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Colonel Harwood’s Principles Ring True Today – American Institute for Economic Research (blog)

Posted: May 20, 2017 at 6:23 am

In 2018, AIER will celebrate its 85th anniversary. While the institute has evolved with changing times and technology, there are certain bedrock principles on which we rest that date as far back as our founding by Colonel E.C. Harwood in 1933. AIER After 75 Years, published almost a decade ago at the 75th anniversary, contains a clear statement of many of those principles.

One of Harwoods core principles was adherence to the scientific method, which much of the field of economics has neglected. Scientific economists should begin with observation, not predetermined opinions:

Scientific economists seek to ascertain and describe a wide variety of relationships, including socio-political relationships, that influence economic events. While doing so, they also seek to identify those human arrangements that tend to foster progress or regress in social welfare, where progress is described broadly by increases in standards of living, human longevity, and the increased satisfaction of human wants and needs.

These observations have led to the conclusion that free markets and strong legal protection of property rights are the best way to promote social progress:

Rather, what seem chiefly to have distinguished the experience of the United States were greater individual freedom and a legal structure that preserved individual property rights, both of which evidently promote rapid economic progress in a number of ways.

Increased productivity is encouraged, offering greater reward to those who better serve their fellows. This benefits society by making available to everyone, in proportion to their like contributions to output, more of the things that their fellow humans indicate they want.

In order to reap the full benefits of such a system, government must have a well-defined but limited role:

A society based on property rights and open markets implies a limited role for government, inasmuch as history records that more people have been oppressed through the mechanism of government than through any other device. This is not to say that government has no legitimate role; quite the contrary. Our Constitution sets forth clear tasks for government, which can be summarized as the protection of freedom and justice from thosedomestic or foreignwho would deny them.

In summary, the system should work toward providing and protecting a fair field with no favor in which each individuals freedom is restricted only as necessary to protect the equal freedom of others. This would appear to be a useful gauge by which to assess the probability that specific laws will foster progress or regress of the social order.

The essay goes on to describe the ways that governments, even when well-intentioned, act to restrict markets and impede competition. The whole piece is well worth reading, as a document of the institutes past work and ongoing positions, as well as useful information about our history and bylaws. As we move into our anniversary year, we will keep working to produce research that both reflects current issues and adheres to the core principles of our history.

You can find "AIER After 75 Years" here.

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Study Stakes San Diego’s Claim in Genomics: $292M in 2016 VC … – Xconomy

Posted: at 6:23 am

Xconomy San Diego

Preliminary findings from an economic impact study show that genomics is emerging as a distinct innovation cluster in San Diego.

The San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp. began collecting data for the report earlier this year in a bid to assess how genomics fits into San Diegos innovation economy. Final results of the EDC study wont be released until June 19, the first day of the Bio International Convention, as part of a panel discussion on the local genomics cluster.

But some details were offered yesterday by Kirby Brady, the EDCs director of research, following a press conference intended to promote the annual conference and the bio industrys economic impact in San Diego.

Of more than 1,200 life sciences companies and institutes in San Diego County, Brady said a survey completed last week as part of the study found over 100 local entities with a core focus on genomics. That includes two industry giants: Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN) and the Carlsbad, CA-based Life Science Solutions Group of Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: TMO), both of which make genome sequencing technology. Local genomics startups include Agena Bioscience, Edico Genome, Helix, and two companies founded by the human genome pioneer J. Craig VenterHuman Longevity Inc. and Synthetic Genomics.

Using data from Seattle-based PitchBook, Brady said the EDC also found that venture capital firms invested $292 million in San Diego genomics companies in 2016. That amounted to roughly 22 percent of the $1.3 billion that VCs invested nationwide last year in genomics deals. Of course, a single deal accounted for much of San Diegos total. Human Longevity raised $220 million in a Series B round early last year.

The discussion, billed as a case study of San Diegos genomics cluster, is intended to better understand and quantify San Diegos genomics industry, including employment, the number of companies, and the available talent pool of genomics professionals. How San Diegos genomics sector ranks against similar clusters in the San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, and other life sciences hubs is unknown, and may not be easily determined, Brady said. The EDCs research team could find no comparable regional study on the economic impact of genomics, except in Cambridge, England.

This is all preliminary at this point, Brady said. Were now in the process of writing the study.

A separate report released this week from Biocom, the San Diego-based life sciences industry group, estimates the overall economic impact of the life sciences industry on San Diego at $33.6 billion a year. The Biocom study counted a total of 1,225 companies, research institutes, and other entities in San Diego County, and reported that they directly employ almost 50,000 people here.

According to the Biocom report, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded roughly $833 million in research grants in 2016 to both private and public research labs throughout San Diego County. That was about 23 percent of the $3.6 billion in NIH funding that flowed to the state of California.

About $1.7 billion in NIH funding went to the San Francisco Bay Area, Biocom CEO Joe Panetta said. NIH funding is a frequently used metric for measuring life sciences R&D, and a key reason why San Diego is a recognized center of innovation, Panetta said.

The Biocom report, prepared by the economic and public policy firm TClower & Associates, shows that California is home to over 12,000 life sciences companies and other entities that together generate nearly $317 billion in annual economic activityand directly employs more than 360,486 people statewide.

Bruce V. Bigelow is the editor of Xconomy San Diego. You can e-mail him at bbigelow@xconomy.com or call (619) 669-8788

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What Causes Eczema? – Health.com

Posted: at 6:23 am

By Kristin Canning

Eczema is a skin condition that shows up as itchy, dry, red patches, and can result in peeling, blisters, and sores. According to the National Eczema Association, it affects more than 30 million Americans. Eczema tends to show up in childhood, usually on the cheeks, chin, elbows, or knees, and symptoms usually lessen over time. Still, some people will have eczema as they grow older, and adults can develop it as well. Its tricky to narrow down exactly what causes eczema, since there are so many different forms of the condition, and different triggers can exacerbate each type. For example, allergens such as pet dander or pollen could cause the irritating rash appear, or it could be linked to other health conditions such as high blood pressure. For most forms, the cause isnt clear and its linked to a combination of factors.

What researchers do know, however, is that the most common form of eczema, atopic dermatitis (AD), seems to be passed down in families, says Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. Its also part of the atopic triad, three common conditions that are linked together (though they may not necessarily show up in people at the same time): AD, asthma, and hay fever. If your family has a history of asthma or hay fever, youre more likely to develop AD.

With this particular kind of eczema, something has triggered the immune system, which then goes into overdrive, causing the skin irritation. The symptoms usually improve and worsen in waves (called flare-ups), but theres no cure and it never totally goes away. Symptoms very from person-to-person, and although some people are able to manage their eczema, it can be more difficult to treat for others.

RELATED: The Best Lotions for Eczema, According to Dermatologists

According to the National Eczema Association, there are six types of eczema, including AD. These are the other forms:

Several factors can make eczema symptoms worse. Basically, anything thats drying or non-hypoallergenic can aggravate symptoms, since the skin barrier is already irritated. Heres what to watch out for:

RELATED: 10 Home Remedies for Eczema

Dr. Jaliman recommends using a mild cleanser made for sensitive skin, and following with a moisturizer, particularly one with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides, to help rebuild the skins protective barrier. Using a humidifier while you sleep can also help put moisture back into the air and your skin, she says.

Theres also the option of prescription topical steroids or creams, which can help for a short period of time, says Amanda Doyle, MD,of Russak Dermatology in New York City. For an over-the-counter solution, she recommends Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Hand Unscented Lotion, as its accepted by the National Eczema Association as a safe option for eczema-prone skin. You can see more of the associations product recommendations here. For those who aren't able to manage their symptoms with topical treatments, the FDA recently approved a new injectable drug to help alleviate symptoms like itchiness.

New York City dermatologist Francesca Fusco, MD, says to look for gentle soaps, like Dove or Caress, and to moisturize rough patches with Vaseline. For eczema on the scalp, she recommends Dove DermaCare Scalp Dryness and Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoothe zinc pyrithione hydrates and gets rid of flakes.

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Psoriasis Treatment: Does Your Diet Matter? – Care2.com

Posted: at 6:22 am

Psoriasis is complex to treat.

In fact, Physician Paul Bechet once said its the antidote to a dermatologists ego (1).

Its an autoimmune disease that causes chronic pain and itching that can severely impact quality of life.

Many foods and supplements are rumored to help with psoriasis treatment. But does research support these claims?

This article examines the evidence surrounding the relationship between diet and psoriasis.

What is Psoriasis and Its Symptoms?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes patches of skin to become inflamed and scaly.

It affects up to 4% of the worlds population (2).

Symptoms occur in flares, and include itching, pain, and skin lesions. Psoriasis may also cause pitted fingernails and toenails, as well as mouth sores.

There are six types of psoriasis. Each type causes a distinctive rash:

Plaque psoriasis.Image source.

Guttate psoriasis.Image source.

Inverse psoriasis.Image source.

Pustular psoriasis.Image source.

Erythrodermic psoriasis.Image source.

Summary: Psoriasis is a chronic condition that causes distinctive skin rashes, itching, inflammation, and pain. Symptoms occur in flares.

Psoriasis Causes

Psoriasis is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors (3).

One large study found that a persons risk increases up to 65% if their parents have psoriasis, and up to 83% if both their parents and siblings have it (4).

Not everyone who carries the gene will develop psoriasis. However, exposure to certain environmental stimuli may increase a persons likelihood of developing the disease.

These stimuli include:

In the presence of both environmental and genetic factors, the immune system malfunctions.

T cells, which normally respond to infection and injury, are mistakenly activated as a result. These cells recruit other immune cells and trigger the release of inflammatory cytokines (13).

This causes the skin cells to die off and regenerate more quickly than they should.

Onset of psoriasis. Image source.

The same environmental factors that cause psoriasis can also lead to flares, so its best to limit exposure to them when possible.

Summary: Psoriasis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. Many people carry a gene for the disease and develop it after exposure to certain environmental factors.

Diet and Psoriasis Treatment

The standard treatments for psoriasis involve topical and oral medications, as well as ultraviolet light therapy.

There is no scientific proof that diet is an effective treatment for psoriasis on its own.

However, patient testimonials and studies have shown certain diet strategies may help relieve psoriasis symptoms, especially when combined with traditional therapies.

The following sections will focus on foods and nutrients that affect psoriasis severity.

Achieve and Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

Overweight (in a clinical setting) is characterized by a body mass index (BMI) greater than 24.9.

A BMI greater than 29.9 is classified as obese.

Many studies have found a possible link between obesity and psoriasis.

In one long-term study of more than 67,000 females (14):

Even weight gain of just 10 pounds (4.5 kg) appears to increase risk by up to 8%, regardless of BMI classification (15).

In addition to risk, obesity is also linked to disease severity. This is likely because excessive fat tissue increases production of inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to inflammation and lesions in psoriasis (16, 17).

It makes sense then that studies have shown that calorie restriction paired with medication is more effective in reducing psoriasis symptoms than medication alone (18).

Notably, most studies on obesity and psoriasis are observational. This means that researchers arent exactly sure if obesity causes the disease or vice versa.

In any case, psoriasis is linked with several other heart disease risk factors, including high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Weight loss can reduce heart disease risk for people who are overweight or obese, so it makes sense to maintain a healthy weight (17).

You can calculate your BMI here.

Summary: Those who are very overweight are more likely to have psoriasis, although researchers arent sure if obesity causes it directly. Maintaining a healthy bodyweight also lowers risk of heart disease which is more common in psoriasis patients.

The Autoimmune Protocol, Gluten, and Alcohol

The autoimmune protocol (AIP) is a diet that eliminates gluten, soy, dairy, legumes, grains, added sugars, nightshades, and alcohol for at least 30 days.

The goal is to identify foods that trigger undesirable autoimmune reactions.

Theres a strong link between psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases. In one large study, those with psoriasis had higher rates of 14 different autoimmune disease than the general population (19).

Patient testimonials suggest that the AIP is helpful for many conditions, including psoriasis.

There have been no clinical trials on the AIP, so theres no scientific evidence to support it. But certain foods eliminated in the AIPincluding gluten and alcoholhave been reported to worsen psoriasis symptoms.

Some small studies have shown a gluten-free diet to improve psoriasis symptoms, but only in those with antibodies against gliadin (a protein found in gluten). These antibodies would be seen in those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (20).

Although other studies found no benefits at all, so its all quite unclear at this stage (19).

A stronger link has been suggested between alcohol intake and psoriasis severity.

One review of 28 studies found that alcohol is likely a risk factor for developing psoriasis, and that those with the disease drink more than healthy adults (11).

Its best to avoid alcohol if you have psoriasis, or a strong family history of it.

Summary: Patient testimonials suggest that the autoimmune protocol may help with psoriasis, but this hasnt been formally studied. You should definitely avoid alcohol and potentially gluten too if you are sensitive.

Anti-Inflammatory and Mediterranean Diets

A Western diet high in fat, sodium, and added sugars has been linked to inflammation and autoimmune disease (21).

For this reason a so-called anti-inflammatory diet may ease psoriasis symptoms.

Theres no universal definition for anti-inflammatory diet, but it generally refers to a style of eating that (22, 23, 24):

An anti-inflammatory diet hasnt been studied in psoriasis specifically, but systemic inflammation is a key feature of the disease.

This diet pattern has also been shown to help with certain autoimmune diseases, so in theory and based on patient testimonials it may be beneficial (18, 25, 26).

Patient testimonials also indicate that an anti-inflammatory eating pattern is helpful for arthritis. As such, it may be useful for relieving pain and stiffness in those with psoriatic arthritis (27, 28).

The diet is similar in many ways to the Mediterranean diet, which includes fish and lean meats, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, whole grains, and legumes.

In one study, stronger adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with fewer psoriasis symptoms. Further, those with fewer symptoms ate more fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fish and less meat (29).

More human studies are needed to know if the Mediterranean diet is beneficial for psoriasis. But given its other health benefits, such as reducing heart disease risk, it makes sense to eat this way regardless of its effects on skin (30).

Summary: Anti-inflammatory and Mediterranean diets emphasize healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. One study linked the Mediterranean diet with improved psoriasis symptoms.

Supplements for Psoriasis

Several dietary supplements have been reported tohelp with psoriasis treatment.

Fish Oil

Fish oil capsules contain the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA).

Its known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

In one literature review, 12 of 15 studies found fish oil to improve psoriasis severity (31).

The strongest evidence is in support of high-dose intravenous (IV) omega-3 infusions for plaque and guttate psoriasis. However, this isnt a typical therapy, and wouldnt be readily available to most patients (32, 33).

One small observational study found that oral fish oil supplements significantly reduced psoriasis severity and improved quality of life when paired with prescription ointment. Volunteers in this study received 640 mg of DHA plus EPA per day for eight weeks (34).

Change in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) over duration of study for fish oil plus ointment group compared to ointment only group. Lower score is better. Click to enlarge.

Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects but it looks promising.

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that we eat.

They have been the focus of many studies recently because of the interaction between the gut microbiome and various health conditions, including psoriasis.

One study found adults with psoriasisespecially psoriatic arthritisto have less diversity in gut bacteria than healthy adults. The researchers likened the bacterial profile in psoriasis to that of inflammatory bowel disease, which often responds well to probiotics (35, 36).

In another study, 23 patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis received the probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35264 at a dose of 11010 colony forming units (CFU) per day for eight weeks.

Researchers found that most blood markers of inflammation (CRP and TNF-) were significantly lower at eight weeks (37).

Other probiotic strains havent been studied specifically in psoriasis yet.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system by inhibiting T cell multiplication and limiting cytokine production (38).

Because T cells and cytokines play key roles in psoriasis, and because vitamin D deficiency is common among those with autoimmune disease, its been studied as a possible psoriasis treatment (38).

One literature review found vitamin D supplements and ointments to be as effective as corticosteroids in easing symptoms. The benefits were even greater when vitamin D was used with a high-dose steroid ointment (39).

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Kelly Bensimon Reflects on Having Psoriasis and Her Nude Playboy Shoot: ‘No One Is Perfect’ – PEOPLE.com

Posted: at 6:22 am

Kelly Bensimon says shes dealt with psoriasis her entire life, and the condition made her scared to bare all for her 2010 Playboy shoot.

The former Real Housewives of New York City star and model tweetedabout her psoriasis on Friday as she was getting ready for a new photoshoot.

Ive had psoriasis since I was a kid. I hated it. I found it so embarrassing, Bensimon, 49,writes on Twitter. When I was a teen, I would spend hours in tanning beds, trying to get dark enough to cover it up. Not healthy! And not something I would recommend to anyone! But I was desperate. I thought that I couldnt be pretty with this issue.

She ended up becoming asuccessful model, but Bensimon says even then she doubted herself up until age 41, when she posed for Playboy.

Even as an adult, especially when I was modeling, I felt terrible about my skin. When I had a breakout, I wanted to hide from the world, she says. So, when Playboy asked me to bare it all, there was a part of me that was scared not because of the nudity, but because of the psoriasis!

But a funny thing happened when I took off my clothes and got in front of that camera. I forgot about all my imperfections I forgot about the itchies and flaws. I just felt beautiful. Like, if Playboy thought I was beautiful, then maybe I really was! I realized that my flaws were part of my whole, and that my whole was pretty great! Showing so much allowed me to finally drop my judgement[sp].

RELATED VIDEO:Kelly Killoren Bensimon Gets Real about the Public Judgment on Breastfeeding

Bensimon said in February that she wants to pose nude for Playboy again.

I am 49 and I did the cover 10 years ago [in 2010]. So I feel like I look better now, she told Page Six. I am glad that they are going back to showing women naked, it was a beautiful layout. And it would be a test to show that you can still look good at any age.

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Oral and therapy treatment for psoriasis – TheHealthSite

Posted: at 6:22 am

Dr Maithili Kamat, Consultant Dermatologist at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre helps us in understanding the latest treatment options for psoriasis.

Research in psoriasis treatment often doesnt hog the headline, unlike how the breakthrough researches in cancer or heart stroke does. But, in the recent past, it is interesting to note how psoriasis is categorised as immune system disease. Dr Maithili Kamat, Consultant Dermatologist at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre helps us in understanding the latest treatment options for psoriasis.

Latesttopical treatments for psoriasis Topical treatment for psoriasis is medication applied to the skin. These are usually the first line of therapy in treating psoriasis. Topical treatments slow down or normalise excessive cell reproduction and reduce psoriasis inflammation.There are many OTC products like moisturisers and products containing Salicylic acid, Coal Tar etc.Prescription-based medicines containing Corticosteroids (steroids) or non-steroid drugs like anthralin, Vitamin D analogue- Calcipotriol, Calcineurin inhibitor-Tacrolimus, Retinoids- Tazarotene. Prescription-based topical drugs should strictly be monitored by a dermatologist.

Topical corticosteroids are effective for treating psoriasis Topical Corticosteroids (TCS) are used as anti-inflammatory agents to reduce the swelling and redness of psoriasis lesions.

TCS are available in a wide variety of strengths, right from super strong or superpotent (Class 1) to extremely weak or least potent (Class 7). The choice of the steroid potency depends on the site and severity of psoriasis. TCS have to be used for limited time periods and strictly under the supervision of a dermatologist. Read more aboutPsoriasis: Not just skin deep; linked to 10 other chronic diseases

Newest available oral treatment for psoriasis -The newest available oral treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is Otezla (apremilast).It is an oral pill that helps your immune system fight inflammation in psoriasis by inhibiting a substance called phosphodiesterase.Otezla is also used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in people who may also receive phototherapy or other treatments for psoriasis. Before giving you the medicine, your doctor will check for your past history of depression or suicidal thoughts; kidney disease; or if you take seizure medication.

Oils can be good for psoriasis Fish oil containingomega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) taken orally can be adjuvant treatment in psoriasis care.

Top 3 therapies for treating psoriasis

Narrow band UVB therapy treatment Present in natural sunlight, ultraviolet B (UVB) is an effective treatment for psoriasis. UVB penetrates the skin and slows the growth of affected skin cells. The treatment involves close-fitting the skin to a synthetic UVB light source on a regular schedule. This treatment is controlled in a medical setting preferably. Read here5 foods you should NOT eat if you suffer from psoriasis

Goeckerman therapy First formulated in 1925 by American dermatologist William H. Goeckermans, the regimen is for treatment of moderate to severeplaque psoriasisusing a combination of crudecoal tar andartificialultraviolet radiation.It is a specialized form oflight therapy.

Photochemotherapy or psoralen plus ultraviolet A radiation (PUVA) PUVA is a combination treatment which consists of Psoralens (P) and then exposing the skin to UVA (long wave ultraviolet radiation). Psoralens are compounds found in many plants which make the skin temporarily sensitive to UVA.For oral PUVA, methoxsalen capsules are taken two hours before the UVA exposure. In most cases, treatment is undertaken two or three times each week.The patient should always wear goggles to protect the eyes from exposure to the radiation.

Image source: Shutterstock

Published: May 18, 2017 10:36 am | Updated:May 18, 2017 11:16 am

Disclaimer: TheHealthSite.com does not guarantee any specific results as a result of the procedures mentioned here and the results may vary from person to person. The topics in these pages including text, graphics, videos and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only and not to be substituted for professional medical advice.

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Gene replacement therapy that works in dogs to be tested in children – KIRO Seattle

Posted: at 6:22 am

by: Dave Wagner Updated: May 18, 2017 - 7:12 PM

SEATTLE - KIRO 7 has learned of a revolutionary treatment, here in Seattle, that has saved the lives of dogs and is just months away from being tested in children. In video obtained by KIRO 7, dogs that were destined to die show no signs of the disease after a single infusion of gene-replacement therapy. The disease is so deadly in children, 50-percent of them die before their second birthday.

"This is a huge deal. This is probably the most important thing we'll ever work on," said Dr. Casey Childers of U.W. Medicine.

For the past eight years, Childers has been focused on finding a cure for a form of muscular dystrophy called Myotubular Myopathy or MTM. It is a rare disease that affects the skeletal muscles.

"Patients are unable to walk. They're unable to speak, unable to swallow and unable to breathe without assistance. It's a childhood disease. It affects baby boys and it's universally fatal. So it's a bad, bad disease, said Childers.

Myotubular Myopathy affects dogs, too. In U.W. Medicine video, never seen by the public until now, gene-replacement therapy has resulted in a remarkable transformation in dogs and a possible cure for MTM.

>>Videos of children, dogs with Myotubular Myopathy

The search for a cure began with the search for a dog by a mother in Jacksonville, Florida. The son of Alison and Paul Frase was born with Myotubular Myopathy. Joshua Frase was born on February 2, 1995 with a devastating prognosis.

"My doctor came to me and she said, Alison, I really believe Joshua has a severe disorder and he's not gonna make it through the day.

Joshua continued to defy the odds, but only had the strength to move his right hand.

"Joshua cognitively was a normal little boy. He was just locked in a body," said Paul Frase.

With 50 percent of children with MTM dying before their second birthday, Alison was determined to find a cure for her son Joshua. Alison was told by their geneticist at Boston Childrens Hospital that if she could find a dog with MTM, doctors could try gene-replacement therapy that could possibly lead to a treatment for her son.

"That's when her wheels started spinning and she said, we've got to figure something out," said Paul Frase.

>> Website for families of children with Myotubular Myopathy: Joshua Frase Foundation

Alison scoured the country looking for a dog with MTM and struck gold north of the border.

"We got a call back from a cowboy in the middle of Canada and he quickly said, I want to give you my dog. I want to help your son, said Alison.

The dog, named Nibs, delivered a litter of puppies and from there, a colony of dogs with the deadly form of muscular dystrophy was born.

Very rapidly over a few weeks, certainly by four months of age, the affected puppies are unable to walk. They're very, very weak and unfortunately, they require humane euthanasia, said Childers.

In an effort to save the lives of the dogs, and ultimately the lives of children, researches at U.W. Medicine infused a replacement gene into puppies that have MTM.

In video obtained by KIRO 7 News, two puppies from the same litter showed a dramatic difference. One was given saline and the other was given a single treatment of gene replacement therapy. The puppy receiving the therapy quickly showed no signs of the disease.

Unbelievably fast. So, we see effects with two to three weeks, maximal within about six weeks. Weve now observed dogs for more than 4- years after infusion and they appear perfectly normal and healthy.

KIRO 7 was shown two dogs that have lived more than four-years after receiving gene-replacement therapy. The dogs are remarkably active.

"These dogs would normally die around two months of age, two to four months of age. Because of the gene therapy, they've survived now to over four years," said researcher Dr. David Mack.

Doctors are cautious in their optimism but say its the most profound thing they have witnessed during their decades in medicine.

"I don't like to use the word miracle, but it's pretty darn close," said Childers.

Within months, clinical trials will begin around the world and children with the deadly disease will receive the same gene-replacement therapy as the dogs. Childers believes the chances are very, very good that the therapy will work in children. He is also painfully aware that the clock is ticking for children and their families praying for a miracle.

At a home in Des Moines, Washington, you can hear a continuous hum of beeps and breathing machines. For the past nine years, Chris Bowers has defied the odds of living with MTM.

He really has been a rock star, said Virginia Bowers.

With a breathing tube, Chris speaks in sign language and moves quickly around his home in an electric wheelchair. He and his brothers, Ben and Sam, spend their free time playing with Legos. His parents hope the gene-replacement therapy might prolong and improve his life.

"Cautiously optimistic. It's hard to imagine because, Chris, this is what we know."

Joshua Frase lost his battle with MTM 41 days before his 16th birthday. His room remains the same with his glasses, cars and planes on bookshelves.

"It definitely brings back a lot of, just little poignant memories that put a smile on your face.

"He was a clown. He was a funny, intelligent, smart, normal kid. He was not just a son. He was a friend, said Paul Frase.

Frase played in the NFL and twice received the teams Courage Award. Frase said the courage came from his son.

"Joshua taught us about courage. He taught us about love. You learn a lot from these kids with these disabilities."

The grave marker for Joshua Frase includes a Bible verse, They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

It is a reminder of the debilitating disease that took his life. Childers said Joshuas legacy lives on through the dogs, doctors and his familys determination to find a cure.

"This is his legacy. No question about it. If it weren't for his parents, we wouldn't be having this conversation. If it weren't for just unrelenting, you know, just can do attitude, never take no for an answer, never quit on the part of his parents, yeah, this is absolutely his legacy. There's nothing that comes anywhere close to this. If this is the last thing I ever do in my research career, I'll die a happy man, said Childers.

It is estimated that one in 50,000 children have Myotubular Myopathy. Alison and Paul Frase started the Joshua Frase Foundation and believe there are, at least, 5,000 to 6,000 children with MTM.

Eighty-percent of rare diseases are caused by a genetic defect. Doctors hope that gene-replacement therapy will, one day, lead to cures for other genetic diseases.

2017 Cox Media Group.

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An Experimental Gene Therapy Uses Viruses to Stop Age-Related Blindness – Futurism

Posted: at 6:22 am

In Brief Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine in Maryland have discovered a rather unusual way to treat a severe form of age-related blindness. They found a virus inserted into the retina can be used to halt or even reverse the disease. A Unique Treatment

They say you dont fight fire with fire. However, researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine in Maryland have found that sometimes a virus may be the best weapon against a disease.Their studyhas been publishedin The Lancet

The researchers werelooking for ways to treat a particular type ofage-related macular degeneration (AMD)known as a wet AMD. Its a rare and more severe form of the disease,affecting just 10 percent of all AMD patients, and it causes new blood vessels to grow under the retina, which then leak blood and fluid into the eye, leading to vision problems.

The researchers knewthey could halt and even reverse the condition by suppressing an overactive protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Other researchers had been able to do it with monthly eye injections, but this team was hoping to do it with just one injection.

The best way they found to do this was by using a common cold-like virus called AAV2 as a carrier of gene that activates the production of a differentprotein,sFLT01, tocounter VEGF.

In a preliminary trial involving 19 men and women 50 years old and above, the researchers injected the patients with a form of AAV2that was genetically engineered to penetrate retinal cells and deposit the gene. After the virus deposited the gene, the cells began secreting sFLT01 which bound to VEGF and prevented it from stimulating leakage and growth of abnormal blood vessels, explained a Johns Hopkins press release.

The clinical trial showed promising results, with the condition of four of the patients improving dramatically after just one viral injection. Two others saw some reduction in the fluid build up, and the treatment didnt produce any side effects in any patients. Even at the highest dose, the treatment was quite safe. We found there were almost no adverse reactions in our patients, said researcher Peter Campochiaro.

Of the patients that didnt respond, the researchers discovered that five naturally produced antibodies that would attack the AAV2 virus, rendering it unable to complete its gene depositing mission. They think these antibodies could be prevalent throughout the population, making it difficult to determine how effecting the treatment would actually be.

Nevertheless, this research is a step in the right direction, especially with AMD expected to affect almost 5.44 million people in the U.S. by 2050. This preliminary study is a small but promising step towards a new approach that will not only reduce doctor visits and the anxiety and discomfort associated with repeated injections in the eye, but may improve long-term outcomes, Campochiaro said.

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An Experimental Gene Therapy Uses Viruses to Stop Age-Related Blindness - Futurism

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Genetic testing initiative for inherited retinal diseases shows great promise – ModernMedicine

Posted: at 6:22 am

Editors Note: Welcome to Eye Catching: Let's Chat, a blog series featuring contributions from members of the ophthalmic community. These blogs are an opportunity for ophthalmic bloggers to engage with readers with about a topic that is top of mind, whether it is practice management, experiences with patients, the industry, medicine in general, or healthcare reform. The series continues with this blog byJoshua Mali, MD, a board certified vitreoretinal surgeon at The Eye Associates, a private multi-specialty ophthalmology practice in Sarasota, FL. The views expressed in these blogs are those of their respective contributors and do not represent the views of Ophthalmology Times or UBM Medica.

Recently, I was watching a movie with my wife in which the plot revolved around the idea of futuristic medical technology and therapies including gene-targeted treatments. While most of it seemed far-fetched at best, there were some aspects that seemed not only feasible, but are actually being utilized in medicine today.

With this as the backdrop, I have been encouraged as a retinal specialist with all the excitement and promising new treatments in gene therapy. Given that there are several retinal diseases with known inherited patterns and confirmed genetic loci responsible for the clinical manifestations, our field is primed to benefit from the expansion of knowledge in this arena.

With the advent of genetic testing for inherited retinal diseases, this has provided another tool in our tool belt to help provide the most advanced care for our patients. The benefits of genetic testing include confirming clinical diagnosis to identify genetic disorders with systemic associations, provide information for family members, and potentially identifying patients that can benefit from gene targeted therapies.

A prime example of this is a new initiative called ID YOUR IRD, an inherited retinal disease (IRD) genetic testing program (Spark Therapeutics). According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), genetic testing is appropriate for most patients with presumed genetically caused retinal degeneration and plays an important role in improving the accuracy of diagnosis and prognosis, providing patients and families with specific inheritance risks, and guiding treatment decisions.1

The ID YOUR IRD genetic testing panel includes 31 genes in which mutations have been found to cause certain early-onset, rod-mediated IRDs (see Figure 1). In particular, the three inherited retinal diseases that can be identified are retinitis pigmentosa (RP), choroideremia (CHM), and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA). Adult and pediatric patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of certain early-onset, rod-mediated IRDs who are U.S. residents are eligible for the ID YOUR IRD initiative. The company has partnered with PreventionGenetics, a CLIA and ISO-accredited laboratory, to provide the genetic test at no cost to your patients.Courtesy of Joshua Mali, MD

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Genetic testing initiative for inherited retinal diseases shows great promise - ModernMedicine

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5 Authoritarian Regimes That Shape Facebook’s Censorship Policies – Breitbart News

Posted: at 6:21 am

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Facebooks growth is slowing. It needs new markets and new audiences, which is why it is making a big push into foreign countries. However, some of these countries arent happy with the idea of letting their citizens have access to free-speech friendly platforms, and impose conditions on Facebooks operations within their borders.

So, does Zuckerbergs stated commitment to free speech trump the companys need to enter markets controlled by authoritarian, censorious governments? Readers can examine the following five examples, and judge for themselves.

1. China

Facebook was banned from China following riots in 2009 inrmqi and revelations that the Xinjiang independence activists behind the riots used the social network to organize. Facebook has been desperate to re-enter Chinas massive market ever since.

Mark Zuckerberghas met with Chinese president Xi Jinpingas well as Chinese propaganda chief Liu Yunshan. The Facebook CEO has even learned Mandarin and delivered speeches (albeit clumsy ones, according to Quartz) in the language during his multiple trips to China. According to reports, Zuckerberg even asked the Chinese president to name his baby during a meeting at the White House, although the president refused.

But Facebook has done more than cosy up to Chinese officials. According to reports, they are also building a censorship tool to block banned news sources in China from users timelines. Several Facebook employees have quit in protest at the development of the tool, which will reportedly give third parties like ISPs and governments the power to suppress posts.

Then again, Facebook is competing with domestic Chinese social networks, which pride themselves on blocking what they call fake news

2. Turkey

Turkey frequently censors its citizens on the internet. During the coup attempt against President Erdogan last year, all social media was blacked out across the country.Just last month, Turkey blocked access to Wikipedia.

Facebook has been working with Turkey to censor Kurdish militia in northern Syria. Although these groups are largely credited with rolling back the frontiers of the Islamic State, they are considered terrorists by Turkey, an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), that has staged attacks inside the country. Turkey is even accused of allowing ISIS fighters to cross its southern border to fight the Kurds.

A document leaked in 2012 revealed even more censorship on behalf of Turkey: according to guidelines on IP blocks and international compliance given to an external Facebook contractor, moderators were told to consider a wide range of Turkey-critical content to be an abuse standards violation. These included attacks on Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, maps of Kurdistan, images depicting the burning of the Turkish flag, and any content related to Abdullah Ocalan, the most influential leader of the Kurdish independence movement.

3. Pakistan

Pakistan, also known astheIslamic Republicof Pakistan, is currently undertaking a massive crackdown against what it describes as social media blasphemy. The state recently sent out a text message to millions of Pakistanis urging them to report their fellow citizens if they suspect them of blasphemous posting, effectively encouraging a citizen-led religious Stasi.

Much of the citizenry will be happy to oblige. Indeed, some Pakistaniswould like to go beyond simply reporting blasphemers:

Pakistan has asked Facebook for help identifying blasphemers on social media even those outside the country, so it can pursue their extradition.Facebook has not denied complying with the request, instead saying thatthe companyreviews all government requests carefully, with the goal of protecting the privacy and rights of our users.'

What is known is that Facebook has dispatched a delegation to Pakistanto address the governments concerns. Moreover,government officials have claimed that the company has helped them remove 85 of blasphemous material on Facebook.This would make Facebook complicit in Pakistans determination to quash religious dissent from its citizens, which includes a potential death penalty for the crime of blasphemy.

4. Russia

The media is determined to find evidence of collusion between President Trump and Russia, but there is considerably more evidence to be found of Facebook doing the bidding of the Russian government, which is frightening the social network by threatening to ban it from the country.

The pressure seems to have paid off in 2014, Facebook blocked a page supporting Alexei Navalny, described by theWashington Postas Putins biggest critic.

5. Germany and the European Union

Not all authoritarian countries are non-western. In response to the migrant crisis and the subsequent crime and terrorism wave sweeping Europe, Germany has taken a keen interest in scrubbing criticism of their catastrophic mass migration policies from social media.German police have even raided homes over alleged Facebook hate speech, and one couple was taken to court and sentenced for criticizing mass migration on the platform.

In September 2015, German chancellor Angela Merkel was overheardasking Mark Zuckerberg if he was working on clamping down against allegedly hateful content on the platform, to which Zuckerberg replied yeah. The German government has also threatened to fine Facebook if it does not clamp down on fake news, while the European Union has threatened non-legislative action if social networks like Facebook and YouTube do not tackle hate speech on their platforms.

Zuckerberg was true to his word. Following his overheard discussion with Merkel, Facebook has signed up to an E.U. pledge to suppress illegal hate speech and use their power to promote counter-narratives. Facebook also launched its own Initiative for Civil Courage Online, a Europe-wide campaign to clamp down on alleged hate speech during the migrant crisis. In just one month alone in September 2016, Facebook deleted over 100,000 posts in Germany for containing hate a figure that was attacked by the German government as too low.

Mark Zuckerberg is a strong supporter of Angela Merkels refugee policies, and has called on the U.S. to follow their lead.

You can follow Allum Bokhari on Twitterandadd him on Facebook.Email tips and suggestions toabokhari@breitbart.com.

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