StemCell Therapy

A recent1 review paper proposed a controversial claimthat the vast majority of animal species arose contemporary with modern humans. Not surprisingly, this claim was met with backlash from the evolutionary community. On what basis did the authors make this wide-reaching claim? Is their assertion true? Furthermore, what ramifications do their data have for the creationist explanation of the origin of species from the originally created min or kinds?

The main focus of Stoeckle and Thalers paper is genetics. Specifically, they focus on a subset of DNA in human and animal cells, termed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Their analysis of mtDNA is clear, straightforward, and carefully justifiedso much so that I will summarize their arguments by liberally quoting from their paper.

About 15 years ago, DNA barcoding was first proposed as a tool for practical taxonomy.2 Taxonomy is the field of science concerned with the classification of life, and scientists thought that taking small subsets of DNA would aid in identifying and classifying species. The particular mitochondrial sequence that has become the most widely used is the 648 base pair (bp) [think of base pairs as DNA letters] segment of the gene [a subsection of DNA sequence] encoding mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI).3

With a subset of a subset of DNA, Skeptics of COI barcoding raised a number of objections about its power and/or generality as a single simple metric applicable to the entire animal kingdom, including: the small fraction of the genome (about 5% of the mitochondrial genome and less than one millionth of the total organisms genome [total DNA in an organism]) might not be sensitive or representative.4

A simple example from humans illustrates this concern. For instance, on average any two humans differ at 0.2%0.5% of their mtDNA base pairs. Theoretically, if all mtDNA differences are evenly distributed around the human mtDNA genome, you would expect 12 mtDNA differences in each individuals 648 bp COI barcode. With numbers this low, one generation of an extra mutation or two in the COI barcode sequence might throw a real classification pattern (i.e., one based on comparisons of hundreds of anatomical and physiological features) into confusion.

However, since the early days of DNA barcoding, such objections have been mostly mollified. I can attest to this from my own experience in handling thousands of mtDNA sequences. As a representative of the mtDNA diversity among species and individuals, a subset of mtDNA sequence is a good first approximation. Though subsets arent always perfect representations of the whole sequence, they are good initial data points.

Furthermore, over several decades of mtDNA barcoding, scientists have discovered a specific clustering pattern among mtDNA barcodes from individuals across diverse species: a general observation is that barcode clusters correspond best to species in well-studied animal groups, where taxonomists have mostly decided and agreed upon what species are. Thus there is good support in several major phyla, including Chordata [e.g., vertebrates and a handful of other species], Arthropoda [e.g., insects, arachnids, and crustaceans], Mollusca [e.g., shellfish, octopi], Echinodermata [e.g., starfish]. We note that these phyla are estimated to contain about 34 of named animal species.5

This fact has two major ramifications: First, the cluster structure of the animal world found in COI barcode analysis is independent of any definition(s) of species. Second, domain experts judgments of species tend to agree with barcode clusters and many apparent deviations turn out to be exceptions that prove the rule.6 In other words, the initial fears of those skeptical of DNA barcoding have not been met. Instead, barcoding has been very successful.

In light of these successes, the authors acknowledge the unexpected implications for explanations for the origin of species: At its origin DNA barcoding made no claim of contributing to evolutionary theory,7 yet the pattern of DNA barcode variance is the central fact of animal life that needs to be explained by evolutionary theory.8

Expanding our scope beyond the narrow evolutionary focus of the authors, we can generalize their statement: These mtDNA barcode patterns need to be explained by any model purporting to account for the origin of species.

The barcode patterns take a very specific form: the clustering structure of COI barcodessmall variance within species and often but not always sequence gaps among nearest neighbor species is the primary fact that a model of evolution and speciation must explain. Furthermore, the average pairwise difference among individuals (APD; equivalent to population genetics parameter ) within animal species is between 0.0% and 0.5%. The most data are available for modern humans, who have an APD of 0.1% calculated in the same way as for other animals.9

Stoeckle and Thaler recognize the sweeping potential in these patterns: The agreement of barcodes and domain experts implies that explaining the origin of the pattern of DNA barcodes would be in large part explaining the origin of species. Understanding the mechanism by which the near-universal pattern of DNA barcodes comes about would be tantamount to understanding the mechanism of speciation.10

In their evolutionary model, Stoeckle and Thaler invoke two hypotheses account for the barcode cluster patterns: Either 1) COI barcode clusters represent species-specific adaptations, OR 2) extant populations have recently passed through diversity-reducing regimes whose consequences for sequence diversity are indistinguishable from clonal bottlenecks.11

Their conclusion? Modern human mitochondria and Y chromosome [another subset of DNA, but inherited paternally] originated from conditions that imposed a single sequence on these genetic elements between 100,000 and 200,000 years ago.12 In other words, to account for human CO barcode patterns, they favor the second hypothesissome sort of population dynamic (contraction) that reduced the genetic diversity of the population.

Stoeckle and Thaler then extrapolate their conclusions to controversial heights. To justify their extrapolation, they caution that one should not as a first impulse seek a complex and multifaceted explanation for one of the clearest, most data rich and general facts in all of evolution. Then they draw a parallel: The simple hypothesis is that the same explanation offered for the sequence variation found among modern humans applies equally to the modern populations of essentially all other animal species. Namely that the extant population, no matter what its current size or similarity to fossils of any age, has expanded from mitochondrial uniformity within the past 200,000 years.13 In other words, based on mtDNA barcodes, Stoeckle and Thaler claim that the vast majority of species have originated contemporary with modern humans.

Though Stoeckle and Thaler dont perform this step, lets revisit their data and take their results to the next logical conclusion. We can do this because creationists have no problems with the observations that Stoeckle and Thaler describe. Ive already mentioned that my own experience with mtDNA matches theirsbarcodes are a useful first approximation and should be treated as such. Yet this first approximation has revealed a consistent patternlow numbers of mtDNA differences within species and higher numbers of mtDNA differences between species.

Furthermore, since Stoeckle and Thaler explore the origin of individual speciesrather than the origin of whole classification groups, like mammalstheir reasoning applies almost seamlessly to the creationist explanation for the origin of species. Their claim that species arose recently is one that focuses on species within kindsnot one that explores changes from one kind into another. In other words, for Stoeckle and Thalers particular question, evolutionists and creationists agree on the question of common ancestry.

Nevertheless, they differ sharply on the question of timewhen these individual species arose. Unlike Stoeckle and Thaler, creationists invoke not two, but three potential explanations for low numbers of mtDNA sequence differences within species: (1) species-specific adaptations; (2) changing population sizes or past bottlenecks (see especially the discussion of American bison (Bison bison) mtDNA and African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) mtDNA in this paper; (3) time recent origin (e.g., within the last 4,5006,000 years).

We now have two decades worth of direct measurements of the rate at which human mtDNA mutates, and it matches exactly the 6,000-year timescale and rejects the evolutionary timescale (see Genetics Confirms the Recent, Supernatural Creation of Adam and Eve and references therein). Thus, taking Stoeckle and Thalers results to their logical conclusion, we can revise their statement to Modern human [mitochondrial DNA] originated from conditions that imposed a single sequence on these genetic elements14 about 6,000 years ago.

Lets now re-extrapolate these results to other species. The simple hypothesis is that the same explanation offered for the sequence variation found among modern humans applies equally to the modern populations of essentially all other animal species. Namely that the extant population, no matter what its current size or similarity to fossils of any age, has expanded from mitochondrial uniformity within the past 6,000 years.

We can refine this conclusion even more, with more spectacular implications for the creationist model: In the last two decades, the mtDNA mutation rate in a handful of invertebrate species has also been directly measured, and these rates14 are around 10 times higher (or more!) than the human mtDNA mutation rate (again, see this article and references therein). This would imply that multiple species within a genus (or perhaps even a family) have originated within the last 6,000 years.

In other words, these broad mtDNA barcode results suggest that, in general, the predictions15 I made for mtDNA mutation rates in diverse species are likely to be fulfilled. This is good evidence that Darwins ideas are well on their way to being replaced.

As this article was going to press, the theistic evolutionary organization BioLogos posted a critique of Stoeckle and Thalers paper. More specifically, BioLogos posted a critique of creationist responses to Stoeckle and Thaler. BioLogos took strong exception to the type of thesis that I advanced above. For example, consider the following quote from BioLogos: "Did Stoeckel [sic] and Thaler conclude that 90% of animal species appeared at same time as humans? The answer is No [emphasis theirs].

Did I miss a key element of the Stoeckle and Thaler paper?

Lets take a look at the BioLogos article, which was written by PhD biologist and professor Joel Duff. Duff clearly desired to minimize the implications of Stoeckle and Thalers paper. For example, Duff characterized the journal in which it was published as a low-profile Italian journal. He also downplayed the impact, saying that the extended press release didnt generate much reaction inside or outside of the scientific community. More strongly, Duff denounced claims like the one I made above as mischaracterization of the original research. He said it was an incorrect claim that most species originated about the same time.

Why?

To support his assertion, Duff proposed an examination of the original intent of the authors of this paper. Since an authors intent is invisible unless the author clearly states it, Duffs suggested methodology to justify his strong critique is a creative way to tackle a scientific controversy.

After examining Stoeckle and Thalers intent to Duffs satisfaction, Duffs journalism gets more questionable. Weve already examined his emphatic assertion: Did Stoeckel [sic] and Thaler conclude that 90% of animal species appeared at same time as humans? The answer is No. Duff justifies his forceful condemnation with a quote from Stoeckle and Thalers paper: the extant population, no matter what its current size or similarity to fossils of any age, has expanded from mitochondrial uniformity within the past 200,000 years.16 In light of this quote, Duff concludes, In other words, the genetic diversity observed in mitochondrial genomes of most species alive today can be attributed to the accumulation of mutations from an ancestral genome within the past 200,000 years, and Duff asserts that the authors never claim that most species came into existence within the past 200,000 years.

For a critique that began with a proposal to examine intent, Duff seems to have missed the actual intent of the authors. The title of their paper is, Why should mitochondria define species? After discussing and justifying at length the observation that mtDNA differences do, in fact, delineate species, the authors then make a startling statement: The pattern of DNA barcode variance is the central fact of animal life that needs to be explained by evolutionary theory17 [emphasis theirs]. In case the intent of their statement wasnt transparent, the authors make it explicit: The agreement of barcodes and domain experts implies that explaining the origin of the pattern of DNA barcodes would be in large part explaining the origin of species. Understanding the mechanism by which the near-universal pattern of DNA barcodes comes about would be tantamount to understanding the mechanism of speciation.18 They then spend the next chunk of their paper discussing what mtDNA barcodes imply about the mechanism of speciation. Clearly, Stoeckle and Thaler are concerned with much more than just the accumulation of mutations from an ancestral genome within the past 200,000 years. Instead, they have a strong focus on the origin of species.

But did the authors never claim that most species came into existence within the past 200,000 years? In one sense, if we split hairs, Duff is technically correct: In their paper, Stoeckle and Thaler never say so explicitly. Yet as weve just observed, the conclusion about the timing of the origin of species is implied. Furthermore, Thaler makes the conclusion explicit in the press releasethe very one that Duff cited:

Our paper strengthens the argument that the low variation in the mitochondrial DNA of modern humans also explains the similar low variation found in over 90% of living animal specieswe all likely originated by similar processes and most animal species are likely young19. [emphasis added]

How did Biologos miss this?

Duff advances a second argument in his critique of the implications of Stoeckle and Thalers paper. He says that the mtDNA results at best, [tell] us the minimum age of the species. It tells us little to nothing about the maximum age of a species [emphasis his]. For the maximum age, Duff thinks the fossil record is essential. Furthermore, he states that an examination of the mitochondrial genome of any species will only tell us when the common ancestor of all modern members of this species existed, which will almost invariably occur after the evolutionary origin of the species.

But how does Duff know that this is true? Ive already documented that fossils do not directly record genealogical relationships; only DNA does. Why would Duff defer the genealogical question of ancestry (a.k.a. the question of the origin of species) to an indirect field of science (paleontology) when a direct field (geneticsmtDNA) gives a clear answer?

Ive also documented that the process of speciation involves several stepsat a minimum, (1) the formation of one or more distinct individuals, (2) the multiplication of these distinct individuals into a population, and (3) the isolation of this distinct population from the parent species. How does Duff know that the supposed ancestors (recorded by fossils) of modern species were isolated enough from the other populations alive at the time to be called a new species? Duff is trying to win a scientific argument, not by data and by experimentation, but by assertion. This is not a scientific way to resolve the controversy.

BioLogos response is sad, if not ironic. Weve already documented the fact that our evolutionary opponents dont read our literature (Duff included , despite BioLogos professed commitment to dialogue with those who hold other views); yet they call us liars. Sometimes I wonder if they carefully read even the evolutionary literature. Either way, BioLogos main critique (of the implications of Stoeckle and Thalers paper) amounts to misrepresentation and speculation even approaching outright denial. If this is the best that the evolutionary community can do, then perhaps my scientific conclusions (above) are even stronger than they first appear.

See more here:
Hundreds of Thousands of Species in a Few Thousand Years?

Last year, a team of scientists spotted what they believed was a hybrid animal off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii.A new report from Cascadia Research Collectiveconfirms they did and the new sea creature is the result of a whale and a dolphin mating, the teams head researcher told CBS News.

What the researchers discovered was a hybrid of a melon-headed whale and a rough-toothed dolphin. In an interview with local newspaperThe Garden Island,the head of the project said the discovery is their most unusual finding. We had the photos and suspected it was a hybrid from morphological characteristics intermediate between species, Robin Baird said.

During their two-week project, scientists were able to get a biopsy sample from the creature and study its genetics. They were able to confirm that the animal was a hybrid. Based on the genetics, the father was a rough-toothed dolphin and the mother a melon-headed whale, Baird told CBS News via email.

One of the species that makes up this hybrid is very rare in Hawaii. Melon-headed whales usually dont swim in these waters, so when scientists spotted the whale, they put satellite tags on the animal. During this two-week study, scientists also spotted another rare species in the water, pantropical spotted dolphins, which they also tagged.

Bairds research team is going to be back in Kauais waters next month, when they hope to get more photos of the new hybrid whale-dolphin and water samples. They also hope to do testing on other species in the area.

Were hoping that just by talking to some tour operators and fishermen we might get tips and encounter something like pilot whales, Baird said.

See the article here:
New hybrid whale-dolphin discovered in Hawaii

The outgoing director of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has accepted a job at CHI St. Vincent.

Dr. Peter Emanuel turned in his resignation letter on May 4. His last day at UAMS is Tuesday.

Emanuel, 59, will join CHI St. Vincent on Sept. 1, according to a statement from the hospital. His position was not specified.

At the time of his resignation, he declined to give the reason for his departure, only citing unspecified challenges. He could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.

UAMS is conducting a national search for a new cancer institute director, said Leslie Taylor, vice chancellor of communications and marketing. Dr. Laura Hutchins was appointed interim director in June. Hutchins is a professor in the College of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology, where she was division director from 1998 until September 2013.

Emanuel is a widely recognized expert in leukemia and lymphoma, a UAMS website states. He joined UAMS in 2007 after leaving the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he was a professor of medicine, genetics and biochemistry.

From 2004 to 2006 he was the acting director of the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Alabama university.

During his time at UAMS, he oversaw the addition of the cancer institute's 12-story research and treatment tower, which opened in 2010. His annual salary was $500,000.

His resignation in May followed UAMS' decision to temporarily suspend its cardiac surgery program due to lead surgeon Dr. Gareth Tobler's retirement. That program restarted at the beginning of July, with the hospital contracting with four new physicians.

UAMS also laid off almost 260 employees in January to curb an anticipated $72.3 million deficit. Those layoffs included one full-time physician -- a general ear, nose and throat doctor who did not work at the cancer institute.

News of Emanuel's new role comes one day after an invoice that his wife, Carla Emanuel, sent seeking reimbursement from the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute became public.

The $4,000 bill lists events that she attended, phone calls she made and work she did to resolve problems with donors. Taylor said UAMS was not going to pay the bill because state procedures regarding vendors and invoices were not followed.

Taylor added that the invoice was the first one she was aware of from a spouse, and the institution does not normally reimburse people for attending fundraising events.

The Arkansas Times first reported on the invoice on Thursday.

Metro on 07/28/2018

Originally posted here:
LR hospital hires cancer institute chief - arkansasonline.com

July 27, 2018 - By Vernon Prom

Investors sentiment increased to 1.61 in Q1 2018. Its up 0.38, from 1.23 in 2017Q4. It is positive, as 24 investors sold Seattle Genetics, Inc. shares while 53 reduced holdings. 31 funds opened positions while 93 raised stakes. 159.52 million shares or 12.47% more from 141.83 million shares in 2017Q4 were reported.

California State Teachers Retirement System reported 165,312 shares. 13,084 are held by Bluecrest Cap Ltd. Pictet Asset invested in 0.1% or 786,323 shares. Swiss Bankshares owns 0.02% invested in Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN) for 349,100 shares. Keybank National Association Oh invested in 0% or 8,414 shares. 4,998 were accumulated by Shell Asset Mngmt Company. Pnc Financial holds 6,727 shares. Utah Retirement Sys holds 0.02% of its portfolio in Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN) for 19,600 shares. Wells Fargo And Co Mn, a California-based fund reported 306,681 shares. The Connecticut-based Bridgewater Associate L P has invested 0.01% in Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN). Amundi Pioneer Asset Management has 21,523 shares. National Bank Of America Corp De accumulated 496,573 shares. Daiwa Securities accumulated 4,395 shares. Zurcher Kantonalbank (Zurich Cantonalbank), Switzerland-based fund reported 23,953 shares. Pub Employees Retirement Association Of Colorado invested in 20,183 shares or 0.01% of the stock.

Since February 1, 2018, it had 3 buys, and 12 sales for $266.62 million activity. Cline Darren S also sold $497,983 worth of Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN) shares. The insider SIEGALL CLAY B sold 18,832 shares worth $951,393. The insider HIMES VAUGHN B sold 5,000 shares worth $290,604. 10,457 shares were sold by DRACHMAN JONATHAN G, worth $552,452.

JP Morgan now has a $77 target on the $11.55 billion market cap company or 5.51 % upside potential. In analysts note issued to clients on Friday, 27 July, Seattle Genetics (NASDAQ:SGEN) shares have had their Overweight Rating kept by professional analysts at JP Morgan.

Among 8 analysts covering Seattle Genetics (NASDAQ:SGEN), 7 have Buy rating, 0 Sell and 1 Hold. Therefore 88% are positive. Seattle Genetics has $77.0 highest and $60.0 lowest target. $68.13s average target is -6.65% below currents $72.98 stock price. Seattle Genetics had 12 analyst reports since January 31, 2018 according to SRatingsIntel. SunTrust maintained it with Hold rating and $60.0 target in Wednesday, February 7 report. The stock of Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN) earned Buy rating by Needham on Wednesday, February 7. J.P. Morgan upgraded the shares of SGEN in report on Wednesday, February 14 to Buy rating. The rating was maintained by Morgan Stanley on Wednesday, March 21 with Overweight. The firm has Buy rating by RBC Capital Markets given on Tuesday, March 20. The firm has Buy rating given on Monday, June 11 by SunTrust. The company was maintained on Wednesday, February 7 by H.C. Wainwright. On Thursday, February 1 the stock rating was maintained by H.C. Wainwright with Buy. The stock of Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN) has Neutral rating given on Wednesday, February 7 by Bank of America. The firm has Overweight rating by JP Morgan given on Wednesday, February 14.

The stock increased 2.43% or $1.73 during the last trading session, reaching $72.98. About 1.60M shares traded or 72.55% up from the average. Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN) has declined 15.50% since July 28, 2017 and is downtrending. It has underperformed by 28.07% the S&P500.

Seattle Genetics, Inc., a biotechnology company, develops and commercializes targeted therapies to treat cancer worldwide. The company has market cap of $11.55 billion. It markets ADCETRIS, an antibody-drug conjugate for relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma and relapsed systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma. It currently has negative earnings. The firm also develops SGN-CD33A that is in Phase III clinical trial to evaluate SGN-CD33A in combination with hypomethylating agents in previously untreated older patients, as well as in Phase 1/2 clinical trial for patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia ; ASG-22ME, which is in Phase I clinical trial for Nectin-4-positive solid tumors, including bladder cancer; SGN-LIV1A that is in Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with LIV-1-positive metastatic breast cancer; and SGN-CD19A, which is in Phase II clinical trial for patients with relapsed DLBCL, as well as in Phase II trial for patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL.

More notable recent Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN) news were published by: Streetinsider.com which released: Seattle Genetics (SGEN) Adcetris On-going Launch in 1L cHL is Positive Says SunTrust. on July 02, 2018, also Benzinga.com with their article: Benzingas Daily Biotech Pulse: Biogen, AC Immune Slip Despite Positive Trials, Sarepta Slapped With Clinical Hold published on July 26, 2018, Seekingalpha.com published: Mid-stage study underway for Seattle Genetics tisotumab vedotin in solid tumors; shares up 1% premarket on July 12, 2018. More interesting news about Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN) were released by: Seekingalpha.com and their article: Dont Sell Axon Enterprise Cramers Lightning Round (7/11/18) published on July 12, 2018 as well as Benzinga.coms news article titled: Benzingas Daily Biotech Pulse: Achaogen To Trim Workforce By 28%, Amgens Beat-And-Raise Quarter with publication date: July 27, 2018.

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TOday's Movers: Seattle Genetics (NASDAQ:SGEN) Stock ...

July 27, 2018 - By Mona Holcomb

Investors sentiment increased to 1.61 in Q1 2018. Its up 0.38, from 1.23 in 2017Q4. It is positive, as 24 investors sold Seattle Genetics, Inc. shares while 53 reduced holdings. 31 funds opened positions while 93 raised stakes. 159.52 million shares or 12.47% more from 141.83 million shares in 2017Q4 were reported.

Pub Employees Retirement Association Of Colorado holds 20,183 shares. Jgp Global Gestao De Recursos Ltda reported 22,334 shares or 0.47% of all its holdings. Jane Street Gru Limited Company invested in 3,903 shares or 0% of the stock. Prudential Fincl, New Jersey-based fund reported 6,451 shares. 7,900 were reported by Ellington Management Grp. Caisse De Depot Et Placement Du Quebec reported 5,300 shares or 0% of all its holdings. D E Shaw & stated it has 168,554 shares. Td Asset owns 0.01% invested in Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN) for 154,016 shares. Virtu Fincl Ltd Liability Corporation reported 10,922 shares stake. Stratos Wealth Limited holds 0% of its portfolio in Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN) for 1,213 shares. World Asset Inc stated it has 3,870 shares. State Of Alaska Department Of Revenue reported 9,710 shares stake. Franklin Res has 108,400 shares for 0% of their portfolio. Zurcher Kantonalbank (Zurich Cantonalbank) owns 23,953 shares. 205,300 are owned by California Pub Employees Retirement.

Since February 1, 2018, it had 3 insider buys, and 12 insider sales for $266.62 million activity. $936,818 worth of stock was sold by SIEGALL CLAY B on Friday, February 9. On Thursday, March 15 HIMES VAUGHN B sold $290,604 worth of Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN) or 5,000 shares. On Wednesday, May 9 the insider Cline Darren S sold $497,983. DRACHMAN JONATHAN G sold $552,452 worth of stock or 10,457 shares.

EU: In an analyst report issued to investors and clients on 27 July, H.C. Wainwright reiterated their Buy rating on Seattle Genetics (SGEN) shares. They now have a $98.0 target price on the firm. H.C. Wainwrights target indicates a potential upside of 37.54 % from the companys last price.

The stock increased 2.04% or $1.45 during the last trading session, reaching $72.7. About 995,861 shares traded or 7.56% up from the average. Seattle Genetics, Inc. (SGEN) has declined 15.50% since July 27, 2017 and is downtrending. It has underperformed by 28.07% the S&P500.

Seattle Genetics, Inc., a biotechnology company, develops and commercializes targeted therapies to treat cancer worldwide. The company has market cap of $11.50 billion. It markets ADCETRIS, an antibody-drug conjugate for relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma and relapsed systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma. It currently has negative earnings. The firm also develops SGN-CD33A that is in Phase III clinical trial to evaluate SGN-CD33A in combination with hypomethylating agents in previously untreated older patients, as well as in Phase 1/2 clinical trial for patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia ; ASG-22ME, which is in Phase I clinical trial for Nectin-4-positive solid tumors, including bladder cancer; SGN-LIV1A that is in Phase 1 clinical trial for patients with LIV-1-positive metastatic breast cancer; and SGN-CD19A, which is in Phase II clinical trial for patients with relapsed DLBCL, as well as in Phase II trial for patients with newly diagnosed DLBCL.

More notable recent Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN) news were published by: Streetinsider.com which released: Seattle Genetics (SGEN) Adcetris On-going Launch in 1L cHL is Positive Says SunTrust. on July 02, 2018, also Seekingalpha.com with their article: Dont Sell Axon Enterprise Cramers Lightning Round (7/11/18) published on July 12, 2018, Seekingalpha.com published: Mid-stage study underway for Seattle Genetics tisotumab vedotin in solid tumors; shares up 1% premarket on July 12, 2018. More interesting news about Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN) were released by: Benzinga.com and their article: Benzingas Daily Biotech Pulse: Biogen, AC Immune Slip Despite Positive Trials, Sarepta Slapped With Clinical Hold published on July 26, 2018 as well as Benzinga.coms news article titled: Benzingas Daily Biotech Pulse: Achaogen To Trim Workforce By 28%, Amgens Beat-And-Raise Quarter with publication date: July 27, 2018.

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Seattle Genetics (SGEN) "Buy" Rating Reaffirmed Today By H ...

The stem cell procedure for the treatment of knee pain is minimally invasive, takes about 3 hours, and patients walk out of the office on their own following treatment. To start, stem cells are harvested from your abdominal or love handle fat using high tech, minimally-invasive liposuction equipment. Stem cells from your bone marrow are also utilized. The bone marrow concentrate is harvested using a specially designed, low-trauma needle which is placed into the posterior iliac crest under live x-ray guidance.

Mild IV sedation, in combination with local anesthetic, is used to provide patient comfort during the procedure. The harvested cells are then prepared for injection using an advanced separation and centrifugation process.

With the use of live x-ray guidance, the cells and growth factors are injected into the affected knee joint under sterile conditions. Dr. Brandts extensive experience with knee injections, along with the aid of the appropriate image guidance, ensures the cells are reaching their targeted area so you have the best chance for improvement.

To complement the high stem cell count achieved with the use of adipose derived stem cells, we often utilize PRP, A2M, and placental derived growth factors during our knee procedures and follow-up treatments.

View original post here:
Stem Cell Therapy for Knees: Definitive Guide [with ...

From Nobel Prizewinning author Jos Saramago, a magnificent, mesmerizing parable of loss

A city is hit by an epidemic of "white blindness" that spares no one. Authorities confine the blind to an empty mental hospital, but there the criminal element holds everyone captive, stealing food rations and assaulting women. There is one eyewitness to this nightmare who guides her c

A city is hit by an epidemic of "white blindness" that spares no one. Authorities confine the blind to an empty mental hospital, but there the criminal element holds everyone captive, stealing food rations and assaulting women. There is one eyewitness to this nightmare who guides her chargesamong them a boy with no mother, a girl with dark glasses, a dog of tearsthrough the barren streets, and their procession becomes as uncanny as the surroundings are harrowing. As Blindness reclaims the age-old story of a plague, it evokes the vivid and trembling horrors of the twentieth century, leaving readers with a powerful vision of the human spirit that's bound both by weakness and exhilarating strength.

Read this article:
Blindness by Jos Saramago - goodreads.com

Taxus baccata is a conifer native to western, central and southern Europe, northwest Africa, northern Iran and southwest Asia.[3] It is the tree originally known as yew, though with other related trees becoming known, it may now be known as English yew,[4] or European yew.

The word yew is from Proto-Germanic *wa-, possibly originally a loanword from Gaulish *ivos, compare Breton ivin, Irish o, Welsh ywen, French if (see Eihwaz for a discussion). Baccata is Latin for bearing red berries. The word yew as it was originally used seems to refer to the color brown.[5] The yew () was known to Theophrastus, who noted its preference for mountain coolness and shade, its evergreen character and its slow growth.[6]

Most Romance languages, with the notable exception of French (if), kept a version of the Latin word taxus (Italian tasso, Corsican tassu, Occitan teis, Catalan teix, Gasconic tech, Spanish tejo, Portuguese teixo, Galician teixo and Romanian tis) from the same root as toxic. In Slavic languages, the same root is preserved: Russian tis (), Slovakian tis, Slovenian tisa, Serbian-Croatian-Bosnian tisa/. Albanian borrowed it as tis.

In German it is known as Eibe.

In Iran, the tree is known as sorkhdr (Persian: , literally "the red tree").

The common yew was one of the many species first described by Linnaeus. It is one of around 30 conifer species in seven genera in the family Taxaceae, which is placed in the order Pinales.

It is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, growing 1020 metres (3366ft) (exceptionally up to 28 metres (92ft)) tall, with a trunk up to 2 metres (6ft 7in) (exceptionally 4 metres (13ft)) in diameter. The bark is thin, scaly brown, coming off in small flakes aligned with the stem. The leaves are flat, dark green, 14 centimetres (0.391.57in) long and 23 millimetres (0.0790.118in) broad, arranged spirally on the stem, but with the leaf bases twisted to align the leaves in two flat rows either side of the stem, except on erect leading shoots where the spiral arrangement is more obvious. The leaves are poisonous.[3][7]

The seed cones are modified, each cone containing a single seed, which is 47 millimetres (0.160.28in) long, and partly surrounded by a fleshy scale which develops into a soft, bright red berry-like structure called an aril. The aril is 815 millimetres (0.310.59in) long and wide and open at the end. The arils mature 6 to 9 months after pollination, and with the seed contained, are eaten by thrushes, waxwings and other birds, which disperse the hard seeds undamaged in their droppings. Maturation of the arils is spread over 2 to 3 months, increasing the chances of successful seed dispersal. The seeds themselves are poisonous and bitter, but are opened and eaten by some bird species including hawfinches,[8] greenfinches and great tits.[9] The aril is not poisonous, it is gelatinous and very sweet tasting. The male cones are globose, 36 millimetres (0.120.24in) in diameter, and shed their pollen in early spring. The yew is mostly dioecious, but occasional individuals can be variably monoecious, or change sex with time.[3][7][10]

Taxus baccata can reach 400 to 600 years of age. Some specimens live longer but the age of yews is often overestimated.[11] Ten yews in Britain are believed to predate the 10th century.[12] The potential age of yews is impossible to determine accurately and is subject to much dispute. There is rarely any wood as old as the entire tree, while the boughs themselves often become hollow with age, making ring counts impossible. Evidence based on growth rates and archaeological work of surrounding structures suggests the oldest yews, such as the Fortingall Yew in Perthshire, Scotland, may be in the range of 2,000 years,[13][14][15] placing them among the oldest plants in Europe. One characteristic contributing to yew's longevity is that it is able to split under the weight of advanced growth without succumbing to disease in the fracture, as do most other trees. Another is its ability to give rise to new epicormic and basal shoots from cut surfaces and low on its trunk, even at an old age.[citation needed]

The Fortingall Yew in Perthshire, Scotland, has the largest recorded trunk girth in Britain and experts estimate it to be 2,000 to 3,000 years old, although it may be a remnant of a post-Roman Christian site and around 1,500 years old.[16] The Llangernyw Yew in Clwyd, Wales, can be found at an early saint site and is about 1,500 years old.[17] Other well known yews include the Ankerwycke Yew, the Balderschwang Yew, the Caesarsboom, the Florence Court Yew, and the Borrowdale Fraternal Four, of which poet William Wordsworth wrote. The Kingley Vale National Nature Reserve in West Sussex has one of Europe's largest yew woodlands.

The oldest specimen in Spain is located in Bermiego, Asturias. It is known as Teixu l'Iglesia in the Asturian language. It stands 15m (49ft) tall with a trunk diameter of 6.82m (22.4ft) and a crown diameter of 15 m. It was declared a Natural Monument on April 27, 1995 by the Asturian Government and is protected by the Plan of Natural Resources.[18]

A unique forest formed by Taxus baccata and European box (Buxus sempervirens) lies within the city of Sochi, in the Western Caucasus.

The oldest Irish Yew (Taxus baccata 'Fastigiata'), the Florence Court Yew, still stands in the grounds of Florence Court estate in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. The Irish Yew has become ubiquitous in cemeteries across the world and it is believed that all known examples are from cuttings from this tree.[19]

Yews in this genus are primarily separate-sexed, and males are extremely allergenic, with an OPALS allergy scale rating of 10 out of 10. Completely female yews have an OPALS rating of 1, and are considered "allergy-fighting".[20] Male yews bloom and release abundant amounts of pollen in the spring; completely female yews only trap pollen while producing none.[20]

All parts of a yew plant are toxic to humans, due to taxine alkaloids, with the exception of the yew berries (however, their seeds are toxic). Additionally, male and monoecious yews in this genus release cytotoxic pollen, which can cause headaches, lethargy, aching joints, itching, and skin rashes; it is also a trigger for asthma.[20][21] These pollen grains are only 15 microns in size,[22] and can easily pass through most window screens.[20]

Taxines A and B the major taxine alkaloids found in the yew plant are cardiotoxic. The taxines act as calcium and sodium channel antagonists, causing an increase in cytoplasmic calcium.[23] Taxine B is a worse cardiotoxin than taxine A.[24]

The foliage itself remains toxic even when wilted, and toxicity increases in potency when dried.[25] Ingestion and subsequent excretion by birds whose beaks and digestive systems do not break down the seed's coating are the primary means of yew dispersal.[26] Horses have a relatively low tolerance to taxine, with a lethal dose of 200400mg/kg body weight; cattle, pigs, and other livestock are only slightly less vulnerable.[27] Several studies[28] have found taxine LD50 values under 20mg/kg in mice and rats.

Symptoms of yew poisoning include an accelerated heart rate, muscle tremors, convulsions, collapse, difficulty breathing, circulation impairment and eventually cardiac arrest. However, there may be no symptoms, and if poisoning remains undetected death may occur within hours.[29] Fatal poisoning in humans is very rare, usually occurring after consuming yew foliage. The leaves are more toxic than the seed.[30]

In the ancient Celtic world, the yew tree (*eburos) had extraordinary importance; a passage by Caesar narrates that Cativolcus, chief of the Eburones poisoned himself with yew rather than submit to Rome (Gallic Wars 6: 31). Similarly, Florus notes that when the Cantabrians were under siege by the legate Gaius Furnius in 22 BC, most of them took their lives either by the sword, by fire, or by a poison extracted ex arboribus taxeis, that is, from the yew tree (2: 33, 5051). In a similar way, Orosius notes that when the Astures were besieged at Mons Medullius, they preferred to die by their own swords or by the yew tree poison rather than surrender (6, 21, 1). The Irish name Ean / Eoghan is thought to be derived from the yew's importance in ancient Ireland and means 'of the yew'.[citation needed]

The yew is traditionally and regularly found in churchyards in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern France (more specifically in Normandy). Some examples can be found in La Haye-de-Routot or La Lande-Patry. It is said that up to 40 people could stand inside one of the La-Haye-de-Routot yew trees and the Le Mnil-Ciboult yew is probably the largest one (13 m diameter[32]). Indeed, some of these trees are exceptionally large (over 5 m diameter) and may be over 2,000 years old. Sometimes monks planted yews in the middle of their cloister, as at Muckross Abbey (Ireland) or abbaye de Jumiges (France, Normandy). Some ancient yew trees are located at St Mary the Virgin Church, Overton-on-Dee in Wales.

In Asturian tradition and culture the yew tree has had a real link with the land, the people, the ancestors and the ancient religion. It was tradition on All Saints Day to bring a branch of a yew tree to the tombs of those who had died recently so they will find the guide in their return to the Land of Shadows. The yew tree has been found near chapels, churches and cemeteries since ancient times as a symbol of the transcendence of death, and is usually found in the main squares of the villages where people celebrated the open councils that served as a way of general assembly to rule the village affairs.[33]

It has been suggested that the sacred tree at the Temple at Uppsala was an ancient yew tree.[34][35] The Christian church commonly found it expedient to take over existing pre-Christian sacred sites for churches. It has also been suggested that yews were planted at religious sites as their long life was suggestive of eternity, or because being toxic they were seen as trees of death.[36] Another suggested explanation is that yews were planted to discourage farmers and drovers from letting animals wander onto the burial grounds, the poisonous foliage being the disincentive. A further possible reason is that fronds and branches of yew were often used as a substitute for palms on Palm Sunday.[37][38][39]

In interpretations of Norse cosmology, the tree Yggdrasil has traditionally been interpreted as a giant ash tree. Some scholars now think that in the past an error has been made in the interpretation of the ancient writings, and that the tree is most likely a European yew (Taxus baccata).[40]

Certain compounds found in the bark of yew trees were discovered by Wall and Wani in 1967 to have efficacy as anti-cancer agents. The precursors of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel (taxol) was later shown to be synthesized easily from extracts of the leaves of European yew,[41] which is a much more renewable source than the bark of the Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) from which they were initially isolated. This ended a point of conflict in the early 1990s; many environmentalists, including Al Gore, had opposed the destructive harvesting of Pacific yew for paclitaxel cancer treatments. Docetaxel can then be obtained by semi-synthetic conversion from the precursors.

Wood from the yew is classified as a closed-pore softwood, similar to cedar and pine. Easy to work, yew is among the hardest of the softwoods; yet it possesses a remarkable elasticity, making it ideal for products that require springiness, such as bows.[42]

One of the world's oldest surviving wooden artifacts is a Clactonian yew[43] spear head, found in 1911 at Clacton-on-Sea, in Essex, UK. Known as the Clacton Spear, it is estimated to be over 400,000 years old.[44][45]

Yew is also associated with Wales and England because of the longbow, an early weapon of war developed in northern Europe, and as the English longbow the basis for a medieval tactical system. The oldest surviving yew longbow was found at Rotten Bottom in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It has been given a calibrated radiocarbon date of 4040 BC to 3640 BC and is on display in the National Museum of Scotland. Yew is the wood of choice for longbow making; the heartwood is always on the inside of the bow with the sapwood on the outside. This makes most efficient use of their properties as heartwood is best in compression whilst sapwood is superior in tension. However, much yew is knotty and twisted, and therefore unsuitable for bowmaking; most trunks do not give good staves and even in a good trunk much wood has to be discarded.

There was a tradition of planting yew trees in churchyards throughout Britain and Ireland, among other reasons, as a resource for bows. "Ardchattan Priory whose yew trees, according to other accounts, were inspected by Robert the Bruce and cut to make at least some of the longbows used at the Battle of Bannockburn."[46]

The trade of yew wood to England for longbows was so robust that it depleted the stocks of good-quality, mature yew over a vast area. The first documented import of yew bowstaves to England was in 1294. In 1350 there was a serious shortage, and Henry IV of England ordered his royal bowyer to enter private land and cut yew and other woods. In 1423 the Polish king commanded protection of yews in order to cut exports, facing nearly complete destruction of local yew stock.[47] In 1470 compulsory archery practice was renewed, and hazel, ash, and laburnum were specifically allowed for practice bows. Supplies still proved insufficient, until by the Statute of Westminster in 1472, every ship coming to an English port had to bring four bowstaves for every tun.[48] Richard III of England increased this to ten for every tun. This stimulated a vast network of extraction and supply, which formed part of royal monopolies in southern Germany and Austria. In 1483, the price of bowstaves rose from two to eight pounds per hundred, and in 1510 the Venetians would only sell a hundred for sixteen pounds. In 1507 the Holy Roman Emperor asked the Duke of Bavaria to stop cutting yew, but the trade was profitable, and in 1532 the royal monopoly was granted for the usual quantity "if there are that many." In 1562, the Bavarian government sent a long plea to the Holy Roman Emperor asking him to stop the cutting of yew, and outlining the damage done to the forests by its selective extraction, which broke the canopy and allowed wind to destroy neighbouring trees. In 1568, despite a request from Saxony, no royal monopoly was granted because there was no yew to cut, and the next year Bavaria and Austria similarly failed to produce enough yew to justify a royal monopoly. Forestry records in this area in the 17th century do not mention yew, and it seems that no mature trees were to be had. The English tried to obtain supplies from the Baltic, but at this period bows were being replaced by guns in any case.[49]

Today European yew is widely used in landscaping and ornamental horticulture. Due to its dense, dark green, mature foliage, and its tolerance of even very severe pruning, it is used especially for formal hedges and topiary. Its relatively slow growth rate means that in such situations it needs to be clipped only once per year (in late summer).

Well over 200 cultivars of T. baccata have been named. The most popular of these are the Irish yew (T. baccata 'Fastigiata'), a fastigiate cultivar of the European yew selected from two trees found growing in Ireland, and the several cultivars with yellow leaves, collectively known as "golden yew".[7][10] In some locations, e.g. when hemmed in by buildings or other trees, an Irish yew can reach 20 feet in height without exceeding 2 feet in diameter at its thickest point, although with age many Irish yews assume a fat cigar shape rather than being truly columnar.

The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:-

European yew will tolerate growing in a wide range of soils and situations, including shallow chalk soils and shade,[58] although in deep shade its foliage may be less dense. However it cannot tolerate waterlogging, and in poorly-draining situations is liable to succumb to the root-rotting pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi.

In Europe, Taxus baccata grows naturally north to Molde in southern Norway, but it is used in gardens further north. It is also popular as a bonsai in many parts of Europe and makes a handsome small- to large-sized bonsai.[59]

In England, yew has historically been sometimes associated with privies, possibly because the smell of the plant keeps insects away.[60]

The late Robert Lundberg, a noted luthier who performed extensive research on historical lute-making methodology, states in his 2002 book Historical Lute Construction that yew was historically a prized wood for lute construction. European legislation establishing use limits and requirements for yew limited supplies available to luthiers, but it was apparently as prized among medieval, renaissance, and baroque lute builders as Brazilian rosewood is among contemporary guitar-makers for its quality of sound and beauty.

Clippings from ancient specimens in the UK, including the Fortingall Yew, were taken to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh to form a mile-long hedge. The purpose of this "Yew Conservation Hedge Project" is to maintain the DNA of Taxus baccata. The species is threatened by felling, partly due to rising demand from pharmaceutical companies, and disease.[61]

Another conservation programme was run in Catalonia in the early 2010s, by the Forest Sciences Centre of Catalonia (CTFC), in order to protect genetically endemic yew populations, and preserve them from overgrazing and forest fires.[62] In the framework of this programme, the 4th International Yew Conference was organised in the Poblet Monastery in 2014, which proceedings are available.

There has also been a conservation programme in northern Portugal.

Continued here:
Taxus baccata - Wikipedia

There are several tests and tools your doctor may use to diagnose RA. First, he or she may ask questions about your medical history and examine the joints that are bothering you. Next, your doctor may perform tests to confirm a diagnosis, including, but not limited to:

A rheumatoid factor test looks for an antibodyCLOSE Antibody: a proteinproduced by the immune system when it detects harmful substances like bacteriathat fights off infection. called a rheumatoid factor. About 80% of people with RA eventually have this antibody, although its possible to have the rheumatoid factor in your blood and not have RA.

Another test measures your erythrocyte sedimentation rate. People with RA tend to have abnormally high sedimentation rates.

X-rays are used to help determine the extent of damage in the joints that are affected by RA. Plus, a sequence of X-rays taken over time can help to show the progression of the disease.

When it comes to treating RA, early diagnosis and treatment is extremely important because it can help slow disease progression and help prevent joint damage. So if you think you could be suffering from RA, be sure to talk with your doctor about your symptoms.

Link:
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)? | Arthritis.com

'); jQuery('.cart-remove-box a').on('click', function(){ link = jQuery(this).attr('href'); jQuery.ajax({ url: link, cache: false }); jQuery('.cart-remove-box').remove(); setTimeout(function(){window.location.reload();}, 800); }); }); //jQuery('#ajax_loader').hide(); // clear being added addToCartButton.text(defaultText).removeAttr('disabled').removeClass('disabled'); addToCartButton.parent().find('.disabled-blocker').remove(); loadingDots.remove(); clearInterval(loadingDotId); jQuery('body').append(""); setTimeout(function () {jQuery('.add-to-cart-success').slideUp(500)}, 5000); }); } try { jQuery.ajax( { url : url, dataType : 'json', type : 'post', data : data, complete: function(){ if(jQuery('body').hasClass('product-edit') || jQuery('body').hasClass('wishlist-index-configure')){ jQuery.ajax({ url: "https://www.stemcell.com/meigeeactions/updatecart/", cache: false }).done(function(html){ jQuery('header#header .top-cart').replaceWith(html); }); jQuery('#ajax_loader').hide(); jQuery('body').append(""); setTimeout(function () {jQuery('.add-to-cart-success').slideUp(500)}, 5000); } }, success : function(data) { if(data.status == 'ERROR'){ jQuery('body').append(''); }else{ ajaxComplete(); } } }); } catch (e) { } // End of our new ajax code this.form.action = oldUrl; if (e) { throw e; } } }.bind(productAddToCartForm); productAddToCartForm.submitLight = function(button, url){ if(this.validator) { var nv = Validation.methods; delete Validation.methods['required-entry']; delete Validation.methods['validate-one-required']; delete Validation.methods['validate-one-required-by-name']; if (this.validator.validate()) { if (url) { this.form.action = url; } this.form.submit(); } Object.extend(Validation.methods, nv); } }.bind(productAddToCartForm); function setAjaxData(data,iframe,name,image){ if(data.status == 'ERROR'){ jQuery('body').append(''); }else{ if(data.sidebar && !iframe){ if(jQuery('.top-cart').length){ jQuery('.top-cart').replaceWith(data.sidebar); } if(jQuery('.sidebar .block.block-cart').length){ if(jQuery('#cart-sidebar').length){ jQuery('#cart-sidebar').html(jQuery(data.sidebar).find('#mini-cart')); jQuery('.sidebar .block.block-cart .subtotal').html(jQuery(data.sidebar).find('.subtotal')); }else{ jQuery('.sidebar .block.block-cart p.empty').remove(); content = jQuery('.sidebar .block.block-cart .block-content'); jQuery('').appendTo(content); jQuery('').appendTo(content); content.find('#cart-sidebar').html(jQuery(data.sidebar).find('#mini-cart').html()); content.find('.actions').append(jQuery(data.sidebar).find('.subtotal')); content.find('.actions').append(jQuery(data.sidebar).find('.actions button.button')); } cartProductRemove('#cart-sidebar li.item a.btn-remove', { confirm: 'Are you sure you would like to remove this item from the shopping cart?', submit: 'Ok', calcel: 'Cancel' }); } jQuery.fancybox.close(); jQuery('body').append(''); }else{ jQuery.ajax({ url: "https://www.stemcell.com/meigeeactions/updatecart/", cache: false }).done(function(html){ jQuery('header#header .top-cart').replaceWith(html); jQuery('.top-cart #mini-cart li.item a.btn-remove').on('click', function(event){ event.preventDefault(); jQuery('body').append('Are you sure you would like to remove this item from the shopping cart?OkCancel'); jQuery('.cart-remove-box a').on('click', function(){ link = jQuery(this).attr('href'); jQuery.ajax({ url: link, cache: false }); jQuery('.cart-remove-box').remove(); setTimeout(function(){window.location.reload();}, 800); }); }); jQuery.fancybox.close(); jQuery('body').append(''); }); } } setTimeout(function () {jQuery('.add-to-cart-success').slideUp(500)}, 5000); } // The EasySep Human CD4+ T Cell Enrichment Kit is designed to isolate CD4+ T cells from fresh or previously frozen peripheral mononuclear cells by negative selection. Unwanted cells are targeted for removal with Tetrameric Antibody Complexes recognizing non-CD4+ T cells and dextran-coated magnetic particles. Labeled cells are separated using an EasySep magnet without the use of columns. Desired cells are poured off into a new tube.

For even faster cell isolations, we recommend the new EasySep Human CD4+ T Cell Isolation Kit (17952) which isolates cells in just 8 minutes.

Advantages:

Fast, easy-to-use and column-free Up to 97% purity Untouched, viable cells

Magnet Compatibility:

EasySep Magnet (Catalog #18000)

The Big Easy EasySep Magnet (Catalog #18001)

Easy 50 EasySep Magnet (Catalog #18002)

EasyPlate EasySep Magnet (Catalog 18102)

EasyEights EasySep Magnet (Catalog #18103)

RoboSep-S (Catalog #21000)

Subtype:

Cell Isolation Kits

Cell Type:

T Cells; T Cells, CD4+

Sample Source:

Leukapheresis; PBMC

Selection Method:

Negative

Application:

Cell Isolation

Area of Interest:

Immunology

Document Type

Product Name

Catalog #

Lot #

Language

Yes. The EasySep kits use either a negative selection approach by targeting and removing unwanted cells or a positive selection approach targeting desired cells. Depletion kits are also available for the removal of cells with a specific undesired marker (e.g. GlyA).

Magnetic particles are crosslinked to cells using Tetrameric Antibody Complexes (TAC). When placed in the EasySep Magnet, labeled cells migrate to the wall of the tube. The unlabeled cells are then poured off into a separate fraction.

The EasySep procedure is column-free. That's right - no columns!

The Product Information Sheet provided with each EasySep kit contains detailed staining information.

Yes. RoboSep, the fully automated cell separator, automates all EasySep labeling and cell separation steps.

Yes. We recommend a cell concentration of 2x108 cells/mL and a minimum working volume of 100 L. Samples containing 2x107 cells or fewer should be suspended in 100 L of buffer.

Yes, the EasySep particles are flow cytometry-compatible, as they are very uniform in size and about 5000X smaller than other commercially available magnetic beads used with column-free systems.

No, but due to the small size of these particles, they will not interfere with downstream applications.

Yes; however, this may impact the kit's performance. The provided EasySep protocols have already been optimized to balance purity, recovery and time spent on the isolation.

Yes, the purity of targeted cells will increase with additional rounds of separations; however, cell recovery will decrease.

If particle binding is a key concern, we offer two options for negative selection. The EasySep negative selection kits can isolate untouched cells with comparable purities, while RosetteSep can isolate untouched cells directly from whole blood without using particles or magnets.

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This product is designed for use in the following research area(s) as part of the highlighted workflow stage(s). Explore these workflows to learn more about the other products we offer to support each research area.

Research Area Workflow Stages for

Workflow Stages

Figure 1. FACS Histogram Results Using EasySep Human CD4+ T Cell Enrichment Kit

Starting with frozen mononuclear cells, the CD4+ T cell content of the enriched fraction typically ranges from 92% - 97%.

Huang S-H et al.

The presence of persistent, latent HIV reservoirs in CD4+ T cells obstructs current efforts to cure infection. The so-called kick-and-kill paradigm proposes to purge these reservoirs by combining latency-reversing agents with immune effectors such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Support for this approach is largely based on success in latency models, which do not fully reflect the makeup of latent reservoirs in individuals on long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART). Recent studies have shown that CD8+ T cells have the potential to recognize defective proviruses, which comprise the vast majority of all infected cells, and that the proviral landscape can be shaped over time due to in vivo clonal expansion of infected CD4+ T cells. Here, we have shown that treating CD4+ T cells from ART-treated individuals with combinations of potent latency-reversing agents and autologous CD8+ T cells consistently reduced cell-associated HIV DNA, but failed to deplete replication-competent virus. These CD8+ T cells recognized and potently eliminated CD4+ T cells that were newly infected with autologous reservoir virus, ruling out a role for both immune escape and CD8+ T cell dysfunction. Thus, our results suggest that cells harboring replication-competent HIV possess an inherent resistance to CD8+ T cells that may need to be addressed to cure infection.

Albert BJ et al.

Current antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV/AIDS slows disease progression by reducing viral loads and increasing CD4 counts. Yet ART is not curative due to the persistence of CD4+ T-cell proviral reservoirs that chronically resupply active virus. Elimination of these reservoirs through the administration of synergistic combinations of latency reversing agents (LRAs), such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and protein kinase C (PKC) modulators, provides a promising strategy to reduce if not eradicate the viral reservoir. Here, we demonstrate that largazole and its analogues are isoform-targeted histone deacetylase inhibitors and potent LRAs. Significantly, these isoform-targeted HDAC inhibitors synergize with PKC modulators, namely bryostatin-1 analogues (bryologs). Implementation of this unprecedented LRA combination induces HIV-1 reactivation to unparalleled levels and avoids global T-cell activation within resting CD4+ T-cells.

Hultquist JF et al.

New genetic tools are needed to understand the functional interactions between HIV and human host factors in primary cells. We recently developed a method to edit the genome of primary CD4(+) T cells by electroporation of CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). Here, we adapted this methodology to a high-throughput platform for the efficient, arrayed editing of candidate host factors. CXCR4 or CCR5 knockout cells generated with this method are resistant to HIV infection in a tropism-dependent manner, whereas knockout of LEDGF or TNPO3 results in a tropism-independent reduction in infection. CRISPR/Cas9 RNPs can furthermore edit multiple genes simultaneously, enabling studies of interactions among multiple host and viral factors. Finally, in an arrayed screen of 45 genes associated with HIV integrase, we identified several candidate dependency/restriction factors, demonstrating the power of this approach as a discovery platform. This technology should accelerate target validation for pharmaceutical and cell-based therapies to cure HIV infection.

Vanwalscappel B et al.

Treatment of HIV-infected patients with IFN- results in significant, but clinically insufficient, reductions of viremia. IFN induces the expression of several antiviral proteins including BST-2, which inhibits HIV by multiple mechanisms. The viral protein Vpu counteracts different effects of BST-2. We thus asked if Vpu proteins from IFN-treated patients displayed improved anti-BST-2 activities as compared to Vpu from baseline. Deep-sequencing analyses revealed that in five of seven patients treated by IFN- for a concomitant HCV infection in the absence of antiretroviral drugs, the dominant Vpu sequences differed before and during treatment. In three patients, vpu alleles that emerged during treatment improved virus replication in the presence of IFN-, and two of them conferred improved virus budding from cells expressing BST-2. Differences were observed for the ability to down-regulate CD4, while all Vpu variants potently down-modulated BST-2 from the cell surface. This report discloses relevant consequences of IFN-treatment on HIV properties.

Hrecka K et al.

HIV replication in nondividing host cells occurs in the presence of high concentrations of noncanonical dUTP, apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing, enzyme-catalytic, polypeptide-like 3 (APOBEC3) cytidine deaminases, and SAMHD1 (a cell cycle-regulated dNTP triphosphohydrolase) dNTPase, which maintains low concentrations of canonical dNTPs in these cells. These conditions favor the introduction of marks of DNA damage into viral cDNA, and thereby prime it for processing by DNA repair enzymes. Accessory protein Vpr, found in all primate lentiviruses, and its HIV-2/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) SIVsm paralogue Vpx, hijack the CRL4(DCAF1) E3 ubiquitin ligase to alleviate some of these conditions, but the extent of their interactions with DNA repair proteins has not been thoroughly characterized. Here, we identify HLTF, a postreplication DNA repair helicase, as a common target of HIV-1/SIVcpz Vpr proteins. We show that HIV-1 Vpr reprograms CRL4(DCAF1) E3 to direct HLTF for proteasome-dependent degradation independent from previously reported Vpr interactions with base excision repair enzyme uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG2) and crossover junction endonuclease MUS81, which Vpr also directs for degradation via CRL4(DCAF1) E3. Thus, separate functions of HIV-1 Vpr usurp CRL4(DCAF1) E3 to remove key enzymes in three DNA repair pathways. In contrast, we find that HIV-2 Vpr is unable to efficiently program HLTF or UNG2 for degradation. Our findings reveal complex interactions between HIV-1 and the DNA repair machinery, suggesting that DNA repair plays important roles in the HIV-1 life cycle. The divergent interactions of HIV-1 and HIV-2 with DNA repair enzymes and SAMHD1 imply that these viruses use different strategies to guard their genomes and facilitate their replication in the host.

STEMCELL TECHNOLOGIES INC.S QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IS CERTIFIED TO ISO 13485. PRODUCTS ARE FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY AND NOT INTENDED FOR HUMAN OR ANIMAL DIAGNOSTIC OR THERAPEUTIC USES UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.

Internal Search Keywords: 19052|19052RF|19052C.2|19012|14052 |Easy sep CD-4 T|Easy sep CD4|CD4+ T cell isolation|CD4 T cell isolation|T cell isolation

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EasySep Human CD4+ T Cell Enrichment Kit

The Department of Family and Preventive Medicine (DFPM) supports superb educational and research divisions.

Residency Program The Little Rock Family Medicine Residency Program teachesthe Family Medicine physicians of tomorrow. We offer excellenttrainingin apremieracademic medicalcenterin the states capital city, along with outstanding rotations at Arkansas Childrens Hospital and the John McClellan Veterans Administration Hospital. Our residents enjoy superior procedural training that includes screening colonoscopies, dermatological procedures, and musculoskeletal procedures. Another focus is psychosocial development.

Research and Evaluation Division (RED) RED focuses on family and environmental factors linked with poor health, growth, and psychosocial development of children. Weconduct research to test theoretical models, collaborate with community partners to implement and evaluate programs, train on research-based models, and translate those models into community settings.

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Medical Student Education Division The mission of the Medical Student Education divisionis to provide high quality Family Medicine educational opportunities, including clerkships for undergraduate students.

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Family and Preventive Medicine

We offer a broad range of services that can be used alone or together to meet the needs of the individual. Whether you are managing the side effects of a chronic condition, seeking pain relief or just looking for ways to enhance your healthy lifestyle, our Integrative Medicine & Health providers will work with you to select the classes and therapy sessions that are right for you. The services we offer are:

Registered therapy animals and their handlers work together to integrate animal interactions into health, education and human services for the purpose of therapeutic improvements and enriched health and wellness.

Often used in combination with massage and other therapeutic techniques as part of an integrative treatment approach, aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of plant-derived, aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being.

Art therapy uses the creative process of making art to improve a persons physical, mental and emotional health. Under the direction of a licensed art therapist, art expression is a non-verbal way to communicate thoughts, feelings, experiences and imagination, resulting in reduced stress, pain relief and personal insight.

Jin Shin Jyutsu uses the power of light touch on the body through clothing to assist with pain, stress, nausea, and other physical and emotional side effects of chronic conditions and illness.

Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of soft body tissues to enhance health and well-being. Massage sessions include therapeutic, relaxation, prenatal and oncology massages, which are tailored to meet patients individual needs.

Guided meditation can help reduce stress, support immune health, increase happiness, improve productivity and calm the mind.

Music therapy is the evidence-based use of music interventions to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual needs of patients of all ages. A music therapy session with a board-certified music therapist may include patient-preferred music, lyric analysis, instrument playing, singing, songwriting, or music and imagery.

Narrative medicine sessions encourage patients to rediscover personal identity and meaning by telling or writing their stories. Patients are invited to share their life experiences, sources of strength, new insights or perspectives during illness or treatment, and hopes for the future.

Regardless of faith or religious affiliation, pastoral care is available to patients, family and staff at all times to help deal with the spiritual and emotional challenges associated with medical events and crises.

Reiki is a non-invasive Japanese healing practice that involves the placement of hands above or gently on the body, using life-force energy to facilitate relaxation and stress reduction and to promote healing.

Often called moving meditation, tai chi is a Chinese martial art that combines a variety of slow, gentle movements, standing postures and deep breathing to focus the bodys energy and align mind, body and spirit.

Yoga is an effective mind-body practice incorporating gentle movement, breathing and deep relaxation techniques to reduce stress, pain and fatigue. These techniques also promote positive physical, mental and emotional changes. Yoga classes are suitable for all skill levels.

Link:
Integrative Medicine & Health | UK HealthCare

Overview

Integrative Medicine techniques support the body's natural ability to heal, reducing stress and promoting a state of relaxation that leads to better health. It can help you achieve optimal health when you engage in your own healing and feel empowered to make lifestyle changes. Incorporating one or more Integrative Medicine services into your healthcare regimen will help you regain control of your well-being.

Integrative Medicine uses modalities such as acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation and relaxation techniques to reduce pain; dietary and herbal approaches to manage diseases such as diabetes and fibromyalgia; and group support to change habits associated with obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

Lifestyle Medicine is an evidence-based practice of assisting individuals and families adopt and sustain lifestyle behaviors that can improve your health and quality of life, such as eliminating tobacco use, improving diet, practicing stress relief techniques, and increasing physical activity. Poor lifestyle choices are the root cause of modern chronic diseases. Scientific evidence is clear - adults with common chronic conditions who adhere to a healthy lifestyle experience rapid, significant, clinically meaningful and sustainable improvements in their health.

The practices, techniques and services offered that most patients find helpful include:

Medical consults and several complementary therapies are now offered via an online appointment called Cleveland Clinic Express Care (or Virtual Visits). To make an appointment or learn more about any of these services, call 216.448.4325 option 4.

Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine services have become very popular in the United States, with more than 70 percent of Americans using them in some form.

You may benefit from Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine if you suffer from a chronic illness and wish to reduce the severity or frequency of disease episodes, decrease stress related to chronic disease, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine can help patients relieve symptoms of a wide range of conditions, including:

See more here:
Integrative Medicine: About | Cleveland Clinic

Of all of the possible techniques and strategies that can lead us as a species to find a way to increase our size, the advent of stem cells is one of the most promising ideas.In this post, I wanted to give a very general and brief introduction to our journey into the subject of stem cells to search for a solution to our height increase endeavor. This first post will definitely wont be the last post on this subject since there is so much research currently being done in this subject to look for solutions to some of our biggest medical and cosmetic problems we face in our modern era.

If we remember from our high school or college biology classes, we might remember that we all came from the zygotic formation brought by the male gamete the sperm coming into fusion with the female gamete the egg. From this initial single organism zygote we are slowly developed into something resembling a human baby in our mothers uterus. The curous person would be asking the question Just how exactly does the zygote figure out how to grow and develop into the product of a human baby? That comes from the instructions in the cell called DNA. DNA stand for deoxyribonucleic acid, which is a double helix structure which has at its most basic level only 4 types of nucleotides bases being repeated and sorted in a certain order. From the way the nucleotide bases are set up, we get our codons, which organize themselves to form genes. the genes are really just segments of biological instruction ,or information. The information is what really tells the cells what to do. That is where almost all of genetics and the study of stem cells begins.

The stem cell is a type of cell which can differentiate itself and transform into another type of cell which has a specialized function as well as self generate more of itself. The ability of the stem cell to turn into so many different types of cells allows its application into the medical sciences to be nearly endless. If we can get certain stem cells to regrow into the tyep fo tissues and even organs that we wnat, we can essentially treat our body like a car, where if a specific part is damaged or not functioning, we can go into out body and replace the damaged tissue from the stem cell derived results.

If we look at the diagram to our left we can see just what types of diseases and pathologies stem cells therapy can potentially treat. Some of the possibilities can seem to come from science fiction.

Stroke, Baldness, Blindness, Learning Defects, Deafness Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons Disease, Missing Teeth, Teeth cavitations, Wond healing, Brain Injuries, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Myocardial Infarction, Muscular Dystrophy, Diabetes, Bone marrow transplantation, Spinal cord injury, Multiple types of cancer, Osteoarthiritis, Crohns Disease.

It would seem from this list that our desire to use stem cells to increase our height seems almost insignificant when we consider what other applications stem cell therapies can be used for. It is a real shame the the US government and scientific community has been slow or even against the research of stem cell therapy. What often has to happen is that if a person suffering from a specific pathology wanted to use stem cell therapy as treatment, they have to leave the US and get it somewhere else.I dont have a Ph. D so I dont feel like I am qualified to explain to you all the most important aspects of stem cells so I will leave most of the instructioning to Wikiepdia.

From the Wikipedia Article on Stem Cells found HERE, I wanted to post a few of the main points about the unique cells.

Stem cellsarebiological cellsfound in all multicellularorganisms, that candivide(throughmitosis) anddifferentiateinto diverse specialized cell types and can self-renew to produce more stem cells. In mammals, there are two broad types of stem cells:embryonic stem cells, which are isolated from theinner cell massofblastocysts, andadult stem cells, which are found in various tissues. Inadultorganisms, stem cells andprogenitor cellsact as a repair system for the body, replenishing adult tissues. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all the specialized cells (these are called pluripotent cells), but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin, or intestinal tissues.

There are three accessible sources ofautologousadult stem cells in humans:

Stem cells can also be taken fromumbilical cord bloodjust after birth. Of all stem cell types, autologous harvesting involves the least risk. By definition, autologous cells are obtained from ones own body, just as one may bank his or her own blood for elective surgical procedures.

Highly plastic adult stem cells are routinely used in medical therapies, for example inbone marrow transplantation. Stem cells can now be artificially grown and transformed (differentiated) into specialized cell types with characteristics consistent with cells of various tissues such as muscles or nerves throughcell culture. Embryoniccell linesandautologousembryonic stem cells generated throughtherapeutic cloninghave also been proposed as promising candidates for futuretherapies.

The classical definition of a stem cell requires that it possess two properties:

Two mechanisms to ensure that a stem cell population is maintained exist:

Pluripotent, embryonic stem cells originate as inner cell mass (ICM) cells within a blastocyst. These stem cells can become any tissue in the body, excluding a placenta. Only cells from an earlier stage of the embryo, known as themorula, are totipotent, able to become all tissues in the body and the extraembryonic placenta.

Humanembryonicstem cellsA: Cell colonies that are not yet differentiated.B:Nervecell

Main article:Cell potency

Potencyspecifies the differentiation potential (the potential to differentiate into different cell types) of the stem cell.

The practical definition of a stem cell is the functional definitiona cell that has the potential to regenerate tissue over a lifetime. For example, the defining test for a bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) is the ability to transplant one cell and save an individual without HSCs. In this case, a stem cell must be able to produce new blood cells and immune cells over a long term, demonstrating potency. It should also be possible to isolate stem cells from the transplanted individual, which can themselves be transplanted into another individual without HSCs, demonstrating that the stem cell was able to self-renew.

Properties of stem cells can be illustratedin vitro, using methods such asclonogenic assays, in which single cells are assessed for their ability to differentiate and self-renew.Stem cells can also be isolated by their possession of a distinctive set of cell surface markers. However,in vitroculture conditions can alter the behavior of cells, making it unclear whether the cells will behave in a similar mannerin vivo. There is considerable debate as to whether some proposed adult cell populations are truly stem cells.

Embryonic stem (ES) cell lines are cultures of cells derived from theepiblasttissue of theinner cell mass(ICM) of ablastocystor earliermorulastage embryos.[9]A blastocyst is an early stageembryoapproximately four to five days old in humans and consisting of 50150 cells. ES cells arepluripotentand give rise during development to all derivatives of the three primarygerm layers: ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. In other words, they can develop into each of the more than 200 cell types of the adultbodywhen given sufficient and necessary stimulation for a specific cell type. They do not contribute to the extra-embryonic membranes or theplacenta. The endoderm is composed of the entire gut tube and the lungs, the ectoderm gives rise to the nervous system and skin, and the mesoderm gives rise to muscle, bone, bloodin essence, everything else that connects the endoderm to the ectoderm.

Stem cell division and differentiation. A: stem cell; B: progenitor cell; C: differentiated cell; 1: symmetric stem cell division; 2: asymmetric stem cell division; 3: progenitor division; 4: terminal differentiation

Also known assomatic(from Greek , of the body) stem cells and germline (giving rise to gametes) stem cells, they can be found in children, as well as adults.

Pluripotent adult stem cells are rare and generally small in number but can be found in a number of tissues including umbilical cord blood.A great deal of adult stem cell research to date has had the aim of characterizing the capacity of the cells to divide or self-renew indefinitely and their differentiation potential.In mice, pluripotent stem cells are directly generated from adult fibroblast cultures. Unfortunately, many mice do not live long with stem cell organs.

Most adult stem cells are lineage-restricted (multipotent) and are generally referred to by their tissue origin (mesenchymal stem cell, adipose-derived stem cell,endothelial stem cell,dental pulp stem cell, etc.).

Adult stem cell treatments have been successfully used for many years to treat leukemia and related bone/blood cancers through bone marrow transplants.

Multipotent stem cells are also found inamniotic fluid. These stem cells are very active, expand extensively without feeders and are not tumorigenic.Amniotic stem cellsare multipotent and can differentiate in cells of adipogenic, osteogenic, myogenic, endothelial, hepatic and also neuronal lines.[29]All over the world, universities and research institutes are studyingamniotic fluidto discover all the qualities of amniotic stem cells

These are not adult stem cells, but rather adult cells (e.g. epithelial cells) reprogrammed to give rise to pluripotent capabilities. Using genetic reprogramming with proteintranscription factors, pluripotent stem cells equivalent toembryonic stem cellshave been derived from human adult skin tissue

To ensure self-renewal, stem cells undergo two types of cell division (seeStem cell division and differentiationdiagram). Symmetric division gives rise to two identical daughter cells both endowed with stem cell properties. Asymmetric division, on the other hand, produces only one stem cell and aprogenitor cellwith limited self-renewal potential. Progenitors can go through several rounds of cell division before terminallydifferentiatinginto a mature cell. It is possible that the molecular distinction between symmetric and asymmetric divisions lies in differential segregation of cell membrane proteins (such asreceptors) between the daughter cells.

Stem cell treatmentsare a type of intervention strategy that introduces new adult stem cells into damaged tissue in order to treat disease or injury. Manymedical researchersbelieve that stem cell treatments have the potential to change the face of human disease and alleviate suffering.The ability ofstem cellsto self-renew and give rise to subsequent generations with variable degrees of differentiation capacities,offers significant potential for generation of tissues that can potentially replace diseased and damaged areas in the body, with minimal risk of rejection and side effects

Me: I wanted to add for this last part that the list of pathologies that stem cell therapy can be used to treat for is really long and amazing. If you wanted to read up on all the types of things stem cells can be use to be treated for, click on the Wikipedia article on Stem Cell Treatments located HERE.

Original post:
Grow Taller Using Stem Cells , Part I - Natural Height Growth

Stem Cell Therapy and Kidney Failure

Kidney failure (or renal failure) is a condition in which the kidneys fail to function properly. Physiologically, renal failure is described as a decrease in blood filtration (glomerular filtration rate or GFR). Clinically, this is manifested in elevated serum creatinine. Still not well understood are many of the factors that are involved in kidney failure. Researchers are studying the effects of nutritional proteins and the concentration of cholesterol in the blood.

Acute renal failure: Some kidney problems happen quickly, such as from an accident that causes kidney damage. A great loss of blood can cause sudden kidney failure, also some drugs or poisons can cause the kidneys to stop working. Such sudden drops in kidney function are called acute renal failure.

Are you living with Kidney Failure? Call us today for a FREE consultation for stem cell therapy or fill out the Case Evaluation Form to begin.

Stem cells are harvested from the patients own bone marrow, which includes fresh cells, proteins, growth factors and other tools necessary to rebuild damaged tissue. Although these substances exist naturally in an individuals bone marrow, they are usually not released into a persons bloodstream in sufficient quantities to repair damage throughout the body.

By liberating the stem cells and relocating them to an affected area, stem cell treatment solves this problem and provides relief to damaged tissue.

This regenerative effect makes stem cell therapy an attractive treatment option for patients suffering from degenerative illnesses, including auto-immune disorders, aging and damage from disease.

ProgenCells procedures are scientifically designed and professionally followed; we have one goal in mind: substantial health improvement using stem cell therapy for people with Kidney Failure.

We do not suggest that patients substitute their current medical doctor or abandon current treatments. Since this is a long-term protocol, it is necessary for your current medical doctor to continue to follow up on your case.

See original here:
Stem Cell Therapy and Kidney Failure - ProgenCell

The documents and resources housed within this section are provided by the Review Committee for Preventive Medicine and its staff at the ACGME to assistACGME-accredited programs and those applying for accreditation in this specialty and its subspecialties of clinical informatics, medical toxicology, and undersea and hyperbaric medicine.

Preventive medicine is the medical specialty that focuses on the promotion, protection, and maintenance of health and well-being, the prevention of disease and disability, and the premature death of individuals in defined populations.

Programs in preventive medicine focus on one of three areas:

Programs in aerospace medicine focus on the health of a population group consisting of the operational crews and passengers of air and space vehicles, and the support personnel required to operate such vehicles.

Programs in occupational medicine focus on the relationships among the health of workers; the arrangements of work; the physical, chemical, and social environments in the workplace; and the health outcomes of environmental exposures.

Programs in public health and general preventive medicine focus on health promotion and disease prevention in communities and other defined populations.

Directions on how to search for programs in one of the above areas of preventive medicine are available here.

PREVENTIVE MEDICINE SUBSPECIALTIES

Addiction MedicineClinical InformaticsMedical ToxicologyUndersea and Hyperbaric Medicine

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Preventive Medicine - ACGME

GoutSynonymsPodagraThe Gout (James Gillray, 1799) depicts the pain of the artist's podagra as a demon or dragon.[1][2]SpecialtyRheumatologySymptomsJoint pain, swelling, and redness[3]Usual onsetOlder males[4]CausesUric acid[4]Risk factorsDiet high in meat or beer, overweight[4][5]Differential diagnosisJoint infection, reactive arthritis, pseudogout, others[6]PreventionWeight loss, vitamin C, not drinking alcohol, allopurinol[4]TreatmentNSAIDs, steroids, colchicine[7]Frequency1 to 2% (developed world)[4]

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by recurrent attacks of a red, tender, hot, and swollen joint.[3] Pain typically comes on rapidly in less than twelve hours.[4] The joint at the base of the big toe is affected in about half of cases.[8] It may also result in tophi, kidney stones, or urate nephropathy.[4]

Gout is due to persistently elevated levels of uric acid in the blood.[4] This occurs due to a combination of diet and genetic factors.[4] At high levels, uric acid crystallizes and the crystals deposit in joints, tendons, and surrounding tissues, resulting in an attack of gout.[4] Gout occurs more commonly in those who regularly eat meat or seafood, drink beer, or are overweight.[4][5] Diagnosis of gout may be confirmed by the presence of crystals in the joint fluid or in a deposit outside the joint.[4] Blood uric acid levels may be normal during an attack.[4]

Treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, or colchicine improves symptoms.[4] Once the acute attack subsides, levels of uric acid can be lowered via lifestyle changes and in those with frequent attacks, allopurinol or probenecid provides long-term prevention.[4] Taking vitamin C and eating a diet high in low fat dairy products may be preventive.[9]

Gout affects about 1 to 2% of the Western population at some point in their lives.[4] It has become more common in recent decades.[4] This is believed to be due to increasing risk factors in the population, such as metabolic syndrome, longer life expectancy, and changes in diet.[4] Older males are most commonly affected.[4] Gout was historically known as "the disease of kings" or "rich man's disease".[4][10] It has been recognized at least since the time of the ancient Egyptians.[4]

Gout can present in multiple ways, although the most usual is a recurrent attack of acute inflammatory arthritis (a red, tender, hot, swollen joint).[3] The metatarsal-phalangeal joint at the base of the big toe is affected most often, accounting for half of cases.[8] Other joints, such as the heels, knees, wrists, and fingers, may also be affected.[8] Joint pain usually begins over 24hours and during the night.[8] This is mainly due to lower body temperature.[11] Other symptoms may rarely occur along with the joint pain, including fatigue and a high fever.[8][11]

Long-standing elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) may result in other symptoms, including hard, painless deposits of uric acid crystals known as tophi. Extensive tophi may lead to chronic arthritis due to bone erosion.[12] Elevated levels of uric acid may also lead to crystals precipitating in the kidneys, resulting in stone formation and subsequent urate nephropathy.[13]

The crystallization of uric acid, often related to relatively high levels in the blood, is the underlying cause of gout. This can occur because of diet, genetic predisposition, or underexcretion of urate, the salts of uric acid.[3] Underexcretion of uric acid by the kidney is the primary cause of hyperuricemia in about 90% of cases, while overproduction is the cause in less than 10%.[4] About 10% of people with hyperuricemia develop gout at some point in their lifetimes.[14] The risk, however, varies depending on the degree of hyperuricemia. When levels are between 415 and 530mol/l (7 and 8.9mg/dl), the risk is 0.5% per year, while in those with a level greater than 535mol/l (9mg/dL), the risk is 4.5% per year.[11]

Dietary causes account for about 12% of gout,[3] and include a strong association with the consumption of alcohol, fructose-sweetened drinks, meat, and seafood.[12][15] Among foods richest in purines yielding high amounts of uric acid are dried anchovies, shrimp, organ meat, dried mushrooms, seaweed, and beer yeast.[16] Other triggers include physical trauma and surgery.[4]

Studies in the early 2000s found that other dietary factors are not relevant.[15][17] Specifically, moderate consumption of purine-rich vegetables (e.g., beans, peas, lentils, and spinach) are not associated with gout.[18] Neither is total consumption of protein.[17][18] Alcohol consumption is strongly associated with increased risk, with wine presenting somewhat less of a risk than beer or spirits.[18][19]

The consumption of coffee, vitamin C, and dairy products, as well as physical fitness, appear to decrease the risk.[20][21][22][23] This is believed to be partly due to their effect in reducing insulin resistance.[22]

Gout is partly genetic, contributing to about 60% of variability in uric acid level.[4] The SLC2A9, SLC22A12, and ABCG2 genes have been found to be commonly associated with gout and variations in them can approximately double the risk.[24][25] Loss-of-function mutations in SLC2A9 and SLC22A12 cause hereditary hypouricaemia by reducing urate absorption and unopposed urate secretion.[25] The rare genetic disorders familial juvenile hyperuricemic nephropathy, medullary cystic kidney disease, phosphoribosylpyrophosphate synthetase superactivity and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency as seen in Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, are complicated by gout.[4]

Gout frequently occurs in combination with other medical problems. Metabolic syndrome, a combination of abdominal obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, and abnormal lipid levels, occurs in nearly 75% of cases.[8] Other conditions commonly complicated by gout include lead poisoning, kidney failure, hemolytic anemia, psoriasis, solid organ transplants and myeloproliferative disorders such as polycythemia.[4][26] A body mass index greater than or equal to 35 increases male risk of gout threefold.[15] Chronic lead exposure and lead-contaminated alcohol are risk factors for gout due to the harmful effect of lead on kidney function.[27] Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is often associated with gouty arthritis.

Diuretics have been associated with attacks of gout. However, a low dose of hydrochlorothiazide does not seem to increase risk.[28] Other medications that increase the risk include niacin, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (except losartan), beta blockers, ritonavir, and pyrazinamide.[12][29] The immunosuppressive drugs ciclosporin and tacrolimus are also associated with gout,[4] the former more so when used in combination with hydrochlorothiazide.[30]

Gout is a disorder of purine metabolism,[4] and occurs when its final metabolite, uric acid, crystallizes in the form of monosodium urate, precipitating and forming deposits (tophi) in joints, on tendons, and in the surrounding tissues.[12] Microscopic tophi may be walled off by a ring of proteins, which blocks interaction of the crystals with cells and therefore avoids inflammation.[31] Naked crystals may break out of walled-off tophi due to minor physical damage to the joint, medical or surgical stress, or rapid changes in uric acid levels.[31] When they break through the tophi, they trigger a local immune-mediated inflammatory reaction in macrophages, which is initiated by the NLRP3 inflammasome protein complex.[12][29][31] Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome recruits the enzyme caspase 1, which converts pro-interleukin 1 into active interleukin 1, one of the key proteins in the inflammatory cascade.[29] An evolutionary loss of urate oxidase (uricase), which breaks down uric acid, in humans and higher primates has made this condition common.[4]

The triggers for precipitation of uric acid are not well understood. While it may crystallize at normal levels, it is more likely to do so as levels increase.[12][32] Other triggers believed to be important in acute episodes of arthritis include cool temperatures, rapid changes in uric acid levels, acidosis,[33][34] articular hydration and extracellular matrix proteins, such as proteoglycans, collagens, and chondroitin sulfate.[4] The increased precipitation at low temperatures partly explains why the joints in the feet are most commonly affected.[3] Rapid changes in uric acid may occur due to factors including trauma, surgery, chemotherapy, diuretics, and stopping or starting allopurinol.[11] Calcium channel blockers and losartan are associated with a lower risk of gout compared to other medications for hypertension.[35]

Gout may be diagnosed and treated without further investigations in someone with hyperuricemia and the classic acute arthritis of the base of the great toe (known as podagra). Synovial fluid analysis should be done, however, if the diagnosis is in doubt.[11][36] X-rays, while useful for identifying chronic gout, have little utility in acute attacks.[4]

A definitive diagnosis of gout is based upon the identification of monosodium urate crystals in synovial fluid or a tophus.[8] All synovial fluid samples obtained from undiagnosed inflamed joints by arthrocentesis should be examined for these crystals.[4] Under polarized light microscopy, they have a needle-like morphology and strong negative birefringence. This test is difficult to perform and requires a trained observer.[37] The fluid must be examined relatively soon after aspiration, as temperature and pH affect solubility.[4]

Hyperuricemia is a classic feature of gout, but nearly half of the time gout occurs without hyperuricemia and most people with raised uric acid levels never develop gout.[8][38] Thus, the diagnostic utility of measuring uric acid levels is limited.[8] Hyperuricemia is defined as a plasma urate level greater than 420 mol/l (7.0mg/dl) in males and 360 mol/l (6.0mg/dl) in females.[39] Other blood tests commonly performed are white blood cell count, electrolytes, kidney function and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). However, both the white blood cells and ESR may be elevated due to gout in the absence of infection.[40][41] A white blood cell count as high as 40.0109/l (40,000/mm3) has been documented.[11]

The most important differential diagnosis in gout is septic arthritis.[4][8] This should be considered in those with signs of infection or those who do not improve with treatment.[8] To help with diagnosis, a synovial fluid Gram stain and culture may be performed.[8] Other conditions that can look similar include pseudogout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis.[8][29] Gouty tophi, in particular when not located in a joint, can be mistaken for basal cell carcinoma[42] or other neoplasms.[43]

Both lifestyle changes and medications can decrease uric acid levels. Dietary and lifestyle choices that are effective include reducing intake of purine-rich foods of animal origin such as meat and seafood, alcohol, and fructose (especially high fructose corn syrup).[5] Eating dairy products, vitamin C, coffee, and cherries may help prevent gout attacks, as does losing weight.[5][44] Gout may be secondary to sleep apnea via the release of purines from oxygen-starved cells. Treatment of apnea can lessen the occurrence of attacks.[45]

A number of medications are useful for preventing further episodes of gout, including allopurinol, febuxostat, and probenecid.[46] Long term medications are not recommended until a person has had two attacks of gout,[3] unless destructive joint changes, tophi, or urate nephropathy exist.[13] It is not until this point that medications are cost-effective.[3] They are not usually started until one to two weeks after an acute flare has resolved, due to theoretical concerns of worsening the attack.[3] They are often used in combination with either an NSAID or colchicine for the first three to six months.[4]

Urate-lowering measures should be increased until serum uric acid levels are below 300360mol/l (5.06.0mg/dl) and continue indefinitely.[3][4][47] If these medications are in chronic use at the time of an attack, it is recommended that they be continued.[8] Levels that cannot be brought below 6.0mg/dl while attacks continue indicates refractory gout.[48]

While historically it is not recommended to start allopurinol during an acute attack of gout, this practice appears okay.[49] Allopurinol blocks uric acid production, and is the most commonly used agent.[3] Long term therapy is safe and well tolerated, and can be used in people with renal impairment or urate stones, although hypersensitivity occurs in a small number of individuals.[3]

Febuxostat is typically only recommended in those who cannot tolerate allopurinol.[50] There are concerns about more heart related deaths with febuxostat compared to allopurinol.[51] Probenecid appears to be less effective than allopurinol and is a second line agent.[3][46] Probenecid may be used if undersecretion of uric acid is present (24-hour urine uric acid less than 800mg).[52] It is, however, not recommended if a person has a history of kidney stones.[52] Pegloticase is an option for the 3% of people who are intolerant to other medications.[53] It is a third line agent.[46] Pegloticase is administered as an intravenous infusion every two weeks,[53] and reduces uric acid levels.[54] Pegloticase is useful decreasing tophi but has a high rate of side effects and many people develop resistance to it.[55][46] In 2016 it was withdrawn from the European market.[56][57]

The initial aim of treatment is to settle the symptoms of an acute attack.[58] Repeated attacks can be prevented by medications that reduce serum uric acid levels.[58] Tentative evidence supports the application of ice for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day to decrease pain.[59] Options for acute treatment include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, and steroids.[3] While steroids and NSAIDs work equally well, steroids may be safer.[60] Options for prevention include allopurinol, febuxostat, and probenecid. Lowering uric acid levels can cure the disease.[4] Treatment of associated health problems is also important.[4] Lifestyle interventions have been poorly studied.[59] It is unclear whether dietary supplements have an effect in people with gout.[61]

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) are the usual first-line treatment for gout. No specific agent is significantly more or less effective than any other.[3] Improvement may be seen within four hours and treatment is recommended for one to two weeks.[3][4] They are not recommended, however, in those with certain other health problems, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney failure, or heart failure.[62] While indometacin has historically been the most commonly used NSAID, an alternative, such as ibuprofen, may be preferred due to its better side effect profile in the absence of superior effectiveness.[28] For those at risk of gastric side effects from NSAIDs, an additional proton pump inhibitor may be given.[63] There is some evidence that COX-2 inhibitors may work as well as nonselective NSAIDs for acute gout attack with fewer side effects.[64][65]

Colchicine is an alternative for those unable to tolerate NSAIDs.[3] At high doses, side effects (primarily gastrointestinal upset) limit its usage.[66] At lower doses, which are still effective, it is well tolerated.[28][67] Colchicine may interact with other commonly prescribed drugs, such as atorvastatin and erythromycin, among others.[66]

Glucocorticoids have been found to be as effective as NSAIDs[68][69] and may be used if contraindications exist for NSAIDs. They also lead to improvement when injected into the joint. A joint infection must be excluded, however, as steroids worsen this condition.[3]

Interleukin-1 inhibitors, such as canakinumab, showed moderate effectiveness for pain relief and reduction of joint swelling, but have increased risk of adverse events, such as back pain, headache, and increased blood pressure.[70] They, however, may work less well than usual doses of NSAIDS.[70] The high cost of this class of drugs may also discourage their use for treating gout.[70]

Without treatment, an acute attack of gout usually resolves in five to seven days; however, 60% of people have a second attack within one year.[11] Those with gout are at increased risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and kidney and cardiovascular disease and thus are at increased risk of death.[4][71] It is unclear whether medications that lower urate affect cardiovascular disease risks.[72] This may be partly due to its association with insulin resistance and obesity, but some of the increased risk appears to be independent.[71]

Without treatment, episodes of acute gout may develop into chronic gout with destruction of joint surfaces, joint deformity, and painless tophi.[4] These tophi occur in 30% of those who are untreated for five years, often in the helix of the ear, over the olecranon processes, or on the Achilles tendons.[4] With aggressive treatment, they may dissolve. Kidney stones also frequently complicate gout, affecting between 10 and 40% of people and occur due to low urine pH promoting the precipitation of uric acid.[4] Other forms of chronic kidney dysfunction may occur.[4]

Gouty tophi presenting as nodules on the finger and helix of the ear

Tophii on the toe and ankle

Gout complicated by ruptured tophi, the exudite of which tested positive for uric acid crystals

Gout in the joint of the big toe

Gout affects around 12% of the Western population at some point in their lifetimes and is becoming more common.[3][4] Some 5.8 million people were affected in 2013.[73] Rates of gout approximately doubled between 1990 and 2010.[12] This rise is believed to be due to increasing life expectancy, changes in diet and an increase in diseases associated with gout, such as metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure.[15] Factors that influence rates of gout, include age, race, and the season of the year. In men over 30 and women over 50, rates are 2%.[62]

In the United States, gout is twice as likely in males of African descent than those of European descent.[74] Rates are high among Pacific Islanders and the Mori, but the disease is rare in aboriginal Australians, despite a higher mean uric acid serum concentration in the latter group.[75] It has become common in China, Polynesia, and urban sub-Saharan Africa.[4] Some studies found that attacks of gout occur more frequently in the spring. This has been attributed to seasonal changes in diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and temperature.[76]

The term "gout" was initially used by Randolphus of Bocking, around 1200 AD. It is derived from the Latin word gutta, meaning "a drop" (of liquid).[77] According to the Oxford English Dictionary, this is derived from humorism and "the notion of the 'dropping' of a morbid material from the blood in and around the joints".[78]

Gout has been known since antiquity. Historically, it was referred to as "the king of diseases and the disease of kings"[4][79] or "rich man's disease".[10] The first documentation of the disease is from Egypt in 2,600 BC in a description of arthritis of the big toe. Greek physician Hippocrates around 400 BC commented on it in his Aphorisms, noting its absence in eunuchs and premenopausal women.[77][80] Aulus Cornelius Celsus (30 AD) described the linkage with alcohol, later onset in women and associated kidney problems:

Again thick urine, the sediment from which is white, indicates that pain and disease are to be apprehended in the region of joints or viscera... Joint troubles in the hands and feet are very frequent and persistent, such as occur in cases of podagra and cheiragra. These seldom attack eunuchs or boys before coition with a woman, or women except those in whom the menses have become suppressed... some have obtained lifelong security by refraining from wine, mead and venery.[81]

In 1683, Thomas Sydenham, an English physician, described its occurrence in the early hours of the morning and its predilection for older males:

Gouty patients are, generally, either old men or men who have so worn themselves out in youth as to have brought on a premature old ageof such dissolute habits none being more common than the premature and excessive indulgence in venery and the like exhausting passions. The victim goes to bed and sleeps in good health. About two o'clock in the morning he is awakened by a severe pain in the great toe; more rarely in the heel, ankle, or instep. The pain is like that of a dislocation and yet parts feel as if cold water were poured over them. Then follows chills and shivers and a little fever... The night is passed in torture, sleeplessness, turning the part affected and perpetual change of posture; the tossing about of body being as incessant as the pain of the tortured joint and being worse as the fit comes on.[82]

Dutch scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek first described the microscopic appearance of urate crystals in 1679.[77] In 1848, English physician Alfred Baring Garrod identified excess uric acid in the blood as the cause of gout.[83]

Gout is rare in most other animals due to their ability to produce uricase, which breaks down uric acid.[84] Humans and other great apes do not have this ability, thus gout is common.[11][84] Other animals with uricase include fish, amphibians, and most non primate mammals.[85] The Tyrannosaurus rex specimen known as "Sue", however, is believed to have suffered from gout.[86]

A number of new medications are under study for treating gout, including anakinra, canakinumab, and rilonacept.[87] Canakinumab may result in better outcomes than a low dose of a steroid, but costs five thousand times more.[88] A recombinant uricase enzyme (rasburicase) is available; its use, however, is limited, as it triggers an immune response. Less antigenic versions are in development.[11]

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Gout - Wikipedia

Our Technology

Gulf Coast Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center (GCSC&RMC) uses adipose-derived stem cells for deployment & clinical research. Early stem cell research has traditionally been associated with the controversial use of embryonic stem cells. The new focus is on non-embryonic adult mesenchymal stem cells which are found in a persons own blood, bone marrow, and fat. Most stem cell therapy centers in the world are currently using stem cells derived from bone marrow.

A recent technological breakthrough enables us to now use adipose (fat) derived stem cells. Autologous stem cells from a persons own fat are easy to harvest safely under local anesthesia and are abundant in quantities up to 2500 times those seen in bone marrow.

Clinical success and favorable outcomes appear to be related directly to the quantity of stem cells deployed. Once these adipose-derived stem cells are administered back into the patient, they have the potential to repair human tissue by forming new cells of mesenchymal origin, such as cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons, nerve, fat, muscle, blood vessels, and certain internal organs. Stem cells ability to form cartilage and bone makes them potentially highly effective therapy for degenerative orthopedic conditions. Their ability to form new blood vessels and smooth muscle makes them potentially very useful in treating Peyronies disease and impotence. Stem cells are used extensively in Europe and Asia to treat these conditions.

We have anecdotal and experimental evidence that stem cell therapy is effective in healing and regeneration. Stem cells seek out damaged tissues in order to repair the body naturally. The literature and internet are full of successful testimonials but we are still awaiting definitive studies demonstrating the efficacy of stem cell therapy. Such data may take five or ten years to accumulate. In an effort to provide relief for patients suffering from certain degenerative diseases that have been resistant to common modalities of medical care, we are initiating pilot studies as experimental tests of therapy effectiveness with very high numbers of adipose-derived stem cells obtained from fat. Adipose fat is an abundant and reliable source of stem cells.

GCSC&RMCs cell harvesting and isolation techniques are based on technology from Korea. This new technological breakthrough allows patients to safely receive their own autologous stem cells in extremely large quantities. Our therapy and research are patient funded and we have endeavored successfully to make it affordable. All of our sterile procedures are non-invasive and done under local anesthesia. Patients who are looking for non-surgical alternatives to their degenerative disorders can participate in our trials by filling out our application to determine if they are candidates.GCSC&RMC is proud to be state of the art in the new field of Regenerative Medicine. RETURN TO TOP

We are currently in the process of setting up FDA approved protocols for stem cell banking in collaboration with a reputable cryo-technology company. This enables a person to receive autologous stem cells at any time in the future without having to undergo liposuction which may be inconvenient or contraindicated. Having your own stem cells available for medical immediate use is a valuable medical asset.

Provisions are nearly in place for this option and storage of your own stem cells obtained by liposuction at GCSC&RMC or from fat obtained from cosmetic procedures performed elsewhere should be possible in the near future. RETURN TO TOP

Adult (NonEmbryonic) Mesenchymal Stem Cells are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to replace dying cells and regenerate damaged tissue. These special cells seek out areas of injury, disease, and destruction where they are capable of regenerating healthy cells and enabling a persons natural healing processes to be accelerated. As we gain a deeper understanding of their medical function and apply this knowledge, we are realizing their enormous therapeutic potential to help the body heal itself. Adult stem cells have been used for a variety of medicaltherapies to repair and regenerate acute and chronically damaged tissues in humans and animals. The use of stem cells is not FDA approved for treating any specific disease in the United States at this time and their use is therefore investigational. Many reputable international centers have been using stem cell therapy to treat various chronic degenerative conditions as diverse as severe neurologic diseases, renal failure, erectile dysfunction, degenerative orthopedic problems, and even cardiac and pulmonary diseases to name a few. Adult stem cells appear to be particularly effective at repairing cartilage in degenerated joints. RETURN TO TOP

Regenerative Medicine is the process of creating living, functional tissues to repair or replace tissue or organ function lost due to damage, or congenital defects. This field holds the promise of regenerating damaged tissues and organs in the body by stimulating previously irreparable organs to heal themselves. (Wikipedia) RETURN TO TOP

Traditionally, we have used various medications and hormones to limit disease and help the body repair itself. For example, hormone replacement therapy has, in many cases, shown the ability to more optimally help the immune system and thus help us repair diseased or injured tissues. Genetic research is an evolving area where we will eventually learn and utilize more ways of specifically dealing with gene defects causing degenerative disease. Stem cell therapy is another rapidly evolving and exciting area that has already shown considerable promise in treating many degenerative conditions. RETURN TO TOP

A stem cell is basically any cell that can replicate and differentiate. This means the cell can not only multiply, it can turn into different types of tissues. There are different kinds of stem cells. Most people are familiar with or have heard the term embryonic stem cell. These are cells from the embryonic stage that have yet to differentiate as such, they can change into any body part at all. These are then called pluripotential cells. Because they are taken from unborn or unwanted embryos, there has been considerable controversy surrounding their use. Also, while they have been used in some areas of medicine particularly, outside the United States they have also been associated with occasional tumor (teratoma) formations. There is work being conducted by several companies to isolate particular lines of embryonic stem cells for future use.

Another kind of stem cell is the adult stem cell. This is a stem cell that already resides in ones body within different tissues. In recent times, much work has been done isolating bone-marrow derived stem cells. These are also known as mesenchymal stem cells because they come from the mesodermal section of your body. They can differentiate into bone and cartilage, and probably all other mesodermal elements, such as fat, connective tissue, blood vessels, muscle and nerve tissue. Bone marrow stem cells can be extracted and because they are low in numbers, they are usually cultured in order to multiply their numbers for future use. As it turns out, fat is also loaded with mesenchymal stem cells. In fact, it has hundreds if not thousands of times more stem cells compared to bone marrow. Today, we actually have tools that allow us to separate the stem cells from fat. Because most people have adequate fat supplies and the numbers of stem cells are so great, there is no need to culture the cells over a period of days and they can be used right away. RETURN TO TOP

These adult stem cells are known as progenitor cells. This means they remain dormant (do nothing) unless they witness some level of tissue injury. Its the tissue injury that turns them on. So, when a person has a degenerative type problem, the stem cells tend to go to that area of need and stimulate the healing process. Were still not sure if they simply change into the type of injured tissue needed for repair or if they send out signals that induce the repair by some other mechanism. Suffice it to say that there are multiple animal models and a plethora of human evidence that indicates these are significant reparative cells. RETURN TO TOP

This will depend on the type of degenerative condition you have. A specialist will evaluate you and discuss whether youre a potential candidate for stem cell therapy. If after youve been recommended for therapy, had an opportunity to understand the potential risks and benefits, and decided on your own that you would like to explore this avenue, then you can be considered for stem cell therapy. Of course, even though its a minimally invasive procedure, you will still need to be medically cleared for the procedure. RETURN TO TOP

NO. However, GCSC&RMCs procedures fall under the category of physicians practice of medicine, wherein the physician and patient are free to consider their chosen course for medical care. The FDA does have guidelines about therapy and manipulation of a patients own tissues. At GCSC&RMC we meet these guidelines by providing same day deployment with the patients own cells that undergo very minimal manipulation and are inserted during the same procedure. RETURN TO TOP

No. Only adult mesenchymal stem cells are used. These cells are capable of forming bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, ligaments, blood vessels, and certain organs. Embryonic stem cells are associated with ethical considerations and limitations. RETURN TO TOP

Patients suffer from many varieties of degenerative illnesses. There may be conditions associated with nearly all aspects of the body. Board-certified specialists are ideal to evaluate, recommend and/or treat, and subsequently, follow your progress. Together, through the GCSC&RMC, we work to coordinate and provide therapy mainly with your own stem cells, but also through other avenues of regenerative medicine. This could include hormone replacement therapy or other appropriate recommendations.

For example, if you have a knee problem, you would see GCSC&RMCs Board Certified orthopedic surgeon rather than a generic clinic director. Also, you might be recommended for evaluation for hormone replacement therapy or an exercise program should such be considered optimal. Nonetheless, we believe stem cell therapy to be the likely foundation for regenerative medicine.It should also be noted, that all therapies are currently in the investigational stage. While we recognize our patients are seeking improvement in their condition through stem cell therapy, each deployment is part of an ongoing investigation to establish optimal parameters for future therapies, to evaluate for effectiveness and for any adverse effects. It is essential that patients understand they are participating in these investigational (research) analyses. Once sufficient information is appropriately documented and statistically significant, then data (validated by an Institutional Review Board) may be presented to the FDA for consideration of making an actual claim. RETURN TO TOP

Urology, cosmetic surgery, ear, nose, & throat, orthopedics, internal medicine, and cardiology are represented. Plans are currently being made for a number of other specialties. GCSC&RMC is the first multi-specialty stem cell center in the United States. RETURN TO TOP

Many have been told that they require surgery or other risky procedures for their ailments and are looking for non-invasive options. Some have heard about the compelling testimonials about stem cells in the literature and on various websites. Many have read about the results of stem cell therapy in animal models and in humans. GCSC&RMC gives a choice to those informed patients who seek modern regenerative therapy but desire convenience, quality, and affordability. GCSC&RMC fills a need for those patients who have been told that they have to travel to different countries and pay as much as twenty to one hundred thousand dollars for stem cell therapy offshore. (See stem cell tourism). RETURN TO TOP

Stem cells are harvested and deployed during the same procedure. Our patients undergo a minimally-invasive liposuction type of harvesting procedure by a qualified surgeon in our facility in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The harvesting procedure generally lasts a few minutes and can be done under local anesthesia. Cells are then processed and are ready for deployment within 90 minutes or less. RETURN TO TOP

Bone marrow sampling (a somewhat uncomfortable procedure) yields approximately 5,000 60,000 cells that are then cultured over several days to perhaps a few million cells prior to deployment (injection into the patient). Recent advances in stem cell science have made it possible to obtain high numbers of very excellent quality multi-potent (able to form numerous other tissues) cells from a persons own liposuction fat. GCSC&RMC uses technology acquired from Asia to process this fat to yield approximately five hundred thousand to one million stem cells per cc of fat, and therefore, it is possible to obtain as many as 10 to 40 million cells from a single procedure. These adipose-derived stem cells can form many different types of cells when deployed properly including bone, cartilage, tendon (connective tissue), muscle, blood vessels, nerve tissue and others. RETURN TO TOP

GCSC&RMC patients have their fat (usually abdominal) harvested in our special sterile facility under a local anesthetic. The fat removal procedure lasts approximately twenty minutes. Specially designed equipment is used to harvest the fat cells and less than 100cc of fat is required. Postoperative discomfort is minimal and there is minimal restriction on activity. RETURN TO TOP

Stem cells are harvested under sterile conditions using a special closed system technology so that the cells never come into contact with the environment throughout the entire process from removal to deployment. Sterile technique and antibiotics are also used to prevent infection. RETURN TO TOP

No. Only a persons own adult autologous cells are used. These are harvested from each individual and deployed back into their own body. There is no risk of contamination or risk of introduction of mammalian DNA. RETURN TO TOP

These facilities are obtaining stem cells from bone marrow or blood in relatively small quantities and they are then culturing (growing) the cells to create adequate quantities. Research seems to indicate that success of stem cell therapy is directly related to the quantity of cells injected. GCSC&RMC uses adipose derived stem cells that are abundant naturally at approximately 2,500 times levels found in bone marrow (the most common source of mesenchymal stem cells). GCSC&RMC uses technology that isolates adipose stem cells in vast numbers in a short time span so that prolonged culturing is unnecessary and cells can be deployed into a patient within 90 minutes of harvesting. RETURN TO TOP

GCSC&RMC is doing pioneer research for treating many diseases. All investigational data is being collected so that results will be published in peer review literature and ultimately used to promote the advancement of cellular based regenerative medicine. FDA regulations mandate that no advertising medical claims be made and that even website testimonials are prohibited. RETURN TO TOP

No. Many are confused by this because they have heard of cancer patients receiving stem cell transplants. These patients had ablative bone marrow therapy and need stem cells to re-populate their blood and marrow. This is different from the stem cells we deploy to treat noncancerous human diseases at GCSC&RMC. RETURN TO TOP

Adult mesenchymal stem cells are not known to cause cancer. Some patients have heard of stories of cancer caused by stem cells, but these are probably related to the use of embryonic cells (Not Adult Mesenchymal Cells). These embryonic tumors known as teratomas are rare but possible occurrences when embryonic cells are used. RETURN TO TOP

Stem cell therapy is thought to be safe and not affect dormant cancers. If someone has had cancer that was treated and responded sucessfully, there is know reason to withhold stem cell deployment. In most cases, stem cells should not be used in patients with known active cancer. RETURN TO TOP

We know of no documented cases personally or in the literature where serious harm has resulted. All of our patients will be entered into a database to follow and report any adverse reactions. This information is vital to the development of stem cell science. There have been a few reports of serious complications from overseas and these are being thoroughly evaluated by epidemiologists to ascertain the facts. The International Stem Cell Society registry has over 1,000 cases currently registered and only 2% were associated with any complications, none of which were considered serious adverse events. RETURN TO TOP

None. Our aim is to make cell based medicine available to patients who are interested and to provide ongoing research data under approved Institutional Review Board (IRB) validated studies. We will follow our stem cell therapy patients over their lifetimes. This will enable us to accumulate significant data about the various degenerative diseases we treat. Instead of providing simply anecdotal or testimonial information, our goal is to categorize the various conditions and follow the patients progress through various objective (e.g. x-ray evidence or video displays) and subjective (e.g. patient and/or doctor surveys) criteria. We are aware of a lot of stories about marked improvement of a variety of conditions, but we make no claims about the intended therapy. At some point, once adequate amounts of data are accumulated, it might be appropriate to submit the information to the FDA at which point an actual claim may be substantiated and recognized by the Agency. Still, these are your own cells and not medicines for sale. They are only being used in your own body. Most likely, no claim needs to be made; rather a statistical analysis of our findings would suffice to suggest whether therapy is truly and significantly effective. We also hope to submit our patients data to an approved International Registry (See ICMS Stem Cell Registry) further fostering large collections of data to help identify both positive and negative trends. RETURN TO TOP

Our adipose derived stem cell harvesting and isolation technique yields extremely high numbers of stem cells. In reviewing outcomes data, therapy cell numbers appear to correlate with therapy success. Our cells are actually in a type of soup called Stromal Vascular Fraction SVF which is stem cells bathed in a rich mixture of natural growth factors (Not the same as human growth factor hormone which is only one type of growth factor). Some types of orthopedic and urologic diseases appear to respond better to stem cells that are super enriched with growth factors created by administering Platelet Rich Plasma to the patient. Autologous Platelet Rich Plasma is derived from a patients own blood drawn at the time of deployment. At GCSC&RMC we do not add any foreign substances or medications to the stem cells. RETURN TO TOP

Depending on the type of therapy required, stem cells can be injected through veins, arteries, into spinal fluid, subcutaneously, or directly into joints or organs. All of these are considered minimally invasive methods of introducing the stem cells. Stem cells injected intravenously are known to seek out and find (see photo) areas of tissue damage and migrate to that location thus potentially providing regenerative healing. Intravenously injected stem cells have been shown to have the capability of crossing the blood-brain barrier to enter the central nervous system and they can be identified in the patients body many months after deployment. Note yellow arrow showing the stem cells concentrated in the patients hand where he had a Dupytrens contracture (Dupuytrens contracture is a hand deformity that causes the tissue beneath the surface of the hand to thicken and contract). RETURN TO TOP

Different conditions are treated in different ways and there are different degrees of success. If the goal is regeneration of joint cartilage, one may not see expected results until several months. Some patients may not experience significant improvement and others may see dramatic regeneration of damaged tissue or resolution of disease. Many of the disorders and problems that the physicians at GCSC&RMC are treating represent pioneering work and there is a lack of data. FDA regulations prevent GCSC&RMC from making any claims about expectations for success, however, if you are chosen for therapy, it will be explained that we believe stem cell therapy may be beneficial or in some cases that we are unsure and therapy would be considered investigational. RETURN TO TOP

Stem cell therapy relies on the bodys own regenerative healing to occur. The regenerative process may take time, particularly with orthopedic patients, who may not see results for several months. In some diseases, more immediate responses are possible. RETURN TO TOP

No. Only certain medical problems are currently being treated at GCSC&RMC. Check our list or fill out a candidate application form on the website. All patients need to be medically stable enough to have the stem cell deployment in our facility. There may be some exceptional conditions that may eventually be treated in hospitalized patients, but that remains for the future. Some patients may be declined due to the severity of their problem. Other patients may not have conditions appropriate to treat or may not be covered by our specialists or our protocols. A waiting list or outside referral (if we know of someone else treating such a problem) might be applicable in such cases. RETURN TO TOP

Yes. Patients with uncontrolled cancer are excluded. If you have an active infection anywhere in your body you must be treated first. Severely ill patients may require special consideration. Also, anyone with a bleeding disorder or who takes blood thinning medications requires special evaluation before consideration for stem cells. RETURN TO TOP

The specialist seeing you at GCSC&RMC will make a determination based on your history and exam, studies, and current research findings. Any complex cases may be reviewed by our ethics advisory committee. Occasionally, we may seek opinions from thought leaders around the world. RETURN TO TOP

No. Participation in any of our protocols is not mandatory and there are no incentives, financial or otherwise, to induce patients to enroll in our studies. However, GCSC&RMC is dedicated to clinical research for the development of stem cell science. GCSC&RMC is taking an active role in cutting edge clinical research in the new field of regenerative medicine. Research studies will be explained and privacy will be maintained. Formal future research studies will be regulated by an Institutional Review Board which is an authorized agency that promotes validity, transparency and protection of human study enrollees. RETURN TO TOP

At this time, we are not treating autism, spinal cord injuries, and some advanced diseases. See list of problems currently being studied at GCSC&RMC. RETURN TO TOP

Patients who are considered to be candidates based on information provided in the candidate application form will be invited for a consultation with one of our panel physicians. $250 is charged for this consultation which includes office evaluation (but may also include physicians evaluation of X-Rays, records, or telephonic consultations). Unfortunately, insurance generally will not cover the actual cost of stem cell therapy in most cases since stem cell therapy is still considered experimental. The cost varies depending on the disease state being treated and which type of stem cell deployment is required. RETURN TO TOP

Because of recent innovations in technology, GCSC&RMC is able to provide outpatient stem cell therapy at a fraction of the cost of that seen in many overseas clinics. The fee covers fat cell harvesting, cell preparation, and stem cell deployment which may include the use of advanced interventional radiology and fluoroscopy techniques. Financing is available through a credit vendor. RETURN TO TOP

Stem cells can be cryopreserved in the form of liposuction fat for prolonged periods of time. Currently, this service is outsourced to an outside provider known to have excellent quality control. Many patients have been inquiring about banking cells while they are still young since stem cell numbers drop naturally with each decade of life and some advocate obtaining and saving cells to be used later in life as needed. (see chart). RETURN TO TOP

Most patients, especially those with orthopedic conditions, require only one deployment. Certain types of degenerative conditions, particularly auto-immune disease, may respond best to a series of stem cell deployments. The number and necessity of any additional procedures would be decided on a case by case basis. Financial consideration is given in these instances. RETURN TO TOP

A good resource is the International Cellular Medicine Society (ICMS). Stem Cells 101

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FAQs - Ocean Springs, MS - Gulf Coast Stem Cell ...

Our Mission is to bring compassionate, individualized care to peopleto help empower individuals toward better health by helping them see the relationship between spiritual balance, emotional balance, and true well-being.

We are located at 28 Midway Street, Bristol, Tennessee, across the street from Kroger, and next door to Bristol Regional Counseling Center (see map)

For information or to make an appointment, telephone 423-573-9873.

Our hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday thru Thursday.

The lack of all three resources results in a mud and stick hut. This is still better than nothing but there is lack in security and dependability. We could go through other scenarios but this should help you get the idea. Now, healing your being, not just your body, results in an abundance of love, joy, peace, and all divine things.

In order to heal there is an essential package, the foundation if you wish. Please watch this video as Dr. Schrenker explains about these four aspects of healing and well-being:

Please note: seeing your doctor for regular check-ups does not make this list, and certainly, pharmaceuticals are not included either.

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Welcome to Integrated Health Concepts Bristol Clinic

It's often overlooked, but food plays a major role in your health and wellness. Making the correct choices on what to eat can improve your overall physical and mental fitness, and can even help mitigate certain illnesses. If you'd like help with nutrition, please call (423) 301-6964 or contact Dr. Joseph Radawi online.

During nutritional counseling, you'll work with a registered dietitian or nutritional counselor to develop a meal plan that fits your lifestyle. This includes selecting which foods to eat, along with monitoring habits and choices.

Nearly everyone can benefit from eating healthier. It is tough to improve your diet alone, so working with a dietitian can alleviate the burden.

Nutritional counseling can help you lose weight, which can aid with:

Diet counseling isn't just for people who struggle with their weight. If you're dealing with an illness, nutritional counseling may aid your recovery or help relieve symptoms.

Among many other conditions, nutritional counseling benefits those suffering from:

Counseling can also help you recuperate after chemotherapy or surgery. If you're struggling with yourweight or fighting illness, please call (423) 301-6964 or contact Dr. Joseph Radawi online.

When meeting with a medical professional, it's important to provide them with detailed information about your current diet and ailments. This may allow your diet expert to formulate the best possible plan to fit your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Your dietitian will also recommend regular exercise, which is a key component to any nutritional counseling session. Like your food selection, your style and amount of exercise will be personalized to suit your needs.

Every diet is different, but a nutrition plan will typically be built around well-rounded foods including:

Many of these contain helpful Omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve everything from heart health to weight loss. A typical plan may also contain foods rich in vitamins and calcium, which can greatly aid bone strength.

A medical professional will help you set reasonable goals, so you can take your nutritional plan step by step.

Virtually everyone could benefit from diet guidance. Working with a medical professional to develop a custom plan can provide a bounty of benefits to your mental and physical well-being. To take the path toward a happier, healthier life please call (423) 301-6964 or contact Dr. Joseph Radawi online.

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Nutritional Counseling in Bristol, TN