery (ie. cataract/retina surgery) like ophthalmologists are. However, In Oklahoma and Louisiana, optometrists may perform minor surgeries within the anterior segment of the eye. Moreover, Kentucky[when?] legislation permits optometrists to perform certain laser procedures.

Opticians are not doctors, however they are an important part of eye care. They are trained and licensed to cut, fit and adjust eyeglass frames/lenses. They are experts in lens types and wearing modalities.

Ophthalmologists are Doctors of Medicine (MD/DO) who specialize in the eye. While ophthalmologists can prescribe corrective lenses, they usually manage complicated/advanced eye disease and invasive surgeries/injections that are associated with these diseases (specialty care). In modern times, ophthalmologists usually specialize in a particular area of the eye or eye care such as the cornea, glaucoma, strabismus, retina.

Doctors of optometry in the United States are regulated by state boards, which vary from state to state. The Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO) assists these state board licensing agencies in regulating the practice of optometry.

Optometrists must complete all course work and graduate from an accredited College of Optometry. This includes passage of all parts of the national board examinations as well as local jurisprudence examinations, which vary by state.

Doctors of Optometry (O.D.) (Optometric physician / Optometrist) typically complete four years of undergraduate studies followed by four years of eye specific training (Optometry school) plus an optional year of study in a specialty area (residency). The program includes intense classroom and clinical training in geometric, physical, physiological and ophthalmic optics, specialty contact lens evaluation and fitting, general anatomy, ocular anatomy, ocular disease, pharmacology, ocular pharmacology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the visual system, pediatric visual development, gerontology, binocular vision, color vision, form, space, movement and vision perception, systemic disease, histology, microbiology, sensory and perceptual psychology, biochemistry, statistics and epidemiology.

Admission to Optometry school is very competitive. Applicants must take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) and have excellent undergraduate grades to apply. To graduate, candidates must pass all three parts of the National Board of Examiners of Optometry (NBEO). Part 1 NBEO is a two-day written exam. Part 2 is a computer based exam, takes all day and is based on clinical studies including the treatment and management of ocular disease. Part three is a practical exam that must be taken in person in North Carolina. Once a candidate has successfully completed all applicable coursework, clinical rotations, passed all parts of NBEO exams, and satisfied all financial obligations (US$225,000), a Doctor of Optometry degree will be conferred.

Optometrists are required to perform many hours of continuing education over a variety of medical topics each year, in order to renew their license.

Australia currently has five recognized courses in optometry, and one course seeking to obtain accreditation with the Optometry council of Australia and New Zealand:

To support these courses the Australian College of Optometry provides clinical placements to undergraduate students from Australian Universities and abroad.

in 2016, almost 5000 optometrists in general practice were licensed with their regulatory body, the Optometry Board of Australia. Of these, approximately 2300 were registered with the scheduled medicines endorsement, which enables them to prescribe some medicines for the treatment of conditions of the eye.[49]

New Zealand currently has one recognised course in optometry:

In July 2014, the Medicines Amendment Act 2013 and Misuse of Drugs Amendment Regulations 2014 came into effect. Among other things, the changes to the Act name optometrists as authorised prescribers. This change enables optometrists with a therapeutic pharmaceutical agent (TPA) endorsement to prescribe all medicines appropriate to their scope of practice, rather than limiting them to a list of medicines specified in regulation; this recognises the safe and appropriate prescribing practice of optometrists over the previous nine years.[50]

The Brazilian Government does not state rules about optometry, and the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology recommends against its official legal recognition.[citation needed]

The CBOO (Brazilian Council of Optics and Optometry), which is affiliated to the WCO (World Council of Optometry), represents Brazilian optometrists. In conjunction with organizations representative weight of Brazilian companies, including the National Commerce Confederation for goods, services and tourism (CNC), through the CBptica/CNC, its defense arm of optometric and optical industry, are defending the right of free and independent practice of optometrists, even if it is against the interests of ophthalmologists.

The Federal Supreme Court (STF), the Brazilian Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), another important National Court, ruled several processes granting inquestionable victories to ophthalmologists.

In Brazilian law, however, there is an explicit recommendation that the one prescribing corrective lenses are prohibited to sell them. This restricting rule to the ophthalmologists has keeping the optic shops away from Hospitals and Eye Care Clinics since 1930, and it has to be reviewed before any further regulation for the optometrists.

In Colombia, optometry education has been accredited by the Ministry of Health. The last official revision to the laws regarding healthcare standards in the country was issued in 1992 through the Law 30.[51] Currently there are eight official universities that are entitled by ICFES to grant the optometrist certification. The first optometrists arrived in the country from North America and Europe circa 1914. These professionals specialized in optics and refraction. In 1933, under Decrees 449 and 1291, the Colombian Government officially set the rules for the formation of professionals in the field of optometry. In 1966 La Salle University opened its first Faculty of Optometry after recommendation from a group of professionals. At the present time optometrists are encouraged to keep up with new technologies through congresses and scholarships granted by the government or the private sector (such as Bausch & Lomb).

Read more from the original source:
Optometry - Wikipedia

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SOURCES AND FURTHER READING:

Harvard FAQs on gene drive:http://bit.ly/1TYNIAo

Research paper on using CRISPR for malaria gene drive:http://bit.ly/2cGXNqp

Nature article on engineered mosquitos:http://go.nature.com/1Ij39yS

STAT new article on using gene drive against Zika:http://bit.ly/2ctw24X

Tech review article on using gene drive against malaria:http://bit.ly/1V0Qpr7

Smithsonian on deadliness of mosquitos:http://bit.ly/1sqQ1D7

Science article about the risks of the technology:http://bit.ly/2dgtpCt

New Yorker on Pros and Cons:http://bit.ly/1PTKGlt

Gates note on death rate through mosquitos:http://bit.ly/1UdvIqI

Status quo on field trial in the U.S.:http://bit.ly/2b16ufu

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Research paper on evolution of resistance against gene drive:http://bit.ly/2cGWPKO

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Complete Growth Medium

Table 1. If using the Endothelial Cell Growth Kit-BBE (ATCC PCS-100-040), add the indicated volume for each component:

Component

Volume

Final Concentration

Bovine Brain Extract (BBE)

1.0 mL

0.2%

rh EGF

0.5 mL

5 ng/mL

L-glutamine

25.0 mL

10 mM

Heparin sulfate

0.5 mL

0.75 Units/mL

Hydrocortisone hemisuccinate

0.5 mL

1 g/mL

Fetal Bovine Serum

10.0 mL

2%

Ascorbic acid

0.5 mL

50 g/mL

Table 2. If using the Endothelial Cell Growth Kit-VEGF (ATCC PCS-100-041), add the indicated volume for each component:

Component

Volume

Final Concentration

rh VEGF

0.5 mL

5 ng/mL

rh EGF

0.5 mL

5 ng/mL

rh FGF basic

0.5 mL

5 ng/mL

rh IGF-1

0.5 mL

15 ng/mL

L-glutamine

25.0 mL

10 mM

Heparin sulfate

0.5 mL

0.75 Units/mL

Hydrocortisone hemisuccinate

0.5 mL

1 g/mL

Fetal Bovine Serum

10.0 mL

2%

Ascorbic acid

0.5 mL

50 g/mL

Antimicrobials and phenol red are not required for proliferation but may be added if desired. The recommended volume of each optional component to be added to the complete growth media is summarized in Table 3.

Table 3. Addition of Antimicrobials/Antimycotics and Phenol Red (Optional)

Component

Volume

Final Concentration

Gentamicin-Amphotericin B Solution

0.5 mL

Gentamicin: 10 g/mL

Amphotericin B: 0.25 g/mL

Penicillin-Streptomycin-Amphotericin B Solution

0.5 mL

Penicillin: 10 Units/mL

Streptomycin: 10 g/mL

Amphotericin B: 25 ng/mL

Phenol Red

0.5 mL

33 M

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Endothelial Cell Growth Kit-VEGF ATCC PCS-100-041

Regenerative medicine may be the best hope for patients with a chronic disability or disease. Stem cells are being used to treat neurological, cardiovascular, autoimmune and orthopedic conditions as well as spinal cord injuries, severe wounds, erectile dysfunction and the list goes on.

Note: Despite all advances in stem cells research and the application of these therapies in many countries all over the world, stem cells therapies are not legally approved yet in San Diego, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, New York, Jacksonville, Seattle, Houston, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Miami, Beverly Hills and other US cities. However, stem cell treatments are legal in Costa Rica.

By regenerating tissue and organs, andreducing inflammation, human umbilical cord tissue mesenchymal stem cells (HUCT-MSCs)have demonstrated they have the ability to improve conditions that currentlyhave no, or few, treatment options.

Mesenchymal stem cells repair damagedtissue and organs, repair function, modulate the immune system and reduceinflammation. The most powerful and abundant source of mesenchymal stem cellsis found in gelatin of Whartons jelly in the the tissue of umbilical cords.

In September of 2018, researchers publishedthe results of their evaluation of more than 30 studies evaluating the regenerativebenefits of Whartons jelly, stem cells derived from the umbilical cord bloodand tissue and other products derived from the umbilical cord. https://stemcellres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13287-018-0992-0

Previously umbilical cord tissue wasconsidered medical waste and discarded, however, today experts in the field ofregenerative medicine, are preserving and using umbilical cord tissue to treatinjuries and chronic, degenerative conditions.

Whartons jelly is the gelatinous substancein the umbilical cord that protects and insulates the blood vessels. The jellyis made up of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, collagen, fibrin, fibroblasts,macrophages and expresses stem cells including mesenchymal stem cells andtelomerase.

The review of available data, published in StemCell Research & Therapy, evaluated the benefits of products obtainedfrom Whartons jelly and discussed their potential clinical applications.

Whartons jelly can be used in several waysincluding: 1. The matrix surrounding the cells is made up of hyaluronic acid,collagen and fibrin that can be used to treat burns and wounds. The jelly isapplied to the damaged area to accelerate tissue restoration and 2. Adultmesenchymal stem cells can be isolated, cultured and expanded to treat diseasessuch as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, MS, Autism, spinal cord injury, rheumatoidarthritis, diabetes, traumatic brain injury.

The results of the data analysis showed theproperties of mesenchymal stem cells derived from Whartons jelly exceed thoseof stem cells derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue. HUCT-MSCs have beenshown to reduce inflammation, modulate the immune system, and repair damagedtissue.

HUCT-MSCs proliferate and differentiatemore efficiently and effectively than cells found in bone marrow and adiposetissue, and umbilical cord tissue is a more abundant source of mesenchymal stemcells than the blood of the umbilical cord.

Mesenchymal stem cells from the umbilical cord haveimmunosuppressors and immunomodulatory properties that allow their use in anyindividual without rejection. The cells do not express HLA-DR the antigenresponsible for rejection.

Researchers are conducting clinical trialsto evaluate the efficacy of stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood, andumbilical cord tissue. Some of the research includes:

Stem cells from umbilical cord tissue:

Stem cells from umbilical cord blood:

At the StemCells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica we recommend umbilical cord stemcells for the treatment of Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, lupus,rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke,diabetes (type I and type II), spinal cord injury, neuropathy, COPD, and ALS.

Atthe Stem Cells Transplant Institute, we tailor each stem cell treatment,based on the patients individual needs and goals.

Humanumbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and autologous mesenchymal stem cellshave been proven in clinical trials to be safe and effective.

Themission of the Stem Cells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica, is toprovide the highest level of care, using the most advanced technologies, toevery patient that wants to experience the life changing benefits of stem celltherapy.

Contactus today to learn more about the power of stem cell therapy.

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Mesenchymal stem cells, Umbilical Cord Tissue, Umbilical ...

Careers involving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) currently have the most job openings and offer the best entry-level salaries for college gradsestimated to be 30% more than average. We have researched and curated the largest online collection of STEM summer programs for students in grades 7-12, many of them precollege summer programs that take place on college campuses. Attending one of these programs is a great way for middle and high school students to experience college and learn more about potential STEM career paths. We also list hundreds of colleges that seek students interested in majoring in science, technology, computer science, engineering, math, and design.

Teen summer STEM programs allow high schoolers to develop their understanding in core subject areas that will matter to them now and in the future. Because Summer STEM for Teens is created not only to educate but also to be fun, teens who are only marginally interested in STEM subjects will find their curiosity sparked.

Science summer programs for teens offer hands-on experience that increases the ability to grasp critical scientific concepts. Great teen summer science programs focus on the scientific process and how to formulate and test hypotheses, and attendees enjoy improving their scientific knowledge.

Math summer programs for teens increase a students math skills through repetition and unique teaching techniques. Teen summer math programs emphasize one of the most important skills a student can have, while technology summer programs for teens help teens boost their proficiency with technology.

To see more of our listings, please join TeenLife

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STEM Summer Programs | TeenLife

Personalized Preventive & Functional Medicine

At the Center for Preventive Medicine, we take the time to really understand you and all the factors that are affecting your health. Persistent symptoms are a sign of imbalances in our bodies and require careful diagnosis and thoughtful treatment an initial visit at CPM is 60 to 90 minutes.

We use a wide array of tested natural medical and nutritional therapies to diagnose and treat the root cause of your symptoms. Each treatment plan is based on an individualized health assessment formulated for your unique biochemical make-up.

Contact Us

3 Overlook Drive, Suite 3

Amherst, NH 03031Tel: 603-673-7910

Fax: 603-673-7991Mail: CPMStaff@gmail.com

Our Mission Statement:

My goal as an Integrative Medical provider is to thoroughly assess and investigate the cause of an individual's symptoms and illness in the body so that a tailored treatment plan can be formulated for the benefit of resolution of the current imbalance as well as the promotion of good health over the lifespan. Teaching the tools to regain and maintain health is the foundation of this practice. On an individual basis, finding the specific well tolerated doses and remedies, given in the correct sequence is pivotal to healing.

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Center for Preventive Medicine, Gail Vanark

Preventive Medicine Preventive Medicine Doctors address disease, disability, and premature death prevention, public health, occupational medicine, and more

A specialist in Preventive Medicine focuses on the health of individuals and defined populations in order to protect, promote, and maintain health and well-being, and to prevent disease, disability, and premature death. They may be a specialist in Public Health and General Preventive Medicine, Occupational Medicine, or Aerospace Medicine.

The distinctive components of Preventive Medicine include:

Specialty training required prior to certification: Three years

Certification in one of the following subspecialties requires additional training and assessment as specified by the board.

Addiction MedicineA preventive medicine physician who specializes in Addiction Medicine is concerned with the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of persons with the disease of addiction, of those with substance-related health conditions, and of people who show unhealthy use of substances including nicotine, alcohol, prescription medications, and other licit and illicit drugs. Physicians in this specialty also help family members whose health and functioning are affected by a loved ones substance use or addiction.

Clinical InformaticsPhysicians who practice Clinical Informatics collaborate with other health care and information technology professionals to analyze, design, implement, and evaluate information and communication systems that enhance individual and population health outcomes, improve patient care, and strengthen the clinician-patient relationship. Clinical informaticians use their knowledge of patient care combined with their understanding of informatics concepts, methods, and tools to: assess information and knowledge needs of health care professionals and patients; characterize, evaluate, and refine clinical processes; develop, implement, and refine clinical decision support systems; and lead or participate in the procurement, customization, development, implementation, management, evaluation, and continuous improvement of clinical information systems.

Medical ToxicologyMedical toxicologists are physicians who specialize in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and monitoring of injury and illness from exposures to drugs and chemicals, as well as biological and radiological agents. These specialists care for people in clinical, academic, governmental, and public health settings, and provide poison control center leadership. Important areas of Medical Toxicology include acute drug poisoning; adverse drug events; drug abuse, addiction and withdrawal; chemicals and hazardous materials; terrorism preparedness; venomous bites and stings; and environmental and workplace exposures.

Undersea and Hyperbaric MedicineA preventive medicine physician who specializes in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine treats decompression illness and diving accident cases and uses hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat such conditions as carbon monoxide poisoning, gas gangrene, non-healing wounds, tissue damage from radiation and burns, and bone infections. This specialist also serves as consultant to other physicians in all aspects of hyperbaric chamber operations, and assesses risks and applies appropriate standards to prevent disease and disability in divers and other persons working in altered atmospheric conditions.

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Preventive Medicine | Certification Matters

Mission

The mission of the Department of Preventive Medicine is to improve human health through research, education, and public service. The Departments mission is integrated with the broader mission of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, to bring the benefits of the health science to the citizens of Tennessee and beyond through education, research, clinical care, and public service.

The research goal of the Department of Preventive Medicine is to conduct clinical, health services, and community based health research. Areas of present interest involve the major health concerns of the region, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurocognitive development, obesity, diabetes, health of underserved populations, and maternal and child health.

The education goal of the Department of Preventive Medicine is mediated through implementation of Masters level training in epidemiology, and Certificate programs in clinical research. The Certificate program has been extremely popular in meeting the demands of active clinicians. The Department is also home for the Biostatics, Epidemiology and Research Design (BERD) Clinic.

Previous chairs of the Department of Preventive Medicine include:

The Department of Preventive Medicine was instrumental in Memphis/Shelby County in developing one of the nation's premier community-based, nurse-run, chronic-disease treatment programs. The Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology merged with the Department of Preventive Medicine in the 1990s to strengthen the research initiative in the College of Medicine. In 2012, we added a Certificate in Clinical Investigation program to our on-going MS in Epidemiology program.

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About Preventive Medicine | Preventive Medicine | UTHSC

New! Public Health Priorities Track for Preventive Medicine Residency Program

General Preventive Medicine / Public Health Residency Program (PMRP) is a one or two-year program for physicians, in which participants obtain a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree within an affiliated California university followed by a training year within a local health department or a state department program mentored by a County Health Officer or public health physician. Residents will obtain knowledge and gain expertise in reducing the incidence and prevalence of disease, addressing health inequities and creating healthier communities in the state of California.

PMRP was established in 1980 in response to the California Conference of Local Health Officers' recognition of the need for physicians trained in public health practice. PMRP is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education to provide a oneor two-year program. The PMRP is affiliated with the University of California at Davis, Berkeley and Los Angeles MPH programs.

The post-graduate (PG) Y2 training year is spent obtaining an MPH for those residents who do not already have one. Residents in their PGY3 training year work with experienced public health physician mentors to gain practical public health experience.

Funding is available forthree residents to start the program in July 2020. Residents have been placed in varied local health departments for the PGY3 year. Geographic placements are dependent on many factors, including the preference of the resident. There are currently two residents in the PGY3 year who are gaining public health experience in San Francisco andMarin counties, and three residents in the PGY2 year training in Los Angeles, Yolo, and Placer counties.

Applicants who apply to the residency program should also apply to an MPH program at one of the Universities with which CDPH has an affiliation: UC Berkeley, UC Davis, or UC Los Angeles.

Upon completion of the training, physicians are eligible for board certification in the specialty of Public Health and General Preventive Medicine.

This program and website are supported by the Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Preventive Medicine Residency grant from the Health Resources & Services Administration.

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Preventive Medicine Public Health Residency Program

Specialties

Since 1996 our team of dedicated doctors and nurse practitioners have been committed to providing preventive medicine for men and women suffering from health concerns such as hypertension, heavy metal toxicity, and hormone deficiency. Our anti-aging clinic outranks others of its kind, thanks to our remarkably cutting edge and talented group of doctors.

Robert A. Burkich, MD is the founder and medical director at the facility and has nearly 20 years of experience with private practice medicine. Dr. Burkich specializes in anti-aging and believes in treating his patients from the inside out. His approach is methodical and successful, time and time again. It starts with reducing heavy metals and other toxins from the body to improve blood flow. How does this help? By removing toxins, improving blood flow and hormone levels, it allows you to maintain an ideal body weight, keep energy levels up, diminish fatigue and mental fogginess, improve sexual function, and improve outward appearance

Established in 2010.

Since 1996 our team of dedicated doctors and nurse practitioners have been committed to providing preventive medicine for men and women suffering from health concerns such as hypertension, heavy metal toxicity, and hormone deficiency. Our anti-aging clinic outranks others of its kind, thanks to our remarkably cutting edge and talented group of doctors.

Robert A. Burkich, MD is the founder and medical director at the facility and has nearly 20 years of experience with private practice medicine. Dr. Burkich specializes in anti-aging and believes in treating his patients from the inside out. His approach is methodical and successful, time and time again. It starts with reducing heavy metals and other toxins from the body to improve blood flow. How does this help? By removing toxins, improving blood flow and hormone levels, it allows you to maintain an ideal body weight, keep energy levels up, diminish fatigue and mental fogginess, improve sexual function, and improve outward appearance.

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Preventive Medicine - Atlanta, GA - yelp.com

Michael D. Fetters, M.D., M.P.H., M.A., U-M Site Principal Investigator

Funded by the National Institutes of Health,National Institute Of Diabetes And Digestive And Kidney Diseases toVirginia Commonwealth University ($485,649)

Study Dates: June 2018 - June 2021

The overall goal of this research is to identify physicians communication behaviors during medical interactions that are associated with physicians implicit racial bias and Black patients immediate (satisfaction, trust) as well as clinically important longer-term outcomes (adherence, healthcare utilization).

To achieve this goal, we target medical interactions involving Black patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) because nonadherence in Black patients with T2DM is particularly prevalent. Additionally, the patient-physician communication quality has been found to predict patient adherence to T2DM treatment regimens. We will use a mixed-methods design that integrates the strengths of inductive reasoning to explore which physicians communication behaviors during medical interactions matter from Black patients perspectives and deductive reasoning to identify theoretically and clinically important behaviors.

Our aims are:

Study Protocol Citation:Hagiwara N, Mezuk B, Lafata JE, Vrana SR,Fetters MD. Study protocol for investigating physician communication behaviours that link physician implicit racial bias and patient outcomes in Black patients with type 2 diabetes using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design. BMJ Open. 2018;8(10). doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022623.

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Preventive Medicine | Family Medicine | Michigan Medicine ...

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Routine preventive care helps you manage and maintain your health, and is generally covered at 100% by most health plans.

Schedule an appointment today or set a calendar reminder.

* indicates a required field

Understand the difference between preventive care and diagnostic care.

Preventive care is designed to help you stay healthy, and is covered by most health plans with $0 out-of-pocket when you see a network provider.

Costs may be incurred for diagnostic care based on plan coverage.

Preventive care includes routine well exams, screenings, and immunizations intended to prevent or avoid illness or other health problems.

Diagnostic care includes care or treatment when you have symptoms or risk factors and your doctor wants to diagnose them.

Set a reminder to schedule an appointment.

Find a provider, get plan coverage details and more.

Find network flu shot locations and track flu outbreaks.

Downloadable resources:

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Preventive Care | UnitedHealthcare

Mayo Clinic Regenerative Medicine Consult Service

At Mayo Clinic, an integrated team, including stem cell biologists, bioengineers, doctors and scientists, work together and study regenerative medicine. The goal of the team is to treat diseases using novel therapies, such as stem cell therapy and bioengineering. Doctors in transplant medicine and transplant surgery have pioneered the study of regenerative medicine during the past five decades, and doctors continue to study new innovations in transplant medicine and surgery.

In stem cell therapy, or regenerative medicine, researchers study how stem cells may be used to replace, repair, reprogram or renew your diseased cells. Stem cells are able to grow and develop into many different types of cells in your body. Stem cell therapy may use adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed in the laboratory (induced pluripotent stem cells), your own adult stem cells that have been reprogrammed or cells developed from an embryo (embryonic stem cells).

Researchers also study and test how reprogrammed stem cells may be turned into specialized cells that can repair or regenerate cells in your heart, blood, nerves and other parts of your body. These stem cells have the potential to treat many conditions. Stem cells also may be studied to understand how other conditions occur, to develop and test new medications, and for other research.

Researchers across Mayo Clinic, with coordination through the Center for Regenerative Medicine, are discovering, translating and applying stem cell therapy as a potential treatment for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, degenerative joint conditions, brain and nervous system (neurological) conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, and many other conditions. For example, researchers are studying the possibility of using stem cell therapy to repair or regenerate injured heart tissue to treat many types of cardiovascular diseases, from adult acquired disorders to congenital diseases. Read about regenerative medicine research for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Cardiovascular diseases, neurological conditions and diabetes have been extensively studied in stem cell therapy research. They've been studied because the stem cells affected in these conditions have been the same cell types that have been generated in the laboratory from various types of stem cells. Thus, translating stem cell therapy to a potential treatment for people with these conditions may be a realistic goal for the future of transplant medicine and surgery.

Researchers conduct ongoing studies in stem cell therapy. However, research and development of stem cell therapy is unpredictable and depends on many factors, including regulatory guidelines, funding sources and recent successes in stem cell therapy. Mayo Clinic researchers aim to expand research and development of stem cell therapy in the future, while keeping the safety of patients as their primary concern.

Mayo Clinic offers stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant) for people who've had leukemia, lymphoma or other conditions that have been treated with chemotherapy.

Mayo Clinic currently offers a specialty consult service for regenerative medicine within the Transplant Center, the first consult service established in the United States to provide guidance for patients and families regarding stem cell-based protocols. This consult service provides education and consultation for people with many conditions who have questions about the potential use of stem cell therapy. The staff provides guidance to determine whether stem cell clinical trials are appropriate for these individuals. Regenerative medicine staff may be consulted if a doctor or patient has asked about the potential use of stem cell therapies for many conditions, including degenerative or congenital diseases of the heart, liver, pancreas or lungs.

People sometimes have misconceptions about the use and applications of stem cell therapies. This consult service provides people with educational guidance and appropriate referrals to research studies and clinical trials in stem cell therapies for the heart, liver, pancreas and other organs. Also, the consult service supports ongoing regenerative medicine research activities within Mayo Clinic, from basic science to clinical protocols.

Read more about stem cells.

For more information about Mayo Clinic's regenerative medicine consultation service, please call 844-276-2003 (toll free) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time.

Share your Mayo Clinic transplant experience with others using social media.

Oct. 02, 2019

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Mayo Clinic Transplant Center - Regenerative medicine ...

1 Introduction

Regenerative medicine is characterized as the process of replenishing or restoring human cells, tissues, or organs to restore or reestablish normal function. This field holds the promise of transforming human medicine, by actually curing or treating diseases once poorly managed with conventional drugs and medical procedures.

It informally started almost 60years ago with the first successful organ transplant performed in Boston by a team led by Dr Joseph Murray, John Merrill, and J. Hartwell Harrison.1 This landmark accomplishment marked a new era in the emerging field of organ transplantation and allowed for the first time for the complete cure of a patient with end-stage organ disease.

The first effective cell therapies with bone marrow transplants followed in the late 1950s and 1960s. A team led by Dr Don Thomas was the first to treat leukemic patients with allogeneic marrow transplants in Seattle.2,3 This was later followed by Dr Robert Good in 1968, where an immunodeficient patient was successfully treated with an allogeneic bone marrow transplant from his sibling at the University of Minnesota.4

Throughout these decades, many attempts on organ transplantation, cell therapies, and gene therapy ended in failure, but this vigorous scientific and clinical interest established the basis of the first wave of successes that regenerative medicine experienced and delivered to the clinic.58

With this paradigm change in medicine, came the first challenges of organ shortage and higher demand for matching bone marrow donors. Organ shortages established a driving force for novel advancements in molecular and cell biology that opened new avenues in several areas in regenerative medicine. The fields of cell transplantation and tissue engineering were proposed as alternatives to tissue and organ shortage by de novo reconstitution of functional tissues and organs in the laboratory for transplantation, and the use of cells for therapy.

The present book you have just started to explore is an introduction for the translational and basic researcher as well as the clinician to the vast field of regenerative medicine technologies. It is the second book in a new series, Advances in Translational Medicine and presents 23 key chapters that describe in detail some of the contemporary regenerative medicine advances in different medical fields. These chapters review the state-of-the-art experimental data available from the bench, along with vital information provided by multiple clinical trials, giving a broad view of current and near future strategies to treat or cure human disease.

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Regenerative Medicine - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

What is regenerative medicine? This fast growing, highly effective treatment option utilizes various treatments that may include stem cells and growth factors including, umbilical allografts, amniotic fluid, mesenchymal stem cells and platelet rich plasma or PRP treatments to heal and restore your body to a healthy level. The very name indicates that regenerative medicine therapies help your body regenerate tissue, bone, discs, cartilage, and cells. This treatment option provides relief from injuries and chronic pain. Regenerative medicine is a natural solution that even helps combat the effects of aging.

Our team of doctors will design a customized treatment program just for you. A custom program is far more effective than a "one size fits all" treatment option. Our solutions are designed to help your body truly heal rather than simply mask your symptoms.

Stem cell therapy is not regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine helps your body restore itself to a healthy state naturally. Patients in pain, those with wounds that wont heal or with damaged cartilage, muscle or ligaments may return to normal life in a short time. Regenerative cell therapy may also help arthritic patients find relief from the swelling, pain and lack of mobility resulting from this condition. It will even help those that have had recent surgery heal more quickly and reduce scar tissue.

There are many sources for stem cells. However, we fell that the mesenchymal stem cells obtained from umbilical cords offer the most potent and effective healing power. Why are young stem cells more favorable than those in our bodies naturally? Our body's own stem cells age as we age and are therefore less effective year after year. The stem cells harvested from the umbilical cord the day of birth show an extremely high rate of replication. To illustrate this, simply think about how much more quickly children heal from injuries than do elder people. This is due to their young, healthy stem cells.

When introduced into an injured or damaged area, stem cells go to work to accelerate and enhance your natural healing process. They are reported to help your body heal muscle tears, ligament or tendon damage, strengthen degenerating bones and cartilage and more. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells meaning that they transform into the exact cells your body needs to heal itself. They even have the ability to help with the inflammation and pain that accompanies arthritis and other conditions.

The most active healing cells contained in your blood are called platelets. When your body signals that it is injured, platelets are attracted to the injured area. They then go to work repairing that area. To focus this healing power intensively on your injury, we extract a small quantity of your blood. The next step is to process it and isolate the platelets in clear plasma. This platelet-rich plasma will then be returned to your injured area. PRP treatments of knees, shoulders, muscles, tendons and other parts of the body have proven remarkably effective.

Most often the fastest relief after a regenerative medicine treatment comes from the anti inflammatory properties of the injection. The longer term results are the result of your body healing itself and restoring the damaged tissue. These procedures regenerate cells, tissue, bone, ligaments, tendons muscles, cartilage, and more. Stem cell treatments are found to help those with heart conditions, alopecia, peripheral neuropathy, skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, etc. Choosing regenerative medical treatment options and regenerative cell therapy helps your body tap into its youthful healing potential. You can expect hair restoration, younger looking skin and improved quality of life.

O-Shots: This life changing, revolutionary use of regenerative medicine utilizes platelet-rich plasma to improve vaginal tone and sexual response. By injecting PRP into anesthetized genital areas, regeneration of tissue in the area is triggered. These PRP injections increase blood flow to these sensitive and responsive tissues. Improved sensation during sexual activity is the result, along with a reduction of urinary incontinence and other symptoms.

P-Shots: The P-shot, or Priapus Shot, offers similar benefits for men. In this case, the patients own platelets are injected into numbed areas of the penis. Growth factors that are abundant in platelet-rich plasma rejuvenate the tissues in the penis involved in creating erections and responding to stimuli. Resulting in more satisfying sexual experiences.

Medical science has moved beyond simply covering up a patients problems with steroids, painkillers and muscle-relaxing drugs and has embraced regenerative medicine and regenerative cell therapy as better solutions to heal pain and injuries. At Campbell Medical Group, we offer cutting-edge regenerative medicine and stem cell treatments that rebuild, regenerate and restore so we can return you to the pain-free and active life you enjoy leading.

Call our office for a free consultation on our cutting edge regenerative medicine in Houston

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Regenerative Medicine | Stem Cell Treatments | PRP | Houston ...

Sessions & Tracks

Scaffolds

Scaffoldsare one of the three most important essentials constituting the basic concept ofRegenerative Medicine, and are included in the core technology of Regenerative Medicine. Every day thousands of surgical procedures are done to replace or repair tissue that has been damaged through disease or trauma. The developing field oftissue engineering(TE) aims to regenerate damagedtissuesby combining cells from the body with highly porous scaffoldbiomaterials, which act as templates fortissue regeneration, to guide the growth of new tissue. Scaffolds has a prominent role in tissue regeneration the designs, fabrication, 3D models, surface ligands andmolecular architecture, nanoparticle-cell interactions and porous of the scaffolds are been used in the field in attempts to regenerate different tissues and organs in the body. The worldstem cell marketwas approximately 2.715 billion dollars in 2010, and with a growth rate of 16.8% annually, a market of 6.877 billion dollars will be formed in 2016. From 2017, the expected annual growth rate is 10.6%, which would expand the market to 11.38 billion dollars by 2021.

RelatedRegenerative Medicine Conferences|Stem Cell Conferences|Stem Cell Congress|Tissue Science Conferences|EuropeConferences

9th Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy conference, March 21-22, 2019 Rome, Italy; 12th Genomics and Molecular Biology conference, April 15-17, 2019 Berlin, Germany; 7th Integrative Biology conference, April 15-16, 2019 Berlin, Germany; Pacific Regenerative Medicine Conference, May 16-19, 2019 Hawaii, USA; Annual conference & Exhibition on Transversal, Translational & Transformative, December 2-5, 2019 Florida, USA; 21st International Conference on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, June 27 - 28, 2019 London, United Kingdom; World Advanced Therapies & Regenerative Medicine Congress 2019, May 15 17, London, UK; 6th Annual European Congress on Clinical & Translational Sciences, October 18-20, 2019 Vienna, Austria;

Europe:EuroStemCell (European Consortium for Stem Cell Research);German Stem Cell Network (GSCN);German Society for Stem Cell Research (GSZ);Stem Cell Network North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW);Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research (NCSCR);

USA:California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM);New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF);Tissue Engineering International & Regenerative Medicine Society (TERMIS);International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR);

Asia:

The New South Wales Stem Cell Network;Korean Society for Stem Cell Research;Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine;Taiwan Society for Stem Cell Research;Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS);

Cord Blood Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Recently,cord blood stems cellsare developed in the treatment of different diseases, including a broad range of cancers,blood disorders, and genetic diseases. In a cordblood transplant, stem cells are infused in to a patients bloodstream for healing and repairing damaged cells and tissue. In a successful transplant, new healthy immune system has been created. The natural power and purity of newborn's cord blood are responsible for healthy development during gestation.Cord bloodapplications have developed beyondtransplant medicineinto the areas ofregenerative medicineincluding brain injuries, autism,Cardiac Problems, andAutoimmune Deficiencies. The latest research in routine transplantation of cord blood are reviewed followed by the critical role ofcord bloodstem cells in regenerative medicine research and novel approaches using cord blood as a source of whole blood for transfusion.

RelatedRegenerative Medicine Conferences|Stem Cell Conferences|Stem Cell Congress|Tissue Science Conferences|EuropeConferences

9th Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy conference, March 21-22, 2019 Rome, Italy; 12th Genomics and Molecular Biology conference, April 15-17, 2019 Berlin, Germany; 7th Integrative Biology conference, April 15-16, 2019 Berlin, Germany; Pacific Regenerative Medicine Conference, May 16-19, 2019 Hawaii, USA; Annual conference & Exhibition on Transversal, Translational & Transformative, December 2-5, 2019 Florida, USA; 21st International Conference on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, June 27 - 28, 2019 London, United Kingdom; World Advanced Therapies & Regenerative Medicine Congress 2019, May 15 17, London, UK; 6th Annual European Congress on Clinical & Translational Sciences, October 18-20, 2019 Vienna, Austria;

Related Associations and Societies:

Europe:EuroStemCell (European Consortium for Stem Cell Research);German Stem Cell Network (GSCN);German Society for Stem Cell Research (GSZ);British Association of Tissue Banks;British Association for Tissue Banking;European Tissue Repair Society;Spanish Association of Tissue Bank;European Calcified Tissue Society;European Association of Tissue Banks;

USA:California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM);New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF);Tissue Engineering International & Regenerative Medicine Society (TERMIS);International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR).

Asia:

The New South Wales Stem Cell Network;Korean Society for Stem Cell Research;Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine;Taiwan Society for Stem Cell Research;Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS).

Bone and Cartilage Tissue Engineering

This interdisciplinary engineering has attracted much attention as a new therapeutic means that may overcome the drawbacks involved in the current artificial organs and organ transplantation that have been also aiming at replacing lost or severelydamaged tissuesor organs.Tissue engineeringandregenerative medicineis an exciting research area that aims at regenerative alternatives to harvested tissues for organ transplantation withsoft tissues. Although significant progress has been made in thetissue engineeringfield, many challenges remain and further development in this area will require on-going interactions and collaborations among the scientists from multiple disciplines, and in partnership with the regulatory and the funding agencies. As a result of the medical and market potential, there is significant academic and corporate interest in this technology.

RelatedRegenerative Medicine Conferences|Stem Cell Conferences|Stem Cell Congress|Tissue Science Conferences|EuropeConferences

9th Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy conference, March 21-22, 2019 Rome, Italy; 12th Genomics and Molecular Biology conference, April 15-17, 2019 Berlin, Germany; 7th Integrative Biology conference, April 15-16, 2019 Berlin, Germany; Pacific Regenerative Medicine Conference, May 16-19, 2019 Hawaii, USA; Annual conference & Exhibition on Transversal, Translational & Transformative, December 2-5, 2019 Florida, USA; 21st International Conference on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, June 27 - 28, 2019 London, United Kingdom; World Advanced Therapies & Regenerative Medicine Congress 2019, May 15 17, London, UK; 6th Annual European Congress on Clinical & Translational Sciences, October 18-20, 2019 Vienna, Austria;

Related Associations and Societies:

Europe:EuroStemCell (European Consortium for Stem Cell Research);German Stem Cell Network (GSCN);German Society for Stem Cell Research (GSZ);Stem Cell Network North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW);Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research (NCSCR);ScanBalt Stem Cell Research Network;

USA:California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM);American Association of tissue banks;New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF);Tissue Engineering International & Regenerative Medicine Society (TERMIS);

Asia:Asia Pacific Association of Surgical Tissue Banking;The New South Wales Stem Cell Network;Korean Society for Stem Cell Research;Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine;Taiwan Society for Stem Cell Research;

Stem cells to Battle cancer

Stem cell transplant is treatment in some types of cancers like leukemia, multiple myeloma, or some types of lymphoma. Stem cell transplantation is the procedure that restores blood-forming stem cells in patients who have had theirs destroyed by the very high doses of chemotherapy or radiation therapy that are used to treat certain cancers.

RelatedRegenerative Medicine Conferences|Stem Cell Conferences|Stem Cell Congress|Tissue Science Conferences|EuropeConferences

9th Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy conference, March 21-22, 2019 Rome, Italy; 12th Genomics and Molecular Biology conference, April 15-17, 2019 Berlin, Germany; 7th Integrative Biology conference, April 15-16, 2019 Berlin, Germany; Pacific Regenerative Medicine Conference, May 16-19, 2019 Hawaii, USA; Annual conference & Exhibition on Transversal, Translational & Transformative, December 2-5, 2019 Florida, USA; 21st International Conference on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, June 27 - 28, 2019 London, United Kingdom; World Advanced Therapies & Regenerative Medicine Congress 2019, May 15 17, London, UK; 6th Annual European Congress on Clinical & Translational Sciences, October 18-20, 2019 Vienna, Austria;

Related Associations and Societies:

Europe:EuroStemCell (European Consortium for Stem Cell Research);German Stem Cell Network (GSCN);German Society for Stem Cell Research (GSZ);Stem Cell Network North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW);Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research (NCSCR);

USA:California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM);New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF);Tissue Engineering International & Regenerative Medicine Society (TERMIS);International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR);

Asia:

The New South Wales Stem Cell Network;Korean Society for Stem Cell Research;Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine;Taiwan Society for Stem Cell Research;Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS);

Novel Approaches guided in Tissue Engineering

GTR are dental surgical procedures that use barrier membranes to direct the growth of new bone and gingival tissue at sites with insufficient volumes or dimensions of bone or gingiva for proper function, esthetics or prosthetic restoration

RelatedRegenerative Medicine Conferences|Stem Cell Conferences|Stem Cell Congress|Tissue Science Conferences|EuropeConferences

9th Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy conference, March 21-22, 2019 Rome, Italy; 12th Genomics and Molecular Biology conference, April 15-17, 2019 Berlin, Germany; 7th Integrative Biology conference, April 15-16, 2019 Berlin, Germany; Pacific Regenerative Medicine Conference, May 16-19, 2019 Hawaii, USA; Annual conference & Exhibition on Transversal, Translational & Transformative, December 2-5, 2019 Florida, USA; 21st International Conference on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, June 27 - 28, 2019 London, United Kingdom; World Advanced Therapies & Regenerative Medicine Congress 2019, May 15 17, London, UK; 6th Annual European Congress on Clinical & Translational Sciences, October 18-20, 2019 Vienna, Austria;

Related Associations and Societies:

Europe:EuroStemCell (European Consortium for Stem Cell Research);German Stem Cell Network (GSCN);German Society for Stem Cell Research (GSZ);Stem Cell Network North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW);Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research (NCSCR);

USA:California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM);New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF);Tissue Engineering International & Regenerative Medicine Society (TERMIS);International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR);

Asia:

The New South Wales Stem Cell Network;Korean Society for Stem Cell Research;Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine;Taiwan Society for Stem Cell Research;Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS);

Clinical Medicine

Clinical medicine relates to medicine field that deals mainly with the study and practice of medicine based on the direct examination of the patient. In clinical medicine, medical practitioners assess patients in order to diagnose, treat, and prevent disease

RelatedRegenerative Medicine Conferences|Stem Cell Conferences|Stem Cell Congress|Tissue Science Conferences|EuropeConferences

9th Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy conference, March 21-22, 2019 Rome, Italy; 12th Genomics and Molecular Biology conference, April 15-17, 2019 Berlin, Germany; 7th Integrative Biology conference, April 15-16, 2019 Berlin, Germany; Pacific Regenerative Medicine Conference, May 16-19, 2019 Hawaii, USA; Annual conference & Exhibition on Transversal, Translational & Transformative, December 2-5, 2019 Florida, USA; 21st International Conference on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, June 27 - 28, 2019 London, United Kingdom; World Advanced Therapies & Regenerative Medicine Congress 2019, May 15 17, London, UK; 6th Annual European Congress on Clinical & Translational Sciences, October 18-20, 2019 Vienna, Austria;

Related Associations and Societies:

Europe:EuroStemCell (European Consortium for Stem Cell Research);German Stem Cell Network (GSCN);German Society for Stem Cell Research (GSZ);Stem Cell Network North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW);Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research (NCSCR);

USA:California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM);New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF);Tissue Engineering International & Regenerative Medicine Society (TERMIS);International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR);

Asia:

The New South Wales Stem Cell Network;Korean Society for Stem Cell Research;Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine;Taiwan Society for Stem Cell Research;Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS);

Clinical trials with Stem Cells

Stem cell treatments and clinical trials have been going on for over 40 years; however we are still in the initial stages of stem cell therapy being utilized as an effective alternative treatment method to traditional pharmaceutical based treatments. Much of the early work in stem cell clinical trials focused on the overall effectiveness and safety of the procedures involved. The primary concern with any new treatment is the long term safety and standardization of results. There have been countless journals and research papers focusing in on these clinical trials that have revealed promising results from these initial trials around the world

RelatedRegenerative Medicine Conferences|Stem Cell Conferences|Stem Cell Congress|Tissue Science Conferences|EuropeConferences

9th Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy conference, March 21-22, 2019 Rome, Italy; 12th Genomics and Molecular Biology conference, April 15-17, 2019 Berlin, Germany; 7th Integrative Biology conference, April 15-16, 2019 Berlin, Germany; Pacific Regenerative Medicine Conference, May 16-19, 2019 Hawaii, USA; Annual conference & Exhibition on Transversal, Translational & Transformative, December 2-5, 2019 Florida, USA; 21st International Conference on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, June 27 - 28, 2019 London, United Kingdom; World Advanced Therapies & Regenerative Medicine Congress 2019, May 15 17, London, UK; 6th Annual European Congress on Clinical & Translational Sciences, October 18-20, 2019 Vienna, Austria;

Related Associations and Societies:

Europe:EuroStemCell (European Consortium for Stem Cell Research);German Stem Cell Network (GSCN);German Society for Stem Cell Research (GSZ);Stem Cell Network North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW);Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research (NCSCR);

USA:California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM);New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF);Tissue Engineering International & Regenerative Medicine Society (TERMIS);International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR);

Asia:

The New South Wales Stem Cell Network;Korean Society for Stem Cell Research;Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine;Taiwan Society for Stem Cell Research;Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS);

Biomaterials & Bioengineering

Biomaterials are being utilized for the social insurance applications from old circumstances. In any case, consequent development has made them more flexible and has expanded their utility. Biomaterials have reformed the territories like bioengineering and tissue designing for the advancement of novel methodologies to battle perilous infections. Together with biomaterials, immature microorganism innovation is additionally being utilized to enhance the current human services offices. These ideas and innovations are being utilized for the treatment of various maladies like cardiovascular disappointment, cracks, profound skin wounds, and so forth. Presentation of nanomaterials then again is turning into a major seek after a superior and a reasonable social insurance. Mechanical headways are in progress for the advancement of persistent observing and controlling glucose levels by the implantation of sensor chips.

RelatedRegenerative Medicine Conferences|Stem Cell Conferences|Stem Cell Congress|Tissue Science Conferences|EuropeConferences

9th Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy conference, March 21-22, 2019 Rome, Italy; 12th Genomics and Molecular Biology conference, April 15-17, 2019 Berlin, Germany; 7th Integrative Biology conference, April 15-16, 2019 Berlin, Germany; Pacific Regenerative Medicine Conference, May 16-19, 2019 Hawaii, USA; Annual conference & Exhibition on Transversal, Translational & Transformative, December 2-5, 2019 Florida, USA; 21st International Conference on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, June 27 - 28, 2019 London, United Kingdom; World Advanced Therapies & Regenerative Medicine Congress 2019, May 15 17, London, UK; 6th Annual European Congress on Clinical & Translational Sciences, October 18-20, 2019 Vienna, Austria;

Related Associations and Societies:

Europe:EuroStemCell (European Consortium for Stem Cell Research);German Stem Cell Network (GSCN);German Society for Stem Cell Research (GSZ);Stem Cell Network North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW);Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research (NCSCR);

USA:California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM);New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF);Tissue Engineering International & Regenerative Medicine Society (TERMIS);International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR);

Asia:

The New South Wales Stem Cell Network;Korean Society for Stem Cell Research;Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine;Taiwan Society for Stem Cell Research;Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS);

Biomarkers

Biomarkers, in the hands of clinical investigators, provide a dynamic and powerful approach to understanding the spectrum of diseases with obvious applications in analytic epidemiology, biomarkers and clinical research in disease prevention, diagnosis and disease management. Biomarkers have the additional potential to identify individuals susceptible to particular diseases. This conference is a podium that brings and shares collective knowledge and research explorations in biomarkers study. In the recent years, the information about cancer biomarkers has increased largely providing a huge potential for improving the management of cancer patients by improving the accuracy of detection and efficacy of treatment. Latest technological advancements have enabled the examination of many possible biomarkers and renewed interest in developing new biomarkers. All such developments can be evidenced in this biomarker congress.

Cancer Biomarkers, Molecular Biomarkers, Genomics biomarkers, Biomarkers in Clinical Research & Development, Biomarkers and Pathology

RelatedRegenerative Medicine Conferences|Stem Cell Conferences|Stem Cell Congress|Tissue Science Conferences|EuropeConferences

9th Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy conference, March 21-22, 2019 Rome, Italy; 12th Genomics and Molecular Biology conference, April 15-17, 2019 Berlin, Germany; 7th Integrative Biology conference, April 15-16, 2019 Berlin, Germany; Pacific Regenerative Medicine Conference, May 16-19, 2019 Hawaii, USA; Annual conference & Exhibition on Transversal, Translational & Transformative, December 2-5, 2019 Florida, USA; 21st International Conference on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, June 27 - 28, 2019 London, United Kingdom; World Advanced Therapies & Regenerative Medicine Congress 2019, May 15 17, London, UK; 6th Annual European Congress on Clinical & Translational Sciences, October 18-20, 2019 Vienna, Austria;

Related Associations and Societies:

Europe:EuroStemCell (European Consortium for Stem Cell Research);German Stem Cell Network (GSCN);German Society for Stem Cell Research (GSZ);Stem Cell Network North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW);Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research (NCSCR);

USA:California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM);New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF);Tissue Engineering International & Regenerative Medicine Society (TERMIS);International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR);

Asia:

The New South Wales Stem Cell Network;Korean Society for Stem Cell Research;Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine;Taiwan Society for Stem Cell Research;Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS);

Regeneration & Therapeutics

Some parts of our bodies can repair themselves quite well after injury, but others dont repair at all. We certainly cant regrow a whole leg or arm, but some animals can regrow - or regenerate - whole body parts. Regeneration means the regrowth of a damaged or missing organ part from the remaining tissue. As adults, humans can regenerate some organs, such as the liver. If part of the liver is lost by disease or injury, the liver grows back to its original size, though not its original shape. And our skin is constantly being renewed and repaired. Unfortunately many other human tissues dont regenerate, and a goal in regenerative medicine is to find ways to kick-start tissue regeneration in the body, or to engineer replacement tissues.

RelatedRegenerative Medicine Conferences|Stem Cell Conferences|Stem Cell Congress|Tissue Science Conferences|EuropeConferences

9th Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy conference, March 21-22, 2019 Rome, Italy; 12th Genomics and Molecular Biology conference, April 15-17, 2019 Berlin, Germany; 7th Integrative Biology conference, April 15-16, 2019 Berlin, Germany; Pacific Regenerative Medicine Conference, May 16-19, 2019 Hawaii, USA; Annual conference & Exhibition on Transversal, Translational & Transformative, December 2-5, 2019 Florida, USA; 21st International Conference on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, June 27 - 28, 2019 London, United Kingdom; World Advanced Therapies & Regenerative Medicine Congress 2019, May 15 17, London, UK; 6th Annual European Congress on Clinical & Translational Sciences, October 18-20, 2019 Vienna, Austria;

Related Associations and Societies:

Europe:EuroStemCell (European Consortium for Stem Cell Research);German Stem Cell Network (GSCN);German Society for Stem Cell Research (GSZ);Stem Cell Network North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW);Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research (NCSCR);

USA:California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM);New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF);Tissue Engineering International & Regenerative Medicine Society (TERMIS);International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR);

Asia:

The New South Wales Stem Cell Network;Korean Society for Stem Cell Research;Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine;Taiwan Society for Stem Cell Research;Stem Cell Society Singapore (SCSS);

Rejuvenation

Rejuvenation is a medical discipline focused on the practical reversal of the aging process. Rejuvenation is distinct from life extension. Life extension strategies often study the causes of aging and try to oppose those causes in order to slow aging. Rejuvenation is the reversal of aging and thus requires a different strategy, namely repair of the damage that is associated with aging or replacement of damaged tissue with new tissue. Rejuvenation can be a means of life extension, but most life extension strategies do not involve rejuvenation.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, also called biologic treatment, is a kind of disease treatment that lifts the body's common guards to battle the malignancy. It utilizes substances made by the body or in a research facility to enhance or re-establish safe framework work. Immunotherapy may work in these ways: Halting or abating the development of tumor cells, preventing malignancy from spreading to different parts of the body, helping the safe framework work better at crushing disease cells. There are several types of immunotherapy, including: Monoclonal antibodies, Non-specific immunotherapies, oncolytic virus therapy, T-cell therapy, Cancer vaccines

RelatedRegenerative Medicine Conferences|Stem Cell Conferences|Stem Cell Congress|Tissue Science Conferences|EuropeConferences

9th Advanced Cell and Gene Therapy conference, March 21-22, 2019 Rome, Italy; 12th Genomics and Molecular Biology conference, April 15-17, 2019 Berlin, Germany; 7th Integrative Biology conference, April 15-16, 2019 Berlin, Germany; Pacific Regenerative Medicine Conference, May 16-19, 2019 Hawaii, USA; Annual conference & Exhibition on Transversal, Translational & Transformative, December 2-5, 2019 Florida, USA; 21st International Conference on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, June 27 - 28, 2019 London, United Kingdom; World Advanced Therapies & Regenerative Medicine Congress 2019, May 15 17, London, UK; 6th Annual European Congress on Clinical & Translational Sciences, October 18-20, 2019 Vienna, Austria;

Related Associations and Societies:

Europe:EuroStemCell (European Consortium for Stem Cell Research);German Stem Cell Network (GSCN);German Society for Stem Cell Research (GSZ);Stem Cell Network North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW);Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research (NCSCR);

USA:California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM);New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF);Tissue Engineering International & Regenerative Medicine Society (TERMIS);International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR);

Asia:

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Tissue Science Conferences| Regenerative Medicine Conferences ...

Neuropathy occurs in the feet or hands due to nerve damage. When a patient suffers from neuropathy, they can experience so-called neuropathic pain ranging from mild to severe and described as burning, pinpricks, or sudden shocks of electricity, as well as numbness, tingling, and weakness. The peripheral nervous system utilizes nerves to send messages to and from the central nervous system, which includes both the brain and spinal cord. When these peripheral nerves become damaged and their ability to transmit signals, neuropathy results. Although neuropathy is an encompassing diagnosis, there are many causes.

Diabetes can cause chronic neuropathy. High blood sugar levels can damage nerves, predominantly in the feet. This is why neuropathy more often occurs in people whose blood sugar is not under control than those who maintain low blood sugar levels. Diabetic neuropathy as a result of uncontrolled blood glucose levels can create irreversible damage to the nerves. When diabetes is under control, the amount of sugar in the blood remains at a safe level, thus reducing the risk of potential nerve damage.

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10 Causes of Neuropathy - Facty Health

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that can affect the feet with a sensation of burning, tingling or numbness that may be periodic or constant. It is a frequent symptom of nerve trauma or pressure, vitamin B deficiency, alcoholism, diabetes, autoimmune diseases (such as HIV, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) and diseases of the liver, kidneys and thyroid. Because peripheral neuropathy is involved in so many conditions, treatments vary widely.

Most drugs prescribed specifically for peripheral neuropathy will block or decrease the nerve sensations. They may include codeine, lidocaine, anti-seizure medications and antidepressants. Because some of these can cause dependency over long periods of time, other solutions may be tried first. Rubbing cremes on the feet or immersing them in warm water periodically may be an alternative.

The best treatment for peripheral neuropathy in the feet is to eliminate the cause. If the cause is clear -- abstain from alcohol, supplement vitamin B, brace joints to relieve pressure and so on -- those treatments should relieve the neuropathy. Many causes, however, are chronic and are not easily eliminated.

For those with chronic conditions causing their neuropathy, seeking treatment with a hypnotist trained in medical hypnosis may lead to more complete and convenient pain control than with oral pain relievers. Regular acupuncture treatments, perhaps with moxibustion, may also lead to a decreased pain sensation. In addition, t'ai chi ch'uan (taijiquan) may increase sensory perception for those with numbness in the feet.

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The Best Treatment for Peripheral Neuropathy in Feet ...

Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms usually start with numbness, prickling or tingling in the toes or fingers. It may spread up to the feet or hands and cause burning, freezing, throbbing and/or shooting pain that is often worse at night.

The pain can be either constant or periodic, but usually the pain is felt equally on both sides of the bodyin both hands or in both feet. Some types of peripheral neuropathy develop suddenly, while others progress more slowly over many years.

Symptoms such as experiencing weakness or not being able to hold something, not knowing where your feet are, and experiencing pain that feels as if it is stabbing or burning in your limbs, can be common signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may depend on the kind of peripheral nerves that have been damaged.There are three types of peripheral nerves: motor, sensory and autonomic. Some neuropathies affect all three types of nerves, while others involve only one or two.

The majority of people, however, suffer from polyneuropathy, an umbrella term for damage involving many nerves at the same time.

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Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms | Pain In Fingers, Toes, & Feet.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a type of damage to the nervous system. Specifically, it is a problem with your peripheral nervous system. This is the network of nerves that sends information from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of your body.

Peripheral neuropathy has many different causes. Some people inherit the disorder from their parents. Others develop it because of an injury or another disorder.

In many cases, a different type of problem, such as a kidney condition or a hormone imbalance, leads to peripheral neuropathy. One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy in the U.S. is diabetes.

There are more than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy, each with its own set of symptoms and prognosis. To help doctors classify them, they are often broken down into the following categories:

Motor neuropathy. This is damage to the nerves that control muscles and movement in the body, such as moving your hands and arms or talking.

Sensory neuropathy. Sensory nerves control what you feel, such as pain, temperature or a light touch. Sensory neuropathy affects these groups of nerves.

Autonomic nerve neuropathy. Autonomic nerves control functions that you are not conscious of, such as breathing and heartbeat. Damage to these nerves can be serious.

Combination neuropathies. You may have a mix of 2 or 3 of these other types of neuropathies, such as a sensory-motor neuropathy.

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary based on the type that you have and what part of the body is affected. Symptoms can range from tingling or numbness in a certain body part to more serious effects such as burning pain or paralysis.

Muscle weakness

Cramps

Muscle twitching

Loss of muscle and bone

Changes in skin, hair, or nails

Numbness

Loss of sensation or feeling in body parts

Loss of balance or other functions as a side effect of the loss of feeling in the legs, arms, or other body parts

Emotional disturbances

Sleep disruptions

Loss of pain or sensation that can put you at risk, such as not feeling an impending heart attack or limb pain

Inability to sweat properly, leading to heat intolerance

Loss of bladder control, leading to infection or incontinence

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting because of a loss of control over blood pressure

Diarrhea, constipation, or incontinence related to nerve damage in the intestines or digestive tract

Trouble eating or swallowing

Life-threatening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or irregular heartbeat

The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

The symptoms and body parts affected by peripheral neuropathy are so varied that it may be hard to make a diagnosis. If your healthcare provider suspects nerve damage, he or she will take an extensive medical history and do a number of neurological tests to determine the location and extent of your nerve damage. These may include:

Depending on what basic tests reveal, your healthcare provider may want to do more in-depth scanning and other tests to get a better look at your nerve damage. Tests may include:

Usually a peripheral neuropathy cant be cured, but you can do a lot of things to prevent it from getting worse. If an underlying condition like diabetes is at fault, your healthcare provider will treat that first and then treat the pain and other symptoms of neuropathy.

In some cases, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Other times, prescription medicines are needed. Some of these medicines include mexiletine, a medicine developed to correct irregular heart rhythms; antiseizure drugs, such as gabapentin, phenytoin, and carbamazepine; and some classes of antidepressants, including tricyclics such as amitriptyline.

Lidocaine injections and patches may help with pain in other instances. And in extreme cases, surgery can be used to destroy nerves or repair injuries that are causing neuropathic pain and symptoms.

Lifestyle choices can play a role in preventing peripheral neuropathy. You can lessen your risk for many of these conditions by avoiding alcohol, correcting vitamin deficiencies, eating a healthy diet, losing weight, avoiding toxins, and exercising regularly. If you have kidney disease, diabetes, or other chronic health condition, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to control your condition, which may prevent or delay the onset of peripheral neuropathy.

Even if you already have some form of peripheral neuropathy, healthy lifestyle steps can help you feel your best and reduce the pain and symptoms related to the disorder. Youll also want to quit smoking, not let injuries go untreated, and be meticulous about caring for your feet and treating wounds to avoid complications, such as the loss of a limb.

In some cases, non-prescription hand and foot braces can help you make up for muscle weakness. Orthotics can help you walk better. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, may help ease emotional as well as physical symptoms.

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Peripheral Neuropathy | Johns Hopkins Medicine