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SQI Diagnostics to Exhibit at the National Biotechnology Conference – Markets Insider

Posted: May 3, 2017 at 8:45 pm

TORONTO, May 1, 2017 /CNW/ - SQI Diagnostics Inc. ("SQI" or the "Company") (TSX-V: SQD; OTCQX: SQIDF), a life sciences and diagnostics company that develops and commercializes proprietary technologies and products for advanced microarray diagnostics, will be exhibiting at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) National Biotechnology Conference in San Diego, California.

"We are pleased to be a contributor to this very prestigious conference," said Andrew Morris, CEO of SQI Diagnostics. "This event brings together the world's leading experts and representatives from all sectors of pharma and biotechnology drug development and gives us the opportunity to share our novel multiplexing applications in drug development testing. Over the past year, we have made significant progress in our work with our pharma and biotech customers and believeour unique productswill prove to be beneficial to our customers who are large, global pharmaceutical companies.

The conference will run from May 1-3, 2017. Please stop by and visit us at booth 316.

About SQI Diagnostics

SQI Diagnostics is a life sciences and diagnostics company that develops and commercializes proprietary technologies and products for advanced microarray diagnostics. The Company's proprietary microarray tests and fully-automated systems are designed to simplify protein and antibody testing workflow, increase throughput, reduce costs and provide excellent data quality. For more information, please visit http://www.sqidiagnostics.com.

Contacts:

Sales and Marketing Contact: Russ Peloquin Vice President, Global Commercial Operations 913.484.9022 rel="nofollow">rpeloquin@sqidiagnostics.com

Investor Relations Contact: Andrew Morris Chief Executive Officer 416.674.9500 ext. 229 rel="nofollow">amorris@sqidiagnostics.com

Forward-looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "will", "may", "expects", "intends", "anticipates" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements in this news release include without limitation, statements with respect to the Private Placement and the use of proceeds of the Private Placement. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to risks related to the failure to obtain necessary regulatory and stock exchange approvals, general economic and market segment conditions, and international risk and currency exchange risks, agreements and future agreements to sell our products, the success of our Diagnostic Tools and Services business and our intent to build near-term revenue streams from this business, the successful regulatory filing and receipt of regulatory approvals for our later stage quantitative diagnostic kits, the acceleration of our revenue ramp, general economic and market segment conditions, competitor activity, technology changes and regulatory approvals. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's ongoing filings with the securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at http://www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE SQI Diagnostics Inc.

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ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. Appoints Summer Yun as CEO of CBD Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Wholly-owned Foreign Entity – Markets Insider

Posted: May 3, 2017 at 8:45 pm

SAN GABRIEL, California, May 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. (OTCQB: CIIX) ("CIIX" or the "Company"), the premier financial information website for Chinese-speaking investors, today announces that it has appointed Summer (XiangYang) Yun as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its wholly-owned foreign entity, CBD Biotechnology Co., Ltd. ("XiBiDi Biotech"). XiBiDi Biotech's primary focus is online, retail and direct sales of hemp-based health products in China. Yun's initial focus will be the launch of 'CBD Magic Hemp Series' cosmetics line. He will also spearhead the Company's plan to import natural dietary supplements created using advanced extracting and purifying technologies into China. Yun is a marketing and branding executive with over 25 years of experience. Yun will report directly to CIIX's CEO Warren Wang.

"I am honored to be named as CEO of CBD Biotech," says Yun. "For over 5,000 years, hemp has been cultivated and used in over 25,000 products worldwide. CIIX has a unique opportunity to become one of the first companies to offer CBD-based skin care products in China online and through established retail and direct selling channels. Through the introduction of Magic CBD Series cosmetics to China, I hope to educate consumers regarding hemp's many benefits."

The CBD Magic Hemp Series line will include cleansers, moisturizing lotions and anti-aging products created using supercritical CO2 extraction technology. CBD Biotech also plans to launch a series of oral spray vitamins and supplements that can be used for relaxation, pain relief and sleep, among others things. Yun will oversee marketing and sales of these products in China, and utilizing his branding and marketing expertise, he will work to grow the CBD Biotech brand.

"I believe Yun is the perfect candidate to oversee CBD Biotech's operations. I am confident in his ability to introduce this revolutionary CBD-based skin care line to China and create and generate substantial revenue for CIIX," says Wang.

Yun served as a marketing executive for the cosmetics branch company of TianJing Department Store to introduce both Procter & Gamble and Ponds to the Chinese market. As a brand agent, Yun experienced how Procter & Gamble cooperated with GuangZhou Soap Factory to enter the Chinese market, where he introduced the Head & Shoulders and Olay brands to the Chinese market. In 1996, Yun founded Sino-US Trade Development Co., Ltd. in TianJing Development Zone, and at the same time introduced the French L'anfu Cosmetics brand and Shanghai L'anfu Cosmetics brand to the Chinese market. Over the past 28 years, Yun has served as Chinese brand agent to many major skin and health care brands.

About ChineseInvestors.com (OTCQB: CIIX)

Founded in 1999, ChineseInvestors.com endeavors to be an innovative company providing: (a) real-time market commentary, analysis, and educational related services in Chinese language character sets (traditional and simplified); (b) advertising and public relation related support services; and (c) retail and online sales of hemp-based products and other health related products

For more information visit ChineseInvestors.com

Subscribe and watch our video commentaries: https://www.youtube.com/user/Chinesefncom

Follow us on Twitter for real-time Company updates: https://twitter.com/ChineseFNEnglsh

Like us on Facebook to receive live feeds:https://www.facebook.com/Chinesefncom

Add us on WeChat: Chinesefn or download iPhone iOS App: Chinesefn.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

Contact: ChineseInvestors.com, Inc. 227 W. Valley Blvd, #208 A San Gabriel, CA 91776

Investor Relations: Alan Klitenic +1-214-636-2548

Corporate Communications: NetworkNewsWire (NNW) New York, New York http://www.NetworkNewsWire.com +1-212-418-1217 Office rel="nofollow">Editor@NetworkNewsWire.com

SOURCE ChineseInvestors.com, Inc.

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Beta Cell Growth Finding May Lead to Improved Therapies for Diabetics – Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (press release)

Posted: May 3, 2017 at 8:45 pm

Scientists at theUniversity of California San Diego School of Medicine usedsingle-cell RNA sequencing to map out pathways that regulate cell growth that could be exploited to trick them to regenerate.

Pancreatic cells help maintain normal blood glucose levels by producing insulin, the master regulator of energy (glucose). Impairment and the loss of cells interrupts insulin production, leading to types 1 and 2 diabetes.The team's study ("Pseudotemporal Ordering of Single Cells Reveals Metabolic Control of Postnatal Cell Proliferation") is published in Cell Metabolism.

"If we can find a drug that makes cells grow, it could improve blood sugar levels in people with diabetes," said Maike Sander, M.D., professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Cellular and Molecular Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine. "These people often have residual cells, but not enough to maintain normal blood glucose levels."

The body generates cells in utero and they continue to regenerate after birth. But as people age, cell regeneration diminishes. The predominant way to grow new cells is through cell division; but cells capable of dividing are rare, compromising less than 1% of all cells. Scientists have been investigating molecular pathways that govern cell growth in hopes of finding new therapies that would help people regain blood glucose control after the onset of diabetes.

In their work, Dr. Sander's team identified the pathways that are active when cells divide, providing insight into possible drug targets. The investigators were able to profile molecular features and metabolic activity of individual cells to determine how dividing cells differ from nondividing cells.

"No one has been able to do this analysis because the 1% or less of cells that are dividing are masked by the 99% percent of cells that are not dividing," said Dr. Sander. "This in-depth characterization of individual cells in different proliferative states was enabled by newer technology. It provides a better picture of what sends cells into cell division and clues we can use to try to develop drugs to stimulate certain pathways."

Whether stimulating cells to grow will result in therapeutic interventions for diabetes is still to be seen, but this new information opens the door to find out, she added.

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Amid uncertain future, state’s stem cell agency loses transformational leader – The San Diego Union-Tribune

Posted: May 3, 2017 at 8:45 pm

Californias stem cell agency is on the hunt for a new president and CEO after the surprise announcement this week that C. Randal Mills will be departing the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. He will leave at the end of June.

Mills, who has headed the agency for three years, will become the next president and CEO of the National Marrow Donor Program. CIRM is replacing him on an interim basis with Maria Millan, M.D., the agencys vice president of therapeutics.

The state agency will soon begin a search for a permanent replacement, said Jonathan Thomas, CIRMs chairman. Millan is a candidate to fill that position, with Mills strong endorsement.

Mills is noted for reorganizing CIRM to provide greater systemic support for translating basic research into clinical science, and to provide quicker and more helpful responses to researchers seeking funding.

His initiative, called CIRM 2.0, was a response to criticism that the agency, funded with $3 billion in California bond money in 2004, has been too slow in getting treatments to patients.

Agency-supported treatments are now being tested in medical centers throughout the state, including San Diego County. Most prominently, CIRM has established an alpha stem cell clinic at UC San Diego. It is the cell therapy arm of UCSDs Sanford Stem Cell Clinical Center.

Mills said he decided to leave because the National Marrow Donor Program, which he was familiar with, resonated with his own goals of making personal connections with patients.

Before joining CIRM in 2014, Mills was president and CEO of Osiris Therapeutics, developer of a pediatric stem cell drug called Prochymal, used to treat a complication of bone marrow transplants called graft vs. host disease.

If you look at my office, the walls are covered with pictures of the children that we treated who went through bone marrow transplantation, Mills said. Getting to know them, and getting to know their families that had a tremendous effect.

The unexpected announcement drew surprise and concern from stem cell researchers and observers. As admirers of CIRM 2.0, they expressed uncertainty about what direction the agency would take. And with the $3 billion beginning to run out, looking for a new source of funding will be a top concern of Mills successor.

Confidence

But Mills said Wednesday the agency will do well.

If me leaving CIRM is a problem, then I didnt do a good job at CIRM, Mills said. Whether its because Im going to be the head of the National Marrow Donor Program or I get hit by a car, the success of this organization, or any organization thats healthy and functional, should never pivot on one person, Mills said. Ive assembled a team at CIRM that I have absolute, absolute confidence in.

Mills said he would be surprised if Millan didnt turn out to be the agency boards overwhelming choice to be his permanent successor. She assisted in developing the agencys strategic plan and helped it run smoothly, he said.

In 2015, Mills named Millan as senior director of medical affairs and stem cell centers, one of three appointments to CIRMs leadership team. Before joining CIRM, she was vice president and acting chief medical officer at StemCells, Inc. Before that, Millan was director of the Pediatric Liver and Kidney Transplant Program at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Millan said the agencys strategic plan is working, and taking the agency where it needs to go. That plan was developed to guide researchers, doctors and companies over the predictable hurdles they encounter in translating basic research into therapies testable in the clinic and that companies would want to commercialize.

Weve already done the challenging piece of identifying the how how to get to the mission, which is to accelerate these stem cell treatments to those with unmet medical needs, Millan said. Team members are all aligned in accomplishing these goals One cant help but be more energized and motivated to execute on the strategic plan.

About 30 stem cell clinical trials are under way that the agency has funded at one stage or another in research and development.

Jonathan Thomas, the CIRM chairman, said Mills has done what he promised when joining CIRM, and the agency is operating markedly better, in productivity, speed and efficiency.

He has made it, through CIRM 2.0 and beyond, a humming machine that is operating on all cylinders, Thomas said. In doing that, hes worked extensively and highly collaboratively with Maria (Millan) and the rest of the team. That has made CIRM an even better operation than it ever was. So we are in extremely good shape right now to go forward.

Goals accomplished

Jeanne Loring, a CIRM-funded stem cell scientist at The Scripps Research Institute, said Mills made the agency friendlier and more predictable for the scientists it funds.

The first and most dramatic thing he did was to end the process of independent grants, Loring said. Under that process, each grant proposal was considered on its own, with no consideration for success under a previous grant for an earlier stage of the research.

It was always very troubling to people, I think, that they could do very well with CIRM money on an early-stage grant, and that would earn them nothing in a further application to continue the work, Loring said.

As part of CIRM 2.0, Mills emphasized that once projects were accepted for funding, CIRM would become a partner with the scientists to help them accelerate research and development, and ultimately commercialization.

Loring leads a team researching the use of stem cells for Parkinsons therapy. The cells are collected from the patients to be treated, making them a genetic match. They are then genetically reprogrammed to resemble embryonic stem cells, and then matured into the brain cells destroyed in Parkinsons.

Lorings team was awarded $2.4 million in 2016 from CIRM to advance its research. A next-stage grant to translate the research to a clinically ready approach would need about $7 million, Loring said. The work is part of Summit for Stem Cell, a nonprofit alliance of scientists, doctors, patients and Parkinsons disease community supporters.

Veteran stem cell watcher David Jensen praised Mills on his blog, California Stem Cell Report.

"Dr. Mills made substantial contributions to the agency during his tenure, improving both efficiency of the grant making process and transparency of CIRM's operations, Jensen quoted stem cell observer John M. Simpson of Consumer Watchdog as saying.

Simpson added that as CIRM draws down the rest of its $3 billion with no new funding in sight, its not surprising that Mills would accept another job.

Paul Knoepfler, a CIRM-funded stem cell scientist and blogger, wrote Tuesday that Mills had a big positive impact on CIRM and helped it go to the next level.

About the only thing I wasnt a fan of in terms of his leadership was my perception of his negativity toward the FDA and toward FDA oversight of stem cells, and how that manifested at CIRM during his time there, Knoepfler wrote. But good people can strongly disagree on policy.

bradley.fikes@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1020

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Amid uncertain future, state's stem cell agency loses transformational leader - The San Diego Union-Tribune

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Presidential Symposium at the American Society of Gene and Cell … – Yahoo Finance

Posted: May 3, 2017 at 8:44 pm

FREMONT, Calif., May 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NYSE MKT: AST), a biotechnology company pioneering the field of regenerative medicine, today announced that data from its AST-OPC1 clinical program for severe cervical spinal cord injury will be presented during the Presidential Symposium at the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) 20th Annual Meeting, being held in Washington, D.C. during May 10-13, 2017.

"The ASGCT decision to include a presentation on AST-OPC1 in its Presidential Symposium signifies the ground-breaking nature of our program, and reflects the encouraging efficacy and safety data we have seen to date in patients with severe spinal cord injuries that have been treated with AST-OPC1," said Steve Cartt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Asterias. "Data will be presented from our SCiStar study demonstrating the potential of AST-OPC1 to help patients with complete paralysis regain increased arm, hand and finger function, and thus greater ability to live independently."

Jane S. Lebkowski, Ph.D., Asterias' President of R&D and Chief Scientific Officer, will be one of the presenters during the Presidential Symposium session scheduled on Friday, May 12, 2017 at 1:00pm Eastern Time. Dr. Lebkowski's presentation, titled "498 - Safety and Efficacy of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells (AST-OPC1) in Patients with Subacute Cervical Spinal Cord Injury," is expected to begin at 2:15pm Eastern Time. The abstract for Dr. Lebkowski's presentation at the ASGCT meeting is available online at: http://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/4399/presentation/1996.

ASGCT is the primary professional membership organization for gene and cell therapy. The Society's members are scientists, physicians, patient advocates, and other professionals. Its members work in a wide range of settings including universities, hospitals, government agencies, foundations, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Its mission is to advance knowledge, awareness, and education leading to the discovery and clinical application of gene and cell therapies to alleviate human disease.

About the SCiStar Trial

The SCiStar trial is an open-label, single-arm trial testing three sequential escalating doses of AST-OPC1 administered at up to 20 million AST-OPC1 cells in as many as 35 patients with sub-acute, C-5 to C-7, motor complete (AIS-A or AIS-B) cervical SCI. These individuals have essentially lost all movement below their injury site and experience severe paralysis of the upper and lower limbs. AIS-A patients have lost all motor and sensory function below their injury site, while AIS-B patients have lost all motor function but may retain some minimal sensory function below their injury site. AST-OPC1 is being administered 14 to 30 days post-injury. Patients will be followed by neurological exams and imaging procedures to assess the safety and activity of the product.

The study is being conducted at six centers in the U.S. and the company plans to increase this to up to 12 sites to accommodate the expanded patient enrollment. Clinical sites involved in the study include the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Shepherd Medical Center in Atlanta, University of Southern California (USC) jointly with Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Los Angeles, Indiana University, Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose jointly with Stanford University.

Asterias has received a Strategic Partnerships Award grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, which provides $14.3 million of non-dilutive funding for the Phase 1/2a clinical trial and other product development activities for AST-OPC1.

Additional information on the Phase 1/2a trial, including trial sites, can be found at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, using Identifier NCT02302157, and at the SCiStar Study Website (www.SCiStar-study.com).

About AST-OPC1

AST-OPC1, an oligodendrocyte progenitor population derived from human embryonic stem cells, has been shown in animals and in vitro to have three potentially reparative functions that address the complex pathologies observed at the injury site of a spinal cord injury. These activities of AST-OPC1 include production of neurotrophic factors, stimulation of vascularization, and induction of remyelination of denuded axons, all of which are critical for survival, regrowth and conduction of nerve impulses through axons at the injury site. In preclinical animal testing, AST-OPC1 administration led to remyelination of axons, improved hindlimb and forelimb locomotor function, dramatic reductions in injury-related cavitation and significant preservation of myelinated axons traversing the injury site.

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In a previous Phase 1 clinical trial, five patients with neurologically complete, thoracic spinal cord injury were administered two million AST-OPC1 cells at the spinal cord injury site 7-14 days post-injury. They also received low levels of immunosuppression for the next 60 days. Delivery of AST-OPC1 was successful in all five subjects with no serious adverse events associated with AST-OPC1. No evidence of rejection of AST-OPC1 was observed in detailed immune response monitoring of all patients. In four of the five patients, serial MRI scans indicated that reduced spinal cord cavitation may have occurred. Based on the results of this study, Asterias received clearance from FDA to progress testing of AST-OPC1 to patients with cervical spine injuries, which represents the first targeted population for registration trials.

About Asterias Biotherapeutics

Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company pioneering the field of regenerative medicine. The company's proprietary cell therapy programs are based on its pluripotent stem cell and immunotherapy platform technologies. Asterias is presently focused on advancing three clinical-stage programs which have the potential to address areas of very high unmet medical need in the fields of neurology and oncology. AST-OPC1 (oligodendrocyte progenitor cells) is currently in a Phase 1/2a dose escalation clinical trial in spinal cord injury. AST-VAC1 (antigen-presenting autologous dendritic cells) is undergoing continuing development by Asterias based on promising efficacy and safety data from a Phase 2 study in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), with current efforts focused on streamlining and modernizing the manufacturing process. AST-VAC2 (antigen-presenting allogeneic dendritic cells) represents a second generation, allogeneic cancer immunotherapy. The company's research partner, Cancer Research UK, plans to begin a Phase 1/2a clinical trial of AST-VAC2 in non-small cell lung cancer in 2017. Additional information about Asterias can be found at http://www.asteriasbiotherapeutics.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating and/or clinical research results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development, and potential opportunities for Asterias, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the businesses of Asterias, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in Asterias' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Asterias disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/presidential-symposium-at-the-american-society-of-gene-and-cell-therapy-asgct-20th-annual-meeting-will-feature-presentation-on-asterias-ast-opc1-for-spinal-cord-injury-300450272.html

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Fruit May Have Benefits for Diabetes – New York Times

Posted: May 3, 2017 at 8:43 pm


New York Times
Fruit May Have Benefits for Diabetes
New York Times
A large study has found that eating fresh fruit may reduce the risk for developing diabetes, and the risk for its complications. Fresh fruit has well-known health benefits. But some experts, and some people with diabetes, question whether its high ...

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More evidence ties childhood obesity to type 2 diabetes in kids – Reuters

Posted: May 3, 2017 at 8:43 pm

(Reuters Health) - Rates of type 2 diabetes among children in the UK have been rising, and tracking along with increased obesity and severe obesity, researchers say.

Based on data for hundreds of thousands of UK children and teens, the study found that obese kids were four times as likely as normal weight children to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which has already been linked to obesity in adults.

Obesity is a major global health issue. More than half of adults and one out of three children leaving primary school are now overweight or obese, said lead study author Ali Abbasi of Kings College London.

More than 12 million children and teens in the United States are considered obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 3,600 cases of type 2 diabetes are diagnosed in children and teens each year in the U.S.

The rapidity of the increase in type 2 diabetes is a real concern, which may have an important impact on the health of future generations, Abbasi told Reuters Health by email.

Abbasi and colleagues looked at records from 375 doctors' offices across the UK for the years 1994 through 2013. They analyzed data from 369,362 patients between ages 2 and 15, tracking new cases of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes and comparing them to childrens body mass index (BMI), a measure of weight relative to height, over time.

There were 654 type 2 diabetes cases and 1,318 type 1 diabetes cases diagnosed during the study period.

The incidence of type 2 diabetes among the children rose from 6.4 cases per 100,000 people per year in 1994 - 1998 to 33.2 cases per 100,000 per year in 2009 - 2013, the study team reports in Journal of the Endocrine Society.

The increase took place primarily among overweight and obese children, and the greatest risk was seen among the obese kids.

During the same period, the increase in proportion of kids who were obese stabilized, the researchers note, but BMIs among obese children rose, meaning obesity became more severe.

Type 1 diabetes incidence also rose, though less dramatically, from 38.2 cases per 100,000 per year to 52.1 per 100,000 per year over the study period but there was no link to overweight or obesity.

Unfortunately, little surprises me about the findings of this study, since we have been reporting an increasing risk of type 2 diabetes in children in the Pima Indians since the 1970s, said Robert Nelson of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases office in Phoenix, who wasnt involved with the study.

The next steps are to carefully characterize the magnitude of obesity and its impact on diabetes incidence, he told Reuters Health by email. We are finding in American Indians that children who are severely obese have a far higher incidence than those who are obese or overweight.

Nelson and colleagues are studying ways to manage pregnancy weight gain and prevent gestational diabetes in mothers, which increases the risk of the child developing diabetes early in life.

Understanding the relationship between obesity and diabetes in kids is important because diabetes can actually develop in children while theyre still children, said Asheley Skinner of Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, who wasnt involved with the study.

One important aspect to note is that about half of kids who develop type 2 diabetes arent obese, she told Reuters Health. Those who are obese have four times the risk, but that only represents part of equation. Obesity isnt the only important risk factor here.

We spend a lot of time and effort on trying to reduce obesity, and its often not successful, Skinner said. We should use diet and activity in all kids to reduce the risk for diabetes, as well as other diseases later in life.

SOURCE: bit.ly/2p7zbxT Journal of the Endocrine Society, online April 25, 2017.

NASHVILLE, Tenn Two U.S. states drew closer on Wednesday to legislating tougher restrictions on abortion with both Iowa and Tennessee seeking governors' signatures that would ban the procedure after 20 weeks.

A federal jury has cleared Bayer AG and Johnson & Johnson of liability in the first trial to flow out of thousands of lawsuits blaming injuries on the blood thinner Xarelto, the drugmakers said on Wednesday.

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Pathways leading to beta cell division identified, may aid diabetes treatment – Science Daily

Posted: May 3, 2017 at 8:43 pm

Pathways leading to beta cell division identified, may aid diabetes treatment
Science Daily
Impairment and the loss of beta cells interrupts insulin production, leading to type 1 and 2 diabetes. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers have, for the first time, mapped out pathways that regulate beta cell growth that could be exploited to ...

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Digital Diabetes Solutions – Human Resource Executive Online

Posted: May 3, 2017 at 8:43 pm

Digital Diabetes Solutions

With employers footing a major part of the nation's massive diabetes-driven $300 billion medical bill, new digitally based workplace programs are showing progress in managing those costs and improving employees' lives.

By Tom Starner

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

What if an employer could cut in half the amount of prescription drugs used to treat employees' diabetes?

The obvious, extremely potent benefit of that scenario would be the dramatic improvement of affected employees' lives. And then there is the obvious cost saving, which would add up quickly for employers trying to stem the ever-rising price of healthcare benefits.

Human resource leaders at Purdue University, in West Lafayette, Ind., are finding out what it's like to experience such a dramatic change within its workforce.

Purdue is much like other employers affected by the costs involved in managing employees' diabetes, with more than 1,800 known Purdue employees and their family members living with the disease, leading to millions of dollars in medical costs. Since early 2016, however, a subgroup of Purdue employees has been enrolled in a specialized program from San Francisco-based Virta Health in an effort to treat their type 2 diabetes while also saving money and living healthier lives.

The early results, according to Purdue's HR department, show the program's promise.

"Virta did the work for us and kept our employees engaged, and the results have been incredibly promising," says Denny Darrow, Purdue's vice president of HR. "And based upon early success, we are now making Virta available to all eligible people with type 2 diabetes in our employee and dependent populations."

Diabetes is among the top five chronic health conditions affecting Purdue employees, Darrow says, adding that incorporating Virta -- which is delivered online -- into the diabetes outreach that already exists at the university provides another avenue for those living with type 2 diabetes (or for those who have been identified as in the "pre-diabetes" segment) to get assistance.

"Our hope is that it is successful for all affected Purdue employees as well," he says. "For those who choose to participate and are successful, research shows that, not only will their overall health improve, but there should be savings on healthcare medications."

On a more personal level, one Purdue employee who participated in the program calls it a lifesaver.

Kim Canine, a housing business process analyst at Purdue, lived with type 2 diabetes for two years and was on diabetes and blood pressure medication when she enrolled in the program. A year later, she's been able to stop taking all her old medications.

"I have tried everything to get my sugar and weight under control, and nothing worked," Canine says. "I was concerned about losing time with my family due to this disease. I can confidently say that Virta has saved my life, and it has also helped my mother and brother.

"The food is not a focus anymore in my life," she adds. "It's my friends, it's my family, it's my work. It's being outside and enjoying life again."

According to Mike Payne, head of commercial and policy at Virta Health, there is an estimated $300 billion spent annually on diabetes and pre-diabetes management nationwide. Among the U.S. workforce, 29 million people suffer from type 2 diabetes and 86 million from pre-diabetes -- an average of one in 10 employees or dependents.

The Virta-Purdue partnership comes on the heels of Virta's peer-reviewed studyin which the firm's approach was successful in lowering A1c levels (the primary blood glucose metric) below the diabetic range in more than 50 percent of trial participants with type 2 diabetes. To do that, the online clinic offers physician supervision and a dedicated health coach, digital tracking tools and an app, and a personalized nutrition and care plan.

For people with type 2 diabetes, Payne says, achieving blood sugar value reductions to below the diabetic range -- rather than simply managing the disease -- leads to more energy and better health. He says that employers in industries such as healthcare, education, government, transportation, utilities and manufacturing have large diabetic populations within their workforces.

"We are seeing much interest from HR leaders who understand that not all great healthcare comes from health plans alone," he says, adding that Virta's calculations find that employers can see a break-even ROI in year one or, at the latest, year two.

Apart from comprehensive programs such as Virta's offering, disease management using digital solutions can also have a positive impact. For example, a new study from the Northeast Business Group on Health, finds that digital diabetes solutions can make a difference.

While it's not a panacea, digital solutions can offer employers valuable assistance in combatting diabetes among their populations, says Jeremy Nobel, executive Director of NEBGH's Solutions Center, which conducted the Digital Diabetes Solutions in Action: An Opportunity Study.

"Diabetes remains a major concern for employers because of direct cost of treatment, as well as impairment in employee performance," Nobel says, adding that NEBGH research has confirmed that employers are very receptive to the potential benefits of digital diabetes care and see it as part of a "next generation" approach to supporting employees and dependents suffering from the disease.

Adding a digital component to diabetes care coordination offers significant advantages in better engaging patients in their care, he says, as well as proving an important stream of digital data that can be used to optimize therapy and assist patients in meeting treatment goals.

"It's too early for long-term measurable results . . . but based on observations we would encourage other employers to consider whether implementing a digital health solution -- for managing diabetes or other chronic illnesses -- might benefit their employee populations."

Send questions or comments about this story to hreletters@lrp.com.

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Animal Biotechnology Technologies, Markets and Companies 2016-2026 – GlobeNewswire (press release)

Posted: May 2, 2017 at 1:45 pm

May 01, 2017 07:30 ET | Source: Research and Markets

Dublin, May 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Research and Markets has announced the addition of Jain PharmaBiotech's new report "Animal Biotechnology - Technologies, Markets and Companies" to their offering.

This report describes and evaluates animal biotechnology and its application in veterinary medicine and pharmaceuticals as well as improvement in food production. Knowledge of animal genetics is important in the application of biotechnology to manage genetic disorders and improve animal breeding. Genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics are also being applied to animal biotechnology.

Transgenic technologies are used for improving milk production and the meat in farm animals as well as for creating models of human diseases. Transgenic animals are used for the production of proteins for human medical use. Biotechnology is applied to facilitate xenotransplantation from animals to humans. Genetic engineering is done in farm animals and nuclear transfer technology has become an important and preferred method for cloning animals.There is discussion of in vitro meat production by culture

Biotechnology has potential applications in the management of several animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, classical swine fever, avian flu and bovine spongiform encephalopathy. The most important biotechnology-based products consist of vaccines, particularly genetically engineered or DNA vaccines. Gene therapy for diseases of pet animals is a fast developing area because many of the technologies used in clinical trials humans were developed in animals and many of the diseases of cats and dogs are similar to those in humans.RNA interference technology is now being applied for research in veterinary medicine

Molecular diagnosis is assuming an important place in veterinary practice. Polymerase chain reaction and its modifications are considered to be important. Fluorescent in situ hybridization and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays are also widely used. Newer biochip-based technologies and biosensors are also finding their way in veterinary diagnostics.

Biotechnology products are approved by the Center for Veterinary Medicine of the FDA. Regulatory issues relevant to animal biotechnology are described.

Approximately 124 companies have been identified to be involved in animal biotechnology and are profiled in the report. These are a mix of animal healthcare companies and biotechnology companies. Top companies in this area are identified and ranked. Information is given about the research activities of 11 veterinary and livestock research institutes. Important 108 collaborations in this area are shown.

Share of biotechnology-based products and services in 2016 is analyzed and the market is projected to 2026.

Key Topics Covered:

Executive Summary

1. Introduction to Animal Biotechnology

2. Application of Biotechnology in Animals

3. A Biotechnology Perspective of Animals Diseases

4. Molecular Diagnostics in Animals

5. Biotechnology-based Veterinary Medicine

6. Research in Animal Biotechnology

7. Animal Biotechnology Markets

8. Regulatory issues

9. Companies Involved in Animal Biotechnology

10. References

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6hlgn5/animal

Source: Jain PharmaBiotech

About Research and Markets Research and Markets is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Animal Biotechnology Technologies, Markets and Companies 2016-2026 - GlobeNewswire (press release)

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