Stem Cells Injected into the Brain of a Stroke Patient in World First

Researchers hope the brain stem cells will stimulate the growth of new neurons and reduce inflammation caused by the stroke

 

Photograph: Bbs United/Getty Images

 

The stem cells will release chemicals that may help heal brain damage resulting from the stroke. Doctors have injected stem cells into a man's brain as part of the world's first clinical trial of the cells in stroke patients.

The former truck driver, who is in his 60s, was severely disabled by a stroke 18 months ago and requires continuous care from his wife.

Doctors injected around two million cells into a healthy region of his brain called the putamen, close to where neurons were damaged by the stroke. They hope the injected cells will release chemicals that stimulate new brain cells and blood vessels to grow, while healing scar tissue and reducing inflammation.

The team, led by Professor Keith Muir at the University of Glasgow's Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, expect to treat 11 more male patients aged between 60 and 85 in the trial, using progressively higher doses of five million, 10m and 20m cells.

The injections are being given to patients who have suffered ischaemic stroke, the most common type, caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain. The operation requires a general anaesthetic and patients will be monitored for two years to see whether the procedure is safe and has any beneficial effect on their quality of life.

John Sinden, chief scientific officer at ReNeuron, the Surrey-based company that developed the cells, said of the first patient to receive the experimental injection: "He is really looking for some level of independence."

Animal studies suggest the cells are safe and effective at healing brain injuries. "We see regrowth of blood vessels, the generation of new neurons, a reduction in scarring and inflammation in the brain," said Sinden. "There are a range of things that happen that are best described as the brain to some extent healing itself."

One concern over stem cell therapies has been whether they might cause cancer, but Sinden said the cells used in the latest trial appear not to form tumours. They are derived from brain cells taken from a 12-week-old fetus in the US. At this stage of their development, the cells are committed to becoming brain cells.

The trial, known as the Pilot Investigation of Stem Cells in Stroke (PISCES), is primarily aimed at judging the safety of the stem cell injections, but doctors will use brain imaging and video recordings of the patients walking to assess whether the therapy helps them to recover from stroke.

The PISCES study is not the first to inject stem cells into patients' brains. In 2006, doctors in Oregon transplanted fetal stem cells into the brains of children with an incurable and fatal disorder called Batten disease. The phase one trial found that the treatment was safe.

Anthony Hollander, professor of rheumatology and tissue engineering at Bristol University, said: "Successful stem cell therapies will come from painstaking research and carefully planned clinical trials. This stroke trial is based on good research and careful planning. It's far too early to know if the treatment will be successful, but the very fact that the trial is now under way is a milestone for UK stem cell research."

Psychologist

Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience — from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental health care services, the understanding of behavior is the enterprise of psychologists.

Psychologists traditionally treat patients with mental and emotional problems, but they also serve as scientists researching the phenomenon of human (and non-human) behavior. They study how human beings relate not only to each other but also to machines, and they work to improve these relationships. In particular, they concentrate on behaviors that affect the mental and emotional health and mental functioning of healthy human beings.

In their research, psychologists follow scientific methods, using careful observation, experimentation, and analysis. They develop theories of human behavior and test them through their research. As this research yields new information, psychologists’ findings become part of the body of knowledge that practitioners call upon in their work with clients and patients.

Psychology is a tremendously varied field. Psychologists conduct both basic and applied research, serve as consultants to communities and organizations, diagnose and treat people, test intelligence and personality, and teach future psychologists and other types of students. With the rapidly increasing diversity of the U.S. population, psychologists bring important knowledge and skills to understanding different cultures.

There are many different careers within this profession. For example, psychologists work with business executives, performers, and athletes to reduce stress and improve performance. They advise lawyers on jury selection and collaborate with educators on school reform. Immediately following a disaster, such as a plane crash or bombing, psychologists help victims and bystanders recover from the trauma, or shock, of the event. They team with law enforcement and public health officials to analyze the causes of such events and prevent their occurrence.

Working Conditions

Many psychologists work independently. They also team up with other professionals—for example, other scientists, physicians, lawyers, school personnel, computer experts, engineers, policymakers, and managers—to contribute to every area of society. Thus we find them in laboratories, hospitals, courtrooms, schools and universities, community health centers, prisons, and corporate offices.

Reprinted courtesy of ExploreHealthCareers.org, funded in part by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation of Princeton, NJ, and administered by the American Dental Education Association, 1400 K Street, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20005. www.adea.org, 202-289-7201.

Speech-language pathologists

Speech-language pathologists, sometimes called speech therapists, assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent disorders related to speech, language, cognitive-communication, voice, swallowing, and fluency.

Speech-language pathologists work with people who cannot produce speech sounds or cannot produce them clearly; those with speech rhythm and fluency problems, such as stuttering; people with voice disorders, those with problems understanding and producing language and many more. They also work with people who have swallowing difficulties.

Problems can be congenital, developmental, or acquired. Speech-language pathologists use special instruments and qualitative and quantitative assessment methods, including standardized tests, to analyze and diagnose the nature and extent of impairments.

Speech-language pathologists develop an individualized plan of care, tailored to each patient's needs. They teach patients how to make sounds, improve their voices, or increase their oral or written language skills to communicate more effectively. They also teach individuals how to strengthen muscles or use compensatory strategies to swallow without choking or inhaling food or liquid.

Most speech-language pathologists provide direct clinical services to individuals with communication or swallowing disorders. In medical facilities, they may perform their job in conjunction with physicians, social workers, psychologists, and other therapists. Speech-language pathologists in schools collaborate with teachers, special educators, interpreters, other school personnel, and parents to develop and implement individual or group programs, provide counseling, and support classroom activities.

Although the work is not physically demanding, it requires attention to detail and intense concentration. The emotional needs of clients and their families may be demanding.

Career Notables

• About 48 percent worked in educational services; most others were employed by healthcare and social assistance facilities.
• A master's degree in speech-language pathology is the standard educational requirement
• Favorable job opportunities are expected.
• Median annual wages of speech-language pathologists were $62,930 in May 2008.

For a complete profile visit our source at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos099.htm

FREE SUICIDE PREVENTION EDUCATION

Free Suicide Prevention Education





10/27/10
What: Free Suicide Prevention Education (QPR)
When: Thursday, November 4, 2010
Time: 9:45am to 12noon
Where: Chamber of Commerce, 75 North Street, Suite 360, (Central Block) Pittsfield Mass.


There will be a free suicide prevention education presentation called QPR for the staff of all Central Berkshire County Youth Serving Agencies. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer – “3 simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of people, like you, are saying "Yes" to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor” (QPR Institute). The presentation will be Thursday November 4, 2010 from 9:45am to 12noon at the Chamber of Commerce, 75 North Street, Suite 360, Pittsfield Mass. All staff welcome.


Please RSVP by Tuesday November 2nd to

Bear McHugh at bmchugh@berkshireahec.org or (413) 447-2417 ext. 1111

Occupational Therapists

On a typical day an occupational therapist will: assist clients in performing activities of all types;

• use physical exercises to help patients increase strength and dexterity;
• use activities to help patients improve visual acuity
• use computer programs to help clients improve decision-making, abstract-reasoning, problem-solving, memory, sequencing, coordination, and perception
• design or make special equipment needed at home or at work;

Occupational therapists help patients improve their ability to perform tasks in living and working environments. They work with individuals who suffer from a mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling condition. Occupational therapists use treatments to develop, recover, or maintain the daily living and work skills of their patients. The goal is to help clients have independent, productive, and satisfying lives.

Occupational therapists help clients to perform all types of activities, from using a computer to caring for daily needs such as dressing, cooking, and eating. Physical exercises may be used to increase strength and dexterity, while other activities may be chosen to improve visual acuity or the ability to discern patterns.

Patients with permanent disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy, often need special instruction to master certain daily tasks. For these individuals, therapists demonstrate the use of adaptive equipment, including wheelchairs, orthoses, eating aids, and dressing aids. They teach clients how to use the equipment to improve communication and control various situations in their environment.

Occupational therapists may work exclusively with individuals in a particular age group or with a particular disability. In schools, for example, they evaluate children's capabilities, recommend and provide therapy, modify classroom equipment, and help children participate in school activities. A therapist may work with children individually, lead small groups in the classroom, consult with a teacher, or serve on an administrative committee.

Career Notable

• A master's degree or higher in occupational therapy is the typical minimum requirement for entry into the field.
• Employment is expected to grow much faster than average. Job opportunities should be good, especially for occupational therapists treating the elderly.
• Median annual wages of occupational therapists were $66,780 in May 2008.

For a complete profile visit our source at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos078.htm

High School Health Careers Program

A great opportunity for high school students this summer from our friends at UMass Medical School...

http://www.umassmed.edu/outreach/hshcp.aspx?linkidentifier=id&itemid=46184

The High School Health Careers Program (HSHCP) is a four/five-week summer, tuition-free, residential program that offers current sophomore and junior high school students unique opportunities to learn about the broad spectrum of healthcare and science professions. It is designed to improve the academic study and communication skills of the participants.

The program includes Enrichment Activities and Cultural and Contemporary Health Isssues Seminars. Classroom sessions include Language Arts skills, Mathematics, Science/Biology, and Information Technology. Additionaly, the HSHCP offers participants an internship which gives them the opportunity to interact with physicians and other healthcare professionals.  Upon successful completion of the program, each participant is awarded a Certificate of Achievement.

The program is open to Massachusetts residents who are sophomores or juniors in a Massachusetts high school.

A Day in a Physical Therapist's Life

On a typical day a Physical Therapist will:

ð         examine patients' medical histories

ð         test and measure the patients' strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function

ð         determine patients' ability to be independent and reintegrate into the community or workplace after injury or illness

ð         develop treatment plans describing a treatment strategy, its purpose, and its anticipated outcome

Physical therapists, sometimes referred to as simply PTs, are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limits their abilities to move and perform functional activities as well as they would like in their daily lives. Physical therapists implement treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

Physical therapists evaluate and diagnose movement dysfunction and use interventions to treat patient/clients. Interventions may include therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy techniques, assistive and adaptive devices and equipment, and physical agents and electrotherapeutic modalities.

Physical therapists often consult and practice with a variety of other professionals, such as physicians, dentists, nurses, educators, social workers, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and audiologists.

Physical therapists practice in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and private offices that have specially equipped facilities. These jobs can be physically demanding, because therapists may have to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods. In addition, physical therapists move heavy equipment and lift patients or help them turn, stand, or walk.

 Career Notables

• ð        Employment is expected to grow much faster than average.
• ð        Job opportunities should be good.
• ð        Need a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited physical therapist program.
• ð        About 60 percent of PT’s work in hospitals or in offices of other health practitioners.
• ð        Median annual wages of physical therapists were $72,790 in May 2008

For a complete profile of Physical Therapist visit our source at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos080.htm

Doctors, Nurses, and Techs OH MY!

WHAT IS ALLIED HEALTH?

The occupation titles doctors and nurses usually come to mind when we think of the health care industry. Although lists differ, allied health represents at least 40 different professions. Generally speaking, allied health encompasses the broad range of support services associated with providing health care.

Over the next week we will take an in-depth look at some of the different allied health professions. But first -

What exactly is allied health?          

Allied Health professionals are involved with the delivery of health or related services pertaining to the identification, evaluation and prevention of diseases and disorders; dietary and nutrition services; rehabilitation and health systems management, among others. Allied health professionals, to name a few, include dental hygienists, diagnostic medical sonographers, dietitians, medical technologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, radiographers, respiratory therapists, and speech language pathologists.

Allied health workers are found in virtually every sector of the health care industry. Metropolitan areas, which service larger populations, usually offer many different health service jobs due to the presence of larger hospitals, more clinics, rehabilitation centers, and nursing and long-term care facilities.

Rural areas are also experiencing a critical shortage of allied health professionals for their operations. These settings include: community health centers, walk-in clinics, and private medical, dental, and mental health practices.

“The allied health professions represent about 60 percent of the health care workforce and about 6 millions jobs”  Source: http://www.healthpronet.org/

Article adopted from; http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/attach/TEN/ten2010/ten10-10a1.pdf

For Your Leadership Toolkit: A New Equation

(A great article posted by ExploreHealthCareers.org)

Students sometime encounter situations that leave a lasting impression and reveal an intangible quality about themselves that stands out within peer groups. What distinguishes these students in the minds of a future employer? What causes the admissions officer to pull this applicant from the pool? How are others influenced by this person?

For some, it is their ability to articulate their future goals and aspirations; the ability to communicate their dreams in a way that is contagious and makes you believe in their vision. For others, it is their ability to prove themselves academically. They thrive in a rigorous environment or overcome enormous barriers and obstacles to reach their goals. Finally, there are those who distinguish themselves through their  influence on others. They step into leadership roles and are tireless in their qualitative commitment to civic and extracurricular activities.

Many visionary students possess excellent academic credentials, but the ability to combine those characteristics and inspire and motivate action from others is the essence of leadership.  John F. Kennedy, Jr. said that “leadership is not a one-day thing. It is a constant commitment to excellence, a habit . . . a daily practice.”

A new equation is emerging about leadership that students should consider: Combine dreams with ability and multiply them by influence, which will yield strong leadership. (Dreams + Ability) Influence = Leadership.
A student interested in pursuing a career in the health professions will find that developing leadership qualities early is crucial. Early experience as a leader among peers, community, and campus distinguish you in a competitive admissions process. You will find that leadership skills are essential as you ultimately work as part of a health professional team. The ability to impart knowledge, engender confidence from your colleagues, and advocate on behalf of patients makes for a successful health professional.
Leadership is “a daily practice” and a skill that can be honed and developed over time. Here are a few practical tips for your leadership toolkit to help you on the path to becoming a successful leader.

1. Identify a mentor and a sponsor. Early identification of a mentor, someone you respect and admire who can provide advice and counsel, can be essential in your path to leadership. A mentor can give you feedback on your plans and aspirations as well as share their experiences. Likewise, a sponsor can be an invaluable resource. A sponsor is an advocate – a supporter who can speak on your behalf when you are not around. Sponsors are often responsible for securing a coveted internship or summer job.  If you do not already have a mentor or a sponsor, take time to identify individuals who can fill these roles. You will develop lifelong relationships and open windows to greater opportunities.
2. Strive to be exceptional. While it is certainly important to excel academically, exceptional individuals also commit to passionately pursuing their interests.   What do you “lose” yourself doing? When you engage in this particular activity, does time pass effortlessly? Make time to develop that skill and become an expert in that area. At job or admissions interviews, talk about your interest with passion. Your knowledge base will give others confidence in your capacity to learn new things.
3. Practice communicating. The ability to influence others is strongly linked to effective written and oral communication. Practice public speaking at school and community events. Convey your passion with friends with the intent to convince and influence them. The ability to write your thoughts and opinions is also important. Practice by blogging about topics you are passionate about. Submit articles and commentaries to online magazines. The internet provides a range of ways to publicly express your opinions, so don’t be afraid to share your passion with the world.

If you are intentional about putting these tips into practice, you will sharpen your leadership skills. Committing a new leadership equation to memory and putting it into practice will contribute to a fulfilling personal and professional life.
Kim C. D’Abreu is the Associate Director for the Center for Educational Policy and Research at the American Dental Education Association.

The Empathy Deficit

The empathy deficit - The Boston Globe

Prove the experts wrong. Get involed in community service today.
Check out the Youth Health Service Corps now at http://www.ahecnation.org/