04.14.09
Posted in Uncategorized at 1:02 am by Pit
UCSF Team Closer to Creating Safe Embryonic-Like Stem Cells
A team of UCSF (http://www.ucsf.edu) researchers has for the first time used tiny molecules called microRNAs to help turn adult mouse cells back to their embryonic state. These reprogrammed cells are pluripotent, meaning that, like embryonic stem cells (http://www.ucsf.edu), they have the capacity to become any cell type in the body.
(Vocus) April 13, 2009 -- A team of UCSF (http://www.ucsf.edu) researchers has for the first time used tiny molecules called microRNAs to help turn adult mouse cells back to their embryonic state. These reprogrammed cells are pluripotent, meaning that, like embryonic stem cells (http://www.ucsf.edu), they have the capacity to become any cell type in the body.
The findings suggest that scientists will soon be able to replace retroviruses and even genes currently used in laboratory experiments to induce pluripotency in adult cells. This would make potential stem cell-based therapies safer by eliminating the risks posed to humans by these DNA-based methods, including alteration of the genome and risk of cancer.
"Using small molecules such as microRNAs to manipulate cells will play a major role in the future of stem cell biology," says senior author Robert Blelloch, MD, PhD, of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF.
Scientists are interested in reprogramming because it would offer a way to create cells that provide a genetic match for individual patients. A patient's skin cells could be reverted to pluripotent cells in the culture dish and then prompted to differentiate into adult cells, such as those of the heart, lung and brain. These cells could then be transplanted into patients, without the fear of rejection.
The study, reported in the April 12, 2009 advanced online edition of the journal "Nature Biotechnology" and scheduled for the May 8, 2009 print issue, used a combination of microRNAs and retrovirus-introduced genes to transform fibroblast cells -- found throughout the body of mice and humans -- into pluripotent cells.
The current finding comes on the heels of a study published by the group in the December 2008 print edition of "Nature Genetics" that showed that microRNAs, which can be synthesized in the lab, encouraged embryonic stem cells to self-replicate, a finding that has implications for replicating stem cells in the culture dish and exploring stem cells' role in cancers.
Previous methods for creating embryonic stem cell-like cells have relied on the introduction of DNA that encodes four transcription factors, proteins that play a role in the production of genes. The limitation of this method is that three of the four genes that code for these transcription factors -- oct4, klf4 and c-myc - are oncogenes, meaning they promote the uncontrolled cell growth characteristic of cancer.
In the current study, led by Robert Judson, a graduate student in the Blelloch lab, the scientists induced pluripotency using a combination of infection and transfection. The infection involved introducing three viruses, each containing a transcription factor known to induce pluripotency. The transcription factor for c-myc was not included. The transfection involved a simple process in which the tiny microRNA molecules were mixed with a lipid, allowing them to pass through the cell membrane. By labeling the fibroblast cells, they showed that the treated cells could be incorporated into a mouse embryo and become every cell type in the adult animal -- including germline cells that would produce the next generation of mice.
"These are transient, non-coding molecules that do not incorporate into the genome, but promote self-replication and have the potential to induce pluripotency," Blelloch says. "They do their thing -- turn a somatic cell into an embryonic stem cell-like one -- and then they're gone."
"MicroRNAs give us a new tool to manipulate the fate of cells," Blelloch says.
MicroRNAs are snippets of single-stranded RNA that prevent a gene's code from being translated from messenger RNA into protein. They were debuted in 1993, when scientists reported the discovery of a microRNA in the microscopic roundworm C. elegans. Since then, the field has "exploded," says Blelloch, with hundreds of microRNAs discovered in the last eight years across a broad range of species, from plants to animals.
Produced in the nucleus and released into the cytoplasm, microRNAs home in on messenger RNAs that share part of their genetic sequence. When they find them, they latch on, preventing the messenger RNA from being processed by the protein-making machines known as ribosomes. As such, microRNAs are able to ratchet down a cell's production of a given protein.
Currently, Blelloch and his colleagues are working to replace all four transcription factors with microRNAs and conducting experiments that will reveal the mechanism by which these small molecules are able to induce pluripotency. The team will also be looking to determine which microRNAs might be able to turn adult cells directly into particular adult cell types, by-passing the embryonic stem cell-like stage altogether.
"The goal now is to ensure the safety of induced pluripotent stem cells and to differentiate them into cells that can be used to repair damaged tissue and treat disease," he says.
The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pew Charitable Trust and National Science Foundation.
Co-authors of the study are Joshua Babiarz and Monica Venere of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF.
UCSF is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care.
Source: Jennifer O'Brien (415) 476-2557
E-mail: jobrien (at) pubaff.ucsf.edu
Web: www.ucsf.edu
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LIFE Ionizers™ Hits Hole-in-One with PGA PRO Golfer
Rick H. Cabados, CEV of Life Ionizers™, announced today that PGA Professional Robb Nunn is coming on board to represent LIFE Ionizers™.
Carlsbad, CA (PRWEB) April 13, 2009 -- Rick H. Cabados, CEV of Life Ionizers™, announced today that PGA Professional Robb Nunn is coming on board to represent LIFE Ionizers™. Robb will be wearing LIFE Ionizer shirts and hats and will have the Life Ionizers' Logo on his Golf Bag when playing in Professional Golf Events or public speaking engagements.
Nunn said, "I am very happy, excited, and proud to have been given this unique opportunity, and am looking forward to representing LIFE Ionizers™ to the fullest extent. I fully believe in their products over other competitors, and have already experienced the benefits from drinking ionized alkaline mineral water (http://www.lifeionizers.com). Mr. Cabados and I have a common vision when it comes to the health and well-being of all individuals. Drinking alkaline mineral water has dramatically increased my own personal health, as well as that of family members and friends as well. I will be communicating to everyone that, by using LIFE Ionizers™ products, they now have the ability to become very healthy and that by changing the water they drink, they will change their life forever."
This announcement coincided with the release of LIFE Ionizers' new "convertible" water ionizer line; the LIFE Ionizer 7600 (http://www.lifeionizers.com/products/ionizers/convertible-water-ionizers/life-ionizer-7600) and the LIFE Ionizer 8100 (http://www.lifeionizers.com/products/ionizers/convertible-water-ionizers/life-ionizer-8100). These new "convertible" ionizers can convert from counter top systems to under counter. The under counter systems can turn into counter top ionizers for the summer home or traveling. Mr. Cabados is pleased add Robb Nunn to his list of professional athlete endorsements. "Athletes need proper hydration to maximize their performance. Drinking ionized alkaline mineral water will ensure that they gain all the health benefits and stay hydrated whether they are on or off the field."
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Tackling Medication Waste in Corrections
Talyst InSite™, the first pharmacy automation system designed specifically for correctional facilities, enables on-demand dispensing and saves nursing time.
Bellevue, Wash., (PRWEB) April 13, 2009 - Every year, millions of dollars' worth of inmate medications and nursing staff hours are wasted. Inaccurate or incomplete patient information leads to errors ranging from wrong location to wrong medication, and outmoded, time-consuming dispensing practices are aggravated by a shortage of nurses that reaches a staggering 54 percent in some areas. Providing healthcare in a correctional environment also poses unique challenges in terms of security, timeliness, regulatory compliance, and exposure to potential liability.
In response to such pervasive concerns, Talyst, a leader in pharmacy automation systems, developed InSite™ for Corrections, the first pharmacy automation solution designed for use in correctional facilities.
"Failing to leverage existing resources and technology to improve the corrections health care system is tantamount to letting crops rot during a famine," said Carla Corkern, CEO of Talyst. "Providing on-demand medication dispensing with patient-specific packaging ensures the right patient gets the right medication every time. Talyst empowers facilities to virtually eliminate waste and medication errors and save enormous amounts of nursing time--all while improving inmate care."
With the system, Talyst places a freestanding, secure dispensing unit on-site at the correctional facility. Medication orders can be approved by a distant pharmacist, and immediately dispensed at the correctional facility. The automated system means no more waiting for the next delivery for STAT orders and, because it's based on actual usage, it requires less medication inventory on-hand. Facilities using the InSite system have also demonstrated that it takes nursing staff a fraction of the time previously required to dispense medications.
Nationwide, a growing number of correctional facilities are implementing the InSite Remote Dispensing System. Parkland Jail Health in Dallas, TX; the Allegheny Correctional Health System in Pittsburgh, PA; and Westchester Medical Center in New York State are the latest facilities to begin implementing Talyst InSite for Corrections. Talyst announced the new implementations at the National Commission on Correctional Health Care conference last week at the Flamingo Las Vegas.
A comprehensive solution:
InSite for Corrections brings efficiency and greater control to medication storage, access and delivery processes in correctional facilities. Its components and capabilities include:
• Accurate order entry - InSite Prescriber Order Entry is designed to dramatically reduce transcription errors that lead to patient-safety risks
• Integrated patient information - InSite Pharmacy Information System automates the pharmacy operations to maximize efficiency and ensure patient safety
• Automated dispensing - The InSite Remote Dispensing System provides on-site, on-demand automation for preparing patient-specific oral medication doses
About Talyst:
Talyst is engineering the safer pharmacy. The company was founded in 2002 to provide easy-to-use, automated medication management systems to acute care hospital pharmacies. The following year, Talyst launched AutoPharm®, the innovative software platform designed to integrate medication storage, inventory, ordering, barcoding, and clinical systems.
By 2009, Talyst had installed automated systems in close to 400 acute care hospitals and integrated healthcare companies. By leveraging our expertise in acute care pharmacy automation, we are now building unique systems designed specifically to meet the needs of long-term care facilities and correctional institutions. Talyst is dedicated to delivering world-class software and proven hardware components to enhance efficiency, provide greater inventory control, and improve patient safety in all environments. For more information, see www.talyst.com or call 877-4-Talyst (877-482-5978).
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Healthcare Solutions And Mitchell International Announce Specialty Network Services For Auto Casualty Market
Through a strategic partnership, Healthcare Solutions and Mitchell International have developed a new approach to medical cost management that includes enhanced capabilities for managing pharmacy, diagnostic imaging and other ancillary healthcare costs for auto injury claims.
Atlanta (Vocus) April 13, 2009 -- Healthcare Solutions (http://www.healthcaresolutions.com) and Mitchell International (http://www.mitchell.com) announced today a new specialty network solution for the auto casualty market. Through a strategic partnership, Healthcare Solutions and Mitchell International have developed a new approach to medical cost management that includes enhanced capabilities for managing pharmacy, diagnostic imaging and other ancillary healthcare costs for auto injury claims.
The solution integrates Healthcare Solutions’ specialty networks into Decision Point®, Mitchell International’s leading bill review application for the auto industry, to provide deep discounts on covered services and increased visibility into medical dollars associated with claims. For carriers utilizing Decision Point, the solution can be seamlessly deployed with little to no impact on a carrier’s technology resources.
“Total medical expenses are rising faster than the rate of medical care inflation, fueled by increases in the number of pharmacy claims, the fastest growing component of healthcare costs, and diagnostic imaging services with increasing utilization and soaring treatment costs,” said Dave Torrence, senior vice president of Mitchell International. “Integration of Healthcare Solutions’ specialty networks into Mitchell International’s bill review process provides carriers discounts ranging between 25-35% over traditional re-pricing methods, and 75% better program use, due to seamless automation within Decision Point.”
In addition to substantial discounts, the program also provides improved operational efficiency and enhanced policyholder value and satisfaction. Policyholder value is increased through ease of access at over 50,000 retail pharmacy locations nationwide, the elimination of out of pocket expenses and maximized policy limits.
The program reduces the volume of reimbursement checks written due to prospective management of bills and payment to a single vendor through Decision Point. It also reduces the number of paper bills manually entered into the system, eliminating keying errors and payment mistakes.
The integrated solution includes a prospective pharmacy program (http://www.healthcaresolutions.com/Solutions_PharmacyBenefitManagement.html) that yields discounts approximating 30% through a combination of improved management of drug utilization and compliance, the application of industry-standard treatment protocols and network discounts substantially deeper than traditional re-pricing methods that utilize Medi-Span® or Red Book® to only review bills after the expense has been incurred by the policyholder.
Additional ancillary healthcare services (http://www.healthcaresolutions.com/MarketsAuto_SpecialtyNetworks.html) included in the program consist of diagnostic imaging, home healthcare and durable medical equipment and supplies. Inclusion of specialty networks into Decision Point increases the number of bills managed through in-network providers and provides discounts averaging 25% below typical charges without disrupting the bill review process. Preliminary analyses indicate that inclusion of specialty network services within Decision Point adds 75 – 80% in additional program usage.
“The comprehensive specialty network solution provides for significant improvement in loss costs related to pharmacy and other ancillary healthcare services, reduces claims administrative burden for carriers and enhances policyholder satisfaction,” said David A. George, chief executive officer of Healthcare Solutions. “Integration of specialty networks (http://www.healthcaresolutions.com/AutoMarkets.html) within Decision Point provides a best in class solution for customers.”
For more information about specialty network services offered by Mitchell and Healthcare Solutions, contact Kevin Gitre, Sr. Vice President of Sales for Mitchell Medical at 858-368-8030, or Kim Plotkin, Vice President of Sales for Healthcare Solutions at 303-916-6685.
About Healthcare Solutions
Healthcare Solutions, Inc. is the parent company of Cypress Care and Procura Management. Through its affiliated companies, Healthcare Solutions serves as a health service company delivering integrated solutions to the property and casualty markets, specializing in workers’ compensation and auto liability/PIP. The company’s customers include insurer carriers, third party administrators (TPAs), managed care organizations (MCOs), government agencies and self-insured employers. Utilizing market-leading technology, Healthcare Solutions delivers demonstrated benefits and savings complemented by deep industry expertise. For more information, please visit www.healthcaresolutions.com.
About Mitchell International
Mitchell International, Inc. (www.mitchell.com) provides the Insurance P&C market with a variety of technology, database and service solutions with one goal in mind –enable our clients to process their automotive medical claims in a timely, accurate and fair manner. Mitchell International has a 20 year track record of delivering high-quality products and services to auto insurance carriers, service providers and TPAs, allowing them to audit and evaluate first and third-party provider and hospital bills. Mitchell International currently serves many of the top automobile and workers compensation P&C companies and is a leading provider of information, workflow, and performance management solutions to the automotive insurance claims industry, also serving carriers, collision repair facilities, and other commercial participants in the physical damage and automobile and workers compensation related medical claims markets.
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Posted in Uncategorized at 1:02 am by Pit
ValueRays® USB Infrared Heat Therapy Ergonomic Computer Workstation for Arthritis Pain Relief
Did you know there are over 100 Arthritis types? Infrared heat therapy is a soothing, deep healing source of home heat therapy for year-round hand pain relief due to arthritis stiff joints, diabetes poor circulation, carpal tunnel syndrome hand injury and cold hands due to Raynaud's phenomenon. A warm ValueRays® ergonomic computer workstation provides infrared heat therapy using infrared heaters in the comfort of your home or office. If your hand pain symptoms result in cold computer hands and numb cold fingers, cost-effective and energy-efficient infrared heat therapy using your computer provides infrared therapeutic relief.
(PRWEB) April 13, 2009 -- Hand therapists worldwide report computer-related hand problems are on the rise. The situation is not going to fade or go away anytime soon. The computer, computer mouse and the computer keyboard present its user with an array of painful strain and stress situations. When combined with certain medical conditions -- like any of the over 100 Arthritis types -- hand pain problems are compounded.
IGMproducts.com (http://igmproducts.com) announced today the availability of infrared heated computer accessories to help those who suffer with arthritis hand pain to use the computer with improved comfort, ease and relief.
"Infrared heat is a deep penetrating source of heat therapy for computer users who have arthritis in their hands," said Anna Miller, IGMproducts.com owner. "I have arthritis in my hands, and only 20-30 minutes of infrared heat therapy daily makes a big difference in reduced hand pain and increased amount of time I can use the computer."
Infrared heat can make a difference for computer users with hand pain associated with arthritis and other conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, Raynaud's Phenomenon, diabetes and poor circulation. The relaxing heat helps get blood circulating to the affected areas.
Not everyone has poor circulation or cold hand pain when using the computer, but for people who do, IGMproducts.com provides a high-quality, low-priced infrared heated mouse, heated mouse pad, heated keyboard pad and mouse hand warmer blanket.
IGMproducts.com (http://igmproducts.com)is the premiere online store for ValueRays® USB Infrared Heat Ergonomic Computer Accessories. The ValueRays® (http://www.valuerays.com) brand includes the following USB items:
ValueRays® Warm Mouse
ValueRays® Warm Mouse Pad
ValueRays® Warm Keyboard Pad
ValueRays® Mouse Hand Warmer®
If you or someone you know suffer from hand pain when using the computer, infrared heat computer accessories are an ideal source of soothing heat to relax sore muscles, relieve tension and stress, and provide a deep penetrating source of heat to aching hands, fingers, wrists and arms.
Using USB heat is cost-effective and energy-efficient. The computer supplies therapeutic heat energy for the mouse hand and keyboard hands. The ValueRays® USB plug & play products require no additional software to install. Just place the USB connector in an USB port to start a home-based heat therapy treatment while you are using the computer. Within a few minutes warmth is delivered to the surface of the mouse pad and to the computer mouse. Use the two heated items inside the Mouse Hand Warmer® blanket pouch and insulated infrared heat creates the perfect mouse hand environment.
IGMproducts.com offers Free USA Shipping & No Sales Tax for its online shoppers.
April is Occupational Therapy Month. If you know someone recovering from a hand injury, suggest infrared heat ergonomic work aids to assist the rehabilitation process. See the IGMproducts.com ValueRays® advertisement in April's Conference issue of OT Practice Magazine.
If you have severe hand pain symptoms, severe cold computer hands and numb cold fingers, please consult a doctor to discuss cold hand causes for a proper hand pain diagnosis. Do not rely solely on Internet research to define the causes of cold hands and hand pain.
For more information about ValueRays® USB Infrared Heat Ergonomic Computer Accessories, please visit http://IGMproducts.com.
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