An unprecedented stem cell procedure that's been used on athletes overseas is now helping to improve the quality of life for mans best friend.

The technique is only available at one animal hospital in Louisiana.

Dale Landry loves his dog, Ratchet, unconditionally. He said he's a friend who's stuck by him through many of life's adventures.

"He comes to my office; he's a very active dog. He's done water sports until about two years ago, rides in the boat, rides the Seado. He actually used to wakeboard with me," Landry said.

Ratchet has been a little less active lately. The almost 15-year-old labrador mix has recently been suffering from joint pain and hip arthritis.

"He's been more and more hunched in the back and crouched down in the hind end, so you could definitely tell he was having a little trouble getting up in the morning," said Dr. Gordy Labbe of the Metairie Small Animal Hospital.

Ratchet has been taking medication and has undergone laser treatments for a year, but Labbe tried a new option Wednesday in the form of stem cell therapy.

It's a breakthrough technique that has yet to be used on small animals. It's a new tool available to veterinarians to combat osteoarthritis and give hope to improving quality of life of canines, felines and equine patients.

Labbe is one of the 450 veterinarians across the nation to implement this American Veterinary Medical Association approved procedure.

The Metairie Small Animal Hospital is the only clinic in the state of Louisiana that offers the in-house technology.

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Stem cell therapy improves lives of pets

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spinal cord injury awareness month
This video shows Jen #39;s journey with Transverse Myelitis over the past 2 years. The music used for the video is "Fix You" by Coldplay. No copyright infringeme...

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spinal cord injury awareness month - Video

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Spinal Cord Injury Ontario Relay
Gabe finishes his leg of the relay and number 4 takes off.

By: Michael Abraham

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Spinal Cord Injury Ontario Relay - Video

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Adult cell therapy in spinal cord injury - video abstract 43712
Video abstract of original research paper "Detailed analysis of the clinical effects of cell therapy for thoracolumbar spinal cord injury:an original study" ...

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Adult cell therapy in spinal cord injury - video abstract 43712 - Video

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Poway, California (PRWEB) September 24, 2013

Vet-Stem, Inc., the world's leading Regenerative Veterinary Medicine company, is pleased to announce that Pets Best Insurance plans provide coverage for Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy. Pets Best Insurance knows that with pets come vet bills, especially when a pet is suffering from the pain of injury or arthritis. Pets Best Insurance wants the best for pets and their owners and Vet-Stem offers the best in regenerative medicine for them. Pets suffering from pain of osteoarthritis, joint issues, and injuries of the muscle, tendon and ligament can now be given stem cell therapy.

Vet-Stem first offered stem cell therapy for dogs and cats in 2007. One of the success stories and stem cell advocates is part of the Pets Best Insurance family, Jetta, owned by Greg McDonald, CEO of Pets Best Insurance.

Jack L. Stephens, DVM and President/Founder of Pets Best Insurance talks about Gregs experience: "Our CEO had a wonderful experience utilizing Vet-Stem therapy in his twelve year old lab. He loved throwing, and she loved chasing, a ball every evening. But as she aged, she just could not do it due to severe arthritis. Surgery was not a viable alternative and he asked me about stem cell therapy. I told him we had seen claims with the treatment and it was covered with our insurance. He had it done, her condition very much improved and she was able to chase the ball again. Pets Best Insurance provides full coverage for Vet-Stem Regenerative Cell Therapy, in fact we were early adopters of providing coverage and paying for the therapy. Any procedure performed by practicing veterinarians that helps pets, we are in favor of.

"We are proud that so many dog owners and veterinarians have placed their trust in Vet-Stem Cell therapy. We feel a great sense of accomplishment knowing that there are thousands of dogs and dog owners who have experienced the benefit of stem cell technology. This practical and beneficial application of technology puts stem cell therapy into the present day instead of a future theoretical concept. The fact that Pets Best provides coverage for our therapy is an added plus and makes this a viable treatment option for many more pet owners," said Robert Harman, DVM, MPVM, Founder and CEO of Vet-Stem.

For more information about Pets Best Insurance visit http://www.petsbest.com

About Vet-Stem, Inc. Vet-Stem, Inc. was formed in 2002 to bring regenerative medicine to the veterinary profession. The privately held company is working to develop therapies in veterinary medicine that apply regenerative technologies while utilizing the natural healing properties inherent in all animals. As the first company in the United States to provide an adipose-derived stem cell service to veterinarians for their patients, Vet-Stem, Inc. pioneered the use of regenerative stem cells in veterinary medicine. The company holds exclusive licenses to over 50 patents including world-wide veterinary rights for use of adipose derived stem cells. In the last decade over 10,000 animals have been treated using Vet-Stem, Inc.s services, and Vet-Stem is actively investigating stem cell therapy for immune-mediated and inflammatory disease, as well as organ disease and failure. For more on Vet-Stem, Inc. and Veterinary Regenerative Medicine visit http://www.vet-stem.com or call 858-748-2004.

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Pets Best Insurance Announces Stem Cell Therapy and Regenerative Veterinary Medicine by Vet-Stem, Inc. Covered by ...

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New York , NY (PRWEB) September 24, 2013

Marking its 59th year as the only national non-profit dedicated to a deadly genetic blood disorder, The Cooley's Anemia Foundation today announced the launching of its Council of Heroes.

This new campaign will allow us to move to a new level of activity and enable us to more aggressively pursue our goal of minimizing complications and lengthening the lives of those with thalassemia, said Anthony J. Viola, National President of the Cooley's Anemia Foundation.

The Foundation, the only national non-profit dedicated solely to the genetic blood disorder thalassemia, is working to perfect stem cell and gene therapy as a potential cure to the disorder.

"We believe that every great cause and goal calls forth the heroes it requires," Viola said. While we are eternally grateful for the ongoing support we receive from many donors, our patients need us to reach greater heights in fundraising if we are to perfect a cure for this disorder.

Children born with a severe form of thalassemia (also called Cooley's anemia) must undergo bi-weekly blood transfusions, daily drug treatments and the ever-present knowledge that, absent a cure, their lives will be curtailed far too early.

After many years of research, scientists have begun the first human gene therapy trials as a potential cure for thalassemia. Early evidence suggests this therapy holds great promise but only if the Foundation has the significant resources to continually advance the research.

The Council of Heroes campaign is designed to significantly expand the Foundation's impact on the future health of thalassemia patients.

"We cannot do this alone," Viola said. "In the weeks ahead, we will reach out for help from exceptional men and women who have vision, experience, willpower and ability to make a difference in our ongoing battle against this disease."

The Foundation's announcement of the Council of Heroes campaign on September 20 has symbolic power: the date marks the 59th anniversary of the founding of the Cooley's Anemia Foundation and launches the one-year countdown to the Foundation's landmark 60th anniversary in 2014.

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59 Years for Cooley's Anemia Foundation: Launches "Council of Heroes"

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Public release date: 24-Sep-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Alison Heather a.heather@garvan.org.au 61-434-071-326 Garvan Institute of Medical Research

Australian researchers have demonstrated a strong association between the FTO (fat and obesity) gene and hip fracture in women. While the gene is already well known to affect diabetes and obesity, this is the first study to show that its high-risk variant can increase the risk of hip fracture by as much as 82%.

The study, undertaken by Dr Bich Tran and Professor Tuan Nguyen from Sydney's Garvan Institute of Medical Research, examined six gene variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs) of the FTO gene, taken from the DNA of 943 women in the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study (DOES). The women were all over 60, and their bone health was followed between 1989 and 2007. During that period, 102 women had hip fractures.

On average, the risk of fracture is about 11%. The study showed that if a woman has a low-risk genotype, or gene variant, the risk of fracture is 10%. If she has a high-risk genotype, it is 16%.

Now published online in Clinical Endocrinology, the authors believe that the findings have the potential to improve prediction of hip fracture. Known risk factors, also to be taken into account, include advancing age, falls, history of fracture, low bone mineral density, low body mass index (BMI) and genetic make-up.

"We found that for a woman of the same age and same clinical risk factors, those with the high-risk genotype have an increased risk of hip fracture of 82% - a strong effect in genetic terms," said Professor Tuan Nguyen.

"A genome-wide association study published in 2007 suggested that genetic variants in the FTO gene were associated with variation in BMI. This led us to hypothesise that they might also be associated with variation in hip fracture risk, because BMI is a strong predictor of fracture."

"The present study tested our hypothesis by examining the association between common variants in the FTO gene and hip fracture."

"Our results showed a strong association with hip fracture, with some gene variants doubling the risk of fracture. Interestingly, this effect was independent of both the bone density and BMI of the women we studied."

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Fat and obesity gene also affects hip fracture

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Genetic Engineering 2

By: Biology

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Genetic Engineering 2 - Video

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LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Response Genetics, Inc. (RGDX), a company focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests that help determine a patient's response to cancer therapy, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Three Rivers Provider Network, one of the country's largest and fastest-growing proprietary PPO networks.

Three Rivers Provider Network offers healthcare benefits to over 10 million members located throughout the United States through its supplemental PPO Network Foundation. These members will now have access to Response Genetics' portfolio of predictive genomic testing. Response Genetics' specialization focuses on the linkage between the genetic profile of an individual cancer patient's tumor and various drugs that may be used to fight that cancer. This partnership between the two companies will offer Three Rivers Provider Network and its clients enhanced access to precision medicine.

About Response Genetics, Inc.

Response Genetics, Inc. (the "Company") is a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic testing services for cancer. The Company's technologies enable extraction and analysis of genetic information derived from tumor cells stored as formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens. The Company's principal customers include oncologists and pathologists. In addition to diagnostic testing services, the Company generates revenue from the sale of its proprietary analytical pharmacogenomic testing services of clinical trial specimens to the pharmaceutical industry. The Company's headquarters is located in Los Angeles, California. For more information, please visit http://www.responsegenetics.com.

About Three Rivers Provider Network

Three Rivers Provider Network has evolved into the largest and fastest-growing proprietary PPO network in the U.S. The TRPN network is comprised of more than 600,000 total providers, including more than 5,000 hospitals and 70,000 ancillary facilities. Through its clients, more than 10 million people have access to the TRPN PPO network. For more information please visit http://www.trpnppo.com.

Forward-Looking Statement Notice

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release and the statements of representatives of the Company related thereto contain or may contain, among other things, certain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company's plans, objectives, projections, expectations and intentions, such as the ability of the Company, to provide clinical testing services to the medical community, to continue to strengthen and expand its sales force, to continue to build its digital pathology initiative, to attract and retain qualified management, to continue to strengthen marketing capabilities, to expand the suite of ResponseDX(R) products, to continue to provide clinical trial support to pharmaceutical clients, to enter into new collaborations with pharmaceutical clients, to enter into areas of companion diagnostics, to continue to execute on its business strategy and operations, to continue to analyze cancer samples and the potential for using the results of this research to develop diagnostic tests for cancer, the usefulness of genetic information to tailor treatment to patients, and other statements identified by words such as "project," "may," "could," "would," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan" or similar expressions.

These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results, including, without limitation, actual sales results, if any, or the application of funds, may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond the Company's control). The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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Response Genetics, Inc. Announces Contract With Three Rivers Provider Network

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SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 25, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (MYGN) today announced new data published in Clinical Cancer Research that showed the myPlan Lung Cancer test is a significant predictor of lung cancer death in patients with early-stage, resectable lung adenocarcinoma and may be a valuable tool for selecting which early-stage patients should be considered for additional post-surgical chemotherapy.

"Lung cancer remains one of the most difficult-to-treat cancers. New prognostic markers to guide treatment decisions in early-stage, non-small cell lung cancer are necessary to improve outcomes for patients," said Edward S. Kim, M.D., co-author and chair of the Department of Solid Tumor Oncology and Investigational Therapeutics, Levine Cancer Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System, Charlotte NC. "In this verification study, the 31-gene cell cycle progression score was demonstrated to be a significant prognostic marker in resectable lung adenocarcinoma in that it stratifies patients' risk more effectively than conventional clinical parameters. This new information will further improve our ability to define the most appropriate treatment plan for surgically-treated, lung-cancer patients."

The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of the myPlan Lung Cancer test as a predictor of survival in patients with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma in three independent data sets. The primary endpoint was overall survival as measured by disease related death within five years of surgery. Additionally, the study assessed the prognostic value of the score as compared to the conventional clinical variables of disease progression including age, stage of disease, gender, smoking status and tumor size.

The myPlan Lung Cancer test measured mRNA expression levels of 31 cell cycle proliferation genes and 15 housekeeping genes in stage I and II tumor samples from a total of 841 patients. The results showed that myPlan Lung Cancer consistently was the strongest independent predictor of 5-year disease survival and remained the dominant prognostic marker in the presence of conventional clinical variables.

"myPlan Lung Cancer is an important new molecular diagnostic tool that will help physicians in predicting the aggressiveness of early-stage lung cancer in conjunction with conventional clinical parameters," said Mark Capone, president of Myriad Genetics Laboratories. "Publication of these data is an important milestone as we prepare to launch myPlan Lung Cancer later this fiscal year."

The full publication of this study is available on the Clinical Cancer Research web site at: http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2013/09/18/1078-0432.CCR-13-0596.full.pdf+html

About Myriad Genetics

Myriad Genetics is a leading molecular diagnostic company dedicated to making a difference in patients' lives through the discovery and commercialization of transformative tests to assess a person's risk of developing disease, guide treatment decisions and assess risk of disease progression and recurrence. Myriad's portfolio of molecular diagnostic tests are based on an understanding of the role genes play in human disease and were developed with a commitment to improving an individual's decision making process for monitoring and treating disease. Myriad is focused on strategic directives to introduce new products, including companion diagnostics, as well as expanding internationally. For more information on how Myriad is making a difference, please visit the Company's website: http://www.myriad.com.

Myriad, the Myriad logo, myRisk are trademarks or registered trademarks of Myriad Genetics, Inc. in the United States and foreign countries. MYGN-F, MYGN-G

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Myriad Genetics' myPlan(TM) Lung Cancer Test Meets Primary Clinical Endpoint

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Goodie Mob Cell Therapy HQ)

By: hsgful

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Goodie Mob Cell Therapy HQ) - Video

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Newswise DANVILLE, Pa. Geisinger Health Systems director of the Genomic Medicine Institute believes that making a patients genetic test results available in the electronic health record (EHR) is a win for patients and for their doctors. But he is also clear that much work needs to be done before its a reality.

Insights of several research teams actively engaged in integrating genomic medicine into the electronic health record, including an editorial co-authored by Marc S. Williams, MD, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, and Joseph Kannry, MD, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, are featured in the October 2013 issue of Genetics in Medicine.

In the editorial the prominent pair of genomics researchers state that: "Successfully integrating genomics into clinical care requires a vision, a strategy that will achieve the vision, and an actionable implementation plan."

The research led by Drs. Williams and Kannry and many other members of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI)-funded Electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) network explores a variety of issues related to including genetic information in Electronic Health Records (EHR) including storage and representation of the information, education about use of the information at the point of care and solutions to concerns about privacy, confidentiality, access and portability.

If we believe that there is information in the genome that is going to lead to more effective and safer therapies, we need to solve these issues, said Dr. Williams. We are basically trying to build a bridge over a canyon, and you cant leave out any of the key structural elements and expect the bridge to hold together. We really need to solve these problems if we want to move to what some people are calling precision medicine."

Genetic tests can now tell us whether we are at increased risk of various cancers, heart or kidney disease, asthma and a number of other conditions. Or, whether you will respond to certain medicines or be harmed by side effects linked to your genetic code.

But harnessing that information to benefit individual patients and prevent illnesses in others will require that doctors have access to genomic information for each patient. As health records are converted to digital form, the most likely place to store and retrieve genomic information will be EHR. But when and how that happens will depend on having good models to build upon.

In addition to the contributions that derive from the research and experiences of individual sites that comprise the eMERGE Network additional perspective is provided by a commercial EHR vendor and by the Clinical Sequencing Exploratory Research network, another NHGRI funded research consortium.

About Geisinger Health System Geisinger Health System is an integrated health services organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the electronic health record, and the development of innovative care models such as ProvenHealth Navigator and ProvenCare. As the nations largest rural health services organization, Geisinger serves more than 2.6 million residents throughout 44 counties in central and northeastern Pennsylvania. The physician-led system is comprised of more than 19,500 employees, including a 1,000-member multi-specialty group practice, six hospital campuses, two research centers and a 448,000-member health plan, all of which leverage an estimated $6.1 billion positive impact on the Pennsylvania economy. The health system and the health plan have repeatedly garnered national accolades for integration, quality and service. In addition to fulfilling its patient care mission, Geisinger has a long-standing commitment to medical education, research and community service. For more information, visit http://www.geisinger.org, or follow the latest Geisinger news and more on Twitter and Facebook.

About Marc S. Williams, MD Marc S. Williams, MD, FAAP, FACMG is the director of Geisingers Genomic Medicine Institute. Before joining Geisinger, Dr. Williams was director of the Intermountain Healthcare Clinical Genetics Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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Geisinger Genomics Director Says EHRs Key to Effective use of Genetic Information

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Apothecary Genetics Introduction
http://www.apothecarygenetics.com The Apothecary® Genetics company started growing in the early 90 #39;s in Gig Harbor, Washington and has become one of the lead...

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Quotes are real-time for NASDAQ, NYSE, and NYSEAmex when available. See also delay times for other exchanges. Quotes and other information supplied by independent providers identified on the Yahoo! Finance partner page. Quotes are updated automatically, but will be turned off after 25 minutes of inactivity. Quotes are delayed at least 15 minutes. All information provided "as is" for informational purposes only, not intended for trading purposes or advice. Neither Yahoo! nor any of independent providers is liable for any informational errors, incompleteness, or delays, or for any actions taken in reliance on information contained herein. By accessing the Yahoo! site, you agree not to redistribute the information found therein.

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NewLink Genetics Corp (NLNK) Sees Hammer Chart Pattern: Time to Buy?

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SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwired - Sep 24, 2013) - Atossa Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS), The Breast Health Company, announced today that Kyle Guse, Chief Financial Officer & General Counsel, will present the Company's products, services and business strategy at the 2013Aegis Capital Healthcare Conference on Friday, September 27, 2013, beginning at 9:45 am Pacific Time.The conference will be held at the Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, 3131 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Management will be available for one-on-one meetings with the investment community during the conference. Please contact Aegis conference organizers if you would like to arrange a meeting.

About Atossa Genetics, Inc.

Atossa Genetics, Inc. is focused on preventing breast cancer through the commercialization of patented, FDA-designated Class II diagnostic medical devices and, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The National Reference Laboratory for Breast Health, Inc. (NRLBH), patented, laboratory developed tests.The lead test is called the ForeCYTE Breast Health Test, which can detect precursors to breast cancer up to eight years before mammography.

The NRLBH is a CLIA-certified high-complexity molecular diagnostic laboratory located in Seattle, Washington.

For additional information, on Atossa and the NRLBH, please visit http://www.atossagenetics.com and http://www.nrlbh.com. For further information on the ForeCYTE Breast Health Test, please visit http://www.getforecyte.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated or estimated future results, including the risks and uncertainties associated with actions by the FDA, regulatory clearances, responses to regulatory matters, Atossa's ability to continue to manufacture and sell its products, the efficacy of Atossa's products and services, the market demand for and acceptance of Atossa's products and services, performance of distributors and other risks detailed from time to time in Atossa's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation its periodic reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q, each as amended and supplemented from time to time.

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Atossa Genetics to Present at the 2013 Aegis Capital Healthcare Conference

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Orange County, CA (PRWEB) September 23, 2013

The leading regenerative medicine clinic on the West Coast, TeleHealth, is now offering three different types of stem cell therapy injections. The California stem cell treatments are predominantly covered by insurance, and performed by Board Certified stem cell doctors. For more information and scheduling, call (888) 828-4575.

The stem cell treatments are excellent for joint arthritis, tendonitis, ligament injuries, and spinal arthritis along with degenerative disc disease. Initial research with small studies has shown regenerative medicine treatments are working well for degenerative conditions, such as the recent study out of the Hospital for Special Surgery.

One of the treatments offered is bone marrow derived stem cell injections. These are outpatient procedures that involve harvesting the patient's own bone marrow, processing it, and injecting into the area of concern at the same setting. These bone marrow stem cell injections have very low risk and the potential for helping regenerate damaged cartilage and soft tissue from such conditions as achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff tendonitis and tennis elbow.

The second procedure offered is platelet rich plasma therapy. This procedure involves a simple blood draw from the patient, and the blood is centrifuged for approximately 15 minutes. This separates the blood into concentrated platelets and growth factors, which are then injected into the problem area. This material then calls in the body's stem cells to facilitate further repair. At times PRP is used in conjunction with bone marrow derived stem cell injections.

The third procedure utilized is fat derived stem cell injections, which has the same indications as bone marrow derived.

TeleHealth sees patients from a broad area of the west coast and offers Board Certified doctors providing treatment. To seek treatment with the premier stem cell therapy clinic, call (888) 828-4575.

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Leading Stem Cell Clinic in California, TeleHealth, Now Offering 3 Different Stem Cell Therapy Treatments

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. ( CYTX ) provided preliminary data from a study evaluating a potential treatment for scleroderma based on the company's cell therapy. The investigator-funded, open-label, pilot study is being conducted on patients with cutaneous systemic scleroderma in France.

12 patients were administered Cytori's cell therapy, injected into their fingers. Safety and hand function improvement are the primary endpoints of the study which were measured by the Cochin hand functional scale at six months.

At the end of the two month follow-up period, no infection, ischemic complications or serious adverse events were observed. Moreover, there was a significant improvement in the Cochin hand function disability scale.

As far as secondary endpoints are concerned, there was a significant improvement in scleroderma health assessment questionnaire score and in Raynaud's Severity Score. Also, there was a significant improvement in hand pain when measured by the visual analog pain scale.

Cytori is focused primarily on the development of treatments for cardiovascular disease and soft tissue injuries and burns based on its proprietary cell therapy formulation. The company's cell therapy is based on the formulation of stem and regenerative cells derived from a patient's own adipose (fat) tissue (ADRCs). The company has also designed the Celution System, a tissue processing system, to access the cells from a patient during the surgery procedure.

We note that last month Cytori's Celution System gained approval from the Australian regulatory body for commercial use for autologous re-implantation or re-infusion of a patient's ADRCs.

The company is currently conducting Athena, a multi-center, double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study for evaluating its cell therapy in 45 patients with chronic ischemic heart failure. The company expects to complete patient enrollment in the fourth quarter of this year. 6-month top-line data from the study is expected in the first half of next year.

Cytori carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Companies that currently look well-positioned include Gilead Sciences Inc. ( GILD ) and Actelion Ltd. ( ALIOF ) with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and Jazz Pharmaceuticals ( JAZZ ) with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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Data on Cytori's Cell Therapy - Analyst Blog

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Cytori Therapeutics, Inc. (CYTX) provided preliminary data from a study evaluating a potential treatment for scleroderma based on the companys cell therapy. The investigator-funded, open-label, pilot study is being conducted on patients with cutaneous systemic scleroderma in France.

12 patients were administered Cytoris cell therapy, injected into their fingers. Safety and hand function improvement are the primary endpoints of the study which were measured by the Cochin hand functional scale at six months.

At the end of the two month follow-up period, no infection, ischemic complications or serious adverse events were observed. Moreover, there was a significant improvement in the Cochin hand function disability scale.

As far as secondary endpoints are concerned, there was a significant improvement in scleroderma health assessment questionnaire score and in Raynauds Severity Score. Also, there was a significant improvement in hand pain when measured by the visual analog pain scale.

Cytori is focused primarily on the development of treatments for cardiovascular disease and soft tissue injuries and burns based on its proprietary cell therapy formulation. The companys cell therapy is based on the formulation of stem and regenerative cells derived from a patients own adipose (fat) tissue (ADRCs). The company has also designed the Celution System, a tissue processing system, to access the cells from a patient during the surgery procedure.

We note that last month Cytoris Celution System gained approval from the Australian regulatory body for commercial use for autologous re-implantation or re-infusion of a patients ADRCs.

The company is currently conducting Athena, a multi-center, double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study for evaluating its cell therapy in 45 patients with chronic ischemic heart failure. The company expects to complete patient enrollment in the fourth quarter of this year. 6-month top-line data from the study is expected in the first half of next year.

Cytori carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Companies that currently look well-positioned include Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD) and Actelion Ltd. (ALIOF) with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ) with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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Data on Cytori's Cell Therapy

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Public release date: 22-Sep-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Rachel Steinhardt rsteinhardt@licr.org 212-450-1582 Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research

New York, NY and Stockholm, Sweden -- A team of researchers affiliated with Ludwig Cancer Research and the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden report in the current issue of Nature Methods a dramatically improved technique for analyzing the genes expressed within a single cell -- a capability of relevance to everything from basic research to future cancer diagnostics.

"There are cells in tumors and in healthy tissues that are not present in sufficient numbers to permit analysis using anything but single-cell methods," explains senior author, Rickard Sandberg, PhD. "This method allows us to identify rare and important subpopulations of cells in all sorts of tissues. We can also use it to tease apart, more rigorously than ever before, how the expression of unique suites of genes transform cells from one state to another as, say, an embryo develops into an organism, or a tumor becomes metastatic."

Traditional approaches, which depend on the collective analysis of gene expression in millions of cells at once, tend to obscure biologically significant differences in the genes expressed by specialized cells within a particular kind of tissue. Single-cell analysis of gene expression overcomes this limitation. The leading method for such analysis -- Smart-seq -- was developed in 2012 by the biotechnology firm Illumina, together with Sandberg's laboratory.

To develop the new technique, named Smart-seq2, Sandberg's team conducted more than 450 experiments to improve upon their initial method. The new procedure consistently captures three to four times as many RNA molecules, which often translates into 2,000 more genes per cell than current methods allow. It also captures far more full-length gene sequences, a steep challenge in such studies, which often capture only partial sequences of expressed genes. This will permit researchers to conduct a more granular analysis of how subtle differences between the same genes in different people -- known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (or SNPs) -- contribute to differences in biology and disease.

The new method is likely to be of great value to cancer research. Identifying rare sub-populations of cells in tumors and understanding their role in the survival and progression of cancers can provide invaluable information for the development of diagnostics and targeted therapies. A study recently published by Ludwig researchers described, for example, how certain subpopulations of cells in melanomas can be pushed into a drug-susceptible state and then destroyed by chemotherapy. More such strategies might be devised as researchers get a better handle on the cellular species found in different types of tumors, and the patterns of gene expression that define them.

Because Smart-seq2 relies on off-the-shelf reagents, it costs roughly a twentieth as much as the commercialized kit, which should allow researchers to conduct sophisticated analyses of single cells on a much larger scale. It can also be improved further by the scientific community, since its constituent components and rationale are both open to the public.

Armed with the more effective and affordable Smart-seq2, Sandberg's lab is now moving ahead on projects that require a large-scale, single-cell gene expression analysis. "Now all researchers can do their own single-cell gene expression analysis by buying the components of the process described in this paper and assembling their own kits," says Sandberg.

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A boost for cellular profiling

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Neurologists believe they have come a step closer to being able to erase unshakable haunting memories.

In research sounding like the plot of a sci-fi film, a group of researchers believe they have found the gene which performs the role of memory extinction.

The process, which occurs when new memories overwrite old ones, is being treated as the key to eventually being able completely to delete painful memories.

The research could lead to medical advances and the successful treatment of those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or sufferers tormented by earlier experiences.

Scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in America conducted the study.

They say that if a way can be found to amplify the activity of the gene, known as Tet1, it could change lives.

The research echoes the 2004 Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet film, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind in which memories are wiped.

As part of their study, the researchers compared learning behaviour of mice with the Tet1 to mice who had their version of the gene inhibited, or as the scientists put it, "knocked out".

Both sets were trained to fear a certain cage by giving them a mild electric shock each time they were placed inside.

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A Cure For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? New Treatment Could Erase Haunting Memories

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

In research sounding like the plot of a sci-fi film, neurologists believe they have come a step closer to being able to erase haunting memories.

A group of US researchers believe they have found the gene which performs the role of memory extinction.

The process, which occurs when new memories overwrite old ones, is being treated as the key to eventually being able completely to delete painful memories.

The research could lead to medical advances and the successful treatment of those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or sufferers tormented by earlier experiences.

Scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology who conducted the study say that if a way can be found to amplify the activity of the gene, known as Tet1, it could change lives.

The research echoes the 2004 Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet film, Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind in which memories are wiped.

As part of their study, the researchers compared learning behaviour of mice with the Tet1 to mice who had their version of the gene inhibited, or as the scientists put it, "knocked out".

Both sets were trained to fear a certain cage by giving them a mild electric shock each time they were placed inside.

Mice whose Tet1 was "knocked out" learned to associate the cage with the shock, just like the normal mice, but when the researchers put the mice back in the same cage without delivering the shock, the two groups behaved differently.

To the astonishment of scientists, mice with the Tet1 gene did not fear the cage, because their memory of being hurt had already been replaced by new information.

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Memory-Erasing Gene Discovered In Mice

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Boston, MA (PRWEB) September 23, 2013

In a paper recently published in the prestigious journal Neuron, Harvard Medical School/Mass General Hospital Geneticist Dr. Rudy Tanzi, together with lead author, Dr. Jaehong Suh and their team, identified two rare mutations in the human gene called "ADAM10" that lead to the most common, late-onset variant of Alzheimer's. Tanzi's research suggests that the ADAM10 gene makes an enzyme called alpha-secretase, which cleaves the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) to prevent the formation of beta-amyloid, the toxic protein that triggers brain pathology in Alzheimer's disease.

This landmark genetic discovery by Tanzi, who is also Research Consortium Chair at Cure Alzheimer' Fund, further supports the widely-held "Amyloid Hypothesis" and suggests specific new therapeutic approaches to stopping Alzheimer's disease.

In their study, Tanzi and Suh first identified two new human gene mutations in ADAM10 and then inserted them into Alzheimer's mouse models to track their effects in the brain. Subsequently, the team was able to demonstrate how the mutant genes diminish alpha-secretase activity leading to increased levels of beta-amyloid, the main component of senile plaques in Alzheimers disease.

These findings are the first to document novel Alzheimer's gene mutations in animal models since the mutations in the original four Alzheimer's genes -- APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, and APOE -- were discovered in the 1990s.

Furthermore, the effects in mouse brains strongly suggest that diminished alpha-secretase activity owing to the ADAM10 gene mutations causes Alzheimer's and therefore supports ADAM10 as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of the disease. "If we can find or develop a drug to safely increase alpha-secretase activity," said Tanzi, "that would decrease the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and slow down or even stop the onset of the disease."

Cure Alzheimers Fund President and CEO Tim Armour said, "These discoveries are validation of the aggressive gene-centric approach long supported by Cure Alzheimer's Fund. With this new data, we have two more important pieces filling out the large puzzle of how Alzheimer's disease develops in the human brain. It's that much closer to a complete picture, and brings us that much closer to a cure."

About Cure Alzheimers Fund

The Cure Alzheimers Fund is governed by a board of directors; administered by a small, full-time staff; and guided scientifically by a Research Consortium. Cure Alzheimer's Fund is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Cure Alzheimers Fund has supported 72 projects in 51 laboratories of leading Alzheimers researchers in the US and abroad.

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Alzheimer’s Disease: Landmark Gene Discoveries Open Up New Therapeutic Opportunities

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Public release date: 23-Sep-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Miranda Taylor tayl0551@umn.edu 612-626-2767 University of Minnesota Academic Health Center

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (09/23/2013) -- New research from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has uncovered the role gene ORMDL3 plays in the disease asthma. ORMDL3, a gene recently linked to asthma susceptibility, has now been linked to the body's ability to recruit inflammatory cells during an airway allergic reaction. Study findings appear today in the journal Nature Communications.

U of M researchers including Srirama Rao, Ph.D., (P. Sriramarao), CVM professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and associate dean for research, as well as professor in the U of M Medical School's Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, has identified a function of how ORMDL3 regulates the recruitment of inflammatory cells to airways, thus causing airway inflammation, in a mouse model.

Sung Gil Ha, Ph.D., a CVM post-doctoral fellow and the study's lead author, and colleagues have identified factors that up-regulate the ORMDL3 gene in specific white blood cells such as eosinophils during allergic asthma. Eosinophils are white blood cells intended to help protect the body from parasites; however, in the case of certain types of inflammation including exposure to allergens, instead of providing protection, they can cause tissue damage leading to asthma or other allergic disorders.

Not much is known about the function of ORMDL3 in asthma. By silencing or over-expressing ORMDL3 in eosinophils, the group has identified molecules regulated by the gene. These molecules enable eosinophils to congregate in airways where they cause allergic inflammation.

When turning the ORMDL3 gene off, researchers found lower levels of integrins expressed on the surface of eosinophils, meaning a decreased ability of eosinophils to migrate and cause inflammation in the airways.

"While exciting, our finding is just one piece of the puzzle," said Rao. "The more we understand about various asthma susceptibility genes including ORMDL3, the better positioned we will be to strategize new treatment options."

The discovery provides momentum for future understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma and role of genetics in inflammatory allergic reactions. This research is not only relevant for asthma but potentially other allergic disorders such as those of the GI tract and skin. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology estimates the number of asthma suffers internationally at 300 million with 250,000 annual deaths attributed to the disease.

Genetic disposition can influence the severity or susceptibility to an asthmatic reaction to allergens or environmental factors such as stress and cold.

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U of M research uncovers gene's contribution to asthma susceptibility

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Sep. 23, 2013 New research from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has uncovered the role gene ORMDL3 plays in the disease asthma. ORMDL3, a gene recently linked to asthma susceptibility, has now been linked to the body's ability to recruit inflammatory cells during an airway allergic reaction. Study findings appear today in the journal Nature Communications.

U of M researchers including Srirama Rao, Ph.D., (P. Sriramarao), CVM professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and associate dean for research, as well as professor in the U of M Medical School's Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, has identified a function of how ORMDL3 regulates the recruitment of inflammatory cells to airways, thus causing airway inflammation, in a mouse model.

Sung Gil Ha, Ph.D., a CVM post-doctoral fellow and the study's lead author, and colleagues have identified factors that up-regulate the ORMDL3 gene in specific white blood cells such as eosinophils during allergic asthma. Eosinophils are white blood cells intended to help protect the body from parasites; however, in the case of certain types of inflammation including exposure to allergens, instead of providing protection, they can cause tissue damage leading to asthma or other allergic disorders.

Not much is known about the function of ORMDL3 in asthma. By silencing or over-expressing ORMDL3 in eosinophils, the group has identified molecules regulated by the gene. These molecules enable eosinophils to congregate in airways where they cause allergic inflammation.

When turning the ORMDL3 gene off, researchers found lower levels of integrins expressed on the surface of eosinophils, meaning a decreased ability of eosinophils to migrate and cause inflammation in the airways.

"While exciting, our finding is just one piece of the puzzle," said Rao. "The more we understand about various asthma susceptibility genes including ORMDL3, the better positioned we will be to strategize new treatment options."

The discovery provides momentum for future understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma and role of genetics in inflammatory allergic reactions. This research is not only relevant for asthma but potentially other allergic disorders such as those of the GI tract and skin. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology estimates the number of asthma suffers internationally at 300 million with 250,000 annual deaths attributed to the disease.

Genetic disposition can influence the severity or susceptibility to an asthmatic reaction to allergens or environmental factors such as stress and cold.

The ORMDL3 gene studied by U of M researchers has been linked to asthma in various ethnic groups worldwide.

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Research uncovers gene's contribution to asthma susceptibility

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Genetic Engineering by Dominique Bradley

By: dominique bradley

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Genetic Engineering by Dominique Bradley - Video

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