Category Archives: Stem Cell Doctors

United States: America’s Elite: The Premier Stem Cell Doctors and Clinics Coast to Coast – Medical Tourism Magazine

In the realm of regenerative medicine, the United States stands at the forefront, boasting elite stem cell doctors and clinics that cater to a discerning clientele. From the bustling metropolises of the East Coast to the sun-kissed shores of the West Coast, a network of premier healthcare providers offers cutting-edge treatments tailored to the needs of high-profile individuals and elite athletes. This article delves into the landscape of stem cell therapy across the nation, highlighting the top-tier expertise and innovative solutions available coast to coast.

Stem cell therapy has emerged as a revolutionary approach in healthcare, harnessing the body's innate regenerative capabilities to address a myriad of medical conditions. This innovative treatment modality holds immense promise for conditions ranging from orthopedic injuries to chronic diseases, offering patients an alternative to conventional therapies. Stem cell clinics across the United States have been at the forefront of pioneering research and clinical applications, driving advancements in regenerative medicine.

At the heart of America's stem cell therapy landscape are elite doctors and premier clinics renowned for their expertise and dedication to patient care. These healthcare professionals bring a wealth of experience and specialized knowledge to the table, ensuring that each patient receives personalized treatment tailored to their unique needs. From board-certified orthopedic surgeons to leading researchers in the field of regenerative medicine, these practitioners exemplify excellence in healthcare delivery.

The clientele of premier stem cell doctors and clinics often includes high-profile individuals and elite athletes seeking top-tier healthcare solutions. With a focus on performance optimization, injury prevention, and rapid recovery, these patients turn to stem cell therapy to maintain peak physical condition and overcome musculoskeletal challenges. Whether it's professional athletes aiming for a speedy return to the field or celebrities seeking holistic healing, stem cell clinics cater to a diverse array of clientele.

One of the hallmarks of elite stem cell doctors and clinics is their commitment to innovation and advancement in medical technology. These healthcare providers leverage state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge techniques to deliver superior outcomes for their patients. From minimally invasive procedures to advanced cellular therapies, the treatment options available at premier stem cell clinics represent the pinnacle of medical science.

From bustling urban centers to tranquil coastal retreats, premier stem cell clinics span the length and breadth of the United States, offering patients access to world-class healthcare regardless of their location. Whether it's the renowned medical institutions of New York City or the innovative startups of Silicon Valley, the landscape of regenerative medicine is characterized by diversity and excellence. Patients can choose from a range of healthcare destinations, each offering its own unique blend of clinical expertise and personalized care.

In conclusion, the United States stands as a beacon of excellence in the field of regenerative medicine, with elite stem cell doctors and clinics leading the charge in innovation and patient care. From coast to coast, these premier healthcare providers offer cutting-edge treatments tailored to the needs of high-profile individuals and elite athletes, setting the standard for clinical excellence in the realm of stem cell therapy. As the field continues to evolve, patients can rest assured that they have access to the best that modern medicine has to offer, right here in America.

Given his unparalleled expertise and success in treating elite athletes and high-profile individuals, we highly recommend Dr. Chad Prodromos for anyone seeking top-tier stem cell treatment. His work at the Prodromos Stem Cell Institute is at the forefront of regenerative medicine, offering innovative solutions for a range of conditions. To explore how Dr. Prodromos can assist in your health journey, consider reaching out through his clinic's website for more detailed information and to schedule a consultation. visit Prodromos Stem Cell Institute.

Disclaimer: The content provided in Medical Tourism Magazine (MedicalTourism.com) is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. We do not endorse or recommend any specific healthcare providers, facilities, treatments, or procedures mentioned in our articles. The views and opinions expressed by authors, contributors, or advertisers within the magazine are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our company. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained in Medical Tourism Magazine (MedicalTourism.com) or the linked websites. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We strongly advise readers to conduct their own research and consult with healthcare professionals before making any decisions related to medical tourism, healthcare providers, or medical procedures.

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United States: America's Elite: The Premier Stem Cell Doctors and Clinics Coast to Coast - Medical Tourism Magazine

World-Renowned Doctors Leading the Way in Stem Cell Research and Treatment – Medical Tourism Magazine

In the ever-evolving field of medical science, stem cell research and treatment stand out as one of the most promising areas for revolutionary breakthroughs in patient care. Stem cell therapy, a cornerstone of regenerative medicine, holds the potential to treat a myriad of conditions, ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to orthopedic injuries. This article delves into the contributions of world-renowned doctors who are pioneering the path in stem cell research and treatment, offering insights into how these advancements are shaping the future of healthcare.

Stem cell research focuses on understanding the properties of stem cells, which have the unique ability to develop into different types of cells in the body. This versatility makes them invaluable in regenerative medicine, a branch of medical science dedicated to repairing, replacing, and regenerating damaged tissues and organs. The application of stem cell therapy spans numerous medical fields, including but not limited to, cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics, providing hope for treatments that can potentially reverse diseases previously deemed incurable.

The medical community has witnessed significant advancements in stem cell therapy, thanks to the relentless pursuit of innovation by leading doctors and researchers. These advancements include the development of techniques for the differentiation of stem cells into specific cell types, the use of stem cells in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, and the exploration of new sources of stem cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These breakthroughs not only enhance our understanding of fundamental biological processes but also pave the way for novel therapeutic applications.

As stem cell research progresses, it navigates a complex landscape of ethical considerations and regulatory standards. World-renowned doctors leading this field are not only committed to advancing medical science but also to upholding the highest ethical standards. This involves ensuring that stem cell treatments are safe, effective, and accessible, while also respecting the dignity and rights of all patients. International collaboration among countries has led to the establishment of guidelines and best practices for stem cell research and treatment, ensuring that these groundbreaking therapies are developed responsibly and ethically.

The global nature of stem cell research and treatment has given rise to a significant increase in medical tourism, where patients travel across borders to access cutting-edge therapies not available or approved in their home countries. This trend underscores the importance of international healthcare standards and the need for patients to conduct thorough research before undergoing treatment abroad. World-renowned doctors at the forefront of stem cell therapy often collaborate across networks, sharing knowledge, research findings, and best practices to enhance patient outcomes worldwide.

As the field of stem cell research and treatment continues to evolve, it faces both opportunities and challenges. The potential of stem cell therapy to revolutionize medicine is immense, offering the possibility of treatments tailored to the individual genetic makeup of patients, thereby enhancing the efficacy and minimizing side effects. However, challenges such as ethical concerns, regulatory hurdles, and the need for further research to fully understand the long-term effects of stem cell treatments persist. Overcoming these challenges requires a concerted effort from researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and patients alike.

To conclude, The efforts of world-renowned doctors in leading the way in stem cell research and treatment are transforming the landscape of healthcare. Their pioneering work is not only advancing the frontiers of medical science but also offering new hope to patients around the globe. As we look to the future, the continued collaboration and innovation in this field will undoubtedly unlock new possibilities for treating diseases, improving patient outcomes, and ultimately, enhancing the quality of life for individuals worldwide. The journey of stem cell therapy, from bench to bedside, exemplifies the remarkable potential of regenerative medicine to heal and restore, making it one of the most exciting areas of medical research in the 21st century.

Given his unparalleled expertise and success in treating elite athletes and high-profile individuals, we highly recommend Dr. Chad Prodromos for anyone seeking top-tier stem cell treatment. His work at the Prodromos Stem Cell Institute is at the forefront of regenerative medicine, offering innovative solutions for a range of conditions. To explore how Dr. Prodromos can assist in your health journey, consider reaching out through his clinic's website for more detailed information and to schedule a consultation. visit Prodromos Stem Cell Institute.

Disclaimer: The content provided in Medical Tourism Magazine (MedicalTourism.com) is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. We do not endorse or recommend any specific healthcare providers, facilities, treatments, or procedures mentioned in our articles. The views and opinions expressed by authors, contributors, or advertisers within the magazine are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of our company. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained in Medical Tourism Magazine (MedicalTourism.com) or the linked websites. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We strongly advise readers to conduct their own research and consult with healthcare professionals before making any decisions related to medical tourism, healthcare providers, or medical procedures.

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World-Renowned Doctors Leading the Way in Stem Cell Research and Treatment - Medical Tourism Magazine

Ask the doctors: Research being conducted on using stem cells to treat diabetes – The Spokesman Review

By Eve Glazier, M.D., and Elizabeth Ko, M.D. Andrews McMeel Syndication

Dear Doctors: My 11-year-old granddaughter was recently hospitalized for two days and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. This came as a shock. Her cord blood has been stored since her birth. Is there any way it can be used to help with this disease?

Dear Reader: Diabetes is a disease in which the body is unable to adequately manage blood sugar. It falls into three categories Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. Although the causes and mechanisms of impaired glucose control differ with each type of the disease, they all involve insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin helps glucose move from the blood into the cells, where it is used for energy.

In Type 1 diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas are either unable to produce insulin, or they produce very little. This allows glucose to build up in the bloodstream, which is damaging to the body. Treatment of Type 1 diabetes involves the use of injectable insulin, managing diet and close monitoring of blood sugar levels to avoid episodes of low or high blood sugar.

In asking about your granddaughters cord blood, you echo a question that has led to recent groundbreaking research into a cure for diabetes. The focus is on stem cells, which are present in cord blood.

For those who are not familiar, the term cord blood refers to the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and the placenta following an infants birth. It contains stem cells, which are immature cells with the potential to develop into many different types of specialized cells. Stem cells can be used to treat lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, leukemia and some inherited disorders.

Researchers are now studying if the components of cord blood may be useful in treating diseases. This includes cerebral palsy, stroke, spinal cord injury, diabetes, birth asphyxia, age-related cognitive decline and both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

A number of recent studies exploring their use to treat, manage or even cure Type 1 diabetes are yielding promising and sometimes remarkable results. In a small clinical trial in Sweden, certain components of cord blood were used to slow the progression of Type 1 diabetes in newly diagnosed patients. In another study, a biotech firm in San Francisco used genetically altered stem cells to successfully treat mice with Type 1 diabetes. The notable aspect here was that the stem cells were rendered invisible to the immune system, and thus did not provoke an immune response that could have derailed the treatment. At the University of Chicago, researchers used stem cells from cord blood to teach the immune system not to destroy the pancreatic cells that produce insulin.

Although promising, these advances remain in the research phase. There are no stem cell-based treatments for Type 1 diabetes available at this time. However, recent breakthroughs, not only in stem cell therapies, but also in immunotherapy and transplantation of insulin-producing cells, offer real hope for the near future.

Send your questions to askthedoctors@mednet.ucla.edu.

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Ask the doctors: Research being conducted on using stem cells to treat diabetes - The Spokesman Review

Ask the doctors: Stem cell treatment for Type 1 diabetes still being researched – ashepostandtimes.com

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Ask the doctors: Stem cell treatment for Type 1 diabetes still being researched - ashepostandtimes.com

How Kansas football coach Matt Lubick found strength in marathon running to battle cancer – The Athletic

In April 2022, college football coach Matt Lubick fulfilled a decade-long dream of running the Boston Marathon. He set an ambitious goal of finishing in under three hours, but headwinds slowed him during the race, and he finished in three hours, one minute.

When Lubick ran the Boston Marathon, he cared only about his finishing time. He looked at his watch every two steps, for all three hours and one minute of the race. Lubick constantly told himself, Breath. Relax. Breathe. Relax. You got this. Breath, Relax. Breathe. Relax. You got this. That marathon was both physically and mentally grueling, but for the long-time coach, the 26.2 miles he walked on October 19, 2023 was much more emotional and exhilarating.

Lubick was the only marathoner on that course, a 60-meter bridge and tunnel on the 11th floor of the Anschutz Center for Advanced Medicine in Aurora, Colo. It took him 13 hours, from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m., to walk 26.2 miles, and he did it hooked up to an IV unit. It was Day 1 of his chemotherapy for leukemia.

Lubick, diagnosed on Oct. 7, walked all 51,550 steps briskly, with that wobbly, six-wheeled IV unit feeding him chemotherapy and fluids. He ran through all of the sobering statistics about what individuals with cancer could die from, about the percentage of people who become casualties, but he focused on the hope his doctor gave him the day he was diagnosed. Thats why Lubick, whose work as a coach is rooted in percentages and numbers, was so moved by the people who told him to do something different: Dont listen to any of that!

At first he hadnt set out to walk the distance of a marathon. That idea popped into his head around mile 18: OK, I might as well do this. Those first eight hours were pretty easy, he thought. But then, it became something different. This wasnt about his finishing time. This was about proving something to himself and having faith in God.

This time, the chorus in his head was much different: Im not a friggin statistic! I am not a friggin statistic! I am not a friggin statistic! A statistic doesnt do this!

For much of those 13 hours, he prayed and talked to God. Lubick was grateful for the support of his nurses and doctors, who in addition to their encouragement also switched out the batteries to his monitor. Just be smart, they told him. If you need to sit down, sit down. He never needed to. He felt great, he said, for most of the marathon until the last two hours. Soreness set in. But thats about the time when his running buddies stepped up and talked him over the top.

Something else, though, was also motivating him.

Lubick is the 51-year-old son of Sonny Lubick, a legendary former Colorado State coach and one of the most beloved figures in coaching. His brother, Marc, is a cancer survivor and an assistant quarterbacks coach with the Buffalo Bills. Matt Lubick has coached in every conference in major college football, and hes coached everything from defensive backs to wideouts and special teams.

Hes been an offensive coordinator at Oregon and Nebraska, and at almost every program hes worked, Lubicks been regarded as the most dogged recruiter on staff. At Ole Miss, he found an undersized three-star recruit in Florida named Dexter McCluster, who blossomed into a Rebels great. One year at Arizona State, he almost signed all 25 recruits by himself. After he was let go at Nebraska in 2021, despite his Huskers offense ranked No. 16 in yards per play in the country, he landed a job at Kansas as a senior offensive analyst.

Coach Lance Leipold and offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki were impressed by Lubicks wrinkles in the option attack and creativity in the red zone. Lubick was always studying, picking up ideas from everywhere from the NFL to Division II Nebraska-Kearney. The year before Lubick was hired by Kansas, Kansas ranked No. 104 in the country in offense. In 2022, the Jayhawks shot up to No. 6.

A key reason for the dramatic change, according to Kansas coaches, was Lubick, who lives and watches the Jayhawks from 620 miles away. Leipold was fine with Lubick staying in Colorado, other than his offseason and training camp visits. He makes suggestions about everything from the passing game to upcoming opponents to Kotelnicki over Zooms that often last up to two hours.

He had always been a big film watcher, but in his role with Kansas, where he didnt have to attend practices or recruit, he was really freed up. Lubick would wake up by 4 a.m., be at his local Starbucks for 5 a.m. opening and order his black venti Pike Place, and then dive into all the film he could handle, often downing eight cups of coffee during his film study.

On Saturdays, hed go to his parents to watch his Jayhawks. Lubicks one hobby away from football projects, aside from the two days hed do rides for Meals on Wheels, was distance running.

Lance is really a great CEO and lets his coaches coach, Lubick told The Athletic. He said that selfless attitude is also epitomized by Leipolds longtime offensive coordinator Kotelnicki, who has the wherewithal to mesh the ideas seamlessly. It takes a huge non-ego to let me (have input in game planning) and hes still the one coaching it and let it fit his vision.Lances leadership skills are amazing, and his staff is second to none.

In summer 2022 when Lubick came back from Kansas, he felt off. His mother convinced him to go see a doctor. He had a freakishly low white blood count, he said. Just before the Jayhawks opener against Missouri State, on Aug. 22, doctors admitted him to the hospital for three days. Initially, doctors thought it was something viral. They tested him for West Nile. He was discharged and doctors advised him to stay away from people. He had no symptoms. He kept working for Kansas and kept running.

Then, on Oct. 5, he went in for a bone marrow test that revealed he had leukemia. Though the diagnosis sounded devastating, Lubick was not really fazed by it; he felt he was more prepared for it because of all the people hed talked to and heard their inspiring stories.

As a football coach, you always prepare for the worst, he said. Thats kind of my nature. I talked to three friends who had been through this, so it didnt really throw me for a loop. And I knew I still needed to do my red zone presentation for that week.

After Lubick was fired from Nebraska, he needed to do something, he said. Hed always kept a strict diet and workout routine; the running joke on almost every staff hed been on was that Lubick had lower body fat than players. After leaving Lincoln, he ramped up his distance running. Some of the people he was training with were competitive marathoners who noted that he had talent.

You can make Boston! they encouraged.

Lubick was surprised by the feedback, but decided he should pursue it. That encouragement, and getting fired, ended up being a blessing.

Physically, Im a little more prepared for this because of the marathon training, and psychologically too, because marathon training is not easy, he said. Its like three hours a day where youve got to run, and youve got to run when you dont feel good.

His devotion to running and his new role in Kansas even allowed him to visit a doctor in the first place.

I dont think I would go to the doctor if I was coaching, said Lubick. The only reason I went to the doctor in the first place is because I was so worried about my training. I didnt want to take two days off (from running), so I went to get medication, and thats when I got my first hospitalization.

If I was coaching full-time at a school theres no such thing as sick in football. You just go to work every day. In a weird way, looking back at it, it mightve saved my life.

Lubicks friends both inside and outside the football world have rallied to his side. Brian Armstrong, a former teammate of his from Western Montana who is now the offensive line coach at Fresno State, connected Lubick to a man hed coached with named Tom Purcell who left football and is now the CMO at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Hes been a blessing along the way to bounce things off, Lubick said.

Siri Lindley, a professional triathlete who overcame leukemia, has become a great resource, telling Lubick what to expect and why fostering a positive attitude is so vital. To Lubick, that has meant finding purpose and meaning within a different type of adversity.

I can control my attitude, my exercise and my food, he said. Im really trying to emphasize that, trying to build those things up. Walking gives me energy and it helps me think. I used to always run. They say not to push it. Its been very therapeutic to exercise for a whole bunch of reasons.

For someone who has never been married and whose adult life has revolved so much around football, this fall has made Lubick very reflective.

I have spent so much time thinking, whats the purpose of this? Lubick said.

A week into his chemotherapy, Lubick did feel a tinge of guilt because he wasnt able to help the Jayhawks prepare for Oklahoma State. But he was able to jump back into his routine for Iowa State. Lubick has done the majority of his chemotherapy as an outpatient.

Its therapy for me, he said. The KU staff calls and sends texts every day. I couldnt ask for a better support system.

And hes had a similar impact on others at Kansas.

Its been so good in so many ways for us with Matt, Leipold said. He and Andy developed a really good relationship early. Matt is so extremely thorough and thought-provoking. Sometimes hes been here and stayed with me and my wife or stayed with Andy. Hes been great for us.

This fall after he visited during camp, hed said he wasnt feeling well, but didnt know what it was. Once he found out, hes been in constant contact with our video coordinator. He talked about having two screens up in the hospital. When I saw that he walked that marathon on his first day, I thought that was frickin amazing. I think its refreshing for him to on the zooms with the staff thoughout all this and I think its made us all in this building even more appreciated for what we have seeing how quickly it can all be turned upside down.

Lubick will get a stem cell transplant on Dec. 8. That, his doctors told him, means his body is responding well to the chemo. He feels fortunate that he has the best doctors in the world, and hes been training for the stem cell transplant much like he did the Boston Marathon. He tries to bike 10 miles a day. Sometimes he walks 8 or 10 miles. Hes also been intentional in trying to gain back weight that hes lost. His recovery from the transplant is expected to take three months, where he wont be able to drive or go to a grocery store, so hell rely on his parents.

When Kansas beat No. 6 Oklahoma for the Jayhawks first home win against a top-10 opponent in 39 years, Lubick watched it from his house in Colorado, while trying to get his red zone presentation ready for the upcoming Iowa State game during the commercial breaks. He cant stay up all night like he used to. I have to be smarter and plan ahead now, he said.

He is aware things are about to get a lot harder with his treatments. When he met with the stem cell doctor, Lubick was reeling.

A big part of it was him explaining just how serious this really is and about all the things that can go wrong, said Lubick, but at the same time, I felt grateful that he was so compassionate and that I have someone who is one of the best in the field to oversee the transplant.

The stem cell is gonna be where the rubber meets the road and thats where you get the most sick. Its like Mike Tyson said, everyone has a plan till you get punched in the mouth. When everything hits the fan and I start getting really sick from the chemo, thatll be where I hopefully can give a testimonial to help others.

He has always considered himself religious and spiritual, but since being diagnosed with leukemia, he looks at things much clearer.

Ive always been looking for purpose and meaning in my life, Lubick said. I always felt coaching was that for me. I can see it changing. The things I used to think were so important and I got stressed out about arent that important really. No one wants to get this, but I can feel it refining my character. Its teaching me more about empathy, forgiveness and patience. I feel like that stuff is changing in me for the better.

This has brought me closer to my parents and my family. Its brought me closer to God. Its teaching me to be more patient and be more reliant on my faith. God is putting people in my life to help me through this. I know that. I can feel the prayers and the people supporting me. We would tell our players this you either get better or you get bitter. Well, I feel pretty darn fortunate. Every day is a gift. I took that for granted. I took relationships for granted. I dont any more.

(Top photo of Matt Lubick (left) with Mark Helfrich (right) while coaching at the University of Oregon in 2016: Brian Murphy / Icon Sportswire via Getty)

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How Kansas football coach Matt Lubick found strength in marathon running to battle cancer - The Athletic

Judge credits family, community, fitness and prayer with his rebound … – The Winchester Star

WOODSTOCK Kevin and Kathy Black are grateful for many things this Thanksgiving. Like many families throughout the Valley, theyll gather for fellowship and a meal that might taste a little sweeter after the challenges of the last few years.

Nearly one year ago, Kevin a judge in the 26th Circuit Court who presides in Shenandoah, Warren, Frederick, Clarke, Page, and Rockingham counties and the City of Winchester received a stem cell transplant for treatment of leukemia.

The Woodstock couple, married for 42 years, said they are thankful for family and community support and advances in medicine, adding that they believe Kevins physical fitness and positive attitude were vital in seeing them through the ordeal.

After an unusual fainting spell in the summer of 2020, Kevin, who is notoriously physician-averse, went to get checked out.

Im a guy who never wants to go to the doctor, never wants to have anything done to me. At that time, nobody would see you, Kevin recalled, referencing the practice of telehealth that was common at that stage of the COVID pandemic.

An initial bone marrow biopsy confirmed that Kevin had Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that typically progresses more slowly than other types of leukemia.

Kathy, who has served as the Shenandoah County Commissioner of the Revenue for 24 years, recalled doctors telling them, But dont worry, thats the best leukemia to have.

Kathy took a deep dive into understanding what was happening with her husband.

I didnt want to know any of that, said Kevin, aJuvenile and Domestic Relations Court judge for four years before his current appointment and a Woodstock lawyer for 31 years before that.

She started asking questions about a different type of blood cancer.

In August, Kathy was talking about multiple myeloma and the doc had me have a PET scan and she pretty much said, Nope, youre good. You just have CLL. But then she had me go do another bone marrow biopsy in April and then the phone call was the one you dont ever want to hear, Kevin said, adding that he was referred to a multiple myeloma specialist. Of course, I knew that was bad.

Along with CLL, Kevin was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells build up in bone marrow.

From the first bone marrow biopsy to the second, it had exploded. It was moving really fast. Its just lucky that we caught it so early. Its probably an act of God that he got sick originally, Kathy said.

Added Kevin, Oh yeah. I'd never have gone to the doctor. I dont know what would have convinced me. Its really weird when you think how much Ive avoided doctors and healthcare and all that its just fortuitous that the events played the way they did. A lot of people find out they have multiple myeloma theyll be walking along and a leg will break. They say your bones turn into like Swiss cheese.

An avid fitness enthusiast, Kevin lifts weights a couple of times a week and runs about 30 miles each week. He said that he had been feeling great despite his diagnosis.

The day I took my first chemo pill, the night before I had just run up the mountain. When I go by myself I go really hard, he said, adding that he told Kathy that he felt like a million bucks." I said, I cannot believe I have cancer and I cannot believe that Im going to start taking this poison and God knows whats going to happen to me.' It was weird because I felt that good.

After seeking opinions from several oncologists and cancer specialists, Kevin reluctantly came to terms with the fact that hed had to go through a stem cell transplant.

They kill your bone marrow with chemo. I didnt like the sound of that. Before they do all that, they harvest your stem cells, Kevin said. Understand, the idea of somebody sticking me with a needle for my whole life was the most repulsive thing. Ive been stuck by hundreds of needles in the last two years, but anything that sounded like that was just something that I didnt want to do.

Kevin stayed as active as possible before the procedure, continuing his runs up a steep mountainside until his stem cells were harvested in late September 2022. After a couple of mishaps a dog bite and a battle with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) the transplant finally happened Dec. 1, Kathy said.

A former ultrarunner, Kevin said the transplant was difficult on many levels from the procedure itself which left him humbled at the weakness in his body to the forced 100-day isolation required to protect his rebuilding immune system but grateful for advances in medicine.

Think about what theyve done. Its kind of amazing to think that 20 years ago they didn't have that. The doc told me in Winchester, except for the chemo theyve discovered in the last 20 years, which is way better than what they had, and the stem cell thing, I probably wouldnt be here now, Kevin said.

In the challenges of the process, the couple said they were well supported by their community.

Im grateful for all the support, mostly from Kathy, but also from everybody around me. That would be the number one thing I learned from all of this you really need to have someone there who is capable of processing and advocating for you, Kevin said, adding that the couples three sons and their wives were especially supportive.

Kevin added, My colleagues, they filled in the gaps for what I couldnt do and just all the people who prayed. You realize you need that support. I dont know if you take it for granted, but you just dont realize the support you have around you until you get in that situation.

The Blacks, who connected with another local couple who were going through the stem cell transplant process, said they are happy to talk with others about their experiences.

It was nice to have this other couple that we could talk to and I could talk to his wife about her job as the caregiver. It helped us so we would hope that if either of us could help someone, wed be happy to, Kathy said, adding that her staff stepped up to cover for her and keep things running smoothly at the county office and friends were there to lend an ear or a shoulder or provide a meal.

Set to retire from her post at the end of the year, Kathy added, Im thankful that Kevin is such a strong person because I don't know how to live without him. Our kids were very helpful. Even right now. Our second son is coming home from Asheville for the week. He was supposed to come yesterday, but hed had the flu and they wanted to make sure that his wife didnt have it before they came. The thoughtfulness and caring that everyone has shown were blessed to live in a community like this where people are more than willing to help you.

Kevin said that he was especially grateful for his longtime friend, Roy Marshall, who emphasized the importance of staying positive.

We had some talks and thats where I got his wisdom about how so many people were so gloomy [during cancer treatment]. I made my mind up that I didnt want to be that person, Kevin said, adding that Roy helped introduce him to ultrarunning, a sport he enjoyed for several years in his 40s.

Noting that hed always been interested in staying healthy, Kevin said that he met Roy when he returned to the area after law school.

My whole lifestyle all along lent itself to somebody who could weather all this stuff, he said. Theres no cure. Someday, most likely, thisll come back and Ill have battle two. Hopefully, going out and running and staying in shape will help me go through the next battle. The sermon I would preach to people is you need to get yourself in as good a shape as you can because when round two comes, you want to have something to fight it with.

That being said, Kevin added, Im not doing what Im doing to get ready for round two. Thats a collateral benefit. Im just trying to live my life.

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Judge credits family, community, fitness and prayer with his rebound ... - The Winchester Star

ASK THE DOCTORS: STEM CELL TREATMENT FOR TYPE 1 … – MDJOnline.com

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ASK THE DOCTORS: STEM CELL TREATMENT FOR TYPE 1 ... - MDJOnline.com

Wall thickness analysis method for judging the degree of lower … – Nature.com

Patients

The institutional review board of our hospital approved this study (Number 20150129). All patients provided written informed consent. From April 2014 to October 2019, patients with complete follow-up data who underwent internal fixation surgery for lower extremity fractures at our hospital were recruited. The follow-up data included X-ray and CT data 9months after surgery. Two senior orthopedic doctors and an imaging physician judged the degree of fracture healing in the patients according to the patients X-ray, CT and clinical data. According to the above criteria, the status was judged as bone healing, poor bone healing and bone nonunion. If the diagnosis was inconsistent among the three doctors, the same result provided by two of the doctors was taken, and if the results of the three doctors were not the same, the case was excluded. A total of 79 patients were included in the study. A total of 112 CT scans were performed, 49 of the scans were judged to show bone healing (group A), 37 were judged to show poor bone healing (group B), and 26 were judged to show nonunion (group C). There were 21 females in group A, with an average age of 46.712.4years and a follow-up time of 18.73.4months. There were 12 cases of femoral fracture, 37 cases of tibial fracture, 15 cases of intramedullary nail fixation, and 34 cases of plate screw fixation in group A. There were 15 females in group B, with an average age of 51.214.5years and an average follow-up time of 14.73.8months. There were 9 cases of femoral fracture, 28 cases of tibial fracture, 24 cases of plate fixation, and 13 cases of intramedullary nail fixation in group B. There were 15 females in group C, with an average age of 49.213.5years and an average follow-up time of 15.74.4months. There were 8 cases of femoral fracture, 18 cases of tibial fracture, 17 cases of plate fixation, and 9 cases of intramedullary nail fixation in group C (Table1). The fractures of the samples were diaphyseal and metaphyseal, not intra-articular fractures.

Hardware: GE 64-row spiral CT machine (Light Speed spiral CT, GE, USA). Dell high-performance computer (CPU: E3-1225 V2 3.20GHz, memory: 16GB, graphics card: NVIDIA Quadro K4200, operating system: Windows 10, 64-bit).

Software: Mimics Research 20.0, 3-matic Research 12.0 (Materialise, Belgium), provided by Sandi Tribe (Shanghai) Technology Co., Ltd.

The lower limbs of the patients were placed in parallel with the toes up, and a full-length scan was performed. The CT scan interval was 0.625mm, and the matrix size was 512512 pixels. The scan voltage was 140kV, the exposure was 100 mAs, and the screw pitch was 0.625mm (GE 64-slice spiral CT machine with automatic tube current control system with the same scan parameters on both sides). The obtained general DICOM 3.0 standard format data were stored.

Mimics 20.0 software was used to directly read the CT images in DICOM 3.0 format. Three-dimensional geometric models were established under the same threshold conditions for the affected side with internal fixation, the affected side without internal fixation and the unaffected side, and the average CT data of the models were recorded.

The three sets of data from the models of the healthy side, the affected side with internal fixation, and the affected side without internal fixation were imported into 3-matic Research 12.0. An adaptive triangle mesh was applied, and the side length was set to 1mm to optimize the details of the model. The detailed characteristics of the model were retained, and the maximum wall thickness threshold was set to 10,000mm during wall thickness analysis.

To interpret the weak areas of the cortical bone in terms of the wall thickness and the transformation in terms of the relationship between the density and stiffness of the material, the median wall thickness of the unaffected limb and the affected limb with and without internal fixation was measured. The analysis was performed as follows: in the Analyze tab, the Create Wall Thickness Analysis button was clicked, and then Cortical As Entity was selected. The threshold was set to 10,000.0mm. A histogram with the wall thickness distribution was displayed, and a series of colors was visualized on the Cortical 3D object, with green representing thinner structures and red corresponding to thicker areas.

We performed three-dimensional reconstruction of the CT data of the healthy and affected segments under the same conditions, resulting in wall thickness graphs corresponding to the basic phase and the target phase, respectively. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the CT data of the affected limb with simulated removal of the internal fixation was performed, yielding a wall thickness graph corresponding to the simulated phase (Fig.1).

Three phases of wall thickness analysis: the basic phase (A), the target phase (B), and the simulated phase (C).

The ratio of the median wall thickness and the average CT value in the simulated phase to the corresponding values in the basic phase was calculated to obtain the ratios R2 and R4: R2=median wall thickness of the simulated phase/median wall thickness of the basic phase; R4=average CT value of the simulated phase/average CT value of the basic phase. The product of the average CT value and the median wall thickness was defined as the healing index (HI), and R5=simulated phase HI/basic phase HI.

The fracture healing state was evaluated through imaging and clinical examinations at 9months after surgery. The bone healing of patients was observed for half a year after removal of the internal fixation to monitor for refracture. In the case that nonunion continued to be observed, bone grafting and internal fixation were performed again. Patients with poor bone healing were further observed. If there were no signs of healing, bone grafting was performed.

The criteria for bone healing were as follows: X-ray images showed blurring of the fracture line and a continuous callus passing through the fracture line11; additionally, upon the release of external fixation, the patient does not have any tenderness at the fracture site, can walk with weight, and has no longitudinal pain in the fractured limb on percussion12.

The criteria for bone nonunion were as follows: Nonunion was defined by pain and abnormal activity at the fracture site, persistent light-transmitting bands on X-ray examination, and no progress in the formation of the callus at 12weeks after treatment13.

Poor bone healing was defined as a healing state between that of bone healing and bone nonunion.

Measurement data are expressed as the meanstandard deviation or median, and Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was performed. One-way ANOVA was conducted to analyze differences between multiple groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed for the diagnostic analysis, and the critical point of diagnosis was analyzed by the maximum Youden index method. P<0.05 was set as statistically significant, and all data analyses were performed by SPSS (version 20.0; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

Informed consent was obtained from all the patients and the study was approved by Biomedical Ethics Committee of Anhui Medical University (reference number 20150129). The study has been performed in accordance with the ethical standards of the Declaration of Helsinki in 1964.

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Wall thickness analysis method for judging the degree of lower ... - Nature.com

Crew Studies Biology and Works in Dragon as Station Turns 25 – NASA Blogs

The space station is pictured from the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour during its departure and flyaround on Nov. 8, 2021.

Space biology and Dragon work were the top duties at the beginning of the week for the Expedition 70 crew. The International Space Station also turned 25 years old today with its first module having orbited Earth since 1998.

Eye scans were on the biomedical research schedule for four astronauts on Monday afternoon. Commander Andreas Mogensen kicked off the exams activating the Ultrasound 2 device then setting up communications gear allowing doctors on the ground to remotely monitor the activities. Mogensen from ESA (European Space Agency) then took turns with flight engineers Loral OHara, Jasmin Moghbeli, and Satoshi Furukawa in the Columbus laboratory module participating in the regularly scheduled eye exams.

Mogensen partnered with Moghbeli from NASA at the end of the day and practiced SpaceX Dragon Endurance undocking and landing procedures on the crew spacecrafts computers. Mogensen earlier unpacked medical supply kits from Endurance and stowed them inside the orbital outpost. OHara from NASA and Furukawa from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) worked inside Endurance as well configuring orbital plumbing gear in the vehicle that has been docked to the station since Aug. 27.

OHara later worked on a space botany study to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education among tribal members. Five varieties of seeds provided by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma are exposed to microgravity for several months then returned to Earth and planted next to the same seeds left on Earth for comparison. Furukawa turned off a microscope in the Kibo laboratory module and removed samples for a study that was observing how cells sense gravity or the lack gravity. He then stayed in Kibo setting up research hardware and connecting an incubator for an upcoming experiment to observe stem cell growth that may support regenerative medicine technology.

In the Roscosmos segment of the space station, veteran cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko spent the day inside the Nauka science module checking its airlock, ventilation, and docking systems. Flight Engineer Nikolai Chub attached sensors to himself monitoring his cardiac activity then cleaned air ducts inside the Nauka and Poisk modules. Flight Engineer Konstantin Borisov wore a sensor-packed cap that recorded his responses while practicing futuristic planetary and robotic piloting techniques on a computer.

On Nov. 20, the International Space Station passes 25 years since the first module launched into orbit. The Zarya module lifted off in November 1998 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan and would shortly be joined by the Unity module less than a month later. Through this global endeavor, 273 people from 21 countries now have visited the unique microgravity laboratory that has hosted more than 3,000 research and educational investigations from people in 108 countries and areas.

Learn more about station activities by following thespace station blog,@space_stationand@ISS_Researchon X, as well as theISS FacebookandISS Instagramaccounts.

Get weekly video highlights at:https://roundupreads.jsc.nasa.gov/videoupdate/

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Crew Studies Biology and Works in Dragon as Station Turns 25 - NASA Blogs

A national strategy for CAR-T therapies urgently needed – Irish Medical Times

In a decade, CAR-T cell treatment might be the first step for many cancer patients

Around this time last year, the staff at Irish Medical Times were getting ready to host the Irish Healthcare Awards, and, in particular, preparing to give an award to Prof Larry Bacon (representing a wider team of doctors and healthcare staff at St Jamess Hospital) for conducting the first Irish cell treatment for lymphoma, the first time that a Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) had been used in Ireland.

Previous to this, any patient who could benefit from this personalised therapy had to travel to the UK to receive the treatment. The job of preparing a patient for this treatment is a complex one involving collecting the patients own T cells, which were then prepared for transport to the UK in the hospitals on-site stem cell laboratory.

When these cells were sent overseas and re-engineered to target cancer cells, they were then sent back to St Jamess stem cell lab for qualification, before they were re-infused into the patient. The patient would receive three days of lymphodepleting chemotherapy before infusion. It was a serious operation, and a cause for celebration that we could do this kind of complex work here.

This CAR-T therapy which uses modified cells from a persons own body to fight cancer, is potentially life-saving for some patients diagnosed with certain types of blood cancers lymphoma, leukaemia and myeloma.

Emerging research also suggests that such therapies could have the potential to treat other types of cancers in the future including some solid tumours, and that could change the paradigm in cancer treatment in Ireland. It would be a huge shift in how we treat cancer, and the potential for improved treatment and cure rates is obvious.

This whole area of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) is a hugely exciting and promising area in the world of medicine. These medicines based on tissue, genes or cells have the potential to provide ground-breaking opportunities for treating disease and injury.

Its exciting, but we cant say exactly how this might change things. Using your own T cells to fight cancer might surpass current methods by a good margin. Or not. Certainly, were not going to stop with the current technology its simply going to get better.

In a decade, CAR-T cell treatment might be the first step for many cancer patients. We dont know. Or, at least, this was what we presumed that CAR-T therapy was here, was working, and was here to stay.

However, a new report on the progress of CAR-T therapy in Irelandhas pointed out that in Ireland, it is likely that it will be too expensive to provide these therapies at a significant scale under the current commercial routes through which they are available.

The current health and manufacturing systems are also likely not adequately equipped, resourced or structured currently to develop or deliver CAR-T or other cancer immunotherapies alongside existing health services at the larger scale that could potentially benefit patients in the future here.

This poses a fundamental and existential problem for the Irish health service and the HSE. Science is pointless without application; there is no point in being able to do CAR-T cell therapy and not being able to do CAR-T cell therapy (because you dont have the money). If we dont have the money to implement a system so that it saves lives, what, after all, was the point of all the research?

The report, which was developed by a team of researchers in Maynooth University in collaboration with Breakthrough Cancer Research, calls on the Government and the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) to urgently consider and develop a national strategy for Ireland around the provision of cellular therapies, including CAR-T therapies.

It is vital that such a strategy would consider how to achieve more sustainable mechanisms to develop, and deliver, new and available treatments to patients, at a cost that is more affordable to the national public health system.

The report outlines ten policy recommendations which seek to recognise and address patients current needs and sets out key components that need to be considered under such a national strategy.

I wont bore you with a list of the recommendations, except to point out that politically, the easiest thing to do here is to do what we always do ignore this problem while it is still a relatively small one that affects very few people.

But since the technology is always moving, and we would reasonably expect a lot more people to become suitable candidates for CAR-T therapy, it makes sense now to plan to be able to afford the treatment for everybody.

Obviously, ATMPs offer huge hope for the future treatment of cancers, and the fear would be that in anticipation of that cost, the Irish government stalls and delays in its bureaucratic manner kicking the can of medicine down the road until some later time when we can afford it.

That would be a huge mistake, a fatal error. A negation of our will to control our destiny. We can and we should invest in this technology and reduce cancer deaths just cause. Just because we can and because it is a just cause. We can save people and we can show others how to do it. We should welcome this challenge, invest in it, and demonstrate the point of economic success. And we should lead, where possible certainly in the area of investment.

We need to move in the direction of the light. There are problems to be solved relating to cost, but these problems will come anyway. Investing now will save money later, because, lets face it, were not going to let people die if we have their actual cure.

We would and have shown we are capable of letting people die if we dont get to them on time. And often the bureaucratic behemoth seems to move very slowly. Almost deliberately slowly.

We need to move quickly and enthusiastically on this. Its an opportunity to do great good for science and medicine in this country. And save lives. As Mathew Perry would have said: Could there be more noble goals?

The question for us now is whether we want to embrace the future of medical innovation and technology, or whether we want to remain the country with the health service that has the best excuses in the world for failure.

The time has come to be know for something else, something that is a powerful force in medicine strategic forward planning to improve services of the future. Services not even imagined yet.

We could do that by embracing and pushing ATMPs because their role in medicine is only going to grow.

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A national strategy for CAR-T therapies urgently needed - Irish Medical Times