Monthly Archives: September 2012

Dementia patient's family: "We needed justice"

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COLLIER COUNTY, FL -

A veteran dementia patient was found lying in the woods, nearly dead. Five years later, his family says they finally have justice.

"We needed justice for my grandfather and people needed to be held accountable for their actions," said Dederick's granddaughter Lauren Carey, who searched tirelessly for five days to find her missing grandfather.

Then 88-year-old Loren Dederick, who passed away last year, went missing in 2007 after a medical transport mix-up.

A jury found TLC Non-Emergency Medical Transport at fault ordered the company to pay Dederick's family $700,000 for his injuries and mental anguish.

"He laid there for five days with no food or water and no way out," said Dederick's. "He was dirty, ant bites all over, dehydrated and just really scared."

"He was getting close to the time where he probably couldn't sustain himself any longer," said Dederick's daughter Donna Ward.

The World War II veteran was taken to NCH North Naples hospital for chest pain on September 21, 2007.

When he was released, NCH accidentally gave a TLC transport driver Dederick's old address, the HarborChase assisted-living facility on Airport-Pulling Road in Naples.

The driver, 44-year-old Dimas Herrera, took Dederick to that wrong address. According to testimony, nurses at the assisted-living center told Herrera that Dederick didn't live there.

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Dementia patient's family: "We needed justice"

National push to prevent dementia

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Australia is leading the world with the first publicly funded program aimed at reducing the risk of developing dementia.

A new brain health program, Your Brain Matters, will be launched by Alzheimer's Australia this week.

It was funded by the federal government in the 2012 budget, the first prevention program for dementia in the world to receive public funding, said Alzheimer's Australia chief executive Glenn Rees.

He said this showed the condition was being treated as a chronic disease, rather than a normal part of ageing.

Mr Rees said the program was a guide to keeping the brain healthy by exercising the mind and body and eating a nutritious diet.

"It's important to understand that while there is, as yet, no cure for dementia there are things we can all do now - like keeping your brain active, being fit and healthy and looking after your heart - which may help to reduce our risk of developing dementia, or slow cognitive decline in those already diagnosed with dementia," Mr Rees said in a statement.

He said there was evidence to suggest that if physical inactivity could be reduced in Australia by five per cent every five years, this could cut dementia prevalence by 11 per cent by 2051.

This would equate to about 100,000 fewer Australians living with dementia by addressing just one risk factor, he said.

International Alzheimer's expert Dr Serge Gauthier, of McGill University in Canada, who is visiting Australia as part of Dementia Awareness Week, said prevention programs were vital to try to stem the incidence of dementia.

About 280,000 Australians have dementia, with this figure set to soar to almost one million by 2050.

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‘Ride 4 Avi’ motorcycle ride and fundraiser held in Summit on Sept. 23

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The Akian family of Summit will be hosting their third annual charitable fundraiser, Ride 4 Avi: A Tour to Cure on Sunday, Sept. 23, in honor of their 10-year-old son, Avedis; who is affected by an ultra rare, progressive disorder called ataxia telangiectasia (A-T).

The days activities include a state police escorted motorcycle ride followed by a Family Fun Day. Riders can register from 10-11 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus, Shunpike Road in Summit. Motorcyclists will enjoy a light continental breakfast followed by a 60-mile ride of some of New Jerseys most scenic countryside. The Family Fun Day will take place at the Knights of Columbus from noon3 p.m. Tax deductible donations are $20/rider, $10/adult, and $5/child.

Admission includes a BBQ lunch and live entertainment by the Mudbelly Blues Band. A la carte childrens activities include inflatables, face painting, art and crafts, raffles, fall-themed activities, carnival games and treats. All donations from the days events will benefit the A-T Childrens Project, a non-profit organization committed to funding first rate research centered around finding a life saving treatment or cure for A-T.

Avedis, a student at Jefferson School, was diagnosed with A-T in 2009 after a seemingly healthy early childhood. Ataxia Telangiectasia is a rare, genetic disease; that affects only 470 kids in the U.S. Children with A-T lack the ATM gene, which provides instructions for making A-T protein. The protein helps control the rate at which cells grow, divide and repair themselves after injury which is a daily occurrence. The ATM protein also plays an important role in regulating the nervous and immune systems. A-T, in and of itself is not a fatal disease, it is the consequences of the lack of protein that predispose the affected to life threatening cancers, compromised immune systems and atrophy of the cerebellum, that leads to overall loss of coordination. There is no known treatment or cure.

Children with A-T are usually unable to walk by the age of ten and slowly lose their abilities to control movements to read, write, speak, chew and swallow. Those with A-T maintain normal to above normal intelligence and are keenly aware that they are becoming trapped inside a body that no longer works. Although Avedis has significant disabilities on the exterior, he is like every other boy his age on the inside and enjoys boy scouts, roller coasters, playing Wii and watching classic cartoons. Avi would like to grow up to be a chef and own a motorcycle.

Due to the fact that research funds are limited, grassroots fundraising, like this event are essential to fund the private research that is being conducted on A-T, including a promising study done at Rutgers University that has shown the ability to stop the progression of the disease in mice. Avedis and his family have raised $30,000 over the past two years and are hoping to achieve $50,000 this year. For more information about the days activities log on to ride4avi.com.

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'Ride 4 Avi' motorcycle ride and fundraiser held in Summit on Sept. 23

'Ride 4 Avi' motorcycle ride and fundraiser held in Summit on Sept. 23

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The Akian family of Summit will be hosting their third annual charitable fundraiser, Ride 4 Avi: A Tour to Cure on Sunday, Sept. 23, in honor of their 10-year-old son, Avedis; who is affected by an ultra rare, progressive disorder called ataxia telangiectasia (A-T).

The days activities include a state police escorted motorcycle ride followed by a Family Fun Day. Riders can register from 10-11 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus, Shunpike Road in Summit. Motorcyclists will enjoy a light continental breakfast followed by a 60-mile ride of some of New Jerseys most scenic countryside. The Family Fun Day will take place at the Knights of Columbus from noon3 p.m. Tax deductible donations are $20/rider, $10/adult, and $5/child.

Admission includes a BBQ lunch and live entertainment by the Mudbelly Blues Band. A la carte childrens activities include inflatables, face painting, art and crafts, raffles, fall-themed activities, carnival games and treats. All donations from the days events will benefit the A-T Childrens Project, a non-profit organization committed to funding first rate research centered around finding a life saving treatment or cure for A-T.

Avedis, a student at Jefferson School, was diagnosed with A-T in 2009 after a seemingly healthy early childhood. Ataxia Telangiectasia is a rare, genetic disease; that affects only 470 kids in the U.S. Children with A-T lack the ATM gene, which provides instructions for making A-T protein. The protein helps control the rate at which cells grow, divide and repair themselves after injury which is a daily occurrence. The ATM protein also plays an important role in regulating the nervous and immune systems. A-T, in and of itself is not a fatal disease, it is the consequences of the lack of protein that predispose the affected to life threatening cancers, compromised immune systems and atrophy of the cerebellum, that leads to overall loss of coordination. There is no known treatment or cure.

Children with A-T are usually unable to walk by the age of ten and slowly lose their abilities to control movements to read, write, speak, chew and swallow. Those with A-T maintain normal to above normal intelligence and are keenly aware that they are becoming trapped inside a body that no longer works. Although Avedis has significant disabilities on the exterior, he is like every other boy his age on the inside and enjoys boy scouts, roller coasters, playing Wii and watching classic cartoons. Avi would like to grow up to be a chef and own a motorcycle.

Due to the fact that research funds are limited, grassroots fundraising, like this event are essential to fund the private research that is being conducted on A-T, including a promising study done at Rutgers University that has shown the ability to stop the progression of the disease in mice. Avedis and his family have raised $30,000 over the past two years and are hoping to achieve $50,000 this year. For more information about the days activities log on to ride4avi.com.

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'Ride 4 Avi' motorcycle ride and fundraiser held in Summit on Sept. 23

UP student fights disease with bike ride

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University of Portland senior Sam Bridgman is coordinating a bike ride to raise money for Friedreich's ataxia research.

The Sept. 22 ride is the first in the Northwest and one of six Ride Ataxia events across the country to benefit the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance. The nonprofit organization is working toward finding a cure for the rare, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder.

Bridgman says he hopes the ride will increase public awareness about the debilitating disease, which affects about one in 50,000 people -- including Bridgman -- in the United States.

"Because there is no treatment or cure," he says, "it is essential that we fund research in order to find a cure, so that a lot of people out there will be able to live normal lives."

The event has raised $18,326 so far, and organizers hope to raise at least $30,000. The cost is $20 ($25 if registering on the day of the race) for participants who can meet a $150 fundraising minimum by race day; $50 (or $55 if registering the day of the race) without a fundraising minimum. You can also help fund-raise for no additional fee as a "virtual cyclist" without participating in the event.

Participants can choose from a flat, beginner-level six-mile route, or an intermediate route of either 12-, 25-, 37- or 50-mile lengths along Sauvie Island.

A packet pickup will take place 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 21 at event sponsor Outback Steakhouse in Beaverton, and registration will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. All events will begin at Sauvie Island Academy, 14445 N.W. Charlton Road. All registered participants will receive a Ride Ataxia T-shirt, and Outback Steakhouse will provide lunch following the ride.

The event is limited to the first 300 participants; same-day registration is available if space permits. Register at rideataxia.org/portland.

To read The Oregonian's earlier coverage of Bridgman and how the UP community has come to his aid, go to ORne.ws/sam-bridgman.

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Other Advice (Part 4 of 10) – Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit – Video

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13-09-2012 21:29 Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit. Sometimes the difficulties of autism can lead to behaviors that are quite challenging to understand and address. The guiding principle used in developing this kit is that each individual with autism and their family should feel safe and supported, and live a healthy life filled with purpose, dignity, choices and happiness. Download the Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit here: Nicole Weidenbaum, MSEd., SAS, Executive Director, Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism, offers advice for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Questions addressed include: 1) Can you use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) on adolescents and adults with autism? 2) What role can medication play in addressing challenging behaviors? 3) When should I consider residential placement? 4) Where do siblings fit in with all of this? 5) Do you have any general advice for families dealing with challenging behaviors?

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Other Advice (Part 4 of 10) - Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit - Video

Addressing Challenging Behaviors (Part 2 of 10) – Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit – Video

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13-09-2012 21:27 Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit. Sometimes the difficulties of autism can lead to behaviors that are quite challenging to understand and address. The guiding principle used in developing this kit is that each individual with autism and their family should feel safe and supported, and live a healthy life filled with purpose, dignity, choices and happiness. Download the Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit here: Nicole Weidenbaum, MSEd., SAS, Executive Director, Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism answers questions about addressing challenging behaviors. Questions addressed include: 1) Why is it important to address challenging behaviors? 2) What should I know before addressing challenging behaviors? 3) How important is consistency in addressing challenging behaviors? 4) What if I'm having trouble carrying out a behavior plan?

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Addressing Challenging Behaviors (Part 2 of 10) - Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit - Video

TOMY Kicks-Off Donation Program in Conjunction with Autism Speaks

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OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- TOMY, a leading global designer, producer and marketer of toys and collectible products sold to preschoolers, youths and adults, proudly announces a large scale donation in conjunction with Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. TOMY will donate up to five hundred Chuggington Wooden Railway playtables and train sets, with a total value of up to $250,000, to preschools who serve children with autism. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism affects one in 88 children and one in 54 boys. TOMY's donation is designed to help preschools serving children with autism provide wholesome and engaging play opportunities within educational environments.

"Train play is perennially popular with preschoolers, especially boys, engaging them with action-oriented vehicle play, construction elements, imaginative role play and more. Through the years we have had customers who have children with autism tell us how much they love and play with our trains, and we wanted to provide that opportunity to as many preschoolers across the country as we could," states Greg Kilrea, president of TOMY International. "We are thrilled to be working with Autism Speaks through their network of family services, which will connect this donation with hundreds of preschools serving children with autism and offer to provide them with Chuggington playtables and train sets to be incorporated into their facilities."

Chuggington's popularity with kids ages 3-6 combined with the durable, wooden construction of TOMY's award-winning toy train brand make it an ideal solution to share with preschools who are providing vital services to communities nationwide. "The playtables are sturdy and sized perfectly for preschoolers. The Chuggington Wooden Railway sets and engines provide endless opportunities for kids to play or for educators and therapists to incorporate into daily lessons and treatment plans," adds Kilrea.

"This donation program is one of the many ways that Autism Speaks and our partners help communities by providing a fun activity for children," said Lisa Goring, vice president of Family Services at Autism Speaks. "We are grateful to TOMY for its support and generosity to the preschools that will receive playtables."

TOMY has initiated the program in conjunction with back to school 2012 and plans to have all the playtables placed into individual preschools by spring 2013.

About TOMY InternationalTOMY International (www.tomy.com) is a leading global designer, producer and marketer of a broad range of innovative, high-quality toys sold to preschoolers, youths and adults under the TOMY, Ertl, Johnny Lightning and Tomica brands as well as products for mothers, infants and toddlers marketed under its The First Years, Lamaze, JJ Cole Collectionsand Boon brands. TOMY International also markets its products under popular and classic licensed properties such as Chuggington, Dinosaur Train, John Deere, Disney's Winnie the Pooh, Princesses, Cars, Fairies and Toy Story, and other well-known properties. TOMY International's mission is to inspire and fulfill the dreams of children and parents worldwide. TOMY International reaches its target consumers through multiple channels of distribution supporting more than 25,000 retail outlets throughout North and South America, Europe and Australia. TOMY International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based TOMY Company, Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Code No. 7867). TOMY

About AutismAutism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders autism spectrum disorders caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum a 1000 percent increase in the past 40 years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

About Autism SpeaksAutism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed over $180 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 95 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit http://www.autismspeaks.org.

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TOMY Kicks-Off Donation Program in Conjunction with Autism Speaks

Yale receives $15M grant for five-year study on autism in girls

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By Jim Shelton, Register Staff jshelton@nhregister.com / Twitter: @jimboshelton

James McPartland, left, and Kevin Pelphrey of the Yale Child Study Center, will be helping to lead a study of autism in girls.

NEW HAVEN In a major step for autism research, the Yale School of Medicine is embarking on a five-year, $15 million push to develop new diagnostic tools and treatment protocols for autism in girls.

Its part of an overall $100 autism research project announced recently by the National Institutes for Health. Preliminary work already has begun, and Yale researchers expect to start working with patients by December.

This is a game changer, said Kevin Pelphrey of the Yale Child Study Center, who is director of the Yale Autism Center for Excellence and principal investigator for the project. Its a crucial time. If we can put all this research together, I think were going to do something fantastic. Ill be upset if we dont have some kind of treatment to offer.

Autism, a disorder that can impair socialization, communication, learning and behavior, affects one in 88 children in the U.S. It is diagnosed more often today than in previous generations, Pelphrey explained, owing to more standardized diagnostic methods and a greater awareness of autism by physicians.

Its not a true increase in the number of kids having autism, Pelphrey said. Were much better at picking it up now.

Yales work will focus on how autism affects girls. Roughly one in 250 girls in the U.S. develops autism, compared with one in 50 boys.

Due in part to the disparity in numbers, relatively little is known about autism in girls. Yet a small, but growing body of research seems to indicate that autism in girls is distinct both genetically and in terms of behavior.

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Yale receives $15M grant for five-year study on autism in girls

Scientists develop genetic test to predict autism

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Australian scientists have developed a genetic test to predict autism spectrum disorder in children, which could provide a long-sought way for early detection and intervention, according to a study published on Wednesday.

About one in 150 children has autism, with symptoms ranging from social awkwardness and narrow interests to severe communication and intellectual disabilities, said researchers led by the University of Melbourne.

The researchers used U.S. data from more than 3,000 individuals with autism in their study, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, to identify 237 genetic markers in 146 genes and related cellular pathways.

By measuring these markers, which either contribute to or protect an individual from developing autism, scientists could assess the risk of developing autism.

The risk markers increase the score on the genetic test, while the protective markers decrease the score. The higher the overall score, the higher the individual risk.

"This test could assist in the early detection of the condition in babies and children and help in the early management of those who become diagnosed," lead researcher Stan Skafidas said in a statement.

The test correctly predicted autism with more than 70 percent accuracy in people of central European descent, with study into other ethnic groups continuing.

The test would allow clinicians to provide early intervention to reduce behavioral and cognitive difficulties in people with autism.

"Early identification of risk means we can provide interventions to improve overall functioning for those affected, including families," clinical neuropsychologist Renee Testa said in a statement.

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Neuronal Circuits In Autism Can Be Reversed

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Editor's Choice Main Category: Autism Article Date: 15 Sep 2012 - 0:00 PDT

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A specific dysfunction in neuronal circuits has been identified, by Professors Peter Scheiffele and Kaspar Vogt at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, that results from autism.

The researchers also discovered a way to reverse these neuronal changes. They believe that their findings, published in the journal Science, will have a great effect in drug development for treating autism.

Current estimates have revealed that about 1% of all kids develop an autistic spectrum disorder.

Autism is a hereditary developmental disorder of the brain, where people may experience fixed behavioral traits, disabled social functioning,and restricted speech development.

There are several mutations in over 300 genes identified as a central risk factor for the development of autism. One example is the gene neuroligin-3, which has a role in the formation of synapses- a structure that permits a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another cell.

Roche and a team of researchers from the Biozentrum at the University of Basel have detected a fault in the way signals are transmitted through the synapses that change the plasticity and function of the neuronal circuits.

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Autism charity continues fundraising despite Oregon warning, probe

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A charity under investigation by the Oregon Department of Justice has continued to advertise for paid fundraisers in the Portland-Vancouver area four months after telling state prosecutors it was shutting down.

In June, saying Olympia-based Autism Awareness United appeared to have broken state laws, DOJ threatened legal action if the organization did not agree to stop raising money in Oregon. However, as of Friday, the group had not signed any agreement, and according to autism activists, has continued to raise money from Oregonians using paid fundraisers who set up tables outside supermarkets and other stores.

The state's investigation turned up receipts showing the nonprofit's debit card was used to pay for meals, cocktails, Chianti and other, unidentified expenses at a local casino. While not illegal, such expenses raise questions with charity oversight experts about a group's effectiveness. Meanwhile, Autism Awareness spent just 3 percent of its funds from late 2010 through early 2012 on direct assistance to needy families or autism-related agencies, according to documents obtained by The Oregonian under public records law.

In late March, the state launched its investigation after receiving an inquiry from The Oregonian as well as a citizen tip that the group had been selling raffle tickets in Oregon, which, if involving $10,000 or more, is legal only for charities that are federally tax-exempt. Autism Awareness United is a state-approved nonprofit, but not federal.

The group's president, Joe Searles, denied wrongdoing in an interview early this year but declined to respond to follow-up requests for information, including for this story.

Searles is a latecomer to professional charity work. He pleaded guilty to illegal gambling in 1985 for running a sports-betting operation from a government car on work time as a state mail courier in Washington. Last year he agreed to a five-year ban from the mortgage business after a Washington state administrative action and several lawsuits were filed accusing his real estate businesses of fraud.

In April 2010, Searles and his wife started fundraising for the Autism Society of Washington, a long-standing group, under a 12-month contract that let the Searles keep 80 percent of what they collected. The society's board later canceled the contract and sent documents to the state of Washington alleging Searles' group used "deceptive practices in soliciting the money."

The nonprofit's stated mission is "to spread awareness about autism spectrum disorders, and to raise funds to assist low-income families in gaining access to available interventions, therapies and resources."

According to documents turned over to DOJ, the group raised about $276,000 between late 2010 and early 2012, while dispersing $8,750 in direct grants to families and other groups that help autistic people, including $2,000 in Oregon.

The group submitted a financial report to Washington state earlier this week saying it raised $199,760 in 2011 and spent $122,000 on "program services." However, it's unclear whether the charity included salaries and payments to fundraisers, because the state does not clearly define program services, according to state charities officials.

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Disorder of neuronal circuits in autism is reversible, new study suggests

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ScienceDaily (Sep. 14, 2012) People with autism suffer from a pervasive developmental disorder of the brain that becomes evident in early childhood. Peter Scheiffele and Kaspar Vogt, Professors at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, have identified a specific dysfunction in neuronal circuits that is caused by autism. In the journal Science, the scientists also report about their success in reversing these neuronal changes. These findings are an important step in drug development for the treatment for autism.

According to current estimates, about one percent of all children develop an autistic spectrum disorder. Individuals with autism may exhibit impaired social behavior, rigid patterns of behavior and limited speech development. Autism is a hereditary developmental disorder of the brain. A central risk factor for the development of autism are numerous mutations in over 300 genes that have been identified, including the gene neuroligin-3, which is involved in the formation of synapses, the contact junction between nerve cells.

Loss of neuroligin-3 interferes with neuronal signal transmission

The consequences of neuroligin-3 loss can be studied in animal models. Mice lacking the gene for neuroligin-3 develop behavioral patterns reflecting important aspects observed in autism. In collaboration with Roche the research groups from the Biozentrum at the University of Basel have now identified a defect in synaptic signal transmission that interferes with the function and plasticity of the neuronal circuits. These negative effects are associated with increased production of a specific neuronal glutamate receptor, which modulates the signal transmission between neurons. An excess of these receptors inhibits the adaptation of the synaptic signal transmission during the learning process, thus disrupting the development and function of the brain in the long term.

Of major importance is the finding that the impaired development of the neuronal circuit in the brain is reversible. When the scientists reactivated the production of neuroligin-3 in the mice, the nerve cells scaled down the production of the glutamate receptors to a normal level and the structural defects in the brain typical for autism disappeared. Hence, these glutamate receptors could be a suitable pharmacological target in order to stop the developmental disorder autism or even reverse it.

Vision for the future: Medication for autism

Autism currently cannot be cured. At present, only the symptoms of the disorder can be alleviated through behavioral therapy and other treatment. A new approach to its treatment, however, has been uncovered through the results of this study. In one of the European Union supported projects, EU-AIMS, the research groups from the Biozentrum are working in collaboration with Roche and other partners in industry on applying glutamate receptor antagonists for the treatment of autism and hope, that in the future, this disorder can be treated successfully in both children and adults.

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Disorder of neuronal circuits in autism is reversible, new study suggests

Whitehead Scientists Bring New Efficiency to Stem Cell Reprogramming

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Newswise CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (September 13, 2012) Several years ago, biologists discovered that regular body cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells cells with the ability to become any other type of cell. Such cells hold great promise for treating many human diseases.

These induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are usually created by genetically modifying cells to overexpress four genes that make them revert to an immature, embryonic state. However, the procedure works in only a small percentage of cells.

Now, new genetic markers identified by researchers at Whitehead Institute and MIT could help make that process more efficient, allowing scientists to predict which treated cells will successfully become pluripotent.

The new paper, published in the Sept. 13 online edition of Cell, also identifies new combinations of reprogramming factors that produce iPSCs, according to the researchers.

Led by Rudolf Jaenisch, a Whitehead Founding Member and an MIT professor of biology, the study is the first to examine genetic changes that occur in individual cells as they become pluripotent. Previous studies have only looked at gene-expression changes in large populations of cells not all of which will actually reprogram making it harder to pick out genes involved in the process.

In previous studies, you werent able to detect the few cells that expressed predictive pluripotency markers. The really cool part of this study is that you can detect two or three cells that express these important genes early, which has never been done before, says Dina Faddah, a graduate student in Jaenischs lab and one of the papers lead authors.

The other lead author is Yosef Buganim, a postdoc at Whitehead Institute.

Single-cell analysis

In 2007, scientists discovered that adult human cells could be reprogrammed by overexpressing four genes Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc and Klf4. However, in a population of cells in which those genes are overexpressed, only about 0.1 to 1 percent will become pluripotent.

In the new study, Jaenischs team reprogrammed mouse embryonic fibroblast cells and then measured their expression of 48 genes known or suspected to be involved in pluripotency at several points during the process. This allowed them to compare gene-expression profiles in cells that became pluripotent, those that did not, and those that were only partially reprogrammed.

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Whitehead Scientists Bring New Efficiency to Stem Cell Reprogramming

Probing matters of the heart: Stem cell differentiation study sheds light on genetic basis of heart disease

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ScienceDaily (Sep. 14, 2012) The fate of an embryonic stem cell, which has the potential to become any type of body cell, is determined by a complex interaction of genes, proteins that bind DNA, and molecules that modify those genes and proteins.

In a new paper, biologists from MIT and the University of California at San Francisco have outlined how those interactions direct the development of stem cells into mature heart cells. The study, the first to follow heart-cell differentiation over time in such detail, could help scientists better understand how particular mutations can lead to congenital heart defects. It could also assist efforts to engineer artificial heart tissue.

"We're hoping that some of the information we've been able to glean from our study will help us to approach a new understanding of heart development, and also lead to the possibility of using cells that are generated in a dish to replace heart cells that are lost as a consequence of aging and disease," says Laurie Boyer, an associate professor of biology at MIT and a senior author of the paper, which appears in the Sept. 13 online edition of Cell.

Research in Boyer's lab focuses on how DNA is organized and controlled in different cell types to create the wide variety of cells that make up the human body.

Inside a cell, DNA is wrapped around proteins called histones, which help control which genes are accessible at any given time. Histones may be tagged with different chemical modifications, which influence whether a particular stretch of DNA is exposed or hidden.

"These modifications cause structural changes that can act as docking sites for other factors to bind," says Joe Wamstad, a postdoc in Boyer's lab and one of the lead authors of the Cell paper. "It may make the DNA more or less accessible to manipulation by other factors, helping to ensure that you don't express a gene at the wrong time."

In this paper, the researchers found that histone-modification patterns shift rapidly as a stem cell differentiates. Furthermore, the patterns reveal genes that are active at different stages, as well as regulatory elements that control those genes.

Tracking development

To discover those patterns, the researchers grew mouse embryonic stem cells in a lab dish and treated them with proteins and growth factors that drive heart cell development. The cells could be followed through four distinct stages, from embryonic stem cells to fully differentiated cardiomyocytes (the cells that compose heart muscle). At each stage, the researchers used high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze histone modifications and determine which genes were being expressed.

"It's basically watching differentiation over time in a dish, and being able to take snapshots of that and put it all together to try to understand how the complex process of cardiac commitment is regulated," Boyer says.

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Probing matters of the heart: Stem cell differentiation study sheds light on genetic basis of heart disease

Professional Conferences Held as Part of Cryo-Save's Cord Blood Awareness Months

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Zutphen, The Netherlands (ots/PRNewswire) -

Cryo-Save Group promotes the awareness of cord blood storage and stem cell therapies at several professional conferences held throughout eastern and southern Europe.

It is with great pleasure that Cryo-Save supports the awareness, research and advancement of cord blood storage and therapies by taking part in and sponsoring four major conferences in Cyprus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Hungary during the months of September and October.

Stem cells are becoming ever more important in the medical field as a way to treat a broad variety of malignant and non-malignant diseases such as leukemia's and other childhood cancers. Patients suffering from sickle cell anemia have been considered cured after being treated with stem cells.[1] Over 4,000 clinical trials using cord blood stem cells are taking place to treat diseases such as cerebral palsy, diabetes and autism with many more potential clinical trials continuing to develop.

"Cryo-Save's efforts to inform the medical community about advances in regenerative medicine means that patients suffering from diseases treatable with stem cells can also become better informed," says Dr. Cherie Daly, Medical Affairs Manager Cryo-Save. "Having a series of events and programs as part of Cord Blood Awareness Months makes an even stronger impact on the meaningfulness of this research and its application." Cryo-Save Group will continue its commitment to promoting the storage of cord blood and stem cells even after Cord Blood Awareness Months by offering several customer related promotions.

A half-day conference in Limassol, Cyprus will be held September 15 giving the medical community the opportunity to talk with scientists specialized in stem cells about the latest applications and cord blood and tissue regulatory requirements. Cryo-Save's Medical Affairs Manager Dr. Cherie Daly, member of ITERA (International Tissue Engineering Research Association), member of the Advisory Panel for the Parents' Guide to Cord Blood Foundation and Dr. Sally Sennitt, Cryo-Save Lab Director, will be there to present on these topics.

The third International Conference on Regenerative Medicine: Stem Cells, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnologies will take place September 21 in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Arnoud van Tulder, Cryo-Save Group CEO, will present on the "Importance of Family Stem Cell Banking: Over 10 Years of Leading Experience." Medical professionals will also present on subjects like applications of cord blood, stem cell therapies and pharmacogenomics.

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1. University of Illinois at Chicago (2012, June 18). Chicago woman cured of sickle cell disease. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 12, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120618194714.htm

With the idea of broadening perspectives and expanding knowledge in the areas of regenerative medicine, genetics and clinical applications, Cryo-Save Serbia will be sponsoring the fifth International Symposium on Regenerative and Personalised Medicine on October 4 in Belgrade. Leading speakers such as Prof. Dr. Daniel Surbek from the University of Bern, Switzerland and Maja Stojiljkovic Petrovic, PhD of IMGGE, University of Belgrade will present their research and other works pertaining to stem cell application in tissue engineering at the symposium.

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Professional Conferences Held as Part of Cryo-Save's Cord Blood Awareness Months

Professional Conferences Held as Part of Cryo-Save’s Cord Blood Awareness Months

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Zutphen, The Netherlands (ots/PRNewswire) -

Cryo-Save Group promotes the awareness of cord blood storage and stem cell therapies at several professional conferences held throughout eastern and southern Europe.

It is with great pleasure that Cryo-Save supports the awareness, research and advancement of cord blood storage and therapies by taking part in and sponsoring four major conferences in Cyprus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Hungary during the months of September and October.

Stem cells are becoming ever more important in the medical field as a way to treat a broad variety of malignant and non-malignant diseases such as leukemia's and other childhood cancers. Patients suffering from sickle cell anemia have been considered cured after being treated with stem cells.[1] Over 4,000 clinical trials using cord blood stem cells are taking place to treat diseases such as cerebral palsy, diabetes and autism with many more potential clinical trials continuing to develop.

"Cryo-Save's efforts to inform the medical community about advances in regenerative medicine means that patients suffering from diseases treatable with stem cells can also become better informed," says Dr. Cherie Daly, Medical Affairs Manager Cryo-Save. "Having a series of events and programs as part of Cord Blood Awareness Months makes an even stronger impact on the meaningfulness of this research and its application." Cryo-Save Group will continue its commitment to promoting the storage of cord blood and stem cells even after Cord Blood Awareness Months by offering several customer related promotions.

A half-day conference in Limassol, Cyprus will be held September 15 giving the medical community the opportunity to talk with scientists specialized in stem cells about the latest applications and cord blood and tissue regulatory requirements. Cryo-Save's Medical Affairs Manager Dr. Cherie Daly, member of ITERA (International Tissue Engineering Research Association), member of the Advisory Panel for the Parents' Guide to Cord Blood Foundation and Dr. Sally Sennitt, Cryo-Save Lab Director, will be there to present on these topics.

The third International Conference on Regenerative Medicine: Stem Cells, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnologies will take place September 21 in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Arnoud van Tulder, Cryo-Save Group CEO, will present on the "Importance of Family Stem Cell Banking: Over 10 Years of Leading Experience." Medical professionals will also present on subjects like applications of cord blood, stem cell therapies and pharmacogenomics.

--------------------------------------------------

1. University of Illinois at Chicago (2012, June 18). Chicago woman cured of sickle cell disease. ScienceDaily. Retrieved September 12, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120618194714.htm

With the idea of broadening perspectives and expanding knowledge in the areas of regenerative medicine, genetics and clinical applications, Cryo-Save Serbia will be sponsoring the fifth International Symposium on Regenerative and Personalised Medicine on October 4 in Belgrade. Leading speakers such as Prof. Dr. Daniel Surbek from the University of Bern, Switzerland and Maja Stojiljkovic Petrovic, PhD of IMGGE, University of Belgrade will present their research and other works pertaining to stem cell application in tissue engineering at the symposium.

Excerpt from:
Professional Conferences Held as Part of Cryo-Save's Cord Blood Awareness Months

Tracking stem cell reprogramming: Biologists reveal genes key to development of pluripotency, in single cells

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ScienceDaily (Sep. 13, 2012) Several years ago, biologists discovered that regular body cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells -- cells with the ability to become any other type of cell. Such cells hold great promise for treating many human diseases.

These induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are usually created by genetically modifying cells to overexpress four genes that make them revert to an immature, embryonic state. However, the procedure works in only a small percentage of cells.

Now, new genetic markers identified by researchers at MIT and the Whitehead Institute could help make that process more efficient, allowing scientists to predict which treated cells will successfully become pluripotent.

The new paper, published in the Sept. 13 online edition of Cell, also identifies new combinations of reprogramming factors that produce iPSCs, according to the researchers.

Led by Rudolf Jaenisch, an MIT professor of biology and member of the Whitehead Institute, the study is the first to examine genetic changes that occur in individual cells as they become pluripotent. Previous studies have only looked at gene-expression changes in large populations of cells -- not all of which will actually reprogram -- making it harder to pick out genes involved in the process.

"In previous studies, you weren't able to detect the few cells that expressed predictive pluripotency markers. The really cool part of this study is that you can detect two or three cells that express these important genes early, which has never been done before," says Dina Faddah, a graduate student in Jaenisch's lab and one of the paper's lead authors.

The other lead author is Yosef Buganim, a postdoc at the Whitehead Institute.

Single-cell analysis

In 2007, scientists discovered that adult human cells could be reprogrammed by overexpressing four genes -- Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc and Klf4. However, in a population of cells in which those genes are overexpressed, only about 0.1 to 1 percent will become pluripotent.

In the new study, Jaenisch's team reprogrammed mouse embryonic fibroblast cells and then measured their expression of 48 genes known or suspected to be involved in pluripotency at several points during the process. This allowed them to compare gene-expression profiles in cells that became pluripotent, those that did not, and those that were only partially reprogrammed.

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Tracking stem cell reprogramming: Biologists reveal genes key to development of pluripotency, in single cells

Scientists bring new efficiency to stem cell reprogramming

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In this image of mouse embryonic fibroblasts undergoing reprogramming, each colored dot represents messenger RNA associated with a specific gene that is active in cells being reprogrammed. Red dots represent mRNA for the gene Sall4, green is Sox2, and blue is Fbxo15. The researchers determined that Sox2 activates Sall4 and then activates the downstream gene Fbxo15, creating a gene hierarchy in the later phase of reprogramming. Credit: Dina Faddah/Whitehead Institute

Several years ago, biologists discovered that regular body cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cellscells with the ability to become any other type of cell. Such cells hold great promise for treating many human diseases.

These induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are usually created by genetically modifying cells to overexpress four genes that make them revert to an immature, embryonic state. However, the procedure works in only a small percentage of cells.

Now, new genetic markers identified by researchers at Whitehead Institute and MIT could help make that process more efficient, allowing scientists to predict which treated cells will successfully become pluripotent.

The new paper, published in the Sept. 13 online edition of Cell, also identifies new combinations of reprogramming factors that produce iPSCs, according to the researchers.

Led by Rudolf Jaenisch, a Whitehead Founding Member and an MIT professor of biology, the study is the first to examine genetic changes that occur in individual cells as they become pluripotent. Previous studies have only looked at gene-expression changes in large populations of cellsnot all of which will actually reprogrammaking it harder to pick out genes involved in the process.

"In previous studies, you weren't able to detect the few cells that expressed predictive pluripotency markers. The really cool part of this study is that you can detect two or three cells that express these important genes early, which has never been done before," says Dina Faddah, a graduate student in Jaenisch's lab and one of the paper's lead authors.

The other lead author is Yosef Buganim, a postdoc at Whitehead Institute.

Single-cell analysis

In 2007, scientists discovered that adult human cells could be reprogrammed by overexpressing four genesOct4, Sox2, c-Myc and Klf4. However, in a population of cells in which those genes are overexpressed, only about 0.1 to 1 percent will become pluripotent.

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Scientists bring new efficiency to stem cell reprogramming

RNL BIO, a South Korean adult stem cell firm, introduces its autologous stem cell therapeutics in Turkey to treat …

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SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --RNL Bio (www.rnl.co.kr) announced on Sep 11, 2012 that it signed the agreement with RST Biomedikal Sanayi A.S. (RST), a Turkish company, to license RNL Bio's stem cell technology. Turkey is the 6th country where RNL Bio's stem cell technology has entered. This is one of the major accomplishments that RNL BIO has long focused on establishing the so-called 'Stem Cell Silk Road' with South Korean stem cell technology to give hope to patients with intractable diseases in the world.

RST as a licensee will pay the $5 million fee upfront within 60 days from the agreement and will continue to pay the running royalty of 15% of the revenue, which could be up to $ 200 million. RST will benefit from the geographical advantages of Turkey where Western, Arabic and Oriental cultures are crossed. It plans to establish a GMP facility and invite patients from Europe and Middle East early next year.

Ilknur Erdemin, CEO of RST said, "We expect to improve public health and the quality of life in Turkey through stem cell therapy technology imported from RNL BIO in treating various intractable diseases. We will also grow Turkey to one of the world's most renowned country in regards to medical tourism with RNL's stem cell technology in combination with Turkish World's Heritage." To begin with, RST will focus on the treatment ofdiabeticcomplications, autoimmune diseases, cerebral palsy, and degenerative arthritis with RNL's autologous adipose derived stem cell technology. Stem cell therapy has already been allowed by Turkish health authority since 2011. Turkey actively promotes the industry of regenerative medicine and makes a quick move to expand in related fields.

Dr. Jeong-Chan Ra, president of RNL Stem Cell Technology Institute said, "This licensing deal will be a good opportunity todevelopRNL's stem cell technology to be the world's standards and tofulfillmy goal to make RNL BIO a company that will have treated and helped the most patients suffering from intractable diseases." He had a seminar introducing his stem cell studies to Turkish attendees from related fields and distinguished invitees one day prior to signing licensing agreement.

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RNL BIO, a South Korean adult stem cell firm, introduces its autologous stem cell therapeutics in Turkey to treat ...