Hamilton advocates say cuts to refugee health care are unethical

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Federal cuts to refugee health care are unethical and unnecessary, according to heath experts in Hamilton.

What health care providers are seeing is people having to choose between rent and food and health care. The government frames this as a cost-saving measure and a way to discourage bogus refugee claimants. But what I see on a day-to-day basis is that it denies sick people the medical care they need. Its uncompassionate, said Dr. Tim OShea, a specialist in internal medicine and infectious disease and Assistant Professor of Medicine at MacMaster University.

Last year, the federal government cut drug, dental and vision coverage offered to refugee claimants who have not been in Canada long enough to qualify for provincial health coverage.

The changes also ensure that failed refugee claimants would only be treated for sicknesses that posed a public heath risk.

Ottawa said that the cuts were designed to prevent bogus and failed refugee claimants from having access to health care that Canadian citizens do not have access to.

Some in health care reject the argument that public health is being served by the rule change, and charge that it might even be compromised.

Terri Bedminster, Director of Operations at Refuge: The Hamilton Centre for Newcomers Health described a Catch-22 situation in which refugees might be afflicted with a disease like HIV, but cannot visit a health care centre to get tested because they are unable to afford it.

Its a shame, and public health is not being protected [by the cuts], said. Ms. Bedminster. No one is trying to milk the system, they just want care. Theyre in need.

Patients are confused and concerned about their health care status, according to those on the front lines.

Sue Grafe, a nurse practitioner that has worked with refugee patients for thirteen years, said that many of the families she sees are worried that they will not be able to get the help that they need, and that their health care issues might spiral out of control.

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Hamilton advocates say cuts to refugee health care are unethical

Plastic Surgery – Is Gene Therapy the Future?

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Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) June 16, 2013

According to a May 29, 2013 NBC News article, titled Gene Therapies for Regenerative Surgery Are Getting Closer, Says Review in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, researchers have made significant progress in the development of gene therapy techniques that can grow skin, bone and tissue for reconstructive surgery. Researchers from Padua University Hospital in Italy who conducted the review claim the potential benefits of using gene therapy in reconstructive surgery are numerous. (Go to goo.gl/kYjFa)

According to the article, gene therapy may be instrumental in solving a problem that most plastic and reconstructive surgeons face, which is the lack of sufficient tissue to correct deformities that patients have in certain areas of their body. For example, while most surgeons can effectively treat small burns, they often face major challenges while trying to treat patients with large burns, because such patients generally lack sufficient tissue to develop skin flaps that can adequately cover the affected area(s).

What this means, says Dr. Simon Ourian, Medical Director of Epione Beverly Hills, is that despite undergoing plastic surgery, some patients still need to use cosmetics to improve the appearance of their burns. However, by using gene therapy to promote the growth of specific tissue, reconstructive surgeons can, in future, improve the quality of plastic surgery treatments.

Further according to the report, in addition to improving the effectiveness of regenerative surgery through growth of different tissue, gene therapy can be used to control the growth factors that aid in skin healing, in the bone formation process, and the regeneration of injured nerves.

I look forward to seeing the results of future research and hope that the day we have practical ways to apply this technology isnt too far off, says Dr. Ourian.

Dr. Ourian has been a pioneer in laser technology and non-invasive aesthetic procedures including Restylane, Juvderm, Radiesse and Sculptra. These treatments are used for the correction or reversal of a variety of conditions such as acne, acne scars, skin discoloration, wrinkles, stretch marks, varicose veins, cellulite, and others. More information about gene therapy can be found on Epiones website.

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Plastic Surgery – Is Gene Therapy the Future?

Clinical Grade RetroNectin® Reagent Available To Support Gene Therapy Clinical Research

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MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --In an effort to aid progress in gene therapy clinical research, representatives of Clontech laboratories, Inc. and its parent company Takara Bio Inc. announce the availability of clinical grade RetroNectin reagent for direct supply to biomedical researchers.

RetroNectin reagent is designed to enable efficient retroviral transduction of genes into hematopoietic stem cells as well as lymphocytes and other blood cells. The RetroNectin method has been recognized as a standard gene transduction method in ex vivo gene therapy around the world. In addition, RetroNectin reagent has another remarkable feature that can also be useful for cell therapies: during the expansion culture of human T lymphocytes, RetroNectin reagent helps to increase proportion of nave T cells. This RetroNectin induced T cell method has already become available as a cancer therapy in three Japanese clinics under technical support from Takara Bio.

Takara Bio is the exclusive supplier of RetroNectin reagent, a recombinant human fibronectin fragment developed in 1995 by Takara Bio in collaboration with Indiana University. It has been used in 68 gene therapy clinical trials in 44 institutes and hospitals in 10 countries to date.

Previously, access to clinical-grade RetroNectin reagent required a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) between a research institution and Takara Bio. Researchers may now submit direct orders to Clontech or local Takara Bio subsidiaries for RetroNectin (GMP), which is manufactured as a quality-assured product according to guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). The Drug Master File for RetroNectin (GMP) has been filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In a recent study published in Science Translational Medicine in March 2013, scientists at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reported an immunotherapy strategy for the treatment of five adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Each patient's T cells were extracted, altered by introduction of DNA that would cause the cells to attack tumor cells, and infused back into the patient's bloodstream. According to researchers, all patients achieved tumor eradication and complete remission. RetroNectin reagent was used during T cell transduction.

Corresponding author Dr. Renier J. Brentjens said, "It was very clear to us even 10 years ago that the use of RetroNectin coated plates markedly, massively improved gene transfer." Dr. Brentjens continued, "The methodologies that many of us now use have been developed over a number of years. Once you have a system that works, you become very reliant and dependent on those reagents."

"RetroNectin reagent has become a standard reagent for many gene transfer protocols worldwide," said Carol Lou, General Manager of Clontech. "We are sure that such direct access to RetroNectin (GMP) without MTA execution will make this reagent available much more easily to any scientists or clinicians interested in RetroNectin clinical applications, which aligns with Takara Bio's mission of contributing to the health of mankind through gene therapy."

About Clontech Laboratories, Inc.Clontech Laboratories, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Takara Bio Inc., develops, manufactures, and distributes a wide range of life science research reagents under the Clontech and Takara brands. Key products include the Living Colors fluorescent proteins; high-performance qPCR and PCR reagents (including theTaKaRa Ex Taq,TaKaRa LA Taq, Titanium, and Advantage enzymes); RT enzymes and SMART library construction kits; the innovative In-Fusion cloning system; Tet-based inducible gene expression systems; and a range of Macherey-Nagel nucleic acid purification tools. These and other products support applications including gene discovery, regulation, and function; protein expression and purification; RNAi and stem cell studies; and plant and food research. For more information, visit http://www.clontech.com.

About Takara Bio Inc.Takara Bio Inc. is an innovative biotechnology company based in Shiga, Japan. As a world leader in biotechnology research and development, Takara Bio was the first company to market PCR technology in Japan and is also the developer of the RetroNectin reagent, which is used as a world-standard in gene therapy protocols. In addition to providing research reagents and equipment to the life science research market, Takara Bio has active research and product development activities in the fields of gene and cell-based therapy, and agricultural biotechnology; and is committed to preventing disease and improving the quality of life for all people through the use of biotechnology. Through strategic alliances with other industry leaders, the Company aims to extend its reach around the world. More information is available athttp://www.takara-bio.com.

For more information, contact:

Lorna Neilson, Ph.D. Director, Business Development Clontech Laboratories, Inc. A TakaraBio Company lorna_neilson@clontech.com (650) 919-7372

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Clinical Grade RetroNectin® Reagent Available To Support Gene Therapy Clinical Research

Global Gene Therapy Market Analysis

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NEW YORK, June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Global Gene Therapy Market Analysis

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0324817/Global-Gene-Therapy-Market-Analysis.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Biological_Therapy

Gene therapy is the treatment of a disease by replacing, altering, or supplementing a gene that is absent or abnormal and whose absence or abnormality is causing the disease. It has evolved as one of the most sought after research objectives for 'difficult to cure' diseases. The gene therapy market in spite of presenting few marketable products and being nascent in terms of revenue generation holds tremendous growth potential. As per a new estimation carried out in our latest study, the global gene therapy industry has the potential to become a multi-million dollar industry by the end of 2017 as new products, especially those in the advanced stage of clinical studies or with pending approvals, may enter the market to boost the growth.

According to RNCOS' new research report, "Global Gene Therapy Market Analysis", major focus has been made on the ongoing clinical trials for the development of innovative products. Majority trials are focused on oncology and they prove promising on global scale for US. In this context, the study provides a comprehensive overview of the various aspects of clinical trials in the gene therapy market such as phases, geographies, vector types etc.

The report provides an in-depth and prudent analysis of the industry and research developments taking place at the global level. Primarily the market is presently dominated by oncology applications with several companies and academic institutions focusing on novel and 'difficult to treat' cancers. Other therapeutic areas seeing developments on gene therapy include cardiac conditions, genetic disorders and neurological diseases. An effective analysis of the key therapeutic areas has been included in the report.

Brief overview of the key geographies in the gene therapy market and the regulatory scenario governing the industry has also been included in the study to present a balanced outlook. The report covers how major trends and drivers, including gene silencing, advanced therapies etc will propel the industry's growth. With a view to understanding the competitive landscape, the profiles of key market players are included in the report to present a complete picture of the global gene therapy market.1. Analyst View

2. Research Methodology

3. Gene Therapy - An Introduction3.1 Classification of Gene Therapy Techniques3.2 Physical Methods of Gene Transfer3.2.1 Electroporation3.2.2 Hydrodynamic3.2.3 Microinjection3.2.4 Particle Bombardment3.2.5 Ultrasound-mediated Transfection3.3 Vectors for Gene Therapy3.3.1 Adenoviral Vectors3.3.2 Adeno-associated Virus Vectors3.3.3 Retroviral Vectors3.3.4 Lentiviral Vectors3.3.5 Plasmid DNA

4. Industry Trends and Drivers

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Global Gene Therapy Market Analysis

Gene Therapy – Technologies, Markets and Companies 2013

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DUBLIN, June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/dfcq6z/gene_therapy) has announced a new report "Gene Therapy - Technologies, Markets and Companies" to its offering.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130307/600769 )

Gene therapy can be broadly defined as the transfer of defined genetic material to specific target cells of a patient for the ultimate purpose of preventing or altering a particular disease state. Genes and DNA are now being introduced without the use of vectors and various techniques are being used to modify the function of genes in vivo without gene transfer. If one adds to this the cell therapy particularly with use of genetically modified cells, the scope of gene therapy becomes much broader. Gene therapy can now be combined with antisense techniques such as RNA interference (RNAi), further increasing the therapeutic applications. This report takes a broad overview of gene therapy and is the most up-to-date presentation from the author on this topic built-up from a series of gene therapy reports written by him during the past decade, including a textbook of gene therapy and a book on gene therapy companies. This report describes the setbacks of gene therapy and renewed interest in the topic.

Gene therapy technologies are described in detail including viral vectors, nonviral vectors and cell therapy with genetically modified vectors. Gene therapy is an excellent method of drug delivery and various routes of administration, as well as targeted gene therapy, are described. There is an introduction to technologies for gene suppression as well as molecular diagnostics to detect and monitor gene expression.

Clinical applications of gene therapy are extensive and cover most systems and their disorders. Full chapters are devoted to genetic syndromes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders and viral infections with emphasis on AIDS. Applications of gene therapy in veterinary medicine, particularly for treating cats and dogs, are included.

Research and development is in progress in both the academic and the industrial sectors. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the US is playing an important part. As of 2012, over 2030 clinical trials have been completed, are ongoing or have been approved worldwide. A breakdown of these trials is shown according to the areas of application.

The voluminous literature on gene therapy was reviewed and selected 750 references are appended in the bibliography. The references are constantly updated. The text is supplemented with 73 tables and 15 figures.

Profiles of 181 companies involved in developing gene therapy are presented, along with 204 collaborations. There were only 44 companies involved in this area in 1995. In spite of some failures and mergers, the number of companies has increased more than 4-fold within a decade. These companies have been followed up since they were the topic of a book on gene therapy companies by the author of this report. John Wiley & Sons published the book in 2000 and from 2001 to 2003, updated versions of these companies (approximately 160 at mid-2003) were available on Wiley's web site. Since that free service was discontinued and the rights reverted to the author, this report remains the only authorized continuously updated version on gene therapy companies.

Benefits of this report

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Gene Therapy - Technologies, Markets and Companies 2013

Freedom Fest Honors those who paid ultimate price

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LA CROSSE, Wis. -

A celebration of those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom filled the air at Veterans Memorial Sports Complex at UW-La Crosse on Saturday.

The fest honors 175 families who have lost a loved one serving with the military in conflicts following 9/11.

As part of the opening ceremony, colors were presented, and later in the show a tribute was shown to honor five local service members wounded in action.

But ther ceremony is not the only way our fallen service members were remembered Saturday. They were also the focus of the Freedom Fest Motorcycle rally.

About 200 bikers revved their engines and took to the streets Saturday morning as part of the rally.

And while it was a good time for bikers to enjoy the scenery of the Coulee Region, the focus was on our service members.

One Wisconsin family, the Gassens, who lost their son in Afghanistan when he was deployed with the Army two and a half years ago, traveled from Beaver Dam for the event.

"That day he was killed, there were six that were killed, five others that were with him. They were killed by an Afghan border patrol officer who turned his gun on them in a training mission," said Greg Gassen, the father of Jake Gassen, who was killed in Afghanistan.

They say there is no limit to their grief, but the rally gives them the chance to celebrate their son's life.

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Freedom Fest Honors those who paid ultimate price

Freedom Air incurs $1.2M debt with CPA

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Monday, June 17, 2013

Representatives of Freedom Air appeared before the Commonwealth Ports Authority board on Friday to ask for consideration on its existing debt with the agency, totaling $1.2 million to date.

Freedom Air owner Jack Flores, along with legal counsel Steve Carrara and general manager Dennis Cruz, stressed that the company remains committed to the Commonwealth and fully intends to survive the challenges and difficulties it currently faces.

Flores disclosed that the airline will celebrate its 40th year anniversary in November next year.

He cited the decline in the number of local travelers and the shaky economy as factors that have hampered the ability of the company to meet its obligations on time.

In the past few years, we have our ups and downs. The economy is not good anymore and people are not traveling like before. But we intend to keep going, he told the board.

Acting CPA executive director MaryAnn Lizama confirmed Friday that Freedom Air has accumulated $1.2 million in unpaid obligations since 2011.

She said the airline company was given consideration in recognition of the critical services it provides to the three islands. The board approved Friday a recommendation for Lizama to go back to the negotiation table on the issue with Freedom Air.

We're going back to the negotiation table and we will be ensuring a mutual payment plan, Lizama told Saipan Tribune.

According to Carrara, times have been tough for the air carrier and its aircraft had been down for a few months due to engine troubles and maintenance issues. The lack of operational funding needed to maintain and procure replacement parts has hampered the continuous operation of the firm.

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Freedom Air incurs $1.2M debt with CPA

Freedom of Cork city conferred on entertainers

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Three entertainers who have made a lasting and indelible mark on Cork theatre were granted the Freedom of the city at a ceremony in Cork City Hall today.

Frank Duggan, Michael Twomey and Billa OConnell were recognised for their contribution to theatre in Cork.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr John Buttimer said the three men were instantly recognisable in their native city.

They are the essence of what it means to be Cork. The list of their endeavours is endless.

Frank Duggan attended a ceremony at Cork City Hall fifty years ago when President John F Kennedy was granted the Freedom of the City. Mr Duggan said it was unimaginable that he was receiving the same honour as the late US President.

Michael Twomey said he was fortunate to have worked with a myriad of talented actors. Mr Twomey and Mr OConnell paid particular tribute to the late entertainer Paddy Comerford who formed part of their inseparable comedy team.

Billa OConnell performed in his first pantomime in 1947. His biggest ambition was to perform on the stage of Cork Opera House. Having performed in various pantomimes he finally got the call from Cork Opera House in 1955 only for a fire onsite to delay his debut.

However, he subsequently became involved in Summer Revels at Cork Opera House and performed annually on site for several decades.

Frank Duggan appeared in every performance of Summer Revels in Cork Opera House for twenty one consecutive years. His partnership with Michael Twomey in the comedy act Cha and Miah commenced in 1969 and continued for 43 years. The duo appeared weekly on Halls Pictorial Weekly.

Michael Twomey wrote and directed the annual pantomime at Cork Opera House for almost thirty years.

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Freedom of Cork city conferred on entertainers

Kaplan University and American Freedom Foundation Offer Scholarships for Military Spouses and Dependents for Third …

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SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

For the third consecutive year, Kaplan University and the American Freedom Foundation (AFF)an organization committed to honoring members of the armed forceshave teamed to offer full and partial scholarships to spouses and dependents of active-duty National Guard and Reserve service members from all branches of the U.S. military. Since the program began, nearly 100 scholarships have been awarded.

As a military-friendly school, Kaplan University is committed to supporting the men and women of the U.S. armed forces and their families," saidScott Kilgore, senior vice president of military affairs for Kaplan University. These scholarships are our way of ensuring that education remains affordable and attainable for our countrys valued military personnel.

The scholarships are applicable to Kaplan Universitys online associates and bachelors degree programs. Scholarship applicants must have a grade point average of at least 3.75 to be eligible for full scholarships, and at least a 3.0 grade point average to qualify for partial scholarships. Scholarship applications and deadlines are available online at http://www.scholarshipamerica.org/aff and must be submitted by October 31, 2013.

Military service always comes to an end, but education lasts forever. Kaplan University has stepped up to the plate with this scholarship program in an effort to provide education opportunities to our military spouses and dependents, said Sergeant Major of the Army (retired) Jack Tilley, co-founder, chairman, and CEO of the American Freedom Foundation.

In addition to scholarships, Kaplan University offers a multitude of services for online military students. This includes assistance from specially trained admissions, academic and financial aid advisors in the Military Student Support Center. The University also provides tuition reductions of up to 55 percent for active-duty service members and up to 38 percent for military veterans. Moreover, Kaplan University offers credit for military training and experience, and accepts credit from other Servicemember Opportunity Colleges.

For more information, visit http://www.kaplanuniversity.edu/military.aspx.

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.ncahlc.org) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Kaplan University serves approximately 49,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 11 campuses in Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland and Maine, and Kaplan University Learning Centers inMaryland,Wisconsin,Indiana,MissouriandFlorida.

Kaplan Universityispart of Kaplan Higher Education Group and Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses.Kaplan, Inc. serves approximately 67,000 students online and through approximately 70 campus-based schools across the United States. Kaplans higher education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree.Kaplan serves students of all ages through a wide array of offerings including higher education, test preparation, professional training and programs for kids in grades K-12. Kaplan, Inc., is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company and its largest division. For more information, visitwww.kaplanuniversity.edu.

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Kaplan University and American Freedom Foundation Offer Scholarships for Military Spouses and Dependents for Third ...