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Sanford announces $125 million genetic medicine initiative

Posted on January 8, 2014 by ev1

FARGO Sanford Health is embarking on a major initiative to integrate genetic information with primary care enabled by a $125 million gift from namesake benefactor T. Denny Sanford.

The new effort, announced Tuesday, is billed by Sanford as the first of its kind in the nation to marry genetic screening with internal medicine doctors throughout its clinic system.

The so-called Sanford Imagenetics program will begin offering patients the opportunity for precise genetic testing and genetic counseling later this year.

This is the frontier of medicine, Sanfords top executive, Kelby Krabbenhoft, said in making the announcement. This is whats going to change everything for everybody.

Sanfords gift will allow the health system to hire and train teams of specialists in a collaboration that also will involve academic centers in the Sanford service area for research, and training physicians and other providers.

Each of Sanfords four regional hubs Sioux Falls, S.D., Fargo, Bismarck, and Bemidji, Minn. will have specialists who will work closely with internal medicine doctors.

Sanford already has seven genetic counselors, including two in Fargo, and five medical geneticists.

Through telemedicine and targeted outreach efforts, the program will be available to patients throughout Sanfords sprawling service area that includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Montana.

A portion of Sanfords gift will be used for a new genetic medicine center at its campus near downtown Sioux Falls, with construction to begin in spring 2015.

We will have the same resources, said Dr. Julie Blehm, a senior internal medicine doctor at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo. Were going to have the same opportunities.

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Sanford announces $125 million genetic medicine initiative

Mapping the Qatari shows way to prevention of inherited diseases

Posted on January 8, 2014 by ev1

(MENAFN - Muscat Daily) A Weill Cornell Medical College study that analysed the DNA of Qatar's native population has discovered genetic variations that could help doctors target interventions to reduce the prevalence of a variety of debilitating hereditary disorders

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q) and Weill Cornell Medical College in New York (WCMC-NY), working with colleagues from Cornell University in Ithaca and Hamad Medical Corporation, identified 37 genetic variants in 33 genes known to play causal roles in a total of 36 diseases, including such devastating conditions as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia and muscular dystrophy. The study points the way to more comprehensive screening for a host of inherited diseases, which could significantly reduce their incidence.

The project titled, 'Exome Sequencing Identifies Potential Risks Variants for Mendelian Disorders at High Prevalence in Qatar' sequenced the DNA of 100 Qatari nationals representing the three major ethnic subgroups of the country the Bedouin (termed Q1 for the purposes of the study), those of Persian-South Asian descent (Q2), and those of African descent (Q3). By analysing the individuals' exomes important sections of the DNA containing the code that is translated into proteins and comparing them to the genetic data of the participants in the worldwide 1,000 Genomes Project (1000G), the researchers were able to identify the variations that cause disease among the Qatari population.

All the conditions targeted in the study were so-called Mendelian diseases'. Named after Gregor Mendel, the 19th century researcher widely regarded as the founder of genetic science, Mendelian diseases are those caused by a single mutated gene and are also known as monogenic disorders.

Dr Khalid Fakhro, postdoctoral associate in genetic medicine at WCMC-Q, and Dr Juan L Rodriguez-Flores of WCMC-NY, were co-lead principal investigators in the study, which is part of a group of research projects investigating the Qatari genome led by Dr Ronald Crystal, chairman of Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. The study has been accepted for publication in the journal Human Mutation, appearing online in December 2013 and in print in January 2014.

Dr Crystal explained the study: ''There are about 3.2bn letters that comprise the human genome and about two percent of those letters code for the actual proteins. This two per cent is found in regions called exomes,'' he said. ''A Mendelian or monogenic disease is caused by a change in a single letter out of the 3.2bn.

''The reason this is relevant for Qatar is that the structure of the society encourages a high degree of consanguineous marriage, so the frequency of these monogenic diseases is quite high,'' he said.

Pre-marital counseling and screening is one method of decreasing the likelihood of children being born with monogenic diseases. Parents undergo screening to see if either or both carry genetic variations that cause disease before having children. The individuals that carry the disorder do not necessarily have the conditions themselves, but may carry them on recessive genes.

Dr Crystal added, ''Disorders are present in all populations around the world, so Qatar is no different. Qatar is only different in that its variations and the frequency with which they occur are unique to its population. By finding out what these variations are and taking appropriate action we can save people from the trauma of some very unpleasant disorders. We're talking here about things like brain malformation, diabetes, blindness, deafness, cardiovascular disorders, inflammatory disorders and many other conditions. While these conditions are not common, they do occur, some are untreatable and many are very difficult to live with, for both the sufferer and their families.''

Currently, pre-marital counseling in Qatar screens for four genetic variations out of the 37 identified by the study, so incorporating the newly discovered variations into the screening process could have a significant impact.

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Mapping the Qatari shows way to prevention of inherited diseases

Sanford donates $125M to launch genetic medicine program

Posted on January 8, 2014 by ev1

Christmas was two weeks ago but Sanford Health received quite the gift Tuesday morning. $125 Million, that's how much philanthropist Denny Sanford has pledged to help launch a brand new system of patient treatment.

A lot of people will probably just look at the $125 Million and be blown away by the amount, but what that money will do is far more amazing. With the gift, Sanford is launching Imagenetics to fighting disease on the molecular level. This is personalized medicine where your DNA helps determine the best course of treatment. This will help cut down on the number of medications, limit side-effects, and could even help doctors treat the condition before symptoms show up. Genetic medicine is already being utilized by Sanford doctors to treat cancers and other conditions, but this will take those practices to the clinic as well.

"This really gets to what we call precision medicine that is using the tools of genetics to precisely take care of you as an individual." Said Dr. H. Eugene Hoyme, a geneticist and president of Sanford Research.

"Once again he's taken what was possible and today has made it practical for everybody. Thank you Mr. Sanford." Said Kelby Krabbenhoft, president and CEO of Sanford Health.

The money will be spread throughout the Sanford Health system to build facilities for genetic research and testing. Those projects are expected to break ground starting in the spring of 2015.

In addition to the donation, Sanford announced partnerships with Augustana College, and the Universities of North Dakota and South Dakota to train the next wave of genomic health professionals. Krabbenhoft says this donation puts Mr. Sanford over the $1 Billion mark in charitable gifts. His largest donation came back in 2007, giving $400 million dollars to Sanford Health.

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Sanford donates $125M to launch genetic medicine program

Nanomedicine – Nanorobots in Medicine – UnderstandingNano

Posted on January 8, 2014 by ev1

Future applications of nanomedicine will be based on the ability to build nanorobots. In the future these nanorobots could actually be programmed to repair specific diseased cells, functioning in a similar way to antibodies in our natural healing processes.

Developing Nanorobots for Medicine

Design analysis for a cell repair nanorobot: The Ideal Gene Delivery Vector: Chromallocytes, Cell Repair Nanorobots for Chromosome Repair Therapy

Design analysis for an antimicrobial nanorobot: Microbivores: Artifical Mechanical Phagocytes using Digest and Discharge Protocol

A Mechanical Artificial Red Cell: Exploratory Design in Medical Nanotechnology

Nanorobots in Medicine: Future Applications

The elimination of bacterial infections in a patient within minutes, instead of using treatment with antibiotics over a period of weeks.

The ability to perform surgery at the cellular level, removing individual diseased cells and even repairing defective portions of individual cells.

Significant lengthening of the human lifespan by repairing cellular level conditions that cause the body to age.

Nanomedicine Reference Material

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Nanomedicine - Nanorobots in Medicine - UnderstandingNano

Leaked files slam stem-cell therapy

Posted on January 8, 2014 by ev1

Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto/Corbis

Potential patients have offered vocal support for Staminas stem-cell treatment in Italy.

A series of damning documents seen by Nature expose deep concerns over the safety and efficacy of the controversial stem-cell therapy promoted by Italys Stamina Foundation. The leaked papers reveal the true nature of the processes involved, long withheld by Staminas president, Davide Vannoni. Other disclosures show that the successes claimed by Stamina for its treatments have been over-stated. And, in an unexpected twist, top Italian scientists are dissociating themselves from an influential Miami-based clinician over his apparent support for the foundation.

Stamina, based in Brescia, claims that it successfully treated more than 80 patients, mostly children, for a wide range of conditions, from Parkinsons disease to muscular dystrophy, before the health authorities halted its operations in August 2012. A clinical trial to assess the treatment formally was approved by the Italian government last May, and an expert committee was convened by the health ministry to study Staminas method and to recommend which illnesses the trial should target.

Stamina says that its technique involves extracting mesenchymal stem cells from a patients bone marrow, culturing them so that they turn into nerve cells, and then injecting them back into the same patient. But full details of the method have never been revealed, and Vannoni provided the full protocol to the expert committee only in August.

In October, the committees report prompted health minister Beatrice Lorenzin to halt plans for the clinical trial. That led to public protests in support of Stamina, and, after an appeal by Vannoni, a court ruled in early December that the expert committee was unlawfully biased. Some members had previously expressed negative opinions of the method, the ruling said. As a result, Lorenzin appointed a new committee on 28December, reopening the possibility of a clinical trial.

Staminas protocol, together with the original committees report, was leaked to the press on 20 December (Nature has also been shown transcripts of the committees deliberations). The leaked papers reveal that the original expert committee identified serious flaws and omissions in Staminas clinical protocol. It did not apply legally required Good Manufacturing Practice standards, the committee says. The protocol exposed an apparent ignorance of stem-cell biology and relevant clinical expertise, the report argues, as well as flawed methods and therapeutic rationale (see Protocol opinion).

What the expert committee said on Staminas methods.

The report of the original expert committee tasked with looking at Staminas clinical protocol includes the following opinions:

The protocol contains no method for screening for pathogens such as prions or viruses, even though the culture medium used could contain them.

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Leaked files slam stem-cell therapy

Arizona Pain Stem Cell Institute Now Offering PRP Therapy for Joint Arthritis Relief

Posted on January 8, 2014 by ev1

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) January 08, 2014

The top Phoenix stem cell clinic in the Valley, Arizona Pain Stem Cell Institute, is now offering PRP therapy for joint arthritis relief. Platelet rich plasma therapy offers the potential for relieving the pain from knee, hip, shoulder and spinal arthritis. For more information and scheduling with the Board Certified Phoenix pain management doctors, call (602) 507-6550.

Platelet rich plasma therapy, known as PRP therapy, involves a simple blood draw. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge, which then concentrates platelets and growth factors for immediate injection into the arthritic joint. The PRP therapy then acts as an attractant for the body's stem cells.

Recent published studies have shown that PRP therapy offers significant pain relief for arthritic knees and helps preserve existing cartilage. One to three injections may be necessary to obtain optimal results, which are performed as an outpatient and entail minimal risk.

In addition to PRP therapy, the Arizona Pain Stem Cell Institute offers several other regenerative medicine treatments for both joint and spinal arthritis. This includes bone marrow and fat derived stem cell injections along with amniotic stem cell rich injections. These injections are offered for patients as part of numerous clinical research studies.

The stem cell injection studies are enrolling now at the Institute. The studies are industry subsidized, with the procedures performed by the Board Certified pain management physicians.

The Arizona Pain Stem Cell Institute is part of Arizona Pain Specialists. With 5 locations accepting over 50 insurances, the pain clinics offer comprehensive treatment options for patients with both simple and complicated pain conditions.

Call (602) 507-6550 for more information and scheduling.

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Arizona Pain Stem Cell Institute Now Offering PRP Therapy for Joint Arthritis Relief

Frostbite Physiology: How Bitter Cold Can Freeze You Down To The Bone

Posted on January 8, 2014 by ev1

As we previously explained in an exploration of the physiology of polar bear plunges, your body reacts to cold outside by constricting blood vessels close to your skin. This shunts blood away from your extremities and toward your core; its your bodys emergency measure to try and protect your vital organs. But this lack of blood flow comes at a cost -- it puts those affected tissues at greater risk for freezing and tissue damage.

In cold conditions -- even those slightly above zero -- frostbite can develop in half an hour or less. In extreme cases with cold and high winds, sometimes it can take even less time. The National Weather Service has a handy (and chilling) chart that illustrates the risk for frostbite based on temperature and wind speed:

Times to develop frostbite, calculated by the National Weather Service. NWS

With so many areas in the Midwest dipping into negative double-digit temperatures, even relatively easygoing winds of 5 or 10 miles an hour may drive frostbite danger zones down to 10 minutes or less. Even in New York City, which experienced a relatively balmy six degrees on Tuesday morning, people are at risk for developing frostbite within 30 to 45 minutes thanks to winds that are gusting up to 50 miles per hour.

Experts say that bundling up is the best protection.

"Prevention really is key," Cleveland Clinic emergency physician Seth Podolsky told NPR. "The more time and the more skin exposed, the worse it is.

Some of the signs of frostbite are skin with a white or grayish-yellow color, unusually firm or waxy skin, and numbness. Blisters and skin discoloration can follow. If your tissue actually freezes, that may lead to gangrene -- dead tissue -- treatable only by cutting away the affected areas.

If you are frostbitten, the best thing to do is to seek immediate medical attention. If you cant immediately get to the doctor, there are several steps that can be taken to mitigate the damage, via the the National Institutes of Health:

- Get into a warm room.

- Put the affected area in warm -- not hot! -- water, or warm using body heat (such as putting a frostbitten hand in your armpit).

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Frostbite Physiology: How Bitter Cold Can Freeze You Down To The Bone

Increased risk of prostate cancer in African-American men; implications for PSA screening

Posted on January 8, 2014 by ev1

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:

7-Jan-2014

Contact: Vicki Cohn vcohn@liebertpub.com 914-740-2100 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, NY, January 7, 2014African American men have an increased risk of prostate cancer and are two times more likely than Caucasian American men to die from the disease. Despite recent questions about the overall usefulness of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing to detect prostate cancer, should PSA screening be used to detect early-stage disease to help save lives in this at-risk population? The controversy is explored in a Review article in Journal of Men's Health, a peer-reviewed publication from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Journal of Men's Health website at http://www.liebertpub.com/jomh.

In the Review "PSA Screening for the African American Male: When and Why?" Tyler Luthringer, Ilija Aleksic, Vladimir Mouraviev, and David Albala, Associated Medical Professionals of NY, PLLC, and SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, support the American Urological Association's position that early detection of prostate cancer should include multiple parameters to assess personal risk. Together with their physicians, men should decide on an individualized approach to risk assessment and screening, which may include PSA testing and digital rectal examination.

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Increased risk of prostate cancer in African-American men; implications for PSA screening

Infor gets into big data analytics for HR with PeopleAnswers acquisition

Posted on January 8, 2014 by ev1

Infor is buying PeopleAnswers, maker of software companies can use to analyze a job candidates behavioral traits before deciding whether to make a hire. Terms of the deal, which was announced Wednesday, were not disclosed.

PeopleAnswers was developed by a team of behavioral science PhDs, who created a series of algorithms that underpin online tests job applicants take through PeopleAnswers service. The test measures 39 behavioral attributes, such as discipline, ambition, energy and empathy, weighting them according to the particular job role. The test software is available in 16 languages.

Beyond the algorithms and behavioral science know-how, PeopleAnswers has also built up years of historical data, resulting in more reliable analysis of a candidate, said Infor CEO Charles Phillips.

PeopleAnswers customers include Audi, Foot Locker, Neiman Marcus and Hertz, all of which are large companies with many hourly employees, and which can experience seasonally high demand for workers as well as excessive turnover.

About 60 percent of PeopleAnswers customers are using the software as a primary method of ranking and determining who they will offer positions to, according to Phillips. Other customers are using it internally to build promotion lists or put together teams, he said.

PeopleAnswers approach stops job applicants from gaming the tests by giving answers they think a company will want to hear, Phillips said. Its asking your preferences on things, what you like or dont like, he said. Questions dont lead to a particular result. You cant tell why theyre asking the question.

Infor will make PeopleAnswers part of its HCM (human capital management) software suite. It plans to expand PeopleAnswers test coverage into additional verticals over time, according to Phillips.

Phillips is also keen on retaining PeopleAnswers staff.

Its key that we keep all these guys, he said. Theyre hard to replicate. They understand software and data science as well.

Chris Kanaracus covers enterprise software and general technology breaking news for the IDG News Service. More by Chris Kanaracus

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Infor gets into big data analytics for HR with PeopleAnswers acquisition

The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) Concludes Successful Year and Looks Forward to Prestigious …

Posted on January 8, 2014 by ev1

Boca Raton, FL (PRWEB) January 07, 2014

The year 2013 offered unparalleled education, distinguished speakers, informative exhibits, hundreds of Fellowship graduates and knowledge used to eliminate chronic diseases, one diagnosis at a time. In 2013, A4M offered 11 live U.S. events and 12 events held overseas.

In the course of a year, the U.S. events included three Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Symposiums held in Las Vegas, San Diego, and Boston; an Inflammation Symposium offered in Fort Lauderdale, FL; an IV Symposium in Dallas TX; Gut/ Brain Symposium in Los Angeles, CA; and two Annual World Congresses held in Orlando, FL and Las Vegas, NV. Over 15,000 healthcare practitioners attended an A4M educational event in 2013.

The 21st Annual Spring World Congress in Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, FL was held April 11-14, 2013. Over 2,500 medical professionals from all over the world gathered for pre-conference workshops, Fellowship modules, the exhibit hall, board certification exams, three days of general conference sessions, distinguished speakers and medical faculty. Among keynote speakers was Pat Williams, co-founder and senior vice president of the Orlando Magic who spoke on the 7 Key Ingredients to Make a Great Leader.

The 21st Annual Winter World Congress on Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Aesthetic Medicine at the Sands Expo Center/ Venetian/ Palazzo Resort in Las Vegas, NV took place December 12-15, 2013. Over 4,000 medical practitioners attended specialty workshops, the exhibit hall housing over 300 booths, general conference sessions, Fellowship modules, board certification exams, and other conference bonuses. Also at this event, A4M introduced the brand new product theater, featuring several exhibiting companies who showcased their latest products via a live demonstration or lecture. In addition, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was presented with the 2013 A4M Infinity Award for his lifetime of accomplishments, including his leadership role in early funding and support of stem cell research and healthcare reform, among other endeavors. Other notable presenters included Suzanne Somers; Travis Stork, MD; and Judith Reichman, MD.

A4M is excited to announce the 2014 educational calendar offering nine U.S. events, including a brand new location. Several international events will be offered in Canada, Thailand, Dubai, Australia, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

In 2014, A4M will be introducing new modules as part of the Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine (FAARFM). Module XXIV: Infectious Disease and Module XXV- A & B: Addiction; both be offered at different domestic events this year.

Kicking off 2014 is the symposium on Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) in San Francisco, CA on March 13-16th. Featured presenters include Thierry Hertoghe, Jennifer Landa, MD, OB/GYN, FAARM; Ron Rothenberg, MD; Pamela Smith, MD, MS, MPH; and Jonathan Wright, MD. Fridays sessions will cover the basics of BHRT and Saturday through Sunday will cover advanced BHRT topics. Fellowship in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine (FAARM) modules offered in San Francisco include Module III: Neurology, Module V: Clinical Intensives, Module VII: Autoimmune Disease, and Module XVI(A): Cardiovascular.

The 22nd Annual Spring World Congress on Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Aesthetic Medicine will take place once again at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee. This event will include general conference sessions and exhibit hall; anti-aging board certification exams, and Fellowship modules including Module I: Endocrinology, Module V: Clinical Intensives, Module XII: Toxicology, and Module VI: Functional/ Nutritional Medicine. A complete educational program including speakers and conference bonuses will be released closer to the event.

The 22nd Annual Winter World congress on Anti-Aging, Regenerative & Aesthetic Medicine will take place once again at the Venetian/Palazzo Resort. This event will include general conference sessions and exhibit hall; anti-aging board certification exams, and Fellowship modules including Module I: Endocrinology, Module V: Clinical Intensives, Module XVI(D): Cardiovascular, and Module XXIV: Infectious Disease (NEW!)

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The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) Concludes Successful Year and Looks Forward to Prestigious ...

Could Bleach Facials Become the Next Big Craze?

Posted on January 8, 2014 by ev1

Jan 8, 2014 6:00am

Toxic, flammable, corrosive, keep out of childrens reach are the warnings listed on a bottle of Clorox. But a recent study by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine suggested the common household cleaning bleach could have anti-aging benefits, following preliminary tests they conducted on mice.

Reports of women having bleach facials are popping up on social media. Some spas offer them with such natural ingredients as honey, lime and lemon juice and cream.

Stanford University School of Medicine said in a statement about the study that if the bleach were found to work similarly in humans, the inexpensive, widely available household chemical could provide a new way to treat skin damage caused by radiation therapy, excess sun exposure or aging.

Watch: Celebs Flock to Facials Made of Ground-Up Jewels

I wouldnt recommend trying the bleach facial at home. We are not chemists, and we cannot produce the exact dilution rate the Stanford scientists used, Dr. Daniel Shapiro, a Scottsdale, Ariz., plastic surgeon, told ABCNews.com.

I think its really difficult to figure out what .005 percent is. Any higher concentration of bleach can burn your skin, he said.

According to the study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, a team of researchers led by Dr. Thomas Leung tested the effect of daily, 30-minute baths in the diluted bleach solution on laboratory mice with radiation dermatitis, a skin condition caused by chemo or radio therapy.They found that the animals bathed in the bleach solution experienced less severe skin damage and better healing and hair regrowth than animals bathed in water, said the university statement.

Originally it was thought that bleach may serve an antimicrobial function, killing bacteria and viruses on the skin, said Leung, in a statement.

Vagifacials for the Bikini Line

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Could Bleach Facials Become the Next Big Craze?

ROJoson Educational Mission to Zamboanga Medical School Foundation – 1995 – Segment 2 – Video

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Danzig

ROJoson Educational Mission to Zamboanga Medical School Foundation - 1995 - Segment 2
ROJoson Educational Mission to Zamboanga Medical School Foundation - 1995 - Segment 2 In 1994, I helped established the Zamboanga Medical School Foundation (...

By: Reynaldo Joson

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ROJoson Educational Mission to Zamboanga Medical School Foundation - 1995 - Segment 2 - Video

Reactions of functional groups – Video

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Danzig

Reactions of functional groups
The Chemistry Vignettes Project is the result of a Physical Sciences Centre, Higher Education Academy funded departmental project collaboration between the C...