Archive for the ‘Spinal Cord Injury’ Category

Five local spinal cord injury organizations gathered at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre on Monday to celebrate the homecoming of the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay to B.C.

The relay, being held 25 years later, to the day, of Hansen's Man in Motion world tour, retraces the Canadian segment of the original tour.

This time, however, about 7,000 Canadians are participating in the relay, passing along a Rick Hansen medal produced by the Royal Canadian Mint.

The relay began Aug. 24, 2011 in Cape Spear, NL and crossed into B.C. from Alberta on Monday, arriving in Prince George.

Art Reitmayer, CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation, said there is much to be celebrated in advances to spinal cord injury research during the last quarter century.

"You're starting to see now situations where individuals, had they been injured 25 years ago, they wouldn't have walked away," said Reitmayer, who spoke at the event in Vancouver.

Increased awareness has also led to greatly improved accessibility for people with spinal cord injuries, he said.

"The discussion back then didn't even happen around awareness - curb cuts, lowered counters, accessible washrooms. That's the difference that 25 years of working on this makes."

About 70 staff members and clients from the B.C. Paraplegic Association, the B.C. Wheelchair Basketball Society, the B.C. Wheelchair Sports Association, the Neil Squire Society and the Sam Sullivan Disability Foundation - collectively known as the B.C. Spinal Cord Injury Community Services Network - as well as patients from G.F. Strong attended the event.

The relay ends May 22 in Vancouver with a celebration at the Pacific Coliseum.

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Anniversary rally retraces route 25 years later

MANHATTAN A Kansas State University professor is doing research that may one day help make it easier to recover after spinal cord injury or to study neurological disorders.

Mark Weiss, professor of anatomy and physiology, is researching genetic models for spinal cord injury or diseases such as Parkinsons disease. He is developing technology that can advance cellular therapy and regenerative medicine a type of research that can improve animal and human health.

"Were trying to build tools, trying to build models that will have broad applications," Weiss said. "So if youre interested in neural differentiation or if youre interested in response after an injury, were trying to come up with cell lines that will teach us, help us to solve a medical mystery."

Weiss research team has perfected a technique to use stem cells to study targeted genetic modifications. The research is an important step in the field of functional genomics, which focuses on understanding the functions and roles of these genes in disease.

The researchers are creating several tools to study functional genomics. One such tool involves developing new ways to use fluorescent transporters, which make it easier to study proteins and their functions. These fluorescent transporters can be especially helpful when studying neurological disorders such as Parkinsons disease, stroke and spinal cord injury.

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K-State professor’s research hopes to ‘solve a medical mystery’

13-03-2012 19:50 Produced by the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Rochester Medical Center, this video illustrates how 5 people living with spinal cord injury have modified their homes. Visit us on the web at http://www.urmc.rochester.edu This video was funded by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation.

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Home modifications following a spinal cord injury - Video

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

InVivo Therapeutics Holdings Corp. (OTCBB: NVIV), a developer of groundbreaking technologies for the treatment of spinal cord injuries (SCI), today reported the financial results for the year ended December 31, 2011 and provided a business update.

InVivo has pioneered a new treatment that uses a biocompatible polymer-based scaffold to provide structural support to a damaged spinal cord in order to spare tissue from scarring while improving recovering and prognosis after a traumatic spinal cord injury. Today, there is no effective treatment for the spinal cord for paralysis caused by SCIs, and the market potential is estimated to be over $10 billion.

2011 was a landmark year for InVivo, performing under budget for the sixth consecutive year. We made significant progress advancing the commercialization of our first product for SCI and expanding our product pipeline to the rest of the nervous system. We also laid the groundwork to have three product applications under review by FDA by the end of 2012, said Frank Reynolds, InVivos Chief Executive Officer. Our biopolymer scaffolding is poised to enter human clinical trials for SCI during the second half of 2012 and we expect to file two additional Investigational Device Exemptions for our hydrogel products to treat both SCI and chronic pain from peripheral nerve injuries. Weve had a great start to 2012 by closing an oversubscribed $20 million public offering led by globally-recognized healthcare investment institutions and by adding key leadership to our senior management team.

Recent Corporate Highlights

Biopolymer Scaffolding Scheduled to Enter Clinical Studies for SCI in 2012: InVivo expects to commence a pilot human clinical trial during the second half of 2012 pending approval of an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) application by the FDA. The study will be an open label study and is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy in ten SCI patients following treatment with the biopolymer scaffolding. This study follows promising pre-clinical studies completed in non-human primates. InVivo is the first to successfully demonstrate functional improvement in non-human primates that were paralyzed after a spinal cord injury model. Data from this study was published in the Journal of Neuroscience Methods and won the prestigious 2011 Apple Award from the American Spinal Injury Association recognizing excellence in SCI research.

IDE Submissions to be Filed with FDA for Injectable Hydrogel to Treat Peripheral Nerve Injuries and SCI: InVivo has commenced a preclinical study with Geisinger Health System to evaluate the Companys injectable biocompatible hydrogel for the treatment of chronic pain caused by peripheral nerve compression. Approximately 3.2 million pain injections are performed annually to treat back, neck and leg pain caused by peripheral nerve compression. InVivos hydrogel is designed to time-release anti-inflammatory drugs for extended pain relief. The product addresses a $15 billion market for peripheral nerve injuries. InVivo expects to file two IDEs in the second half of 2012 for the use of the injectable hydrogel to treat peripheral nerve injuries and SCI.

Raised $23 Million of Equity Capital: In February 2012, InVivo completed a $20 million public offering led by a select group of institutional investors. The Company issued 9,523,810 shares of common stock at a price to the public of $2.10 per share. Net proceeds to InVivo were approximately $18.1 million. In December 2011, InVivo completed a private placement of common stock and warrants with an existing institutional investor that raised $2 million of net proceeds. In the fourth quarter of 2011, warrants with an exercise price of $1.40 per share were exercised providing $1 million of cash. InVivo has the potential to receive an additional $18.6 million from the exercise of warrants.

Key Additions to the Senior Management Team: InVivo announced the appointments of Edward Wirth III, MD, PhD, formerly of Geron, as its Chief Science Officer, Brian Hess, formerly of Stryker, as Director of Product Development, and Jonathan Slotkin, MD as Medical Director.

Opening New Corporate Headquarters including Manufacturing & Research Facilities: In December 2011, InVivo executed a multi-year lease for a 21,000 square foot facility at One Kendall Square in Cambridge, MA. The new facility will house corporate offices, lab space, a rodent vivarium and a cGMP clean room to meet the needs for the planned human clinical studies.

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InVivo Therapeutics Reports 2011 Financial Results, Provides Business Update

13-03-2012 13:39 This video was produced by Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network. For more information, visit http://www.GoodShepherdRehab.org.

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Spinal Cord Injury: Self Dressing - Video

BY BILL BIRD wbird@stmedianetwork.com March 14, 2012 7:42PM

Utah State runner Brittany Fisher, No. 476, runs a cross country race. Photo courtesy~Fisher family

storyidforme: 27381588 tmspicid: 9890634 fileheaderid: 4551173

Updated: March 14, 2012 7:49PM

She slammed into the unforgiving earth from a height of five stories while rappelling down the side of a cliff, some 30 minutes from civilization and a good two hours before the sun would begin its rise in the Utah desert. She sustained a serious spinal cord injury and broke both of her legs.

But her parents, brother and sister are relieved and grateful Naperville Central High School alumnus Brittany Fisher suffered neither brain damage nor paralysis, and is likely to completely recover from her harrowing fall.

We video-chatted, and she was conscious, and had no trouble talking at all, said Braden Fisher, Brittanys older brother, from the driveway of the familys home in the Heritage Knolls area of Napervilles far southeast side.

Its amazing. She had no head injuries of any sort.

The siblings attend Utah State University in Logan, where he is majoring in finance and she in elementary education. Parents Bryan and Kaaren Fisher live here with their youngest child, Laura Fisher, a senior at Naperville Central.

Brittany Fisher was listed late Wednesday in serious condition at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, to which she was flown via rescue helicopter following her fall. A hospital spokeswoman, citing federal privacy laws, declined to discuss her injuries.

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Naperville woman seriously hurt in fall while rappelling in Utah

To: HEALTH, MEDICAL AND NATIONAL EDITORS

SHORT HILLS, N.J., March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, the nation's leading nonprofit providing care to those living with paralysis and advancing research into treatments and cures for spinal cord injury, today unveiled "Reverse," a public service announcement (PSA). The PSA is designed to spread awareness and bolster support of research to find cures for spinal cord injury. The advertisement is available for viewing at ChristopherReeve.org.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100511/REEVELOGO)

The PSA, developed by the Reeve Foundation's advertising partner BBDO New York, and directed by Greg Ramsey, features Rob Summers, a former college baseball pitcher, who was completely paralyzed from the chest down in 2006 after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run accident. Today, Summers is able to stand and step with assistance on a treadmill and move his legs voluntarily. These unprecedented outcomes are the result of his participation in a landmark scientific study of a novel experimental therapy that combines continual direct epidural stimulation of his lower spinal cord with intense locomotor training (assisted stepping on a treadmill). The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Reeve Foundation.

Summers was the first-ever human participant in this groundbreaking research, which was published in the medical journal The Lancet in May 2011.

The creative visual imagery, includes the use of falling dominoes to represent a spinal cord injury's devastating effects--which are physical, as well as emotional and societal.

John Osborn, president of BBDO New York and Chair of the Reeve Foundation's Communications Committee, stated, "Rob's story is extraordinarily compelling. His bigger-than-life personality and drive are an inspiration that we felt compelled to share. We want to invite the world to learn more and to feel what we feel--that this is a huge breakthrough and proof positive of progress being made in this field."

Peter T. Wilderotter, president and CEO of the Reeve Foundation, said, "The reverse effect of the dominoes evokes Rob's journey, and invites others to rise with him, as we do. We are so grateful to our friends at BBDO New York, who, once again, selflessly devoted their talents and hours of their time to help us further our mission and provide a call to action to support the paralysis community."

"I am the first person in the world to ever participate in the epidural stimulation project, and to have achieved this recovery is life-changing," said Rob Summers. "Although my Major League Baseball dreams were dashed that night in 2006, I think this is much more impactful than anything I could have ever done before my injury."

Nearly 5.6 million Americans live with some form of paralysis, defined as a central nervous system disorder resulting in difficulty or an inability to move the upper or lower extremities. Of those, 1.275 million paralyzed due to a spinal cord injury.

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Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Unveils Public Service Announcement Message Features Promising Experimental Spinal ...

Paralyzed by a spinal cord injury in 1986, real estate developer Rogers Severson sought out a leading rehabilitation facility after doctors told the former college athlete he'd never walk again.

Six months later, he walked out of Casa Colina Center for Rehabilitation in Pomona with the aid of a cane and the realization that he possessed what most patients there did not: excellent insurance and the personal means to pay for top-flight care. He vowed to help change that.

Almost a year to the day after he was thrown from a mule, breaking two vertebrae, Severson stood before those gathered at a fundraising luncheon to benefit the charity he'd founded, the Spinal Cord Injury Special Fund. More than $200,000 was initially raised, including $50,000 from Severson's own pocket.

Over the next 25 years, the organization helped more than a thousand people with spinal cord injuries extend their therapy or pay for equipment aimed at helping them gain greater independence, according to the fund.

Severson died Monday at his Newport Beach home of complications related to cancer, said his daughter, Laura Russell. He was 72.

Before the accident, his life "couldn't have been going better," Severson told The Times in 1987.

Born Nov. 1, 1939, in Pensacola, Fla., to a career Marine Corps aviator and his wife, Severson led the University of Redlands tennis team to championships and majored in business and finance, according to the 2007 book "You've Gotta Fight Back!" He earned his bachelor's degree in 1962.

By 1969, he was developing industrial business parks for Dunn Properties and was named chairman of its board in 1974. Four years later, he co-founded Saddleback Associates in Orange County and continued building business parks in the west.

With his business and family flourishing, Severson later said, "I remember thinking that things were so good I needed some additional challenges in my life somewhere."

Everything changed in November 1986 during the annual Portola Ride, an exclusive horseback-riding event for businessmen in Orange County. He often rode a mule, partly because he enjoyed its plodding gait. When the mule threw him, Severson landed on his head and neck.

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Rogers Severson dies at 72; creator of spinal cord injury fund

Doctor Wise Young in Hong Kong on February 22, 2012. Young, a leading researcher in spinal cord injuries, says China could hold the key to a cure that he has been searching for since he met late actor Christopher Reeve in the 1990s. AFP pic

US-based Doctor Wise Young first used the word cure in relation to his work after a conversation with Reeve, the Superman hero who became quadriplegic in an equestrian accident in 1995.

Reeve contacted him looking for help and the two became close friends. The actor died of heart failure in 2004 at the age of 52, having devoted his life to raising awareness about spinal cord injuries and stem-cell research.

But it was a star of a different sort, Chinese gymnast Sang Lan, who set Young on the path he believes has brought a cure closer than ever, thanks to ground-breaking clinical trials of stem-cell therapy he is conducting in China.

Everybody assumed that Im doing this in China because I wanted to escape George W. Bush, but thats not the case at all, Young said in an interview, recalling the former US presidents 2001 decision to effectively stop Federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.

I started the clinical trials in 2005 here in Hong Kong ... mainly because of a promise that I made to a young woman. Her name is Sang Lan.

Sang crushed her spine during a routine warm-up exercise at the Goodwill Games in New York in 1998. She met Young as she underwent treatment and rehabilitation in the United States over the next 12 months.

Her parents came to me and asked whether or not there would ever be a cure for her, and I said were working very hard on it, recalled Young, who was by then one of the leading US experts on spinal cord injuries.

When she went back to China after doing her rehabilitation in New York she cried and asked how would therapies go from the United States to China.

In those days China was still relatively poor and backward so she didnt think that any therapy would be coming from China. So I started in 1999 to talk to all the spinal cord doctors in China.

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Doctor looks to China for spinal injury ‘cure’

The proposed $188 million expansion of Brocktons VA hospital is on hold until federal officials approve the projects next phase.

The federal government has already approved $24 million to be spent on the design of the proposed 96-bed, long-term spinal cord injury unit and renovation of the old complex at the Brockton VA hospital, federal budget documents show.

Designers at the Boston architectural firm Payette finalized preliminary design documents for the project last September after a year of work. But the project will not move forward until federal approval of the next step creating construction documents.

We need to be authorized to do the construction documents before they can build it, said Kevin Sullivan, principal at Payette.

Payette has collaborated with the VA Boston Healthcare System on more than 50 projects over the last few years.

Sullivan, the Brockton projects principal in charge, said hes excited to see the spinal cord injury unit move forward. I dont think Ive ever worked on a project that could have more of an impact on peoples daily lives, Sullivan said.

The Brockton campus of the VA Boston Healthcare System, 940 Belmont St., received $24 million in 2009 for the designing of a two-part project: building the new building and renovating the existing spinal cord injury unit to be used for a mental health.

The construction documents will take a year to complete, and designers believe that 2016 is the earliest the spinal cord injury building could open.

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Brockton VA’s spinal cord unit waiting for key approval

A drug found to slow some of the physical problems and reduce the number of flareups of multiple sclerosis (MS) could also show promise for treating spinal cord injuries, according to a new Japanese study.

Researchers from the Jichi Medical University School of Medicine and the Universisty of Tokyo's Graduate School of Medicine found that FTY720, also known as Gilenya, helped mice with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) recover some motor function when they were given the drug immediately after the injuries.

FTY720 acts in a number of ways, the study authors wrote. The drug, provided by its manufacturer, Novartis, for this study, suppresses the immune system, which reduces inflammation that occurs after injuries. Inflammatory effects, they explained, can worsen the damage done by SCIs. The drug also helped the mice's damaged tissue regenerate, among other effects.

"The main biological activity responsible for these actions is believed to be immunological, but our data suggest that nonimmunological role(s) of FTY720 are also important in the treatment of SCI," they wrote.

The drug still needs to be evaluated in larger animals before determining whether it is effective in treating SCIs, but still has promise, the authors added.

Experts not involved with the study, however, are a bit more skeptical. Many interventions work in mice, so determining the utility of Gilenya for SCIs in humans is a long way off, if it happens at all.

"Another issue is that in this study, the drug was given immediately after the SCI, and rarely do we have the opportunity to give a drug immediately after this type of injury in humans," said W. Dalton Dietrich, professor and scientific director of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. "One big question is if the drug delivery is delayed, will it work?"

Studies have found that in some people, the steroid drug methylprednisolone has been effective at restoring a little bit of function if given within eight hours of injury.

But other drugs -- mostly experimental -- that clinicians have tried with post-SCI patients have not been particularly effective.

"Acutely, we really don't have any drugs to try to protect the nervous system," said Dr. Bruce Dobkin, director of the Neurologic Rehabilitation and Research Program at UCLA's Geffen School of Medicine. "The most important thing is rehabilitation."

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Could MS Drug Treat Spinal Cord Injuries?

Public release date: 13-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: David Sampson ajpmedia@elsevier.com 215-239-3171 Elsevier Health Sciences

Philadelphia, PA, March 13, 2012 A new study suggests that administering FTY720, an oral drug that has shown promise in trials for human multiple sclerosis, significantly improves locomotor recovery in mice with spinal cord injury (SCI). The research suggests a possible new avenue to counteract the degeneration of the spinal cord in human SCI. The study will be published in the April 2012 issue of The American Journal of Pathology.

Beyond the initial tissue damage, much of the degradation of the spinal cord in SCI is due to a cascade of secondary injuries, including neuronal and glial apoptosis, inflammation, glial scar formation, local edema and ischemia, and oxidative stress. The aim of current SCI treatment is to counteract the mechanisms of secondary injury and prevent their pathological consequences, because central nervous system (CNS) neurons have very limited capacity to self-repair and regenerate.

Researchers from the Jichi Medical University School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Tokyo had previously shown that the concentration of the lysophospholipid mediator, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), was significantly increased in the location of a contusion injury, triggering the migration of neural progenitor/stem cells to the site of the injury. They hypothesized that targeting S1P receptors may become a candidate therapy for various refractory central nervous system disorders, including SCI.

FTY720 acts as a broad S1P receptor modulator. Its efficacy in central nervous system disorders is believed to derive from immunomodulation. Researchers found that orally administering FTY720 to mice shortly after contusion SCI significantly improved motor function recovery. Importantly, they found that the therapeutic effects of FTY720 were not solely dependent on immune modulation. The administration of FTY720 induced lymphopenia, clearing lymphocytes from the blood, and reduced T-cell infiltration in the spinal cord. But it did not affect the early infiltration of neutrophils and activation of microglia, and it did not reduce plasma levels and mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord. Tests in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID mice) with SCI found that FTY720 significantly improved recovery of hind limb motor function.

"These data clearly indicate the importance of immune-independent functions of FTY720 in the amelioration of functional deficits after SCI in mice," explains lead investigator Yoichi Sakata, MD, PhD, Research Division of Cell and Molecular Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine.

Dr. Sakata notes that S1P receptors exist in many types of cells and play a role in many cellular processes. "We observed that FTY720 decreased vascular permeability and astrocyte accumulation in injured spinal cord. These changes were also noted in SCID mice, suggesting they are not dependent on lymphocyte function. Increased vascular permeability can lead to destruction of the blood-brain barrier in spinal cord, and astrocyte accumulation is the main cellular component of glial scar after CNS injury. FTY720 might counteract these secondary injuries and thereby prevent their pathological consequences."

"Our data suggest that targeting S1P receptors with FTY720 is an attractive therapeutic approach for SCI," Dr. Sakata concludes. "However, further evaluation utilizing larger animals such as non-human primates will be necessary to confirm its efficacy in treating SCI. Further, strategies targeted at modulating the SIP concentration in injured CNS may lead to new therapeutic approaches towards repairing various CNS disorders."

###

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Research suggests new therapeutic approach for spinal cord injury

NEW YORK, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --United Spinal Association's membership division National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA), announced today the start of the on-line auction of the "Healing Harp," a world class Grand Concert Harp built by George Flores -- a master harp builder/technician and wheelchair user. Auction proceeds will benefit people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) nationwide.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120312/DC68561)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110413/MM82757LOGO)

The auction, via eBay, goes live at 3:00 p.m. EDT, March 12th and concludes on March 22th.

The custom-built Venus Aria model Grand Concert Harp in natural finish with hand painted soundboard and handpicked special veneers has a new technology no other harp in the world has, which was implemented in this particular harp. The technology strengthens the overall structure and enhances the acoustic properties of the wood. The Healing Harp is valued at $40,000.

Flores, an NSCIA member who was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident in 2004, created his 47-string harp with the aid of a stand-up wheelchair that allowed him to build, calibrate, and tune at the highest places of this tall symphonic instrument.

"I thought about the fact that harps are known around the world as being a healing instrument. I thought this would be a great opportunity to bring that same healing power to the world and all people with disabilities, including people with spinal cord injuries and disorders," said Flores who built the harp with the support of the Venus Harp Company, a world leader in harp manufacturing.

Flores chose NSCIA as the beneficiary of his labor of love due to their support in navigating doctors and helping him successfully advocate for a stand-up wheelchair during his rehabilitation, as well as their ability to help others lead full and independent lives with spinal cord injury or disorder.

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United Spinal Starts Auction of Grand Concert Harp Built by Master Harp Artisan With Spinal Cord Injury: A World Class ...

05-03-2012 00:04

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Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Presentation - Video

Jesse Gildea was a senior in high school when a motocross racing accident left him with a spinal cord injury.

Hes now 24, and is a Voice for Injury Prevention (VIP) for ThinkFirst Iowa, an injury prevention program for students. On Monday, March 12, Gildea will speak at three area schools, starting with Corwith-Wesley-LuVerne High School at 8:30 a.m., LuVerne Elementary at 10:30 a.m. and finishing with Algona Middle School at 2:30 p.m.

I saw the ThinkFirst presentation about two months before my injury, said Gildea. After my injury, I contacted them. I wanted to talk to the speaker about living with a spinal cord injury.

For the full story, pick up a copy of this week's Algona Upper Des Moines newspaper.

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of algona.com.

You must register with a valid email to post comments. Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.

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ThinkFirst comes to area

07-03-2012 02:53 One of the world's leading researchers into spinal cord injuries says China could hold the key to a cure that he has been searching for since he met late actor Christopher Reeve in the 1990s. Duration: 01:14

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Doctor looks to China for spinal injury 'cure' - Video

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/717ba1/spinal_cord_injury) has announced the addition of Global Markets Direct's new report "Spinal Cord Injury - Pipeline Review, H1 2012" to their offering.

Global Markets Direct's, 'Spinal Cord Injury - Pipeline Review, H1 2012', provides an overview of the Spinal Cord Injury therapeutic pipeline. This report provides information on the therapeutic development for Spinal Cord Injury, complete with latest updates, and special features on late-stage and discontinued projects. It also reviews key players involved in the therapeutic development for Spinal Cord Injury. 'Spinal Cord Injury - Pipeline Review, H1 2012' is built using data and information sourced from Global Markets Direct's proprietary databases, Company/University websites, SEC filings, investor presentations and featured press releases from company/university sites and industry-specific third party sources, put together by Global Markets Direct's team.

Scope

Reasons to buy

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/717ba1/spinal_cord_injury.

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Research and Markets: Spinal Cord Injury - Pipeline Review, H1 2012

One of the world's leading researchers into spinal cord injuries says China could hold the key to a cure that he has been searching for since he met late actor Christopher Reeve in the 1990s.

US-based Doctor Wise Young first used the word "cure" in relation to his work after a conversation with Reeve, the Superman hero who became a quadriplegic in an equestrian accident in 1995.

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Reeve contacted him looking for help and the two became close friends. The actor died of heart failure in 2004 at the age of 52, having devoted his life to raising awareness about spinal cord injuries and stem-cell research.

But it was a star of a different sort, Chinese gymnast Sang Lan, who set Young on the path he believes has brought a cure closer than ever, thanks to ground-breaking clinical trials of stem-cell therapy he is conducting in China.

"Everybody assumed that I'm doing this in China because I wanted to escape George W. Bush, but that's not the case at all," Young told AFP, recalling the former US president's 2001 decision to effectively stop federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.

"I started the clinical trials in 2005 here in Hong Kong . . . mainly because of a promise that I made to a young woman. Her name is Sang Lan."

Sang crushed her spine during a routine warm-up exercise at the Goodwill Games in New York in 1998. She met Young as she underwent treatment and rehabilitation in the US over the next 12 months.

"Her parents came to me and asked whether or not there would ever be a cure for her, and I said we're working very hard on it," said Young, who was by then one of the leading US experts on spinal cord injuries.

"When she went back to China after doing her rehabilitation in New York she cried and asked how would therapies go from the United States to China.

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Young aims for spinal injury 'cure'

by Stephen Coates

HONG KONG, March 7, 2012 (AFP) - One of the world's leading researchers into spinal cord injuries says China could hold the key to a cure that he has been searching for since he met late actor Christopher Reeve in the 1990s.

US-based Doctor Wise Young first used the word "cure" in relation to his work after a conversation with Reeve, the "Superman" hero who became quadriplegic in an equestrian accident in 1995.

Reeve contacted him looking for help and the two became close friends. The actor died of heart failure in 2004 at the age of 52, having devoted his life to raising awareness about spinal cord injuries and stem-cell research.

But it was a star of a different sort, Chinese gymnast Sang Lan, who set Young on the path he believes has brought a cure closer than ever, thanks to ground-breaking clinical trials of stem-cell therapy he is conducting in China.

"Everybody assumed that I'm doing this in China because I wanted to escape George W. Bush, but that's not the case at all," Young told AFP in an interview, recalling the former US president's 2001 decision to effectively stop Federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.

"I started the clinical trials in 2005 here in Hong Kong ... mainly because of a promise that I made to a young woman. Her name is Sang Lan."

Sang crushed her spine during a routine warm-up exercise at the Goodwill Games in New York in 1998. She met Young as she underwent treatment and rehabilitation in the United States over the next 12 months.

"Her parents came to me and asked whether or not there would ever be a cure for her, and I said we're working very hard on it," recalled Young, who was by then one of the leading US experts on spinal cord injuries.

"When she went back to China after doing her rehabilitation in New York she cried and asked how would therapies go from the United States to China.

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Doctor looks to China for spinal injury 'cure'

Newswise (PHILADELPHIA) Researchers at the Rothman Institute at Jefferson have shown that patients who receive surgery less than 24 hours after a traumatic cervical spine injury suffer less neural tissue destruction and improved clinical outcomes. The results of their study, the Surgical Timing in Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study (STASCIS) are available in PLoS One.

This practice-changing study is the first to show that the timing of surgery after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) matters, says Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, professor of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and attending surgeon at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, the largest spinal cord injury center in the country.

The multicenter study recruited 313 patients; 182 of whom underwent surgery less than 24 hours after traumatic cervical SCI and 131 of whom underwent surgery at or after 24 hours post-SCI.

For both groups, the degree of neurologic improvement was measured by change in American Spinal Injury Associations (ASIAs) ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS). A two-grade improvement in AIS scores post-surgery was associated with improved neurologic outcomes. Baseline neurological assessments were performed within 24 hours of injury on all subjects.

A total of 222 patients were followed to six months post-surgery.

In the early surgery group (surgery performed less than 24 hours post-injury), 42.7 percent showed no improvement, 36.6 percent had a one grade improvement, 16.8 percent had a two-grade improvement and 3.1 percent had a three grade improvement. Comparatively, in the late surgery group (surgery performed at 24 hours or more post-injury), 50 percent showed no improvement, 40.7 percent had a one grade improvement and 8.8 percent had a two grade improvement.

What this tells us is that the odds of a significant (at least two grade) improvement in neurologic status is 2.8 times higher when surgery is performed within 24 hours post-injury. This can be the difference between walking and not for the rest of ones life, says Vaccaro.

Complications occurred in 24.2 percent of early surgery patients versus 30.5 percent of late surgery patients.

Previous research has been inconclusive on the issue, with the common thought among most surgeons that you can wait up to five days post-injury and have the same outcomes. We should not practice that way anymore armed with this new information, says Vaccaro.

Research was performed in collaboration with the University of Toronto; University of Virginia; University of Maryland, Baltimore; University of British Columbia; and the University of Kansas.

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Decompression Surgery Performed Less than 24 Hours After Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Leads to Improved ...

Public release date: 6-Mar-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Lee-Ann Landis leeann.landis@jefferson.edu 215-955-2240 Thomas Jefferson University

(PHILADELPHIA) Researchers at the Rothman Institute at Jefferson have shown that patients who receive surgery less than 24 hours after a traumatic cervical spine injury suffer less neural tissue destruction and improved clinical outcomes. The results of their study, the Surgical Timing in Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study (STASCIS) are available in PLoS One.

"This practice-changing study is the first to show that the timing of surgery after traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) matters," says Alexander Vaccaro, MD, PhD, professor of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and attending surgeon at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, the largest spinal cord injury center in the country.

The multicenter study recruited 313 patients; 182 of whom underwent surgery less than 24 hours after traumatic cervical SCI and 131 of whom underwent surgery at or after 24 hours post-SCI.

For both groups, the degree of neurologic improvement was measured by change in American Spinal Injury Association's (ASIA's) ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS). A two-grade improvement in AIS scores post-surgery was associated with improved neurologic outcomes. Baseline neurological assessments were performed within 24 hours of injury on all subjects.

A total of 222 patients were followed to six months post-surgery.

In the early surgery group (surgery performed less than 24 hours post-injury), 42.7 percent showed no improvement, 36.6 percent had a one grade improvement, 16.8 percent had a two-grade improvement and 3.1 percent had a three grade improvement. Comparatively, in the late surgery group (surgery performed at 24 hours or more post-injury), 50 percent showed no improvement, 40.7 percent had a one grade improvement and 8.8 percent had a two grade improvement.

"What this tells us is that the odds of a significant (at least two grade) improvement in neurologic status is 2.8 times higher when surgery is performed within 24 hours post-injury. This can be the difference between walking and not for the rest of one's life," says Vaccaro.

Complications occurred in 24.2 percent of early surgery patients versus 30.5 percent of late surgery patients.

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Surgery less than 24 hours after traumatic cervical spinal cord injury leads to improved outcomes

By Ian Lucas MP - 6th March 2012

Ahead of tomorrow's Spinal Research parliamentary reception, Ian Lucas MP urges parliamentarians to learn more about the concerns of those afflicted with spinal cord injuries.

I first saw the devastating effects that spinal cord injuries can have on someone in my former life when working as a personal injury lawyer. I saw also how the right specialist treatment, promptly delivered, can in many cases help a patient walk again.

The reasons for the injuries varied from client to client and included road traffic accidents, sporting accidents and accidents in the workplace. At the very least the injury posed uncertainty and difficult challenges for the affected person and their families. At worst, it turned worlds upside down.

I helped form the all-party parliamentary group on spinal cord injury, which I chair, to promote greater awareness of the impact of spinal cord injuries and the importance of correct, prompt treatment. The group works closely with spinal injuries patients, medical specialists and related groups in particular, the Spinal Injuries Association. The aims of the group are to look into issues faced by people with spinal injuries, particularly focusing on developments in treatments, as well as social care and wider issues.

The group has concentrated on the importance of specialised NHS spinal units. Initial handling of a spinal cord injury at the acute stage is critical to the chances of recovery, as is timing. Patients with trauma to the spinal cord who have decompression surgery within 24 hours of the injury have a much higher chance of improved neurological recovery than those who had to wait longer. Put simply, this means that less damage will occur to the brain and nervous system if patients receive this treatment.

The specialist centres which provide such treatment need to be protected, and the debate into this and related issues will only intensify as the governments proposed reorganisation of the NHS continues to be contested.

Similarly, people with spinal cord injuries are very concerned about some aspects of the Welfare Reform Bill. Understandably, there have been calls from patients and medical specialists for reassurance and safeguards to help those most vulnerable.

Spinal Research does invaluable work. The UK-based charity funds medical research on a global scale, to develop reliable treatment for paralysis caused by a spinal injury. I am delighted to be hosting the Spinal Research Parliamentary Reception on Wednesday 7 March.

This is an opportunity for parliamentary colleagues to learn more about spinal injuries and their impact on their constituents. The event will provide a forum to discuss the current issues affecting those with spinal cord injuries, including developments in the treatment. This needs to be firmly on the political agenda. Please come along!

The rest is here:
Putting spinal cord injury on the political agenda

TAMPA, FL--March 5, 2012: Joining the chorus of red light safety camera supporters, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, the highly-respected brain and spinal cord injury research center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, recently announced their support of the National Coalition for Safer Roads. This announcement solidifies The Project's commitment and support of red light safety cameras as well as other programs and technologies that help increase road safety.

On the heels of the strong public support we are enjoying, I am confident that we are making meaningful progress in Florida.

"Our team sees the tragedy left from preventable accidents all the time, and I firmly believe that red light cameras save lives," said Marc Buoniconti, president of The Miami Project. "And, when an aggressive driver gets ticketed for running a red light and breaking the law, it is only fitting and appropriate that some of those funds go to researching the life altering injuries that they may cause."

Under the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act, Florida's red light safety camera program, a portion of the money generated from red light violations goes to research and emergency room trauma centers throughout the state.

Of the $158 fine paid by red light violators, $10 is distributed to local trauma centers through the Health Administrative Trust Fund, and $3 is allocated to support research through The Miami Project. Since July 2010, Florida's trauma centers have received more than $5.5 million and The Miami Project has received more than $1.7 million.

"It is a `red' letter day when an advocate of the stature of The Miami Project joins our effort," said David Kelly, president and executive director of the National Coalition of Safer Roads. "On the heels of the strong public support we are enjoying, I am confident that we are making meaningful progress in Florida."

About The Miami Project

The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis is the world's most comprehensive spinal cord injury research center, and a designated Center of Excellence at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. The Miami Project's international team is housed in the Lois Pope LIFE Center and includes more than 250 scientists, researchers and clinicians who take innovative approaches to the challenges of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.

About the National Coalition for Safer Roads

NCSR was organized as an industry trade association with the express purpose of advocating on behalf of the traffic safety technology industry. NCSR is proud to advocate for the use of red light safety cameras in more than 600 communities across the country to change reckless driver behavior, stop red-light running and save lives. NCSR is supported by American Traffic Solutions, with coalition partners including the National Safety Council; Safe Kids USA; Child Safety Network; National Organizations for Youth Safety; America Walks; and Red Means Stop, as well as numerous police departments, medical professionals, safety advocates, industry leaders, community leaders and concerned citizens. View NCSR Partners. For more information, visit Safe Roads Save Lives.

Originally posted here:
The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis Supports Red Light Safety Cameras

by Jeff Metcalfe - Mar. 3, 2012 03:38 PM The Arizona Republic

Even in a today's football-crazed culture, nothing is more quintessentially American than a father and son playing catch.

Who doesn't choke up with Ray Kinsella, Kevin Costner's character in "Field of Dreams, when he asks his long-dead father, "You wanna have a catch?" "I'd like that," says the mystically resurrected John Kinsella.

Playing catch in front of the house in Corona, Calif., is how it started for Dale Hahn and his oldest son, Cory. Buying a glove for the 4-year-old lefty in a family of right-handers. Starting out in T-ball and moving through Little League until by age 9 Cory showed enough talent to play on a club travel team.

"I had to invest in a screen to protect myself from him" while throwing batting practice said Dale, good enough to play college baseball at Chico State. His wife, Christine, played softball at Butte College (Calif.) and their younger son, Jason is a senior second baseman at Mater Dei High School.

But it was Cory for whom baseball was a higher calling.

He was first-team all-state by his junior season at Mater Dei. In fall 2009, he helped the U.S. win a gold medal at the Pan American Junior Championships. Then Hahn went to another level as a senior in 2010, tackling pitching as well as center field. He threw five innings in a combined perfect game in the California Southern Section Division I state final as well as homering in a 2-0 win.

His final senior statistics -- 14-1 record, 0.89 ERA, 92 strikeouts in 94.2 innings, .411 batting, 10 home runs -- brought multiple Player of the Year awards including Cal-Hi Sports Mr. Baseball, a prestigious list with eight winners now in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

"Baseball is a big part of our family," Dale Hahn said. "The things Cory accomplished, as a father you're very proud. You feel like all the hard work we put in on the field or in the weight room and (batting) cages is paying off for him."

Then, in the seconds its takes to dash 90 feet, everything changed.

Read more:
In rehabilitation, Cory Hahn's attitude on life hasn't changed

29-02-2012 11:12 http://www.pressingontx.org - Pressing On client Billy N. doing wide push ups...a great exercise for upper body strength. For more information on our intense training program for neurological disorders, please visit http://www.pressingontx.org

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Billy N. C-7/C-8 Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury - Pushups - Video