Monthly Archives: January 2014

Psoriatic arthritis – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Psoriatic arthritis (also arthritis psoriatica, arthropathic psoriasis or psoriatic arthropathy) is a type of inflammatory arthritis[1][2] that will develop in up to 30 percent of people who have the chronic skin condition psoriasis.[3] Psoriatic arthritis is said to be a seronegative spondyloarthropathy and therefore occurs more commonly in patients with tissue type HLA-B27.

Common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:[4]

Along with the above noted pain and inflammation, there is extreme exhaustion that does not go away with adequate rest. The exhaustion may last for days or weeks without abatement. Psoriatic arthritis may remain mild, or may progress to more destructive joint disease. Periods of active disease, or flares, will typically alternate with periods of remission. In severe forms, psoriatic arthritis may progress to arthritis mutilans. [5]:1096

Because prolonged inflammation can lead to joint damage, early diagnosis and treatment to slow or prevent joint damage is recommended.[6]

The exact causes are not yet known, but a number of genetic associations have been identified in a genome-wide association study of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis including HLA-B27.[7][8]

There is no definitive test to diagnose psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis may closely resemble other diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. A rheumatologist (a doctor specializing in diseases affecting the joints) may use physical examinations, health history, blood tests and x-rays to accurately diagnose psoriatic arthritis.

Factors that contribute to a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis include:

Other symptoms that are more typical of psoriatic arthritis than other forms of arthritis include inflammation in the Achilles tendon (at the back of the heel) or the Plantar fascia (bottom of the feet), and dactylitis (sausage-like swelling of the fingers or toes).[9]

There are five main types of psoriatic arthritis:

The underlying process in psoriatic arthritis is inflammation; therefore treatments are directed at reducing and controlling inflammation. Milder cases of psoriatic arthitis may be treated with NSAIDS alone; however there is a trend toward earlier use of Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or biological response modifiers to prevent irreversible joint destruction.

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Psoriatic arthritis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Psoriasis: MedlinePlus en español

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La psoriasis es una enfermedad de la piel que causa picazn o parches dolorosos de piel engrosada y enrojecida con escamas plateadas. Suele aparecer en los hombros, las rodillas, el cuero cabelludo, la espalda, la cara, las palmas de las manos y las plantas de los pies, pero tambin puede presentarse en otras partes del cuerpo. Algunas personas con esta condicin pueden adquirir una forma de artritis conocida como artritis psorisica.

La causa de la psoriasis es un problema en el sistema inmunolgico. En un proceso llamado recambio celular, las clulas de la piel que crecen en la parte ms profunda de la piel avanzan hacia la superficie. Normalmente, esto demora un mes. En la psoriasis, ocurre en algunos das debido a que las clulas avanzan demasiado rpido.

La psoriasis puede persistir por mucho tiempo, incluso durante toda la vida. Los sntomas aparecen y desaparecen y los factores que pueden empeorarlos incluyen:

La psoriasis suele ocurrir entre los adultos. Algunas veces es hereditaria. Los tratamientos incluyen cremas, medicinas y fototerapia.

NIH: Instituto Nacional de Artritis y Enfermedades Musculoesquelticas y de la Piel

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Psoriasis: MedlinePlus en español

Psoriasis – My Home Remedies

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WARNING: This home remedies site is intended to be archival in nature. The natural remedies here are submitted by numerous people from around the world, and we have no way to test or verify every remedy. As such these home remedies should be used for academic purposes only. Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.

NOTICE: This page was generated previously and may not be up to date. To view the most recent page, go to the dynamically generated version of the Psoriasis home remedies page.

Psoriasis Home Remedies:

Submitted by Jason at 2012-06-25 03:00:11 Recently on a trip, I noticed my psoriasis reduced dramatically. When I got back home I showed my wife and asked what she thought the cause was.....within a day however, it was back in full force.

I began to back track and see what was different and low and behold I found it. At our house, we have big jugs of juice in our fridge that we all drink from. I drink on an average 5-10 glasses per day.

I realized that was the only thing missing from my trip. I stopped drinking the juice.....and within one week, the redness, flaking, cracking, and hurting in my fingers is 95% better. Almost completely gone in fact for the first time in several years.

I then began to research the juice and psoriasis relationship. It was the ASPARTAME!!!!!!!!! I have eliminated it completely and I am all (dare I say) but psoriasis free..... My fingers show little signs of anything. In fact, at a normal glance, you can't see a drop of psoriasis.

This may be an all too overlooked contributor to the horrible red appearance, painful cracking, and flare ups.

While trying ointments, medicine, ultraviolet therapy, and spending $$ with no success, I found the answer literally under my nose in the cup I was drinking from. I hope this works for you!!! DOWN WITH ASPARTAME!!! rating: 9 (140 votes)

Submitted at 2012-05-23 23:16:52 steroids,enbrel,humira,petroleum jelly bleach !!!!!!!!! are you kidding me. i've had 'p' for 25 years. everything i recommend or say is my own opinion and works for me you will have to do your own research and experimentation.

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Psoriasis - My Home Remedies

CNN anchor: How I fight psoriasis

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STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Editor's note: Zain Verjee anchors the Europe morning show for CNN International from London. Earlier this month, she wrote about her battle with psoriasis, a condition that sees skin cells duplicate too frequently, resulting in scale-like plaques. Verjee successfully sent the condition into remission after attending a clinic that focused on mind, body and spirit and adapting her diet. In response to questions from readers, Verjee now shares more detail of how she tackled psoriasis. This is her personal experience only and is in no way an endorsement by CNN of the methods described.

(CNN) -- One of the most powerful experiences in life is to have deep, meaningful connection. Without it we are empty. Each message I received about my struggle with psoriasis was a new connection that brought with it a tapestry of fulfillment, gratitude and inspiration for me. Thank you.

Many of you have asked me about diet. For me, it was, the most long-term solution to heal my severe psoriasis then, requiring the toughest self-discipline and a team of cheerleaders. Here's what I did, with what I learned at the clinic in South Africa, and my mother, Yasmin's help. Mum and I also used the book "Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative" by Dr. John O.A. Pagano to help explain diet in more detail and the science of natural healing.

Stuff I did not eat: Sugar, coffee, tea, soda, red meat (except for lamb), shellfish, oranges (I had very little citrus at all), "hot" spices, pumpkin, onions, garlic, tomato, mushrooms, eggplant, peppers, chili, paprika, cheese, white rice, white flour, bread, eggs, butter, cookies, chocolate, alcohol, tobacco, cranberries, blueberries, plums, strawberries, cream, lentils, peas, white potatoes, yeast.

Stuff I could eat: Brown rice or wild rice, plain chicken or lamb, honey, apple, melon, banana, leafy green salads (no dressing), plain low-fat yogurt, celery, spinach, broccoli, corn, sweet potato pear, papaya, apricot, grilled fish, turkey, wholegrain muffin or bagel, bran, almonds, low-fat milk, wholegrain pasta. Loads of water.

Famous folks with psoriasis

Famous folks with psoriasis

Famous folks with psoriasis

Famous folks with psoriasis

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CNN anchor: How I fight psoriasis

Psoriasis can be managed with proper treatment

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By Erik Gilbertson, M.D. 6 a.m.Jan. 9, 2014

This column is written by experts in the medical field and provides health-care insights to help educate consumers.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which white blood cells, called T-lymphocyctes, cause inflammation on the skin. In particular, skin cells multiply too rapidly, causing red raised patches and a scaly plaque to grow on the skin.

Psoriasis is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the United States. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 7.5 million Americans have the condition. It generally develops in the 20s or 30s, although it may develop in later life as well. About 50 percent of people who have psoriasis have some family history of the disorder.

Psoriasis can range from mild cases that cause a few spots on the elbows and knees, to severe cases that cover most of the body. It can have a significant psychosocial impact, as people with the disorder are often very self-conscious and reluctant to pursue personal relationships. Even work can be affected. For example, people with psoriasis on their hands are not allowed to work in food service.

Because psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition, patients may have a higher incidence of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or other concerns. Studies show that between 10 and 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. It is very important for psoriasis patients to have a full physical evaluation and mention any arthritis symptoms to their physicians.

For mild cases, the first lines of treatment are topical creams applied to the skin to slow the rate of cell reproduction and decrease inflammation. Steroid creams are used most often, but topicals that contain vitamin A or synthetic vitamin D may also be recommended. These are generally available only by prescription. Creams that contain aloe vera, neem oil and other natural substances also may help soothe symptoms and are available over the counter.

Patients who do not get results from topical treatments, have moderate to severe psoriasis, or also have psoriatic arthritis may be treated with systemic medications that work throughout the body to reduce inflammation. Oral systemic drugs include retinoids, which are synthetic forms of vitamin A, and methotrexate, a low-dose chemotherapy medication that can greatly reduce psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Immunosuppressants like cyclosporine and CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil), which slow the growth of immune cells, may be used for up to a year in qualified patients.

A newer class of systemic therapies called biologics target a protein that is largely responsible for the inflammation and rapid cell growth associated with psoriasis. Products like Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab) and Stelara (ustekinumab) are injected every week or every two weeks and can be very effective in treating both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. However, these drugs do come with potentially severe side effects, including lowered immunity and an increased risk of serious infections.

Patients must be screened for tuberculosis before starting biologics therapy. Clinical studies are under way to explore a new generation of biologics that will ideally have fewer side effects and require less frequent injections.

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Psoriasis can be managed with proper treatment

Dream Come True To Travel With FIFA World Cup Trophy – Annamaria Gazda

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By Karina Imran

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 9 (Bernama) -- "It is like a dream come true," said the 32-year old Hungarian woman who had travelled with FIFA World Cup Trophy tours to 32 countries, when it made its stopover in Malaysia recently.

Annamaria Gazda, who works for the Coca-Cola Company as a Global Asset Manager in Atlanta, United States, for almost seven years could not imagine how she felt when first asked to join the tours.

"This is a once in a lifetime experience, only few people have a chance to be here... to be a representative for the company (Coca-Cola) and the World Cup trophy. Travel with the trophy around the world.. I am glad, I am the chosen one.

"I feel like I am a small ambassador.. It is not only once in a lifetime opportunity but it was like dream come true for me to be involved in such an amazing project," she told Bernama in an exclusive interview during her tour to Malaysia from Jan 3 to 5.

Gazda said in total there were 90 stopovers (countries) but her tour involved only 50 of them. The trophy arrived in Malaysia from Vietnam thereafter made its way to Jakarta. Malaysia was the 56th stopover.

Gazda said the experience travelling with the trophy around the world was eye opening for her to see and learn about others culture and lifestyles.

"Everyone that I have met in this country were extremely nice and very welcoming. Malaysian football fans are full of passion. Wherever the trophy stopped in this country, there were always big crowds. They are happy to see it although nobody is allowed to touch it.

"No matter where you go, football is very powerful. Wherever you come from, what language you speak but in football, it has its own language...everybody can understand it. It is something that can unite everybody no matter where you come from, it brings us together," she said.

She said her first World Cup experience was very memorable as it gave her a chance to see how people got so excited and united because of the trophy.

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Dream Come True To Travel With FIFA World Cup Trophy - Annamaria Gazda

Super Bowl to Be Streamed Live For Free By Fox

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Fox playoff games wont get the same treatment

Jan 10 2014, 9:10am CST | by Shane McGlaun

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Football fans that won't be near a TV when the Super Bowl airs have something to be thankful for. Fox has announced that it will live stream the Super Bowl for free on the web reports Variety. That means you will be able to watch the big game from anywhere you can get a web connection and power for your computer.

The Super Bowl will be live streamed on February 2 and the 2014 game will mark the third year it has been streamed for free. Oddly, while Fox is letting anyone watch the Super Bowl for free, it is hiding certain post season games in the playoffs behind a pay wall.

Some of the post season games will only be available on the web to people that subscribe to cable TV companies that are participating. Some of those participating cable providers include Comcast. AT&T U-verse, and Cablevision Systems. The streaming coverage of the game will begin at 6:30 pm Eastern on Sunday February 2.

Football fans will be able to see streaming coverage of the AFC playoffs on CBSsports.com at no cost. CBS will be offering key playoff games free online for the first time ever.

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Super Bowl to Be Streamed Live For Free By Fox

Stem Cell Treatment for Arthritis

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Stem Cell Treatment for Arthritis

Mesenchymal stem cells have been shown in recent studies to have significant effects on a variety of conditions including both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. As the mechanisms behind these two forms of arthritic degeneration differ, the potential stem cell treatment for arthritis is likely to be administered differently and make use of a variety of properties of stem cells, such as their regenerative abilities, and the capacity for some stem cell types to help regulate immune function. Patients undergoing stem cell treatments for unrelated conditions have reported significant relief from their arthritis after such therapy even though this was not the reason for them obtaining treatment initially; these stories are anecdotal however, and do not constitute evidence for applying treatment more widely. Intravenous stem cell therapy using haematopoietic stem cells has been used extensively in veterinary medicine for a number of years. Often, stem cell treatment for arthritis in companion animals and race horses with signs of the condition (both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis) direct injections of stem cells into the damaged joint have proven effective at inhibiting the autoimmune attacks consistent with RA, reducing inflammation and pain in the joint, and supporting active tissue regeneration.

Stem Cell Treatment for Arthritis brings hope to millions suffering from arthritic conditions

The conditions under which stem cells are implanted appear to make all the difference between active regeneration and hypertrophy of joint tissue. Researchers are wary of the ad hoc use of stem cells for joint repair as it may be that the growth encouraged by stem cells may be adversely influenced by pre-existing pathology in an arthritis patients joints leading to exaggerated tissue growth that may further exacerbate the problems. Using a small number of chondrocytes alongside mesenchymal stem cells may make a significant difference in cultivating healthy cartilage repair without hypertrophy (excessive growth) occurring (Aung, et al, 2011).

A further study by Abedi (et al, 2010) appears to show that the use of scaffolding material alongside mesenchymal stem cell administration improves the healing process in induced articular cartilage defects in animal models (rabbits) in comparison to the stem cells alone. By encouraging differentiation into cartilage tissue types the almost universal progression of articular cartilage damage to osteoarthritis could, theoretically, be prevented using stem cell therapy. MSCs from osteoarthritis patients used in research has also led to the development of intelligent surfaces which can effectively prevent hypertrophy of such stem cells in the laboratory whilst facilitating cartilage regrowth (Petit, et al, 2011); further research in vitro is required to assess their use for therapeutic purposes however. A review of current research into synoviocytes and chondrogenesis has also highlighted a potential source of stem cells which may actively aid repair of avascular meniscal injuries that are otherwise unresponsive to treatment and commonly lead to osteoarthritis (Fox, et al, 2011).

Mesenchymal stem cells, which can differentiate into bone, cartilage, and a number of other cell types appear to hold great potential for easing osteoarthritis joint pain and possibly regenerating damaged tissue. However, MSC therapy alone is unlikely to address the systemic issue of autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis. Just as haematopoietic stem cells can help combat leukaemia, their use following myeloablation (the destruction of the bodys immune-forming cells in the bone marrow) looks promising for treatment of RA (Sykes, et al, 2005).

A study by Bhattacharya (et al, 2001) to test the safety of using umbilical cord blood for those with a variety of conditions found that the transfusions were well tolerated by all 62 of the patients and that the cord blood had the advantages of a higher oxygen carrying capacity, many growth factors and cytokines, and was also less likely to cause an immune reaction than adult whole blood transfusions. The study did not aim to assess the potential benefits of the stem cell treatment, only the safety of such procedures for those with rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis in the neck, ankylosing spondylitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, amongst other conditions.

The ability to derive stem cells from patients themselves is also opening up a whole new realm of possible treatments which do not require the use of human embryonic stem cells or cord blood stem cells which are less readily available and mired in some ethical controversy. Autologous stem cell transplants are also advantageous as they do not trigger an immune response causing rejection of the material in the body; immunosuppressant drugs are, therefore, not necessary. Jorgensen (et al, 2004) stated that mesenchymal stem cells appeared to be good candidates for the regeneration of arthritic tissue and that more research was required to assess their viability. This research has been carried out in subsequent years by a whole host of scientists such as Mao (2005), Gonzlez (et al, 2009), and Tyndall (et al, 2010).

Some studies have looked at animal models with induced rheumatoid arthritis and their reaction to mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. Across a number of studies the effects have been positive, with the Th1-induced autoimmune response down-regulated by the stem cell treatment. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells also decreased inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the mouse models and actively increased the production of antiinflammatory substance interleukin-10 in lymph nodes and joints. A, perhaps unexpected, benefit of human AD-MSCs was the de novo generation of antigen-specific CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells, which were then able to suppress those immune system cells which react against the bodys own tissue.

According to Passweg and Tyndall (2007), more than a 1000 patients with autoimmune diseases have been treated with haematopoietic stem cells between 1996 and 2007. Most of these patients had Multiple Sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, RA, or systemic sclerosis and many of those treated have enjoyed long-term disease-free remissions and immune reconstitution since treatment. Unfortunately, there remains a risk of treatment related mortality with such stem cell therapy as it relies on the destruction initially of the patients immune system in order to reset it with the infused stem cells and remove the autoimmune components. This temporarily opens the patients up to increased risks of infection which can be fatal. Improvements in patient care during the treatments have reduced this risk substantially, but it is still a major consideration, particularly for those otherwise doing well on conventional medications. Tyndall and Laar (2010) found that incomplete, low immunoablative intensity, early conditioning was related to patient relapse. This is most likely due to residual lesional effector cells; the patients faulty immune system effectively repopulated itself with self-reactive immune cells when only partially destroyed by initial myeloablative treatment.

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Stem Cell Treatment for Arthritis

Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis and Injuries | Regenexx Procedures

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The Regenexx Procedures are a family of non-surgical stem cell and blood platelet treatments for common injuries and degenerative joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis. These stem cell procedures utilize a patients own stem cells or blood platelets to help heal damaged tissues, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, spinal disc, or bone.

Regenexx Stem Cell and Blood Platelet Procedures offer a viable alternative for individuals who are suffering from joint pain, or who may be considering elective surgery or joint replacement due to injury or arthritis. Patients avoid the lengthy periods of downtime, and painful rehabilitation that typically follow invasive surgeries.

The list below represents the most commonly treated conditions using Regenexx stem cell or platelet procedures. It is not a complete list, so please contact us or complete the Regenexx Candidate Form if you have questions about whether you or your condition can be treated with these non-surgical procedures. The type of procedure used (stem cell or blood platelet) to treat these conditions is largely dependent upon the severity of the injury or condition.

The Centeno-Schultz Clinic is theoriginalstem cell based musculoskeletal practice in the U.S., with more stem cell orthopedics experience than any other clinic. We are also physician leaders in stem cell treatments for arthritis and injuries in terms of research presentations, publications, and academic achievements.

The episode features Dr. Centeno and Dr. Hanson, along with patient Barbee James, who required stem cell treatment after a failed micro fracture and continued problems following traditional knee surgery. The episode provided a nice overview of a Regenexx-SD (same-day) stem cell procedure for Barbees knee cartilage damage.

On February 28, 2013 Seattle King TV featured Regenexx patient Paul Lyon, who underwent a Regenexx-SD knee procedure in our Broomfield clinic. The story looks at his results and includes an interview with Dr. Christopher Centeno, along with footage in our advanced lab where stem cells are processed as part of the procedure.

Regenexx Network Physician Dr. Mayo Friedlis (Washington D.C. area) is featured in this recent news story about stem cell therapy, which explores the Regenexx-SD stem cell procedure and a very active seniors outcome following his knee stem cell injection.

Our Pittsburgh, PA. Regenexx Network Provider, Rehabilitation and Pain Specialists, was recently featured in a news story about treating a patients knee pain with stem cells. The patient returned to their clinic for this procedure after experiencing success with the stem cell treatment he received on his other knee.

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Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis and Injuries | Regenexx Procedures

Learn about stem cell therapy and application at Vail event

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VAIL The Vail Symposium hosts Dr. Scott Brandt, Dr. Kristin Comella and Dr. Stan Jones who will lead an interactive discussion on the history, evolution, practical applications and clinical results around stem cell treatments Friday evening in Vail.

The program is part of the Symposiums ongoing Living at Your Peak series, which is dedicated to exploring new breakthroughs in medicine and helping people live healthier, more active lives.

This program fits perfectly with our Living at Your Peak series, said Tracey Flower, the Symposiums executive director. There is a lot surrounding this topic, and has been for quite some time. With recent research in a changing medical industry, it is a great topic to discuss.

An example of breakthroughs in stem cell therapy comes in the form of the record-shattering Broncos quarterback, Peyton Manning. After failed surgeries, Manning traveled to Germany to undergo stem cell treatment on his cervical spine. At 37, Manning is playing his best football.

During this educational program, panelists will discuss the evolution of the stem cell field, explain current procedures, present research and clinical findings, and talk about the potential for stem cell applications in the future.

Join the Vail Symposium at 5 p.m. Friday at the Antlers Hotel in Vail for this event, titled: Stem Cells: The Future of Medicine is Now. Space is limited; reserve your tickets at http://www.vailsymposium.org/calendar or call the Vail Symposium at 970-476-0954.

More about the panelists

Dr. Scott Brandt: Brandt, the medical director of ThriveMD in Edwards, specializes in regenerative and restorative medicine. Brandt completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and attended medical school at Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University in North Carolina. He then completed his anesthesiology residency training and internship at the University of Illinois and Michael Reese Hospitals in Chicago. As a resident in anesthesiology, Brandt specialized in interventional pain management. Since 1997, this focus has kept him on the leading edge of medical innovations that provide longer lasting solutions for acute and chronic pain. The advancement of stem cell therapy, coupled with Brandts expertise in image-guided injections, has made joint rejuvenation an important part of his practice.

Dr. Kristin Comella: In 2013, Comella was named as one of the 25 most influential people in the stem cell field. She has more than 14 years of experience in regenerative medicine, training and education, research, product development and has served in a number of senior management positions with stem cell related companies. Comella has more than 12 years of cell culturing experience including building and managing the stem cell laboratory at Tulane Universitys Center for Gene Therapy. She has also developed stem cell therapies for osteoarthritis at Osiris Therapeutics. Comella has been a member of the Bioheart senior management team since 2004 and is currently serving as its chief scientific officer.

Dr. Stan Jones: Widely known for performing a ground-breaking stem cell infusion on Governor Rick Perry during a spinal surgery in 2011, Jones is a surgeon and stem cell expert. He received his bachelors degree from Texas Tech in Lubbock before earning his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas. Jones continued his medical training at the University of Utah Medical School in Salt Lake City and a residency at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston. Jones was awarded a fellowship to study the lower back at Wellseley Hospital in Toronto, Canada. In addition, he served in the U.S. Army Medical Corp as a Captain. He is licensed to practice in the state of Texas and is certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.

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Learn about stem cell therapy and application at Vail event

Researchers study stem-cell therapy for feline kidney disease

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Jan 09, 2014 by Jennifer Dimas

Chronic kidney disease in older cats is the focus of a fifth clinical trial under way at Colorado State University's James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where veterinarians are exploring novel stem-cell therapy that could, for the first time, hold promise for treating one of the most perplexing feline diseases.

CSU researchers seek area cats with the disease to participate in the clinical trial; cats with concurrent diseases are not eligible. For information about the trial and to determine eligibility for enrollment, visit col.st/1lB4KHf .

Studies suggest that about 50 percent of cats older than 10 suffer from chronic kidney disease.

Although the disease is very common, risk factors are poorly understood and it is tough to treat: Chronic kidney disease is considered irreversible, and treatment typically centers on slowing progression of the disease through supportive care, such as dietary changes, injected fluids and blood-pressure medication.

Yet in a pilot study last year, CSU veterinarians determined that stem-cell therapy could provide a new treatment option for cats. After preliminary results, the research team is further investigating the ability of stem cells to repair damaged kidneys.

Veterinarians are intrigued by use of stem-cell therapy for chronic kidney failure in cats because earlier studies demonstrated that the approach could decrease inflammation, promote regeneration of damaged cells, slow loss of protein through urine and improve kidney function, said Dr. Jessica Quimby, a veterinarian leading the CSU research.

"In our pilot study last year, in which stem cells were injected intravenously, we found stem-cell therapy to be safe, and we saw evidence of improvement among some of the cats enrolled in the trial," Quimby said. "In this study, we will further explore stem-cell therapy with the new approach of injecting the cells close to the damaged organs. We hope this proximity could yield even better results."

For the CSU study, the stem cells used have been cultivated from the fat of young, healthy cats; donor animals are not harmed.

The study will track cats with chronic kidney disease for about two months, with a variety of diagnostic tests conducted before and after stem-cell treatment to analyze kidney function.

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Researchers study stem-cell therapy for feline kidney disease

Documenting Faith in Prison

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January 10, 2014|8:42 am

New York based photographer Serge J-F. Levy, visited six maximum security prisons across the country between 2002 and 2003 to photograph inmates embrace spirituality in a series of images called, "Religion in Prison."

The project was sparked by Levy's own curiosity and what he found through each interaction with those incarcerated who are Christian, Jewish, Wiccan, Muslim and Buddhist, and how religion brings out their softer side, despite their labels as criminals.

"There's this sincere desire on the part of many inmates to try to understand the state of their soul," Levy said, according to Slate.com. "They're trying to understand their predicament, and I think that spirituality in prison not so infrequently dovetails with a form of analysis or therapy. I think there's a sense of introspection and evaluation of one's life that happens within these religious environments."

Read more at http://www.christianpost.com/news/ny-based-photographer-enters-6-maximum-security-prisons-to-capture-inmates-embracing-their-religion-112110/

Carrie Underwood Praising God With 'How Great Thou Art' Will Leave You in Tears (VIDEO)

Spreading God's Glory Online

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Documenting Faith in Prison