Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Multaq Linked to Lung Disease and Pulmonary Toxicity

The media spotlight is often a double-edged sword. No one knows this better than people who filed a Multaq Lawsuit. And yet, gossip and rumor-mongering aside, the real story here is being overlooked according to Sean Burke of AttorneyOne.

In September 2012, the US FDA approved some label changes for Multaq, including certain types of lung disease and pulmonary toxicity as serious side effects of the drug. Multaq (Dronedarone) is a drug manufactured by Sanofi and used by patients who had recently experienced heart issues like atrial fibrillation (a type of abnormal heart rhythm) or atrial flutters. It was approved by the FDA in 2009. According to the FDA, cases of interstitial lung disease including pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis have been reported in patients treated with Multaq in the post-marketing setting.

In December 2011, the FDA issued a warning indicating that health care professionals should not prescribe Multaq to patients with permanent atrial fibrillation because of “increased risk of death or serious cardiovascular events”.

AttorneyOne.com, a recognized authority on law, can provide helpful advice and simple solutions including how to get in contact with legal counsel so that, in case of severe adverse events from Multaq, someone can easily and inexpensively deal with it. As Mr. Burke, director of Media Relations for AttorneyOne.com, added, “What all this information really illustrates is that threat from Multaq remains. For that reason, our focus should squarely fall on getting the word out and assisting people in finding the right legal assistance.”

In January 2011, the FDA issued a warning about cases of rare, but severe liver injury, including two cases of acute liver failure leading to liver transplant in patients treated with Multaq.

AttorneyOne.com has further information on Multaq lawsuits including how to get in contact with legal counsel.

RadSite Names Dr. Bruce Reiner Director of Accreditation

RadSite™, one of the leading certification and accreditation agencies for imaging quality, announces that Bruce Reiner, MD, a board certified radiologist, has joined the team as director of accreditation. Dr. Reiner will help ensure RadSite’s quality-benchmarking program conforms to current best practice standards.

“Dr. Reiner will help lead RadSite’s efforts to build a world-class accreditation program,” says Garry Carneal, RadSite president & CEO. “His expertise and knowledge regarding digital imaging is second to none. He is an innovative and dynamic thinker in terms of optimizing quality processes to assess provider practices and imaging systems, along with promoting patient safety. RadSite is fortunate to have him join our team.”

“The quality-centric focus of RadSite is designed to have a positive influence on the practice deliverables of its customers, including medical imaging service providers, technology producers, and payers,” Dr. Reiner states.

“To date, most innovation in medical imaging has focused on productivity and workflow optimization,” he continues. “RadSite is uniquely positioned to shift the focus of innovation to quality, and in turn help improve health care outcomes while empowering medical imaging consumers to seek out providers who place a premium on quality and safety.”

Dr. Reiner has published extensively on medical imaging and holds several patents related to the field of radiology. He also founded Quality Assurance in Medical Imaging and GestureRad, a medical reporting company, and holds several patents, inventions, and copyrights related to radiology quality. Dr. Reiner is based in RadSite’s Annapolis Office.

For more information about RadSite, call (855) 440-6001 or email at info(at)radsitequality(dot)com.

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About RadSite™ (http://www.RadSiteQuality.com)
Founded in 2005, RadSite’s mission is to promote quality-based practices for imaging systems across the United States and its territories. RadSite has reviewed over 24,000 imaging facilities covering about 60,000 imaging systems. RadSite’s certification and accreditation programs help assess, track and report imaging trends in an effort to enhance imaging procedures and outcomes. RadSite also offers educational programs, publishes issue briefs, and underwrites research on a complimentary basis to raise awareness of patient safety issues and to promote best practices. The organization is governed by an independent board and committee system, which is open to a wide-range of volunteers to ensure transparency and accountability. RadSite is expanding its activities and resources to serve patients, providers, payers, government agencies, and other stakeholder groups. To learn more about RadSite, please contact us at (855) 440-6001 or info(at)radsitequality(dot)com.

Cosmetic Chemistry Lab Uses New Pentapharm Peptide In Potent Anti-Aging Eye Serum

Elite Serum is a revolutionary, topical anti-aging serum created by SkinPro, a Miami based Cosmeceutical Company. SkinPro first introduced Elite Serum to consumers in 2009, but has since re-developed and enhance the formula and the packaging, creating an airless precision delivery system. Elite Serum has taken the cosmeceutical industry by storm with its proven, powerful blend of pharmaceutical grade anti-aging peptides, including Argireline and Pentapharm's Syn-Coll.

Elite Serum is manufactured in a state of the art facility in Miami, Florida. The composition of Elite Serum was formulated by clinically trained cosmetic pharmacist Irwin Grams. Irwin Grams is a graduate of the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a concentration in Pharmaceuticals. Grams has over 40 years’ experience in Cosmetic Chemistry. He has held many prestigious positions such as Principal of an OTC drug manufacturing company and Conductor of Chemistry at one of the world’s largest cosmetic manufacturers. He is considered to be one of the top innovators of Cosmetic Chemistry within the industry.

Grams, with the help of several other cosmetic pharmacists, developed the formula for Elite Serum, opting for Syn-Coll as the main component to assist in reducing the signs of aging and help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, creating a serum that has been named best eye cream by several top rated eye cream sources.

Syn-Coll is manufactured by Pentapharm. In addition to Syn-Coll, Pentapharm manufactures a specific range of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), belonging to the therapeutic fields of anticoagulants, antifibrinolytics and haemostatics. Pentapharm has over 25 years of experience and expertise in drug manufacturing, offering the biopharmaceutical industry the highest quality products, conforming to GMP. Syn-Coll stimulates the collagen synthesis in human fibroblasts. Skin aging and chronic UV exposure particularly, leads to degenerative changes in skin. The degenerative changes in skin are characterized by distinct alterations in the composition of the dermal extra cellular matrix. The consequences include increased skin fragility, a leathery skin appearance and formation of wrinkles. Collagen represents the main component of the ECM of the dermal connective tissue. Thrombospondin is a multifunctional protein that activates the latent but biologically inactive form of tissue growth factor. Tissue growth factor is known as the key element in the synthesis of collagen and binds to a particular sequence in the TSP molecule. This sequence is known as ARG-PHE-LYS.

As a molecule able to activate TGF, Syn-Coll is considered to be an ideal aqueous based peptide. It contains a unique sequence designed to mimic the human body's own mechanism to product collagen via TGF. Accordingly, Syn-Coll actively compensates for any collagen deficit, thus making the skin look younger and rejuvenated.

The results of the Syn-Coll clinical studies are astounding. After 84 days of twice-daily application, a panel of 60 volunteers experienced 2.5% Syn-Coll parameters average relief (Rz) and maximum relief (Rt) significantly decreased by -12%: -22 μm and -36 μm respectively (p= 0.05) characterizing smoothing and anti wrinkle effects.

SkinPro CTO Richard Banks stated, “We went to great lengths to determine the most powerful and effective formula for our flagship eye serum. Irwin Grams and his team spent over 3 years testing various peptides from several manufacturers before deciding on Syn-Coll. Syn-Coll is designed to stimulate the skin’s neutral mechanism to produce collagen and based on test results, it was an obvious choice.”

Monday, October 29, 2012

Voices Against Brain Cancer Releases Statement Commending Justin Bieber for His Support of 4-Year-Old Fan and Brain Cancer Patient

Today, nonprofit organization Voices Against Brain Cancer (VABC) releases a statement following an article published by The Huffington Post detailing a 4-year-old brain cancer patient’s special visit from pop singer Justin Bieber.

According to article’s author, [Cavan Sieczkowski, “Hailey Roser got the surprise of her life when pop star Justin Bieber flew to Milwaukee, Wis., to visit the cancer-stricken superfan.” The article states that Roser was diagnosed with a rare, cancerous brain tumor in August and although her mother purchased two tickets for her daughter to see her favorite singer, Bieber, in concert for her fifth birthday, she believed that there was very little chance Roser could attend the show. Sieczkowski went on to state, “A ‘Healing Hailey’ campaign was launched online, with Indiegogo collecting almost $15,000 in donations for the family. One of the campaign's followers called TMZ to spread the word about Hailey and her love for Bieber. TMZ then contacted Bieber's manager Scooter Braun about the little girl.” According to the article, support for the campaign grew, including the production of a video from a local high school in hopes that Bieber would see it. Supporters also began using the Twitter hashtag “#JustinVisitHailey.”

The Healing Hailey campaign proved a success when the 18-year-old pop star traveled to Milwaukee’s BMO Harris Bradley Center to meet Roser. According to The Huffington Post, the cancer patientlater tweeted: “Sad today is over but happy best day I've had in a long time thanks to all of you love you all especially @justinbieber for giving me #hope.”

VABC representative, Clay Darrohn, states, “The efforts of not only Bieber, but Roser’s family and community in order to make her dream come true are undoubtedly inspiring. It’s this sort of community support for those dealing with the devastating diagnosis of brain cancer that brings awareness and attention to the search for a cure.”

VABC has a wide variety of initiatives in place for brain cancer research, awareness and support. The organization’s research grants fund cutting-edge research programs that will have a monumental impact on the diagnosis and treatment of brain cancer. VABC currently funds research at several esteemed institutions such as Brookhaven National Laboratory, Cleveland Clinic, Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Harvard, John Hopkins, Memorial Sloan-Kettering and Yale, to name a few.

VABC's mission is to find a cure for brain cancer by advancing scientific research, increasing awareness within the medical community and supporting patients, their families and caregivers afflicted with this devastating disease.

Stem Cells Behind ‘Adrenaline Rush’ Could Offer Hope for Chronic Pain Sufferers

Deep within the medulla of the adrenal glands, microscopic chromaffin cells release the two hormones — adrenaline and enkephalin — to give that rush of energy when we are frightened or that second wind brought on by heavy exercise. According to a study published in STEM CELLS Translational Medicine, a research team in Europe discovered a way to obtain these cells from adult humans and then isolate and force them to become neurons in the lab, bringing researchers one step closer to finding new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and chronic pain.

Monika Ehrhart-Bornstein, Ph.D., of Dresden University of Technology’s Center for Regenerative Therapies (Germany), was a lead investigator on the team. “Chromaffin progenitor cells seem to be a promising cell source due to the potential use in autologous transplantations, which avoids the possibility of immune rejection,” she explained. “Our team had recently described how we isolated chromaffin progenitor cells from the adrenal glands of cows and then treated them so that they differentiated into functional neurons. In this subsequent study, we wanted to learn whether these cells could also be obtained from adult human adrenal glands and then forced to differentiate into neurons, as a prerequisite for future use in transplantation trials.”

Dr. Ehrhart-Bornstein collaborated with Dr. Claudia Cavadas, professor at the Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal, in leading the team of researchers from both universities on the study. They adapted their bovine study method to obtain and isolate the human cells and then treated them with growth factor. When they examined the cells six days later, they had indeed differentiated into neuron-like cells.

“This study both proves the existence of chromaffin progenitor cells in the human adrenal medulla and demonstrates that they can be isolated,” Cavadas said. “These cells may open new perspectives and challenges in the field of regenerative medicine, especially regarding their potential use in the treatment of neurodegenerative and neuroendocrine diseases.”

Dr. Ehrhart-Bornstein added, “While protocols need to be established to entirely remove other cell types from progenitor cultures for their therapeutic use, the potential of these progenitor cells to acquire both neuronal and chromaffin cell phenotypes is unquestionable, making them an interesting new cell source for cell-based therapies. The isolation and characterization of these valuable cells from human adrenals is the first step toward their potential future use in transplantation therapies.”

“These cells are not only an interesting source for cell therapy,” said Anthony Atala, M.D., Editor of STEM CELLS Translational Medicine and director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, “they may contribute to a better understanding of adrenal disease and dysfunction.”

New Medical Center Advertising Campaign Creates Buzz

Ellis Medicine’s new Medical Center of Clifton Park opened to the public today, announced by a new marketing campaign titled "Neighbor2Neighbor Conversations."

Created by healthcare marketing agency Smith & Jones, the campaign features Saratoga County residents who are happy to have the new 24/7 emergent care facility, with the expertise of Ellis Medicine physicians, so close to home.

“Saratoga County has been the fastest growing area over the last seven or eight years and it’s never been taken care of by healthcare,” said Angelo Mazzone, a restauranteur from Rexford, NY. “Ellis was the first one to do it.”

Jennifer Curtis, a mother from Ballston Lake, NY, is looking forward to having the facility in town in case one of her children gets hurt. “Playing tennis, swimming, all the different things that they do all come with risk factors and knowing that I’ll have a place that is five minutes away to deal with a broken bone or stitches is so reassuring,” said Curtis.

These patients, along with Sharon DeChiro of Mechanicville, NY and Gene and Sue Zeltman of Clifton Park, NY, have web videos on the Ellis Medicine website, are in a television commercial, and are featured in Facebook advertisements.

This multi-channel advertising campaign also uses print ads, online display ads, posters and transit advertising using the taglines “Hi neighbor” and “We’ll see you now.”

“Time is of the essence, and being just that much closer to a major care facility I think is very important for the community,” said Gene Zeltman.

To learn more about the Ellis Medicine Medical Center of Clifton Park, and to watch patient and physician videos, please visit http://www.ellismedicine.org.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Boats direct USA will be showcasing their latest models at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Boats Direct USA announces that they will once again be attending the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, from Friday, October 25 through Monday, October 29, 2012. The show, which is hosted at the Greater Fort Lauderdale-Broward County Convention Center located at 1950 Eisenhower Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, will be open to the public from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm.

Boats Direct USA will be displaying some of their manufacturers latest models at their own booths, 2034 and 2035. This large display area allows them to showcase two new Black Water 36’ center console models, one of the most outstanding fishing boats in its class as well as the artist renderings of the brand new 43’ center console model available exclusively through Boats Direct USA. They will be taking orders for the new 43’ Black Water that is extremely well priced and the epitome of handcrafted perfection.

Statement Marine will be featuring two brand new custom center consoles. Statement is known for dominating the go-fast market which makes them extremely capable of combining speed and luxury into the comfort of a custom center console! They’ll proudly be showcasing the 368 SUV and 34 Open center consoles.

If Contender is one of your favorites, and you live in Monroe County, stop by the Contender booth to chat with one of the Boats Direct USA representatives. Boats Direct USA is the Monroe County factory outlet for Contender boats.

“This year we’re displaying our boats directly inside the convention center, as this ensures that our customers have a pleasant browsing and shopping experience, unencumbered by any weather concerns, and all in the comfort of an air-conditioned environment.” says Monique Hausheer, spokeswoman for Boats Direct USA.

Boats Direct USA looks forward to seeing everyone at this year's Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, welcoming back existing customers, and meeting new boating aficionados.

magicOpener.com Adds Interchangeable Plates to Product Lineup

The magicOpener has taken a small but common problem – the struggle with bottle and can opening – and eliminated it with a comprehensive and innovative line of products. You’ll never have to break a fingernail, stub a fingertip or break a sweat just to open a can ever again. And just when it seemed they thought of it all, they came along with this – Interchangeable Plates!

The innovators behind revolutionary products such as The Extreme magicOpener, The Ideal, and many others, have built their openers with a standard-sized twist-off cap in mind, but recognized that not all twist-off caps are made equal. Some are smaller; others are larger.

Problem? Solution! Customers can now purchase the Interchangeable Plates set from the magicOpener website and eliminate the size problem altogether.

Pablo Corredor, CEO of Easy Opener Inc says "Thanks to magic Opener is now extremely easy to open any plastic bottles and pet food cans for seniors with limited hand strength"

The Interchangeable Plates were, in fact, primarily a response to the variety in cap sizes of water bottles. If the standard-sized bottle or can opener isn’t the proper fit, then ordering the set of three Interchangeable Plates is should be your plan of action. The Interchangeable Plates set comes with three additional sizes – XS – M – L – so you’ll be able to use it all the time with your favorite brands.

Once you get them, follow instructions and you’ll be set in just the blink of an eye!

Whether you’re looking for a way to easily open different plastic bottles, aluminum Can Pop soda and/or beer cans, traditional glass bottles or you’ve tried other bottle openers with little or no success, Magic Opener ® may be the answer to a more confident easy daily successfully opening for most of the different beverage containers existing on the 21st century, including the newest coca cola plastic top or the latest small water bottle plastic tops. It does work very well, very easy, very fast and very comfortable on your hands ….as 1-2-3 guaranteed, or your money back.

Dr. Chad M. Abbott Joins the Marque Medical Family of Fine Physicians

Marque Medical is pleased to announce that Chad M. Abbott, M.D. is now practicing at Marque Urgent Care located in Rancho Santa Margarita and Newport Beach. Dr. Abbott is a highly regarded Board Certified physician who brings over a decade of medical expertise to Marque Urgent Care.

Dr. Abbott recently moved to Orange County after practicing for years as a family physician in Washington. He brings top-level expertise in acute and primary care, coupled with a deep knowledge of pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, dermatology, and sports medicine. Additionally, he has a special interest in mental health, allowing his patients the opportunity to discuss a range of mental health concerns, such as addiction and abuse.

Due to a growing and expanding operation, Marque Urgent Care set out to find additional physicians that could augment the team by continuing the tradition of top-notch medical treatment. Dr. Abbot’s uniquely relevant experience, combined with the fact that he was looking for a place to practice his passion for exceptional patient care, makes Marque Medical a natural fit.

"We are excited to have Dr. Abbott as a part of our family of fine physicians. He is a seamless fit within our company’s culture that continuously strives for excellence," says Pierre Bergougnan, CEO of Marque Medical. “He is an extraordinary talent,” exclaims Dr. Nathan Kiskila, President of Marque Medical. “His technical acumen and clinical experience are just what we need to provide a first-rate experience for our patients.”

Dr. Abbott received his Bachelor of Science degree from San Diego State University, his Master of Public Health from Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Tulane University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at University of Washington, Seattle, WA. He has an American Board of Family Medicine certification.

Dr. Abbott resides in South Orange County with his wife and his two rescue pets. He takes advantage of the beautiful California weather and enjoys mountain bike riding and beach activities. He is also an active community volunteer and involved with Special Olympics and various homeless shelters. Patients are in extremely caring and competent hands visiting Dr. Abbott at Marque Urgent Care.