Spending time with the godmother of plant biotechnology Triangle Business Journal (blog) “I don't usually sit in the lab, I stand,” she says, hands in pockets, clearly uncomfortable with the attention. She is Mary-Dell Chilton, and this is her home, a lab at Syngenta Biotechnology's Research Triangle Park campus. We — myself, Publisher ...

Source:
http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNG1iv4wg9WN7JttcX3ZPNDDmxKjpQ&url=http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/blog/2013/08/spending-time-with-godmother-of-plant.html

(Photo and caption from the stem cell agency blog item this morning.)

“The family was understandably upset
by the lack of consultation and in response the research team removed
the genome data from public access.”

“CIRM has benefited from these
efforts. We are currently supporting an initiative to collect tissue
samples from thousands of people with a range of incurable diseases
and create reprogrammed iPS cells from those tissues (here's
more about that initiative). These cells will be a resource for
scientists worldwide working to understand and treat diseases. Part
of this initiative includes a consent process to make sure people who
donate fully understand how their cells will be used. (This process
is formally called informed consent.) 

“The informed
consent process includes a form that identifies the purposes of the
research and describes the way cells will be used. We are also
developing education materials that will help potential donors
quickly and easily understand the basic aspects of research that will
be conducted with those cells. The end result of this collaboration
with our grantees will be a process that is truly informative to
donors.

“The informed consent process can’t entirely
eliminate all future questions on the part of the donor, but it does
ensure that donors have a chance to understand how their cells will
be used and what information will be made public—something
Henrietta Lacks and her family never had.”  

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uqpFc/~3/8PQGYcYpszg/california-stem-cell-agency-on-lacks.html

“It is important to note, however,
that we are responding to an extraordinary situation here, not
setting a precedent for research with previously stored,
de-identified specimens. The approach we have developed through
working with the Lacks family is unique because HeLa cells were taken
and used without consent, and gave rise to the most widely used human
cell line in the world, and because the family members are known by
name to millions of people.”

“Imagine if someone secretly sent
samples of your DNA to one of many companies that promise to tell you
what your genes say about you. That report would list the good news
(you’ll probably live to be 100) and the not-so-good news (you’ll
most likely develop Alzheimer’s, bipolar disorder and maybe
alcoholism). Now imagine they posted your genetic information online,
with your name on it. Some people may not mind. But I assure you,
many do: genetic information can be stigmatizing, and while it’s
illegal for employers or health insurance providers to discriminate
based on that information, this is not true for life insurance,
disability coverage or long-term care.

“'That is private family
information,” said Jeri Lacks-Whye, Lacks’s granddaughter. “It
shouldn’t have been published without our consent.'”

“This has wrapped in it science,
scientific history, ethical concerns, the bringing together of people
of very different cultures, a family with all the complications that
families have.”

“Under the pact, two descendants of
Ms. Lacks will serve on a six-member panel with scientists to review
proposals from researchers seeking to sequence the DNA of cell lines
derived from her tumor or to use DNA profiles of such cells in their
research. That gives family members a highly unusual voice in who
gets access to personal health information.

Terms call for controlled access to the
genomic data and credit to the Lacks family in papers and scientific
presentations based on the research done with the DNA data.”

“The only reason I was involved in
this is because scientists did this without the family’s consent
and then it got all of this press coverage, and no one asked the
question, 'Did the family give consent?' So I sort of waded back
in.”

“That OpEd that I
wrote was the first time I’d ever publicly expressed an opinion,
which was, 'Really?!? Are we going to continue to not ask the Lacks
family questions?' I was kind of shocked in a sense that nobody
thought to raise that issue.”

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uqpFc/~3/7XRzMDgIWjo/skloots-collins-and-more-on-henrietta.html

“They later discovered that the cells
could thrive in a lab, a feat no human cells had achieved before.

"Soon the cells — nicknamed HeLa cells
— were being shipped from Baltimore around the world. In the 62
years since — twice as long as Ms. Lacks’s own brief life — her
cells have been the subject of more than 74,000 studies, many of
which have yielded profound insights into cell biology, vaccines, in
vitro fertilization and cancer.”

“For 62 years, (Lacks') family has
been left out of the decision-making about that research. Now, over
the past four months, the National
Institutes of Health has come to an agreement with the Lacks
family to grant them control over how Henrietta Lacks’s genome is
used.”

“(T)the Lacks family was robbed.
Scores of companies profited to the tune of tens of millions of
dollars from products they made derived from Henrietta Lacks'
cancerous cells. Maybe this will provide some impetus to a wider
consideration of the rights patients are entitled to when their
tissues are cloned and disseminated to other researchers and
ultimately put to use in profit-making ventures.”

“At the very least, this family needs
to be financially compensated for the anguish of their discovery and
for the time and energy they've put into pursuing their rights. In my
opinion, they also deserve a portion of any commercial gain that's
been made using the HeLa cells. It is only through having to give
away money that the powerful learn manners.”

“It is absolutely true that
scientists have had a blind spot when it came to the human element of
the HeLa cells.”

“Allowing a market in eggs for
research would reach beyond the current pool to target women who may
be motivated by dire need. How many low-income women might consider
selling their eggs, multiple times, to feed their children or pay the
rent?”

“Prospective egg donors must
assimilate a great deal of information in the informed consent
process, yet it remains difficult to determine the extent of their
actual understanding of egg donation and its potential risks.”

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uqpFc/~3/oncdCzO4V18/the-henrietta-lacks-story-and-eggs.html

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uqpFc/~3/1ThJSyU8BBU/californians-top-list-of-stem-cell.html

 "Duane was captivated by the possibilities that innovation provides in improving the world in which we live." 

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uqpFc/~3/Bui3CXvil70/memorial-services-friday-for-duane-roth.html

Duane Roth, Connect photo

“On behalf of all the CIRM family, we
mourn the loss of our colleague and dear friend Duane Roth. 
Throughout his tenure with us, he was one of the true stewards of the
mission, offering countless insights on the role of industry in the
world of regenerative medicine and how best and efficiently to drive
therapies through to patients.  He was unfailingly a voice of
reason and optimism and always sought to find ways to make things
happen, refusing to take 'no' for an answer.  Though one of 29
Board members, his extensive participation as co-Vice Chair of the
Board, co-chair of Intellectual Property and Industry Engagement
Subcommittee and a member of our Executive Committee gave Duane a
singularly important and resonant voice in our organization. 
His passing will be deeply felt by all of us as well as by the many
patients and other CIRM stakeholders whom he touched over the years. 
We send our deepest sympathies to Renee, Duane's brothers and the
rest of the Roth family.”

“Contributions in Roth’s name can
be made to Pedal
the Cause, a fund-raiser for cancer research that Roth supported.
More than $10,000 has been raised since Roth's accident."

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/uqpFc/~3/58gRzPR09kU/cirms-roth-dies-following-bike-accident.html

Smart policies will foster biotechnology revolution San Antonio Express In both these instances, the proposed reforms would distort the biotechnology market and leave firms less able to invest in tomorrow's medical breakthroughs. To ensure that the biopharmaceutical sector continues to flourish in Texas, leaders in ...

Source:
http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEpmRkYE5kFPqhz1c3YQ2QVfyeZ5Q&url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/commentary/article/Smart-policies-will-foster-biotechnology-4721229.php

Nanodrug targeting breast cancer cells from the inside adds weapon: Immune ... Medical Xpress Ljubimova led the study with Manuel Penichet, MD, PhD, associate professor of surgery, microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics at the University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine. Ljubimova said the UCLA collaborators ... and more »

Source:
http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHX96X2FNpmX__2hBhK6cK7XzPs_A&url=http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-08-nanodrug-breast-cancer-cells-weapon.html

BBC News

Late PCD diagnosis means Kylie needs constant physio BBC News The symptoms of PCD can start soon after birth and become very serious if not treated quickly. Dr Hannah Mitchison, senior lecturer in molecular genetics at the Institute of Child Health, says children can face a lifetime of recurrent chest and ear ...

Source:
http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNH009KhPDfjsrdOWy02kAHe68d3FQ&url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23619547

Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Transverse Myelitis by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India.
Improvement seen after Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Transverse Myelitis by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India. After Stem Cell Therapy PT assessment: Objectively : 1) Grade 3-4 spasticity in...

By: Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute

See original here:
Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Transverse Myelitis by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India. - Video

Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Stroke by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India.
Improvement seen in just 5 day after Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Stroke by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India. After Stem Cell Therapy 1. Voluntary control of...

By: Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute

Read more from the original source:
Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Stroke by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India. - Video

Stem cell therapy shows promise in repairing brain damage even hours after stroke occurs

Durham, NC Stroke is a major health concern and is a leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control. Despite significant research efforts, developing treatments that ensure complete recovery for stroke patients poses an extreme challenge, especially when more than a few hours have passed between onset of the stroke and administration of treatment.

However, a new study released today in STEM CELLS Translational Medicine indicates that endothelial precursor cells, which are found in the bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and as very rare cells in peripheral blood, could make a significant difference for these patients recovery even in the later stages of stroke. In animal studies, the treatment minimized the initial brain injury and helped repair the stroke damage.

Previous studies indicated that stem/progenitor cells derived from human umbilical cord blood (hUCB) improved functional recovery in stroke models, noted Branislava Janic, Ph.D., a member of Henry Ford Health Systems Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory in Detroit and lead author of the study. We wanted to examine the effect of hUCB-derived AC133+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) on stroke development and resolution in rats.

Dr. Janic and his team injected rats that had suffered strokes with the stem cells. When they later examined the animals using MRI, they found that the transplanted cells had selectively migrated to the injured area and that the stem cells stopped the tissue damage from spreading, instigated regeneration, and also affected the time course for stroke resolution. A significant decrease in lesion size also was observed, at a dose of 10 million cells, as early as seven days after the strokes onset.

This led us to conclude that cord blood-derived EPCs can significantly contribute to developing more effective treatments that allow broader time period for intervention, minimize the initial brain injury and help repair the damage in later post-stroke phases, Dr. Janic said.

The early signs of stroke are often unrecognized, and many patients cannot take advantage of clot-busting treatments within the required few hours after stroke onset, said Anthony Atala, M.D., editor of STEM CELLS Translational Medicine and director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine. In this animal study, a combination of stem cells shows promise for healing stroke damage when administered 24 hours after the stroke.

###

The full article, Intravenous administration of human umbilical cord blood derived AC133+ endothelial progenitor cells in rat stroke model reduces infarct volume magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological findings, can be accessed at http://www.stemcellstm.com.

About STEM CELLS Translational Medicine: STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE (SCTM), published by AlphaMed Press, is a monthly peer-reviewed publication dedicated to significantly advancing the clinical utilization of stem cell molecular and cellular biology. By bridging stem cell research and clinical trials, SCTM will help move applications of these critical investigations closer to accepted best practices.

More here:
Stem cell therapy shows promise in repairing brain damage

By: InterAksyon.com August 9, 2013 10:02 AM

InterAksyon.com The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - The controversy over unregulated stem cell procedures in the country, including the role of unlicensed foreign doctors, has reached Congress, from where several alleged victims of malpractice came. The vice chairman of the House blue-ribbon panel is set to deliver a privileged speech Monday ahead of hearings on the current state of things in the stem cell therapy practice in the country, where experts warned earlier the "fad-like" atmosphere poses serious threat to public health and safety.

Rep. Doy Leachon of Oriental Mindoro is expected to train his sights on, among others: the unethical practice of stem cell therapy without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and on unapproved indications; the charging of exorbitant fees for still-experimental procedures; the criminal liabilities of doctors who prey on the miseries of desperate sick patients; a review of the potential conflict of interest, unethical conduct of self-promotion and violation of FDA rules in pushing stem cell therapy and charging of fees involving the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine (PSSCM).

Leachon wants the academe, ethics experts and the Philippine College of Physicians to shed light on the multidimensional controversy.

The House inquiry may also focus on the deaths of two congressmen who allegedly died after undergoing stem cell therapy; and the case of Dangerous Drugs Board chairman Antonio Villar, who developed adverse reactions.

Expected to be summoned to the House hearings, besides representatives of the PMA and PSSCM are officials of the FDA, Department of Health, PRC, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Immigration, Bureau of Internal Revenue and other stakeholders.

Earlier this week, the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) served notice it would require special permits from foreign doctors who conduct stem cell procedures in the country. It warned that those failing to do so, as well as their local partners, face criminals charges for medical malpractice.

For his part, Leachon--saying a class suit is possible against doctors in cases where the stem cell therapy was found to have caused deaths and adverse reactions--encouraged patients victimized by "unscrupulous con artists and who developed side effects" to report to his office.

Leachon, a lawyer, was a TOYM awardee in public service in 2011.

See original here:
House panel trains sights on unregulated stem-cell therapy in PH

6 weeks post-op Adipose Stem Cell Therapy
"Dugan" 6 weeks post-op Adipose Stem Cell Therapy. Visit Kindred-caninesinmotion.org.

By: Joyce Gerardi

Read the original post:
6 weeks post-op Adipose Stem Cell Therapy - Video

Whoifwhat: Stem Cell Therapy- Knees, Hip, Back, etc.!
It works: Now in St. Louis, New York Phily: coming to your town soon ! Using stem cells from belly fat ( got any) platelets to mark area an injection is ...

By: whoifwhat

Continued here:
Whoifwhat: Stem Cell Therapy- Knees, Hip, Back, etc.! - Video

Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Spastic Cerebral Palsy by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India.
Improvement seen in just 5 day after Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Spastic Cerebral Palsy by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India. After Stem Cell Therapy 1. Droo...

By: Neurogen Brain and Spine Institute

Read this article:
Stem Cell Therapy Treatment for Spastic Cerebral Palsy by Dr Alok Sharma, Mumbai, India. - Video

MANILA - Foreign doctors are now required to secure a permit to perform stem cell therapy in the country or face criminal liability.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)s Board of Medicine (BOM) made the announcement yesterday, explaining that the requirement is part of government efforts to regulate the practice of stem cell therapy in the country to ensure the safety of patients.

In a statement, the BOM said foreign physicians who intend to practice stem cell therapy here must obtain special temporary permit from the PRC to avoid being charged with medical malpractice.

Even local doctors who have aided foreign physicians illegal practice of stem cell therapy shall be also held criminally liable, the BOM added.

To secure the special temporary permit, a foreign doctor must submit proof of education and actual practice in the field of stem cell therapy and current license authenticated by the Philippine embassy and the embassy in the country of origin.

The board said physicians should have acquired the necessary education, supervised training and extensive clinical experience prior to performing the treatment. It noted that the argument that stem cell therapy falls under the general practice of medicine since it only involves injection of stem cell solution is erroneous.

As professionals, physicians should be able to conduct self-assessment and self-evaluation regarding what they can and what they should not do, they added.

The BOM also noted that stem cell therapy should be practiced only in hospitals and clinics licensed by the Department of Heath for assurance that these medical facilities have the necessary manpower and equipment to prevent risks and hazards to patients.

The board also warned patients desiring to undergo stem cell therapy abroad to first verify the status of clinics and hospitals as well as practitioners from regulatory authorities.

Earlier, the Food and Drug Administration and the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) reported receiving numerous complaints of foreign doctors performing stem cell therapy in hotels and other non-medical facilities. The PMA said foreign doctors injected patients with animal-based stem cells at P1 million per shot, but these foreigners are not even licensed to practice medicine in the country.

More here:
Foreign doctors need permit for stem cell therapy

By: Jet Villa, InterAksyon.com August 6, 2013 4:34 PM

InterAksyon.com The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - Amid a flurry of reports about unregulated procedures that have led to serious injury or even deaths, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is now requiring foreign doctors wishing to practice stem cell therapy in the Philippines to obtain a special temporary permit (STP).

In a position statement, the Professional Regulatory Board of Medicine (PRBOM) said foreign doctors must submit proof of education, training and clinical experience and actual practice in the field of stem cell therapy, plus a current license to practice authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate in the country of origin when they apply for the special permits.

The board warned: Any foreign physician who practices the professionwithout a STP will be criminally liable for illegal practice of medicine.And, it added, those who have aided and abetted the foreign physicianspractice of the profession are also criminally liable.

The position paper was signed by PRBOM chairman Dr. Edgardo Fernando and members doctors Miguel Noche Jr., Florentino Doble, Restituto de Ocampo, Jose Cueto Jr., and Mildred Pareja.

Controversy hounds new group

The position statement on stem cell therapy was issued amid a growing rift among doctors over recent controversial cases, including several lawmakers who had procedures done, but whose conditions worsened.

One newly-founded group of doctors doing stem-cell transplant, the Philippine Society of Stem Cell Medicine (PSSCM), has been pitted by the controversy against the Philippine College of Physicians, Philippine Society of General Internal Medicine (PSGIM), Philippine Society of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (PSHBT) andPhilippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP). The latter groups all believe thatPSSCM's practices are unethical as it charges huge fees from patients for stem cell procedures that are still under clinical trial.

The PRBOM has backed the Department of Health in issuing Administrative Order 2013-0012 providing the guidelines for stem cell, cell-based therapy in the country. "The practice of stem cell therapy does not constitute standard care at the present time. The claim that it offers cure to numerous diseases and conditions has not been proven through scientific research and documentation, the PRBOM said. Right now, it said, "there is difficulty verifying claims of practitioners and institutions regarding the effectivity ofavailable treatment modalities.

Link:
PRC: Foreign docs doing stem cell therapy in PH must get special temporary permits

NewsLife: PCP pushes for more studies on stem cell therapy
NewsLife - PCP pushes for more studies on stem cell therapy (Reported By: Dina Paguibitan) - [July 30, 2013] For more news, visit: #9659;http://www.ptvnews.ph Dow...

By: PTV PH

Link:
NewsLife: PCP pushes for more studies on stem cell therapy - Video