Stroke Intervention Symposium Discusses Latest Therapies from Expert Vascular Neurosurgeons

Stroke Intervention Symposium Discusses Latest Therapies from Expert Vascular Neurosurgeons

Dr. Jonathan Brisman, one of an elite group of 80 American dual-trained endovascular and microvascular neurosurgeons, led a recent symposium on Stroke Intervention in Melville, Long Island. Some of the latest techniques and treatment options were discussed.

Melville, NY (PRWEB) June 30, 2009 -- Internationally-recognized and regional leaders in cerebrovascular disease converged on the Melville Marriot hotel last week to participate in the "Stroke Intervention" symposium hosted by Winthrop University Hospital and led by vascular neurosurgeon Jonathan Brisman of Neurological Surgery, P.C. Dr. Brisman, one of an elite group of 80 American dual-trained endovascular neurosurgeons, has been practicing both endovascular and microvascular neurosurgery on Long Island (http://www.neurosurgeryli.com) for approximately one and a half years as a member of Neurological Surgery, P.C. and served as the Director of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery at Winthrop University Hospital.

"The timing of the symposium," explained Brisman, "was meant to coincide with the April, 2009 publication of A Primer on Stroke Prevention and Treatment, published by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and containing Dr. Brisman's co-authored chapter on subarachnoid hemorrhage." Brisman explained that "it just made sense to have a symposium to celebrate the publication of this important textbook summarizing the recent guidelines on Stroke."

The half day event, attended by over 65 physicians, nurses, physician-assistants and hospital administrators, featured both regional stroke experts as well as several internationally and nationally recognized leaders in cerebrovascular care. The textbook was given out as a free token to the 50 physician registrants.

After a welcome introduction by Dr. Brisman, the audience heard from Dr. Elzbieta Wirkowski, Chief of Stroke Neurology at Winthrop University Hospital and Co-director of the Neuroscience ICU. Her topic, "Neurocritical Care and the Neurointensivist" was apropos given the success Winthrop has seen after their establishment of the first such ICU on Long Island in 2002. Dr. Paul Wright, Director of Stroke Neurology at St. Francis Hospital, then discussed the importance of intravenous tPA for stroke patients and the need to move quickly to meet the 3-hour time window from the onset of stroke required for this treatment. The first session closed with a talk by Dr. John Pile-Spellman, Chief of Interventional Neuroradiology at New York Presbyterian Hospital, in which he went over the indications and potential benefits of endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke using intraarterial tPA and the Merci and Penumbra clot retrieval devices. Pile-Spellman and Brisman have both written extensively on endovascular therapy for acute stroke and were both of the opinion that this is a terribly much underutilized therapy for Long Islanders. "I think the symposium was a huge success, particularly if it made people more aware that there are lots of options available for stroke victims with large vessel occlusions that present to the hospital between 0 and 8 hours and perhaps even longer," explained Pile-Spellman.

In the second session, Chief of Stroke Neurology at Huntington Hospital and the founder of the newly opened Neurocognitive Center, Dr. Max Rudansky regaled the audience with a mesmerizing talk on the neurocognitive injury that stroke victims are susceptible to and some of the cutting edge techniques available to evaluate these and provide therapy. Dr. Brisman then spoke on cerebral aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhage, a topic he has received national acclaim for after his publication of the review article on this topic in The New England Journal of Medicine in August, 2006. Present for the talk was Dr. Mel Greenberg, a retired neurosurgeon and founder of Neurological Surgery P.C. at Winthrop Hospital. Greenberg, now 88, is the inventor of the famous "Greenberg Retractor System" used commonly in brain surgery today.

"I have seen Dr. Jonathan Brisman operate and I can tell you, having seen lots and lots of surgeons, that he is simply one of the best," adds Greenberg. "When I first developed the retractor system I was invited to travel the country and the world to teach top surgeons how to use the device. Brisman is up there with the very best and it is a real privilege for Long Islanders to have access to this level of care."

The last part of the conference started with vascular neurosurgical superstar Dr. Fady Charbel, Chairman of Neurosurgery at the University of Chicago, Illinois. Charbel is well-known as the neurosurgical inventor of the quantitative MRA technology, in which MRI can be used to non-invasively measure blood flow (in cc/minute) in blood vessels of the brain and neck for the first time. Winthrop University Hospital, currently the only hospital on Long Island to have quantitative MRA (or "QMRA") brought the technology in for Dr. Brisman some four months ago to support his burgeoning practice of cerebrovascular revascularization including extracranial-intracranial bypass, cerebral aneurysm therapy and stenting. "It was a real treat having Dr. Charbel there to teach us about this new and very important technology for cerebrovascular care," explains Brisman, "He is really a master in the field and I think having people like Dr. Charbel speak to us will lead to enhanced awareness of how quantifying blood flow can lead to a greater understanding of stroke and lead to improved patient outcomes."

The symposium closed with a talk by Dr. Ketan Bulsara on intracranial atherosclerotic disease and its medical and surgical therapy. Dr. Bulsara, also an endovascular neurosurgeon, is currently the Director of Skull Base and Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery at Yale University. While Bulsara acknowledged the promise behind newly available FDA-approved intracranial stents, he cautioned that due to the phenomenon of restenosis and the uncertain natural history of this disease the verdict is still out on when it should be used.

Dr. Brisman is one of 16 neurosurgeons that make up Neurological Surgery, P.C., currently the largest neurosurgical group in the tri-state area (http://www.neurosurgeryli.com) . He is the first and only physician in Nassau County and Queens to have placed the FDA-approved Wingspan intracranial stent and is also the only neurosurgeon in Nassau and Queens who performs carotid endarterectomy and extranial-intracranial bypass. He can be reached at: 516-300-1281. http://www.neurosurgeryli.com

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Contact Information Neurological Surgery, P.C.

Neurological Surgery, P.C.

http://www.neurosurgeryli.com

516-300-1281

Camp Promise Rallies To Provide Massachusetts Children With Alternative To MDA Canceled Summer Camp

Camp Promise Rallies To Provide Massachusetts Children With Alternative To MDA Canceled Summer Camp

Camp Promise to Provide Second Chance at Summer Recreation for Children with Muscular Dystrophy

Boston, MA (PRWEB) June 25, 2009 -- In immediate response to the Muscular Dystrophy Association's decision to cancel the remainder of its annual summer camp program due to the H1NH virus, more commonly known as the "swine flu" Camp Promise, today announced its efforts to provide an alternative to those children who have already signed up and for those that would like to sign up to attend.

Camp Promise, based out Bedford, NH is lead by volunteers, parents and supervised by accredited physicians. The health, safety and general well-being of these children is taken very seriously. Camp Promise follows all protocols to prevent the spread of any and all potentially infectious disease. All campers, staff and volunteers will be screened before and during the camp session.

"As parents of children with neuromuscular disorders we possess a heightened awareness of all potential risks that may endanger our children," said Natalie Gaudenzi, parent and advocate of Camp Promise. "Myself -- along with 18 other parents -- have given careful consideration to this threat and believe that the reward for our children as well as the entire family is far greater than risk of swine flu or that of any other risk we encounter in our daily lives. Many of these children have been looking forward to this experience for a long time and some-due to age restrictions-may never have this opportunity again."

Camp promise will be held at Camp Allen in Bedford, New Hampshire from July 5 through July 10, 2009 and would like parents to be aware that there is a risk of contracting the virus, however, the camp staff and medical staff at Camp Promise will undertake every precaution to prevent the start and spread of the virus.

Camp Promise will begin raising money today to help organize and facilitate an alternate campsite for children between the ages of 7 and 17 who have already signed up for the MDA camp and will also open up its doors to those whose children were not signed up and would like to attend. Camp Promise will offer immediate priority to those children who were attending the MDA camp and will give the remaining open slots on a first come, first serve basis. The cost is approximately $675.00 per child, however Camp Promise is accepting donations to help launch the program and subsidize those children who are not able to meet the price requirements.

To donate or to find out how you can help, please visit: http://www.firstgiving.com/camppromise or contact Natalie Gaudenzi at gaudenzi (at) comcast (dot) net.

Press Contact:                        

Susan Lloyd                                

True North Brand Group                     

(W) 781-740-4050

(M) 617-851-4030

susan@truenorthpr.com

Camp Promise Contact:

Natalie Gaudenzi

gaudenzi@ comcast.net

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Contact Information Natalie Gaudenzi

Camp Promise

http://www.firstgiving.com/camppromise

781-540-4050

World Nanomedicine Market to Cross $160 Billion by 2015, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

World Nanomedicine Market to Cross $160 Billion by 2015, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Nanomedicine markets. The global Nanomedicine market continues to register robust growth largely fueled by unique properties of nanoparticles that provide novel and improved advantages, introduction of novel products, healthy rise in funding across the globe, and increased hype around nanotechnology.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) June 25, 2009 -- Nanomedicine represents a principal domain of nanotechnology that offers capability to significantly change the course of treatment of life-threatening diseases. Unlike other therapies, nanomedicine enhances efficacy and significantly minimizes adversities associated with standard therapeutics. The application of nanotechnology in the form of nanomedicine in areas including nano drug delivery, nanoanalytical contrast reagents, nanobiomaterials, and nanopharmaceuticals has been surging at a stable rate. Recent years saw implementation of several programs by the industry to bridge the gap between outcomes of clinical research and commercial products. As a result, the present nanobiomaterial product pipeline poses a healthy picture with numerous novel products for use in health care applications, primarily in the form of coatings. Further, research and development in the nanomedicine market (http://www.strategyr.com/Nanomedicine_Market_Report.asp) is expected to offer several novel products that can effectively improve the health of patients suffering from health disorders and illnesses.

Drug delivery market (http://www.strategyr.com/Nanomedicine_Market_Report.asp) represents the largest application area, while the Biomaterials segment (http://www.strategyr.com/Nanomedicine_Market_Report.asp) represents the fastest growing application segment for nanomedicine over the years 2006 through 2015.

The nanomedicine market is highly fragmented and is characterized by the presence of several key and niche players. Major market participants in the nanomedicine market include Abraxis BioScience Inc., AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc, Arrowhead Research Corporation, Crucell N.V., Flamel Technologies S.A., Elan Corporation Plc, Enzon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Life Technologies Corporation, Nanosphere Inc., Nektar Therapeutics, Novavax Inc., Oxonica Plc, Par Pharmaceutical Companies Inc., Starpharma Holdings Limited, and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc., among others.

The report titled "Nanomedicine: A Global Strategic Business Report" announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., covers major market dynamics, trends, issues, and competition pertaining to the market. Analytical estimates and projections on market size have been presented in terms of dollar sales over the time period 2006-2015. The report enumerates recent developments, mergers, acquisitions and other strategic industry activities. The study analyzes the nanomedicine market by the following application areas - Drug Delivery, In Vitro Diagnostics, In Vivo Imaging, Biomaterials and Other Applications.

For more details about this comprehensive market research report, please visit - http://www.strategyr.com/Nanomedicine_Market_Report.asp

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) (http://www.strategyR.com/) is a reputed publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company is globally recognized as one of the world's largest market research publishers. The company employs over 800 people worldwide and publishes more than 1100 full-scale research reports each year. Additionally, the company also offers thousands of smaller research products including company reports, market trend reports, and industry reports encompassing all major industries worldwide.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Telephone 408-528-9966

Fax 408-528-9977

Email press (at) StrategyR (dot) com

Web Site http://www.StrategyR.com/

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Contact Information Public Relations

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

http://www.StrategyR.com/

(408) 528-9966

Journal Publishes AssisTek Article on Best Practices in Electronic Patient Reported Outcomes (ePRO)

Journal Publishes AssisTek Article on Best Practices in Electronic Patient Reported Outcomes (ePRO)

As a result of assisTek's commitment to quality systems and expertise in implementing electronic patient reported outcomes (ePRO) in clinical trials, assisTek's article on challenges and best practices for implementing ePRO will be published this summer in EPC Data Management & IT Solutions.

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) June 24, 2009 -- As a result of assisTek's commitment to quality systems and expertise in implementing electronic patient reported outcomes (ePRO) in clinical trials (http://assistek.com/epros-product-solutions.html), assisTek's article on challenges and best practices for implementing ePRO will be published this summer in EPC Data Management & IT Solutions. The article was written by Joy Hebert, COO of assisTek, who has managed implementation of electronic patient reported outcomes (ePRO) in multinational clinical trials and clinical studies in 27 countries.

The assisTek article specifies critical system validation, project management, and system selection approaches that deliver quality ePRO systems and data, and enable efficient and effective management of clinical studies. These best practices provide CROs, pharmaceutical and biotech clinical trial managers with guidance and processes to ensure that the ePRO component of their clinical trials is consistently successful.

About .assisTek:

.assisTek is a global leader in innovative ePRO systems and has revolutionized the process of collecting patient-reported outcomes in clinical trials by providing technologies that reduce burden, improve management, and provide a positive user experience through large 9 inch tablet touch-screens, iPhones, smart phones, and internet.

.assisTek's ePRO products are the most advanced in the industry. The .assisTek systems have been used by more than 45,000 patients, 35 therapeutic areas, at more than 4,500 sites across 5 continents.

.assisTek, formerly Assist Technologies, can be found on the web at assisTek.com (http://www.assisTek.com).

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Contact Information Joy Hebert

.assisTek, formerly Assist Technologies

http://www.assisTek.com

480-874-9400

The Chopra Center Press Set to Release New Book this June 25

The Chopra Center Press Set to Release New Book this June 25

In "Free to Love, Free to Heal: Heal Your Body by Healing Your Emotions," mind-body medical pioneer David Simon, M.D. offers a practical guide to healing your emotional and physical pain

Carlsbad, CA (PRWEB) June 23, 2009 -- For those coping with emotional stress and the physical illness that often accompanies it, "Free to Love, Free to Heal" (http://www.freetolove.com) offers a proven path to authentic healing. Available from Amazon.com this June 25, the newest book from best-selling author and co-founder and medical director of the Chopra Center (http://www.chopra.com), David Simon, M.D., guides you through the five-step process that has helped thousands let go of emotional pain and reclaim health and well-being.

Drawing upon the Eastern healing arts and modern science, "Free to Love, Free to Heal" provides a systematic approach to identifying, mobilizing, and releasing the life-damaging beliefs and painful memories that contribute to anxiety, addictive behaviors, chronic pain, depression, insomnia, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, and other challenging health issues.

In the tradition of Dr. Simon's previous best-selling books, "Free to Love, Free to Heal" is written from a mind-body perspective, weaving together the wisdom of ancient healing traditions with the latest breakthroughs in neuroscience, psychology, and modern medicine. Designed as an easy-to-use guide to self-healing, the book is filled with practical tools, self-assessment exercises, quizzes, personal stories, and inspiration gleaned from Dr. Simon's 30 years of experience as a mind-body physician.

"In this beautiful book, my friend and colleague David Simon shares the essential truths about love and healing. With his guidance, you will be able to open your heart and heal your body," said Chopra Center co-founder Deepak Chopra, M.D.

"Dr. David Simon is a trailblazer of the new paradigm of physiology, in which emotions are understood as the molecular basis of thought, health, and disease," said Dr. Candace Pert, acclaimed neuroscientist and author of "Molecules of Emotions. "In this groundbreaking book, David gives us the tools to heal our emotions and heal our lives," Dr. Pert said.

"Free to Love, Free to Heal" (http://www.freetolove.com) will be on sale at Amazon.com this June 25.

For more information, please call (888) 736.6895 or (760) 494-1639 or visit www.freetolove.com.

About David Simon and the Chopra Center

The Chopra Center was founded by Deepak Chopra, M.D. and David Simon, M.D. in 1996. Located in Carlsbad, California, the Center offers a wide variety of programs, retreats, and teacher training programs that integrate the healing arts of the East with the best in modern Western medicine. The Chopra Center has helped millions of people around the world find peace of mind, physical balance, and emotional healing. The website www.chopra.com is your starting point on the path to wellness.

David Simon is a pioneer in the mind-body medicine movement. His views on the relationship between emotional and physical health were shaped while studying shamanism as an anthropology student. Between his anthropology and medical studies, David immersed himself in meditation, yoga, and holistic healing practices. As a board-certified neurologist, he brings a unique perspective to the relationship between mind, emotions, and health.

David is the driving force behind the Chopra Center's programs and workshops, including Perfect Health, Journey into Healing, and Free to Love. His award-winning books on health, spirituality, and conscious living have been translated into more than 25 languages.

Media Contact:

David Greenspan

(760) 494-1610

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Contact Information David Greenspan

The Chopra Center for Wellbeing

http://www.chopra.com

760-494-1610

Tee Taylor

The Chopra Center for Wellbeing

http://www.chopra.com

760-494-1652

Morning People and Night Owls Show Different Brain Function: University of Alberta Study

Morning People and Night Owls Show Different Brain Function: University of Alberta Study

Scientists at the University of Alberta have found that there are significant differences in the way our brains function depending on whether we're early risers or night owls.

(Vocus) June 23, 2009 -- Are you a "morning person" or a "night owl?"

Scientists at the University of Alberta have found that there are significant differences in the way our brains function depending on whether we're early risers or night owls.

Neuroscientists in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation looked at two groups of people: those who wake up early and feel most productive in the morning, and those who were identified as evening people, those who typically felt livelier at night. Study participants were initially grouped after completing a standardized questionnaire about their habits.

Using magnetic resonance imaging-guided brain stimulation, scientists tested muscle torque and the excitability of pathways through the spinal cord and brain. They found that morning people's brains were most excitable at 9 a.m. This slowly decreased through the day. It was the polar opposite for evening people, whose brains were most excitable at 9 p.m.

Other major findings:

•    Evening people became physically stronger throughout the day, but the maximum amount of force morning people could produce remained the same.

•    The excitability of reflex pathways that travel through the spinal cord increased over the day for both groups.

These findings show that nervous-system functions are different and have implications for maximizing human performance.

Their findings were published in the June edition of the Journal of Biological Rhythms (http://jbr.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/24/3/211). The paper is attached.

The research team, including students Alex Tamm, Olle Lagerquist, technician Alex Ley and neuroscientist Dave Collins, are available for interviews.

Video footage is available online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKlY3QbkMYU

*Note for French media: Alex Tamm can speak some French.

Contacts:

Quinn Phillips, media associate

University of Alberta

780-492-0436

Dave Collins, PhD

780-492-6506

# # #

Contact Information Quinn Phillips

University of Alberta

http://jbr.sagepub.com/cgi/reprint/24/3/211

780-492-0436

Dave Collins, PhD

780-492-6506

Children's National Medical Center Dedicates New Blood Donor Center

Children's National Medical Center Dedicates New Blood Donor Center

Children's National Medical Center dedicated a new Edward J. Miller, Sr., Blood Donor Center, which provides an invaluable service to many patients who need blood products.

Washington (Vocus) June 19, 2009 -- Children's National Medical Center dedicated a new Edward J. Miller, Sr., Blood Donor Center (http://www.childrensnational.org/DepartmentsandPrograms/default.aspx?Id=309&Type=Program&Name=Blood%20Donor%20Center&utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=6_19&utm_campaign=donorcenter), which provides an invaluable service to many patients who need blood products. Children's National is one of a handful of children's hospitals nationwide to have an in-house blood donor center.

The new Blood Donor Center is larger than the previous center and has an additional donor bed, enabling Children's to increase the number of platelet donations each month. The center is designed to enable staff to see every donor from anywhere in the center, throughout the entire donation process.

"The demand for blood and platelet donations has grown more than ever, as we treat more patients with many life-threatening diseases," said Naomi Luban, MD (http://www.childrensnational.org/FindADoctor/Doctor_Marqui.aspx?DocId=294&Name=Naomi%20Luban&utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=6_19&utm_campaign=donorcenter), Chief of Laboratory Medicine and Director of the Blood Donor Center at Children's National. "This new facility will help us meet that demand and meet our ultimate goal of providing world-class care to our patients."

On average, each month more than 250 patients receive red blood cells transfusions and nearly 200 patients receive platelets. Many patients receiving blood products have cancer (http://www.childrensnational.org/about/CentersofExcellence/CancerandBloodDisorders.aspx?utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=6_19&utm_campaign=donorcenter), blood diseases, are undergoing surgery and organ transplantation, or were in accidents. Children needing cardiac surgery (http://www.childrensnational.org/DepartmentsandPrograms/default.aspx?Id=354&Type=Dept&Name=Cardiac%20Surgery&utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=6_19&utm_campaign=donorcenter) require fresh blood less than 7 days old.

The Blood Donor Center first opened in 1990 at Children's National. In 2006, Children's National began a mobile donation program with the Bloodmobile. The Bloodmobile travels to Washington, DC, area businesses and community centers to host blood drives.

Appointments to donate whole blood or platelets can be made online (https://www.cnmcblooddonor.com/). To schedule a blood drive with the Bloodmobile, call 202.476.KIDS (5437).

Contact: Emily Dammeyer or Jennifer Leischer, 202.476.4500.

Children's National Medical Center, located in Washington, DC, is a proven leader in the development of innovative new treatments for childhood illness and injury. Children's has been serving the nation's children for more than 135 years. Children's National is ranked among the best pediatric hospitals in America by US News & World Report and the Leapfrog Group. For more information, visit www.childrensnational.org. Children's Research Institute, the academic arm of Children's National Medical Center, encompasses the translational, clinical, and community research efforts of the institution. Learn more about our research programs at www.childrensnational.org/research.

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Contact Information Jennifer Leischer

Children's National Medical Center

http://www.childrensnational.org

202-476-4500

Emily Dammeyer

Children's National Medical Center

http://www.childrensnational.org

202-476-4500

Fears About Pregnancy and cats Should not stop Those who want to Adopt a cat

Fears About Pregnancy and cats Should not stop Those who want to Adopt a cat

Veterinary neurologist allays fears about cat toxoplasmosis infections for those considering cat adoption during June, which is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month. Pregnancy and cats need not be mutually exclusive with easy solution to eliminate possibility of infection.

Sarasota, Fla. (PRWEB) - Prospective pet owners who are looking to adopt a cat during Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat-Month in June should not let concerns about cats and pregnancy (http://www.petneuro.com/neurologist) stop them.

Most pet owners have heard that pregnant women should not change cat litter because of a parasitic disease called toxoplasmosis, but many do not know how easy it is to eliminate the possibility of infection, said Dr. Anne Chauvet, a veterinary neurologist (http://www.petneuro.com/about) who founded Veterinary Neuro Services. Simply cleaning the litter box every day virtually eliminates the chance that anyone in the household, including other cats, could become infected, said Chauvet, who has dealt with toxoplasmosis infections in her veterinary neurology practice when the parasite attacks the brain, spinal cord or muscles.

A toxoplasmosis infection is caused by toxoplasma gondii, a microscopic parasite that is transformed into its infective form (sporozoites) in the feces of cats. The parasite sheds microscopic eggs (oocysts) in a cat's feces, and the eggs become infective after two to five days. "That is why it is important to clean the litter daily, before the eggs have a chance to become infective," Chauvet said. "Of course, prospective mothers and those who are pregnant should leave the litter cleaning duties to others during their pregnancies to take no chances."

A patient also can be infected by eating improperly cooked vegetables or if a dog should eat grass infected by outdoor cats. The same goes for humans. If a cow becomes infected from eating contaminated grass, and humans eat beef from that cow, then they can become infected, she said. Cats, however, are the final host because they are the only host that can shed the egg form of the parasite.

Once a cat is infected, the chances for recovery are fair to guarded and recurrence is common. Eating raw or undercooked meat can also cause exposure to the parasite for humans, cats, dogs and other animals. Once ingested, the parasite can morph into one of two forms, an acute form (tachyzoites) or a latent form (bradyzoites.)

The acute form divides rapidly and destroys its host cells until stopped by the immune system. For those with healthy immune systems, symptoms generally are flu-like. In children or those with a weakened immune system, it can invade just about any organ or tissue and can cause just about any clinical sign, such as respiratory infection, muscle or bowel disease and more depending upon where the infection lodges in the body. It also can be fatal if not treated, particularly in those with compromised immune systems, she said.

All of this makes toxoplasmosis difficult to diagnose, Chauvet said. Adding to the difficulty, it may take weeks, or months, before test results show positive for the parasite.

The latent form of the toxoplasma gondii (http://www.petneuro.com/neurologist) parasite divides more slowly, but is more persistent and can stay in the body for years. Research suggests that about 40 percent of cats are positive for the parasite as are about one-third of humans, she said. Not all cats or humans who test positive will develop symptoms.

The polymerase chain reaction test, a type of DNA testing, is the most accurate diagnostic test, particularly when the eyes are affected, Chauvet said. Treatment depends on the part of the body that is affected. In cats, trimethoprim-sulfonamide drugs may be prescribed, but they must be used carefully and for a limited time because they can cause bone marrow suppression resulting in a compromised immune system, she said. Clindamycin and Pyrimethamine are other effective and commonly used drugs, but the later should be supplemented with folic acid as it can cause a deficiency she added.

About Veterinary Neuro Services:

Dr. Anne Chauvet, one of about 150 veterinary neurologists and neurosurgeons in North America, is the founder of Veterinary Neuro Services in Sarasota, Fla. Veterinary Neuro Services treats brain, spinal cord and neuromuscular conditions in animals and is the only strictly neurology and neurosurgery practice on Florida's Gulf Coast. More information is available by calling 941-929-1818 or online at PetNeuro.com (http://www.petneuro.com).

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Contact Information Sue Engelhart

Veterinary Neuro Services

http://www.PetNeuro.com

941-929-1818

U.S. News & World Report Ranks Children's National Medical Center among Best Children's Hospitals

U.S. News & World Report Ranks Children's National Medical Center among Best Children's Hospitals

Children's National Medical Center (ChildrensNational.org) is once again ranked among America's best pediatric institutions by U.S. News & World Report. Children's National ranks among the elite of pediatric specialty care providers in the country in eight pediatric subspecialty areas. Ranked in the top 30 of nearly 100 pediatric hospitals surveyed, Children's National has provided hope and care to children and their families for more than 135 years.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) June 19, 2009 -- Children's National Medical Center (ChildrensNational.org) is once again ranked among America's best pediatric institutions by U.S. News & World Report. Children's National ranks among the elite of pediatric specialty care providers in the country in eight pediatric subspecialty areas. Ranked in the top 30 of nearly 100 pediatric hospitals surveyed, Children's National has provided hope and care to children and their families for more than 135 years.

"Children's National is proud to ranked among the best pediatric healthcare providers in the country.," said Edwin K. Zechman, Jr., president and CEO of Children's National Medical Center. "Furthermore, Children's National is one of only eight pediatric institutions nationwide also named to the Leapfrog Group's Top Hospitals for quality and safety. These ranking highlights our role and responsibility as an advocate for all children nationwide through our position and voice in the nation's capital."

Children's provides premier pediatric healthcare services in key areas including neonatology (http://www.childrensnational.org/DepartmentsandPrograms/default.aspx?Id=364&Type=Dept&Name=Neonatology&utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=6_18&utm_campaign=usnews), cancer (http://www.childrensnational.org/DepartmentsandPrograms/default.aspx?Id=6040&Type=Dept&Name=Oncology&utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=6_18&utm_campaign=usnews), heart and heart surgery (http://www.childrensnational.org/DepartmentsandPrograms/default.aspx?Type=Dept&Id=358&Name=Cardiology&utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=6_18&utm_campaign=usnews), neurology (http://www.childrensnational.org/DepartmentsandPrograms/default.aspx?Id=351&Type=Dept&Name=Neurology&utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=6_18&utm_campaign=usnews) and neurosurgery, digestive disorders (http://www.childrensnational.org/DepartmentsandPrograms/default.aspx?Id=376&Type=Dept&Name=Gastroenterology,%20Hepatology%20and%20Nutrition&utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=6_18&utm_campaign=usnews), respiratory disorders, urology, and orthopaedics (http://www.childrensnational.org/DepartmentsandPrograms/default.aspx?Id=342&Type=Dept&Name=Orthopaedic%20Surgery%20and%20Sports%20Medicine&utm_source=pressrelease&utm_medium=6_18&utm_campaign=usnews). Children's National also is a member of the elite US pediatric research institutions that marry cutting-edge research to high-quality care within the same facility. It is a top ranked freestanding children's hospital in terms of National Institutes of Health funding for pediatric research.

"From our world-renowned research on pediatric brain tumors, rare diseases, and muscular dystrophies, to our comprehensive neonatology program that offers ECMO and whole-body cooling to protect the most fragile newborns, to our focus on family-centered care, Children's National is setting standards for the highest quality patient care possible," said Peter Holbrook, MD, chief medical officer at Children's National Medical Center. "This honor recognizes these efforts and the impact they have on the health of children regionally, nationally, and internationally."

Contact:

Paula Darte/Jennifer Leischer

202-476-4500

About Children's National Medical Center

Children's National Medical Center, located in Washington, DC, is a proven leader in the development of innovative new treatments for childhood illness and injury. Children's has been serving the nation's children for more than 135 years. Children's National is proudly ranked among the best pediatric hospitals in America by US News & World Report and the Leapfrog Group. For more information, visit ChildrensNational.org. Children's Research Institute, the academic arm of Children's National Medical Center, encompasses the translational, clinical, and community research efforts of the institution. Learn more about our research programs at ChildrensNational.org/research.

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Contact Information Paula Darte/Jennifer Leischer

Children's National Medical Center

http://www.childrensnational.org

202-476-4500

Leaders from the Field of Pain Therapeutics to Discuss Latest Discoveries and Breakthroughs at Arrowhead's 3rd Annual Pain Therapeutics Summit

Leaders from the Field of Pain Therapeutics to Discuss Latest Discoveries and Breakthroughs at Arrowhead's 3rd Annual Pain Therapeutics Summit

Arrowhead's 3rd Annual Pain Therapeutics Summit, scheduled to take place in Summit, NJ on September 24th and September 25th, 2009, will be bringing together leaders in pain therapeutics and management to discuss the latest developments in discovery research, preclinical development, clinical development, regulatory issues and real-world pain management in the clinic.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) -- Arrowhead's 3rd Annual Pain Therapeutics Summit (http://www.arrowheadpublishers.com/conferences/pain-therapeutics-2009/#_overview), scheduled to take place in Summit, NJ on September 24th and September 25th, 2009, will be bringing together leaders in pain therapeutics and management to discuss the latest developments in discovery research, preclinical development, clinical development, regulatory issues and real-world pain management in the clinic.

Arrowhead's Annual Pain Therapeutics Summit (http://www.arrowheadpublishers.com/conferences/pain-therapeutics-2009/#_overview) is the US's premier conference covering the field of pain management and therapeutics. Leaders from the pharmaceutical, biotech, device and medical communities attend this conference to learn about the latest advances in the treatment of various types of pain and to network with colleagues from industry, academia, the medical community, government and investors.

This year's presentations will highlight the most important developments in recent years in the field, including new research in sodium channel blockers (TRPV1 and TRPA1), late-stage clinical advances with Merck's CGRP antagonist program, new research in biologic therapies, the genetics of pain, abuse-resistant opioids, analysis of FDA's REMS program and a plethora of other topics.

This year's summit will feature presentations from the nation's foremost pain experts: including, (but not limited to):

* Frank Porreca, Ph.D., (Chair) Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona

* Daniel B. Carr, MD, Chief Medical Officer & President, Javelin Pharmaceuticals

* Lynn R. Webster, MD, FACPM, FASAM, Medical Director and Founder, Lifetree Clinical Research & Pain Clinic, Director-At-Large, American Academy of Pain Medicine

* Theodore J. Cicero, Ph.D., Professor, Departments of Psychiatry and Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University in St. Louis

* Tony Ho, Senior Director Clinical Neuroscience, Merck Research Laboratories

* Tarek Samad, Ph.D., Head, Pain Molecular Neurobiology, Neuroscience Discovery, Wyeth Research

* Jeffrey Tobias, MD, Chief Medical Officer, NeurogesX, Inc.

* Mila Etropolski, MD, Sr. Director, Clinical Leader, Clinical Research and Development, CNS/Pain TA, Johnson and Johnson

* John S. Andrews, Ph.D., President, Head of R&D, NeurAxon

* Joseph W. Stauffer, DO, Principal, Alta Life Sciences LLC, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Division of Pain Medicine, formerly Chief Medical Officer, Senior Vice President Clinical Research & Medical Affairs, Alpharma Inc.

For more information about this conference, please visit www.arrowheadpublishers.com, or call 1-312-244-3703, ext. 4.

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Contact Information SALES DEPT

Arrowhead Publishers and Conferences

http://www.arrowheadpublishers.com

1-312-244-3703

Innovative Voice and Swallowing Center Opens in Orange County

Innovative Voice and Swallowing Center Opens in Orange County

Hoag Hospital announces the grand opening of Hoag Voice and Swallowing Center, the most comprehensive program in Orange County. Hoag Voice and Swallowing Center provides the complete spectrum of multidisciplinary care located within the new Hoag Health Center-Newport Beach.

Newport Beach, CA (Vocus) June 17, 2009 -- Hoag Hospital announces the grand opening of Hoag Voice and Swallowing Center (www.hoaghospital.org/voice), the most comprehensive program in Orange County. Hoag Voice and Swallowing Center provides the complete spectrum of multidisciplinary care located within the new Hoag Health Center-Newport Beach.

The center offers procedures to improve voice and swallowing function, providing patients with less invasive operating options, and speech. State-of-the-art diagnostics and office-based treatment options include laser surgery using a pulsed KTP laser, a first in Southern California, and unsedated laryngeal procedures--a significant convenience over the conventional procedure.

Specialized care is available for people with hoarseness resulting from various voice and swallowing disorders as well as for professional voice users such as singers, actors, clergy, lawyers, and teachers.

"Many individuals being treated for other disorders may also find themselves with complications related to voice and/or swallowing," states Steven Feinberg, M.D., director of Hoag Voice and Swallowing Center (www.hoaghospital.org/voice), whose patients include those suffering from systemic neurologic disorders such as stroke and Parkinson's disease. "These patients benefit from expert diagnosis and treatments including medical and surgical therapies as well as voice therapy."

Dr. Feinberg is the only fellowship-trained laryngologist in Orange County and comes to Hoag from Massachusetts General Hospital where he trained with leaders in the field and held an academic appointment in the Harvard Medical School. He completed a 5-year residency in Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California-Irvine.

Hoag Voice and Swallowing Center is open 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday and located at 500 Superior Ave #305 in Newport Beach, CA 92663. For more information, call (949) 764-1850 or visit www.hoaghospital.org/voice.

About Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian:

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian (www.hoaghospital.org) is a 498-bed, not-for-profit, acute care hospital located in Newport Beach, Calif. Fully accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and designated as a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Hoag offers a comprehensive mix of health care services, including Centers of Excellence in cancer, heart and vascular, neurosciences, orthopedics and women's health. National Research Corporation has endorsed Hoag as Orange County's most preferred hospital for the past 13 consecutive years. And for an unprecedented 13 years, residents of Orange County have chosen Hoag as the county's best hospital in a local newspaper survey. In order to meet the growing needs of Irvine and South County residents, Hoag will open an Irvine campus in 2010. Hoag continues to offer additional services to the community through the seven Hoag Health Centers located throughout Orange County.

Contact:

April Johnson

Hoag Hospital Marketing

Office: 949/764-8695

April.Johnson @ HoagHospital.org

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Contact Information April Johnson

Hoag Hospital Marketing

http://www.hoaghospital.org/voice

949-764-8695

Nobel Laureate J. Michael Bishop Joins the Scientific Advisory Board of the Rett Syndrome Research Trust

Nobel Laureate J. Michael Bishop Joins the Scientific Advisory Board of the Rett Syndrome Research Trust

The Rett Syndrome Research Trust announced today the appointment of Nobel Laureate J. Michael Bishop, Christopher Lipinski and Axel Unterbeck to its Scientific Advisory Board. The Trust welcomes the gracious participation of this elite group of scientists who join the existing members including preeminent Rett Syndrome researchers, Adrian Bird and Huda Zoghbi.

Trumbull, CT (PRWEB) -- The Rett Syndrome Research Trust announced today the appointment of Nobel Laureate J. Michael Bishop, Christopher Lipinski and Axel Unterbeck to its Scientific Advisory Board. The Trust welcomes the gracious participation of this elite group of scientists who join the existing members including preeminent Rett Syndrome researchers, Adrian Bird and Huda Zoghbi.

Dr. Bishop received the 1989 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with his colleague Harold Varmus, currently the President of Memorial Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, for the revolutionary discovery of normal genes whose malfunction disposes cells to become cancerous.

Currently Chancellor of the University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Bishop is stepping down as of August 3rd after an eleven year tenure overseeing an unparalleled expansion of research facilities and accomplishments. He will continue to maintain his active laboratory and his position as Director of the G. W. Hooper Research Foundation at UCSF, which conducts multidisciplinary research on human disease.

"I know at first hand the personal and scientific challenges posed by Rett Syndrome and related disorders. I am eager to help the Rett Syndrome Research Trust in its quest for remedies to these tragic ailments," remarked Chancellor Bishop.

His many accolades include the Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award and the 2003 National Medal of Science, the nation's highest scientific honor. He is a member the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and has written and collaborated on several books in addition to nearly 400 scientific papers, publications, and reviews.

Joining Dr. Bishop is Christopher Lipinski, a world-renowned medicinal chemist best known for his groundbreaking "Rule of Five", an algorithm that has dramatically impacted the way that pharmaceutical industry approaches the development of orally active drugs. The 1997 publication which the "Rule of Five" first appears in is the most frequently cited medicinal chemistry paper in the last decade.

Currently, Dr. Lipinski is an independent medicinal chemistry consultant. In 2002 he retired from the highest scientific position in the worldwide Pfizer research organization (Senior Research Fellow) and now serves as a Drug-Like Properties consultant to a variety of profit and not for profit organizations.

"I am very pleased to join the SAB of the RSRT because I believe that a strong medicinal chemistry input is a very important contributor to bridging the formidable translational gap between breakthrough discoveries in academic biology and the actual discovery of a drug that benefits the patient," said Dr. Lipinski.

Dr. Lipinski serves on the scientific advisory board of Melior Discovery, a biotech company committed to identifying new therapeutic indications for pre-clinical and development-stage pharmaceuticals, as well as the KU Leuven University, Dundee University and MRC Technology UK drug discovery efforts. He is a member of the editorial board of the journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the highlights advisory board of Nature Reviews Drug Discovery. He is an adjunct faculty member in Biochemistry at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and has over 235 publications and invited presentations and 17 issued U.S. patents.

The Trust also welcomes Axel Unterbeck of Oxford Bioscience Partners, a venture capital firm that provides equity financing and management assistance to emerging, entrepreneurial-driven companies within the life sciences and healthcare sectors. He brings a wealth of experience spanning 23 years of R&D within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. He held various positions at Bayer AG in Germany and the U.S., including Head of Central Nervous System/Dementia Research. Prior to joining Bayer AG, Dr Unterbeck was a member of the scientific team at the Institute for Genetics in Cologne which achieved the first full-length cloning of the human amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene implicated in Alzheimer's disease. In 2001 he co-founded with Nobel Laureate Eric Kandel Memory Pharmaceuticals where he served as President and Chief Scientific Officer. Memory Pharmaceuticals was recently purchased by Roche.

"I am delighted to be working with Monica Coenraads and RSRT's translational effort. At this critical point in Rett Syndrome research, the Trust is uniquely positioned to promote research towards multiple pathways for drug discovery and development and to identify new avenues for therapeutic intervention in this complex field. RSRT's high standards and ability to engage extraordinary scientists and thinkers, combined with Monica's ten-year track record of progress in this field, should inspire the confidence and hope of Rett families everywhere," said Dr. Unterbeck.

"Chancellor Bishop is a thoughtful man who cares deeply about science and its translation. His decision and that of Drs. Lipinski and Unterbeck, to join our board, is an incredible vote of confidence with regards to RSRT's efforts. The intellectual capital behind the Trust coupled with our ability to drive meaningful collaborations between academia and industry will be key to the successful development of interventions. We are honored and grateful to Chancellor Bishop, Dr. Lipinski, Dr. Unterbeck and to all of our scientific advisors for their commitment to our cause," remarked Monica Coenraads, executive director of RSRT and mother of a child afflicted with Rett Syndrome.

About the Rett Syndrome Research Trust

The Rett Syndrome Research Trust is a nonprofit research organization formed in the wake of the dramatic pre-clinical reversal of Rett Syndrome symptoms. The Trust is intensively and exclusively focused on the development of treatments and cures for Rett Syndrome and related MECP2 disorders. Our short-term goal is to deliver clinical trials of a novel treatment strategy within five years. The strength of the Trust is based on the guidance of scientific advisors who are largely responsible for the major advances in Rett research over the past decade. To learn more about the Trust please visit www.ReverseRett.org

About Rett Syndrome

Rett Syndrome is the most physically disabling of the autism spectrum disorders. Primarily affecting little girls, it usually strikes by 18 months of age, often just after a child has learned to walk and talk. As the cascade of Rett symptoms descend on her, she loses acquired skills, normal movement and speech, and begins the long regression that may leave her in a wheelchair, unable to communicate or use her hands. Extreme anxiety, Parkinson-like tremors, and orthopedic problems are common. Many children have intractable seizures. Some must be fed through tubes. Breathing, cardiac, circulatory and digestive functions are impaired. Many children live to adulthood, requiring total, 24-hour-a-day care.

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Contact Information Monica Coenraads

Rett Syndrome Research Trust

http://www.ReverseRett.org

203 445 0041

One Year from Today, Minnesota Man Will Do 200 Skydives in One Day for Parkinson's Disease

One Year from Today, Minnesota Man Will Do 200 Skydives in One Day for Parkinson's Disease

Kevin Burkart will do 200 skydives in one day to raise money and awareness for Parkinson's Disease. This unique fundraiser, which will benefit the Parkinson Association of Minnesota (PAM) and the National Parkinson Foundation, will take place at Skydive Twin Cities in Baldwin, Wisconsin, 20 miles east of Hudson, Wisconsin.

Prior Lake, MN, Savage, MN (PRWEB) June 16, 2009 -- When it comes to helping his father, Gary, in his battle with Parkinson's Disease, Kevin Burkart says, "The sky's the limit, " he means it literally. So one year from today--June 16, 2010--Burkart will do 200 skydives in one day to raise money and awareness for Parkinson's Disease. This unique fundraiser, which will benefit the Parkinson Association of Minnesota (PAM) and the National Parkinson Foundation, will take place at Skydive Twin Cities in Baldwin, Wisconsin, 20 miles east of Hudson, Wisconsin.

This is not a new idea for Burkart ,who previously executed 100 skydives in one day on June 4, 2008 and raised $45,000 for Parkinson's Disease.

"I see this as an opportunity to do something I love for someone I love," says Burkart, 37, President of StepStoneGroup, a marketing, graphic design and promotions agency based in Savage, Minnesota. Kevin is originally from Prior Lake, MN. He has nearly 1,000 skydives in his skydiving career, and placed 7th at US Nationals in 2006, competing with a 4-way formation team called Fast Forward. The team won the Open Division of the Northern Plains Skydiving League that same year.

His father, Gary Burkart, of Shell Lake, Wisconsin, was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) in July 1999. PD is the second-most common progressive neurodegenerative disease, affecting more than one million Americans. Primary signs of the disease include tremors, muscle rigidity, slowness of movement and poor balance. Since his dad's diagnosis, both Kevin Burkart and his father have been very involved in efforts to raise money and awareness for PD. He has attended numerous conferences and served on the Parkinson Association of MInnesota board of directors for two years.

He came up with the idea for The 100 Perfect Jumps in 2007, borrowing the idea from "Jump for the Cause", a skydiving event that raises money for breast cancer research.

For the event, Burkart will use 2 planes, 6 skydiving rigs, 6 parachute packers and a host of logistical volunteers that will assist with ground crew duties. He will exit each plane ride at approximately 2200 feet doing a jump every 5 minutes for 17-19 hours. The day will begin at 2am and Kevin feels confident he'll meet the 200 jumps goal between 8 and 9pm that day. As for the jumps, Burkart says, "They'd better be perfect!"

The objective of The 200 Perfect Jumps is to raise at least $60,000 of proceeds. The steering committee is trying to attract both individual and corporate sponsors to meet this goal.

Individual donors can sponsor a jump in honor of or in memory of someone with Parkinson's Disease for as little as $100.

Members of the public are invited to come to the drop zone at Skydive Twin Cities in Baldwin, WI to watch the jumps and take a jump themselves. A portion of the proceeds from jumps that week at the drop zone will go towards The 200 Perfect Jumps fundraiser. There will be food and activities for kids.

To learn more about sponsorship, donations or volunteer efforts, visit the Perfect Jumps website (http://www.perfectjumps.com).

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Contact Information Kevin Burkart

200 Perfect Jumps for Parkinson's DIsease

http://www.perfectjumps.com

952-233-1474

Jackie Christensen

Parkinson Association of Minnesota

http://www.parkinsonmn.org

612-325-0372