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Oklahoma Republicans Introduce Bill That Prohibits The …

Posted: November 23, 2016 at 7:44 pm

No, this isnt from The Onion. Its a REAL bill that has been introduced by Republicans in the Oklahoma Senate. Introduced by Republican Ralph Shortey, Senate bill 1418 makes it illegal to make or sell food or other products that contain human fetuses, including in research and development.Republicans introduced the bill after a Christian Right anti-abortion group claimedthat several major food companies are using embryonic stem cells to enhance the flavor of their products. The allegations never got off the ground and the accused companies have flatly denied doing such a thing. Thats because its not only unethical to use stem cells in such a manner, its also illegal under US law (and disgusting). Yet Oklahoma Republicans, eager to please pro-life groups, are moving forward with their bill which just so happens to have a few additional benefits for stem cell research opponents.

Here is the text of the bill which can be found on the Oklahoma Legislature website:

STATE OF OKLAHOMA

2nd Session of the 53rd Legislature (2012)

SENATE BILL 1418 By: Ralph Shortey

AS INTRODUCED

An Act relating to food; prohibiting the manufacture or sale of food or products which use aborted human fetuses; providing for codification; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 1-1150 of Title 63, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows: No person or entity shall manufacture or knowingly sell food or any other product intended for human consumption which contains aborted human fetuses in the ingredients or which used aborted human fetuses in the research or development of any of the ingredients. SECTION 2. This act shall become effective November 1, 2012

Obviously I completely support making it illegal to make or sell food that contains human fetuses if such a thing even exists (it doesnt). But if you read the bill and think about it for a minute, it also covertly outlaws stem cell research and stem cell products used for medicinal purposes that could one day cure diseases such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease among many other ailments. Depending on the source, stem cell treatments could fall under a product that contains aborted human fetuses. You consume medicine in the same sense that you consume food; it enters the body and is processed in some fashion. Whether it is used for energy or to heal a damaged brain is irrelevant to this law.

The Republicans in Oklahoma are attempting to outlaw stem cell research and treatments under the guise of forbidding the use of fetuses in food. I dont know about you, but Ive never heard of any instance where a human fetus was used as an ingredient in food. This is kind of similar to the bevy of voter ID laws being passed by Republicans in states across the country that disenfranchise Democratic voter bases under the guise of fighting non-existent voter fraud. Its all about fighting some non-existent action that seemingly only happens in the minds of Republicans.

Its clear that Republicans are looking to trap Democrats with this bill. On the one hand, if Democrats vote in favor of the bill, Republicans will have succeeded in banning embryonic stem cell research and treatments. On the other hand, if Democrats vote against it, Republicans will accuse Democrats of wanting to eat fetuses. Its a classic Republican tactic. Dont get me wrong. I support banning using fetuses as food, but I oppose any attempt to ban stem cell research that could save millions of lives from being ruined by incurable diseases. Republicans mostly take issue with embryonic stem cell research which involves the use the embryos created using In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Many embryos are generated to enhance the success rate. The leftover embryos are either stored, slated for destruction, or are donated for research such as stem cell research. I honestly dont see what the big deal is. These embryos are donated and are stored so long that they are no longer viable so why not use them for research instead of wasting them by destroying them? It makes sense to me. So at the very least, Republicans should change the language in the bill. At any rate, shouldnt Republicans be focusing on other things, like the economy and jobs and health care, and things that actually matter to people who are already born?

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Tristan Darland | Faculty | Biology | Arts & Sciences …

Posted: November 23, 2016 at 7:44 pm

Assistant Professor of Biology

Starcher Hall Room 7

Office Tel: 701.777.3375

tristan.darland@UND.edu

B.S., 1986, Biology, Revelle College, University of California, San Diego, CA

Ph.D., 1998, Cell and Developmental Biology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR

Visiting Faculty Member, Turtle Mountain Community College, Belcourt, ND

Instructor and Research Professor, Department of Biology, University of North Dakota

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Harvard University, Boston, MA

I am interested in finding new genes, or new functions of known genes, involved in diverse biological processes ranging from neurodevelopment and neural stem cell regulation to addiction related behavior. I use zebrafish because the genetic analysis possible is amenable to find new candidate genes and is not currently possible in other vertebrates. I am currently identifying the genes underlying mutations that affect neural stem cell regulation in the retina. Fish have the ability to generate new nervous tissue in adulthood, a process that may be applicable to treating neural injury and pathology in humans. Also, I am identifying other mutant gene products that underlie abnormal behavioral responsiveness to addictive drugs.

I house a number of wild type strains of zebrafish and hope to make the organism available to other investigators on the UND campus interested in trying new experiments with this very useful model system. In addition, I am involved in summer educational outreach programs for undergraduates and hope to provide teaching laboratory workshops on using zebrafish for genetic analysis. Undergraduates conducting research in my laboratory are encouraged to participate in all levels of the research endeavor and to present their findings at local, regional, and national meetings. Ana Espinoza (Arizona Western College) and Joclyn Seiler (University of North Dakota) recently presented their research results at the UND REU-Neuroscience poster session (August, 2012) and again at the North Dakota EPSCoR meeting (September, 2012).

Mersereau, E.J., Boyle, C.A., Poitra, S., Espinoza, A., Seiler, J., Longie, R., Delvo, L., Szarkowski, M., Maliske, J., Chalmers, S., Darland, D.C., and Darland, T. Longitudinal effects of embryonic exposure to cocaine on morphology, cardiovascular physiology, and behavior in zebrafish. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2016 May 17:847-865; [doi:10.3390/ijms17060847] Special Note: This is an issue dedicated to zebrafish toxicology models.Special Note: This is an issue dedicated to zebrafish toxicology models.

Mersereau EJ, Poitra SL, Espinoza A, Crossley DA 2nd, Darland T. The effects of cocaine on heart rate and electrocardiogram in zebrafish (Danio rerio); Comp Biochem Physiol and Toxicol Pharmacol. 2015; Jun-Jul; 172-173;1-6; PMID: 25847362.

Darland, T., Mauch, J.T., Meier, E.M., Hagan, S.J., Dowling, J.E., and Darland, D.C. Sulpiride, but not SCH23390, modifies cocaine-induced conditioned place preference and expression of Tyrosine hydroxylase and Elongation factor 1 in zebrafish. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior 2012; 103(2):157-167.PMID: 22910534

Darland, D.C., Cain, J.T., Berosik, M.A., Saint-Geniez, M., Odens, P.W., Schaubhut, G.J., Frisch, S., Stemmer-Rachamimov, A., Darland, T., and D'Amore, P.A. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoform regulation of early forebrain development. Developmental Biology 2011; 358(1):9-22.PMID: 21803034

Nuckels, R.J., Ng, A. Darland, T. and Gross, J.M. The Vacuolar-ATPase Complex Regulates Retinoblast proliferation and Survival, Photoreceptor Morphogenesis and Pigmentation in the Zebrafish Eye. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences 2009; 50(2): 893-905.PMID: 18836173

Gross JM, Perkins BD, Amsterdam A, Egana A, Darland T , Matsui JI, Sciasscia S, Hopkins N and Dowling JE. Identification of Zebrafish Insertional Mutants with Defects in Visual System Development and Function. Genetics 2005; 170(1):245-61.PMID: 15716491

Darland T and Dowling JE. Behavioral screening for cocaine sensitivity in mutagenized zebrafish. PNAS USA 2001; 98(20): 11691-6.PMID: 11553778

Link BA and Darland T . Genetic analysis of initial and ongoing retinogenesis in the zebrafish: comparing the central neuroepithelium and marginal zone. Prog Brain Res . 2001; 131: 565-77.PMID: 11420971

Bunzow JR, Sonders MS, Arttamangkul S, Harrison LM, Zhang G, Quigley DI, Darland T , Suchland KL, Pasumamula S, Kennedy JL, Olsen SB, Magenis RE, Amara SG and Grandy DK. Amphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, lysergic acid diethylamide, and metabolites of the catecholamine neurotransmitters are agonists of a rat trace amine receptor . Mol. Pharm. 2001; 60 (6) 1181-8.

Allen CN, Jiang ZG, Teshima K, Darland T , Ikeda M, Nelson CS, Quigley DI, Yoshioka T, Allen RG, Rea MA and Grandy DK. Orphanin-FQ/nociceptin (OFQ/N) modulates the activity of suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons. J. Neurosci. (1999); 19(6): 2152-60.

Darland T , Grandy DK. The orphanin FQ system: an emerging target for the management of pain? Br. J. Anaesth . 1998; 81(1): 29-37.

Darland T , Heinricher MM, Grandy DK. Orphanin FQ/Nociceptin: a role in pain and analgesia, but so much more. Trends in Neurosci . 1998; 21(5): 215-21.

Quigley DI, McDougall J, Darland T , Zhang G, Ronnekliev O, Grandy DK, Allen RG. Orphanin FQ is the major OFQ1-17-containing peptide produced in the rodent and monkey hypothalamus. Peptides 1998;19(1):133-9.

Darland T , Leblanc GG. Immortalized Hensen's node cells secrete a factor that regulates avian neural crest cell fates in vitro . Dev Biol . 1996; 176(1): 62-75.

Leblanc GG, Holbert TE, Darland T . Role of the transforming growth factor-beta family in the expression of cranial neural crest-specific phenotypes. J Neurobiol . 1995; 26(4): 497-510.

Huang RP, Darland T , Okamura D, Mercola D, Adamson ED. Suppression of v-sis-dependent transformation by the transcription factor, Egr-1. Oncogene 1994; 9(5):1367-77.

Joh T, Darland T , Samuels M, Wu JX, Adamson ED. Regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor gene expression in murine embryonal carcinoma cells . Cell Growth Differ. 1992;3(5):315-25.

Edwards SA, Darland T , Sosnowski R, Samuels M, Adamson ED. The transcription factor, Egr-1, is rapidly modulated in response to retinoic acid in P19 embryonal carcinoma cells. Dev. Biol . 1991; 148(1): 165-73.

Darland T , Samuels M, Edwards SA, Sukhatme VP, Adamson ED. Regulation of Egr-1 and c-fos expression in differentiating embryonal carcinoma cells. Oncogene 1991; 6(8):1367-76.

Calogero A, Samuels M, Darland T , Edwards SA, Kemler R, Adamson ED. Overexpression of uvomorulin in a compaction-negative F9 mutant cell line. Dev Biol. 1991;146(2):499-508.

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Stem Cell – New Jersey Catholic Conference – Trenton, NJ

Posted: November 23, 2016 at 7:44 pm

Position of the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey on Stem Cell Research

October 2007

The Catholic Church has been committed to the care and healing of the sick from its very beginning. When Jesus commissioned the Apostles to Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15) he also told them that those who believed in his name should be healers, They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover" (Mark 16:18). In America, Catholic Hospitals and Catholic Charities have continued that apostolic mission and are at the leading edge of care for the ill, those who are poor and especially those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Following this tradition to be healers, the Catholic Church strongly supports adult or non-embryonic stem cell research and treatment. In New Jersey, our Catholic hospitals are a major source for the collection of cord blood, placentas and amniotic fluid all of which are rich in non-embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells have already helped thousands of patients with life threatening diseases and debilitating conditions. Over 70 clinical uses of adult stem cells have produced successful treatments for conditions such as diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, corneal regeneration, Crohns disease and immune deficiencies.

In contrast, embryonic stem cell research has yet to provide a single successful clinical treatment. Moreover, harvesting embryonic stem cells requires the destruction of human embryos. The Catholic Church teaches human life begins at conception and must be absolutely protected from that moment of conception. The Catholic Church can never approve support for embryonic stem cell research which requires the destruction of innocent human life.

Adult stem cell research has a proven track record and we support adult stem cell research and therapy. We speak out against embryonic stem cell research and the allocation of monies for research which, in our judgment, fails to respect the sacredness of human life at its beginning. We call upon all people to respect life especially the lives of the most vulnerable among us the child in a mothers womb.

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Stems & Vascular Tissue : Montana Science Partnership

Posted: November 23, 2016 at 7:44 pm

The stems and vascular tissue of plants serve several vital functions. Stems provide support for leaves, helping to keep the leaves in light, as well as support for flowers and fruits. Stems also produce new living tissue allowing plants to grow and reproduce. The vascular tissue within stems forms the plants system for moving water, minerals, nutrients and the products of photosynthesis throughout the plant, much like the human vascular system. Lastly, stems can store nutrients and water for later use. A minor function of stems is to produce carbohydrates via photosynthesis. However, photosynthesis in stems is usually not significant compared to leaves. There are some exceptions; for example, in some plants, such as cacti, photosynthetic processes within stems account for most of the plants carbon fixation.

Figure 7.12: Stem showing internode, nodes, a leaf, and a petiole. Image from URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/

A stem is a collection of plant tissues that are joined together and arranged as nodes and internodes. Nodes are locations where leaves attach to stems, and internodes are the leafless parts of stems that occur between nodes. New growth occurs at the nodes; nodes hold buds which grow into one or more leaves, inflorescences (flowers), cones or other stems. The internodes act as spaces that distance one node from another.

Special note: Non-vascular plants have no roots, stems, or leaves, since each of these structures is defined as containing vascular tissue. The lobes (rounded parts) of the liverwort may look like leaves, but they are not true leaves because they have no xylem or phloem. Likewise, mosses and algae have no such tissues.

The stem is one of the two main structural axes of the vascular plant. (The other main structural axis of plants are the roots.)In most plants, stems are located above the soil surface, but some plants have underground stems.Rhizomes, tubers and bulbs are all examples of underground stems.

Figure 7.13: Plant tissue types. Image from URL: http://www.scq.ubc.ca/capturing-the-sun-an-exploration-into-the-world-of-plant-science/

When we look at the structure of a stem, we can see the stems function reflected in it. The stems internal structure has both conducting and supporting tissues. While the tissues are basically the same in all of the plants parts, how the tissues are arranged in the stems (and the roots) are what differentiate the stem from other plant parts.

Dermal tissue or the epidermis is a single layer of closely packed cells. It both covers and protects the plant. It can be considered as the plants skin. In plants that undergo secondary growth, the epidermis is replaced by periderm, also called bark. The periderm protects the plant from pathogens, prevents excessive water loss and provides insulation.

Vascular tissue, which transports materials essential for plant survival between the roots and shoots, can be divided into two types: xylem and phloem. The xylem is the innermost ring of the vascular tissue. Xylem functions to transport water and minerals from the roots to the shoots. In contrast, the phloem surrounds the xylem and transfers food produced from leaves back down to the roots. The ground tissue which forms the bulk of the plant has many functions including photosynthesis, storage, and support.

Figure 7.14: Examples of leaf arrangements on stems. Image from URL: http://www.scarborough.k12.me.us/high/projects/trees/leafarrang.gif

The three most common types of leaf arrangement are: 1) alternate; 2) opposite; and 3) whorled.As the name implies, in plants displaying an alternate leaf arrangement, the leaves are arranged in a pattern alternating on either side of the stem. In this arrangement, just one leaf (can be a simple or compound leaf) is attached to one node. Plants displaying an opposite leaf arrangement have leaves growing opposite each other in pairs on the stem, so two leaves are attached to one node. In the third type, whorled leaf arrangement, three or more leaves are attached at each node on the stem. A whorl can occur as a basal structure. In this instance, all the leaves are attached at the base of the shoot and the internodes are small or absent. A basal whorl with a large number of leaves spread out in a circle is called a rosette.

As already noted with other plant parts, evolution has led to several examples of modified stems that are used for special functions. Modified stems can grow above as well as below the ground. Modified stems located below the ground surface include bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers. Modified stems located above ground include crowns, stolons, runners, tendrils, and spurs. For more information and pictures of modified stems, refer to this link from Backyardnature.net.

Figure 7.15: Examples of different kinds of modified stems. Image from URL: http://www.anbg.gov.au/glossary/webpubl/glosstu.htm

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The ALS Association

Posted: November 23, 2016 at 7:43 pm

Edward Kasarskis, M.D., Ph.D. is Director of the multidisciplinary ALS Center at the University of Kentucky Neuroscience Center in Lexington, Kentucky, professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Kentucky, and Chief of Neurology at the VA Medical Center in Lexington KY.

Q: Im taking Rilutek now but am wondering what else might be on the horizon in terms of potential drugs for ALS?

A: Thats a great question. There are several high-potential drugs being tested right now through clinical trials.

By the way, the drug youre taking, Rilutek (riluzole) has been around for about 20 years now. You should know that the American Academy of Neurologys 2009 Practice Parameters say that the drug is effective in slowing the rate of progression of ALS. Some physicians may downplay the benefits and potential impact of Rilutek, but its important to know that it does play a role in treating ALS. It is not a perfect drug, and so the quest for additional drug treatment continues.

When thinking about the future of drug therapy for ALS, most experts agree that the most effective treatment will likely be a drug cocktail, combining two or more medications, rather than taking just one. This may ultimately be our best strategy in treating the disease.

There are a large number of clinical trials in progress right now testing drugs, stem cells, and gene therapy that could change the course of the disease and preserve or improve muscle strength. Heres a quick update:

The drug is a three-dimensional mirror image of a current treatment for the symptoms of Parkinsons disease (Pramipexole). The chemical difference in structure may make "Dex" less likely to have unwanted side effects that some people with Parkinsons experience with the parent drug. A small Phase 2 trial of the drug in 102 newly-diagnosed people with ALS showed improvement in functional capability and survival.

A Phase 3 trial with almost 1,000 people enrolled should be completed very soon.

If, and this is always a BIG IF, this drug proves successful and is approved, its likely that it would be taken along with Rilutek.

Dr. Bob Miller, the principal investigator of the study, described the study results as "encouraging" in a Neuraltus press release: Halting the rate of disease progression, in a subset of patients, as this study suggests, would translate into a clear clinical benefit for these patients, he said. I agree completely. Unfortunately, rather than being an oral drug, the medication is given intravenously over several days at a time, for a period of months. The next step: a more definitive Phase 3 trial is likely to be started in 2013.

If youre interested in participating in a clinical trial in your area, visit http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. There is much work to be done.

This update is regarding one of the medications I discussed above, Dexpramipexole, by Biogen Idec. It looked very promising and I mentioned that a Phase 3 trial was expected to be completed very soon. I wanted you to know that, unfortunately, the trial was not successful. There was great hope that the drug would be effective in slowing ALS based on the preliminary studies. But in the end it did not turn out to be the case. This serves to remind us all that a clinical drug trial is, at the end of the day, an experiment. Some drugs succeed and others will fail. But the research effort must continue!

If you would like to submit questions for a future Q & A, please send your questions to theexchange@alsa-national.org. Please understand that we wont be able to address all questions and we wont be able to respond to individuals personally.

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Genetics – Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program

Posted: November 23, 2016 at 3:49 am

DNA

Through news accounts and crime stories, were all familiar with the fact that the DNA in our cells reflects each individuals unique identity and how closely related we are to one another. The same is true for the relationships among organisms. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the molecule that makes up an organisms genome in the nucleus of every cell. It consists of genes, which are the molecular codes for proteins the building blocks of our tissues and their functions. It also consists of the molecular codes that regulate the output of genes that is, the timing and degree of protein-making. DNA shapes how an organism grows up and the physiology of its blood, bone, and brains.

DNA is thus especially important in the study of evolution. The amount of difference in DNA is a test of the difference between one species and another and thus how closely or distantly related they are.

While the genetic difference between individual humans today is minuscule about 0.1%, on average study of the same aspects of the chimpanzee genome indicates a difference of about 1.2%. The bonobo (Pan paniscus), which is the close cousin of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), differs from humans to the same degree. The DNA difference with gorillas, another of the African apes, is about 1.6%. Most importantly, chimpanzees, bonobos, and humans all show this same amount of difference from gorillas. A difference of 3.1% distinguishes us and the African apes from the Asian great ape, the orangutan. How do the monkeys stack up? All of the great apes and humans differ from rhesus monkeys, for example, by about 7% in their DNA.

Geneticists have come up with a variety of ways of calculating the percentages, which give different impressions about how similar chimpanzees and humans are. The 1.2% chimp-human distinction, for example, involves a measurement of only substitutions in the base building blocks of those genes that chimpanzees and humans share. A comparison of the entire genome, however, indicates that segments of DNA have also been deleted, duplicated over and over, or inserted from one part of the genome into another. When these differences are counted, there is an additional 4 to 5% distinction between the human and chimpanzee genomes.

No matter how the calculation is done, the big point still holds: humans, chimpanzees, and bonobos are more closely related to one another than either is to gorillas or any other primate. From the perspective of this powerful test of biological kinship, humans are not only related to the great apes we are one. The DNA evidence leaves us with one of the greatest surprises in biology: the wall between human, on the one hand, and ape or animal, on the other, has been breached. The human evolutionary tree is embedded within the great apes.

The strong similarities between humans and the African great apes led Charles Darwin in 1871 to predict that Africa was the likely place where the human lineage branched off from other animals that is, the place where the common ancestor of chimpanzees, humans, and gorillas once lived. The DNA evidence shows an amazing confirmation of this daring prediction. The African great apes, including humans, have a closer kinship bond with one another than the African apes have with orangutans or other primates. Hardly ever has a scientific prediction so bold, so out there for its time, been upheld as the one made in 1871 that human evolution began in Africa.

The DNA evidence informs this conclusion, and the fossils do, too. Even though Europe and Asia were scoured for early human fossils long before Africa was even thought of, ongoing fossil discoveries confirm that the first 4 million years or so of human evolutionary history took place exclusively on the African continent. It is there that the search continues for fossils at or near the branching point of the chimpanzee and human lineages from our last common ancestor.

Due to billions of years of evolution, humans share genes with all living organisms. The percentage of genes or DNA that organisms share records their similarities. We share more genes with organisms that are more closely related to us.

Humans belong to the biological group known as Primates, and are classified with the great apes, one of the major groups of the primate evolutionary tree. Besides similarities in anatomy and behavior, our close biological kinship with other primate species is indicated by DNA evidence. It confirms that our closest living biological relatives are chimpanzees and bonobos, with whom we share many traits. But we did not evolve directly from any primates living today.

DNA also shows that our species and chimpanzees diverged from a common ancestor species that lived between 8 and 6 million years ago. The last common ancestor of monkeys and apes lived about 25 million years ago.

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HCG Weight Loss | HCG Diet – Pounds and Inches Away

Posted: November 23, 2016 at 3:48 am

Notice:In observance of Thanksgiving Day, we will be closed Thursday, November 24th. Due to the UPS Holiday Schedule, frozen food orders placed after Monday, Nov. 21st at 3:30 PM CST will not leave our facility until Monday, Nov. 28th. All other UPS and USPS deliveries may be delayed 1 business day.Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving !

Dr. A.T.W. Simeons formulated a diet about 50 years ago for the rich and famous of Europe. Celebrities and socialites would "go on holiday" and, after a discrete stay in a hospital, return to the limelight looking thin, healthy and wonderful. Their secret method remained unknown to the general public until 2007 when a book, The Weight Loss Cure "They" Don't Want You to Know About, revealing the good doctor's method, was published and sparked awareness.

Now Pounds and Inches Away brings those same great results to YOU! Founded in 2007 by Linda Prinster, author of several books on the subject, Pounds and Inches Away has supported thousands of people in all walks of life to successfully lose weight and move on to living a healthy lifestyle!

At Pounds and Inches Away, our mission is to provide the most effective, permanent weight loss program to both men and women, in particular, those who have given up hope in their journey to permanently lose weight. Learn all about what makes the Pounds and Inches Away Program so successful.

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A Super Brief and Basic Explanation of Epigenetics for Total …

Posted: November 23, 2016 at 3:48 am

July 30, 2013 WhatIsEpigenetics Educationally Entertaining

In simplified terms, epigenetics is the study of biological mechanisms that will switch genes on and off. What does that mean? Well, if you are new to this whole thing, we first need a quick crash course in biochemistry and genetics:

Now that you understand genetics, lets learn about epigenetics. Epigenetics, essentially, affects how genes are read by cells, and subsequently how they produce proteins. Here are a few important points about epigenetics:

SEE ALSO: Could Stressed Fathers Epigenetically Give their Children High Blood Sugar?

Heres an analogy that might further help you to understand epigenetics. Think of the human life span as a very long movie. The cells would be the actors and actresses, essential units that make up the movie. DNA, in turn, would be the script instructions for all the participants of the movie to perform their roles. Subsequently, the DNA sequence would be the words on the script, and certain blocks of these words that instruct key actions or events to take place would be the genes. The concept of genetics would be like screenwriting. Follow the analogy so far? Good. The concept ofepigenetics, then, would be like directing. The script can be the same, but the director can choose to eliminate certain scenes or dialogue, altering the movie for better or worse. After all, Steven Spielbergs finished product would be drastically different than Woody Allens forthe same movie script, wouldnt it?

* Editors Note: Be wary of self-help claims that exploit epigenetics and seem too good to be true. We recommend you read about the abuseof epigenetics and pseudoscience.

Ready to learn epigenetics in further detail? Read on:Fundamentals of Epigenetics

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West Virginia University Hospitals | BMT InfoNet

Posted: November 23, 2016 at 3:48 am

Transplant Center User Guide

This guide will help you understand how to read the transplant program reports in the Transplant Center Directory. All information provided in these reports is obtained directly from the transplant center. We make every effort to keep the information up to date but changes can occur. Consult directly with each transplant center for the most current information about their program.

Type of Transplant Unit

If the transplant center treats only adult patients, the word "Adult" will appear in this section. If only pediatric patients are accepted for treatment, the word "Pediatric" will appear. If the center treats both pediatric and adult patients, but at separate facilities, the words "Both Adult/Ped" will appear. If both pediatric and adult patients are treated at the same facility and by the same medical personnel, the words "Adult/Ped Combined" will appear.

NMDP Center

NMDP stands for National Marrow Donor Program, the organization that provides bone marrow, stem cell and cord blood donors for patients. A "Y" in this space means that NMDP will provide unrelated donors to patients treated at this center. An"N" or blank space means it will not.

FACT Approved

FACT stands for the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy. This group establishes standards for the collection, storage and transplantation of bone marrow, stem cells and cord blood. A "Y" after FACT approved means the center has been certified as a quality transplant center.

An "N" or blank space after FACT approvedmeans the center has not yet been rapproved by FACT. This may be because they did not apply for FACT approval, were denied approval or they are currently being reviewed."P" means the center has filed for FACT approval, and their application is pending. For more information about FACT, visit their website at http://www.factwebsite.org

Age of Program

The year the autologous and allogeneic transplant programs began

Transplant Center Staff

Lists the primary medical directors and nurse/program coordinators. It does not include staff physicans or other nurses who staff the transplant unit.

Number of Transplants Performed

This section provides data about the number and type of transplants the center has performed. in the last few years.These numbers reflect transplants done for ALL diseases, not just your disease. You'll need to consult with the center directly about their experience treating your specific disease. Consult the Department of Health and Human Services' web page for informatio on the number of transplants a center has performed for patients with a specifc disease.

If the center did not provide us with the number of transplants performed in a particular year a zero will appear in the space.

Type of Transplant:

There are several different types of bone marrow or stem cell transplants. "Autologous" means the patient's own stem cells or marrow are used. "Allogeneic" means stem cells and bone marrow are from a donor is used in the transplant. The donor may be related or unrelated. In addition, the donor may be "matched", meaning that his marrow type is nearly identical to the patient's marrow type, or "mis-matched" meaning the marrow types of the patient and donor differ.

This section lists transplants by type of transplant performed. The number of cord blood and nonmyeloablative or reduced intensity transplants are listed separately.

Age Criteria

This section lists the minimum and maximum age of patients the center will accept for treatment. At many centers, the age criteria are flexible. Patients who exceed the maximum age criteria may still be considered if they're as physically fit as a younger person.

Donor Match Criteria

The minimumdonor match criteria required by the center for each type of transplant is presented in this section. At some centers, the match criteria varies according to the disease being treated and the protocol (treatment plan).

This section indicates whether support groups are available for patients and family members during and after treatment.

You may search for centers that transplant patients with a particular disease. Select a disease from the drop down table under "Disease" Leave the field blank if you do not want to narrow your search by disease.

The date last updated is the date on which any of the following elements were changed in our database: Number & Type of Transplants Performed, Diseases Treated, Age & Match Criteria, NMDP Affiliation, and FACT Approval. It is possible that further changes in the transplant program may have occurred since then.

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West Virginia University Hospitals | BMT InfoNet

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Stem Cell Therapy for Neck & Back Pain – DC Metro Area

Posted: November 23, 2016 at 3:48 am

Stem Cell Therapy share

Painful discs in the neck or low back are common causes of severe back pain and disability. Historically, therapies did not exist to regenerate the degenerative process in a vertebral disc, often leaving surgical intervention as the only option if other non-operative treatment options have failed. In selected patients, we now have hopes of better ways to treat spinal disease. Regenerative therapies for the spine are the future for spinal treatments. We are excited to offer innovative techniques as new and improved ways to try to heal spinal problems without having to undergo surgery. Regenerative therapy options hold wonderful healing potential and represent the future of modern medicine.

In the United States alone, more than 400,000 lumbar discectomies and 500,000 spinal fusions are performed each year for symptoms related to lumbar disc degeneration. The ability to get these to heal without surgery has been a long-term goal of many patients and physicians alike.At Virginia Spine Institute, we are working to promote healing without surgery. Virginia Spine Institute continues to be on the forefront of treatment options and is proud to offer stem cell therapy treatments for patients as part of ourcomprehensive non-operative treatment options.

We obtain a patients own stem cells by aspirating tissue from the patient's hip bone or from their fat cells. These cells are centrifuged down to identify and separate specific primitive cells that will help heal tissues. Stem cells are theninjected into the disc, stimulating healing of the disc by using these primitive blood cells to stimulate regeneration of the collagen within the disc. We are excited to report improvements in our patients treated with stem cells.

What are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to become specialized types of cells. Stem cells can be categorized as embryonic stem cells or adult stem cells.Embryonic stem cells are derived from a human fetus; there are many ethical concerns with embryonic stem cells, and these are not used in our practice.

Adult stem cells are derived from adults, sometimes obtained from your very own body! Adult stem cells are further divided into different categories. For example, the types of adult stem cells we use to treat musculoskeletal issues are known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These are multi-potent cells that can differentiate into bone cells, cartilage cells, or fat cells. Its important to note that they cannot differentiate into any other type of cell.

The human body has multiple storage sites for stem cells to repair degenerated and injured structures. We have found that obtaining stem cells from the hip bone (iliac bone) is easily performed within minutes and, in most cases, is a fairly painless procedure for the patient. The stem cells are obtained from your own bone marrow; just minutes later, they are used for treatment.

This procedure is done in our office and starts with the patient lying face down on the examination table. The skin is first numbed with a novocaine solution. After that, the cortex of the hip bone (iliac bone) is numbed. Next, under x-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance, a special needle is advanced through the bone to the cortex of your hip bone into the bone marrow. The liquid marrow - which contains the stem cells - is then withdrawn into a syringe. Finally, the needle is removed, and a small bandage is placed where the needle was inserted.

After the procedure, the syringe of stem cells is taken to the lab and placed in a specialized machine called a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins the bone marrow solution and stem cells are separated from the non-useful cells. The concentrated stem cells are then transferred to a new syringe. Now, the stem cells are ready for the treatment.

Not all patients will be a candidate for these disc regeneration procedures. For those whom are ideal candidates, this provides great hope with reduction in pain and improved quality of life without the need for major surgery. We are excited about these great advances in health care and look forward to helping you live pain free.

Stem cell injections are most commonly used for treatment of the following conditions:

The area of injury is first identified using ultrasound or fluoroscopy. The area is then sterilized, and the skin above the area is numbed with a novocaine-type solution. Using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, the needle is guided to the area of injury, and the stem cell solution is injected. All the regenerative injections performed at our practice are performed under image guidance with ultrasound or fluoroscopy to confirm accurate placement of the stem cells.

The risks depend on the area being treated; however, there is always a potential risk of an injection causing infection, bleeding, or nerve damage. It is important to note that there is no risk of allergic reaction since you are using your own stem cells. At Virginia Spine Institute we always recommended the safest and most efficient procedures for our patients, however, your physician will review any possible risks associated with this treatment prior to administering.

The benefit is usually seen approximately two to three months after the whole treatment protocol has completed; however, you may start to notice the benefit sooner than this.

In most cases, patients respond very well to just one treatment; however, the patient may require two to three injections. We never perform more than three injections within a span of 12 months.

Virginia Spine Institute is part of an ongoing FDA clinical trial study and now also offers stem cell therapy to patients not enrolled in the study. This pioneering cell therapy, currently under investigation by our physicians, shows promise in restoring the structure of degenerating discs and alleviating pain after other non-operative treatments have failed.

The clinical trial uses NuQu (made by ISTO Technologies, Inc) to attempt to restore a damaged disc to save the disc and prevent further degeneration. NuQu is composed of culture-expanded juvenile cartilage cells (stem cells) in a protein-based carrier. These cells have been proven to have far greater regenerative potential than adult cartilage-forming cells based upon preliminary investigations.

After evaluating hundreds of patients for the FDA trial comparing these cartilage forming stem cells to a saline placebo, the spinal experts at Virginia Spine Institute were able to enroll 5 patients in the study. Although early results have been promising, the evaluation will not be complete until a full year passes after the injection.

Although NuQu is an early-stage, cell-based therapy aimed at treating the cause of back pain associated with degenerating discs, we remain optimistic that it has the potential to cure this disease. This pioneering cell therapy, currently under investigation by our physicians, shows promise in restoring the structure of degenerating discs and alleviating pain after other non-operative treatments have failed and before surgery even becomes a consideration.

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Stem Cell Therapy for Neck & Back Pain - DC Metro Area

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