Category Archives: Oregon Stem Cells

Bloodworks Northwest officials report that blood supplies are not keeping pace with the needs of local hospitals, and theyre seeking Blood Donors.

Hospital requests are 120% of normal the last seven days, especially for type O blood, Bloodworks said. This increased need for lifesaving blood has placed pressure on the supply making the need for more donors urgent in October for Pacific Northwest hospitals that count on Bloodworks for even common procedures like surgeries.

Hospitals are seeing an increase in traumas, transplants, and emergency situations requiring blood, said Bloodworks President and CEO Curt Bailey. Overall blood usage is up 20% which translates to an additional 600 units of blood needed each week. This is unsustainable unless more community members step up to fill these growing needs of our hospitals and those lives depending on them.

It typically takes 1,000 people each day to make appointments to give blood at Bloodworks donor centers and unique pop-up blood drives happening throughout Western Washington and Oregon. This month, blood donors will learn if they have COVID-19 antibodies that may help patients currently fighting coronavirus. Thats because Bloodworks is testing all whole blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies through October 31 in conjunction with pandemic response efforts. A positive test result indicates if the donors immune system has produced antibodies to SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) regardless of whether the person ever showed symptoms.

As this high usage trend continues, our deficit increases with our most-needed Type O blood types fast approaching critically low levels, said Vicki Finson, Executive Vice President of Blood Services. Local hospitals are counting on all of us to meet their commitment to provide the best patient care possible. Whether youre a first-time donor or longtime donor, please make an appointment now to keep our shelves stocked for patients.

Donations with Bloodworks provide 95% of the lifesaving blood supply to Pacific Northwest hospitals. It takes about an hour to give blood from check-in to post-donation cookie. Appointments and masks required.In accordance with current social distancing guidelines, no walk-ins, guests, or people under age 16 are permitted onsite. Bloodworks has posted information addressing questions and concerns for blood donors at bloodworksnw.org/coronavirus. Information about who can donate and where, is available at http://www.bloodworksnw.org.

Additional Resources:For the latest information on COVID-19 please visit theCDC website, Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 main page, and Oregon Health Authority.

Bloodworks Donor Centers and Pop-Up Centers:Appointments and information at BloodworksNW.org or 800-398-7888. See our list of Donor Centers and Pop-Up locations.

About Bloodworks NorthwestBloodworks Northwest is backed by 75 years of Northwest history and 250,000 donors. It is local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based. A recognized leader in transfusion medicine, Bloodworks serves patients at hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska partnering closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Comprehensive services include blood components, complex cross-matching, specialized lab services for organ transplants, care for patients with blood disorders, and collection of cord blood stem cells for cancer treatment. Bloodworks Research Institute performs leading-edge research in blood biology, transfusion medicine, blood storage and treatment of blood disorders. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation, or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on our services, expertise, laboratories and research. Blood donation appointments can be scheduled at bloodworksnw.org.

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Blood donors needed to keep blood supply stocked for local patients - The B-Town (Burien) Blog - The B-Town Blog

Regenerative Orthopedic Medicine

Regenerative Orthopedic Medicine uses non-surgical injection procedures for the permanent repair of damaged tendons, ligaments and joints. Our regenerative and biological treatments includeProlotherapy,Platelet Rich Plasma PRP, allogenic Umbilical and Placental tissue products, andAdipose Biocellular Therapies. These treatments enhance the natural cycles of repair in chronically injured joints, ligaments, and tendons. Regenerative injections are an effective treatment for all manner of acute and chronic pain from back and neck injuries, as well as osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, foot and ankle. Most of our patients have been told that their only solution is surgery, steroid injections, or a lifetime on pain medications. While no treatment has 100% success, the vast majority of our patients achieve durable pain-free function without surgery, joint replacement, or drugs.

Healthy patients have healthy outcomes, and that is why we practice an integrated system of Orthopedic Medicine enhanced by nutritional guidance, endocrine support, detoxification, IV Therapy, PRP, and adult stem cells in our regenerative protocols. This whole-person approach addresses the painful condition from multiple angles while promoting optimal health during the treatment process. Patients can remain active during the treatment process, and recovery time is swift.

Oregon Regenerative Medicine has found Adipose-Derived Biocellular Therapy and Platelet Rich Plasma to be effective in the following diseases:

At Oregon Regenerative Medicine, we use Platelet Rich Plasma and adipose tissues and cells that are harvested from your own body. Unlike embryonic stem cells, adipose cells and tissues have been well researched in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. Adult-adipose tissue is the most abundant source of stem cells in the human body, and have shown great promise in the treatment of a host of conditions.

Therapies include:

Aesthetic medicine is a specialized area of medicine that focuses on improving cosmetic appearance. We focus on treatments that encourage natural collagen production. We recognize that our patients like to not only feel good but to look their best too. Our approach is to not make you look like something has been done, but rather to make you look more refreshed and younger. With regenerative medicine, you too can age gracefully!

Therapies include:

We believe that healthy patients have healthy outcomes. The foundation of functional medicine is to address the underlying cause of disease rather than simply treating symptoms. Our functional medicine service takes into account your history, lab results, medical imaging, hormone imbalance, and lifestyle to determine your optimal path to wellness.

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Stem Cell & Regenerative Therapies | Oregon Regenerative ...

Stem cells Therapy is an exciting and emerging treatment option for chronic pain and sports injuries. It is based on the use of Stem cells derived from the persons own body.

Cells Cells are basic building block of our human body. A group of similar cells made up a tissue, tissues group together to make a organ. Human body is comprised of many different organ system like brain, liver, kidney, bone and musculo-skeletal system. So in nutshell our body is made of millions of different kind of cells, each cell serving a specific purpose for its organ.

Cells >> Tissue>> Organ Systems>> Full human body

Stem cells on the other hand,are cells in early stages of development that do not have a specific role assigned to them. They are versatile and can develop into almost any cell of the body.

Our body needs Stem cells to heal itself from the daily wear and tear and keep all systems running in tip-top shape. Each stem cell has an unlimited potential to become any type of cell, tissue or organ based on environmental cues. Stem cells can thus heal a damaged or worn out tissue or cartilage and sometimes even an organ of our body.

Stem Cells are being successfully isolated from the human bone marrow for last 30 to 40 years for treatment of Blood cancer. In the last decade, developments in research have made it possible for stem cells to be used formany Orthopedic reconstructive procedures as well.

There are two main types of Stem cells:

Embryonic Stem Cells are derived from the umbilical cord or fetal tissue. These cells are supposed to have miraculous powers but their use in adult humans is controversial. The Safety of Use in adults for this type of stem cell has not yet been established and therefore, the use of Embryonic Stem Cells is not FDA approved.

Adipose tissue derived Adult Stem Cells are being widely used for treatment by clinics and medical centers across the United States. As the name suggests, these cells are extracted from adipose (fat) tissue in the human body. Once extracted, they have to be processed in the lab before they are ready for use for treatment. The lab processing procedure is not yet FDA approved and due to that, this particular type of stem cell therapy is also not FDA approved yet. Due to the significant laboratory processing required to isolate stem cells from Adipose tissue or fat, they are classified as drugs by the FDA.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) or Medicinal Signalling cells are a category of Adult Stem cells that can be safely derived from the human Bone marrow. They are usually extracted from a patients hip bone. These kind of Stem cells have been shown to be capable of treating Musculoskeletal and Spine conditions. This type of stem cells are FDA approved and recommended.

Stem Cells from Bone Marrow

With growing evidence for use of stem cells for many spine and musculo-skeletal conditions. We are pleased to offer Stem cell Treatment in Portland, Oregon. Some of the conditions that can be treated using Stem Cell Therapy include the listed:

Degenerative Disc Disease( Neck or Lumbar Spine):

Stem Cells has potential to increase disc height, slow or reverse degenerative process inside your Inter-vertebral discs.

Degenerative Arthritis

Tendinitis

Ligament and Menisci Injury

CONCLUSION: Stem cells therapy has revolutionized the modern medicine world with potential to treat many health conditions. Over last decade- Stem cell therapy has been used for many musculoskeletal- spine conditions and sports related injuries with exciting results.

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STEM CELL THERAPY IN PORTLAND, OREGON - Cornell Pain Clinic

Just like looking in the mirror overtime healthy tissue on the inside of our body become dysfunctional due to age and injury. Our high density, activated, stem cells are rich in growth factors and contain the regenerative capacity necessary to regulate and facilitate the natural healing process of injured tissues.

Why Choose OMC?

Regenerative Medicine Clinic

Regenerative Medicine Therapy requires no Surgery by healing the underlying cause of the problem, allowing tissue to regenerate.

It can be more effective than traditional surgical procedures as they require less healing time, minimal down time with little to no rehabilitation and are less painful.

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Auto Injury

If you've been in a car crash, you know how painful and disruptive these kinds of injuries can be. Millions of people are hurt in auto collisions each year and suffer for decades. Come to our Salem & Aloha, OR integrated healthcare clinics to see how we can get you back to full health!

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Work Injury

Studies show that chiropractic treatments are effective for a number of work injuries including back pain, carpal tunnel, stress injuries, sciatica, neck pain and more. One of the best ways to recover from a work injury in Aloha or Salem, ORis to visit our integrated healthcare clinics, learn more about Oregon Medical Centers today!

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Oregon Medical Centers Regenerative Medicine ...

Submitted by Bloodworks Northwest

With new COVID-19 cases in the Northwest projected to decline in the weeks ahead, Washington and Oregon hospitals are preparing to re-start surgeries, organ transplants and cancer treatments that were suspended in March after the magnitude of the pandemic threat became apparent. Patient needs and requests for blood from Bloodworks healthcare partners are rising quickly and could reach pre-COVID levels as early as next week before the blood supply is ready.

Whenthe coronavirus hit, donors in the community stepped up immediately, said CurtBailey, President and CEO of Bloodworks Northwest. As we start the challengingroad to recovery, patients need them even more.

Hospitals and healthcare providers in the region are preparing to tackle a significant backlog of surgeries, medical treatments and procedures that require transfusions. Mounting requests from hospitals are outpacing current collection levels. We cannot afford to re-start these and other treatments without being utterly certain the blood will be there and steadily available over the coming days and months, and only the community can close the gap, Bailey said.

Essential measures to contain the coronavirus stay-at-home orders, online learning at colleges and schools, workplace and business closures, social distancing to discourage public and faith-based gatherings also took away usual settings for mobile blood drives that account for up to 60% of collections (the equivalent of 34,000 units since March 1). The sacrifices necessary for a safe and healthy community have been felt and shared by everyone, Bailey noted. After conserving the blood supply in recent weeks, we must rebuild inventory to a higher, resilient level that will propel the community toward a safe, sustainable recovery.

Bloodworks has implemented some creative new approaches to blood collection, said Vicki Finson, Executive Vice President of Blood Services. With donor support, we can make the most of them to restore the blood supply for people whove been patiently awaiting their turn. Were determined to be ready for patients and to support our healthcare partners, however, right now the need is outpacing the supply. Only by boosting current collections and calling on donors to book appointments can we meet the critical need hospitals have identified for the weeks ahead.

Inextraordinary times like these (and in normal times, too) the community bloodsupply supports patients receiving trauma care, undergoing surgeries, cancertreatment, organ transplants, plus new moms and neonatal care.

Bloodworks is urging all donors to step up for community recovery.Please pre-book your next severaldonations now to make sure patients get the fighting chance andlifesaving blood they deserve. All types are urgently needed, but Type O isespecially in demand.

Theblood components in greatest demand are perishable, just like milk. Plateletshave a shelf-life of only 5 days; red cells can be stored for up to 42 days.Thats why donors are needed every day. The community will have a safe andreliable blood supply when donating blood becomes a kindhearted habitwhendonors commit to donating two or three times per year or more.

Wewelcome regular and new donors as humble heroes to save lives and to help inCOVID recovery.

Now more than ever the act of donating blood is a way for peopleto look after their families,friends, coworkers and neighbors, Bailey said. Whenit comes to a safe and resilient blood supply, lets be the community thatleads the nation.

Before COVID-19,about 60% of the blood supply was collected through mobile drives hosted bydrive sponsors who organized drives at schools, workplaces, offices, factories,communityspaces and places of worship. Due to social distancing, Bloodworks is no longerdoing one-time only mobile drives. Instead, pop-up donor centers aremulti-week drives in spacious, temporary venues like T-Mobile Park, Cheney Stadium, Angel of the Winds Arena along with manyother area businesses and churches which are providing the opportunity forhundreds of donor appointments per day. Extended hours at donor centersalso play a key role.

Whole blood donors can giveblood once every 56 days, up to 6 times a year. Those aged 16 & 17 who meetdonation weight and eligibility requirements may donate with a signed Bloodworkspermission form.

Appointments arerequired to donate blood, and no guests or people under the age of 16 arepermitted onsite to support safe social distancing, minimize wait time, andensure the best donation experience possible. Same day appointments are oftenavailable by calling ahead to 800-398-7888. Special appointments have beenreserved for donors who are blood type O negative in this crucial time, soplease contact us at 800-398-7888 or email schedule@bloodworksnw.org if this is your blood type.

Donating blood is safe, and there is no risk of contracting coronavirus from the donation process. (Source: AABB) Bloodworks policies comply with FDA, CDC, local health departments and other recommendations related to COVID-19. Bloodworks follows CDC guidance on wearing masks by wearing cloth face masks donated by volunteers or a face shield. We encourage donors to wear masks to their donation appointments and whenever they are in public. Bloodworks routinely sanitizes donation areas, chairs, surfaces and common objects such as doorknobs and light switches, and use hand sanitizer. Staff, donors, and volunteers are advised to stay home if they feel unwell. Bloodworks has posted information addressing questions and concerns for blood donors at bloodworksnw.org/coronavirus.

Blood donation takes about an hour from registration to post-donation refreshment. Information about who can donate and where is available at http://www.bloodworksnw.org.

For the latest information on COVID-19 please visit theCDC website and Washington State Department of Health COVID-19 main page.

Appointments and information at BloodworksNW.org or800-398-7888..

Bloodworks Northwest is backed by 75 years of Northwest history and 250,000 donors. It is local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based. A recognized leader in transfusion medicine, Bloodworks serves patients at hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska partnering closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Comprehensive services include blood components, complex cross-matching, specialized lab services for organ transplants, care for patients with blood disorders, and collection of cord blood stem cells for cancer treatment. Bloodworks Research Institute performs leading-edge research in blood biology, transfusion medicine, blood storage and treatment of blood disorders. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on our services, expertise, laboratories and research. Blood donation appointments can be scheduled at bloodworksnw.org.

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Hospitals to Resume Elective Surgeries, Triggering a Surge in Blood Needs - southsoundtalk.com

For Earth, bleak times lay ahead. TheCOVID-19 diseaseis known to cause respiratory illness and fever, but some extra symptoms sweeping across the globe right now seem to be stress, fear, and anxiety. To provide some light relief in these dark times, weve collated 15 of our favorite good news stories to remind you that not everything is awful. Hold tight everybody, 2021 will come eventually.

The Super Pink Moon is comingYou might be stuck at home as part of your self-isolation, but luckily the night sky is about to put on quite a show as April sees the return of the Super Pink Moon. Full moons happen every month and were given different names by the Native Americans to map out the year based on significant events that ran in tandem with the occurrence of a full Moon. Aprils is known as the pink moon because it appeared at the same time as pink spring flowers. This Aprils will be a Super Pink Moon as it is the second supermoon of the year, a term used to describe the slightly enlarged appearance of the Moon as its fully illuminated by the Sun due to Earths position between the two. Quarantine or no, if you've got access to a window you should be able to catch sight of this beauty on April 7 and when you do, think of all the other people looking up at the same moon. Self isolation doesn't mean you're alone.

Mice have been cured of diabetesAn astonishing discovery at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has revealed that human stem cells could be successfully engineered to cure diabetes in mice, offering an avenue of hope for the treatment of this debilitating disease. They used human pluripotent stem cells, cells that have the capacity to become any cell in the body, to create insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. The engineered stem cells supplemented the diabetic mices inability to produce insulin, curing them of the disease for 9 months to a year before relapse occurred.

Theres a new green fuel in townHydrogen fuel was fast shaping up to be a hopeful route for a zero-emissions means of running things, but its costly production in terms of energy was affecting hopes for it being a sustainable resource. A team in Tokyo has now managed to refine the process to yield 25 times more hydrogen than previous methods all while using thrifty ingredients including light and a specific kind of rust. Combined with all the solar power breakthroughs currently occurring, green energy is on the up.

A crash course in what not to do, according to one Stanford University psychologist.

Babies love baby talkEven if it makes your skin crawl to hear adults cooing over little uns, it turns out babies across the globe are universally partial to baby talk. The news comes fromStanford psychologist Michael Frank who led the largeststudyto date looking at how the different ways adults speak is received by babies across the world. While all babies were fans, older babies liked it best and even showed a preference for baby talk in their native language as they likely recognized it most even if they couldnt speak it yet. The overall winner was oohs and coos, so think twice before scorning your new-parent friends for embarrassing you in public the babies have spoken.

Important change in the winds for HIV treatmentShortly after a UK man became the second person cured of HIV a fantastic breakthrough in the treatment of this once devastating disease theres more good news in the UK as PrEP, a preventative drug that prevents HIV infection, will finally be available nationwide on the NHS having already been made available in Scotland. After a 3-year study involving 20,000 participants, the drug will be made available to those at higher risk of exposure from April. PrEP is already available in the US and you can find PrEP providers near you here.

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Plasters finally take a step towards racial inclusivityMajor UK superstore Tesco has taken the long-awaited step to introduce skin tone diversity into their range of bandaids. Previously, widely available bandaids, or plasters in the UK, have mainly catered to Caucasian individuals and the racial oversight was brought to light by a moving Tweet from Domonique Apollon in April 2019 after he wore a bandaid suitable for his skin tone for the first time. Longtime readers of Malorie Blackman's literary series Noughts and Crosseswill appreciate this poignant detail becoming a reality, as will those watching the current BBC dramatization available to watch via iPlayer in the US (excellent for those self-isolating).

Universal flu vaccine passes integral stageWatchers of the Pandemic documentary on Netflix (we wouldnt recommend catching up now if you missed it) may remember the plight of flu-fighting epidemiologists as the constantly shape-shifting nature of influenza meant strains were annually moving beyond existing vaccinations. Now, a universal vaccine is becoming a reality as for the first time a vaccine, called FLU-v, has been developed that can induce immune responses that last at least six months. Phase I and II of the clinical trial have been approved meaning its safety for use in human subjects and we hotly await what comes next for the groundbreaking vaccine.

Top marks for lights out in dark sky nationSometimes a bit of darkness can be a good thing, and when it comes to nighttime, the tiny South Pacific island of Niue tops the charts. The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) is a non-profit working to protect our most precious natural spaces from light pollution, and this year chose Niue as the first entire country ever to be accredited as a Dark Sky Place. This classification recognizes responsible lighting policies that preserve the natural darkness of nighttime carrying with it endless benefits for the biological cycles of animals, plants and humans.

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People hating on National Parks created beautiful artIn a glimmering example of you cant please everybody, artist Amber Share decided to take some of the best worst reviews of National Parks in America and turn them intotourism posters, showing that we can still make something funny in the face of people's negativity. You can see the whole collection on her Instagram account @subparparks, but a personal favorite has to be the above magnificent minimization of Yellowstone.

CRISPR may hold the key for curing genetic blindnessSurgeons at Oregon Health & Science Institute have attempted to use gene hacking to cure Leber congenital amaurosis, a genetic condition that leads to the onset of blindness in early childhood. By directly gene editing within the patients eye, researchers hope to ...take people who are essentially blind and make them see," according to researchers.

The Arctic seed vault in Svalbard is thrivingLast month saw an enormous glut of 60,000 seed samples added to the ever-growing collecting in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Tucked beneath a mountain in Norway's Svalbard archipelago, the initiative began with hopes to create a Noahs ark for plant diversity to protect our green spaces should a global catastrophe occur up top. The collection now includes 1.05 million seed varieties including the first-ever donation from an indigenous US tribe. Nicknamed the "Doomsday vault", we may need it sooner than thought.

Sea sponges can sneeze, and the footage is amazingThe aah and choo of asneezing sea spongehas been caught on camera for the first time and the recording is hilarious. Stumbled upon almost by accident, the discovery came about while researchers were observing sea cucumbers and sea urchins sniffing the sea floor. The video shows the two-part sneeze of a tulip-shaped sponge as it expands before contracting, expelling particles as it goes. Researchers arent yet sure what the sneezes are in response to. Lets hope its not a case ofthe suds.

Vernal equinox brings early springThe times might be dark but for the Northern hemisphere, the days wont be, as spring arrives on March 19, the earliest date in 124 years. The variation in the date is the result of leap years and daylight savings time. It should be noted this is the astronomical definition of spring, which refers specifically to the position of Earth's orbit in relation to the Sun, so perhaps dont expect to hear a gay little spring song in your garden just yet.

Its possible some dinosaurs could GLOW IN THE DARKA titillating discovery published in the journal Historical Biology recently revealed that some dinosaurs may have glowed in the dark thanks to ultraviolet fluorescing feathers and horns. Many extant bird species are tetrachromats, defined by a fourth cone in their retina that means they can see the UV spectrum. Co-author Jamie Dunning's work on the photoluminescence of puffin beaks under UV light inspired the questions, could dinosaurs have this too? We'd like the answer to be yes, please. The only thing cooler than dinosaurs is glow-in-the-dark dinosaurs.

If you need more positivity in your life right now, take a look at these ingenious social distancing moments from around the world that will restore your faith in humanity.

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15 Good News Stories To Tackle The COVID-19 Sadness - IFLScience

January 30, 2020 | :

As Dr. Cathy Wong tells it, she stumbled into her career in academia after she walked into a lab and saw how colorful the lasers were.

I thought this could be really fun, says Wong, who uses lasers to study how material interacts with light and solar cells. Her research, which uses physical chemistry to research material synthesis, has longstanding implications, including responding to the worlds energy crisis.

Dr. Cathy Wong

As an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Oregon, Wong spends much of her time helping undergraduate juniors and seniors as well as graduate students develop passion for scientific research.

I kind of always knew I wanted teaching to be part of my work, says Wong, who earned her bachelors degree in biological chemistry from McMaster University in Toronto and her Ph.D. in 2011 from the University of Toronto. She later completed a postdoctoral degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

Having grown up in Toronto where ethnic differences are often celebrated, embracing diversity has been a hallmark of Wongs career. Unlike her hometown, the city of Eugene, where the University of Oregon is situated, is less racially diverse, meaning that Wong who hopes to come up for tenure in a little less than two years has made it her priority to help students develop a sense of belonging and connection to the university.

In the classroom, Wongs work largely focuses on helping design physical chemistry labs and teaching students how to build microscopes and write lab reports skills she says will prove useful in their future careers.

Though she works with science majors, she teaches a section of physical chemistry that requires heavy math skills that often create anxiety among her students.

Some are apprehensive, she says. I reassure them, you can do it even if it is complicated and overwhelming.

Clarity, Wong says, is essential to teaching in the sciences.

My philosophy of teaching and communication about science in general is not just to sound smart but to be as clear as possible, even if that means simplifying sometimes, she says. This way you bring everyone along and everyone can be engaged.

In this regard, Wong has been lauded for her teaching and research. Last year, she was named the recipient of a Career Award by the National Science Foundation. These awards are given to support early career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.

Those who know her say that Wong has been a leader in working tirelessly to increase the diversity of the graduate student population within a state that is itself not racially diverse.

Wong currently serves as the faculty sponsor for a student group, Community for Minorities in STEM (CMiS), that aims to retain students in racial minority groups. This group organizes social and professional development activities that aim to foster community among underrepresented graduate students, battle imposter syndrome and improve retention rates.

Wong also founded a program called Peer Recruitment In Science & Math (PRISM) that enables underrepresented graduate students to give research seminars at colleges that serve a large percentage of minority students.

By giving the undergraduate students an example of a near-peer who has succeeded in graduate school, the program aims to inspire more underrepresented minority undergraduates to pursue graduate studies, says Dr. Naomi Ginsberg, an associate professor of chemistry at the UC Berkeley and one of Wongs career mentors. The program has been highly effective in increasing the number of applicants to the graduate program at UO from underrepresented groups.

Wong says that she has enjoyed her time in the classroom and that her understanding of the academy has evolved over time.

When I started out, I had no idea how universities really worked, she says with a laugh. Now that Ive been here, I see that there are great opportunities to have a voice and help to effect change.

Dr. Cathy Wong

Title: Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Oregon

Education: Bachelors degree, McMaster University, Biological Chemistry; Ph.D., University of Toronto, Physical Chemistry

Age: 38

Career mentors: Dr. Greg Scholes, University of Toronto; Dr. Naomi Ginsberg, UC Berkeley

Words of wisdom/advice for new faculty members: Youre going to be asked to do a lot of things and its important to say no to some and reserve the time for those things that you really care about and that matters most to you and your department. Also, seek out career mentors who can help guide you along the way.

This article appeared in the January 23, 2020 edition of Diverse.

This is one in a series of profiles about this years 2020 Emerging Scholars. Read about all of them here.

Read the original here:
2020 Emerging Scholars: Dr. Cathy Wong - Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

This article highlights some of the most recent drug target discoveries that could be used to develop and design a treatment for pancreatic cancer.

Scientists investigating pancreatic cancer have identified new targets which, with further research, could be the basis for developing future therapies. Listed below are five of the most recent target discoveries, in order of their journal publication dates, with the newest first.

Scientists at the Queen Mary University of London, UK and Zhengzhou University, China have developed a personalised vaccine system that may be able to delay the onset of pancreatic cancer.

Cells taken from mice, mutated chemically into pancreatic cancer cells and then infected with Adenovirus (AdV) as a prime or Vaccinia virus (VV) as a boost, create a vaccine product. The virus kills the cancerous cells in such a way that their antigens are released and are therefore able to prime the immune system to prevent pancreatic cancer returning.

Injection of the virus-infected cells into mice destined to develop pancreatic cancer doubled their survival rate, compared to their unvaccinated counterparts. The vaccine also delayed the onset of the condition in these mice.

Using cells from the recipient of the vaccine enables the immune system to respond to the exact antigens seen in tumour cells of the individual, resulting in a vaccine regime tailored to them.

Through this international collaboration, we have made progress towards the development of a prophylactic cancer vaccine against pancreatic cancer, said Professor Yaohe Wang, leader of the study, from Queen Mary University of London and the Sino-British Research Centre at Zhengzhou University in China.

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute in the US have identified that a combination of two anti-cancer compounds, already approved for use to treat other cancers, shrank pancreatic tumours in mice.

Our study identifies a potential treatment combination that can immediately be tested against these aggressive tumours. We are already meeting with oncologists at Oregon Health & Science University, US to discuss how to advance this discovery into clinical evaluation, explained Dr Zeev Ronai, a professor in Sanford Burnham Prebys Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, also senior author of the study.

Scientists used L-asparaginase to starve pancreatic tumours of asparagine, an amino acid required by cells for protein synthesis. However, the tumour cells did not die, instead switching on a stress response pathway whereby they could produce asparagine themselves. Scientists then used an MEK inhibitor to block the stress response pathway, causing the pancreatic tumour to shrink.

L-asparaginase is already US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat leukaemias and similarly the MEK inhibitor is approved for the treatment of solid tumours, including melanoma skin cancer.

This research lays the basis for the inhibition of pancreatic tumour growth by a combined synergistic attack based on asparagine restriction and MAPK signalling inhibition, says Dr Eytan Ruppin, chief of the Cancer Data Science Library at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and co-author of the study.

Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Germany have identified that YME1L, a protease in the membrane of mitochondria, is activated when a cell uses glycolysis to produce energy anaerobically.

scientists were able to reduce tumour growth by switching off the glycolysis signalling pathway in the mitochondria

Cells adapt to oxygen deficiency by switching their energy supply to glycolysis, which ferments sugar without oxygen. This switch is often necessary in old age, as the cells in the body become poorly supplied with oxygen and nutrients.

Cancer cells can also face this problem; prior to angiogenesis, tumours are poorly perfused and so the tissue is deprived of oxygen. Oxidative stress in tumours drives the switch-on of multiple pathways. This includes the glycolysis pathway that alters the behaviour of the mitochondria to provide tumour cells with energy despite being starved of oxygen.

Scientists found that the YME1L protease is activated during the conversion to glycolysis. YME1L appears altered and breaks down various proteins in the organelles, preventing the formation of new mitochondria and causing the remaining organelles to change their metabolism. This process eventually stops as YME1L begins to degrade itself at high activity.

Researchers examined cancer cells originating from patients with pancreatic tumours and were able to reduce tumour growth by switching off the glycolysis signalling pathway in the mitochondria, with reproducible results both in the petri dish and in pancreatic tumours in mice.

There is currently no treatment available for pancreatic cancer. I believe that this protease can be a very interesting therapeutic target because we have seen that the signalling pathway is also active in human patients with pancreatic cancer, explained Thomas Langer, the Max Planck Director, continuing: However, there are no known substances that have an effect on this protease.

Researchers at the Crick Institute have identified cancer stem cells as a driver of pancreatic cancer growth. These cells can metastasise and differentiate into different tumour types to continue the spread of cancer.

Cancer stem cells appear at all stages of cancer growth so being able to identify where they are present could be vital in both targeting cancer and developing new treatments, according to the researchers. Analysis of gene expression in the cancer stem cells identified a protein, CD9, is present on tumour surfaces during development and when it is more established. This protein could therefore be used as a marker to help locate these cells.

A further development of the study established that this protein is not just a marker of cancer stem cells, but also promotes their malignant behaviour. By altering the amount of CD9 in tumour cells in mice, researchers found that reduced levels of this protein caused smaller tumours to form and increasing levels of CD9 created more aggressive cells able to form large tumours quickly.

These cells are vital to pancreatic cancer and if even just a few of them survive chemotherapy, the cancer is able to bounce back. We need to find effective ways to remove these cells and so stop them from fuelling cancer growth. However, we need more experiments to validate the importance of CD9 in human pancreatic cancer, says Victoria Wang, lead author and member of the Adult Stem Cell Laboratory at the Crick Institute.

A look into cancer stem cell metabolism also revealed CD9 increases the rate tumour cells take up glutamine, an amino acid which helps provide energy for cancer growth.

Now we know this protein is both linked to cancer stem cells and helps cancer growth, this could guide the development of new treatments that are targeted at the protein and so cut off the supply of glutamine to cancer stem cells, effectively starving the cancer, says Axel Behrens, corresponding author and group leader in the Adult Stem Cell Laboratory at the Crick Institute.

Scientists at Tel Aviv University, Israel have found that PJ34, a small molecule, causes human pancreatic cancer cells to self-destruct. The researchers tested PJ34 on xenografts (transplants) of human pancreatic tumours in mice.

this mechanism also exists in other types of cancer and therefore the treatment could be valuable for use on those resistant to current therapies

The mice were treated with a molecule called PJ34, which is permeable in the cell membrane but affects human cancer cells exclusively. This molecule causes an anomaly during the duplication of human cancer cells, provoking their rapid cell death. Thus, cell multiplication itself resulted in cell death in the treated cancer cells, explains Professor Malca Cohen-Armon, project lead at Tel Aviv Universitys Sackler Faculty of Medicine.

The treatment consisted of daily PJ34 injections for 14 days and four weeks later there was a relative drop of 90 percent in the number of cancer cells within the tumours of the mice. Cohen-Armon also noted there were no adverse side-effects observed in the mice.

This mechanism similarly exists in other types of cancer and therefore the treatment could be valuable for use on those resistant to current therapies. The molecule PJ34 is being tested in pre-clinical trials according to FDA regulations before clinical trials begin.

Read more:
Five recent drug target discoveries for pancreatic cancer - Drug Target Review

We expect to rapidly increase enrollment in this first clinical trial as we prepare for additional clinical trials using stem cells for orthopedic injuries.

POWAY, Calif. (PRWEB) November 13, 2019

Personalized Stem Cells, Inc (PSC), a human adipose-derived stem cell company, has successfully enrolled the first patients in an FDA approved clinical trial for stem cell treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The first treatment came shortly after the one-year anniversary of the formation of the company as a subsidiary of VetStem Biopharma.

In July of 2019, PSC received FDA approval for a New Drug (IND) application to conduct clinical trials for use of a persons own adipose-derived stem cells to treat their osteoarthritis. This first clinical trial uses stem cells to treat osteoarthritis in the knee.

PSC has recruited, trained, and qualified clinical trial sites sufficient to treat up to 125 patients in this first clinical trial. Clinical trial sites are currently located in San Diego and Los Angeles California, Portland Oregon, Chicago Illinois, and New Jersey. Additional clinical trial sites are anticipated in coming months.

PSC CEO, Michael Dale, stated, We are pleased with the response from patients who suffer from knee arthritis and with the diligence and enthusiasm of the participating clinics around the country. We expect to rapidly increase enrollment in this first clinical trial as we prepare for additional clinical trials using stem cells for orthopedic injuries.

This is the first of several planned clinical trials which will enable qualified PSC-enrolled physicians to provide FDA compliant, quality cell therapy to patients suffering from osteoarthritis. PSC plans to conduct a series of FDA approved clinical trials starting with uses in orthopedics and expanding to other medical conditions such as trauma in the future.

PSC is working within the FDA cell therapy regulations to provide stem cell therapy for patients that follows the rules FDA has created in order to assure consistent manufacturing, quality tested cells and clinical trial and manufacturing oversite for safety and efficacy.

PSC was founded by Michael Dale, CEO, and Robert Harman, DVM, MPVM, Chief Scientific Officer, both of whom also co-founded VetStem Biopharma and are both experienced serial entrepreneurs.

About Personalized Stem Cells, Inc.Personalized Stem Cells was formed in 2018 to advance and legitimize human regenerative medicine. This privately held biopharmaceutical enterprise, based near San Diego (California), offers qualified physicians who enroll, an FDA compliant autologous stem cell product (from patients own fat tissue) for use in FDA approved clinical trials. PSC is driving development and adoption of stem cell and regenerative medicine within the FDA-IND process by providing cGMP manufactured, quality tested cells, and well-defined clinical trials. PSC has licensed a portfolio of over 70 issued patents in the field of regenerative medicine.

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Personalized Stem Cells, Inc. Announces First Patients Treated in FDA Approved Clinical Trial for Treatment of Osteoarthritis with Stem Cells - PR Web

Stem cell therapy in Salem, Oregon can help relieve your discomfort and repair damaged tissues in your body without the need for surgery. Led by Dr. Sunita Bhasin, who has a team of medical providers that specialize in regenerative medicine and have advanced training and experience with safe, effective stem cell therapy in Salem, Oregon. Schedule a consultation online or by phone now to learn more.

Stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses stem cells to replace and restore damaged tissue in the body. Its administered through an injection into your joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve the function of the affected area.

at Oregon Medical Centers in Salem, Oregon, we take stem cells from placental tissue and processes them for safety and effectiveness. Once stem cells are injected into your body, they work in two ways to repair the damage. First, stem cells are able to differentiate into the various types of damaged tissues in the area. Second, stem cells can replicate and multiply to replace damaged or injured tissues.

With tissue damage, chronic inflammation causes pain and prevents your body from healing properly. Stem cells reduce inflammation in the area by repairing and replacing the damaged tissues, stimulating your body to heal naturally. This reduces the associated inflammation and pain of tissue injury.

Stem cell therapy from our Salem clinic is an effective option if you want to avoid more invasive procedures like surgery for your pain. Common uses for stem cell injections include:

Stem cells can also be used in situations when a previous treatment or surgery hasnt worked or youre still experiencing pain. They can also be used in conjunction with other types of therapy to relieve pain, improve your range of motion, and reduce inflammation.

When you visit Oregon Medical Centers for stem cell treatment, youll meet with your doctor and nurse practitioner to discuss your symptoms, treatments youve tried, and the history of your injury. Your doctor then performs a thorough physical exam, assessing your flexibility and strength in the affected area and checking for signs of more complex injuries.

Once your doctor has completed your physical, they may recommend treatment to relieve your discomfort, including stem cell knee, hip, and joint injections. For the stem cell injection, your nurse practitioner cleans your skin and prepares the area for treatment.

The stem cells are injected into the affected area with a sterile syringe and the area is cleaned and covered with a bandage. In most cases, you can return to your normal activities the same day. Depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend a series of injections over several months to help you get the most benefit and pain relief.

To schedule a consultation at Oregon Medical Centers, call the office or use the online tool now.

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Stem Cell Therapy Salem OR - oregonmedicalcenters.com