StemCell Therapy

Whole-body cryotherapy or the practice of submerging yourself into a deep-freezing tank has exploded in popularity over the past few years, especially among pro athletes and celebrities. Tons of gyms, spas and wellness centers now offer the treatment, claiming it can boost metabolism and ease symptoms of inflammation and pain for a long list of health conditions (like arthritis, fibromyalgia and migraines).

But not everyone is so sure about the practice. Some people believe its a potentially dangerous hoax, and others like former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown have sustained frostbite injuries from the cold tanks. One woman was even found dead in a cryotherapy tank in Nevada a few years ago.

Given the major lack of evidence we currently have on whole-body cryotherapy, many experts are skeptical about its ability to heal and detox the body and warn people to think twice before walking into a tank.

What goes on in cryotherapy?

Whole-body cryotherapy, also sometimes called WBC or super-cooling, involves stripping down to socks and gloves and stepping into a human-sized chamber thats set to about -200 degrees Fahrenheit or colder for two to four minutes. The skin temperature then drops, as does overall body temperature, both of which are largely dependent on the persons gender, weight and fitness level.

Those who are pro-WBC claim the frigid temps constrict and then widen the blood vessels, which causes the body to release toxins and endorphins. This play on blood flow is thought to alleviate pain, boost metabolism, slow the aging process and have all sorts of healing abilities.

Most single sessions will cost you upward of $80, with a monthly membership being even more.

We dont have too much research on cryotherapy.

Think of a time you got injured. You likely used a cold pack to numb the wound and ease the pain. Localized cooling treatments like that are known to reduce blood flow and lower pain levels, inflammation and swelling.

Whole-body cryotherapy is based on this same idea of utilizing cold as a therapeutic agent but the evidence just isnt there to back it up. And because WBC is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, the research we do have has mostly been conducted by private cryotherapy studios or practitioners who have a financial tie to it, according to Dr. Robert Shmerling, a rheumatologist and associate professor of medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

In fact, the FDA states that despite claims by many spas and wellness centers to the contrary, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have evidence that WBC effectively treats diseases or conditions like Alzheimers, fibromyalgia, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, stress, anxiety or chronic pain.

The lack of regulation by the FDA also means that theres no golden rule regarding the temperature and duration of cryotherapy. As a result, different wellness centers use different cooling technologies. This has made it particularly difficult to reliably study the effects of WBC, according to Erich Hohenauer, a senior researcher at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland who has conducted research on cryotherapy.

Furthermore, the studies out there have predominantly looked at the effects in men, so its even more unclear how the treatment affects women, Hohenauer noted.

jacoblund via Getty Images

Heres what the science does say.

Two of the biggest studies a report from 2014 and another from 2015 looked at a total of 14 previous studies and concluded that theres not enough evidence to say whether or not the cooling treatment has any significant impact on pain or muscle soreness. And though WBC may improve some peoples perception of recovery, the researchers determined its probably best to just use a local ice pack on any pain or soreness we know thats effective (and affordable), they said.

More recent research from 2017 evaluated 10 previous WBC articles and determined that patients often note improvements in pain, soreness, stress and post-exercise recovery. In some cases, WBC does seem to have anti-inflammatory effects and the more often its done, the greater the effects. But, overall, the data is mixed: Many patients reported no improvements.

Some health experts suspect there may be a powerful placebo effect at play.

For something subjective, such as pain rather than something objective, like the size of a tumor you can demonstrate that the expectation of benefit leads to benefit, Shmerling said.

Shmerling said it may be similar to the phenomenon that happens with a sugar pill: In a study, if you tell some participants with pain theyre getting a powerful pain reliever and others theyre getting a sugar pill, more people in the first group will report pain relief.

The same could be true for WBC: You tell people with migraines that it works great for headaches; they get in this horribly cold container for two minutes and some percentage of people will say they feel better, Shmerling said.

Cryotherapy isnt risk-free.

There are also some potential risks to be aware of with WBC. According to Hohenauer, the extremely low temperatures can cause skin burns and inhaling cryocabins the vaporized liquid nitrogen in the tanks can be life threatening in some cases.

There are also a lot of contraindications for whole and partial body cryotherapy which should be taken into account, Hohenauer added. For example, those with heart disease, respiratory issues or hypothyroidism should definitely avoid WBC.

For now, most health care providers are holding off on recommending WBC to patients until the science catches up. The body of literature on WBC is growing, and we may eventually find out cryotherapy is indeed an effective treatment for pain and soreness. Until we have more proof, though, its best to talk to your doctor and proceed with caution.

Given the lack of evidence, expense and at least some risk of harm, I would not recommend it, Shmerling said, adding, Then again, if someone feels better doing it and has had no side effects, I would not discourage it.

The rest is here:
This Is Your Body On Cryotherapy - HuffPost

BACKGROUND:

Single photon emission computed tomography combined with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) could potentially aid in diagnosing periarticular arthritis/activity and progression, facilitate effective treatment options, and evaluate the effect surgery has on the clinical outcome of patients with ankle arthritis. The goal of our study was to assess SPECT/CT activity in the ankle and periarticular joints before and after ankle fusion surgery and determine whether it was associated with clinical pain and function scores.

Thirty-four patients recruited into this study underwent either arthroscopic or open ankle fusion. X-ray (XR) and SPECT/CT imaging was obtained as well as completion of patient Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) and 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36) questionnaires preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Ankle, subtalar, and talonavicular joint arthritis grading on XR and CT, along with SPECT/CT activity, was evaluated by 2 nuclear medicine radiologists. Data were assessed for normality and analyzed with the appropriate comparative test.Pvalue was set at <.05. Thirty patients (31 ankles) completed follow-up and were analyzed.

SPECT/CT activity showed no significant difference in the ankle joint at 6 months postoperatively while periarticular joint activity significantly increased (P< .05). Six months postoperatively, patients had significant improvements in their AOS and SF-36 scores (P< .05). SPECT/CT grading of all joints analyzed, however, was not associated with AOS or SF-36 scores preoperatively or at 6 months postoperatively.

In this study, intensity of activity as evaluated by SPECT/CT in periarticular hindfoot joints in patients who had ankle arthrodesis was not associated with clinical/functional scores at 6 months postoperatively.

Level IV, diagnostic study.

Original post:
Preliminary Experience With SPECT/CT to Evaluate Periarticular Arthritis Progression and the Relationship With Clinical Outcome Following Ankle...

An arthritis diagnosis is a life-changing experience. You suddenly have to think about treatment options, assess whether you want to take any medications, and come to terms with the fact that theres no cure for your pain. Whats more, you have a million questions and with so much conflicting information online, its hard to find the right answers. Trying to manage all of this alone is impossible you need to surround yourself with people who can give you the support you need, and help to find the right arthritis pain relief options for you. So, who should you include in your support network? While it differs from person to person, heres an example of where you may want to start:

Friends and Family

Your friends and family are an essential component of your support team. No doubt theyve been with you through the good and the bad for your whole life and this is no different! You can decide how involved you want your loved ones to be on your arthritis journey. Perhaps you just want to be able to talk to them when things get overwhelming, or maybe you want them to play a more hands-on role and accompany you during your visits to the doctor it can certainly help to have someone taking notes and helping you to remember all the new information youre receiving.

Primary Care Physician

Following your arthritis diagnosis, youre probably going to be seeing a lot more of your Primary Care Physician. Make sure they are someone you feel comfortable talking to, and someone who takes the time to address your concerns and questions. Its important that you are as open and honest with them as possible make sure they know about your lifestyle habits and any medications you are currently taking. With this information, they will be able to create a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to your needs and gives you the best chance of waving goodbye to your arthritis pain.

Specialist (if necessary)

Different types of arthritis require different levels of medical intervention, and depending on your specific needs you may or may not need to visit a specialist. If you have rheumatoid arthritis you should definitely see a rheumatologist, as this is a specialized condition resulting from immune system dysfunction. A rheumatologist will assess the severity of your arthritis and devise a treatment plan based on this. Over time, theyll be able to monitor how the disease progresses and adjust your treatment as necessary.

Psychologist/Mental Health Care Specialist

Seeing a psychologist might seem like a big deal, and its certainly not necessary for everyone. However, depression and anxiety are extremely normal and common among arthritis patients chronic pain affects mood, and its hard to maintain a positive outlook when youre in constant discomfort. A newly diagnosed arthritis patient experiences many different emotions and changes to their life, and it can be helpful to have someone to talk the whole thing over with. Of course, your friends and family can provide emotional support, but sometimes its nice to have a professional (and a stranger) on board as well. They can help you to develop coping mechanisms and different methods for managing the diverse set of emotions that come with arthritis.

Physical Therapist

Exercise is a very important aspect of your arthritis treatment plan. Staying as active and mobile as possible is crucial when it comes to reducing your pain and improving mobility. However, many exercises are not suitable for arthritis sufferers, and it can be difficult to know which types of exercise will benefit you the most. This is where a physical therapist can help they will be able to provide you with exercises to maintain your range of motion, improve your mobility and reduce your arthritis pain.

Dietician

Many people find that making modifications to their diet can improve their arthritis symptoms. By avoiding inflammatory foods and eating a healthy, balanced diet, you may see a welcome reduction in your arthritis pain. A dietician can show you which foods to avoid and which foods to eat more of. If youre looking to lose weight, they can help you there too carrying extra weight puts more stress on your joints and worsens the pain associated with arthritis.

Dealing with an arthritis diagnosis is no easy task, but there is a whole group of wonderful, caring people out there just waiting to help you out. Make sure youre never afraid to ask questions or seek help when you need it thats exactly what your arthritis support network is there for.

More here:
Coping with Arthritis: Who Should be in Your Support Group? - Lifesly.com

As a 60-year-old senior who has used cannabis for 44 years, Karen Watts Nauman of Comfortably Numb CBD has always believed in the medicinal healing of this plant medicine. However, she admits her fellow senior consumers lack an understanding of the full medicinal benefits of cannabis and hemp.

My generation just got whatever weed we could get and didnt know anything about the science.

After she tried CBD with her husband and they were impressed by how their health improved significantly , they thought, Our peers need to know about CBD! Thats when they started Comfortably Numb to educate older adults about how CBD can be an alternative to Big Pharma in treating ailments that impact seniors, such as pain and inflammation, sleep disorders, bone health, and lack of appetite.

In their work, they explain the importance of healing the bodys endocannabinoid system, explaining that there are few ways to better support this system than with CBD. High on effectiveness and low on side-effects, CBD is a near perfect method of managing symptoms.

RELATED: Marijuana Use Among Seniors Is Growing Fast

For those looking to introduce their senior family members to CBD, Watts Nauman notes education is key. Our generation likes studies backed by science. She suggests focusing on the seniors specific problems and how CBD can address these concerns. CBD needs to be looked at like a vitamin that should be taken every day for maximum benefit. Also, seniors should discuss their CBD use with their doctor to avoid any complications due to other medications they are taking. According to Watts Nauman, the website Project CBDis an excellent resource that resonates well with seniors.

Photo by Caiaimage/Trevor Adeline/Getty Images

Watts Nauman advises starting seniors with a topical hat contains at least 125mg CBD per ounce of lotion/salve/oil but would then go higher to 250mg CBD per ounce. If they have arthritis, or are using it for pain, maybe look for products that contain other carrier oils that work well with this particular issue. She adds that they need to apply it three to four times per day, especially in the beginning.

RELATED: How CBD Helps Seniors Exercise

Also, Watts Nauman suggests this population avoids sweet edibles, like CBD chocolate. Seniors like sweets and will want to go this method and it is cheaper to try. But as many edibles use isolate, more than likely, they wont feel anything immediately. Then they will be angry at the money they spent and tell others it doesnt work. Soft-gels and CBD teas can be good alternatives, but only if they have a high milligram count and are made using full spectrum CBD.

After seniors experiment with topicals, Watts Nauman recommends an oil tincture or a nasal inhaled delivery system. These delivery methods are better for bioavailability and feeling the effects faster. She offers these recommendations for dosing. Start them with a minimum of 8-12mgs full spectrum or 20-30mg isolate taken in the early evening after a meal. Then stay on this dosage for about three days to determine how it works with their needs. Once they get a feel for their best dosage, then they can go into micro-dosing and using other delivery methods.

Here is the original post:
Educating Older Adults About CBD What You Need To Know - The Fresh Toast

There are significant clinical differences and outcomes between patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), SSc-overlap, and SSc-only, according to research results published in Arthritis Care and Research. Study investigators indicated better survival among patients with SSc-MCTD and SSc-overlap than among those with SSc-only.

Mixed connective tissue disease is defined by the presence of anti-ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP) antibody with >3 clinical features, including swollen fingers, synovitis, myositis, Raynaud phenomenon, or acrosclerosis. Patients diagnosed with SSc and with features of connective tissue diseases are typically classified as SSc-overlap.

To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of SSc-MCTD and SSc-overlap, 1728 patients (86% women; 95% white) from the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study who met the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria for SSc were enrolled in the study. A total of 5.6% (n=97) of patients were indicated to have both SSc and MCTD (SSc-MCTD), while 7.3% (n=126) were indicated to have SSc-overlap syndrome.

Researchers created 3 mutually exclusive groups, including SSc-MCTD (n=97), SSc-overlap (n=126), and SSc-only (consisting of the remaining 1505 patients). Mean duration of follow-up was similar between groups at approximately 4.5 years. Researchers performed univariate comparison of clinical features between groups using analysis of variance or chi-square, and conducted survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression.

Results of the study indicated that among patients with SSc-overlap, 38.9% had overlap with rheumatoid arthritis, 34.1% with Sjogren syndrome, 13.5% with systemic lupus erythematous, 17.5% with polymyositis, and 2.4% with dermatomyositis. Compared with patients in the SSc-overlap and SSc-only groups, patients with SSc-MCTD group were younger at disease onset (46.5 and 46.8 years vs 38.4 years, respectively; P <.0001). Patients in the SSc-MCTD or SSc-overlap groups were more likely than patients in the SSc-only group to have other positive autoantibodies, including anti-Ro, anti-La, anti-Jo-1, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. Patients in the SSc-MCTD and the SSc-overlap groups had similar frequency of interstitial lung disease (ILD), whereas those in the group with SSc-MCTD had higher frequency of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; 12.4% vs 4.8% and 11.1% in the SSc-overlap and SSc-only groups, respectively; P =.0751). Synovitis and myositis were equally common in the SSc-overlap and SSc-MCTD groups.

Patients with SSc-overlap were significantly more likely to have experienced dysphagia (60.3% vs 45.4% of SSc-MCTD vs 45.5% of SSc-only; P =.0006). Compared with patients in the SSc-only group, those in the SSc-MCTD and SSc-overlap groups had a higher likelihood of exposure to immunosuppressive treatment, including prednisolone and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

Kaplan-Meier curves showed better survival in the SSc-MCTD group compared with patients in the SSc-overlap or the SSc-only groups (P =.011); however, scleroderma-specific antibodies that were more reliable indicators of survival indicated that antinuclear antibody-centromere or anti-RNP conferred consistently better survival than anti-topoisomerase 1 (Scl)-70 or anti-RNA polymerase 3. Researchers noted that compared with patients with SSc-only, those with SSc-MCTD or SSc-overlap had lower all-cause mortality after ILD and PAH diagnosis (P =.024). Overall, compared with SSc-only, SSc-MCTD and SSc-overlap groups combined had significantly better survival (P =.019).

Study limitations included survivor bias, retrospective analysis, and a small SSc-MCTD sample size for the subgroup analysis.

This study provides insights into the clinical characteristics of patients with SSc-MCTD, SSc overlap, and SSc-only, and shows that anti-RNP antibodies are associated with better survival than anti-Scl-70 and anti-RNA polymerase [3] antibodies, the researchers concluded.

Disclosure: Several study authors declared affiliations with the pharmaceutical industry. Please see the original reference for a full list of authors disclosures.

Reference

Fairley JL, Hansen D, Proudman S, Sahhar J, Ngian GS, Walker J. Clinical characteristics and survival in systemic sclerosis-mixed connective tissue disease and systemic sclerosis-overlap syndrome [published online February 14, 2020]. Arthritis Care Res. doi:10.1002/acr.24167

Read the original post:
Better Survival in Patients With SSc-Mixed Connective Tissue Disease and SSc-Overlap vs SSc-Only - Rheumatology Advisor

Galleries and exhibitions

The Kirkland Library, 17100 Hymus Blvd. in Kirkland, presents an exhibit of paintings by Karel de Zeeuw starting Saturday and continuing to March 29. Vernissage on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. Call 514-630-2726, local 3216.

The Dorval Museum of Local History and Heritage, 1850 Lakeshore Dr. in Dorval, presents the exhibition Headlines, which explores the history of womens issues in Canada through an innovative lens, with a collection of more than 60 hats from different eras. Continues until May 10. Call 514-633-4175.

The Stewart Hall Art Gallery, 176 Lakeshore Rd. in Pointe-Claire, presents the exhibition Material, Mass and Dust, starting Saturday and continuing to April 19. Vernissage on Sunday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Call 514-630-1254.

Montreal Aviation Museumon McGill Universitys MacDonald campus, 21111 Lakeshore Rd. in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, is open to the public Saturday-Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 514-398-7948 or visitcahc-ccpa.com.

Lakeshore Light Opera presents Iolanthe by Gilbert & Sullivan until March 14 at Lakeside Academy, 5050 Sherbrooke St. in Lachine. For tickets ($15 to $30) visit llo.org or call 514-804-4900.

Demystifying Art: David Armstrong Six. Lecture with the artists on March 18 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Stewart Hall Art Gallery, 176 Lakeshore Rd. in Pointe-Claire. Free. Call 514-630-1254.

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre A Grand Murder written and directed by Steve Gillam on March 28, April 4, 18, 25 and May 2 at 6 p.m. at Dorval-Strathmore United Church, 310 Brookhaven Ave. in Dorval. Tickets: $40, $35 for seniors/students. Call 514-793-9879 or email dsuc13churchevents@gmail.com.

St-Eugene: Suburb Lights (Cabaret Nights). Indie-folk band from Montreal on Friday at 8 p.m. at the Peter B. Yeomans Cultural Centre, 1401 Lakeshore Dr. in Dorval. Tickets: $20. Visit ville.dorval.qc.ca.

Solstice. World music with Montreal-based Celtic folk band Solstice on March 15 at 3 p.m. at the Pointe-Claire Cultural Centre, 176 Lakeshore Rd. in Pointe-Claire. Free, but passes required. Call 514-630-1220, local 1774.

Ensemble stn: In the Shadow of Mount Damavand (Divertissimo Series) on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Peter B. Yeomans Cultural Centre, 1401 Lakeshore Dr. in Dorval. Tickets: $10, $5 for children aged 6-12, free for children five and under. Call 514-633-4175.

Orchestre Mtropolitain: A Tale of Two Cities. Classical grand concert on March 20 at 8 p.m. at Saint-Joachim Church, 2 Ste-Anne Ave. in Pointe-Claire. Tickets: $22, $16 for students/seniors. Call 514-630-1220, local 0.

Lakeshore Chamber Music Society presents Beethoven 250 with Elizabeth Dolin (cello) and Wei-Tang Huang (piano) on March 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Union Church, 24 Maple Ave. in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. Admission: $20, $15 for seniors (60+) and students, 16 and under admitted for free. Visit lakeshorechambermusic.org.

Lakeshore Chamber Orchestra spring concert on March 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Valois United Church, 70 Belmont Ave. in Pointe-Claire. Donation: $10, 18 and under admitted for free. Visit lakeshorechamberorchestra.ca.

St. Columba concerts presents a piano concert featuring Olivia Musat on March 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of St. Columba by-the-Lake, 11 Rodney Ave. in Pointe-Claire. Donation: $15 (free for children). Call 514-364-3027.

Kirkland Concert Band, a community wind ensemble band, rehearse every Wednesday from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Kirkland Chalet, 81 Park Ridge Rd. in Kirkland. They are a group of amateur, volunteer musicians who play concerts in parks, senior residences and other locations with the goal of bringing music into the community. Visit kirklandconcertband.org.

Briarwood Presbyterian Church Choir is looking for singers to join their choir. The service is from 10 to 11 a.m. every Sunday at 70 Beaconsfield Blvd. Call 514-695-1879.

The Low Vision Self-Help Association meets on Wednesday from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 70 Beaconsfield Blvd. in Beaconsfield. Topic: Adapting Our Home for Low Vision. All welcome. Call 514-694-2965.

Living with Arthritis. AWISH offers a series of 5-sessions with coping tips, nutrition, exercise, alternative therapies, etc. starting April 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Chalet Holleufeur in Kirkland. To register, call 514-631-3288 or arthritis@awishmontreal.org.

Lou Gehrigs Disease SLA/ALS Family Caregiver support group, offered by NOVA West Island, meets the first Monday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. in Beaconsfield. Call 514-695-8335, local 205.

AWISH Montreal offers exercise for arthritis with a movement professional on Monday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Sarto Desnoyers Community Centre in Dorval. Classes ongoing. Free trial for first timers. To register, call 514-631-3288 or email arthritis@awishmontreal.org.

Compassionate Friends, an international self-help support group for bereaved parents, meets on the first Tuesday of each month. For information and support, call 438-257-0881.

Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step recovery group for compulsive overeaters, anorexics and bulimics. No weigh-ins, dues or fees. Weekly meetings at various locations. Call 514-488-1812.

ANEB open support group for people (aged 17+) suffering from an eating disorder and their loved ones. Open to those suffering or living with an obsession of their body image, as well as support groups for their loved ones. The groups are confidential, free of charge and require no registration or long-term commitment. They are offered in English, on the West Island. Visit anebquebec.com/en/services/groupe-de-soutien-ouverts.

GRASP Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing. A free peer support group for people grieving the loss of a loved one to substance abuse meet every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Beaconsfield. To register, call 514-898-1220 or email graspmontreal@hotmail.com or visit grasphelp.org.

LGBTQ2+ Adult & Seniors supper open to adult and seniors who are questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Beaconsfield United Church, 202 Woodside Ave. Visit http://www.lgbtq2centre.com.

Al-Anon Family Groups. Compassionate help for family and friends of alcoholics. If you are troubled by someone elses drinking you can find help and hope in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. Call 514-866-9803, email aisarea88english@gmail.com or visit alanonalateenqcouest.org.

Adult ADHD Support Group West Island. For adults and their loved ones who have ADHD. They meet every second Thursday at 7:45 p.m. Call 514-773-9815 or email adultadhd.wi@gmail.com.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)is a low-cost non-profit organization that helps with weight-loss support. They meet every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Cedar Park Chalet, 20 Robinsdale Ave., in Pointe-Claire. Visit tops.org.

West Island Cancer Wellness Centre. Compassionate support and programs such as yoga, massage therapy, counselling, and more. They work with your health care professionals to improve your well-being and their services help you manage the emotional and physical challenges that come from a cancer diagnosis. Open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Wednesdays until 8 p.m. at 115 Du Barry St. in Kirkland. All services are free. Visit wicwc.org or call 514-695-9355.

Gamblers Anonymousoffers help to anyone suffering from a gambling problem. Call 514-484-6666 or visitgamontreal.ca.

The Montreal Chapter of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society meets on March 19 at 11 a.m. at the Pointe-Claire Legion Hall, 365 St. Louis St. Viswanath (Vis) Tata will speak on CRJ 7001 the Untold Story. Cost: $5 includes light lunch. Call 450-463-1998.

The More You Know: Mangez local au rythme des saisons. With nutritionist and author Julie Aub who will discuss the advantages of eating food produced locally from Quebec all year round. Presented in French with bilingual question period on March 14 at 2 p.m. at the Dorval Library, 1401 Lakeshore Drive. Free. Call 514-633-4170.

Yoga for Your Face with Carole Morency on March 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pointe-Claire Public Library, 100 Douglas Shand Ave. Rejuvenate your face by strengthening and relaxing facial muscles through a series of small but specific movements. Free, but passes required. Call 514-630-1218.

Club Cycliste Beaconsfield. Season opener meeting for avid cyclists on March 27 at 7 p.m. at Holleuffer Chalet, 75 Charlevoix St. in Kirkland. This club is a volunteer run, non-profit organization composed of avid recreational cyclists in the West Island. An overview of upcoming activities for existing and new members (or interested parties) will be given. All West-Island road cyclists welcome. Visit clubcycliste.com.

Kirkland 55+ Club for seniors offers contract bridge sessions (no partner needed) every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at 16950A Hymus Blvd. in Kirkland. They also offer duplicate bridge sessions (with partners) every Wednesday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m. Cost: $4, $2 for members. Call 514-694-2435 or email haeri@videotron.ca.

Senior Mens Contract Bridge Club every Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Edwin-Crawford Residence, 35 Maywood Ave. in Pointe-Claire. Cost: $5. No partner or commitment required. Call 514-697-4159.

Lakeshore Creative Stitchery Guild meets every Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and alternating Tuesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Centre Nol Legault, 245 Lakeshore Rd. in Pointe-Claire. Visitors and beginners welcome. Visit lcsg-gtal.ca.

Rummage sale on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon at St. Johns United Church, 98 Aurora Ave. in Pointe-Claire.

Lenten lunches every Wednesday (until April 8) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Christ Church Beaurepaire, 455 Church St. in Beaconsfield. Cost: $8 includes homemade soup, bread, cheese, dessert, tea and coffee. Call 514-697-2204.

Book, bake and craft sale on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Valois United Church, 70 Belmont Ave. in Pointe-Claire.

Boutique 24 Thrift Shop is open every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the last Friday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. at Union Church, Adair Hall, 24 Maple Ave. in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. Donations welcome. Call 514-713-5054.

Thrift Shops for NOVAoffer clothing for the whole family, footwear, books, household items, jewelry, etc. Thrift shop and used book shop,43 Ste-Anne St. in Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. Call 514-457-1642.Thrift shopat 2750 St-Charles Blvd. in Kirkland. Call 514-697-6692.Furniture and Used Book Thrift Shop,449 Beaconsfield Blvd. in Beaconsfield. Call 514-694-8417.Boutique NOVA in Plaza Pointe-Claire.Boutique NOVA Hudson, 455 Main Rd. and a second new location 538 Main Rd. in Hudson. Call 450-202-6682.All are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations welcome. Visitthriftshopsfornova.com.

The Teapot 50+ Centre, 2901 St-Joseph Blvd. in Lachine, needs volunteers to help out at their upcoming St. Pats Pub afternoon on March 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tasks include setting up the room, helping with food prep, serving and clean-up. This event provides members with the opportunity to socialize, celebrate and share a pint or two in a friendly, safe environment. Call 514-637-5627 or theresag@theteapot.org.

ABOVAS a non-profit organization that offers accompanied-transport for West Island residents going to medical appointments on the island of Montreal. If you need assistance and would like to use this service, or if you have a few hours to offer with access to a car and would like to volunteer, email info@abovas.com or call 514-694-3838, or visit abovas.com.

Volunteer West Islandmatches you with volunteer opportunities that suit your interests in the West Island. Visitcabvwi.org or call 514-457-5445, ext. 226. They are currently looking for the following:

Volunteer West Island is looking for Meals on Wheels volunteers for the Pierrefonds and Roxboro kitchens, two cooks for Pierrefonds as well as clean up help in Roxboro, Dorval and Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue. Ages 18+.

Volunteer West Island coordinates the Income tax assistance service offered at several West Island locations. We are looking for a receptionist for our Valois location, two half days per week for six weeks. Tasks include booking appointments and managing the flow of clients through the centre. 18 and up

The Low-Vision Self-Help Association, which meets the second Wednesday of each month in Beaconsfield, is looking for two volunteer drivers to bring members to the meeting, as well a volunteer to help with setting up the snack and the rooms tables & chairs. Ages 16+.

The Nova Adult Day Centre is always in need of volunteers to share time with a lovely group of adults through physical, sensory, reminiscence activities as well as music and song, dance, arts & craft, gaming, exercise, baking and pet therapy or any other topic that you would like to offer. The centre operates Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch provided. Minimum age: 18 years.

CROM, a rehabilitation centre for adults and children living with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and/or physical disabilities, is looking for English or French speaking volunteers. They must be energetic, creative and fun and enjoy arts and crafts, games, homework help, to support parents with young children in their homes. Visits are 2 hours and can take place weekly or biweekly. Ages 18+.

Several West Island seniors residences are looking for friendly visitors for clients who have no family close by it makes a world of difference in their lives. Also needed are volunteers to help run the group activities with the recreation technician. Ages 16+.

West Island Citizen Advocacyis a Centraide/WICS community organization that matches those in need with volunteer advocates. Call 514-694-5850 or visit volunteerwica.com. They need:

A Dollard resident in her early 90s who loves plants would like to share some time with a female volunteer. She speaks Mauritian Creole and Hakka, as well as limited French. She is autonomous although has some trouble with mobility due to arthritis. She is very kind and enjoys socializing and would love to have a friendly visitor for a cup of coffee or tea. When weather is nice she would enjoy a walk to the nearby park or enjoy the fresh air in her backyard garden.

A Pointe-Claire lady in her 70s with some mobility problems would love the company of a female volunteer for some social support. She speaks French and English, loves swimming, dancing and using the treadmill. She has access to all these facilities but would love to be accompanied by someone. She is a very pleasant person to spend time with.

A friendly and sociable automotive engineer who lives in le-Bizardwould appreciate spending some time with a volunteer who can help him become more familiar with social media and using his computer. He is in his early 70, he speaks English and German, and he is very autonomous.

An English-speaking Pierrefonds lady in her late 70s would like a female volunteer to accompany her shopping this summer once a month. She is in a wheelchair but uses adapted taxi for transportation and the volunteer can accompany her in the taxi to and from the shop.

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West Island Community Calendar for the week of March 11 - Montreal Gazette

Dr. Leder, who more than 30 years ago became a co-holder of the first US patent on an animal, the OncoMouse, was 85 when he died Feb. 2 in his home in the Brookline part of Chestnut Hill of complications from Parkinsons disease.

In a tribute posted on a National Institutes of Health website, Dr. Michael M. Gottesman said Dr. Leder was among the worlds most accomplished molecular geneticists.

During Dr. Leders postdoctoral studies at the NIH in the early 1960s, he was recruited by Nirenberg to work on untangling the genetic code.

Their experiments definitively elucidated the triplet nature of the genetic code and culminated in its full deciphering helped set the stage for the revolution in molecular genetic research that Phil himself would continue to lead for the next three decades, wrote Gottesman, who is the NIHs deputy director for Intramural Research and chief of the Laboratory of Cell Biology at the Center for Cancer Research of the National Cancer Institute.

In a eulogy at Dr. Leders funeral, Dr. David Livingston, a Harvard geneticist, said he was brilliant, bold, very good-humored, and blessed with exceptional scientific insight and creativity.

Livingston, who had been Dr. Leders second research fellow at the NIH, added that early on, it became readily apparent that a natural eloquence infused his oral and written scientific discourse.

The groundbreaking research Dr. Leder and Nirenberg conducted came about in part because of the looming prospect of military service. Instead, he volunteered to serve in the US Public Health Service.

I got drafted, so I applied for a position in the Public Health Service, which supplied physicians and scientists to the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Dr. Leder said in a 2012 interview with a publication of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. A friend at NIH told me that I ought to meet Marshall Nirenberg because he was doing interesting experiments with the genetic code. Frankly, I didnt know anything about the genetic code. But I went to see Marshall, and he explained to me what he was doing and its importance.

Their research was in competition with work in another laboratory run by Severo Ochoa, a Nobel Prize-winner, and there was a mad race to the finish, Dr. Leder recalled.

I couldnt sleep for days at a time because of the excitement! I must admit it was very competitive; theres no question about that, he added. I would go to bed thinking about the next days experiments and then jump out of bed in the morning and rush to the laboratory. I stayed late at night. It was a lot of work but the intellectual excitement was enormous.

After about 18 years, Dr. Leder left the NIH at the outset of the 1980s to become founding chairman of Harvard Medical Schools department of genetics, where he stayed until 2008.

Working with Timothy Stewart in 1988, he was awarded the first patent on the OncoMouse, an animal genetically engineered to have a predisposition for cancer, which revolutionized the study and treatment of the disease, George Q. Daley, dean of the faculty of medicine at Harvard, said in a statement. Additionally, Phils research into Burkitts lymphoma was instrumental to understanding the origin of tumors with antibody-producing cells.

Dr. Leders many honors included the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research; the Heineken Prize from the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences; the US National Medal of Science; and the William Allan Medal from the American Society of Human Genetics.

For his many accomplishments, he was extremely modest. He really didnt like to talk about himself much, said his son Ben of Westwood. What he loved about science was the actual work, and thats what really motivated him.

Scientists such as Livingston, who worked with Dr. Leder early in their own careers, considered him a key mentor.

I shall miss Phil forever, Livingston said in his eulogy. Indeed, only rarely has a week passed when I havent thought of him. If the past is any prologue, my abiding hope will be that, when faced with a particularly potent scientific challenge, some of his mentoring magic will spontaneously take hold and point me in one of those special, Phil Leder-like directions.

Although Dr. Leders accomplishments were lasting, he began focusing more on family and subsequent generations as he neared and then entered his retirement years.

What a wonderful ride it has been, he wrote in 2001 for an anniversary report of his Harvard class. But I now see more clearly than ever before that whatever modest gift of knowledge my colleagues and I have been able to turn over to posterity, it has been poor by comparison to the thrill of seeing our grandchildren walk off into the future.

Born in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 19, 1934, Philip Leder grew up in Washington and in Arlington, Va., the only child of George Leder and Jacqueline Burke.

Dr. Leder graduated from Western High School in Washington and went to Harvard, from which he received a bachelors degree in 1956. He graduated from Harvard Medical School four years later.

In 1959, he married Aya Brudner. They had three children and worked together on research.

I continue to collaborate with my wife, Aya, in the remarkable field of molecular genetics, he wrote for the 40th anniversary report of his Harvard class. Lately, however, we find ourselves occasionally sneaking off to New Hampshire, where we have a second home, a canoe, snowshoes, and lots of opportunity to observe nature in real time.

A service has been held for Dr. Leder, who in addition to his wife, Aya, and son, Ben, leaves a daughter, Micki of Washington, D.C.; another son, Ethan of Bethesda, Md.; and eight grandchildren.

Ive discovered that great joy comes from grandchildren, Dr. Leder wrote 50 years after graduating from Harvard College.

Eight grandchildren, he added, can easily shrink a fairly successful career down to its appropriate proportions. In the next few years Ill retire from a life in genetics, which Ive loved, from the genetic code to the human genome. But I wont retire from those grandchildren, and I suspect that many of you feel exactly the same way.

Bryan Marquard can be reached at bryan.marquard@globe.com.

Continued here:
Dr. Philip Leder, Harvard researcher who illuminated the role of genetics in cancer, dies at 85 - The Boston Globe

Genetic variants that once protected ancient Arab nomads from the harsh desert environment may make modern Kuwaitis prone to metabolic disorders.

Modern-day Kuwaitis may suffer health problems thanks to genetic adaptations that once protected their Arab nomad ancestors from the harsh desert environment.Paulo Oliveira / Alamy Stock Photo Delving into the genetic history of a human population can help explain why some modern-day people have a greater propensity to certain diseases. One longstanding question is why Kuwaitis experience a high incidence of obesity and other metabolic syndromes.

Human genetic adaptation to extreme environments, such as high altitude and cold climates, has been increasingly explored in recent years, and I have always wondered about the adaptive trends in the desert-covered Arabian Gulf, says Muthukrishnan Eaaswarkhanth of the Dasman Diabetes Institute in Kuwait. We decided to explore adaptation in the Kuwaiti population using a genome-wide selection scanning technique, to see if we could find a stretch of DNA inherited from nomadic Arab ancestors that might explain contemporary health issues.

Eaaswarkhanth, with colleagues Fahd Al-Mulla and Thangavel Thanaraj, and co-workers in the US, analysed 662,750 genetic variants in 583 Kuwaitis. They searched for regions of the genome suggestive of positive selection over generations.

We used four different statistical methods to measure genetic variations that band together in a genome over time, and pinpointed differences both within the Kuwaiti population and compared with other global population groups, says Thanaraj.

Through this extensive analysis, the researchers identified a haplotype in Kuwaitis: a group of genetic variants that are conserved together as a sequence over time. This haplotype encompasses a single gene, TNKS, which has variations associated with metabolic disorders and high blood pressure.

In hunter-gatherer, nomadic populations, selecting for the TNKS haplotype provided a survival advantage, says Eaaswarkhanth. A rapid metabolic rate and higher blood pressure may have helped them survive extremely harsh environmental conditions and food scarcity in the Arabian Desert.

Crucially, the same DNA stretch becomes a killer during prosperous periods and under more sedentary lifestyles, leading to a modern-day population prone to obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Were extending this study to other Arabian Peninsula populations to fully understand the evolutionary story, says Al-Mulla. Further, we hope to conduct functional experiments that could help in disease diagnosis, management and prevention in the region.

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Genetic adaptions can lose their benefit over time - Nature Middle East

Imagine computers taking over the world. This scenario has been the grounds for many movies such as The Terminator. The debate over whether AI is dangerous or not has been a popular topic since the birth of the technology. As Elon Musk cautioned at SXSW 2018, AI is far more dangerous than nukes.

The same can be said about CRISPR, the new genetic engineering tool with the potential to delay aging, cure cancer and forever change the human species for better or worse. While it has been slowly gaining traction in the media and was discovered as early as 1993, CRISPR remains widely unknown despite the magnitude of its potential.

In my work focusing on AI, carbon offsetting, blockchain and CRISPR, I'm seeking to understand the big problems that I believe we will tackle this century. I'm currently networking with promising biolabs in Japan to increase my CRISPR expertise, and I would like to share what I've learned.

Now is the time to start educating yourself about CRISPR, keeping an eye on the market and establishing yourself as an industry leader.

How have we already changed life itself?

We have been engineering life since the dawn of time through selective breeding, but after discovering DNA, scientists began to take the process to a whole new level.

In the 1960s and 70s, scientists used radiation to cause random mutations in the hopes of creating something useful by pure chance. Sometimes it worked. A famous 1994 example is the FLAVR SAVR tomato, which was given an extra gene to suppress the buildup of a rotting enzyme to increase its shelf life.

In 2016, the first baby was born using the three parent genetic technique for maternal infertility.

What is CRISPR?

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) is part of bacteria's immune system against bacteriophages, viruses that inject their DNA and hijack bacterias genomes to act as factories.

When a bacterium survives this attack, it saves part of the genetic code of the virus to form a protein (e.g. Cas9), which in turn scans the bacterium's insides for virus DNA matching the sample. If it finds any, the virus DNA gets cut out, effectively repelling the attack. This DNA archive is what we call CRISPR.

Here's the game-changer: Scientists discovered that it is programmable. In other words, programming it will give us the ability to modify, add or remove DNA parts with relative ease. This has the potential to cut gene editing costs, reduce the time to conduct experiments and vastly lower the complexity of the process.

Its potential applications are not limited to genetic diseases, either. Being able to edit DNA is opening up research possibilities for fighting other diseases, including cancer. It has the potential to slow aging and extend our lifespan. It can alter our bodies, leading to talk that it could eventually give us superhuman powers.

Are ethical concerns warranted?

Just like GMOs, there is also a lot of controversy and ethical debate surrounding CRISPR. It is sometimes referred to as Pandora's box.

Every parent wants a healthy child, but once genetic modification becomes commonplace in reproduction, I predict it won't be long before purely aesthetic changes are requested. This could ultimately lead to a cliff between genetically enhanced and unenhanced humans, where designer babiesare considered superior.

We have come quite a long way since the initial discovery, but CRISPR is still in its infancy. As precise as Cas9 editing is, errors are being made. Should germinal genes be edited, these changes could potentially be passed on.

However, at this point, I do not believe the question is whether it is good or bad. We have already been altering human DNA and will continue to do so. In my opinion, improper regulations are only likely to incentivize less transparent research in a more dangerous environment.

What are some early stage best practices for industry leaders?

Progress is slow but steady. The topic is complex and is far less tangible than, say, blockchain. Investments will require very patient pockets, due to potential temporary bans on clinical research using CRISPR. But with the sheer magnitude of its potential, I believe there won't be any industry that won't be affected by it in the future.

If, like me, you're a business leader getting involved in this industry, there are a few best practices you can keep in mind. Should your regulator become too much of a roadblock for your project despite your best efforts to be transparent and compliant consider moving it to a different jurisdiction. I predict others will do the same if U.S. regulations become stricter and slow the process.

As with AI, it's important to apply necessary caution. Projects must be transparent and compliant with regulators. The danger, if regulators become too uncooperative, is that CRISPR projects will move to less regulated spaces. Avoid jurisdictions that turn a blind eye to riskier procedures and experiments.

I believe ethical concerns need to be addressed logically. We have already crossed many boundaries, and there will always be those who are willing to do what others are not. That's why it's in everyone's best interest to discuss ethical concerns and bring critical thinking as an active part of research and development.

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CRISPR: Its Potential And Concerns In The Genetic Engineering Field - Forbes

The rapid and frightening spread of the coronavirus has sparked a battle thats drawing on a host of emerging technologies. Government, industry and academic researchers are scrambling to improve our ability to diagnose, treat and contain a virus thats threatening to reach pandemic status.

This isnt the first time researchers have faced off against a dangerous member of this family of viruses. But it is the first time theyve done it with a toolbox that includes the gene-editing tool CRISPR and the emerging field of synthetic biology.

Indeed, weve known about coronaviruses for nearly 60 years. But for several decades, they attracted little attention, causing symptoms similar to the common cold.

That changed in 2003, when a deadly member of the coronavirus family, SARS-COV, spread to 29 countries, killing 774 people. Suddenly, a coronavirus found previously in animals had managed to jump to humans, where it killed nearly 10 percent of those infected. The virus sparked fear across the globe, but was brought under control within a year. Only a small number of cases have been reported since 2004.

Then in 2012 came MERS-COV. The virus emerged in Saudi Arabia, jumping from camels to humans. The virus has never caused a sustained outbreak, but with a mortality rate of35 percent, it has killed 858 people so far. Infections have been reported in 27 countries, with most in the Middle East. The virus is considered by the World Health Organization to be a potential epidemic threat.

Interestingly, neither of these previous coronavirus threats were stopped by a cure or a vaccine. MERS still lurks in the background, while SARS was contained by what amounts to old-school practices, according to a 2007 article in Harvard Magazine:

Ironically, in this age of high-tech medicine, the virus was eventually brought under control by public-health measures typically associated with the nineteenth centuryisolation of SARS patients themselves and quarantine of all their known and suspected contactsrather than a vaccine.

There currently is no cure for this new wave of coronavirus infections (the resulting disease is called Covid-19), even though some antiviral therapies are being tested and one experimental vaccine is ready for testing in humans. The virus genome has been sequenced and its genetic code may shed light on how the disease starts and spreads, as well as inform on potential pharmaceutical targets for drug development. The Covid-19 virus similarity to the SARS-COV may mean that cures developed for one strain may prove effective for the other. The Canadian company AbCellera plans to test its antibody technology, already tried against MERS-COV, to neutralize the Covid-19 viral bodies.

What is really encouraging is the level of international collaboration aimed to fight this health emergency. Funding bodies, scientific societies and scientific journals have signed a joint statement, agreeing to openly share research findings with the global research community as soon as they are available. The very quick information dissemination gave scientists around the globe several RNA sequences of the virus genome. And these sequences can be used to better understand the epidemiology and origins of the virus. Moreover, the advancements in DNA technology let research groups in academia and industry synthesize the viral genetic material to use in the two areas of focus: detection of virus and vaccine development.

One of the trickiest things about the coronavirus is its speculated transmission by asymptomatic patients. This increases the number of infections and makes containment measures less effective, spreading fears that the virus may establish a permanent presence in some areas. There are also fears that many incidents lie undetected, spreading the virus under the radar. As of March 9, the virus has infected more than 110,000 people, killing nearly 4,000, in 97 countries.

Several biotech companies have scrambled to provide kits and resources for early and reliable detection of the new coronavirus. Mammoth Bioscience, a San Francisco-based startup, is already working on a detection assay using their CRISPR technology. The DNA technology companies IDT and Genscript already distribute PCR-based kits for detection for research purposes. The Chinese companies BGI and Liferiver Biotech use the same PCR technology for the kits they provide to their countries health authorities.

The French-British biotech Novacyt announced the launch of a diagnostic kit for clinical use in middle February. The kit will also use quantitative-PCR, developed by their sister company Primerdesign. Its high specificity will reduce the analysis time to less than two hours. The companys CEO Graham Mullis told Reuters that each kit will cost around $6.50, and that they have already received more than 33,000 orders.

The only way to effectively control and even eliminate the outbreak is to develop a vaccine. Unfortunately, the new outbreak hasnt attracted the attention of the lead vaccine manufacturers. Non-profit organizations, such as the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), have jumped in to fill the gap. But despite the emergency, a vaccine may be several years away from being available

The University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia, announced that theyre working on a coronavirus vaccine which they hope to have ready within the next few months. The molecular clamp approach the Australian researchers have developed allows is designed to boost the immune system response and work against several viral infections. GlaxoSmithKline has offered is adjuvant technology adjuvants are added to vaccines to boost their efficiency to speed up the process.

The Cambridge, MA-based Moderna uses a different approach to make vaccines. Their mRNA technology is modular and very adaptable to use for a new disease or when the epitope (the vaccines target) mutates. The company says its vaccine is ready for human trials.

The Covid-19 outbreak has rightly gained the attention of health authorities and the media. If the virus were to reach countries with weaker healthcare systems than Chinas, the number of deaths will rise significantly and containment will be even harder. Moreover, the long incubation time of the disease, combined with the asymptomatic spread, make quarantine and isolation measures less effective. The biggest risk is for the new coronavirus to become endemic in certain areas, where the disease is never truly extinct and displays seasonal outbreaks. We dont want the Covid-19 to become a new flu.

The health authorities of 2020, the biotech industry, and the society in general are better prepared for a coronavirus outbreak than a few years ago. The situation is less risky than MERS and SARS, though the new virus is harder to contain. This outbreak offers a chance for everyone to become more aware of viral infections, the appropriate precautions and get vaccinated according to the official recommendations. And keep in mind that the best way to stay informed is through official sources, such as the WHO and the CDC.

As for the biotech industry, are they playing their part? The answer is a partial yes; there are several companies that immediately scrambled to help the situation. But the big players within the field could be doing more.

Kostas Vavitsas, PhD, is a Senior Research Associate at the University of Athens, Greece. He is also a steering committee member of EUSynBioS. Follow him on Twitter @konvavitsas

Originally posted here:
Fighting the coronavirus outbreak with genetic sequencing, CRISPR and synthetic biology - Genetic Literacy Project

"I walked into the geneticist's office, and she, with tears in her eyes, asked me how Riana's walking was doing, and she told me that (she) would lose her mobility, that she's been diagnosed with a really rare gene disorder: KCNB1," Francisco said.

"I think I blacked out after that. Nothing registered, literally."

Later, Francisco said she would remember being relieved that they knew what the problem was. Later still, even that small comfort would evaporate, as she realized how little was known about her daughter's newly-named disorder.

Renzo Guerrini is a professor of neuroscience at the University of Florence, Italy, and a leading expert in the study of epilepsy.

Reached by phone in Florence, he said KCNB1 is caused by a genetic mutation, and can be considered a spectrum disorder meaning that symptoms exist on a spectrum and can be more or less severe, depending on the person.

However, there are some common symptoms among the 70 patient-cases he's studied.

"All patients have developmental delay, and about 85 per cent also have epilepsy," he said.

In Riana Faith's case, she's also limited in how she can communicate. While she speaks a few words here and there, like asking for "bubbles" to play with, or demanding a "kiss" from mom, she also relies on a tablet-talker to help express herself. For instance, if asked what colour red was, she could point to a red object. But when asked what colour a red object was, she would say purple. With the tablet, she could press a button that would say "red" for her.

"That's a major feature which has been underlined,"Guerrini said. "About 50 per cent do not develop any language. They are non-verbal," he said, adding that all cases have a major language impairment of some kind.

Riana Faith is also extremely active. On a recent day home from school due to teacher strikes, the six-year-old bounced around the room, her attention careening from toys, to pens, to yogurt and whatever else she could grasp in the space of a few minutes.

She also loves to sing. Her mother calls her "the most patriotic girl ever" because she always tries to hum/sing along with "O Canada."

Ironically, some of the only time Riana Faith focuses is with the music blaring, the TV on in the background, while bouncing up and down dancing with her toy guitar and singing "we're gonna rock, rock, rock, rock, rock, and roll. Repetitively ..." Francisco said.

"I'm constantly apologizing."

As far as treatment is concerned, Guerrini said there isn't any specific treatment established for a KCNB1 diagnoses. Doctors have only known about the genetic mutation for about six years, and there isn't enough information to reach definitive conclusions.

"For example, in a centre like ours, which is one of the main centres in (Italy), we have seen seven cases," he said.

Likewise, Francisco says there are less than five cases in Canada, and she hasn't come across anyone focusing on KCNB1 research here.

So, while her doctors can try to treat symptoms, such as assigning medication for different types of seizures, there is no way to directly treat the disorder.

"And there's no indication that the behavioural problems, the language problems, can benefit from any specific program or type of approach," Guerrini said.

His recommendation for people with rare gene disorders is to take advantage of the internet, "start a club" where people with the diagnoses can share information, and get the word out about their struggle.

As someone struggling for answers, Francisco says she's already gone that route. Her daughter's story is posted to KCNB1.org, a website that tries to shed light on the disorder.

It was there the mother found comfort in reading stories from people with like experiences. For instance, other parents of children diagnosed with KCNB1 have said a complete loss of mobility may not be inevitable.

It was also in the KCNB1 community that she learned about an upcoming conference in Chicago, where Faith can get time with doctors specializing in her rare condition.

Francisco is hoping to raise $2,500 to cover the trip. You can click hereto be taken to her GoFundMe page.

Riana Faith might have everything she needs to be happy bubbles, some Splash'N Boots (a musical duo), maybe a pudding, if mom says it's OK. She's even been given a wish fund from the Guelph Wish Fund for Children, says executive director Sharon Rice.

But it's her mother who really stands to benefit from the Chicago trip.

"That's the thing, I don't want anyone to feel sorry for her. She is a very happy child. There's nothing I won't do for this kid," Francisco said.

"(In Chicago,) they're going to see our children, one-on-one. That, for me, I need."

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Mother of Guelph girl with 'rare' genetic mutation looks for help, and hope - GuelphMercury.com

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Magns Andersen

CEO of deCODE Genetics Kri Stefnsson (shown above) intends to screen the entire Icelandic population for COVID-19, of which there have been 60 confirmed cases at the time of this writing.

While almost all of these cases come from three flights returning from Italy and Austria, with the arrivals put in quarantine while testing is underway, the virus has unfortunately found its way into the general population.

Kris desire to screen the general population was not without controversy, as both the Data Protection Authority and the Scientific Ethics Committee initially believed Kri required a special permit in order to conduct the screening. However, Frttablai now reports that both bodies have reversed their position on the matter, as the screening is considered clinical work; not a scientific study.

In fact, a statement from deCODE emphasises that peoples personal data will not be permanently recorded nor put in the companys general knowledge bank. Rather, the purpose of the screening is meant to inform those who have symptoms whether or not they have COVID-19, in conjunction with the Directorate of Health, in order to assist already ongoing efforts.

This screening is expected to go forward within the next week.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include dry cough, fever, and aches in the bones. If you are worried you may have COVID-19, have been to any of the high-risk areas or in contact with anyone who has within the last 14 days, you are urged to call 1700 from an Icelandic phone number or +354 544 4113 from any other phone, where a health care professional will give you further information and guidance.

To prevent transmission or contact with the virus, the cardinal rule is to wash your hands frequently before eating and after touching common surfaces, and avoid touching your face. If you must sneeze or cough, do so into the crook of your elbow or into a tissue. It also naturally follows that you should avoid contact with sick people.

The Directorate of Health in fact has extensive information in English on COVID-19, including a handy FAQ.

Related

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From Iceland COVID-19 In Iceland: deCODE Genetics Will Screen General Population For Virus - Reykjavk Grapevine

Pupils' genetic data do not predict their educational outcomes with sufficient accuracy and shouldnt be used to design a genetically personalised curriculum or tailor teaching, according to a new University of Bristol study. The findings, which compared the genetic scores of 3,500 pupils with their exam results, are published in the journal eLife today [10 March].

Despite some claims that differences in pupils' genetic data could be used to 'personalise' their education or identify those who are likely to struggle or thrive at school, few studies have investigated how accurately genetic measures known as polygenic scores (which combine information from all genetic material across the entire genome) can predict future educational performance better than other measures of student aptitude.

To measure whether genetic data could predict a pupils achievement, researchers from the Bristol Medical School and the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit took genetic and educational data from 3,500 children in Bristols Children of the 90s study. They compared pupils polygenic scores with their educational exam results at ages 7, 11, 14 and 16.

Their analysis showed that while the genetic scores modestly predicted educational achievement at each age, these predictions were little better than using standard information known to predict educational outcomes, such as achievement at younger ages, parents educational attainment or family socioeconomic position.

Dr Tim Morris, the studys lead author and Senior Researcher Associate from Bristol Medical School, said: Our analysis shows that some pupils with a low polygenic score are very high performers at age 16. Some of those who would be predicted from their genes to be in the bottom 5% are actually in the top 5% of performers. This contradicts the notion that it is possible to accurately predict how well any one child will perform in education from their DNA.

At the population level, researchers found that children with higher polygenic scores, on average, had higher exam scores than those with lower polygenic scores. They add that polygenic scores can be informative for identifying group level differences, but they currently have no practical use for predicting individual educational performance or for personalised education.

Dr Morris added: Educational achievement is incredibly complex and influenced by a large range of factors including parental characteristics, family environment, personality, intelligence, genetics, teachers, peers and schools, and - often overlooked - chance or random events. This complexity will make it perhaps irresolvably difficult to accurately predict how well any one pupil will do from their DNA.

The best piece of information we currently have for predicting how well a pupil will perform is how well they did in school earlier in childhood. Where we don't know this, such as at the start of schooling, we can make better predictions about a pupils future educational performance by knowing how educated their parents are than by knowing their DNA.

The researchers conclude that genes are insufficient for reliably predicting educational achievement at an individual level. The study was funded by the Economic & Social Research Council [ESRC], the Medical Research Council [MRC] and the Wellcome Trust.

Paper

Can education be personalised using pupils genetic data? by Tim T Morris, Neil M Davies, and George Davey Smith in eLife

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March: Predicting educational achievement | News and features - University of Bristol

Institutes participating in the partnership include the Stanford University School of Medicine, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy.

The Cocoon platform is a closed automated cell therapy manufacturing platform enabling decentralized process development. A transportable cassette that internalizes all of the media, agents, and consumables used in the process is attached inside and the Cocoon closes and begins processing.

Each Cocoon develops therapy for one patient, therefore the technology is patient-scale, and the process can be scaled with many Cocoons, attached on Cocoon trees operating at the same time.

Under the agreement, Lonzas experts will work collaboratively with research teams of the partners to transfer some of their existing cell-based immunotherapies, which are in pre-clinical phase, to the Cocoon bioprocessing system.

Subsequently, the process development will be shared between the partners facilities and Lonzas R&D site in Shady Grove (MD), US.

Once these therapies enter the clinic, whether manufacturing is at the institutes or elsewhere, the Cocoon platform will enable this, Eytan Abraham, head of personalized medicine at Lonza, told us.

Asked about the potential immunotherapies examined, Abraham said that they target a combination of hematological malignancies, solid malignancies, and processes that use non-viral delivery of the gene of interest.

Use of the Cocoon technology can potentially benefit the organizations development projects in several ways, including increased process control, reductions in costs, manpower, time and space requirements, as well as offering superior scalability thereby enabling treatment of larger patient populations.

Further than that, Lonza expects the partnerships to help assess the technology and evaluate the platforms potential to manufacture a range of cell therapies comparable to those manufactured through other processes currently available.

Through these collaborations we are both showcasing the Cocoon advantages and capabilities, but also learning what is needed for decentralized based manufacturing of the next wave of patient scale cell therapies, Abraham told us.

He added that, accordingly, the company will continue to evolve the system to answer these needs, whether they increase cell numbers, improve in-process analytics, integration of additional technologies, such as magnetic cell separation and electroporation, or scaling technologies.

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Lonza partners with three institutes on Cocoon system - BioPharma-Reporter.com

The field of genomics has made fantastic progress in the fields of biomedical research and clinical development. This is good news for patients and excellent news for investors, as the field of genomics is expected to pay large dividends in finance in the coming decade.

Despite being a relatively new field in the space of biology research, genomics has made massive advances in science and medicine in the past few years. Research into the human genome has led to the development of personalized medicine, changing the clinical landscape for cancer treatment and rare genetic diseases, in particular. The cost associated with mapping one genome has dramatically dropped in a very short space of time, costing millions of dollars and years of effort at the start to now costing in the hundreds of dollars per sequence that is delivered in a matter of days. This has allowed worldwide entry into this space, and an explosion of new discoveries and advances.

The global genomics market size is expected to reach USD 31.1 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 7.7% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Significant changes in disease management processes along with advancements in genomics and personalized medicine are expected to propel the market.

Grand View Research is a U.S.-based market research and consulting company, providing syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Headquartered in San Francisco, the companys analysts and consultants report in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment.

The report that was recently published makes several suggestions as to what is anticipated to be leading this growth. The consumables and reagents deliverable segment is expected to register the highest growth rate, owing to high costs and volume associated with reagents needed for sequencing. This field is filled by companies that service actual research companies, and oftentimes are the main operating costs of lab testing.

The computational services deliverable segment is also set to expand at a considerable CAGR from 20202027 owing to the increasing demand for computational sequence alignment and analysis among molecular biologists. Interpreting sequencing data is a somewhat complicated process, and software and people capable of interpreting the results are at an ever-increasing demand in this space.

In terms of investment into future research and development for predictive biomarkers targeted toward diagnosis and patient monitoring, substantial investments by biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies have contributed significantly to the revenue generated by the biomarker discovery application segment. Clinical trials using genomics sequencing have oftentimes been wildly successful, driving more and more disease-based research to consider its use for new treatment strategies, as well as a search for biomarkers at a breakneck speed.

The success of use of genomic sequencing is a worldwide affair, and the Asian Pacific region is a potentially lucrative market for genomics, and is anticipated to expand at the highest CAGR of 9.1%. Regionally, genomics is being used everywhere, particularly in North America and Europe, but also in Asia, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.

Key companies in the genomics market tend to be located in the United States or Europe, and the largest players include 23andMe; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.; BGI; Myriad Genetics Inc.; Danaher.; Pacific Biosciences; Illumina; Agilent Technologies; Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.; Foundation Medicine; Oxford Nanopore Technologies; and Bio-Rad Laboratories.

Of these companies, an increasing pool of market innovators mostly from 23andMe, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, and Veritas Genetics (each having launched breakthrough genomic technologies in recent years) are also contributing toward market development. 23andMe in particular has expertise in developing direct-to-consumer genomic tests targeted toward disease prognosis and has received FDA approval for its commercialization.

MinION, a sequencing device from Oxford Nanopore Technologies, is witnessing significant traction owing to its ability to sequence any fragment length of DNA in real time. In the same field, Veritas Genetics is offering an affordable solution for a complete readout of a genomic sequence. A few years ago, it was only possible to procure this information if ordered by a doctor, but now these tests can be taken by anyone curious about their DNA and costs approximately USD 1,000. Veritas Genetics has also begun the commercialization of this technique for newborns genomic sequencing applications in China.

Genomic sequencing and biomarker identification is hardly the only source of income in the field of genomics. Other deliverables besides products and services include functional genomics in basic laboratory research and aspects of costs associated; the study of epigenetics and computer data analysis associated with large data sets; and genomics end-use, in clinical and research laboratories, academic and government institutes, hospitals and clinics, and of course pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

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Genomics Research Market Worth to Exceed $31 Billion by 2027 - Clinical OMICs News

Collaboration to focus on improving outcomes, increasing patient satisfaction and reducing costs

CHICAGO, March 5, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ImmersiveTouch has announced a collaboration with HP that strives to unleash the power of personalized medicine by providing the missing link between medical imaging and real-time surgery. This collaboration will pair ImmersiveTouch clinical software with HP hardware to create better healthcare outcomes at reduced costs. The companies will jointly showcase their technologies at the annual HIMSS conference in Booth 1541 from March 10th-12th.

ImmersiveTouch is revolutionizing personalized care by designing technology that more accurately simulates each patient's specific anatomy in 360 VR. Surgeons can feed traditional CT and MRI scans into ImmersiveTouch software, strap on virtual reality headsets, and then virtually fly through simulations of muscles, bones and blood vessels, exploring the specific dimensions of the disease they must attack from every angle. ImmersiveTouch continually strives towards increased patient satisfaction and improved surgical planning, and away from longer procedure times, sub-optimal patient outcomes and readmissions.

From radiology to surgery, the companies plan to combine their clinical software and hardware expertise to market products and solutions that can be customized to the needs of an individual patient. In the near-term, the collaboration will focus on promoting ImmersiveTouch software powered by HP's Reverb Pro VR headsets and connected to HP Jet Fusion 3D printers.

"ImmersiveTouch and HP together will shift the paradigm for high quality virtual reality experiences in healthcare," said Jay Banerjee, COO of ImmersiveTouch. "We are immersing surgeons to train and rehearse for mission-critical situations. The industry is poised to enter a new era of personalized care."

ImmersiveTouch has been installed in over 100 hospitals globally and is proud to facilitate personalized care through its technological innovation.

Recently at MetroHealth Hospital in Cleveland, a neurosurgeon was able to confirm his suspicion from the initial radiological report after reviewing the case with ImmersiveTouch. After the immersive planning session, the surgeon altered his surgical approach and was more accurately prepared.

In the spirit of the HIMSSmission to "realize the full health potential of every human, everywhere", ImmersiveTouch will invite one of its pioneer enterprise customers, Dr. Shafiq Rab, CIO of Rush Hospital, to speak on the HIMSS panel session titled "3D Print & VR: Improving Surgical Outcomes & Informed Consent".

About ImmersiveTouch Inc.

ImmersiveTouch strives to strengthen human life and unleash the power of personalized care by providing the missing link between medical imaging and real-time surgery. ImmersiveTouch is using the latest advancements in computer vision,artificial intelligenceand AR/VR to develop FDA cleared medical technology. The company provides a fullsoftware suite for surgical planning, surgery skills training, and informed patient consent. http://www.immersivetouch.com

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SOURCE ImmersiveTouch

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ImmersiveTouch Partners with HP on Virtual Reality and 3D Printing for Personalized Health Care Solutions - Yahoo Finance

Dublin, March 10, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Biomarkers Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Type (Safety, Efficacy, Validation), by Application (Diagnostic, Drug Development, Personalized Medicine), by Disease, and Segment Forecasts, 2020-2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global biomarkers market size is expected to reach over USD 129.4 billion by 2027. It is anticipated to exhibiting a CAGR of 13.7%, during the forecast period. Factors, such as increasing collaborations and funds for R&D activities, rising consumer awareness, a widening patient base, and technological advancements collectively augmenting market growth.

The drug discovery segment contributed the highest revenue in 2019. Pharmaceutical companies focus on extensive R&D initiatives for the development of targeted therapeutics. Coordinated strategic efforts on biomarker development remain a searing trend among drug manufacturers, academic research institutions, commercial R&D organizations, non-profitable health foundations, and federal government biomedical regulatory and research agencies.

North America continued to lead the biomarkers market in 2019, driven by an amplifying demand for personalized medicines, high disease prevalence, and proactive government initiatives. It is expected to maintain its lead over the forecast period. Asia Pacific is positioned to witness the fastest CAGR, over the forecast period, spearheaded by India.

Some key market players include Abbott, Roche, Qiagen, Siemens Healthcare, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Johnson & Johnson Services, Agilent Technologies, and Epigenomics. The players are developing novel kits and therapies and drugs to target population in the areas with high unmet clinical needs.

Further key findings from the study suggest:

Key Topics Covered

Chapter 1 Methodology and Scope

Chapter 2. Executive Summary

Chapter 3. Biomarkers Market Variables, Trends & Scope3.1. Biomarkers Market Lineage Outlook3.1.1. Clinical Diagnostics Market Outlook3.2. Penetration & Growth Prospect Mapping3.3. Regulatory Framework3.3.1. Reimbursement Framework3.3.2. Standards & Compliances3.4. Market Dynamics3.4.1. Market Driver Analysis3.4.1.1. Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Diseases3.4.1.2. Technological Advancements3.4.1.3. Funding for Biomarkers3.4.2. Market Restraint Analysis3.4.2.1. Reimbursement Policies3.5. Biomarkers Market Analysis Tools3.5.1. Industry Analysis - Porter's3.5.2. PESTEL Analysis3.5.3. Major Deals & Strategic Alliances Analysis

Chapter 4. Biomarkers Market - Competitive Analysis4.1. Recent Developments & Impact Analysis, by Key Market Participants4.2. Company/Competition Categorization (Key Innovators, Market Leaders, Emerging Players)4.3. Vendor Landscape4.3.1. List of Key Distributors and Channel Partners4.3.2. Key Company Market Share Analysis, 20194.4. Public Companies4.4.1. Company Market Position Analysis (Revenue, Geographic Presence, Product Portfolio, Key Serviceable Industries, Key Alliances)4.4.2. Company Market Share4.4.3. Competitive Dashboard Analysis4.4.4. Market Differentiators4.4.5. Synergy Analysis: Major Deals & Strategic Alliances4.5. Private Companies4.5.1. List of Key Emerging Companies4.5.2. Regional Network Map4.5.3. Company Market Position Analysis (Geographic Presence, Product Portfolio, Key Alliance, Industry Experience)

Chapter 5. Biomarkers Market: Type Estimates & Trend Analysis5.1. Definitions & Scope5.2. Type Market Share Analysis, 2019 & 20275.3. Biomarkers Market, by Type, 2015 to 20275.4. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2015 to 2027 for the following:5.4.1. Safety5.4.2. Efficacy5.4.3. Validation

Chapter 6. Biomarkers Market: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis6.1. Definitions & Scope6.2. Application Market Share Analysis, 2019 & 20276.3. Biomarkers Market, by Application, 2015 to 20276.4. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2015 to 2027 for the following:6.4.1. Diagnostics6.4.2. Drug Development6.4.3. Personalized Medicine

Chapter 7. Biomarkers Market: Disease Estimates & Trend Analysis7.1. Definitions & Scope7.2. Disease Market Share Analysis, 2019 & 20277.3. Biomarkers Market, by Disease, 2015 to 20277.4. Market Size & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2015 to 2027 for the following:7.4.1. Cancer7.4.2. Cardiovascular Disease7.4.3. Neurological Disease7.4.4. Immunological Disease7.4.5. Others7.5. Disease Market, by Type, 2015-2027:7.5.1. Cancer7.5.2. Cardiovascular Diseases7.5.3. Neurological Disease7.5.4. Imunological Disease7.5.5. Others

Chapter 8 Biomarkers Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis8.1 Biomarkers Market: Regional Movement Analysis, 2019 & 20278.2 Biomarkers Market: Leading Players, 20198.3 SWOT Analysis, by Factor (Political & Legal, Economic and Technological)8.4 North America8.5 Europe8.6 Asia-Pacific8.7 Latin America8.8 MEA

Chapter 9 Competitive Landscape9.1 Strategy Framework9.2 Heat Map Analysis of Private Companies9.3 F-Hoffman La Roche Ltd.9.4 Abbott9.5 Epigenomics AG9.6 General Electric Company9.7 Johnson & Johnson9.8 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.9.9 Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc.9.10 Siemens Healthcare Private Limited9.11 Qiagen

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1r1wle

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

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Global Biomarkers Market Outlook, 2020-2027 - Featuring Profiles of Key Players Abbott, Roche, Qiagen, Siemens Healthcare, Thermo Fisher Scientific,...

All the news you need to know this Wednesday morning.

A man who led police on a car chase said he told his chauffeur to keep driving because he was having sex in the backseat with a woman who was not his wife.

Maurice Sines, from Britain, was in his 405,000 (about $800,000) Rolls Royce Phantom with "a bird in the back" when police approached the vehicle, a UK court has heard.

He argued that he didn't want to get caught because he'd just rekindled his relationship with his wife.

But CCTV proved Sines' recollection of the incident was completely false. Video footage showed him getting into the car and he confessed to driving while disqualified.

Judge Robert Fraser told Guildford Crown Court he had given "what was clearly and utterly a false account", The Mirror reports.

The chase started after a golf tournament in Surrey in May 2018.

The 57-year-old has been slapped with an eight-month sentence -- suspended for two years, as well as a two-year driving ban and a three-month tagged curfew.

He was also ordered to pay a 5,000 penalty and 4,200 in court costs.

The Climate Council's Summer of Crisis report says climate change fanned the unprecedented impacts of Australia's recent bushfire crisis.

Former Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said the bushfires produced more greenhouse gases than Australia typically emits in a year.

"The data contained in this new report confirms what we all suspected," he said in a statement.

"The bushfire season was the worst on record for NSW in terms of the scale of the bushfires, the number of properties lost and the amount of area burned. Climate change fuelled the unprecedented fires."

Politics

Now That The Bushfires Are Out, It's Time To Discuss What Caused Them

For the first time in eight months, all the NSW fires are out. Now, a ground-breaking report has ruled climate change was a massive factor in the extreme fire conditions that devastated Australia this summer.

More than 2400 NSW homes were destroyed over the summer, almost ten times more than the previous worst season for bushfire property damage which was in 2013.

About 5.4 million hectares of land were also scorched, which is equivalent to more than six per cent of NSW's total land area.

The report also found the bushfires have taken a huge economic toll on Australia, with the tourism sector predicted to have lost more than $4 billion.

Doctors in Britain claim a man from London is the second person to be cured of HIV, ever.

BBC News reports Adam Castillejo has been free of the virus for more than 30 months after stopping anti-retroviral therapy.

According to the Lancet HIV journal, he was not cured by HIV drugs but instead by a stem-cell treatment he received for an unrelated cancer diagnosis.

It is understood donors of those particular stem cells have a very uncommon gene that gives them protection against HIV -- that protection has now been passed on toCastillejo, 40.

Timothy Brown became the first person to be reportedly cured of HIV in 2011, three and a half years after having similar treatment.

Stem-cell transplants are believed to stop the virus from replicating inside the body by replacing the patient's own immune cells with donor ones.

Hobart could become the first Australian city to ban single-use plastic packaging on takeaway food.

According to The Mercury, new laws to ban this type of packaging will be enforced by the City of Hobart from next year.

The move comes after the city banned petroleum-based plastic containers and utensils as part of the City of Hobart's zero-waste strategy last year.

The new law will apply to plastic cups, lids, utensils, straws and condiment sachets with the council expecting the introduction to result in a600-tonne annual reduction in single-use plastics to landfill.

City of Hobart council is pleading for the State Government to take the initiative statewide.

Dutch prosecutors have made explosive claims that Russian spies interfered in the MH17 investigation and were behind a disinformation campaign.

Defendant Oleg Pulatov has applied to take away the legal anonymity of several threatened witnesses, who still fear for their lives both in Ukraine and abroad.

Prosecutors said those fears are legitimate as separatists have put areas of Ukraine "under a rule of violence", while Russian spies have recently been accused of murders in the UK, Germany, Turkey, and Bulgaria.

World

Judge Says Downing Of MH17 'Almost Incomprehensible' As Murder Trial Begins

A Dutch judge described as almost incomprehensible the 2014 shooting down of a Malaysian airliner that killed all 298 passengers and crew on board, as the trial of three fugitive Russians and a Ukrainian began on Monday.

They added Australian Federal Police case files were leaked on a Russian-linked website as part of the disinformation campaign. Only parts of the police report were released selectively to spread disinformation.

Australian Jon O'Brien, whose son died in the attack, said: "It's a bit embarrassing on one level if it wasn't so offensive and had such malicious intent."

"That (the disinformation campaign) is not helpful for the next of kin, I don't think it assists their grieving and ability to follow the trial and know what the facts are,"Australian police officer David Nelson added.

Kale chips might look like a healthy snack but experts warn vegetable crisps are packed with salt and Australians should watch out.

Heart Foundation dietitian Sian Armstrong said while they might look healthy, they contain "alarming" amounts of salt.

"They might be found in the health aisle or say 'organic' or something but this doesn't always mean they're actually a healthy option," she told AAP.

A George Institute survey released on Wednesday revealed some veggie chips -- like kale or legume-based crisps -- had 26 times more salt than less-salty veggie chips.

Armstrong said the rule of thumb is 120 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams are the best products and under 400 milligrams is okay but anything above is unhealthy.

"Most Australians are consuming double the amount of salt than they should be," she said. "A lot of the time, you can't even taste it. Things don't even taste that salty at all."

David Warner told teammates he'd reflected on how to be a better member of the squad in his first meeting with Australian players after the ball-tampering ban last year.

Warner and Steve Smith's comebacks are a key subject of an eight-part documentary labelled The Test, will be released on Amazon on Thursday.

The pair's first meeting back with the team -- in Dubai last March -- is shown in detail, which proved a key component for their returns in both the World Cup and Ashes.

In the meeting, Smith confessed to teammates he at times felt like walking away from the game during his year-long suspension.

Warner also said he'd completed plenty of self-reflection in his time away, but believed he was returning to a different team than the one he left in South Africa a year earlier.

"In the last 12 months I have had a lot of reflecting to do," Warner said in the Dubai meeting.

"With cricket and what happened in the past and getting better as a team person as well.

"From looking the outside in, you can see the whole team... we have grown a lot."

And you're all caught up on 10 daily.

With AAP.

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Brekky Wrap: Businessman Failed To Pull Over In Police Chase Because He Was 'Having Sex In The Back Seat' - 10 daily

Henry Ford Health System plans to rapidly expand its life-extending precision medicine program in Detroit after the Jeffries family pledged $25 million to create a specialized center.

The $25 million donation, provided by developer Chris Jeffries and his wife, Lisa, is the largest single gift from individuals in Henry Ford's 105-year history and one of the largest in the nation for a precision medicine program, Henry Ford officials said.

"We are incredibly grateful to Lisa and Chris Jeffries for their generosity," Wright Lassiter III, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health System, said in a statement. "We are experiencing a momentous era in medicine, a radical shift from the traditional approach to cancer care. This gift will help us consolidate and advance our collective efforts to create unprecedented access to advanced, highly personalized treatments for our patients and members."

But in the past three months, precision medicine or precision health, as neurosurgeon Steven Kalkanis, M.D., CEO of the Henry Ford Medical Group, likes to call it is now available for a whole host of new treatments besides those for cancer.

"Hot off the press. There have been animal studies and now clinical studies, only in the last several months, where precision health is ready for prime time and for human beings," said Kalkanis, who also is Henry Ford's chief academic officer.

Over the past decade, precision medicine has been evolving as a new type of medical care that initially focused on treating patients with various forms of cancer, including brain, lung, colon and pancreatic. It works like this: By analyzing patients' own molecular profile and the genetic mutations of their tumors, doctors are able to use the information to develop personalized treatments that could be more effective than standard care.

Doctors are now using precision medicine approaches to treat many other conditions, including cystic fibrosis, asthma, depression, heart disease, autoimmune diseases and multiple sclerosis, Kalkanis said.

"We have a whole era opening up to treat a host of other chronic diseases, using precision medicine to identify patients' molecular profiles, but potentially using existing drugs for everything from asthma to high blood pressure to depression," Kalkanis said. "However, the majority (of precision medicine) is still about designing a tailored drug regimen for individual patients."

Kalkanis said patients with some chronic conditions will one day soon be able to take a blood test and have their molecular profile entered into a database of existing drugs that may be able to match to an existing drug or to new ones being created in real time.

"We have found, in one of our clinical trials, that a (patient had a) rare type of brain cancer with a mutation impacting glucose levels. We used an existing diabetes drug and the patient went into remission," Kalkanis said.

Why the Jeffries donated

Chris Jeffries' father, Gerald was diagnosed with a highly malignant brain tumor in 2001.

Treated initially by neuro-oncologist Tom Mikkelsen and later Kalkanis and the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center team, Gerald was given only nine to 11 months to live, but using a precision medicine approach, he lived another five years until he died in December 2006.

"That meant so much to us. It's impossible to describe," Chris Jeffries said in a statement. Lisa Jeffries also lost her stepfather to cancer.

A native of Flint, Chris Jeffries is co-founder of Millennium Partners, a real estate development company that specializes in mixed-use, urban living and entertainment centers in Boston; San Francisco; Miami; Washington D.C.; Los Angeles; and New York.

Last year, the Jeffries donated $33 million to the University of Michigan Law School, where Chris was a 1974 graduate. The donation is earmarked for student support, including scholarships and other forms of financial aid, summer funding programs, and debt management. It was the largest private donation to the law school in its history, UM said.

Kalkanis said Gerald Jeffries was one of the first cohorts of patients in Henry Ford's personalized medicine program long before it was called precision medicine, in the early 2000s.

"He was enrolled in a clinical trial at Henry Ford 10 to 15 years ago and treated with a novel drug based on his unique cancer characteristics," Kalkanis said. "Because of that, he lived way beyond his life expectancy. The family was very supportive of our program and especially wanted to provide this same hope to others once they learned of the enhanced capability of precision medicine."

Since Gerald Jeffries was treated and Henry Ford developed its precision medicine approach, Kalkanis said there have been a number of patients who have outlived their prognoses. He said doctors can now give patients and families more hope than ever.

"We went through the precision medicine protocol, based on his own unique biomarkers and using a novel drug," he said. "Today these tests have become much more accessible. (For instance), a decade ago, it cost $5,000 (for testing). Now it costs several hundred for the tests" that can lead to the novel, personalized treatment.

Henry Ford's precision medicine program

For years, Henry Ford has been at the forefront of the precision medicine revolution, making world-class, targeted cancer treatments available at its national destination referral center, the Henry Ford Cancer Institute, officials said.

"By analyzing genetic and non-genetic factors, we can gain a better understanding of how a disease forms, progresses and can be treated in a specific patient," Mikkelsen, who is Henry Ford's medical director of the Precision Medicine Program and Clinical Trials Office, said in a statement.

"As of now, we can check for more than 500 genomic markers, which helps us understand the pattern of changes in a patient's tumor cells that influence how cancer grows and spreads," Mikkelsen said. "I'm confident this gift will lead to advancements that provide hope for patients with even the most complex diagnoses."

Kalkanis said the $25 million donation, which is expected to be received over the next several years, will enable Henry Ford to do a number of things.

"It takes investment to build out our biodepository with tissue samples, test them, look for biomarkers and see if (patients are) eligible for certain drugs," Kalkanis said. "We need to design our lab platform that is FDA-approved and recruit the best and brightest scientists and clinicians (specializing in) other cancer types."

Based on the current projection of about four to five chronic diseases and about 10 subspecialties that can be addressed by precision medicine, Kalkanis estimated Henry Ford will recruit two to three scientists and clinicians each year for the next few years.

"We are launching the search process for key researchers and working with the lab and pathology group for tests this calendar year," he said. "We should be up and running over the next year."

Adnan Munkarah, M.D., Henry Ford's executive vice president and chief clinical officer, said taking research in the lab and translating it to patient care is a standard process at Henry Ford.

"(It) is a critical element to help us treat many of the most challenging conditions our patients face," Munkarah said in a statement. "Translational research is bench-to-bedside, meaning it allows patients to benefit from discoveries in real time. That is an essential part of our history and commitment to medicine and academics not only offering the latest innovations in medicine, but also playing a leading role in their development."

Precision medicine is an approach to patient care that allows doctors to select treatments most likely to help patients based on a genetic understanding of their disease.

"The support of our donors is the fuel behind our clinical innovations and the breakthroughs that are improving people's lives," Mary Jane Vogt, Henry Ford's senior vice president and chief development officer, said in a statement. "It is remarkable to work with donors who believe in a better tomorrow and the power of a unified approach to medicine."

The Jeffrieses said they believe Henry Ford will achieve transformational advancements in cancer treatment using precision medicine and personalized treatments.

"The team at Henry Ford is second to none," said Chris Jeffries. "We believe this gift will lead to other families having more time together, as I had with my father. Defeating cancer requires a concerted effort from everyone and we hope to make as big an impact on that goal as possible."

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Henry Ford to expand precision medicine program with help of $25 million donation - ModernHealthcare.com

Updated: May 25, 2018:

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Some browsers have incorporated a Do Not Track (DNT) feature. These features, when turned on, send a signal that you prefer that the website you are visiting not collect and use data regarding your online searching and browsing activities. As there is not yet a common understanding on how to interpret the DNT signal, we currently do not respond to DNT signals on our site.

For non-EU/Swiss residents, if you would like to know what personal information we have about you, you can send an e-mail to privacy@jdsupra.com. We will be in contact with you (by mail or otherwise) to verify your identity and provide you the information you request. We will respond within 30 days to your request for access to your personal information. In some cases, we may not be able to remove your personal information, in which case we will let you know if we are unable to do so and why. If you would like to correct or update your personal information, you can manage your profile and subscriptions through our Privacy Center under the "My Account" dashboard. If you would like to delete your account or remove your information from our Website and Services, send an e-mail to privacy@jdsupra.com.

We reserve the right to change this Privacy Policy at any time. Please refer to the date at the top of this page to determine when this Policy was last revised. Any changes to our Privacy Policy will become effective upon posting of the revised policy on the Website. By continuing to use our Website and Services following such changes, you will be deemed to have agreed to such changes.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, your dealings with our Website or Services, or if you would like to change any of the information you have provided to us, please contact us at: privacy@jdsupra.com.

As with many websites, JD Supra's website (located at http://www.jdsupra.com) (our "Website") and our services (such as our email article digests)(our "Services") use a standard technology called a "cookie" and other similar technologies (such as, pixels and web beacons), which are small data files that are transferred to your computer when you use our Website and Services. These technologies automatically identify your browser whenever you interact with our Website and Services.

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to:

There are different types of cookies and other technologies used our Website, notably:

JD Supra Cookies. We place our own cookies on your computer to track certain information about you while you are using our Website and Services. For example, we place a session cookie on your computer each time you visit our Website. We use these cookies to allow you to log-in to your subscriber account. In addition, through these cookies we are able to collect information about how you use the Website, including what browser you may be using, your IP address, and the URL address you came from upon visiting our Website and the URL you next visit (even if those URLs are not on our Website). We also utilize email web beacons to monitor whether our emails are being delivered and read. We also use these tools to help deliver reader analytics to our authors to give them insight into their readership and help them to improve their content, so that it is most useful for our users.

Analytics/Performance Cookies. JD Supra also uses the following analytic tools to help us analyze the performance of our Website and Services as well as how visitors use our Website and Services:

Facebook, Twitter and other Social Network Cookies. Our content pages allow you to share content appearing on our Website and Services to your social media accounts through the "Like," "Tweet," or similar buttons displayed on such pages. To accomplish this Service, we embed code that such third party social networks provide and that we do not control. These buttons know that you are logged in to your social network account and therefore such social networks could also know that you are viewing the JD Supra Website.

If you would like to change how a browser uses cookies, including blocking or deleting cookies from the JD Supra Website and Services you can do so by changing the settings in your web browser. To control cookies, most browsers allow you to either accept or reject all cookies, only accept certain types of cookies, or prompt you every time a site wishes to save a cookie. It's also easy to delete cookies that are already saved on your device by a browser.

The processes for controlling and deleting cookies vary depending on which browser you use. To find out how to do so with a particular browser, you can use your browser's "Help" function or alternatively, you can visit http://www.aboutcookies.org which explains, step-by-step, how to control and delete cookies in most browsers.

We may update this cookie policy and our Privacy Policy from time-to-time, particularly as technology changes. You can always check this page for the latest version. We may also notify you of changes to our privacy policy by email.

If you have any questions about how we use cookies and other tracking technologies, please contact us at: privacy@jdsupra.com.

Excerpt from:
Collaborative Review of Scientific Evidence Announced By FDA - JD Supra