Harvard men's health watch is telling everyone how dangerous vitamin supplements are. Unfortunately they are not kidding!

Please know that although we have our references to try to refute these statements, your patient's families will be hearing this stuff.

While it was once hoped that supplements of folic acid could help reduce colon cancer, new research has shown that taking more than the minimum daily requirement would be harmful. Simon says other studies underscore the downside to dietary supplements, which are unregulated in the United States. "The most striking example is beta carotene, which we used to be very hopeful about, but actually increases the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Vitamin E increases the risk of second head-neck cancers in people who have been successfully treated for a first malignancy. Read more...

Immunice for Immune Support

Today Celsense, Inc. and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Center announced that the FDA has authorized the use of the Cell Sense imaging reagent for use in a phase I clinical trial of a dendritic cell caccine to treat colorectal cancer patients.

This is the first FDA authorization of the use of Cell Sense in patients. Cell Sense is a novel perfluorocarbon tracer agent used to safely and efficiently label cells ex vivo without the use of transfection agents. Labeled cells are then transplanted into the patient enabling researchers and clinicians to non-invasively track the administration and migration of therapeutic cells using MRI. Applications include tracking cells in immunotherapy or regenerative medicine as well as the diagnosis of inflammatory sites by tracking selected populations of immune cells.

Cell Sense has been studied extensively in preclinical testing with many different human cell types including human cells in animals. For instance, in 2009 a paper was published in Informa's Cytotherapy, in which Celsense’s novel perfluorocarbon tracer agent (product “Cell Sense”) was used to label human DCs ex vivo for the purpose of tracking the cells in vivo post-transplant by 19F MRI. The paper provided an assessment of the technology and demonstrated that human DCs were effectively labeled without significant impact on cell viability, phenotype or function. Furthermore, the labeled dendritic cells were clearly detected in vivo by 19F MRI in a model system, with the labeled cells being shown to migrate selectively towards draining lymph node regions within 18 hours after transplant.

Many investigators looking at various ways to label cells to enable in vivo imaging have expressed concern that the FDA would delay the regulatory progress of their therapeutic candidates if an imaging modality was introduced.

This concern is based on numerous reports of MRI contrast reagents, such as the commonly investigated USPIO (ultrasmall superparamagnet iron oxide), deleteriously affecting the cells (see recent paper in Cell Transplantation).

"We believe that the authorization of this IND will alleviate such concerns and lower the barriers for adoption. The agency’s tangible support for bringing new technologies to bear in the translation of cell-based therapeutics is very encouraging,” s Charlie O'Hanlon, President and CEO of Celsense.

While there have been approved uses of imaging reagents (e.g., Feridex, etc) with cell therapies in other countries (e.g. Isreal), I believe this may be the first FDA-sanctioned use of a particle-based imaging label with a cell-based therapy. Other approaches to cellular imaging include nuclear imaging reagents and genetically modifying cells with reporter genes such as those provided by CellSight Technologies.

Imaging labels are capable of providing investigators with data demonstrating where the cells go, at what volumes, and for how long they stay at the target location.

The industry has been keen to see these kinds of technologies clinically employed but different cell-based labels have created their own technical, clinical, and/or regulatory hurdles. I'm hopeful that Celsense and others like them are now ushering us into a new era where we will eventually be able to use various technologies to monitor and collect valuable data concerning cells after they have been administered as a therapy to a patients.

Additional resources on the topic of imaging for cell therapies:

CIRM recently hosted a webinar - "CIRM/RMC Webinar: Imaging Technology for Cellular Therapies. One of the speakers, Dr. Shahriar Yaghoubi from CellSight Technologies, provides an overview of cell therapy imaging with emphasis on PET. Click hear for the archived playback.

A very interesting article posted today on Harvard's StemBook website. "In-vivo Stem Cell Imaging - Regulatory Challenges and Advances". Nice overview intel from J. Bulte and a snapshot into E. Wirth's (of Geron) perspective re: stem cell imaging.

A new book from CRC Press edited by Dara Kraitchman and Joe Wu will be out soon. It gathers together different methods for comparison. The issue will remain the sensitivity of the methods to track few cells. "Stem Cell Labeling for Delivery and Tracking Using Non-Invasive Imaging".

MRI contrast agents can change stem cell proliferation

There s also a very informative discussion thread on the topic in the Cell Therapy Industry group on LinkedIn.

http://www.celltherapyblog.com hosted by http://www.celltherapygroup.com

From medicine to science

When I was about 3 or 4 years old, I got very sick. I stayed in bed for many weeks and every day a nurse would come to give me a penicillin shot. The pain from shots turned into fear, in time fear turned into a plan for revenge. When I got better I demanded to have my own syringe and cruelly treated all teddy bears and dolls. If they didn’t look sick I made them sick, just to perform surgeries, sew wounds and give shots. I even offered my service to family members; unfortunately, they stubbornly kept on being healthy.

[More]

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) (http://www.intlstemcell.com), the first company to perfect a method of creating human "parthenogenetic" stem cells derived from unfertilized human eggs, reports that its wholly owned subsidiary, Lifeline Cell Technology (Lifeline), grew 2011 first quarter product sales by 35% and gained well over 200 new customers compared with the prior year through new product introductions and the development of worldwide distribution channels. Lifeline also made significant progress in its strategy to expand its product applications into manufacturing human tissues and cells for clinical use. Lifeline Cell Technology develops, manufactures and markets the Lifeline^® brand of cell culture products used by researchers to grow human cells for basic and pre-clinical research. Lifeline also fulfills an important role in parent ISCO's long-term strategy to be a leading developer and manufacturer of human cells and human-cell-based products for clinical applications.


Lifeline's chief executive officer, Jeffrey Janus, stated, "Our product sales growth was largely due to the development and launch of more than 30 new products in 2010, including products that allow researchers to study human stem cells. Lifeline also opened new distribution channels in Japan, India, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore and has achieved significant sales in those new markets. Importantly, we have also moved closer to validating the feasibility of ISCO's strategic plan as our proprietary FibroLife^® media is being used to cultivate tissue-engineered blood vessels for Cytograft Tissue Engineering in Novato, California. Cytograft's vessels are expected to be used as coronary grafts for coronary bypass procedures, as peripheral grafts to prevent lower limb amputations and as living tissue shunts for hemodialysis patients."


Cytograft's technology was recently featured at the American Heart Association's conference of emerging technology and can be viewed on the AHA's "Emerging Science Series Webinar" at scientificsessions.org/emergingscience.


Cytograft's chief executive officer, Todd McAllister, Ph.D., said, "Cytograft's clinical programs are going forward in Phase III trials and we are excited to be working with Lifeline as one of our key media developers and suppliers as we transition to commercialization and as we develop our next generation platform."


In anticipation of producing clinical grade products, Lifeline recently moved into new laboratory facilities that are capable of cGMP level manufacturing. Said Janus, "Lifeline Cell Technology provides ISCO the capacity to develop and manufacture human cell-based products for growing field of regenerative medicine, while at the same time generating revenue in the research market. The Cytograft opportunity is but one example of many potential clinical applications for Lifeline's products."


About International Stem Cell Corporation
International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background. This offers the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology, and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at http://www.internationalstemcell.com.


To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications, please click on the following link:http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.


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



International Stem Cell Corporation
Jeffrey Janus
President and CEO, Lifeline Cell Technology
760-940-6383
jjanus@lifelinecelltech.com
or:
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley
310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCO) announced today that Kenneth Aldrich, Chairman of the Board, and Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, President and CEO of Lifeline Skin Care^® (http://www.lifelineskincare.com), a subsidiary of ISCO, which develops and markets stem cell based anti-aging skincare products, will be addressing recent advances in stem cell technology at the HBA Global Expo being held June 28 – 30 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. This annual conference attracts more than 15,000 beauty industry professionals and is one of the largest events in the cosmetics and personal care industry. Product development and marketing executives attend the annual HBA conference for education and information on the latest trends in ingredients and raw materials.


Mr. Aldrich is participating in the "Executive Leadership Panel: Generating the Future in the Skin Anti-Aging Category," on Tuesday, June 28, at 1:30 p.m. Dr. Semechkin is presenting at the Expo's Anti-Aging Symposium as an expert on emerging technologies in skincare. Dr. Semechkin's presentation, titled "Stem Cell Derived Growth Factors - the Next Breakthrough in Anti-Aging," is scheduled for Wednesday, June 29, at 1:30 p.m.


International Stem Cell is a world leader in the research and development of parthenogenetic stem cells for therapeutic applications and is developing and commercializing stem cell-based research and cosmetic products through Lifeline Skin Care^®. The first cosmetic products, a defensive day moisture serum and a recovery night moisture serum containing extracts from human parthenogenetic stem cells, were launched in November 2010 and are available for purchase through http://www.lifelineskincare.com and selected luxury spas across the United States.


About International Stem Cell Corporation
International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background. This offers the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology, and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at http://www.internationalstemcell.com.


To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications, please click on the following link: http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.


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



International Stem Cell Corporation
760-940-6383
Kenneth C. Aldrich, Chairman
kaldrich@intlstemcell.com
Ruslan Semechkin, PhD
Vice President, ISCO
President and CEO, Lifeline Skin Care
ras@intlstemcell.com
or:
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley, 310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com

stemcell.md How many times have you seen a patient interview his or her doctor? In this video segment Sam Smith, an artist (sculptor) with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who experienced a turnaround following a whole bone marrow IV treatment, asks some highly compelling questions of the pioneering physician who treated him, David A.

Original post:

STEM CELLS FOR OTHER USES Interview with Sam Smith.wmv

(HealthDay News) -- Heart damage caused by heavy cocaine use can occur without producing any symptoms, according to a new study.

Researchers assessed the heart health of 30 long-term cocaine users, average age 37, who entered a drug rehabilitation program 48 hours after they last used cocaine. They had been using cocaine for an average of 12 years and consumed about 5.5 grams of cocaine per day.

Snorting was the most common way of using cocaine, but 10 said they injected intravenously and two said they smoked it (crack cocaine).

More than half of the those addicted to cocaine also used other substances -- such as heroin and alcohol -- and one in five was infected with either hepatitis C or HIV.

Heart function was normal in all the daily cocaine users, but 12 had localized abnormalities, 83 percent had structural damage, and 47 percent had swelling (edema) in the lower left ventricle. Edema was associated with greater cocaine consumption. Read more...

Cardiofy Heart Care Supplement

Andrey Semechkin, Ph.D., CEO of International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB:ISCOE) ("ISCO") announced today that Kurt May, a highly experienced senior business executive and biotechnology entrepreneur, is concluding his service as a faculty member at the University of San Diego's School of Business Administration and is joining ISCO as a Senior Vice President.


Mr. May's duties will include mergers and acquisitions and development of new international collaborations, and he will work directly with Dr. Semechkin in implementing the Company's business model of combining cutting-edge scientific research and building multiple revenue streams to support that research.


Prior to joining ISCO, Mr. May was a senior executive with GTE Corporation, a Fortune 50 company, where he enjoyed 23 years of progressive management experience. Mr. May then went on to serve as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with PriceSmart Inc. Since 2001 Mr. May has founded and led a privately owned biotech company, Psynomics Inc., as CEO. Psynomics Inc. is a spin out of the University of California San Diego, where Mr. May served as a faculty member and Assistant Dean of the Rady School of Management from 2005 until 2009.


"Mr. May strengthens an accomplished management team at ISCO, and I am delighted that we attracted a professional of his caliber to our Company," said ISCO'S CEO, Dr. Semechkin.


About International Stem Cell Corporation
International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells with minimal immune rejection after transplantation into hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background. This offers the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell™. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology, and cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care. More information is available at http://www.internationalstemcell.com.


To subscribe to receive ongoing corporate communications, please click on the following link:http://www.b2i.us/irpass.asp?BzID=1468&to=ea&s=0.


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

International Stem Cell Corporation
Andrey Semechkin, PhD
CEO & President
760-940-6383
aes@intlstemcell.com
or:
Lippert/Heilshorn & Associates
Don Markley, 310-691-7100
dmarkley@lhai.com

Dog get bone marrow stem cells transplantation (purified stem cell). Three days later, dog can move his tail. 1 month after transplantation,dog can control urine and feces,move a femurs and decrease liver enzyme level to normal (Dog has high level of liver enzyme before accident) This VDO is showing a development after 1 month transplatation by Miracele Medicine,Thailand

Go here to read the rest:

Stem cells Transplatation in Completed Paralyze Dog.

McCain gaining on Romney, Researches can turn Skin Cells to Embryonic-like Stem Cells, Queen to broadcast Christmas message on YouTube.

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Come Back Kid

The meat industry has been misusing data to make it appear that E. coli contamination of meat is decreasing, said Barbara Kowalcyk of the Center for Foodborne Illness, Research and Prevention.

Executives from the American Meat Institute (AMI) have claimed success in the beef industry's efforts to reduce contamination with the dangerous E. coli strain O157:H7. According to the AMI, inspection data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Food Safety and Inspection Service show a 45 percent drop in E. coli prevalence between 2000 and 2008.

Yet Kowalcyk calls this is a misuse of data never intended for "year-to-year comparisons."

"USDA's E. coli ... testing program is strictly regulatory and was not statistically designed to estimate the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in raw ground beef," she said.

Although a 45 percent drop is in fact found in the data, Kowalcyk notes that different facilities were tested and different testing methods used each year. She called the AMI's conclusion as valid as comparing a person who weighed 300 pounds in 2000 to a different person weighing 150 pounds in 2008, then concluding that the average weight of the U.S. population had dropped 50 percent. Read more...

Ayurtox for Body Detoxification