Monday, April 23, 2012

Final Paper!


Stem Cell Research
            What cured my son was the fact that we were able to replace defective cells with new cells that didn’t have a genetic mutation. We believe that stem cell research, we’ll be able to do that for diseases that affect many people worldwide.” This was said by Paulina TreviƱo in regards to stem cell research. Stem cells, some are created by a human embryo. Some say this is wrong, others say there is no harm from taking it from couples that have too many blastocysts than they need, so they donated it to research. What are the outcomes compared to the downside? The outcome is a new chance for life. The benefits to stem cell research outweigh the downside of taking embryos, with these studies and funding, the benefits to the medical community will be outstanding. Although there are many moral and ethnical issues regarding this topic, it will be of new beginnings and chances for others.
            Stems cells are different than all other cells. They are unspecialized cells that are capable of renewing themselves though cell division. They can do this sometimes after long periods of inactivity. Stem cells have the ability to become tissue or organ-specific cells with very special functions. Few stem cells can only divide under special conditions. Most of the time stem cells have the capability to be what is needed of them. There are three different kinds of stem cells. From animals and humans, scientist used embryonic stems cells, and somatic, or adult stem cells.
            In 1998 scientist discovered human embryonic stem cells, which uses embryos from in vitro fertilization called blastocysts. Stem cell research began in the mid 1800’s when it was found that come cells could generate others. In the early 1900’s, scientists the first real stem cells generated blood cells. Scientists then also created the first stem cell transplants, by mouth, for patients with anemia or leukemia. These transplants were unsuccessful, but it did path the way for others.  Mice were used to conduct experiments; it was found that mice with bad bone marrow could be restored by a transplant. These finding led others to discover human capabilities. After a radiation incident in France, stem cell transplants were needed. In 1958 Jean Dausset realized that the donor and recipient needed to match. The immune system of humans has human leukocyte antigens, which determine what belongs in the body and what does not. If what is put in doesn’t match, the body rejects it, and it created antibodies and other substances to destroy what was injected. The first kind of transplant that confirmed what the immune system does was a bone marrow transplant on a pair of twins. It was the one of the first transplants in humans that was successful. In 1998 James Thompson found stems cells from embryos. He developed the first embryonic stem cell lines, which has led to many controversies now in the future.
            In a health poll taken by Charlton Research Company in 2005, it was found that 56% of people asked said that stem cell research using excess embryos from fertility clinics did not cause an ethical dilemma because the embryos would have been discarded anyways. 35% did care, and said that it does pose an ethnical dilemma because they are potentially viable human embryos. Nine percent did not care either way. Out of all the people asked, only 17% are following the issue very closely. If someone is not following an issue closely enough, how are they judging that the research is ethnical or unethical? Stem cell research has pros and cons, and every opinion is important. Pros include the treatment of many illnesses and even cure too. The effects on a person’s social life could be enhanced also. Many people with diseases tend to invert themselves, with a cure or treatment, their social abilities may extend further and that may help their treatment and will to live grow. The potential for economic gains for a society is an important part. If a society can have more control over certain diseases, it may strengthen it tremendously; therefore stem cell research is ethnical. Cons include the aspect of religion; certain people think that scientists are “playing God” and that it is wrong. Scientists are also interfering with human life. Taking of a life, whether it is started, or having the potential to start, is murder. Therefore stem cell research is unethical. Using adult stem cells is progressing, and many think that the scientists should wait until this method grows to do more research. It is more “ethnical.”
            Stem cell research facilities are all around the world, including: North and South America, United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, Continental Europe, Mideast, Asia-Pacific, and also in Australia. Most facilities are in North America. There are many sites and organizations to get stem cell research into clinics. One organization is Americans for Cures. This organization is an advocate for all forms of stem cell research. They want to make stem cell research legal in every state, and loosen federal restrictions on research. They also want to expand funding and establish safety guidelines for therapies and research.
            One research facility at the University of Pittsburgh has scientists and physicians working 24/7 to expand possibilities. They have moved from treating symptoms to treating cause.  This facility is led by Dr. Johnny Huard. They use technology such as cellular techniques, observation, and analyzation to find answers about cellular research. Each member has projects and individual skills are used. Even though the United States as a lot of controversy about whether stem cell research is ethnical or not, other countries have different opinions. Germany has a majority of its experts that expect more people are going to be open-minded. Embryonic stem cell research in Germany is becoming more popular and the legal restrictions are said to in the future become more relaxed. Although Germany is supposed to in the future become more relaxed, it is still highly controversial. The main worry, like the United States, is the question of ethnical or unethical. Debates include the balance of freedom of research and protection of an embryo. Many debates focus on the difference between stem cell research and the decisions to get an abortion. Finding a balance between protecting embryos, obtaining new research to help cure illnesses, and protecting freedom of research is hard in Germany, but it is being worked toward.
            The United States has made history in stem cell research in 2011. Scientists have created stem cells tailored to an individual. It is a step in the right direction for treatments to diabetes and Alzheimer’s. In this experiment scientists used the same technique that they used in producing Dolly the sheep in 1997. Scientists had to try two times to achieve success in this experiment. First time they removed genetic material from an unfertilized human egg which they took chromosomes from the skin cell of a diabetic patient and inserted them into the egg; it failed. The second time they left the genetic material, and an embryo developed to form a blastocysts. The only downfall of this experiment is that because stem cells contain too many sets of chromosomes, they cannot be used to treat patients yet. New research is trying to find a way of producing a normal set of chromosomes, and this new development was very significant in the process to new treatments.
            In the Dominican Republic stem cell therapy is available. Since the United States’ Food and Drug Administration had not yet approved this stem cell therapy because its effectiveness had not been tested, a Florida cardiologist, Dr. Zannos Grekos, had started his own company, Regenocyte Therapeutic in Santiago. This doctor claims to have successfully used adult stem cells to treat heart and lung disease. Dr. Grekos says that he and his associated draw blood which they send to a laboratory in Israel. In this laboratory they produce “regenocytes,” which is defined by the company as “a stem cell that has been activated to become a target organ.” He has told CNN that it works, although they have not been reviewed by other researchers. When CNN did more research they talked to Dr. Irving Weissman, who is the president-elect of the International Society for Stem Cell Research. He told CNN that there is not a cell called a regenocyte. He was not impressed with Dr. Grekos giving families false hope and that there is no scientific backing to this procedure. Although Dr. Weissman says there is no truth, Dr. Grekos has given about 100 patients stem cell therapy in the past 18 months. He makes no promise to his patients. His license was restricted and he was ordered not to perform any more stem cell treatments. Sadly, while doing therapy, illegally, in early 2012 a patient went into cardiac arrest and passed away. Dr. Grekos charged $64,500 for a stem cell transplant and none of it was covered by insurance. The process was very costly and unstable, and resulted in a casualty. It shows that certain countries have reasons for protocols, and if other countries do not, it is not always a good outcome.
            Germany has the oldest stem cell center in Europe. It is called the XCell Stem Center and is located in Dusseldorf. It has been in operation for the last five years and Germany has strict requirements for using stem cells. In Germany they are considered a drug and need to meet the standards for approval. The director and founder is Dr. C. H. Kleinbloesem. The center is located in a major hospital with latest diagnostic equipment to monitor patients; they treat about 50 patients a week. In neurological conditions, for harvesting a patients bone marrow cells, the large hip bone is used. The cells are then processed though a specialized lab, and then injected directly into the lumbar spinal canal. The reason they use the spinal canal is so the stem cells directly go into the spinal fluid which is the direct route to the neurological tissues. Another condition the XCell center treats is wet macular degeneration.  The center treats this disease, which causes vision loss, with an injection of stem cells. The injection is given under the eye placing the stem cells adjacent to the macular area. The center is also planning to begin a process that injects stem cells much close to the retina to have a beneficial affect, much like we do with another medication in the United States. The XCell center has done over 200 cases and the findings are only one-third that has no response. The other two-thirds have either a good response or a fantastic response. Dr. Kleinbloesem has good hopes and has also discussed alternative methods that could improve the results of stem cell therapy.
            There is a tremendous need for stem cells in our world. There is research being done on blood disorders, cancer, genetic disorders, diabetes, heart disease, immune disorders, intestinal disease, kidney, lung and liver disease, muscular dystrophy, and neurological disorders. The list is extensive, and in time, there may be even more promise in medicine. With patients, and scientific discovery, there could be cures forming for diseases we wouldn’t have been able to think of. In time, stem cell treatment looks very promising for all patients, for the young and the old.
            Cancer does not discriminate, it can affect any patient. Cancer is mostly treatable if it is caught early. However, some still continue to grow even after doctors and patients give their best efforts. A possible explanation is that cancer cells with stem cell properties give cancer the way to grow even after treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy. These are known as “cancer stem cells.” Cancer, although still has no 100% cure has promising research. Scientists are looking at what cancer stem cells can teach them. At Children’s Hospital Boston they are working at treating leukemia and other blood cancers with bone marrow transplants, trying to boost blood cell production in patients undergoing treatment, and finding differences between healthy blood stem cells from leukemia stem cells. They are also searching for stem cells in lung cancer, and finally finding new ways to attack skin cancer stem cells.
            Children have no control over genetic disorders but Children’s Hospital Boston is doing their best to give the children the best shot at living as normal a life as possible. Stem cells are showing them that children with Down syndrome can develop leukemia but still be resistant to other types of cancer, treating children with sickle cell disease with transplants, and studying the heart’s own cardiac stem cells.
            David Breault, a doctor at Children’s Hospital Boston is studying small intestine’s stem cells. The highly specialized cells are resistant to typical injuries and help with healing in result to an injury. He is interested in an enzyme which allows unlimited division of stem cells. If he could learn more about this and how cells are regulated it may lead to treatment for intestinal disease. Along with Breault, Jordan Kreidberg, another doctor at Children’s Hospital Boston is conducting research on kidney stem cells in order to find treatments for conditions that lead to failure of kidneys that is irreversible. They have identified the genes that effect kidney development and are interested in using them to coax kidney stem cells, in order to use with embryonic stem cells into functional kidney cells to be used for a transplant. If this would work, then the doctors would be helping kidneys heal themselves.
            Many premature babies develop lung disease; it can also be part of a birth defect. Cystic fibrosis one of the most common lung diseases.  Stem cells will more than likely be a very important part in repairing damaged tissue and function. Scientists are looking to find and study the different molecules that regulate the lung cells that are needed to function if they are damaged. Dr. Kim is the head of the team at Children’s Hospital Boston, and are working on understanding and treating diseases such as emphysema and lung cancer. She is one of the only scientists in the world that knows how to isolate, cultivate, and study lung stem cells. She is mainly looking at what makes a lung stem cell. Once she learns what makes the cells, it will lead to creating ways to treat lung diseases with stem cells. Another doctor, named Stella Kourembanas, is exploring different ways to heal babies with underdeveloped lungs. She may be able to use adult bone marrow stem cells. This would give babies a chance at life, and extend their chances of survival more than they would be with other medications and procedures. Overall scientists are looking for new ways to help the patients and look for new cures. Stem cell research seems very promising, but perfecting the process will take some time.
            The way stem cells are retrieved is dependent on what kind of stem cells it is. Adult stem cells can be taken from the body itself, amniotic fluid, pluripotent stem cells, or from other adult stem cells. The way stem cells are retrieved from the body itself can be from the blood found in the umbilical cord, a persons circulating blood, and can be isolated from bone marrow from the brain and spinal cord. After the stem cells are isolated, they need to be grown to a large enough size so that they can be used for treatment purposes. Amniotic fluid, which a fetus is surrounded by in its mother’s womb, contains mesenchymal stem cells. These are able to make a variety of tissues. Pluripotent stem cells are able to create all types of cells and tissues. These are also functionally similar to embryonic stem cells. Lastly, from other adult stem cells they can be retrieved, but it is unknown how versatile adult stem cells really are, and if it could have a reliable effect in the lab for patients.
            Embryonic stem cells, or pluripotent stem cells, are the most controversial subject.  These cells are made using embryos or eggs, rather than cells. “True” embryonic stem cells are made from unused embryos that are donated by couples who have undergone in vitro fertilization. The embryos are placed in special dishes and develop for a few days. On the fifth day, it reaches the blastocysts stage and then it is isolated for future use. These cells can be used for any kind of treatment, which is why they are so good. Another way embryonic stem cells can be used is by being “tricked” into developing into embryos without being fertilized by sperm by chemicals. The embryos are developed in the lab for several days, and then stem cells can be derived from them.  This research could make so a woman could donate her own eggs to create stem cells, in return she wouldn’t reject if she needed them by her immune system.
            Funding for stem cells is another controversial topic in the United States. In August 2010 there was a ban on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, in turn this made for more exploration of how stem cells function and how other ways they could be harnessed to treat many diseases. Others have tried to life the ban before in 2009, including the Obama Administration and Arnold Kriegstein, a medical doctor who is one of the nation’s top researches in the field. Kriegstein said, "This is a victory not only for the scientists, but for the patients who are waiting for treatments and cures for terrible diseases, this ruling allows critical research to move forward, enabling scientists to compare human embryonic stem cells to other forms of stem cells, such as the cell lines which are derived from skin cells, and to pursue potentially life-saving therapies based on that research." The ban of funding occurred from the court case Sherly v. Sebelius. The case had said that when the Obama Administration lifted a ban on federal funding for research in 2009, it violated the 1996 Dickey-Wicker Amendment. This amendment had banned using taxpayer funds in research that destroyed embryos. The appeals court ruled against the amendment, and funding was continued.
            In other countries funding is not as big, although Germany was given a generous amount by its German Research Foundation in 2010. It gave a new Collaborative Research Center for adult stem cells an amount over 10 million Euros. The funding has covered four years, and the research center has focused on self-maintenance and differentiation of stem cells. In 2009 Britain after an effort to lead the world in stem cell research came to a halt. The grant applications may had been blocked by scientists who were against cloning by hybrid embryos that were made from mixing human cells with eggs of cows, pigs, or rabbits. If their hybrid embryos would have worked, it could eventually allow doctors to create embryonic stem cells from a patient’s skin and where scientists could design individual treatments for heart disease, Parkinson's and diabetes. Overall the problem was lack of funding, and they did not know if it was worth perusing or not. Overall, the funding in 2009 was never received, and the application was never resubmitted.
            Although there are many downsides of stem cell research, the outcomes can be endless. Stem cells have the possibility of being anything. Us as human beings need to realize that we need new cures to survive, most importantly, survive cancer. Although stem cell can involve human embryos, we should not put a halt to the research. The government may stop new cells from being harvested, but the research of the ones always taken and revived for science should be able to be used. Scientists have spent a lot of money and time into the efforts of stem cell research, and may sill have a chance to change the outcome of otherwise bad events. The benefits to stem cell research outweigh the downside of taking embryos, with these studies and funding, the benefits to the medical community will be outstanding. No one will know where science is heading; we will only know when we get there.


Bibliography:
"Research America." Research America, 2005. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://www.researchamerica.org/uploads/pollstemcellparade.pdf>.
Bethesda. "Frequently Asked Questions." Stem Cell Basics: Introduction [Stem Cell Information]. National Institute of Health, 28 Apr. 2009. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics1.asp>.
"History of Stem Cell Research." Popular Issues. All About Popular Issues, 2002. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/history-of-stem-cell-research-faq.htm>.
"Stem Cell Research." Experiment-resources.org. Experiment-resources, 2008-2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://www.experiment-resources.com/stem-cell-pros-and-cons.html>.
Hoffman, William. "Stem Cell Policy: Stem Cell Research Centers." MBBNet. MBBNet, 28 Feb. 2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://mbbnet.umn.edu/scmap/scresearchmap.html>.
"Leading the fight." Americans for Cures : Advocacy for Stem Cell Research. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://www.americansforcures.org/index.php>.
Dr. Gharaibeh. "Stem Cell Research Center." Stem Cell Research Center. Stem Cell Research Center, Mar. 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://www.scrc.pitt.edu/>.
Moore, Thomas. "Stem Cells Research Breakthrough In US." Sky News. Sky News, 6 Oct. 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16083559>.
Fitzpatrick, David, and Drew Griffin. "Experts Dispute." CNN. Cable News Network, 14 July 2009. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/07/14/stem.cell.regenocyte/index.html>.
Barbra. "Dr. Grekos' License Suspended after Patient's Death - Stem Cell Pioneers." Stem Cell Pioneers. Stem Cell Pioneers, 8 Mar. 2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://www.stemcellpioneers.com/showthread.php?t=5542>.
"Visit to the Stem Cell Center in Germany | Opthamologist - Eye Diseases - Dr Kondrot - Healing the Eye." Opthamologist. Healing the Eye. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://www.healingtheeye.com/Articles/Xcell_Stem_Cell.html>.
"Children's Hospital Boston." Meet Andy, a Patient Saved by Stem Cells. Children's Hospital Boston, 2005-2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://stemcell.childrenshospital.org/hope-and-promise/andres-paulina-trevino/>.
"Children's Hospital Boston." Cancer. Genuine Interactive, 2005-2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://stemcell.childrenshospital.org/research-on-diseases/cancer/>.
"Children's Hospital Boston." Congenital & Genetic Disorders. Genuine Interactive, 2005-2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://stemcell.childrenshospital.org/research-on-diseases/congenital-and-genetic-disorders/>.
"Children's Hospital Boston." Intestinal Disease. Genuine Interactive, 2005-2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://stemcell.childrenshospital.org/research-on-diseases/intestinal-disorders/>.
"Children's Hospital Boston." Kidney Disease. Genuine Interactive, 2005-2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://stemcell.childrenshospital.org/research-on-diseases/kidney-disease/>.
"Children's Hospital Boston." Lung Disease. Genuine Interactive, 2005-2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://stemcell.childrenshospital.org/research-on-diseases/lung-disease/>.
"Children's Hospital Boston." Where Do We Get Adult Stem Cells? Genuine Interactive, 2005-2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://stemcell.childrenshospital.org/about-stem-cells/adult-somatic-stem-cells-101/where-do-we-get-adult-stem-cells/>.
"Children's Hospital Boston." How Do We Get Pluripotent Stem Cells? Genuine Interactive, 2005-2012. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://stemcell.childrenshospital.org/about-stem-cells/pluripotent-stem-cells-101/where-do-we-get-pluripotent-stem-cells/>.
Bole, Kristen. "Federal Funding For Stem Cell Research." Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 01 May 2011. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/223824.php>.
            Grabengasse. "Research in Germany: New Collaborative Research Centre for Stem Cell Research." 302 Found. Research In Germany, 1 June 2010. Web. 22 Apr. 2012. <http://www.research-in-germany.de/46990/2010-05-31-research-centre-for-stem-cell-research,sourcePageId=8240.html>.


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Discussions on Outlines

Janvier B.
Mengyao D.
Ashley K.

Stem Cell Research Outline

Introduction: Stem cells, some are created by a human embryo. Some say this is wrong, others say there is no harm from taking it from couples that have too many blastocysts than they need, so they donated it to research. What are the outcomes compared to the downside? The outcome is a new chance for life. The benefits to stem cell research outweigh the downside of taking embryos, with these studies and funding, the benefits to the medical community will be outstanding. Although there are many moral and ethnical issues regarding this topic, it will be of new beginnings and chances for others.



1.     Introduction
2.     Body
a)    What stem cell research is
i)      History
ii)    Creator
iii) How it is seen by all people (Pros and Cons)
b)    Requirements in different cultures
i)      Research facilities
ii)    Moral standings
c)     What progress is being made
i)      United States outcomes
ii)    Country number 2 outcome
iii) Country number 3 outcomes
d)   Needs for stem cells
i)      Diseases that have promising cures
ii)    What is being done to find other diseases stem cell could help
e)    Process of testing
i)      What ways are stem cells retrieved
ii)    What happens to make the cells usable
iii) How are they tested for cures
iv) Outcome of other testing
f)      Funding
i)      Current funding in United States
ii)    Current funding in country number 2
iii) Current funding in country number 3
iv) Laws about stem cell
3.     Conclusion

Conclusion: Although there are many downsides of stem cell research, the outcomes can be endless. Stem cells have the possibility of being anything. Us as human beings need to realize that we need new cures to survive, most importantly, survive cancer. Although stem cell can involve human embryos, we should not put a halt to the research. The government may stop new cells from being harvested, but the research of the ones always taken and revived for science should be able to be used. Scientists have spent a lot of money and time into the efforts of stem cell research, and may sill have a chance to change the outcome of otherwise bad events. The benefits to stem cell research outweigh the downside of taking embryos, with these studies and funding, the benefits to the medical community will be outstanding. No one will know where science is heading, we will only know when we get there.

New Final Topic



Topic:  Stem Cell Research
My final paper will be about what Stem Cells Research is, and its history. I plan to add where it came from originally and how it is progressing in our modern world. I’m going to add countries that have research progressing and what the need for this type of research is. I will explain the requirements and the process of how it is being tested. Lastly I will explain why Stem Cell Research funding is needed, and what is happening in our country today.



Introduction

What stem cell research is

Requirements in different cultures

What progress is being made

Need for stem cell research

Process of testing

Funding and current status

Conclusion

Monday, April 9, 2012

Final paper topic


Topic:  Audiology in other countries.

My final paper will be about what Audiology is, and its history. I plan to add where it came from originally and how it is progressing in our modern world. I’m going to add countries that have audiology and where there may be a need for it. I will explain the requirements and the process to become one. Lastly I will explain what audiology is needed for, and where it is most important.




Introduction

What Audiology is

Requirements in different cultures

History

Modern Audiology

Different countries’ Audiology

Conclusion

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Using Quotes Correctly

 I have redone my country report to suit the corrections.
          Rwanda is located in central Africa; total area of the country is 26,338 sq km, which is slightly smaller than Maryland.Other  "The divide between the Congo and Nile drainage systems extends from north to south through western Rwanda at an average elevation of almost 9,000 feet. On the western slopes of this ridgeline, the land slopes abruptly toward Lake Kivu and the Rusizi River valley, which form the western boundary with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) and constitute part of the Great Rift Valley." [1] Population is about 10.7 million.[2] There are three major ethnic groups in Rwanda, the Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa. The Hutu is the largest, over 3/4 of the people belong to it. There are 4 common languages, including Kinyarwanda, French, English, and some Kiswahili. Kinyarwanda is universal. Rwanda is a Republic and gained its independence on the 1st of July in 1962. In Rwanda there is two rainy seasons, which range from February to April, and November to January.[1]  In the mountains there can be frost and snow. Natural resources include gold, cassiterite, and methane. Natural disasters that can occur in Rwanda are droughts and one active volcano.The volcano that is active is called Visoke.[1] Most people in Rwanda have an occupation related to agriculture.[2] Most of the land is grasslands. Rwanda has 3 military defenses which are the Rwandan Defense Force, Rwandan Army, and the Rwandan Air Force. [1] Qualifications for the military include: "18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; Rwandan citizenship required." [1]



Interview #3 Reviews

Total Class Review

Top 3 Interviews:
Justin B. Interview Here 18 Points
Kelsey R. Interview Here 18 Points
Nicholas S. Interview Here 18 Points