Monthly Archives: August 2016

Maine Warden needs stem cell transplant | The Bridgton News

Posted: August 30, 2016 at 8:48 pm

By Lisa Williams Ackley

Staff Writer

"A (stem cell) donor drive is not just about me it's about others in my predicament it's an opportunity to throw a lifeline to someone who's in the situation I'm in." Major Gregg Sanborn, Deputy Chief of the Maine Warden Service

FRYEBURG Major Gregg Sanborn holds a special place in people's hearts in this town, as he grew up here and graduated from Fryeburg Academy, before going on to become second in command at the Maine Warden Service as deputy chief the position he holds today.

The people of this community, who have known him since before he became a career game warden, are going to do what they can now to help one of their "favorite sons."

Gregg found out last fall that he has cutaneous T-cell lymphoma an aggressive form of cancer that has him trying to beat the odds by finding, as quickly as possible, a "stem cell" match that could, literally, save his life.

Gregg and his wife, Deborah, live in Sidney, and they have a 21-year-old son, David, who will graduate this month from the University of Maine at Orono with a degree in History Education.

Gregg's parents were both educators in Fryeburg. His dad, the late Harold Sanborn, taught and coached sports for over 30 years at Fryeburg Academy, while his mother, Blanche, who still resides in Fryeburg, is a teacher retired from the Fryeburg public school system.

Gregg has also become well known to a nationwide television audience, due to his appearances on the Animal Planet's six-part reality series "North Woods Law" that began airing on March 16 of this year.

His hometown friends and the Fryeburg Academy "family" are throwing a benefit dinner and silent auction for Gregg on Saturday night, May 19, beginning at 5 p.m. at Fryeburg Academy's Wadsworth Arena on Bradley Street, the same place a stem cell donor drive will be held the next day, on Sunday, May 20, from noon to 4 p.m.

Go to the website http://www.friendsofgreg.net to make an online monetary donation, as the group's goal is $50,000. Those who want to donate may also mail them to Friends of Gregg Sanborn, c/o Norway Savings Bank, 557 Main Street, Fryeburg, Me., 04037. To volunteer at the dinner or stem cell drive, contact Ellen Benson Guilford at 207-754-3143. Becoming a stem cell donor is easy, as it only requires a screening interview and a cheek swab.

How did Gregg find out he has this life-threatening form of cancer?

"Basically, for a period of time, I had itchy spots on different parts of my body they would come and go," said Gregg. "My doctor sent me to a dermatologist who said I had adult eczema and put me on a medicinal regimen of creams and stuff, and it seemed to work, for awhile."

Gregg said he first noticed the symptoms about the time the Maine Warden Service suffered the tragic loss of one of its pilots, Daryl Gordon, who died in a plane crash in March, 2011.

"That was stressful," said Gregg of Warden Pilot Gordon's death, "and it (the symptoms) took right off. I went to specialists and got prodded, all summer. They thought it might be a type of cancer," he stated.

Saying he was tested for certain types of cancer, at that time, Gregg said, "The last day of August, they told me I'm cancer-free they said 'it looked good for what we tested you for you're cancer-free.'"

"But, in September, it didn't go away, so they started a second round of tests," Gregg stated. A Portland dermatologist then determined Gregg had cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

"For two weeks, I was down in Boston at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute," said Gregg. "My first day of chemotherapy was Nov. 2. The chemotherapy and radiation kill the bad cells, but it also kills the good cells. So, they would use the (donated) stem cells to build up my immune system and if it works, in a year's time, I'll be able to go to work and hunt and fish. If it doesn't work" his voice trails off, at this point for Gregg knows it means he will likely die, if a matching donor is not found.

"I need it (the stem-cell transplant) sooner, rather than later," he said.

Currently, Gregg has a cycle of chemotherapy where it is administered two weeks in a row and then he skips a week, he said.

He just completed 15 days of radiation treatment, as well.

Has he missed any work at the Maine Warden Service, since he was diagnosed with cancer?

"No only for (medical) appointments," said Gregg. "Part of the reason I keep working is for my own mental health. If I'm helping people through the Warden Service, I'm not worrying about my issues."

"The doctors in Boston feel my best chance and, frankly, my only chance at living to be old, is this (stem-cell transplant) procedure," said Gregg.

"The chemotherapy keeps my cancer in check," Gregg said, "but, if they keep giving it to me, it will keep killing the good cells, too."

His fellow game wardens and other law enforcement personnel held a stem-cell donor drive at the University of Maine, recently.

"I appreciate the support in my hometown," said Gregg. "They had a drive up here (at Orono) it was very successful. We had a great number of college students, wardens and law enforcement officers and family. We got 273 (swab) kits. It was a great turnout."

Yet, the seriousness of his predicament is almost too real, to Gregg. He is so used to being the one to help others, instead of the other way around.

"I really haven't caught a break," said Gregg. "I'm age 46 and I've got cancer that's not much of a break. There are also 18-year-olds with cancer. The gave me a top new chemotherapy drug that is relatively new and that they've had relatively good luck with they gave it to me, and it doesn't work all of November and December, it doesn't work. Then they put me on the chemo I'm on now and it's good to hold me in check but it's no cure."

"So, here's an opportunity to be cancer-free, in a year," said Gregg of the much hoped-for stem-cell transplant procedure. "Some may think of it as gambling, but it's really not. With this procedure, there's a good possibility I'll get to live and be old and hunt and fish and garden do the things I like to do and without it, there is no possibility of this. So, I'm going to go do it."

Always the realist, Gregg acknowledged that he has thought of all of the possibilities and has gone ahead with filling out a will and the like.

"I've taken care of things I have to, in case it doesn't go well," said Gregg. "I didn't have a will, or a family plot it's the responsible thing to do. In 30 or 40 years, I hope I'll need them."

Gregg said he is very appreciative of the stem cell donor drive being held in Fryeburg, but he said he knows it may not only help him but others, as well.

"I graduated from Fryeburg Academy, and we have a real strong alumni community. I haven't actually lived there for 25 years or so, but you maintain the connections over there I always have, and I probably always will. I certainly appreciate all of their support."

Again, thinking of others, Gregg said, "Having a (stem cell) donor drive over there (in Fryeburg) I think is a great idea. A donor drive is not just about me, it's also about others in my predicament. It's an opportunity to throw a lifeline to someone who's in the situation I'm in. If at least one matches one person matches another person with cancer even if it's not me if it helps one other cancer patient, it's worth it. Therefore, the thought of putting a stem cell donation drive together (at Fryeburg Academy) is great. These donor drives are key in keeping people alive, not only me. Europe has a better stem cell database than we do in this country. We need to work a little harder to get people on the Registry and save more cancer patients. The more people on the (Stem Cell) Registry, the better."

A doctor helped Gregg see the need to speak out

"One of my doctors at the Alfond Center in Augusta told me the wardens wanted to do a (stem cell) donor drive," Gregg explained, speaking of the donor drive recently held in Orono. "He told me, 'You've got an opportunity to get the word out, because of who you are and people recognize you from the TV series "North Woods Law".' I told him I don't want to come across like I'm trying to be self-serving, and he said, 'No, it wasn't really self-serving, because the chances there'll be a match for you in Orono are pretty slim, but pretty good it will match somebody.'"

Asked if he ever imagined just how far and wide the word would spread, Gregg replied, "It went way out there TV stations, radio, newspapers. It's a good thing, because the more people who put a swab in their mouth the better. So, anyway, I'm glad the doctor had that poignant discussion with me three weeks ago. Cancer's one of those things most people don't want to talk about. I didn't. Since I've been diagnosed, it's all around me the word comes up so, it does no good avoiding it. It's not going to go away."

"I have a wife and son I love and a job I really look forward to going to every day," said Gregg. "I've never been a gambler I've never won anything the only win I want is that one that I'm cured."

"The only thing that matters to me is that, a year from now, we do a story that I'm cancer-free, and I'm able to go trout fishing, mow the lawn and go to work," said Gregg.

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Maine Warden needs stem cell transplant | The Bridgton News

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Biotechnology – Academic Majors (NDSU)

Posted: August 30, 2016 at 8:45 pm

Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that uses a combination of biology and technology to design and produce new molecules, plants, animals and microorganisms with improved characteristics. Biotechnology offers seemingly unlimited opportunities to combine genes from related or unrelated species to produce useful organisms with desirable properties that were not previously found in nature.

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Biotechnology may be thought of as a collection of technologies using animal and/or plant cells, biological molecules, molecular biology processes and genetic engineering for applications in medicine, agriculture and the pharmaceutical industry. The technologies include the use of recombinant DNA for gene cloning and gene transfers between organisms; culture of plant and animal cells and tissues; fusion of animal cells or plant protoplast; the regeneration of whole plants from single cells and the large-scale fermentation processes that use some of these novel organisms for the production of pharmaceuticals, diagnostic tests for diseases, feed additives, enzymes and hormones.

Examples of successful biotechnology include the development of crop plants that are resistant to herbicides or insects, the production of human growth hormone and insulin by genetically engineered bacteria and the development of unique vaccines.

The biotechnology program is offered through both the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources and the College of Science and Mathematics and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.

The recommended course of study includes both the education in science and mathematics, as well as introduction to the special skills that are needed to enter the rapidly expanding and changing field of biotechnology. In addition to the required courses, students may select from a variety of specialized elective science courses to help develop a particular area of interest. Students majoring in biotechnology are required to perform a research project in the laboratory of a faculty advisor. The results of the research project are incorporated into a senior thesis and presented at the Biotechnology Seminar.

Biotechnology students must maintain at least a 2.5 overall grade point average (GPA) after 60 credits in order to remain in the program.

A faculty advisor is assigned to each student to assist in scheduling, registration and career development. Faculty in each of the cooperating life-science departments have been identified to serve as academic and research advisors for students who select the biotechnology major. The faculty advisor and the director of the biotechnology program regularly review the progress of each student.

The faculty who advise, teach and serve as research mentors for the biotechnology program are spread among several academic departments in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources, the College of Science and Mathematics and the College of Health Professions. The departments include plant sciences; biological sciences, biology, chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology; animal and range sciences; plant pathology; veterinary and microbiological sciences; and pharmaceutical sciences. Several scientists at the North Dakota State University Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering and at the on-campus USDA facilities also serve as research mentors.

Laboratory facilities and specialized equipment are used for instruction and research. These include animal and plant tissue culture facilities, small animal housing, electron and confocal microscopes, automated DNA sequencing equipment, equipment for performing microarray experiments, and NDSU Core Labs. The Core Labs are shared cutting-edge research facilities and include the Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Core, Core Biology Facility, Core Synthesis and Analytical Services and the Electron Microscopy Core Laboratory, among many other state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Biotechnology continues to rapidly develop into new research areas. Surveys indicate there will be a continuing high demand for welleducated personnel. Job opportunities are found in life science departments in colleges and universities; private and government research institutes; food production, pharmaceutical and agrichemical industries; and in the biotechnology industries. Graduates of this program have the educational background and laboratory experience to take advantage of any of these job opportunities. Graduates of the biotechnology program are now successful and productive scientists at pharmaceutical, agri-chemical and biotechnology companies, and at government and private research institutions throughout the country.

The majority (approximately 60 percent) of graduates from the biotechnology program choose to continue their education in graduate or professional schools. Graduates of the biotechnology program have earned masters and doctoral degrees in many diverse areas, including cellular and molecular biology, biology, microbiology, plant sciences, animal physiology, cancer biology and virology at many of the most respected universities in the United States. Graduates of our program are now established and productive professors, physicians and veterinarians.

Students entering the biotechnology program should have a strong background in mathematics, including trigonometry, biology, chemistry, physics, writing and computer courses. A composite ACT score of 26 or higher is recommended.

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic advisor or with the Office of Registration and Records.

https://bulletin.ndsu.edu/undergraduate/programs/

Van Es Hall Lab 103B

Van Es Hall is located on the west side of campus on Centennial Boulevard (Campus Map)

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Biotechnology - Academic Majors (NDSU)

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Stem Cells Research – Stem Cell Heart Repair … – Abigon

Posted: August 30, 2016 at 7:49 am

Studio City, CA (PRWEB) December 4, 2007 (years ahead of the curve on this)

Politicians will ask us to allocate billions for stem cell research without having a clue as to what is possible, probable or even feasible. As example, we were told treatments for heart disease; spinal injury, Parkinson's, blindness, MS and diabetes could only come from embryonic stem cells. The truth is, not one treatment for these diseases has come from an embryonic stem cell. Instead, successful treatments for each of the ailmnents are coming from (non-embryonic) adult stem cells. http://www.abigon.com Why has the public not been made aware of these important breakthroughs? Isn't it time we receive accurate, factual information as we are asked to help guide what might arguably be the most important medical advancement in medical history?

Finally, last week, revered embryonic scientific stem cell leader Ian Wilmut (cloner of Dolly the sheep) made an announcement in support of adult stem cells over embryonic that stunned the entire stem cell research community. The professor did not base his conclusions on religious or moral preference but on solid scientific principal. As a matter of fact, Professor Wilmut has never believed embryonic research to be unethical, he simply concluded, there is a better way to accomplish the objective without destroying the embryo. http://www.abigon.com

Earlier this year, neurologist Dr. Carlos Lima, addressing the House of Lords in England reminded all in attendance that even though government funding for embryonic research had been limited in both England and the US, research has been going on unfettered for more than 10 years in the rest of the world including China, Russia, Korea, India and Germany. Embryonic research has not produced a single successful documented treatment. http://www.abigon.com

Perhaps nowhere has the case for adult cells been previously made more succinctly than in author/researcher Christian Wilde's new breakthrough book, Miracle Stem Cell Heart Repair. As the author explains; "If you take the moral, political and ethical concerns off the table, the scientific issues alone confronting ESC research (according to many scientists) are in themselves, daunting. Before an ESC can be safely injected into a human being it must be proven safe in an animal study. In cases to date, animal subjects have experienced dangerous tumor growth and rejection by the body." He believes the public deserves balanced non-selective and un-biased reporting on both forms of stem cell research. http://www.abigon.com

Currently Heart Failure is claiming the lives of 22 million victims world wide with a one to seven year life expectancy and 50% not making the five-year mark. There is good news a-coming, Miracle Stem Cell Heart Repair documents "no option" heart patient's stories who have successfully transitioned within the FDA trials from near death to recovery following a one time, minimally invasive procedure using their own thigh muscle stem cells. Why, asks Wilde, should it be headline world news that someday an embryonic stem cell might possibly heal a mouse heart but nowhere is there a headline that proclaims hundreds of actual living breathing people, (not mice) have already had their damaged hearts repaired with adult stem cells? Is this a case of selective reporting? http://www.abigon.com

Several of the patients in the study treated at Columbia and Arizona Heart Institute,whose stories are recorded in the book had survived as many as five previous heart attacks. As one patient's own physician told him, frankly I don't know how you are even alive, 75% of your heart is not functioning. Following the one-time autologous treatment with the patient's own stem cells at Arizona Heart, performed by Nabil Dib, M.D., Chief of Cardiovascular Research (currently Director of Cardiovascular Stem Cell Therapy at UCSD) the patient was walking one mile and then two miles a day in a literal matter of weeks.

A simultaneous study done at Columbia, Minneapolis Heart, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic and St. Joseph's has confirmed similar favorable results and the MARVEL (follow-up) study has now been approved to enroll up to 390 more patients as treatment in the two studies moves closer to approval. The first patient to receive his own stem cells in the US almost four years ago continues to do well. This first procedure was performed by M.D., Warren Sherman, Director of Cell-Based Endovascular Therapies at Columbia and Chief Investigational Officer of the expanded FDA study.

Adult cells are being used currently to treat Parkinson's, blindness, traumatic brain injury, MS, several cancers, type I&II diabetes and more than 72 diseases. Four hundred fifty blind patients in India and eight patients per month in Cincinnati are being cured of corneal blindness. A type I diabetic patient in London has been insulin free for three years following a one-time injection of bone marrow stem cells to the pancreas and type II diabetes are similarly successfully being treated in Argentina and Brazil using adult stem cells. http://www.abigon.com

Spinal injury: One hundred five quadriplegic and paraplegic patients are beginning to walk (some with braces) following a single procedure in which stem cells from their own nasal olfactory cavity were harvested and injected into the areas of spinal lesion. One-half of Dr. Lima's patients are from the US. http://www.abigon.com

Miracle Stem Cell Heart Repair contributors are eight of the world's leading stem cell scientists serving as directors of cardiovascular cell therapy from the universities of Columbia, UCSD, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Tufts, Johns Hopkins, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Arizona Heart and Minnesota Heart Institutes and directing the ongoing FDA trials.

Christian Wilde is the author of Miracle Stem Cell Heart Repair and Hidden Causes of Heart Attack & Stroke. Website http://WWW.abigon.com Author available for interviews,

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Stem Cells Research - Stem Cell Heart Repair ... - Abigon

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What is Biotechnology?

Posted: August 30, 2016 at 7:47 am

Forty years ago, viable monoclonal antibodies, imperceptibly small magic bullets, became available for the first time. First produced in 1975 by Csar Milstein and Georges Khler at the Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England (where Watson and Crick unraveled the structure of DNA), Mabs have had a phenomenally far-reaching effect on our society and daily life. The Lock and Key of Medicine is the first book to tell the extraordinary yet unheralded history of monoclonal antibodies, or Mabs. Though unfamiliar to most nonscientists, these microscopic protein molecules are everywhere, quietly shaping our lives and healthcare. They have radically changed understandings of the pathways of disease, enabling faster, cheaper, and more accurate clinical diagnostic testing. And they lie at the heart of the development of genetically engineered drugs such as interferon and blockbuster personalized therapies such as Herceptin.

Historian of medicine Lara V. Marks recounts the risks and opposition that a daring handful of individuals faced while discovering and developing Mabs, and she addresses the related scientific, medical, technological, business, and social challenges that arose. She offers a saga of entrepreneurs who ultimately changed the healthcare landscape and brought untold relief to millions of patients. Even so, controversies over Mabs remain, which the author explores through the current debates on their cost-effectiveness.

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Brief of the Biotechnology Industry Organization as Amicus …

Posted: August 30, 2016 at 7:47 am

STATEMENT OF INTEREST OF AMICUS CURIAE

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) is the world's largest biotechnology trade association, providing advocacy, development, and communications services for over 1,100 members worldwide. BIO members - many of whom are small, emerging companies-involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial, and environmental biotechnology products.

BIO has no direct stake in the result of this appeal, nor does BIO take a position on the ultimate validity or infringement of the claims to a method of obtaining viable hepatocytes for medical uses. No counsel for a party authored this brief in whole or in part, and no such counsel or party, nor any person other than the amicus curiae or its counsel, made a monetary contribution intended to fund the preparation or submission of this brief. This brief is solely the work of BIO and its counsel and reflects BIO's consensus view, but not necessarily the view of any individual member or client. BIO and its members are concerned that the development and commercialization of a diverse array of biotechnologies, including diagnostic testing and personalized medicine, will be hampered, if not precluded, if this Court does not address the mounting uncertainty currently afflicting patentable subject matter jurisprudence.

Unfortunately, the District Courts decision has done nothing to alleviate that uncertainty, but instead has exacerbated doubts as to whether meaningful patent protection remains available in the United States for many biotechnology inventions, and if so, the extent of that protection and the means to draft commercially meaningful method claims that meet the newly heightened standard for patent eligibility. The invention in this case would traditionally have been deemed eligible subject matter for patenting under 35 U.S.C. 101. It provides an excellent opportunity for the court to provide timely clarification on issues of critical concern to BIO and its members.

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Biotechnology Jobs – Science Careers

Posted: August 30, 2016 at 7:47 am

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Biotechnology jobs in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia for postdocs, researchers, and faculty. Explore more jobs in biomedical engineering, genomics and bioengineering.

Fremont, California Competitive Thermo Fisher Scientific

Act as process engineering lead for developing cleaning development strategy.Perform risk assessment and gap analysis for site cleaning programs with

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Beijing, Beijing Shi Competitive Thermo Fisher Scientific

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Shanghai, Shanghai Shi Competitive Thermo Fisher Scientific

1. Responsible for own territory sales 2. Plan, organize and manage a sales territory. Actively identify and target new business/sales opportunities

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SIMS, 25, Bongjeong-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, 330-930, Korea $60,000 - $120,000 Soonchunhyang medi-bio science (SIMS)

[Tenure-track] Assistant/Associate Professor - Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bioscience (SIMS)

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Shanghai, Shanghai Shi Competitive Thermo Fisher Scientific

maintain accurate demand forecast, prepare LCD SIOP desk, work with supply planner to achieve a heathy inventory

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Shanghai, Shanghai Shi Competitive Thermo Fisher Scientific

PPI

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Vilnius, Vilnius County Competitive Thermo Fisher Scientific

Udaviniai ir funkcijos:Analizuoja ir utikrina pakankam priskirtos produkt grups rezerv:Naudojam kompiuterini program pagalba priima sprendim

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Millersburg, Pennsylvania Competitive Thermo Fisher Scientific

Responsible for performing tubing and bag assembly process according to product printsPerforms solvent assembly of tubing and connectorsPackages and

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Beijing (CN) Negotiable Syngenta Biotechnology (China) Company Limited

Syngenta Biotechnology China is seeking talents to join Genome Editing research teams to develop cutting-edge technologies and promising career path.

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Denver, Colorado Salary based on experience and skill set, plus benefits National Jewish Health

Seeking Postdoc for National Jewish Health, a leading respiratory hospital. Works in Allergy and Immunology Division in Dr. Rafeul Alams laboratory.

New York, NY Salary Commensurate with Experience Columbia University Center for Radiological Research

The Columbia University Center for Radiological Research has a Postdoctoral Scientist position available.

Mount Prospect, Illinois Competitive Thermo Fisher Scientific

Schedule and host regulatory and client audits of Mount Prospect facility.Lead and drive periodic site self-inspections.Track and trend inspection ob

Shanghai, Shanghai Shi Competitive Thermo Fisher Scientific

Proactively give outbound calls to find sales opportunities and potential customers to offer related MS products portfolios. Explain the products to

Vilnius, Vilnius County Competitive Thermo Fisher Scientific

Darbo pobdis:Kokybikas patiekal ruoimas pagal patvirtintas receptras.Pristatyt preki primimas, j kokybs, tinkamumo naudoti maisto produktam

Suzhou, Jiangsu Sheng Competitive Thermo Fisher Scientific

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Fremont, California Competitive Thermo Fisher Scientific

The Quality Assurance Analyst will support the Quality Team with the following tasks:Responsible for implementing and maintaining the effectiveness o

North America Negotiable College of Arts & Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

We are seeking an extraordinary individual to serve as Director of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL).

Buffalo, New York Salary commensurate with experience University at Buffalo- Research and Education in Energy, Environment and Water

The Institute on Research and Education in Energy, Environment and Water (RENEW) aims to advance Energy, Water and Environmental Sustainability.

New York City, New York (US) Undisclosed D. E. Shaw Research, LLC

D. E. Shaw Research is seeking postdoctoral fellows of exceptional ability to join our New Yorkbased team.

Atlanta, Georgia Undisclosed Georgia Institute of Technology

Candidates from all areas will be considered, with opportunities for joint appointments in other departments...

2011 - 2016 American Association for the Advancement of Science. All rights Reserved. AAAS is a partner of HINARI, AGORA OARE, PatientInform, CrossRef and COUNTER.American Association for the Advancement of Science.. Powered by Madgex Job Board Platform

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Biotechnology Jobs - Science Careers

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About BIO | BIO

Posted: August 30, 2016 at 7:47 am

BIO is the world's largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces theBIO International Convention, the worlds largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.BIOtechNOWis BIO's blog chronicling innovations transforming our world and the BIO Newsletter is the organizations bi-weekly email newsletter.Subscribe to the BIO Newsletter.

Corporate members range from entrepreneurial companies developing a first product to Fortune 500 multinationals. We also represent state and regional biotech associations, service providers to the industry, and academic centers. Our members help foster a healthy economy by creating good-paying, biotechnology jobs.

Not only do we advocate for our members, but we also work towards enriching the industry with networking, partnering and education opportunities. We organize the BIO International Convention, the global event for biotechnology, along with many other industry-leading investor and partnering events held around the world. In addition, we produce BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling innovations transforming our world.

BIO is organized into four different sections to best represent our members and their goals:

We serve the needs of small-to-medium size companies, most of whom do not yet have major products approved and on the market. Whether advocating for pro-innovation tax policies to encouraging an economic and policy environment to foster biotech investment, we focus on critical issues affecting smaller companies and build programs to enhance their development.

We promote biomedical innovation by developing and advocating for public policies that represent the best interests of members focused on human health. We break-down the barriers that impede American innovation by reducing bureaucratic hurdles to lifesaving technologies. Among the priority issues are matters affecting the healthcare-related regulatory and reimbursement climate, pandemic and biodefense preparedness, publicly funded scientific research, and personalized medicine.

We promote the use of industrial enzymes, conversion of biomass to energy and chemicals, and innovative clean up technologies. We work closely with the U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international organizations to encourage the development of technologies that make our lives and environment cleaner, safer and healthier.

We create and advance industry policies on all food and agriculture biotechnology issues related to international affairs, government relations, science and regulatory affairs, and media and public affairs. We work for a safe and clean supply of healthy food for a growing global population.

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About BIO | BIO

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Biotechnology | Home

Posted: August 30, 2016 at 7:47 am

ARE YOU READY FOR A JOB IN BIOTECHNOLOGY? Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Certificate of Specialization (CS)

Hands-on lab experience: Earn a new degree, enhance your current degree, or upgrade your professional skills.

Internship opportunities: Working for cutting-edge biotechnology companies.

A working professional? The entire program is available in evening classes over the course of two years.

State-of-the-art facilities that surpass most four-year universities:

Two degree options to choose from: Associate in Applied Science:

Certificate of Specialization:

Hands-on: Students practice lab techniques on millions of dollars worth of equipment covering a variety of bioscience niches the same equipment used by researchers at BRDG Park.

Workplace learning: Students benefit from the opportunity to gain real-world experience, and often want to extend beyond the 150-hour minimum per semester. Workplace learning is a requirement in the AAS program, but is also available to students pursuing a certificate. Youll be placed with a company based upon your research interests and current industry needs. On many occasions the companies requesting interns are interested in finding permanent employees, and internships often lead to full-time jobs.

Biotechnologists utilize cellular and molecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet. If you enjoy biology, this program adds a technological aspect to your studies, preparing you for a job that will heal, fuel or feed the world:

Youll learn how to:

Faculty: Our instructors worked for industry giants like Monsanto and Sigma-Aldrich, and bring that experience to the classroom. Youll learn from seasoned professionals who offer one-on-one coaching, extended office hours, and opportunities for extra lab practice.

Stackable: If youve earned your LSLA certificate of specialization youve also earned six credit hours that will apply towards your AAS degree in Biotechnology.

Professional Networking: The BRDG Park bio-research incubator houses more than a dozen exciting start-up companies top innovators in the field and students regularly interact with industry leaders. In addition, as part of the technical skills assessment, students showcase their ability by presenting the findings of a laboratory experiment they performed in one of their courses and defending their skills to a panel of industry professionals.

More than one million students have attended STLCC. Its the largest institute of higher education in the region, and the second largest in Missouri.

To find out if STLCC is right for you, we invite you to visit. You can meet with one of our faculty members, tour the campus, and get answers to any questions you might have.CLICK HERE

Companies that have hired STLCC grads:

Monsanto Covidien Sigma-Aldrich

MOgene LC Benson Hill Biosystems Arvegenix

NewLeaf Symbiotics Gallus BioPharmaceuticals

STLCC Career and Employment Services (CES):On each campus CES offices provide services and resources to assist students and alumni in finding full-time or part-time, on-campus or off-campus, internship or co-op, permanent, seasonal or temporary employment. CES also assists employers who are looking for qualified applicants.Click Here

Job Resources

STLCC provides a top quality education at a much more affordable cost than other institutions.

Jennifer Hill, M.S. Program Coordinator Phone: 314-513-4953 Email:jhill330@stlcc.edu

Please note: Fundamentals of Chemistry I or high school chemistry with a grade of A or B within the past three years is required for entry into this program.

Credits transfer: Students who have completed the AAS also qualify for transfer to the following programs:

We invite you to meet with an STLCC advisor for one-on-one help in planning your career pathway in this growing industry. CLICK HERE

Related Programs Life Science Laboratory Assistant

STLCCs Biotechnology Advisory Committeebrings together top industry professionals. Members serve for two-year renewable terms, and STLCCS faculty works hand-in-hand with this elite group to evaluate and update our curriculum, stay up-to-date on the latest innovations, and promote networking.

Resources STEM Scholarship The St. Louis STEM Scholars (S3) Academy of St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley (STLCC-FV) provides financial and academic support for students in challenging STEM disciplines. The purpose is to increase the number of students completing associate degrees, matriculating to four-year universities, and entering the STEM workforce.

The STLCC-FV Biology and Biotechnology Users Site Provides description of equipment, standard operating procedures, and protocols for a variety of instrumentation used in the courses at FV. Additional training and educational aids are provided for interfaces to other key applications.

Bio-linkwas created to improve and expand educational programs that prepare skilled technicians to work in high-tech fields.

TheMissouri Biotechnology Associationis an organization composed of individuals from industry, education and the private sector who are interested in the growing field of life sciences and are committed to helping educate the general public as to the importance of the scientific discoveries being made.

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Biotechnology classes are offered at our BRDG Park site. Students may take general education classes toward this degree at any of our four campuses, our five education centers, and online.

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Stem Cell Therapy – Maine Veterinary Medical Center

Posted: August 29, 2016 at 1:55 am

Stem Cell Therapy

After many years of research, it now possible to provide affordable same-day stem cell therapy to dogs and cats suffering from a variety of degenerative diseases and injuries. With our Stemlogix in-clinic stem cell isolation process, our board certified veterinarians can extract fat tissue, isolate millions of regenerative stem cells and deliver them back to the patient all in about 90 minutesin just one office visit!

This quick turnaround maintains the highest cell viability and functionality which gives patients the best chance for clinical improvement. Stemlogix stem cell therapy can relieve pain, increase range of motion in joints and improve the quality of life in pets suffering from the following conditions:

Arthritis Joint pain Cartilage damage Tendon & ligament damage Hip dysplasia

Often your pet will have renewed energy and freedom of movement. Talk to your veterinarian about gradually reintroducing activity in order to prevent aggravating the condition.

Stem cells are delivered to an area of damaged tissue where they stimulate regeneration and aid in repair of the damaged tissue. In addition, the stem cells have the ability to differentiate into many different cell types such as tendon, bone, ligament and cartilage, which may further help in the repair of damaged tissue.

Your pet will undergo a simple surgical procedure to obtain a fat tissue sample either from the shoulder area or from the abdomen. The tissue sample will be processed in about an hour directly on-site at our state-of-the-art facility where highly viable & potent regenerative stem cells are obtained. The stem cells are then delivered back to your pet at the injury site and/or with an intravenous (IV) infusion.

The Stemlogix stem cells are derived from the animals own tissue and they can be injected in large concentrations in the area of injury. Because the injected cells are derived from the animals own tissue and are minimally manipulated there is almost no risk of rejection or reaction. The main goals of stem cell therapy are to provide long-term anti-inflammatory effects, slow the progression of cartilage degeneration and initiate healing of the damaged tissue. This provides pain relief within a few days to a few weeks after the injection with further improvement as healing progresses.

For more information, please visit http://www.stemlogix.com

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6. Hematopoietic Stem Cell … – University of Hawaii

Posted: August 29, 2016 at 1:54 am

Case Based Pediatrics For Medical Students and Residents Department of Pediatrics, University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine Chapter V.6. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Graft Versus Host DiseaseJocelyn M. Sonson December 2002 Return to Table of Contents

This is a 7 year old female who presents to the office with a chief complaint of a rash on her head, arms and legs. She has a history of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. She had undergone chemotherapy, went into remission and subsequently received an allogeneic stem cell transplantation from her older brother 20 days ago. The rash started 3 days ago on her ears, palms of her hands and the soles of her feet, progressing further to her arms and legs. It has not progressed to involve her trunk or her extremities and there is no desquamation or bullae formation. She denies any GI discomfort, crampy abdominal pain or diarrhea.

Exam: VS T 38, P 100, R 20, BP 118/65. She is alert and active, in no apparent distress. HEENT negative except for the rash. The rash is an erythematous, maculopapular rash on her palms and soles bilaterally, and on the anterior aspects her arms and legs. The rash is also on the nape of her neck. Neck is supple. Chest is clear. Heart regular without murmurs. Abdomen is soft and non-tender. There might be some slight hepatosplenomegaly, but it is difficult to be certain.

She is diagnosed with early graft versus host disease. She is hospitalized and treated with cyclosporine and methylprednisolone for 10 days until the graft versus host disease (GVHD) is controlled. This was followed by a taper of her corticosteroids.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, commonly called bone marrow transplantation (BMT), is indicated for various hematopoietic disorders (aplastic anemia, hemoglobinopathies), storage diseases, and severe immunodeficiencies. Pediatric malignancies that are candidates for stem cell transplantation include acute myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CML), lymphomas, neuroblastomas, brain tumors and other solid tumors. Transplantation is recommended only in high-risk situations or when conventional treatment fails. In malignancies such as CML and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is used as primary therapy because no other curative treatment exists.

Major sources of stem cells for transplantation include bone marrow, peripheral blood and cord blood. Since the mid-1990s, peripheral blood-derived stem cells have been used with increasing frequency over the traditional marrow cells. Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) contain higher numbers of progenitor cells, natural killer cells, and T cells as compared to bone marrow. Studies comparing bone marrow to PBSC transplantation have shown that PBSCs are associated with a shorter period of neutropenia and red blood cell and platelet transfusion dependence, with an equal probability of acute and chronic GVHD. Umbilical cord blood is a new and promising source of hematopoietic progenitor cells with remarkable proliferative potential, which may overcome the limitation of their relatively low absolute cell numbers. Because only a small number of cells are collected, successful transplants are typically limited to smaller sized recipients.

When the stem cells are from an identical twin, the transplant is termed syngeneic. When the stem cells are harvested from the recipient, the transplant is termed autologous. And lastly, when the stem cells are from someone other than the recipient, it is termed allogeneic. The best donors for allogeneic transplantation are siblings who inherit identical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes.

Located in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on the short arm of chromosome 6, the HLA genes define histocompatibility and determine tolerance of the graft. Although there are over 35 HLA class I and II genes and over 684 alleles, HLA-A, HLA-B (class I), and HLA-DRB1 (class II) genes are used primarily in determining the histocompatibility of donors and recipients for stem cell transplantation. A 6-of-6 match refers to matching these three genes, each of which have two alleles. When none of the 6 alleles match, it is termed a mismatch and the various degrees of mismatch are termed one-antigen mismatch, two-antigen mismatch, etc. When only 3 of 6 alleles mismatch, the term is haploidentical. Graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are the major immune-mediated complications associated with HLA disparity. The greater the HLA disparity, the higher these risks. Only 25-50% of patients have an HLA-identical sibling, therefore large donor registries have recently been successful in identifying phenotypically matched unrelated donors. In the United States, the National Marrow Donor Program has typed nearly 4 million volunteer donors and uses 118 donor centers and over 57 transplant centers to add 40,000 potential new donors each month.

The initial phase of stem cell transplantation entails the administration of the preparative regimen: chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The most common conditioning regimens include total body irradiation (TBI) and cyclophosphamide or busulfan and cyclophosphamide. Other combinations are also used during this conditioning period and include drugs such as etoposide, melphan, carmustine, cytosine arabinoside, thiotepa, ifosfamide, and carboplatin. The combinations are designed to eliminate malignancy, prevent rejection of new stem cells, and to create space for the new cells.

The stem cells infusion takes over an hour, although this time frame depends on the volume infused. Before infusion, the patient is premedicated with acetaminophen and diphenhydramine to reduce the risk of hypersensitivity reaction. The cells are then infused through a central venous catheter. Anaphylaxis, volume overload, and a transient GVHD are the major complications involved.

After stem cell infusion, the primary focus of care is managing the high-intensity preparative regimen. During this period, patients have little or no marrow function and are neutropenic, thus they must depend on transfusions for maintaining erythrocytes and platelets at acceptable levels. Patients are susceptible to life-threatening infections such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) or hospital-acquired nosocomial infections as well as other complications such as veno-occlusive disease, fluid retention, pulmonary edema, and acral erythroderma.

The rate of engraftment is a function of the preparative regimen, the nature and dose of stem cells, and the administration of medications that can suppress recovery. Engraftment, typically defined as a neutrophil count greater than 500 per cubic mm and a platelet count of 20,000 per cubic mm can occur as soon as 10 days to as long as several weeks after infusion. It is during this period that GVHD may occur.

Graft failure and graft rejection of transplanted stem cells, as well as transplanted organs, are influenced by several factors such as HLA disparity, the conditioning regimen, the transplanted cell dose, post-transplant/immunosuppression, donor T cells, drug toxicity and viral infection. Graft rejection may occur immediately, without an increase in cell counts, or may follow a brief period of engraftment. Rejection is usually mediated by residual host T cells, cytotoxic antibodies, or lymphokines and is manifested by a fall in donor cell counts with a persistence of host lymphocytes. Using stem cells from HLA-disparate donors significantly increases the risk for graft rejection/failure.

Transplants for nonmalignant disease generally have more favorable outcomes, with survival rates of 70-90% if the donor is a matched sibling and 36-65% if the donor is unrelated. Transplants for acute leukemias, ALL and AML, in remission at the time of transplant have survival rates of 55-68% if the donor is related and 26-50% if the donor is unrelated . Outcome statistics of autologous transplant for solid tumors are not as good for pediatric malignancies, except for lymphomas.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a clinical syndrome that affects recipients of allogeneic stem cell transplants and results in donor T-cell activation against host MHC antigens. There are three requirements for this reaction to occur: 1) the graft must contain immunocompetent cells, 2) the host must be immunocompromised and unable to reject or mount a response to the graft, and 3) there must be histocompatibility differences between the graft and the host.

GVHD can be classified as acute, occurring within the first 100 days after stem cell transplant, or chronic, occurring after the first 100 days. The acute form of GVHD (aGVHD) is characterized by erythroderma, cholestatic hepatitis, and enteritis. aGVHD typically presents about day 19 (median), when patients begin to engraft. It usually starts as either erythroderma or a maculopapular rash that involves the hands and feet and may progress from the top of the scalp down toward the torso, potentially leading to exfoliation or bulla formation. Hepatic manifestations include cholestatic jaundice with elevated values on liver function testing. Intestinal symptoms include crampy abdominal pain and watery diarrhea, often with blood. aGVHD is graded in 5 steps from 0-IV based on involvement of the skin, liver, and GI tract. Grade 0 indicates no clinical evidence of disease. Grade I-IV are graded functionally. Grade I indicates rash on less than 50% of skin and no gut or liver involvement. Grade II indicates rash covering more than 50% of skin, bilirubin 2-3 ml/dL, diarrhea 10-15 ml/kg/d, or persistent nausea. Grade III or IV indicates generalized erythroderma with bulla formation, bilirubin greater than 3 mg/dl, or diarrhea more than 16 mL/kg/d. Survival rates vary from 90% in stage I, 60% in stage II or III, to almost 0% in stage IV.

The development of chronic GVHD (cGVHD), usually occurs after day 100 and resembles a multi-system autoimmune process manifesting as Sjogren's (sicca) syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and scleroderma, lichen planus, and biliary cirrhosis. Recurrent infections from encapsulated bacterial, fungal, and viral organisms are common. The survival rate after onset of chronic GVHD is approximately 42%.

Management of GVHD and graft rejection focuses on both prevention and control of progressive disease. Finding the best HLA matched donor results in the lowest risk of severe disease and rejection. Younger age in either the donor or the recipient is associated with reduced risk. Same gender transplantation is also associated with reduced risk for GVHD. Prophylactic immunosuppression aims to inhibit the host T-lymphocyte activation that mediates rejection and inhibits the donor T-lymphocyte activation that mediates GVHD without altering immunity against infection or malignancy. Because donor T cells are responsible for GVHD, a form of prevention involves depletion of T cells in donor marrows or grafts using monoclonal antibodies or a physical separation technique. Elimination of T cells from the donor graft is an effective approach in some clinical settings, however depletion of T cells allows the persistence of host lymphocytes, which are capable of mediating graft rejection. In addition, loss of donor T cells decreases the benefit of producing a graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect and a lower relapse rate.

Treatment of aGVHD focuses on eliminating activated alloreactive T-cell clones. High-dose corticosteroids remain the most effective. Other studied approaches include anti-thymocyte antibodies, anti-TNF and IL-2 receptor antibodies, and immunosuppressive therapy such as cyclosporine, FK506, or mycophenolate mofetil. Treatment for cGVHD should begin with the earliest development of symptoms and requires continued therapy for a minimum of 6 to 9 months, even if symptoms resolve. Therapy for cGVHD includes corticosteroids usually in combination with another agent, often cyclosporine.

Late effects of transplantation can be classified into three basic categories: 1) toxicity from the preparative regimen, 2) toxicity from GVHD, and 3) toxicity from long-term immunosuppression. Clinical conditions include effects on growth and development, neuroendocrine dysfunction, fertility, second tumors, chronic GVHD, cataracts, leukoencephalopathy, and immune dysfunction. The effect of radiation on growth is relatively common and can be a result of a multitude of factors. Disruption of growth hormone production is the most common effect, however thyroid dysfunction, gonadal dysfunction, and bone growth effects also occur due to radiation. Other toxicities include cataracts, azoospermia, and gonadal failure.

Long-term cGVHD effects on the body include disruption of normal glandular function resulting in drying of the eyes, which can lead to corneal injury, and decreased salivary gland production, which can cause severe dental caries. Chronic inflammation of the intestine can lead to strictures and webs. The skin manifestations such as maculopapular rash or a sclerodermatous condition, can extend to all parts of the body and cause fibrosis of the underlying subcutaneous tissues and fascia resulting in contractures.

Continued use of chronic immunosuppressive drugs can cause toxicity that hamper quality of life. These toxicities include hypertension, glucose intolerance, weight gain, growth failure, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and chronic osteopenia that leads to recurrent fractures. Long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs can lead to recurrent infections, such as bacterial, fungal, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus and varicella zoster.

Questions

1. Which of the following is a requirement for a graft-versus-host disease reaction to occur. . . . . . a. The graft must contain immunocompetent cells. . . . . . b. The host's T-lymphocytes must be able to mount an immune response against the graft. . . . . . c. The host must be immunocompromised . . . . . d. a and b . . . . . e. a and c

2. True/False: The best predictors for developing GVHD are the age and sex of both the donor and recipient.

3. During the conditioning period prior to stem cell transplantation, which of the following purposes does chemotherapy and/or radiation try to accomplish? . . . . . a. Prevent rejection of new stem cells . . . . . b. Create space for new cells . . . . . c. Eliminate malignancy . . . . . d. All of the above . . . . . e. None of the above

4. True/False: A limitation of cord blood as a source for stem cells is the small number of cells collected.

5. During which period does graft-versus-host disease typically occur? . . . . . a. Conditioning . . . . . b. Engraftment . . . . . c. Postengraftment . . . . . d. All of the above . . . . . e. None of the above

References

1. Graham DK, et al. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. In: Hay WW, Hayward AR, Levin MJ, et al (eds). Current Pediatric Diagnosis and Treatment, 15th edition. 2001, New York, NY: Lange/McGraw Hill, pp. 1589-1594.

2. Childs RW. Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. In: DeVita VT, Hellman S, Rosenberg SA (eds). Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology, 6th Edition. 2001, Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, pp. 2786-2788.

3. Moore T. Bone Marrow Transplantation. In: Firlit CF, Konop R, Dunn S, et al (eds). eMedicine Journal 2002;3(1).

4. Robertson KA. Bone Marrow Transplantation. In: Behrman RE, et al (eds). Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 16th edition. 2000, Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, pp. 639-641.

5. Hayashi RJ. Stem Cell Transplantation. In: Rudolph CD, Rudolph AM (eds). Rudolph's Pediatric Textbook, 21st edition. 2002, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, pp. 815-816.

6. Suterwala MS. Graft Versus Host Disease. In: Shigeoka AO, Konop R, Georgitis JW, et al (eds), eMedicine Journal 2001;2(10).

Answers to questions

1. e

2. False. HLA matching is the best predictor.

3. d

4. True

5. b

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