StemCell Therapy

New York Times

Patients Lose Sight After Stem Cells Are Injected Into Their Eyes New York Times The women had macular degeneration, an eye disease that causes vision loss, and they paid $5,000 each to receive stem-cell injections in 2015 at a private clinic in Sunrise, Fla. The clinic was part of a company then called Bioheart, now called U.S ... One stem cell treatment stabilizes macular degeneration, another blinds 3 patientsCNN Vision saved by first induced pluripotent stem cell treatmentNew Scientist Three women lose sight after Florida clinic injects stem cells into their eyes to improve their visionNational Post NPR -RT -BuzzFeed News -The New England Journal of Medicine all 131 news articles »

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Patients Lose Sight After Stem Cells Are Injected Into Their Eyes - New York Times

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Researchers at UCSan Diego have developed a nano-scale retinalimplant that could restoresight with higher resolution than other bionic eye systems(Credit: UC San Diego)

Advances in bionic eyes over the past few decades have given blind and visually impaired people new hope of restoring some of their vision. Now engineers have tested a new nano-scale system that could be implanted onto a patient's retina to respond to light by directly stimulating the neurons that send visual signals to the brain. Unlike other systems, the new device wouldn't require any external sensors, and can provide a much higher resolution.

Two of the most promising bionic eyes in development are the Argus II, built by Second Sight, and a similar system created by researchers at Bionic Vision Australia. Both of these prosthetics involve first implanting electrodes into the eye, then connecting them to external sensors that can be worn like glasses. Light signals from these camera-like sensors are translated into electrical impulses and sent to the implants to stimulate the neurons at the retina, which in turn send the visual information to the brain by way of the optic nerve.

Both bionic eyes have been tested in patients with a modicum of success: far from restoring vision as a sighted person knows it, the devices produce patterns of light that a patient has to learn to interpret. But the new prosthesis, from engineers at the University of California San Diego, uses bundles of nanowires that should provide clearer vision, and do so without need of a camera.

"We want to create a new class of devices with drastically improved capabilities to help people with impaired vision," says Gabriel Silva, a senior author on the study.

The nanowires are designed to mimic the natural photoreceptor cells in the retina. When they sense incoming light, they respond by generating an electric current that stimulates the retinal cells, and these signals are sent to the brain. Since these nanowires can be arranged in a grid with a density close to natural retinal cells, the new device has the potential to provide "images" of a much higher resolution than other bionic eyes.

"To restore functional vision, it is critical that the neural interface matches the resolution and sensitivity of the human retina," says Gert Cauwenberghs, senior author of the study.

Power for the system is provided wirelessly via induction, with an electromagnetic coil outside the body relaying energy to the implant. This power is responsible for the sensitivity and timing of the retinal stimulation, and according to the researchers, is highly energy efficient, thanks to reducing energy lost in transmission. The same 13.56 MHz RF signal can also transmit data, at a rate of one bit for every two cycles.

To test their system, the researchers implanted the nanowires into a cultured rat retina, which had been engineered with a degenerating disorder. The retina was hooked up to an array of microelectrodes that would record the electrical signals that, normally, would be sent to the brain, to allow the team to study the neural activity generated by the nanowires. When the device was powered up and exposed to light, the neurons fired in response, but when either the light or electricity was taken away, they remained silent, indicating that the system works as the team hoped.

The next step for the team is to conduct tests in live animals, before eventually moving on to clinical trials. Nanovision Biosciences, a spinoff company started by the researchers, is driving that future work, with an eye towards helping patients with retinal degeneration restore some of their vision.

"We have made rapid progress with the development of the world's first nanoengineered retinal prosthesis as a result of the unique partnership we have developed with the team at UC San Diego," says Scott Thorogood, CEO of Nanovision Biosciences.

The research was published in the Journal of Neural Engineering.

Link:
Nanowire retinal implant could restore sight with better resolution - New Atlas

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Glaucoma is caused when the optic nerve, which connects the eye to your brain, becomes damaged. It can lead to loss of vision if not detected and treated early on.

Dr Chris Hemmerdinger, glaucoma specialist at Optegra Eye Hospital Manchester, answers the frequently asked questions about the condition.

What is glaucoma?

According to the World Health Organisation, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world.

While people of any age can develop glaucoma, it is most prevalent in people over the age of 40.

It is a collection of eye conditions causing progressive damage to the optic nerve, which is the main nerve that transmits images from the eye to the brain, allowing us to see.

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What are the symptoms?

The most common form of glaucoma is Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG). POAG can often only be detected during a routine eye test as there are no noticeable symptoms until a considerable amount of vision has been lost.

Once vision is lost to glaucoma it cannot be restored.

Some forms of glaucoma can be caused by the drainage angle within the eye becoming closed. The acute form of closed angle glaucoma is an ophthalmic emergency. The pressure in the eye increases rapidly causing pain, redness and sudden loss of vision.

A family member suffered from glaucoma am I at risk?

Glaucoma is a hereditary disease, therefore if a family member suffers from glaucoma it can make you more susceptible to developing the condition.

If you are over 40 years of age and have a first-degree relative (mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter) with glaucoma, you are entitled to a free annual NHS eye test. Its therefore important that a person who has a close relative with glaucoma mentions this during their eye check-up and arranges regular tests to ensure symptoms can be detected early.

According to the World Health Organisation, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world.

Dr Chris Hemmerdinger

How do you reduce the risk of glaucoma?

The risk of developing glaucoma increases as you get older, with the most common type of glaucoma affecting 1 in 50 people aged over 40 and on average 10 percent of people over the age of 75.

Early detection is the best way to prevent vision loss from glaucoma.

Regular sight tests with an optician can detect early changes in glaucoma such as raised intra ocular pressure (IOP) - as IOP builds, pressure pushes on the optic nerve directly or reduces its blood supply over time distorting the information passed from the eye to the brain leading to vision loss.

The earlier glaucoma is diagnosed the better, as treatment in the early stages can help stop your vision becoming severely affected.

An optometrist can help with a series of quick and painless tests to diagnose and monitor glaucoma.

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If signs of glaucoma are picked up you will be referred to an ophthalmologist who will conduct further tests to establish the type of glaucoma, the extent of damage to the eyes and the most appropriate treatment.

There are specialist glaucoma consultants like myself at all Optegra hospitals, so you can be sure youll be in safe hands. What is the treatment?

Glaucoma is treated by lowering eye pressure, which is most commonly achieved using eye drops.

However, laser treatment or surgery may be appropriate. Should you require treatment your ophthalmologist will discuss all suitable options with you.

A number of our hospitals offer bespoke glaucoma monitoring services including North London, Manchester and Hampshire. Our service identifies and captures any potential risks or developments. It is suitable for anyone who has, or is at risk of developing glaucoma, and is concerned about its potential progression.

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Diseases caused by high blood pressure

Patients are assessed by an Optometrist and a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon through a series of thorough and comprehensive tests, which uses state-of-the-art imaging equipment.

The service offers continued care and support to give peace of mind during what can be a daunting time.

How long does treatment last?

Glaucoma is not curable and vision lost cannot be regained. Therefore, treatment is usually required for life. Eye drops require continuous daily use, and other treatments such as laser treatment or surgery can last many years.

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Glaucoma symptoms: THIS could be putting you at risk of incurable sight loss - Express.co.uk

06:00 Saturday 18 March 2017

Boston Town Football Club chairman Mick Vines has called on people to get their eyes checked after being diagnosed with glaucoma during a routine eye test.

Mr Vines, 67, first noticed a problem with his eyes while struggling to read his newspaper in February last year.

Thinking he needed a new prescription for his reading glasses, he made an appointment with the store.

Mr Vines said: At my last visit to Vision Express I was referred to the hospital to see a specialist as I had possible signs of glaucoma, but everything was ok.

I was told that I am at risk of the condition as my mum had it and was advised to keep an eye on it.

As soon as I realised I had to keep going to the window for better light to read my paper for the horse racing, which I enjoy quite a lot, I thought Id best get checked out again.

Following his eye test the optometrist made him a referral to see a consultant and he was diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma in his right eye.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions in which the optic nerve is damaged where it leaves the eye, resulting in misty and patchy vision and a gradual loss of sight.

While the damage caused is irreversible, treatment and regular monitoring can help slow or prevent vision loss, especially if detected in its early stage.

Michael was prescribed a lifelong treatment of eye drops, which he will use daily to lower the pressure in his eye and help retain useful sight.

The drops are just part of my everyday routine now and are helping; they dont sting or cause blurriness - its a small price to pay rather than go blind.

He will also have regular hospital check-ups and eye tests to monitor the condition.

Vision Express are offering a free eye test. To take part, get a coupon from the store website between March 8-26, and redeem instore by April 30, 2017.

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Town manager calls on people to stay on the ball and get your eyes checked - Boston Standard

Stockton, Mo.-- A bizarre theft in Cedar County has left a local woman there without her glass eye.

The prosthetic was in her purse, when the purse was stolen from her car.

Life hasn't always been a walk in the park for Krystal Horning.

Ten years ago she lost her eye sight in an accident at home.

"We were moving and my husband was busy working and I was tying down a mattress on the back of my mom and them's truck and I had a bungee cord and I was strapping the mattress down and it came back and hit me in the eye," Horning said. "This is still my regular eye they sowed it back up but I have no vision I"m completely blind."

From the beginning, Krystal's dream was to get a shell for that damaged eye, a dream that finally came true, just this month.

Then Monday, March 13, 2017 Krystal and her daughter made a quick stop at the Dollar General store, leaving her purse in the car and in it that very valuable shell.

"I told her put my wallet in my purse and she was like 'mom your purse isn't in here' and I was like 'what do you mean my purse isn't in here?'" Horning said.

The purse had been stolen and what was Krystal's new sense of confidence is gone too.

"I've waited 10 years for this....now it's just like wow I've got to go out in public again like that I mean it hurts...and I've only had it since March the 1st," Horning said.

The casual theft has robbed Krystal in a lot of different ways.

"My son wanted me to come to school with him this morning to read with him they were doing a reading thing at school and he's like no mom you don't have your eye and he's afraid that his classmates will make fun of me," Horning said.

The Lions Club is going to replaces the eye's shell, but Krystal said that means going to Memphis, Tennessee, a financial challenge in itself. Getting the eye returned would be so much better.

"Please I don't care take it somewhere leave it, the police station, give it to a friend and have someone else just bring it back," Horning said. "I just really would appreciate to have my eye back it was molded to me it's not any use to anybody else because."

It's a plea for more than an object returned, getting the eye back would mean an easier way back to normal life.

The Cedar County Sheriff's Office is asking for the anyone with information to call them.

Right now, Krystal Horning plans to head to Memphis on March 26th if her eye isn't found.

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Cedar County Sheriff's Office investigates stolen glass eye - KY3

Because of his failing eyesight, David Bradds has to use binoculars to watch his son, Belmont star Evan Bradds, play basketball.(Photo: Michael Dann / OVC)

Evan Bradds' career at Belmont has been something that would make any parent beyond proud.

Bradds' throwback style of play has made him something of a modern day phenom who has been among the nation's highest percentage shooters the past three years.

It's been a career a parent wouldn't want to miss and one Bradds' father, David, has thoroughly enjoyed watching.

Even when he barely couldsee it.

David is suffering from failing eyesight. He lost count long ago of the number of surgeries he's had, but he knows that detached retinas in both eyes have robbed him of most of his ability to see at this point.

Evan, who has 1,896 career points and needs 24 to become Belmont's all-time leading scorer,will be back in action at 6 p.m. Wednesday when the Bruins(22-6) visitGeorgia (19-14) in the first round of the NIT.

The last time Evan played, David, 47, had to use binoculars to watch him atMunicipal Auditorium in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament earlier this month.

It's a small arena, but that's the only way David could follow the action.

"I can see people moving aroundout there on the court, but not much more than that," David said. "I can't really make out who the players are."

Evan Bradds is 24 points shy of the Belmont career scoring record.(Photo: File / The Tennessean)

David's eyesight became so poor that he was forced to stop driving a car just before Christmas. And he had been able to drive for onlythree months before that during a stretch in which his eyesight had improved temporarily.

David, who played college basketball at Dayton (1987-91) and helped the Flyers advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament as a junior, isn't looking for any sympathy.

"You know what, there are (soldiers) out there fighting for their lives; I'm doing all right," David said. "I'm going to be OK."

The bottom line is that David, who first started experiencing issues with his eyes two years ago,feels too blessed to complain.

He has a son who is carrying on the family's basketball tradition. David's father and Evan's grandfather, Gary, was an All-American at Ohio State (1961-64) who went on to play in the NBA.

"Evan plays nothing like me," David said. "He plays like my dad. I love watching the way he plays."

Evan is thankful his dad still travels from their home in Jamestown, Ohio, as often as possible for his games.

"Obviously, it means a lot; any time your dad's there it's awesome," said Evan, who is averaging 20.6 points and shooting 63.4 percent from the field.

"He's been (to) a bunch of games even since he started having problems with his eyes," Evan said. "When his eyesight is bad, he always has someone with him,like my cousin who was with him at the OVC tournament;he explains to tell him what's going on."

David hasn't allowed his vision problems to affect his desire to help Evan with his game.

"After the games, he's really good with numbers, so he will look at the stats sheet and see what happened," Evan said. "If we didn't shoot the ball well, he will ask what happened there and then ask me what kind of defense they used and we'll talk about it from there."

The good news is that David underwent cataract surgery last week, which improved his vision.

David hopes to make it to Georgia's Stegeman Coliseum for Wednesday's game.

Reach Mike Organ at morgan@tennessean.com or 615-259-8021 and on Twitter @MikeOrganWriter.

NIT

BELMONT(22-6) at GEORGIA (19-14)

When: 6 p.m. Wednesday

Where: Athens, Ga.

Radio: 104.5-FM

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As eyesight fails, Belmont star's dad still watches and teaches - The Tennessean

We, as Americans, aspire to be great. Its why we lead the world in creativity, innovation, and economic growth. Yet, occasionally, our efforts have unintended and potentially dangerous consequences.

Heres a good example: A proposed change to Georgia law that would allow optometrists to treat patients with injections in and around the eyes.

As the president of the Medical Association of Georgia, which represents physicians in every specialty and practice setting, I believe that this idea, albeit well intended, could place thousands of Georgians at risk of blindness and other serious eye health complications.

The proposed legislation allows optometrists (not be confused with ophthalmologists or plastic surgeons, who are physicians) to make injections and perform other delicate procedures in and around a patients eye or eyelid, procedures they simply arent qualified to perform.

The eye is obviously one of our most sensitive and important organs. And we should never cut corners when it comes to any aspect of our health care, but this is especially true when it comes to our eyes and our vision.

I applaud optometrists. They play an important role when it comes to basic eye care. Optometrists are trained to detect serious eye health issues, and they fit patients for glasses, contact lenses and similar corrective vision devices.

But sticking a hypodermic needle into or near a patients eye requires a level of expertise that should be reserved for physician specialists with the requisite, and far more considerable, education, training and experience. In fact, these procedures are so unique and require such great precision that many physicians wont attempt to perform them.

It is also worth noting that any mistakes occurring during procedures that are conducted in or near the eye can have particularly dire consequences, including infections, blurred vision, hemorrhaging and the loss of sight.

As a physician who has cared for patients in this state for more than 30 years, I agree that we should aspire to ensure that every Georgian has access to the medical care they need. But I am also confident (and extremely concerned) that passing legislation to expand optometrists scope of practice in dramatic ways would undermine patient care and could have disastrous results.

Georgians deserve access to the best medical care in the world. When it comes to procedures that are performed in or around the eye, that means access to a physician who has the requisite education and training and experience.

That is why physicians in Georgia are calling for state lawmakers to oppose any legislation that would allow optometrists to treat patients with injections in and around the eyes.

Steven M. Walsh, M.D., is president of the Medical Association of Georgia.

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Guest column: Move to approve injections by optometrists is a dangerous idea - Gainesville Times

During your pregnancy, you might dread the renowned sugar test that your doctor will probably order around 2428 weeks. You have to drink a sugary liquid and wait around for its effects to spread throughout your system. If you screen through the one-hour and three-hour tests with both positive results, youll have to work with your doctor to keep your blood sugar stable through a proper diet, often called an ADA diet. With this diet plan, many pregnant women can control their gestational diabetes and deliver happy, healthy babies.

What is an ADA diet?

Simply put, the ADA diet is a meal plan recommended by the American Diabetes Association for those dealing with diabetes. This diet encourages you to eat a variety of healthy foods while watching the intake of starches and sugar. You should also choose foods high in vitamins and minerals and balance starch with fiber to keep your sugar levels under control.

In addition, the American Diabetes Association recommends that you work with a dietitian and/or your doctor to learn about proper nutrition for gestational diabetes. If you cannot control your sugar levels through the ADA diet alone, your doctor may add insulin shots.

Controlling Blood Sugar

To control your blood sugar through diet, you can choose one of several ways: carbohydrate counting, the glycemic index, or the plate method. All of these methods focus on balancing starchy foods with protein and low-starch vegetables to improve energy, control weight, and balance blood sugar.

Carbohydrate Counting

For carbohydrate counting, you and your doctor will work to set a number of carbs that you will incorporate into each meal. At first, this process may have some trial and error since your carb intake will depend upon your lifestyle, metabolism, and physical activity. Once you have a set number, youll need to learn the amount of carbs in the foods that you eat. You should never exceed your carbohydrate limit during a meal.

The Glycemic Index

If you choose to use the glycemic index, you will need to incorporate mostly foods that are low or medium on the scale. With this system, youll still need to work closely with medical help since one food may change its glycemic index when paired with another food. For example, you can eat a food high on the glycemic index with one lower on the scale to balance out the glycemic effects.

The Plate Method

To use the plate method, you would aim to fill a certain portion of your plate with either protein, non-starchy vegetables, or starches. You may find this method the easiest one to use, but it doesnt always fit a persons lifestyle.

According toStephanie Dunbar, ADAs director of nutrition and medical affairs, you should fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables. Then, you can fill another quarter with protein and the final portion with whole grains or starchy vegetables. Finish with a small serving of fruit and low-fat dairy, and youll leave yourself filled and happily balanced.

Choose Foods Wisely

When planning meals for gestational diabetes, you should make wise choices about the foods you eat. You will need to restrain yourself with some types of food and completely eliminate others from your diet. Below, youll find examples that you can eat and some that you should avoid.

Foods to Eat

Foods to Avoid

While having gestational diabetes does require some diet changes and extra care, you can still enjoy filling, healthful foods throughout your pregnancy. Then, with your doctors guidance and the balanced ADA diet, you should successfully control your sugar levels and deliver a happy, healthy baby into the world.

Dr. Manny Alvarez serves as Fox News Channel's senior managing health editor. He also serves as chairman of the department of obstetrics/gynecology and reproductive science at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey. Click here for more information on Dr. Manny's work with Hackensack University Medical Center. Visit AskDrManny.com for more.

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Caring for your gestational diabetes - Fox News

Reversing Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, a disease wherein the body is incapable of producing sufficient levels of insulin or doesnt respond to insulin correctly, can be a lifelong disease. It leads to the build up of blood sugars andin the cells inability to receive the energy it needs to function correctly. Its also more likely to afflict people over the age of 40, those who are overweight, or anyone whose family has a history of diabetes.

Prior to this research, there was no definitive cure for type 2 diabetes, although experts have long hypothesized that it could be reversible. A team of Canadian scientists have demonstrated that this theory is indeed correct. In some patients, type 2 diabetes can be reversedthrough a combination of lifestyle changes, intensive medical treatment using oral medication, and insulin therapy. The researchers published their study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

They tested their theory in diabetic patients who had been symptomatic for up to three years. The subjects underwent a personalized exercise regimen, and a strict diet that closely watched and limited their calorie intake to just 500 to 700 a day, and pharmacological treatment withglucose-controlling drugs.

Four months after the intervention, the study revealed that 40 percent of the 83 subjects were able to effectively stop taking their medications, staying in partial or even complete remission.

The results of this pilot study suggest patients with type 2 diabetes have more options to treat their condition,said the studys first author, Natalia McInnes, of McMaster University.

The findings support the notion that type 2 diabetes can be reversed, at least in the short term not only with bariatric surgery, but with medical approaches, McInnes said in an Endocrine Society press release. The research might shift the paradigm of treating diabetes from simply controlling glucose to an approach where we induce remission and then monitor patients for any signs of relapse.

According to the Societys Endocrine Facts and Figures report, one out of 10 American adults suffer from type 2 diabetes.Raising the possibility of reversing the disease can prove to be strong motivation for patients to actually make lifestyle changes and maintain them, McInnes said. This new treatment could also give the patients pancreases a rest and lower fat stores in their bodies, thus improving insulin production in the long run.

Right now, the treatment has proven to be effective only in the short term, but further study and other drug combinations could ultimately lead to better results and higher remission rates.

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A Clinical Trial Just 'Reversed' Type 2 Diabetes in 40% of Participants - Futurism

Investopedia

Roche Restructuring Shows Trouble in US Diabetes Biz (RHHBY) Investopedia Amid increasing competition in the U.S. diabetes care market, Roche AG (RHHBY) plans to restructure its U.S. operations and reduce headcount by 10%. The company recently announced that it will lay off 157 employees in its U.S. diabetes care unit.

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Roche Restructuring Shows Trouble in US Diabetes Biz (RHHBY) - Investopedia

Nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes -- a condition where the body fails to properly metabolize sugar. Left untreated, thatsugar builds up in the bloodstream and the body, which can lead to a number ofserious additional health problems such ascardiovascular disease, kidneydisease and eye disease.

Treating diabetes is expensive, costing America alone some $322 billion each year. Naturally, a market that big has attracted plenty of companies to focus on the disease state. Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO),Insulet (NASDAQ:PODD), and DexCom (NASDAQ:DXCM)are three such businesses, and I think that they all could be great choices for investors.

Image Source: Getty Images.

Many people who have diabetes take drugs to help keep their blood sugar levels in check. One of the long-term leaders in the industry isNovo Nordisk, a Danish drugmaker that has been selling insulin for nearly a century.

Novo's top line has charged upward for years as it brought new treatments to market. Recent hits includeTresiba, a long-acting insulin that has been taking share from Sanofi's megahit Lantus, andVictoza, a GLP-1 inhibitor that lowers blood sugar levels and tends to help some patients lose weight. Novo also boasts a number of new drugs that should be coming to market soon, such as the recently FDA-approved Xultophy, which combines Victoza and Tresiba, andFiasp, an ultra-fast rapid-acting mealtime insulin.

And yet, despite its long history of successful drug development and its leadership position in treating an increasingly common disease, Novo's share price and valuation have been crushed over the past year.

NVO data by YCharts

What gives? You can blame the decline on increasingpricing pressurefrom insurers on the company's legacy products. To maintain its market share, Novo has been offering discounts. As a result, management dropped its long-term profit growth target from 10% to 5%.

While the waning profit growth is disappointing, I can't help but think that the markets have overreacted. Novo's still cranking out profits, and it has a huge tailwind at its back, so I can't help but like its long-term prospects. With shares trading at a discount and offering up a dividend yield approaching 4%, I think this is a top stock for conservative investors to consider.

Not every person who has diabetes requires insulin injections to stay healthy, but millions of them do. Those daily injections can be a pain, and dosing with precision can be difficult, which is why many insulin-dependent patients prefer instead to use an insulin pump.

However, wearing a pump presents its own issues. Traditional insulin pumps require tubing, which can easily get snagged or tangled during everyday living. To solve that problem, Insulet launched a patch pump called the OmniPod that is worn directly on the body and disposedof after three days of use. The device is alsowaterproof and features automatic cannula insertion, which makes it far easier for patients to place it in tough to reach spots.

Insulet's unique tube-free system has allowed it to gobble up market share over the last decade. Better yet, the company's "razor-and-blade" business model creates a lot of recurring revenue. When combined, the company's top-line -- and share price -- have soared.

PODD Revenue (TTM) data by YCharts

While Insulet is still losing money, there's reason to believe that profits could finally be on the horizon. Revenue from the company's core OmniPod business is still growing by double-digit percentagesboth stateside and abroad. Meanwhile, the other drug delivery business is growing nicely, powered mostly by the company's partnership with Amgen. Margins are also on the riseand are expected to continue to push higher. Longer term, CEO Patrick Sullivan expects the company to pump out more than $1 billion in revenue. If the company can hit that ambitious target, its top line would nearly triple.

Of course, Wall Street is aware of the company's potential and has priced shares at more than seven times sales. While that's a pricey valuation, if the company can deliver on its growth targets, I could easily see shares continuing to outperform from here.

Many people with diabetes are required to measure their blood sugar levels at various times during theday in order to ensure it is within a healthy range. For most, this requires a finger prick to obtain a small blood sample that is tested on a monitor. As you may guess, this isn't a process that many people like.

In an effort to ease this burden, Dexcom launched a small medical device a decade ago that is worn on the body for up to seven days and continuously measures blood glucose levels. This information is then uploaded directly to a smartphone or other receiver, making it far easier for users to track their blood sugar, and allowing them to do it in real time.

This product -- now called the DexcomG5Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring System -- has been wildly successful. Like Insulet, Dexcom also benefits from a razor-and-blade business model, which has allowed the company's revenue to soar. In turn, long-term shareholders have been extremely well rewarded.

DXCM Revenue (TTM) data by YCharts

Despite its history of success, there's reason to believe that DexCom's growth engine is just getting warmed up. The company only counts 200,000 patients as active users, just a small fraction of the415 million people with diabetes worldwide.

While Dexcom is still losing money, that's expected to change in 2017. However, Wall Street has caught on to this growth story and is valuing the company at 11 times sales. Despite that nose-bleed valuation, I still think shares could be worth owning since the company is closing in on profitability and staring down a massive growth opportunity. Share prices are likely to remain volatile for the foreseeable future, but if you are a growth investor at heart, I think that DexCom is certainly worthy of a closer look.

Brian Feroldi owns shares of Insulet. The Motley Fool recommends Insulet and Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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3 Top Diabetes Care Stocks to Buy in 2017 - Motley Fool

Science Daily

New role for immune cells in preventing diabetes and hypertension Science Daily Immune cells which are reduced in number by obesity could be a new target to treat diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension that affect overweight people, according to a collaborative study between the University of Manchester, Lund University ... Targeting immune cells could treat diabetes and high blood pressure in obese peopleFierceBiotech all 2 news articles »

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New role for immune cells in preventing diabetes and hypertension - Science Daily

Clinical Pain Advisor (registration)

Stem Cell Therapies for Degenerative Disc Disease Clinical Pain Advisor (registration) MSC therapy offers pain relief for patients with DDD and may slow the degenerative process of this condition. ORLANDO Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, also known as regenerative medicine therapy, is emerging as a promising treatment for ...

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Stem Cell Therapies for Degenerative Disc Disease - Clinical Pain Advisor (registration)

Cancer is currently one of the top killers worldwide, and the number of cancer cases is only expected to rise. Although there are a number of therapies available, most of them are toxic and cause serious side effects. New research examines the impact of the natural vitamin C on cancer cell growth. In a recent study, vitamin C proves effective in killing cancer stem-like cells.

is the second leading cause of death and disease worldwide, accounting for almost deaths in 2015, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The global number of new cases of cancer are expected to grow by around 70 percent in the next 20 years.

In the United States, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimate that almost of U.S. men and women will have developed cancer at one point during their lives.

There are various available for cancer, but they are not always effective; most of them are toxic, and they tend to have a variety of side effects.

In some more aggressive cases, the cancer does not respond to treatment, and it is believed that cancer stem-like cells are the reason why the cancer comes back and metastasizes.

New research, in the journal Oncotarget, examines the effectiveness of three natural substances, three experimental drugs, and one clinical drug in stopping the growth of these cancer (CSCs.)

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Salford in Manchester in the United Kingdom, and was led by Dr. Gloria Bonuccelli.

In total, the researchers measured the impact of seven substances: the clinical drug stiripentol, three experimental drugs (actinonin, FK866, and 2-DG), and three natural substances (caffeic acid phenyl ester (CAPE), silibinin, and ascorbic acid ( C).)

The research focused on the bioenergetic processes of CSCs, which enable the cells to live and multiply. The study aimed to disrupt the CSCs metabolism and ultimately prevent their growth.

Of all the substances tested, the team found that actinonin and FK866 were the most effective. However, the natural products were also found to prevent the formation of CSCs, and vitamin C was 10 times more effective than the experimental drug 2-DG.

Additionally, the study revealed that ascorbic acid works by inhibiting the process by which glucose is broken down within the cells mitochondria and turned into energy for the cells proliferation.

Dr. Michael P. Lisanti, professor of translational medicine at the University of Salford, comments on the findings:

We have been looking at how to target cancer stem cells with a range of natural substances including silibinin (milk thistle) and CAPE, a honey-bee derivative, but by far the most exciting are the results with vitamin C. Vitamin C is cheap, natural, nontoxic and readily available so to have it as a potential weapon in the fight against cancer would be a significant step.

This is further evidence that vitamin C and other nontoxic compounds may have a role to play in the fight against cancer, says the studys lead author.

Our results indicate it is a promising agent for clinical trials, and as an add-on to more conventional therapies, to prevent tumor recurrence, further disease progression, and metastasis, Bonuccelli adds.

Vitamin C has been shown to be a potent, nontoxic, anticancer agent by Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling. However, to the authors knowledge, this is the first study providing evidence that ascorbic acid can specifically target and neutralize CSCs.

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Medical News Today: Vitamin C can target and kill cancer stem cells, study shows - Concord Register

Nature and bio-inspiration are the buzzwords that could summarize the Quack Chats pub talk being delivered Wednesday, March 22, by UO physics professor Richard Taylor.

Taylor's talk at 6 p.m. in the back room of Falling Sky Pizzeria in the Erb Memorial Union will convey some of the science behind human vision. Taylor will use lots of imagery to show how his research group is mining fractals to restore sight to the blind.

Fractals? Ever look at trees, clouds or rivers? Have you gazed skyward at faraway galaxies? Ever see a Rorschach inkblot? Ever marveled at a close-up image of a snowflake? Ever see a painting by Jackson Pollock? Then youve seen fractals: Objects with irregular curves or shapes the building blocks of nature.

My big driver in life is bio-inspiration, said Taylor, the head of the UO Materials Science Institute and co-holder of a U.S. patent for the design of any bio-inspired, fractal-based device that might find its way into a human body. You learn from nature, because nature has had so long to perfect these things. You can learn a lot by going into the human body and looking at its electrical wiring these things called the nerves. They have fractal patterns.

Taylor will provide a teaser about his talk on Facebook Live at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 21. Join the conversation on the UO Facebook page.

Admission is free to Taylors talk, but visitors are encouraged to order from the Falling Sky menu, settle in to hear Taylor and pepper him with questions. His presentation will detail past attempts by science to overcome blindness and show how his team is pursuing a miniature, fractal-based retinal implant that would naturally join the electrical network of neurons that make human vision possible.

Did you know that neurons are fractals, too?

If our implants are to integrate with the bodys electrical wiring, we will have to develop electronics that have exactly the same type of electrical architecture, Taylor said. That is a challenge from a fundamental science point of view. The amazing impact is that we can give a million people their sight back by doing that.

Two of the eye diseases that have Taylors attention are macular degeneration, a leading cause of loss of vision for people after age 60, and retinitis pigmentosa, a rare, inherited condition that affects both eyes.

Being able to see is connected with a reduction of stress, Taylor said. There are lots of reasons why going blind is a very bad idea.

Quack Chats pub talks are held the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. The summer schedule for June-September will be once monthly. The Quack Chats initiative also includes the monthly Run with a Researcher and other community events involving speakers from the UO faculty.

The tentative lineup for Run with a Researcher on Saturday, April 1, includes Taylor, along with faculty members Bill Cresko, biology; Keith Frazee, College of Education; Cristin Hulslander, biology; CJ Pascoe, sociology; McKay Sohlberg, special education and Dan Wojcik, English.

Members of the public should meet up at 9 a.m. at the O desk in the lower level of the Erb Memorial Union. Participants have the option of a 4.5-mile run or a 3.1-mile walk led by a researcher.

See upcoming Quack Chats and related stories.

By Jim Barlow, University Communications

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Quack Chats will look at tapping nature to overcome blindness - AroundtheO

At the recent debate on the Health Ministrys budget, the Government spoke about helping diabetic patients get more convenient access to eye-screening services at general practitioner clinics under the Primary Care Network.

As a primary eye-care professional, I am glad for this effort to help detect medical problems at an earlier stage.

I urge the Government to do more to raise the awareness of the importance of eye-screening and to also consider implementing a nationwide eye-screening programme involving both public and private eye-care professionals.

Those aged 40 and older are not only at a higher risk of common health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol levels and cervical cancer, they are also at risk of potentially sight-threatening conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy.

Eye-screening plays an important role in the early diagnosis and management of these blinding conditions, many of which do not produce symptoms until late in the course of the ailment.

Vision loss can adversely impact the overall health and well-being of older adults in many ways. These include increased risk of falls, fractures and depression, as well as difficulty in identifying medications, which can lead to medication errors that affect their health.

These, in turn, result in a higher mortality rate among seniors who are visually impaired.

Glaucoma is a disease that slowly affects the nerves of the eye and results in irreversible vision loss and blindness. It is also known as the silent thief of sight as it does not present any early symptoms. It can be detected only by specialised tests such as an eye-pressure check (tonometry) and visual field examination (perimetry).

Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, can result in bleeding and swelling of the retina. Early diabetic retinopathy can be controlled through simple lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet. Uncontrolled diabetes can eventually lead to irreversible vision loss.

These conditions can be detected through regular eye screening with eye-care professionals such as optometrists or ophthalmologists. Early detection and timely treatment lead to better treatment outcomes.

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Roll out nationwide eye-screening drive to nip blindness in the bud - TODAYonline

Market Summary Follow

Puma Biotechnology Inc is a A biopharmaceutical company

PBYI - Market Data & News

PBYI - Stock Valuation Report

Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) traded on unusually high volume on Mar. 17, as the stock gained 0.91% to close at $44.15. On the day, Puma Biotechnology Inc saw 2.2 million shares trade hands on 7,459 trades. Considering that the stock averages only a daily volume of 1.19 million shares a day over the last month, this represents a pretty significant bump in volume over the norm.

Generally speaking, when a stock experiences a sudden spike in trading volume, it may be seen as a bullish signal for investors. An increase in volume means more market awareness for the company, potentially setting up a more meaningful move in stock price. The added volume also provides a level of support and stability for price advances.

The stock has traded between $73.27 and $19.74 over the last 52-weeks, its 50-day SMA is now $35.79, and its 200-day SMA $42.49. Puma Biotechnology Inc has a P/B ratio of 7.77.

Puma Biotechnology Inc is a biopharmaceutical company. It is engaged in the acquisition, development and commercialization of products to enhance cancer care.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, Puma Biotechnology Inc has 160 employees and is currently under the leadership of CEO Alan H. Auerbach.

For a complete fundamental analysis analysis of Puma Biotechnology Inc, check out Equities.coms Stock Valuation Analysis report for PBYI.

Want to invest with the experts? Subscribe to Equities Premium newsletters today! Visit http://www.equitiespremium.com/ to learn more about Guild Investments Market Commentary and Adam Sarhans Find Leading Stocks today.

To get more information on Puma Biotechnology Inc and to follow the companys latest updates, you can visit the companys profile page here: PBYIs Profile. For more news on the financial markets and emerging growth companies, be sure to visit Equities.coms Newsdesk. Also, dont forget to sign-up for our daily email newsletter to ensure you dont miss out on any of our best stories.

All data provided by QuoteMedia and was accurate as of 4:30PM ET.

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Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) Moves Higher on Volume Spike for March 17 - Equities.com

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Mar 17th 2017 11:42AM

Patrick Stewart revealed this week that he uses marijuana on a daily basis to help ease the pain from arthritis in his hands.

In a statement obtained by People, the legendary actor noted that he's been using marijuana edibles, spray and ointment in the two years since receiving his medical marijuana card.

SEE ALSO: Donald Trump once kicked One Direction out of one of his hotels

"I have had no negative side effects from this treatment," Stewart said. He also revealed that employing the use of marijuana has "significantly reduced the stiffness and pain" caused by his arthritis.

He went on to note that he thinks his arthritis is a "genetically-based condition," as his mother suffered badly from the debilitating condition. "My mother had badly distorted and painful hands," he said.

Stewart, 76, is just one of 350 million people worldwide that suffer from arthritis, with 40 million of those living in the United States. Surprisingly, there are also about a quarter of a million children in the US that also suffer from arthritis.

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NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 02: Actor Patrick Stewart attends the Build Series at Build Studio on March 2, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/WireImage)

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 02: Actors Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart attend the Build Series at Build Studio on March 2, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/WireImage) NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 02: Actors Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart attend the Build Series at Build Studio on March 2, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/WireImage)

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 01: Actor Patrick Stewart enters the 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert' taping at the Ed Sullivan Theater on March 01, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/GC Images)

TAIPEI, TAIWAN - FEBRUARY 28: English actor Patrick Stewart attends the press conference of American director James Mangold's film 'Logan' on February 28, 2017 in Taipei, Taiwan of China. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 24: Actors Sir Patrick Stewart and Eriq La Salle attend the 'Logan' New York special screening at Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center on February 24, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images)

BERLIN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 17: Actor Patrick Stewart (L) and his wife Sunny Ozell attend the red carpet of 'Logan' during the 67th Berlinale International Film Festival Berlin at Berlinale Palast in Berlin, Germany on February 17, 2017. (Photo by Maurizio Gambarini/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 20: Actor Patrick Stewart attends the 'Logan. Su momento ha llegado' photocall at Villamagna hotel on February 20, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Eduardo Parra/FilmMagic)

BERLIN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 17: (From L to R) Producer Hutch Parker, producer Simon Kinberg, director James Mangold, actors Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen and Hugh Jackman attend the photo call of 'Logan' during the 67th Berlinale International Film Festival at Berlinale Palast in Berlin, Germany on February 17, 2017. (Photo by Maurizio Gambarini/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

English actor Patrick Stewart gestures during a press conference for the film 'Logan' in competition at the 67th Berlinale film festival in Berlin on February 17, 2017. / AFP / John MACDOUGALL (Photo credit should read JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty Images)

BERLIN, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 17: (L-R) Actors Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart attend the 'Logan' (Masaryk) photo call during the 67th Berlinale International Film Festival Berlin at Grand Hyatt Hotel on February 17, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Brian Dowling/Getty Images)

HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 13: Actor Patrick Stewart and his wife, singer/songwriter Sunny Ozell attend the Premiere of A24's 'Green Room' at ArcLight Hollywood on April 13, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Paul Redmond/FilmMagic)

British actor Patrick Stewart (R) and his wife Sunny Ozell pose on the red carpet as they attend the 62nd London Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2016 in London on November 13, 2016. The Evening Standard Theatre Awards were established in 1955 to recognise outstanding achievement in London based Theatre, from actors to playwrights, designers to directors. / AFP / DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS (Photo credit should read DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 26: Actor Sir Patrick Stewart arrives at The Film Is GREAT Reception at Fig & Olive on February 26, 2016 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/WireImage)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Actor Patrick Stewart (L) and singer Sunny Ozell attend Michael Sugar, Doug Wald, and Steve Golin's Pre-Oscar Party hosted by GREY GOOSE Vodka at Sunset Tower on February 28, 2016 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Grey Goose)

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Patrick Stewart reveals he uses marijuana on a daily basis for arthritis pain - AOL

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (WITI) -- Pet owners across the country are going crazy over a hemp product they claim helps improve the health of their dogs and cats. Veterinarians are now jumping on board and recommending it to clients instead of animal pharmaceuticals.

You could call it "canine cannabis."

"This is the best I'd ever seen her," Cody Bandley said.

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Eska is a happy Husky on hemp -- but she isn't always calm and relaxed.

"She'll (pace and pant) for hours, especially late at night," Bandley said.

Bandley once tried traditional medication from a veterinarian.

"She had an allergic reaction," Bandley said.

So he started using Healthy Hemp Pet Biscuits instead.

The owners of Desert Raw Holistic Pet hear similar stories from other pet owners.

"Joint pain. We've seen it for arthritis and anxiety, "Aspen Anderson, co-owner of Desert Raw Holistic Pet said.

They carry all the "Healthy Hemp" concoctions -- biscuits, oil, spray, salve and feline mix.

"Our number one seller, every single day," Luke Shaw, co-owner of Desert Raw Holistic Pet said.

The products contain a big-name ingredient in the cannabis world -- cannabidiol, or CBD.

"It comes from a hemp plant. There's no psychotropics in it. There's no THC in it," Dave Merrell, founder of Healthy Hemp Pet Company said.

In other words, CBD won't get your dog, or even you, high -- but it may have therapeutic effects. The quest to come up with these all-natural, non-GMO dog and cat treats started with one of Merrell's own family members -- Mya, who suffers from hip dysplasia.

So what do veterinarians think of his home-spun remedies?

"Right off the bat I was very impressed," Dr. Kimberly Henneman said. "We had several people get back to us pretty quickly and say, 'wow -- we saw a really big difference.'"

Dr. Henneman now recommends them as a first choice to other drugs for some ailments.

"Primarily, we're recommending it for lameness and soreness where we have a diagnosis," Dr. Henneman said.

"Jack suffers from too many birthdays, really. He's got a little arthritis," Lynn Ware Peak said.

Lynn Ware Peak tested the treats, giving them to her 12-year-old Newfoundland/Border Collie for a week.

"I was hoping it would magically erase that little limp he has," Lynn Ware Peak said.

Seven days later, it didn't, but there were other, subtle differences in Jack.

"Into the car a lot more, and so that's something that shows promise for me. In his old age, I think it's definitely worth it, so I'm going to keep doing it," Lynn Ware Peak said.

Merrell says the company plans to start clinical trials for the supplement to gather more information on how CBD impacts animals.

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Canine cannabis: Dogs with anxiety, arthritis and more benefiting from products derived from hemp plant - AOL

SUMMARY:

The charity has announced the development of an IBM Watson-powered virtual assistant to interact with website visitors in a form that feels like a natural conversation.

This week, Arthritis Research UK released the results of its survey of over 2,000 British adults about their attitudes to taking exercise, from running and cycling to simply walking and stretching, for at least 20 minutes at a time.

Predictably enough, there was clear evidence of an intention gap three-quarters of respondents said that they wish they exercised more than once per week, but only around half of them (53 percent) do.

Reasons (or excuses) given included lack of time (33%), feeling too tired (32%) and cold weather (28%). But a significant number of respondents 49% said that they suffered from joint pain, and of these, 51% said that it had put them off taking exercise, even though research shows that regular exercise can actually reduce pain and stiffness in joints.

There can be many underlying reasons for joint pain but arthritis is a major cause, which is why the charity has produced a guide to everyday exercise to alleviate symptoms. And for those already living with arthritis, its going further still, using a virtual assistant powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to offer information and support via smartphones and computers, in a form that feels like a natural conversation.

The assistant, which has been given the name of Arthy at least for the prototype stage of its development, is powered by IBM Watson and is already being tested by 300 people with arthritis before it is launched to the wider public on the charitys website later this year.

Its part of a two-pronged approach by Arthritis Research UK to helping people with arthritis answer the questions they have about the impact the condition has on their day-to-day life, symptoms and treatment options, says the charitys chief digital officer Zoe Camper.

In April, she says, the charity will also launch a telephone helpline and this will work in tandem with Arthy, so that questions that demand a more in-depth response or a more personal touch can be passed to a human, phone-based advisor. Its all about making sure that people with arthritis have access to information and support, whenever and wherever they need it, she says.

From a financial and technical perspective, theres a lot to consider when embarking on such a sophisticated technology deployment especially for a charity that must ensure that the bulk of its funding is spent directly on its mission. Camper cant go into details as to how Arthritis Research UK is paying for its work with IBM Watson and its Watson Conversation API, beyond saying that theres a partnership element at play here. On the technical side, its clear that a great deal of thought and debate was invested upfront into finding a technology to help the charity get information into the hands of people who need it. Says Camper:

It all started with our organizational strategy to support people with arthritis more directly and we spent about 12 weeks to understand what the problems were that we were trying to fix and then producing something that people with arthritis would want to use.

We maybe spoke to around 26 different individuals or organizations in the business of delivering relevant information digitally and, in the process, we came across IBM Watson. They didnt approach us, the initial contact came from our side.

We also looked at Google and at open-source companies producing their own cognitive algorithms. Id like to think we did a very good sweep of the market, in terms of how information could be provided in a way that puts people at the centre of everything.

Once the decision had been made to go with IBM Watson, a further effort was spent on preparing content so that answers could be delivered via the platform in direct response to users questions. Here, Arthritis Research UK has assembled a dedicated team, as Camper explains:

We now have a group of people who we refer to as cognitive editors. Theyre a very new breed of content producers and I like to think were very much leading the way in this field. Im not sure there are many other organizations like us that would have cognitive editors and its one of the things were most proud of developing. They have sped up the production cycle, so that all of the questions and answers go through a review cycle, are edited and then get sucked back into the platform.

The charity also spread its net widely in recruiting external help and expertise where needed. This was vital, says Camper, as she had never worked with cognitive computing before. Arthy was developed over five months using the charitys 80 years of research-based knowledge and expertise, as well as advice from healthcare professionals, people with arthritis and IBM Watson cognitive computing experts. Academics and consultants from external organizations were also pulled into the effort:

This is sophisticated technology and thats brought a lot of worry with it it isnt something we can just mess about with. But we contacted a lot of people out there at the real bleeding edge of AI and cognitive computing, we asked them questions, we told them we needed their advice. I never went out and said I knew everything, because I absolutely dont. The goal has always been to assemble a team of advisors with experience, fire lots of questions at them, get answers to my worries in advance and get evidence to present to our management team on the best roads to go down with this project.

In time, Arthys knowledge base will grow to enable it to answer more questions including those around diet and treatment options. As IBM Watson learns from each interaction, it will automatically refine the information that is surfaced, along with developing Arthys conversational style. Here, however, some patience is required, says Camper:

The true learning part of all this isnt happening yet. It can only occur when we increase the scale of the project. Weve built the Watson conversation service and used automated testing to help the learning along, so that the cognitive element can start to get to work. Over time, we will see a move away from the very specific answers that we know we wrote ourselves, to answers that have a more nuanced feel in response to the specific question that was asked, a gradual change in the way that the natural language processing forms an answer. But I feel were on the cusp of seeing that, which is very encouraging.

Image credit - Arthritis Research UK

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Arthritis Research UK enlists AI chatbot 'Arthy' in mission to offer ... - Diginomica