ANKENY, Iowa and FEILDING, New Zealand, July 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Following a recent Chinese decision, centered around New Zealand Origin Bovine Material, Proliant Biologicals is now eligible to ship its New Zealand Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) into the country. The change comes after months of restricting the importation of any bovine blood products of New Zealand origin into the country.
With the Chinese border now open to Proliant New Zealand and its BSA, it is Proliant’s goal to help support the continued growth of the Chinese Diagnostic, Life Science, Vaccine, and Cell Culture markets, among others. As the population continues to increase and as more and more Chinese gain access to healthcare, the development of these markets is as vital as ever.
Proliant Biologicals, and its New Zealand BSA manufacturing facility, is in a unique position to help service the expanding Chinese Life Science industries. The facility, located in Feilding, is registered with the MPI and is Traceability Certified by the International Serum Industry Association (ISIA). With dual manufacturing facilities (New Zealand and US), Proliant is the only BSA manufacturer in the world who holds ISIA traceability certificates.
For more information pertaining to Proliant’s New Zealand BSA and its facility, please utilize the following link: http://www.proliantbiologicals.com
Grade
Material Origin
Part Number
Standard Grade pH 7.0
New Zealand
69100
Reagent Grade (Fatty Acid-Free)
New Zealand
Coming Soon
About Proliant Biologicals, Inc.
Proliant is the world’s premier manufacturer of animal extracts and consistent, reliable, traceable Bovine Serum Albumin (Fraction V). All Proliant bovine albumins are made from Proliant-collected USDA/MPI Edible grade Plasma; and are protease-free, IgG-free, low endotoxin & bioburden with outstanding solubility/filterability characteristics.
Proliant Biologicals is part of the LGI group of companies, premier manufacturer of protein ingredients for food, health, nutrition and biologicals. Proliant along with American Protein Corporation, BHJ Corporation and Boyer Valley Corporation are privately held companies of the Lauridsen Group Incorporated.
– Collaboration of KIST-Ewha Womans University identified that the astrocytic gene affect changes in brain size and cognitive function.
– The genetic variation on astrocyte water channel, aquaporin-4, determines language ability.
SEOUL, South Korea, July 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/– Many studies have shown a positive correlation between brain size and cognitive function in both animals and humans, however, most studies have focused on the neuronal function in brain size and function. Although water and astrocytes* are the most common substances and components of the brain, their role in language ability are not known well. In this study, the role of aquaporin4* in brain size changes and language ability is revealed for the first time.
Activity causes volumetric plasticity via aquaporin4
*Astrocytes: Most abundant glial cells in the brain with having a star shape. They play various roles such as regulating the ion concentration and removing waste products.
*Aquaporin-4: A water channel of astrocytes in the brain, present in chromosome 18. It controls water movement in the cell membrane.
Researchers (Dr. Changjoon Lee’s group in KIST and Dr. Inkyoon Lyoo & Dr. Jieun Kim’s group in Ewha W. Univ.) found the suppression of activity-dependent astrocyte volume regulation, enriched environment-induced hippocampal volume change, and hippocampal spatial memory by inhibition of aquaporin-4 gene expression in mice. In humans, it was confirmed that the change in language-associated brain size and language ability depends on the genetic variation on aquaporin4 SNP* (rs162008), located in the 5’UTR*. In people with C base in rs162008 leading to increase of aquaporin4 expression, the semantic verbal fluency and the effect of increasing the brain size by GRE studying was higher than that in people with T base.
*SNP(Single Nucleotide Polymorphism): A common mutation occurs in one of several DNA bases in a single site on the chromosome.
*UTR(Untranslated Region): The region of mRNA, not translated into protein, refers to either of two sections, called the 5′ or 3′ UTR depending on the location.
Researchers identified a direct correlation between brain size and function. Also, they determined an essential role of astrocytes in cognitive function including language ability for the first time in the world. By controlling the aquaporin-4 gene expression, it is not only extended to other research topics such as control of brain function, but also predicts cognitive function by examining the aquaporin-4 gene mutation. It is expected that it will provide guidelines for learning by level or ability, and utilize gifted education programs and aptitude tests.
The results of the study were published in the online edition of “Molecular Psychiatry,” (IF 13.204, Top 2.42% in JCR) on Tuesday, June 27.
KIST (Korea Institute of Science and Technology) Dr. C Justin Lee Tel. +82-2-958-6940 e-mail: cjl@kist.re.kr
COIMBRA, Portugal, July 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — At the 16th International Photodynamic Association (IPA) World Congress in Coimbra, Professor Brian Wilson was the recipient of the 2017 EXCELLENCE AWARD IN PHOTODIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH.
Professor Brian Wilson
Dr. Brian Wilson is Professor of Medical Biophysics at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, University of Toronto, Canada. He is a well-known expert and leader in the field of PDT and Photodiagnostics, internationally recognized for his pioneering research into various optic tools that can be used for minimally-invasive cancer treatment, and early diagnosis and optically-guided cancer therapeutics. He holds several awards in biomedical optics (Mark Award, NIH Translational Research Award, Michael S. Feld Award and Britton Chance Award) and in cancer research (Robert L. Noble Prize).
In 1981, Dr. Wilson initiated translational research and collaborative clinical trials of photodynamic therapy for brain, prostate and gastrointestinal cancers. Dr. Wilson leads a world-renowned R&D program in optics-based biomedical applications, with a primary translational/clinical focus. He has driven the development of fluorescence and other endoscopic imaging techniques – particularly in Barrett’s esophagus and colon cancer – and more recently has developed optical imaging to guide surgery that is being evaluated in clinical trials for head and neck, prostate and brain cancers. In the last few years, his research has expanded to include development of photonic nanoparticles in cancer treatment, diagnosis and research. Dr. Wilson has published over 350 peer-reviewed papers in basic, translational and clinical research. With several international Visiting Appointments (Harvard, USA; Saõ Paulo, Brazil; Fujian, China; Western Australia), Dr. Wilson is involved in many national and international collaborations. Dr. Wilson has trained more than 50 graduate students, post-doctoral and clinical fellows, many of whom remain in biomedical optics, cancer research and practice worldwide. He also has worked with many companies nationally and internationally in translating optical technologies into clinical practice.
The Coimbra World Congress was the 16th conference held by the International Photodynamic Association, marking 32 years of this global meeting. The IPA World Congresses, held every two years, are the leading PDT meetings bringing together members of the global photodynamic community in order to advance scientific and clinical research relating to photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapies. The next IPA World Congress is to be hosted in Boston, USA and will be led by Dr. Tayyaba Hasan, Professor of Dermatology at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School (HMS) and a Professor of Health Sciences and Technology (Harvard-MIT).
About Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a combination therapy involving light activated photosensitizers to diagnose and treat various types of cancers and pre-cancers, macular degeneration and multidrug resistant biofilm infections involving bacteria, viruses and fungi.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Burjeel Hospital (A unit of VPS Healthcare) was named ‘2017 UAE Emerging Medical Tourism Service Provider of the Year- Hospital Category‘ at the 2017 Frost & Sullivan Middle East Best Practices Awards Banquet held on 24th May at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai.
Dr. Raja Gujju, Chief Operating Officer & Dr.Nabil Debouni, Medical Director, Burjeel Hospital receives the 2017 UAE Emerging Medical Tourism Service Provider of the Year – Hospital Category Award from Mr. Jamal Ramadhan Bin Marghoob, Director Marketing & Corporate Communications, from Dubai Airport Freezone in presence of Mr. Sandeep Sinha, Vice President, Transformational Health Practice, Frost & Sullivan
Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi is an emerging medical tourism service provider in the UAE. It caters to the growing medical needs of the UAE and GCC by offering high quality care in all medical specialties. The top five specialties in Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi, for international patients, include obstetrics, gynecology, orthopedics, neonatology, general surgery and gastroenterology. It offers special packages for cesarean section, bariatric surgery and hip replacement. Established in 2012, the hospital is currently expanding its operational beds to accommodate the growing needs of the local and international populace.
“We are truly honored to be recognized in this category by Frost & Sullivan this year. The award underlines our commitment as an organization to provide the best healthcare in the region and significantly contribute in enhancing the area of medical tourism in the UAE,” said Dr. Raja Gujju, Chief Operating Officer, Burjeel Hospital – Abu Dhabi.
Congratulating Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi on the award, Mr. Sandeep Sinha, Vice President, Transformational Health Practice, Frost & Sullivan said, “2016 has been a very successful year for Burjeel Hospital Abu Dhabi. The company’s international patient department contributed 34 percent to the total revenue of the hospital with an inflow of more than 8,000 international patients. The hospital not only provides world-class tertiary healthcare in the region, it also enhances the patient’s experience by managing their logistic needs, including visa and travel arrangements, hotel stays, dietary services, religious needs and airport transfer, thus delivering a stress-free experience. Its growth, unique services, marketing initiatives, technical advancements and the compassionate patient-centric approach are some of the key factors which have contributed to its leading position in the region.”
Frost & Sullivan Awards recognize companies across regional and global markets for outstanding achievement and performance in a range of regional and global markets for superior leadership, technological innovation, customer service, strategic product development among others.
Frost & Sullivan’s robust research methodology represents the analytical rigor of our research process. It offers a 360-degree-view of industry challenges, trends, and issues by integrating all 7 research methodologies. Too often, companies make important growth decisions based on a narrow understanding of their environment, leading to errors of both omission and commission. Successful growth strategies are founded on a thorough understanding of market, technical, economic, financial, customer, best practices, and demographic analyses. The integration of these research disciplines into the 360-degree research methodology provides an evaluation platform for benchmarking industry players and for identifying those performing at best-in-class levels.
About Burjeel Hospital
Burjeel Hospital is Abu Dhabi’s premier private healthcare facility providing world-class, specialized and superior healthcare complemented by a warm and personalized human touch to the growing population of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
A unit of the VPS Healthcare, Burjeel Hospital opened for patients in April 2012 as a Tertiary hospital under the auspices of the Health Authority for Abu Dhabi. At the core of the organization is a team of exceptionally skilled and highly experienced health professionals, collaborating as multidisciplinary teams with guests and their families as the main focus, to provide the best healthcare experience.
Burjeel Hospital received the prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation in June 2013 – 15 months after starting operations and the hospital was granted JCI Re-accreditation in Aug 2016. Currently, the hospital is affiliated with some of the world’s best healthcare institutions for its centers of excellence and is now becoming a renowned center of referral for Cardiovascular, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine, Oncology and many more specialties handling complex laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgeries. The hospital has full-fledged pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology units to serve guests at any time of the day. Burjeel also houses a restaurant and a coffee shop, serving the finest and healthiest cuisines from across the world. Combining all-round specialization and expertise with most advanced technology, Burjeel offers the best in diagnostic, curative, as well as preventive aspects of healthcare.
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?
Two projects are awarded funds to advance the fertility field
Professor Lunenfeld honored withMerckLifetime Achievement Award
The company is committed to drivinginnovation through evolving the product portfolio and investing in potential breakthrough research
Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced its commitment to award EUR1.25 million to research projects in the field of fertility, supporting the advancement of medical science through the Grant for Fertility Innovation (GFI) in 2017. Launched as the first of the Merck Grants for Innovation in 2009, Merck’s GFI is providing encouragement for innovation and support for scientists to realize projects that could potentially lead to the next breakthrough in the fertility treatment area. This year, the GFI Award Ceremony included the announcement of the Merck Lifetime Achievement Award in Fertility Innovation.
To recognize Merck’s belief in progress through innovation, the GFI awardees were revealed in a ceremony at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), currently taking place in Geneva, Switzerland. The winning projects truly reflect the global nature of the program, ranging from research in Italy to Brazil.
Professor Bruno Lunenfeld, a speaker at the GFI 2017 ceremony, was honored with the Merck Lifetime Achievement Award for his revolutionary work within the fertility field since 1954. At the ceremony he provided an overview on the discovery of human gonadotropins from postmenopausal urine.
“Professor Lunenfeld’s pioneering achievements in the field of fertility are a huge inspiration to us at Merck. It is highly motivating to consider the breadth of his contributions. For more than 60 years now, his expertise and experience have greatly contributed to our efforts to improve the quality of patient care,” said Belen Garijo, member of the Executive Board of Merck and CEO Healthcare, when presenting Professor Lunenfeld with the Merck Lifetime Achievement Award.
The research investments through the GFI is core to the innovation strategy of the biopharma business of Merck, and in the quest for increased success rates within fertility treatment. In this year’s GFI, two winning projects were selected from 46 global proposals with the common goal of advancing the fertility field. The GFI was launched in 2009, and is dedicated to transforming innovative translational fertility research projects into actual solutions with the aim to improve fertility treatment outcomes. Merck proudly announced the 2017 GFI awardees during the ceremony:
Endometrial Notch pathway as a novel target for improving implantation efficiency; Luisa Campagnolo, PhD
Pharmacogenetic algorithm for individualized controlled ovarian stimulation (iCOS) in assisted reproductive technology cycles; Caio Parente Barbosa, MD, PhD, MS and Matheus Roque, MD
About the Grant for Fertility Innovation (GFI)
Merck announced the initiation of the GFI program in 2009 to support the advancement of science and innovative technologies in the fertility field. This grant is awarded every year to translational research projects that can potentially improve baby birth rate for the benefit of the patients. Each project is blinded and evaluated by a jury of experts according to five criteria: support to increase baby birth rate; innovative research; scientific rationale; feasibility and practical utility.
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About Merck
Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2016, Merck generated sales of EUR15.0 billion in 66 countries.
Founded in 1668, Merck is the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. The company holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.
