August 2004 Archives
Viruses on the Attack
Revealing visuals show details of a common mechanism for infection
A National Science Foundation Press Release can be found here.
Researchers have determined the mechanics that allow some viruses to invade cells by piercing their outer membranes and digesting their cell walls.
The results have a dual benefit: they show the inner workings of complex, viral nanomachines infecting cells (in a process nearly identical to some viral infections of human cells) and the images provide design tips for engineers hoping to build the gene delivery devices of the future.
The study, by researchers from Purdue University and the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry in Moscow, appears in the August 20, 2004, issue of Cell.
The structure of bacteriophage T4 – a virus that attacks the familiar pathogen Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Purdue University release available here.
Shown is an artist's conception of the T4 virus just after it has penetrated the cell membrane of the E. coli bacterium, which the virus infects. Purdue University researchers have revealed the conformational changes undergone by the multicolored "baseplate" (at center of image, amid the virus' "legs"), enabling scientists to visualize the infection process with a movie, from which this still image was taken. Improved understanding of the baseplate's behavior could shed light on the infection processes of other viruses. (Purdue University graphic/Michael G. Rossmann laboratory and associates)
Watch video at Wired here.
Molly - > Falconi Anemia
Adam - > 100% HLA match, perfect donor. IVF & PGD baby.
Molly - Cured!
Watch and hear their story here
ABC News - Good Morning America - 08/06/04 08:07:15
Genetic selection gives girl a brother and a second chance
CNN.com - Oct 3, 2000
Genetic testing of embryos raises ethical issues
CNN.com - June 27, 2000
Como una semilla de la cual crece un árbol, las células madre son el punto de partida de una cascada de división de células que produce los miles de millones de células especiales en la piel, músculos. sangre, cerébro, ojos, corazón y otros organos que constituyen nuestro cuerpo. Las células madre más jovenes que se obtienen de embriones que tienen solamente días de edad, tienen el mayor potencial. Estas células llamadas celulas madre embrionicas son las semillas, pueden hacer cualquier cosa, llegan a ser el árbol. De la semilla se obtienen celulas madre especializadas para crear las ramas y células todavia más especializadas crean las hojas y las frutas y aún más semillas. El mismo potencial existe para el cuerpo humano, teniendo la posibilidad de crecer células madre para reemplazar todo tipo de organos y tejidos enfermos.
Las celulas madre embriónicas son "pluripotenciales", que quiere decir que son capaces de crecer en cualquier tipo de célula. Las células madre de embriones mas viejos o de adultos son "multipotentes" que quiere decir que todavía pueden crecer en tipos variados de células pero estan comprometidas a hacer tejidos especializados como el sistema nervioso, la red vascular o músculos. En otras palabras, las células multipotentes (también llamadas células madre adultas) de alguna manera ya se les ha dicho - o se ha decidido - cual es la identidad que van a tener, y proceden con ese camino definido para hacer algun tipo de tejido u organo - por decir algo las células del sistema sanguineo. Conforme avanza la gestación, las células madre se vuelven más y más especializadas.
Algunos links interesantes:
The official National Institutes of Health resource for stem cell research
Just like a seed that grows in a tree, stem cells are the starting point of a waterfall of division that produce millions of special cells in the skin, muscles, blood, brain, eyes, heart and other organs that make up our body. The youngest stem cells that are obtained from embryos only days old have the greatest potential. These cells called embryonic stem cells are the seed; they can do anything – they grow to be the tree. The specialized stem cells are obtained from the seed so as to create the branches and even more specialized cells create the leaves and fruits and even more seeds. This same potential exists in the human body, making it possible to grow stem cells to replace all types of diseased organs and tissues.
Embryonic stem cells are "pluripotent", which means that they are capable of growing into any type of cell. Older embryonic stem cells or adult stem cells are "multipotent" which means that they still are capable of growing into various types of cells but are wired to make specialized tissues such as the nervous system, vascular circulation or muscles. In other words, multipotent cells (also called adult stem cells) somehow have been already told or have already decided what their identity is going to be, and they continue along this defined path for making some type of tissue or organ – say, the blood system, for example. As the pregnancy advances, the stem cells become more and more specialized.
Some interesting links:
The official National Institutes of Health resource for stem cell research
The Harvard Stem Cell Institute
Translation by Eugenia Gutierrez Ortiz Mena - Genesis Translations
Proposition 71 in California on the November state ballot.
Stem cell research could lead to breakthrough treatments and cures for many diseases and injuries, including: diabetes, cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, sickle cell disease, Parkinson's, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis, ALS, autism, severe burns and spinal cord injury.
Here's the Yes on 71 website:
www.yeson71.com
News Coverage:
California to vote on $3 billion stem cell project
CNN - Aug 26, 2004
SAN FRANCISCO, California (AP) -- Silicon Valley tycoons, Nobel laureates and Hollywood celebrities are backing a measure on California's November 2 ballot to ...
Calif. to Vote on $3B Stem Cell Project
Yahoo News - Aug 26, 2004
By PAUL ELIAS, AP Biotechnology Writer. SAN FRANCISCO - Silicon Valley tycoons, Nobel laureates and Hollywood celebrities are backing ...
Gates Contributes to Stem Cell Campaign
ABC News - Aug 26, 2004
SAN FRANCISCO Aug. 25, 2004 — Microsoft Corp. chairman Bill Gates contributed $400,000 to the campaign backing a California ballot ...
Calif. to vote on $3B stem cell project
Boston.com, MA - Aug 26, 2004
By Paul Elias, AP Biotechnology Writer | August 26, 2004. SAN FRANCISCO -- Silicon Valley tycoons, Nobel laureates and Hollywood ...
Bill Gates contributes to stem cell campaign
Boston Herald, MA - Aug 26, 2004
By Associated Press. SAN FRANCISCO - Microsoft Corp. chairman Bill Gates contributed $400,000 to the campaign backing a California ...
A futuristic device that painlessly injects medications through microscopic pores in the skin.
The hand-held, ultrasonic device applies sound waves to the skin for 15 seconds, disrupting a protective membrane to allow fluids to flow in or out. The openings allow larger molecules, including those of many drugs, to pass through quickly. After 24 hours, the skin returns to normal.
The SonoPrep device consists of a battery operated power and control unit, a hand piece containing the ultrasonic horn and the disposable coupling medium cartridge, and a return electrode. (see picture above) A clinician performs a skin permeation treatment by applying the ultrasonic hand piece to the patient’s skin. The clinician pushes the hand piece down on the patient’s skin to activate the ultrasonic horn. The patient holds the return electrode so that the device automatically shuts itself off, based on a drop in skin impedance (as measured by current moving through the return electrode) once the proper level of skin permeation is achieved.
Innovative Product Kills 99.9% Of Cold And Flu Viruses
Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced on July 14th a new facial tissue product designed to kill viruses that cause colds and the flu.
Strong enough to stand up to a cold or flu virus, but gentle enough for everyday use, Kleenex Brand Anti-Viral* tissue is the only facial tissue that offers these benefits.
Kleenex Anti-Viral tissue relies on a patented, super premium 3-ply tissue design with a moisture-activated middle layer that is treated with an anti-viral formula. When moisture from a cough or sneeze hits the middle layer, Kleenex Anti-Viral tissue begins working immediately, ultimately killing 99.9% of cold and flu viruses* in the tissue within 15 minutes. The formula is made from citric acid and sodium lauryl sulfate, common ingredients found in everyday consumer products. Citric acid is used as a flavoring agent in soft drinks, while sodium lauryl sulfate is found in many shampoos and detergents.
In addition to the moisture-activated middle layer that is scientifically proven to kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses* in the tissue, a subtle blue dot pattern on the middle layer visually distinguishes Kleenex Anti-Viral tissue from other facial tissue products.
Kleenex Anti-Viral tissue will be available in two package sizes, an upright 60-count and a family size 120-count, affordably priced with suggested retail prices of $1.39 and $1.99, respectively.
ATF
"If you want one year of prosperity, grow grain; if you want 10 years of prosperity, grow trees; and if you want 100 years of prosperity, grow people"
En el website de la Academia Mexicana de Ciencias (AMC) encuentro que sus objetivos entre otros es de agrupar a los investigadores más distinguidos de México en las distintas áreas de la ciencia y promover el reconocimiento público de su labor, promover la investigación científica en México, difundir la ciencia en México, celebrar congresos...
Tambien veo que el logotipo de la AMC es como el símbolo de infinito pero con tres sombras, el infinito tres veces..
Pues parece que ese logotipo no tiene que ver con su presupuesto.
De buena fuente me entero que el presupuesto AMC otorgado por el CONACYT para el 2002 fué de $22.9 millones de pesos y en el 2003 de $26.5 millones de pesos. En el 2004, el presupuesto asciende a $13.8 millones de pesos(~$1.3 millones de dolares).
¿Cómo se compara esto?
Pues no se.
Pero si sé que en el 2002 Children's Hospital Trust de Boston MA. reunió de donativos 54 millones de dólares, casi 41 veces el presupuesto de la AMC.
Y recientemente una sola familia en Boston MA. donó al Childrens Hospital Boston 15 millones de dólares para su nuevo edificio de investigacion, casi doce veces el presupuesto de la AMC.
¿A que viene la comparación?
Por lo menos tres investigadores en México miembros de la AMC a quienes he contactado en el pasado con respecto a la busqueda de un donador compatible con Andy para un transplante de médula ósea y al registro mexicano de donadores no relacionados de médula ósea y la obtención de el HLA (human leukocite antigen), me han dado lata y utilizan la AMC como respaldo de sus argumentos. Cuando las discusiones se ponían interesantes y elevadas de tono su respuesta era "yo soy miembro de la AMC!!". Como para decirme que cualquier cosa que dijeran era lo correcto.
Pues ahora se están quedando sin presupuesto..
ATF
Scientists given cloning go-ahead
British scientists have been given permission to perform therapeutic cloning using human embryos for the first time.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority granted the licence to experts at the University of Newcastle.
..
They warn it will be at least five years - if not many more - before patients could receive stem cell treatments based on their work.
Therapeutic cloning has been legal in Britain since 2001.
It is carried out for medical reasons. Even though the science is similar, the technique is different to reproductive cloning, which aims to create a human being.
The cloning technique, known as cell nuclear replacement (CNR) involves removing the nucleus of a human egg cell and replacing it with the nucleus from a human body cell, such as a skin cell.
The egg is then artificially stimulated. This causes the egg to divide and behave in a similar way to a standard embryo fertilised by sperm.
I don't understand what they will do with the cloned cells. Lets look at the graphic below:
Once they have the stem cells how do they introduce or give them to the patient? I guess that will be a key factor. Will they use a virus to spread the new cells in the body (like gene theraphy)?
Will the immune system of the patient attack the new cells? Will they need drugs to inhibit their immune response?
ATF
"Primeros transplantes de células madre. Fuente: Notimex
Médicos del Instituto Nacional de Pediatría realizan con éxito los primeros transplantes de células madre obtenidas de cordón umbilical y médula ósea "
Noticia completa aqui
Lo mejor de la noticia, me dicen que Alejandra se ve bien!!
La página web que le hicimos a Alejandra antes de su transplante para reunir fondos en Julio 2003 se ve aqui
Bien por el Dr. Espinosa!!
"CIUDAD DE MÉXICO, México, jul, 5, 2004.-Médicos mexicanos realizaron los primeros transplantes exitosos de células madre obtenidas de cordón umbilical y médula ósea a dos niños......de médula ósea a una niña de unos meses de edad que padecía inmunodeficiencia combinada grave (carencia de células del sistema inmunológico), informó Miguel Rodríguez, director del Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, donde se hicieron los transplantes.
"
Me pregunto si el director del Instituto Nacional de Pediatria fue el mismo que dio instrucciones para no ofrecer gammaglobulina a niños con inmunodeficiencias porque es un medicamento muy costoso...
Fuerza Informativa Azteca publicó ésta misma noticia el 11/13/03, Primer trasplante a "niña burbuja" en México
Lo que se demuestra son las ganas que le esta poniendo el Dr. Espinosa para que alguien haga caso de la necesidad de salvar la vida a cientos o miles de niños en México.
La página de la FUMENIP (Fundacion Mexicana para Niños y Niñas con Inmunodeficiencias Primarias, A.C.) está aqui.
"El médico de la niña Alejandra, Francisco Espinoza, comentó que nunca en la historia médica del país se había hecho una transfusión de células de médula ósea para atender un caso de inmunodeficiencia. El donador fue el padre de la menor. Refirió que de los dos millones de niños que anualmente nacen en México, alrededor de 20 padecen inmunodeficiencia combinada grave, la mayoría de los cuales mueren incluso antes de que les sea diagnosticada. "
"'Con esto nos estamos poniendo a la par de cualquier país desarrollado', dijo Olaya. Alejandra fue transplantada el 19 de septiembre de 2003, cuando tenía cinco meses de nacida. Actualmente tiene un año y tres meses. "
En los paises desarrollados ya estan atendiendo a los hijos de los pacientes transplantados.
En Mexico tenemos 397 casos diagnosticados cuando por lo menos debe haber 200 mil con algun tipo de inmunodeficiencia primaria.
ATF
Children's Champions Club - Superstar Member
I received the following message from Viacord yesterday:
"In the short time since you had your baby, there's been a major breakthrough in cord blood banking.
Recently, ViaCell scientists discovered a new stem cell in umbilical cord blood called the Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cell (USSC), which holds enormous promise. Scientists at ViaCell Labs have demonstrated that these cells have the ability to develop into many different cells in animals, including brain, bone, cartilage, liver, heart and blood cells. Plus, this new stem cell can be multiplied to create literally billions of cells from a single umbilical cord. "
There are more than 40 thousand Viacord customers and only 12 have used the umbilical cord stem cells for a bone marrow transplant.
My questions and concerns are:
How do the Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cells help me today?
Are Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cells found on adults, or are they only available on cord blood?
Viacord banks my cells, but who will create the "brain, bone, cartilage, liver, heart and blood cells" for me?
What would happen if a major breakthrough is found and 80% of Viacord customers ask for their cells back?
The Viacord message continues:
"Shouldn't all your expectant friends know about the power of cord blood? Provide us with the names of your expectant friends and we'll send them an in-depth information packet so they can make an informed decision about preserving their baby's cord blood. As a special thanks, we'll send you a $100 U.S. Savings Bond for every friend who banks with Viacord. Extra Bonus: Right now, when you provide the name of someone who is pregnant, both you and your friend will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree at the store of your choice.* Plus, you get an extra chance to win for each referral you provide. Make sure all your friends are aware of the life-saving potential of cord blood. It could become the most important information you ever share. "
ATF
